Lactacystin and clasto-lactacystin beta-lactone modify multiple proteasome beta-subunits and inhibit intracellular protein degradation and major histocompatibility complex class I antigen presentation.

The antibiotic lactacystin was reported to covalently modify beta-subunit X of the mammalian 20 S proteasome and inhibit several of its peptidase activities. However, we demonstrate that [3H]lactacystin treatment modifies all the proteasome's catalytic beta-subunits. Lactacystin and its more potent derivative beta-lactone irreversibly inhibit protein breakdown and the chymotryptic, tryptic, and peptidylglutamyl activities of purified 20 S and 26 S particles, although at different rates. Exposure to these agents for 1 to 2 h reduced the degradation of short- and long-lived proteins in four different mammalian cell lines. Unlike peptide aldehyde inhibitors, lactacystin and the beta-lactone do not inhibit lysosomal degradation of an endocytosed protein. These agents block class I antigen presentation of a model protein, ovalbumin (synthesized endogenously or loaded exogenously), but do not affect presentation of the peptide epitope SIINFEKL, which does not require proteolysis for presentation. Generation of most peptides required for formation of stable class I heterodimers is also inhibited. Because these agents inhibited protein breakdown and antigen presentation similarly in interferon-gamma-treated cells (where proteasomes contain LMP2 and LMP7 subunits in place of X and Y), all beta-subunits must be affected similarly. These findings confirm our prior conclusions that proteasomes catalyze the bulk of protein breakdown in mammalian cells and generate the majority of class I-bound epitopes for immune recognition.

Gene encoding T-cell-activating protein TAP maps to the Ly-6 locus.

Recently we described two murine T-cell membrane proteins, TAP (T-cell-activating protein) and TAPa (TAP-associated protein). Previous experiments suggested that TAP is involved in physiologic T-cell activation. The subject of this report is a genetic analysis of these molecules. TAP and TAPa map to the Ly-6 locus. The relationship of these molecules to other antigens encoded in this locus is examined. Based on tissue distribution, molecular structure, and functional properties, TAP is distinct from any previously described Ly-6 antigen, whereas TAPa is probably identical to the 34-11-3 antigen. TAP and TAPa are coexpressed on all cell types examined so far. Moreover, comparative studies demonstrate a complex developmentally regulated pattern in the expression of molecules encoded in this locus.

TAP, a novel T cell-activating protein involved in the stimulation of MHC-restricted T lymphocytes.

Five mAbs have been generated and used to characterize TAP (T cell activating protein) a novel, functional murine T cell membrane antigen. The TAP molecule is a 12-kD protein that is synthesized by T cells. By antibody crossblocking, it appears to be closely associated with a 16-kD protein on the T cell membrane also identified with a novel mAb. These molecules are clearly distinct from the major well-characterized murine T cell antigens previously described. Antibody binding to TAP can result in the activation of MHC-restricted, antigen-specific inducer T cell hybridomas that is equivalent in magnitude to maximal antigen or lectin stimulation. This is a direct effect of soluble antibody and does not require accessory cells or other factors. The activating anti-TAP mAbs are also mitogenic for normal heterogeneous T lymphocytes in the presence of accessory cells or IL-1. In addition, these antibodies are observed to modulate specific immune stimulation. Thus, the activating anti-TAP mAbs synergise with antigen-specific stimulation of T cells, while a nonactivating anti-TAP mAb inhibits antigen driven activation. These observations suggest that the TAP molecule may participate in physiologic T cell activation. The possible relationship of TAP to known physiologic triggering structures, the T3-T cell receptor complex, is considered. TAP is expressed on 70% of peripheral T cells and therefore defines a major T cell subset, making it perhaps the first example of a murine subset-specific activating protein.

Identification of a hemagglutinin-specific idiotype associated with reovirus recognition shared by lymphoid and neural cells.

A xenogeneic antiserum raised to antireovirus immunoglobulin was used to define an idiotypic determinant present on antibodies to reovirus type 3 hemagglutinin. The same idiotype was identified on nonimmune lymphoid cells and on neuronal cells that specifically bind the hemagglutinin of type 3 reovirus. This idiotypic determinant, called Id3, is shared by (a) a monoclonal antibody to the neutralization site of hemagglutinin from type 3 reovirus; (b) BALB/c serum antibodies to the hemagglutinin of reovirus type 3; (c) R1.1, a murine thymoma cell line that binds reovirus type 3; (d) primary cultures of murine neuronal cells. The presence of an idiotype shared by antihemagglutinin antibodies and by structures on nonlymphoid cells suggests a general relationship between disparate receptors that recognize a common determinant. Furthermore, this suggests a novel approach for the study of viral receptor interactions and for analysis of mechanisms of autoimmune responses.

Suppressor factor from a T cell hybrid inhibits delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to azobenzenearsonate.

By using polyethylene glycol 1540, BW5147 AKR T lymphoma cells were fused with splenocytes from A/J mice treated so as to induce suppressor T cells specific for azobenzenearsonate (ABA). Of 576 microwells originally seeded, 132 demonstrated growing cell clones, 4 of which produced an ABA-binding supernatant factor. When tested in vivo for suppression of delayed-type hypersensitivity to ABA, two of these cell lines, A4 and F12, were shown to produce suppressive supernatant factors. Fluorescence analysis of the F12 cells with appropriate antisera demonstrated this T cell hybrid to be Thy 1.2+, Lyt 1+,2-, and surface immunoglobulin negative, the surface marker phenotype of conventional ABA-specific suppressor T cells. This cloned suppressor cell line, F12, produces a culture supernatant factor that is suppressive at dilutions up to 1:100 and has provided material for genetic and immunochemical analysis.