bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrovirally Transduced Human Dendritic Cells Can Generate T Cells Recognizing Multiple MHC Class I and Class II Epitopes from the Melanoma Antigen Glycoprotein 100
Authors: Lapointe Réjean , Royal Richard E. , Reeves Mark E. , Altomare Ivy , Robbins Paul F. , Hwu Patrick
Published: April 2014

Involvement of tumor-Ag specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells could be critical in the generation of an effective immunotherapy for cancer. In an attempt to optimize the T cell response against defined tumor Ags, we previously developed a method allowing transgene expression in human dendritic cells (DCs) using retroviral vectors. One advantage of using gene-modified DCs is the potential ability to generate CD8+ T cells against multiple class I-restricted epitopes within the Ag, thereby eliciting a broad antitumor immune response. To test this, we generated tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells with DCs transduced with the melanoma Ag gp100, for which a number of HLA-A2-restricted epitopes have been described. Using gp100-transduced DCs, we were indeed able to raise T cells recognizing three distinct HLA-A2 epitopes within the Ag, gp100154–162, gp100209–217, and gp100280–288. We next tested the ability of transduced DCs to raise class II-restricted CD4+ T cells. Interestingly, stimulation with gp100-transduced DCs resulted in the generation of CD4+ T cells specific for a novel HLA-DRβ1*0701-restricted epitope of gp100. The minimal determinant of this epitope was defined as gp100174–190 (TGRAMLGTHTMEVTVYH). These observations suggest that retrovirally transduced DCs have the capacity to present multiple MHC class I- and class II-restricted peptides derived from a tumor Ag, thereby eliciting a robust immune response against that Ag.
Secondhand Smoke Induces Allergic Sensitization in Mice
Authors: Rumold Robert , Jyrala Minna , Diaz-Sanchez David
Published: April 2014

Epidemiological studies have suggested increased prevalence of atopy in children of maternal smokers. Although secondhand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has been shown to augment allergic responses, its role in atopic sensitization is still controversial. We studied whether ETS could initiate a Th2 response and thus induce primary allergic sensitization. Mice were exposed for 10 consecutive days to either 1% aerosolized OVA, ETS (5 cigarettes), or both ETS and OVA. C57BL/6 mice receiving both ETS and OVA developed OVA-specific IgE and IgG1, 12, 14, and 25 days after the initial exposure, whereas those receiving OVA alone did not. Thirty days after the initial challenge (20 days after its completion), mice were re-exposed to OVA. Bronchoalveolar lavage performed 24 h later revealed an influx of eosinophils in the group initially challenged with both ETS and OVA, but not in those exposed to ETS alone or OVA alone. Increases in IL-5, GM-CSF, and IL-2 were observed in bronchoalveolar lavage from this OVA/ETS-exposed group, whereas IFN-γ levels were significantly inhibited. These results suggest that ETS can induce allergic sensitization to a normally harmless Ag, and they may explain why secondhand smoke is a major risk factor for the development of allergy in children.
Cutting Edge: Requirement for IL-15 in the Generation of Primary and Memory Antigen-Specific CD8 T Cells
Authors: Schluns Kimberly S. , Williams Kristina , Ma Averil , Zheng Xin X. , Lefrançois Leo
Published: April 2014

IL-15 and IL-15Rα are required for generation of memory-phenotype CD8 T cells in unimmunized mice. However, the role of IL-15 in primary expansion and generation of Ag-specific memory CD8 T cells in vivo has not been investigated. We characterized the CD8 T cell response against vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in IL-15−/− and IL-15Rα−/− mice. Surprisingly, IL-15 was required for primary expansion of VSV-specific CD8 T cells. The generation of VSV-specific memory CD8 T cells was also impaired without IL-15 signaling, and this defect correlated with a decrease in memory CD8 T cell turnover. Despite minimal proliferation without IL-15, a subset of memory cells survived long-term. IL-15Rα expression was low on naive CD8 T cells, up-regulated on Ag-specific effector cells, and sustained on memory cells. Thus, IL-15 was important for the generation and the subsequent maintenance of antiviral memory CD8 T cells.
Cutting Edge: Selective Impairment of CD8+ T Cell Function in Mice Lacking the TNF Superfamily Member LIGHT
Authors: Tamada Koji , Ni Jian , Zhu Gefeng , Fiscella Michele , Teng Baiqin , van Deursen Jan M. A. , Chen Lieping
Published: April 2014

Interactions of LIGHT and its receptors, herpesvirus entry mediator on T cells and lymphotoxin β receptor on stromal cells, are implicated in the regulation of lymphoid organogenesis, costimulation of T cells, and activation of dendritic cells. In this work we report that LIGHT-deficient mice had normal lymphoid organs with T cells and APCs that normally responded to Ag stimulation and normally stimulated T cells. Although the number of Vβ8+ T cells in naive LIGHT+/+ and LIGHT−/− mice was identical, Vβ8+CD8+ T cell proliferation in response to staphylococcal enterotoxin B was significantly lower in LIGHT−/− mice. Consistently, induction and cytokine secretion of CD8+ CTL to MHC class I-restricted peptide was also reduced in LIGHT−/− mice. However, the proliferative response of Vβ8+CD4+ T cells to staphylococcal enterotoxin B was comparable in LIGHT−/− and LIGHT+/+ mice. Our results suggest that LIGHT is required for activation of normal CD8+ T cells but not CD4+ T cells.
Evidence for a Dual Mechanism for IL-10 Suppression of TNF-α Production That Does Not Involve Inhibition of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase or NF-κB in Primary Human Macrophages
Authors: Denys Agnes , Udalova Irina A. , Smith Clive , Williams Lynn M. , Ciesielski Cathleen J. , Campbell Jamie , Andrews Caroline , Kwaitkowski Dominic , Foxwell Brian M. J.
Published: April 2014

