Reduced surface expression of transforming growth factor beta receptor type II in mitogen-activated T cells from Sézary patients.

Sézary syndrome (SzS), the leukemic form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, is characterized by clonal proliferation of CD4+ T cells and immune dysfunctions, raising the possibility of cytokine-related abnormalities. We previously described a decreased response to the growth-inhibitory effects of transforming growth factor type beta (TGF-beta) in SzS T cells accompanied by apparent loss of surface type II TGF-beta receptor (TGF beta RII). To specifically determine if defects exist in TGF beta RII protein expression and/or transport in SzS patients, we developed a sensitive flow cytometric method to detect TGF beta RII on the surface and intracellularly in the CD4+ T cells. Our results indicate that unlike normal CD4+ T cells, CD4+ T cells from 9 of 12 SzS patients expressed little, if any, surface TGF beta RII in response to mitogen stimulation. At the intracellular level, however, pools of TGF beta RII were comparable to those in normal CD4+ T cells. This indicates that defective trafficking of this inhibitory cytokine receptor may contribute significantly to the development of this disease.

Ectopic expression of the agouti gene in transgenic mice causes obesity, features of type II diabetes, and yellow fur.

Mice that carry the lethal yellow (Ay) or viable yellow (Avy) mutation, two dominant mutations of the agouti (a) gene in mouse chromosome 2, exhibit a phenotype that includes yellow fur, marked obesity, a form of type II diabetes associated with insulin resistance, and an increased susceptibility to tumor development. Molecular analyses of these and several other dominant "obese yellow" a-locus mutations suggested that ectopic expression of the normal agouti protein gives rise to this complex pleiotropic phenotype. We have now tested this hypothesis directly by generating transgenic mice that ectopically express an agouti cDNA clone encoding the normal agouti protein in all tissues examined. Transgenic mice of both sexes have yellow fur, become obese, and develop hyperinsulinemia. In addition, male transgenic mice develop hyperglycemia by 12-20 weeks of age. These results demonstrate conclusively that the ectopic agouti expression is responsible for most, if not all, of the phenotypic traits of the dominant, obese yellow mutants.

Administration of interleukin 12 in combination with type II collagen induces severe arthritis in DBA/1 mice.

The induction of arthritis in DBA/1 mice usually requires immunization with the antigen type II collagen emulsified with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in oil. Here we describe that interleukin 12 (IL-12) can replace mycobacteria and cause severe arthritis of DBA/1 mice when administered in combination with type II collagen. Immunization of DBA/1 mice with type II collagen emulsified in oil alone resulted in a weak immune response, and only a few animals (10-30%) developed arthritis. Administration of IL-12 for 5 days simultaneously with each immunization strongly enhanced the anti-type II collagen immune response. Collagen-specific interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) synthesis by ex vivo activated spleen cells was enhanced 3- to 10-fold. IFN-gamma was almost completely produced by CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, the production of collagen-specific IgG2a and IgG2b antibodies was upregulated 10- to 100-fold. As a consequence, the incidence of arthritis in the group of mice immunized with collagen plus IL-12 was very high (80-100%). The developing arthritis was severe, involving approximately 50% of all limbs with strongly increased footpad thickness in most cases. Furthermore, histological examination revealed massive, mainly polymorphonuclear cell infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, cartilage and bone destruction, as well as new bone formation. In many cases, this resulted in the complete loss of joint structure. Neutralization of IFN-gamma in vivo prevented the development of arthritis in collagen-immunized and IL-12-treated mice. In conclusion, our data show that in vivo administered IL-12 can profoundly upregulate a T helper I-type autoimmune response, resulting in severe joint disease in DBA/1 mice.

Isolation and molecular characterization of a human T-cell lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II), subtype B, from a healthy Pygmy living in a remote area of Cameroon: an ancient origin for HTLV-II in Africa.

We report characterization of a human T-cell lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) isolated from an interleukin 2-dependent CD8 T-cell line derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a healthy, HTLV-II-seropositive female Bakola Pygmy, aged 59, living in a remote equatorial forest area in south Cameroon. This HTLLV-II isolate, designated PYGCAM-1, reacted in an indirect immunofluorescence assay with HTLV-II and HTLV-I polyclonal antibodies and with an HTLV-I/II gp46 monoclonal antibody but not with HTLV-I gag p19 or p24 monoclonal antibodies. The cell line produced HTLV-I/II p24 core antigen and retroviral particles. The entire env gene (1462 bp) and most of the long terminal repeat (715 bp) of the PYGCAM-1 provirus were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction using HTLV-II-specific primers. Comparison with the long terminal repeat and envelope sequences of prototype HTLV-II strains indicated that PYGCAM-1 belongs to the subtype B group, as it has only 0.5-2% nucleotide divergence from HTLV-II B strains. The finding of antibodies to HTLV-II in sera taken from the father of the woman in 1984 and from three unrelated members of the same population strongly suggests that PYGCAM-1 is a genuine HTLV-II that has been present in this isolated population for a long time. The low genetic divergence of this African isolate from American isolates raises questions about the genetic variability over time and the origin and dissemination of HTLV-II, hitherto considered to be predominantly a New World virus.

