bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decay-accelerating factor on human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Its histamine-induced expression and spontaneous rapid shedding from the cell surface.
Authors: Tsuji S , Kaji K , Nagasawa S
Published: December 2022

Decay-accelerating factor (DAF) is a membrane protein that protects host cells from attack by its own complement. Although DAF expression on endothelial cells is thought to increase pathophysiologically, little is known about the natural mediators that modulate DAF expression on endothelial cells. In this study, we evaluated the effect of histamine on DAF expression on human umbilical vein cells (HUVEC). HUVEC were cultured with histamine, and DAF expression on HUVEC was determined by flow cytometry after immunostaining with a mAb to DAF. DAF expression on HUVEC was increased at 10 microM histamine, and the final level was increased time-dependently by 150% to 200% after a 24-h incubation with 100 microM histamine. The histamine-induced DAF expression was inhibited by actinomycin D and cycloheximide and accompanied by an increase in the DAF mRNA level, indicating that both transcription and translation are required. In addition, the histamine-induced DAF expression was inhibited by pyrilamine, an H1 blocker, but not by cimetidine, an H2 blocker, indicating that histamine induces the DAF expression through H1 receptors. We also demonstrated that the turnover of DAF is faster than that of MCP and CD59, and DAF is released into the culture supernatant. DAF is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked protein that is released from HUVEC by a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. Although HUVEC also contain the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored complement inhibitor CD59, this was not released during a 24-h incubation, suggesting that the shedding of DAF from HUVEC is not caused by PI-PLC but by other enzymes, possibly proteinases. These results suggest that histamine, which is released from mast cells and basophils by complement-derived anaphylatoxins, increases the complement defense ability of endothelial cells by increasing their levels of DAF expression.
Cardiac antigen-specific autoantibody production is associated with cardiomyopathy in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected mice.
Authors: Tibbetts R S , McCormick T S , Rowland E C , Miller S D , Engman D M
Published: December 2022

An inflammatory cardiomyopathy may develop in humans and experimental animals with chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection (Chagas' disease). Among the possible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of Chagas' cardiomyopathy, induction of heart-specific autoimmune responses has recently received substantial experimental support. The goal of the current study was to determine whether cardiac Ag-specific antibodies are produced in T. cruzi-infected mice with heart disease and, if so, to determine their Ag specificities. Upon infection with the Brazil strain of T. cruzi, C57BL/6 mice develop a cardiomyopathy that is histologically similar to that observed in chronically infected humans. Antisera from these mice were found to react with three cardiac Ag, having relative molecular masses of 200, 150, and 53 kDa. p200 and p150 are specifically found in heart muscle, although p53 is found in skeletal muscle as well. C57BL/6 mice infected with the Guayas strain of T. cruzi, which do not develop cardiomyopathy, did not produce antibodies to p200, p150, or p53, indicating that these antibodies may be specific markers of cardiomyopathy. Finally, p200 and p53 were identified as the contractile protein myosin and the intermediate filament protein desmin, respectively. This last finding is of special interest, because antibodies specific for myosin or desmin have been detected in humans and experimental animals with other natural and experimental cardiomyopathies. This suggests that infection with particular strains of T. cruzi may lead to the development of a cardiac Ag-specific autoimmune disease, possibly involving one or more of the Ag identified in this study.
Molecular evidence that granuloma T lymphocytes in murine schistosomiasis mansoni express an authentic substance P (NK-1) receptor.
Authors: Cook G A , Elliott D , Metwali A , Blum A M , Sandor M , Lynch R , Weinstock J V
Published: December 2022

Murine Schistosomiasis mansoni is a parasitic disease in which granulomas develop around the schistosome ova that lodge in the liver and intestines of the host. The granuloma eosinophils make substance P (SP), a cytokine with immunoregulatory properties. Within the granuloma SP can modulate IFN-gamma production through interaction with a substance P-like receptor. SP belongs to a family of hormones called tachykinins. Three mammalian tachykinins are SP, neurokinin A (substance K), and neurokinin B (neuromedin K). In humans and rats, there are at least three distinct tachykinin receptors designated NK-1, NK-2, and NK-3. The NK-1 receptor binds only SP with high affinity. Using reverse transcription-PCR, cDNA cloning, and sequence analysis, we showed that granulomas isolated from the liver of infected mice express an authentic SP (NK-1) receptor but have no detectable neurokinin A (NK-2) and neurokinin B (NK-3) receptor mRNA, as determined by PCR. CD4+ granuloma T lymphocytes, purified by FACS, express NK-1 receptor mRNA. Normal liver devoid of granulomas exhibited none of the three tachykinin receptor subclasses.
Role of NK1.1+ cells in experimental listeriosis. NK1+ cells are early IFN-gamma producers but impair resistance to Listeria monocytogenes infection.
Authors: Teixeira H C , Kaufmann S H
Published: December 2022

