A lymphocyte-specific CC chemokine, secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC), is a highly efficient chemoattractant for B cells and activated T cells

Secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC) is a CC chemokine expressed mainly in lymph nodes, appendix and spleen, and specifically chemotactic for lymphocytes (Nagira et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1997. 272: 19518-19524). Here, we carried out transendothelial migration assays to determine the classes and subsets of lymphocytes migrating toward SLC. SLC attracted freshly isolated B cells with high efficiency and T cells modestly. Thus, SLC is the first CC chemokine with a strong chemotactic activity on fresh B cells. Among T cell types and subsets, SLC broadly attracted CD4+ and CD8+ cells, CD45RO- (naive) and CD45RO+ (memory) cells, and CD26high (activated) and CD26low- (resting) cells. SLC also attracted both L-selectin+ and L-selectin- subpopulations of various T cell subsets and B cells. Furthermore, mitogenic stimulation strongly enhanced migratory responses of T cells and B cells toward SLC. By in situ hybridization, SLC mRNA was detected in the cortical parafollicular regions (the T cell areas) of a lymph node and an appendix. Collectively, SLC may be a basic chemokine supporting homeostatic migration of a broad spectrum of lymphocytes into the secondary lymphoid tissues. SLC may also be involved in immune responses by inducing highly efficient migration of T and B cells following antigenic stimulation.     

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The beta chemokine known as 6-C-kine, secondary lymphoid-tissue chemokine (SLC), TCA4, or Exodus-2 (herein referred to as 6CK/SLC) can trigger rapid integrin-dependent arrest of lymphocytes rolling under physiological shear and is highly expressed by high endothelial venules, specialized vessels involved in lymphocyte homing from the blood into lymph nodes and Peyer's patches. We show that 6CK/SLC is an agonist for the lymphocyte chemoattractant receptor, CCR7 (EBI-1, BLR-2), previously described as a receptor for the related beta chemokine MIP-3beta (ELC or Exodus-3). Moreover, 6CK/SLC and MIP-3beta attract the same major populations of circulating lymphocytes, including naive and memory T cells > B cells (but not natural killer cells); desensitization to MIP-3beta inhibits lymphocyte chemotaxis to 6CK/SLC but not to the alpha chemokine SDF-1 (stromal cell-derived factor); and 6CK/SLC competes for MIP-3beta binding to resting mouse lymphocytes. The findings suggest that the majority of circulating lymphocytes respond to 6CK/SLC and MIP-3beta in large part through their common receptor CCR7 and that these molecules may be important mediators of physiological lymphocyte recirculation in vivo.     

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The recirculation of naive lymphocytes from blood to lymph that is initiated in high endothelial venules (HEV) of secondary lymphoid organs such as lymph nodes and Peyer's patches (PP) is regulated by multiple interactions of adhesion receptor/counter-receptor pairs involving both selectins and integrins. We showed previously that blocking of only L-selectin is sufficient to ablate trafficking of naive CD4 cells and the development of their responses in peripheral lymph nodes but not in PP where alpha4beta7 integrins are thought to primarily regulate entry. However, although antibody to alpha4 integrins partially inhibited homing of naive CD4 cells to PP and not to lymph nodes, there was no effect on the development primary responses in these tissues or spleens. Since previous studies indicate that both alpha4beta7 integrins and L-selectin regulate adhesion of naive cells to PP HEV, we examined the effect a blockade of both adhesion pathways on the recirculation of naive CD4 cells. There was no detectable homing of naive CD4 cells to PP or lymph nodes when interactions with both receptors were inhibited, resulting in a profound depletion of naive CD4 cells and loss of antigen responses in these sites. In contrast, increased numbers of naive CD4 cells and responses of higher magnitude were found in the spleen. The results demonstrate recirculation of naive CD4 cells through tissues where entry is controlled through HEV is essential for the local generation of primary responses.     

