bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rac and Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Regulate the Protein Kinase B in FcεRI Signaling in RBL 2H3 Mast Cells
Authors: Djouder Nabil , Schmidt Gudula , Frings Monika , Cavalié Adolfo , Thelen Marcus , Aktories Klaus
Published: April 2014

FcεRI signaling in rat basophilic leukemia cells depends on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) and the small GTPase Rac. Here, we studied the functional relationship among PI3-kinase, its effector protein kinase B (PKB), and Rac using inhibitors of PI3-kinase and toxins inhibiting Rac. Wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3-kinase, blocked FcεRI-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase Cγ, inositol phosphate formation, calcium mobilization, and secretion of hexosaminidase. Similarly, Clostridium difficile toxin B, which inactivates all Rho GTPases including Rho, Rac and Cdc42, and Clostridium sordellii lethal toxin, which inhibits Rac (possibly Cdc42) but not Rho, blocked these responses. Stimulation of the FcεRI receptor induced a rapid increase in the GTP-bound form of Rac. Whereas toxin B inhibited the Rac activation, PI3-kinase inhibitors (wortmannin and LY294002) had no effect on activation of Rac. In line with this, wortmannin had no effect on tyrosine phosphorylation of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav. Wortmannin, toxin B, and lethal toxin inhibited phosphorylation of PKB on Ser473. Similarly, translocation of the pleckstrin homology domain of PKB tagged with the green fluorescent protein to the membrane, which was induced by activation of the FcεRI receptor, was blocked by inhibitors of PI3-kinase and Rac inactivation. Our results indicate that in rat basophilic leukemia cells Rac and PI3-kinase regulate PKB and suggest that Rac is functionally located upstream and/or parallel of PI3-kinase/PKB in FcεRI signaling.
Adjuvant Arthritis Induces Down-Regulation of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases in the Immune System
Authors: Lombardi Maria Stella , Kavelaars Annemieke , Cobelens Pieter M. , Schmidt Reinhold E. , Schedlowski Manfred , Heijnen Cobi J.
Published: April 2014

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) play a crucial role in the regulation of the immune response by, e.g., chemokines, PGs, and β2-adrenergic agonists. The responsiveness of these GPCRs is turned off by the family of G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK1–6). These kinases act by phosphorylating the GPCR in an agonist-dependent manner, resulting in homologous desensitization of the receptor. Although GRKs are widely expressed throughout the body, leukocytes express relatively high levels of GRKs, in particular GRK2, -3, and -6. We investigated whether in vivo the inflammatory disease adjuvant arthritis (AA) induces changes in GRK expression and function in the immune system. In addition, we analyzed whether the systemic effects of AA also involve changes in GRKs in nonimmune organs. At the peak of the inflammatory process, we observed a profound down-regulation of GRK2, -3, and -6 in splenocytes and mesenteric lymph node cells from AA rats. Interestingly, no changes in GRK were observed in thymocytes and in nonimmune organs such as heart and pituitary. During the remission phase of AA, GRK levels in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes are returning to baseline levels. The decrease in GRK2 at the peak of AA is restricted to CD45RA+ B cells and CD4+ T cells, and was not observed in CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate in this study, for the first time, that an inflammatory process in vivo induces a tissue-specific down-regulation of GRKs in the immune system.
Prevention of Anti-IgM-Induced Apoptosis Accompanying G1 Arrest in B Lymphoma Cells Overexpressing Dominant-Negative Mutant Form of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase 1
Authors: Takada Eiko , Toyota Hiroko , Suzuki Jun , Mizuguchi Junichiro
Published: April 2014

A family of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases comprising the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), and p38 MAP kinases are involved in proliferation and apoptosis. However, there are some arguments concerning the role of these kinases in Ag-induced B cell apoptosis. Two of the B lymphoma cell lines (CH31 and WEHI-231) susceptible to anti-IgM-induced apoptosis were used as a model. To address these issues, we examined the kinetics of anti-IgM-induced activation of MAP kinases and established cell lines overexpressing a dominant-negative (dn) mutant form of JNK1 (dnJNK1). Anti-IgM induced a sustained JNK1 activation with a peak at 8 h, with a marginal activation of ERK1/ERK2 in CH31 cells. The sustained JNK1 activation was not a secondary event through a caspase activation. The peak point of the JNK1 activation was just before the onset of a decline in mitochondrial membrane potential, which preceded anti-IgM-induced cell death. Following anti-IgM stimulation, dnJNK1 prevented a decline in mitochondrial membrane potential at 24 h, with a prolonged inhibition up to 72 h in WEHI-231, although it did so only partially during a later time period in CH31. The dnJNK1 cells also demonstrated diminished procaspase-3 activation and a decreased rate of apoptosis upon anti-IgM stimulation, with a concomitant increased arrest in G1 phase, which could be explained by enhanced levels of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1 protein. Thus, anti-IgM-induced JNK activation might be implicated in cell cycle progression as well as in apoptosis regulation, probably involving p27Kip1 protein.
T Cell Studies in a Peptide-Induced Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Khalil Magi , Inaba Kayo , Steinman Ralph , Ravetch Jeffrey , Diamond Betty
Published: April 2014

