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The Journal of Immunology, 1999, 163: 1951-1957.
Copyright © 1999 by The American Association of Immunologists

Partial IgA-Deficiency with Increased Th2-Type Cytokines in TGF-ß1 Knockout Mice1

Frederik W. van Ginkel2,*, Sharon M. Wahl{dagger}, John F. Kearney*, Mi-Na Kweon{ddagger}, Kohtaro Fujihashi*, Peter D. Burrows*, Hiroshi Kiyono*,{ddagger} and Jerry R. McGhee*

* Immunobiology Vaccine Center, Departments of Microbiology and Oral Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294; {dagger} Oral Infection and Immunity Branch, National Institute of Dental Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892; and {ddagger} Department of Mucosal Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan


    Abstract
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 
Though it has been shown that TGF-ß1 directs B cells to switch to IgA in vitro, no studies have assessed TGF-ß1 effects on mucosal vs systemic immunity in vivo. When the B cell functions of TGF-ß1 gene-disrupted (TGF-ß1-/-) mice were analyzed, significantly decreased IgA levels and increased IgG and IgM levels in serum and external secretions were observed. Further, analysis of Ab forming cells (AFC) isolated from both mucosal and systemic lymphoid tissue showed elevated IgM, IgG, and IgE, with decreased IgA AFC. A lack of IgA-committed B cells was seen in TGF-ß1-/- mice, especially in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Splenic T cells triggered via the TCR expressed elevated Th2-type cytokines and, consistent with this observation, a 31-fold increase in serum IgE was seen in TGF-ß1-/- mice. Thus, uncontrolled B cell responses, which include elevated IgE levels, a lack of antiinflammatory IgA, and an excess of complement-binding IgG and IgM Abs, will promote inflammation at mucosal surfaces in TGF-ß1-/- mice and likely contribute to pulmonary and GI tract lesions, ultimately leading to the early death of these mice.


    Introduction
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 
Transforming growth factor-ß type 1 deficiency (TGF-ß1-/-) has profound effects on murine physiology and life expectancy, which normally does not exceed 5–6 wk (1). Thus, 60% of TGF-ß1-/- mice die in utero, and those that survive develop a wasting syndrome characterized by inflammation with the most severe lesions in heart and lungs (1). These TGF-ß1-mediated changes have made it difficult to study the consequences of TGF-ß1 deficiency on the immune system in vivo. In recent years, TGF-ß1 has been shown to variously exert both pro- and antiinflammatory, as well as immunosuppressive, influences on many cell types (2, 3). Several in vitro studies suggest that TGF-ß1 is a natural inhibitory cytokine that suppresses macrophage functions (4), reduces MHC class II expression (5), and diminishes the induction of CTL (6, 7, 8). These in vitro inhibitory characteristics of TGF-ß1 are consistent with in vivo observations made in TGF-ß1-/- mice, where uncontrolled inflammatory and autoimmune responses develop in the absence of TGF-ß1 (1).

Current data support the notion that both B cell activation (9) and IgA isotype switching (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) can be stimulated by TGF-ß1. However, interaction with Th2 cells and/or Th2-type cytokines is necessary to overcome the antiproliferative effect of TGF-ß1 and to induce B cells to differentiate into IgA-secreting plasma cells (10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24). When added to activated B cell cultures, TGF-ß1 induces a small proportion (~2%) of B cells to switch to IgA (10, 15, 19, 20). The low frequency of TGF-ß1-mediated switching could be increased to 10–20% of B cells, approaching the frequency of IgA+ B cells in Peyer’s patches, by a combination of TGF-ß1, IL-4, IL-5, anti-{delta} dextran, and a CD40L-CD8{alpha} fusion protein (11). These results illustrate the importance of multiple components in the switch to IgA: B cell activation by cross-linking the B cell Ag receptor, CD40-CD40L interaction to promote switching, TGF-ß1 to direct the switch to IgA, and Th2-type cytokines for expansion of postswitch IgA+ B cells and their differentiation into IgA-secreting plasma cells. The mechanism by which TGF-ß1 directs switching to IgA appears similar to switching directed by other cytokines to other Ig classes, the induction of germline transcription of the targeted constant region gene (12, 21).

