Expression Of TIA-1 Research Articles

Expression of Cytotoxic Proteins by Neoplastic T Cells in Mycosis Fungoides Increases with Progression from Plaque Stage to Tumor Stage Disease

Granzyme B (GrB) and T-cell-restricted intracellular antigen (TIA-1) are cytotoxic proteins that are specifically expressed by cytotoxic CD4 or CD8 positive T cells and natural killer cells. Recent studies demonstrated frequent expression of GrB and TIA-1 by neoplastic cells in primary cutaneous CD30(+) large T-cell lymphomas and lymphomatoid papulosis but not in CD30(-) large T-cell lymphomas. In the present study, 74 biopsies from 54 patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) were investigated for the expression of GrB and TIA-1 using immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections. Staining of more than 10% of the neoplastic T cells for GrB or TIA-1 was considered positive. All but two follow-up biopsies had been obtained from patients without extracutaneous disease at the time of biopsy. Expression of TIA-1 and GrB was found in 33 (45%) and 14 (19%) of 74 MF biopsies, respectively. Comparison of biopsies from T3NoMo-stage MF (n = 27) and T2NoMo-stage MF (n = 45) showed increased expression of TIA-1 (55 versus 37%) and GrB (33 versus 9%) in T3NoMo-stage MF. Evaluation of multiple sequential biopsies from successive stages of MF also revealed an increase in the GrB/TIA-1 expression with tumor progression in five of eight cases. A clearcut relation between the expression of TIA-1 and/or GrB and the type of skin lesion biopsied was found. Considering all 74 biopsies, expression of TIA-1 and GrB was found in 18 of 50 (35%) and 5 of 50 (10%) patches or plaques, 9 of 16 (55%) and 3 of 16 (20%) tumors without blastic transformation, and 6 of 8 (75%) and 6 of 8 (75%) tumors with blastic transformation (defined as >50% blast cells). Correlation between GrB/TIA-1 expression in first diagnostic biopsies from patches or plaques from 40 patients with T2NoMo-stage MF and clinical follow-up data did not reveal differences in clinical behavior and survival between patients with (n = 14) or without (n = 26) expression of cytotoxic proteins, indicating that MF expressing cytotoxic proteins should not be considered as a separate group.

Apoptosis and expression of cytotoxic T lymphocyte effector molecules in renal allografts

Cytotoxic T lympocyte (CTL) mediated apoptosis is thought to play a major role in the rejection of renal allografts following transplantation, however, the CTL effector mechanism that is primarily responsible for immunological rejection is unknown. The two major effector pathways of CTL killing which lead to apoptosis involve the Fas/Fas ligand (Fas L) lytic pathway, and the perforin/granzyme degranulation pathway. The expression of CTL effector molecules which influence these pathways include Fas, Fas L and TiA-1 (cytotoxic granule protein). This study has investigated apoptosis by in situ terminal deoxytransferase-catalysed DNA nick end labelling (TUNEL), and the expression of CTL effector molecules by immunohistochemistry, in renal allograft biopsies obtained from patients following kidney transplantation. Renal biopsies were classified into three histological groups; acute cellular rejection, chronic rejection, or no rejection. The extent of T-cell infiltration of renal tissues was assessed by immunohistochemical staining with an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. Numerous TUNEL positive cells were detected in all transplant biopsies examined; these consisted mainly of renal tubular cells and infiltrating cells, with some TUNEL positive cells also detected in the glomeruli. In the case of normal kidney tissue, renal cells also stained positive for TUNEL but there was no lymphocytic infiltration. There was significantly more T-cell infiltration observed in acute rejection biopsies compared to the no rejection biopsies. In the case of Fas L expression, there was little expression in all three biopsy groups, apart from one case of chronic rejection. Conversely, although there were no significant differences in TiA-1 expression between the three biopsy groups, TiA-1 expression was more prominent in acute rejection biopsies. Furthermore, Fas expression was significantly decreased in acute rejection biopsies when compared to those of chronic and no rejection in which Fas was predominantly localized in the renal tubular cells. These results indicate that the mechanism of CTL killing leading to the rejection of renal allografts may be different in acute and chronic rejection. Moreover, our data indicate the potential for cytotoxic granule-based CTL killing in acute renal allograft rejection but not in chronic rejection.

