bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERLEAVED EM SEGMENTATION FOR MR IMAGE WITH INTENSITY INHOMOGENEITY
Authors: Gao Jingjing , Xie Mei , Zhou Yan
Published: April 2014

Expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm has been extensively applied in brain MR image segmentation. However, the conventional EM method usually leads to severe misclassifications MR images with bias field, due to the significant intensity inhomogeneity. It limits the applications of the conventional EM method in MR image segmentation. In this paper, we proposed an interleaved EM method to perform tissue segmentation and bias field estimation. In the proposed method, the tissue segmentation is performed by the modified EM classification, and the bias field estimation is accomplished by an energy minimization. Moreover, the tissue segmentation and bias field estimation are performed in an interleaved process, and the two processes potentially benefit from each other during the iteration. A salient advantage of the proposed method is that it overcomes the misclassifications from the conventional EM classification for the MR images with bias field. Furthermore, the modified EM algorithm performs the soft segmentation in our method, which is more suitable for MR images than the hard segmentation achieved in Li et al.'s12 method. We have tested our method in the synthetic images with different levels of bias field and different noise, and compared with two baseline methods. Experimental results have demonstrated the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed algorithm.
Developmental Expression of Insulin Receptor Substrate-2 During Dimethylsulfoxide-Induced Differentiation of Human HL-60 Cells
Authors: Schacher Daniel H. , VanHoy Roger W. , Liu Qiang , Arkins Sean , Dantzer Robert , Freund Gregory G. , Kelley Keith W.
Published: April 2014

Insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) is phosphorylated on tyrosine by a number of cytokine receptors and is implicated in the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3-kinase). Here, we demonstrate that induction of granulocytic differentiation of human promyeloid HL-60 cells leads to an increase in the amount of IRS-2 that is phosphorylated in response to insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I. Although PI3-kinase is often activated following interaction with IRS-1, we could not detect IRS-1 protein, IRS-1 mRNA, or IRS-1-precipitable PI3-kinase enzymatic activity. However, PI3-kinase activity that was coimmunoprecipitated with either anti-phosphotyrosine or anti-IRS-2 following IGF-I stimulation was increased 100-fold. Heightened tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-2 during granulocytic differentiation was not caused by an increase in expression of the tyrosine kinase IGF-I receptor, as measured by the amount of both the α- and β-subunits. Instead, immunoblotting experiments with an Ab to IRS-2 revealed that induction of granulocytic differentiation caused a large increase in IRS-2, and this occurred in the absence of detectable IRS-1 protein. These IRS-2-positive cells could not differentiate into more mature myeloid cells in serum-free medium unless IGF-I was added. These data are consistent with a model of granulocytic differentiation that requires at least two signals, the first of which leads to an increase in the cytoplasmic pool of IRS-2 protein and a second molecule that acts to tyrosine phosphorylate IRS-2 and enhance granulocytic differentiation.
Deriving Quantitative Constraints on T Cell Selection from Data on the Mature T Cell Repertoire
Authors: Detours Vincent , Mehr Ramit , Perelson Alan S.
Published: April 2014

The T cell repertoire is shaped in the thymus through positive and negative selection. Thus, data about the mature repertoire may be used to infer information on how TCR generation and selection operate. Assuming that T cell selection is affinity driven, we derive the quantitative constraints that the parameters driving these processes must fulfill to account for the experimentally observed levels of alloreactivity, self MHC restriction and the frequency of cells recognizing a given foreign Ag. We find that affinity-driven selection is compatible with experimental estimates of these latter quantities only if 1) TCRs see more peptide residues than MHC polymorphic residues, 2) the majority of positively selected clones are deleted by negative selection, 3) between 1 and 3.6 clonal divisions occur on average in the thymus after completion of TCR rearrangement, and 4) selection is driven by 103–105 self peptides.
Effects of T3Rα1 and T3Rα2 Gene Deletion on T and B Lymphocyte Development
Authors: Arpin Christophe , Pihlgren Maria , Fraichard Alexandre , Aubert Denise , Samarut Jacques , Chassande Olivier , Marvel Jacqueline
Published: April 2014

Thyroid hormones bind to several nuclear receptors encoded by T3Rα and T3Rβ genes. There is now accumulating evidence that thyroid hormones act on the immune system. Indeed, mice deficient for thyroid hormones show a reduction in lymphocyte production. However, the mechanisms involved and, in particular, the role of the different thyroid hormone receptors in lymphocyte development have not been investigated. To address that question, we have studied lymphocyte development in mice deficient for the T3Rα1 and T3Rα2 gene products. A strong decrease in spleen cell numbers was found compared with wild-type littermates, B lymphocytes being more severely affected than T lymphocytes. A significant decrease in splenic macrophage and granulocyte numbers was also found. In bone marrow, a reduction in CD45+/IgM− pro/pre-B cell numbers was found in these mice compared with wild-type littermates. This decrease seems to result from a proliferation defect, as CD45+/IgM− cells incorporate less 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine in vivo. To define the origin of the bone marrow development defect, chimeric animals between T3Rα−/− and Rag1−/− mice were generated. Results indicate that for B cells the control of the population size by T3Rα1 and T3Rα2 is intrinsic. Altogether, these results show that T3Rα1 or T3Rα2 gene products are implicated in the control of the B cell pool size.
Gene Transfer of IFN-γ into Established Brain Tumors Represses Growth by Antiangiogenesis
Authors: Fathallah-Shaykh Hassan M. , Zhao Li-Juan , Kafrouni Abdallah I. , Smith George M. , Forman James
Published: April 2014

