bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockade of Endogenous TNF-α Exacerbates Primary and Secondary Pulmonary Histoplasmosis by Differential Mechanisms
Authors: Allendoerfer Ruth , Deepe George S.
Published: January 2023

We investigated the mechanisms by which endogenous TNF-α modulates host defenses during experimental primary and secondary pulmonary infection with Histoplasma capsulatum (Hc). Neutralization of TNF-α in vivo resulted in increased CFU and 100% mortality in naive and immune mice challenged with Hc intranasally. Levels of IFN-γ and granulocyte macrophage-CSF were elevated in TNF-α-neutralized naive mice, whereas IL-4, -6, -10 and TGF-β did not differ from controls. In contrast, in secondary histoplasmosis, significant elevations of IL-4 and -10 were observed in TNF-α-depleted mice. Alveolar macrophages (Mφ) did not exert fungistatic activity against Hc after exposure to recombinant murine TNF-α, recombinant murine IFN-γ, or both. The increase in susceptibility to primary Hc infection was associated with diminished production of reactive nitrogen intermediates by alveolar Mφ from TNF-α-depleted mice, whereas production of nitric oxide during secondary histoplasmosis was similar in both groups. Upon secondary challenge, TNF-α-depleted mice were rescued by concomitant neutralization of IL-4 and IL-10, but not either cytokine alone. Thus, TNF-α is critical for controlling primary and secondary infection with Hc, and the mechanisms that lead mice to succumb to primary or secondary infection when endogenous TNF-α is blocked are different.
Cutting Edge: A Critical, Invariant Chain-Independent Role for H2-M in Antigen Presentation
Authors: Swier Kevin , Brown2 Daniel R. , Bird Jennifer J. , Martin W. David , Kaer Luc Van , Reiner Steven L.
Published: January 2023

Antigen presentation by MHC class II (class II) is facilitated by the accessory molecules, invariant chain (Ii) and H2-M. Ii associates with class II during biosynthesis and promotes transport of class II to Ag-loading compartments. One function of H2-M is the removal of Ii fragments from MHC class II. We have previously demonstrated that Ii-deficient mice, unlike class II-deficient mice, are resistant to L. major infection. In the present study, we found that H2-M-deficient (H2-M0) mice were susceptible to progressive infection with L. major. The dispensability of Ii for control of L. major allowed genetic analysis of whether H2-M functions by association with or independently of Ii. In contrast to Ii-deficient (Ii0) mice, Ii0H2-M0 mice were as susceptible to L. major as H2-M0 mice. Thus, H2-M has an essential, Ii-independent function during presentation of microbial pathogens.
Cutting Edge: T Helper 1 and T Helper 2 Cells Respond Differentially to Chemokines
Authors: Siveke Jens T. , Hamann Alf
Published: January 2023

T effector subsets, such as Th1 or Th2 cells, are key players in inflammatory reactions. It is not known whether chemokines are able to recruit these subsets differentially, as has been shown for memory vs naive T cells. Here we demonstrate that Th1 and Th2 cells differ in their intrinsic migratory properties and their chemotactic responsiveness toward distinct chemokines. While the CC-chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β, and RANTES were efficient chemoattractants for Th1 cells, inducing a dose-dependent transmigration, Th2 cells were not attracted by these chemokines. Another CC-chemokine, JE/monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and a CXC-chemokine, stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α, exerted chemotactic effects on both Th1 and Th2 cells, but differences in sensitivity and the percentage of responding cells were recorded between both subsets. These results indicate that chemokines play a distinct role in the regulation of local immune reactions by influencing the local balance between proinflammatory and antiinflammatory T cell subsets.
Cutting Edge: Detection of MCP-4 in Dermal Fibroblasts and Its Activation of the Respiratory Burst in Human Eosinophils
Authors: Petering Holger , Höchstetter Renate , Kimmig Daniela , Smolarski Regina , Kapp Alexander , Elsner Jörn
Published: January 2023

CC-chemokines are an important family of proinflammatory mediators that promote the recruitment and activation of human eosinophils in chronic inflammatory diseases. Recently, a novel human CC-chemokine, monocyte chemotactic protein 4 (MCP-4), has been reported that shows amino acid sequence similarities with eotaxin and RANTES, induces chemotaxis of eosinophils, and signals through specific chemokine receptors. In this study, we investigated the effect of MCP-4 on different eosinophil effector functions leading to the activation of the respiratory burst. In human eosinophils, MCP-4 dose dependently induced the production of reactive oxygen species and actin polymerization as a related event. Pretreatment of eosinophils with different enzyme inhibitors interacting with the signal transduction cascade revealed that Gi protein, protein kinase C, tyrosine kinase, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase are involved in the signaling following stimulation with MCP-4. In addition, cytokine-stimulated human dermal fibroblasts expressed high levels of MCP-4 mRNA, suggesting that fibroblasts are a physiologic source of MCP-4. Therefore, this study demonstrates that there is an important role of MCP-4 in the activation of eosinophils and that the interaction between dermal fibroblasts and human eosinophils may play an important role within the cytokine network.
Suppression of Immune Responses by CD8 Cells. II. Qa-1 on Activated B Cells Stimulates CD8 Cell Suppression of T Helper 2 Responses
Authors: Noble Alistair , Zhao Zi-Shan , Cantor Harvey
Published: January 2023

