Interaction of Ly-49D+ NK cells with H-2Dd target cells leads to Dap-12 phosphorylation and IFN-gamma secretion.

Murine Ly-49D augments NK cell function upon recognition of target cells expressing H-2Dd. Ly-49D activation is mediated by the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif-containing signaling moiety Dap-12. In this report we demonstrate that Ly-49D receptor ligation can lead to the rapid and potent secretion of IFN-gamma. Cytokine secretion can be induced from Ly-49D+ NK cells after receptor ligation with Ab or after interaction with target cells expressing their H-2Dd ligand. Consistent with the dominant inhibitory function of Ly-49G, NK cells coexpressing Ly-49D and Ly-49G show a profound reduction in IFN-gamma secretion after interaction with targets expressing their common ligand, H-2Dd. Importantly, we are able to demonstrate for the first time that effector/target cell interactions using Ly-49D+ NK cells and H-2Dd targets result in the rapid phosphorylation of Dap-12. However, Dap-12 is not phosphorylated when Ly-49D+ NK cells coexpress the inhibitory receptor, Ly-49G. These studies are novel in describing Ly-49 activation vs inhibition, where two Ly-49 receptors recognize the same class I ligand, with the dominant inhibitory receptor down-regulating phosphorylation of Dap-12, cytokine secretion, and cytotoxicity in NK cells.

Ly-49 receptor expression and functional analysis in multiple mouse strains.

We present data on the strain distribution and functional characteristics of the Ly-49 receptors A, C/I, D, and G2 on DX5+ natural killer (NK) cells. We have examined tyrosine phosphorylation of the Ly-49 molecules, regulation of NK cytotoxic functions, and in vivo marrow rejection capability. The flow cytometry results demonstrate a diverse and complex pattern of expression of the Ly-49 receptors in the 11 strains examined. The vast majority of NK cells express Ly-49s, although some NK1.1+ CD3+ cells also express these receptors. The results of our functional analysis indicate that H-2Dd was able to inhibit the function of Ly-49G2+ NK cells, not only in B6 mice, but also by NK cells derived from several haplotypes. The examination of Ly-49 receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, which is a biochemical measure of inhibitory function, was consistently observed in the 11 mouse strains examined. In contrast, analysis of Ly-49D function suggests its expression appears to be more restricted and that H-2Dd is an activating ligand for this receptor. In addition, the in vivo examination of both inhibitory (Ly-49G2) and activating (Ly-49D) receptors demonstrated regulatory roles of these class I binding receptors in marrow transplantation.

IL-13 production by NK cells: IL-13-producing NK and T cells are present in vivo in the absence of IFN-gamma.

In this study, we demonstrate that human NK cells, human NK clones, the human NK cell line (NK3.3), and a population of murine NK cells can produce the type 2 cytokine IL-13 in response to IL-2 or phorbol myristate acetate plus ionomycin. IL-2 rapidly induced new IL-13 mRNA and protein synthesis in the NK3.3 cell line. Six of 12 human NK clones tested produced IL-13 protein in response to IL-2 or phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin. Intracellular analysis revealed that approximately 2% of human peripheral NK cells produced IL-13 protein in response to IL-2. Isolated NK cells from SCID and RAG-2 knockout (-/-) mice that lack T and B cells as well as normal mice also can produce IL-13 mRNA and protein in response to IL-2. We hypothesized that in the absence of IFN-gamma, IL-13-producing NK cells may predominate in vivo. Utilizing IFN-gamma knockout (-/-) mice as a model system, IL-2-activated liver NK and T cells expressed 10-fold more IL-13 and IL-5 mRNA and protein than normal controls following IL-2 treatment in vitro. These results suggest that in the absence of IFN-gamma, an IL-13- and IL-5-producing NK and T cells predominate in vivo. The existence of this cell type has important implications in innate immunity given that the balance between IFN-gamma and IL-13/IL-5-producing NK cells may influence the early development of a cell-mediated or humoral immune response.

The Ly-49 family: regulation of cytotoxicity and cytokine production in murine CD3+ cells.