The experiments in this paper were designed to examine the therapeutic effects of adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of IFN-γ into a mouse model of an established metastatic brain tumor. Temperature-sensitive replication-defective adenovirus was generated for gene transfer of IFN-γ (AdIFN) and β-galactosidase (AdBGAL) cDNAs in vivo. In this model, treatment with AdIFN elicits prolonged survival times and brain tumor rejection. Evidence against an immune-mediated response accounting for this result include: 1) absence of a memory immune response upon challenge, 2) lack of antitumor effects at sites distal to inoculation of AdIFN, and 3) preservation of the therapeutic effects of AdIFN in scid and beige mice and in inducible NO synthase (iNOS) knockouts. High concentrations of IFN-γ do not inhibit tumor growth in vitro making it unlikely that the antitumor effect of this treatment acts directly on the growth of the tumor cells. However, gene transfer of IFN-γ inhibits neovascularization of the tumor in a 3LL-Matrigel assay in vivo, and AdIFN induces apoptosis of endothelial cells in vivo, supporting the idea that AdIFN represses tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis. The substantial non-immune-mediated therapeutic benefits of AdIFN in animals paves the way for devising novel strategies for treating human brain tumors.
The Role of Sp Family Members, Basic Krupple-Like Factor, and E Box Factors in the Basal and IFN-γ Regulated Expression of the Human Complement C4 Promoter
Authors: Ulgiati Daniela , Subrata Lily S. , Abraham Lawrence J.
Published: April 2014

The fourth component of human complement (C4) is a serum protein that is expressed in the liver and other organs. The promoter region of the C4 gene has been analyzed in reporter gene assays in two cell lines that represent hepatic (HepG2) and monocytic (U937) lineages. Analysis indicated that regions important for basal transcription in HepG2 cells included Sp1 and E box sites within the first 100 bp upstream of the transcription initiation site but not the nuclear factor-1 site important in the control of the mouse C4 gene. Also, a region encompassing −468 to −310 was able to repress activity 2-fold. However, when a CACCC or GT box sequence at −140 was mutated the repressive activity of the upstream region resulted in almost no activity. The −140 region consists of a series of four closely positioned GT boxes that were shown to bind Sp1, Sp3, and basic Krupple-like factor in EMSA. This novel two-part regulatory element may be involved in the regulated expression of C4. However, IFN-γ a major activator of C4 expression did not signal through this two-part regulatory element. We were able to map the position of an IFN-γ responsive element in U937. IFN-γ was able to increase transcription by up to 20-fold with mutations in the E box sequence at −78 to −73, thus completely abolishing induction. We conclude that the E box binding factors, which appear to be distinct from upstream stimulatory factors 1 and 2, are totally responsible for IFN-γ induction of C4.
ATP-Induced Killing of VirulentMycobacterium tuberculosisWithin Human Macrophages Requires Phospholipase D
Authors: Kusner David J. , Adams Juan
Published: April 2014

The global dissemination of antibiotic-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis has underscored the urgent need to understand the molecular mechanisms of immunity to this pathogen. Use of biological immunomodulatory compounds to enhance antituberculous therapy has been hampered by the limited efficacy of these agents toward infected human macrophages and lack of information regarding their mechanisms of activity. We tested the hypotheses that extracellular ATP (ATPe) promotes killing of virulent M. tuberculosis within human macrophages, and that activation of a specific macrophage enzyme, phospholipase D (PLD), functions in this response. ATPe treatment of infected monocyte-derived macrophages resulted in 3.5-log reduction in the viability of three different virulent strains of M. tuberculosis. Stimulation of macrophage P2X7 purinergic receptors was necessary, but not sufficient, for maximal killing by primary macrophages or human THP-1 promonocytes differentiated to a macrophage phenotype. Induction of tuberculocidal activity by ATPe was accompanied by marked stimulation of PLD activity, and two mechanistically distinct inhibitors of PLD produced dose-dependent reductions in ATPe-induced killing of intracellular bacilli. Purified PLD restored control levels of mycobacterial killing to inhibitor-treated cells, and potentiated ATPe-dependent tuberculocidal activity in control macrophages. These results demonstrate that ATPe promotes killing of virulent M. tuberculosis within infected human macrophages and strongly suggest that activation of PLD plays a key role in this process.
Kinetics and Cellular Origin of Cytokines in the Central Nervous System: Insight into Mechanisms of Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Juedes Amy E. , Hjelmström Peter , Bergman Cheryl M. , Neild Annie L. , Ruddle Nancy H.
Published: April 2014

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) in C57BL/6 (H-2b) mice is characterized by early (day 12) acute paralysis, followed by a sustained chronic clinical course that gradually stabilizes. Extensive inflammation and demyelination coincide with clinical signs of disease. To identify the mechanisms of these processes, individual proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were studied. Sensitive single-cell assays were utilized to determine the cellular origin and kinetics of cytokine production in the CNS. Immunization with MOG35–55 peptide resulted in priming of both Th1 (lymphotoxin, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) and Th2 (IL-4) cells in the spleen. However, only Th1 cells were apparent in the CNS. CD4 T cells that produced IFN-γ or TNF-α were present in the CNS by day 7 after immunization with MOG35–55, peaked at day 20, and then waned. TNF-α was also produced in the CNS by Mac-1+ cells. On days 7 and 10 after immunization, the TNF-α-producing Mac1+ cells were predominantly microglia. By day 14, a switch occurred in that the Mac1+ TNF-α-producing cells had the phenotype of infiltrating macrophages. RANTES, IFN-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 chemokine mRNA were detected in the CNS by day 8 after immunization. The early presence of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) in the CNS provides a mechanism for the recruitment of macrophages. These data implicate TNF-α production by a continuum of T cells, microglia, and macrophages at various times during the course of disease. The importance of Th1 cytokines is highlighted, with little evidence for a role of Th2 cytokines.
Ligand-Activation of the Adenosine A2a Receptors Inhibits IL-12 Production by Human Monocytes
Authors: Link Amrey A. , Kino Tomoshige , Worth James A. , McGuire Jennifer L. , Crane Marianna L. , Chrousos George P. , Wilder Ronald L. , Elenkov Ilia J.
Published: April 2014

