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This paper describes a model for investigation of the functional implications of B-cell activation for antigen presentation. Mixed lymphocyte cultures were used to assess the ability of freshly isolated B cells, mitogen-activated B cells and Epstein Burr virus (EBV)-transformed B-cell lines to stimulate the activation and proliferation of allogeneic T cells under a variety of experimental conditions. It was found that resting B cells presented antigen poorly, while activated cells were highly immunogenic. Paraformaldehyde fixation completely eliminated antigen presentation by resting B cells, despite constitutive expression of class II MHC antigens. However, fixation had little effect on antigen presentation by activated B cells that expressed B7-1 and B7-2 in addition to class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Arrest of B-cell activation by serial fixation after treatment with F(ab′)2 fragments of goat anti-human IgM produced cells with variable antigen-presenting capacity. Optimal antigen presentation was observed for cells fixed 72hr after the initiation of B-cell activation. Although both BT-1 and B7-2 antigen expression increased after B-cell activation, it was found that the rate of T-cell proliferation correlated most closely with B7-2 expression. Stimulation of T cells by fixed activated B lymphocytes could be blocked by antibodies directed at class II MHC molecules, indicating involvement of the T-cell antigen receptor. In addition, T-cell proliferation was inhibited by antibodies specific for B7-1 and B7-2 and by the fusion protein CTLA4-Ig, demonstrating a requirement for CD28 signal transduction. The sole requirement of B7 family expression for antigen presentation by B lymphocytes was shown by demonstration of T-cell stimulation by fixed resting B cells in the presence of CD28 antibody as a source of artificial costimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC‐II) molecules are expressed on the surface of professional antigen‐presenting cells where they display peptides to T helper cells, which orchestrate the onset and outcome of many host immune responses. Understanding which peptides will be presented by the MHC‐II molecule is therefore important for understanding the activation of T helper cells and can be used to identify T‐cell epitopes. We here present updated versions of two MHC–II–peptide binding affinity prediction methods, NetMHCII and NetMHCIIpan. These were constructed using an extended data set of quantitative MHC–peptide binding affinity data obtained from the Immune Epitope Database covering HLA‐DR, HLA‐DQ, HLA‐DP and H‐2 mouse molecules. We show that training with this extended data set improved the performance for peptide binding predictions for both methods. Both methods are publicly available at www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/NetMHCII-2.3 and www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/NetMHCIIpan-3.2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-amplifying mRNAs ( SAM®) are a novel class of nucleic acid vaccines, delivered by a non-viral delivery system. They are effective at eliciting potent and protective immune responses and are being developed as a platform technology with potential to be used for a broad range of targets. However, their mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated. To date, no evidence of in vivo transduction of professional antigen-presenting cells ( APCs) by SAM vector has been reported, while the antigen expression has been shown to occur mostly in the muscle fibres. Here we show that bone-marrow-derived APCs rather than muscle cells are responsible for induction of MHC class-I restricted CD8 T cells in vivo, but direct transfection of APCs by SAM vectors is not required. Based on all our in vivo and in vitro data we propose that upon SAM vaccination the antigen is expressed within muscle cells and then transferred to APCs, suggesting cross-priming as the prevalent mechanism for priming the CD8 T-cell response by SAM vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase ( IDO) is expressed in antigen-presenting cells and exerts immunosuppressive effects on CD4+ T cells. One mechanism is through the inhibition of aerobic glycolysis. Another prerequisite for T-cell proliferation and differentiation into effector cells is increased fatty acid ( FA) synthesis. The effect of IDO on enzymes involved in FA synthesis was evaluated in primary human cells both in mixed lymphocyte reactions in the presence or not of the IDO inhibitor 1- dl-methyl-tryptophan, and in stimulated CD4+ T cells in the presence or not of the general control non-derepressible 2 ( GCN2) kinase activator tryptophanol ( TRP). IDO or TRP inhibited cell proliferation. By assessing the level of GCN2 kinase or mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 substrates along with a kynurenine free system we showed that IDO exerts its effect mainly through activation of GCN2 kinase. IDO or TRP down-regulated ATP-citrate lyase and acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase 1, key enzymes involved in FA synthesis. Also, IDO or TRP altered the expression of enzymes that control the availability of carbon atoms for FA synthesis, such as lactate dehydrogenase-A, pyruvate dehydrogenase, glutaminase 1 and glutaminase 2, in a way that inhibits FA synthesis. In conclusion, IDO through GCN2 kinase activation inhibits CD4+ T-cell proliferation and down-regulates key enzymes that directly or indirectly promote FA synthesis, a prerequisite for CD4+ T-cell proliferation and differentiation into effector cell lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cells ( DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells specifically targeted during Plasmodium infection. Upon infection, DCs show impaired antigen presentation and T-cell activation abilities. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether cellular extracts obtained from Plasmodium berghei-infected erythrocytes ( Pb X) modulate DCs phenotypically and functionally and the potential therapeutic usage of Pb X-modulated DCs in the control of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis ( EAE, the mouse model for human multiple sclerosis). We found that Pb X-treated DCs have impaired maturation and stimulated the generation of regulatory T cells when cultured with naive T lymphocytes in vitro. When adoptively transferred to C57 BL/6 mice the EAE severity was reduced. Disease amelioration correlated with a diminished infiltration of cytokine-producing T cells in the central nervous system as well as the suppression of encephalitogenic T cells. Our study shows that extracts obtained from P. berghei-infected erythrocytes modulate DCs towards an immunosuppressive phenotype. In addition, the adoptive transfer of Pb X-modulated DCs was able to ameliorate EAE development through the suppression of specific cellular immune responses towards neuro-antigens. To our knowledge, this is the first study to present evidence that DCs treated with P. berghei extracts are able to control autoimmune neuroinflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a serum lectin that plays a significant role in innate host defence. Individuals with mutations in exon 1 of the MBL2 gene have reduced MBL ligand binding and complement activation function and increased incidence of infection. We