bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disruption of Lipid Rafts Stimulates Phospholipase D Activity in Human Lymphocytes: Implication in the Regulation of Immune Function
Authors: Diaz Olivier , Mébarek-Azzam Saïda , Benzaria Amal , Dubois Madeleine , Lagarde Michel , Némoz Georges , Prigent Annie-France
Published: April 2014

Recent evidence suggests that phospholipase D (PLD) can be regulated through its association/dissociation to lipid rafts. We show here that modifying lipid rafts either by cholesterol depletion using methyl-β-cyclodextrin and filipin or by conversion of sphingomyelin to ceramide with exogenous bacterial sphingomyelinase (bSMase) markedly activated the PLD of human PBMC. bSMase was the most potent PLD activator, giving maximal 6- to 7-fold increase in PLD activity. Triton X-100-treated lysates prepared from control PBMC and from bSMase-treated cells were fractionated by centrifugation on sucrose density gradient. We observed that bSMase treatment of the cells induced a larger ceramide increase in raft than in nonraft membranes and displaced both the Src kinase Lck and PLD1 out of the raft fractions. In addition, the three raft-modifying agents markedly inhibited the lymphoproliferative response to mitogenic lectin. To examine further the potential role of PLD activation in the control of lymphocyte responses, we transiently overexpressed either of the PLD1 and PLD2 isoforms in Jurkat cells and analyzed the phorbol ester plus ionomycin-induced expression of IL-2 mRNA, which is one of the early responses of lymphocyte to activation. We observed a 43% decrease of IL-2 mRNA level in Jurkat cells overexpressing PLD1 as compared with mock- or PLD2-transfected cells, which indicates that elevated PLD1, but not PLD2, activity impairs lymphocyte activation. Altogether, the present results support the hypothesis that PLD1 is activated by exclusion from lipid rafts and that this activation conveys antiproliferative signals in lymphoid cells.
A Role for TLRs in the Regulation of Immune Cell Migration by First Trimester Trophoblast Cells
Authors: Abrahams Vikki M. , Visintin Irene , Aldo Paulomi B. , Guller Seth , Romero Roberto , Mor Gil
Published: April 2014

Normal pregnancy is characterized by the presence of innate immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface. Originally, it was postulated that the presence of these leukocytes was due to an immune response toward paternal Ags expressed by the invading trophoblasts. Instead, we and others postulate that these innate immune cells are necessary for successful implantation and pregnancy. However, elevated leukocyte infiltration may be an underlying cause of pregnancy complications, such as preterm labor or preeclampsia. Furthermore, such conditions have been attributed to an intrauterine infection. Therefore, we hypothesize that first trimester trophoblast cells, upon recognition of microbes through TLRs, may coordinate an immune response by recruiting cells of the innate immune system to the maternal-fetal interface. In this study, we have demonstrated that human first trimester trophoblast cells constitutively secrete the chemokines growth-related oncogene, growth-related oncogene α, IL-8, and MCP-1 and are able to recruit monocytes and NK cells, and to a lesser degree, neutrophils. Following the ligation of TLR-3 by the viral ligand, poly(I:C), or TLR-4 by bacterial LPS, trophoblast secretion of chemokines is significantly increased and this in turn results in elevated monocyte and neutrophil chemotaxis. In addition, TLR-3 stimulation also induces trophoblast cells to secrete RANTES. These results suggest a novel mechanism by which first trimester trophoblast cells may differentially modulate the maternal immune system during normal pregnancy and in the presence of an intrauterine infection. Such altered trophoblast cell responses might contribute to the pathogenesis of certain pregnancy complications.
Somatic Hypermutation and Junctional Diversification at Ig Heavy Chain Loci in the Nurse Shark
Authors: Malecek Karolina , Brandman Julie , Brodsky Jennie E. , Ohta Yuko , Flajnik Martin F. , Hsu Ellen
Published: April 2014

We estimate there are ∼15 IgM H chain loci in the nurse shark genome and have characterized one locus. It consists of one V, two D, and one J germline gene segments, and the constant (C) region can be distinguished from all of the others by a unique combination of restriction endonuclease sites in Cμ2. On the basis of these Cμ2 markers, 22 cDNA clones were selected from an epigonal organ cDNA library from the same individual; their C region sequences proved to be the same up to the polyadenylation site. With the identification of the corresponding germline gene segments, CDR3 from shark H chain rearrangements could be analyzed precisely, for the first time. Considerable diversity was generated by trimming and N addition at the three junctions and by varied recombination patterns of the two D gene segments. The cDNA sequences originated from independent rearrangements events, and most carried both single and contiguous substitutions. The 53 point mutations occurred with a bias for transition changes (53%), whereas the 78 tandem substitutions, mostly 2–4 bp long, do not (36%). The nature of the substitution patterns is the same as for mutants from six loci of two nurse shark L chain isotypes, showing that somatic hypermutation events are very similar at both H and L chain genes in this early vertebrate. The cis-regulatory elements targeting somatic hypermutation must have already existed in the ancestral Ig gene, before H and L chain divergence.
T Cell Activation-Induced CrkII Binding to the Zap70 Protein Tyrosine Kinase Is Mediated by Lck-Dependent Phosphorylation of Zap70 Tyrosine 315
Authors: Gelkop Sigal , Gish Gerrald D. , Babichev Yael , Pawson Tony , Isakov Noah
Published: April 2014