Adenosine (ADO) exerts potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. In this paper we address the possibility that these effects are partly mediated by inhibition of the secretion of IL-12, a proinflammatory cytokine and a major inducer of Th1 responses. We demonstrate that 5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), a nonspecific ADO analogue, and 2-p-(2-carbonyl-ethyl)phenylethylamino-5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS-21680), a specific A2a receptor agonist, dose-dependently inhibited, in whole blood ex vivo and monocyte cultures, the production of human IL-12 induced by LPS and Stapholococcus aureus Cowan strain 1. However, the A1 receptor agonist 2-Chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine and the A3 receptor agonists N6-Benzyl-NECA and 1-deoxy-1-[6-[[(3-iodophenyl)methyl]amino]-9H-purin-9-yl]-N-methyl-β-d-ribofuranuronamide expressed only weak inhibitory effects. On the other hand, NECA and CGS-21680 dose-dependently potentiated the production of IL-10. The differential effect of these drugs on monocyte IL-12 and IL-10 production implies that these effects are mediated by A2a receptor signaling rather than by intracellular toxicity of ADO analogue’s metabolites. Moreover, CGS-21680 inhibited IL-12 production independently of endogenous IL-10 induction, because anti-IL-10 Abs failed to prevent its effect. The selective A2a antagonist 8-(3-Chlorostyryl) caffeine prevented the inhibitory effect of CGS-21680 on IL-12 production. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor Ro 20-1724 dose-dependently potentiated the inhibitory effect of CGS-21680 and, furthermore, Rp-cAMPS, a protein kinase A inhibitor, reversed the inhibitory effect of CGS-21680, implicating a cAMP/protein kinase A pathway in its action. Thus, ligand activation of A2a receptors simultaneously inhibits IL-12 and stimulates IL-10 production by human monocytes. Through this mechanism, ADO released in excess during inflammatory and ischemic conditions, or tissue injury, may contribute to selective suppression of Th1 responses and cellular immunity.
Antibodies Against the First Ig-Like Domain of Human Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (PECAM-1) That Inhibit PECAM-1-Dependent Homophilic Adhesion Block In Vivo Neutrophil Recruitment
Authors: Nakada Marian T. , Amin Kunjlata , Christofidou-Solomidou Melpo , O’Brien Christopher D. , Sun Jing , Gurubhagavatula Indira , Heavner George A. , Taylor Alexander H. , Paddock Cathy , Sun Qi-Hong , Zehnder James L. , Newman Peter J. , Albelda Steven M. , DeLisser Horace M.
Published: April 2014

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1), a member of the Ig superfamily, is found on endothelial cells and neutrophils and has been shown to be involved in the migration of leukocytes across the endothelium. Adhesion is mediated, at least in part, through binding interactions involving its first N-terminal Ig-like domain, but it is still unclear which sequences in this domain are required for in vivo function. Therefore, to identify functionally important regions of the first Ig-like domain of PECAM-1 that are required for the participation of PECAM-1 in in vivo neutrophil recruitment, a panel of mAbs against this region of PECAM-1 was generated and characterized in in vitro adhesion assays and in an in vivo model of cutaneous inflammation. It was observed that mAbs that disrupted PECAM-1-dependent homophilic adhesion in an L cell aggregation assay also blocked TNF-α-induced intradermal accumulation of neutrophils in a transmigration model using human skin transplanted onto SCID mice. Localization of the epitopes of these Abs indicated that these function-blocking Abs mapped to specific regions on either face of domain 1. This suggests that these regions of the first Ig-like domain may contain or be close to binding sites involved in PECAM-1-dependent homophilic adhesion, and thus may represent potential targets for the development of antiinflammatory reagents.
Immunogenicity and Arthritogenicity of Recombinant CB10 in B10.RIII Mice
Authors: Tang Bo , Brand David D. , Chiang Tom M. , Stuart John M. , Kang Andrew H. , Myers Linda K.
Published: April 2014

Two major T cell determinants are recognized by I-Ar-specific T cells in CII, the immunodominant CII610–618 (GPAGTAGAR) within CB10 and the subdominant CII445–453 (GPAGPAGER) within CB8. Although the determinants differ by only two residues, CB8 is capable of inducing collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), while CB10 is not. We, therefore, investigated the structural differences between the two determinants that are critical to inducing arthritis. When the CB10 determinant was mutated to that of CB8 using recombinant techniques, the resulting mutant rCB10T614P,A617E product became arthritogenic. Conversely, when the CB8 determinant was mutated to that of CB10, the resulting mutant CB8P449T,E452A was no longer arthritogenic. Comparison of the epitope specificity of the autoantibodies induced by wild-type CB10 and mutant rCB10T614P, A617E revealed no qualitative differences. T cells from mice immunized with either CB10 or mutant rCB10 produced predominantly Th1 cytokines when cultured with the immunizing Ag. In contrast, when cultured with mouse CII, T cells from mice immunized with the nonarthritogenic CB10 produced predominantly Th2 (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines whereas the arthritogenic mutant rCB10 induced predominantly Th1 (IFN-γ) cytokines. We conclude that the T cell cytokine response most critical for the induction of CIA is that induced against the corresponding homologous murine T cell determinant and, further, that the structural differences between the T cell determinants in CB8 and -10 are important in breaking self tolerance and inducing autoimmune response.
The Inhibitory Function of CTLA-4 Does Not Require Its Tyrosine Phosphorylation
Authors: Baroja Miren L. , Luxenberg Deborah , Chau Thu , Ling Vincent , Strathdee Craig A. , Carreno Beatriz M. , Madrenas Joaquín
Published: April 2014

