bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progression of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Efficiency of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccination Are Genetically Controlled via a Common sst1-Mediated Mechanism of Innate Immunity
Authors: Yan Bo-Shiun , Pichugin Alexander V. , Jobe Ousman , Helming Laura , Eruslanov Evgeniy B. , Gutiérrez-Pabello José A. , Rojas Mauricio , Shebzukhov Yuriy V. , Kobzik Lester , Kramnik Igor
Published: April 2014

Using a mouse model for genetic analysis of host resistance to virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis, we have identified a genetic locus sst1 on mouse chromosome 1, which controls progression of pulmonary tuberculosis. In vitro, this locus had an effect on macrophage-mediated control of two intracellular bacterial pathogens, M. tuberculosis and Listeria monocytogenes. In this report, we investigated a specific function of the sst1 locus in antituberculosis immunity in vivo, especially its role in control of pulmonary tuberculosis. We found that the sst1 locus affected neither activation of Th1 cytokine-producing T lymphocytes, nor their migration to the lungs, but rather controlled an inducible NO synthase-independent mechanism of innate immunity. Although the sst1S macrophages responded to stimulation with IFN-γ in vitro, their responsiveness to activation by T cells was impaired. Boosting T cell-mediated immunity by live attenuated vaccine Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin or the adoptive transfer of mycobacteria-activated CD4+ T lymphocytes had positive systemic effect, but failed to improve control of tuberculosis infection specifically in the lungs of the sst1S animals. Thus, in the mouse model of tuberculosis, a common genetic mechanism of innate immunity mediated control of tuberculosis progression in the lungs and the efficiency of antituberculosis vaccine. Our data suggest that in immunocompetent humans the development of pulmonary tuberculosis and the failure of the existing vaccine to protect against it, in some cases, may be explained by a similar defect in a conserved inducible NO synthase-independent mechanism of innate immunity, either inherited or acquired.
IL-21 Administration into the Nostril Alleviates Murine Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Hiromura Yayoi , Kishida Tsunao , Nakano Hiroshi , Hama Takemitsu , Imanishi Jiro , Hisa Yasuo , Mazda Osam
Published: April 2014

Type I allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis are caused by IgE-mediated humoral immune responses, while eosinophils also fulfill important roles in the etiology of IgE-mediated allergy. IL-21 regulates growth, differentiation, and function of T, B, and NK cells, while the production of IgE is also influenced by IL-21. In this study we examined whether IL-21 is capable of controlling IgE-mediated allergic reactions in vivo by using the allergic rhinitis mouse model that was established by repetitive sensitization and intranasal challenge with OVA. Intranasal administration with recombinant mouse IL-21 (rmIL-21) significantly reduced the number of sneezes, as well as the serum concentration of OVA-specific IgE, in comparison with that of untreated allergic mice. The rmIL-21 treatment also suppressed germline Cε transcription in the nasal-associated lymphoid tissues, which may have, at least partly, resulted from the up-regulation of Bcl-6 mRNA caused by IL-21. Local expression of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 was also inhibited by the intranasal cytokine therapy whereas, in contrast, the expression of endogenous IL-21 mRNA was induced by exogenous rmIL-21. Moreover, IL-21 acted on nasal fibroblasts to inhibit production of eotaxin. This novel function of IL-21 may be associated with the attenuation of eosinophil infiltration into nasal mucosa that was revealed by histopathological observation. These results indicated that IL-21 nasal administration effectively ameliorated allergic rhinitis through pleiotropic activities, i.e., the prevention of IgE production by B cells and eotaxin production by fibroblasts.
Intravenous Transfusion of BCR-Activated B Cells Protects NOD Mice from Type 1 Diabetes in an IL-10-Dependent Manner
Authors: Hussain Shabbir , Delovitch Terry L.
Published: April 2014

Although B cells play a pathogenic role in the initiation of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in NOD mice, it is not known whether activated B cells can maintain tolerance and transfer protection from T1D. In this study, we demonstrate that i.v. transfusion of BCR-stimulated NOD spleen B cells into NOD mice starting at 5–6 wk of age both delays onset and reduces the incidence of T1D, whereas treatment initiated at 9 wk of age only delays onset of T1D. This BCR-activated B cell-induced protection from T1D requires IL-10 production by B cells, as transfusion of activated B cells from NOD.IL-10−/− mice does not confer protection from T1D. Consistent with this result, severe insulitis was observed in the islets of NOD recipients of transfused NOD.IL-10−/− BCR-stimulated B cells but not in the islets of NOD recipients of transfused BCR-stimulated NOD B cells. The therapeutic effect of transfused activated NOD B cells correlates closely with the observed decreased islet inflammation, reduced IFN-γ production and increased production of IL-4 and IL-10 by splenocytes and CD4+ T cells from NOD recipients of BCR-stimulated NOD B cells relative to splenocytes and CD4+ T cells from PBS-treated control NOD mice. Our data demonstrate that transfused BCR-stimulated B cells can maintain long-term tolerance and protect NOD mice from T1D by an IL-10-dependent mechanism, and raise the possibility that i.v. transfusion of autologous IL-10-producing BCR-activated B cells may be used therapeutically to protect human subjects at risk for T1D.
Cbl-b Regulates Antigen-Induced TCR Down-Regulation and IFN-γ Production by Effector CD8 T Cells without Affecting Functional Avidity
Authors: Shamim Mohammed , Nanjappa Som G. , Singh Anju , Plisch Erin Hemmila , LeBlanc Scott E. , Walent Jane , Svaren John , Seroogy Christine , Suresh M.
Published: April 2014

