MHC class II/T-cell receptor interactions potentiate secretion of IgG but not IgM in response to T-dependent antigens

Abstract

We have examined whether the interaction of peptide-loaded MHC molecules on the surface of B-cells with antigen-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) enhances Ig secretion in the presence of other antigen-independent interactions in vitro. B-cells specific for region 25-40 of beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) were stimulated in a T-cell dependent manner using plasma membranes (PM) derived from two different T-helper (Th) clones, culture supernatants of activated Th2 cells and beta-LG as a specific antigen. PM were obtained from either the beta-LG-specific T-cell clone H1.1 which can mediate specific TCR/MHC class II interactions as well as antigen-independent ones or from the D10 clone which bears a TCR of an irrelevant specificity and thus, can only mediate antigen-independent interactions. IgG, but not IgM, secretion was specifically enhanced by H1.1 PM, but not D10 PM in the presence of beta-LG. Furthermore, a blockade of TCR/MHC class II interactions using either anti-T-cell receptor, beta or anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies inhibited this enhanced IgG secretion in response to beta-LG. The results show that while antigen-independent interactions between T- and B-cells can enhance secretion of IgM antibodies, specific interactions between TCRs and peptide:MHC complexes stimulate B-cells to enhance secretion of IgG but not IgM antibodies. This mechanism may contribute to antibody secretion only from B-cells activated through cognate interaction in vivo.