The Zap70 protein tyrosine kinase controls TCR-linked signal transduction pathways and is critical for T cell development and responsiveness. Following engagement of TCR, the Zap70 undergoes phosphorylation on multiple tyrosine residues that are implicated in the regulation of its catalytic activity and interaction with signaling effector molecules downstream of the TCR. We have shown previously that the CT10 regulator of kinase II (CrkII) adapter protein interacts with tyrosine-phosphorylated Zap70 in TCR-engaged T cells, and now extend these studies to show that Tyr315 in the Zap70 interdomain B region is the site of interaction with CrkII. A point mutation of Tyr315 (Y315F) eliminated the CrkII-Zap70 interaction capacity. Phosphorylation of Tyr315 and Zap70 association with CrkII were both dependent upon the Lck protein tyrosine kinase. Previous studies demonstrated the Tyr315 is the Vav-Src homology 2 (SH2) binding site, and that replacement of Tyr315 by Phe impaired the function of Zap70 in TCR signaling. However, fluorescence polarization-based binding studies revealed that the CrkII-SH2 and the Vav-SH2 bind a phosphorylated Tyr315-Zap70-derived peptide with affinities of a similar order of magnitude (Kd of 2.5 and 1.02 μM, respectively). The results suggest therefore that the biological functions attributed to the association of Zap70 with Vav following T cell activation may equally reflect the association of Zap70 with CrkII, and further support a regulatory role for CrkII in the TCR-linked signal transduction pathway.
Functional Interplay between Intrinsic B and T Cell Defects Leads to Amplification of Autoimmune Disease in New Zealand Black Chromosome 1 Congenic Mice
Authors: Cheung Yui-Ho , Chang Nan-Hua , Cai Yong-Chun , Bonventi Gabriel , MacLeod Ralph , Wither Joan E.
Published: April 2014

Genetic loci on New Zealand Black (NZB) chromosome 1 play an important role in the development of lupus-like autoimmune disease. We have shown previously that C57BL/6 mice with an introgressed NZB chromosome 1 interval extending from ∼35 to 106 cM have significantly more severe autoimmunity than mice with a shorter interval extending from ∼82 to 106 cM. Comparison of the cellular phenotype in these mice revealed that both mouse strains had evidence of increased T cell activation; however, activation was more pronounced in mice with the longer interval. Mice with the longer interval also had increased B cell activation, leading us to hypothesize that there were at least two independent lupus susceptibility loci on chromosome 1. In this study, we have used mixed hemopoietic radiation chimeras to demonstrate that autoimmunity in these mice arises from intrinsic B and T cell functional defects. We further show that a T cell defect, localized to the shorter interval, leads to spontaneous activation of T cells specific for nucleosome histone components. Despite activation of self-reactive T cells in mixed chimeric mice, only chromosome 1 congenic B cells produce anti-nuclear Abs and undergo class switching, indicating impaired B cell tolerance mechanisms. In mice with the longer chromosome 1 interval, an additional susceptibility locus exacerbates autoimmune disease by producing a positive feedback loop between T and B cell activation. Thus, T and B cell defects act in concert to produce and amplify the autoimmune phenotype.
Mice Deficient in LRG-47 Display Enhanced Susceptibility to Trypanosoma cruzi Infection Associated with Defective Hemopoiesis and Intracellular Control of Parasite Growth
Authors: Santiago Helton C. , Feng Carl G. , Bafica Andre , Roffe Ester , Arantes Rosa M. , Cheever Allen , Taylor Gregory , Vierira Leda Q. , Aliberti Julio , Gazzinelli Ricardo T. , Sher Alan
Published: April 2014

IFN-γ is known to be required for host control of intracellular Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice, although the basis of its protective function is poorly understood. LRG-47 is an IFN-inducible p47GTPase that has been shown to regulate host resistance to intracellular pathogens. To investigate the possible role of LRG-47 in IFN-γ-dependent control of T. cruzi infection, LRG-47 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were infected with the Y strain of this parasite, and host responses were analyzed. When assayed on day 12 after parasite inoculation, LRG-47 KO mice, in contrast to IFN-γ KO mice, controlled early parasitemia almost as effectively as WT animals. However, the infected LRG-47 KO mice displayed a rebound in parasite growth on day 15, and all succumbed to the infection by day 19. Additional analysis indicated that LRG-47-deficient mice exhibit unimpaired proinflammatory responses throughout the infection. Instead, reactivated disease in the KO animals was associated with severe splenic and thymic atrophy, anemia, and thrombocytopenia not observed in their WT counterparts. In addition, in vitro studies revealed that IFN-γ-stimulated LRG-47 KO macrophages display defective intracellular killing of amastigotes despite normal expression of TNF and NO synthetase type 2 and that both NO synthetase type 2 and LRG-47 are required for optimum IFN-γ-dependent restriction of parasite growth. Together, these data establish that LRG-47 can influence pathogen control by simultaneously regulating macrophage-microbicidal activity and hemopoietic function.
A Requirement for the Vγ1+ Subset of Peripheral γδ T Cells in the Control of the Systemic Growth of Toxoplasma gondii and Infection-Induced Pathology
Authors: Egan Charlotte E. , Dalton Jane E. , Andrew Elizabeth M. , Smith Judith E. , Gubbels Marc-Jan , Striepen Boris , Carding Simon R.
Published: April 2014