The Ly-49 gene families are class I-recognizing receptors on murine NK cells. Most Ly-49 receptors inhibit NK cell lysis upon recognizing their target class I ligands. In this report we have examined the ability of Ly-49A and Ly-49G2 to regulate T cell functions on CD3+ cells, primarily the subset that also expresses NK-1.1 and/or DX5. The majority (>50%) of T cells that express Ly-49 molecules also coexpress NK-1.1 and/or DX5, although some NK-1.1- and/or DX5-/CD3+ cells express Ly-49 molecules. Lysis of target cells by IL-2-cultured T cells expressing Ly-49A and G2 was enhanced by Abs specific for Ly-49A and G2 as well as by Abs to class I (H-2Dd alpha1/alpha2). Murine T cells also were cultured in the presence of targets that express (H-2Dd) which is inhibiting for the Ly-49A and G2 receptors. These cells were examined for a coincident increase in cytokine production (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and granulocyte-macrophage CSF). Abs to Ly-49A and G2 or their respective class I ligands blocked the negative signals mediated via the Ly-49 receptors and increased IFN-gamma and granulocyte-macrophage CSF production after interaction of these T cells with H-2Dd-expressing tumor targets. Furthermore, an EL-4 T cell line expressing both Ly-49A and G2, when treated with mAb YE148 and 4D11, demonstrated reduced cytokine production and calcium mobilization. These results demonstrate for the first time that Ly-49 class I binding receptors, previously thought to be restricted to mouse NK cells, can mediate important physiological functions of T cell subsets.

Selective inhibition of human and mouse natural killer tumor recognition using retroviral antisense in primary natural killer cells: involvement with MHC class I killer cell inhibitory receptors.

The natural killer tumor recognition (NK-TR) protein has been shown to be a necessary component for the killing of NK-sensitive and virus-infected targets by the rat RNK-16 cell line. Class I-recognizing killer cell inhibitory receptors (KIR) have been found in the human (p58; NKAT family) and mouse (Ly-49 family). The principal functional characteristic of these receptors is their ability to block NK cell lysis by recognition of selected class I molecules on target cells. In the present study, we examined whether abrogation of NK-TR expression by retroviral infection of primary human or mouse NK cells with virus-producing antisense NK-TR also would demonstrate loss of non-MHC-restricted killing and whether the NK-TR was associated with KIR function in humans or with Ly-49 in the mouse. Using short term culture of fresh human or mouse NK cells, antisense NK-TR-treated NK cells demonstrated strong selective reduction of NK cytotoxicity. NK-TR was necessary for lytic activity even when KIR function was blocked by Ab in experiments involving NK3.3 lysis of HLA.cw3-expressing targets or killing of Dd targets by Ly-49A+ or Ly-49G2+ mouse NK cells. These studies extend our previous studies in rat NK cell lines to demonstrate that primary mouse and human NK cells require NK-TR for non-MHC-restricted lysis of tumor and virus-infected targets. In addition, the reversal of KIR or Ly-49 inhibition of NK cell lysis requires NK-TR expression for cellular killing in both human and mouse.

T cell activation via the disialoganglioside GD3: analysis of signal transduction.

The monoclonal antibody (mAb) R24 is a murine immunoglobulin G3 (IgG3) that reacts with the GD3 disialoganglioside present on melanoma cells as well as a subset of T cells. R24 mAb has induced antitumor responses both alone and in combination with interleukin-2 (IL-2) in clinical trials. We have reported T cell activation via GD3 as measured by the induction of tyrosine phosphorylation. In this study a more detailed analysis of signal transduction after ligation of GD3 was performed in an attempt to understand the mechanism of in vivo therapeutic benefits observed. Analysis of subsequent events indicated that GD3 engagement resulted in phospholipase C(gamma) phosphorylation and calcium flux. When ras-associated events were examined, GD3 signaling resulted in ras activation as determined by GDP/GTP conversion as well as dose-and time-dependent IP3 activation. In addition, the majority of the IP3 activation by GD3 was inhibited by herbimycin A pretreatment. Elucidation of the nature and potential role of this moiety in GD3 signal transduction should be useful. Collectively, these data suggest a novel mechanism of T cell activation via a single, non-protein, surface moiety. This novel form of T cell-mediated activation may permit the delivery and local activation of effector cells at the tumor resulting in site-specific activation of the immune system.

Regulation of NK cells through the 80-kDa TNFR (CD120b).

