bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated expression of CCR5 by myeloid (CD11c+) blood dendritic cells in multiple sclerosis and acute optic neuritis
Authors: PASHENKOV M , TELESHOVA N , KOUWENHOVEN M , KOSTULAS V , HUANG Y-M , SÖDERSTRÖM M , LINK H
Published: March 2003

Myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DC) are present in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in non-inflammatory neurological diseases (NIND) and elevated in clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS) and in early MS – acute monosymptomatic optic neuritis (ON). Here, we show that expression of CCR5, a chemokine receptor for regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α/β, is elevated on blood myeloid (CD11c+) DC in MS and ON compared to non-inflammatory controls. In contrast, expression of CXCR4, a receptor for stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α, is similar in all groups. Blood myeloid DC from MS patients respond chemotactically to RANTES and MIP-1β, which are expessed in MS lesions. In active MS and ON, expression of CCR5 by myeloid DC in blood correlates with numbers of these cells in CSF. Thus, elevation of CCR5 may contribute to recruitment of myeloid DC to CSF in MS and ON. Recruitment of plasmacytoid DC to CSF appears to be CCR5-independent.
Plasma levels of soluble CD27: a simple marker to monitor immune activation during potent antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1-infected subjects
Authors: DE MILITO A , ALEMAN S , MARENZI R , SÖNNERBORG A , FUCHS D , ZAZZI M , CHIODI F
Published: March 2003

Plasma levels of soluble CD27 (sCD27) are elevated in diseases characterized by T cell activation and are used as a marker of immune activation. We assessed the usefulness of determining plasma sCD27 as a marker for monitoring immune activation in HIV-1-infected patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). A first cross-sectional examination of 68 HIV-1-infected and 18 normal subjects showed high levels of sCD27 in HIV-1 infection; plasma sCD27 was correlated to HIV-1 viraemia and inversely correlated to CD4+ T cell count. Twenty-six HIV-1-infected patients undergoing HAART were studied at baseline and after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of therapy. Seven additional patients under HAART were analysed at baseline, during and after interruption of therapy. In the total population, HAART induced a significant and progressive reduction, but not a normalization, of plasma levels of sCD27 after 24 months. A full normalization of plasma sCD27 was observed in the virological responders (undetectable HIV-1 RNA at months 18 and 24) and also in patients with moderate immunodeficiency at baseline (CD4+ T cell count >200 cells/mm3). Changes in plasma neopterin paralleled the changes in sCD27 but only baseline sCD27 levels were predictive of a greater increase in CD4+ T cell count during the follow-up. Discontinuation of therapy resulted in a rapid increase of sCD27 plasma levels associated with viraemia rebound and drop in CD4+ T cell count. Our findings suggest that plasma sCD27 may represent an alternative and simple marker to monitor immune activation during potent antiretroviral therapy. HIV-1-induced immune activation can be normalized by HAART in successfully treated patients where the disease is not advanced.
Inflammatory responses in Ebola virus-infected patients
Authors: BAIZE S , LEROY E M , GEORGES A J , GEORGES-COURBOT M-C , CAPRON M , BEDJABAGA I , LANSOUD-SOUKATE J , MAVOUNGOU E
Published: March 2003

Ebola virus subtype Zaire (Ebo-Z) induces acute haemorrhagic fever and a 60–80% mortality rate in humans. Inflammatory responses were monitored in victims and survivors of Ebo-Z haemorrhagic fever during two recent outbreaks in Gabon. Survivors were characterized by a transient release in plasma of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) and MIP-1β early in the disease, followed by circulation of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) and soluble receptors for TNFα (sTNF-R) and IL-6 (sIL-6R) towards the end of the symptomatic phase and after recovery. Fatal infection was associated with moderate levels of TNFα and IL-6, and high levels of IL-10, IL-1RA and sTNF-R, in the days before death, while IL-1β was not detected and MIP-1α and MIP-1β concentrations were similar to those of endemic controls. Simultaneous massive activation of monocytes/macrophages, the main target of Ebo-Z, was suggested in fatal infection by elevated neopterin levels. Thus, presence of IL-1β and of elevated concentrations of IL-6 in plasma during the symptomatic phase can be used as markers of non-fatal infection, while release of IL-10 and of high levels of neopterin and IL-1RA in plasma as soon as a few days after the disease onset is indicative of a fatal outcome. In conclusion, recovery from Ebo-Z infection is associated with early and well-regulated inflammatory responses, which may be crucial in controlling viral replication and inducing specific immunity. In contrast, defective inflammatory responses and massive monocyte/macrophage activation were associated with fatal outcome.
Interleukin-1β inducesin vivotolerance to lipopolysaccharide in mice
Authors: ALVES-ROSA F , VULCANO M , BEIGIER-BOMPADRE M , FERNÁNDEZ G , PALERMO M , ISTURIZ M A
Published: March 2003

Endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) tolerance may be partially due to the secretion of potent anti-inflammatory cytokines following severe Gram-negative infections, or by low doses of LPS. In this work, we describe the effects of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), two early cytokines secreted after LPS exposure, in the induction of LPS tolerance. Our results demonstrate that mice treated with three daily doses of 100 ng of IL-1β were tolerant to LPS-induced shock. However, TNF-α was unable to induce an LPS refractory state. Given the fact that 100 ng of IL-1β increase the plasma levels of glucocorticoids, we evaluated whether a daily injection of dexamethasone (DEX) alone was able to reproduce the LPS-like tolerant state. However, no signs of LPS refractoriness were detected, except when DEX was administered concomitantly with a dose of IL-1β that does not induce corticosterone secretion (12 ng/mouse). This dose was found to induce in vitro up-regulation of the glucocorticoid receptors (GcR) of peritoneal macrophages following 24 h of treatment. In addition, we demonstrate that IL-1β is capable of inducing the down-regulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a crucial molecule in the signal transduction of LPS. Taken together, our results indicate that IL-1β can generate tolerance to LPS in vivo, and suggest that the regulation of mechanisms of the down-regulation of TLR4, as well as those involved in the expression of GcR and/or in the secretion of glucocorticoids, would be crucial for these effects.
IFNγ induces functional chemokine receptor expression in human mesangial cells
Authors: SCHWARZ M , WAHL M , RESCH K , RADEKE H H
Published: March 2003

Infiltration of leucocyte populations into sites of inflammation is a common feature in renal diseases. Glomerular mesangial cells are potent producers of a variety of chemokines, leading to specific attraction of distinct types of inflammatory leucocytes into the glomerulus, but so far there is limited knowledge about the responsiveness of mesangial cells to chemokines. We investigated the expression of chemokine receptors and the responsiveness of primary human mesangial cells (HMC) to the chemokines which they produce, namely monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin (IL)-8. We found that mRNAs of the chemokine receptors CCR1, which has been shown before, CCR2 and CXCR2 were induced by T-helper cytokine interferon-gamma (IFNγ). In IFNγ-stimulated cells, CCR2 and CXCR2 were detectable by flow cytometry. Following treatment with IFNγ, HMC responded to MCP-1 and IL-8 with an increase of IL-6 mRNA and protein expression, which was in part blocked by pertussis toxin. Moreover, chemokine stimulation of transfected HMC led to an activation of the immunoregulatory transcription factors NFκB and AP-1. Additionally, we found that MCP-1 enhanced the expression of its own mRNA in cells activated to express CCR2, suggesting autocrine feedback mechanisms in MCP-1 regulation. Finally, IFNγ-activated cells migrated towards an MCP-1 gradient in a chemotaxis assay. These results strengthen the assumption that chemokines are not only involved in the recruitment of immune cells to inflamed tissues, but also seem to play a central role in the autocrine regulation of local tissue cells, leading to proceeding inflammation and possibly contributing to healing by mediating cell growth and migration.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor activates antigen-presenting dendritic cells and induces inflammatory cytokines in ulcerative colitis
Authors: MURAKAMI H , AKBAR S M F , MATSUI H , HORIIKE N , ONJI M
Published: March 2003

The level of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and the functions of dendritic cells (DC) are up-regulated in the peripheral blood, and the numbers of MIF-expressing cells and mature DC are increased at the colonic mucosa from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, a functional relationship between MIF and DC, and the role of MIF in the pathogenesis of UC, are not clear. In this study, we showed that a pure population of peripheral blood DC is a new and still unknown source of MIF. DC from UC patients produced significantly higher levels of MIF (17·5 ± 9·8 ng/ml, n = 10) compared with patients with Crohn's disease (CD) (4·6 ± 2·5 ng/ml, n = 5, P < 0·01) and control subjects (5·0 ± 2·6 ng/ml, n = 10, P < 0·01). A double immunofluorescence study revealed the expression of MIF by CD83-positive mature DC at the colonic mucosa from UC patients. Blood DC treated with high amounts of MIF (500 ng/ml) showed a significantly higher stimulatory capacity (43287 ± 5998 CPM, n = 5) in an allogenic mixed leucocyte reaction compared with untreated DC (27528 ± 8823 CPM, n = 5, P < 0·05). Study of intracellular cytokine expression showed that MIF induced significant levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8 in monocytes and DC from UC and CD patients. These results showing the capacity of MIF to induce increased functional capacity of DC, and to produce IL-1β and IL-8 from monocytes and DC, indicate a role of MIF in the induction and/or perpetuation of the inflammatory environment in UC.
Autoimmune T cell responses to seminal plasma in chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)
Authors: BATSTONE G R D , DOBLE A , GASTON J S H
Published: March 2003

The aetiology of chronic prostatitis is not understood. The aim of this study is to investigate an autoimmune hypothesis by looking for T cell proliferation in response to proteins of the seminal plasma. We studied peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation from 20 patients with chronic prostatitis and 20 aged-matched controls in response to serial dilutions of seminal plasma (SP) from themselves (autologous SP) and from a healthy individual without the disease (allo-SP). We found that the patients have a statistically greater lymphocyte proliferation to autologous SP at the 1/50 dilution on day 6 compared to controls (P = 0·01). They also have a greater proliferation to allo-SP on both day 5 (P = 0·001) and day 6 (P = 0·01) at the same dilution. Using a stimulation index (SI) of 9 to either autologous SP or allo-SP on day 6 at the 1/50 dilution as a definition of a proliferative response to SP, then 13/20 patients as compared to 3/20 controls showed a proliferative response to SP (P = 0·003, Fisher's exact test). These data support an autoimmune hypothesis for chronic prostatitis.
Antigenic and immunologic characterization of an allogeneic colon carcinoma vaccine
Authors: SHAWLER D L , BARTHOLOMEW R M , GARRETT M A , TRAUGER R J , DORIGO O , VAN BEVEREN C , MARCHESE A , FERRE F , DUFFY C , CARLO D J , SHERMAN L A , GOLD D P , SOBOL R E
Published: March 2003