We have previously reported that immunization with a peptide mimetope of dsDNA on a branched polylysine backbone (DWEYSVWLSN-MAP) induces a systemic lupus erythematosus-like syndrome in the nonautoimmune BALB/c mouse strain. To understand the mechanism underlying this breakdown in self tolerance, we examined the role of T cells in the response. Our results show that the anti-foreign and anti-self response induced by immunization is T cell dependent and is mediated by I-Ed-restricted CD4+ T cells of the Th1 subset. In addition, generation of the critical T cell epitope requires processing by APCs and depends on the presence of both DWEYSVWLSN and the MAP backbone. The breakdown in self tolerance does not occur through cross-reactivity between the T cell epitope of DWEYSVWLSN-MAP and epitopes derived from nuclear Ags. In this induced-model of SLE, therefore, autoreactivity results from the activation of T cells specific for foreign Ag and of cross-reactive anti-foreign, anti-self B cells. Despite the fact that tissue injury is mediated by Ab, the critical initiating T cell response is Th1.
Broad Programming by IL-2 Receptor Signaling for Extended Growth to Multiple Cytokines and Functional Maturation of Antigen-Activated T Cells
Authors: Malek Thomas R. , Yu Aixin , Scibelli Paul , Lichtenheld Mathias G. , Codias Elaine K.
Published: April 2014

Coincident production of IL-2 and induction of high-affinity IL-2R upon TCR engagement has precluded a clear distinction for the biological outcome of signaling through TCR/costimulatory molecules vs the IL-2R. Using a novel transgenic mouse on the IL-2Rβ−/− genetic background, this study has separated the relative outcome of signaling through the TCR and IL-2R. We show that stimulation through the TCR and CD28 or CD40 ligand directly leads to T cell activation and several rounds of proliferation in an IL-2-independent fashion. However, this stimulation is insufficient for extended T cell growth to multiple cytokines or differentiation into CTL or IFN-γ-secreting effector T cells. IL-2 is required for these functions in part by regulation of cyclin D3 and granzyme B. Somewhat less efficiently, IL-4 stimulation of these transgenic T cells redundantly rescued many of these activities. These data demonstrate a fundamental requirement for IL-2 and perhaps other common γ-chain-dependent cytokines to promote selective gene expression by Ag-activated T cells for their subsequent growth and differentiation into effector T lymphocytes.
Signal Via Lymphotoxin-βR on Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Is Required for an Early Checkpoint of NK Cell Development
Authors: Wu Qiang , Sun Yonglian , Wang Jing , Lin Xiaoqi , Wang Yang , Pegg Lyle E. , Fütterer Agnes , Pfeffer Klaus , Fu Yang-Xin
Published: April 2014

NK cells play an important role in the immune system but the cellular and molecular requirements for their early development are poorly understood. Lymphotoxin-α (LTα)−/− and LTβR−/− mice show a severe systemic reduction of NK cells, which provides an excellent model to study NK cell development. In this study, we show that the bone marrow (BM) or fetal liver cells from LTα−/− or LTβR−/− mice efficiently develop into mature NK cells in the presence of stromal cells from wild-type mice but not from LTα−/− or LTβR−/− mice. Direct activation of LTβR-expressing BM stromal cells is shown to promote to early NK cell development in vitro. Furthermore, the blockade of the interaction between LT and LTβR in adult wild-type mice by administration of LTβR-Ig impairs the development of NK cells in vivo. Together, these results indicate that the signal via LTβR on BM stromal cells by membrane LT is an important pathway for early NK cell development.
Molecular Basis for Paradoxical Carriers of Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Deficiency That Show Extremely Low Levels of ADA Activity in Peripheral Blood Cells Without Immunodeficiency
Authors: Ariga Tadashi , Oda Noriko , Sanstisteban Ines , Arredondo-Vega Francisco X. , Shioda Mitsutaka , Ueno Hideki , Terada Kihei , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Hershfield Michael S. , Sakiyama Yukio
Published: April 2014

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency causes an autosomal recessive form of severe combined immunodeficiency and also less severe phenotypes, depending to a large degree on genotype. In general, ADA activity in cells of carriers is approximately half-normal. Unexpectedly, healthy first-degree relatives of two unrelated ADA-deficient severe combined immunodeficient patients (mother and brother in family I; mother in family II) had only 1–2% of normal ADA activity in PBMC, lower than has previously been found in PBMC of healthy individuals with so-called “partial ADA deficiency.” The level of deoxyadenosine nucleotides in erythrocytes of these paradoxical carriers was slightly elevated, but much lower than levels found in immunodeficient patients with ADA deficiency. ADA activity in EBV-lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) and T cell lines established from these carriers was 10–20% of normal. Each of these carriers possessed two mutated ADA alleles. Expression of cloned mutant ADA cDNAs in an ADA-deletion strain of Escherichia coli indicated that the novel mutations G239S and M310T were responsible for the residual ADA activity. ADA activity in EBV-LCL extracts of the paradoxical carriers was much more labile than ADA from normal EBV-LCL. Immunoblotting suggested that this lability was due to denaturation rather than to degradation of the mutant protein. These results further define the threshold level of ADA activity necessary for sustaining immune function.
A Role for Calnexin in the Assembly of the MHC Class I Loading Complex in the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Authors: Diedrich Gundo , Bangia Naveen , Pan Mary , Cresswell Peter
Published: April 2014

Heterodimers of MHC class I glycoprotein and β2-microglobulin (β2m) bind short peptides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Before peptide binding these molecules form part of a multisubunit loading complex that also contains the two subunits of the TAP, the transmembrane glycoprotein tapasin, the soluble chaperone calreticulin, and the thiol oxidoreductase ERp57. We have investigated the assembly of the loading complex and provide evidence that after TAP and tapasin associate with each other, the transmembrane chaperone calnexin and ERp57 bind to the TAP-tapasin complex to generate an intermediate. These interactions are independent of the N-linked glycan of tapasin, but require its transmembrane and/or cytoplasmic domain. This intermediate complex binds MHC class I-β2m dimers, an event accompanied by the loss of calnexin and the acquisition of calreticulin, generating the MHC class I loading complex. Peptide binding then induces the dissociation of MHC class I-β2m dimers, which can be transported to the cell surface.
Cloning and Characterization of Integrin α Subunits from the Solitary Ascidian,Halocynthia roretzi
Authors: Miyazawa Seita , Azumi Kaoru , Nonaka Masaru
Published: April 2014