IL-10 is a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine and inhibitor of TNF-α production. The molecular pathways by which IL-10 inhibits TNF-α production are obscure, with diverse mechanisms having been published. In this study, a new approach has been taken for the study of human cells. Adenovirus was used to deliver TNF-α promoter-based luciferase reporter genes to primary human monocytic cells. The reporter genes were highly responsive to macrophage activation and appeared to mirror the behavior of the endogenous TNF-α gene. When added, either with or after the stimulus, IL-10 required the 3′ untranslated region of the TNF-α gene to inhibit luciferase mRNA and protein expression, indicating a posttranscriptional mechanism. However, if macrophages were incubated with IL-10 before activation, inhibition of gene expression was also mediated by the 5′ promoter, suggesting a transcriptional mechanism. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a dual mechanism for IL-10 function has been demonstrated. Studies to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the inhibition of TNF-α production addressed the effect of IL-10 on the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and NF-κB. However, these studies could demonstrate no requirement for the inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase or NF-κB activation as potential mechanisms. Overall, these results may explain the diversity previously ascribed to the complex mechanisms of IL-10 anti-inflammatory activity.
Modulation of Dendritic Cell Differentiation and Maturation by Decoy Receptor 3
Authors: Hsu Tsui-Ling , Chang Yung-Chi , Chen Siu-Ju , Liu Yong-Jun , Chiu Allen W. , Chio Chung-Ching , Chen Lieping , Hsieh Shie-Liang
Published: April 2014

Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), a soluble receptor belonging to the TNFR superfamily, is a receptor for both Fas ligand (FasL) and LIGHT. It has been demonstrated that DcR3 is up-regulated in lung and colon cancers, thus promoting tumor growth by neutralizing the cytotoxic effects of FasL and LIGHT. In this study, we found that DcR3.Fc profoundly modulated dendritic cell differentiation and maturation from CD14+ monocytes, including the up-regulation of CD86/B7.2, and the down-regulation of CD40, CD54/ICAM-1, CD80/B7.1, CD1a, and HLA-DR. Moreover, DcR3-treated dendritic cells suppressed CD4+ T cell proliferation in an allogeneic MLR and up-regulated IL-4 secretion of CD4+CD45RA+ T cells. This suggests that DcR3.Fc may act not only as a decoy receptor to FasL and LIGHT, but also as an effector molecule to skew T cell response to the Th2 phenotype.
Immunostimulatory CpG-DNA Activates Murine Microglia
Authors: Dalpke Alexander H. , Schäfer Martin K.-H. , Frey Markus , Zimmermann Stefan , Tebbe Johannes , Weihe Eberhard , Heeg Klaus
Published: April 2014

Bacterial DNA containing motifs of unmethylated CpG dinucleotides (CpG-DNA) triggers innate immune cells through the pattern recognition receptor Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR-9). CpG-DNA possesses potent immunostimulatory effects on macrophages, dendritic cells, and B lymphocytes. Therefore, CpG-DNA contributes to inflammation during the course of bacterial infections. In contrast to other TLR-dependent microbial patterns, CpG-DNA is a strong inductor of IL-12. Thus, it acts as a Th1-polarizing agent that can be utilized as potent vaccine adjuvant. To assess the role of CpG-DNA in immune reactions in the CNS, we analyzed the effects of CpG-DNA on microglial cells in vitro and in vivo. Primary microglial cells as well as microglial cell lines express TLR-9 mRNA. Consequently, CpG-DNA activated microglial cells in vitro and induced TNF-α, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, and NO. Furthermore, MHC class II, B7-1, B7-2, and CD40 molecules were up-regulated. In addition, phagocytic activity of microglia was enhanced. After intracerebroventricular injection of CpG-DNA, microglial cells were activated and produced TNF-α and IL-12p40 transcripts, as shown by in situ hybridization. These results indicate that microglia is sensitive to CpG-DNA. Thus, bacterial DNA containing CpG motifs could not only play an important role during infections of the CNS, but also might trigger and sustain Th1-dominated immunopathogenic reactions.
Expression of CD94/NKG2-A on Human T Lymphocytes Is Induced by IL-12: Implications for Adoptive Immunotherapy
Authors: Derre Laurent , Corvaisier Murielle , Pandolfino Marie-Christine , Diez Elisabeth , Jotereau Francine , Gervois Nadine
Published: April 2014

NK cell receptors (NKRs) are expressed on a subset of human T cells, predominantly CD8+, within which they can modulate TCR-mediated functions. In an attempt to identify the mechanisms leading to NKR expression, we analyzed the capacity of IL-12 to modulate the expression by T cells of the components of the CD94/NKG2-A inhibitory receptor, a member of the C-type lectin-like family of NKR. We show that IL-12 induces the expression of NKG2-A and/or CD94 by CD8+ T cells in culture, and that this induction was mediated neither by IFN-γ nor by IL-15. We also show, using the redirected killing assay, that IL-12-induced expression of both CD94 and NKG2-A led to the acquisition by T cells of a functional inhibitory receptor. Expression of the CD94/NKG2-A inhibitory receptor was also induced by IL-12 during T cell Ag stimulation so that in the presence of this cytokine a high proportion of melanoma-reactive CTL induced from PBL by melanoma peptide stimulation expressed this receptor. This study emphasizes the implication of IL-12 in the modulation of immune responses through NKR induction.
Human B Cells Become Highly Responsive to Macrophage-Inflammatory Protein-3α/CC Chemokine Ligand-20 After Cellular Activation Without Changes in CCR6 Expression or Ligand Binding
Authors: Liao Fang , Shirakawa Aiko-Konno , Foley John F. , Rabin Ronald L. , Farber Joshua M.
Published: April 2014

