Carla J. Aldrich

Regulation of Qa-1 expression and determinant modification by an H-2D-linked gene, Qdm

We examined the regulation of cell surface expression of the Qa-1 alloantigens using a panel of monoclonal anti-Qa-1 cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (mCTL) lines. In contrast to previous reports of tissue-specific expression, we found that Qa-1 was widely expressed, resembling the prototypical class I H-2K/D molecules. We further found that an H-2D-linked gene, which we termed Qdm for Qa-1 determinant modifier, controlled expression of certain CTL-defined Qa-1 antigenic determinants. H-2Dkhomozygous haplotypes expressed a recessive allele of the modifier, Qdmk, whereas all other H-2 haplotypes tested expressed a dominant allele, Qdm+. The Qdm+ allele regulated in trans Qa-1 epitope expression from a Qdmkchromosome, modifying expression of particular CTL-defined Qa-1 antigenic determinants rather than affecting levels of cell surface expression. Mechanisms of Qdm function may include either a novel protein modification system or an unprecedented case of antigen recognition restricted by a nonclassical major histocompatibility complex molecule.

Polymorphism and conservation of the genes encoding Qa1 molecules

To evaluate the polymorphism and conservation of the major histocompatibility complex class Ib molecule Qa1 in wild mouse populations, we determined the nucleotide sequence of exons 1–3 of Qa1 of eight mouse haplotypes derived from wild mice, including Mus musculus domesticus, M. m. castaneus, M. m. bactrianus, and M. spretus, as well as two t haplotypes. Our data identify eight new alleles of Qa1. Taken together with previously published data on Qa1 among the common laboratory inbred strains, and in agreement with cytotoxic T-lymphocyte, serological, and biochemical data, these results further confirm the existence of two families of Qa1 molecules, Qa1a-like and Qa1b-like, and illuminate the extreme conservation of the peptide-binding region of these molecules, even across species.

Correlation of Qa-1 determinants defined by antisera and by cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) activated in H-2 identical, Qa-1 disparate mixed leukocyte cultures recognize H-2-nonrestricted target antigens indistinguishable by strain or tissue distribution from serologically defined Qa-1 antigens. Cloned Qa-l-specific CTL define determinants encoded by four Qa-1 genotypes; we used anti-Qa-1 sera in antibody blocking experiments to determine if these determinants reside on molecules recognized by Qa-1-specific antibodies. Antisera containing Qa-1.1-specific and TL-specific antibodies blocked recognition of two CTL-defined determinants associated with Qa-1a. Although both Qa-1 and TL molecules are expressed on activated T cells from appropriate strains, our studies indicated that the CTL recognized Qa-1, not TL. In addition, anti-Qa-1.2 serum inhibited CTL recognition of Qa-1b- and Qa-1c-encoded determinants. Qa-1d target cells are unique in that they express determinants recognized by anti-Qa-1a CTL and by anti-Qa-1b CTL. Killing of Qa-1d targets by anti-Qa-1a CTL was not inhibited by anti-Qa-1.1 serum, but was partially inhibited by anti-Qa-1.2 serum. Cytotoxicity of Qa-1d cells by one anti-Qa-1b CTL clone was inhibited by both anti-Qa-1.2 and anti-Qa-1.1 sera, indicating close association of both serological determinants with the determinants recognized by the CTL. Thus, all of the CTL-defined Qa-1 determinants resided on molecules recognized by Qa-1-specific antibodies, but anti-Qa-1a CTL and Qa-1.1-specific antibodies did not have identical specificities.

Anti-STAT6 CTL activity in Stat6−/− mice

The generation of germline gene mutations in mice has been an invaluable tool for experimental biology. However, studying immune responses that develop in the absence of a specific protein that could alter thymic selection complicates experimental interpretations. We observed that CD8+ T cells from Stat6−/− mice displayed “autoreactivity” to STAT6-expressing cells, associated with specific STAT6 peptides binding to MHC class I molecules. These results suggest caution in interpreting experiments where STAT6-expressing cells are transferred into Stat6−/− mice, or where adoptive transfer of Stat6−/− lymphocytes is performed. Our results further highlight additional considerations when studying immune responses involving cell transfer into gene-deficient mice.

Anti-STAT6 CTL activity in Stat6−/− mice: A cautionary tale

The generation of germline gene mutations in mice has been an invaluable tool for experimental biology. However, studying immune responses that develop in the absence of a specific protein that could alter thymic selection complicates experimental interpretations. We observed that CD8+ T cells from Stat6−/− mice displayed “autoreactivity” to STAT6-expressing cells, associated with specific STAT6 peptides binding to MHC class I molecules. These results suggest caution in interpreting experiments where STAT6-expressing cells are transferred into Stat6−/− mice, or where adoptive transfer of Stat6−/− lymphocytes is performed. Our results further highlight additional considerations when studying immune responses involving cell transfer into gene-deficient mice.

Anti-STAT6 CTL activity inStat6−/−mice: A cautionary tale

The generation of germline gene mutations in mice has been an invaluable tool for experimental biology. However, studying immune responses that develop in the absence of a specific protein that could alter thymic selection complicates experimental interpretations. We observed that CD8+ T cells from Stat6−/− mice displayed “autoreactivity” to STAT6-expressing cells, associated with specific STAT6 peptides binding to MHC class I molecules. These results suggest caution in interpreting experiments where STAT6-expressing cells are transferred into Stat6−/− mice, or where adoptive transfer of Stat6−/− lymphocytes is performed. Our results further highlight additional considerations when studying immune responses involving cell transfer into gene-deficient mice.