Temperature-induced stress abrogates co-stimulatory function in antigen-presenting cells

This study examines the effect of heat-induced stress on the function of splenic antigen-presenting cells. Heat shock (at 41 degrees C, 45 degrees C) profoundly inhibits the ability of this population to stimulate antigen-specific proliferation in ex vivo, or short-term cultures of T cells. This inhibition is not due to the release of suppressor factors from the antigen-presenting cells, nor to a lack of interleukin 1. Comparison of the effect of heat shock on presentation to a T cell hybridoma suggest that heat shock may affect the ability of antigen-presenting cells to deliver a co-stimulatory signal to the T cell. The implication of these findings in terms of the regulation of autoimmune phenomena is discussed.