bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supramolecular complexes of MHC class I, MHC class II, CD20, and tetraspan molecules (CD53, CD81, and CD82) at the surface of a B cell line JY.
Authors: Szöllósi J , Horejsí V , Bene L , Angelisová P , Damjanovich S
Published: December 2022

The results of previous biochemical studies indicated that a fraction of MHC class II proteins is associated with four proteins of the tetraspan family, CD37, CD53, CD81, and CD82, and possibly with other membrane components, at the surface of JY B lymphoma cells. In the present communication we used a biophysical technique, namely the flow cytometric energy transfer method, to demonstrate the proximity of these molecules at the surface of the cells. Significant energy transfer (and, therefore, proximity within the 2-10 nm range) was observed between fluorescently labeled mAbs to DR, DQ, and the tetraspan molecules CD53, CD81, and CD82. Moreover, two other B cell surface molecules, CD20 and MHC class I, were found to be close to each other and to MHC class II and the tetraspan proteins, based on the observed high energy transfer efficiencies between the relevant fluorescently labeled mAbs. The character of simultaneous energy transfer from CD20, CD53, CD81, and CD82 to DR suggests that all these molecules are in a single complex with the DR molecules (or a complex of several DR molecules) rather than that each of them is separately associated with different DR molecules. Based on these data and previous biochemical results, a model is proposed predicting that the B cell membrane contains multicomponent supramolecular complexes consisting of at least two MHC class I and at least one DR, DQ, CD20, CD53, CD81, and CD82 molecules. Closer analysis of the energy transfer efficiencies makes it possible to suggest mutual orientations of the components within the complex. Participation of other molecules, not examined in this study (CD19 and CD37), in these supramolecular structures cannot be ruled out. These large assemblies of multiple B cell surface molecules may play a role in signaling through MHC molecules and in Ag presentation to T cells.
Sequential morphologic events during apoptosis of human neutrophils. Modulation by lipoxygenase-derived eicosanoids.
Authors: Hébert M J , Takano T , Holthöfer H , Brady H R
Published: December 2022

Dual-laser flow cytometry, based on the properties of the DNA-binding dyes Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide, was used, with light and electron microscopy and DNA fragmentation studies, to define the influence of lipoxygenase-derived eicosanoids on apoptosis of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in vitro. Apoptosis was characterized by progression through an early apoptotic phase characterized by condensation of chromatin and coalescence of nuclear lobes, to a late apoptotic phase characterized by nuclear degradation and evanescence, and secondary necrosis. Prolonged exposure of PMN to leukotriene B4 (LTB4) afforded dose-dependent inhibition of constitutive PMN apoptosis (percentage of normal and apoptotic PMN, respectively, after aging for 18 h: vehicle, 30.5 +/- 2.7% and 61.8 +/- 3.2%; LTB4 10(-7) M, 57.6 +/- 1.2% and 37.6 +/- 1.0%) and apoptosis triggered by the classic peptide chemoattractant FMLP. In contrast, apoptosis was not affected by the LTB4 precursor 5(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), the omega-oxidation LTB4 metabolites 20-hydroxy-LTB4 and 20-carboxy-LTB4, the cysteinyl leukotriene LTC4, the 15-lipoxygenase product 15(S)-HETE, or the lipoxygenase interaction product lipoxin A4. The anti-apoptotic effect of LTB4 was mimicked by 20,20,20-trifluoro-LTB4, LTB4-dimethylamide, and 14,15-dehydro-LTB4, and was blunted by pertussis toxin and genistein, inhibitors of G alpha i GTP-binding proteins and tyrosine kinases, respectively, but not by staurosporine, 15(S)-HETE, or lipoxin A4. This unique pharmacologic profile suggested that LTB4 attenuated apoptosis through activation of cell surface receptors and signaling events distinct from those involved with PMN trafficking, degranulation, and respiratory bursts.
CD28/B7 interactions deliver a unique signal to naive T cells that regulates cell survival but not early proliferation.
Authors: Sperling A I , Auger J A , Ehst B D , Rulifson I C , Thompson C B , Bluestone J A
Published: December 2022

CD28/B7 ligation provides costimulatory signals important for the development of T cell responses. In the present study, we examined whether CD28/B7 interactions have a specialized role in the regulation of cell cycle progression and sustained T cell proliferative responses in naive T cell populations using TCR transgenic mice. CD28-mediated signaling was shown to be uniquely capable of regulating cell survival compared with TCR-mediated signaling. Increasing the strength of the TCR-mediated signal 1 increased early proliferative responses, but had no effect on sustained cell survival. In contrast, CD28 ligation, signal 2, was not required for early proliferative responses, but dramatically influenced long term T cell survival. The increased cell survival after CD28 ligation was not due to increased IL-2 production, but was linked to up-regulation of Bcl-xL. The Bcl-xL protein could not be induced following increased TCR cross-linking in the absence of CD28 signaling. In addition, survival of T cells from Bcl-xL transgenic mice was not inhibited by blocking CD28 ligation, suggesting that CD28-induced T cell survival is regulated by Bcl-xL expression. Together, these results suggest that the unique role of CD28 signaling is not to costimulate the initial activation of naive T cells, but is, in fact, to sustain the late proliferative response and enhance long term cell survival.
Cross-linking of MHC class II molecules by staphylococcal enterotoxin A is essential for antigen-presenting cell and T cell activation.
Authors: Tiedemann R E , Fraser J D
Published: December 2022

