bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Cyclophosphamide and IL-2 Treatment Impedes Self-Antigen-Induced Effector CD4 Cell Tolerization: Implications for Adoptive Immunotherapy
Authors: Mihalyo Marianne A. , Doody Amy D. H. , McAleer Jeremy P. , Nowak Elizabeth C. , Long Meixiao , Yang Yi , Adler Adam J.
Published: April 2014

The development of T cell tolerance directed toward tumor-associated Ags can limit the repertoire of functional tumor-reactive T cells, thus impairing the ability of vaccines to elicit effective antitumor immunity. Adoptive immunotherapy strategies using ex vivo expanded tumor-reactive effector T cells can bypass this problem; however, the susceptibility of effector T cells to undergoing tolerization suggests that tolerance might also negatively impact adoptive immunotherapy. Nonetheless, adoptive immunotherapy strategies can be effective, particularly those utilizing the drug cyclophosphamide (CY) and/or exogenous IL-2. In the current study, we used a TCR-transgenic mouse adoptive transfer system to assess whether CY plus IL-2 treatment rescues effector CD4 cell function in the face of tolerizing Ag (i.e., cognate parenchymal self-Ag). CY plus IL-2 treatment not only enhances proliferation and accumulation of effector CD4 cells, but also preserves the ability of these cells to express the effector cytokine IFN-γ (and to a lesser extent TNF-α) in proportion to the level of parenchymal self-Ag expression. When administered individually, CY but not IL-2 can markedly impede tolerization, although their combination is the most effective. Although effector CD4 cells in CY plus IL-2-treated self-Ag-expressing mice eventually succumb to tolerization, this delay results in an increased level of in situ IFN-γ expression in cognate Ag-expressing parenchymal tissues as well as death via a mechanism that requires direct parenchymal Ag presentation. These results suggest that one potential mechanism by which CY and IL-2 augment adoptive immunotherapy strategies to treat cancer is by impeding the tolerization of tumor-reactive effector T cells.
Hierarchies in Cytokine Expression Profiles for Acute and Resolving Influenza Virus-Specific CD8+ T Cell Responses: Correlation of Cytokine Profile and TCR Avidity
Authors: La Gruta Nicole L. , Turner Stephen J. , Doherty Peter C.
Published: April 2014

The development and resolution phases of influenza-specific CD8+ T cell cytokine responses to epitopes derived from the viral nucleoprotein (DbNP366) and acid polymerase (DbPA224) were characterized in C57BL/6J mice for a range of anatomical compartments in the virus-infected lung and lymphoid tissue. Lymphocyte numbers were measured by IFN-γ expression following stimulation with peptide, while the quality of the response was determined by the intensity of staining and the distribution of CD8+ T cells producing TNF-α and IL-2. Both the levels of expression and the prevalence of TNF-α+ and IL-2+ cells reflected the likely Ag load, with clear differences being identified for populations from the alveolar space vs the lung parenchyma. Irrespective of the site or time of T cell recovery, IL-2+ cells were consistently found to be a subset of the TNF-α+ population which was, in turn, contained within the IFN-γ+ set. The capacity to produce IL-2 may thus be considered to reflect maximum functional differentiation. The hierarchy in cytokine expression throughout the acute phase of the primary and secondary response tended to be DbPA224 > DbNP366. Both elution studies with the cognate tetramers and experiments measuring CD8β coreceptor dependence for peptide stimulation demonstrated the same DbPA224 > DbNP366 profile for TCR avidity. Overall, the quality of any virus-specific CD8+ T cell response appears variously determined by the avidity of the TCR-pMHC interaction, the duration and intensity of Ag stimulation characteristic of the particular tissue environment, and the availability of CD4+ T help.
Increased Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activity and TNF-α Production Associated with Mycobacterium smegmatis- but Not Mycobacterium avium-Infected Macrophages Requires Prolonged Stimulation of the Calmodulin/Calmodulin Kinase and Cyclic AMP/Protein Kinase A Pathways
Authors: Yadav Mahesh , Roach Shannon K. , Schorey Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2014

