bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Function of Liver Activation-Regulated Chemokine/CC Chemokine Ligand 20 Is Differently Affected by Cathepsin B and Cathepsin D Processing
Authors: Hasan Lara , Mazzucchelli Luca , Liebi Mark , Lis Maddalena , Hunger Robert E. , Tester Angus , Overall Christopher M. , Wolf Marlene
Published: April 2014

Chemokine processing by proteases is emerging as an important regulatory mechanism of leukocyte functions and possibly also of cancer progression. We screened a large panel of chemokines for degradation by cathepsins B and D, two proteases involved in tumor progression. Among the few substrates processed by both proteases, we focused on CCL20, the unique chemokine ligand of CCR6 that is expressed on immature dendritic cells and subtypes of memory lymphocytes. Analysis of the cleavage sites demonstrate that cathepsin B specifically cleaves off four C-terminally located amino acids and generates a CCL201–66 isoform with full functional activity. By contrast, cathepsin D totally inactivates the chemotactic potency of CCL20 by generating CCL201–55, CCL201–52, and a 12-aa C-terminal peptide CCL2059–70. Proteolytic cleavage of CCL20 occurs also with chemokine bound to glycosaminoglycans. In addition, we characterized human melanoma cells as a novel CCL20 source and as cathepsin producers. CCL20 production was up-regulated by IL-1α and TNF-α in all cell lines tested, and in human metastatic melanoma cells. Whereas cathepsin D is secreted in the extracellular milieu, cathepsin B activity is confined to cytosol and cellular membranes. Our studies suggest that CCL20 processing in the extracellular environment of melanoma cells is exclusively mediated by cathepsin D. Thus, we propose a model where cathepsin D inactivates CCL20 and possibly prevents the establishment of an effective antitumoral immune response in melanomas.
Splenic Atrophy in Experimental Stroke Is Accompanied by Increased Regulatory T Cells and Circulating Macrophages
Authors: Offner Halina , Subramanian Sandhya , Parker Susan M. , Wang Chunhe , Afentoulis Michael E. , Lewis Anne , Vandenbark Arthur A. , Hurn Patricia D.
Published: April 2014

Induction of stroke not only produces local ischemia and brain damage, but also has profound effects on peripheral immune responses. In the current study, we evaluated effects on spleen and blood cells 4 days after stroke induction. Surprisingly, there was a less inflammatory cytokine profile in the middle cerebral artery occlusion-affected right brain hemisphere at 96 h compared with earlier time points. Moreover, our results demonstrate that stroke leads to splenic atrophy characterized by a reduction in organ size, a drastic loss of splenocyte numbers, and induction of annexin V+ and TUNEL+ cells within the spleen that are in the late stages of apoptosis. The consequence of this process was to reduce T cell proliferation responses and secretion of inflammatory cytokines, resulting in a state of profound immunosuppression. These changes produced a drastic reduction in B cell numbers in spleen and blood, and a novel increase in CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells. Moreover, we detected a striking increase in the percentage of nonapoptotic CD11b+ VLA-4-negative macrophages/monocytes in blood. Immunosuppression in response to brain injury may account for the reduction of inflammatory factors in the stroke-affected brain, but also potentially could curtail protective immune responses in the periphery. These findings provide new evidence to support the contention that damage to the brain caused by cerebral ischemia provides a powerful negative signal to the peripheral immune system that ultimately induces a drastic state of immunosuppression caused by cell death as well as an increased presence of CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells.
T Cells in Cryptopatch Aggregates Share TCR γ Variable Region Junctional Sequences with γδ T Cells in the Small Intestinal Epithelium of Mice
Authors: Podd Bradley S. , Thoits Joseph , Whitley Nicholas , Cheng Hao-Yuan , Kudla Kimberly L. , Taniguchi Hiroko , Halkias Joanna , Goth Kerstin , Camerini Victoria
Published: April 2014

The role of cryptopatch aggregates in the development of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) is a matter of controversy. Therefore, an important question is whether T cells in cryptopatch aggregates are lineally related to IEL. We hypothesized that if γδ+ IEL derive from T cells in cryptopatch aggregates, then a clonal relationship would exist between the two populations. To test this hypothesis, we compared the sequence of rearranged TCR gamma variable region 5 genes in γδ+ IEL and cryptopatch cells. We purified IEL by FACS and cryptopatch cells were isolated from frozen sections of the intestine by laser-assisted microdissection. PCR showed that TCR gamma variable region 5 was rearranged in γδ+ IEL and in CD3+ cryptopatch cells, but not in CD3− cryptopatch cells. DNA sequence analysis showed that the frequency of in-frame junctions in cryptopatch aggregates was at a level consistent with positive selection in both wild-type and athymic nude mice. In addition, the predicted amino acid sequences of V-J junctions present in γδ+ IEL and cryptopatch cells were encoded by identical nucleotide sequences. By contrast, the frequency of in-frame joints was significantly reduced in cryptopatch cells isolated from TCR δ-deficient mice, indicating that the enrichment of in-frame joints in cryptopatch cells must normally depend on expression of surface γδ TCR. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that a subset of γδ+ IEL are related to T cells in cryptopatch aggregates. The precise role of cryptopatch aggregates in intestinal γδ+ T cell homeostasis still needs to be determined.
Stimulation through CD40 on Mouse and Human Renal Cell Carcinomas Triggers Cytokine Production, Leukocyte Recruitment, and Antitumor Responses that Can Be Independent of Host CD40 Expression
Authors: Shorts Lynnette , Weiss Jonathan M. , Lee Jong-Keuk , Welniak Lisbeth A. , Subleski Jeffrey , Back Timothy , Murphy William J. , Wiltrout Robert H.
Published: April 2014