Recent molecular and biochemical analysis has revealed the presence of an opsonic complement system in the solitary ascidian, Halocynthia roretzi, composed of at least C3, two mannan binding protein-associated serine proteases, and factor B. To elucidate further the structure and function of this apparently primitive complement system in the urochordates, we looked for the ascidian complement receptor type 3 (CR3), or type 4 (CR4), which are members of the leukocyte integrin family in mammals. Using degenerate primers, we isolated two integrin α subunits (αHr1 and αHr2) from the hemocyte mRNA of H. roretzi, by RT-PCR, and the entire coding sequence of αHr1 was determined from cDNA clones. αHr1 contains an I domain, the inserted domain characteristic of a subset of mammalian α subunits, including the leukocyte integrin family. A phylogenetic tree constructed for the α subunits also supports the ancestral position of αHr1 in the monophyletic cluster of I domain-containing α integrins. The αHr1 gene shows hemocyte-specific expression on Northern blot analysis. Western blot analysis and immunocytochemical staining of the hemocytes of H. roretzi using anti-αHr1 Ab showed that αHr1 subunits exist on the surface of a subpopulation of phagocytic hemocytes. Furthermore, anti-αHr1 Ab inhibited C3-dependent phagocytosis, but not basic phagocytosis, of yeast cells by ascidian hemocytes. These observations strongly suggest that αHr1 constitutes an integrin molecule on the hemocytes of H. roretzi that functions as an ancestral form of CR3 and CR4 and mediates phagocytosis in the primitive complement system of the ascidian.
Thermal Stability of MHC Class I-β2-Microglobulin Peptide Complexes in the Endoplasmic Reticulum Is Determined by the Peptide Occupancy of the Transporter Associated with Antigen Processing Complex
Authors: Owen Barbara A. L. , Pease Larry R.
Published: April 2014

Once MHC class I heavy chain binds β2-microglobulin (β2m) within the endoplasmic reticulum, an assembly complex comprising the class I heterodimer, TAP, TAPasin, calreticulin, and possibly Erp57 is formed before the binding of high affinity peptide. TAP-dependent delivery of high affinity peptide to in vitro translated Kbβ2m complexes within microsomes (TAP+/TAPasin+) was studied to determine at which point peptide binding becomes resistant to thermal denaturation. It was determined that the thermal stability of Kb-β2m-peptide complexes depends on the timing of peptide binding to Kbβ2m relative to TAP binding high affinity peptide. Premature exposure of the TAP complex to high affinity peptide before its association with class I heavy chain results in Kbβ2m-peptide-TAP complexes that lose peptide upon exposure to elevated temperature after solubilization away from microsome-associated proteins. These findings suggest that the order in which class I heavy chain associates with endoplasmic reticulum-resident chaperones and peptide determines the stability of Kbβ2m-peptide complexes.
Role of the Complementarity-Determining Region 3 (CDR3) of the TCR-β Chains Associated with the Vα14 Semi-Invariant TCR α-Chain in the Selection of CD4+ NK T Cells
Authors: Ronet Catherine , Mempel Martin , Thieblemont Nathalie , Lehuen Agnès , Kourilsky Philippe , Gachelin Gabriel
Published: April 2014

The NK1.1+TCRαβint CD4+, or double negative T cells (NK T cells) consist of a mixture of CD1d-restricted and CD1d-unrestricted cells. The relationships between CD4+NK1.1+ T cells and conventional T cells are not understood. To compare their respective TCR repertoires, NK1.1+TCRαβint, CD4+ T cells have been sorted out of the thymus, liver, spleen, and bone marrow of C57BL/6 mice. Molecular analysis showed that thymus and liver used predominantly the Vα14-Jα281 and Vβ 2, 7, and 8 segments. These cells are CD1d restricted and obey the original definition of NK T cells. The complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) sequences of the TCR Vβ8.2-Jβ2.5 chain of liver and thymus CD4+ NK T cells were determined and compared with those of the same rearrangements of conventional CD4+ T cells. No amino acid sequence or usage characteristic of NK T cells could be evidenced: the Vβ8.2-Jβ2.5 diversity regions being primarily the same in NK T and in T cells. No clonal expansion of the β-chains was observed in thymus and liver CD1d-restricted CD4+NK T cells, suggesting the absence of acute or chronic Ag-driven stimulation. Molecular analysis of the TCR used by Vα14-Jα281 transgenic mice on a Cα−/− background showed that the α-chain can associate with β-chains using any Vβ segment, except in NK T cells in which it paired predominately with Vβ 2, 7, and 8+ β-chains. The structure of the TCR of NK T cells thus reflects the affinity for the CD1d molecule rather than a structural constraint leading to the association of the invariant α-chain with a distinctive subset of Vβ segment.
Constitutive Association of SHP-1 with Leukocyte-Associated Ig-Like Receptor-1 in Human T Cells
Authors: Sathish Jean G. , Johnson Kenneth G. , Fuller Kerensa J. , LeRoy Frances G. , Meyaard Linde , Sims Martin J. , Matthews R. James
Published: April 2014

