Exp Mol Med.  2006 Jun;38(3):284-294.

Two-signal blockade with anti-CD45RB and anti-CD154 monoclonal antibodies inhibits graft rejection via CD4-dependent mechanisms in allogeneic skin transplantation

• Kim EY
• Lee EN
• Lee J
• Park HJ
• Chang CY
• Jung DY
• Choi SY
• Lee SK
• Joh JW
• Kim SJ

Abstract

Blockade of signal 1 or 2 for T-cell activation by the use of anti-CD45RB and anti-CD154 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) (two-signal blockade) has been proven effective in preventing or delaying graft rejection. However, the mechanisms of its immunomodulatory effects are clearly unknown and the present studies were performed to determine how the two-signal blockade modulate allogeneic immune responses, especially T-cell mediated cellular immunity, in a murine skin allograft model. We now report on the profound inhibition of alloreactive T cells by two-signal blockade via CD4-dependent mechanisms. C57BL/6 mice of BALB/c skin allograft were treated with anti-CD45RB, anti-CD154, CTLA4-Ig, or their combinations. For depletion of CD4 or CD8 T cells, the recipients received CD4-depleting or CD8-depleting mAb. We confirmed that survival of skin allograft was markedly prolongated in the two-signal blockade-treated group. In depletion study, anti-CD45RB, anti-CD154 and CD4-depleting mAb-treated group showed acute rejection of skin allograft in contrast to CD8-depleting group treated with the two-signal blockade. In the group treated with the two-signal blockade, the proportions of CD4+CD45RB(low)and CD8+CTLA-4 regulatory T cells were increased while effector CD8+ T cells, including IFN-gamma-secreting and CD8+CD62L(low)T cells, were decreased when compared with non-treated group. In contrast, the CD4-depleted group treated with the two-signal blockade resulted in recovery from immunoregulatory effects of two-signal blockade. In addition, results of IL-4 and IL-10 production were also showed CD4-dependence. Therefore, the two-signal blockade is accompanied by CD4-dependent mechanisms in allogeneic skin transplantation.

Keyword

antigens, CD45; CD40 ligand; transplantation, homologous; skin transplantation; CD4-positive T-lymphocytes

MeSH Terms

Transplantation, Homologous
T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/cytology/immunology
Skin Transplantation/*immunology
Signal Transduction/drug effects/immunology
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Mice, Inbred BALB C
Mice
Male
Lymphocyte Depletion
Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
Interleukin-4/biosynthesis
Interleukin-10/biosynthesis
Graft Rejection/*immunology/prevention & control
Flow Cytometry
Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/immunology
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/cytology/immunology/metabolism
CD40 Ligand/*immunology
CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/cytology/immunology/metabolism
Antigens, CD45/*immunology
Antigens, CD4/*immunology
Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage/*pharmacology
Antibodies, Blocking/administration & dosage/pharmacology
Animals