CCR6 is the only known receptor for the chemokine macrophage-inflammatory protein (MIP)-3α/CC chemokine ligand (CCL)20. We have shown previously that CCR6 is expressed on peripheral blood B cells, but CCR6 activity on these cells is low in in vitro assays. We report that MIP-3α/CCL20-induced calcium flux and chemotaxis can be enhanced significantly on peripheral blood and tonsillar B cells after activation by cross-linking surface Ag receptors. Of particular interest is the fact that the enhanced activity on B cells was not associated with an increase in CCR6 expression as assessed by levels of receptor mRNA, surface staining, or MIP-3α/CCL20 binding sites, or by a change in the affinity of the receptor for ligand. These data convincingly demonstrate that responses to a chemokine can be regulated solely by changes in the downstream pathways for signal transduction resulting from Ag receptor activation, and establish CCR6 as an efficacious receptor on human B cells.
Death Ligand TRAIL Induces No Apoptosis but Inhibits Activation of Human (Auto)antigen-Specific T Cells
Authors: Lünemann Jan D. , Waiczies Sonia , Ehrlich Stefan , Wendling Uwe , Seeger Bibiane , Kamradt Thomas , Zipp Frauke
Published: April 2014

TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a member of the TNF superfamily, induces apoptosis in susceptible cells, which can be both malignant and nontransformed. Despite homologies among the death ligands, there are great differences between the TRAIL system on the one hand and the TNF and CD95 systems on the other hand. In particular, TRAIL-induced apoptosis differs between rodents and man. Studies on animal models of autoimmune diseases suggested an influence of TRAIL on T cell growth and effector functions. Because we previously demonstrated that TRAIL does not induce apoptosis in human (auto)antigen-specific T cells, we now asked whether TRAIL exhibits other immunoregulatory properties in these cells. Active TRAIL inhibited calcium influx through store-operated calcium release-activated calcium channels, IFN-γ/IL-4 production, and proliferation. These effects were independent of APC, Ag specificity, and Th differentiation, and no differences were detected between healthy donors and multiple sclerosis patients. TRAIL affected neither the expression of the cell cycling inhibitor p27Kip1 nor the capacity of T cells to produce IL-2 upon Ag rechallenge, indicating that signaling via TRAIL receptor does not induce T cell anergy. Instead, the TRAIL-induced hypoproliferation could be attributed to the down-regulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase 4, indicating a G1 arrest of the cell cycle. Thus, although it does not contribute to mechanisms of peripheral T cell tolerance such as clonal anergy or deletion by apoptosis, TRAIL can directly inhibit activation of human T cells via blockade of calcium influx.
Human Vγ2Vδ2 T Cells Augment Migration-Inhibitory Factor Secretion and Counteract the Inhibitory Effect of Glucocorticoids on IL-1β and TNF-α Production
Authors: Wang Lisheng , Das Hiranmoy , Kamath Arati , Li Lin , Bukowski Jack F.
Published: April 2014

In immune cells, proinflammatory cytokine gene expression is regulated by glucocorticoids, whereas migration-inhibitory factor (MIF), a pleiotropic cytokine, has the unique property of counteracting the inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on TNF-α and IL-1β secretion. A few lines of evidence suggest that γδ T cells play an important role in immunoregulation. However, it is unknown whether human γδ T cells participate in regulating MIF secretion, and how γδ T cells, glucocorticoids, and cytokines converge to give a unified physiological response. In this study, we demonstrate that human Vγ2Vδ2 T cells augment MIF secretion. Remarkably, these Vγ2Vδ2 T cells, functioning similarly to MIF in part, counteracted inhibition of dexamethasone on production of IL-1β and TNF-α. SCID mice reconstituted with human PBMC that were mock depleted of Vδ2 T cells and repeatedly infected with lethal dose of Escherichia coli had shorter survival time than those reconstituted with PBMC that were depleted of Vδ2 T cells. Thus, human Vγ2Vδ2 T cells are likely to play broad-spectrum roles in immunoregulation and immunopathology by influencing MIF secretion and the immunomodulatory function of glucocorticoids.
4-1BB Ligand-Mediated Costimulation of Human T Cells Induces CD4 and CD8 T Cell Expansion, Cytokine Production, and the Development of Cytolytic Effector Function
Authors: Wen Tao , Bukczynski Jacob , Watts Tania H.
Published: April 2014

4-1BB (CD137) is a costimulatory member of the TNFR family expressed on activated T cells. Its ligand, 4-1BBL, is expressed on activated APC. In the mouse, CD8 T cells are preferentially activated by agonistic anti-murine 4-1BB Abs. However, murine 4-1BBL can stimulate both CD4 and CD8 T cells. To date, there are only limited data on the effects of 4-1BBL on human T cell responses. To further understand the role of 4-1BBL in human T cell responses, we compared human CD4 and CD8 T cell responses to transfected human 4-1BBL plus TCR-mediated stimulation. Both human CD4 and CD8 T cells responded to 4-1BBL. The presence of 4-1BBL on the APC led to increased expansion, cytokine production, and the development of cytolytic effector function by human T cells. In unfractionated T cell cultures, CD4 and CD8 T cells could expand to a similar extent in response to signals through the TCR and 4-1BB, as measured by CFSE labeling and by quantitating T cell numbers in the cultures. In contrast to the results with total T cells, isolated CD8 T cells produced less IL-2 and expanded to a lesser extent than isolated CD4 T cells responding to 4-1BBL. Thus, 4-1BBL is most effective when both CD4 and CD8 T cells are included in the cultures. CD28 and 4-1BB were found to synergize in the induction of IL-2 by human T cells, and CTLA-Ig partially blocked 4-1BBL-dependent IL-2 production. However, a portion of the 4-1BBL-mediated effects were independent of CD28-B7 interaction.
IFN-αβ Promote Priming of Antigen-Specific CD8+ and CD4+ T Lymphocytes by Immunostimulatory DNA-Based Vaccines
Authors: Cho Hearn Jay , Hayashi Tomoko , Datta Sandip K. , Takabayashi Kenji , Van Uden John Henry , Horner Anthony , Corr Maripat , Raz Eyal
Published: April 2014