The intracellular Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHP-1) is a negative regulator of cell signaling and contributes to the establishment of TCR signaling thresholds in both developing and mature T lymphocytes. Although there is much functional data implicating SHP-1 as a regulator of TCR signaling, the molecular basis for SHP-1 activation in T lymphocytes is poorly defined. A modification of the yeast two-hybrid system was employed to identify in T cells phosphotyrosine-containing proteins capable of binding the SH2 domains of SHP-1. From this yeast tri-hybrid screen, the p85β subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif-containing receptors, leukocyte-associated Ig-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) and programmed death-1 (PD-1), were identified. Coimmunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that the exclusive phosphotyrosine-containing protein associated with SHP-1 in Jurkat T cells under physiological conditions is LAIR-1. Significantly, this interaction is constitutive and was detected only in the membrane-enriched fraction of cell lysates. Ligand engagement of the SH2 domains of SHP-1 is a prerequisite to activation of the enzyme, and, consistent with an association with LAIR-1, SHP-1 was found to be constitutively active in unstimulated Jurkat T cells. Importantly, a constitutive interaction between LAIR-1 and SHP-1 was also detected in human primary T cells. These results illustrate the sustained recruitment and activation of SHP-1 at the plasma membrane of resting human T cells by an inhibitory receptor. We propose that this mechanism may exert a constitutive negative regulatory role upon T cell signaling.
Differential Transcriptional Regulation of Individual TCR Vβ Segments Before Gene Rearrangement
Authors: Chen Fei , Rowen Lee , Hood Lee , Rothenberg Ellen V.
Published: April 2014

The promoter sequences of individual murine TCR Vβ segments are dissimilar, but any functional differences between them are masked after productive gene rearrangement by the dominance of the TCRβ 3′ enhancer. However, thymocytes of recombination-activating gene-2 (Rag2)-deficient mice allow the transcriptional activity of Vβ promoters to be studied before rearrangement. Here we report that many Vβ segments are detectably transcribed in Rag2−/− thymocytes and that there are significant differences in expression among different Vβ segments. Primer extension and characterization of cDNA clones from SCID thymocytes suggest that these germline Vβ transcripts generally use the same start sites as those previously determined in mature T cells. The strength of expression before rearrangement does not correlate with proximity to the known enhancer, because members of the most distal Vβ cluster (Vβ2.1, Vβ1.1, Vβ4.1) are relatively strongly expressed and more proximal Vβ segments (Vβ14.1, Vβ3.1, Vβ7.1, Vβ6.1) are only weakly expressed. Different Vβ segments also show different developmental programs of activation in different thymocyte subsets, with the Vβ5.1(L)-8.2(V) spliced transcript expressed earliest as well as most strongly overall. Comparison with Rag+ MHC class I−/− and class II−/− thymocytes confirms that many of these expression differences are leveled by rearrangement and/or by β selection, before MHC-dependent selection. However, the expression pattern of Vβ2.1 is highly distinctive and includes cell types apparently outside the T lineage, suggesting potential acquisition of specialized roles.
Yersinia Outer Protein P of Yersinia enterocolitica Simultaneously Blocks the Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway and Exploits Lipopolysaccharide Signaling to Trigger Apoptosis in Macrophages
Authors: Ruckdeschel Klaus , Mannel Oliver , Richter Kathleen , Jacobi Christoph A. , Trülzsch Konrad , Rouot Bruno , Heesemann Jürgen
Published: April 2014

Exposure of macrophages to bacteria or LPS mediates activation of signaling pathways that induce expression of self defense-related genes. Pathogenic Yersinia species impair activation of transcription factor NF-κB and trigger apoptosis in macrophages. In this study, we dissected the mechanism of apoptosis induction by Yersinia. Selectively, Yersinia enterocolitica strains producing the effector protein Yersinia outer protein P (YopP) hampered NF-κB activation and subsequently conferred apoptosis to J774A.1 macrophages. Thereby, YopP bound and inhibited the macrophage NF-κB-activating kinase IKKβ. YopP- and Yersinia-, but not Salmonella-induced apoptosis was specifically prevented by transient overexpression of NF-κB p65, giving evidence that YopP mediates cell death by disrupting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Transfection of J774A.1 macrophages with YopP induced a moderate, but significant degree of apoptosis (40–50% of transfected cells). This effect was strongly enhanced by additional initiation of LPS signaling (80–90%), indicating a synergism between LPS-induced signal transduction and inhibition of NF-κB by YopP. This reflects a strategy of a bacterial pathogen that takes advantage of LPS, serving as cofactor, to impair the macrophage.
Antifungal and Airway Remodeling Roles for Murine Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1/CCL2 During Pulmonary Exposure toAsperigillus fumigatusConidia
Authors: Blease Kate , Mehrad Borna , Lukacs Nicholas W. , Kunkel Steven L. , Standiford Theodore J. , Hogaboam Cory M.
Published: April 2014