The E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b is a negative regulator of TCR signaling that: 1) sets the activation threshold for T cells; 2) is induced in anergic T cells; and 3) protects against autoimmunity. However, the role of Cbl-b in regulating CD8 T cell activation and functions during physiological T cell responses has not been systematically examined. Using the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection model, we show that Cbl-b deficiency did not significantly affect the clonal expansion of virus-specific CD8 T cells. However, Cbl-b deficiency not only increased the steady-state cell surface expression levels of TCR and CD8 but also reduced Ag-induced down-modulation of cell surface TCR expression by effector CD8 T cells. Diminished Ag-stimulated TCR down-modulation and sustained Ag receptor signaling induced by Cbl-b deficiency markedly augmented IFN-γ production, which is known to require substantial TCR occupancy. By contrast, Cbl-b deficiency minimally affected cell-mediated cytotoxicity, which requires limited engagement of TCRs. Surprisingly, despite elevated expression of CD8 and reduced Ag-induced TCR down-modulation, the functional avidity of Cbl-b-deficient effector CD8 T cells was comparable to that of wild-type effectors. Collectively, these data not only show that Cbl-b-imposed constraint on TCR signaling has differential effects on various facets of CD8 T cell response but also suggest that Cbl-b might mitigate tissue injury induced by the overproduction of IFN-γ by CD8 T cells. These findings have implications in the development of therapies to bolster CD8 T cell function during viral infections or suppress T cell-mediated immunopathology.
CUGBP1 Is Required for IFNβ-Mediated Induction of Dominant-Negative CEBPβ and Suppression of SIV Replication in Macrophages
Authors: Dudaronek Justyna M. , Barber Sheila A. , Clements Janice E.
Published: April 2014

Productive HIV replication in the CNS occurs very early after infection, yet HIV-associated cognitive disorders do not typically manifest until the development of AIDS, suggesting that mechanisms exist in the CNS to control HIV replication and associated virus-induced pathological changes during the acute and asymptomatic stages of disease. Using an established SIV/macaque model of HIV dementia, we recently demonstrated that the mechanisms regulating virus replication in the brain at these stages involve the production of IFNβ, which induces the truncated, dominant-negative isoform of C/EBPβ, also referred to as LIP (liver-enriched transcriptional inhibitory protein). Alternative translation of C/EBPβ mRNA and increased production of LIP can be mediated by CUGBP1 (CUG-repeat RNA-binding protein 1). Because IFNβ induces the inhibitory C/EBPβ in macrophages, we considered the possibility that IFNβ signaling regulates the activity of CUGBP1, resulting in increased expression of LIP and suppression of SIV replication. In this study, we report that IFNβ induces LIP and suppresses active SIV replication in primary macrophages from rhesus macaques. Further, we demonstrate that IFNβ induces the phosphorylation of CUGBP1 and the formation of CUGBP1-C/EBPβ mRNA complexes in the human monocytic U937 cell line. Finally, we demonstrate that CUGBP1 is not only required for IFNβ-mediated induction of LIP but also for IFNβ-mediated suppression of SIV replication. These results suggest that CUGBP1 is a previously unrecognized downstream effector of IFNβ signaling in primary macrophages that likely plays a pivotal role in innate immune responses that control acute HIV/SIV replication in the brain.
A New Role of CTLA-4 on B Cells in Thymus-Dependent Immune Responses In Vivo
Authors: Quandt Dagmar , Hoff Holger , Rudolph Marion , Fillatreau Simon , Brunner-Weinzierl Monika C.
Published: April 2014

The expression of CTLA-4 (CD152) on the cell surface of B cells and its consequences for the humoral immune response in vivo are unknown. We investigated the expression of CTLA-4 mRNA and protein in B cells in T cell-independent or -dependent ways. B cells in the presence of Ag-stimulated Th2 cells expressed mRNA of CTLA-4 and up-regulated intracellular CTLA-4 protein. Using a liposome-enhanced staining technique, we show for the first time, that surface CTLA-4 protein is expressed by 11–15% of B cells in a T cell-dependent culture system. To dissect the role of CTLA-4 on B cells in vivo, we used bone marrow chimeric mice in which only B cells were CTLA-4 deficient. These mice showed that early B cell development and homeostasis is not influenced by CTLA-4 deficiency of B cells. Ag-specific responses after immunization of the chimeric mice revealed elevated levels of IgM Abs in mice deficient for B cell CTLA-4. We propose that CTLA-4 signals on B cells determine the early fate of B cells in thymus-dependent immune responses.
Defective T Cell Development and Function in the Absence of Abelson Kinases
Authors: Gu Jing Jin , Zhang Nu , He You-Wen , Koleske Anthony J. , Pendergast Ann Marie
Published: April 2014

Thymocyte proliferation, survival, and differentiation are tightly controlled by signaling from the pre-TCR. In this study, we show for the first time that the Abelson (Abl) kinases regulate proximal signaling downstream of the pre-TCR. Conditional deletion of Abl kinases in thymocytes reveals a cell-autonomous role for these proteins in T cell development. The conditional knockout mice have reduced numbers of thymocytes, exhibit an increase in the percentage of the CD4−CD8− double-negative population, and are partially blocked in the transition to the CD4+CD8+ double-positive stage. Moreover, the total number of T cells is greatly reduced in the Abl mutant mice, and the null T cells exhibit impaired TCR-induced signaling, proliferation, and cytokine production. Notably, Abl mutant mice are compromised in their ability to produce IFN-positive CD8 T cells and exhibit impaired CD8+ T cell expansion in vivo upon Listeria monocytogenes infection. Furthermore, Ab production in response to T cell-dependent Ag is severely impaired in the Abl mutant mice. Together these findings reveal cell-autonomous roles for the Abl family kinases in both T cell development and mature T cell function, and show that loss of these kinases specifically in T cells results in compromised immunity.
CCR7 Expression in Developing Thymocytes Is Linked to the CD4 versus CD8 Lineage Decision
Authors: Yin Xinye , Ladi Ena , Chan Shiao Wei , Li Ou , Killeen Nigel , Kappes Dietmar J. , Robey Ellen A.
Published: April 2014