Immunostimulatory sequence (ISS) DNA containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides stimulate NK and APC to secrete proinflammatory cytokines, including IFN-αβ and -γ, TNF-α, and IL-6 and -12, and to express costimulatory surface molecules such as CD40, B7-1, and B7-2. Although ISS DNA has little direct effect on T cells by these criteria, immunization of wild-type mice with ISS DNA and OVA results in Ag-specific CTL and Th1-type T helper activity. This investigation examines the mechanisms by which ISS DNA primes CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocyte activities. In this report we demonstrate that ISS DNA regulates the expression of costimulatory molecules and TAP via a novel autocrine or paracrine IFN-αβ pathway. Coordinated regulation of B7 costimulation and TAP-dependent cross-presentation results in priming of Ag-specific CD8+ CTL, whereas CD40, B7, and IL-12 costimulation is required for priming of CD4+ Th cells by ISS-based vaccines.
Protective Antitumor Immunity Induced by a Costimulatory Thalidomide Analog in Conjunction with Whole Tumor Cell Vaccination Is Mediated by Increased Th1-Type Immunity
Authors: Dredge Keith , Marriott J. Blake , Todryk Stephen M. , Muller George W. , Chen Roger , Stirling David I. , Dalgleish Angus G.
Published: April 2014

Thalidomide and its novel T cell costimulatory analogs (immunomodulatory drugs) are currently being assessed in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer. However, neither tumor-specific T cell costimulation nor effective antitumor activity has been demonstrated in vivo. In this study, we assessed the ability of an immunomodulatory drug (CC-4047/ACTIMID) to prime a tumor-specific immune response following tumor cell vaccination. We found that the presence of CC-4047 during the priming phase strongly enhanced antitumor immunity in the vaccinated group, and this correlated with protection from subsequent live tumor challenge. Protection was associated with tumor-specific production of IFN-γ and was still observed following a second challenge with live tumor cells 60 days later. Furthermore, CD8+ and CD4+ splenocyte fractions from treated groups secreted increased IFN-γ and IL-2 in response to tumor cells in vitro. Coculture of naive splenocytes with anti-CD3 mAb in the presence of CC-4047 directly costimulated T cells and increased Th1-type cytokines. Our results are the first to demonstrate that a costimulatory thalidomide analog can prime protective, long-lasting, tumor-specific, Th1-type responses in vivo and further support their ongoing clinical development as novel anti-cancer agents.
Patterns of Chemokine Receptor Expression on Peripheral Blood γδ T Lymphocytes: Strong Expression of CCR5 Is a Selective Feature of Vδ2/Vγ9 γδ T Cells
Authors: Glatzel Andrea , Wesch Daniela , Schiemann Florian , Brandt Ernst , Janssen Ottmar , Kabelitz Dieter
Published: April 2014

γδ T lymphocytes play an important role in the immune defense against infection, based on the unique reactivity of human Vδ2Vγ9 γδ T cells toward bacterial phosphoantigens. Chemokines and their corresponding receptors orchestrate numerous cellular reactions, including leukocyte migration, activation, and degranulation. In this study we investigated the expression of various receptors for inflammatory and homeostatic chemokines on peripheral blood γδ T cells and compared their expression patterns with those on αβ T cells. Although several of the analyzed receptors (including CCR6, CCR7, CXCR4, and CXCR5) were not differentially expressed on γδ vs αβ T cells, γδ T cells expressed strongly increased levels of the RANTES/macrophage inflammatory protein-1α/-1β receptor CCR5 and also enhanced levels of CCR1–3 and CXCR1–3. CCR5 expression was restricted to Vδ2 γδ T cells, while the minor subset of Vδ1 γδ T cells preferentially expressed CXCR1. Stimulation with heat-killed extracts of Mycobacterium tuberculosis down-modulated cell surface expression of CCR5 on γδ T cells in a macrophage-dependent manner, while synthetic phosphoantigen isopentenyl pyrophosphate and CCR5 ligands directly triggered CCR5 down-modulation on γδ T cells. The functionality of chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR3 on γδ T cells was demonstrated by Ca2+ mobilization and chemotactic response to the respective chemokines. Our results identify high level expression of CCR5 as a characteristic and selective feature of circulating Vδ2 γδ T cells, which is in line with their suspected function as Th1 effector T cells.
Absence of Fer Protein-Tyrosine Kinase Exacerbates Leukocyte Recruitment in Response to Endotoxin
Authors: McCafferty Donna-Marie , Craig Andrew W. B. , Senis Yotis A. , Greer Peter A.
Published: April 2014

The group IV cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinase Fer has been linked to cellular signaling responses to many different stimuli, including growth factors and cytokines. However, the biological relevance of Fer activation in vivo has not been demonstrated to date. Recently, we generated a transgenic mouse line in which Fer protein is expressed but lacks catalytic activity. Homozygous mutant mice were viable and fertile, and showed no overt defects. In this study, we used intravital microscopy to examine the role of Fer kinase in leukocyte recruitment (rolling adhesion and emigration) in response to LPS challenge in skeletal muscle microcirculation. In addition, we measured vascular permeability changes (FITC-albumin leakage, venular-to-interstitial space) in response to Ag to examine general endothelial cell function. Local administration of LPS induced decreased leukocyte rolling velocity and increased leukocyte adhesion and emigration in wild-type mice. LPS-induced changes in leukocyte rolling velocity and rolling flux were not significantly different in Fer mutants. However, LPS-induced leukocyte adhesion (23 ± 3 vs 11 ± 3 cells/100 μm) and emigration (100 ± 5 vs 28 ± 7 cells/field) were significantly elevated in Fer-mutant mice relative to wild-type mice, respectively, suggesting an essential role for the Fer kinase in regulating inflammation-induced leukocyte emigration. Vascular permeability increases in response to Ag were similar between the two groups, indicating that the ability of endothelial cells to retract is intact in the absence of Fer kinase. These data provide the first evidence for a biological role for Fer in regulation of leukocyte recruitment during the innate immune response.
Sustained NFAT Signaling Promotes a Th1-Like Pattern of Gene Expression in Primary Murine CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Porter Cynthia M. , Clipstone Neil A.
Published: April 2014