The expression of TIA-1 + cytolytic-type granules and other cytolytic lymphocyte-associated markers in CD30 + anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL): Correlation with morphology, immunophenotype, ultrastructure, and clinical features

Anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) are a heterogeneous group of CD30 + large cell lymphomas; the most characteristic type have a T or null cell phenotype, often express epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and cytolytic lymphocyte markers, and often possess a nonrandom t(2;5)(p23;q35) chromosomal translocation. We studied 22 (19 T, 1 null, 2 B cell) ALCL, including four primary cutaneous ALCL (PC-ALCL), for the expression of TIA-1, the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) or natural killer (NK) cell-associated antigens CD4, CD8, βF1, TCRδ1, CD56, and CD57, the ALCL-associated antigens p80 and EMA, and the Hodgkin's disease-associated marker CD15 to better define the relationship of these markers to histological subtype, primary site, and patient clinical characteristics. TIA-1 expression was seen in 12 of 20 (60%) T or null cell ALCLs with a cytoplasmic, granular distribution. Ultrastructural studies showed cytotoxic-type granules (dense core, multivesicular, and intermediate types) with TIA-1 localized to granules on immunogold labeling. TIA-1 staining strongly correlated with young patient age (<- 32 years, P < .05) and EMA expression ( P < .05). Excluding the four PC-ALCL cases, TIA-1 staining also correlated with p80 expression ( P < .05) in all of the T cell cases. Three CD15 + cases were TIA-1 −, TIA-1 expressionin T or null cell ALCL was seen in all morphological subtypes (2 of 2 small cell variant, 3 of 4 monomorphic variant, and 7 of 14 pleomorphic variant) and primary tumor sites (6 of 14 nodal, 2 of 4 primary cutaneous, 2 of 2 bone, and 2 of 2 soft tissue). TIA-1 + granules were seen in all subsets: 5 of 6 CD4 +, 1 of 2 CD8 +, 4 of 8 CD56 +, and 1 of 2 CD57 + ALCL. Of note, 4 of 10 T or null cell ALCL expressed γδ T-cell receptors (TCR), whereas only 1 of 10 T or null cell ALCL was αβ TCR +; TCR were not detected in five cases. TIA-1 was expressed by 3 of 4 γδ TCR + ALCL and 1 of 1 αβ TCR + ALCL. These data support a cytotoxic lymphocyte phenotype in most T or null cell ALCL and suggest that some T cell ALCL are derived from cytolytic CD4 + T cells, γδ T cells, or NK-like (CD56 + or CD57 + T cells.

A cytotoxic phenotype does not predict clinical outcome in anaplastic large cell lymphomas.

AIM: To investigate whether anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) expressing cytotoxic proteins have a relatively worse clinical outcome compared with ALCL lacking a cytotoxic phenotype. METHODS: 59 primary cases of...

Cytotoxic protein expression in natural killer cell lymphomas and in αβ and γδ peripheral T-cell lymphomas