Mice lacking expression of secondary lymphoid organ chemokine have defects in lymphocyte homing and dendritic cell localization

Secondary lymphoid organ chemokine (SLC) is expressed in high endothelial venules and in T cell zones of spleen and lymph nodes (LNs) and strongly attracts naive T cells. In mice homozygous for the paucity of lymph node T cell (plt) mutation, naive T cells fail to home to LNs or the lymphoid regions of spleen. Here we demonstrate that expression of SLC is undetectable in plt mice. In addition to the defect in T cell homing, we demonstrate that dendritic cells (DCs) fail to accumulate in spleen and LN T cell zones of plt mice. DC migration to LNs after contact sensitization is also substantially reduced. The physiologic significance of these abnormalities in plt mice is indicated by a markedly increased sensitivity to infection with murine hepatitis virus. The plt mutation maps to the SLC locus; however, the sequence of SLC introns and exons in plt mice is normal. These findings suggest that the abnormalities in plt mice are due to a genetic defect in the expression of SLC and that SLC mediates the entry of naive T cells and antigen-stimulated DCs into the T cell zones of secondary lymphoid organs.     

Efficient lymphocyte migration across high endothelial venules of mouse Peyer's patches requires overlapping expression of L-selectin and beta7 integrin

Lymphocyte migration into lymphoid organs is regulated by adhesion molecules including L-selectin and the beta7 integrins. L-selectin and alpha4beta7 are predominantly hypothesized to direct the selective migration of lymphocytes to peripheral lymph nodes and the gut-associated lymphoid tissues, respectively. To further characterize interactions between L-selectin and beta7 integrins during lymphocyte recirculation, mice deficient in both receptors (L-selectin/beta7 integrin-/-) were generated. The simultaneous loss of L-selectin and beta7 integrin expression prevented the majority of lymphocytes (>95% inhibition) from attaching to high endothelial venules (HEV) of Peyer's patches and other lymphoid tissues during in vitro binding assays. Moreover, the inability to bind HEV eliminated the vast majority of L-selectin/beta7 integrin-/- lymphocyte migration into Peyer's patches during short-term and long-term in vivo migration assays (>99% inhibition,p < 0.01). The lack of lymphocyte migration into Peyer's patches correlated directly with the dramatically reduced size and cellularity (99% reduced) of this tissue in L-selectin/beta7 integrin-/- mice. High numbers of injected L-selectin/beta7 integrin-/- lymphocytes remaining in the blood of wild-type mice correlated with markedly increased numbers of circulating lymphocytes in L-selectin/beta7 integrin-/- mice. Loss of either L-selectin or the beta7 integrins alone resulted in significant but incomplete inhibition of Peyer's patch migration. Collectively, the phenotype of L-selectin/beta7 integrin-/- mice demonstrates that these two receptors primarily interact along the same adhesion pathway that is required for the vast majority of lymphocyte migration into Peyer's patches.     

The roles of L-selectin, beta 7 integrins, and P-selectin in leukocyte rolling and adhesion in high endothelial venules of Peyer's patches

Lymphocyte trafficking into Peyer's patches requires beta 7 integrins and L-selectin. Here, we use intravital microscopy to examine leukocyte rolling and adhesion in Peyer's patch high endothelial venules (HEV) of wild-type, L-selectin-deficient (L-/-), beta 7 integrin-deficient (beta 7-/-), and beta 7/L(-/-) mice. Although the leukocyte rolling flux fraction was reduced by 70%, Peyer's patches in L-/- mice were of normal size and cellularity. In beta 7-/- mice, the rolling flux fraction was normal, but the number of adherent leukocytes in HEV was greatly reduced. The median leukocyte rolling velocity was reduced in L-/- mice and increased in beta 7-/- mice, suggesting that beta 7 integrins and L-selectin mediate rolling in Peyer's patch HEV at different velocities. beta 7/L(-/-) exhibited both a low rolling flux fraction and low adhesion and had severely reduced Peyer's patch size and cellularity. The residual rolling in these mice was completely blocked by a P-selectin mAb. A significant P-selectin component was also detected in the other genotypes. Twenty-six percent of B and T lymphocytes isolated from Peyer's patches of wild-type mice expressed functional ligands for P-selectin, and this fraction was increased to 57% in beta 7/L(-/-) mice. Peyer's patch HEV were found to express P-selectin under the conditions of intravital microscopy, but not in situ. Our data suggest a novel P-selectin dependent mechanism of lymphocyte homing to Peyer's patches. In situ, beta 7 integrins and L-selectin account for all lymphocyte homing to Peyer's patches, but P-selectin-dependent rolling, as induced by minimal trauma, may support trafficking of effector T lymphocytes to Peyer's patches.     