Two binding sites for MHC class II have previously been identified on opposite sides of the superantigen, staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA). The sites mediate separate binding reactions with nonoverlapping regions of class II, and in solution cause SEA to complex with purified HLA-DR1 to form DR1.SEA2 trimers. Here, a set of complementary SEA class II-binding mutants was used to study the interaction of SEA with cell surface MHC class II. The results indicate that both class II binding sites are required on the same toxin molecule for maximal activity, demonstrating that simultaneous ligation of two MHC class II molecules on APCs by a single SEA is essential for effective superantigen function. Coalescence of MHC class II by SEA results in protein tyrosine kinase activation and contributes to the induction of cell:cell adhesion, pro-inflammatory cytokine gene transcription, and T cell proliferation.
Both multiorgan inflammation and myeloid hyperplasia in RelB-deficient mice are T cell dependent.
Authors: Weih F , Durham S K , Barton D S , Sha W C , Baltimore D , Bravo R
Published: December 2022

Mice with a targeted disruption of RelB, a member of the Rel/NF-kappaB family of transcription factors, have multifocal, mixed inflammatory cell infiltration in several organs, myeloid hyperplasia, and splenomegaly due to extramedullary hemopoiesis. To elucidate the cellular requirements for this complex phenotype, we have bred RelB-deficient (RelB(kappaO)) animals to two strains of immunodeficient mice, recombinase-activating gene-1-deficient (RAG-1(kappaO), lacking B and T cells), and Nur77/N10-transgenic mice (Nur77/N10(TG), lacking only T cells). We also generated mutant mice deficient in both RelB and the p50 subunit of NF-kappaB (p50(kappaO), multiple defects in B cell function). RelB(kappaO)RAG-1(kappaO) and RelB(kappaO)Nur77/N10(TG) mice are disease-free, while RelB(kappaO)p50(kappaO) double-mutant animals develop an even more severe phenotype despite the absence of B cells in the inflammatory infiltrates. Thus, both multiorgan inflammation and myeloid hyperplasia in RelB-deficient mice are T cell dependent, whereas B cells are not crucially involved.
Protection against malaria by Plasmodium yoelii sporozoite surface protein 2 linear peptide induction of CD4+ T cell- and IFN-gamma-dependent elimination of infected hepatocytes.
Authors: Wang R , Charoenvit Y , Corradin G , De La Vega P , Franke E D , Hoffman S L
Published: December 2022

Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite surface protein 2 (SSP2), also known as TRAP, is included in experimental human malaria vaccines because Plasmodium yoelii SSP2 is the target of protective CD8+ CTL that eliminate P. yoelii-infected hepatocytes in mice. We now report that immunization with a synthetic branched-chain peptide including four copies of a PySSP2 sequence, NPNEPS, and two tetanus toxin T helper epitopes in the adjuvant TiterMax, or with an 18 amino acid peptide (NPNEPS)3 in the adjuvant protects A/J, but not BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice. Transfer of T lymphocyte-enriched immune splenocytes protects naive mice; in vivo depletion of CD4+ T cells eliminates vaccine-induced protection; and in vivo treatment with anti-IFN-gamma reverses vaccine-induced activity against infected hepatocytes. Lymph node cells from immunized A/J, BALB/c, and C57BL/6 mice recognize the (NPNEPS)3 peptide in vitro. However, the protected A/J mice respond with a predominantly Th1 pattern of lymphocyte response, and the non-protected strains of mice respond with a Th2 pattern. There are many examples of CD4+ T cells transferring protection against infectious organisms. However, to our knowledge, this is the first formal demonstration that immunization with a linear synthetic peptide induces CD4+ T cell-dependent, IFN-gamma dependent, genetically restricted sterile protective immunity against an infectious agent.
Mouse decay-accelerating factor: selective and tissue-specific induction by estrogen of the gene encoding the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored form.
Authors: Song W C , Deng C , Raszmann K , Moore R , Newbold R , McLachlan J A , Negishi M
Published: December 2022

Neonatal exposure of mice to estrogen (diethylstilbestrol) results in a high incidence (90%) of uterine tumor later in life. In an effort to screen for estrogen-regulated genes in the uterus of the neonatal mouse, we have isolated a murine homologue of the human decay-accelerating factor (DAF), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane glycoprotein and a member of the regulators of complement activation family of proteins that function to prevent autologous complement-mediated tissue damage. The induced mouse DAF cDNA has a 64% sequence identity with the human counterpart at the nucleotide level and a 50% identity in the deduced amino acid sequence. It consists of 390 amino acids and contains four short consensus repeats of internal homology characteristic of human DAF. It also contains a hydrophobic C-terminal that most likely serves as a signal for GPI anchor attachment. Sequence comparison with the recently reported mouse DAF cDNAs confirmed that the estrogen-inducible gene corresponds to the mouse GPI DAF gene. The induction of mouse DAF by estrogen is tissue specific and can be mimicked by the antiestrogen tamoxifen. Furthermore, the regulation of uterine DAF expression by estrogen is limited to the GPI DAF gene. The transmembrane DAF gene is not expressed in the mouse uterus, either with or without estrogen stimulation. These results suggest that the two mouse DAF genes are differentially regulated, and that the GPI-anchored DAF may play important roles in estrogen responses and other physiologic or pathophysiologic processes of the female reproductive system.
IL-2 rescues in vitro lymphocyte apoptosis in patients with HIV infection: correlation with its ability to block culture-induced down-modulation of Bcl-2.
Authors: Adachi Y , Oyaizu N , Than S , McCloskey T W , Pahwa S
Published: December 2022