Asperigillus fumigatus spores or conidia are quickly eliminated from the airways of nonsensitized individuals but persist in individuals with allergic pulmonary responsiveness to fungus. A. fumigatus-induced allergic airway disease is characterized by persistent airway hyperreactivity, inflammation, and fibrosis. The present study explored the role of CCR2 ligands in the murine airway response to A. fumigatus conidia. Nonsensitized and A. fumigatus-sensitized CBA/J mice received an intratracheal challenge of A. fumigatus conidia, and pulmonary changes were analyzed at various times after conidia. Whole lung levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2), but neither MCP-3/CCL7 nor MCP-5/CCL12, were significantly elevated at days 3 and 7 after conidia in nonsensitized mice. MCP-1/CCL2 was significantly increased in lung samples from A. fumigatus-sensitized mice at days 14 and 30 after a conidia challenge. Administration of anti-MCP-1/CCL2 antiserum to nonsensitized mice for14 days after the conidia challenge attenuated the clearance of conidia and significantly increased airway hyperreactivity, eosinophilia, and peribronchial fibrosis compared with nonsensitized mice that received conidia and normal serum. Adenovirus-directed overexpression of MCP-1/CCL2 in A. fumigatus-sensitized mice markedly reduced the number of conidia, airway inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness at day 7 after the conidia challenge in these mice. Immunoneutralization of MCP-1/CCL2 levels in A. fumigatus-sensitized mice during days14–30 after the conidia challenge did not affect the conidia burden but significantly reduced airway hyperreactivity, lung IL-4 levels, and lymphocyte recruitment into the airways compared with the control group. These data suggest that MCP-1/CCL2 participates in the pulmonary antifungal and allergic responses to A. fumigatus conidia.
Transplantation Tolerance and Autoimmunity After Xenogeneic Thymus Transplantation
Authors: Xia Guliang , Goebels Jozef , Rutgeerts Omer , Vandeputte Michel , Waer Mark
Published: April 2014

Successful grafting of vascularized xenografts (Xgs) depends on the ability to reliably induce both T cell-independent and -dependent immune tolerance. After temporary NK cell depletion, B cell suppression, and pretransplant infusion of donor Ags, athymic rats simultaneously transplanted with hamster heart and thymus Xgs developed immunocompetent rat-derived T cells that tolerated the hamster Xgs but provoked multiple-organ autoimmunity. The autoimmune syndrome was probably due to an insufficient development of tolerance for some rat organs; for example, it led to thyroiditis in the recipient rat thyroid, but not in simultaneously transplanted donor hamster thyroid. Moreover, grafting a mixed hamster/rat thymic epithelial cell graft could prevent the autoimmune syndrome. These experiments indicate that host-type thymic epithelial cells may be essential for the establishment of complete self-tolerance and that mixed host/donor thymus grafts may induce T cell xenotolerance while maintaining self-tolerance in the recipient.
The Binding Subunit of Pertussis Toxin Inhibits HIV Replication in Human Macrophages and Virus Expression in Chronically Infected Promonocytic U1 Cells
Authors: Alfano Massimo , Vallanti Giuliana , Biswas Priscilla , Bovolenta Chiara , Vicenzi Elisa , Mantelli Barbara , Pushkarsky Tatyana , Rappuoli Rino , Lazzarin Adriano , Bukrinsky Michael , Poli Guido
Published: April 2014

We have recently shown that the binding subunit of pertussis toxin (PTX-B) inhibits the entry and replication of macrophage-tropic (R5) HIV-1 strains in activated primary T lymphocytes. Furthermore, PTX-B suppressed the replication of T cell-tropic (X4) viruses at a postentry level in the same cells. In this study we demonstrate that PTX-B profoundly impairs entry and replication of the HIV-1ADA (R5), as well as of HIV pseudotyped with either murine leukemia virus or vesicular stomatitis virus envelopes, in primary monocyte-derived macrophages. In addition, PTX-B strongly inhibited X4 HIV-1 replication in U937 promonocytic cells and virus expression in the U937-derived chronically infected U1 cell line stimulated with cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. Of interest, TNF-α-mediated activation of the cellular transcription factor NF-κB was unaffected by PTX-B. Therefore, PTX-B may represent a novel and potent inhibitor of HIV-1 replication to be tested for efficacy in infected individuals. In support of this proposition, a genetically modified mutant of PTX (PT-9K/129G), which is safely administered for prevention of Bordetella pertussis infection, showed an in vitro anti-HIV profile superimposable to that of PTX-B.
Conventional αβ T Cells Are Sufficient for Innate and Adaptive Immunity Against Enteric Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Bregenholt Søren , Berche Patrick , Brombacher Frank , Di Santo James P.
Published: April 2014

We have begun to dissect the cellular requirements for generation of immunity against enteric infection by Listeria monocytogenes using a novel T− B− NK− mouse strain (mice double deficient for the common cytokine receptor γ-chain (γc) and the recombinase-activating gene-2 (RAG2/γc mice). Initial experiments showed that C57BL/6 mice and alymphoid RAG2/γc mice had similar kinetics of bacterial accumulation in the spleen, liver, and brain early after intragastric L. monocytogenes infection (up to day 3), calling into question the physiologic role of gut-associated lymphoid cells during the passage of this enterobacterium into the host. However, in contrast to C57BL/6 mice, RAG2/γc mice rapidly succumbed to disseminated infection by day 7. Polyclonal lymph node CD4+ and CD8+ αβ T cells were able to confer RAG2/γc mice with long-lasting protection against enteric L. monocytogenes infection in the absence of γδ T, NK, and NK-T cells. Moreover, these αβ T-reconstituted RAG2/γc mice produced IFN-γ at levels comparable to C57BL/6 mice in response to L. monocytogenes both in vitro and in vivo. Protection was IFN-γ dependent, as RAG2/γc mice reconstituted with IFN-γ-deficient αβ T cells were unable to control enteric L. monocytogenes infection. Furthermore, αβ T cell-reconstituted RAG2/γc mice were able to mount memory responses when challenged with lethal doses of L. monocytogenes. These data suggest that NK, NK-T, γδ T, and B cells are functionally redundant in the immunity against oral L. monocytogenes infection, and that in their absence αβ T cells are able to mediate the early IFN-γ production required for both innate and adaptive immunity.
The Potent Adjuvant Activity of Archaeosomes Correlates to the Recruitment and Activation of Macrophages and Dendritic Cells In Vivo
Authors: Krishnan Lakshmi , Sad Subash , Patel Girishchandra B. , Sprott G. Dennis
Published: April 2014

