bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translational Control of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase by IL-13 and Arginine Availability in Inflammatory Macrophages
Authors: El-Gayar Stefan , Thüring-Nahler Heike , Pfeilschifter Josef , Röllinghoff Martin , Bogdan Christian
Published: April 2014

Inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and its generation of NO from l-arginine are subject to transcriptional as well as posttranscriptional control by cytokines. In this study, we describe a novel, translational mechanism of iNOS regulation by arginine availability. Using mouse inflammatory peritoneal macrophages stimulated with IFN-γ plus LPS, we demonstrate that the suppression of iNOS protein, which is observed after a 16-h (but not after a 6-h) pretreatment with IL-13, despite an unaltered iNOS mRNA level, results from arginine depletion by arginase. The addition of arginase inhibitors (in the pretreatment phase) or of arginine (in the stimulation phase) completely blocked the down-regulation of iNOS protein by IL-13. The rescuing effect of arginine supplementation was not due to a positive feedback regulation of iNOS expression via enhanced production of NO. A striking suppression of iNOS protein (but not of iNOS mRNA) was also seen, when IL-13 was replaced by purified arginase or when macrophages were stimulated with IFN-γ/LPS in arginine-free medium. Arginine deficiency specifically impaired the de novo synthesis and the stability of iNOS protein, but did not affect the production of TNF and the overall protein synthesis of the macrophages. From these results, we conclude that arginine not only functions as a substrate for iNOS, but is also critical for maintaining normal levels of iNOS protein in cytokine-stimulated macrophages.
CD40 Stimulation of Human Peripheral B Lymphocytes: Distinct Response from Naive and Memory Cells
Authors: Fecteau Jessie F. , Néron Sonia
Published: April 2014

During secondary immune response, memory B lymphocytes proliferate and differentiate into Ig-secreting cells. In mice, the binding of CD40 by CD154 clearly enhances the activation and differentiation of memory B lymphocytes. In humans, the role of CD40-CD154 in the stimulation of memory B lymphocytes is not as obvious since in vitro studies reported positive and negative effects on their proliferation and differentiation in Ig-secreting cells. In this study, we examine the response of peripheral memory and naive cells in relation to the duration of CD40-CD154 interaction. We measured the proliferation and differentiation of both subsets stimulated with CD154 and IL-4 for short- (4–5 days) and long-term (>7 days) periods. Following short-term stimulation, memory B lymphocytes did not expand but represented the only subset differentiating into IgG- and IgM-secreting cells. A longer stimulation of this population led to cell death, while promoting naive B lymphocyte proliferation, expansion, and differentiation into IgM- or IgG-secreting cells. This prolonged CD40 stimulation also triggered naive B lymphocytes to switch to IgG and to express CD27 even in absence of somatic hypermutation, suggesting that these latter events could be independent. This study suggests that naive and memory B lymphocytes have distinct requirements to engage an immune response, reflecting their different roles in humoral immunity.
Estimating Hypermutation Rates from Clonal Tree Data
Authors: Kleinstein Steven H. , Louzoun Yoram , Shlomchik Mark J.
Published: April 2014

To understand the mechanisms underlying the varying patterns of mutations that occur during immune and autoimmune responses, estimates of the somatic hypermutation rate are critical. However, despite its significance, precise estimates of the mutation rate do not currently exist. Microdissection studies of mutating B cell clones provide an opportunity to measure this rate more accurately than previously possible. Each microdissection provides a number of clonally related sequences that, through the analysis of shared mutations, can be genealogically related to each other. The shape of these clonal trees is influenced by many processes, including the hypermutation rate. We have developed two different methods to estimate the mutation rate based on these data. These methods are applied to two sets of experimental data, one from an autoimmune response and one from the antihapten response to (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP). Comparable mutation rates are estimated for both responses, 0.7–0.9 × 10−3 and 0.9–1.1 × 10−3 bp−1 division−1 for the autoimmune and NP responses, respectively. In addition to comparing the results of the two procedures, we investigate the effect on our estimate of assumptions, such as the fraction of lethal mutations.
CD4+ T Cells Mediate IFN-γ-Independent Control ofMycobacterium tuberculosisInfection Both In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Cowley Siobhán C. , Elkins Karen L.
Published: April 2014

Although IFN-γ is necessary for survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in people and animal models, it may not be sufficient to clear the infection, and IFN-γ is not a reliable correlate of protection. To determine whether IFN-γ-independent mechanisms of immunity exist, we developed a murine ex vivo culture system that directly evaluates the ability of splenic or lung lymphocytes to control the growth of M. tuberculosis within infected macrophages, and that models in vivo immunity to tuberculosis. Surprisingly, CD4+ T cells controlled >90% of intracellular M. tuberculosis growth in the complete absence of IFN-γ stimulation of macrophages, via a NO-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, bacillus Calmette-Guerin-vaccinated IFN-γ-deficient mice exhibited significant protection against M. tuberculosis challenge that was lost upon depletion of CD4+ T cells. These findings demonstrate that CD4+ T cells possess IFN-γ-independent mechanisms that can limit the growth of an intracellular pathogen and are dominant in secondary responses to M. tuberculosis.
IL-10 Mediates Suppression of the CD8 T Cell IFN-γ Response to a Novel Viral Epitope in a Primed Host
Authors: Liu Xiao Song , Xu Yan , Hardy Lani , Khammanivong Vithagna , Zhao Weiming , Fernando Germain J. P. , Leggatt Graham R. , Frazer Ian H.
Published: April 2014