An enzyme-linked immunospot assay was used for detection of splenic IFN-gamma and IL-4 spot-forming cells from, C57Bl/6 and BALB/c mice, which differ in resistance to systemic L. monocytogenes infection. Numbers of spontaneous and Ag (heat-killed listeriae)-induced IFN-gamma SFC were 5- to 10-fold higher in C57Bl/6 as compared to BALB/c mice at day 1, day 7, and day 14 postinfection. In both strains of mice, Ag-induced IFN-gamma production reached maximum levels at day 7 postinfection and IL-4 production was slightly increased at day 1, decreasing thereafter. The early IFN-gamma production (day 1) in C57Bl/6 mice was abrogated by in vitro and in vivo depletion of NK1+ cells with PK136 mAbs, indicating that NK1+ cells are major IFN-gamma producers at day 1 after infection. In vivo depletion of NK1+ cells markedly increased numbers of IL-4 spot-forming cells in spleens of C57Bl/6 mice, suggesting a modulatory effect of NK1+ cells and IFN-gamma on IL-4 production. At day 5 postinfection, bacterial numbers in spleens were higher in C57Bl/6 than in BALB/c mice. Treatment with the anti-NK1.1 mAb and in vivo neutralization of IL-4 with the 11B11 mAb enhanced listerial clearing in C57Bl/6 mice. These findings suggest 1) BALB/c mice are more resistant than C57Bl/6 mice to L. monocytogenes EGD infection, 2) NK1+ cells and IL-4 play a detrimental role in L. monocytogenes infection, and 3) antilisterial resistance and levels of IFN-gamma are dissociable.
Mast cell phagocytosis of FimH-expressing enterobacteria.
Authors: Malaviya R , Ross E A , MacGregor J I , Ikeda T , Little J R , Jakschik B A , Abraham S N
Published: December 2022

Most studies of mast cells have been directed at their role in the pathophysiology of IgE-mediated allergic reactions with little recognition of their participation in bacterial infections. We report that mast cells can specifically bind FimH, a mannose-binding subunit on type 1 fimbriae expressed by Escherichia coli and other enterobacteria. This interaction triggers mast cell phagocytosis and killing of the bacteria within vacuoles and through the release of superoxide anions. Also, in view of the fact that mast cells have the capacity to release inflammatory mediators and are particularly abundant in the skin, mucosal surfaces, and around blood vessels, we suggest that these cells play an important role in host defense against microbial infection.
Immunomorphologic studies of human decidua-associated lymphoid cells in normal early pregnancy.
Authors: Mincheva-Nilsson L , Baranov V , Yeung M M , Hammarström S , Hammarström M L
Published: December 2022

Human decidual lymphocytes from early, normal pregnancy were characterized in situ with respect to ultrastructure and distribution of subsets. The ultrastructure of isolated decidual gamma delta T cells was also studied. CD45+ cells comprised 11 +/- 2% of all decidual cells. The majority were localized in large lymphoid cell clusters (LCC), near endometrial glands, or as intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) in glandular epithelium. The major cell populations in LCC were CD56+TCR-gamma delta+ cells, CD56+ cells, TCR-alpha beta+CD4+ cells, and TCR-alpha beta+CD8+ cells. All expressed activation markers (CD45RO, Kp43, and/or HML-1) and MHC class II Ag (HLA-DR, HLA-DP, and/or HLA-DQ). No B cells were found. Almost all IEL were activated TCR-gamma delta+ cells (CD56+ and CD56-). The glandular epithelial cells expressed heat shock protein 60 at the basolateral side facing the TCR-gamma delta+ IEL. Decidual lymphocytes displayed cytoplasmic processes, microvilli, characteristic cytoplasmic granules, and had intimate contact with neighboring cells. Lymphocytes in the outer rim of LCC and the stroma showed signs of cellular movement. Two main morphotypes of gamma delta T cells could be distinguished. One had single microvilli, membrane-bound granules, and nuclear inclusions. The other had many microvilli, nonmembrane-bound granules and cytoplasmic multivesicular bodies. Our data suggest that LCC are centers of immune reactivity where T and NK cells become activated. The activated cells may guard against infections and undue trophoblast invasion and/or be involved in modulating the local maternal immune system toward unresponsiveness against the semiallogeneic fetus.
Evidence for the role of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells in the destruction of pancreatic beta-cells in nonobese diabetic mice.
Authors: Nagata M , Santamaria P , Kawamura T , Utsugi T , Yoon J W
Published: December 2022

CD8+ islet cell-specific CTL lines and clones were established from lymphocytes infiltrating the pancreatic islets of acutely diabetic nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice from two subcolonies (NOD/Yn and NOD/Lt). CTL from NOD/Yn mice were predominantly cytotoxic against H-2b+ islet cells and to a lesser extent against H-2d+ islet cells. On the other hand, CTL from NOD/Lt mice were cytotoxic against H-2d+ but not against H-2b+ islet cells. Three of four CTL clones derived from NOD/Yn mice were H-2Db restricted, whereas two of two CTL clones derived from NOD/Lt mice were H-2Kd restricted. However, all of the H-2Kd restricted T cell clones expressed the same TCR, regardless of the NOD subcolony from which they were derived, compatible with a restricted repertoire. When two representative CTL clones were transferred into irradiated young NOD mice, neither induced insulitis or diabetes. However, transfer of these clones, together with CD4(+)-rich NOD splenocytes depleted of CD8+ T cells, caused severe insulitis and diabetes. When recipient NOD mice were treated with anti-CD4 mAbs, none of the mice developed insulitis or diabetes. Most of the irradiated NOD mice that received CD8-depleted splenocytes alone did not become diabetic. Through these studies we show that CTL clones can destroy pancreatic beta-cells as final effectors but that these clones require signals from CD4+ T cells to effect beta-cell damage.
Superantigen modulation of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis: activation of anergy determines outcome.
Authors: Racke M K , Quigley L , Cannella B , Raine C S , McFarlin D E , Scott D E
Published: December 2022

