Activation of human T4 cells by cross-linking class I MHC molecules

T. D. Geppert, M. C. Wacholtz, L. S. Davis, P. E. Lipsky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

83 Scopus citations

Abstract

These studies examined whether cross-linking class I MHC molecules results in functional or biochemical responses in human T4 cells. The initial studies demonstrated that cross-linking class I MHC molecules either by culturing highly purified T4 cells with immobilized mAb to class I MHC Ag or reacting the T4 cells with mAb to class I MHC Ag and then cross-linking with the mAb with goat antimouse Ig (GaMIg) enhanced T4 cell proliferation induced by an immobilized mAb to CD3, OKT3. Moreover, immobilized but not soluble mAb to class I MHC Ag enhanced T4 cell proliferation induced by the combination of two mAb to CD2, OKT11, and D66.2. Finally, T4 cells reacted with mAb to CD3 and class I MHC Ag proliferated in the presence of IL-2 when cross-linked with GaMIg more vigorously than T4 cells reacted with eiter mAb alone. Cross-linking class I MHC molecules was also found to stimulate T4 cells directly. T4 cells reacted with mAb to class I MHC Ag or β2 microglobulin and cross-linked with GaMIg proliferated vigorously in the presence of IL-2 or PMA. In addition, it was demonstrated that cross-linking class I MHC molecules by culturing T4 cells with immobilized mAb to class I MHC Ag induced T4 cell proliferation in the presence of IL-2. T4 cell proliferation in the presence of IL-2 and PMA could also be induced by reacting the cells with specific mAb to polymorphic determinants on class I MHC molecules and cross-linking with GaMIg. Cross-linking mAb to CD4 or CD11a did not have a similar functional effect on T4 cells. Finally it was demonstrated that adding GaMIg to T4 cells reacted with mAb to class I MHC Ag but not CD11a resulted in an increase in intracellular calcium concentration. The data demonstrate that cross-linking class I MHC molecules results in the generation of at least one activation signal, a rise in intracellular calcium concentration, and, thereby, stimulates human T4 cells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2155-2164
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Immunology
Volume140
Issue number7
StatePublished - Jan 1 1988

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Activation of human T4 cells by cross-linking class I MHC molecules'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this