During thymic development, T cell progenitors undergo positive selection based on the ability of their T cell Ag receptors (TCR) to bind MHC ligands on thymic epithelial cells. Positive selection determines T cell fate, in that thymocytes whose TCR bind MHC class I (MHC-I) develop as CD8-lineage T cells, whereas those that bind MHC class II (MHC-II) develop as CD4 T cells. Positive selection also induces migration from the cortex to the medulla driven by the chemokine receptor CCR7. In this study, we show that CCR7 is up-regulated in a larger proportion of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes undergoing positive selection on MHC-I compared with MHC-II. Mice bearing a mutation of Th-POK, a key CD4/CD8-lineage regulator, display increased expression of CCR7 among MHC-II-specific CD4+CD8+ thymocytes. In addition, overexpression of CCR7 results in increased development of CD8 T cells bearing MHC-II-specific TCR. These findings suggest that the timing of CCR7 expression relative to coreceptor down-regulation is regulated by lineage commitment signals.
1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine (Caffeine) May Exacerbate Acute Inflammatory Liver Injury by Weakening the Physiological Immunosuppressive Mechanism
Authors: Ohta Akio , Lukashev Dmitriy , Jackson Edwin K. , Fredholm Bertil B. , Sitkovsky Michail
Published: April 2014

The genetic elimination of A2A adenosine receptors (A2AR) was shown to disengage the critical immunosuppressive mechanism and cause the dramatic exacerbation of acute inflammatory tissue damage by T cells and myeloid cells. This prompted the evaluation of the proinflammatory vs the anti-inflammatory effects of the widely consumed behavioral drug caffeine, as the psychoactive effects of caffeine are mediated largely by its antagonistic action on A2AR in the brain. Because caffeine has other biochemical targets besides A2AR, it was important to test whether the consumption of caffeine during an acute inflammation episode would lead to the exacerbation of immune-mediated tissue damage. We examined acute and chronic treatment with caffeine for its effects on acute liver inflammation. It is shown that caffeine at lower doses (10 and 20 mg/kg) strongly exacerbated acute liver damage and increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Because caffeine did not enhance liver damage in A2AR-deficient mice, we suggest that the potentiation of liver inflammation was mediated by interference with the A2AR-mediated tissue-protecting mechanism. In contrast, a high dose of caffeine (100 mg/kg) completely blocked both liver damage and proinflammatory cytokine responses through an A2AR-independent mechanism. Furthermore, caffeine administration exacerbated liver damage even when mice consumed caffeine chronically, although the extent of exacerbation was less than in “naive” mice that did not consume caffeine before. This study suggests an unappreciated “man-made” immunological pathogenesis whereby consumption of the food-, beverage-, and medication-derived adenosine receptor antagonists may modify an individual’s inflammatory status and lead to excessive organ damage during acute inflammation.
Murine Lupus Susceptibility Locus Sle1a Controls Regulatory T Cell Number and Function through Multiple Mechanisms
Authors: Cuda Carla M. , Wan Suigui , Sobel Eric S. , Croker Byron P. , Morel Laurence
Published: April 2014

The Sle1 locus is a key determinant of lupus susceptibility in the NZM2410 mouse model. Within Sle1, we have previously shown that Sle1a expression enhances activation levels and effector functions of CD4+ T cells and reduces the size of the CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cell subset, leading to the production of autoreactive T cells that provide help to chromatin-specific B cells. In this study, we show that Sle1a CD4+ T cells express high levels of ICOS, which is consistent with their increased ability to help autoreactive B cells. Furthermore, Sle1a CD4+CD25+ T cells express low levels of Foxp3. Mixed bone marrow chimeras demonstrated that these phenotypes require Sle1a to be expressed in the affected CD4+ T cells. Expression of other markers generally associated with regulatory T cells (Tregs) was similar regardless of Sle1a expression in Foxp3+ cells. This result, along with in vitro and in vivo suppression studies, suggests that Sle1a controls the number of Tregs rather than their function on a per cell basis. Both in vitro and in vivo suppression assays also showed that Sle1a expression induced effector T cells to be resistant to Treg suppression, as well as dendritic cells to overproduce IL-6, which inhibits Treg suppression. Overall, these results show that Sle1a controls both Treg number and function by multiple mechanisms, directly on the Tregs themselves and indirectly through the response of effector T cells and the regulatory role of dendritic cells.
Dose-Dependent Differential Regulation of Cytokine Secretion from Macrophages by Fractalkine
Authors: Mizutani Noriko , Sakurai Toshiharu , Shibata Takahiro , Uchida Koji , Fujita Jun , Kawashima Rei , Kawamura Yuki I. , Toyama-Sorimachi Noriko , Imai Toshio , Dohi Taeko
Published: April 2014