The glucocorticoid receptor type II complex is a target of the HIV-1 vpr gene product.

The vpr gene of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) encodes a 15-kDa virion-associated protein that functions as a regulator of cellular processes linked to the HIV life cycle. We report the interaction of a 41-kDa cytosolic viral protein R interacting protein 1 (Rip-1) with Vpr in vitro. Rip-1 displays a wide tissue distribution, including relevant targets of HIV infection. Vpr protein induced nuclear translocation of Rip-1, as did glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-II-stimulating steroids. Importantly, Vpr and Rip-1 coimmunoprecipitated with the human GR as part of an activated receptor complex. Vpr complementation of a vpr mutant virus was also mimicked by GR-II-stimulating steroids. Vpr and GR-II actions were inhibited by mifepristone, a GR-II pathway inhibitor. Together these data directly link the activity of the vpr gene product to the glucocorticoid steroid pathway and provide a biochemical mechanism for the cellular and viral activity of Vpr, as well as suggest that a unique class of antivirals, which includes mifepristone (RU486), may influence HIV-1 replication.

Safety assessment of Denver Type I and Standard Type II Barricades via full scale tests. Volume I: executive summary. Final report.

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.

Safety assessment of Denver Type I and Standard Type II Barricades via full scale tests. Volume II. Final report.

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.

Safety assessment of Denver Type I and Standard Type II Barricades via full scale tests : executive summary /

Mode of access: Internet.

Direct support, general support, and depot maintenance repair parts and special tools list : test stand, automotive generator, alternator, and starter (United Manufacturing Company model AGART type II, part number 7336 (4910-316-5252) and part numbers 7336-1, 7336-2, and 7336-3 (4910-767-0218)).

"December 1967."

Operator and organizational maintenance manual (including repair parts and special tool lists) : test stand, automotive generator, alternator, and starter, floor mounted, 10 to 50-V, 500-amp, DC, and 25 to 50-V, 100 to 400 amp, AC, testing ranges, w/800 to 11,000-RPM ... (United Manufacturing Company model AGARTS type II, part number 7336-1 ....

"November 1966."

Unit maintenance repair parts and special tools lists : loader, scoop type, DED, 4 x 4, articulated frame steer, 4 1/2 to 5 cu. yd., (CCE), Army model H100C RB, type I with 4 1/2 cu. yd. rock bucket, NSN 3805-01-052-9042, Army model H100C GPB, type II with 5 cu. yd. general purpose bucket, NSN 3805-01-052-9043.

Includes indexes.

Unit maintenance repair parts and special tools list : loader, scoop type, DED 4 x 4, articulated frame steer, 4 1/2 to 5 cu. yd., (CCE), with 4 1/2 cu. yd. rock bucket, NSN 3805-00-602-5006, Clark model 175B, type I and with 5 cu. yd. general purpose bucket, NSN 3805-00-602-5013 Clark model 175B, type II.

Includes indexes.

Operators, organizational and direct support maintenance manual (including repair parts list) : refrigerator, prefabricated; panel type; w/o refrigerating equipment; military specifications MIL-R-10932, Type I, Class I and II, 600 cu ft, FSN 4110-269-5096 ... Type II, Class I and II ... 1600 cu ft, FSN 4110-618-8714.

Includes index.

Operator and organizational maintenance manual : tank, steel, vertical, bolted, knockdown, sealed openings, standard bottom and roof, gasoline, oil, or water (type I-pol and potable water, type II-pol and non-potable water), 100 barrel capacity ... 10,000 barrel capacity ....

"May, 1974."

Operator, organizational, direct support, general support, and depot maintenance manual : theodolite, directional, 0.2 mil graduation, 5.9 in. long telescope, w/accessories (Wild Heerbrugg models), (model T16-mil 66, type II), FSN 6675-926-4505 (model T16-mil 68, type II), FSN 6675-861-7939, theodolite, directional, 1 min graduation, 5.9 in. long telescope, w/accessories ....

"March 1970."