Characterization and function of the NKR-P1dim/T cell receptor-alpha beta+ subset of rat T cells.

MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity is mediated primarily by NK cells. However, some subsets of TCR-alpha beta+ and TCR-gamma delta+ T cells also have the capacity to mediate MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity, particularly after incubation in high concentrations of IL-2. Currently, it is not known what receptors on T cells are responsible for this activity, nor whether such receptors are the same as those on NK cells. We have recently described a type II integral membrane protein, termed NKR-P1, that is expressed at high levels on rat NK cells (NKR-P1bright). NKR-P1 contains a carbohydrate recognition domain characteristic of C-type (Ca(2+)-dependent) animal lectins and is a representative member of a distinct group of this superfamily. By a variety of criteria, NKR-P1 is linked to a signaling pathway that activates NK cell lytic function. Based on its structure and function, NKR-P1 has been implicated as a candidate molecule involved in or contributing to MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity. We describe herein the expression of NKR-P1 at low levels on a small subset of rat T cells with an NKR-P1dim/TCR-alpha beta+ phenotype and on a small subset of cells with an NKR-P1dim/TCR-alpha beta- phenotype (presumably containing gamma delta+ T cells). Before incubation with IL-2, the NKR-P1dim subsets of cells lack MHC-unrestricted cytolytic capacity and lack the capacity for reverse antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (rADCC) mediated via NKR-P1. However, culture of NKR-P1dim/TCR-alpha beta+ T cells in IL-2 led to the acquisition of both MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity and the capacity for rADCC via NKR-P1. NK-like cytolytic function was not found among IL-2-activated NKR-P1-/TCR-alpha beta+ T cells. These data suggest that expression of functional NKR-P1 (i.e., ability to signal rADCC) correlates with and potentially contributes to MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity.

Clinicopathologic spectrum of primary uveal melanocytic lesions in an animal model.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are no animal models of primary uveal melanoma in an eye large enough to allow documentation of the clinical evolution of the lesion by either funduscopy or fundus photography. METHODS: The authors induced primary uveal melanocytic lesions in the eyes of Dutch (pigmented) rabbits using a two-stage carcinogenesis protocol involving initiation with 4 weekly topical applications of 10 microliters of a 1% solution of 7,12-dimethyl-benz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in acetone (21 eyes) followed by 12 weekly topical applications of a 10 microliters solution of either 0.25% or 0.5% croton oil in acetone. They also investigated the effect of initiation with DMBA without promotion and the effects of chronic topical exposure to acetone and proparacaine. RESULTS: Exposure to DMBA followed by promotion with croton oil in either concentration was the most effective means of inducing clinically detectable fundus lesions. Histologically, a spectrum of melanocytic proliferations developed including benign nevi, nevi with varying grades of cytologic atypia, and clusters of confluent atypical melanocytes that may represent early melanomas. Although clinical regression of fundus lesions was noted in eight eyes after promotion had been stopped, five of these eyes showed unequivocal histologic evidence of a residual uveal melanocytic lesion. Chronic ocular irritation is capable of inducing cytologically benign subclinical uveal melanocytic proliferations. CONCLUSIONS: The conventional classification of human uveal melanocytic lesions includes only nevi and melanomas, but a comparison of the results of this study with descriptions of human uveal melanocytic nevi suggests the existence of a spectrum of intermediate atypical precursor lesions in humans.