IL-2 administration in vivo has been shown to increase CD4+ T cell counts in HIV+ patients. We have previously reported that PBMC from HIV-infected patients undergo marked spontaneous apoptosis in vitro. In this study, we examined the effect of IL-2 added in vitro upon culture-induced apoptosis in PBMC from 80 HIV-infected patients by flow cytometry. IL-2 at concentrations of > or = 10 U/ml significantly reduced spontaneous apoptosis in CD3+ T lymphocytes in patients but not in healthy volunteers. Interestingly, we observed that Bcl-2 expression in patient lymphocytes decreased rapidly upon in vitro culture while that in cells of healthy volunteers was relatively unaffected. The most significant decrease in Bcl-2 expression was noted in the apoptotic cell population. The IL-2-mediated reduction in lymphocyte apoptosis was found to be associated with the blocking of this culture-induced down-modulation of Bcl-2 expression. IL-2 did not induce significant expansion of lymphocytes during the culture period nor did it affect Fas Ag expression in patient cells, which were already expressing Fas maximally. These findings strongly suggest that IL-2 mediates its apoptosis-blocking effects via suppressing down-modulation of Bcl-2. Our findings also provide an experimental basis for the ongoing therapies utilizing this cytokine for slowing HIV disease progression.
Structural and functional analysis of the B cell epitopes recognized by anti-receptor autoantibodies in patients with Chagas' disease.
Authors: Elies R , Ferrari I , Wallukat G , Lebesgue D , Chiale P , Elizari M , Rosenbaum M , Hoebeke J , Levin M J
Published: December 2022

IgG fractions of patients were screened for autoantibodies against the beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptors and the M2 acetylcholine receptor by enzyme immunoassays and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) using peptides corresponding to the second extracellular loop of these receptors. A high prevalence of anti-M2 acetylcholine receptor and, in decreasing order, of anti-beta1- and anti-beta2-adrenoceptor autoantibodies was shown. The enzyme immunoassays and the SPR studies on the anti-beta1 adrenoceptor and the M2 acetylcholine receptor autoantibodies were dependent on the ionic strength of the interaction buffer, suggesting the importance of electrostatic interactions in Ab recognition. IgG fractions showed chronotropic effects on neonatal rat cardiomyocytes in vitro. The positive chronotropic effect was enhanced in the presence of 1 microM of atropine, demonstrating a muscarinic stimulation by the IgG fractions in the presence of a beta-adrenergic stimulation, which was blocked by the use of 1 microM of the beta1-selective antagonist bisoprolol. The beta2-selective antagonist ICI 118,551 only partially inhibited the positive chronotropic effect induced by the IgG fractions, confirming the minor functional importance of autoantibodies against the beta2-adrenoceptor. Affinity-purified Abs confirmed that Abs against the beta1-adrenoceptors and the M2 muscarinic receptors exist together with an Ab population recognizing a cross-reactive epitope on both receptors. This epitope could be identified as a polyanionic stretch present in the second extracellular loop of both the beta1-adrenoceptor and the M2 acetylcholine receptor. This stretch corresponds to the previously determined cross-reactive epitope between the P0 ribosomal protein of Trypanosoma cruzi and the beta1-adrenoceptor.
Dynamics of viral variants in HIV-1 Nef and specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vivo.
Authors: Haas G , Plikat U , Debré P , Lucchiari M , Katlama C , Dudoit Y , Bonduelle O , Bauer M , Ihlenfeldt H G , Jung G , Maier B , Meyerhans A , Autran B
Published: December 2022

The vigorous CTL response directed against HIV is considered to be important in reducing HIV viral load, although it is unable to stop ongoing viral replication, which generates new antigenic variants. We analyzed the impact of sequential changes in five epitopes of HIV-1 Nef on CTL recognition in four stable patients. A high rate of variation was found, and in all these patients we could detect CTL specific for 32 out of 36 autologous viral variants occurring in 5 HLA-A2- or HLA-B7-restricted Nef epitopes at two time points. Two distinct patterns for dynamics of CTL responses to viral variation were observed: 1) temporary amplification of viral variants followed by expansion of variant-specific CTL, ultimately leading to the disappearance of 12 out of the 14 initial epitope variants within two years. A second set of viral variants that had replaced the initial ones could also stimulate specific CTL precursors in the context of the same or an alternative HLA molecule; and 2) persistence of 2 viral variants in relatively conserved epitopes despite specific CTL recognition. Therefore, a remarkable flexibility of the immune system allows constant adaptation of CTL to multiple HIV variants and thus elimination of HIV variant-producing cells in slow progressors.
Mouse natural killer cells express gp49B1, a structural homologue of human killer inhibitory receptors.
Authors: Wang L L , Mehta I K , LeBlanc P A , Yokoyama W M
Published: December 2022

NK cells express MHC class I-specific receptors that inhibit tumor killing. In mice, these receptors belong to the highly polymorphic Ly-49 family, which are type II integral membrane proteins homologous to C-type lectins. In contrast, human killer inhibitory receptors (KIR) are type I transmembrane proteins that display minimal allelism and belong to the Ig superfamily. These structural differences suggested that each species evolved distinct receptors to subserve the same function. In this report, however, we show that mouse NK and LAK cells and NK cell clones express full-length transcripts for gp49B1, an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM)-containing type I transmembrane protein belonging to the Ig superfamily, and displaying minimal allelism by Southern and sequence analysis. By flow cytometry, gp49B1 is expressed on all NK cells. Therefore, we have established that gp49B1, a structural homologue of human KIR, is expressed on mouse NK cells. This strongly suggests that NK cells express two structurally distinct types of inhibitory receptors and that these receptors may act as coreceptors in mediating inhibition.
Functional interaction between TGF-beta and IL-12 in human primary allogeneic cytotoxicity and proliferative response.
Authors: Pardoux C , Asselin-Paturel C , Chehimi J , Gay F , Mami-Chouaib F , Chouaib S
Published: December 2022