L-selectin crosslinking induces integrin-dependent adhesion: evidence for a signaling pathway involving PTK but not PKC

L-selectin mediates the initial contact of leukocytes with the endothelium prior to extravasation. Here we demonstrate that L-selectin engagement can induce rapid and avid integrin-dependent T cell adhesion to recombinant immobilized cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) including ICAM-1, ICAM-3, and VCAM-1, as well as to the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin (FN). L-selectin-induced adhesion to these integrin ligands shares characteristics with CD3 mAb- or phorbol ester-induced adhesion in requiring metabolic energy, tyrosine kinase and ligand-stimulated Ca2+ channel activity. However, L-selectin-induced adhesion is distinct from that induced by phorbol ester or CD3 crosslinking in being relatively independent of protein kinase C (PKC) activity and actin polymerization. Consistent with the higher levels of L-selectin expression on CD45RA+ (naive) cells, L-selectin crosslinking induces a greater proportion of naive relative to memory cell binding to CAMs and FN. In contrast, exposure to phorbol ester or CD3 crosslinking is more effective in inducing CD45RO+ (memory) cell adhesion. Thus, in addition to its role in leukocyte capture and rolling on the endothelium, L-selectin may contribute to beta 1 and beta 2 integrin-dependent binding and arrest.     

The chemokine SLC is expressed in T cell areas of lymph nodes and mucosal lymphoid tissues and attracts activated T cells via CCR7

Secondary lymphoid-tissue chemokine, SLC, also known as exodus-2 and 6Ckine, is a novel CC chemokine with selectivity for T lymphocytes and preferential expression in lymphoid tissues. We have studied its production, receptor usage and biological activities. High levels of SLC mRNA were detected in lymph nodes, the gastrointestinal tract and several gland tissues, but no expression was found by Northern blot analysis in freshly isolated or stimulated blood monocytes and lymphocytes, or neutrophils and eosinophils. In situ hybridization revealed constitutive expression of SLC in the T cell areas and the marginal zone of follicles in lymph nodes and the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, but not in B cell areas or sinuses. Comparison with immunocytochemical staining showed similarity between the in situ expression of SLC and the distribution of interdigitating dendritic cells but not with sinus-lining dendritic cells, macrophages or T lymphocytes. SLC induced chemotaxis of T lymphocytes and its activity increased considerably when the cells were conditioned with IL-2 or phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Under optimal conditions SLC had unusually high efficacy and induced the migration of up to 50 % of input T lymphocytes. SLC also induced Ca2+ mobilization in these cells. Similar responses were obtained with EBI1 ligand chemokine (ELC), and sequential stimulation with both chemokines led to cross-desensitization, suggesting that SLC acts via the ELC receptor, CCR7. This was confirmed using murine pre-B cells stably transfected with CCR7 which bound SLC with high affinity and showed chemotaxis and Ca2+ mobilization in response to both SLC and ELC. In T lymphocytes PHA and IL-2, which enhanced chemotactic responsiveness, also markedly enhanced CCR7 expression. In contrast to all known chemokine receptors, up-regulation of CCR7 by IL-2 was transient. A maximum was reached in 2-3 days and expression returned to initial levels within 8-10 days. The present study shows that SLC is constitutively produced within the T cell areas of secondary lymphoid organs and attracts T lymphocytes via CCR7.     