Although expression of the fractalkine (CX3CL1, FKN) is enhanced in inflamed tissues, it is detected at steady state in various organs such as the intestine, and its receptor CX3CR1 is highly expressed in resident-type dendritic cells and macrophages. We hypothesized that FKN might regulate the inflammatory responses of these cells. Therefore, murine macrophages were pretreated with FKN and then stimulated with LPS. We found that macrophages pretreated with 0.03 nM FKN but not with 3 nM FKN secreted 50% less TNF-α than did cells treated with LPS alone. Cells treated with 0.03 nM FKN and LPS also showed reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and reduced NF-κB p50 subunit. Interestingly, the p65 subunit of NF-κB was translocated to the nuclei but redistributed to the cytoplasm in the early phase by forming a complex with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ. Exogenous 15-deoxy-Δ(12,14)-prostaglandin J2, a natural ligand for PPAR-γ, also induced redistribution of p65 with decreased TNF-α secretion after LPS challenge. Pretreatment with 0.03 nM but not 3 nM FKN increased the cellular levels of 15-deoxy-Δ(12,14)-prostaglandin J2 as well as mRNA of PPAR-γ. Requirement of PPAR-γ for the effect of 0.03 nM FKN was confirmed by small interfering RNA of PPAR-γ. In contrast, pretreatment with 3 nM FKN induced higher levels of IL-23 compared with cells pretreated with 0.03 nM FKN and produced TNF-α in a CX3CR1-dependent manner. These dose-dependent differential effects of FKN establish its novel role in immune homeostasis and inflammation.
A Novel Mutation in the Nfkb2 Gene Generates an NF-κB2 “Super Repressor”
Authors: Tucker Elena , O’Donnell Kristy , Fuchsberger Martina , Hilton Adrienne A. , Metcalf Donald , Greig Kylie , Sims Natalie A. , Quinn Julian M. , Alexander Warren S. , Hilton Douglas J. , Kile Benjamin T. , Tarlinton David M. , Starr Robyn
Published: April 2014

The noncanonical NF-κB pathway regulates the development and function of multiple organs and cell lineages. We have generated mice harboring a novel mutation in Nfkb2 that prevents the processing of the inhibitory precursor, p100, into the active subunit, p52. Mutant mice express a complex phenotype with abnormalities in a variety of tissues, and with a spectrum that is more severe than in mice carrying a targeted deletion of Nfkb2. Signaling through the noncanonical pathway is ablated due to the absence of p52, resulting in disorganized splenic architecture and disrupted B cell development. The inhibitory precursor form of NF-κB2 interacts with RelA, preventing activation of RelA dimers in response to both canonical and noncanonical stimuli, which in combination with p52 deficiency, results in defective lymph node formation and bone homeostasis. These findings demonstrate a key role for NF-κB2 in the regulation of RelA activation and suggest overlap in the function of NF-κB members in canonical and noncanonical pathway signaling.
Transitional B Cells Lose Their Ability to Receptor Edit but Retain Their Potential for Positive and Negative Selection
Authors: Wang Hongsheng , Feng Jianxun , Qi Chen-Feng , Li Zhaoyang , Morse Herbert C. , Clarke Stephen H.
Published: April 2014

Ligation of B cell receptors on immature bone marrow B cells, either by an endogenous Ag or by an anti-B cell receptor Ab induces secondary V(D)J gene rearrangements, termed receptor editing. Whether the same signal induces receptor editing in transitional B cells is not clear. In this study, we examined the responses of immature and transitional B cells from VH12Vκ1A Ig transgenic mice to stimulation with an anti-Igβ Ab. Our results demonstrated that immature B cells stimulated with a low concentration of anti-Igβ Ab, mimicking Ag stimulation, underwent receptor editing both in vivo and in vitro, as evidenced by the detection of dsDNA breaks at Jκ recombination signal sequences, whereas transitional B cells did not. The lack of dsDNA breaks in transitional B cells contrasts with their increased expression of RAG1 and RAG2, suggesting a novel mechanism that may prevent rearrangements. Furthermore, treatment of transitional B cells with high concentrations of anti-Igβ Abs induced apoptosis, whereas low concentrations induced differentiation. Our results support the idea that transitional B cells lose the capacity to edit, but are sensitive to positive and negative selection.
Subtle Defects in Pre-TCR Signaling in the Absence of the Tec Kinase Itk
Authors: Lucas Julie A. , Felices Martin , Evans John W. , Berg Leslie J.
Published: April 2014

αβ T cell development in the thymus is dependent on signaling through the TCR. The first of these signals is mediated by the pre-TCR, which is responsible for promoting pre-T cell proliferation and the differentiation of CD4−8−3− (DN) thymocytes into CD4+8+3+ (DP) cells. In many cases, T cell signaling proteins known to be essential for TCR signaling in mature T cells are also required for pre-TCR signaling in DN thymocytes. Therefore, it came as a surprise to discover that mice lacking the Tec kinases Itk and Rlk, enzymes required for efficient activation of phospholipase C-γ1 in mature T cells, showed no obvious defects in pre-TCR-dependent selection events in the thymus. In this report, we demonstrate that DN thymocytes lacking Itk, or Itk and Rlk, are impaired in their ability to generate normal numbers of DP thymocytes, especially when placed in direct competition with WT DN thymocytes. We also show that Itk is required for maximal pre-TCR signaling in DN thymocytes. These data demonstrate that the Tec kinases Itk and Rlk are involved in, but are not essential for, pre-TCR signaling in the thymus, suggesting that there is an alternative mechanism for activating phospholipase C-γ1 in DN thymocytes that is not operating in DP thymocytes and mature T cells.
The Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Autoantigen hnRNP-A2 (RA33) Is a Major Stimulator of Autoimmunity in Rats with Pristane-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Hoffmann Markus H. , Tuncel Jonatan , Skriner Karl , Tohidast-Akrad Makiyeh , Türk Birgit , Pinol-Roma Serafin , Serre Guy , Schett Georg , Smolen Josef S. , Holmdahl Rikard , Steiner Günter
Published: April 2014