γδ T cells are a diverse population of T cells that are widely distributed and are a common feature of pathogen-induced immune responses. It is not clear, however, whether different populations of γδ T cells have specific functions, and what factors determine the functional properties of individual populations. A murine model of peroral Toxoplasma gondii infection was used to determine the contribution Vγ1+ intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) vs systemic Vγ1+ T cells make to the acute and chronic stages of the host immune response, and whether the macrophage cytocidal activity of Vγ1+ T cells described in bacterial infections is seen in other, unrelated infectious disease models. In response to oral infection with virulent type 1 or avirulent type II strains of T. gondii, TCR-δ−/− mice rapidly developed severe ileitis. In contrast, in mice deficient in Vγ1+ T cells and IELs and wild-type mice, inflammation was delayed in onset and less severe. The protective effect of (Vγ1−) IELs to Toxoplasma infection was unrelated to their cytolytic and cytokine (Th1)-producing capabilities. Systemic Vγ1+ T cells were shown to play an essential role in limiting parasite growth and inflammation in peripheral tissues and, in particular, in the CNS, that was associated with their ability to efficiently kill parasite-elicited and infected macrophages. These findings suggest that macrophage cytocidal activity of Vγ1+ T cells may be a universal feature of pathogen-induced immune responses and that microenvironmental factors influence the involvement and function of γδ T cells in the host response to infection.
Helicobacter pylori-Induced Invasion and Angiogenesis of Gastric Cells Is Mediated by Cyclooxygenase-2 Induction through TLR2/TLR9 and Promoter Regulation
Authors: Chang Ya-Jen , Wu Ming-Shiang , Lin Jaw-Town , Chen Ching-Chow
Published: April 2014

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a crucial role in Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer. In this study, we report that H. pylori-induced COX-2 expression enhances the cancer cell invasion and angiogenesis via TLR2 and TLR9, which can be attenuated by the specific COX-2 inhibitor NS398 or celecoxib. The cAMP response element (CRE) and AP1 sites, but not κB on the COX-2 promoter, are involved in MAPKs-regulated COX-2 expression. Differential bindings of the CREB-1, ATF-2, c-jun to the CRE site, and the c-fos, c-jun, ATF-2 to the AP1 site are demonstrated by DNA affinity protein-binding, supershift, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Activations of these transcription factors were attenuated by different MAPKs inhibitors. The mutants of TLR2, TLR9, or MAPKs inhibited H. pylori-induced COX-2 promoter, CRE, and AP-1 activities. MAPKs inhibitors attenuated the H. pylori-induced COX-2 mRNA and protein expressions. These results indicate that H. pylori acts through TLR2 and TLR9 to activate MAPKs, especially p38, and their downstream transcription factors (CREB-1, ATF-2, c-jun, and c-fos), resulting in the activations of CRE and AP-1 on the COX-2 promoter. These intracellular networks drive the COX-2-dependent PGE2 release and contribute to cell invasion and angiogenesis.
Allergen-Induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness Mediated by Cyclooxygenase Inhibition Is Not Dependent on 5-Lipoxygenase or IL-5, but Is IL-13 Dependent
Authors: Peebles R. Stokes , Hashimoto Koichi , Sheller James R. , Moore Martin L. , Morrow Jason D. , Ji Shaoquan , Elias Jack A. , Goleniewska Kasia , O’Neal Jamye , Mitchell Daphne B. , Graham Barney S. , Zhou Weisong
Published: April 2014

Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition during allergic sensitization and allergen airway challenge results in augmented allergic inflammation. We hypothesized that this increase in allergic inflammation was dependent on increased generation of leukotrienes that results from COX inhibition, as leukotrienes are important proinflammatory mediators of allergic disease. To test this hypothesis, we allergically sensitized and challenged mice deficient in 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). We found that 5-LO knockout mice that were treated with a COX inhibitor during allergic sensitization and challenge had significantly increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) (p < 0.01) and airway eosinophilia (p < 0.01) compared with 5-LO knockout mice that were treated with vehicle. The proinflammatory cytokines have also been hypothesized to be critical regulators of airway inflammation and AHR. We found that the increase in airway eosinophilia seen with COX inhibition is dependent on IL-5, whereas the increase in AHR is not dependent on this cytokine. In contrast, the COX inhibition-mediated increase in AHR is dependent on IL-13, but airway eosinophilia is not. These results elucidate the pathways by which COX inhibition exerts a critical effect of the pulmonary allergen-induced inflammatory response and confirm that COX products are important regulators of allergic inflammation.
CD8 T Cell-Mediated Lung Damage in Response to the Extracellular Pathogen Pneumocystis Is Dependent on MHC Class I Expression by Radiation-Resistant Lung Cells
Authors: Meissner Nicole N. , Lund Frances E. , Han Soo , Harmsen Allen
Published: April 2014

Pneumocystis, a fungal, extracellular pathogen causes a life-threatening pneumonia in patients with severe immunodeficiencies. In the absence of CD4 T cells, Pneumocystis infection results in vigorous CD8 T cell influx into the alveolar and interstitial spaces of the lung. This response results in lung damage characterized by low pO2 and albumin leakage into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid similar to other CD8 T cell-mediated interstitial lung diseases. How this extracellular pathogen elicits a CD8 T cell response is not clear, and it was the aim of our study to determine the Ag specificity of the recruited CD8 T cells and to determine whether MHC class I (MHC I) expression was necessary to initiate lung damage. Using an adoptive T cell-transfer model with either polyclonal wild-type CD8 T cells or transgenic influenza virus-specific CD8 T cells we found that CD8 T cell recruitment is Ag-specific and requires the continuous presence of the Pneumocystis pathogen. Bone marrow chimera experiments using Rag-1 and β2-microglobulin-deficient mice as hosts demonstrated a requirement for MHC I expression on nonbone marrow-derived cells of the lung. This suggests either direct processing of Pneumocystis Ags by nonbone marrow-derived cells of the lung or the induction of lung damage triggered by a lung-specific autoantigen. Using perforin-, Fas-, and IFN-γ-deficient animals, we showed that these molecules are not directly involved in the CD8-mediated lung damage. However, CD8 T cell-mediated lung damage is Ag-specific is induced by a MHC I-expressing nonbone marrow-derived cell in the lung and is dependent on the continued presence of live Pneumocystis.
Inflammation-Induced Chondrocyte Hypertrophy Is Driven by Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products
Authors: Cecil Denise L. , Johnson Kristen , Rediske John , Lotz Martin , Schmidt Ann Marie , Terkeltaub Robert
Published: April 2014