T cell activation is known to be critically regulated by the extent and duration of TCR-induced signaling pathways. The NFAT family of transcription factors is believed to play an important role in coupling these quantitative differences in TCR-induced signaling events into changes in gene expression. In this study we have specifically investigated the effects of sustained NFAT signaling on T cell activation by introducing a constitutively active mutant version of NFATc1 (caNFATc1) into primary murine CD4+ T cells and examining its effects on gene expression. We now report that ectopic expression of caNFATc1 partially mimics TCR signaling, resulting in enhanced expression of CD25 and CD40 ligand and down-regulation of CD62L. More importantly, we find that expression of caNFATc1 in T cells maintained under either nonpolarizing or Th1-skewing conditions leads to a marked selective increase in the number of cells expressing the prototypical Th1 cytokine, IFN-γ. Furthermore, when expressed in Th2-skewed cells, caNFATc1 appears to attenuate Th2 differentiation by decreasing production of IL-4 and promoting the expression of IFN-γ. Finally, we find that caNFATc1 enhances expression of functional P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1, up-regulates Fas ligand expression, and increases susceptibility to activation-induced cell death, cellular traits that are preferentially associated with Th1 effector cells. Taken together, these results suggest that sustained NFAT signaling, mediated by ectopic expression of caNFATc1, acts to promote a Th1-like pattern of gene expression and thereby serves to highlight the important relationship between the degree of NFAT signaling and the qualitative pattern of gene expression induced during T cell activation.
A Role for CD147 in Thymic Development
Authors: Renno Toufic , Wilson Anne , Dunkel Caroline , Coste Isabelle , Maisnier-Patin Karine , Benoit de Coignac Amélie , Aubry Jean-Pierre , Lees Rosemary K. , Bonnefoy Jean-Yves , MacDonald H. Robson , Gauchat Jean-François
Published: April 2014

We have previously identified a mAb that binds to a molecule expressed preferentially on the surface of cycling thymocytes. In this study the molecule recognized by this mAb has been identified in the mouse as CD147 (basigin) by expression cloning. We show that CD147 expression correlates with cycling of immature thymocytes even in the absence of TCRβ selection and that ligation of this molecule on immature fetal thymocytes inhibits their further development into mature T cells.
Priming Th1 Immunity to Viral Core Particles Is Facilitated by Trace Amounts of RNA Bound to Its Arginine-Rich Domain
Authors: Riedl Petra , Stober Detlef , Oehninger Claude , Melber Karl , Reimann Jörg , Schirmbeck Reinhold
Published: April 2014

Particulate hepatitis B core Ag (C protein) (HBcAg) and soluble hepatitis B precore Ag (E protein) (HBeAg) of the hepatitis B virus share >70% of their amino acid sequence and most T and B cell-defined epitopes. When injected at low doses into mice, HBcAg particles prime Th1 immunity while HBeAg protein primes Th2 immunity. HBcAg contains 5–20 ng RNA/μg protein while nucleotide binding to HBeAg is not detectable. Deletion of the C-terminal arginine-rich domain of HBcAg generates HBcAg-144 or HBcAg-149 particles (in which >98% of RNA binding is lost) that prime Th2-biased immunity. HBcAg particles, but not truncated HBcAg-144 or -149 particles stimulate IL-12 p70 release by dendritic cells and IFN-γ release by nonimmune spleen cells. The injection of HBeAg protein or HBcAg-149 particles into mice primes Th1 immunity only when high doses of RNA (i.e., 20–100 μg/mouse) are codelivered with the Ag. Particle-incorporated RNA has thus a 1000-fold higher potency as a Th1-inducing adjuvant than free RNA mixed to a protein Ag. Disrupting the particulate structure of HBcAg releases RNA and abolishes its Th1 immunity inducing potency. Using DNA vaccines delivered intradermally with the gene gun, inoculation of 1 μg HBcAg-encoding pCI/C plasmid DNA primes Th1 immunity while inoculation of 1 μg HBeAg-encoding pCI/E plasmid DNA or HBcAg-149-encoding pCI/C-149 plasmid DNA primes Th2 immunity. Expression data show eukaryotic RNA associated with HBcAg, but not HBeAg, expressed by the DNA vaccine. Hence, codelivery of an efficient, intrinsic adjuvant (i.e., nanogram amounts of prokaryotic or eukaryotic RNA bound to arginine-rich sequences) by HBcAg nucleocapsids facilitates priming of anti-viral Th1 immunity.
Fas-Dependent Elimination of Nonselected CD8 Cells andlprDisease
Authors: Trimble Linda A. , Prince Kenya A. , Pestano Gary A. , Daley John , Cantor Harvey
Published: April 2014

MHC/self peptide interactions with cognate coreceptor/TCR complexes are central to homeostasis of the T cell repertoire. Recent reports have also underlined the critical role of IL-15/IL-2 cytokines in regulating this homeostatic process. In this study, we investigate mechanisms that regulate potentially autoreactive CD8 cells that have escaped intrathymic selection. These cells, upon exit from the thymus, express high levels of CD44, B220, and the IL-15R/IL-2R, and undergo fas-dependent apoptosis. Defects in fas signaling allow increased IL-15/IL-2-dependent survival of these CD44/B220+ CD8+ as well as the double-negative T cells characteristic of lpr disease.
Reevaluation of T Cell Receptor Excision Circles as a Measure of Human Recent Thymic Emigrants
Authors: Ye Ping , Kirschner Denise E.
Published: April 2014

