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Thymus-leukemia antigen interacts with T cells and self-peptides
P Sharma1, S Joyce, K A Chorney
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey 17033, USA.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|February 1, 1996
Summary
The thymus-leukemia (TL) antigen
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The functional role of the class Ib thymus-leukemia (TL) antigen in mice is not well understood.
- TL antigens are expressed in the thymic cortex and intestinal mucosa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional role of the H-2T18d gene product (TL antigen).
- To develop transgenic mice for studying ectopic TL expression.
Main Methods:
- Generated transgenic mice expressing H-2T18d under the H-2Kb promoter.
- Analyzed lymphocyte populations (CD4+), T cell receptor repertoire.
- Performed skin graft experiments and mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR).
- Investigated TL protein assembly with peptides and cell surface retention.
Main Results:
- Transgenic mice showed increased CD4+ lymphocytes with altered T cell receptor repertoire.
- TL antigen acted as a transplantation antigen, causing rapid allograft rejection.
- Transgenic stimulator cells induced intermediate responder proliferation in MLR.
- TL stimulated cytotoxic T lymphocytes, leading to specific lysis of TL+ target cells.
- TL assembles with modified peptides and is retained at the cell surface.
Conclusions:
- Ectopically expressed TL antigen influences T cell populations and receptor repertoire.
- TL functions as a transplantation antigen, capable of eliciting strong immune responses.
- TL interacts with T cells via bound peptides, suggesting a specialized immunologic function.