Priming to Ag can inhibit subsequent induction of an immune response to a new epitope incorporated into that Ag, a phenomenon referred to as original antigenic sin. In this study, we show that prior immunity to a virus capsid can inhibit subsequent induction of the IFN-γ effector T cell response to a novel CD8-restricted antigenic epitope associated with the virus capsid. Inhibition does not involve Ab to the virus capsid, as it is observed in animals lacking B cells. CD8-restricted virus-specific T cell responses are not required, as priming to virus without CTL induction is associated with inhibition. However, IL-10−/− mice, in contrast to IL-10+/+ mice, generate CD8 T cell and Ab responses to novel epitopes incorporated into a virus capsid, even when priming to the capsid has resulted in high titer Ab to the capsid. Furthermore, capsid-primed mice, unable to mount a response to a novel epitope in the capsid protein, are nevertheless able to respond to the same novel epitope delivered independently of the capsid. Thus, inhibition of responsiveness to a novel epitope in a virus-primed animal is a consequence of secretion of IL-10 in response to presented Ag, which inhibits local generation of new CD8 IFN-γ-secreting effector T cells. Induction of virus- or tumor Ag-specific CD8 effector T cells in the partially Ag-primed host may thus be facilitated by local neutralization of IL-10.
Complement Regulatory Protein C1 Inhibitor Binds to Selectins and Interferes with Endothelial-Leukocyte Adhesion
Authors: Cai Shenghe , Davis Alvin E.
Published: April 2014

C1 inhibitor (C1INH), a member of the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) family, is an inhibitor of proteases in the complement system, the contact system of kinin generation, and the intrinsic coagulation pathway. It is the most heavily glycosylated plasma protein, containing 13 definitively identified glycosylation sites as well as an additional 7 potential glycosylation sites. C1INH consists of two distinct domains: a serpin domain and an amino-terminal domain. The serpin domain retains all the protease-inhibitory function, while the amino-terminal domain bears most of the glycosylation sites. The present studies test the hypothesis that plasma C1INH bears sialyl Lewisx-related moieties and therefore binds to selectin adhesion molecules. We demonstrated that plasma C1INH does express sialyl Lewisx-related moieties on its N-glycan as detected using mAb HECA-452 and CSLEX1. The data also show that plasma C1INH can bind to P- and E-selectins by FACS and immunoprecipitation experiments. In a tissue culture model of endothelial-leukocyte adhesion, C1INH showed inhibition in a dose-dependent manner. Significant inhibition (>50%) was achieved at a concentration of 250 μg/ml or higher. This discovery may suggest that C1INH plays a role in the endothelial-leukocyte interaction during inflammation. It may also provide another example of the multifaceted anti-inflammatory effects of C1INH in various animal models and human diseases.
Blockade of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor I (VEGF-RI), but not VEGF-RII, Suppresses Joint Destruction in the K/BxN Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: De Bandt Michel , Ben Mahdi Meriem H. , Ollivier Véronique , Grossin Maggy , Dupuis Magali , Gaudry Murielle , Bohlen Peter , Lipson Kenneth E. , Rice Audie , Wu Yan , Gougerot-Pocidalo Marie-Anne , Pasquier Catherine
Published: April 2014

It was recently shown that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a growth factor for endothelial cells, plays a pivotal role in rheumatoid arthritis. VEGF binds to specific receptors, known as VEGF-RI and VEGF-RII. We assessed the physical and histological effects of selective blockade of VEGF and its receptors in transgenic K/BxN mice, a model of rheumatoid arthritis very close to the human disease. Mice were treated with anti-mouse VEGF Ab, anti-mouse VEGF-RI and -RII Abs, and an inhibitor of VEGF-RI tyrosine kinase. Disease activity was monitored using clinical indexes and by histological examination. We found that synovial cells from arthritic joints express VEGF, VEGF-RI, and VEGF-RII. Treatment with anti-VEGF-RI strongly attenuated the disease throughout the study period, while anti-VEGF only transiently delayed disease onset. Treatment with anti-VEGF-RII had no effect. Anti-VEGF-RI reduced the intensity of clinical manifestations and, based on qualitative and semiquantitative histological analyses, prevented joint damage. Treatment with a VEGF-RI tyrosine kinase inhibitor almost abolished the disease. These results show that VEGF is a key factor in pannus development, acting through the VEGF-RI pathway. The observation that in vivo administration of specific inhibitors targeting the VEGF-RI pathway suppressed arthritis and prevented bone destruction opens up new possibilities for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Expression, Localization, and Functional Activity of TL1A, a Novel Th1-Polarizing Cytokine in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Bamias Giorgos , Martin Charles , Marini Marco , Hoang Sharon , Mishina Margarita , Ross William G. , Sachedina Muhammadreza A. , Friel Charles M. , Mize James , Bickston Stephen J. , Pizarro Theresa T. , Wei Ping , Cominelli Fabio
Published: April 2014