CTLA-4 is a negative regulator of T cell responses. Sequence analysis of this molecule reveals the presence of two cytoplasmic tyrosine residues at positions 165 and 182 that are potential Src homology (SH)-2 domain binding sites. The role of phosphorylation of these residues in CTLA-4-mediated signaling is unknown. Here, we show that sole TCR ligation induces ζ-associated protein (ZAP)-70-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of CTLA-4 that is important for cell surface retention of this molecule. However, CTLA-4 tyrosine phosphorylation is not required for down-regulation of T cell activation following CD3-CTLA-4 coengagement. Specifically, inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation and of IL-2 production by CTLA-4-mediated signaling occurs in T cells expressing mutant CTLA-4 molecules lacking the cytoplasmic tyrosine residues, and in lck-deficient or ZAP-70-deficient T cells. Therefore, CTLA-4 function involves interplay between two different levels of regulation: phosphotyrosine-dependent cell surface retention and phosphotyrosine-independent association with signaling molecules.
Early Block in Maturation Is Associated with Thymic Involution in Mammary Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Adkins Becky , Charyulu Vijaya , Sun Qi-Ling , Lobo David , Lopez Diana M.
Published: April 2014

We previously reported that mice implanted with mammary tumors show a progressive thymic involution that parallels the growth of the tumor. The involution is associated with a severe depletion of CD4+8+ thymocytes. We have investigated three possible mechanisms leading to this thymic atrophy: 1) increased apoptosis, 2) decreased proliferation, and 3) disruption of normal thymic maturation. The levels of thymic apoptosis were determined by propidium iodide and annexin V staining. A statistically significant, but minor, increase in thymic apoptosis in tumor-bearing mice was detected with propidium iodide and annexin V staining. The levels of proliferation were assessed by in vivo labeling with 5′-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU). The percentages of total thymocytes labeled 1 day following BrdU injection were similar in control and tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, the percentages of CD4−8− thymocytes that incorporated BrdU during a short term pulse (5 h) of BrdU were similar. Lastly, thymic maturation was evaluated by examining CD44 and CD25 expression among CD4−8− thymocytes. The percentage of CD44+ cells increased, while the percentage of CD25+ cells decreased among CD4−8− thymocytes from tumor-bearing vs control animals. Together, these findings suggest that the thymic hypocellularity seen in mammary tumor bearers is not due to a decreased level of proliferation, but, rather, to an arrest at an early stage of thymic differentiation along with a moderate increase in apoptosis.
Mouse CD8+ CD122+ T Cells with Intermediate TCR Increasing with Age Provide a Source of Early IFN-γ Production
Authors: Takayama Eiji , Seki Shuhji , Ohkawa Takashi , Ami Katsunori , Habu Yoshiko , Yamaguchi Takanori , Tadakuma Takushi , Hiraide Hoshio
Published: April 2014

Although CD8+ IL-2Rβ (CD122)+ T cells with intermediate TCR reportedly develop extrathymically, their functions still remain largely unknown. In the present study, we characterized the function of CD8+ CD122+ T cells with intermediate TCR of C57BL/6 mice. The proportion of CD8+ CD122+ T cells in splenocytes gradually increased with age, whereas CD8+ IL-2Rβ-negative or -low (CD122−) T cells conversely decreased. The IFN-γ production from splenocytes stimulated with immobilized anti-CD3 Ab in vitro increased with age, whereas the IL-4 production decreased. When sorted CD8+ CD122+ T cells were stimulated in vitro by the anti-CD3 Ab, they promptly produced a much larger amount of IFN-γ than did CD8+ CD122− T cells or CD4+ T cells, whereas only CD4+ T cells produced IL-4. The depletion of CD8+ CD122+ T cells from whole splenocytes greatly decreased the CD3-stimulated IFN-γ production and increased the IL-4 production, whereas the addition of sorted CD8+ CD122+ T cells to CD8+ CD122+ T cell-depleted splenocytes restored the IFN-γ production and partially decreased IL-4 production. It is of interest that CD8+ CD122+ T cells stimulated CD4+ T cells to produce IFN-γ. The CD3-stimulated IFN-γ production from each T cell subset was augmented by macrophages. Furthermore, CD3-stimulated CD8+ CD122+ T cells produced an even greater amount of IFN-γ than did liver NK1.1+ T cells and also showed antitumor cytotoxicity. These results show that CD8+ CD122+ T cells may thus be an important source of early IFN-γ production and are suggested to be involved in the immunological changes with aging.
Constitutive Expression of a Chimeric Receptor That Delivers IL-2/IL-15 Signals Allows Antigen-Independent Proliferation of CD8+CD44high But Not Other T Cells
Authors: Gasser Stephan , Corthésy Patricia , Beerman Friedrich , MacDonald H. Robson , Nabholz Markus
Published: April 2014