Lymphomas with T-cell phenotype represent a heterogeneous group of diseases differing in histopathology, tumour site, and cell origin. They include peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) derived from αβ cells, but also some recently recognized entities such as γδ hepatosplenic lymphomas and natural killer (NK) cell lymphomas. Only a few studies have investigated the possibility that at least some PTCLs could be derived from lymphocytes with cytotoxic potential. In order to investigate this possibility, 60 cases of PTCL, including 27 cases expressing the αβ T-cell receptor (TCRαβ), 15 TCRγδ cases and 18 cases expressing neither TCR (TCR silent), as well as 14 cases of NK-cell lymphomas, were studied by immunohistochemistry for the expression of TIA-1, perforin, and granzyme B proteins. Expression of TIA-1 is characteristic of cytotoxic cells regardless of their activation status, whereas expression of perforin and granzymes is highly increased in activated cytotoxic cells and correlates with the induction of cytolytic activity. All NK-cell lymphomas (11 sinonasal, three systemic cases) expressed TIA-1, perforin, and granzyme B in most tumour cells. All γδ PTCLs (15 cases) expressed TIA-1 protein in most tumour cells, with a different cytotoxic antigen profile in hepatosplenic γδ PTCL (TIA-1+, perforin−, granzyme B−) and in non-hepatosplenic γδ PTCLs (three nasal, one skin, one lung), the latter expressing the three cytotoxic proteins. Of the 45 cases of αβ and TCR silent PTCL, 15 (33 per cent) were considered to be derived from cytotoxic lymphocytes with expression of at least one cytotoxic protein (TIA-1, 15/45; perforin, 10/41; granzyme B, 14/38) in tumour cells. This cytotoxic protein expression appeared to be related to the site of localization, since 7/13 (54 per cent) extranodal and only 8/32 (25 per cent) nodal αβ and TCR silent PTCLs expressed TIA-1, and to histology, since this pattern was observed in a proportion of anaplastic (6/8, 75 per cent) and pleomorphic (8/17, 47 per cent) lymphomas, but not in AILD-type NHL (0/16). Taken together, our data suggest that NK-cell lymphomas and non-hepatosplenic γδ PTCLs represent tumours of activated cytotoxic NK cells and γδ T cells, respectively; that hepatosplenic γδ PTCLs represent tumours of non-activated cytotoxic γδ T cells; and that a small proportion of αβ and TCR silent PTCLs, mostly extranodal cases, or nodal anaplastic lymphomas, represent tumours of cytotoxic T cells. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Cytotoxic protein expression in natural killer cell lymphomas and in alpha beta and gamma delta peripheral T-cell lymphomas.

Lymphomas with T-cell phenotype represent a heterogeneous group of diseases differing in histopathology, tumour site, and cell origin. They include peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) derived from alpha beta cells, but also some recently recognized entities such as gamma delta, hepatosplenic lymphomas and natural killer (NK) cell lymphomas. Only a few studies have investigated the possibility that at least some PTCLs could be derived from lymphocytes with cytotoxic potential. In order to investigate this possibility, 60 cases of PTCL, including 27 cases expressing the alpha beta T-cell receptor (TCR alpha beta), 15 TCR gamma delta cases and 18 cases expressing neither TCR (TCR silent), as well as 14 cases of NK-cell lymphomas, were studied by immunohistochemistry for the expression of TIA-1, perforin, and granzyme B proteins. Expression of TIA-1 is characteristic of cytotoxic cells regardless of their activation status, whereas expression of perforin and granzymes is highly increased in activated cytotoxic cells and correlates with the induction of cytolytic activity. All NK-cell lymphomas (11 sinonasal, three systemic cases) expressed TIA-1, perforin, and granzyme B in most tumour cells. All gamma delta PTCLs (15 cases) expressed TIA-1 protein in most tumour cells, with a different cytotoxic antigen profile in hepatosplenic gamma delta PTCL (TIA-1+, perforin-, granzyme B-) and in non-hepatosplenic gamma delta PTCLs (three nasal, one skin, one lung), the latter expressing the three cytotoxic proteins. Of the 45 cases of alpha beta and TCR silent PTCL, 15 (33 per cent) were considered to be derived from cytotoxic lymphocytes with expression of at least one cytotoxic protein (TIA-1, 15/45; perforin, 10/41; granzyme B, 14/38) in tumour cells. This cytotoxic protein expression appeared to be related to the site of localization, since 7/13 (54 per cent) extranodal and only 8/32 (25 per cent) nodal alpha beta and TCR silent PTCLs expressed TIA-1, and to histology, since this pattern was observed in a proportion of anaplastic (6/8, 75 per cent) and pleomorphic (8/17, 47 per cent) lymphomas, but not in AILD-type NHL (0/16). Taken together, our data suggest that NK-cell lymphomas and non-hepatosplenic gamma delta PTCLs represent tumours of activated cytotoxic NK cells and gamma delta T cells, respectively; that hepatosplenic gamma delta PTCLs represent tumours of non-activated cytotoxic gamma delta T cells; and that a small proportion of alpha beta and TCR silent PTCLs, mostly extranodal cases, or nodal anaplastic lymphomas, represent tumours of cytotoxic T cells.