We report the immunological characterization of three colon carcinoma cell lines, COLO 205, SW620 and SW403, which we selected to combine with cytokine-secreting fibroblasts for the development of an allogeneic tumour cell vaccine. The cell lines expressed HLA-A2 as well as shared tumour-associated antigens (TAAs) representative of colon carcinomas: CEA, Ep-CAM, MUC1, HER2/neu and MAGE antigens. They did not secrete high levels of the immunosuppressive factors TGF-β, IL-10 or prostaglandins. The lines presented TAAs in a manner recognized by immune effector cells, which was demonstrated by the lysis of SW620 by HLA-A2-restricted anti-p53 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). COLO 205 and SW620 were genetically modified to express the co-stimulatory molecule CD80 (B7.1), which increased the ability of the cells to stimulate CTL in vitro. CTL clones derived from HLA-A2+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with the CD80-expressing lines lysed the stimulator cell and an HLA-A2+ colon cancer cell line, but did not lyse an isogeneic fibroblast line or an HLA-A2− colon cancer cell line. CTL clones derived from colon carcinoma patients immunized with an allogeneic vaccine containing these lines demonstrated killing of autologous tumour cells, the vaccine cell lines and other HLA-A2+ colon cancer cell lines, but not fibroblasts isogeneic to certain of the target cell lines. Our studies demonstrate that these colon carcinoma cell lines express shared TAAs that can induce CTLs which recognize and lyse other colon carcinoma cells, and support the continued clinical evaluation of the CD80 gene modified allogeneic colon cell/cytokine-secreting fibroblast carcinoma vaccine.
Functional changes in rheumatoid fibroblast-like synovial cells through activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-mediated signalling pathway
Authors: YAMASAKI S , NAKASHIMA T , KAWAKAMI A , MIYASHITA T , IDA H , MIGITA K , NAKATA K , EGUCHI K
Published: March 2003

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a ligand dependent transcriptional factor known to be a regulator of adipogenesis. Recent studies have also shown that stimulation of PPARγ inhibits the transcriptional activities of other nuclear factors and down-regulates proinflammatory cytokine synthesis in T cells and monocytes. We examined, in the present study, the functional significance of PPARγ expressed in fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) isolated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Incubation of FLS with a synthetic PPARγ ligand, troglitazone, inhibited endogenous production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, as well as matrix metalloprotease-3 (MMP-3), without inducing apoptosis of the cells. The gelatinase activity of FLS culture media was also inhibited by troglitazone. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed a significant reduction in the DNA binding activity of NF-κB in troglitazone-treated FLS in response to TNF-α or IL-1β. Moreover, long-term cultivation of FLS with troglitazone resulted in morphological changes with marked lipid accumulation in these cells. Our results show a negative regulatory function for PPARγ on cytokine and MMP production together with inhibition of cytokine-mediated inflammatory responses in rheumatoid synovial cells. Our results also suggest that FLS could differentiate into adipocyte-like cells in the presence of proper stimulatory signals including PPARγ.
A novel autoimmune pancreatitis model in MRL mice treated with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid
Authors: QU W-M , MIYAZAKI T , TERADA M , OKADA K , MORI S , KANNO H , NOSE M
Published: March 2003

In this study we established a new animal model for exploring the pathogenesis of autoimmune pancreatitis. We have found previously that MRL/Mp-+/+(MRL/+) mice develop pancreatitis spontaneously by an autoimmune mechanism but only when they are more than 34 weeks old. Because this disease might be a model of multi-factorial diseases controlled by genetic and environmental factors, beginning at 6 weeks old, we injected polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) into MRL/+ mice and in addtion, into MRL/Mp mice bearing the Fas deletion mutant gene, lpr (MRL/lpr). Poly I:C induced chronic severe pancreatitis in all the MRL/+ mice and to a lesser extent in the MRL/lpr mice by 18 weeks of age. There was no pancreatitis in control mice of both strains at the same age. Other than chronic pancreatitis, no severe autoimmune diseases were observed in MRL/+ mice. Immunohistochemical examinations revealed predominant infiltration of CD4+ T cells and Mac-2+ activated macrophages in the pancreatic lesions. Splenic expression of the mRNAs for TNF-α and IL-10, which is known to suppress the development of pancreatitis, were increased in both strains of mice. These findings suggest that an MRL strain of mice treated with poly I:C might be a good model for developing new approaches to the study of the pathogenesis of autoimmune pancreatitis.
Abnormal expression and function of Fas ligand of lachrymal glands and peripheral blood in Sjögren's syndrome patients with enlarged exocrine glands
Authors: TSUBOTA K , FUJITA H , TADANO K , ONODA N , TSUZAKA K , TAKEUCHI T
Published: March 2003