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an autoimmune disease that can be induced by the adoptive transfer of CD4, myelin basic protein (MBP)-specific T cells. Superantigens activate T cells expressing appropriate TCR V genes. In this study, MBP-specific T cells activated in vitro with a superantigen, staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), could adoptively transfer a severe form of EAE in (PLxSJL)F1 mice, but did not transfer disease in PL/J or SJL/J mice. SEB treatment of donor mice anergized MBP-specific T cells using V beta 8 in (PLxSJL)F1 mice, because subsequent in vitro activation with SEB resulted in a marked decrease in proliferation to SEB and inability to transfer EAE. However, donor cells from (PLxSJL)F1 mice immunized with MBP/CFA that had been exposed to SEB in vivo before MBP stimulation in vitro still produced EAE in recipient mice. To confirm that non-V beta 8 T cells could transfer disease, donor mice were treated with antibody that eliminated V beta 8 T cells; MBP-activated T cells from these mice could still transfer EAE. Finally, EAE induced by SEB-activated T cells was substantially reduced in mice receiving anti-V beta 8 therapy in vivo. The ability of superantigens to activate encephalitogenic T cells may have relevance to human diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Mechanisms of T cell contact-dependent B cell activation.
Authors: Kato T , Kokuho T , Tamura T , Nariuchi H
Published: December 2022

It has been reported that activated Th cells express CD40 ligand, and the interaction of the CD40 ligand and CD40 on B cells results in B cell cycle entry. In this report, mechanisms of B cell activation induced by CD40-CD40 ligand interaction were studied by using an activated Th cell membrane as a source of CD40 ligand. The rise in cAMP concentration and tyrosine phosphorylation of a 69-kDa protein were induced in B cells stimulated with the activated Th cell membrane, and both of them were suppressed by the inclusion of soluble CD40 in cultures. The membrane stimulation did not elicit either inositol phosphates metabolism nor elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Protein kinase C depletion did not affect the proliferation, rise in cAMP level, or the 69-kDa protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Addition of anti-CD45 to the culture resulted in suppression of the B cell proliferation as well as the 69-kDa protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Furthermore, a protein kinase A inhibitor, H-89, suppressed the B cell proliferation induced by the membrane. These results indicate that both protein tyrosine kinase and protein kinase A were involved in the signal transduction pathway for the B cell proliferation evoked by the CD40-CD40 ligand interaction in Th cell contact-dependent B cell proliferation.
Transition from TCR-beta dimer to TCR-alpha beta-expressing cells by introduction of an alpha-chain in an immature thymocyte cell line.
Authors: Kuwabara I , Ohno H , Punt J A , Hashimoto Y , Saito T
Published: December 2022

The molecular basis for the surface expression of TCR-beta chain in the absence of association with TCR-alpha, -gamma, or -delta chain by an immature thymocyte cell line was investigated. The TCR-beta chain expressed by this cell line was not encoded by any unique DNA sequence, nor was it inserted into the membrane via a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol linkage. Transfection of two other beta-chains derived from mature T cell clones resulted in the surface expression of dimers of the transfected beta-chains in both cases. Immunoprecipitation of the beta-dimer-CD3 complex demonstrated that the association of the beta-dimer with the CD3 complex, especially the CD3 zeta chain, was so weak that they dissociated under the detergent conditions in which the TCR-CD3 complex of mature T cells is kept intact. Transfection of TCR-alpha chain resulted in the expression of a TCR-alpha beta-CD3 complex and the disappearance of beta-dimers. In accordance with the changes in TCR complex components, the association between TCR-alpha beta and CD3 complex became stable and the cells transduced signals more efficiently. The results demonstrate that the expression of TCR-beta as part of an incomplete TCR-CD3 complex is developmentally regulated and the expression of TCR-alpha chain results in normal configuration and function of TCR complex.
T-BAM/CD40-L on helper T lymphocytes augments lymphokine-induced B cell Ig isotype switch recombination and rescues B cells from programmed cell death.
Authors: Lederman S , Yellin M J , Cleary A M , Pernis A , Inghirami G , Cohn L E , Covey L R , Lee J J , Rothman P , Chess L
Published: December 2022

An important component of T cell help for B lymphocyte differentiation is the contact-dependent signaling mediated by the T cell-B cell activating molecule (T-BAM/CD40-L), an activation-induced surface membrane protein on CD4+ T helper cells in lymphoid follicles that interacts with the B cell surface molecule, CD40. The present study dissects the roles of T-BAM/CD40-L in helper function by means of a neutralizing anti-T-BAM/CD40-L mAb (5c8), a T-BAM/CD40-L-expressing T cell tumor subclone (Jurkat D1.1), and a T-BAM/CD40-L-responsive IgM+ B cell tumor of germinal center origin (RAMOS 266). Like activated T cells, D1.1 cells induce B cells to synthesize IgG, IgA, and IgE in a process that is specifically inhibited by the mAb 5c8. Although rIL-4 alone, but not Jurkat D1.1, induces IgH C gamma mRNA transcripts in RAMOS 266, the T-BAM/CD40-L molecule on D1.1 acts on rIL-4-primed RAMOS B cells to augment expression of C gamma transcripts. In addition, IgG+ RAMOS 266 clones were expanded from D1.1- and rIL-4-stimulated cultures that had undergone deletional IgH isotype switch recombination events. Furthermore, T-BAM/CD40-L signals delivered by the D1.1 clone dramatically rescue RAMOS 266 from mAb anti-IgM-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these data support the idea that T-BAM/CD40-L plays important roles in inducing Ig isotype switch recombination and the clonal selection of isotype-switched B cells.
Repertoire diversity of antibody response to bacterial antigens in aged mice. IV. Study of VH and VL gene utilization in splenic antibody foci by in situ hybridization.
Authors: Yang X , Stedra J , Cerny J
Published: December 2022