Nasal T/NK cell lymphomas commonly express perforin and Fas ligand: important mediators of tissue damage.

Two molecular mechanisms of T/natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity, one perforin based and the other Fas based, have been demonstrated, and both systems induce cytotoxicity in the target cells. The Fas-based mechanism involves the transducing molecule Fas and its ligand (FasL). In addition, perforin and/or FasL are also expressed in the cytotoxic T/NK cells. This study was thus designed to investigate the Fas and perforin pathways of the cytotoxic T/NK lymphoma cells in the nasal cavity. Eight patients with nasal lymphoma were analysed using immunohistochemical staining methods. Two cases were CD3+ CD56+ (T/NK cell) type, and six were CD3- CD56+ (NK cell) type. All cases showed Epstein-Barr virus genomes by in-situ hybridization. In addition, all cases showed the expression of TIA-1 (GMP-17), which is a marker of cytotoxic T and NK cells. FasL was expressed in the majority of the lymphoma cells and some histiocytes, while Fas was found in lymphoma cells and many non-neoplastic cells. In addition, the expression of perforin was detected in almost all lymphoma cells. In the double stainings, lymphoma cells expressed both FasL and perforin. Based on these findings, both the perforin- and Fas-based pathway of the cytotoxic T/NK lymphoma cells are thus considered to play an important role in the clinical features. Tissue damage is a common morphological feature in nasal T/NK cell lymphoma. The above findings therefore support the theory that tissue damage is due to both the cytotoxicity of T/NK lymphoma cells as well as to angiocentricity.

Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphomas have a cytotoxic T-cell phenotype.

Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATCL) is a rare complication of coeliac disease. We investigated whether EATCLs are the neoplastic counterparts of activated cytotoxic T-cells (CTLs). Eight cases, clinically and histologically defined, were stained with monoclonal antibodies against components of the cytotoxic granules of CTLs, granzyme B and T-cell restricted intracellular antigen (TIA-1). It was found that all cases had a cytotoxic phenotype, i.e. expression of TIA-1 in most of the tumour cells, whereas granzyme B was found in six of eight cases, mostly in a smaller number of tumour cells compared to TIA-1. Since TIA-1 and granzyme B are expressed at different stages of activation of CTLs it is hypothesized that differences in expression between granzyme B and TIA-1 in EATCL represent different stages of activation in which the tumour cells are arrested. Clinically, seven of the eight patients died within 10 months after diagnosis of EATCL. EATCL is a clinicopathological entity with a grim prognosis and with tumour cells representing a unique neoplastic equivalent of CTLs arrested in varying stages of activation.

Cytotoxic Cell Antigen Expression in Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphomas of T- and Null-Cell Type and Hodgkin's Disease: Evidence for Distinct Cellular Origin

AbstractAnaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is composed of large, frequently bizarre, cells of T- or null-cell phenotype that show a preferential sinusoidal growth pattern and consistent CD30 positivity. Whether these tumors represent a single entity or several, and what the exact cell origin, is controversial. Recently, granzyme B, a cytotoxic granule component, was reported in a small percentage of ALCL, suggesting that some cases may originate from cytotoxic lymphocytes. To further investigate this possibility, we performed an immunohistochemical study of 33 ALCLs of T- and null-cell type, using monoclonal antibodies to cytotoxic cell-associated antigens, including CD8, CD56, CD57, and the cytotoxic granular proteins perforin and TIA-1. In addition, CD4 expression was also evaluated. ALCL cases included 27 classical systemic forms and variants, 3 primary cutaneous (PC) forms, and 3 acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated forms. Cytotoxic antigen expression was also studied in 51 cases of Hodgkin's disease (HD) and 17 large B-cell lymphomas (LBCLs) with anaplastic cytomorphology and/or CD30 positivity. We found that 76% of ALCLs, representing all subtypes except the PC forms, expressed either TIA-1, perforin, or both proteins. Expression of TIA-1 and perforin were highly correlated (P < .001). On the basis of their immunophenotypic profiles, several subtypes of cytotoxic antigen positive and negative ALCL could be recognized. Fifty-five percent of ALCLs (18 of 33) displayed an immunophenotypic profile consistent with cytotoxic T cells. Six cases expressed cytotoxic granular proteins in the absence of lineage specific markers, and one case expressed both T-cell – and natural killer cell–like markers. These 7 cases (21%) were placed into a phenotypic category of cytotoxic lymphocytes of unspecified subtype. Twenty-four percent (8 cases) of ALCLs were cytotoxic granule protein negative. All but one of these displayed a T-cell phenotype. Cytotoxic granule protein expression did not correlate with the presence of the NPM-ALK fusion transcript. Only 10% of the 51 HD cases were found to be TIA-1+, and none expressed perforin. Cytotoxic antigen expression was absent in LBCL. The expression of cytotoxic granule proteins in the majority of ALCL implies a cytotoxic lymphocyte phenotype and suggests that most cases originate from lymphocytes with cytotoxic potential. Furthermore, the demonstration of cytotoxic cell related proteins may be a useful addition to the current panel of antibodies used to distinguish ALCL, HD, and anaplastic LBCL.