CD40, a member of the TNFR superfamily, is expressed on a variety of host immune cells, as well as some tumors. In this study, we show that stimulation of CD40 expressed on both mouse and human renal carcinoma cells (RCCs) triggers biological effects in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of the CD40+ Renca mouse RCC tumor cells in vitro with an agonistic anti-CD40 Ab induced strong expression of the genes and proteins for GM-CSF and MCP-1, and induced potent chemotactic activity. Similarly, administration of αCD40 to both wild-type and CD40−/− mice bearing Renca tumors resulted in substantial amounts of TNF-α and MCP-1 in the serum, increased the number of total splenocytes and MHC class II+ CD11c+ leukocytes, and when combined with IFN-γ, inhibited the progression of established Renca tumors in vivo in both wild-type and CD40−/− mice. Similarly, treatment of CD40+ A704 and ACHN human RCC lines with mouse anti-human CD40 Ab induced strong expression of genes and proteins for MCP-1, IL-8, and GM-CSF in vitro and in vivo. Finally, in SCID mice, the numbers of ACHN pulmonary metastases were dramatically reduced by treatment with species-specific human CD40 Ab. These results show that CD40 stimulation of CD40+ tumor cells can enhance immune responses and result in antitumor activity.
TCRγδ Intraepithelial Lymphocytes Are Required for Self-Tolerance
Authors: Locke Natasha R. , Stankovic Sanda , Funda David P. , Harrison Leonard C.
Published: April 2014

Neonatal thymectomy (NTX) impairs T cell regulation and leads to organ-specific autoimmune disease in susceptible mouse strains. In the NOD mouse model of spontaneous type 1 diabetes, we observed that NTX dramatically accelerated autoimmune pancreatic β cell destruction and diabetes. NTX had only a minor effect in NOD mice protected from diabetes by transgenic expression of the β cell autoantigen proinsulin in APCs, inferring that accelerated diabetes after NTX is largely due to failure to regulate proinsulin-specific T cells. NTX markedly impaired the development of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), the number of which was already reduced in euthymic NOD mice compared with control strains. IEL purified from euthymic NOD mice, specifically CD8αα TCRγδ IEL, when transferred into NTX-NOD mice, trafficked to the small intestinal epithelium and prevented diabetes. Transfer of prototypic CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells also prevented diabetes in NTX-NOD mice; however, the induction of these cells by oral insulin in euthymic mice depended on the integrity of TCRγδ IEL. We conclude that TCRγδ IEL at the mucosal interface between self and nonself play a key role in maintaining peripheral tolerance both physiologically and during oral tolerance induction.
Impact of Orthologous Melan-A Peptide Immunizations on the Anti-Self Melan-A/HLA-A2 T Cell Cross-Reactivity
Authors: Colombetti Sara , Fagerberg Theres , Baumgärtner Petra , Chapatte Laurence , Speiser Daniel E. , Rufer Nathalie , Michielin Olivier , Lévy Frédéric
Published: April 2014

In HLA-A2 individuals, the CD8 T cell response against the differentiation Ag Melan-A is mainly directed toward the peptide Melan-A26–35. The murine Melan-A24–33 sequence encodes a peptide that is identical with the human Melan-A26–35 decamer, except for a Thr-to-Ile substitution at the penultimate position. Here, we show that the murine Melan-A24–33 is naturally processed and presented by HLA-A2 molecules. Based on these findings, we compared the CD8 T cell response to human and murine Melan-A peptide by immunizing HLA-A2 transgenic mice. Even though the magnitude of the CTL response elicited by the murine Melan-A peptide was lower than the one elicited by the human Melan-A peptide, both populations of CTL recognized the corresponding immunizing peptide with the same functional avidity. Interestingly, CTL specific for the murine Melan-A peptide were completely cross-reactive against the orthologous human peptide, whereas anti-human Melan-A CTL recognized the murine Melan-A peptide with lower avidity. Structurally, this discrepancy could be explained by the fact that Ile32 of murine Melan-A24–33 created a larger TCR contact area than Thr34 of human Melan-A26–35. These data indicate that, even if immunizations with orthologous peptides can induce strong specific T cell responses, the quality of this response against syngeneic targets might be suboptimal due to the structure of the peptide-TCR contact surface.
Abrogation of Functional Selectin-Ligand Expression Reduces Migration of Pathogenic CD8+ T Cells into Heart
Authors: Cai Yi Hong , Alvarez Angeles , Alcaide Pilar , Duramad Paurene , Lim Yaw-Chin , Jarolim Petr , Lowe John B. , Luscinskas Francis W. , Lichtman Andrew H.
Published: April 2014

CD8+ T cells are involved in autoimmune and infectious myocarditis and cardiac allograft rejection. The role of selectins in cardiac recruitment of CD8+ T cells is not understood. In this study, the contribution of T cell selectin ligands to effector CD8+ T cell recruitment into the heart was examined using a model of myocarditis, which depends on transfer of OVA peptide-specific CD8+ T cells (OT-I) into mice (CMy-mOva) that express OVA in the heart. α-(1,3)-Fucosyltransferase (FucT)-VII-deficient OT-I cells displayed over a 95% reduction in their ability to interact with P-selectin under flow conditions in vitro, compared with wild-type OT-I cells. Interaction of FucT-VII-deficient OT-I cells with E-selectin was reduced ∼50%. FucT-VII-deficient OT-I cells were also less efficiently recruited into a dermal site of Ag and adjuvant injection. Significantly, FucT-VII-deficient OT-I cells were also impaired in their ability to migrate into CMy-mOva hearts, compared with wild-type OT-I cells. Transfer of FucT-VII-deficient T cells caused less severe early myocarditis and myocyte damage than transfer of wild-type T cells. Combined FucT-IV/VII-deficient OT-I cells displayed a more profound reduction in E-selectin interactions in vitro compared with FucT-VII-deficient T cells, and the FucT-IV/VII-deficient T cells also showed less early recruitment and pathogenicity in the CMy-mOva myocarditis model. These results identify a prominent role for selectin ligands in contributing to effector CD8+ T cell recruitment into the myocardium and indicate that selectin-dependent T cell recruitment is relevant to other tissues besides the skin.
A Complex of Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein with Mammalian Verprolins Plays an Important Role in Monocyte Chemotaxis
Authors: Tsuboi Shigeru
Published: April 2014