We have investigated the role of MHC class I products and CD8 T cells in regulating Ab responses using β2-microglobulin deficient (β2m−/−) mice. β2m−/− mice produced stronger IgM and IgG responses than did control β2m+/+ mice to both cellular and viral Ags. These Ab responses could be suppressed by infusion of activated B cells from β2m+/+ mice. Further investigation showed that the β2m-associated molecule on activated B cells that induced CD8 suppression was Qa-1 and that the Th2 component of CD4 cells was most affected by CD8-suppressive activity. Our findings suggest a novel pathway of Th inhibition in which B cell presentation of Qa-1-associated peptides stimulates CD8 suppressive activity.
Ovalbumin-Specific, MHC Class I-Restricted, αβ-Positive, Tc1 and Tc0 CD8+ T Cell Clones Mediate the In Vivo Inhibition of Rat IgE
Authors: MacAry Paul A. , Holmes Beverly J. , Kemeny David M.
Published: January 2023

In the following study, we demonstrate that medium responder PVG rats immunized i.p. with OVA complexed to the adjuvant aluminum hydroxide exhibit a moderate IgE response (400–1000 ng/ml). In these rats, we demonstrate that underlying the MHC class II-restricted CD4+ T cell response, there is an MHC class I-restricted CD8+ T cell component that plays an important role in restricting the magnitude and duration of the IgE response. We show that in vivo depletion of CD8+ T cells effects a massive increase in IgE (20-fold), and that they are MHC class I-restricted, OVA-specific, cytolytic cells that universally produce IFN-γ (25–69 ng/ml) and IL-2 (7.6–22 U/ml), and occasionally secrete IL-4 (68–81 U/ml IL-4), and when adoptively transferred into CD8-depleted recipients, can effect a significant reduction in IgE (3- to 50-fold). We also demonstrate that this in vivo inhibition of IgE is dependent on the Ag-specific activation of the CD8+ T cells, and that the activated CD8+ T cells will suppress total/bystander IgE in an Ag-nonspecific manner. These data are consistent with a growing literature demonstrating sensitization of MHC class I-restricted CD8+ T cells by exogenous protein Ags delivered to mucosal sites, and may represent a mechanism whereby a selective pressure can be applied on the functional outcome of an immunoglobulin response to environmental allergens.
Perforin Protects Against Autoimmunity in Lupus-Prone Mice
Authors: Peng Stanford L. , Moslehi Javid , Robert Marie E. , Craft Joe
Published: January 2023

The roles of cytolytic regulatory mechanisms in the immune system of lupus-prone mice were examined in perforin-deficient animals bearing functional or defective (lpr) Fas Ag (CD95). Perforin-deficient Fas+ animals developed accelerated autoimmunity, characterized by increased hypergammaglobulinemia, autoantibody production, and immune deposit-related end-organ disease compared with perforin-intact counterparts. In comparison, perforin-deficient lpr animals had accelerated mortality compared with perforin-intact lpr mice, associated with the abnormal accumulation of CD3+CD4−CD8− αβ T cells in conjunction with unaltered hypergammaglobulinemia, autoantibody production, and immune complex renal disease. These results indicate that cytolytic lymphoid regulation plays critical roles in the immune homeostasis of lupus-prone animals, and identify perforin-mediated cytotoxicity as a specific mechanism in the regulation of systemic autoimmunity.
Positive Selection of Thymocytes Expressing the Same TCR by Different MHC Ligands Results in the Production of Functionally Distinct Thymocytes Distinguished by Differential Expression of the Heat Stable Antigen
Authors: Teh Hung-Sia , Motyka Bruce , Teh Soo-Jeet
Published: January 2023

The issue of whether the signaling process during positive selection can affect the efficiency by which the positively selected T cells respond to antigenic stimulation has not been addressed. We approached this question by determining the consequences of positive selection of a particular transgenic TCR (2C TCR) in the H-2b and the H-2k thymus. The H-2b thymus provides a strong positive-selecting environment for the 2C TCR, whereas the H-2k thymus selects weakly for the 2C TCR. Although the positively selected CD8 thymocytes from the H-2b or H-2k thymus expressed similar levels of the CD8 coreceptor molecule, those for the H-2k thymus expressed a slightly lower level of the 2C TCR. This lower level of 2C TCR expression by H-2k CD8 thymocytes was not a result of coexpression of endogenous TCRs. Interestingly, CD8 thymocytes from H-2k mice were hyporesponsive to Ag stimulation compared with those from the H-2b mice. The functional maturity of positively selected CD8 thymocytes from the H-2b or H-2k thymus was inversely correlated with the level of heat stable Ag expressed by these cells. Furthermore, TCR-derived signals appear to be more efficiently coupled to downstream pathways leading to proliferation and cytokine production in CD8 thymocytes from H-2b 2C mice than those derived from H-2k 2C mice. These results provide the first demonstration that the intensity of the signaling process during positive selection affects the efficiency by which TCR-derived signals in positively selected thymocytes are coupled to downstream effector pathways.
T Cell Growth Cytokines Cause the Superinduction of Molecules Mediating Antigen-Induced T Lymphocyte Death
Authors: Zheng Lixin , Trageser Carol L. , Willerford Dennis M. , Lenardo Michael J.
Published: January 2023