Expression of the CTL-associated protein TIA-1 during murine embryogenesis.

TIA-1 is a T cell-associated protein that binds poly(A) in vitro and induces apoptosis in permeabilized thymocytes. It may be involved in the induction of apoptosis in target cells during lymphocyte attack. To elucidate the role of TIA-1 in mammalian development, a cDNA-encoding mouse TIA-1 was cloned. The predicted mouse TIA-1 protein contains three RNA binding domains at the amino terminus and a putative lysosomal targeting sequence at the carboxyl terminus. The mouse sequence shows 96% overall identity with the human TIA-1 homologue. During murine embryogenesis, abundant mouse TIA-1 mRNA is detectable from 12.5 days of development onward in the brain and the retina, where it is selectively expressed within neuronal cells. Transcripts are also found in the lung, kidney, and thymus. TIA-1 in the adult mouse is expressed mainly in T cells and NK cells. The expression of TIA-1 during mouse embryogenesis is endogenous to tissues in which apoptotic cell death occurs. The conservation of this RNA-binding protein throughout evolution implicates its importance in embryogenesis, and in particular neuronal development.

Expression of TIA-1 and TIA-2 in T cell malignancies and T cell lymphocytosis.

To investigate the reactivity with TIA-1 and TIA-2, two monoclonal antibodies that recognise, respectively, granular structures in T lymphocytes and the T cell receptor chain in cells from a variety of T cell disorders. Cytoplasmic staining with TIA-1 and TIA-2 was carried out by the immunoalkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase technique in 67 cases with a T cell disorder: 31 large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukaemia, nine T-prolymphocytic leukaemia (T-PLL), five Sezary syndrome, four peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL), 13 T cell lymphocytosis, and five T-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL). All had over 75% abnormal T cells which were CD2+, CD3+, CD5+, CD7+, and negative with B cell markers. TIA-1 was positive in 77% cases of LGL leukaemia and half of the PTCL and T-ALL, whereas it was negative in all Sezary syndrome and most T-PLL (8/9) and reactive T-lymphocytosis (10/13). In LGL leukaemia, TIA-1 was positive irrespective of the membrane phenotype, whether CD8+, CD4- or CD4+, CD8-, and was more often positive in cases where cells were CD16+, CD56+, or CD57+. TIA-2 was positive in 60% of cases encompassing all diagnostic types of T cell disorder. There was no correlation between TIA-2 expression and that of other T cell markers, activation antigens, and natural killer markers. The pattern of TIA-1 expression in T cell malignancies may help in the differential diagnosis among LGL leukaemia (high expression), T cell lymphocytosis and other T cell diseases (low expression). As TIA-2 is expressed in over 95% mature T lymphocytes and thymic cells, its assessment may be useful to demonstrate aberrant phenotypes which can be exploited for detecting minimal residual disease.

Heightened intragraft CTL gene expression in acutely rejecting renal allografts.