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) is a product of the gene defective in an Xid disorder, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. WASP expression is limited to hemopoietic cells, and WASP regulates the actin cytoskeleton. It has been reported that monocytes/macrophages from WASP-deficient Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome patients are severely defective in chemotaxis, resulting in recurrent infection. However, the molecular basis of such chemotactic defects is not understood. Recently, the WASP N-terminal region was found to bind to the three mammalian verprolin homologs: WASP interacting protein (WIP); WIP and CR16 homologous protein (WICH)/WIP-related protein (WIRE); and CR16. Verprolin was originally found to play an important role in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton in yeast. We have shown that WASP, WIP, and WICH/WIRE are expressed predominantly in the human monocyte cell line THP-1 and that WIP and WICH/WIRE are involved in monocyte chemotaxis. When WASP binding to verprolins was blocked, chemotactic migration of monocytes was impaired in both THP-1 cells and primary human monocytes. Increased expression of WASP and WIP enhanced monocyte chemotaxis. Blocking WASP binding to verprolins impaired cell polarization but not actin polymerization. These results indicate that a complex of WASP with mammalian verprolins plays an important role in chemotaxis of monocytes. Our results suggest that WASP and mammalian verprolins function as a unit in monocyte chemotaxis and that the activity of this unit is critical to establish cell polarization. In addition, our results also indicate that the WASP-verprolin complex is involved in other functions such as podosome formation and phagocytosis.
CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T Cells and CD4+CD25−Foxp3+ T Cells in Aged Mice
Authors: Nishioka Tomohisa , Shimizu Jun , Iida Ryuji , Yamazaki Sayuri , Sakaguchi Shimon
Published: April 2014

Aging is associated with a progressive decline in T cell-mediated immune responses. However, it has been unknown whether regulatory/suppressive CD4 T cells are involved in this decline. Our in vitro analyses revealed that CD4+CD25+ T cells, the well-characterized naturally occurring regulatory/suppressive CD4 T cells, in aged mice are functionally comparable to those in young mice (i.e., anergic and suppressive), although slightly increased in number. In contrast, functional changes to whole CD4+CD25− T cells were pronounced in aged mice, i.e., the majority of aged CD4+CD25− T cells exhibited a significant hyporesponsiveness, and the remaining cells maintained a normal responsiveness. Furthermore, we identified Foxp3 (a transcription factor critical in conferring the regulatory/suppressive function to CD4 T cells)-positive suppressive CD4 T cells among aged hyporesponsive CD4+CD25− T cells. These results suggest that the age-related decline in T cell-mediated immune responses is ascribable to changes in the CD4+CD25− T cell population and not to a functional augmentation of suppressive CD4+CD25+ T cells.
Macrophage-Colony-Stimulating Factor-Induced Proliferation and Lipopolysaccharide-Dependent Activation of Macrophages Requires Raf-1 Phosphorylation to Induce Mitogen Kinase Phosphatase-1 Expression
Authors: Sánchez-Tilló Ester , Comalada Mónica , Farrera Consol , Valledor Annabel F. , Lloberas Jorge , Celada Antonio
Published: April 2014

Macrophages are key regulators of immune responses. In the absence of an activating signal, murine bone marrow-derived macrophages undergo proliferation in response to their specific growth factor, namely M-CSF. The addition of bacterial LPS results in macrophage growth arrest and their engagement in a proinflammatory response. Although participation of ERKs is required for both macrophage proliferation and activation, ERK phosphorylation follows a more delayed pattern in response to activating agents. In primary macrophages, mitogen kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) is a key regulator of the time course of MAPK activity. Here we showed that MKP-1 expression is dependent on Raf-1 activation. The time course of Raf-1 activation correlated with that of ERK-1/2. However, whereas ERK phosphorylation in response to M-CSF is Raf-1 dependent, in response to LPS, an alternative pathway directs the activation of these kinases. Inhibition of Raf-1 activity increased the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and growth arrest. In contrast, no effect was observed in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and inducible NO synthase following LPS stimulation. The data reported here reveal new insights into how signaling determines opposing macrophage functions.
B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator-Mediated Signal Transduction Provides a Potent Inhibitory Signal to Primary Human CD4 T Cells That Can Be Initiated by Multiple Phosphotyrosine Motifs
Authors: Chemnitz Jens M. , Lanfranco Anthony R. , Braunstein Inbal , Riley James L.
Published: April 2014