TCR stimulation of T lymphocytes that are activated and cycling in the presence of IL-2 leads to programmed cell death. We now show that this effect is at least partly attributable to the ability of IL-2 to dramatically increase the expression of mRNAs encoding ligands and receptors that mediate apoptosis. We also found that cyclosporin was not able to fully inhibit the TCR induction of death molecule mRNAs or TCR-induced apoptosis, although it could completely turn off IL-2 expression. The effect of growth cytokines was further explored in T cells derived from mice bearing a homozygous deficiency of the IL-2R α-chain. We found that IL-2Rα−/− cells were resistant to death if IL-2 was used to induce apoptosis susceptibility, but that large amounts of other T cell growth cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-7, could induce cell cycle progression and promote TCR-induced apoptosis. However, our findings suggest that autoimmunity and lymphoproliferation in IL-2Rα−/− mice can result from the loss of IL-2-stimulated feedback apoptosis and that other growth cytokines are not produced at levels sufficient to compensate for this deficit.
Identification and Characterization of the CXCR4 Chemokine Receptor in Human T Cell Lines: Ligand Binding, Biological Activity, and HIV-1 Infectivity
Authors: Hesselgesser Joseph , Liang Meina , Hoxie James , Greenberg Michael , Brass Lawrence F. , Orsini Michael J. , Taub Dennis , Horuk Richard
Published: January 2023

The CXCR4 chemokine receptor has been shown to respond to the C-X-C chemokine stromal-derived factor (SDF-1) and has recently been shown to be an important coreceptor for HIV-1 infection. In the present paper we have tested a number of human T lymphocyte cell lines, including Jurkat, HUT78, CEM, and Sup-T1 for the presence of CXCR4 receptors. We found that these T cell lines bind SDF-1α and SDF-1β with high affinity. The CXCR4 Ab 12G5 inhibited both SDF-1 binding and HIV-1LAI-mediated fusion of CEM. Scatchard analysis revealed the presence of approximately 150,000 SDF-1α-binding sites per cell with a Kd between 5 and 10 nM. Cross-competition experiments using unlabeled SDF-1α and SDF-1β revealed that both chemokines are equally capable of displacing their radiolabeled counterparts. Internalization studies with [125]I-SDF-1α revealed that Jurkat cells internalized greater than 90% of the ligand by 2 h at 37°C. SDF-1α was also chemotactic for Jurkat cells and caused an increase in the rate of extracellular acidification that was half-maximal at 18 nM SDF-1α and could be inhibited by pretreatment with the SDF-1 proteins, pertussis toxin, or the Ab 12G5. Finally, SDF-1α also caused an increase in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in Sup-T1 cells that was abolished by preincubating the cells with pertussis toxin or PMA and inhibited by the Ab 12G5. This molecular characterization of CXCR4 receptors should prove useful in clarifying receptor interaction with SDF-1 proteins and with HIV-1 glycoprotein, with the ultimate aim of targeting the viral interaction for therapeutic intervention.
Translational Efficiency Is Up-Regulated by Alternative Exon in Murine IL-15 mRNA
Authors: Nishimura Hitoshi , Washizu Junji , Nakamura Nobuhisa , Enomoto Atsushi , Yoshikai Yasunobu
Published: January 2023

IL-15 promotes the growth of T cells and shares properties of IL-2. IL-2 is produced exclusively by T cells, while IL-15 message is expressed by a variety of tissues. However, it has been difficult to demonstrate IL-15 in the supernatants of many cells that express message for this cytokine. This suggests that IL-15 production is regulated by post-transcriptional controls. In this study, we cloned three types of murine IL-15 cDNA isoforms generated by alternative splicing and compared the translational efficiency among these isoforms. The translational efficiency of isoforms with alternative exon 5 containing another 3′ splice site was significantly higher than that of IL-15 cDNA with originally described exon 5, which is generated by internal splicing of alternative exon 5. The translation product of the isoform containing alternative exon 5 has a shorter open reading frame due to stop codons in additional sequence, followed by a new AUG codon, and displays a shorter leader sequence. The shorter isoform of the IL-15 was detected in peritoneal macrophages stimulated with IFN-γ and LPS, which expressed an abundant level of alternative exon 5. These results suggest that normal IL-15 production in stimulated macrophages is regulated by splicing of alternative exon 5.
Anti-CD40 Ligand Antibody Treatment of SNF1 Mice with Established Nephritis: Preservation of Kidney Function
Authors: Kalled Susan L. , Cutler Anne H. , Datta Syamal K. , Thomas David W.
Published: January 2023

Prior studies have demonstrated that treatment of young, prenephritic lupus-prone mice with Ab directed against CD40 ligand (CD40L) prolongs survival and decreases the incidence of severe nephritis. In this report, we show that for (SWR × NZB)F1 (SNF1) animals with established lupus nephritis, long-term treatment with anti-CD40L beginning at either 5.5 or 7 mo of age prolonged survival and decreased the incidence of severe nephritis. “Older” mice were chosen for these studies to more closely resemble the clinical presentation of patients with established renal disease. We show that age at the start of treatment, which typically correlates with severity of disease, is an important factor when determining an efficacious therapeutic protocol since animals that began treatment at 7 mo of age required a more aggressive treatment protocol than animals at 5.5 mo of age. Remarkably, several anti-CD40L-treated animals beginning treatment at age 5.5 mo demonstrated a decline in proteinuria, as opposed to increasing proteinuria levels seen in hamster IgG (HIg)-treated controls, and histologic examination of kidneys from anti-CD40L-treated mice revealed dramatically diminished inflammation, sclerosis/fibrosis, and vasculitis, in marked contrast to the massive inflammation and kidney destruction observed in control animals that received hamster IgG. Spleens from anti-CD40L-treated mice also exhibited markedly reduced inflammation and fibrosis compared with controls. Together, these results show that treatment of older, nephritic SNF1 animals with long-term anti-CD40L immunotherapy significantly prolongs survival, reduces the severity of nephritis, and diminishes associated inflammation, vasculitis, and fibrosis.
Heterogeneity of Mouse Spleen Dendritic Cells: In Vivo Phagocytic Activity, Expression of Macrophage Markers, and Subpopulation Turnover
Authors: Leenen Pieter J. M. , Radošević Katarina , Voerman Jane S. A. , Salomon Benoı̂t , van Rooijen Nico , Klatzmann David , van Ewijk Willem
Published: January 2023

