Human CD1d functions as a transplantation antigen and a restriction element in mice

J Immunol. 2001 Mar 15;166(6):3829-36. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.166.6.3829.

Abstract

To study the potential functions of human CD1d (hCD1d), we developed transgenic (Tg) mice that ectopically express hCD1d under the control of H-2K(b) promoter. High levels of hCD1d expression were detected in all Tg tissues tested. Skin grafts from the K(b)/hCD1d Tg mice were rapidly rejected by MHC-matched non-Tg recipient mice, suggesting that hCD1d can act as transplantation Ags. Furthermore, we were able to elicit hCD1d-restricted CD8(+) CTLs from mice immunized with K(b)/hCD1d Tg splenocytes. These CTLs express TCR rearrangements that are distinct from invariant TCR of NK T cells, and secrete significant amounts of IFN-gamma upon Ag stimulation. Analysis with various hCD1d-expressing targets and use of Ag presentation inhibitors indicated the recognition of hCD1d by CTLs did not involve species or tissue-specific ligands nor require the processing pathways of endosomes or proteasomes. Additionally, the reactivity of hCD1d-specific CTLs was not affected by acid stripping followed by brefeldin A treatment, suggesting that CTLs may recognize a ligand/hCD1d complex that is resistant to acid denaturation, or empty hCD1d molecules. Our results show that hCD1d can function as an alloantigen for CD8(+) CTLs. The hCD1d Tg mice provide a versatile model for the study of hCD1d-restricted cytolytic responses to microbial Ags.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Blocking / pharmacology
  • Antigens, CD1 / administration & dosage*
  • Antigens, CD1 / biosynthesis
  • Antigens, CD1 / genetics*
  • Antigens, CD1 / physiology
  • Antigens, CD1d
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / genetics
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte / immunology
  • Female
  • Graft Survival / genetics*
  • Graft Survival / immunology
  • H-2 Antigens / genetics
  • Histocompatibility Antigens / administration & dosage*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens / biosynthesis
  • Histocompatibility Antigens / genetics*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens / physiology
  • Humans
  • Immune Sera / pharmacology
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / immunology
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / metabolism
  • Jurkat Cells
  • K562 Cells
  • L Cells
  • Lymphocyte Activation / genetics
  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred CBA
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Skin Transplantation / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / metabolism
  • Transfection
  • U937 Cells

Substances

  • Antibodies, Blocking
  • Antigens, CD1
  • Antigens, CD1d
  • CD1D protein, human
  • Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte
  • H-2 Antigens
  • H-2Kb protein, mouse
  • Histocompatibility Antigens
  • Immune Sera
  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1