IL-12 is an important cytokine in the control of cell-mediated immunity. We have investigated the functional interaction of IL-12 with TGF-beta1, a cytokine involved in the regulation of growth and differentiation of immunocompetent cells, during human allogeneic response development. Using primary MLR, our data show that addition of exogenous TGF-beta at the sensitizing phase of the primary MLR resulted in the inhibition of both allogeneic cytotoxic and proliferative responses. The inhibitory effect of TGF-beta on allogeneic response involves an abrogation of IL-12/p70 production upon allostimulation. In contrast to its effect on IL-12 production, TGF-beta did not alter the expression of IL-12R beta1-chain (IL-12R beta) in T cells induced upon allogeneic activation. Addition of exogenous IL-12 or IFN-gamma in the MLR cultures in the presence of TGF-beta did not result in reversal of CTL generation and T cell proliferation. Interestingly, TGF-beta was efficient in down-regulating IL-12 responsiveness of alloactivated T cells as well as TCR-alphabeta or TCR-gammadelta alloreactive T cell clones. These studies suggest that the inhibitory effect of TGF-beta on the development of human allogeneic proliferation and cytotoxic responses involves an additional mechanism associated with an interference with IL-12 pathway.
CD40 ligation of human keratinocytes inhibits their proliferation and induces their differentiation.
Authors: Péguet-Navarro J , Dalbiez-Gauthier C , Moulon C , Berthier O , Réano A , Gaucherand M , Banchereau J , Rousset F , Schmitt D
Published: December 2022

While CD40-CD40 ligand interactions are known to regulate B cell proliferation and differentiation, much less is known about the role this receptor plays on other cell types, especially those of nonhemopoietic origin. We report here that CD40 is expressed in normal human epidermis in situ, especially on the basal cell layer, and that it is maintained on cultured epidermal basal cells. Immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE analysis confirms that CD40 expressed by epidermal basal cells is immunologically related to the B cell CD40. IFN-gamma up-regulates CD40 expression on cultured keratinocytes, whereas other proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1 or TNF-alpha, have little effects. Using CD40-ligand-transfected L cells (CD40Lc), we demonstrated that CD40 triggering results in an enhanced secretion of both IL-8 and TNF-alpha by cultured epidermal basal cells, suggesting that CD40-CD40L interactions may play a role in amplifying the cutaneous inflammatory reactions. More importantly, we found that keratinocyte proliferation was significantly inhibited when the cells were grown on CD40Lc, as compared with CD32-transfected, or nontransfected, L cells. This inhibitory effect can be reversed substantially by pretreatment of keratinocytes with anti-CD40 mAb. In addition, inhibition of proliferation could be obtained by adding a soluble form of CD40 ligand to the keratinocyte cultures. Interestingly, inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation on CD40Lc correlates with differentiation of the cells, as assessed by morphologic analysis and increased profilaggrin content. Collectively, these results demonstrate that CD40 is expressed and functional on human epidermal basal cells and that, on these cells, CD40 ligation may be a signal for limitation of cell growth and induction of differentiation.
IL-1 beta convertase (ICE) does not play a requisite role in apoptosis induced in T lymphoblasts by Fas-dependent or Fas-independent CTL effector mechanisms.
Authors: Smith D J , McGuire M J , Tocci M J , Thiele D L
Published: December 2022

Both IL-1beta convertase (ICE) and other members of the ICE-like family of proteases have been reported to play a role in Fas-mediated apoptosis. Con A-stimulated T lymphoblasts generated from splenocytes isolated from ICE-deficient H-2b mice were found to be more susceptible than wild-type lymphoblasts to DNA fragmentation induced by H-2b-specific CTL derived from normal or Fas ligand-deficient gld/gld mice. Trinitrophenyl (TNP)-modified, H-2b target cell-specific CTL were generated from perforin-deficient mice and were found to induce DNA fragmentation only in target cells expressing functional Fas receptors. Similar rates of DNA fragmentation were induced in TNP-modified ICE -/- and ICE +/+ T lymphoblast targets by perforin -/- TNP-modified, H-2b target cell-specific CTL. In addition, anti-Fas Abs induced apoptosis in thymocytes, Con A-stimulated spleen T cells, LPS-stimulated spleen B cells, and thymocytes from ICE -/- mice. However, DNA fragmentation induced by either allospecific FasL-defective CTL, or by perforin-deficient, TNP-modified, H-2b target cell-specific CTL was prevented in ICE -/- target cells loaded by electroporation with Ac-DEVD-CHO, an inhibitor of CPP32 and related ICE family proteases. These findings indicate that ICE does not play a requisite role in Fas-dependent or Fas-independent mechanisms of apoptosis induced in peripheral T lymphoblasts by CTL. However, both major pathways of CTL-induced apoptosis appear to be dependent on the enzymatic activity of other ICE family proteases.
Perturbation of the expression of the catalytic subunit C alpha of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase inhibits TCR-triggered secretion of IL-2 by T helper hybridoma cells.
Authors: Sugiyama H , Chen P , Hunter M G , Sitkovsky M V
Published: December 2022