A single intradermal injection of the mineral oil pristane in susceptible DA.1F rats induces erosive arthritis closely mimicking rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Pristane-induced arthritis (PIA) is driven by autoreactive T cells but no autoantigen has been identified to date. We therefore analyzed B and T cell responses to autoantigens potentially involved in the pathogenesis of RA, including IgG, citrullinated proteins, stress proteins, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP)-A2 (RA33). IgG and IgM autoantibodies to hnRNP-A2 were detectable in sera of pristane-primed DA.1F rats already 1 wk before disease onset, reached maximum levels during the acute phase, and correlated with arthritis severity. Apart from rheumatoid factor, autoantibodies to other Ags were not observed. CD4+ lymph node cells isolated 10 days after pristane injection produced IFN-γ but not IL-4 in response to stimulation with hnRNP-A2, whereas none of the other candidate Ags elicited cytokine secretion. Surprisingly, hnRNP-A2 also stimulated lymph node cells of naive animals to produce inflammatory cytokines in a MyD88-dependent manner. Furthermore, hnRNP-A2 was highly overexpressed in the joints of rats injected with pristane. Overexpression coincided with the appearance of anti-RA33 Abs and preceded the onset of clinical symptoms of PIA by several days. Taken together, these data suggest hnRNP-A2 to be among the primary inducers of autoimmunity in PIA. Therefore, this Ag might play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PIA and possibly also human RA.
Airway Eosinophils: Allergic Inflammation Recruited Professional Antigen-Presenting Cells
Authors: Wang Hai-Bin , Ghiran Ionita , Matthaei Klaus , Weller Peter F.
Published: April 2014

The capacity of airway eosinophils, potentially pertinent to allergic diseases of the upper and lower airways, to function as professional APCs, those specifically able to elicit responses from unprimed, Ag-naive CD4+ T cells has been uncertain. We investigated whether airway eosinophils are capable of initiating naive T cell responses in vivo. Eosinophils, isolated free of other APCs from the spleens of IL-5 transgenic mice, following culture with GM-CSF expressed MHC class II and the costimulatory proteins, CD40, CD80, and CD86. Eosinophils, incubated with OVA Ag in vitro, were instilled intratracheally into wild-type recipient mice that adoptively received i.v. infusions of OVA Ag-specific CD4+ T cells from OVA TCR transgenic mice. OVA-exposed eosinophils elicited activation (CD69 expression), proliferation (BrdU incorporation), and IL-4, but not IFN-γ, cytokine production by OVA-specific CD4+ T cells in paratracheal lymph nodes (LN). Exposure of eosinophils to lysosomotropic NH4Cl, which inhibits Ag processing, blocked each of these eosinophil-mediated activation responses of CD4+ T cells. By three-color fluorescence microscopy, OVA Ag-loaded eosinophil APCs were physically interacting with naive OVA-specific CD4+ T cells in paratracheal LN after eosinophil airway instillation. Thus, recruited luminal airway eosinophils are distinct allergic “inflammatory” professional APCs able to activate primary CD4+ T cell responses in regional LNs.
PRDM1/BLIMP-1 Modulates IFN-γ-Dependent Control of the MHC Class I Antigen-Processing and Peptide-Loading Pathway
Authors: Doody Gina M. , Stephenson Sophie , McManamy Charles , Tooze Reuben M.
Published: April 2014

A diverse spectrum of unique peptide-MHC class I complexes guides CD8 T cell responses toward viral or stress-induced Ags. Multiple components are required to process Ag and facilitate peptide loading in the endoplasmic reticulum. IFN-γ, a potent proinflammatory cytokine, markedly up-regulates transcription of genes involved in MHC class I assembly. Physiological mechanisms which counteract this response are poorly defined. We demonstrate that promoters of functionally linked genes on this pathway contain conserved regulatory elements that allow antagonistic regulation by IFN-γ and the transcription factor B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (also known as PR domain-containing 1, with ZNF domain (PRDM1)). Repression of ERAP1, TAPASIN, MECL1, and LMP7 by PRDM1 results in failure to up-regulate surface MHC class I in response to IFN-γ in human cell lines. Using the sea urchin prdm1 ortholog, we demonstrate that the capacity of PRDM1 to repress the IFN response of such promoters is evolutionarily ancient and that dependence on the precise IFN regulatory factor element sequence is highly conserved. This indicates that the functional interaction between PRDM1 and IFN-regulated pathways antedates the evolution of the adaptive immune system and the MHC, and identifies a unique role for PRDM1 as a key regulator of Ag presentation by MHC class I.
A Novel Population of Human Melanoma-Specific CD8 T Cells Recognizes Melan-AMART-1 Immunodominant Nonapeptide but Not the Corresponding Decapeptide
Authors: Derré Laurent , Ferber Mathias , Touvrey Cédric , Devevre Estelle , Zoete Vincent , Leimgruber Antoine , Romero Pedro , Michielin Olivier , Lévy Frédéric , Speiser Daniel E.
Published: April 2014