proposed that, during infection, MBL deficiency may impact on dendritic cell (DC) function. We analysed the blood myeloid DC (MDC) surface phenotype, inflammatory cytokine production and antigen-presenting capacity in MBL-deficient (MBL-D) individuals and MBL-sufficient (MBL-S) individuals using whole blood culture supplemented with zymosan (Zy) or MBL-opsonized zymosan (MBL-Zy) as a model of infection. Zy-stimulated MDCs from MBL-D individuals had significantly increased production of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Stimulation with MBL-Zy significantly decreased IL-6 production by MDCs from MBL-D, but had no effect on TNF-α production. MDCs from both MBL-S and MBL-D individuals up-regulated expression of the activation molecule CD83, and down-regulated expression of homing (CXCR4), adhesion (CD62L, CD49d) and costimulatory (CD40, CD86) molecules in response to Zy and MBL-Zy. MDC from both MBL-D and MBL-S individuals induced proliferation of allogeneic (allo) T cells following Zy or MBL-Zy stimulation; however, MBL-D individuals demonstrated a reduced capacity to induce effector allo-T cells. These data indicate that MBL deficiency is associated with unique functional characteristics of pathogen-stimulated blood MDCs manifested by increased production of IL-6, combined with a poor capacity to induce effector allo-T-cell responses. In MBL-D individuals, these functional features of blood MDCs may influence their ability to mount an immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophages (Mϕ) are professional antigen-presenting cells, but when they accumulate at sites of inflammation, they can inhibit T-cell proliferation. In experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis, this limits the expansion of T cells within the target organ. To define requirements for the elaboration of this outcome, we have generated populations of Mϕ in vitro that could also regulate T-cell responses; stimulating CD4+ T-cell activation and cytokine production, but simultaneously suppressing T-cell proliferation. When T cells are removed from the influence of such cells, normal T-cell responses are restored. We show that tumour necrosis factor 1 (TNFR1) signalling is a critical checkpoint in the development of such Mϕ, as TNFR1−/− Mϕ are unable to suppress T-cell proliferation. This deficit in antigen-presenting cells results in a lack of production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide, which are critical effector mechanisms that inhibit T-cell division. However, TNFR1 signalling is not required for the inhibitory function of Mϕ because we could circumvent the requirement for this receptor, by maturing Mϕ in the presence of exogenous interferon-γ and PGE2. This produced TNFR1−/− Mϕ that inhibited T-cell proliferation and indicates that TNFR1 delivers a signal that is necessary for the development but not the execution of this function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cells (DC) generated from MUTZ-3, an immortalized acute myeloid leukaemia-derived cell line, have potential application as a model for the study of human DC, and as a tool with which to stimulate immunotherapeutic responses to cancer. However, the relationship of MUTZ-3 DC to their non-transformed counterparts remains incompletely understood. Immunoselected CD14+ MUTZ-3 cells were used to generate a homogeneous population of DC (M3DC). These cells had a cell surface phentoype and morphology characteristic of conventional monocyte-derived DC (MDDC). Whole genome transcriptome comparison of M3DC and MDDC however, revealed extensive differences between these two cell types. Functional ontology-based data analysis revealed three enriched clusters of genes downregulated in M3DC, with functions in pathogen recognition, DC maturation and cytokine/chemokine signalling. Downregulation of protein expression was confirmed for several of these genes. The molecular differences were accompanied by a profoundly impaired phenotypic and functional response of M3DC to microbial stimulation. The immortalized phenotype of MUTZ-3 therefore reflects not only deregulated proliferative capacity, but substantial perturbation of normal antigen-presenting cell function. These results have important implications for studies using MUTZ-3 as a model of MDDC or for cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunomodulatory dendritic cells (DCs) that induce antigen-specific T-cell tolerance upon in vivo adoptive transfer are promising candidates for immunotherapy of autoimmune diseases. The feasibility of such a strategy has recently proved its efficacy in animal models of allotransplantation and experimental allergic encephalitis, but the effect in inflammatory bowel disease has not yet been demonstrated. In severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice, adoptively transferred CD4+ CD25– T cells repopulate the lymphoid tissues and lead to development of chronic colitis characterized by CD4+ T-cell proliferation against enterobacterial extract in vitro. In this model, we adoptively transferred in-vitro-generated bone-marrow-derived DCs exposed to interleukin-10 (IL-10) and an enterobacterial extract. We show that these cells are CD11c positive with intermediate expression of CD40, CD80 and CD86 and have a diminished secretion of IL-6, IL-12 p40/70, tumour necrosis factor-α and keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC) compared to DCs treated with enterobacterial extract alone. In vivo, these cells prevented weight loss in SCID mice adoptively transferred with CD4+ CD25– T cells, resulted in a lower histopathology colitis score and tended to result in higher serum levels of IL-1α, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, KC and monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG). These data underscore the potential of using immunomodulatory DCs to control inflammatory bowel disease and demonstrate its potential use in future human therapeutic settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The migration of dendritic cells (DCs) to secondary lymphoid organs plays a crucial role in the initiation of adaptive immune responses. Although lipopolysaccharide enhances chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) expression on DCs, the second signal for the migration of DCs toward the chemokine CCL19 remains unknown. In this study, we show that sphingosine kinase inhibitor (SKI) inhibits the migration of DCs toward CCL19 through the down-regulation of CCR7. Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation by SKI may be responsible for the SKI-mediated effects on the regulation of chemokine receptor expression. Impairment of DC migration by the inhibition of p38 MAPK and down-regulation of CCR7 expression may contribute to the protective effects of SKI in DC-related disorders. These results suggest that sphingosine kinase-mediated signalling plays a role in the innate and adaptive immune responses by altering DC migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a role in anti-viral immunity by providing early innate protection against viral replication and by presenting antigen to T cells for initiation of the adaptive immune response. Studies show the adaptive response to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is ineffective for complete viral elimination. Other studies describe the kinetics of the adaptive response to PRRSV, but have not investigated the early response by DCs. We hypothesize that there is an aberrant activation of DCs early in PRRSV infection; consequently, the adaptive response is triggered inadequately. The current study characterized a subtype of porcine lung DCs (L-DCs) and investigated the ability of PRRSV to infect and replicate in L-DCs and monocyte-derived DCs (MDDCs). Furthermore, the type I interferon anti-viral response to PRRSV with and without the addition of recombinant porcine IFN-α (rpIFN-α), an important cytokine that signals for anti-viral mediator activation, was analysed. Results show that PRRSV replicated in MDDCs but not L-DCs, providing evidence that these cells have followed distinct differentiation pathways. Although both cell types responded to PRRSV with an induction of IFN-β mRNA, the magnitude and duration of the response differed between cell types. The addition of rpIFN-α was protective in MDDCs, and mRNA synthesis of Mx (myxovirus resistant) and PKR (double-stranded RNA dependent protein kinase) was observed in both cell types after rpIFN-α addition. Overall, PRRSV replicated in MDDCs but not L-DCs, and rpIFN-α was required for the transcription of protective anti-viral mediators. DC response to PRRSV was limited to IFN-β transcription, which may be inadequate in triggering the adaptive immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the protein-binding sites in a DNAse I hypersensitive site associated withbcl-2 gene expression in human B cells. We mapped this hypersensitive site to the coding sequence of exon 2 of thebcl-2 gene in the bcl-2-expressing REH B-cell line. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) with extracts from REH cells revealed three previously unrecognized B-Myb-binding sites in this sequence. The protein was identified as B-Myb by using a specific antibody and EMSAs. Accordingly, the levels of B-Myb and bcl-2 proteins, and of Myb EMSA activity, were correlated over a wide range of cell lines, representing different stages of B-cell development. Transfection of REH cells with antisense B-mybdown-regulated EMSA activity and the level of bcl-2, and led to the apoptosis of REH cells. Transfection of the bcl-2-non-expressing RPMI 8226 cell line with a B-Myb expression vector induced B-Myb EMSA activity and the expression of bcl-2. Reporter assays indicated that the HSS8 sequence containing the three B-Myb sites may act as an enhancer when it is linked to thebcl-2 gene promoter. Interaction of B-Myb with HSS8 may enhancebcl-2 gene expression by co-operating with positive regulatory elements (e.g. previously identified B-Myb response elements) or silencing negative response elements in thebcl-2 gene promoter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Most tumours do not stimulate effective antitumour immune responses in vivo . In order to enhance the immunogenicity of human tumour cells, we fused a variety of tumour cell lines with an Epstein–Barr virus transformed B‐lymphoblastoid cell line (EBV B‐LCL) in vitro , to produce stable hybrid cells. Hybrid cell lines showed a marked increase in their ability to stimulate primary allogeneic T‐cell responses in vitro , as compared with the parent tumour cells. The hybrid cells induced proliferation of naive (CD45RA+ ) as well as memory (CD45RO+ ) T lymphocytes, and both CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations of T cells were directly stimulated. The stimulatory hybrids expressed human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II, and a wide range of surface accessory molecules, including the T‐cell co‐stimulatory ligand molecules CD40, CD80 (B7.1) and CD86 (B7.2), the expression of which was required for optimal stimulation of T‐cell responses. Fusion of the EBVB‐LCL with a melanoma cell line (518.A2) yielded hybrid cells that expressed the melanoma‐associated antigens MAGE‐1 and MAGE‐3, and presented these antigens to antigen‐specific, HLA class I‐restricted cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte clones with greater efficiency than the parent melanoma cell line. These findings suggest that the generation of human antigen‐presenting cell/tumour cell hybrids offers promise as an approach to cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous proliferation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-immortalized B cells is enhanced by autocrine as well as paracrine growth factors. In the present study, the possibility that EBV- immortalized B cells might produce interleukin-6 (IL-6) proteins in an autocrine manner was examined. It was found that culture supernatants from EBV-transformed B cells, but not from Burkitt's lymphoma lines, augmented the proliferation of an IL-6-dependent routine hybridoma clone, MH60.BSF2. This growth-promoting activity for hybridoma cells found in culture supernatants of EBV-transformed B cells was specifically neutralized by rabbit anti-recombinant (r) IL-6 antibody. The IL-6 activity in culture supernatants of EBV-transformed B cells, though much less than that of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes, was increased by the addition of phorbol myristate acetate. Western blot experiments using rabbit anti-rIL-6 antiserum demonstrated that supernatants from cultured EBV-transformed B cells contained the distinct forms of IL-6, with a peak of 23,000 MW. When examined by in situ hybridization analysis, it was found that IL-6 mRNA were expressed on EBV-transformed B cells. It was noted that a fraction, but not all, of these cells expressed IL-6 mRNA strongly, implying their cell cycle-dependent expression. In addition, it was shown that rIL-6 promoted the growth of EBV-transformed B cells at low cell densities. The results suggest that IL-6 serves as an autocrine growth factor in EBV-transformed B cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method was developed for the isolation of antigen-presenting dendritic cells, and macrophages, from mouse intestinal lamina propria and Peyer's patches. Peyer's patches, and the lamina propria of both the small and large intestine, contained cells with potent stimulatory activity in the allogeneic mixed leucocyte reaction. These cells were separated from macrophages by fibronectin adherence and further enriched by density centrifugation. The isolated stimulatory cells expressed high levels of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, and resembled splenic dendritic cells in both morphology and function. Macrophages were recovered from the lamina propria but not Peyer's patches. These cells also expressed class II MHC antigens, but failed to stimulate the mixed leucocyte reaction and, instead, induced indomethacin-sensitive suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new bovine B-cell differentiation antigen is described that is detected by three monoclonal antibodies (mAb). The antigen is not an immunoglobulin and is precipitated from peripheral B cells as a molecule with an approximate molecular weight (MW) of 120,000 or 145,000 before and after reduction, respectively. Data obtained from two-colour cytofluorimetry and immunohistochemistry confirmed that the antigen was found only on mature B cells and on cells with dendritic morphology in the follicles of the organized lymphoid tissues. Its level of expression is directly correlated with that of IgM on peripheral blood B cells and Theileria parva-transformed B cells. The marker was also