The role of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in the regulation of TCR-triggered IL-2 secretion was studied by transfecting T hybridoma cells with cDNA encoding the inhibitory regulatory subunit (RI alpha) of PKA with mutations in cAMP-binding sites (RI alpha(m)) or by pretreating T cells with catalytic subunit-alpha (C alpha) antisense mRNA oligonucleotides. Transfected RI alpha(m) was expected to compete with endogenous regulatory subunits and to irreversibly inactivate the catalytic subunit in RI alpha(m)-C alpha complexes. It was shown that C alpha and RI alpha are the major PKA subunits in T cells, thereby justifying the choice of RI alpha(m) and C alpha antisense oligos to modulate PKA activity in T lymphocytes. Perturbation of the expression of PKA subunits by RI alpha(m) resulted in transfectants with 1) no changes in basal PKA activity but inhibited cAMP-inducible PKA activity or 2) inhibited basal PKA activity but unaffected cAMP-inducible PKA activity. Transfectants with inhibited basal PKA activity had changed (inhibited) levels of TCR-triggered IL-2 production. The anti-C alpha antisense mRNA oligomers also inhibited basal PKA activity and TCR-triggered production of IL-2. The experiments described here and recently reported studies of the effects of C alpha inactivation on CTL effector functions and IFN-gamma secretion suggest that basal PKA activity could be required for the propagation of TCR-triggered signals needed for lymphokine secretion by T cells.
Blockade of CD40 ligand-CD40 interaction impairs CD4+ T cell-mediated alloreactivity by inhibiting mature donor T cell expansion and function after bone marrow transplantation.
Authors: Blazar B R , Taylor P A , Panoskaltsis-Mortari A , Buhlman J , Xu J , Flavell R A , Korngold R , Noelle R , Vallera D A
Published: December 2022

Alloreactive T cells require costimulatory signals via CD40 ligand (CD40L). The tissue-destructive properties of allogeneic CD4+ but not CD8+ T cells were inhibited by anti-CD40L mAb. Fewer CD4+ thoracic duct lymphocytes (TDL) were obtained in mAb-treated recipients. Kinetic studies revealed that CD4+ T cell expansion was reduced or delayed which may account, in part, for the partial graft-vs-host disease protective effect of anti-CD40L mAb. TDL were found to have diminished anti-host-specific proliferative responses. The frequency of donor TDL and splenocytes that expressed the Th1 cytokines IL-2, IL-12 p40, and IFN-gamma mRNA was markedly diminished in mAb-treated recipients, demonstrating that Th1-driven alloresponses were susceptible to CD40L targeting. Perforin mRNA-expressing T cells were undetectable in mAb-treated recipients, consistent with reduced in vivo lethality after the adoptive transfer of allogeneic CD4+ T cells. Similar findings were observed in both B cell-replete or -deficient recipients, indicating that allogeneic T cell expansion and priming can be sustained by a non-B cell, CD40+ host cell population. Mice receiving CD40L-deficient allogeneic CD4+ T cells had survival rates comparable to the rates of those given anti-CD40L mAb treatment. Because anti-CD40L mAb also was found to prevent host anti-donor-mediated marrow allograft rejection, in vivo blockade of CD40L-CD40 interactions may provide a highly beneficial approach to improving the outcome of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
Pathways for the regulation of macrophage iron metabolism by the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-13.
Authors: Weiss G , Bogdan C , Hentze M W
Published: December 2022

Macrophage effector functions are influenced by their iron status and by shifts in the balance between type 1 Th1 and Th2 cells. To elucidate the influence of the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 on macrophage iron metabolism, we investigated activated primary mouse macrophages and the murine macrophage cell line J774. Stimulation of J774 cells and primary macrophages with IFN-gamma/LPS activates the RNA binding affinities of iron regulatory protein-1 (IRP-1) and IRP-2 for iron-responsive elements, leading to translational repression of the iron storage protein ferritin. Activation of IRP-1 and IRP-2 is caused by increased formation of nitric oxide (NO) via stimulation of the inducible NO synthase by IFN-gamma/LPS. Treatment of macrophages with IL-4 and/or IL-13 before stimulation with IFN-gamma/LPS suppresses NO formation and IRP activation, with concomitantly enhanced ferritin synthesis despite a small reduction in ferritin heavy chain mRNA levels. The mRNA levels for the membrane receptor for iron uptake, transferrin receptor (TfR), decrease following stimulation with IFN-gamma/LPS, although IRP-mediated stabilization of the TfR mRNA would have been expected. This as yet unidentified proximal inhibitory signal by IFN-gamma/LPS is antagonized by IL-4 and/or IL-13, which leads to increased TfR mRNA expression in an IRP-independent manner. Thus, IL-4 and IL-13 regulate the iron metabolism of activated macrophages by at least two different pathways: first, by opposing NO-mediated IRP activation, thereby increasing ferritin translation; and second, by an IRP-independent augmentation of TfR mRNA expression. We suggest that IL-4 and IL-13 may enhance iron uptake and storage in activated macrophages and thereby contribute to down-regulation of macrophage effector functions.
TCR engagement of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes in vitro induces early aspects of positive selection, but not apoptosis.
Authors: Groves T , Parsons M , Miyamoto N G , Guidos C J
Published: December 2022