The objective of our study was to investigate the possibility of Fas ligand protein abnormalities in certain types of Sjögren's syndrome patients with enlarged exocrine glands. Fas ligand expression by lymphocytes infiltrating the lachrymal glands and by peripheral blood monocytes in Sjögren's syndrome patients with enlarged exocrine glands was assessed immunohistologically and by immunoblotting. Cytotoxicity of peripheral blood monocytes and sensitivity to steroids in Sjögren's syndrome patients with enlarged exocrine glands were studied by functional assay. Minimal Fas ligand expression was detected in the lymphocytes of the lachrymal glands and a decreased level of Fas ligand was found in peripheral blood monocytes as assessed by immunoblotting. Functional assay confirmed the decreased cytotoxicity of lymphocytes in Sjögren's syndrome patients with enlarged exocrine glands, and that it is not affected by anti-Fas ligand antibody. By contrast, the sensitivity of lymphocytes in Sjögren's syndrome patients with enlarged exocrine glands to steroids was increased. These observations suggest that abnormal expression and function of Fas ligand occurs in Sjögren's syndrome patients with enlarged exocrine glands.
Immunoglobulin G antibodies against indoor dampness-related microbes and adult-onset asthma: a population-based incident case–control study
Authors: JAAKKOLA M S , LAITINEN S , PIIPARI R , UITTI J , NORDMAN H , HAAPALA A-M , JAAKKOLA J J K
Published: March 2003

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against microbes related to indoor dampness problems have been used as potential biomarkers of fungal exposure in clinical investigations. There is limited information on their relation to asthma. We conducted a population-based incident case–control study to assess the risk of asthma in relation to specific IgG antibodies to eight dampness-related microbes: Aspergillus fumigatus, A. versicolor, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, Sporobolomyces salmonicolor, Stachybotrys chartarum, Streptomyces albus and Trichoderma citrinoviride. We recruited systematically all new cases of asthma during a 2·5-year study period and randomly selected controls from a source population of adults 21–63 years of age living in the Pirkanmaa Hospital District, South Finland. The clinically diagnosed case series consisted of 521 adults with newly diagnosed asthma and the control series of 932 controls selected randomly from the source population. IgG antibodies were analysed with ELISA. An increased risk of developing asthma in adulthood was significantly related to IgG antibodies to T. citrinoviride, but not to the other moulds. There was no evidence of a dose–response relation between the IgG antibody level and the risk of asthma. T. citrinoviride may play a role in the aetiology of adult-onset asthma or serve as an indicator of other causal factors.
Nuclear factor-kappa B activation pathway in intestinal epithelial cells is a major regulator of chemokine gene expression and neutrophil migration induced byBacteroides fragilisenterotoxin
Authors: KIM J M , CHO S J , OH Y-K , JUNG H-Y , KIM Y-J , KIM N
Published: March 2003

Although intestinal epithelial cells are known to up-regulate the expression of several chemokine genes in response to the stimulation with B. fragilis enterotoxin (BFT), there has been little understanding on the cellular mechanisms of BFT-induced mucosal inflammation. To test whether nuclear transcriptional factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is involved in the process, we stimulated intestinal epithelial cells with BFT, and evaluated the signalling NF-κB pathways. BFT increased signals of NF-κB in HT-29 and T84 epithelial cell lines as well as primary human colon epithelial cells. NF-κB molecules activated by BFT stimulation were composed of p65 and p50 heterodimers. In contrast, BFT decreased the signals of IκBα and IκBɛ, as assessed by immunoblot. Super-repressors of IκBα, IκB kinase (IKK)β, and NF-κB inducing kinase (NIK) inhibited an up-regulated transcription of downstream target gene (CXCL8) of NF-κB. Moreover, blocking the activation of NF-κB by MG-132 or antisense p50 oligonucleotide transfection resulted in down-regulated expression of chemokines such as CXCL1, CXCL8, and CCL2 in BFT-stimulated HT-29 cells. In addition, NF-κB inhibition suppressed the BFT-induced neutrophil transepithelial migration in T84 cells. These results indicate that NF-κB can be a central regulator of chemokine gene expression in BFT-stimulated intestinal epithelial cells and may be an important regulator of neutrophil migration.
Dietary n-3 PUFA affect TcR-mediated activation of purified murine T cells and accessory cell function in co-cultures
Authors: CHAPKIN R S , ARRINGTON J L , APANASOVICH T V , CARROLL R J , MCMURRAY D N
Published: March 2003

Diets enriched in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) suppress several functions of murine splenic T cells by acting directly on the T cells and/or indirectly on accessory cells. In this study, the relative contribution of highly purified populations of the two cell types to the dietary suppression of T cell function was examined. Mice were fed diets containing different levels of n-3 PUFA; safflower oil (SAF; control containing no n-3 PUFA), fish oil (FO) at 2% and 4%, or 1% purified docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for 2 weeks. Purified (>90%) T cells were obtained from the spleen, and accessory cells (>95% adherent, esterase-positive) were obtained by peritoneal lavage. Purified T cells or accessory cells from each diet group were co-cultured with the alternative cell type from every other diet group, yielding a total of 16 different co-culture combinations. The T cells were stimulated with either concanavalin A (ConA) or antibodies to the T cell receptor (TcR)/CD3 complex and the costimulatory molecule CD28 (αCD3/αCD28), and proliferation was measured after four days. Suppression of T cell proliferation in the co-cultures was dependent upon the dose of dietary n-3 PUFA fed to mice from which the T cells were derived, irrespective of the dietary treatment of accessory cell donors. The greatest dietary effect was seen in mice consuming the DHA diet (P = 0·034 in the anova; P=0·0053 in the Trend Test), and was observed with direct stimulation of the T cell receptor and CD28 costimulatory ligand, but not with ConA. A significant dietary effect was also contributed accessory cells (P = 0·033 in the Trend Test). We conclude that dietary n-3 PUFA affect TcR-mediated by T cell activation by both direct and indirect (accessory cell) mechanisms.
The dual function of the splenic marginal zone: essential for initiation of anti-TI-2 responses but also vital in the general first-line defense against blood-borne antigens
Authors: ZANDVOORT A , TIMENS W
Published: March 2003