Identification of podocalyxin-like protein as a high endothelial venule ligand for L-selectin: parallels to CD34

The leukocyte adhesion molecule, L-selectin, mediates the recruitment of lymphocytes to secondary lymphoid organs via interactions with specific ligands presented on high endothelial venules (HEV). Although the HEV-derived ligands for L-selectin are still incompletely defined, they share a common sialomucin-like structure which is thought to present clustered oligosaccharides to the lectin domain of L-selectin. Podocalyxin-like protein (PCLP) is a transmembrane sialomucin that is similar in structure to the well-characterized L-selectin ligand CD34. PCLP has been shown previously to be expressed on the foot processes of podocytes in the kidney glomerulus as well as on vascular endothelium at some sites. We have determined that PCLP is present on HEV, where it binds to both recombinant L-selectin and the HEV-specific monoclonal antibody MECA-79. Furthermore, purified HEV-derived PCLP is able to support the tethering and rolling of lymphocytes under physiological flow conditions in vitro. These results suggest a novel function for PCLP as an adhesion molecule and allow the definition of conserved structural features in PCLP and CD34, which may be important for L-selectin ligand function.     

Secondary lymphoid-tissue chemokine (SLC) stimulates integrin alpha 4 beta 7-mediated adhesion of lymphocytes to mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) under flow

The attachment of leukocytes to the endothelium is a multistep process that depends upon a very rapid increase in the adhesive activity of leukocyte integrins. A pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway stimulates integrin-dependent lymphocyte adhesion to Peyer's patch high endothelial venules in vivo, but the factors responsible for activating this pathway have not been identified previously. We now report that secondary lymphoid-tissue chemokine (SLC) (also known as 6Ckine, Exodus-2, and thymus-derived chemotactic agent 4), a recently described CC chemokine that is expressed in Peyer's patches and lymph nodes, rapidly activates integrin-mediated lymphocyte adhesion. Immobilized SLC increased the adhesion of HUT-78 T cells and human PBLs to mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1, a protein that is expressed on Peyer's patch and mesenteric lymph node high endothelial venules. This effect of SLC was seen in both static and flow chamber adhesion assays, was mediated by integrin alpha 4 beta 7, and was inhibited by pertussis toxin. The other CC chemokines tested did not increase adhesion to mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1. SLC had a greater effect on naive CD4+ T cells than on memory CD4+ T cells; CD8+ T cells, B cells, and NK cells were also responsive to SLC. SLC is likely to play an important role in regulating the recruitment of lymphocytes to Peyer's patches and lymph nodes.     

In situ analysis of lymphocyte migration to lymph nodes

Blood-borne lymphocytes migrate continuously to peripheral lymph nodes (PLN) and other organized lymphoid tissues where they are most likely to encounter their cognate antigen. Lymphocyte homing to PLN is a highly regulated process that occurs exclusively in specialized high endothelial venules (HEV) in the nodal paracortex. Recently, it has become possible to explore this vital aspect of peripheral immune surveillance by intravital microscopy of the subiliac lymph node microcirculation in anesthetized mice. This paper reviews technical and experimental aspects of the new model and summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of lymphocyte homing to PLN which were derived from its use. Both lymphocytes and granulocytes initiate rolling interactions via L-selectin binding to the peripheral node addressin (PNAd) in PLN HEV. Subsequently, a G protein-coupled chemoattractant stimulus activates LFA-1 on rolling lymphocytes, but not on granulocytes. Thus, granulocytes continue to roll through the PLN, whereas LFA-1 activation allows lymphocytes to arrest and emigrate into the extravascular compartment. We have also identified a second homing pathway that allows L-selectin low/(activated/memory) lymphocytes to home to PLN. P-selectin on circulating activated platelets can mediate simultaneous platelet adhesion to PNAd in HEV and to P-selectin glycoprotein ligand (PSGL)-1 on lymphocytes. Through this mechanism, platelets can form a cellular bridge which can effectively substitute for the loss of L-selectin on memory cell subsets.     