In addition to inducing B cells to switch to IgA and to differentiate into IgA-secreting B cells (15, 20), both of which are paramount events in mucosal immunity, TGF-ß1 also affects homing of T cells to mucosal surfaces. In vitro activation of human T cells in the presence of TGF-ß1 specifically induced expression of the mucosal homing receptor {alpha}Eß7 integrin also termed human mucosal lymphocyte-1 (25). Thus, the lack of TGF-ß1 in TGF-ß1-/- mice could specifically reduce homing to mucosal compartments by reducing {alpha}Eß7 integrin expression. Enlargement of lymph nodes draining mucosal surfaces in TGF-ß1-/- mice indicates altered mucosal lymphocyte trafficking in these mice (1).

The above studies indicate that TGF-ß1 profoundly affects mucosal and systemic immunity and inflammation, whether by inducing B cell switching to IgA or by regulating homing of T lymphocytes into the mucosal compartment. However, most conclusions have been based upon in vitro studies and do not necessarily reflect the effects of TGF-ß1 in vivo. The present study has assessed the role of TGF-ß1 in mucosal and systemic immune compartments in vivo by comparing TGF-ß1-/- and normal mice. Alterations in IgG, IgM, IgE, and IgA levels were observed in serum and external secretions. Those Ig levels were altered by the aberrant production of Igs in both the systemic and mucosal compartments, changes associated with elevated Th2 cytokine production.


    Materials and Methods
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 
Mice

TGF-ß1-deficient mice were initially produced by disruption of the TGF-ß1 gene in embryonic stem cells by homologous recombination (1). TGF-ß1 gene-deleted (TGF-ß1-/-) mice between 3.5 and 5.5 wk of age were used in this study. Wild-type (+/+) mice, generated by mating +/- mice, were used as age-matched controls. The genotype was analyzed by PCR with tail DNA to assess loss of the TGF-ß1 gene.

Lymphocyte isolation

Mononuclear cells were isolated from the spleen and mediastinal lymph nodes (MLN)3 by mechanical disruption, and lymphocytes were enriched by Ficoll-Hypaque (Lympholyte M; Accurate Chemical, Westbury, NY) density gradient centrifugation. Lung mononuclear cells were isolated as previously described (26). Briefly, the lungs were perfused with PBS to remove the blood and were then mechanically disrupted with a pair of scissors. Collagenase type IV (Sigma, St. Louis, MO) and DNase I (Sigma) were then added to the lung tissue and allowed to enzymatically digest it for ~1.0 h at 37°C. The lung suspension was continuously mixed and pipetted vigorously at 20-min intervals. Undigested lung tissue was removed by passage over sterile cotton before separation by Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation. This method routinely produced a 70–80% yield of lymphocytes, as assessed by staining with eosin and thiazine (Hemocolor; EM Diagnostic Systems, Gibbstown, NJ), and these lymphocytes were >95% viable, as determined by trypan blue exclusion.

Peyer’s patches were removed from the small intestine and digested with collagenase type IV, as previously described (27). The remaining intestinal tissue was opened by incision, cut into 1–2 cm segments, and stirred in PBS containing 1 mM EDTA at 37°C for 15 min to remove the epithelium including the intraepithelial lymphocytes. The lamina propria (LP) lymphocytes were subsequently isolated by a collagenase digestion procedure as previously described (27). The mononuclear cells were collected from the interface following centrifugation over a 40-75% discontinuous Percoll gradient (27).

Sample collection

Bronchial lavages were collected as described previously (28). In brief, a 19-gauge catheter (Intracath; Becton Dickinson, Sandy, Utah) was inserted into the trachea via a small incision made without severing the tissue. Bronchial alveolar lavages (BAL) were obtained by inflating the lung three times with 1 ml sterile PBS and repeating this step twice. The recovered PBS washes were pooled, yielding ~60–70% fluid recovery, and were stored at -70°C until analyzed. Nasal and vaginal washes were obtained by three consecutive 50-µl washes with sterile PBS. The three washes were pooled and the cellular debris removed by centrifugation. The samples were stored frozen until analyzed. Fecal pellets were collected, weighed, and added (100 mg/ml) to sterile PBS containing 0.2% sodium azide. The pellets were homogenized by continuous shaking for 10 min with a Vortex (Scientific Industries, Bohemia, NY). Particulate fecal debris was removed by centrifugation for 10 min at 14,000 rpm, and supernatants were collected and stored frozen at -70°C. Saliva was collected following i.p. injection of 100 µl of 250 µg/ml pilocarpine (Sigma) into anesthetized mice.