The splenic marginal zone (S-MZ) is especially well equipped for rapid humoral responses and is unique in its ability to initiate an immune response to encapsulated bacteria (T-cell independent type 2 (TI-2) antigens). Because of the rapid spreading through the blood, infections with blood-borne bacteria form a major health risk. To cope with blood-borne antigens, a system is needed that can respond rapidly to a great diversity of organisms. Because of a number of unique features, S-MZ B cells can respond rapid and efficient to all sorts of blood-borne antigens. These unique features include a low blood flow microenvironment, low threshold for activation, high expression of complement receptor 2 (CR2, CD21) and multireactivity.

Because of the unique high expression of CD21 in a low flow compartment, S-MZ B cells can bind and respond to TI-2 antigens even with relatively low-avid B cell receptors. Although TI-2 antigens are in general poorly opsonized by classic opsonins, a particular characteristic of these antigens is their ability to bind very rapidly to complement fragment C3d without the necessity of previous immunoglobulin binding. TI-2 primed S-MZ B cells, already by first passage through the germinal centre, will meet antigen-C3d complexes bound to follicular dendritic cells, allowing unique immediate isotype switching. This explains that the primary humoral response to TI-2 antigens is unique in its characterization by a rapid increase in IgM concurrent with IgG antibody levels.
Long-term antibody responses following human infection with Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: CAWTHRAW S A , FELDMAN R A , SAYERS A R , NEWELL D G
Published: March 2003

Epidemiological evidence suggests prior infection of humans by Campylobacter jejuni leads to protection against disease following further exposure. It is known that infections elicit strong antibody responses following the onset of disease and that antibody levels are elevated in putatively immune populations. To determine if systemic and mucosal antibodies induced by a confirmed infection remain at elevated levels for prolonged periods, repeat serum, saliva and urine samples were taken from campylobacter patients from 1 week and up to a year postinfection. Antibodies were monitored by ELISAs using three different antigen preparations: acid-glycine extracts (AE) of C. jejuni strain 81116 and an aflagellate mutant (R2), and a whole-cell R2 sonicate, and by Western blotting. Levels of serum IgG antibodies against 81116AE and R2 sonicate, but not R2AE, remained significantly raised over time when compared to a comparison population. Serum anti-sonicate IgA antibody levels were initially significantly raised but decreased over time to levels similar to the comparison group. There were no significant differences in levels of salivary IgA against the AEs. Anti-sonicate salivary IgA and IgG levels were initially significantly higher than in the comparison group. Both declined over time but the IgG levels remained significantly higher. Significant correlations were seen between serum IgG levels and age and duration of illness. Serum antibodies against flagellin, 40 kDa and 29 kDa antigens were still detectable in most patients up to a year postinfection, as were salivary antibodies to flagellin, the major outer-membrane protein and a 40 kDa antigen.
Humoral immunity and bronchiectasis
Authors: STEAD A , DOUGLAS J G , BROADFOOT C J , KAMINSKI E R , HERRIOT R
Published: March 2003

Bronchiectasis is a common complication of primary antibody deficiency but the incidence of antibody deficiency as an underlying cause of bronchiectasis is largely undefined. In this study the humoral immune status of a cohort of bronchiectatic patients was investigated to detect the frequency of significant antibody deficiency and to determine the extent of immunological investigation which is appropriate for routine assessment of bronchiectasis patients. Fifty-six out-patients (with a mean age of 59·6 years) had serum immunoglobulins, IgG subclasses and specific antibodies to capsular polysaccharides of Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae measured. Where specific antibody ­levels were low, where possible, appropriate immunization with pneumococcal or conjugated Haemophilus polysaccharide vaccines was offered and the responses quantified. Three of 56 patients had low total serum IgG levels. Thirteen of 56 had deficiencies of either a single IgG subclass or combinations of two or more subclasses, with IgG4 being most frequently implicated (9/56). Twenty-nine of 56 had low basal specific polysaccharide antibody levels. Test immunization, where performed, produced satisfactory responses in all cases except one, where a specific defect of responsiveness to pneumococcal polysaccharide was identified. This study indicates that antibody deficiency is an uncommon aetiological/underlying factor in the causation of bronchiectasis beyond the fourth decade and that detailed investigation of humoral immune status as a routine in bronchiectasis patients, at least at this age, is not generally justified.
Response ofin vivoprotein synthesis in T lymphocytes and leucocytes to an endotoxin challenge in healthy volunteers
Authors: JANUSZKIEWICZ A , LORÉ K , ESSÉN P , ANDERSSON B , MCNURLAN M A , GARLICK P J , RINGDÉN O , ANDERSSON J , WERNERMAN J
Published: March 2003