Mouse Abs against a bacterial epitope, the phosphorylcholine (PC) hapten are encoded by the T15 genes VH1(S107) and V kappa 22. It has been shown that PC-specific hybridomas from aged animals often express IgV gene families other than T15. To determine the extent of this age-dependent molecular shift in the anti-PC response, we examined antibody-forming cells (AFC) in individual young (2 to 4 month) and aged (20 to 24 month) mice by an in situ RNA hybridization. Mice were immunized either with PC coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin or with a Streptococcus pneumoniae strain R36a vaccine. Frozen splenic sections were prepared, and the clusters of PC-specific AFC (i.e., antibody foci) were identified by immunocytochemical staining. The adjacent splenic sections were hybridized with digoxigenin-labeled VH1(S107) and V kappa 22 DNA probes and with a C mu DNA probe as a control. The splenic sections were examined for 1) the number of Ab foci hybridized with the T15 probes, and 2) the estimated proportion of VH1+ and V kappa 22+ AFC within each focus. The results were comparable regardless of the form of PC Ag administered. Virtually all Ab foci (> 85%) in young mice hybridized with the T15 probes and were occupied by the VH1+/V kappa 22+ AFC. In aged mice, the fraction of PC-binding Ab foci that hybridized with a given T15 probe varied from 35% to > 85%; T15+ AFC always represented a minor population of the focus (< 50%), the remaining PC-specific AFC being C mu + but T15-. Also, there appeared to be a greater loss of the V kappa 22 expression relative to the VH1(S107). Thus it appears that the T15+, PC-reactive B cells in aged mice responded to the Ag but that they could not dominate the response. The possibility of an intrinsic molecular change in the aging B cells in discussed.
Self peptides isolated from MHC glycoproteins of non-obese diabetic mice.
Authors: Reich E P , von Grafenstein H , Barlow A , Swenson K E , Williams K , Janeway C A
Published: December 2022

The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse spontaneously develops an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus that resembles human type I diabetes. This disease can be transferred by purified T cells or cloned T cell lines, implicating an autoimmune T cell attack on the pancreatic beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. As all T cell responses involve recognition of peptides bound to MHC molecules displayed at the cell surface, we have examined self peptides binding to the MHC molecules on spleen cells of the NOD mouse. Peptides eluted from the MHC class I molecule Kd have sequences that conform to known motifs for peptides binding this molecule in other strains of mice. The NOD mouse expresses the unique MHC class II molecule I-Ag7. Peptides eluted from I-Ag7 have sequences that implicate an acidic residue in the C terminus of the peptide as important for binding. The role of this residue in binding has been confirmed by direct peptide-binding analysis. This C-terminal acidic amino acid may interact with an arginine residue in the MHC class II alpha-chain that is exposed when beta-chain residue 57 is mutated to serine, or to the unique beta-chain residue histidine 56. These data may provide valuable insights into the nature of autoantigenic peptides presented by NOD mouse MHC molecules by defining the nature of I-Ag7-peptide binding.
CD4+ T cell-dependent acquired state of immunity that protects the brain against Cryptococcus neoformans.
Authors: Hill J O , Aguirre K M
Published: December 2022

In immunodeficient hosts, a failure in defense mechanisms allows Cryptococcus neoformans to establish foci of infection in the brain. Immune and nonspecific responses in the primary site of infection in the lung have been described, but those extrapulmonary defense mechanisms that can be mobilized against the yeast have received little attention. This paper describes a response expressed against yeast in the brain of immunocompetent hosts, a response that is weakened in hosts deficient in CD4+ T cells. When a small number of yeast gain access to the vasculature, for example through an i.v. injection, about 0.1% establish themselves in the brain. Normal mice but not SCID mice have the capacity to suppress the multiplication of these yeast cells. The host response is accelerated in mice that are recovering from a primary lung infection, resulting in long term survival without antibiotic chemotherapy. This response is ablated by anti-CD4 mAb treatment and CD4+ cells obtained from infected primed donors are needed to confer immunity on SCID recipients. The critical target for the anti-Cryptococcus immune response are yeast in the brain cortex. However, rather than preventing the colonization of the brain by blood-borne yeast, immunity apparently serves to restrict the growth of yeast in a small number of established foci.
Isolation and characterization of dendritic cells from mouse heart and kidney.
Authors: Austyn J M , Hankins D F , Larsen C P , Morris P J , Rao A S , Roake J A
Published: December 2022

Dendritic cells (DC) are thought to be distributed throughout lymphoid and most nonlymphoid tissues. Single cell suspensions were prepared from mouse hearts and kidneys. Subsets of MHC class II-positive (Ia+) leukocytes from both sources expressed markers such as CDw32 Fc receptors, F4/80, and complement receptor type 3 (CD11b/CD18). The capacity of these cells to initiate primary in vitro immune responses was assessed using oxidative mitogenesis and allogeneic mixed leukocyte responses. After fractionation by density centrifugation, cell sorting, immunomagnetic bead separation, or cell panning, the stimulatory activity of kidney cell suspensions was found to reside in the low density, Ia+ leukocyte fractions after overnight culture (day 1). In contrast, freshly isolated (day 0) cells had considerably less or no activity in these assays. However, depletion of Ia+ or CD45+ cells on day 0 followed by overnight culture removed the stimulatory activity on day 1. Therefore, day 0 kidney cells contain Ia+ leukocytes that can acquire or up-regulate their stimulatory activity during overnight culture. Similar observations were made for cells isolated from hearts, except that a population of uncharacterized nonleukocytes with stimulatory activity was detected on day 0 but not day 1. The phagocytic capacity of the leukocytes was then examined. Subsets of Ia+ cells phagocytosed zymosan, as shown by two-color flow cytometry and other immunofluorescence studies, and the zymosan-positive cells from kidney were able to initiate primary responses. Overall, these data demonstrate the existence of DC in kidneys and hearts, and suggest that in situ these cells resemble immature rather than mature DC.
Interaction between serum amyloid P component and C4b-binding protein associated with inhibition of factor I-mediated C4b degradation.
Authors: García de Frutos P , Dahlbäck B
Published: December 2022