The human thymus exports newly generated T cells to the periphery. As no markers have been identified for these recent thymic emigrants (RTE), it is presently impossible to measure human thymic output. T cell receptor excision circles (TREC) have been recently used to assess thymic output during both health and disease. Using a mathematical model, we quantify age-dependent changes both in the number of RTE generated per day and in TREC concentration during an 80-year lifespan. Through analyses, we demonstrate that RTE and peripheral T cell division have the same potential to affect TREC concentration at any age in healthy people. T cell death also influences TREC concentration, but to a lesser extent. During aging, our results indicate that thymic involution primarily induces an age-dependent decline in TREC concentrations within both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations. We further apply this model for studying TREC concentration during HIV-1 infection. Our analyses reveal that a decrease in thymic output is the major contributor to the decline in TREC concentration within CD4+ T cells, whereas both increased peripheral T cell division and decreased thymic output induce the decline in TREC concentration within CD8+ T cells. Therefore, we suggest that T cell turnover should be examined together with TREC concentration as a measure of RTE. If peripheral T cell division remains relatively unchanged, then TREC concentration indeed reflects thymic output.
Orderly and Nonstochastic Acquisition of CD94/NKG2 Receptors by Developing NK Cells Derived from Embryonic Stem Cells In Vitro
Authors: Lian Rebecca H. , Maeda Motoi , Lohwasser Stefan , Delcommenne Marc , Nakano Toru , Vance Russell E. , Raulet David H. , Takei Fumio
Published: April 2014

In mice there are two families of MHC class I-specific receptors, namely the Ly49 and CD94/NKG2 receptors. The latter receptors recognize the nonclassical MHC class I Qa-1b and are thought to be responsible for the recognition of missing-self and the maintenance of self-tolerance of fetal and neonatal NK cells that do not express Ly49. Currently, how NK cells acquire individual CD94/NKG2 receptors during their development is not known. In this study, we have established a multistep culture method to induce differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells into the NK cell lineage and examined the acquisition of CD94/NKG2 by NK cells as they differentiate from ES cells in vitro. ES-derived NK (ES-NK) cells express NK cell-associated proteins and they kill certain tumor cell lines as well as MHC class I-deficient lymphoblasts. They express CD94/NKG2 heterodimers, but not Ly49 molecules, and their cytotoxicity is inhibited by Qa-1b on target cells. Using RT-PCR analysis, we also report that the acquisition of these individual receptor gene expressions during different stages of differentiation from ES cells to NK cells follows a predetermined order, with their order of acquisition being first CD94; subsequently NKG2D, NKG2A, and NKG2E; and finally, NKG2C. Single-cell RT-PCR showed coexpression of CD94 and NKG2 genes in most ES-NK cells, and flow cytometric analysis also detected CD94/NKG2 on most ES-NK cells, suggesting that the acquisition of these receptors by ES-NK cells in vitro is nonstochastic, orderly, and cumulative.
Postgestational Lymphotoxin/Lymphotoxin β Receptor Interactions Are Essential for the Presence of Intestinal B Lymphocytes
Authors: Newberry Rodney D. , McDonough Jacquelyn S. , McDonald Keely G. , Lorenz Robin G.
Published: April 2014

Lymphotoxin (LT), a cytokine belonging to the TNF family, has established roles in the formation of secondary lymphoid structures and in the compartmentalization of T and B lymphocyte areas of the spleen. In this study, we examine the role of LT in directing the composition of intestinal lymphocytes. We report that mice deficient in LT have a normal composition of intestinal lamina propria (LP) T lymphocytes, and an absence of intestinal LP B lymphocytes. We further refine this observation to demonstrate that the interaction of LT with the LTβR is essential for the presence LP B lymphocytes. The LT/LTβR-dependent events relevant for the presence of LP B lymphocytes occur after birth, do not require the presence of Peyer’s patches, lymph nodes, or the spleen; and therefore, are distinct and independent from the previously identified roles of LT/LTβR. The LT-dependent signal relevant for the presence of LP B lymphocytes is optimally supplied by a LT-sufficient B lymphocyte, and requires a LTβR-sufficient radio-resistant, non-bone marrow-derived cell. Based upon the severity of the deficit of LP B lymphocytes we observed, these novel LT/LTβR-dependent events are of primary importance in directing the entry and residence of LP B lymphocytes.
Optimizing the Efficacy of Epitope-Directed DNA Vaccination
Authors: Wolkers Monika C. , Toebes Mireille , Okabe Masaru , Haanen John B. A. G. , Schumacher Ton N. M.
Published: April 2014

An increasing number of clinical trials has been initiated to test the potential of prophylactic or curative vaccination with tumor Ag-encoding DNA vaccines. However, in the past years it has become apparent that for many Ags and in particular for tumor Ags the intracellular processing and presentation are suboptimal. To improve epitope-directed DNA vaccines we have developed a murine model system in which epitope-specific, DNA vaccine-induced T cell immunity can be followed by MHC tetramer technology directly ex vivo. We have used this well-defined model to dissect the parameters that are crucial for the induction of strong cytotoxic T cell immunity using two independent model Ags. These experiments have led to a set of five guidelines for the design of epitope-directed DNA vaccines, indicating that carboxyl-terminal fusion of the epitope to a carrier protein of foreign origin is the most favorable strategy. DNA vaccines that are based on these guidelines induce high-magnitude CD8+ T cell responses in >95% of vaccinated animals. Moreover, T cell immunity induced by this type of optimized DNA vaccine provides long-term protection against otherwise lethal tumor challenges.
Rat Peripheral CD4+CD8+ T Lymphocytes Are Partially Immunocompetent Thymus-Derived Cells That Undergo Post-Thymic Maturation to Become Functionally Mature CD4+ T Lymphocytes
Authors: Jiménez Eva , Sacedón Rosa , Vicente Angeles , Hernández-López Carmen , Zapata Agustín G. , Varas Alberto
Published: April 2014

CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) T cells represent a minor subpopulation of T lymphocytes found in the periphery of adult rats. In this study, we show that peripheral DP T cells appear among the first T cells that colonize the peripheral lymphoid organs during fetal life, and represent ∼40% of peripheral T cells during the perinatal period. Later their proportion decreases to reach the low values seen in adulthood. Most DP T cells are small size lymphocytes that do not exhibit an activated phenotype, and their proliferative rate is similar to that of the other peripheral T cell subpopulations. Only 30–40% of DP T cells expresses CD8β chain, the remaining cells expressing CD8αα homodimers. However, both DP T cell subsets have an intrathymic origin since they appear in the recent thymic emigrant population after injection of FITC intrathymically. Functionally, although DP T cells are resistant to undergo apoptosis in response to glucocorticoids, they show poor proliferative responses upon CD3/TCR stimulation due to their inability to produce IL-2. A fraction of DP T cells are not actively synthesizing the CD8 coreceptor, and they gradually differentiate to the CD4 cell lineage in reaggregation cultures. Transfer of DP T lymphocytes into thymectomized SCID mice demonstrates that these cells undergo post-thymic maturation in the peripheral lymphoid organs and that their CD4 cell progeny is fully immunocompetent, as judged by its ability to survive and expand in peripheral lymphoid organs, to proliferate in response to CD3 ligation, and to produce IL-2 upon stimulation.
Aging-Dependent Exclusion of Antigen-Inexperienced Cells from the Peripheral B Cell Repertoire
Authors: Johnson Sara A. , Rozzo Stephen J. , Cambier John C.
Published: April 2014

Aging is accompanied by greatly reduced B cell production in the bone marrow, yet peripheral B cell numbers do not decline. We hypothesize that this may reflect filling of the peripheral pool with B cells that are long-lived as a consequence of specificity for, and chronic stimulation by, environmental Ags. To begin to explore this possibility, we analyzed the effects of aging on B cell population dynamics in the anti-H2k/b 3-83μδ Ig-transgenic mouse. We predicted that, because they presumably do not bind environmental Ags, B cells bearing the transgenic receptor may be lost in aged animals. As seen in nontransgenic animals, total splenic B cell numbers remained constant with age in the Ig-transgenic animals despite reduced B cell production. Importantly, although the few newly produced B cells in the bone marrow of aged mice are 3-83 positive, the peripheral compartment of these mice is dominated by B cells that express endogenous Ig genes rather than the transgenes. This population includes large numbers of marginal zone-like and CD21low/−CD23low/−IgMlow B cells, as well as elevated numbers of CD5+ B cells. Many of these cells express only non-B220 CD45 isoforms, suggesting that they may be memory cells. A significant proportion of aged transgenic animals produce autoantibodies that are reactive with ssDNA, dsDNA, or histones. Results support the hypothesis that, in the face of severely reduced production with age, B cells are selected based on reactivity to environmental Ags, accumulate, and display activated phenotypes. Cells bearing 3-83-transgenic receptors are excluded from this population due to their specificity. Beyond their importance in aging, these findings define a novel form of receptor revision in which B cells are selected rather than deleted based on Ag reactivity.
The Forkhead Transcription Factor FoxO Regulates Transcription of p27Kip1 and Bim in Response to IL-2
Authors: Stahl Marie , Dijkers Pascale F. , Kops Geert J. P. L. , Lens Susanne M. A. , Coffer Paul J. , Burgering Boudewijn M. T. , Medema René H.
Published: April 2014

The cytokine IL-2 plays a very important role in the proliferation and survival of activated T cells. These effects of IL-2 are dependent on signaling through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. We and others have shown that PI3K, through activation of protein kinase B/Akt, inhibits transcriptional activation by a number of forkhead transcription factors (FoxO1, FoxO3, and FoxO4). In this study we have investigated the role of these forkhead transcription factors in the IL-2-induced T cell proliferation and survival. We show that IL-2 regulates phosphorylation of FoxO3 in a PI3K-dependent fashion. Phosphorylation and inactivation of FoxO3 appears to play an important role in IL-2-mediated T cell survival, because mere activation of FoxO3 is sufficient to trigger apoptosis in T cells. Indeed, active FoxO3 can induce expression of IL-2-regulated genes, such as the cdk inhibitor p27Kip1 and the proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bim. Furthermore, we show that IL-2 triggers a rapid, PI3K-dependent, phosphorylation of FoxO1a in primary T cells. Thus, we propose that inactivation of FoxO transcription factors by IL-2 plays a critical role in T cell proliferation and survival.
Increased Generation of Dendritic Cells from Myeloid Progenitors in Autoimmune-Prone Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Steptoe Raymond J. , Ritchie Janine M. , Harrison Leonard C.
Published: April 2014