Previous studies have shown the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) to be activated in macrophages upon infection with Mycobacterium, and that expression of TNF-α and inducible NO synthase by infected macrophages was dependent on MAPK activation. Additional analysis demonstrated a diminished activation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 in macrophages infected with pathogenic strains of Mycobacterium avium compared with infections with the fast-growing, nonpathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium phlei. However, the upstream signals required for MAPK activation and the mechanisms behind the differential activation of the MAPKs have not been defined. In this study, using bone marrow-derived macrophages from BALB/c mice, we determined that ERK1/2 activation was dependent on the calcium/calmodulin/calmodulin kinase II pathway in both M. smegmatis- and M. avium-infected macrophages. However, in macrophages infected with M. smegmatis but not M. avium, we observed a marked increase in cAMP production that remained elevated for 8 h postinfection. This M. smegmatis-induced cAMP production was also dependent on the calmodulin/calmodulin kinase pathway. Furthermore, stimulation of the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway in M. smegmatis-infected cells was required for the prolonged ERK1/2 activation and the increased TNF-α production observed in these infected macrophages. Our studies are the first to demonstrate an important role for the calmodulin/calmodulin kinase and cAMP/protein kinase A pathways in macrophage signaling upon mycobacterial infection and to show how cAMP production can facilitate macrophage activation and subsequent cytokine production.
Protective Activity of Monoclonal Antibodies to Genome-Derived Neisserial Antigen 1870, a Neisseria meningitidis Candidate Vaccine
Authors: Welsch Jo Anne , Rossi Raffaella , Comanducci Maurizio , Granoff Dan M.
Published: April 2014

Genome-derived neisserial Ag (GNA) 1870 is a meningococcal vaccine candidate that can be subdivided into three variants based on amino acid sequence variability. Variant group 1 accounts for ∼60% of disease-producing group B isolates. The Ag went unrecognized until its discovery by genome mining because it is expressed in low copy number by most strains. To investigate the relationship between Ab binding to GNA1870 and complement-mediated protective functions, we prepared a panel of four murine IgG mAbs against rGNA1870 (variant 1) and evaluated their activity against nine genetically diverse encapsulated Neisseria meningitidis strains expressing subvariants of variant 1 GNA1870. Based on flow cytometry with live encapsulated bacteria, surface accessibility of the epitopes recognized by the mAbs appeared to be low in most strains. Yet mAb concentrations <1 to 5 μg/ml were sufficient to elicit bactericidal activity with human complement and/or activate C3b deposition on the bacterial surface. Certain combinations of mAbs were highly bactericidal against strains that were resistant to bactericidal activity of the respective individual mAbs. The mAbs conferred passive protection against bacteremia in infant rats challenged by strains resistant to bacteriolysis, and the protective activity paralleled the ability of the mAb to activate C3b deposition. Thus, despite low GNA1870 surface exposure, anti-GNA1870 variant 1 Abs are bactericidal and/or elicit C3b deposition and confer protection against bacteremia caused by encapsulated N. meningitidis strains expressing GNA1870 subvariant 1 proteins. The data support GNA1870 as a promising vaccine candidate for prevention of meningococcal group B disease caused by GNA1870 variant 1 strains.
Differential Regulation of Neutrophil-Activating Chemokines by IL-6 and Its Soluble Receptor Isoforms
Authors: McLoughlin Rachel M. , Hurst Suzanne M. , Nowell Mari A. , Harris Dean A. , Horiuchi Sankichi , Morgan Llinos W. , Wilkinson Thomas S. , Yamamoto Naoki , Topley Nicholas , Jones Simon A.
Published: April 2014