The B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is a recently identified member of the CD28 family of cell receptors. Initial reports demonstrated that mice deficient in BTLA expression were more susceptible to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, indicating that BTLA was likely to function as a negative regulator of T cell activation. However, cross-linking of BTLA only resulted in a 2-fold reduction of IL-2 production, questioning the potency with which BTLA engagement blocks T cell activation. We established a model in which BTLA signaling could be studied in primary human CD4 T cells. We observed that cross-linking of a chimeric receptor consisting of the murine CD28 extracellular domain and human BTLA cytoplasmic tail potently inhibits IL-2 production and completely suppresses T cell expansion. Mutation of any BTLA tyrosine motifs had no effect on the ability of BTLA to block T cell activation. Only mutation of all four tyrosines rendered the BTLA cytoplasmic tail nonfunctional. We performed structure-function studies to determine which factors recruited to the BTLA cytoplasmic tail correlated with BTLA function. Using pervanadate as a means to phosphorylate the BTLA cytoplasmic tail, we observed both Src homology protein (SHP)-1 and SHP-2 recruitment. However, upon receptor engagement, we observed only SHP-1 recruitment, and mutations that abrogated SHP-1 recruitment did not impair BTLA function. These studies question whether SHP-1 or SHP-2 have any role in BTLA function and caution against the use of pervanadate as means to initiate signal transduction cascades in primary cells.
Regulation of Ly49D/DAP12 Signal Transduction by Src-Family Kinases and CD45
Authors: Mason Llewellyn H. , Willette-Brown Jami , Taylor Lynn S. , McVicar Daniel W.
Published: April 2014

Activating, DAP12-coupled members of the Ly-49 family of NK cell receptors help control viral infections in mice. However, the kinases and/or phosphatases mediating tyrosine phosphorylation of Ly-49D-associated DAP12 have not been elucidated. In this study, we show for the first time that Src family tyrosine kinases are physically and functionally associated with Ly-49D/DAP12 signaling in murine NK cells. Specifically, we demonstrate the following: 1) inhibition of Src family kinases suppresses DAP12 phosphorylation and downstream DAP12 signals; 2) both Fyn and Lck are capable of phosphorylating DAP12; and 3) both kinases coimmunoprecipitate with the Ly-49D/DAP12 complex in NK cells. Although we detect enhanced phosphorylation of Fyn upon Ly-49D cross-linking in NK cells, Ly-49D-mediated events in both Fyn−/− and Fyn/Lck−/− mice appear normal, reinforcing the theme of redundancy in the ability of Src family kinases to initiate activation events. In contrast to disruption of specific Src family enzymes, Ly-49D/DAP12-mediated calcium mobilization and cytokine production by CD45 null NK cells are defective. Although others have ascribed the effects of CD45 mutation solely on the suppression of Src family activity, we demonstrate in this study that DAP12 is hyperphosphorylated in CD45 null NK cells, resulting in uncoordinated tyrosine-mediated signaling upon Ly-49D ligation. Therefore, although our data are consistent with a Src kinase activity proximally within DAP12 signaling, DAP12 also appears to be a substrate of CD45, suggesting a more complex role for this phosphatase than has been reported previously.
Antitumor Activity of the TLR-5 Ligand Flagellin in Mouse Models of Cancer
Authors: Sfondrini Lucia , Rossini Anna , Besusso Dario , Merlo Andrea , Tagliabue Elda , Mènard Sylvie , Balsari Andrea
Published: April 2014

Flagellin, the structural protein subunit of the bacterial flagellum, is specifically recognized by TLR-5 and has potent immunomodulatory effects. The antitumor effects of purified Salmonella typhimurium flagellin were evaluated in mice transplanted s.c. with a weakly immunogenic murine tumor or with its variant stably transfected to express the highly antigenic human HER-2 oncoprotein. Peritumoral administration of flagellin 8–10 days after tumor implantation did not affect the growth rate of the weakly immunogenic tumor but significantly inhibited growth of the antigenic variant tumor. In contrast, flagellin administered at the time of implantation of the antigenic tumor led to accelerated tumor growth. These contrasting effects of flagellin on tumor growth correlated with the type of immune response induced; i.e., late flagellin administration was associated with an increased IFN-γ:IL-4 ratio and the decreased frequency of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells, whereas flagellin treatment at the time of tumor implantation decreased the IFN-γ:IL-4 ratio and increased CD4+CD25+ T cell frequency. When the early flagellin treatment was combined with administration of CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides, tumor growth was completely suppressed, indicating synergy between flagellin and CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides. Together, these data provide evidence that flagellin can have contrasting effects on tumor growth.
Functional Regulatory T Cells Are Collected in Stem Cell Autografts by Mobilization with High-Dose Cyclophosphamide and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
Authors: Condomines Maud , Quittet Philippe , Lu Zhao-Yang , Nadal Laure , Latry Pascal , Lopez Ernesto , Baudard Marion , Requirand Guilhem , Duperray Christophe , Schved Jean-François , Rossi Jean-François , Tarte Karin , Klein Bernard
Published: April 2014

High-dose cyclophosphamide (Cy) and G-CSF are widely used to mobilize hemopoietic stem cells for treating patients with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Because lymphocyte count in the graft collected after Cy-G-CSF treatment is an independent survival factor after ASCT for patients with multiple myeloma, our purpose was to study how Cy-G-CSF treatment affects the phenotype and function of T cells in patients with multiple myeloma. Cy induced a 3-fold decrease of T cell counts with a slow and partial T cell recovery of one-third at the time of hemopoietic stem cell collection. Cy-G-CSF treatment did not affect the relative ratios of central memory, effector memory, and late effector CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, but a decrease in the percentage of naive CD4+ cells was observed. The percentages of CD25+ cells increased 2- to 3-fold in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, the former including both activated CD25low and CD25high cells. CD4+CD25high cells were regulatory T cells (Treg) that expressed high levels of FOXP3, CTLA-4, and GITR and displayed in vitro suppressive properties. The recovery of Treg absolute counts after Cy-G-CSF treatment was higher than the recovery of other lymphocyte subpopulations. In conclusion, Cy-G-CSF treatment induces a severe T cell count decrease without deleting Treg, which are potent inhibitors of antitumor response. The present data encourage novel therapeutic strategies to improve T cell recovery following ASCT while limiting Treg expansion.
Differential Signaling of T Cell Generation of IL-4 by Wild-Type and Short-Deletion Variant of Type 2 G Protein-Coupled Receptor for Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VPAC2)
Authors: Huang Mei-Chuan , Miller Allison L. , Wang Wengang , Kong Yvonne , Paul Sudhir , Goetzl Edward J.
Published: April 2014