expressed on the peripheral cells which expressed surface IgG. Based on the antigen's cellular distribution, biochemistry and histochemistry, it is considered to be analogous to the human CD21 antigen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD5 (Ly-1) B cells are a minor subpopulation in mouse spleen and are thought to be responsible for the production of natural autoantibodies to bromelain-treated autologous erythrocytes (Br-RBC). Here it is shown that substantial numbers of conventional, CD5-negative, splenic B cells also secrete these antibodies in CBA and (NZB × NZW)F1 mice, whereas in NZB and BALB/c mice they are all produced by the CD5 B-cell population. However, stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide in vivo preferentially activates the CD5 B-cell group to anti-Br-RBC antibody secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our recent study revealed that soluble factors derived from accessory cells (AC; monocytes) and physical interaction with T cells of the accessory cells are both required for the induction of the proliferation of human peripheral blood T cells by anti-CD3 antibody coupled on latex beads. The accessory cell-derived soluble factor could be replaced by IL-1 and IL-6, and the role of live macrophages for physical interaction with T cells was found to be replaceable with paraformaldehyde(PFA)-fixed macrophages, provided the macrophages were pretreated with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) before fixation. Quantitative analysis in the present study revealed that IL-1 and IL-6 act synergistically to induce T-cell proliferation in the above system but either one of the factors alone reveals only a marginal or weak activity. Furthermore, it was shown that the potentiating activity of the culture supernatants of monocytes was substantially inhibited by anti-IL-6 antibody. Taken together with our previous results that anti-IL-1 serum strongly inhibited the potentiating activity of the culture supernatant, these results indicate that the main responsible molecules in the culture supernatant are IL-1 and IL-6, although a presence of other effective factors is not excluded. The anti-CD3-induced thymidine uptake by T cells in the presence of IL-1 and IL-6 was significantly inhibited by anti-Tac antibody, suggesting that the proliferation of T cells in this system is mostly mediated by a IL-2-dependent pathway. Our study further showed that accessory cells seem to acquire cell surface properties necessary for the effective interaction with T cells during 6-24 hr of culture with IFN-γ. Presumably, a certain molecule(s) required for the interaction is induced on the cell surface of the AC by IFN-γ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cells (DC), which express high-density HLA class II molecules, stimulate strong primary allogeneic T-cell responses via an interaction of the T-cell receptor with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens (signal 1). It is not yet clear whether they also provide a second stimulus to the responding T cell in the form of the cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1). To clarify this point, the ability of purified human tonsil DC to produce IL-1 and to stimulate allogeneic T cells was tested. No intracellular IL-1α or β was identified in DC comparable to that readily demonstrated in monocytes, and IL-1 release from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated DC was not detected in either a biological assay for IL-1 or an ELISA assay for IL-1β. Furthermore, strong stimulation of allogeneic T lymphocytes by DC in the mixed leucocyte reaction (MLR) was noted to occur in the absence of IL-1 production, and this stimulation was not inhibited by polyclonal antisera to IL-1α and IL-1β, which were known to inhibit IL-1-mediated thymocyte proliferation. Other HLA-class II-positive cell populations, namely peripheral blood monocytes and B cells, purified by methods which avoided DC contamination, were unable to stimulate allogeneic T cells with or without supplementary IL-1. We conclude that DC are very effective stimulators of T lymphocytes and that IL-1 is not required as a second signal for allogeneic T-cell responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris and ciliary body of mouse eyes have been examined for the presence of bone marrow-derived cells possessing the capability of functioning as antigen-presenting cells (APC). We have determined that iris and ciliary body contain significant numbers of cells bearing T200, indicating their bone marrow origin. Most of these express the F4/80 marker typically found on mature macrophages. However, approximately one-third of the cells express Ia and a similar number express Mac-1 markers. Virtually none of the cells express Thy-1 or surface immunoglobulin. Whole preparations of excised iris/ciliary body, or single cell suspensions prepared from these tissues were then assayed for their capacity to induce proliferation among allogeneic lymphocytes, it was discovered that iris/ciliary body tissues or cells did not function as alloantigen-presenting cells, although tissue and cells derived from the corneal limbus were allostimulatory. In addition, iris/ciliary body tissues and cells displayed the ablity to suppress mixed lymphocyte reactions to which they had been added as regulatory cells. We conclude that normal iris and ciliary body contain bone marrow-derived cells that fail to function as alloantigen-presenting cells. However, cells were present that have the capacity to inhibit alloimmune lymphocyte proliferation. The strategic location of inhibitory cells in the tissues that line the anterior chamber of the eye raises the possibility that these cells may play a role in the phenomenon of immunological privilege that is characteristic of this site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessory cell (A cell) functions of splenic dendritic cells (DC) and peritoneal macrophages (Mφ) were investigated in the Con A-stimulated proliferative response of thymic T cells. DC were more efficient as A cells than Mφ in respect of their necessary cell numbers, Con A dose and culture period required for optimal response. Con A-pulsed T cells proliferated with the aid of lymphocyte activating factor(s) (LAF) derived from Mφ, even in the apparent absence of A cells. Con A-pulsed Mφ were superior to unpulsed Mφ in the secretion of LAF to induce a high response of Con A-pulsed T cells. A cell activity of Mφ in different preparations appeared to parallel the ability to secrete LAF, and was totally abolished by fixation of Mφ with paraformaldehyde. The fixation of DC, however, resulted in only a partial reduction of the A cell activity. These results argue that both DC and Mφ can serve as A cells in the T-cell response to Con A, but that the mechanism to manifest A cell activity is somewhat different between DC and Mφ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterizes lymphoid dendritic cells (DC). Isolation and features of lymphoid DC; Functions in immune responses; Mechanism of action of lymphoid DC; Types of DC and their localization in situ; Distribution of DC.