The unique glycerolipids of Archaea can be formulated into vesicles (archaeosomes) with potent adjuvant activity. We studied the effect of archaeosomes on APCs to elucidate the mechanism(s) of adjuvant action. Exposure of J774A.1 macrophages to archaeosomes in vitro resulted in up-regulation of B7.1, B7.2, and MHC class II molecules to an extent comparable to that achieved with LPS. Similarly, incubation of bone marrow-derived DCs with archaeosomes resulted in enhanced expression of MHC class II and B7.2 molecules. In contrast, conventional liposomes made from ester phospholipids failed to modulate the expression of these activation markers. APCs treated with archaeosomes exhibited increased TNF production and functional ability to stimulate allogenic T cell proliferation. More interestingly, archaeosomes enhanced APC recruitment and activation in vivo. Intraperitoneal injection of archaeosomes into mice led to recruitment of Mac1α+, F4/80+ and CD11c+ cells. The expression of MHC class II on the surface of peritoneal cells was also enhanced. Furthermore, peritoneal cells from archaeosome-injected mice strongly enhanced allo-T cell proliferation and cytokine production. The ability of archaeosome-treated APCs to stimulate T cells was restricted to Mac1αhigh, B220− cells in the peritoneum. These Mac1αhigh cells in the presence of GM-CSF gave rise to both F4/80+ (macrophage) and CD11c+ (dendritic) populations. Overall, the activation of APCs correlated to the ability of archaeosomes to induce strong humoral, T helper, and CTL responses to entrapped Ag. Thus, the recruitment and activation of professional APCs by archaeosomes constitutes an efficient self-adjuvanting process for induction of Ag-specific responses to encapsulated Ags.
IL-4 Plays a Crucial Role in Regulating Oxidative Damage in the Liver During Schistosomiasis
Authors: La Flamme Anne Camille , Patton Elisabeth A. , Bauman Beverley , Pearce Edward J.
Published: April 2014

Liver enlargement and hepatocyte proliferation, normal responses in wild-type (WT) mice infected with the parasitic helminth Schistosoma mansoni, were found to be severely impaired in infected IL-4−/− mice. Compared with WT mice, increased levels of O2−, NO, and the more highly reactive ONOO− were detected in the liver and produced by lesional cells isolated from liver granulomas of infected IL-4−/− mice. Concurrently, antioxidant defenses in the liver, specifically catalase levels, diminished dramatically during the course of infection in these animals. This contrasted to the situation in infected WT mice, where catalase levels remained as high as those in normal mice. Actual levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates in the livers of infected IL-4−/− animals are thus likely to be considerably higher than those in the livers of infected WT mice. To determine whether these changes contributed to the development of the more severe disease that characterizes infection in the IL-4−/− animals, we treated infected IL-4−/− mice with uric acid, a potent scavenger of ONOO−. This resulted in significantly increased hepatocyte proliferation, decreased morbidity, and prolonged survival. Taken together, these data indicate that IL-4 is playing a protective role during schistosomiasis by controlling the tight regulation of the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates in the liver.
Mice Lacking the Chemokine Receptor CCR1 Show Increased Susceptibility toToxoplasma gondiiInfection
Authors: Khan Imtiaz A. , Murphy Philip M. , Casciotti Lori , Schwartzman Joseph D. , Collins Jane , Gao Ji-Liang , Yeaman Grant R.
Published: April 2014

Chemokines are critical for the recruitment of effector immune cells to sites of infection. Mice lacking the chemokine receptor CCR1 have defects in neutrophil trafficking and proliferation. In the present study, we tested the susceptibility of CCR1 knockout mice to infection with the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In comparison with parental wild-type mice, CCR1−/− mice exhibited dramatically increased mortality to T. gondii in association with an increased tissue parasite load. No differences were observed in Ag-specific T cell proliferation or in cytokine responses between mutant and wild-type mice. However, the influx of PMNs to the peripheral blood and to the liver were reduced in CCR1−/− mice during early infection. Our results suggest that CCR1-dependent migration of neutrophils to the blood and tissues may have a significant impact in controlling parasite replication.
MD-2 Enables Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR2)-Mediated Responses to Lipopolysaccharide and Enhances TLR2-Mediated Responses to Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria and Their Cell Wall Components
Authors: Dziarski Roman , Wang Qiuling , Miyake Kensuke , Kirschning Carsten J. , Gupta Dipika
Published: April 2014

MD-2 is associated with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on the cell surface and enables TLR4 to respond to LPS. We tested whether MD-2 enhances or enables the responses of both TLR2 and TLR4 to Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and their components. TLR2 without MD-2 did not efficiently respond to highly purified LPS and LPS partial structures. MD-2 enabled TLR2 to respond to nonactivating protein-free LPS, LPS mutants, or lipid A and enhanced TLR2-mediated responses to both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and their LPS, peptidoglycan, and lipoteichoic acid components. MD-2 enabled TLR4 to respond to a wide variety of LPS partial structures, Gram-negative bacteria, and Gram-positive lipoteichoic acid, but not to Gram-positive bacteria, peptidoglycan, and lipopeptide. MD-2 physically associated with TLR2, but this association was weaker than with TLR4. MD-2 enhanced expression of both TLR2 and TLR4, and TLR2 and TLR4 enhanced expression of MD-2. Thus, MD-2 enables both TLR4 and TLR2 to respond with high sensitivity to a broad range of LPS structures and to lipoteichoic acid, and, moreover, MD-2 enhances the responses of TLR2 to Gram-positive bacteria and peptidoglycan, to which the TLR4-MD-2 complex is unresponsive.
Host Responses toPlasmodium yoeliiHepatic Stages: A Paradigm in Host-Parasite Interaction
Authors: Lau Audrey O. T. , Sacci John B. , Azad Abdu F.
Published: April 2014