We have prepared transgenic mice whose T cells constitutively express a chimeric receptor combining extracellular human IL-4R and intracellular IL-2Rβ segments. This receptor can transmit IL-2/IL-15-like signals in response to human, but not mouse, IL-4. We used these animals to explore to what extent functional IL-2R/IL-15R expression controls the capacity of T cells to proliferate in response to IL-2/IL-15-like signals. After activation with Con A, naive transgenic CD8+ and CD4+ T cells respond to human IL-4 as well as to IL-2. Without prior activation, they failed to proliferate in response to human IL-4, although human IL-4 did prolong their survival. Thus, IL-2-induced proliferation of activated T cells requires at least one other Ag-induced change apart from the induction of a functional IL-2R. However, a fraction of CD8+CD44high T cells proliferate in human IL-4 without antigenic stimulation or syngeneic feeder cells. In contrast, CD4+CD44high T cells are not constitutively responsive to human IL-4. We conclude that although all transgenic T cells express a functional chimeric receptor, only some CD8+CD44high T cells contain all molecules required for entry into the cell cycle in response to human IL-4 or IL-15.
Soluble NSF Attachment Protein Receptors (SNAREs) in RBL-2H3 Mast Cells: Functional Role of Syntaxin 4 in Exocytosis and Identification of a Vesicle-Associated Membrane Protein 8-Containing Secretory Compartment
Authors: Paumet Fabienne , Le Mao Joëlle , Martin Sophie , Galli Thierry , David Bernard , Blank Ulrich , Roa Michèle
Published: April 2014

Mast cells upon stimulation through high affinity IgE receptors massively release inflammatory mediators by the fusion of specialized secretory granules (related to lysosomes) with the plasma membrane. Using the RBL-2H3 rat mast cell line, we investigated whether granule secretion involves components of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) machinery. Several isoforms of each family of SNARE proteins were expressed. Among those, synaptosome-associated protein of 23 kDa (SNAP23) was central in SNARE complex formation. Within the syntaxin family, syntaxin 4 interacted with SNAP23 and all vesicle-associated membrane proteins (VAMPs) examined, except tetanus neurotoxin insensitive VAMP (TI-VAMP). Overexpression of syntaxin 4, but not of syntaxin 2 nor syntaxin 3, caused inhibition of FcεRI-dependent exocytosis. Four VAMP proteins, i.e., VAMP2, cellubrevin, TI-VAMP, and VAMP8, were present on intracellular membrane structures, with VAMP8 residing mainly on mediator-containing secretory granules. We suggest that syntaxin 4, SNAP23, and VAMP8 may be involved in regulation of mast cell exocytosis. Furthermore, these results are the first demonstration that the nonneuronal VAMP8 isoform, originally localized on early endosomes, is present in a regulated secretory compartment.
Improving Protective Immunity Induced by DNA-Based Immunization: Priming with Antigen and GM-CSF-Encoding Plasmid DNA and Boosting with Antigen-Expressing Recombinant Poxvirus
Authors: Sedegah Martha , Weiss Walter , Sacci John B. , Charoenvit Yupin , Hedstrom Richard , Gowda Kalpana , Majam Victoria F. , Tine John , Kumar Sanjai , Hobart Peter , Hoffman Stephen L.
Published: April 2014

Intramuscular immunization with a naked DNA plasmid expressing the Plasmodium yoelii circumsporozoite protein (pPyCSP) protects mice against challenge with P. yoelii sporozoites. This protection can be improved either by coadministration of a plasmid expressing murine GM-CSF (pGMCSF) or by boosting with recombinant poxvirus expressing the PyCSP. We now report that combining these two strategies, by first mixing the priming dose of pPyCSP with pGMCSF and then boosting with recombinant virus, can substantially increase vaccine effectiveness. Not only were immune responses and protection improved but the pPyCSP dose could be lowered from 100 μg to 1 μg with little loss of immunogenicity after boost with recombinant poxvirus. Comparing mice primed by the 1-μg doses of pPyCSP plus 1 μg pGMCSF with mice primed by 1-μg doses of pPyCSP alone, the former were better protected (60% vs 0) and had higher concentrations of Abs (titers of 163, 840 vs 5, 120 by indirect fluorescent Ab test against sporozoites), more ex vivo CTL activity (25% vs 7% specific lysis), and more IFN-γ-secreting cells by enzyme-linked immunospot assay (1460 vs 280 IFN-γ spot-forming cells/106 cells). Priming with plasmid vaccine plus pGMCSF and boosting with recombinant poxviruses strongly improves the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of DNA vaccination and allows for significant reduction of dose.
Requirement of a Novel Upstream Response Element in Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Induced IL-8 Gene Expression
Authors: Casola Antonella , Garofalo Roberto P. , Jamaluddin Mohammad , Vlahopoulos Spiros , Brasier Allan R.
Published: April 2014