In vivo determination of protein synthesis in immune cells reflects metabolic activity and immunological activation. An intravenous injection of endotoxin to healthy volunteers was used as a human sepsis model, and in vivo protein synthesis of T lymphocytes and leucocytes was measured. The results were related to plasma concentrations of selected cytokines, peripheral cell counts and subpopulations of immune cells. The subjects (n = 8 + 8) were randomized to an endotoxin (4 ng/kg) or a saline group. In vivo protein synthesis was determined twice: before and 1–2·5 h after the endotoxin/saline injection. Protein synthesis decreased in isolated T lymphocytes, but increased in leucocytes. Plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, IL-1 ra and IL-10 were elevated, whereas IL-2 and IFN-γ, produced predominantly by T lymphocytes, did not change in response to endotoxin. Neutrophils increased, whereas lymphocytes and monocytes decreased 2·5 h after the endotoxin injection. Flow cytometry revealed a drop in total CD3+ T lymphocytes and CD56+ natural killer cells, accompanied by an increase in CD15+ granulocytes. In summary, in vivo protein synthesis decreased in T lymphocytes, while the total leucocyte population showed a concomitant increase immediately after the endotoxin challenge. The changes in protein synthesis were accompanied by alterations in immune cell subpopulations and in plasma cytokine levels.
LPS-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts inhibit the differentiation of monocytes into osteoclasts through the production of osteoprotegerin
Authors: NAGASAWA T , KOBAYASHI H , KIJI M , ARAMAKI M , MAHANONDA R , KOJIMA T , MURAKAMI Y , SAITO M , MOROTOME Y , ISHIKAWA I
Published: March 2003

Periodontitis is an inflammatory bone disease caused by Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, but the precise mechanism of bone destruction remains unknown. Activated T lymphocytes secrete receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and support the differentiation of monocytes into mature osteoclasts. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of RANKL and its inhibitor, osteoprotegerin (OPG), in inflamed gingival tissue and to clarify the role of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in osteoclastogenesis regulated by RANKL. HGFs and gingival mononuclear cells (GMCs) were obtained from chronic periodontitis patients during routine periodontal surgery. Expression of OPG and RANKL mRNA in gingival tissue and HGFs was examined with RT-PCR. OPG production was measured using ELISA. Expression of RANKL, CD4, CD8 and CD69 on GMCs was determined by flow-cytometry using RANK-Fc fusion protein and the respective monoclonal antibodies. Osteoclastogenesis by RANKL was assayed by counting the number of tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells after culturing human peripheral blood monocytes with recombinant human RANKL and macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) for 10 days. OPG and RANKL mRNA were expressed in 80% (16/20) and 25% (5/20) of periodontitis lesions, respectively. OPG, but not RANKL, mRNA was expressed within HGFs. OPG mRNA expression and production by HGFs was augmented by LPS stimulation. All GMC samples expressed CD69, and two of five GMC samples expressed RANKL. The culture supernatant of LPS-stimulated gingival fibroblasts significantly reduced the number of TRAP positive cells generated by culturing monocytes with RANKL and M-CSF. The present study suggests that LPS-stimulated HGFs inhibit monocyte differentiation into osteoclasts through the production of OPG.
Comparison between HIV- and CMV-specific T cell responses in long-term HIV infected donors
Authors: PAPAGNO L , APPAY V , SUTTON J , ROSTRON T , GILLESPIE G M A , OGG G S , KING A , MAKADZANHGE A T , WATERS A , BALOTTA C , VYAKARNAM A , EASTERBROOK P J , ROWLAND-JONES S L
Published: March 2003

The mechanisms underlying non-progression in HIV-1 infection are not well understood; however, this state has been associated previously with strong HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cell responses and the preservation of proliferative CD4+ T cell responses to HIV-1 antigens. Using a combination of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) ELISpot assays and tetramer staining, the HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cell populations were quantified and characterized in untreated long-term HIV-1-infected non-progressors and individuals with slowly progressive disease, both in relation to CD4+ T cell responses, and in comparison with responses to cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens. High levels of CD8+ T cell responses specific for HIV-1 or CMV were observed, but neither their frequency nor their phenotype seemed to differ between the two patient groups. Moreover, while CMV-specific CD4+ T cell responses were preserved in these donors, IFN-γ release by HIV-1-specific CD4+ T cells was generally low. These data raise questions with regard to the role played by CD8+ T cells in the establishment and maintenance of long-term non-progression.
Expansion of activated human naïve T-cells precedes effector function
Authors: BRENCHLEY J M , DOUEK D C , AMBROZAK D R , CHATTERJI M , BETTS M R , DAVIS L S , KOUP R A
Published: March 2003

Naïve T-cells divide and mature, both functionally and phenotypically, upon stimulation through the T-cell receptor. Although much is known about the overall changes that occur in naïve cells upon TCR stimulation, and the different memory/effector populations that arise following stimulation, the relationship between cell division and functional and phenotypical changes that occur after activation is poorly understood. Here, we examine the early stages of human naïve and antigen-experienced T-cell activation, and the relationship between cell division and acquisition of effector function during the transition from resting antigen-experienced or naïve T-cells into effector cells. Stimulated naïve T-cells proliferate prior to acquisition of effector function, as measured by cytokine production and expression of effector-associated cell surface molecules. Additionally, we show that interlukin-7 (IL-7) can drive proliferation of naïve T-cells without TCR:MHC peptide interactions. IL-7 alone does not, however, drive the proliferation of antigen-experienced T-cells. Memory T-cells will divide in response to exogenous IL-7 but only in the presence of naïve T-cells and IL-2. This study contributes to the current understanding of the mechanistic differences between naïve and memory T-cell responses by defining the functional and phenotypic changes that occur to T-cells after stimulation.
Differential CD86 and CD40 co-stimulatory molecules and cytokine expression pattern induced byTrypanosoma cruziin APCs from resistant or susceptible mice
Authors: PLANELLES L , THOMAS M C , MARAÑÓN C , MORELL M , LÓPEZ M C
Published: March 2003