Ig ELISA

Ig levels in serum and mucosal samples, including fecal extracts, vaginal and nasal washes, bronchial alveolar lavages, and saliva, were determined by an ELISA as previously described (28). Briefly, levels of IgM, IgG, or IgA were measured by coating 96-well ELISA plates (Becton Dickinson) with 5 µg/ml of goat anti-mouse-µ, -{gamma}, or -{alpha} heavy chain-specific Abs (Southern Biotechnology Associates, Birmingham, AL). The plates were blocked with 1% BSA in PBS-Tween 20 for 1 h at 25°C. Samples were added to wells and incubated overnight at 4°C, and bound Ig was detected with HRP-conjugated goat anti-mouse-µ, -{gamma}, or -{alpha} heavy chain-specific Abs (Southern Biotechnology Associates). To determine IgG subclass levels in biological samples, the plates were coated with polyclonal anti-{gamma}1-, -{gamma}2a-, -{gamma}2b-, and -{gamma}3-specific capture Abs (2.5 µg/ml), and Ig was detected with anti-{gamma}1, -{gamma}2a, -{gamma}2b, and -{gamma}3 biotinylated mAbs (PharMingen, San Diego, CA). All mAbs were used at appropriate concentrations (1:500 for -{gamma}1 and -{gamma}3 and 1:1000 for -{gamma}2a and -{gamma}2b) for detection. Following incubation and washing, HRP-conjugated streptavidin was added and color developed with 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline 6-sulfonic acid) diammonium (ABTS) substrate (Sigma). The absorbance (OD415) was measured with a Kinetics Reader model EL312 (Biotek Instruments, Winooski, VT), following a 30-min incubation at 25°C, and the value was compared with a standard curve from the appropriate Ig isotype or IgG subclass employing linear regression. Total serum IgE levels were determined by a sensitive ELISA using IgE-specific polyclonal capture Ab (2.5 µg/ml) and a biotinylated monoclonal IgE-specific detection Ab (R35-92) (PharMingen), followed by 1:2000 dilution of polyHRP80-streptavidin (Research Diagnostics, Flanders, NJ) in superblock (Pierce, Rockford, IL). The plates were washed extensively with PBS-Tween 20 between incubation steps, and a final wash with PBS was performed just before addition of substrate.

B cell enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT)

The ELISPOT assay, which has been described by others (29), was adapted to quantitate numbers of Ig-isotype Ab-forming cells (AFC) from the intestinal LP, Peyer’s patches (PP), spleen, cervical lymph nodes, MLN, and lungs of mice. The isotype of AFC was determined by ELISPOT assay as described previously (30). Briefly, 96-well nitrocellulose-based microtiter plates (Millititer HA; Millipore, Bedford, MA) were coated with 100 µl of anti-{gamma}, -{alpha}, -µ (Southern Biotechnology Associates), -{epsilon} (PharMingen) (2.5–5.0 µg/ml) diluted in PBS, while control wells received PBS only. Following washing, the plates were blocked with complete medium for at least 1 h before addition of lymphocytes to wells. Ten-fold serial dilutions of cell suspensions (starting at a density of 1 x 106 cells/well) were added in duplicates and incubated for at least 6 h at 37°C in 5% CO2 in a humidified incubator. AFC were detected with µ, {alpha}, or {gamma} heavy chain-specific Abs (Southern Biotechnology Associates) conjugated to HRP. For detection of IgE, a biotinylated anti-{epsilon} mAb was used followed by anti-biotin-HRP (Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, CA). The AFC were visualized by addition of the peroxidase substrate 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole (Moss, Pasadena, CA) for 1 h at 25°C. The resulting spots were enumerated with the aid of a dissecting microscope (SZH Zoom Stereo Microscope System; Olympus, Lake Success, NY).

In vitro stimulation of T lymphocytes

Splenocytes were stimulated in vitro by anti-CD3{epsilon} mAb (145-2C11) cross-linking. To this end, 96-well microtiter plates (Becton Dickinson) were coated with 5 µg/ml 145-2C11 mAb (PharMingen). Splenic lymphocytes (100 µl/well) were added at a density of 5 x 106 cells/ml and incubated at 37°C in 5% CO2 for 48 h. Culture supernatants were collected and stored at -70°C until analyzed by cytokine ELISA.