TL1A is a novel TNF-like factor that acts as a costimulator of IFN-γ secretion through binding to the death domain-containing receptor, DR3. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that TL1A may play an important role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by functioning as a Th1-polarizing cytokine. The expression, cellular localization, and functional activity of TL1A and DR3 were studied in intestinal tissue specimens as well as isolated lamina propria mononuclear cells from IBD patients and controls. TL1A mRNA and protein expression was up-regulated in IBD, particularly in involved areas of Crohn’s disease (CD; p < 0.03 vs control). TL1A production was localized to the intestinal lamina propria in macrophages and CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes from CD patients as well as in plasma cells from ulcerative colitis patients. The amount of TL1A protein and the number of TL1A-positive cells correlated with the severity of inflammation, most significantly in CD. Increased numbers of immunoreactive DR3-positive T lymphocytes were detected in the intestinal lamina propria from IBD patients. Addition of recombinant human TL1A to cultures of PHA-stimulated lamina propria mononuclear from CD patients significantly augmented IFN-γ production by 4-fold, whereas a minimal effect was observed in control patients. Our study provides evidence for the first time that the novel cytokine TL1A may play an important role in a Th1-mediated disease such as CD.
An Immunomodulatory GpG Oligonucleotide for the Treatment of Autoimmunity via the Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems
Authors: Ho Peggy P. , Fontoura Paulo , Ruiz Pedro J. , Steinman Lawrence , Garren Hideki
Published: April 2014

Bacterial DNA and immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) activate the innate immune system to produce proinflammatory cytokines. Shown to be potent Th1-like adjuvants, stimulatory CpG motifs are currently used as effective therapeutic vaccines for various animal models of infectious diseases, tumors, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. In this study, we show that the application of an immunomodulatory GpG ODN, with a single base switch from CpG to GpG, can effectively inhibit the activation of Th1 T cells associated with autoimmune disease. Moreover, this immunomodulatory GpG ODN suppresses the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice, a prototypic Th1-mediated animal disease model for multiple sclerosis.
Analysis of Gene Expression and Ig Transcription in PU.1/Spi-B-Deficient Progenitor B Cell Lines
Authors: Schweitzer Brock L. , DeKoter Rodney P.
Published: April 2014

A number of presumptive target genes for the Ets-family transcription factor PU.1 have been identified in the B cell lineage. However, the precise function of PU.1 in B cells has not been studied because targeted null mutation of the PU.1 gene results in a block to lymphomyeloid development at an early developmental stage. In this study, we take advantage of recently developed PU.1−/−Spi-B−/− IL-7 and stromal cell-dependent progenitor B (pro-B) cell lines to analyze the function of PU.1 and Spi-B in B cell development. We show that contrary to previously published expectations, PU.1 and/or Spi-B are not required for Ig H chain (IgH) gene transcription in pro-B cells. In fact, PU.1−/−Spi-B−/− pro-B cells have increased levels of IgH transcription compared with wild-type pro-B cells. In addition, high levels of Igκ transcription are induced after IL-7 withdrawal of wild-type or PU.1−/−Spi-B−/− pro-B cells. In contrast, we found that Igλ transcription is reduced in PU.1−/−Spi-B−/− pro-B cells relative to wild-type pro-B cells after IL-7 withdrawal. These results suggest that Igλ, but not IgH or Igκ, transcription, is dependent on PU.1 and/or Spi-B. The PU.1−/−Spi-B−/− pro-B cells have other phenotypic changes relative to wild-type pro-B cells including increased proliferation, increased CD25 expression, decreased c-Kit expression, and decreased RAG-1 expression. Taken together, our observations suggest that reduction of PU.1 and/or Spi-B activity in pro-B cells promotes their differentiation to a stage intermediate between late pro-B cells and large pre-B cells.
Fully Functional HLA B27-Restricted CD4+ as well as CD8+ T Cell Responses in TCR Transgenic Mice
Authors: Roddis Matthew , Carter Robert W. , Sun Mei-Yi , Weissensteiner Thomas , McMichael Andrew J. , Bowness Paul , Bodmer Helen C.
Published: April 2014

The strong association of HLA B27 with spondyloarthropathies contrasts strikingly with most autoimmune diseases, which are HLA class II associated and thought to be mediated by CD4+ T lymphocytes. By introducing a human-derived HLA B27-restricted TCR into HLA B27 transgenic mice, we have obtained a functional TCR transgenic model, GRb, dependent on HLA B27 for response. Surprisingly, HLA B27 supported CD4+ as well as CD8+ T cell responses in vivo and in vitro. Further, HLA B27-restriced CD4+ T cells were capable of differentiation into a range of Th1 and Th2 T cell subsets with normal patterns of cytokine expression. The transgenic T cells were also able to enhance clearance of recombinant vaccinia virus containing influenza nucleoprotein in vivo. This is the first description of a human HLA class I-restricted TCR transgenic line. The existence of CD4+ MHC class I-restricted T cells has significant implications for immune regulation in autoimmunity and, in particular, in HLA B27-associated arthritis. We believe that this model provides a novel system for the study of unusual T cell behavior in vivo.
Melanoma-Reactive Class I-Restricted Cytotoxic T Cell Clones Are Stimulated by Dendritic Cells Loaded with Synthetic Peptides, but Fail to Respond to Dendritic Cells Pulsed with Melanoma-Derived Heat Shock Proteins In Vitro
Authors: Fleischer Kristina , Schmidt Burkhard , Kastenmüller Wolfgang , Busch Dirk H. , Drexler Ingo , Sutter Gerd , Heike Michael , Peschel Christian , Bernhard Helga
Published: April 2014