The response of primed T cells to keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) was used to compare the characteristics of antigen presentation by lymphoid dendritic cells, splenic and peritoneal macrophages. In a similar manner to macrophages, purified dendritic cells could be pulsed with antigen and subsequently fixed by brief glutaraldehyde fixation and still retain antigen presenting activity. Also, as previously reported for macrophages, presentation could be inhibited by chloroquine. These functional experiments suggested that the pathway of antigen presentation in dendritic cells and macrophages was similar or identical. However, biochemical studies, using radiolabelled antigen, showed that dendritic cells do not significantly degrade large proteins such as KLH to TCA-soluble form, but partially hydrolyse them to smaller peptide fragments. The significance of these results in terms of a model of the cellular pathways of antigen presentation is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cells (DC) from human peripheral blood, known to adhere transiently and to become none adherent by 16 hr, can be separated in the low-density interface on hypertonic Metrizamide gradients. Many more low-density cells (5.8% of the mononuclear cells separated on Ficoll) were obtained from the population that was non-adherent after only 90 mm. Over 95% of these low-density cells had veiled morphology. A proportion were monocytes by phenotypic and phagocytic properties. One- third of the cells (on average) were DC on the basis of lack of monocyte phenotype and of potency as stimulators in the mixed lymphocyte reaction. Including both the 16 hr and 90 mm non-adherent cells, over 2% of the mononuclear cells isolated from human peripheral blood may be DC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunomodulatory molecule cyclosporine was found to cause an early acceleration of the capping of mouse B-cell membrane immunoglobulin. This was most marked when the capping process was slightly retarded by keeping the cells at 32°. This is a sign that the drug can cause B-cell membrane alterations. At lower drug doses they might not be as easily detected, but are nevertheless sufficient to inhibit the activation of some B cells by membrane immunoglobulin clustering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a previous report. it was proposed on the basis of phenotypic evidence that the population of transplantable cells which constituted the major component of experimentally induced type-S reticulum cell neoplasms of CBA strain mice could be a neoplastic counterpart of lymphoid dendritic or veiled accessory cells. This has been further tested by an in vitro examination of their accessory function. Both similarities and differences in behaviour between the neoplastic cells and accessory cells prepared from spleens of normal mice were found. The possible significance of these properties is discussed in relation to the process of neoplastic change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cells have been isolated from rabbit lymph nodes. Morphologically and phenotypically, they resemble dendritic cells from the mouse and rat. A comparison was made of the accessory cell function of dendritic cells and peritoneal macrophages in T-cell proliferation induced by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) or Con A, or by a simultaneous treatment with the enzymes neuraminidase and galactose oxidase (NaGo). Dendritic cells seemed to be more effective than macrophages as accessory cells in these assays. However, macrophages suppress lymphocyte proliferation through the release of oxidating agents and production of prostaglandins. Elimination of this suppressive effect of the macrophages by addition of a combination of 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) and indomethacin in PHA-induced cell proliferation resulted in a much higher support by macrophages, giving results that were comparable to those obtained with dendritic cells, but in NaGo-induced proliferation, macrophages were still not as effective as dendritic cells in the presence of the drugs. Experiments in diffusion culture vessels and with interleukin-1-containing macrophage supernatants showed that support by accessory cells can be mediated by soluble factors in PHA-induced proliferation. In contrast, in NaGo-induced proliferation, lymphocytes and accessory cells have to interact directly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alveolar macrophages (AM) of rats infected with 3000 Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infective larvae for 2, 8 or 32 days (D2, D8 or D32 AM) quantitatively surpassed AM from uninfected rats in one or more of IgG- or C3-dependent phagocytosis indices, β-D-glucuronidase release, or spontaneous release of thymocyte activating factor (interleukin-1, IL-1) and hepatocyte stimulation factor (HSF), These observations suggest that N. brasiliensis infection results in the activation of AM. We have reported previously that a greater proportion of AM from infected rats expressed C3 receptors and were helminthocidal in vitro in the presence of complement than normal AM which were not helminthocidal. The acquisition of the activated state by AM during infection may play a role in in vivo lung resistance against migrating helminth parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrageenan, a high molecular weight sulphated polygalactan, is a potent inhibitor of immune responses mediated by macrophages. In the present study, spleen cells from rats orally dosed with 5 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg Seakem® 9 carrageenan displayed a long-lasting depression of T lymphocyte mitogenesis as measured by [3H]-thymidine uptake in response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) or concanavalin A (Con A). Maximal suppression of splenic T cell proliferation occurred with the low dose (5 mg/kg) of orally administered carrageenan. Removal of adherent cells restored the PHA mitogenic response, suggesting a macrophageomediated mechanism in suppression of lymphocyte activation. Rats which received 5 mg/kg carrageenan displayed impaired host resistance to Listeria monocytogenes as evidenced by increased numbers of Listeria in the peritoneal cavity 18 hr after i.p. inoculation. Supernatants from peritoneal exudate macrophages, as well as resident macrophages themselves obtained from carrageenan-fed rats, also sup- pressed PHA-induced spleen cell mitogenesis. These data support the hypothesis that low doses of orally administered carrageenan stimulate a population of macrophages to actively suppress T lymphocyte proliferation, while high doses abolish suppressor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mononuclear cells of cynomolgus monkeys were separated into four distinct fractions based on their buoyant density on discontinuous gradients of Parcoll. Cells of the lightest density (fraction I) were enriched for macrophages and B cells, whereas cells from the denser fractions (fractions II-IV) consisted mainly of T cells, especially in fraction IV up to 88%. Cells of moderate density (fractions II and III) could respond better to T cell mitogens than unfractionated cells. In contrast, cells of fraction I not only failed to respond to mitogens, but also exerted an inhibitory effect on lymphocyte proliferation, indicating that macrophages might suppress the response in cynomolgus monkeys. Cells alone having the heaviest density (fraction IV), although enriched for T cells, also showed no significant response. However, addition of mitomycin C-treated fraction II or III resulted in partial restoration in the proliferative response of this fraction. Further examination revealed that the accessory activity resided in the non-adherent, nonphagocytic, non-E rosette-forming and Fc receptor-negative cells with moderate density, suggesting the presence of accessory cells distinct from monocyte/-macrophage lineage in cynomolgus monkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to most mouse lymph node cells, follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) resist cyclophosphamide (Cy)-mediated destruction in vivo. In this study researchers sought to determine if antigen-bearing FDCs from Cy-treated animals maintained biological activity. Researchers were especially interested in whether FDCs from Cy-treated animals could stimulate an antibody response when combined with primed spleen cells and whether the FDCs needed to be intact and viable for stimulation to occur. The effect of Cy treatment on lymph node histology, number of T cells and B cells and the "spontaneous antibody response" was determined.