Cytokine ELISA

Falcon Microtest III plates (Becton Dickinson) were coated overnight at 4°C with 100 µl of mAbs (PharMingen) specific for IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, or IFN-{gamma} diluted in 0.1 M bicarbonate buffer (pH 8.2) at an optimal concentration (between 2 and 5 µg/ml), as previously described (31). The plates were blocked for 1 h with PBS Tween 20 (PBS-Tween) (0.05%) and 1% BSA at room temperature for 1 h. Serial 2-fold dilutions of supernatants were added to duplicate wells and incubated overnight at 4°C. The wells were washed with PBS-Tween and incubated with 100 µl of the appropriate biotinylated cytokine-specific mAb diluted in PBS-Tween with 1% BSA for at least 4 h. In the case of anti-IL-10 mAb, the incubation was performed for 45 min. Following three rinses, wells were incubated with peroxidase-labeled goat-anti-biotin Ab at 0.5 µg/ml (Vector Laboratories) for 1 h at 25°C and developed with ABTS substrate (Sigma). Standard curves were generated using murine rIL-2 (PharMingen), rIL-4 (Endogen, Boston, MA), rIL-5, rIL-6, rIL-10, rIFN-{gamma} (Genzyme, Cambridge, MA). The sensitivity of the cytokine ELISA was 15 pg/ml for IFN-{gamma}, 5 pg/ml for IL-2, IL-4, or IL-5, 100 pg/ml for IL-6, and 200 pg/ml for IL-10.

Immunofluorescence of tissue sections

The jejunum and ileum were obtained from TGF-ß1-/- mice and normal littermates for quantitation of Ig-containing cells as previously described (27). The small intestine (jejunum and ileum) was opened longitudinally, and 1-cm sections were mounted on cards (~2.5 x 1.0 cm). The tissue was washed thoroughly with cold PBS (4°C) over a 2-h period to remove interstitial tissue-associated Ig. The tissue was then immediately fixed in 5% glacial acetic acid in 95% ethanol at -20°C, embedded in paraffin, and cut into 4-µm thick sections. The tissues were mounted on slides and stained for IgM with FITC-conjugated goat F(ab')2 anti-mouse µ (Southern Biotechnology Associates), for IgA with biotinylated F(ab')2 anti-mouse {alpha} (Southern Biotechnology Associates), followed by avidin-7-amino-4-methyl-coumarin-3-acetic acid (Jackson ImmunoResearch, West Grove, PA), and for IgG with RITC-labeled goat F(ab')2 anti-mouse {gamma} (Southern Biotechnology Associates). Fluorescent images were visualized with a Leica/Leitz DMRB microscope equipped with appropriate filter cubes (Chromtechnology, Battleboro, VT), as previously described (32). Images were collected with a C5810 series digital color camera (Hamamatsu Photonic System, Bridgewater, NJ) and processed with Adobe Photo Shop and IP LAB Spectrum software (Signal Analytics Software, Vienna, VA).

Statistics

The results are expressed as the mean ± 1 SE. Statistical significance (p <= 0.05) was determined by Student’s t test, employing the computer program Statview. For statistical analysis, cytokine levels below the detection limit were recorded as one-half the detection limit (e.g., IL-2 = 2.5 pg/ml).


    Results
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 
Serum Ig levels

To assess the effects of TGF-ß1 on the mucosal immune system, in vivo analyses were done with TGF-ß1-/- and TGF-ß1+/+ mice between 3.5 and 5.5 wks of age due to their abbreviated life span. Higher levels of serum IgM and IgG were noted in TGF-ß1-/- mice than in wild-type TGF-ß1+/+ mice. The serum Ig levels in TGF-ß1-/- mice increased 3.0-fold and ~1.4-fold for IgG and IgM, respectively, while IgA levels decreased by 50% (Fig. 1GoA). The IgG subclasses, which reflect important immune parameters, such as Th1 and Th2, and the ability to activate complement, were assessed in these two groups of mice. The IgG1 levels were the least affected, with only a 2.3-fold increase in TGF-ß1-/- mice, while the IgG2b subclass was elevated 11-fold (Fig. 1GoB). Serum IgG2a and IgG3 levels increased ~7- to 8-fold on average; however, these ratios varied between different groups of TGF-ß1-/- mice, as opposed to IgG1 and IgG2b subclasses, where ratios remained constant. All IgG subclasses were significantly elevated in TGF-ß1-/- mice (p values varied between 0.03 and 0.0005). In TGF-ß1-/- mice younger than 3.5 wks (n = 4), Ig levels were comparable to wild-type controls, suggesting abberrant shifts in the immune system at ~3.5 wks of age (data not shown).