Interleukin-6 signaling via its soluble receptor (sIL-6R) differentially regulates inflammatory chemokine expression and leukocyte apoptosis to coordinate transition from neutrophil to mononuclear cell infiltration. sIL-6R activities may, however, be influenced in vivo by the occurrence of two sIL-6R isoforms that are released as a consequence of differential mRNA splicing (DS) or proteolytic cleavage (PC) of the cognate IL-6R (termed DS- and PC-sIL-6R). Using human peritoneal mesothelial cells and a murine model of peritoneal inflammation, studies described in this work have compared the ability of both isoforms to regulate neutrophil recruitment. In this respect, DS- and PC-sIL-6R were comparable in their activities; however, these studies emphasized that IL-6 trans signaling differentially controls neutrophil-activating CXC chemokine expression. In vitro, stimulation of mesothelial cells with IL-6 in combination with either DS-sIL-6R or PC-sIL-6R showed no induction of CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)1 (GROα) and CXCL8 (IL-8), whereas both isoforms enhanced CXCL5 (ENA-78) and CXCL6 (granulocyte chemotactic protein-2) expression. Moreover, when complexed with IL-6, both isoforms specifically inhibited the IL-1β-induced secretion of CXCL8. These findings were paralleled in vivo, in which induction of peritoneal inflammation in IL-6-deficient (IL-6−/−) mice resulted in enhanced keratinocyte-derived chemokine and macrophage-inflammatory protein-2 (the murine equivalent of CXCL1 and CXCL8) levels, but reduced LPS-induced CXC chemokine (the murine equivalent of CXCL5) expression. Reconstitution of IL-6 signaling in IL-6−/− mice with IL-6 and its soluble receptor isoforms corrected this chemokine imbalance and suppressed overall neutrophil infiltration. These data confirm that sIL-6R-mediated signaling primarily limits neutrophil influx; however, induction of CXCL5 and CXCL6 may regulate other neutrophil responses.
Generation of an Allergy Vaccine by Disruption of the Three-Dimensional Structure of the Cross-Reactive Calcium-Binding Allergen, Phl p 7
Authors: Westritschnig Kerstin , Focke Margarete , Verdino Petra , Goessler Walter , Keller Walter , Twardosz Anna , Mari Adriano , Horak Friedrich , Wiedermann Ursula , Hartl Arnulf , Thalhamer Josef , Sperr Wolfgang R. , Valent Peter , Valenta Rudolf
Published: April 2014

The grass pollen allergen, Phl p 7, belongs to a family of highly cross-reactive calcium-binding pollen allergens. Because Phl p 7 contains most of the disease-eliciting epitopes of pollen-derived calcium-binding allergens, hypoallergenic variants were engineered according to the x-ray crystal structure of Phl p 7 for allergy vaccination. In three recombinant variants, amino acids essential for calcium binding were mutated, and two peptides comprising the N- and C-terminal half were obtained by synthetic peptide chemistry. As determined by circular dichroism analysis and size exclusion chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, recombinant mutants showed altered structural fold and lacked calcium-binding capacity, whereas the two synthetic peptides had completely lost their structural fold. Allergic patients’ IgE Ab binding was strongest reduced to the variant containing two mutations in each of the two calcium-binding sites and to the peptides. Basophil histamine release and skin test experiments in allergic patients identified the peptides as the vaccine candidates with lowest allergenic activity. Immunization of rabbits with the peptides induced IgG Abs that blocked allergic patients’ IgE binding to Phl p 7 and inhibited allergen-induced basophil degranulation. Our results indicate that disruption of an allergen’s three-dimensional structure represents a general strategy for the generation of hypoallergenic allergy vaccines, and demonstrate the importance of allergen-specific IgG Abs for the inhibition of immediate allergic symptoms.
NK Cells Stimulate Proliferation of T and NK Cells through 2B4/CD48 Interactions
Authors: Assarsson Erika , Kambayashi Taku , Schatzle John D. , Cramer Sven O. , von Bonin Arne , Jensen Peter E. , Ljunggren Hans-Gustaf , Chambers Benedict J.
Published: April 2014

Few studies have addressed the consequences of physical interactions between NK and T cells, as well as physical interactions among NK cells themselves. We show in this study that NK cells can enhance T cell activation and proliferation in response to CD3 cross-linking and specific Ag through interactions between 2B4 (CD244) on NK cells and CD48 on T cells. Furthermore, 2B4/CD48 interactions between NK cells also enhanced proliferation of NK cells in response to IL-2. Overall, these results suggest that NK cells augment the proliferation of neighboring T and NK cells through direct cell-cell contact. These results provide new insights into NK cell-mediated control of innate and adaptive immunity and demonstrate that receptor/ligand-specific cross talk between lymphocytes may occur in settings other than T-B cell or T-T cell interactions.
Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells Are Insufficient to Activate T Cells
Authors: Katz Steven C. , Pillarisetty Venu G. , Bleier Joshua I. , Shah Alaap B. , DeMatteo Ronald P.
Published: April 2014