The multiligand receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) mediates certain chronic vascular and neurologic degenerative diseases accompanied by low-grade inflammation. RAGE ligands include S100/calgranulins, a class of low-molecular-mass, calcium-binding polypeptides, several of which are chondrocyte expressed. Here, we tested the hypothesis that S100A11 and RAGE signaling modulate osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis by regulating a shift in chondrocyte differentiation to hypertrophy. We analyzed human cartilages and cultured human articular chondrocytes, and used recombinant human S100A11, soluble RAGE, and previously characterized RAGE-specific blocking Abs. Normal human knee cartilages demonstrated constitutive RAGE and S100A11 expression, and RAGE and S100A11 expression were up-regulated in OA cartilages studied by immunohistochemistry. CXCL8 and TNF-α induced S100A11 expression and release in cultured chondrocytes. Moreover, S100A11 induced cell size increase and expression of type X collagen consistent with chondrocyte hypertrophy in vitro. CXCL8-induced, IL-8-induced, and TNF-α-induced but not retinoic acid-induced chondrocyte hypertrophy were suppressed by treatment with soluble RAGE or RAGE-specific blocking Abs. Last, via transfection of dominant-negative RAGE and dominant-negative MAPK kinase 3, we demonstrated that S100A11-induced chondrocyte type X collagen expression was dependent on RAGE-mediated p38 MAPK pathway activation. We conclude that up-regulated chondrocyte expression of the RAGE ligand S100A11 in OA cartilage, and RAGE signaling through the p38 MAPK pathway, promote inflammation-associated chondrocyte hypertrophy. RAGE signaling thereby has the potential to contribute to the progression of OA.
TNFα-Induced Long Pentraxin PTX3 Expression in Human Lung Epithelial Cells via JNK
Authors: Han Bing , Mura Marco , Andrade Cristiano F. , Okutani Daisuke , Lodyga Monika , dos Santos Claudia C. , Keshavjee Shaf , Matthay Michael , Liu Mingyao
Published: April 2014

Long pentraxin 3 (PTX3), an acute-phase protein, is a newly clarified mediator for innate immunity and inflammation. As a soluble pattern recognition receptor, it has a nonredundant role in antifungal infection. Overexpression of PTX3 worsens acute lung injury. The lung epithelium is a critical factor in defense against pulmonary pathogens; it is also involved in acute inflammatory responses related to tissue injury. However, very little is known about how PTX3 is regulated in the lung epithelium. In this study, we found that i.v. injection of LPS induced PTX3 expression in rat lung alveolar epithelium. Using human lung cell lines and primary epithelial cells, we found that PTX3 expression was significantly up-regulated by TNF-α in a time- and dose-dependent manner, but not by LPS. Pretreatment with either actinomycin D or cycloheximide abolished TNF-α-induced PTX3 expression, indicating the requirement for both transcriptional and translational regulation. The TNF-α-induced PTX3 expression was blocked by SP600125, a JNK-specific inhibitor, but not by the inhibitors against NF-κB, ERKs, or p38 MAPK. Knockdown of either JNK1 or JNK2 with small interfering RNA also significantly reduced the regulated PTX3 expression. Thus, lung epithelial cells appear to be a major local source for PTX3 production, which could be induced in vivo from these cells by LPS or other inflammatory stimuli, and may be an important mediator for host defense and tissue damage. The importance of the JNK pathway for the regulated PTX3 expression may be a potential target for its regulation in the lung.
Complement-Dependent Apoptosis and Inflammatory Gene Changes in Murine Lupus Cerebritis
Authors: Alexander Jessy J. , Jacob Alexander , Bao Lihua , Macdonald R. Loch , Quigg Richard J.
Published: April 2014

The role of complement activation in the brains of MRL/lpr lupus mice was determined using the potent C3 convertase inhibitor, CR1-related y (Crry), administered both as an overexpressing Crry transgene and as Crry-Ig. Prominent deposition of complement proteins C3 and C9 in brains of MRL/lpr mice was indicative of complement activation and was significantly reduced by Crry. Apoptosis was determined in brain using different independent measures of apoptosis, including TUNEL staining, DNA laddering, and caspase-3 activity, all of which were markedly increased in lupus mice and could be blocked by inhibiting complement with Crry. Complement activation releases inflammatory mediators that can induce apoptosis. The mRNA for potentially proinflammatory proteins such as TNFR1, inducible NO synthase, and ICAM-1 were up-regulated in brains of lupus mice. Crry prevented the increased expression of these inflammatory molecules, indicating that the changes were complement dependent. Furthermore, microarray analysis revealed complement-dependent up-regulation of glutamate receptor (AMPA-GluR) expression in lupus brains, which was also validated for AMPA-GluR1 mRNA and protein. Our results clearly demonstrate that apoptosis is a prominent feature in lupus brains. Complement activation products either directly and/or indirectly through TNFR1, ICAM-1, inducible NO synthase, and AMPA-GluR, all of which were altered in MRL/lpr mouse brains, have the potential to induce such apoptosis. These findings present the exciting possibility that complement inhibition is a therapeutic option for lupus cerebritis.
Saliva from Lutzomyia longipalpis Induces CC Chemokine Ligand 2/Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Expression and Macrophage Recruitment
Authors: Teixeira Clarissa R. , Teixeira Maria Jânia , Gomes Regis B. B. , Santos Claire S. , Andrade Bruno B. , Raffaele-Netto Imbroinise , Silva João S. , Guglielmotti Angelo , Miranda José C. , Barral Aldina , Brodskyn Cláudia , Barral-Netto Manoel
Published: April 2014

