Role of function-associated molecules in target cell lysis: analysis of rat adherent lymphokine-activated killer

L Jaso-Friedmann1, J H Leary, D L Evans

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens 30602.

Natural Immunity
|November 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Monoclonal antibodies targeting function-associated molecules inhibit rat adherent lymphokine-activated killer (ALAK) cell cytotoxicity. These antibodies bind to specific molecules on ALAK cells, suggesting a receptor-mediated cytotoxic mechanism.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against fish nonspecific cytotoxic cells (NCC) inhibit target cell lysis.
  • Function-associated molecule (FAM) MAbs, like 5C6, are known to affect natural killer (NK) cell activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of anti-FAM MAb 5C6 on rat lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) and adherent LAK (ALAK) cell cytotoxicity.
  • To identify the molecular targets of MAb 5C6 on rat LAK and ALAK cells.

Main Methods:

  • Rat nonadherent lymphokine-activated killer (NWNA) cells were cultured with interleukin-2 (IL-2) to generate LAK and ALAK cells.
  • Flow cytometry was used to analyze MAb 5C6 and MAb 3.2.3 (rat NK cell MAb) binding.
  • Cytotoxicity assays were performed using P815 and YAC-1 target cells.
  • Two-dimensional SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis identified target molecules.

Main Results:

  • MAb 5C6 inhibited the cytolytic activity of rat LAK and ALAK cells in a dose-dependent manner.
  • MAb 5C6 positive cells increased during culture, with ALAK cells showing high positivity (87-98%).
  • A 55-kD molecule was identified on NWNA and ALAK cells, and an additional 45-kD protein on ALAK cells.

Conclusions:

  • Rat ALAK cells express molecules recognized by anti-FAM MAb 5C6.
  • These molecules are involved in the cytotoxic activity of ALAK cells.
  • Data suggest that rat ALAK cells may initiate target cell lysis through receptor binding.

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