The cellular elements of an antigen-specific suppressor system for secondary antibody responses have been identified, using positive cell-selection techniques in the fluorescence-activated cell sorter. In a double-adoptive transfer of memory cells for a thy- mus-dependent antigen, from one irradiated recipient to another, antigen-specific suppressor T cells are recruited after a critical time in the primary recipient. It is also a source of B cells that are able to induce further suppressors in carrier-primed, but otherwise naive donors. There are two distinct routes, therefore, for the generation of suppressor T cells: primary induction by adoptive transfer with antigen, or secondary induction by B cells recruited in the primary irradiated host. We have shown that both primary and secondary suppressors are recruited from a Lyt 2 memory population, although the Lyt 2 alloantigen is expressed at the effector stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supernatants derived from pokeweed mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes were freed of lectin by passage over an antibody column: the eluate contained < 2 ng/ml of PWM, measured by radioimmunoassay. In serum-free medium, these supernatants induce B-cell but not T-cell proliferation. Maximum proliferation is seen only if the B cells are co-cultured with irradiated T cells. The supernatants induce polyclonal immunoglobulin production, and in the presence of a soluble protein antigen (tetanus toxoid) they also induce specific antibody synthesis, in donors immunized up to 18 months previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Zealand White rabbits were killed 7 days after immunization with 1 mg of alum precipitated, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) into each hind footpad and 3 days after intraperitoneal injection of thioglycollate. When supernatants from cultures of purified, elicited macrophages were added to Mishell-Dutton cultures of primed popliteal lymphocytes, they induced synthesis of both general immunoglobulins and antibody specific for KLH. The active factor(s), polyclonal lymphocyte activator (PLA), appears to be a glycoprotein with a molecular weight between 150,000 and 200,000 daltons. Absorption with high concentrations of thymocytes but not bone marrow cells removed polyclonal stimulatory activity from peritoneal macrophage supernatants which contained PLA. Purified lymph-node B cells were sitmulated by PLA only in the presence of T cells. In addition, supernatants from PLA activated, washed T cells were effective at inducing polyclonal B-cell activation. Thus, PLA appears to act indirectly on B cells by stimulating T cells to produce a soluble factor which induces polyclonal B-cell activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has previously been shown in mice that activated peritoneal macrophages, when first removed from the peritoneal cavity, suppress mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte transformation in vitro as measured by [³H]-thymidine incorporation. In this study, it is demonstrated that activated macrophages that have been incubated alone in vitro (pre-incubated) for greater than 8-12 h, lose the capacity to suppress and in fact markedly enhance mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte transformation. This enhancement of lymphocyte transformation by activated macrophages occurred over a wide range of macrophage concentrations and required viable macrophages. Supernatants collected from pre-incubated activated macrophages did not enhance lymphocyte transformation. Paradoxically, pre-incubated activated macrophages did not lose the capacity to inhibit multiplication of intracellular Toxoplasma gondii. Thus, one, but not necessarily all functional capacities of activated macrophages, is markedly altered by in vitro incubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both nude mice (nu/nu) and their heterozygous littermates (nu/+) were injected with a single IP dose of 300 mg cyclophosphamide (CY)/kg. CY is a known immunosuppressive agent, which affects primarily B lymphocytes. Immunization with the thymus independent antigen DNP-AGG59- Ficoll after CY treatment disclosed that restoration of the primary direct PFC response occurred more rapidly in nude mice than in nu/+ mice. However in these same experiments, the primary indirect PFC response, recovered earlier in nu/+ mice than in nude mice. After CY treatment, secondary indirect PFC responses were delayed in both nude and nu/+ mice, but the greatest effect was seen in nude mice. The data suggest that the presence of T cells has little if any influence on the recovery capacity of those B cells which are destined to become direct PFC. However the recovery of B cells which are destined to produce indirect PFC responses is facilitated by the presence of T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The differential effect of various doses of irradiation on subpopulations of human peripheral blood lymphoid cells involved in the pokeweed mitogen (PWM) induced PFC response against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was studied. The plaque forming B cells were quite sensitive to low doses of irradiation with complete suppression of responses at 300 to 500 rad. On the contrary, helper T-cell function was resistant to 2000 rad. Co-culture of irradiated T cells with autologous or allogeneic B cells resulted in marked enhancement of PFC responses consistent with the suppression of naturally occurring suppressor cells with a resulting pure helper effect. Irradiated T-cell-depleted suspensions failed to produce this effect as did heat killed T cells, whereas mitomycin C treated T cells gave effects similar to irradiated T cells. These findings are consistent with a lack of requirement of cell division for a T-cell helper effect and a requirement of mitosis or another irradiation sensitive, mitomycin C sensitive process for a T-suppressor cell effect. These studies have potential relevance in the evaluation of subpopulations of human lymphoid cells involved in antibody production in normal individuals and in disease states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of interaction of helper T cells with memory B cells of varying histocompatibility types has been studied in an in vitro micro-culture system. Such studies show that I-A region matching does