Saliva of bloodfeeding arthropods has been incriminated in facilitating the establishment of parasite in their host. We report on the leukocyte chemoattractive effect of salivary gland homogenate (SGH) from Lutzomyia longipalpis on saliva-induced inflammation in an air pouch model. SGH (0.5 pair/animal) was inoculated in the air pouch formed in the back of BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice. L. longipalpis SGH induced a significant influx of macrophages in BALB/c but not in C57BL/6 mice. SGH-induced cell recruitment reached a peak at 12 h after inoculation and was higher than that induced by the LPS control. This differential cell recruitment in BALB/c mice was directly correlated to an increase in CCL2/MCP-1 expression in the air pouch lining tissue. In fact, treatment with bindarit, an inhibitor of CCL2/MCP-1 synthesis, and also with a specific anti-MCP-1 mAb resulted in drastic reduction of macrophage recruitment and inhibition of CCL2/MCP-1 expression in the lining tissue. CCL2/MCP-1 production was also seen in vitro when J774 murine macrophages were exposed to L. longipalpis SGH. The SGH effect was abrogated by preincubation with serum containing anti-SGH IgG Abs as well as in mice previously sensitized with L. longipalpis bites. Interestingly, the combination of SGH with Leishmania chagasi induced an increased recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages when compared with L. chagasi alone. Taken together these results suggest that SGH not only induces the recruitment of a greater number of macrophages by enhancing CCL2/MCP-1 production but also synergizes with L. chagasi to recruit more inflammatory cells to the site of inoculation.
Reduced Allergenic Potency of VR9-1, a Mutant of the Major Shrimp Allergen Pen a 1 (Tropomyosin)
Authors: Reese Gerald , Viebranz Julia , Leong-Kee Susan M. , Plante Matthew , Lauer Iris , Randow Stefanie , Moncin Mar San-Miguel , Ayuso Rosalia , Lehrer Samuel B. , Vieths Stefan
Published: April 2014

The major shrimp allergen, tropomyosin, is an excellent model allergen for studying the influence of mutations within the primary structure on the allergenic potency of an allergen; Pen a 1 allows systematic evaluation and comparison of Ab-binding epitopes, because amino acid sequences of both allergenic and nonallergenic tropomyosins are known. Individually recognized IgE Ab-binding epitopes, amino acid positions, and substitutions critical for IgE Ab binding were identified by combinatorial substitution analysis, and 12 positions deemed critical were mutated in the eight major epitopes. The mutant VR9-1 was characterized with regard to allergenic potency by mediator release assays using sera from shrimp-allergic subjects and sera from BALB/c, C57BL/6J, C3H/HeJ, and CBA/J mice sensitized with shrimp extract using alum, cholera toxin, and Bordetella pertussis, as adjuvants. The secondary structure of VR9-1 was not altered; however, the allergenic potency was reduced by 90–98% measuring allergen-specific mediator release from humanized rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells, RBL 30/25. Reduced mediator release of RBL-2H3 cells sensitized with sera from mice that were immunized with shrimp extract indicated that mice produced IgE Abs to Pen a 1 and to the same epitopes as humans did. In conclusion, data obtained by mapping sequential epitopes were used to generate a Pen a 1 mutant with significantly reduced allergenic potency. Epitopes that are relevant for human IgE Ab binding are also major binding sites for murine IgE Abs. These results indicate that the murine model might be used to optimize the Pen a 1 mutant for future therapeutic use.
CXCL10 DNA Vaccination Prevents Spontaneous Diabetes through Enhanced β Cell Proliferation in NOD Mice
Authors: Shigihara Toshikatsu , Shimada Akira , Oikawa Yoichi , Yoneyama Hiroyuki , Kanazawa Yasuhiko , Okubo Yoshiaki , Matsushima Kouji , Yamato Eiji , Miyazaki Jun-ichi , Kasuga Akira , Saruta Takao , Narumi Shosaku
Published: April 2014

CXCL10, a chemokine for Th1 cells, is involved in the pathogenesis of various Th1-dominant autoimmune diseases. Type 1 diabetes is considered to be a Th1-dominant autoimmune disease, and a suppressive effect of CXCL10 neutralization on diabetes development has been reported in a cyclophosphamide-induced accelerated diabetes model through induction of β cell proliferation. However, intervention in a diabetes model might bring about opposite effects, depending on the timing, amount, or method of treatment. In the present study, we examined the effect of CXCL10 neutralization in a “spontaneous diabetes” model of NOD mice, using CXCL10 DNA vaccination (pCAGGS-CXCL10). pCAGGS-CXCL10 treatment in young NOD mice induced the production of anti-CXCL10 Ab in vivo and suppressed the incidence of spontaneous diabetes, although this treatment did not inhibit insulitis or alter the immunological response. pCAGGS-CXCL10 treatment enhanced the proliferation of pancreatic β cells, resulting in an increase of β cell mass in this spontaneous diabetes model as well. Therefore, CXCL10 neutralization is suggested to be useful for maintaining β cell mass at any stage of autoimmune diabetes.
Functional and Phenotypic Characterization of CD57+CD4+ T Cells and Their Association with HIV-1-Induced T Cell Dysfunction
Authors: Palmer Brent E. , Blyveis Naomi , Fontenot Andrew P. , Wilson Cara C.
Published: April 2014