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) produces intense pulmonary inflammation, in part, through its ability to induce chemokine synthesis in infected airway epithelial cells. In this study, we compare mechanisms for induction of the CXC chemokine IL-8, in human type II alveolar (A549) cells by RSV infection and by stimulation with the cytokine TNF. Promoter deletion and mutagenesis experiments indicate that although the region from −99 to −54 nt is sufficient for TNF-induced IL-8 transcription, this region alone is not sufficient for RSV-induced IL-8 transcription. Instead, RSV requires participation of a previously unrecognized element, spanning from −162 to −132 nt, that we term the RSV response element (RSVRE), and a previously characterized element at −132 to −99 nt, containing an AP-1 binding site. RSV infection of A549 cells induces increased RSVRE- and AP-1-binding activities and increased synthesis of IFN regulatory factor-1 protein, which is present in the RSVRE-binding complex. These data confirm that the IL-8 gene enhancers are controlled in a stimulus-specific fashion and participation of distinct promoter elements is required to activate gene transcription. These observations are important for rational design of inhibitors of RSV-induced lung inflammation.
Differential Ability of Exogenous Chemotactic Agents to Disrupt Transendothelial Migration of Flowing Neutrophils
Authors: Luu N. Thin , Rainger G. Ed , Nash Gerard B.
Published: April 2014

Neutrophils migrate through endothelium using an ordered sequence of adhesive interactions and activating signals. To investigate the consequences of disruption of this sequence, we characterized adhesion and migration of neutrophils perfused over HUVEC that had been treated with TNF-α for 4 h and evaluated changes caused by exogenously added chemotactic agents. When HUVEC were treated with 2 U/ml TNF, flowing neutrophils adhered, with the majority rolling and relatively few migrating through the monolayer. If fMLP, IL-8, zymosan-activated plasma (a source of activated complement factor C5a), epithelial cell-derived neutrophil-activating peptide (ENA-78), or growth-regulating oncogene, GRO-α, was perfused over these neutrophils, they stopped rolling and rapidly migrated over the monolayer, but did not penetrate it. When HUVEC were treated with 100 U/ml TNF, the majority of adherent neutrophils transmigrated. If neutrophils were treated with fMLP, IL-8, C5a, ENA-78, or GRO-α just before perfusion over this HUVEC, transmigration, but not adhesion, was abolished. However, when platelet-activating factor was used to activate neutrophils, migration through HUVEC treated with 100 U/ml TNF was not impaired, and migration through HUVEC treated with 2 U/ml TNF was actually increased. Transmigration required ligation of CXC chemokine receptor-2 on neutrophils, and differential desensitization of this receptor (e.g., by fMLP but not platelet-activating factor) may explain the pattern of disruption of migration. Thus, transmigration may require presentation of the correct activators in the correct sequence, and inappropriate activation (e.g., by systemic activators) could cause pathological accumulation of neutrophils in the vessel lumen.
Thiol-Reactive Metal Compounds Inhibit NF-κB Activation by Blocking IκB Kinase
Authors: Jeon Kye-Im , Jeong Jae-Yeon , Jue Dae-Myung
Published: April 2014

Gold compounds are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. NF-κB is a transcription factor implicated in the expression of many inflammatory genes. NF-κB is activated by signal-induced phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of inhibitory IκB (inhibitory protein that dissociates from NF-κB) proteins, and a multisubunit IκB kinase (IKK) has been identified previously. We tested the effect of various gold compounds on the activation of NF-κB and IKK in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. A lipophilic gold compound, auranofin, suppressed the LPS-induced increase of nuclear κB-binding activity, degradation of IκB proteins, and IKK activation. Auranofin also blocked IKK activation induced by TNF and PMA/ionomycin, suggesting that the target of auranofin action is common among these diverse signal pathways. In vitro IKK activity was suppressed by addition of hydrophilic gold compounds, such as aurothiomalate, aurothioglucose, and AuCl3. Other thiol-reactive metal ions such as zinc and copper also inhibited IKK activity in vitro, and induction of IKK in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In vitro IKK activity required the presence of reducing agent and was blocked by addition of thiol group-reactive agents. Two catalytic subunits of IKK complex, IKKα and IKKβ, were both inhibited by these thiol-modifying agents, suggesting the presence of a cysteine sulfhydryl group in these subunits, which is critical for enzyme activity. The antiinflammatory activity of gold compounds in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may depend on modification of this thiol group by gold.
Immune Complex and Fc Receptor-Mediated Augmentation of Antigen Presentation for in Vivo Th Cell Responses
Authors: Hamano Yuki , Arase Hisashi , Saisho Hiromitsu , Saito Takashi
Published: April 2014

It has recently been established that FcRs are involved in the triggering of type II and III inflammatory responses. Although FcR is not believed to be involved in the regulation of T cell function, the in vivo contribution of FcRs to T cell function still remains unclear. We analyzed in vivo responses of delayed-type hypersensitivity and proliferation of CD4+ T cells to Ags in FcRγ−/− mice lacking the expression and function of FcγRI, FcγRIII, and FcεRI. We found that the delayed-type hypersensitivity response in FcRγ−/− mice is significantly decreased compared with that in wild-type mice. Moreover, the secondary responses of proliferation and cytokine production as well as the Ab formation by CD4+ T cells from FcRγ−/− mice to Ag and normal APCs were also reduced. In contrast, in vitro primary T cell proliferative responses upon stimulation with anti-TCR Ab or MLR as well as in vivo primary response against staphylococcus enterotoxin B administration were not different between T cells from FcRγ−/− and wild-type mice. In addition, the Ag presentation function of APCs from unimmunized FcRγ−/− mice was normal. On the other hand, Ab-deficient mice also revealed impaired T cell responses. These results demonstrate that the defective T cell responses in FcRγ−/− mice were due to impaired Ag presentation during in vivo priming not to a defect in T cells. Therefore, they suggest that the FcRs on APCs mediate efficient priming of Th cell responses in vivo in an immune complex-dependent manner.
The Thyrotropin (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) Receptor Is Expressed on Murine Dendritic Cells and on a Subset of CD45RBhigh Lymph Node T Cells: Functional Role for Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone During Immune Activation
Authors: Bağriaçik E. Ümit , Klein John R.
Published: April 2014

