The human CD1 locus encodes five nonpolymorphic MHC class I-like molecules. These proteins, designated CD1a, CD1b, CD1c, CD1d, and CD1e are divided into two groups based on sequence homology. Group 2 CD1, comprising human CD1d, is present in all mammalian species examined so far, where as group 1 CD1, comprising human CD1a, CD1b, CD1c, is absent in rodents. Several studies have clearly shown that group1 CD1 molecules can present lipid/glycolipid antigens derived from Mycobacteria to cytotoxic T cells, suggesting that group 1 CD1 may play an important role in immune resistance to mycobacterial infections. The high degree of conservation of CD1-restricted microbial antigens and the low degree of polymorphism of CD1, make CD1 molecules attractive targets for T- cell based vaccines against intracellular pathogens for a diverse population. However, the absence of a suitable animal model for group1 CD1 has limited the in vivo analysis of the contribution of CD1-restricted T cells to specific immunological challenges. To overcome this limitation, we have generated transgenic mice (hCD1Tg) that express human CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c in a pattern similar to that seen in human tissues. This proposal aims to use thehCD1 transgenic mouse as an animal model to study the role of group 1 CD1-restricted responses in the defense against intracellular microbial pathogens, e.g. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Listeria monocytogenes. We will also assess the immunogenicity of known CD1-restricted mycobacterial lipid antigens in hCD1Tg mice. ? In addition to presenting microbial lipid antigens, group 1 CD1 molecules appear to directly activate many human CD1-restricted T cells in the absence of foreign antigens. It has been postulated that these group 1CD1-restricted autoreactive T cells may serve to elicit antigen-independent immunity at an early phase of microbial infection. We will generate transgenic mice which express an autoreactive TCR specific to group 1CD1 and introduce them onto the hCD1Tg background to study the requirements for the selection and maintenance of group 1 CD1-restricted T cells. The activation status and functional properties of these group 1 CD1-restricted auto reactive T cells will be examined following Mycobacteria infection to see if they are involved in the immune response. Collectively, these studies will lead to a better understanding of the in vivo function of group 1 CD1 in infectious disease and T cell development. ? ?
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