Aberrant dendritic cell (DC) development and function may contribute to autoimmune disease susceptibility. To address this hypothesis at the level of myeloid lineage-derived DC we compared the development of DC from bone marrow progenitors in vitro and DC populations in vivo in autoimmune diabetes-prone nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, recombinant congenic nonobese diabetes-resistant (NOR) mice, and unrelated BALB/c and C57BL/6 (BL/6) mice. In GM-CSF/IL-4-supplemented bone marrow cultures, DC developed in significantly greater numbers from NOD than from NOR, BALB/c, and BL/6 mice. Likewise, DC developed in greater numbers from sorted (lineage−IL-7Rα−SCA-1−c-kit+) NOD myeloid progenitors in either GM-CSF/IL-4 or GM-CSF/stem cell factor (SCF)/TNF-α. [3H]TdR incorporation indicated that the increased generation of NOD DC was due to higher levels of myeloid progenitor proliferation. Generation of DC with the early-acting hematopoietic growth factor, flt3 ligand, revealed that while the increased DC-generative capacity of myeloid-committed progenitors was restricted to NOD cells, early lineage-uncommitted progenitors from both NOD and NOR had increased DC-generative capacity relative to BALB/c and BL/6. Consistent with these findings, NOD and NOR mice had increased numbers of DC in blood and thymus and NOD had an increased proportion of the putative myeloid DC (CD11c+CD11b+) subset within spleen. These findings demonstrate that diabetes-prone NOD mice exhibit a myeloid lineage-specific increase in DC generative capacity relative to diabetes-resistant recombinant congenic NOR mice. We propose that an imbalance favoring development of DC from myeloid-committed progenitors predisposes to autoimmune disease in NOD mice.
Conversion of Naive T Cells to a Memory-Like Phenotype in Lymphopenic Hosts Is Not Related to a Homeostatic Mechanism That Fills the Peripheral Naive T Cell Pool
Authors: Tanchot Corinne , Le Campion Armelle , Martin Bruno , Léaument Sandrine , Dautigny Nicole , Lucas Bruno
Published: April 2014

To examine directly whether a limited number of naive T cells transferred to lymphopenic hosts can truly fill the peripheral naive T cell pool, we compared the expansion and phenotype of naive T cells transferred to three different hosts, namely recombination-activating gene-deficient mice, CD3ε-deficient mice, and irradiated normal mice. In all three recipients, the absolute number of recovered cells was much smaller than in normal mice. In addition, transferred naive T cells acquired a memory-like phenotype that remained stable with time. Finally, injected cells were rapidly replaced by host thymic migrants in irradiated normal mice. Only continuous output of naive T cells by the thymus can generate a full compartment of truly naive T cells. Thus, conversion of naive T cells to a memory-like phenotype in lymphopenic hosts is not related to a homeostatic mechanism that fills the peripheral naive T cell pool.
SHP-1- and Phosphotyrosine-Independent Inhibitory Signaling by a Killer Cell Ig-Like Receptor Cytoplasmic Domain in Human NK Cells
Authors: Yusa Sei-ichi , Catina Tracey L. , Campbell Kerry S.
Published: April 2014

Killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIR) are MHC class I-binding immunoreceptors that can suppress activation of human NK cells through recruitment of the Src homology 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) to two immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs) in their cytoplasmic domains. KIR2DL4 (2DL4; CD158d) is a structurally distinct member of the KIR family, which is expressed on most, if not all, human NK cells. 2DL4 contains only one ITIM in its cytoplasmic domain and an arginine in its transmembrane region, suggesting both inhibitory and activating functions. While 2DL4 can activate IFN-γ production, dependent upon the transmembrane arginine, the function of the single ITIM of 2DL4 remains unknown. In this study, tandem ITIMs of KIR3DL1 (3DL1) and the single ITIM of 2DL4 were directly compared in functional and biochemical assays. Using a retroviral transduction method, we show in human NK cell lines that 1) the single ITIM of 2DL4 efficiently inhibits natural cytotoxicity responses; 2) the phosphorylated single ITIM recruits SHP-2 protein tyrosine phosphatase, but not SHP-1 in NK cells; 3) expression of dominant-negative SHP-1 does not block the ability of 2DL4 to inhibit natural cytotoxicity; 4) surprisingly, mutation of the tyrosine within the single ITIM does not completely abolish inhibitory function; and 5) this correlates with weak SHP-2 binding to the mutant ITIM of 2DL4 in NK cells and a corresponding nonphosphorylated ITIM peptide in vitro. These results reveal new aspects of the KIR-inhibitory pathway in human NK cells, which are SHP-1 and phosphotyrosine independent.
Role for Thymic and Splenic Regulatory CD4+ T Cells Induced by Donor Dendritic Cells in Allograft Tolerance by LF15-0195 Treatment
Authors: Chiffoleau Elise , Bériou Gaëlle , Dutartre Patrick , Usal Claire , Soulillou Jean-Paul , Cuturi Maria Cristina
Published: April 2014

A 20-day treatment with LF15-0195, a deoxyspergualine analogue, induced allograft tolerance in a fully MHC-mismatched heart allograft model in the rat. Long-term allografts displayed minimal cell infiltration with no signs of chronic rejection. CD4+ spleen T cells from tolerant LF15-0195-treated recipients were able to suppress in vitro proliferation of allogeneic CD4+ T cells and to transfer tolerance to second syngeneic recipients, demonstrating dominant suppression by regulatory cells. A significant increase in the percentage of CD4+CD25+ T cells was observed in the thymus and spleen from tolerant LF15-0195-treated recipient. In vitro direct stimulation with donor APCs demonstrated that CD4+ regulatory T cells proliferated weakly and expressed low levels of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-2. CD4+CD25+ cell depletion increased IL-2 production by CD4+CD25− thymic cells, but not splenic cells. Moreover, tolerance was transferable with splenic and thymic CD4+CD25+ cells, but also in 50% of cases with splenic CD4+CD25− cells, demonstrating that CD25 can be a marker for regulatory cells in the thymus, but not in the periphery. In addition, we presented evidences that donor APCs were required to induce tolerance and to expand regulatory CD4+ T cells. This study demonstrates that LF15-0195 treatment induces donor APCs to expand powerful regulatory CD4+CD25+/− T cells present in both the central and peripheral compartments.