Immunization with heat shock proteins (hsp) isolated from cancer cells has been shown to induce a protective antitumor response. The mechanism of hsp-dependent cellular immunity has been attributed to a variety of immunological activities mediated by hsp. Hsp have been shown to bind antigenic peptides, trim the bound peptides by intrinsic enzymatic activity, improve endocytosis of the chaperoned peptides by APCs, and enhance the ability of APCs to stimulate peptide-specific T cells. We have investigated the potential capacity of hsp70 and gp96 to function as a mediator for Ag-specific CTL stimulation in an in vitro model for human melanoma. Repetitive stimulation of PBLs by autologous DCs loaded with melanoma-derived hsp did not increase the frequency of T cells directed against immunodominant peptides of melanoma-associated Ags Melan-A and tyrosinase. In contrast, repeated T cell stimulation with peptide-pulsed DCs enhanced the number of peptide-specific T cells, allowing HLA/peptide multimer-guided T cell cloning. We succeeded in demonstrating that the established HLA-A2-restricted CTL clones recognized HLA-A2+ APCs exogenously loaded with the respective melanoma peptide as well as melanoma cells processing and presenting these peptides in the context of HLA-A2. We were not able to show that these melanoma-reactive CTL clones were stimulated by autologous dendritic cells pulsed with melanoma-derived hsp. These results are discussed with respect to various models for proving the role of hsp in T cell stimulation and to recent findings that part of the immunological antitumor activities reported for hsp are independent of the chaperoned peptides.
CD1-Dependent Regulation of Chronic Central Nervous System Inflammation in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Teige Anna , Teige Ingrid , Lavasani Shahram , Bockermann Robert , Mondoc Emma , Holmdahl Rikard , Issazadeh-Navikas Shohreh
Published: April 2014

The existence of T cells restricted for the MHC I-like molecule CD1 is well established, but the function of these cells is still obscure; one implication is that CD1-dependent T cells regulate autoimmunity. In this study, we investigate their role in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for multiple sclerosis, using CD1-deficient mice on a C57BL/6 background. We show that CD1−/− mice develop a clinically more severe and chronic EAE compared with CD1+/+ C57BL/6 mice, which was histopathologically confirmed with increased demyelination and CNS infiltration in CD1−/− mice. Autoantigen rechallenge in vitro revealed similar T cell proliferation in CD1+/+ and CD1−/− mice but an amplified cytokine response in CD1−/− mice as measured by both the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ and the Th2 cytokine IL-4. Investigation of cytokine production at the site of inflammation showed a CNS influx of TGF-β1-producing cells early in the disease in CD1+/+ mice, which was absent in the CD1−/− mice. Passive transfer of EAE using an autoreactive T cell line induced equivalent disease in both groups, which suggested additional requirements for activation of the CD1-dependent regulatory pathway(s). When immunized with CFA before T cell transfer, the CD1−/− mice again developed an augmented EAE compared with CD1+/+ mice. We suggest that CD1 exerts its function during CFA-mediated activation, regulating development of EAE both through enhancing TGF-β1 production and through limiting autoreactive T cell activation, but not necessarily via effects on the Th1/Th2 balance.
Regulation of CD103 Expression by CD8+ T Cells Responding to Renal Allografts
Authors: Wang Donghua , Yuan Rongwen , Feng Ye , El-Asady Riham , Farber Donna L. , Gress Ronald E. , Lucas Philip J. , Hadley Gregg A.
Published: April 2014

CD103 is an integrin with specificity for the epithelial cell-specific ligand, E-cadherin. Recent studies indicate that CD103 expression endows peripheral CD8 cells with a unique capacity to access the epithelial compartments of organ allografts. In the present study we used a nonvascularized mouse renal allograft model to 1) define the mechanisms regulating CD103 expression by graft-infiltrating CD8 effector populations, and 2) identify the cellular compartments in which this occurs. We report that CD8 cells responding to donor alloantigens in host lymphoid compartments do not initially express CD103, but dramatically up-regulate CD103 expression to high levels subsequent to migration to the graft site. CD103+CD8+ cells that infiltrated renal allografts exhibited a classic effector phenotype and were selectively localized to the graft site. CD8 cells expressing low levels of CD103 were also present in lymphoid compartments, but three-color analyses revealed that these are almost exclusively of naive phenotype. Adoptive transfer studies using TCR-transgenic CD8 cells demonstrated that donor-specific CD8 cells rapidly and uniformly up-regulate CD103 expression following entry into the graft site. Donor-specific CD8 cells expressing a dominant negative TGF-β receptor were highly deficient in CD103 expression following migration to the graft, thereby implicating TGF-β activity as a dominant controlling factor. The relevance of these data to conventional (vascularized) renal transplantation is confirmed. These data support a model in which TGF-β activity present locally at the graft site plays a critical role in regulating CD103 expression, and hence the epitheliotropism, of CD8 effector populations that infiltrate renal allografts.
Superantigen Stimulation Reveals the Contribution of Lck to Negative Regulation of T Cell Activation
Authors: Criado Gabriel , Madrenas Joaquín
Published: April 2014

