Functional characterization of LFA-1 antigens in the interaction of human NK clones and target cells

In the present studies we analyzed the role of LFA-1 antigens in the interaction between NK clones and target cells. The use of various cloned NK cell lines allowed us to analyze homogeneous populations of NK cells which ordinarily comprise only a small fraction of peripheral blood lymphocytes and are extremely heterogeneous with respect to phenotype and specificity. Indirect immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies against the alpha (MHM24) and beta (MHM23) chains of the LFA-1 antigen revealed similar patterns of positive reactivity with all NK clones. Both monoclonal antibodies exerted a significant blocking effect on NK cytotoxicity against target cells such as Molt-4 and CEM, whereas the inhibition was very weak against other targets such as K562 and HSB cells. Additive blocking effects were seen when both monoclonal antibodies MHM23 and MHM24 were added to the cytotoxicity assays. When we compared the inhibitory effect of MHM23 and MHM24 on uncultured peripheral blood NK cells and IL 2-activated NK cells, inhibition of cytotoxicity also was found to be primarily dependent on the individual target cells. Thus, the inhibitory activity of anti-LFA-1 antibody was shown to be independent of the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of the NK clones, activated NK cells, and unstimulated NK cells utilized in these studies. These blocking effects were found to be independent of the LFA-1 antigen expression on the target cell membrane and inhibition occurred only when antibody was bound to the effector cells. Comparison of the effects of anti-LFA-1, anti-T3, and anti-clonotypic antibodies against a Ti-like structure of different NK clones with a mature T cell phenotype demonstrated that each of these antibodies acts on the effector cells in an independent and additive fashion. However, unlike T3 and NKTa antigen, LFA-1 antigen expression is not modulated by cell surface interaction with antibodies specific for this molecule.

Related Concept Videos

Cells of the Innate Immune Response01:28

Cells of the Innate Immune Response

The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes01:25

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes

Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity01:26

Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity

An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...