not necessarily determine that efficient co-operation will take place. Failure to co-operate under circumstances where T and B cells match in I-A can be attributed to radiosensitive suppressor T cells. The nature of the gene differences which provoke the activity of such suppressor cells have also been examined, and it would seem that even single S.D. differences in the MHC are sufficient to generate ‘suppressor’ T-cell activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A superantigen (Streptococcus pyogenes mitogen-2; SPM-2) that stimulates human helper T cells bearing unique types of variable domains of T-cell receptor β-chain (TCR Vβ) was isolated from the culture supernatant of S. pyogenes strain T12. The active molecule isolated by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-cellulose chromatography and isoelectric focusing was a protein with a molecular weight (MW) of 29000 and isoelectric point (pI) of 6.0. This new superantigen was found to activate preferentially Vβ4+, 7+, and 8+ T cells, whereas recombinant streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A and C activated Vβ12+ and Vβ2+ T cells, respectively, as determined by flow cytometry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods. This proliferative response was significantly inhibited by anti-HLA-DR monoclonal antibody, and required paraformaldehyde-fixed antigen-presenting cells (APC), indicating that this action is dependent on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules without processing. Analysis of the amino-terminal amino acid sequence of the molecule failed to find any identical or significantly homologous proteins. We have previously reported that cytoplasmic membrane-associated protein (CAP), a streptococcal superantigen isolated from the cell membranes of S. pyogenes T12 strain, stimulated mainly Vβ8+ T cells. Both SPM-2 and CAP preferentially stimulated helper T cells, and rabbit antiserum against SPM-2 completely neutralized the T-cell-stimulating activities of CAP, suggesting that SPM-2 and CAP belong to a family of streptococcal mitogenic proteins. The SPM-2 activity with stimulation of Vβ8+ T cells was detected extensively in the culture fluids of group A streptococci, but not in those of other streptococcal species, including groups B and D streptococci, and most of the activities detected were completely inhibited by anti-SPM-2 serum. These results indicate that SPM-2 may be a newly discovered superantigen molecule, which can be commonly synthesized by group A streptococci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although prostaglandin (PG) E2 is known to suppress various macrophage functions, the molecular mechanisms by which that occurs are lately unknown. To understand better those mechanisms, differential screening of a cDNA library from PGE2-treated macrophages was performed. Subsequently, the DNA sequence of a differentially expressed cDNA clone was determined and the cDNA was identified as B-cell translocation gene-1 (BTG1), a recently cloned antiproliferative gene. A two- to threefold increase in macrophage BTG1 expression was observed after PGE2 treatment. PGE1 and platelet-activating factor, but not leukotrienes B4, and C4, or lipopolysaccharide, also enhanced BTG1 expression. Furthermore, this effect was mimicked by dibutyryl cAMP which indicated the involvement of elevated cAMP in the PGE2-mediated enhancement of BTG1. Moreover, there was an inverse correlation between BTG1 mRNA expression and macrophage proliferation; however, BTG1 alteration was not associated with macrophage tumoricidal activation. Thus, BTG1 may play a role in PGE2-mediated inhibition of macrophage proliferation and not activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the capacity of mature dendritic cells (DC) from lymph nodes and maturing DC from spleens in their capacity to stimulate responses to the small hapten picryl sulphonic acid (PIC) and to the same hapten conjugated to ovalbumin (PIC-OVA) and requiring processing. Surface expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, which are upregulated during maturation of splenic DC, were studied as an independent marker of maturation. Freshly isolated lymph node DC had a veiled appearance and high levels of class II expression. DC separated from suspensions of spleen cells expressed the DC-specific marker NLDC-145, but were small, had low levels of MHC class II molecules and expressed stem cell antigen. Those DC from spleen cells cultured for 24 and 48 hr showed the development of typical veiled DC morphology and high class II expression. Lymph node DC stimulated high levels of primary T-cell proliferation to PIC, but failed to stimulate primary responses to PIC-OVA. Splenic DC isolated immediately failed to stimulate primary responses to either antigen. More mature spleen DC stimulated responses both to PIC and PIC-OVA. Surprisingly, development of the capacity to stimulate responses to PIC preceded that of stimulating PIC-OVA responses. The capacity of the DC to process and present PIC-OVA was maintained during the culture period. The results indicate that both the form of the antigen and the source and maturity of the DC are critical in determining the responses stimulated in T lymphocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to identify antigens associated with an infection has generally relied on the use of serum antibodies produced by infected or previously exposed individuals. A major drawback with the use of serum is that it does not necessarily reflect the local antibody response at mucosal tissue sites. This study describes an approach that allows the use of antibodies generated close to the infection site to detect the transient expression of stage-specific antigens during infection with the gastrointestinal parasite Haemoachus contortus. This was achieved by infecting immune sheep with H. contortus larvae and removing the abomasal lymph nodes draining the infection site shortly after the challenge infection. Antibody-secreting cell (ASC) probes were generated from these lymph nodes alter short-term in vitro culture of cell suspensions, which allowed the accumulation of antibodies secreted by in vivo-induced ASC into the culture supernatant. Lymph node culture supernatants (= ASC probes) from immune sheep challenged 5 days previously were used to probe Western blots of third and fourth stage larval preparations, and revealed distinct reactivity to larval antigens. No antibody reactivity to larval antigen preparations was detected in sheep that were not challenged. The number of antigens identified using ASC probes was significantly restricted compared to either pre- or post-challenge sera. In contrast to the variability of the serum response, the specificity of ASC probes was highly repeatable between different sheep. ASC probes were also used to purify a H. contortus larval antigen by affinity chromatography, which allowed limited biochemical studies to be undertaken. The antigen(s) recognized by the ASC probes were shown to be expressed on the surface of the larvae. These studies illustrate the use of a novel means of studying the local antibody response close to a mucosal infection site in order to identify and isolate stage-specific antigens expressed during infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During primary tsetse-transmitted challenge of Boran (Bos indicus) cattle with