L-selectin and beta7 integrin synergistically mediate lymphocyte migration to mesenteric lymph nodes

Mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) drain the gut where nutritive antigens and pathogens are encountered by lymphocytes of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. We sought to determine how lymphocytes enter the MLN by studying mice double deficient for beta7 integrins and L-selectin. beta7/L-selectin double-deficient lymphocytes did not migrate into MLN. Most importantly, MLN formation was drastically impaired in beta7/L-selectin double-deficient mice. Lymphocyte numbers in MLN from beta7/L-selectin double-deficient mice were tenfold reduced compared to control mice. A high percentage of the few lymphocytes still detected in MLN from beta7/L-selectin double-deficient mice were CD44hi CD18hi, suggesting alternate migration pathways independent of L-selectin and beta7 integrin for these cells. We conclude that the combination of both molecules, L-selectin and beta7 integrin, is indispensable for MLN formation and that these molecules may mediate lymphocyte migration to MLN in a sequential and synergistical manner.     

A B-cell-homing chemokine made in lymphoid follicles activates Burkitt's lymphoma receptor-1

Secondary lymphoid organs (spleen, lymph nodes and Peyer's patches) are divided into compartments, such as B-cell zones (follicles) and T-cell zones, which provide specialized environments for specific steps of the immune response. Migration of lymphocyte subsets into these compartments is essential for normal immune function, yet the molecular cues guiding this cellular traffic are poorly defined. Chemokines constitute a family of chemotactic cytokines that have been shown to direct the migration of leukocytes during inflammation and which may be involved in the constitutive homing of lymphocytes into follicles and T-cell zones. Here we describe a novel chemokine, B-lymphocyte chemoattractant (BLC), that is strongly expressed in the follicles of Peyer's patches, the spleen and lymph nodes. BLC strongly attracts B lymphocytes while promoting migration of only small numbers of T cells and macrophages, and therefore is the first chemokine to be identified that is selective towards B cells. An orphan chemokine receptor, Burkitt's lymphoma receptor 1 (BLR-1), has been found to be required for B-cell migration into lymphoid follicles. We show that BLC stimulates calcium influx into, and chemotaxis of, cells transfected with BLR-1. Our results indicate that BLC functions as a BLR-1 ligand and may guide B lymphocytes to follicles in secondary lymphoid organs.     

Characterization of a novel subset of T cells from human spleen that lacks L-selectin

Human L-selection (LAM-1, Leu-8, TQ1, DREG 56) is a member of the 'selection' family of adhesion molecules. Antibodies to L-selectin have been shown to block the binding of T cells to peripheral lymph node high endothelial venules (HEV). Most unstimulated peripheral blood T cells express high levels of L-selectin whilst it is only weakly expressed on the majority of T cells from secondary lymphoid organs. We show here (a) that T cells from tonsil and lymph node up-regulate L-selectin when released from their microenvironment, (b) that in contrast, spleen contains a stable L-selectin negative subset, (c) that this subset remains surface L-selection negative after stimulation even though the T cells can respond by proliferation, (d) that this subset expresses minimal levels of LAM-1 mRNA and (e) that mucosal lymphocyte antigen (MLA) positive and T-cell receptor (TcR) gamma delta positive T cells found within the L-selectin negative population are similar to subsets of T cells found amongst lamina propria (LP) and intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) of the gut.     

CK beta-11/macrophage inflammatory protein-3 beta/EBI1-ligand chemokine is an efficacious chemoattractant for T and B cells