Differential aspects of the host immune response generated by Trypanosoma cruzi infection were examined in two different mouse strains, BALB/c (haplotype H2-Kd) which does not overcome the acute phase of the infection and C57BL/6 (haplotype H2-Kb) which survives to the acute phase. After infection an increase in CD3+ T cells was observed in both mouse strains in the peritoneal cavity. However, while the CD3+ T cells from the BALB/c mice showed an increase in the IL-4 cytokine expression level, the same type of cells from the C57BL/6 mice showed an increase in IFN-γ expression. In addition, only the macrophages from the C57BL/6 mice were activated secreting IL-12 and TNF-α and producing, moreover, high levels of nitrites. It was observed that also after parasite infection the expression of macrophage and dendritic cells CD40 and CD86 co-stimulation molecules from the spleen were diminished in BALB/c but not in C57BL/6 mice. In correlation with this observation the macrophages from the spleen of infected BALB/c mice secreted lower concentrations of nitrites than the C57BL/6 mouse cells. Also, the spleen dendritic cells from infected BALB/c mice had a small potential to present alloantigens in contrast to that observed in the infected C57BL/6 mouse cells.
TH1/TH2 cytokine profile, metalloprotease-9 activity and hormonal status in pregnant rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: MUñOZ-VALLE J F , VáZQUEZ-DEL MERCADO M , GARCíA-IGLESIAS T , OROZCO-BAROCIO G , BERNARD-MEDINA G , MARTíNEZ-BONILLA G , BASTIDAS-RAMíREZ B E , D. NAVARRO A , BUENO M , MARTíNEZ-LóPEZ E , BEST-AGUILERA C R , KAMACHI M , ARMENDáRIZ-BORUNDA J
Published: March 2003

During the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), several immune and neuroendocrine changes associated with pregnancy may exert positive (amelioration) or negative (exacerbation) effects on the clinical outcome. In order to shed light on the mechanisms underlying these responses, we performed a prospective longitudinal study in RA and SLE pregnant women, including healthy pregnant women as a control group. Cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA) expression assessed by quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), cytokine levels and lymphocyte proliferation responses (LPR) following phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation of PBMC, plasma metalloprotease-9 activity (MMP-9) and hormonal status during pregnancy were determined. TNFa was the most abundant cytokine mRNA expressed in PBMC in all groups studied (healthy pregnant women, RA and SLE pregnant patients). However, a general TH2 response reflected by high IL-10 levels was found in RA, as well as SLE, patients. A significant change in IFN-γ was observed in RA patients but only during the first trimester of pregnancy. This compared with a major TH1 response in healthy pregnant women. Interestingly, our study showed a homogeneous hormonal pattern in RA and SLE patients. Although decreased cortisol levels were observed in all patients studied, this is possibly related to the remission of disease activity status brought about by steroid treatment before and during pregnancy. In summary, we suggest that complex immune and hormonal networks are involved in pregnancy and that rheumatic diseases are very dynamic immune processes that cannot be described with a clear-cut cytokine profile. Furthermore, the observations in this study may reflect treatment-related immune effects more than those associated with disease.
Th1 and Th1-inducing cytokines inSalmonellainfection
Authors: MIZUNO Y , TAKADA H , NOMURA A , JIN C-H , HATTORI H , IHARA K , AOKI T , EGUCHI K , HARA T
Published: March 2003

Thl and Thl-inducing cytokines and T cell responses were investigated in human salmonellosis. Serum IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-18 levels were increased significantly in patients with salmonellosis. The increase in serum IL-15 and IL-18 levels was more significant and prolonged in patients with the systemic form of salmonellosis than in those with the gastroenteric form. The serum IFN-γ level was correlated significantly with IL-12 and IL18 levels, and the IL-15 level was correlated significantly with IL-18. Upon stimulation with Salmonella in vitro, mononuclear cells from salmonellosis patients produced significantly higher amounts of IFN-γ and IL-12 compared with those from healthy controls. Anti-IL-12 moAb or anti-IL18 MoAb significantly inhibited Salmonella-induced IFN-γ production in vitro. γδ T cells expressed significantly higher levels of IFN-γ mRNA in salmonellosis patients than in healthy controls. The results suggest that Th1-inducing cytokines appear to be involved in the in vivo response against Salmonella infection, promoting IFN-γ production by αβ and γδ T cells which plays a protective role against Salmonella.
Autoimmune diseases in vitiligo: do anti-nuclear antibodies decrease thyroid volume?
Authors: ZETTINIG G , TANEW A , FISCHER G , MAYR W , DUDCZAK R , WEISSEL M
Published: March 2003

An increased prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) in vitiligo patients is well known. The aim of this study was firstly, to evaluate the clinical course of patients with both vitiligo and AT and secondly, to identify additional autoimmune disorders affecting the thyroid gland in a large cohort of vitiligo patients. We analysed a study group of 106 vitiligo patients and 38 controls. A detailed thyroid examination including sonography was performed in all study participants. In addition, the study participants were HLA typed and screened for various autoimmune disorders.