Immature CD4/CD8 double-positive (DP) thymocytes expressing self MHC-restricted TCR are positively selected in response to TCR signals to survive and differentiate into functionally competent CD4 or CD8 single positive (SP) T cells. In contrast, DP precursors expressing autoreactive TCR are clonally deleted in response to TCR signals. We show here that in vitro TCR engagement of TCR(low) DP thymocytes rapidly triggers a variety of events considered to be hallmarks of positive selection in vivo. These include increased expression of CD5 and Bcl-2, termination of RAG-1 and pre-T(alpha) gene expression, and a switch in lck promoter usage. We also demonstrate that CD4- or CD28-mediated signals synergize with TCR signals to induce these outcomes. Finally, we show that the response of DP thymocytes to TCR engagement is selective in that clonal deletion, CD4/CD8 lineage commitment, and other events associated with maturation, such as changes in expression of Thy-1, HSA, MHC class I, and CD45-RB, were not induced. Thus, only subsets of maturational processes associated with positive selection in vivo were shown to be directly coupled to TCR signaling pathways at the DP stage. These observations support conclusions from in vivo systems suggesting that multiple, temporally separated TCR engagements are required to effect the entire spectrum of developmental changes associated with positive selection, and provide a conceptual and experimental framework for unraveling the complexity of positive selection.
Type I transmembrane receptor with inhibitory function in mouse mast cells and NK cells.
Authors: Rojo S , Burshtyn D N , Long E O , Wagtmann N
Published: December 2022

The MHC class I-specific inhibitory receptors on human and mouse NK cells have surprisingly different structures. The mouse receptors (Ly-49) are type II transmembrane glycoproteins of the C-type lectin family, whereas the human receptors (killer cell inhibitory receptors (KIR)) belong to the Ig superfamily. This difference prompted a search for Ig-like inhibitory receptors in mice. Here we show that gp49, a mouse mast cell protein of unknown function but with sequence similarity to KIR, is expressed in NK cells. The gp49 cytoplasmic tail, containing a sequence related to an inhibitory motif shared by KIR and Ly-49, delivered a strong inhibitory signal in both human and mouse NK cells when substituted for a KIR cytoplasmic tail. These data show that Ig-like receptors with inhibitory properties exist in both species and that mouse mast and NK cells may recognize common inhibitory ligands.
Role of Fas ligand (CD95L) in immune escape: the tumor cell strikes back.
Authors: Walker P R , Saas P , Dietrich P Y
Published: December 2022

Several different tumor types have recently been shown to express functional Fas ligand (FasL), which may represent an additional mechanism of tumor escape. However, the in vivo significance of these findings in the context of potent adversaries such as activated CTL or NK cells remains to be fully established. The potential interactions between tumor cells and the host immune response are thus more complex than previously thought; their elucidation will benefit the rational design of cancer immunotherapy strategies.
Human peptide transporter deficiency: importance of HLA-B in the presentation of TAP-independent EBV antigens.
Authors: de la Salle H , Houssaint E , Peyrat M A , Arnold D , Salamero J , Pinczon D , Stevanovic S , Bausinger H , Fricker D , Gomard E , Biddison W , Lehner P , UytdeHaag F , Sasportes M , Donato L , Rammensee H G , Cazenave J P , Hanau D , Tongio M M , Bonneville M
Published: December 2022

Two siblings with a peptide TAP deficiency were recently described. Despite poor cell surface expression of HLA class I molecules, these patients were not unusually susceptible to viral infections. The majority of the cell surface-expressed class I molecules were HLA-B products as assessed by cytofluorometry and biochemical analysis. Analysis of two peptides eluted from the class I molecules expressed by TAP-deficient EBV B lymphoblastoid cell lines indicated that both were derived from cytosolic proteins and presented by HLA-B molecules. Peripheral alphabeta CD8+ T cells were present and their TCR repertoire was polyclonal. Most of the alphabeta CD8+ T cell clones studied (21 of 22) were nonreactive against cells expressing normal levels of the same HLA alleles as those of the TAP-deficient patients. However, it was possible to isolate one cytotoxic CD8+ alphabeta T cell clone recognizing the EBV protein LMP2 presented by HLA-B molecules on TAP-deficient cells. These observations suggest that in the TAP-deficient patients, CD8+ alphabeta T cells could mature and be recruited in immune responses to mediate HLA class I-restricted cytotoxic defense against viral infections. They also strengthen the physiologic importance of a TAP-independent processing pathway of the LMP2 protein, which was previously shown to contain several other TAP-independent epitopes.
The Fas-deficient SCID mouse exhibits the development of T cells in the thymus.
Authors: Yasutomo K , Maeda K , Hisaeda H , Good R A , Kuroda Y , Himeno K
Published: December 2022

The Fas Ag is a cell surface protein that mediates apoptosis and is highly expressed on thymocytes. However, the role of the Fas system in the thymus is unclear. To study the role of the Fas system in the thymus, we established a novel SCID mouse bearing the lpr (lymphoproliferation) mutation. Thymocytes from these mice differentiated into CD4+ CD8+ T cells and then underwent further differentiation into CD4+ CD8- or CD4- CD8+ single-positive T cells with a low surface expression of CD3, whereas B cell development remained unrescued. These TCR-positive T cells can proliferate in response to stimulation with PMA plus ionomycin, but not with third-party spleen cells. Furthermore, thymocytes from scid/lpr mice had a great variety of TCR Vbeta repertoires. These results suggest that the Fas system plays an essential role in regulating the development of intrathymic T cells as well as peripheral T cells.
Functional and pharmacokinetic properties of antibody-avidin fusion proteins.
Authors: Shin S U , Wu D , Ramanathan R , Pardridge W M , Morrison S L
Published: December 2022