We examined the functional properties of CK beta-11/MIP-3 beta/ELC, a recently reported CC chemokine that specifically binds to a chemokine receptor, EBI1/BLR2/CCR7. CK beta-11/MIP-3 beta/ELC is distantly related to other CC and CXC chemokines in primary amino acid sequence structure. Recombinant human CK beta-11/MIP-3 beta/ELC expressed from a mammalian cell system showed potent chemotactic activity for T cells and B cells but not for granulocytes and monocytes. An optimal concentration of CK beta-11/MIP-3 beta/ELC attracted most input T cells within 3 h, a chemotactic activity comparable with that of stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF-1), a highly efficacious CXC chemokine. CK beta-11/MIP-3 beta/ELC equally attracted naive CD45RA+ and memory type CD45RO+ T cells. CK beta-11/MIP-3 beta/ELC also strongly attracted both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, but the attraction for CD4+ T cells was greater. CK beta-11/MIP-3 beta/ELC was also a more efficacious chemoattractant for B cells than MIP-1 alpha, a known B cell chemoattractant. CK beta-11/MIP-3 beta/ELC induced actin polymerization in lymphocytes, and chemotaxis was completely blocked by pertussis toxin showing its receptor, most likely EBI1/BLR2/CCR7, is coupled to a G(alpha i) protein. CK beta-11/MIP-3 beta/ELC induced calcium mobilization in lymphocytes, which could be desensitized by SDF-1, suggesting possible cross-regulation in their signaling. Human CK beta-11/MIP-3 beta/ELC attracted murine splenocytes suggesting functional conservation of CK beta-11/MIP-3 beta/ELC between human and mouse. The efficacy of chemoattraction by CK beta-11/MIP-3 beta/ELC and tissue expression of its mRNA suggest that CK beta-11/MIP-3 beta/ELC may be important in trafficking of T cells in thymus, and T cell and B cell migration to secondary lymphoid organs.     

Lateral asymmetries of pupillary responses

Migration of mature B lymphocytes within secondary lymphoid organs and recirculation between these sites are thought to allow B cells to obtain T cell help, to undergo somatic hypermutation, to differentiate into effector cells, and to home to sites of antibody production. The mechanisms that direct migration of B lymphocytes are unknown, but there is evidence that G protein-coupled receptors, and possibly chemokine receptors, may be involved. Stromal cell- derived factor (SDF)-1alpha is a CXC chemokine previously characterized as an efficacious chemoattractant for T lymphocytes and monocytes in peripheral blood. Here we show with purified tonsillar B cells that SDF-1alpha also attracts naive and memory, but not germinal center (GC) B lymphocytes. Furthermore, GC B cells could be converted to respond to SDF-1alpha by in vitro differentiation into memory B lymphocytes. Conversely, the migratory response in naive and memory B cells was significantly reduced after B cell receptor engagement and CD40 signaling. The receptor for SDF-1, CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), was found to be expressed on responsive as well as unresponsive B cell subsets, but was more rapidly downregulated on responsive cells by ligand. Finally, messenger RNA for SDF-1 was detected by in situ hybridization in a layer of cells surrounding the GC. These findings show that responsiveness to the chemoattractant SDF-1alpha is regulated during B lymphocyte activation, and correlates with positioning of B lymphocytes within a secondary lymphoid organ.     

The recirculation of naive and memory lymphocytes

It has been clearly shown that continuous recirculation of lymphocytes is crucial for the development of primary immune responses and that naive CD4 cells are distinguished from memory CD4 cells by differences in expression of several adhesion molecules. These findings suggest that changes in migratory behavior accompany the naive to memory cell transition. This area is first reviewed and then to evaluate this hypothesis, we compare the tissue distributions of highly purified naive and memory CD4 cells after transfer to syngeneic recipients. Naive cells which express high levels of L-selectin, and low levels of alpha 4 and beta 2 integrins, and CD44 localized in secondary lymphoid organs and were detectable in these tissues and in the blood for several weeks after transfer. Memory cells, which have a reciprocal phenotype, showed a markedly different distribution, particularly with respect to tissues where entry is controlled through high endothelial venules.     

L-selectin-mediated lymphocyte rolling on MAdCAM-1

The L-selectin, a cell surface C-type lectin, directs lymphocyte traffic to lymph nodes, and contributes to lymphocyte homing to Peyer's patches and to leukocyte interactions with inflamed venules. Here we report that the mucosal vascular addressin MAdCAM-1, a mucosal endothelial adhesion molecule with immunoglobulin- and mucin-like domains, is a facultative ligand for L-selectin. MAdCAM-1 isolated from mesenteric lymph nodes, but not from cultured endothelioma cells, bears N-glycanase-resistant sialic acid-containing carbohydrate which supports adhesion of L-selectin-transfected lymphoid cells under shear. Interacting lymphoid cells display a 'rolling' behaviour similar to the selectin-dependent rolling of neutrophils observed in inflamed venules. MAdCAM-1 is also a ligand for the lymphocyte integrin homing receptor for Peyer's patches, alpha 4 beta 7 (ref. 7), and may be uniquely adapted to support both selectin-mediated lymphocyte rolling and integrin-mediated adhesion and arrest in vivo.     