HIV-1 replication is associated with reduced or absent HIV-1-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation and skewing of HIV-1-specific CD4+ T cells toward an IFN-γ-producing, CCR7− phenotype. The CCR7− T cell population is heterogeneous and can be subdivided based on the expression of CD57. Although CD57 expression on CD8+ T cells is associated with proliferation incompetence and replicative senescence, less is known about the function of CD57-expressing CD4+ T cells. In this study, the frequency, phenotype, and function of CD57+CD4+ T cells were evaluated in 25 HIV-1-infected subjects and 10 seronegative controls. CD57+CD4+ T cells were found to be proliferation incompetent, even after strong mitogen stimulation. Percentages of CD4+ T cells that expressed CD57 were significantly higher in untreated HIV-1-infected subjects than in HIV-1-seronegative donors, and CD57 expression did not normalize in subjects receiving at least 6 mo of effective antiretroviral therapy. CD57 was predominately expressed on the CCR7− fraction of the CD4+ T cell compartment and accounted for the majority of cells in the CCR7−CD45RA+ population from untreated HIV-1-infected subjects. HIV-1-specific CD4+ T cells producing only IFN-γ had the highest expression of CD57, whereas few cells producing IL-2 alone expressed CD57. These findings further define a novel population of proliferation-incompetent CD4+ T cells that are generated in the presence of chronic Ag exposure. A better understanding of the generation and persistence of CD57+ T cells in HIV-1 infection could provide important insights into the immunopathogenesis of this disease.
Expression and Activity of NOX5 in the Circulating Malignant B Cells of Hairy Cell Leukemia
Authors: Kamiguti Aura S. , Serrander Lena , Lin Ke , Harris Robert J. , Cawley John C. , Allsup David J. , Slupsky Joseph R. , Krause Karl-Heinz , Zuzel Mirko
Published: April 2014

Hairy cells (HCs) are mature malignant B cells that contain a number of constitutively active signaling molecules including GTP-bound Rac1, protein kinase C, and Src family kinases. Because Rac1 is a component of the reactive oxidant species (ROS)-generating NADPH oxidase system, we investigated the role of this GTPase in ROS production in HCs. In this study, we show that ROS production in HCs involves a flavin-containing oxidase dependent on Ca2+, but not on GTP-Rac1 or protein kinase C. This suggests the involvement of the nonphagocytic NADPH oxidase NOX5, an enzyme found in lymphoid tissues, but not in circulating lymphocytes. By using RT-PCR and Southern and Western blotting and by measuring superoxide anion production in membrane fractions in the absence of cytosolic components, we demonstrate for the first time that HCs (but not circulating normal B cells or some other lymphoid cell types) express NOX5. We also demonstrate that inhibition of NADPH oxidase in HCs results in a selective increase in the activity of Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1). Furthermore, SHP-1 in HCs coimmunoprecipitates with tyrosine phosphorylated CD22 and localizes in the same cellular compartment as NOX5. This allows the inactivation of SHP-1 by NOX5-generated ROS and contributes to the maintenance of the constitutive activation of HCs.
Immunodominance of Poxviral-Specific CTL in a Human Trial of Recombinant-Modified Vaccinia Ankara
Authors: Smith Caroline L. , Mirza Fareed , Pasquetto Valerie , Tscharke David C. , Palmowski Michael J. , Dunbar P. Rod , Sette Alessandro , Harris Adrian L. , Cerundolo Vincenzo
Published: April 2014

Many recombinant poxviral vaccines are currently in clinical trials for cancer and infectious diseases. However, these agents have failed to generate T cell responses specific for recombinant gene products at levels comparable with T cell responses associated with natural viral infections. The recent identification of vaccinia-encoded CTL epitopes, including a new epitope described in this study, allows the simultaneous comparison of CTL responses specific for poxviral and recombinant epitopes. We performed detailed kinetic analyses of CTL responses in HLA-A*0201 patients receiving repeated injections of recombinant modified vaccinia Ankara encoding a string of melanoma tumor Ag epitopes. The vaccine-driven CTL hierarchy was dominated by modified vaccinia Ankara epitope-specific responses, even in patients who had not received previous smallpox vaccination. The only recombinant epitope that was able to impact on the CTL hierarchy was the melan-A26–35 analog epitope, whereas responses specific for the weaker affinity epitope NY-ESO-1157–165 failed to be expanded above the level detected in prevaccination samples. Our results demonstrate that immunodominant vaccinia-specific CTL responses limit the effectiveness of poxviruses in recombinant vaccination strategies and that more powerful priming strategies are required to overcome immunodominance of poxvirus-specific T cell responses.
Immunological Trigger of Mast Cells by Monomeric IgE: Effect on Microphthalmia Transcription Factor, STAT3 Network of Interactions
Authors: Sonnenblick Amir , Levy Carmit , Razin Ehud
Published: April 2014

Microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) and STAT3 are two transcription factors that play a major role in the regulation of growth and function of mast cells and melanocytes. We have previously provided experimental evidence regarding the functional cross-talk between MITF, protein inhibitor of activated STAT3, and STAT3 in response to cytokine activation of mast cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that binding of different IgE molecules to their FcεRI induces a spectrum of intracellular events in the absence of specific Ag. In this work, we show for the first time that, in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells and in rat basophilic leukemia cells, monomeric IgE alone can induce the MITF-protein inhibitor of activated STAT3-STAT3 network of interactions and leads to phosphorylation of MITF at S73 and of STAT3 at both tyrosine 705 and S727. This phosphorylation increases the transcriptional activity of MITF and STAT3 as indicated by mRNA accumulation of their target genes such as Bcl-2, granzyme B, and c-Myc. Interestingly, MITF and STAT3 were not found to be obligatory factors in the anti-apoptotic response induced by IgE. Thus, the phenomenon that IgE alone was able to induce transcription factors that are essential for mast cell function could contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis of allergy and its associated diseases.
Multiple Members of the TNF Superfamily Contribute to IFN-γ-Mediated Inhibition of Erythropoiesis
Authors: Felli Nadia , Pedini Francesca , Zeuner Ann , Petrucci Eleonora , Testa Ugo , Conticello Concetta , Biffoni Mauro , Di Cataldo Andrea , Winkles Jeffrey A. , Peschle Cesare , De Maria Ruggero
Published: April 2014