HLA-A2-restricted cytolytic T cells specific for the immunodominant human tumor Ag Melan-AMART-1 can kill most HLA-matched melanoma cells, through recognition of two naturally occurring antigenic variants, i.e., Melan-A nonamer AAGIGILTV and decamer EAAGIGILTV peptides. Several previous studies have suggested a high degree of TCR cross-reactivity to the two peptides. In this study, we describe for the first time that some T cell clones are exclusively nonamer specific, because they are not labeled by A2/decamer-tetramers and do not recognize the decamer when presented endogenously. Functional assays with peptides gave misleading results, possibly because decamers were cleaved by exopeptidases. Interestingly, nonapeptide-specific T cell clones were rarely Vα2.1 positive (only 1 of 19 clones), in contrast to the known strong bias for Vα2.1-positive TCRs found in decamer-specific clones (59 of 69 clones). Molecular modeling revealed that nonapeptide-specific TCRs formed unfavorable interactions with the decapeptide, whereas decapeptide-specific TCRs productively created a hydrogen bond between CDR1α and glutamic acid (E) of the decapeptide. Ex vivo analysis of T cells from melanoma metastases demonstrated that both nonamer and decamer-specific T cells were enriched to substantial frequencies in vivo, and representative clones showed efficient tumor cell recognition and killing. We conclude that the two peptides should be regarded as distinct epitopes when analyzing tumor immunity and developing immunotherapy against melanoma.
Kinetics of MHC-CD8 Interaction at the T Cell Membrane
Authors: Huang Jun , Edwards Lindsay J. , Evavold Brian D. , Zhu Cheng
Published: April 2014

CD8 plays an important role in facilitating TCR-MHC interaction, promoting Ag recognition, and initiating T cell activation. MHC-CD8 binding kinetics have been measured in three dimensions by surface plasmon resonance technique using purified molecules. However, CD8 is a membrane-anchored, signaling kinase-linked, and TCR-associated molecule whose function depends on the cell membrane environment. Purified molecules lack their linkage to the membrane, which precludes interactions with other structures of the cell as well as signaling. Furthermore, three-dimensional binding in the fluid phase is biologically and physically distinct from two-dimensional binding across apposing cell membranes. As a first step toward characterizing the molecular interactions between T cells and APCs, we used a micropipette adhesion frequency assay to measure the adhesion kinetics of single mouse T cells interacting with single human RBCs coated with MHC. Using anti-TCR mAb we isolated and characterized the specific two-dimensional MHC-CD8 binding from the trimolecular TCR-MHC-CD8 interaction. The TCR-independent MHC-CD8 interaction has a very low affinity that depends on the MHC alleles, but not on the peptide complexed to the MHC and whether CD8 is an αα homodimer or an αβ heterodimer. Surprisingly, MHC-CD8 binding affinity varies with T cells from different TCR transgenic mice and these affinity differences were abolished by treatment with cholesterol oxidase to disrupt membrane rafts. These data highlight the relevance and importance of two-dimensional analysis of T cells and APCs and indicate that membrane rafts play an important role in modulating the affinity of cell-cell interactions.
Increased Phosphorylation of the Carboxyl-Terminal Domain of RNA Polymerase II and Loading of Polyadenylation and Cotranscriptional Factors Contribute to Regulation of the Ig Heavy Chain mRNA in Plasma Cells
Authors: Shell Scott A. , Martincic Kathleen , Tran Joseph , Milcarek Christine
Published: April 2014

B cells produce Ig H chain (IgH) mRNA and protein, primarily of the membrane-bound specific form. Plasma cells produce 20- to 50-fold higher amounts of IgH mRNA, most processed to the secretory specific form; this shift is mediated by substantial changes in RNA processing but only a small increase in IgH transcription rate. We investigated RNA polymerase II (RNAP-II) loading and phosphorylation of its C-terminal domain (CTD) on the IgG2a H chain gene, comparing two mouse cell lines representing B (A20) and plasma cells (AxJ) that express the identical H chain gene whose RNA is processed in different ways. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and real-time PCR, we detected increased RNAP-II and Ser-2 and Ser-5 phosphorylation of RNAP-II CTD close to the IgH promoter in plasma cells. We detected increased association of several 3′ end-processing factors, ELL2 and PC4, at the 5′ end of the IgH gene in AxJ as compared with A20 cells. Polymerase progress and factor associations were inhibited by 5,6-dichlorobenzimidazole riboside, a drug that interferes with the addition of the Ser-2 to the CTD of RNAP-II. Taken together, these data indicate a role for CTD phosphorylation and polyadenylation/ELL2/PC4 factor loading on the polymerase in the choice of the secretory poly(A) site for the IgH gene.
Characterization of the Deregulated Immune Activation Occurring at Late Stages of Mycobacterial Infection in TNF-Deficient Mice
Authors: Flórido Manuela , Appelberg Rui
Published: April 2014

In the absence of TNF, mice infected with Mycobacterium avium suffer a peculiar disintegration of the granulomas, with extensive apoptosis and necrosis of their cells, occurring during the course of the infection and leading to the death of the animals within a few days of its onset. The survival time depends on the virulence of the infecting strain as well as on the dose and route of infection. Intravenously infected mice developed the typical lesions in hepatic granulomas whereas aerosol-infected animals developed them in the lung granulomas. At the onset of the development of pulmonary granuloma disintegration, extensive expansion of T cells, with intense up-regulation of activation markers, massive exacerbation of their ability to secrete IFN-γ, and increased cytotoxic activity of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were observed. Forced expression of Bcl2 did not prevent the early death of infected TNF-deficient mice leading merely to a modest increase in survival times. The expression of the FasL on T cells was not affected but there was an intense up-regulation of the TRAIL in T cells and, in particular, myeloid cells. We thus show that an exacerbated immune response occurs in TNF-deficient hosts during M. avium infections that leads to enhanced IFN-γ production and late up-regulation of TRAIL which may contribute to granuloma disintegration.
Novel Structural Determinants on SIRPα that Mediate Binding to CD47
Authors: Lee Winston Y. , Weber Dominique A. , Laur Oskar , Severson Eric A. , McCall Ingrid , Jen Rita P. , Chin Alex C. , Wu Tao , Gernet Kim M. , Parkos Charles A.
Published: April 2014