In an attempt to produce broadly useful targeting agents, genetic engineering and expression techniques have been used to produce Ab-avidin fusion proteins. Chicken avidin has been fused to mouse-human chimeric IgG3 at the end of C(H)1 (C(H)1-Av), immediately after the hinge (H-Av), and at the end of C(H)3 (C(H)3-Av). Fusion heavy chains of the expected molecular mass were expressed, assembled with a co-expressed light chain, and secreted. The resulting molecules continued to bind Ag. They also bound biotinylated human serum albumin; C(H)3-Av had reduced affinity (K(A) = 5.13 x 10(9) M(-1)) compared with the tetrameric avidin (K(A) = 1 x 10(15) M(-1)), but greater affinity than monomeric avidin (K(A) = 1 x 10(7) M(-1)). Importantly, the avidin-IgG fusion proteins had a longer serum t1/2 in rats than avidin. The favorable pharmacokinetic parameters suggest that these avidin fusion proteins can be used effectively to deliver biotinylated ligands such as drugs and peptides to locales expressing any Ag recognized by the associated Ab.
In infection with Schistosoma mansoni, B cells are required for T helper type 2 cell responses but not for granuloma formation.
Authors: Hernandez H J , Wang Y , Stadecker M J
Published: December 2022

The immune response and immunopathologic manifestations in schistosomiasis are largely dependent on Ag-specific CD4+ Th cells. In turn, the stimulatory/regulatory function of the Th cells is dependent on signals emanating from accessory cells. B cells are capable of functioning as accessory cells, and their role in experimental murine schistosomiasis was investigated by using mice with targeted mutations in the J(H) locus. This phenotype results in the absence of B cells and of Ab production. After 7.5- to 8-wk infections, mesenteric lymph node cells from the JHD B-less mice displayed lower proliferative responses to schistosomal egg Ag than did cells from infected control mice. Most importantly, compared with cells from controls, egg Ag-stimulated JHD lymph node cells produced significantly higher amounts of the Th1 response-associated cytokines IFN-gamma and IL-12, while their production of the Th2-type cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 was dramatically reduced or undetectable. Similarly, irradiated splenocytes from uninfected JHD mice, used as APC, elicited significantly stronger Th1 and weaker Th2 responses from egg Ag-specific CD4+ Th cells than splenocytes from control mice. Despite these sharply contrasting cytokine profiles, there were no significant differences either in the size and composition of the resulting egg granulomas or in the number of deposited eggs in the livers of infected JHD vs control mice. Taken together, the findings in the JHD mouse reflect an impairment in the ability to mount a Th2 response, which translates into a loss of the Th1 to Th2 switch characteristically seen in normal schistosome-infected mice. These results suggest that B cells promote Th2-type responses, and that typical granulomatous responses proceed in their absence.
Antibody to Mac-1 or monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 inhibits monocyte recruitment and promotes tumor growth.
Authors: Zhang L , Yoshimura T , Graves D T
Published: December 2022

Human tumors are frequently infiltrated by numerous monocytes/macrophages, which can be found within the tumor mass (intratumoral) or surrounding the tumor (peritumoral). The functional role that these monocytes/macrophages play in tumor growth is controversial. To address this issue we inhibited intratumoral monocyte/macrophage recruitment with mAbs that either blocked integrin function or neutralized a tumor-produced chemotactic protein. Both treatments significantly increased tumor formation and accelerated tumor growth. Surprisingly, the same results were obtained when recruitment of peritumoral or intratumoral monocytes/macrophages was blocked. Our findings are contrary to one of the purported roles of monocytes/macrophages, particularly in the peritumoral area, since we found no evidence for monocyte/macrophage-supported tumor growth. These results provide direct evidence that intratumoral as well as peritumoral monocytes/macrophages act to limit tumor size in the early stages following tumor inoculation and provide a mechanism that accounts for monocyte/macrophage recruitment to human tumors.
Neutrophil platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 participates in neutrophil recruitment at inflammatory sites and is down-regulated after leukocyte extravasation.
Authors: Christofidou-Solomidou M , Nakada M T , Williams J , Muller W A , DeLisser H M
Published: December 2022

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), a member of the Ig superfamily, is found on endothelial cells and neutrophils, and has been shown to be involved in the migration of leukocytes across the endothelium. Although studies have supported a role for endothelial PECAM-1 in this process, the participation of neutrophil PECAM-1 in vivo has not been unambiguously demonstrated. Therefore, to examine the involvement of neutrophil PECAM-1 in leukocyte recruitment, we studied the effect of a blocking Ab against murine PECAM-1 on neutrophil recruitment in an established model of murine peritonitis and in a murine model for studying leukocyte-endothelial interactions involving the human vasculature. These studies not only confirmed that neutrophil PECAM-1 is important in the accumulation of neutrophils at inflammatory sites, but that extravasated neutrophils displayed decreased surface expression of PECAM-1. In vitro, the surface expression of murine neutrophil PECAM-1 was not decreased significantly by inflammatory mediators, but was reduced after transendothelial migration. These studies, consistent with previous in vitro observations, confirm that neutrophil PECAM-1, as well as endothelial PECAM-1, is involved in the recruitment of neutrophils into inflammatory sites in vivo, and suggest that the expression of neutrophil PECAM-1 is down-regulated after extravasation into inflamed tissues possibly as a result of engagement of its ligand.
Active oxidants mediate IFN-alpha-induced microvascular alterations in rat mesentery.
Authors: Higuchi H , Kurose I , Fukumura D , Yan H J , Saito H , Miura S , Hokari R , Watanabe N , Zeki S , Yoshida M , Kitajima M , Granger D N , Ishii H
Published: December 2022