Serum amyloid P component (SAP) is a member of the pentraxin protein family. Although present in all types of amyloid deposits, it is also a normal constituent of blood and extravascular tissues. In blood, SAP forms a calcium-dependent, noncovalent complex with C4b-binding protein (C4BP). C4BP regulates the classical complement pathway as it binds C4b and functions as cofactor in its degradation by factor I. Although SAP and C4b bind to distinct sites on C4BP, it is not known whether the SAP-C4BP interaction affects the function of C4BP. We report that in a fluid phase system, SAP inhibited degradation of C4(H2O) (which is C4b-like) in a dose-dependent manner. Phosphorylethanolamine was found to alleviate the inhibitory effect of SAP on C4(H2O) degradation. Because this compound is known to inhibit the SAP-C4BP interaction, this indicated direct binding of SAP to C4BP to be required for inhibition of C4(H2O) degradation. Even though C4BP, C4(H2O), and SAP form a multimolecular complex in fluid phase, SAP was found to inhibit binding of C4BP to immobilized C4(H2O). The inhibitory effect was calcium dependent and alleviated by phosphorylethanolamine. Heparin, which is known to inhibit the interaction between SAP and C4BP, was also found to counteract the inhibitory effect of SAP on C4BP binding to C4(H2O). However, the effect of heparin was biphasic because high concentrations of heparin directly inhibited binding of C4(H2O) to C4BP. The inhibition of C4BP function by SAP suggests that SAP may be involved in regulation of the classical complement pathway C3 convertase.
Neutrophil chemotaxis in response to TGF-beta isoforms (TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 3) is mediated by fibronectin.
Authors: Parekh T , Saxena B , Reibman J , Cronstein B N , Gold L I
Published: December 2022

TGF-beta isoforms regulate numerous cellular functions including cell growth and differentiation, the cellular synthesis and secretion of extracellular matrix proteins, such as fibronectin (Fn), and the immune response. We have previously shown that TGF-beta 1 is the most potent chemoattractant described for human peripheral blood neutrophils (PMNs), suggesting that TGF-beta s may play a role in the recruitment of PMNs during the initial phase of the inflammatory response. In our current studies, we demonstrate that the maximal chemotactic response was attained near 40 fM for all mammalian TGF-beta isoforms. However, there was a statistically significant difference in migratory distance of the PMNs: TGF-beta 2 (556 microM) > TGF-beta 3 (463 microM) > TGF-beta 1 (380 microM) (beta 2: beta 3, p < or = 0.010; beta 3: beta 1, p < or = 0.04; beta 2: beta 1, p < or = 0.0012). A mAb to the cell binding domain (CBD) of Fn inhibited the chemotactic response to TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 3 by 63% and to TGF-beta 2 by 70%, whereas the response to FMLP, a classic chemoattractant, was only inhibited by 18%. In contrast, a mAb to a C-terminal epitope of Fn did not retard migration (< 1.5%). The Arg-gly-Asp-ser tetrapeptide inhibited chemotaxis by approximately the same extent as the anti-CBD (52 to 83%). Furthermore, a mAb against the VLA-5 integrin (VLA-5; Fn receptor) also inhibited TGF-beta-induced chemotaxis. These results indicate that chemotaxis of PMNs in response to TGF-beta isoforms is mediated by the interaction of the Arg-gly-Asp-ser sequence in the CBD of Fn with an integrin on the PMN cell surface, primarily the VLA-5 integrin. TGF-beta isoforms also elicited the release of cellular Fn from PMNs; we observed a 2.3-fold increase in Fn (389 to 401 ng/ml) in the supernatants of TGF-beta-stimulated PMNs compared with unstimulated cells (173.6 ng/ml). The concentration of TGF-beta required to cause maximal release of Fn from PMNs (4000 fM) is a concentration at which TGF-beta is no longer chemotactic, suggesting that PMNs only use Fn that is constitutively expressed for migration. At higher concentrations of TGF-beta, the Fn released may accumulate basal to the cell, ultimately retarding cellular migration and modulating the chemotactic response.
C5a as a model for chemotactic factor-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation in the human neutrophil.
Authors: Richard S , Farrell C A , Shaw A S , Showell H J , Connelly P A
Published: December 2022

Human neutrophils were exposed to the chemotactic factors C5a, FMLP, IL-8, leukotriene B4, and PAF, for 30 s, and subsequently analyzed for protein tyrosine phosphorylation by immunoblotting whole cell lysates with a polyclonal antiphosphotyrosine Ab. All chemotactic factors caused the rapid de novo tyrosine phosphorylation of a broad band of approximately 120 kDa and increased the phosphotyrosine content of several other proteins, including two with molecular masses of 60 and 56 kDa that were present in the unstimulated neutrophil. Tyrosine phosphorylation was evident as early as 10 s after stimulation and was maintained for 1 to 3 min before dephosphorylation occurred. The extent of tyrosine phosphorylation was dependent on the concentration of chemotactic factor, with stimulation observed at concentrations as low as 10 to 100 nM. To investigate the pathway used by chemotactic factors to transduce this signal, neutrophils were treated with PMA. PMA also stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation in the neutrophil but with a slower response time and a different pattern of affected proteins. Additional experiments suggested that tyrosine phosphorylation is involved in the regulation of the neutrophil respiratory burst because the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, herbimycin A, inhibited C5a-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation and also prevented C5a- and FMLP-induced superoxide anion production. Herbimycin A also inhibited PMA-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and superoxide anion production. To confirm that the ability to stimulate tyrosine phosphorylation was intrinsic to the C5a receptor, tyrosine phosphorylation was examined in both undifferentiated U937 cells (C5a receptor negative) and cAMP differentiated U937 cells (C5a receptor positive). C5a induced tyrosine phosphorylation only in differentiated U937 cells. Analysis of the C5a receptor mRNA using the PCR confirmed its presence in differentiated and its absence in undifferentiated U937 cells. Therefore, C5a stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation via a receptor-mediated mechanism and U937 cells provide a system in which G-coupled receptor-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation can be investigated.
Immunity to TCR peptides in multiple sclerosis. I. Successful immunization of patients with synthetic V beta 5.2 and V beta 6.1 CDR2 peptides.
Authors: Bourdette D N , Whitham R H , Chou Y K , Morrison W J , Atherton J , Kenny C , Liefeld D , Hashim G A , Offner H , Vandenbark A A
Published: December 2022