Signal regulatory proteins (SIRP-α, -β, and -γ) are important regulators of several innate immune functions that include leukocyte migration. Membrane distal (D1) domains of SIRPα and SIRPγ, but not SIRPβ, mediate binding to a cellular ligand termed CD47. Because the extracellular domains of all SIRPs are highly homologous, we hypothesized that some of the 16 residues unique to SIRPα.D1 mediate binding to CD47. By site-directed mutagenesis, we determined that SIRPα binding to CD47 is independent of N-glycosylation. We also identified three residues critical for CD47 binding by exchanging residues on SIRPα with corresponding residues from SIRPβ. Cumulative substitutions of the critical residues into SIRPβ resulted in de novo binding of the mutant protein to CD47. Homology modeling of SIRPα.D1 revealed topological relationships among critical residues and allowed the identification of critical residues common to SIRPα and SIRPβ. Mapping these critical residues onto the recently reported crystal structure of SIRPα.D1 revealed a novel region that is required for CD47 binding and is distinct and lateral to another putative CD47 binding site described on that crystal structure. The importance of this lateral region in mediating SIRPα.D1 binding to CD47 was confirmed by epitope mapping analyses of anti-SIRP Abs. These observations highlight a complex nature of the ligand binding requirements for SIRPα that appear to be dependent on two distinct but adjacent regions on the membrane distal Ig loop. A better understanding of the structural basis of SIRPα/CD47 interactions may provide insights into therapeutics targeting pathologic inflammation.
In Vivo Depletion of CD11c+ Cells Impairs Scrapie Agent Neuroinvasion from the Intestine
Authors: Raymond Claudine R. , Aucouturier Pierre , Mabbott Neil A.
Published: April 2014

Following oral exposure, some transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agents accumulate first upon follicular dendritic cells (DCs) in the GALT. Studies in mice have shown that TSE agent accumulation in the GALT, in particular the Peyer’s patches, is obligatory for the efficient transmission of disease to the brain. However, the mechanism through which TSE agents are initially conveyed from the gut lumen to the GALT is not known. Studies have implicated migratory hemopoietic DCs in this process, but direct demonstration of their involvement in vivo is lacking. In this study, we have investigated the contribution of CD11c+ DCs in scrapie agent neuroinvasion through use of CD11c-diptheria toxin receptor-transgenic mice in which CD11c+ DCs can be specifically and transiently depleted. Using two distinct scrapie agent strains (ME7 and 139A scrapie agents), we show that when CD11c+ DCs were transiently depleted in the GALT and spleen before oral exposure, early agent accumulation in these tissues was blocked. In addition, CD11c+ cell depletion reduced susceptibility to oral scrapie challenge indicating that TSE agent neuroinvasion from the GALT was impaired. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that migratory CD11c+ DCs play a key role in the translocation of the scrapie agent from the gut lumen to the GALT from which neuroinvasion subsequently occurs.
Human Cytomegalovirus Differentially Controls B Cell and T Cell Responses through Effects on Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Varani Stefania , Cederarv Madeleine , Feld Sari , Tammik Charlotte , Frascaroli Giada , Landini Maria P. , Söderberg-Nauclér Cecilia
Published: April 2014

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs), the main producers of type I IFN in response to viral infection, are essential in antiviral immunity. In this study, we assessed the effect of human CMV (HCMV) infection on PDC function and on downstream B and T cell responses in vitro. HCMV infection of human PDCs was nonpermissive, as immediate-early but not late viral Ags were detected. HCMV led to partial maturation of PDCs and up-regulated MHC class II and CD83 molecules but not the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. Regardless of viral replication, PDCs secreted cytokines after contact with HCMV, including IFN-α secretion that was blocked by inhibitory CpG, suggesting an engagement of the TLR7 and/or TLR9 pathways. In the presence of B cell receptor stimulation, soluble factors produced by HCMV-matured PDCs triggered B cell activation and proliferation. Through PDC stimulation, HCMV prompted B cell activation, but only induced Ab production in the presence of T cells or T cell secreted IL-2. Conversely, HCMV hampered the allostimulatory ability of PDCs, leading to decreased proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which HCMV differentially controls humoral and cell-mediate immune responses through effects on PDCs.
Galectin-3 Functions as an Adhesion Molecule to Support Eosinophil Rolling and Adhesion under Conditions of Flow
Authors: Rao Savita P. , Wang Zhuangzhi , Zuberi Riaz I. , Sikora Lyudmila , Bahaie Nooshin S. , Zuraw Bruce L. , Liu Fu-Tong , Sriramarao P.
Published: April 2014

Allergic inflammation involves the mobilization and trafficking of eosinophils to sites of inflammation. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has been shown to play a critical role in eosinophil recruitment and airway allergic inflammation in vivo. The role played by Gal-3 in human eosinophil trafficking was investigated. Eosinophils from allergic donors expressed elevated levels of Gal-3 and demonstrated significantly increased rolling and firm adhesion on immobilized VCAM-1 and, more surprisingly, on Gal-3 under conditions of flow. Inhibition studies with specific mAbs as well as lactose demonstrated that: 1) eosinophil-expressed Gal-3 mediates rolling and adhesion on VCAM-1; 2) α4 integrin mediates eosinophil rolling on immobilized Gal-3; and 3) eosinophil-expressed Gal-3 interacts with immobilized Gal-3 through the carbohydrate recognition domain of Gal-3 during eosinophil trafficking. These findings were further confirmed using inflamed endothelial cells. Interestingly, Gal-3 was found to bind to α4 integrin by ELISA, and the two molecules exhibited colocalized expression on the cell surface of eosinophils from allergic donors. These findings suggest that Gal-3 functions as a cell surface adhesion molecule to support eosinophil rolling and adhesion under conditions of flow.
Heme Oxygenase-1 Inhibits the Expression of Adhesion Molecules Associated with Endothelial Cell Activation via Inhibition of NF-κB RelA Phosphorylation at Serine 276
Authors: Seldon Mark P. , Silva Gabriela , Pejanovic Nadja , Larsen Rasmus , Gregoire Isabel Pombo , Filipe Josina , Anrather Josef , Soares Miguel P.
Published: April 2014