In the normal mouse spleen, two distinct populations of dendritic cells (DC) are present that differ in microanatomical location. The major population of marginal DC is found in the “marginal zone bridging channels” and extends into the red pulp. The interdigitating cells (IDC) are localized in the T cell areas in the white pulp. The aim of the present study was to characterize these two splenic DC populations with regard to their phenotype, in vivo phagocytic function, and turnover. Both marginal DC and IDC are CD11c+ and CD13+, but only IDC are NLDC-145+ and CD8α+. Notably, both populations, when freshly isolated, express the macrophage markers F4/80, BM8, and Mac-1. To study the phagocytic capacity of these cells, we employed the macrophage “suicide” technique by injecting liposomes loaded with clodronate i.v. Marginal DC, but not IDC, were eliminated by this treatment. Phagocytosis of DiI-labeled liposomes by DC confirmed this finding. The two DC populations differed significantly with regard to their turnover rates, as studied in a transgenic mouse model of conditional depletion of DC populations with high turnover. In these mice, marginal DC were completely eliminated, but the IDC population remained virtually intact. From these data we conclude that the marginal DC population has a high turnover, in contrast to the IDC population. Taken together, the present results indicate that marginal DC and IDC represent two essentially distinct populations of DC in the mouse spleen. They differ not only in location, but also in phenotype, phagocytic ability, and turnover.
IL-4 Enhances Long-Term Survival of CD28-Deficient T Cells
Authors: Stack Risa M. , Thompson Craig B. , Fitch Frank W.
Published: January 2023

CD28 signaling is critical for IL-2 production by established Th1 clones, but CD28 does not appear to play a role in the activation of established Th2 clones. To determine the role of CD28 in the generation of polarized T cells, clones were derived using cells from CD28-deficient (CD28−/− mice, which had been bred with mice that express the DO11.10 transgene, a CD4+ TCR-αβ receptor that recognizes OVA peptide 323–339 bound to I-Ad. Most T cell clones derived from CD28+/+ mice survived multiple stimulations, while T cell clones derived from CD28−/− mice survived only if they were derived initially in the presence of IL-4 or both IL-2 and IL-4. Signaling through the CD28 molecule did not appear to be important in the initial activation of T cell clones, as the precursor frequency of clones derived from normal (CD28+/+) and CD28−/− mice was similar. Primary stimulation in the presence of IL-4 increased cell number and viability of both CD28+/+ and CD28−/− T cells in primary culture. However, the survival of CD28−/− cells is more dependent on IL-4 than is the survival of CD28+/+ cells. The continued presence of anti-IL-4 mAb dramatically decreased the number of viable cells in the CD28−/− cultures but had little effect on the viability of the CD28+/+ clones. Thus, initial culture with IL-4 allows the isolation of CD28−/− T cell clones that produce IL-4. In these clones, IL-4 acts as both an autocrine growth and survival factor.
Identification of an IL-7-Associated Pre-Pro-B Cell Growth-Stimulating Factor (PPBSF). II. PPBSF Is a Covalently Linked Heterodimer of IL-7 and aMr 30,000 Cofactor
Authors: Lai Laijun , Chen Fangqi , McKenna Sean , Goldschneider Irving
Published: January 2023

Evidence is provided in a companion paper for an IL-7-associated molecular complex that selectively stimulates the proliferation and presumptive differentiation of pre-pro-B cells in our long-term bone marrow culture system and “primes” them to proliferate in response to monomeric IL-7. Here, Western immunoblot analysis reveals that this pre-pro-B cell growth-stimulating factor (PPBSF) is a self-assembling heterodimer of IL-7 and a cofactor with a Mr of 30,000. Thus, when developed with anti-IL-7 mAb, PPBSF migrates electrophoretically as a covalently bound ∼55-kDa molecule under nonreducing conditions but dissociates under reducing conditions. Furthermore, the addition of rIL-7 or native IL-7 to medium conditioned by stromal cells from IL-7 gene-deleted (−/−) mice results in the formation of active 45-kDa and 55-kDa molecular complexes, respectively. Antiserum prepared in IL-7(−/−) mice against affinity-purified PPBSF contained separable reactivities for IL-7 and the non-IL-7 component of PPBSF. The PPBSF cofactor detected by this antiserum migrates as an ∼30-kDa molecule and is able to maintain the viability, but not the proliferation, of pre-pro-B cells. Furthermore, the cofactor is produced constitutively by IL-7(−/−) and IL-7(+/+) bone marrow stromal cells under pro-B- but not pre-B-type culture conditions. Consequently, IL-7 appears to exist almost entirely as a heterodimer (i.e., PPBSF) in pro-B-type cultures, whereas it exists almost entirely as a monomer in pre-B-type cultures. Although the identity of the PPBSF cofactor remains to be determined, it does not appear to be stem cell factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, thymic stromal-derived lymphopoietin, flt3, stromal cell-derived factor-1, or IL-7R.
Characterization of the Interactions Between MHC Class I Subunits: A Systematic Approach for the Engineering of Higher Affinity Variants of β2-Microglobulin
Authors: Shields Michael J. , Assefi Nassim , Hodgson Wesley , Kim Ellen J. , Ribaudo Randall K.
Published: January 2023