L-Selectin ligands that are O-glycoprotease resistant and distinct from MECA-79 antigen are sufficient for tethering and rolling of lymphocytes on human high endothelial venules

During the process of lymphocyte recirculation, lymphocytes bind via L-selectin to sulfated sialyl-Lewisx (sLex)-containing carbohydrate ligands expressed on the surface of high endothelial venules (HEV). We have examined the expression of sLex on HEV using a panel of mAbs specific for sLex and sLex-related structures, and have examined the function of different sLex-bearing structures using an in vitro assay of lymphocyte rolling on HEV. We report that three sLex mAbs, 2F3, 2H5, and CSLEX-1, previously noted to bind with high affinity to glycolipid-linked sLex, vary in their ability to stain HEV in different lymphoid tissues and bind differentially to O-linked versus N-linked sLex on glycoproteins. Treatment of tissue sections with neuraminidase abolished staining with all three mAbs but slightly increased staining with MECA-79, a mAb to a sulfation-dependent HEV-associated carbohydrate determinant. Treatment of tissue sections with O-sialoglycoprotease under conditions that removed the vast majority of MECA-79 staining, only partially reduced staining with the 2F3 and 2H5 mAbs. Using a novel rolling assay in which cells bind under flow to HEV of frozen tissue sections, we demonstrate that a pool of O-sialoglycoprotease-resistant molecules is present on HEV that is sufficient for attachment and rolling of lymphocytes via L-selectin. This interaction is not inhibited by the mAb MECA-79. Furthermore, MECA-79 mAb blocks binding to untreated sections by only 30%, whereas the sLex mAb 2H5 blocks binding by approximately 60% and a combination of MECA-79 and 2H5 mAb blocks binding by 75%. We conclude that a pool of O-glycoprotease-resistant sLex-like L-selectin ligands exist on human HEV that is distinct from the mucin-associated moieties recognized by MECA-79 mAb. We postulate that these ligands may participate in lymphocyte binding to HEV.     

Mucosal addressin is required for the development of diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice

Immune responses are best initiated in the environment of lymphoid tissues wherein circulating lymphocytes enter by interacting with endothelial adhesion molecules. In type 1 diabetes, immune responses against pancreatic islets develop, but the environment in which this occurs remains unidentified. To determine whether lymphocyte homing to lymphoid organs is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, we blocked the function of the mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1), which is a vascular addressin-mediating lymphocyte homing into mucosal lymphoid tissues, in these mice. While ineffective if started later, a blockade started at 3 wk of age reduced the incidence of diabetes from 50% to 9% (p < 0.01). This finding is associated with Peyer's patch atrophy, a marked decrease of naive (CD44(low) CD45RB(high)) T lymphocytes, and a reduction in the relative numbers of memory (CD44(high)) T lymphocytes in the spleen. The potential of these spleen cells to cause diabetes was diminished. Anti-MAdCAM-1 treatment also inhibited both lymphocyte entry into the pancreas and diabetes development in NOD/SCID recipients after the transfer of lymphocytes derived from the mesenteric lymph nodes of young, but not of diabetic, NOD donors. Therefore, MAdCAM-1 may be required during two distinct steps in an early phase of diabetes development: for the entry of naive lymphocytes into the lymphoid tissues in which diabetes-causing lymphocytes are originally primed, and for the subsequent homing of these lymphocytes into the pancreas. The role of MAdCAM-1 as a mucosal vascular addressin suggests that mucosal lymphoid tissues are involved in the initiation of pathologic immune responses in NOD mice.