Immunization with disease-associated TCR V region peptides is an effective treatment for experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Myelin basic protein-specific T cells, which induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in many animal strains, may be important in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Myelin basic protein-specific T cell clones from some multiple sclerosis patients preferentially use TCR V genes from the V beta 5.2 and V beta 6.1 families. To assess the safety and immunogenicity of TCR V beta 5.2 and V beta 6.1 peptides, we injected 11 multiple sclerosis patients with varying doses of two synthetic peptides, TCR V beta 5.2(39-59) and V beta 6.1(39-59), encompassing the CDR2 region of these V gene families. Low doses (100 to 300 micrograms) of peptide induced T cell immunity in 7 of 11 patients to one or both peptides. Delayed type hypersensitivity skin responses to the peptides were observed in three of seven responders, and TCR peptide-specific Ab occurred in two of seven T cell responders. Low doses of TCR peptides produced no side effects and did not cause broad spectrum immunosuppression. Synthetic TCR V region peptides can induce T cell immunity safely in humans and may prove useful in treating human autoimmune diseases.
Nebulized but not parenteral IFN-gamma decreases IgE production and normalizes airways function in a murine model of allergen sensitization.
Authors: Lack G , Renz H , Saloga J , Bradley K L , Loader J , Leung D Y , Larsen G , Gelfand E W
Published: December 2022

An animal model of local allergen (airways) sensitization was employed to study the effects of rIFN-gamma administered by ultrasonic nebulization through the airways on IgE production and airways responsiveness. BALB/c mice exposed to aerosolized OVA daily for 10 days developed a predominant anti-OVA IgE response, immediate cutaneous reactivity to OVA, and increased airways responsiveness (AR). Mice were treated with rIFN-gamma, either systemically or locally via the airways, following different protocols; i.p. rIFN-gamma failed to modulate the course of OVA sensitization, although total IgE levels in the serum were decreased by 50%. Anti-OVA IgE levels remained elevated, immediate skin test responses to OVA persisted, and AR was increased. However, local treatment of the airways with nebulized rIFN-gamma caused a 66% decrease in serum anti-OVA IgE and a twofold rise in IgG2a levels. Cutaneous reactivity to OVA was reduced and AR was also normalized after nebulized rIFN-gamma. In contrast to the i.p. route, treatment with nebulized rIFN-gamma resulted in a reduction in the in vitro IgE production by lymphocytes in response to OVA and IL-4. The timing of treatment with nebulized rIFN-gamma was important in determining the immunomodulatory response. Treatment after day 7 of OVA exposure failed to modulate sensitization. Treatment regimens with nebulized rIFN-gamma that began before day 7 of OVA exposure were able to decrease anti-OVA IgE. Only treatment regimens that included 3 days of nebulized IFN-gamma before OVA sensitization caused a decrease in cutaneous reactivity and normalization of AR. The data demonstrate that both the route and timing of rIFN-gamma administration are critical factors in the immunomodulation of the immediate allergic response to allergen sensitization via the airways.
Costimulation of T lymphocytes with integrin ligands intercellular adhesion molecule-1 or vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 induces functional expression of CTLA-4, a second receptor for B7.
Authors: Damle N K , Klussman K , Leytze G , Myrdal S , Aruffo A , Ledbetter J A , Linsley P S
Published: December 2022

Costimulation by the CD28 ligand B7/BB1 plays an important role during T cell proliferation primarily by augmenting synthesis of IL-2 and other cytokines. Resting CD4+ T cells express CD28 but not CTLA-4 on their surface. Costimulation of T cells with ICAM-1 or VCAM-1 induced CTLA-4 expression and up-regulated CD28 expression. CD28 and CTLA-4 were independently distributed on the surface of activated T lymphoblasts. When co-immobilized with anti-TCR mAb both anti-CD28 and anti-CTLA-4 mAb augmented T cell proliferation. Although anti-CD28-mediated augmentation of T cell proliferation was stronger than that seen with anti-CTLA-4 mAb, together these two mAb caused supraadditive augmentation of T cell proliferation. The augmentation of the effects of anti-CD28 mAb by anti-CTLA-4 mAb was greater at low occupancy of CD28 by anti-CD28 mAb. Costimulation of CD28+ CTLA-4+ T cells with anti-CTLA-4 caused three- to fivefold increase in IL-2 production, whereas similar treatment with anti-CD28 caused > 40-fold increase. The costimulatory effect of B7 on primed T cells was partially inhibited by Fab anti-CD28 mAb. Anti-CTLA-4 mAb alone did not inhibit B7-induced response but caused modest increase in the inhibitory effect of anti-CD28 Fab. On integrin-mediated costimulation, Ag-specific CD4+ T cell lines also up-regulated their CTLA-4 expression, and proliferation of these cells was augmented by anti-CTLA-4 mAb. Unlike that of CD28, ligation of CTLA-4 alone failed to mobilize intracellular [Ca2+]. However, coligation of CTLA-4 and TCR induced stronger [Ca2+] response in Ag-specific T cell lines than that seen with TCR alone. These results suggest that integrin-costimulated T cells express CTLA-4 and can be costimulated via CTLA-4. Optimal development of various immune functions may involve combined costimulation via both CD28 and CTLA-4.
IL-4 is essential for the systemic transfer of delayed hypersensitivity by T cell lines. Role of gamma/delta cells.
Authors: Dieli F , Asherson G L , Romano G C , Sireci G , Gervasi F , Salerno A
Published: December 2022