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) released from some neurons and T cells affects T cell migration, cytokine generation, and other functions by binding to constitutively expressed type 1 G protein-coupled receptor (VPAC1) or activation-induced type 2 G protein-coupled receptor (VPAC2). Recently, a short-deletion (SD) splice variant of mouse VPAC2 that lacks 14 amino acids at the end of the last transmembrane domain has been identified in T cells and shown to resemble wild-type (WT) VPAC2 in affinity of VIP binding but to differ by lack of signaling of T cell adenylyl cyclase, migration, and IL-2 secretion. As Th2 cells are the principal source of immune VIP and have the greatest functional responses to VIP, the differences in signals transduced by WT and SD VPAC2 were studied in VPAC2–low D10G4.1 model Th2 cell transfectants individually expressing the respective types of VPAC2 equally. WT and SD VPAC2 Th2 cell transfectants secreted equal amounts of VIP. WT VPAC2 transfectants generated more IL-4 than did SD VPAC2 transfectants, and this increment was dependent on endogenous VIP. Exogenous VIP further increased IL-4 production by WT VPAC2 transfectants but decreased IL-4 production by SD VPAC2 transfectants. Cotransfection of the two constructs diminished VIP enhancement of IL-4 production seen with WT VPAC2 alone by preventing increases in nuclear levels of the requisite transcription factors c-Maf and Jun B. Thus the ratio of two forms of T cell VPAC2 determines the net effect of VIP on IL-4 generation by activated Th2 cells.
Lipopolysaccharide-Induced IL-1β Production by Human Uterine Macrophages Up-Regulates Uterine Epithelial Cell Expression of Human β-Defensin 2
Authors: Pioli Patricia A. , Weaver Lehn K. , Schaefer Todd M. , Wright Jacqueline A. , Wira Charles R. , Guyre Paul M.
Published: April 2014

The uterine endometrium coordinates a wide spectrum of physiologic and immunologic functions, including endometrial receptivity and implantation as well as defense against sexually transmitted pathogens. Macrophages and epithelial cells cooperatively mediate innate host defense against bacterial invasion through the generation of immunologic effectors, including cytokines and antimicrobial peptides. In this study, we demonstrate that stimulation of peripheral blood monocytes and uterine macrophages with bacterial LPS induces the production of biologically active proinflammatory IL-1β. High doses of estradiol enhance LPS-induced IL-1β expression in an estrogen receptor-dependent manner. Furthermore, both peripheral blood monocyte- and uterine macrophage-derived IL-1β induce secretion of antimicrobial human β-defensin 2 by uterine epithelial cells. These data indicate dynamic immunologic interaction between uterine macrophages and epithelial cells and implicate a role for estradiol in the modulation of the immune response.
Macrophages Induce Neutrophil Apoptosis through Membrane TNF, a Process Amplified byLeishmania major
Authors: Allenbach Cindy , Zufferey Christel , Perez Cynthia , Launois Pascal , Mueller Christoph , Tacchini-Cottier Fabienne
Published: April 2014

Neutrophils are recruited to the site of parasite inoculation within a few hours of infection with the protozoan parasite Leishmania major. In C57BL/6 mice, which are resistant to infection, neutrophils are cleared from the site of s.c. infection within 3 days, whereas they persist for at least 10 days in susceptible BALB/c mice. In the present study, we investigated the role of macrophages (MΦ) in regulating neutrophil number. Inflammatory cells were recruited by i.p. injection of either 2% starch or L. major promastigotes. Neutrophils were isolated and cultured in the presence of increasing numbers of MΦ. Extent of neutrophil apoptosis positively correlated with the number of MΦ added. This process was strictly dependent on TNF because MΦ from TNF-deficient mice failed to induce neutrophil apoptosis. Assays using MΦ derived from membrane TNF knock-in mice or cultures in Transwell chambers revealed that contact with MΦ was necessary to induce neutrophil apoptosis, a process requiring expression of membrane TNF. L. major was shown to exacerbate MΦ-induced apoptosis of neutrophils, but BALB/c MΦ were not as potent as C57BL/6 MΦ in this induction. Our results emphasize the importance of MΦ-induced neutrophil apoptosis, and membrane TNF in the early control of inflammation.
An Altered T Cell Repertoire in MECL-1-Deficient Mice
Authors: Basler Michael , Moebius Jacqueline , Elenich Laura , Groettrup Marcus , Monaco John J.
Published: April 2014