Human β2m (hβ2m) binds to murine MHC I molecules with higher affinity than does murine β2m and therefore can be used as a model system to define and dissect the interactions between β2m and MHC I heavy chains that promote the stability of the complex. In the present study we compare three-dimensional crystal structures of human and murine MHC I molecules and use functional studies of chimeric human:murine β2m variants to define a region of β2m that is involved in the higher affinity of hβ2m for murine MHC I heavy chains. Further examination of the three-dimensional structure in this region revealed conformational differences between human and murine β2m that affect the ability of an aspartic acid residue at position 53 (D53) conserved in both β2ms to form an ionic bond with arginine residues at positions 35 and 48 of the heavy chain. Mutation of residue D53 to either asparagine (D53N) or valine (D53V) largely abrogated the stabilizing effects of hβ2m on murine MHC I expression in a predictable manner. Based on this observation a variant of hβ2m was engineered to create an ionic bond between the heavy chain and β2m. This variant stabilizes cell surface H-2Dd heavy chains to a greater extent than wild-type hβ2m. Studying these interactions in light of the growing database of MHC I crystal structures should allow the rational design of higher affinity hβ2m variants for use in novel peptide-based vaccines capable of inducing cell-mediated immune responses to viruses and tumors.
Induction of Nuclear Factor-κB During Primary B Cell Differentiation
Authors: Kistler Barbara , Rolink Antonius , Marienfeld Ralf , Neumann Manfred , Wirth Thomas
Published: January 2023

We have investigated activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the process of primary B cell differentiation in vitro. In this system, NF-κB is strongly induced when B cells develop from the pre-B cell to the immature B cell stage. Unlike the typical NF-κB activation in response to exogenous stimuli, induction proceeds with a slow time course. NF-κB induction is only observed in B cells that undergo differentiation, not in Rag2-deficient cells. Nuclear DNA binding complexes predominantly comprise p50/RelA heterodimers and, to a lesser extent, c-Rel-containing dimers. The increase in NF-κB binding activity is accompanied by a slow and steady decrease in IκBβ protein levels. Interestingly, absolute RelA protein levels remain unaffected, whereas RelB and c-Rel synthesis is induced. The reason for preferential nuclear translocation of RelA complexes appears to be selective inhibition by the IκBβ protein. IκBβ can efficiently inhibit p50/RelA complexes, but has a much reduced ability to interfere with p50/c-Rel DNA binding both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, p50/RelB complexes are not at all targeted by IκBβ, and coimmunoprecipitation experiments show no evidence for an association of IκBβ and RelB in vivo. Consistent with these observations, IκBβ cotransfection can inhibit p50/RelA-mediated trans-activation, but barely affects p50/RelB mediated trans-activation.
Characterization of cis-Regulatory Elements and Nuclear Factors Conferring Th2-Specific Expression of the IL-5 Gene: A Role for a GATA-Binding Protein
Authors: Lee Hyun Jun , O’Garra Anne , Arai Ken-ichi , Arai Naoko
Published: January 2023

Expression of the IL-5 gene is restricted to the Th2 subset of helper T cells. We have previously defined four cis-regulatory elements of the IL-5 promoter responding to PMA and cAMP in EL-4 cells. We now report that the 1.2-kb region of the IL-5 promoter directs expression of the IL-5 gene in a Th2 clone but not a Th1 clone, indicating that transcription from the IL-5 promoter is Th2 specific. For the functioning of the IL-5 promoter in a Th2 clone, IL-5C and IL-5CLE0 were critical. IL-5CLE0 interacted with both constitutive and inducible nuclear factors (designated NFIL-5CLE0), which existed in both Th1 and Th2 clones, whereas IL-5C interacted with a constitutive nuclear factor (designated NFIL-5C), which was found only in Th2 but not in Th1 clones. Th2 specificity of NFIL-5C was also confirmed using in vitro-differentiated Th1 and Th2 cells derived from TCR-transgenic mice. The sequence for NFIL-5C binding bears homology with GATA-binding sites. The NFIL-5C complex was supershifted by an anti-GATA-3 Ab and inhibited by an oligonucleotide containing GATA-binding sites. We showed preferential expression of GATA-3 in Th2 cells. Finally, we demonstrated that in vitro-translated GATA-3 bound to IL-5C and overexpression of GATA-3 augmented stimulation-dependent IL-5 promoter activity in EL-4 cells. Taken together, our results provide evidence that GATA-related factors may be involved in Th2-specific expression of the IL-5 gene.
Contribution of Cells at the Site of DNA Vaccination to the Generation of Antigen-Specific Immunity and Memory
Authors: Klinman Dennis M. , Sechler Joan M. G. , Conover Jacqueline , Gu Mili , Rosenberg Amy S.
Published: January 2023