By using monoclonal antibody specific for tumor necrosis factor receptor80 (TNFR80) (CD120b) and TNFR60 (CD120a), we determined which receptor transduces the signals involved in activating natural killer (NK) cells. Purified CD56+CD3- large lymphocytes express TNFR80 but not TNFR60 and interleukin-2 (IL-2) up-regulates TNFR80 expression, consistent with NK cells being activated in vivo. Treatment of NK cells with anti-TNFR80 for 18 h enhanced the NK activity detected on K562 target cells mimicking the effect of TNF. In combination with IL-2, TNF enhanced the development of lymphokine-activated killing. However, only anti-TNFR80 abrogated IL-2 induction of lymphokine-activated killer cell activity. The activity of TNF or anti-TNFR80 was selective for NK cytotoxic function because they did not directly mimic IL-2 activation or induce significant proliferation, expression of cell surface activation antigens (CD25 or HLA-DR), or interferon-gamma secretion. These results indicate that TNFR80 is an important signal transducing receptor for the differentiation of NK cells induced by TNF and IL-2.

Receptor-induced death in human natural killer cells: involvement of CD16.

Propriocidal regulation of T cells refers to apoptosis induced by interleukin 2 (IL-2) activation with subsequent antigen receptor stimulation. We examined whether natural killer (NK) cells exhibited cytokine- and ligand-induced death similar to activated T cells. Peripheral NK cells were examined for ligand-induced death using antibodies to surface moieties (CD2, CD3, CD8, CD16, CD56), with and without prior activation of IL-2. Only those NK cells stimulated first with IL-2 and then with CD16 exhibited ligand-induced death; none of the other antibody stimuli induced this phenomenon. Next we examined various cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-12, IL-13, interferon alpha and gamma) that can activate NK cells and determined if CD16-induced killing occurred. Only IL-2 and IL-12 induced NK cell death after occupancy of this receptor by aggregated immunoglobulin or by cross-linking with antireceptor antibody. The CD16-induced death was inhibited by herbimycin A, indicating that cell death was dependent upon protein tyrosine kinases. Identical to T cells, the form of cell death for NK cells was demonstrated to be receptor-induced apoptosis. Overall these data indicate that highly activated NK cells mediate ligand-induced apoptosis via signaling molecules like CD16. Whereas the propriocidal regulation of T cells is antigen specific, this is not the case for NK cells due to the nature of the receptor. The clinical implications of this finding are considered.

Activation of peripheral large granular lymphocytes with the serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid.

The murine polyether fatty acid, okadaic acid, is a potent inhibitor of serine/threonine phosphatases in eukaryotic cells. This compound inhibits both protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Here we have examined the potential of okadaic acid as an activator of fresh peripheral CD3- large granular lymphocytes (LGL). We demonstrate that overnight exposure of LGL to as little as 1 nM okadaic acid induced an increase in natural killing against the K562 cell line, but does not induce LAK activity. Optimal cytotoxic activation (2-fold) occurred at 0.01-1.0 nM okadaic acid, with a return to baseline levels at 10-20 nM, and inhibition, likely due to toxicity, at 40 nM. In addition, okadaic acid at doses > or = 20 nM induced LGL but not T cells to produce interferon-gamma. Similar to phorbol esters, overnight incubation with okadaic acid causes a dose-dependent reduction in expression of the low-affinity receptor for the Fc portion of IgG (CD16). However, unlike phorbol ester, short-term (5 min) okadaic acid treatment did not block CD16-mediated Ca2+ mobilization in LGL. To address the underlying biochemical mechanisms of okadaic acid activities, the levels of several as-yet-unidentified serine/threonine kinases were assayed after renaturation. Under these conditions, okadaic acid induced similar increases in kinase levels in both T cells and LGL. Taken together, these data suggest an important role for PP1 and PP2A in LGL physiology, and define okadaic acid as a potentially important biological response modifier for the study of LGL and T cell biochemistry, signal transduction, and transcriptional regulation.

Mechanistic studies of transforming growth factor-beta inhibition of IL-2-dependent activation of CD3- large granular lymphocyte functions. Regulation of IL-2R beta (p75) signal transduction.