The liver stage of malaria, caused by the genus Plasmodium, is clinically silent, but immunologically significant. Ample evidence exists for an effective CD8+ T cell response to this stage as well as the involvement of γδT cells and NK1.1int cells in immunized animal models. In contrast, there is little information concerning responses in a naive host. Here we report that several host gene expressions in the liver, spleen, and kidney of BALB/c mice are altered during the liver stage of Plasmodium yoelii infection. Really interesting new gene 3 (Ring3), semaphorin subclass 4 member G, glutamylcysteine synthetase, and p45 NF erythroid 2 were all up-regulated 24 h after infection with P. yoelii. Semaphorin subclass 4 member G expression was elevated in the kidney, whereas Ring3 was elevated in both spleen and kidney. The expression of TNF-α (TNF-α and IFN-γ) were down-regulated in all three tissues tested except in infected spleen where IFN-γ was elevated. P. yoelii-related host gene changes were compared with those in Toxoplasma gondii-infected livers. Ring3 expression increased 5-fold over control values, whereas expression of the other transcripts remained unchanged. TNF-α and IFN-γ expressions were increased in the Toxoplasma-infected livers. The uniform increase of Ring3 expression in both Plasmodium- and Toxoplasma-infected livers suggests an innate immune response against parasitic infections, whereas the other gene expression changes are consistent with Plasmodium parasite-specific responses. Taken together, these changes suggest the immune responses to P. yoelii infection are both parasite and organ specific.
A Model to Predict Cell-Mediated Immune Regulatory Mechanisms During Human Infection withMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Wigginton Janis E. , Kirschner Denise
Published: April 2014

A key issue for the study of tuberculosis infection (TB) is to understand why individuals infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis experience different clinical outcomes. Elaborating the immune mechanisms that determine whether an infected individual will suffer active TB or latent infection can aid in developing treatment and prevention strategies. To better understand the dynamics of M. tuberculosis infection and immunity, we have developed a virtual human model that qualitatively and quantitatively characterizes the cellular and cytokine control network operational during TB infection. Using this model, we identify key regulatory elements in the host response. In particular, factors affecting cell functions, such as macrophage activation and bactericidal capabilities, and effector T cell functions such as cytotoxicity and cytokine production can each be determinative. The model indicates, however, that even if latency is achieved, it may come at the expense of tissue damage if the response is not properly regulated. A balance in Th1 and Th2 immune responses governed by IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-4 facilitate this down-regulation. These results are further explored through virtual deletion and depletion experiments.
Perforin Is Required for Primary Immunity toHistoplasma capsulatum
Authors: Zhou Ping , Freidag Brenda L. , Caldwell Charles C. , Seder Robert A.
Published: April 2014

Protective immunity against primary and secondary infection by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum (HC) is multifactorial, requiring cells of the innate and adaptive immune response. Effector mechanisms that could mediate intracellular killing of HC include cytokines such as IFN-γ and TNF-α and/or direct cytolytic activity by T and NK cells. In this regard, although previous work has clearly demonstrated a critical role for IFN-γ and TNF-α in limiting fungal growth in primary HC infection, less is known regarding the role of cytolytic mechanisms. The studies reported here first address the role of perforin in mediating immunity to HC. Remarkably, perforin-deficient knockout (PfKO) mice were shown to have accelerated mortality and increased fungal burden following a lethal or sublethal primary challenge. These data established an essential role for perforin in primary immunity systemic HC infection. Interestingly, depletion of CD8+ T cells in PfKO mice caused a further increase in fungal burden and accelerated mortality, suggesting a perforin-independent role for CD8+ T cells. Moreover, adoptive transfer of CD8+ T cells from PfKO mice into IFN-γ−/− mice caused a reduction in fungal burden following infectious challenge compared with control IFN-γ−/− mice. Together, these data suggest that CD8+ T cells can mediate immunity to HC through both perforin-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
Therapeutic Benefit of a Dissociated Glucocorticoid and the Relevance of In Vitro Separation of Transrepression from Transactivation Activity
Authors: Belvisi Maria G. , Wicks Sharon L. , Battram Clifford H. , Bottoms Stephen E. W. , Redford Jane E. , Woodman Paul , Brown Thomas J. , Webber Stephen E. , Foster Martyn L.
Published: April 2014