Immunoproteasome subunits low-molecular mass polypeptide (LMP)2 and LMP7 affect Ag presentation by MHC class I molecules. In the present study, we investigated the function of the third immunosubunit LMP10/multicatalytic endopeptidase complex-like (MECL)-1 (β2i) in MECL-1 gene-targeted mice. The number of CD8+ splenocytes in MECL-1−/− mice was 20% lower than in wild-type mice. Infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) elicited a markedly reduced cytotoxic T cell (CTL) response to the LCMV epitopes GP276–286/Db and NP205–212/Kb in MECL-1−/− mice. The weak CTL response to GP276–286/Db was not due to an impaired generation of this epitope but was attributed to a decreased precursor frequency of GP276–286/Db-specific T cells. The expansion of TCR-Vβ10+ T cells, which contain GP276–286/Db-specific cells, was reduced in LCMV-infected MECL-1−/− mice. Taken together, our data reveal an in vivo function of MECL-1 in codetermining the T cell repertoire for an antiviral CTL response.
Clustering Class I MHC Modulates Sensitivity of T Cell Recognition
Authors: Fooksman David R. , Grönvall Gigi Kwik , Tang Qing , Edidin Michael
Published: April 2014

T cell recognition of peptide-MHC is highly specific and is sensitive to very low levels of agonist peptide; however, it is unclear how this effect is achieved or regulated. In this study we show that clustering class I MHC molecules on the cell surface of B lymphoblasts enhances their recognition by mouse and human T cells. We increased clustering of MHC I molecules by two methods, cholesterol depletion and direct cross-linking of a dimerizable MHC construct. Imaging showed that both treatments increased the size and intensity of MHC clusters on the cell surface. Enlarged clusters correlated with enhanced lysis and T cell effector function. Enhancements were peptide-specific and greatest at low concentrations of peptide. Clustering MHC class I enhanced recognition of both strong and weak agonists but not null peptide. Our results indicate that the lateral organization of MHC class I on the cell surface can modulate the sensitivity of T cell recognition of agonist peptide.
Adhesion- and Degranulation-Promoting Adapter Protein Is Required for Efficient Thymocyte Development and Selection
Authors: Wu Jennifer N. , Gheith Shereen , Bezman Natalie A. , Liu Qing-Hua , Fostel Lindsey V. , Swanson Andrew M. , Freedman Bruce D. , Koretzky Gary A. , Peterson Erik J.
Published: April 2014

Adhesion- and degranulation-promoting adapter protein (ADAP) is required in TCR-induced activation and proliferation of peripheral T cells. Loss of ADAP also impairs TCR-initiated inside-out activation of the integrin LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18, αLβ2). In this study, we demonstrate that ADAP-deficient CD4/CD8 double-positive (DP) cells have a diminished ability to proliferate, and that these DP thymocytes up-regulate CD69 poorly in vivo. Moreover, in both MHC class I- and class II-restricted TCR transgenic models, loss of ADAP interferes with both positive and negative selection. ADAP deficiency also impairs the ability of transgene-bearing DP thymocytes to form conjugates with Ag-loaded presenting cells. These findings suggest that ADAP is critical for thymocyte development and selection.
Degeneracy and Repertoire of the Human HIV-1 Gag p1777–85 CTL Response
Authors: Kan-Mitchell June , Bajcz Melissa , Schaubert Keri L. , Price David A. , Brenchley Jason M. , Asher Tedi E. , Douek Daniel C. , Ng Hwee L. , Yang Otto O. , Rinaldo Charles R. , Benito Jose Miguel , Bisikirska Brygida , Hegde Ramakrishna , Marincola Franco M. , Boggiano César , Wilson Dianne , Abrams Judith , Blondelle Sylvie E. , Wilson Darcy B.
Published: April 2014

CD8+ CTL responses are important for the control of HIV-1 infection. The immunodominant HLA-A2-restricted Gag epitope, SLYNTVATL (SL9), is considered to be a poor immunogen because reactivity to it is rare in acute infection despite its paradoxical dominance in patients with chronic infection. We have previously reported SL9 to be a help-independent epitope in that it primes highly activated CTLs ex vivo from CD8+ T cells of seronegative healthy donors. These CTLs produce sufficient cytokines for extended autocrine proliferation but are sensitive to activation-induced cell death, which may cause them to be eliminated by a proinflammatory cytokine storm. Here we identified an agonist variant of the SL9 peptide, p41 (SLYNTVAAL), by screening a large synthetic combinatorial nonapeptide library with ex vivo-primed SL9-specific T cells. p41 invariably immunized SL9-cross-reactive CTLs from other donors ex vivo and H-2Db β2m double knockout mice expressing a chimeric HLA-A*0201/H2-Db MHC class I molecule. Parallel human T cell cultures showed p41-specific CTLs to be less fastidious than SL9-CTLs in the level of costimulation required from APCs and the need for exogenous IL-2 to proliferate (help dependent). TCR sequencing revealed that the same clonotype can develop into either help-independent or help-dependent CTLs depending on the peptide used to activate the precursor CD8+ T cells. Although Ag-experienced SL9-T cells from two patients were also sensitive to IL-2-mediated cell death upon restimulation in vitro, the loss of SL9 T cells was minimized with p41. This study suggests that agonist sequences can replace aberrantly immunogenic native epitopes for the rational design of vaccines targeting HIV-1.
IL-7Rα Gene Expression Is Inversely Correlated with Cell Cycle Progression in IL-7-Stimulated T Lymphocytes
Authors: Swainson Louise , Verhoeyen Els , Cosset François-Loïc , Taylor Naomi
Published: April 2014