The conventional paradigm of T cell activation through the TCR states that Lck plays a critical activating role in this signaling process. However, the T cell response to bacterial superantigens does not require Lck. In this study we report that not only is Lck dispensable for T cell activation by superantigens, but it actively inhibits this signaling pathway. Disruption of Lck function, either by repression of Lck gene expression or by selective pharmacologic inhibitors of Lck, led to increased IL-2 production in response to superantigen stimulation. This negative regulatory effect of Lck on superantigen-induced T cell responses required the kinase activity of Lck and correlated with early TCR signaling, but was independent of immunological synapse formation and TCR internalization. Our data demonstrate that the multistage role of Lck in T cell signaling includes the activation of a negative regulatory pathway of T cell activation.
Two Distinct Waves of Membrane-Proximal B Cell Antigen Receptor Signaling Differentially Regulated by Src Homology 2-Containing Inositol Polyphosphate 5-Phosphatase
Authors: Krahn Allyson K. , Ma Kewei , Hou Sen , Duronio Vincent , Marshall Aaron J.
Published: April 2014

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway plays a critical role in B cell activation and differentiation. Recruitment of pleckstrin homology (PH) domain-containing signal transduction proteins to the plasma membrane through binding to 3-phosphoinositide second messengers represents a major effector mechanism for PI3Ks. We have found that the PH domains of Bam32 and tandem PH domain-containing protein 2 (TAPP2) specify a temporally distinct wave of membrane recruitment compared with that of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk), with recruitment of these two adaptors representing a later stage of the response. In this study we provide direct evidence that PH domain-dependent recruitment of Btk to the membrane is blocked by coligation of the inhibitory receptor FcγRII in human B lymphoma cells. In contrast, recruitment specified by the Bam32 or TAPP2 PH domains is completely insensitive to FcγRII inhibition. This differential regulation can be accounted for by Src homology 2-containing inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (SHIP) activity alone, as expression of membrane-targeted SHIP completely abrogated Btk recruitment, but had no inhibitory effect on Bam32 or TAPP2 recruitment. Strikingly, kinetic analysis revealed that membrane recruitment of Bam32 and TAPP2 is actually more rapid under “inhibitory” signaling conditions. Analysis of 3-phosphoinositide generation under activating and inhibitory signaling conditions indicated that recruitment of Bam32 and TAPP2 is inversely correlated with the SHIP substrate/product ratio (phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate/phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate). Overexpression of TAPP2 in B cells led to an increase in the sustained phase of the calcium response and increased NF-AT-dependent transcriptional activation after B cell Ag receptor ligation. Together, these results suggest that Bam32 and TAPP2 adaptors define a novel group of SHIP-activated targets of PI3K that regulate B cell Ag receptor signaling.
Herpes Simplex Virus-Specific CD8+ T Cells Can Clear Established Lytic Infections from Skin and Nerves and Can Partially Limit the Early Spread of Virus after Cutaneous Inoculation
Authors: van Lint Allison , Ayers Margaret , Brooks Andrew G. , Coles Richard M. , Heath William R. , Carbone Francis R.
Published: April 2014

HSV infects skin or mucosal epithelium as well as entering the sensory nerves and ganglia. We have used TCR-transgenic T cells specific for the immunodominant class I-restricted determinant from HSV glycoprotein B (gB) combined with a flank zosteriform model of infection to examine the ability of CD8+ T cells to deal with infection. During the course of zosteriform disease, virus rapidly spreads from the primary inoculation site in the skin to sensory dorsal root ganglia and subsequently reappears in the distal flank. Virus begins to be cleared from all sites about 5 days after infection when gB-specific CD8+ T cells first appear within infected tissues. Although activated gB-specific effectors can partially limit virus egress from the skin, they do so only at the earliest times after infection and are ineffective at halting the progression of zosteriform disease once virus has left the inoculation site. In contrast, these same T cells can completely clear ongoing lytic replication if transferred into infected immunocompromised RAG-1−/− mice. Therefore, we propose that the role of CD8+ T cells during the normal course of disease is to clear replicating virus after infection is well established rather than limit the initial spread of HSV from the primary site of inoculation.
Modulation of the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Pathway Alters Innate Resistance to Polymicrobial Sepsis
Authors: Williams David L. , Li Chuanfu , Ha Tuanzhu , Ozment-Skelton Tammy , Kalbfleisch John H. , Preiszner Johanna , Brooks Lynne , Breuel Kevin , Schweitzer John B.
Published: April 2014

We examined the effect of modulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity in a murine model of cecal ligation and puncture-induced polymicrobial sepsis. Inhibition of PI3K activity with wortmannin increased serum cytokine levels and decreased survival time in septic mice. We have reported that an immunomodulator, glucan phosphate, induces protection in murine polymicrobial sepsis. We observed that glucan stimulated tissue PI3K activity, which positively correlated with increased survival in septic mice. We investigated the effect of PI3K inhibition on survival in septic mice treated with glucan. Treatment of mice with the PI3K inhibitors, wortmannin and LY294002, completely eliminated the protective effect of glucan, indicating that protection against septic mortality was mediated through PI3K. Inhibition of PI3K resulted in increased serum levels of IL1-β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α in septic mice. Apoptosis is thought to play a central role in the response to septic injury. We observed that inhibition of PI3K activity in septic mice resulted in increased splenocyte apoptosis and a change in the anatomic distribution of splenocyte apoptosis. We conclude that PI3K is a compensatory mechanism that suppresses proinflammatory and apoptotic processes in response to sepsis and/or inflammatory injury. Thus, PI3K may play a pivotal role in the maintenance of homeostasis and the integrity of the immune response during sepsis. We also observed that glucan phosphate decreased septic morbidity and mortality through a PI3K-dependent mechanism. This suggests that stimulation of the PI3K pathway may be an effective approach for preventing or treating sepsis and/or septic shock.
Essential Role for Neutrophil Recruitment to the Liver in Concanavalin A-Induced Hepatitis
Authors: Bonder Claudine S. , Ajuebor Maureen N. , Zbytnuik Lori D. , Kubes Paul , Swain Mark G.
Published: April 2014