Gene gun-mediated DNA vaccination stimulates an immune response characterized by the activation of IgG-secreting B cells and IFN-γ-secreting T cells. To monitor the contribution of cells at the site of vaccination to this process, transfected skin was periodically removed and grafted onto naive recipients. Immediate removal of vaccinated skin abrogated the development of an immune response. Low-level IgG production was stimulated when the vaccination site was left in place for ≥5 h, with the strength of this response increasing the longer the site remained intact (for up to 2 wk). Measurable primary T cell responses were observed in animals whose vaccination site remained in place for ≥1 day. Skin grafts transferred 0 to 24 h postvaccination stimulated a primary immune response in naive recipients. Memory B and T cells were generated in animals whose site of vaccination remained intact for 5 to 12 h. Skin transferred within 12 h of vaccination triggered memory B and T cell development in graft recipients, while the removal of skin >12 h postvaccination did not reduce memory in vaccinated mice. These findings suggest that 1) primary immunity is induced by cells that migrate rapidly from the site of immunization, 2) nonmigratory cells influence the magnitude of this primary response, and 3) migratory cells alone are responsible for the induction of immunologic memory.
Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Enhances EBV-Induced Synthesis of Chemotactic Factors in Human Neutrophils
Authors: Roberge Charles J. , McColl Shaun R. , Larochelle Bernard , Gosselin Jean
Published: January 2023

We have recently demonstrated that EBV binds to human neutrophils and stimulates a wide range of activities, including homeotypic aggregation, total RNA synthesis, and expression of the chemokines IL-8 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α). Neutrophil function is also known to be modulated by priming with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). We have therefore investigated the modulation of EBV-induced activation of human neutrophils by GM-CSF. Treatment of neutrophils with GM-CSF before EBV activation enhanced the production of both MIP-1α and IL-8. The IL-8 produced under these conditions was biologically active as determined in the calcium mobilization assay. GM-CSF was also found to increase the ability of EBV to prime neutrophils for increased leukotriene B4 (LTB4) synthesis. Prior treatment of GM-CSF with neutralizing Abs inhibited these effects. GM-CSF also increased the specific binding of FITC-EBV to the neutrophil surface, as evaluated by fluorocytometry. Local production of GM-CSF in tissues invaded by EBV could therefore serve to potentiate a host defense mechanism directed toward the destruction of the infectious virus via increased production of chemotactic factors. Since both IL-8 and MIP-1α are reported to be chemoattractants in vitro for T cells and T and B cells, respectively, the ability of EBV to induce their production by neutrophils may enhance its ability to infect B and T lymphocytes via increased recruitment to sites of infection.
Mapping IgG Epitopes Bound by Rheumatoid Factors from Immunized Controls Identifies Disease-Specific Rheumatoid Factors Produced by Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bonagura Vincent R. , Agostino Nick , Børretzen Marie , Thompson Keith M. , Natvig Jacob B. , Morrison Sherie L.
Published: January 2023

We have mapped the specificity of 28 monoclonal IgM rheumatoid factors (RFs) produced by heterohybridomas derived from five healthy blood donors immunized with mismatched human red blood cells (HID). The HID-RFs did not differ in their binding specificity for IgG epitopes from RFs that we previously analyzed from patients with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia. However, IgM RFs produced by HID differed in their specificity for IgG compared with RFs expressed by patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA-RFs). Only 1 of 28 HID-RFs bound all IgG subclasses (pan binding pattern) compared with 7 of 19 RA-RFs (p = 0.006). Three HID-RFs bound IgG3 compared with 9 RA-RFs (p = 0.007). Fine specificity differences were also identified between HID- and RA-RFs. Therefore, some RA-RFs show novel specificities for IgG not found among RFs from HID or individuals with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia who do not have joint disease. These Abs with unique specificities may represent disease-specific autoantibodies in patients with RA. Nine of the HID-RFs from the same individual were clonally related, and several contained somatic mutations. Even when the clonally related HID-RFs were considered as one RF for comparison, the reactivity of the HID-RFs differed significantly from RA-RFs in their inability to recognize all IgG subclasses (p = 0.044) and recognize IgG3 (p = 0.041). Interestingly, among the clonally related RFs, considerable differences in the specificity for IgG were also observed, with the RF containing the most somatic mutations in VH and VL showing the most distinctive specificity changes. Therefore, these studies also demonstrate a correlation between somatic mutation and binding specificity.
Cutting Edge: Liposomal Formulation of a Self Lymphoma Antigen Induces Potent Protective Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Kwak Larry W. , Pennington Robin , Boni Larry , Ochoa Augusto C. , Robb Richard J. , Popescu Mircea C.
Published: January 2023

We developed a liposome carrier for a model nonimmunogenic, self Ag. This carrier reproducibly converted lymphoma Ig into a potent tumor rejection Ag in mice. A single immunization induced protection against challenges representing 20 to 100 times the minimum lethal dose of parental tumor. This protective effect required minimal amounts of incorporated Ag and IL-2 and elicited specific Abs (compared with free Ag or liposomal control Ig which did not elicit any specific Abs); depletion experiments demonstrated a requirement for effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Head-to-head comparisons, indicating superior potency and induction of specific T cell activation, distinguished liposomal from prototype, carrier-conjugated Ag. These results provide a strategy for formulating weak tumor or other clinically important Ags into vaccines.
T:T Antigen Presentation by Activated Murine CD8+ T Cells Induces Anergy and Apoptosis
Authors: Chai Jian-Guo , Bartok Istvan , Scott Diane , Dyson Julian , Lechler Robert
Published: January 2023