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1; encoded by the Hmox1 gene) catalyzes the degradation of free heme into biliverdin, via a reaction that releases iron (Fe) and carbon monoxide. We report that HO-1 down-regulates the proinflammatory phenotype associated with endothelial cell (EC) activation by reducing intracellular nonprotein-bound Fe (labile Fe). EC isolated from Hmox1−/− mice have higher levels of intracellular labile Fe and reactive oxygen species (ROS) as compared with EC isolated from Hmox1+/+ mice. Basal and TNF-induced expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin were increased in Hmox1−/− vs Hmox1+/+ EC, an effect reversed by Fe chelation using deferoxamine mesylate (DFO). Fe chelation inhibits TNF-driven transcription of Vcam-1, Icam-1, and E-selectin, as assessed using luciferase reporter assays. This effect is associated with inhibition of the transcription factor NF-κB via a mechanism that is not associated with the inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation/degradation or NF-κB (i.e., RelA) nuclear translocation, although it affects very modestly NF-κB binding to DNA κB consensus sequences in the Vcam-1 and E-selectin promoters. HO-1 inhibits NF-κB (i.e., RelA) phosphorylation at Ser276, a phosphoacceptor that is critical to sustain TNF-driven NF-κB activity in EC. This effect was mimicked by Fe chelation as well as by antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine). In conclusion, we demonstrate a novel mechanism via which HO-1 down-modulates the proinflammatory phenotype of activated EC, i.e., the inhibition of RelA phosphorylation at Ser276.
Amelioration of Chronic Murine Colitis by Peptide-Mediated Transduction of the IκB Kinase Inhibitor NEMO Binding Domain Peptide
Authors: Davé Shaival H. , Tilstra Jeremy S. , Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Li Fengling , Karrasch Thomas , Uno Jennifer K. , Sepulveda Antonia R. , Jobin Christian , Baldwin Albert S. , Robbins Paul D. , Plevy Scott E.
Published: April 2014

The NF-κB family of transcription factors is a central regulator of chronic inflammation. The phosphorylation of IκB proteins by the IκB kinase (IKK) complex (IKKα, IKKβ, and NF-κB essential modulator or NEMO) is a key step in NF-κB activation. Peptides corresponding to the NEMO binding domain (NBD) of IKK blocks NF-κB activation without inhibiting basal NF-κB activity. In this report, we determined the effects of the IKK inhibitor peptide (NBD) in a model of spontaneously occurring chronic murine colitis, the IL-10-deficient (IL-10−/−) mouse. Using a novel cationic peptide transduction domain (PTD) consisting of eight lysine residues (8K), we were able to transduce the NBD peptide into cells and tissues. In a NF-κB reporter system, 8K-NBD dose-dependently inhibits TNF-induced NF-κB activation. Furthermore, 8K-NBD inhibited nuclear translocation of NF-κB family members. In NF-κBEGFP knock-in mice, 8K-NBD inhibited LPS-activated NF-κB (EGFP activity) in the ileum but did not inhibit basal NF-κB in Peyer’s patches. IL-10−/− mice treated systemically with 8K-NBD demonstrate amelioration of established colitis, decreased NF-κB activation in the lamina propria, and a reduction in spontaneous intestinal IL-12 p40, TNF, IFN-γ, and IL-17 production. These results demonstrate that inhibitors of IKK, in particular a PTD-NBD peptide, may be therapeutic in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
A Complement C3 Inhibitor Specifically Targeted to Sites of Complement Activation Effectively Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in DBA/1J Mice
Authors: Song Hongbin , Qiao Fei , Atkinson Carl , Holers V. Michael , Tomlinson Stephen
Published: April 2014

Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) represents an animal model of autoimmune polyarthritis with similarities to human rheumatoid arthritis, and therapy with various systemic complement-inhibitory proteins has been investigated in this model with varying results. We investigated the use of complement receptor 2 (CR2)-Crry, a complement inhibitor with the ability to target C3 breakdown products deposited in a rheumatic joint. Following induction of CIA in DBA/1J mice, animals were treated with either PBS or CR2-Crry (every other day, every 4 days, or with a single injection). The severity of clinical disease was significantly reduced in all CR2-Crry-treated groups compared with controls. Joints from mice receiving multiple doses of CR2-Crry showed significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltrate, cartilage damage, pannus formation, and bone damage. CR2-Crry treatment also significantly decreased production of anti-collagen IgG and the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. IL-10 and IL-1Ra levels were increased in CR2-Crry-treated mice. CR2-Crry localized preferentially in the joints of mice with CIA. Analysis of IgG and C3 deposition in the joints of treated animals indicated that both complement regulation and the modulation of anti-collagen Ab production contributed to the protective effects of CR2-Crry. Of interest, a previous study reported that Crry-Ig, an untargeted counterpart of CR2-Crry, had minimal effect on disease, even when administered at a sufficiently high dose to maintain chronic complement inhibition.