Leukocyte infiltration into the liver is paramount to the development of liver injury in hepatitis. Hepatitis occurring after the administration of Con A in mice is felt to be a T lymphocyte-mediated disease. In this study, we report that neutrophils are the key initiators of lymphocyte recruitment and liver injury caused by Con A. The objectives of this study were to investigate the involvement of neutrophils in Con A-induced hepatitis in vivo via intravital microscopy. After Con A administration, we observed a significant increase in leukocyte rolling flux, a decrease in rolling velocity, and an increase in leukocyte adhesion to the hepatic microvasculature. Fluorescence microscopy identified that within 4 h of Con A administration only a minority of the recruited leukocytes were T lymphocytes. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry showed a significant increase in neutrophils recruited to the liver post-Con A treatment in association with liver cell damage, as reflected by elevated serum alanine aminotransferase levels. Using flow cytometry, we observed that Con A could bind directly to neutrophils, which resulted in a shedding of L-selectin, an increase in β2-integrin expression, and the production of reactive oxidants. Following neutrophil depletion, a significant inhibition of Con A-induced CD4+ T lymphocyte recruitment to the liver resulted and complete reduction in hepatic injury, as assessed by serum alanine aminotransferase levels. In summary, the present data support the concept that neutrophils play an important and previously unrecognized role in governing Con A-induced CD4+ T cell recruitment to the liver and the subsequent development of hepatitis.
STAT1 Plays a Critical Role in the Regulation of Antimicrobial Effector Mechanisms, but Not in the Development of Th1-Type Responses during Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Lieberman Linda A. , Banica Monica , Reiner Steven L. , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: April 2014

The production of IFN-γ by T cells and the ability of this cytokine to activate the transcription factor STAT1 are implicated in the activation of antimicrobial mechanisms required for resistance to intracellular pathogens. In addition, recent studies have suggested that the ability of STAT1 to inhibit the activation of STAT4 prevents the development of Th1 responses. However, other studies suggest that STAT1 is required to enhance the expression of T-bet, a transcription factor that promotes Th1 responses. To address the role of STAT1 in resistance to T. gondii, Stat1−/− mice were infected with this pathogen, and their response to infection was assessed. Although Stat1−/− mice produced normal serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ, these mice were unable to control parasite replication and rapidly succumbed to this infection. Susceptibility to toxoplasmosis was associated with an inability to up-regulate MHC expression on macrophages, defects in NO production, and the inability to up-regulate some of the IFN-inducible GTPase family of proteins, molecules associated with antitoxoplasma activity. Analysis of T cell responses revealed that STAT1 was not required for the development of a Th1 response, but was required for the infection-induced up-regulation of T-bet. Together these studies suggest that during toxoplasmosis the major role of STAT1 is not in the development of protective T cell responses, but, rather, STAT1 is important in the development of antimicrobial effector mechanisms.
IL-23 Induces Stronger Sustained CTL and Th1 Immune Responses Than IL-12 in Hepatitis C Virus Envelope Protein 2 DNA Immunization
Authors: Ha Sang-Jun , Kim Doo-Jin , Baek Kwan-Hyuck , Yun Yung-Dae , Sung Young-Chul
Published: April 2014

IL-23 is a heterodimeric cytokine consisting of p19 and the p40 subunit of IL-12. IL-23 has been shown to possess IL-12-like biological activities, but is different in its capacity to stimulate memory T cells in vitro. In this study, we investigated whether IL-23 could influence envelope protein 2 (E2)-specific cell-mediated immunity induced by immunization of hepatitis C virus E2 DNA. We found that IL-23 induced long-lasting Th1 and CTL immune responses to E2, which are much stronger than IL-12-mediated immune responses. Interestingly, IL-23N220L, an N-glycosylation mutant showing reduced expression of excess p40 without changing the level of IL-23, exhibited a higher ratio of IFN-γ- to IL-4-producing CD4+ T cell frequency than did wild-type IL-23, suggesting a negative regulatory effect of p40 on Th1-prone immune response induced by IL-23. These data suggest that IL-23, particularly IL-23N220L, would be an effective adjuvant of DNA vaccine for the induction of durable Ag-specific T cell immunity.
Sensing Environmental Lipids by Dendritic Cell Modulates Its Function
Authors: Coutant Frédéric , Agaugué Sophie , Perrin-Cocon Laure , André Patrice , Lotteau Vincent
Published: April 2014