Trypanosoma congolense ILNat 3.1, a transient parasite antigen-specific T-cell proliferative response was observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and splenic mononuclear cells stimulated in vitro. A response was also observed with cells of N'Dama (Bos taurus) cattle, but in this case higher stimulation indices were observed and the response was maintained until the termination of the experiment at 40 days post-infection (p.i.). The highest parasite antigen-specific proliferative responses were observed at 20 days post-infection. At this time N'Dama cattle not only responded to the antigens derived from the infecting clone (ILNat 3.1), but also to antigens from a clone of a different serodeme (ILNaR 2), whereas Boran cattle only recognized antigens from the infecting clone of parasites. To determine the molecular mass of the antigenic trypanosome proteins, whole trypanosome lysates made from T. congolense ILNat 3.1 were fractionated by SDS-PAGE and transferred onto nitrocellulose membranes. The major protein bands were isolated and used directly in T-cell proliferation assays, In this instance, no differences in the antigen recognition profiles of Boran and N'Dama cattle were observed. The variable surface glycoprotein did not induce T-cell proliferation in infected cattle despite the presence of serum antibodies to this variable antigenic type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new monoclonal antibody, GHI/61, which labels the majority of monocytes and tissue macrophages is described. This antibody recognizes an intracellular antigen of 130,000 MW (reduced) and 110,000 MW (unreduced). Using biochemical, flow cytometry and immunocytochemical studies antibody GHI/61 was shown to recognize the same antigen as the previously described antibodies Ber-MAC3, Ki-M8 and SM4. On the basis of the results obtained, antibodies GHI/61, SM4, Ber-MAC3 and Ki-M8 should form a new CD group at the next Leucocyte Typing Workshop. Since the antigen recognized by the antibody GHI/61 is relatively easy to purify, the sequencing and the isolation of the gene encoding this protein should be possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the local immune events which occur when a novel antigen is encountered in the gut it is necessary to know whether cells from the mucosal tissues are capable of initiating T-cell reactivity. We have examined the capacity of cells isolated from the Peyer's patches and the lamina propria of the murine small intestine to present keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) to naive syngeneic splenic T cells in vitro. The properties of the gut antigen-presenting cells (APC) were compared with those of cells from the spleen and the mesenteric lymph nodes. Results clearly demonstrate that cells from the lamina propria as well as from the Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph node and spleen can present KLH to naive T cells, inducing strong proliferative reactions comparable in magnitude and kinetics. All the APC populations tested induced interleukin-2 (IL-2) production in primary cultures, although minor differences were noted when lamina propria cells were used as APC. IL-4 was not detected in supernatants from cultures of non-immune T cells in the presence of APC from any tissue. Phenotypic analysis of the cells in cultures of naive T cells, with antigen and APC from different gut- associated tissues revealed important differences. Cells from Peyer's patch, mesenteric lymph node and spleen gave rise to cultures containing largely CD4+CD8- cells. However, cultures in which lamina propria cells acted as APC consisted primarily of CD4-CD8+ cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of monosaccharides on the inductive interaction between antigen-presenting cells and T cells was investigated in a human system. Some monosaccharides, but not others, were found to inhibit antigen-specific T-cell activation. Responses to mitogen were unaffected. In order for inhibition to occur, a high concentration (∼ 50 mM) of monosaccharide was necessary. The role of monosaccharide aldehyde groups in inhibition was investigated using the α-methyl pyranoside and the alditol forms of inhibitory monosaccharides. Unlike the native monosaccharides, these molecular configurations possess the ring structure and the open chain structure respectively but do not contain aldehydes. Together they represent all the molecular characteristics of both forms of the monosaccharide except the possession of aldehyde groups. These two molecular species produced no significant inhibition. Modified forms of the sugar moiety of ribofuranosidoadenine (adenosine) were also tested. The periodate oxidized form of the molecule in which the ribose bears two aldehyde groups, was a potent inhibitor of antigen-induced T-cell activation whereas periodate-oxidized, borohydride-reduced ribofuranosidoadenine, in which the ribose aldehydes are converted to alcohols, produced no inhibition. The former was shown to form Schiff bases with ligands on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as predicted whereas the latter did not. Periodate oxidized dextran, but not native dextran, was also inhibitory. Together these data show that inhibition of T-cell activation by sugars requires reactive aldehydes and this is consistent with the Schiff base model of specific antigen-presenting cell (APC)-T cell inductive interaction in which exogenous aldehydes and other carbonyl donors prevent the necessary formation of Schiff bases between cellular ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cells (DC) have a potent antigen-presenting capacity for recruiting resting T cells into immune responses. They also promote expansion of already activated memory T cells. By contrast, macrophages (Mø) are only effective in stimulating memory responses.¹, ² Infection and depletion of DC occur in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals and recruitment of T cells into primary responses is blocked.³ Here comparisons between DC and Mø in stimulating secondary T-cell responses in HIV infection were made. Adherent Mø, and DC isolated by a new method, were separated from peripheral blood of patients in different stages of HIV infection and from uninfected controls and added to allogeneic lymphocytes in mixed leucocyte reactions (MLR). Some were pulsed with influenza virus or tetanus toxoid and used to stimulate autologous T cells. Responses were measured from uptake of [³H]thymidine in 20 μ1 hanging drop cultures. DC, but not Mø, from normal individuals stimulated MLR but both populations stimulated secondary responses to recall antigens. DC from all HIV seropositive individuals caused little or no stimulation of any lymphocyte responses. However, Mø from HIV seropositive asymptomatic individuals and those with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy stimulated responses to recall antigens. There was no stimulation using cells from acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Blocked DC but not Mø function may underlie progressive immunological non-responsiveness in HIV infection. Without recruitment of resting T cells, loss of memory T cells4–6 may be cumulative; failure of secondary activation (e.g. by Mø) would lead to lost T-cell activity. Identification and circumvention of the defect in DC could offer new therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]