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FIGURE 1. Ig levels in TGF-ß1-deficient mice (TGF-ß1-/-) and normal littermate controls (WT). IgG, IgA, and IgM levels (A) and IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 subclass levels (B) from TGF-ß1-/- or wild-type littermate controls in serum (µg/ml) were determined by ELISA. Indicated are the average values of six mice (n = 6; mean ± SE).

 
Mucosal Ig levels

The effects of TGF-ß1 on mucosal immunity were assessed in fecal extracts, saliva, nasal, and vaginal washes, and BAL. The IgA levels in saliva were 3.1-fold lower, while IgM and IgG levels increased 5.3- and 2.0-fold, respectively (Fig. 2Go). All mucosal secretions of TGF-ß1-/- mice, including nasal washes and BAL, displayed higher levels of IgM and IgG and lower levels of IgA (Fig. 2Go). In our studies, rather dramatic differences in Ig isotypes were noted in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. For example, fecal extracts of TGF-ß1-/- mice contained 9.0-fold less IgA and 6.9-fold more IgG than did those of control mice (Fig. 3GoA). The decreased production of IgA in the intestinal tract was further confirmed by immunohistochemical staining of the ileum (Fig. 4Go, A and B) and PP (Fig. 4Go, C and D) with anti-{alpha}, -{gamma}, and -µ heavy chain-specific Abs, where a dramatic decrease in IgA-positive B cells and increases in IgG and IgM-positive B cells were observed.



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FIGURE 2. IgG, IgA, and IgM Ig levels in TGF-ß1-/- mice and normal littermate controls (WT). The Ig levels in mucosal secretions, i.e., saliva (A) and nasal washes (B), and BAL (C) were analyzed by ELISA in TGF-ß1-/- mice and WT littermates. Indicated are the values of five mice (mean ± SE).

 


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FIGURE 3. Fecal Ig levels and intestinal AFC in TGF-ß1-deficient mice (TGF-ß1-/-) and normal littermate controls (WT). Fecal Ig levels were determined by ELISA (µg/ml) (A). The number of AFC in PP (B) and LP (C) was determined by ELISPOT. Data represent the average of five mice (n = 5; mean ± SE), with the exception of PP TGF-ß1-/- mice AFC (n = 3). As demonstrated in A, B, and C, IgG exceeds the IgA production in the TGF-ß1-/- mice.

 


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FIGURE 4. Immunohistochemical staining of IgG-, IgA-, and IgM-producing cells in the intestinal tract of TGF-ß1-/- mice and wild-type littermates. Section of the ileum (A and B, magnification x800) and PP (C and D, magnification x400) from either TGF-ß1-/- mice (B and D) or WT littermates (A and C) were analyzed by staining for IgM with FITC-conjugated goat F(ab')2 anti-mouse IgM (green), for IgA with biotinylated F(ab')2 anti-mouse IgA followed by avidin-7-amino-4-methyl-coumarin-3-acetic acid (blue), and for IgG with RITC-labeled goat F(ab')2 anti-mouse IgG (red).

 
Serum IgE levels and numbers of AFC

Significantly elevated serum IgE levels (p = 0.004) were observed in 5-wk-old TGF-ß1-/- mice, i.e., a 31-fold increase over age-matched littermates (Fig. 5Go). In addition, elevated numbers of IgE AFC were observed in the spleen, lungs, and MLN in 5.5-wk-old TGF-ß1-/- mice. The highest numbers of IgE AFC were detected in the MLN and the draining lymph nodes of the lungs. Elevated IgE levels are normally associated with high IL-4 levels, which are, in turn, associated with B cell switches to IgE.



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FIGURE 5. IgE production in TGF-ß1-/- mice and normal littermate controls (WT). IgE AFC were analyzed in spleen, lung, and MLN by ELISPOT (A). Indicated is the mean of three mice (mean ± SE). Serum IgE concentrations were determined by ELISA (B). Indicated value is the mean of five mice (mean ± SE).