Using an IL-2-secreting, noncytolytic, H-Y-specific, CD8+ T cell clone, the functional consequences of Ag presentation by T cells to T cells were investigated. Incubation of the T cells with H-Y-soluble peptide led to nonresponsiveness to Ag rechallenge. This was due to the simultaneous induction of apoptosis, involving approximately 40% of the T cells, and of anergy in the surviving cells. These effects were strictly dependent upon bidirectional T:T presentation, in that exposure of C6 cells to peptide-pulsed T cells from the same clone induced proliferation but not apoptosis or anergy. The inhibitory effects of T:T presentation were not due to a lack of costimulation, since the T cells expressed levels of CD80 and CD86 higher than those detected on cultured dendritic cells and equipped them to function as efficient APCs for primary CD8+ T cell responses. Following incubation with soluble peptide, CD80 expression increased, and high levels of CTLA-4 (CD152) expression were induced. Although addition of anti-CTLA-4 Ab augmented proliferation in response to soluble peptide, no protection from apoptosis or anergy was observed. Neither Fas nor TNF-α was expressed/produced by the C6 cells, and coligation of MHC class I molecules and TCR failed to reproduce the effects of T:T presentation. Taken together, these data suggest that T:T Ag presentation induces anergy and apoptosis in murine CD8+ T cells and may reflect the regulatory consequences of T:T interactions in the course of clonal expansion in vivo.
Identification of a Developmentally Regulated Phase of Postselection Expansion Driven by Thymic Epithelium
Authors: Hare Katherine J. , Wilkinson Robert W. , Jenkinson Eric J. , Anderson Graham
Published: January 2023

To investigate events following the initiation of positive selection, we have used reaggregate organ cultures to follow the maturation of purified CD4+8+69+ thymocytes; these thymocytes represent a subpopulation of thymocytes which have already received positive selection signals. Using a dilution analysis of an FITC-based membrane-binding dye, 5-(and -6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester, to allow a quantitative measure of proliferation, we show that while newly selected CD4+ and CD8+ cells are nondividing, both subsets subsequently undergo a wave of postpositive selection proliferation involving multiple cell divisions. Moreover, in the presence of fetal stromal cells, postselection expansion is more extensive in newborn thymocytes compared with adult thymocytes, suggesting that this phase of expansion is developmentally regulated. We also show that proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ cells is seen in reaggregates of purified MHC class II+ thymic epithelial cells, while CD4+ and CD8+ cells generated from bcl-2 transgenic CD4+8+69+ thymocytes in the absence of stromal cell support survive but do not proliferate; this observation indicates that MHC class II+ thymic epithelial cells are both necessary and sufficient to mediate this wave of cell division. Finally, the maturation of CD4+8+69+ thymocytes and the subsequent proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ cells occur in the presence of MHC-mismatched thymic stromal cells, suggesting that the later stages of positive selection and the associated postselection events do not depend on interactions with the same peptide/MHC complexes responsible for initiation.
Reprogramming of Lipopolysaccharide-Primed Macrophages Is Controlled by a Counterbalanced Production of IL-10 and IL-12
Authors: Shnyra Alexander , Brewington Ryan , Alipio Arlene , Amura Claudia , Morrison David C.
Published: January 2023

We studied the potential role of a cytokine regulatory mechanism(s) in LPS-dependent reprogramming and modulation of TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) responses in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Reciprocal regulation of TNF-α and NO production by LPS-primed and LPS-stimulated macrophages was found to be dependent on the presence of soluble secretory products released by the cells during the initial LPS priming interaction. Pretreatment of naïve macrophages with different mouse recombinant cytokines such as rIL-10, rIL-12, and rIFN-γ dose dependently and differentially regulated subsequent LPS-induced production of TNF-α, IL-6, and NO by cytokine-primed cells. Analysis of IL-12 and IL-10 levels present in culture supernatants of LPS-primed and LPS-stimulated macrophages revealed a high degree of correlation between the profiles of TNF-α and IL-12 as well as NO and IL-10. Furthermore, LPS priming of macrophages in the presence of anti-IL-12-neutralizing mAb attenuated TNF-α responses while at the same time up-regulated NO production. In contrast, neutralization of endogenous IL-10 with anti-IL-10 mAb resulted in considerable TNF-α response at LPS priming doses under conditions that would otherwise strongly inhibit TNF-α production. We also found that the initial LPS priming of naïve macrophages differentially and dose dependently regulates expression of mRNAs for IL-10, IL-12, and IFN-γ in LPS-primed macrophages. Collectively, our data provide experimental support for the hypothesis that a cytokine regulatory network, most probably autocrine, tightly controls the reciprocal modulation of TNF-α and NO responses in LPS-primed macrophages.
BcmdDecreases the Life Span of B-2 But Not B-1 Cells in A/WySnJ Mice
Authors: Lentz Vicky M. , Hayes Colleen E. , Cancro Michael P.
Published: January 2023

Peripheral B cells are divided into two subpopulations, B-1 and B-2, the relationship of which remains obscure. We recently showed that the Bcmd mutation in A/WySnJ mice reduces average B cell life span, yielding 90% fewer peripheral B cells. Despite this defect, A/WySnJ mice have an elevated proportion of peritoneal CD5+ B cells, suggesting that Bcmd may be the first B-cell-intrinsic gene to differentially affect the B-1 and B-2 subpopulations. To test this hypothesis in detail, we have used in vivo BrdU labeling and four-color cytofluorometry to examine the numbers and turnover rates of sIgM+CD23−CD43+ (B-1) and sIgM+CD23+CD43− (B-2) splenocytes in A/WySnJ and A/J mice. The results show the expected 90% reduction of splenic B-2 cells among A/WySnJ mice, but a normal splenic B-1 cell pool. Increased B-1 cell renewal cannot explain this undiminished pool, because BrdU labeling kinetics reveals an identical splenic B-1 subset turnover rate of ∼4%/day in both A/WySnJ and A/J strains. Thus, B-1 cells are Bcmd-independent but B-2 cells are Bcmd-dependent, suggesting Bcmd functions in a positive signaling pathway that imparts longevity to quiescent B cells, but that is not required for cycling B cells. Moreover these results show that the requisites for maturation and longevity differ between the B-1 and B-2 subsets.
Generation of the Germline Peripheral B Cell Repertoire: VH81X-λ B Cells Are Unable to Complete All Developmental Programs
Authors: Martin Flavius , Won Woong-Jai , Kearney John F.
Published: January 2023