IFN-γ inhibits the growth and differentiation of erythroid precursor cells and mediates hemopoietic suppression through mechanisms that are not completely understood. We found that treatment of human erythroid precursor cells with IFN-γ up-regulates the expression of multiple members of the TNF family, including TRAIL and the recently characterized protein TWEAK. TWEAK and its receptor fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) were expressed by purified erythroblasts at all the stages of maturation. Exposure to recombinant TWEAK or agonist anti-Fn14 Abs was able to inhibit erythroid cell growth and differentiation through caspase activation. Because other members of the TNF family such as TRAIL and CD95 ligand (CD95L) are known to interfere with erythroblast growth and differentiation, we investigated the role of different TNF/TNFR family proteins as potential effectors of IFN-γ in the immature hemopoietic compartment. Treatment of erythroid precursor cells with agents that blocked either TRAIL, CD95L, or TWEAK activity was partially able to revert the effect of IFN-γ on erythroid proliferation and differentiation. However, the simultaneous inhibition of TRAIL, TWEAK, and CD95L resulted in a complete abrogation of IFN-γ inhibitory effects, indicating the requirement of different receptor-mediated signals in IFN-γ-mediated hemopoietic suppression. These results establish a new role for TWEAK and its receptor in normal and IFN-γ-mediated regulation of hematopoiesis and show that the effects of IFN-γ on immature erythroid cells depend on multiple interactions between TNF family members and their receptors.
Transient Loss of MHC Class I Tetramer Binding after CD8+ T Cell Activation Reflects Altered T Cell Effector Function
Authors: Drake Donald R. , Ream Rebecca M. , Lawrence Christopher W. , Braciale Thomas J.
Published: April 2014

Engagement of the Ag receptor on naive CD8+ T cells by specific peptide-MHC complex triggers their activation/expansion/differentiation into effector CTL. The frequency of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells can normally be determined by the binding of specific peptide-MHC tetramer complexes to TCR. In this study we demonstrate that, shortly after Ag activation, CD8+ T cells transiently lose the capacity to efficiently bind peptide-MHC tetramer complexes. This transient loss of tetramer binding, which occurs in response to naturally processed viral peptide during infection in vitro and in vivo, is associated with reduced signaling through the TCR and altered/diminished effector activity. This change in tetramer binding/effector response is likewise associated with a change in cell surface TCR organization. These and related results suggest that early during CD8+ T cell activation, there is a temporary alteration in both cell surface Ag receptor display and functional activity that is associated with a transient loss of cognate tetramer binding.
Direct Stimulation of Human T Cells via TLR5 and TLR7/8: Flagellin and R-848 Up-Regulate Proliferation and IFN-γ Production by Memory CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Caron Gersende , Duluc Dorothée , Frémaux Isabelle , Jeannin Pascale , David Catherine , Gascan Hugues , Delneste Yves
Published: April 2014

TLRs are involved in innate cell activation by conserved structures expressed by microorganisms. Human T cells express the mRNA encoding most of TLRs. Therefore, we tested whether some TLR ligands may modulate the function of highly purified human CD4+ T lymphocytes. We report that, in the absence of APCs, flagellin (a TLR5 ligand) and R-848 (a TLR7/8 ligand) synergized with suboptimal concentrations of TCR-dependent (anti-CD3 mAb) or -independent stimuli (anti-CD2 mAbs or IL-2) to up-regulate proliferation and IFN-γ, IL-8, and IL-10 but not IL-4 production by human CD4+ T cells. No effect of poly(I:C) and LPS, ligands for TLR3 and TLR4, respectively, was detected. We also observed that CD4+CD45RO+ memory T cell responses to TLR ligands were more potent than those observed with CD4+CD45RA+ naive T cells. Moreover, among the memory T cells, CCR7− effector cells were more sensitive to TLR ligands than CCR7+ central memory cells. These data demonstrate for the first time a direct effect of TLR5 and TLR7/8 ligands on human T cells, and highlight an innate arm in T cell functions. They also suggest that some components from invading microorganisms may directly stimulate effector memory T cells located in tissues by up-regulating cytokine and chemokine production.
A Theoretical Framework for Quantitative Analysis of the Molecular Basis of Costimulation
Authors: Jansson Andreas , Barnes Eleanor , Klenerman Paul , Harlén Mikael , Sørensen Poul , Davis Simon J. , Nilsson Patric
Published: April 2014

We present a theoretical framework for simulating the synaptic accumulation of the costimulatory molecules CD28, CTLA-4, B7-1, and B7-2, based on a system of mean-field, ordinary differential equations, and rigorous biophysical and expression data. The simulations show that binding affinity, stoichiometric properties, expression levels, and, in particular, competition effects all profoundly influence complex formation at cellular interfaces. B7-2 engages 33-fold more CD28 than CTLA-4 at the synapse in contrast to B7-1, which ligates ∼7-fold more CTLA-4 than CD28. Although B7-1 completely dominates interactions with CTLA-4, forming linear arrays of 7-18 receptor-ligand pairs, CTLA-4 is fully engaged by B7-2 when B7-1 is absent. Additional simulations reveal the sensitivity of CD28 interactions to modeled transport processes. The results support the concept that B7-2 and B7-1 are the dominant ligands of CD28 and CTLA-4, respectively, and indicate that the inability of B7-2 to recruit CTLA-4 to the synapse cannot be due to the differential binding properties of B7-1 and B7-2 only. We discuss the apparent redundancy of B7-1 in the context of a potentially dynamic synaptic microenvironment, and in light of functions other than the direct enhancement of T cell inhibition by CTLA-4.
Blockade of B7-H1 on Macrophages Suppresses CD4+ T Cell Proliferation by Augmenting IFN-γ-Induced Nitric Oxide Production
Authors: Yamazaki Tomohide , Akiba Hisaya , Koyanagi Akemi , Azuma Miyuki , Yagita Hideo , Okumura Ko
Published: April 2014