 
Numbers of AFC in mucosa-associated lymphoreticular tissues

The observations of altered Ig levels were corroborated by enumerating Ig-secreting cells in various tissues, including spleen, MLN, lungs, cervical lymph nodes (Fig. 6Go), PP, and intestinal LP (Fig. 3Go, B and C). Numbers of IgM and IgG AFC were higher in all tissues analyzed from TGF-ß1-/- mice than those of their normal littermates, with the exception of PP, for which IgM AFC were lower in TGF-ß1-/- mice, based on ELISPOT assay. On the other hand, all tissues analyzed displayed lower numbers of IgA AFC in TGF-ß1-/- than in TGF-ß1+/+ mice, confirming the notion that TGF-ß1 plays an important role in IgA responses in vivo. Approximately 5-fold fewer IgA AFC were observed in spleen- and lung-derived lymphocytes in TGF-ß1-/- mice. The increases in IgG and IgM AFC were most pronounced in MLN, which showed ~100- and 49-fold increases, respectively, and were lowest in spleen, with 1.8- and 1.7-fold increases, respectively (Fig. 6Go). Thus, the draining lymph nodes of the lung, an organ severely inflamed in the absence of TGF-ß1, were characterized by high IgM and IgG AFC and much lower IgA AFC.



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FIGURE 6. Ig-secreting cells (AFC) in TGF-ß1-/- mice and normal littermates (WT), as determined by ELISPOT. Number of IgG, IgM, and IgA Ig-secreting cells (AFC) per 105 lymphocytes are indicated for spleen (A), cervical lymph nodes (B), lung (C), and MLN (D). Indicated value is the mean ± SE (n = 4).

 
The 3.5- to 5.5-wk old TGF-ß1-deficient mice displayed decreased numbers of PP, suggesting a deficiency in the development of mucosal inductive sites in the intestinal tract (data not shown). These TGF-ß1-/- mice had 3-fold fewer PP than did their littermate controls, and those that did develop tended to display increased IgG and decreased IgA AFC (Fig. 3GoB), a pattern noted in other lymphoid tissues as well. No PP were detected in TGF-ß1-/- mice that were <3.5 wks of age (data not shown).

T cell cytokine production

T lymphocytes derived from TGF-ß1-/- mice produced more Th2-type cytokines after activation by CD3 cross-linking than did those derived from littermate controls (Fig. 7Go). IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were elevated 13-, 16-, 5-, and 2-fold, respectively, over those observed in TGF-ß1+/+ mice. Comparable levels of the Th1-type cytokine IFN-{gamma} (<2-fold increase) and 2-fold decreases in IL-2 were noted in anti-CD3-stimulated T cells from TGF-ß1-/- mice. Due to variations in absolute cytokine levels between different experiments, only IL-6 (p = 0.005) and IL-4 (p = 0.05) levels were significantly elevated in anti-CD3-stimulated TGF-ß1-/- lymphocyte cultures. Though elevated, the level of the Th1 cytokine IFN-{gamma} in TGF-ß1-/- mice did not differ significantly from that observed in TGF-ß1+/+ mice. It is noteworthy that IL-2 is the only cytokine that actually decreased in cultures of TGF-ß1-/- mice. Such data indicate a preferential increase in TGF-ß1-/- mice of Th2 cytokines, which are associated with humoral immune responses and are consistent with elevated Ig production in vivo in TGF-ß1-/- mice.



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FIGURE 7. Cytokine production by splenic T cells of TGF-ß1-/- mice and normal littermates (WT). Splenic T lymphocytes were stimulated for 48 h with anti-CD3 mAb. Culture supernatants were harvested and analyzed for IFN-{gamma} and IL-2 (A) and IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10 (B). Cytokine concentration was determined by ELISA and the mean of six mice are indicated (mean ± SE). The cytokine concentrations are expressed in ng/ml with exception of IL-5 (U/ml).

 

    Discussion
 Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 
This is the first study to systematically assess the in vivo role of TGF-ß1 in IgA production in mucosal and systemic immune compartments employing TGF-ß1-/- mice. This study showed that IgA levels in both serum and mucosal secretions were significantly reduced in TGF-ß1-/- mice. Consistent with our in vivo data on the role of TGF-ß1 in IgA production are in vitro findings that demonstrate the contribution of TGF-ß1 to the switching of B cells to IgA+ cells and to the subsequent expression and secretion of IgA (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19). In vitro studies with LPS-stimulated, normal B cells showed that TGF-ß1 induces B cell switching to IgA and enhances secretion of this isotype with concomitant decreases in IgM and IgG secretion (13, 14, 15, 19). Our in vivo results clearly indicate that an absence of TGF-ß1 results in diminished IgA levels in both serum and external secretions of TGF-ß1-/- mice and is most noticeable in the intestinal tract. The lack of TGF-ß1 does not cause a total absence of IgA, presumably due to intake of maternally derived TGF-ß1, and this point is discussed below. Our observation and other studies that showed that oral administration of OVA to OVA-specific, TCR transgenic mice induced a Th2-type cytokine environment with concomitant TGF-ß1 production in the interfollicular area of the PP and villi, indicate the importance of TGF-ß1 and Th2-type cytokines in mucosal immunity in the GI tract (33).