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a central neuroendocrine mediator of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, has been shown to affect various aspects of immunological development and function. To gain a better understanding of TSH involvement within the mammalian immune system, the expression and distribution of the TSH receptor (TSHr) has been studied by immunoprecipitation and by flow cytometric analyses. Using highly enriched populations of B cells, T cells, and dendritic cells, trace amounts of TSHr were precipitated from B cells and T cells, whereas high levels of TSHr were precipitated from the dendritic cell fraction. Flow cytometric analyses of TSHr expression on splenic and lymph node T cells revealed a major difference between those tissues in that only 2–3% of splenic T cells were TSHr+, whereas 10–20% of CD4+8− and CD4−8+ lymph node T cells expressed the TSHr, which was exclusively associated with CD45RBhigh cells and was not expressed during or after activation. The TSHr was not present on cells of the immune system during fetal or neonatal life. However, recombinant TSHβ was found to significantly enhance the phagocytic activity of dendritic cells from adult animals and to selectively augment IL-1β and IL-12 cytokine responses of dendritic cells following phagocytic activation. These findings identify a novel immune-endocrine bridge associated with professional APCs and naive T cells.
Melphalan and Other Anticancer Modalities Up-Regulate B7-1 Gene Expression in Tumor Cells
Authors: Sojka Dorothy K. , Donepudi Manjula , Bluestone Jeffrey A. , Mokyr Margalit B.
Published: April 2014

In this study, we show that administration of low-dose melphalan (l-PAM, l-phenylalanine mustard) to mice bearing a large MOPC-315 plasmacytoma led to a rapid up-regulation of B7-1 (CD80), but not B7-2 (CD86), expression on the surface of MOPC-315 tumor cells. This l-PAM-induced preferential up-regulation of B7-1 surface expression was due, at least in part, to a direct effect of l-PAM on the tumor cells, as in vitro exposure of MOPC-315 tumor cells to l-PAM led to the preferential up-regulation of B7-1 surface expression. Moreover, in vitro exposure of MOPC-315 tumor cells to two other anticancer modalities, γ-irradiation and mitomycin C, resulted in the preferential up-regulation of B7-1 surface expression. This effect was not restricted to MOPC-315 tumor cells, as preferential up-regulation of B7-1 surface expression was observed also following in vitro exposure of the P815 mastocytoma (that is negative for both B7-1 and B7-2 surface expression) to any of the three anticancer modalities. The up-regulation of B7-1 surface expression following in vitro exposure of tumor cells to l-PAM, γ-irradiation, or mitomycin C required de novo protein and RNA synthesis, and was associated with the accumulation of mRNA for B7-1 within 4–8 h, indicating that the regulation of B7-1 expression is at the RNA transcriptional level. These results have important implications for an additional immune-potentiating mechanism of these anticancer modalities in clinical setting.
Analysis of the Human Neonatal Thymus: Evidence for a Transient Thymic Involution
Authors: Varas Alberto , Jiménez Eva , Sacedón Rosa , Rodríguez-Mahou Margarita , Maroto Enrique , Zapata Agustín G. , Vicente Angeles
Published: April 2014

The neonatal period is marked by the impairment of the major components of both innate and adaptive immunity. We report a severe depletion of cortical CD4+CD8+ double-positive thymocytes in the human neonatal thymus. This drastic reduction in immature double-positive cells, largely provoked by an increased rate of cell death, could be observed as early as 1 day after birth, delaying the recovery of the normal proportion of this thymocyte subset until the end of the first month of postnatal life. Serum cortisol levels were not increased in newborn donors, indicating that the neonatal thymic involution is a physiological rather than a stress-associated pathological event occurring in the perinatal period. Newborn thymuses also showed increased proportions of both primitive CD34+CD1− precursor cells and mature TCRαβhighCD69−CD1−CD45RO+/RAdull and CD45ROdull/RA+ cells, which presumably correspond to recirculating T lymphocytes into the thymus. A notable reinforcement of the subcapsular epithelial cell layer as well as an increase in the intralobular extracellular matrix network accompanied modifications in the thymocyte population. Additionally neonatal thymic dendritic cells were found to be more effective than dendritic cells isolated from children’s thymuses at stimulating proliferative responses in allogeneic T cells. All these findings can account for several alterations affecting the peripheral pool of T lymphocytes in the perinatal period.
Fcγ Receptor IIB on Follicular Dendritic Cells Regulates the B Cell Recall Response
Authors: Qin Dahui , Wu Jiuhua , Vora Kalpit A. , Ravetch Jeffrey V. , Szakal Andras K. , Manser Tim , Tew John G.
Published: April 2014

Generation of the B cell recall response appears to involve interaction of Ag, in the form of an immune complex (IC) trapped on follicular dendritic cells (FDCs), with germinal center (GC) B cells. Thus, the expression of receptors on FDC and B cells that interact with ICs could be critical to the induction of an optimal recall response. FDCs in GCs, but not in primary follicles, express high levels of the IgG Fc receptor FcγRIIB. This regulated expression of FcγRIIB on FDC and its relation to recall Ab responses were examined both in vitro and in vivo. Trapping of IC in spleen and lymph nodes of FcγRII−/− mice was significantly reduced compared with that in wild-type controls. Addition of ICs to cultures of Ag-specific T and B cells elicited pronounced Ab responses only in the presence of FDCs. However, FDCs derived from FcγRIIB−/− mice supported only low level Ab production in this situation. Similarly, when FcγRIIB−/− mice were transplanted with wild-type Ag-specific T and B cells and challenged with specific Ag, the recall responses were significantly depressed compared with those of controls with wild-type FDC. These results substantiate the hypothesis that FcγRIIB expression on FDCs in GCs is important for FDCs to retain ICs and to mediate the conversion of ICs to a highly immunogenic form and for the generation of strong recall responses.
Regulation of TNF Expression by Multiple Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways
Authors: Zhu Wei , Downey Jocelyn S. , Gu Jun , Di Padova Franco , Gram Hermann , Han Jiahuai
Published: April 2014