Hapten (trinitrophenyl)-specific T cell lines were obtained by repeated stimulation of lymph node cells from immune mice with Ag in vitro. These T cell lines show phenotypic properties and a pattern of cytokine production typical of Th1 cells and consisted of more than 90% V beta 8.2+ T lymphocytes and 6 to 9% gamma/delta + T lymphocytes. The lines mediate a local passive transfer of DTH when injected at the site of Ag challenge but fail to mediate a systemic passive transfer of DTH when injected i.v. However, a successful systemic passive transfer of DTH was observed when IL-4 was given to recipient mice together with the T cell lines or when the T cell lines were incubated in vitro with IL-4. IL-4 enables systemic, specific passive transfer of DTH at a dose of 10 pg/ml in vitro and at a dose of 10 pg/mouse in vivo; it is effective when injected 4 h before cell transfer but not when given 1 to 5 days earlier. Cytofluorimetric analysis shows that the gamma/delta + cells and not the V beta 8.2+ cells of the line express IL-4R and a good systemic transfer of DTH is observed when gamma/delta + cells are incubated in vitro with IL-4 and then injected together with V beta 8.2+ cells into recipient mice. In contrast, injection of V beta 8.2+ cells treated with IL-4 together with gamma/delta + cells fails to transfer DTH. Overall, the present results show that IL-4 is an important mediator in the DTH reaction and that gamma/delta + cells are one of the targets of its action.
Antigen presentation in the central nervous system. The inhibitory effect of IL-10 on MHC class II expression and production of cytokines depends on the inducing signals and the type of cell analyzed.
Authors: Frei K , Lins H , Schwerdel C , Fontana A
Published: December 2022

Cells of the macrophage lineage are required to cope with bacterial infection and to serve as APC for T lymphocytes. Among the regulatory factors limiting the macrophage response to infection and the expansion of Ag-specific T cells, IL-10 has received recent attention. On monocytes/macrophages, IL-10 has been shown to inhibit the intracellular killing of bacteria, the secretion of cytokines, and the expression of MHC molecules. In the present study we have examined the effect of IL-10 on different APC obtained from the central nervous system. Both, astrocytes and microglial cells are in a resting state and require activation signals to express MHC class II and cytokine genes. Whereas IL-10 profoundly inhibits the IFN-gamma-induced expression of MHC class II Ag on microglial cells, it had no such effects on astrocytes. Nevertheless, IL-10 suppressed the MHC class II- and Ag-dependent proliferative response of T cells in the presence of both types of APC. As shown by the use of anti-IL-10 Abs, endogenously produced IL-10 influenced the function of microglia but not of astrocytes to serve as APC. IL-10 significantly inhibited the LPS-induced production of granulocyte-macrophage-CSF, macrophage-CSF, and IL-6 by both astrocytes and microglial cells. In contrast, the secretion of these cytokines by the two glial cell population was not altered by IL-10 when IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, or viruses were used as stimuli.
HLA class I molecules are not transported to the cell surface in cells infected with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2.
Authors: Hill A B , Barnett B C , McMichael A J , McGeoch D J
Published: December 2022

To assess the effect of herpes simplex virus (HSV) on assembly and transport of class I MHC molecules, we compared class I MHC immunoprecipitated from metabolically labeled infected and uninfected human dermal fibroblasts. The immunoprecipitates were analyzed by isoelectric focusing, allowing identification of individual class I alleles and assessment of transport through the Golgi apparatus by the sialation of carbohydrate residues. In cells infected with wild-type HSV, class I synthesis was reduced or abolished because of the host protein synthesis shutoff function of the UL41 gene product. In cells infected with mutant viruses of both HSV-2 strain G and HSV-1 strain 17 that lack the UL41 gene, class I HLA molecules failed to become sialated, suggesting that they were not transported to the Golgi apparatus. In contrast, transferrin receptor was normally sialated in both infected and uninfected cells. Drug treatments of cells to restrict viral gene expression suggested that an early gene or genes were responsible for the effect. A pulse chase showed that class I molecules were synthesized in normal amounts in infected cells, but that heavy chains were retained in a sialyl transferase negative compartment either stably associated with beta 2m or as free heavy chain in a pattern that is characteristic for each class I allele. HSV is thus the fourth example of a DNA virus that interferes with class I assembly or transport.
CD9-regulated adhesion. Anti-CD9 monoclonal antibody induce pre-B cell adhesion to bone marrow fibroblasts through de novo recognition of fibronectin.
Authors: Masellis-Smith A , Shaw A R
Published: December 2022