TGF-ß1-/- mice had fewer PP than did control mice, indicating impaired development of this mucosal inductive tissue. Variables such as gut microflora and enteral nutrition affect the gut-associated lymphoreticular tissue (GALT) as well as the numbers of PP present in the GI tract (34, 35). It could be hypothesized that these TGF-ß1-/- mice eat considerably less due to oral and intestinal inflammation. Interestingly, enteral feeding also enhanced immunity in the respiratory tract (36), indicating that a lack of GALT development also influences the immune responses observed in the respiratory tract.

It is also of interest that, despite higher Ag exposure in the GI tract, the function of the lungs was more affected by the absence of TGF-ß1 (1). The lungs, like the GI tract, are protected by secretory-IgA Abs. Reasons why IgA deficiency might have a more pronounced effect on the lung include: 1) the oxygen exchange is much more critical than food uptake and even a brief disruption of this function due to inflammation would be detrimental; and 2) the intestinal tract of the TGF-ß1-/- mice may also be protected by maternal IgA and other antimicrobial and antiinflammatory components present in breast milk. The GI tract would benefit more than other systems, such as the lungs, from such protection because of the presence of breast milk in the intestinal lumen (37, 38). It has been well documented that TGF-ß1-/--deficient mice born to heterozygous females contain TGF-ß1 in many of their tissues (38). Placental transfer of TGF-ß1 has been shown to occur before birth as well as transfer through breast milk into the GI tract after birth (38).

B cells from TGF-ß1-/- mice secrete large amounts of IgG and IgM, and these Igs are markedly increased in serum and external secretions. In addition, elevated numbers of IgG and IgM AFC occur in spleen and mucosa-associated lymph nodes, confirming the notion of elevated Ig production. One explanation for this increased IgM and IgG production would be enhanced B cell proliferation in the absence of TGF-ß1, as indicated by in vitro studies (9). TGF-ß1 inhibits B cell proliferation by halting G1 to S transition, seemingly without affecting B cell activation (9). Thus, the absence of TGF-ß1 could allow for extended proliferation of B cells after activation and consequently would lead to higher levels of Ab and Ab-secreting B cells, as we observed in TGF-ß1-/- mice. It is interesting that IgM and IgG, including all four IgG subclasses, and IgE were elevated in TGF-ß1-/- mice. In this regard, it has been suggested that IgA deficiency in children predisposes them to inflammatory myopathy and intestinal abnormalities, such as blunted villi and interstitial inflammation (39), the same symptoms reported in TGF-ß1-/- mice. In humans, IgA functions to: 1) down-regulate the respiratory burst in monocytes and granulocytes (40); 2) inhibit production of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-{alpha} (41); and 3) induce IL-1 receptor antagonist (41), presumably by signaling through the Fc {alpha} receptor. In addition, IgA deficiency may shift humoral immune responses to food proteins or bacteria-derived Ags to the IgG isotype. Although the increased IgG and IgM Ab levels may prevent bacterial invasion and aid in mucosal defense, they can also contribute to local inflammation and tissue injury (42). Following elevation of complement-activating IgG subclasses in TGF-ß1-/- mice, pronounced inflammation and pathology would be expected. The fact that IgA-deficient patients display mucosal inflammation with locally elevated IgG production supports this notion (43).

Previous work has shown that TGF-ß1 is a switch factor for murine IgG2b, which enhances IgG2b secretion in LPS-activated splenic B cells (19). Serum IgG2b levels in TGF-ß1-/- mice were consistently elevated above other serum IgG subclasses when compared with wild-type littermates. Although appearing contradictory, there may be multiple additional regulatory components operative in the TGF-ß1-/- mice that could influence IgG2b secretion when compared with in vitro studies.