AT was significantly more frequent in vitiligo patients than in controls (21%versus 3%; P <  0·01). In 12 of the 22 patients with AT, vitiligo was the initial disease preceding AT by 4–35 years. In the other 10 patients with AT, both vitiligo and AT were diagnosed within one year. There were two individuals with diabetes mellitus type 1 and a single patient with Addison's disease. Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), anti-smooth muscle cell antibody, and parietal cell antibody levels occurred with a similar frequency in patients and controls. In all vitiligo patients with both elevated ANA levels and AT (n = 6), the atrophic but not the goitrous variant was diagnosed. These vitiligo patients with both AT and elevated ANA levels had a significantly smaller thyroid volume compared to the vitiligo patients with AT whose ANA levels were normal (6·7 ± 4·5 ml versus 13·4 ± 9·1 ml, respectively; P <  0·05). The same was found in the entire study group: Thyroid volume of all vitiligo patients (with or without concomitant AT) was significantly smaller in the presence of ANA (6·9 ± 5·3 versus 10·5 ± 5·9 ml, espectively; P <  0·05). However, this phenomenon was not observed in the control group. There was a trend for a decreased frequency of HLA-DR3 (6·7%versus 23%) in our study group, but after correction for the number of comparisons, no HLA-allele was statistically significant associated neither with vitiligo nor with multiple autoimmune diseases in our patient sample. Our findings suggest that AT is the most frequent autoimmune disease associated with vitiligo. In our patients, AT presented simultaneously or after the onset of vitiligo but not before. Elevated ANA levels were associated with the atrophic variant of AT and may affect the volume of the thyroid gland, and there was no statistically significant association with the HLA system.
Autoimmune IDDM in a sporadic MELAS patient with mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) mutation
Authors: Huang Chien‐Ning , Jee Shiou‐Hwa , Hwang Juey‐Jen , Kuo Yea‐Fhey , Chuang Lee‐Ming
Published: March 2003

We report a 28‐year‐old young male with MELAS syndrome (mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke‐like episodes) presenting with two previous episodes of stroke‐like manifestation, lactic acidosis and mitochondrial cardiomyopathy. He was also affected with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), as diagnosed by the experience of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and dependence on insulin therapy. On admission, the serum lactate level was found to be increased to 5.4 mmol/l, and plasma glucose level to 7.9 mmol/l with haemoglobin A1c 8.4%, while he was using insulin 26–30 units per day. Physical examination revealed a short stature male of height of 150 cm and weight of 49 kg. Mild mental retardation with bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment was observed. After glucagon stimulation, C‐peptide levels rose from 0.46 nmol/l to 0.53 nmol/l, indicative of impaired insulin secretion. Anti‐glutamate decarboxylase (anti‐GAD) antibody was positive. In addition, human leucocyte associated antigen (HLA) typing showed DR3 and DR4, suggesting the strong contribution of autoimmunity to the pathogenesis of IDDM in this patient. Moreover, the result of a treadmill exercise test was positive due to inferior wall myocardial ischaemia. Cardiac catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy disclosed a normal coronary angiogram and confirmed the diagnosis of mitochondrial cardiomyopathy. Molecular genetic analysis of his family revealed a sporadic occurrence of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation at base pair (bp) 3243. The degree of heteroplasmy of mtDNA mutation from a total of 19 passages of skin‐derived fibroblasts from this patient showed a slightly downward trend. This extremely rare case of sporadic MELAS syndrome with autoimmune IDDM harbouring mtDNA mutation highlights the possible pathogenetic role of mtDNA mutations in autoimmune disease.
Echocardiographic evidence for a direct effect of GH/IGF‐I hypersecretion on cardiac mass and function in young acromegalics
Authors: Minniti G. , Jaffrain‐Rea M. L. , Moroni C. , Baldelli R. , Ferretti E. , Cassone R. , Gulino A. , Tamburrano G.
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE

The interpretation of echocardiographic abnormalities in acromegalic patients is complicated by non‐specific age‐related diseases, many of which are commoner in acromegaly. We have therefore investigated the cause‐effect relationship between GH/IGF‐I hypersecretion and precocious cardiovascular abnormalities in a series of young acromegalic patients.

DESIGN

An open prospective study.

PATIENTS

20 acromegalic patients aged under 30 years, with normal blood pressure and glucose tolerance, and 20 age‐matched control subjects.

MEASUREMENTS

Cardiac morphological parameters and indices of systolic and diastolic function at rest were studied by Doppler echocardiography.

RESULTS

Left ventricular mass (LVM) and LVM index (LVMi) were higher in acromegalics than in control subjects (215.0 ± 15.4 g vs 140.8 ± 8.5 g, P = 0.0002 and 109.8 ± 5.9 g/m2vs 82.13.7 g/m2, P = 0.0008, respectively), reaching values of left ventricular hypertrophy in 4 patients (20%). Both ejection fraction and fractional shortening were normal (66.4 ± 2.1% vs 62.2 ± 1.9% and 37.5 ± 1.5% vs 35.8 ± 1.3%, respectively), indicating normal left ventricular systolic function. Abnormalities of left and right diastolic ventricular filling were found, which consisted of an increased isovolumic relaxation time (99.2 ± 2.7 ms vs 89.0 ± 2.7 ms, P = 0.01) and impaired mitral and tricuspidal flow velocity curves.

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in cardiac mass and subclinical biventricular diastolic dysfunction were observed in young acromegalic patients. These findings argue for a direct cause‐effect relationship between GH/IGF‐I hypersecretion and myocardial abnormalities, and indicate that careful cardiological evaluation is mandatory in all acromegalics, whatever their age.