The modulation of adhesive interaction between lymphocyte progenitors and bone marrow stroma may critically determine the maturation and migration of B cell progenitors. mAb against CD9 and beta 1 integrins are reported to induce the homotypic adhesion of pre-B cells. We present evidence that the anti-CD9 mAb 50H.19 and ALB6 but not the proaggregatory anti-VLA-4 mAb 44H6 also enhance the Fc-independent heterotypic adhesion of the human pre-B cell lines NALM-6 and HOON to bone-marrow stromal fibroblasts (BM-FB) but not to bone marrow stroma. CD9-enhanced binding of NALM-6 cells to BM-FB was inhibited 58% by the anti-VLA-4 mAb HP2/1, 36% by the anti-VLA-5 mAb BIIG2, and 99% by their combination. The mAb effectively inhibited adhesion when prebound to NALM-6 cells but not when prebound to BM-FB. The anti-VCAM-1 mAb E1/6 inhibited CD9-enhanced adhesion by only 14% suggesting the involvement of other ligands. Adhesion was inhibited by mAbs against the COOH-terminus and central cell binding domains of fibronectin, as well as by the corresponding CS1 and RGD peptides. Adhesion was not affected by H-7 and sphingosine, inhibitors of protein kinase C. These results suggest that perturbation of CD9 on pre-B cells promotes recognition of stromal cell fibronectin by VLA-4 and VLA-5 and implicates CD9 as a novel regulator of inside-out signaling relevant to B lymphopoiesis.
Hypercross-linking surface IgM or IgD receptors on mature B cells induces apoptosis that is reversed by costimulation with IL-4 and anti-CD40.
Authors: Parry S L , Hasbold J , Holman M , Klaus G G
Published: December 2022

Cross-linking of sIgM or sIgD receptors on mature B cells with appropriate anti-Ig Abs normally induces B cell activation and DNA synthesis. We show here that hypercross-linking of either class of sIg receptor on these cells by biotinylated, normally mitogenic anti-mu or anti-delta mAb by avidin rapidly induces unresponsiveness to heterologous anti-Ig, accompanied by DNA fragmentation characteristic of apoptosis. Apoptotic nuclei can be detected within 4 h after stimulation, but cells that survive for 12 to 16 h are abortively activated, as evidenced by increased levels of MHC class II Ags. Because the induction of B cell tolerance is known to be modulated by T cell-derived influences, we investigated the effects of two stimuli--IL-4 and ligation of CD40--that are known to affect B cell survival in this system. IL-4 partially reversed the induction of apoptosis, as did a mAb to CD40, and both reagents together caused almost complete reversal. We therefore conclude that in the absence of T cell help the extent of sIg receptor cross-linking on mature B cells determines whether the cells enter cycle or become deleted. We believe that this system represents a polyclonal model of clonal deletion of mature B cells induced by highly cross-linking Ags, such as type 2 T-independent polysaccharide Ags.
Binding of C3b and C4b by the CR1-like site in murine CR1.
Authors: Kalli K R , Fearon D T
Published: December 2022

We determined whether the six short consensus repeats (SCRs) that are appended to the amino terminus of murine CR2 to form murine CR1 contain a binding site for C4b in addition to that for C3b, and whether these sites overlap or are distinct. Human K562 transfectant cell lines were established that stably expressed constructs encoding variable combinations of these six murine SCRs attached to the amino terminus of a truncated form of human CR2 lacking its iC3b/C3dg binding site. These cell lines, and two others expressing full-length human CR1 and SCRs lacking its iC3b/C3dg binding site. These cell lines, and two others expressing full-length human CR1 and SCRs 8-11 of the C3b binding site of human CR1, respectively, were assessed for their capacity to form rosettes with sheep E bearing rat C4b or guinea pig C3b. K562 cells with full length human CR1 formed rosettes with both EC3b and EC4b, and the cells expressing the construct with human CR1 SCRs 8-11 bound only EC3b. The murine CR1/human CR2 chimera containing murine SCRs 1-6 resembled the full length human CR1 in binding both EC3b and EC4b. Deletion of SCRs 5-6 from the murine CR1/human CR2 chimera diminished in parallel, but did not abolish, binding of EC3b and EC4b. Constructs containing SCRs 2-5, SCRs 3-6, or SCRs 2-6 lacked activity, indicating an absolute requirement for SCR-1 for binding of both C3b and C4b. Therefore, murine CR1 binds both C3b and C4b, and the sites for these ligands have similar, if not identical, amino- and carboxyl-terminal boundaries.
Intracellular infection by Leishmania donovani inhibits macrophage apoptosis.
Authors: Moore K J , Matlashewski G
Published: December 2022

The phagocytic macrophage plays a critical role in host immune responses to microbial infection, and represents a major source of inflammatory and growth cytokines. Intramacrophage infection by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani results in increased viability of the host cell in the absence of exogenous growth factor. We demonstrate that infection of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) by L. donovani promastigotes or treatment of BMMs with lipophosphoglycan LPG, the major surface molecule of the promastigote, inhibits apoptosis in the macrophage induced by the removal of macrophage (M)-CSF. This effect was also achieved by supernatants collected from L. donovani-infected macrophages, implicating the elaboration of a soluble factor by infected cells as the mediator of this inhibition. To identify candidate factors, reverse transcription PCR was employed to characterize the mRNA cytokine profile of infected macrophages. L. donovani infection of BMMs was found to induce gene expression for granulocyte-macrophage CSF, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta, and IL-6, but not M-CSF or IL-1 beta. Of the cytokines induced by L. donovani, rTNF-alpha and recombinant granulocyte-macrophage CSF were shown to inhibit apoptosis of BMMs induced by the removal of M-CSF. The amount of these cytokines in L. donovani-infected cell supernatants was quantified by ELISA. The mechanism by which L. donovani may inhibit apoptosis is discussed.