The high serum IgE levels detected in TGF-ß1-/- mice also indicate a preferred Th2 cytokine environment. In addition to the somewhat elevated IL-4 production in the absence of TGF-ß1, higher IgE levels noted in serum of TGF-ß1-/- could also be explained by the ability of TGF-ß1 to inhibit {epsilon} germline RNA expression, as reported in the 1.29µ B cell line and human B cells (44, 45). Thus, the increase in IgE may be a direct effect of increased germline expression and would explain the low increase of serum IgG1 relative to other IgG subclasses.

Given the elevated number of AFCs in the lymphoid organs and effector sites, elevated Ig levels observed in serum and mucosal secretions would seem to be the consequence of increased production by B cells rather than of decreased catabolism of Igs as reported in ß2-microglobulin knockout mice (46). Because Th2-type cytokines are associated with humoral immunity (11), it could be hypothesized that elevated Th2 cytokine levels may decrease the requirement of TGF-ß1 needed for IgA Ab production in vivo in TGF-ß1-/--deficient mice and would result in detectable IgA levels in serum and mucosal secretions. These Th2-type cytokines may operate in conjunction with the TGF-ß2 or -ß3 isoform to enable B cell switching to IgA in TGF-ß1-/- mice, although no formal proof exists for such a mechanism.

Upon anti-CD3 mAb stimulation of T cells, both Th1- and Th2-type cytokines were produced, although only the Th2 cytokines were elevated over those observed with wild-type littermates. These findings are consistent with those of others who have demonstrated that in vitro stimulation of CD4+ T cell precursors in the presence of IL-2 and TGF-ß induced Th0 cells to develop into the Th1-type (25). This response was characterized by induction of IFN-{gamma} expression and lack of IL-4 and IL-5 synthesis. Thus, the presence of TGF-ß1 favors Th1 cell induction and indicates that the absence of TGF-ß1 would generate a Th2-type of immune response. Indeed this was the prevalent cytokine profile detected in anti-CD3 mAb-stimulated, TGF-ß1-/--derived, splenic T cells. Furthermore, others have noted that TGF-ß1 inhibits Th2 cell development of human or murine CD4+ T cells (25, 47, 48). Treatment with anti-TGF-ß1 supported Th2 cell induction (47), and this is consistent with a preferential Th2-type environment in the absence of TGF-ß, as reported in our study. In contrast, others have reported that TGF-ß1 down-regulates Th1-type responses in vitro (49, 50). Others have reported down-regulation of both IL-4 and IFN-{gamma} production in the presence of TGF-ß1 and have suggested IL-2/IL-2 receptor signaling as a possible target for TGF-ß1-mediated inhibition of human T cells (51). Consistent with a role of IL-2 in T cell regulation in TGF-ß1-/- mice is the decreased secretion of IL-2 by anti-CD3 mAb-activated T cells in our study, or by Con A-stimulated T cells in a previous study (52).

In summary, TGF-ß1-deficient mice display highly altered B cell immunity when compared with littermate controls. This change was characterized by a shift from IgA to IgG, IgM, and IgE production in both the systemic and mucosal immune compartments and reflected uncontrolled B cell activation. The lack of mucosal immunity in the GI tract, as manifested by decreased IgA AFC at mucosal surfaces, low IgA Ab levels in mucosal secretions, and lack of GALT development, could contribute to an inflammatory mucosal environment that ultimately contributes to the premature death of these mice.


    Acknowledgments
 
We thank Annette M. Pitts for preparing histological sections and fluorescent staining of Ab-producing cells in the intestinal tract, Dr. Kim McGhee for editorial assistance, and Denise Kaminski for helpful discussions.


    Footnotes
 
1 This research was supported by DE12242 U.S. Public Health Service Grants AI 18958, AI 43197, DK 44240, AI 35344, and DE 09837, and Contracts NO1 AI 65298 and NO1 AI65299, and by grants from the Ministry of Education, science, sports and culture, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and OPSR, Japan. Back

2 Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Frederik W. van Ginkel, Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology Vaccine Center, University of Alabama, BBRB Room 775, 845 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35294-2170. E-mail address: Back

3 Abbreviations used in this paper: MLN, mediastinal lymph nodes; LP, lamina propria; PP, Peyer’s patches; GALT, gut-associated lymphoreticular tissue; AFC, Ab-forming cell; BAL, bronchial alveolar lavage; GI, gastrointestinal; ELISPOT, enzyme-linked immunospot; ABTS, 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline 6-sulfonic acid) diammonium. Back

Received for publication February 24, 1999. Accepted for publication June 8, 1999.


    References
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 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 

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