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the mainstay of asthma therapy; however, major side effects limit their therapeutic use. GCs influence the expression of genes either by transactivation or transrepression. The antiinflammatory effects of steroids are thought to be due to transrepression and the side effects, transactivation. Recently, a compound, RU 24858, has been identified that demonstrated dissociation between transactivation and transrepression in vitro. RU 24858 exerts strong AP-1 inhibition (transrepression), but little or no transactivation. We investigated whether this improved in vitro profile results in the maintenance of antiinflammatory activity (evaluated in the Sephadex model of lung edema) with reduced systemic toxicity (evaluated by loss in body weight, thymus involution, and bone turnover) compared with standard GCs. RU 24858 exhibits comparable antiinflammatory activity to the standard steroid, budesonide. However, the systemic changes observed indicate that transactivation events do occur with this GC with similar potency to the standard steroids. In addition, the GCs profiled showed no differentiation on quantitative osteopenia of the femur. These results suggest that in vitro separation of transrepression from transactivation activity does not translate to an increased therapeutic ratio for GCs in vivo or that adverse effects are a consequence of transrepression.
Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide and IFN-γ Induce Toll-Like Receptor 2 and Toll-Like Receptor 4 Expression in Human Endothelial Cells: Role of NF-κB Activation
Authors: Faure Emmanuelle , Thomas Lisa , Xu Helen , Medvedev Andrei E. , Equils Ozlem , Arditi Moshe
Published: April 2014

Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 has been identified as the primary receptor for enteric LPS, whereas TLR2 has been implicated as the receptor for Gram-positive and fungal cell wall components and for bacterial, mycobacterial, and spirochetal lipoproteins. Vascular endothelial cell (EC) activation or injury by microbial cell wall components such as LPS is of critical importance in the development of sepsis and septic shock. We have previously shown that EC express predominantly TLR4, and have very little TLR2. These cells respond vigorously to LPS via TLR4, but are unresponsive to lipoproteins and other TLR2 ligands. Here we show that LPS, TNF-α, or IFN-γ induce TLR2 expression in both human dermal microvessel EC and HUVEC. Furthermore, LPS and IFN-γ act synergistically to induce TLR2 expression in EC, and LPS-induced TLR2 expression is NF-κB dependent. LPS and IFN-γ also up-regulate TLR4 mRNA expression in EC. These data indicate that TLR2 and TLR4 expression in ECs is regulated by inflammatory molecules such as LPS, TNF-α, or IFN-γ. TLR2 and TLR4 molecules may render EC responsive to TLR2 ligands and may help to explain the synergy between LPS and lipoproteins, and between LPS and IFN-γ, in inducing shock associated with Gram-negative sepsis.
Blockade of Secondary Lymphoid Tissue Chemokine Exacerbates Propionibacterium acnes-Induced Acute Lung Inflammation
Authors: Itakura Meiji , Tokuda Atsuko , Kimura Hiroshi , Nagai Shigenori , Yoneyama Hiroyuki , Onai Nobuyuki , Ishikawa Sho , Kuriyama Takayuki , Matsushima Kouji
Published: April 2014

Chemokine-chemokine receptor interaction plays an essential role in leukocyte/dendritic cell (DC) trafficking in inflammation and immune responses. We investigated the pathophysiological roles of secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC; CCL21) and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) in the development of acute pulmonary inflammation induced by an intratracheal injection of Propionibacterium acnes in mice. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that SLC was constitutively expressed in the peribronchial areas and perivascular lymphatics in normal mice. MIP-2-positive cells were observed in alveolar spaces in mice challenged with P. acnes. Both neutralization Abs against MIP-2 and CXC chemokine receptor 2 alleviated the P. acnes-induced pulmonary inflammation when injected before P. acnes Ag challenge. On the other hand, polyclonal anti-SLC Abs (pAbs) exacerbated the pulmonary inflammation. The numbers of mature DCs (MHC class II +, CD11c+, and CD86+) as well as macrophages and neutrophils in the P. acnes Ag-challenged lungs were increased, whereas the number of CD4+ T cells, including memory T cells, was decreased. The numbers of mature and proliferating CD4+ T cells (bromodeoxyuridine+CD4+) in regional lymph nodes were decreased in mice injected with anti-SLC pAbs compared with those in mice treated with control Abs. An in vitro proliferation assay confirmed the impairment of the Ag-specific T cell response in regional lymph nodes of mice treated with anti-SLC pAbs. These results indicate for the first time a regulatory role for SLC-recruited mature DCs in bridging an acute inflammatory response (innate immunity) and acquired immunity in the lung.
Local Transgenic Expression of Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor Initiates Autoimmunity
Authors: Biondo Mark , Nasa Zeyad , Marshall Aiden , Hock Toh Ban , Alderuccio Frank
Published: April 2014

Mechanisms leading to breakdown of immunological tolerance and initiation of autoimmunity are poorly understood. Experimental autoimmune gastritis is a paradigm of organ-specific autoimmunity arising from a pathogenic autoimmune response to gastric H/K ATPase. The gastritis is accompanied by autoantibodies to the gastric H/K ATPase. The best characterized model of experimental autoimmune gastritis requires neonatal thymectomy. This procedure disrupts the immune repertoire, limiting its usefulness in understanding how autoimmunity arises in animals with intact immune systems. Here we tested whether local production of GM-CSF, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is sufficient to break tolerance and initiate autoimmunity. We generated transgenic mice expressing GM-CSF in the stomach. These transgenic mice spontaneously developed gastritis with an incidence of about 80% after six backcrosses to gastritis-susceptible BALBc/CrSlc mice. The gastritis is accompanied by mucosal hypertrophy, enlargement of draining lymph nodes and autoantibodies to gastric H/K ATPase. An infiltrate of dendritic cells and macrophages preceded CD4 T cells into the gastric mucosa. T cells from draining lymph nodes specifically proliferated to the gastric H/K ATPase. CD4 but not CD8 T cells transferred gastritis to nude mouse recipients. CD4+ CD25+ T cells from the spleen retained anergic suppressive properties that were reversed by IL-2. We conclude that local expression of GM-CSF is sufficient to break tolerance and initiate autoimmunity mediated by CD4 T cells. This new mouse model should be useful for studies of organ-specific autoimmunity.