Constitutive and regulated expression of the class Ib molecule Qa‐1 in pancreatic β cells

Enhanced major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression is a prominent early feature of pancreatic β‐cell pathology in autoimm_une diabetes. The number and nature of class I MHC loci expressed by β cells are generally undefined and potentially critical to the onset and progression of insulitis. Mounting evidence indicates that the non‐classical MHC class Ib molecule Qa‐1, encoded by H2‐T23, is capable of presenting antigens to αβ and γδ T cells and that lymphocytes restricted to Qa‐1 may contribute imm_unoregulatory functions. We compared the expression of Qa‐1 and MHC class Ia in a β‐cell line (βTC6‐F7) before and after treatment with the insulitic cytokine interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). Similar to MHC class Ia, Qa‐1 was expressed constitutively at a low level in βTC6‐F7 cells, with both T23b mRNA and cell surface Qa‐1b being up‐regulated following 24‐hr treatment with mouse IFN‐γ. Based on binding characteristics established for the predominant Qa‐1‐binding peptide, Qa‐1 determinant modifier (Qdm), we also examined the possibility that Qa‐1‐binding peptides may be encoded in the preproinsulin leader sequence. One nonameric peptide (Ins II; ALWMRFLPL) derived from the preproinsulin II leader sequence was recognized by a Qa‐1b‐specific cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte (CTL) clone. Specific binding of Ins II to Qa‐1b was confirmed by a CTL peptide‐blocking assay. Demonstration of IFN‐γ‐regulated Qa‐1 expression in β cells and identification of a Qa‐1‐binding peptide in the preproinsulin leader sequence invoke further consideration of possible roles of Qa‐1 in the progression of islet inflammation.