PD-1 is an immunoinhibitory receptor that belongs to the CD28/CTLA-4 family. B7-H1 (PD-L1) and B7-DC (PD-L2), which belong to the B7 family, have been identified as ligands for PD-1. Paradoxically, it has been reported that both B7-H1 and B7-DC costimulate or inhibit T cell proliferation and cytokine production. To determine the role of B7-H1 and B7-DC in T cell-APC interactions, we examined the contribution of B7-H1 and B7-DC to CD4+ T cell activation by B cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages using anti-B7-H1, anti-B7-DC, and anti-PD-1 blocking mAbs. Anti-B7-H1 mAb and its Fab markedly inhibited the proliferation of anti-CD3-stimulated naive CD4+ T cells, but enhanced IL-2 and IFN-γ production in the presence of macrophages. The inhibition of T cell proliferation by anti-B7-H1 mAb was abolished by neutralizing anti-IFN-γ mAb. Coculture of CD4+ T cells and macrophages from IFN-γ-deficient or wild-type mice showed that CD4+ T cell-derived IFN-γ was mainly responsible for the inhibition of CD4+ T cell proliferation. Anti-B7-H1 mAb induced IFN-γ-mediated production of NO by macrophages, and inducible NO synthase inhibitors abrogated the inhibition of CD4+ T cell proliferation by anti-B7-H1 mAb. These results indicated that the inhibition of T cell proliferation by anti-B7-H1 mAb was due to enhanced IFN-γ production, which augmented NO production by macrophages, suggesting a critical role for B7-H1 on macrophages in regulating IFN-γ production by naive CD4+ T cells and, hence, NO production by macrophages.
Anatomical Location Determines the Distribution and Function of Dendritic Cells and Other APCs in the Respiratory Tract
Authors: von Garnier Christophe , Filgueira Luis , Wikstrom Matthew , Smith Miranda , Thomas Jennifer A. , Strickland Deborah H. , Holt Patrick G. , Stumbles Philip A.
Published: April 2014

APCs, including dendritic cells (DC), are central to Ag surveillance in the respiratory tract (RT). Research in this area is dominated by mouse studies on purportedly representative RT-APC populations derived from whole-lung digests, comprising mainly parenchymal tissue. Our recent rat studies identified major functional differences between DC populations from airway mucosal vs parenchymal tissue, thus seriously questioning the validity of this approach. We addressed this issue for the first time in the mouse by separately characterizing RT-APC populations from these two different RT compartments. CD11chigh myeloid DC (mDC) and B cells were common to both locations, whereas a short-lived CD11cneg mDC was unique to airway mucosa and long-lived CD11chigh macrophage and rapid-turnover multipotential precursor populations were predominantly confined to the lung parenchyma. Airway mucosal mDC were more endocytic and presented peptide to naive CD4+ T cells more efficiently than their lung counterparts. However, mDC from neither site could present whole protein without further maturation in vitro, or following trafficking to lymph nodes in vivo, indicating a novel mechanism whereby RT-DC function is regulated at the level of protein processing but not peptide loading for naive T cell activation.
During Viral Infection of the Respiratory Tract, CD27, 4-1BB, and OX40 Collectively Determine Formation of CD8+ Memory T Cells and Their Capacity for Secondary Expansion
Authors: Hendriks Jenny , Xiao Yanling , Rossen John W. A. , van der Sluijs Koenraad F. , Sugamura Kazuo , Ishii Naoto , Borst Jannie
Published: April 2014

Independent studies have shown that CD27, 4-1BB, and OX40 can all promote survival of activated CD8+ T cells. We have therefore compared their impact on CD8+ memory T cell formation and responsiveness within one, physiologically relevant model system. Recombinant mice, selectively lacking input of one or two receptors, were challenged intranasally with influenza virus, and the immunodominant virus-specific CD8+ T cell response was quantified at priming and effector sites. Upon primary infection, CD27 and (to a lesser extent) 4-1BB made nonredundant contributions to accumulation of CD8+ virus-specific T cells in draining lymph nodes and lung, while OX40 had no effect. Interestingly though, in the memory response, accumulation of virus-specific CD8+ T cells in spleen and lung critically depended on all three receptor systems. This was explained by two observations: 1) CD27, 4-1BB, and OX40 were collectively responsible for generation of the same memory CD8+ T cell pool; 2) CD27, 4-1BB, and OX40 collectively determined the extent of secondary expansion, as shown by adoptive transfers with standardized numbers of memory cells. Surprisingly, wild-type CD8+ memory T cells expanded normally in primed OX40 ligand- or 4-1BB ligand-deficient mice. However, when wild-type memory cells were generated in OX40 ligand- or 4-1BB ligand-deficient mice, their secondary expansion was impaired. This provides the novel concept that stimulation of CD8+ T cells by OX40 and 4-1BB ligand during priming imprints into them the capacity for secondary expansion. Our data argue that ligand on dendritic cells and/or B cells may be critical for this.