CD3- large granular lymphocyte (LGL) express constitutive levels of functional IL-2R beta. TGF-beta inhibited several IL-2R beta-mediated events in LGL, including IL-2-induced NK and lymphokine-activating factor activities, IFN-gamma gene expression and secretion, and IL-2R alpha expression. TGF-beta inhibited these IL-2-induced LGL functions in a dose-dependent and reversible manner. By contrast, TGF-beta had little effect on LGL IL-2R beta expression and TGF-beta receptors were not induced by IL-2. Studies were performed to examine binding and internalization of radiolabeled IL-2. These experiments demonstrated that the rapid binding and internalization of [125I]IL-2 was not altered in CD3- LGL pretreated with TGF-beta. These internalization studies indicated that the TGF-beta inhibition represented postreceptor-binding events in NK cells. Further studies were initiated to examine signaling events in CD3- LGL. When IL-2-induced tyrosine phosphorylation events were examined, significant inhibition was seen of selected phosphoproteins in TGF-beta-pretreated cells. In addition, the ability of TGF-beta to also inhibit IL-2 induction of LGL IL-2R alpha and IFN-gamma mRNA expression was consistent with the hypothesis that posttranscriptional mechanisms were unlikely to be affected by TGF-beta. Collectively, these data indicated that TGF-beta inhibited IL-2-induced CD3- LGL functions and suggested that TGF-beta inhibition occurs either at the level of specific tyrosine phosphorylation and/or IL-2-induced transcriptional control factors.

Regulation of human natural killer cell activity by interferon-gamma: lack of a role in interleukin 2-mediated augmentation.

Natural killer cell activity was consistently increased after overnight incubation with recombinant IL 2. Recombinant IFN-gamma, on the other hand, increased NK activity only in three out of 25 preparations of donor lymphocytes. No synergy was observed when suboptimal amounts of recombinant (r)IL 2 and rIFN-gamma were added to donor lymphocytes, with any increase in activity attributable to additive effects of the two lymphokines. Three antibodies to IFN-gamma could not block the rIL 2 induction of NK activity, further suggesting that IFN-gamma was not involved in the enhancement of NK activity by IL 2. Two other anti-IFN-gamma antibody preparations showed significant inhibition of rIL 2-induced augmentation of NK activity, but the inhibition was found to be attributable to antibody-unrelated factors in the antiserum or ascites fluid. Our results suggest that IFN-gamma produced by rIL 2 treatment of human PBL does not play an essential role in increasing NK activity in most donors and that IL 2-induced augmentation of NK activity is due to the direct action of IL 2 on LGL.

Effects of natural and recombinant IL 2 on regulation of IFN gamma production and natural killer activity: lack of involvement of the Tac antigen for these immunoregulatory effects.

Highly enriched populations of human large granular lymphocytes (LGL), natural killer (NK) cells, and T cells were obtained from low and high density fractions, respectively, of discontinuous Percoll gradients. The NK cells were composed of 75 to 90% LGL, with the majority of the contaminating cells being monocytes. The T cells were greater than 95% OKT3+. The proliferative and cytotoxic progenitors in both fractions were examined by using a limiting dilution assay with interleukin 2 (IL 2) from four sources: 1) crude supernatant of a gibbon lymphoma (MLA-144), 2) purified (150,000-fold) MLA-144 IL 2, 3) partially purified human IL 2, and 4) purified recombinant human IL 2. The proliferative capacity was measured at day 7 by [3H]thymidine incorporation, whereas the progenitors of cells with NK-like activity were evaluated by assessing cytotoxic activity against K562 cells at day 8 in a 4-hr 51Cr-release assay. The frequency of proliferative progenitors among T cells was approximately 1/5 and was approximately 1/60 with LGL. Titration of the highly purified IL 2 preparation demonstrated that LGL proliferated with as little as 2 U of IL 2. The frequency of detectable cytotoxic progenitors in the LGL population, however, fell sharply when less than 40 U of IL 2 were employed. The T cells failed to demonstrate cytotoxic activity against the NK-susceptible target cells at any concentration of IL 2 tested. The IL 2 preparations also were examined for their ability to directly and rapidly enhance the cytotoxic activity of highly purified NK cells. All four preparations of IL 2 enhanced the cytotoxic activity of LGL without any detectable accessory requirement after incubation for as little as 6 hr, even though the MLA-144 IL 2 preparations were devoid of detectable interferons (IFN). These data indicate that IL 2 has dual effects on NK cells, regulating their activity was well as promoting their proliferation. Collectively, these results demonstrate that highly purified IL 2, devoid of other detectable lymphokines, is capable of supporting the growth of human NK cells and augmenting their in vitro activity. In parallel experiments, these same IL 2 preparations were quite active in causing the proliferation of T lymphocytes, clearly demonstrating a role of IL 2 in promoting the proliferation of NK cells as well as T cells. The mechanism of IL 2 boosting appears to be a direct interaction with LGL, resulting in the production of IFN gamma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)