IL-7 plays a major role in T lymphocyte homeostasis and has been proposed as an immune adjuvant for lymphopenic patients. This prospect is based, at least in part, on the short-term expansion of peripheral T cells in rIL7-treated mice and primates. Nevertheless, in vivo, following initial increases in T cell proliferation and numbers, lymphocytes return to a quiescent state. As the bases for this cell cycle exit have not yet been elucidated, it is important to assess the long-term biological effects of IL-7 on quiescent human T lymphocyte subsets. In this study, we find that IL-7-stimulated CD4+ naive lymphocytes enter into cell cycle with significantly delayed kinetics as compared with the memory population. Importantly though, these lymphocytes exit from the cell cycle despite the continuous replenishment of rIL-7. This response is distinct in memory and naive CD4+ lymphocytes with memory cells starting to exit from cycle by day 10 vs day 18 for naive cells. Return to quiescence is associated with a cessation in IL-7R signaling as demonstrated by an abrogation of STAT-5 phosphorylation, despite an up-regulation of surface IL-7Rα. Indeed, an initial 10-fold decrease in IL-7Rα mRNA levels is followed by increased IL-7Rα expression in naive as well as memory T cells, with kinetics paralleling cell cycle exit. Altogether, our data demonstrate that IL-7 promotes the extended survival of both naive and memory CD4+ T cells, whereas cycling of these two subsets is distinct and transient. Thus, IL-7 therapy should be designed to allow optimal responsiveness of naive and memory T cell subsets.
Protein Kinase C-θ-Mediated Signals Enhance CD4+ T Cell Survival by Up-Regulating Bcl-xL
Authors: Manicassamy Santhakumar , Gupta Sonal , Huang Zhaofeng , Sun Zuoming
Published: April 2014

Productive engagement of TCR results in delivering signals required for T cell proliferation as well as T cell survival. Blocking TCR-mediated survival signals, T cells undergo apoptosis instead of proliferation upon TCR stimulation. During the activation process, T cells produce IL-2, which acts as an extrinsic survival factor. In addition, TCR stimulation results in up-regulation of Bcl-xL to enhance T cell survival intrinsically. We show in this study that protein kinase C (PKC)-θ is required for enhancing the survival of activated CD4+ T cells by up-regulating Bcl-xL. In response to TCR stimulation, CD4+ PKC-θ−/− T cells failed to up-regulate Bcl-xL, and underwent accelerated apoptosis via a caspase- and mitochondria-dependent pathway. Similar to PKC-θ-deficient primary CD4+ T cells, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of PKC-θ in Jurkat cells also resulted in apoptosis upon TCR stimulation. Forced expression of Bcl-xL was sufficient to inhibit apoptosis observed in PKC-θ knockdown cells. Furthermore, ectopic expression of PKC-θ stimulated a reporter gene driven by a mouse Bcl-xL promoter. Whereas an inactive form of PKC-θ or knockdown of endogenous PKC-θ led to inhibition of Bcl-xL reporter. PKC-θ-mediated activation of Bcl-xL reporter was inhibited by dominant-negative IκB kinase β or dominant-negative AP-1. Thus, the PKC-θ-mediated signals may function not only in the initial activation of naive CD4+ T cells, but also in their survival during T cell activation by regulating Bcl-xL levels through NF-κB and AP-1 pathways.
Lymphopenia-Induced Homeostatic Proliferation of CD8+ T Cells Is a Mechanism for Effective Allogeneic Skin Graft Rejection following Burn Injury
Authors: Maile Robert , Barnes Carie M. , Nielsen Alma I. , Meyer Anthony A. , Frelinger Jeffrey A. , Cairns Bruce A.
Published: April 2014

Burn patients are immunocompromised yet paradoxically are able to effectively reject allogeneic skin grafts. Failure to close a massive burn wound leads to sepsis and multiple system organ failure. Immune suppression early (3 days) after burn injury is associated with glucocorticoid-mediated T cell apoptosis and anti-inflammatory cytokine responses. Using a mouse model of burn injury, we show CD8+ T cell hyperresponsiveness late (14 days) after burn injury. This is associated with a CD8+ T cell pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion profile, peripheral lymphopenia, and accumulation of a rapidly cycling, hyperresponsive memory-like CD8+CD44+ IL-7R− T cells which do not require costimulation for effective Ag response. Adoptive transfer of allospecific CD8+ T cells purified 14 days postburn results in enhanced allogeneic skin graft rejection in unburned recipient mice. Chemical blockade of glucocorticoid-induced lymphocyte apoptosis early after burn injury abolishes both the late homeostatic accumulation of CD8+ memory-like T cells and the associated enhanced proinflammatory CD8+ T cell response, but not the late enhanced CD8+ anti-inflammatory response. These data suggest a mechanism for the dynamic CD8+ T cell response following injury involving an interaction between activation, apoptosis, and cellular regeneration with broad clinical implications for allogeneic skin grafting and sepsis.
CD86 Stimulation on a B Cell Activates the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt and Phospholipase Cγ2/Protein Kinase Cαβ Signaling Pathways
Authors: Kin Nicholas W. , Sanders Virginia M.
Published: April 2014

Stimulation of CD86 on a CD40L/IL-4-activated murine B cell increases the rate of mature IgG1 transcription by increasing the level of NF-κB activation, as well as Oct-2 expression and binding to the 3′-IgH enhancer. The signal transduction pathway activated by CD86 proximal to NF-κB activation is unknown. In this study, we show that CD86 stimulation on an activated B cell increases the activity of PI3K and the phosphorylation of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1, Akt, and IκB kinase αβ. In addition, CD86 stimulation induces an increase in the phosphorylation of phospholipase Cγ2 and protein kinase C αβ. CD86-mediated activation of these two signaling pathways leads to increased Oct-2 expression, increased gene activity mediated by NF-κB and 3′-IgH enhancer increased activity. These results identify a previously unknown signaling pathway induced by CD86 to regulate the level of B cell gene expression and activity.
APRIL and BAFF Promote Increased Viability of Replicating Human B2 Cells via Mechanism Involving Cyclooxygenase 2
Authors: Mongini Patricia K. A. , Inman John K. , Han Hanna , Fattah Rasem J. , Abramson Steven B. , Attur Mukundan
Published: April 2014