The present study was designed to investigate the influences of IFN-alpha on the microcirculatory hemodynamics. The mesenteric microcirculation of male Wistar rats was observed through an intravital fluorescence microscopic system. The leukocyte behavior, RBC velocity, and albumin leakage were monitored simultaneously before and after a continuous infusion of IFN-alpha. In other rats, the oxidant-sensitive fluorescence probe dihydrorhodamine-123 (DHR) fluorescence was observed in the same set up. Administration of IFN-alpha increased the number of adherent and emigrated leukocytes and decreased the RBC velocity in mesenteric venules. Oxidative stress indicated by DHR fluorescence was exacerbated in microvessels of IFN-alpha-treated rats. Following the leukocyte recruitment and oxidative stress, an exaggerated albumin leakage was observed. Thrombus formation in venules and hemorrhage along venules were frequently observed in rats treated with IFN-alpha. N,N'-dimethylthiourea, a scavenger of hydrogen peroxide and a hydroxyl radical, largely prevented these microvascular responses. Pretreatment of rats with mAb directed against either CD18 or ICAM-1 also attenuated the IFN-alpha-induced microvascular alterations. It is concluded, therefore, that a high concentration of IFN-alpha stimulates CD18/ICAM-1-dependent adhesive interactions with endothelial cells and oxidant production of leukocytes, which leads to microcirculatory derangements characterized by decreased barrier function and reduced anticoagulant activity of venular endothelial cells.
Crucial role of CD8-positive lymphocytes in glomerular expression of ICAM-1 and cytokines in crescentic glomerulonephritis of WKY rats.
Authors: Fujinaka H , Yamamoto T , Feng L , Kawasaki K , Yaoita E , Hirose S , Goto S , Wilson C B , Uchiyama M , Kihara I
Published: December 2022

CD8-positive lymphocytes (CD8+ lym) and ICAM-1/LFA-1 interaction have been implicated in the glomerular accumulation of monocytes/macrophages (Mo/Mphi) and crescent formation in antiglomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) glomerulonephritis of WKY rats. In the present study, the role of CD8+ lym in the expression of ICAM-1 and inflammatory cytokines as well as in the accumulation of Mo/Mphi in the glomeruli was examined by RNase protection assay and immunofluorescence microscopy. ICAM-1 expression was apparent at 1 h and markedly enhanced at day 3 in glomeruli after an anti-GBM Ab injection in parallel with glomerular accumulation of Mo/Mphi. Expression of mRNA for IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma, known to enhance ICAM-1 expression, and MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, and MCP-1, known to activate leukocyte integrins or to act as chemokines, were also induced in the glomeruli at a mRNA level in a profile similar to that of ICAM-1 expression. By depleting the CD8+ lym in the circulation, the increased glomerular expression of ICAM-1 and the cytokines, except IL-1beta, and the Mo/Mphi accumulation were suppressed, indicating a crucial role of CD8+ lym in the accumulation of Mo/Mphi through stimulation of ICAM-1 and induction of cytokines.
Evidence of presentation of multiple HIV-1 cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes by HLA-B*3501 molecules that are associated with the accelerated progression of AIDS.
Authors: Tomiyama H , Miwa K , Shiga H , Moore Y I , Oka S , Iwamoto A , Kaneko Y , Takiguchi M
Published: December 2022

We recently showed HLA-B35-restricted CTL activity for 10 HIV-1 epitopes in PBL from two HIV-1-infected individuals. In the present study, we established CTL clones specific for nine of these HIV-1 epitopes to confirm these HLA-B35-restricted epitopes. The specific CTL clones effectively killed the HLA-B*3501-positive target cells infected with the HIV-1 vaccinia recombinant virus. These results confirmed that nine HIV-1 CTL epitopes are presented by HLA-B*3501 molecules. The CTL activity specific for four Pol and two Nef epitopes was induced in the peptide-stimulated PBL from three or more of seven HIV-1-infected individuals, indicating that these six are common epitopes. Eight were considered strong epitopes because the specific CTL activity was detected in the cultured PBL that was once stimulated with peptides. Thus, the present study excluded the possibility that the disability of the presentation of HIV-1 epitopes by HLA-B35 molecules is associated with the accelerated progression of AIDS in HLA-B35-positive individuals. Analysis of mutated epitopes found in an HIV-1 type B strain using the CTL clones revealed that most mutated epitopes partially or markedly affect the recognition of CTL clones. Of 19 mutations that affected recognition of the CTL clones, 7 reduced peptide-HLA-B*3501 binding, while 12 affected TCR recognition. These results indicate that natural mutations of HLA-B35-restricted HIV-1 CTL epitopes affect the recognition of CTL by mechanisms that reduce both peptide binding and TCR recognition.
Microbial products induce autoimmune disease by an IL-12-dependent pathway.
Authors: Segal B M , Klinman D M , Shevach E M
Published: December 2022

The development and exacerbation of autoimmune diseases are associated with antecedent infectious illness. Microbial products such as LPS, bacterial DNA, or oligonucleotides containing an unmethylated cytosine-guanine dinucleotide have cytokine modulating properties. These products converted quiescent myelin basic protein-specific T cells into effector cells capable of transferring experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. The disease-promoting properties of the microbial products were solely dependent on their capacity to induce the production of IL-12.