Because of its oxidative modification during the acute-phase response to an aggression, low density lipoprotein (LDL) can be regarded as a source of lipid mediators that can act both to promote and inhibit inflammation. This can be exemplified by the production of anti-inflammatory oxidized fatty acids and proinflammatory lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) during LDL oxidation. We have shown previously that oxidized LDL (oxLDL) plays an active role at the interface between innate and adaptive immunity by delivering instructive molecules such as LPC, which promotes mature dendritic cell (DC) generation from differentiating monocytes. It is shown in this study that LPC affects the signaling pathway of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). LPC-induced DC maturation is associated with complete inhibition of PPARγ activity and up-regulation of the activity of an uncharacterized nuclear receptor that bind peroxisome proliferator response element. Oxidized fatty acids generated during LDL oxidation are natural ligands for PPARγ and inhibit oxLDL- and LPC-induced maturation. Inhibition experiments with synthetic PPARγ ligands suggested a PPARγ-dependent and independent effect of LPC on DC maturation. Therefore, the relative amount of oxidized fatty acids and LPC influences the immunological functions of oxLDL on DC, in part by regulating the PPAR pathway. By sensing the biochemical composition of lipoprotein particles, the innate immune system may thus identify various endogenous signals that influence the immune response during the acute-phase reaction. The therapeutic emulsion intralipid also blocks LPC action on PPAR activity and DC maturation. Intralipid may thus be an alternative therapeutic strategy for some chronic inflammatory diseases.
Proteolytic Regulation of the Urokinase Receptor/CD87 on Monocytic Cells by Neutrophil Elastase and Cathepsin G
Authors: Beaufort Nathalie , Leduc Dominique , Rousselle Jean-Claude , Magdolen Viktor , Luther Thomas , Namane Abdelkader , Chignard Michel , Pidard Dominique
Published: April 2014

The urokinase receptor (CD87) participates to the pericellular proteolytic potential of migrating cells and to the recruitment of leukocytes during inflammation. It consists of three structurally homologous domains, with the C-terminal domain D3 attached to cell membranes through a GPI anchor. CD87 is susceptible to an endoproteolytic processing removing the N-terminal domain D1 and generating truncated D2D3 membrane species, thus modulating CD87-associated functions. Full-length or truncated CD87 can be also released from cells via juxtamembrane cleavage by phospholipases and/or by yet unidentified proteinases. Using a recombinant CD87 and the CD87-positive monocytic U937 cell line and isolated blood monocytes, we show by protein immunoblotting and flow immunocytometry that the human neutrophil serine-proteinases elastase and cathepsin G cleave CD87 within the D1-D2 linker sequence, while in addition cathepsin G is highly efficient in cleaving the C terminus of D3. The combination of cathepsin G and elastase provided by degranulated neutrophils results in enzymatic cooperation leading to the release from monocytic cells of a truncated D2D3 species resembling that previously described in pathological body fluids. Using mass spectrometry analysis, the proteolytic fragmentation of synthetic peptides mapping the D1-D2 linker and D3 C-terminal domains identifies potential cleavage sites for each enzyme and suggests the existence of a mechanism regulating the CD87(D1-D2)-associated chemotactic activity. Finally, isolated or combined elastase and cathepsin G drastically reduce the capacity of cells to bind urokinase. Secretable leukocyte serine-proteinases are thus endowed with high potential for the regulation of CD87 expression and function on inflammatory cells.
Intracellular Regulation of Fas-Induced Apoptosis in Human Fibroblasts by Extracellular Factors and Cycloheximide
Authors: Santiago Begoña , Galindo María , Palao Guillermo , Pablos José L.
Published: April 2014

Fibroblasts play an important role in reparative and inflammatory processes by synthesizing extracellular matrix components and releasing growth factors and cytokines. Fibroblast apoptosis has been observed at the termination phase of reparative or fibrotic responses, but its regulation in this context is poorly known. We investigated the susceptibility of human dermal fibroblasts (DF) to Fas-induced apoptosis and its regulation by extracellular factors potentially involved in immune-mediated inflammation and repair. DF expressed all components of the Fas apoptotic pathway: surface Fas, Fas-associated protein with death domain, and caspase-8 proteins. However, Fas activation resulted in caspase-8 activation and apoptosis only in the presence of cycloheximide (CHX). DF constitutively expressed Fas-associated death domain-like IL-1-converting enzyme-like inhibitory protein (FLIP) that was drastically down-regulated by CHX. Exogenous growth factors, cytokines, and adherence to the extracellular matrix shifted the balance of FLIP-caspase-8 proteins and modified the susceptibility of DF to Fas- or Fas-CHX-induced apoptosis. Short-term serum deprivation, suspension culture, and pretreatment with IFN-γ or TNF-α increased, whereas long-term serum-free culture and pretreatment with TGF-β or IL-10 decreased the apoptotic susceptibility of DF. Surface Fas expression was only modified by TNF-α and IFN-γ, whereas all studied factors modified FLIP-caspase-8 protein expression, consistently with their pro- or antiapoptotic effects. Antisense FLIP oligonucleotides prevented resistance to Fas-induced apoptosis in DF. FLIP-caspase-8 balance seems tightly regulated in fibroblasts by extracellular factors that determine their susceptibility to Fas- or Fas-CHX-induced apoptosis. Th1 and Th regulatory cytokines display opposite effects on fibroblast apoptosis that suggest that their pro- or antifibrotic effects involve direct effects on fibroblast survival.
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Is the Dominant Mediator of the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of IL-10 in Human Macrophages
Authors: Williams Lynn , Bradley Laura , Smith Alexandra , Foxwell Brian
Published: April 2014