Of relevance to both protective and pathogenic responses to Ag is the recent finding that soluble molecules of the innate immune system, i.e., IL-4, B cell-activation factor of the TNF family (BAFF), and C3, exhibit significant synergy in promoting the clonal expansion of human B2 cells following low-level BCR ligation. Although IL-4, BAFF, and C3dg each contribute to early cell cycle entry and progression to S phase, only BAFF promotes later sustained viability of progeny needed for continued cycling. The present study sought to further clarify the mechanisms for BAFF’s multiple functions. By comparing BAFF and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) efficacy at different stages in the response (only BAFF binds BR3; both bind transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) and B cell maturation Ag, the early role was attributed to BR3, while the later role was attributed to TACI/B cell maturation Ag. Importantly, BAFF- and APRIL-promoted viability of cycling lymphoblasts was associated with sustained expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), the rate-limiting enzyme for PGE2 synthesis, within replicating cells. Supernatants of cultures with BAFF and APRIL contained elevated PGE2. Although COX-2 inhibitors diminished daughter cell viability, exogenous PGE2 (1–1000 nM) increased the viability and recovery of lymphoblasts. Increased yield of viable progeny was associated with elevated Mcl-1, suggesting that a BAFF/APRIL → TACI → COX-2 → PGE2 → Mcl-1 pathway reduces activation-related, mitochondrial apoptosis in replicating human B2 cell clones.
The Combined Effects of Tryptophan Starvation and Tryptophan Catabolites Down-Regulate T Cell Receptor ζ-Chain and Induce a Regulatory Phenotype in Naive T Cells
Authors: Fallarino Francesca , Grohmann Ursula , You Sylvaine , McGrath Barbara C. , Cavener Douglas R. , Vacca Carmine , Orabona Ciriana , Bianchi Roberta , Belladonna Maria L. , Volpi Claudia , Santamaria Pere , Fioretti Maria C. , Puccetti Paolo
Published: April 2014

Tryptophan catabolism is a tolerogenic effector system in regulatory T cell function, yet the general mechanisms whereby tryptophan catabolism affects T cell responses remain unclear. We provide evidence that the short-term, combined effects of tryptophan deprivation and tryptophan catabolites result in GCN2 kinase-dependent down-regulation of the TCR ζ-chain in murine CD8+ T cells. TCR ζ down-regulation can be demonstrated in vivo and is associated with an impaired cytotoxic effector function in vitro. The longer-term effects of tryptophan catabolism include the emergence of a regulatory phenotype in naive CD4+CD25− T cells via TGF-β induction of the forkhead transcription factor Foxp3. Such converted cells appear to be CD25+, CD69−, CD45RBlow, CD62L+, CTLA-4+, BTLAlow and GITR+, and are capable of effective control of diabetogenic T cells when transferred in vivo. Thus, both tryptophan starvation and tryptophan catabolites contribute to establishing a regulatory environment affecting CD8+ as well as CD4+ T cell function, and not only is tryptophan catabolism an effector mechanism of tolerance, but it also results in GCN2-dependent generation of autoimmune-preventive regulatory T cells.
Reduced KIR2DL1 Recognition of MHC Class I Molecules Presenting Phosphorylated Peptides
Authors: Betser-Cohen Gili , Katz Gil , Gonen-Gross Tsufit , Stern Noam , Arnon Tal I. , Achdout Hagit , Gazit Roi , Mandelboim Ofer
Published: April 2014

As initially described by K. Karre and colleagues in the missing self hypothesis, cells expressing self-MHC class I proteins are protected from NK cells attack. In contrast, reduction in the expression of MHC class I molecules due to viral infection or tumor transformation result in the killing of these “abnormal” cells by NK cells via NK-activating receptors. Thus, NK killing of target cells is determined by both negative signals coming from MHC class I proteins and by positive signals derived from the activating ligands. The bound peptide in MHC class I play an important role in the balanced recognition of NK cells. The peptide stabilizes the MHC complex and interacts directly with the NK inhibitory receptors, thus participating in the determination of the fate of the target cells. In this study we demonstrate that posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation of the presented peptide altered the ability of NK cells to recognize MHC class I molecules. By using a consensus peptide (QYDDAVYKL) that binds HLA-Cw4 in which different positions in the bound peptide were modified by serine phosphorylation, we observed a reduction in KIR2DL1 binding that led to decreased protection from NK killing. Therefore, it might be possible that alteration in the phosphorylation pattern during tumor transformation or viral infection may result in less inhibition and, consequently, improved NK cell killing.
The Mannose Receptor Mediates Uptake of Soluble but Not of Cell-Associated Antigen for Cross-Presentation
Authors: Burgdorf Sven , Lukacs-Kornek Veronika , Kurts Christian
Published: April 2014

The mannose receptor (MR) has been implicated in the recognition and clearance of microorganisms and serum glycoproteins. Its endocytic function has been studied extensively using macrophages, although it is expressed by a variety of cell types, including dendritic cells (DC). In this study, we investigated its role in Ag presentation by DC using MR−/− mice. Uptake of the model Ag, soluble OVA, by bone marrow-derived DC and in vitro activation of OVA-specific CD8 T cells (OT-I cells) strictly depended on the MR. In vivo, MR deficiency impaired endocytosis of soluble OVA by DC and concomitant OT-I cell activation. No alterations in the DC subtype composition in MR−/− mice were accountable. Uptake of cell-associated OVA was unaffected by MR deficiency, resulting in unchanged activation of OT-I cells. These findings demonstrate that DC use the MR for endocytosis of a particular Ag type intended for cross-presentation.