The role of CTL in the immunopathogenesis of acute cellular rejection is controversial. To further define the relationship of activated CTLs to rejection, we analyzed gene expression of three CTL-derived effector molecules in renal allograft biopsies. CTLs are endowed with the ability to promote allograft damage through the elaboration of these highly cytopathic molecules. Intragraft gene transcript levels were determined for granzyme B, perforin, and TIA-1 and correlated with the immunologic status of the allograft as categorized by conventional clinical and histologic criteria. The categories were acute cellular rejection, chronic rejection, elements of both acute and chronic rejection, and no evidence of rejection. Biopsies were snap-frozen, total RNA extracted, and the mRNA converted to cDNA by reverse transcription. Levels were quantitated by competitive template PCR techniques. Intragraft granzyme B and perforin transcripts were highly restricted to biopsies in the acute cellular rejection category. TIA-1 expression was more ubiquitous but significantly higher transcript levels were found in the acute rejection category. The presence of these transcripts in acute cellular rejection samples implicates CTL in the pathogenesis. Moreover, intragraft CTL-specific transcript levels may serve as markers of rejection.

Expression of perforin, granzyme A and TIA-1 by human uterine CD56+ NK cells implies they are activated and capable of effector functions.

At the time the human placenta is established, the uterine mucosal lining (decidua) is infiltrated by abundant CD3- CD56bright natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells circulating in blood are known to contain perforin and granzyme A in their cytoplasmic granules. TIA-1, an RNA-binding protein capable of inducing DNA fragmentation, has also been found in the granules of cytolytic cells. In this paper, we demonstrate the presence of perforin, granzyme A and TIA-1 in the granules of uterine NK cells. Sixteen sections of non-pregnant endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and six sections of early decidua, together with cytospins of four preparations of isolated decidual leukocytes were stained by both immunohistology and immuno-electron microscopy to localize perforin, granzyme A and TIA-1 to the cytoplasmic granules of CD56+ cells. The presence in vivo of these cytolytic molecules in a normal physiological situation implies that these uterine NK cells may have effector functions in the control of normal placentation.

Etude des cellules cytotoxiques par hybridation in situ et immunohistochimie dans les biopsies musculaires de polymyosites et dermatomyosites

Cytotoxic cells can kill target cells by secretion of several proteases, serine esterase B (SE-B), perforin (PF) and protein TIA-1. We analysed the presence of cytotoxic cells expressing the SE-B and PF genes by in situ hybridization and expression of TIA-1 by immunohistochimical study from muscular biopsies of 13 patients with inflammatory myopathies; compared to those from 11 subjects control. We found expression of PF in 9 patients, SE-B gene in 10 and liberation of TIA-1 in 12 out of the 13 muscular biopsies tested, supporting the role of cytotoxic cells in pathogeny of inflammatory myopathies.

Identification and functional characterization of a TIA-1-related nucleolysin.

We recently reported the molecular cloning of a cytotoxic granule-associated RNA-binding protein designated TIA-1. The ability of recombinant TIA-1 to induce DNA fragmentation in permeabilized cells suggested that this protein is the granule component responsible for inducing apoptosis in cytolytic lymphocyte (CTL) targets. Here we report the characterization of a cDNA encoding a TIA-1-related protein designated TIAR. The deduced amino acid sequence of TIAR reveals it to be a 42-kDa protein possessing three RNA-binding domains and a carboxyl-terminal auxiliary domain. Although the RNA-binding domains of TIA-1 and TIAR share greater than 85% amino acid homology, their carboxyl-terminal auxiliary domains are only 51% homologous. The carboxyl terminus of TIAR contains a lysosome-targeting motif, indicating that TIAR is probably a cytotoxic granule-associated protein. Like TIA-1, purified recombinant TIAR induced DNA fragmentation in permeabilized target cells. Although immunoblotting analysis of post-nuclear supernatants revealed TIA-1 protein to be restricted to CTLs, PCR analysis revealed the expression of TIA-1 and TIAR mRNA transcripts in a wide variety of cell types. Our data suggest that the granules of CTLs contain at least two candidate nucleolysins involved in CTL killing.