Stimulating macrophages with bacterial endotoxin (LPS) activates numerous intracellular signaling pathways that lead to the production of TNF. In this study, we show that four mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways are activated in LPS-stimulated macrophages: the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase, p38, and Big MAP kinase (BMK)/ERK5 pathways. Although specific activation of a single MAP kinase pathway produces only a modest effect on TNF promoter activation, activation of each MAP kinase pathway is important for full induction of the TNF gene. Interestingly, a dramatic induction of TNF promoter-driven gene expression was observed when all of the four MAP kinase pathways were activated simultaneously, suggesting a cooperative effect among these kinases. Unexpectedly, cis elements known to be targeted by MAP kinases do not play a major role in multiple MAP kinase-induced TNF gene expression. Rather, a 40-bp sequence harboring the TATA box, is responsible for the gene up-regulation induced by MAP kinases. The proximity of the MAP kinase-responsive element to the transcriptional initiation site suggested that MAP kinases regulate the transcriptional initiation complex. Utilizing α-amanitin-resistant RNA polymerase II mutants with or without a C-terminal domain (CTD) deletion, we found that deleting the CTD to 31 tandem repeats (Δ31) led to >90% reduction in MAP kinase-mediated TNF production. Thus, our data demonstrate coordination of multiple MAP kinase pathways in TNF production and suggest that the CTD of RNA polymerase II is required to execute MAP kinase signaling in TNF expression.
Secretory Phospholipase A2-Potentiated Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression by Macrophages Requires NF-κB Activation
Authors: Baek Suk-Hwan , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Lim Jun-Hee , Lee Yoon-Jeong , Chang Hyeun-Wook , Lee Soo-Jung , Kim Jung-Hye , Kwun Koing-Bo
Published: April 2014

The effect of secretory group II phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) on the expression of the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and the production of NO by macrophages was investigated. sPLA2 by itself barely stimulated nitrite production and iNOS expression in Raw264.7 cells. However, in combination with LPS, the effects were synergistic. This potentiation was shown for sPLA2 enzymes from sPLA2-transfected stable cells or for purified sPLA2 from human synovial fluid. The effect of PLA2 on iNOS induction appears to be specific for the secretory type of PLA2. LPS-stimulated activation of iNOS was inhibited by the well-known selective inhibitors of sPLA2 such as 12-epi-scalaradial and ρ-bromophenacyl bromide. In contrast, the cytosolic PLA2-specific inhibitors methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphate and arachidonyltrifluoromethyl ketone did not affect LPS-induced nitrite production and iNOS expression. Moreover, when we transfected cDNA-encoding type II sPLA2, we observed that the sPLA2-transfected cells produced two times more nitrites than the empty vector or cytosolic PLA2-transfected cells. The sPLA2-potentiated iNOS expression was associated with the activation of NF-κB. We found that the NF-κB inhibitor pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate prevented nitrite production, iNOS induction, and mRNA accumulation by sPLA2 plus LPS in Raw264.7 cells. Furthermore, EMSA analysis of the activation of the NF-κB involved in iNOS induction demonstrated that pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate prevented the NF-κB binding by sPLA2 plus LPS. Our findings indicated that sPLA2, in the presence of LPS, is a potent activator of macrophages. It stimulates iNOS expression and nitrite production by a mechanism that requires the activation of NF-κB.
Adaptive Immunity and Enhanced CD8+ T Cell Response toListeria monocytogenesin the Absence of Perforin and IFN-γ
Authors: Badovinac Vladimir P. , Harty John T.
Published: April 2014

Single Ag-specific CD8+ T cells from IFN-γ-deficient (GKO) or perforin-deficient (PKO) mice provide substantial immunity against murine infection with Listeria monocytogenes. To address the potential for redundancy between perforin and IFN-γ as CD8+ T cell effector mechanisms, we generated perforin/IFN-γ (PKO/GKO) double-deficient mice. PKO/GKO-derived CD8+ T cells specific for the immunodominant listeriolysin O (LLO91–99) epitope provide immunity to LM infection similar to that provided by Ag-matched wild-type (WT) CD8+ T cells in the liver but reduced in the spleen. Strikingly, polyclonal CD8+ T cells from immunized PKO/GKO mice were ∼100-fold more potent in reducing bacterial numbers than the same number of polyclonal CD8+ T cells from immunized WT mice. This result is probably quantitative, because the frequency of the CD8+ T cell response against the immunodominant LLO91–99 epitope is >4.5-fold higher in PKO/GKO mice than WT mice at 7 days after identical immunizations. Moreover, PKO/GKO mice can be immunized by a single infection with attenuated Listeria to resist >80,000-fold higher challenges with virulent organisms than naive PKO/GKO mice. These data demonstrate that neither perforin nor IFN-γ is required for the development or expression of adaptive immunity to LM. In addition, the results suggest the potential for perforin and IFN-γ to regulate the magnitude of the CD8+ T cell response to infection.