The generation of VH81X heavy chain λ-light chain-expressing B cells (VH81X-λ+ B cells) was studied in VH81X heavy chain transgenic mice as well as in VH81X JH −/− and VH81X JH −/− Ck −/− mice, in which competition resulting from expression of heavy and light chains from the endogenous heavy and κ light chain loci was prevented. We show that although λ light chain gene rearrangements occur normally and give rise to light chains that associate with the transgenic heavy chain to form surface and soluble IgM molecules, further B cell development is almost totally blocked. The few VH81X-λ+ B cells that are generated progress into a mature compartment (expressing surface CD21, CD22, CD23, and low CD24 and having a relatively long life span) but they also have reduced levels of surface Ig receptor and express higher amounts of Fas Ag than VH81X-κ+ B cells. These VH81X-λ+ B cells reach the peripheral lymphoid organs and accumulate in the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath but are unable to generate primary B cell follicles. In other heavy chain transgenic mice (MD2, M167, and M54), λ+ B cells are generated. However, they seem to be preferentially selected in the peripheral repertoire of some transgenic heavy chain mice (M54) but not in others (MD2, M167). These studies show that a crucial selection step is necessary for B cell survival and maintenance in which B cells, similar to T cells, receive signals depending on their clonal receptors.
Transgenic Expression of Fas in T Cells Blocks Lymphoproliferation But Not Autoimmune Disease in MRL-lprMice
Authors: Fukuyama Hidehiro , Adachi Masashi , Suematsu Sachiko , Miwa Keiko , Suda Takashi , Yoshida Nobuaki , Nagata Shigekazu
Published: January 2023

Fas is a member of the TNF receptor family. Binding of Fas ligand to Fas induces apoptosis in Fas-bearing cells. Fas is expressed in various cells, including thymocytes, peripheral T cells, and activated B cells. The mouse lpr mutation is a loss of function mutation of Fas. MRL-lpr/lpr mice develop lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly, and produce multiple autoantibodies, which results in autoimmune disease. In this report, we describe the establishment of a line of Fas transgenic MRL-lpr mice in which mouse Fas cDNA was expressed using the T cell-specific murine lck promoter. The transgenic mice expressed functional Fas in thymocytes and peripheral T cells, but not in B cells. The transgenic mice did not accumulate abnormal T cells (Thy-1+ B220+), but still accumulated B cells (Thy-1− B220+); they produced a large quantity of Igs (IgG1 and IgG2a), including anti-DNA Abs, and developed glomerulonephritis. These results suggest that autoreactive or activated B cells must be killed through Fas expressed in the B cells by the Fas ligand expressed in activated T cells.
Critical Roles of Glycosaminoglycan Side Chains of Cartilage Proteoglycan (Aggrecan) in Antigen Recognition and Presentation
Authors: Glant Tibor T. , Buzás Edit I. , Finnegan Alison , Negroiu Gabriela , Cs-Szabó Gabriella , Mikecz Katalin
Published: January 2023

Systemic immunization of BALB/c mice with proteoglycan (aggrecan) from fetal human cartilage induces progressive polyarthritis, an experimental disease similar to human rheumatoid arthritis. The development of the disease in this genetically susceptible murine strain is based on cross-reactive immune responses between the immunizing fetal human and mouse self-proteoglycans. One of the cross-reactive and arthritogenic T cell epitopes (92GR/QVRVNSA/IY) is localized in the G1 domain of human/murine proteoglycan. Susceptible BALB/c mice, however, develop arthritis only if both the chondroitin sulfate (CS) and keratan sulfate (KS) side chains of the arthritogenic human proteoglycans are removed. The function of these two glycosaminoglycan side chains is opposite. The presence of a KS side chain in adult proteoglycan inhibits the recognition of arthritogenic T cell epitopes, prevents the development of T cell response, and protects animals from autoimmune arthritis. In contrast, the depletion of the CS side chain generates clusters of CS stubs and provokes a strong B cell response. These carbohydrate-specific B cells are the most important proteoglycan APC. Taken together, proteoglycan-induced progressive polyarthritis is dictated by three major components: genetic background of the BALB/c strain, highly specific T cell response to epitope(s) masked by a KS chain in aging tissue, and the presence of proteoglycan (CS stub)-specific B cells required for sufficient Ag presentation.
Mouse Cell Surface Antigens: Nomenclature and Immunophenotyping
Authors: Lai Lily , Alaverdi Noosheen , Maltais Lois , Morse Herbert C.
Published: January 2023

This paper reviews cell surface Ags expressed on mouse hemopoietic and nonhemopoietic cells. The review will cover molecules included in the cluster of differentiation (CD) from CD1 to CD166 and lymphocyte Ag (Ly) series from Ly-1 to Ly-81 as well as some new Ags without current CD or Ly assignments. In addition to an update on mouse nomenclature, there will be a discussion of some known functions of the molecules and brief comments on the use of particular Ags for immunophenotyping of cell subsets. Several novel markers mentioned may prove useful in mouse immunology research.