The signaling mechanism by which the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 mediates suppression of proinflammatory cytokine synthesis remains largely unknown. Macrophage-specific STAT3-null mice have demonstrated that STAT3 plays a critical role in the suppression of LPS-induced TNF-α release, although the mechanism by which STAT3 mediates this inhibition is still not clear. Using an adenoviral system, we have expressed a dominant negative (DN) STAT3 in human macrophages to broaden the investigation to determine the role of STAT3 in IL-10-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling and gene expression. Overexpression of STAT3 DN completely inhibited IL-10-induced suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, tissue inhibitor of MMP-1, TNF receptor expression, and the recently identified IL-10-inducible genes, T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase and signaling lymphocyte activation molecule. STAT3 DN also blocked IL-10-mediated inhibition of MHC class II and COX2 expression. In agreement with the studies in STAT3-null mice, overexpression of the STAT3 DN completely reversed the ability of IL-10 to inhibit LPS-mediated TNF-α and IL-6 production. However, real-time PCR analysis showed that STAT3 DN expression did not affect immediate suppression of TNF-α mRNA, but did reverse the suppression observed at later time points, suggesting a biphasic regulation of TNF-α mRNA levels by IL-10. In conclusion, although STAT3 does appear to be the dominant mediator of the majority of IL-10 functions, there are elements of its anti-inflammatory activity that are STAT3 independent.
Impaired Clearance of Apoptotic Cells Induces the Activation of Autoreactive Anti-Sm Marginal Zone and B-1 B Cells
Authors: Qian Ye , Wang Hongsheng , Clarke Stephen H.
Published: April 2014

Since apoptotic cell Ags are thought to be a source of self-Ag in systemic lupus erythematosus, we have examined the role of apoptotic cells in the regulation and activation of B cells specific for Sm, a ribonucleoprotein targeted in human and murine lupus. Using Ig-transgenic mice that have a high frequency of anti-Sm B cells, we find that apoptotic cell injection induces a transient splenic B cell response, while simultaneously causing extensive splenic and peritoneal anti-Sm B cell death. In contrast, mice deficient in the clearance of apoptotic cells develop a chronic anti-Sm response beginning at 1–2 mo of age. These mice have expanded marginal zone and B-1 B cell populations and anti-Sm B cells of both types are activated to form Ab-secreting cells. This activation appears to be Ag-specific, suggesting that activation is due to increased availability of apoptotic cell Ags. Since marginal zone and B-1 cells are positively selected, these data suggest a loss of ignorance rather than a loss of tolerance.
Determinants of Antileukemia Effects of Allogeneic NK Cells
Authors: Leung Wing , Iyengar Rekha , Turner Victoria , Lang Peter , Bader Peter , Conn Paul , Niethammer Dietrich , Handgretinger Rupert
Published: April 2014

In HLA-nonidentical bone marrow transplantation, we studied the characteristics of donor NK cells, recipient leukemia cells, and the cytokine environment that predict the antileukemia effects of allogeneic NK cells. We found that the risk of relapse in pediatric patients with hematologic malignancies was best predicted by a model taking into consideration the presence of inhibitory killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs) on the donor’s NK cells and the absence of corresponding KIR ligand in the recipient’s HLA repertoire (a receptor-ligand model). The risk of relapse was prognosticated less precisely by the Perugia donor-recipient KIR ligand-ligand mismatch model or by a natural cytotoxicity model. In contrast to the ligand-ligand model, we found that the new receptor-ligand model was accurate when analysis was applied to patients with lymphoid malignancy. These findings corroborate our observations that the recipient’s KIR repertoire, which was derived from highly purified, HLA-disparate CD34+ cells, resumed a donor-specific pattern within 3 mo of transplantation, but did not correlate evidently with the donor or recipient ligand repertoire. In an in vitro assay and an in vivo mouse model, human NK cell cytotoxicity toward human leukemia cells with 11q23 chromosomal rearrangement increased with the number of receptor-ligand mismatch pairs or prestimulation with IL-12 and IL-18. These findings provide new insights into the determinants of antileukemia effects of allogeneic NK cells and therapeutic strategies.
Distortion of the Self-Reactive IgG Antibody Repertoire in Multiple Sclerosis as a New Diagnostic Tool
Authors: Lefranc Didier , Almeras Lionel , Dubucquoi Sylvain , de Seze Jérôme , Vermersch Patrick , Prin Lionel
Published: April 2014

To date, none of the myelin-associated Ag targets definitively discriminates between the immune response observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy subjects. However, it has been shown recently that analysis of global immune Ab profiles such as natural autoantibody reactivities can help to distinguish between normal individuals and patients suffering from various immune diseases. The aim of our study was to compare the global IgG immune response against brain self-Ags in sera from 82 MS patients and 27 healthy subjects. The analysis of the immune profiles was performed by Western blotting, and data were subjected to linear discriminant analysis. Particular patterns of IgG reactivity were found in healthy subjects, Sjögren patients, and MS patients. Moreover, this approach separated the three clinical forms of MS with a high concordance rate with the clinical data (κ value, 77.8%). Our study suggests, for the first time, that serum IgG Ab repertoires are able to distinguish MS patients. In addition, our data suggest that patterns of IgG reactivity could model the pathological processes underlying the various forms of MS. Further characterization of such discriminant Ags could provide useful information regarding their potent role in pathogenesis or regulatory processes in MS.