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) have been reported to express MHC class II, CD80, CD86, and CD11c and effectively stimulate naive T cells. Because dendritic cells (DC) are known to possess these characteristics, we sought to directly compare the phenotype and function of murine LSEC and DC. Nonparenchymal cells from C57BL/6 mice were obtained by collagenase digestion of the liver followed by density gradient centrifugation. From the enriched nonparenchymal cell fraction, LSEC (CD45−) were then isolated to 99% purity using immunomagnetic beads. Flow cytometric analysis of LSEC demonstrated high expression of CD31, von Willebrand factor, and FcγRs. However, unlike DC, LSEC had low or absent expression of MHC class II, CD86, and CD11c. LSEC demonstrated a high capacity for Ag uptake in vitro and in vivo. Although acetylated low-density lipoprotein uptake has been purported to be a specific function of LSEC, we found DC captured acetylated low-density lipoprotein to a similar extent in vivo. Consistent with their phenotype, LSEC were poor stimulators of allogeneic T cells. Furthermore, in the absence of exogenous costimulation, LSEC induced negligible proliferation of CD4+ or CD8+ TCR-transgenic T cells. Thus, contrary to previous reports, our data indicate that LSEC alone are insufficient to activate naive T cells.
CD4+ CD25+ Regulatory T Cell Repertoire Formation in Response to Varying Expression of a neo-Self-Antigen
Authors: Lerman Melissa A. , Larkin Joseph , Cozzo Cristina , Jordan Martha S. , Caton Andrew J.
Published: April 2014

We have examined the development of self-peptide-specific CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in lineages of transgenic mice that express the influenza virus PR8 hemagglutinin (HA) under the control of several different promoters (HA transgenic mice). By mating these lineages with TS1-transgenic mice expressing a TCR that recognizes the major I-Ed-restricted determinant from HA (site 1 (S1)), we show that S1-specific T cells undergo selection to become CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in each of the lineages, although in varying numbers. In some lineages, S1-specific CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells are highly abundant; indeed, TS1xHA-transgenic mice can contain as many S1-specific CD4+ T cells as are present in TS1 mice, which do not express the neo-self HA. In another lineage, however, S1-specific thymocytes are subjected to more extensive deletion and far fewer S1-specific CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells accumulate in the periphery. We show that radioresistant stromal cells can direct both deletion and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell selection of S1-specific thymocytes. Interestingly, even though their numbers can vary, the S1-specific CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in all cases coexist with clonally related CD4+CD25− T cells that lack regulatory function. These findings show that the formation of the CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell repertoire is sensitive to variations in the expression of self-peptides.
LIGHT Expression by Mucosal T Cells May Regulate IFN-γ Expression in the Intestine
Authors: Cohavy Offer , Zhou Jaclyn , Granger Steve W. , Ware Carl F. , Targan Stephan R.
Published: April 2014

The TNF superfamily of cytokines play an important role in T cell activation and inflammation. Sustained expression of lymphotoxin-like inducible protein that competes with glycoprotein D for binding herpesvirus entry mediator on T cells (LIGHT) (TNFSF14) causes a pathological intestinal inflammation when constitutively expressed by mouse T cells. In this study, we characterized LIGHT expression on activated human T cell subsets in vitro and demonstrated a direct proinflammatory effect on regulation of IFN-γ. LIGHT was induced in memory CD45RO CD4+ T cells and by IFN-γ-producing CD4+ T cells. Kinetic analysis indicated rapid induction of LIGHT by human lamina propria T cells, reaching maximal levels by 2–6 h, whereas peripheral blood or lymph node-derived T cells required 24 h. Further analysis of intestinal specimens from a 41 patient cohort by flow cytometry indicated membrane LIGHT induction to higher peak levels in lamina propria T cells from the small bowel or rectum but not colon, when compared with lymph node or peripheral blood. Independent stimulation of the LIGHT receptor, herpesvirus entry mediator, induced IFN-γ production in lamina propria T cells, while blocking LIGHT inhibited CD2-dependent induction of IFN-γ synthesis, indicating a role for LIGHT in the regulation of IFN-γ and as a putative mediator of proinflammatory T-T interactions in the intestinal mucosa. Taken together, these findings suggest LIGHT-herpesvirus entry mediator mediated signaling as an important immune regulatory mechanism in mucosal inflammatory responses.
High Mobility Group Box Protein 1: An Endogenous Signal for Dendritic Cell Maturation and Th1 Polarization
Authors: Messmer Davorka , Yang Huan , Telusma Gloria , Knoll Faye , Li Jianhua , Messmer Bradley , Tracey Kevin J. , Chiorazzi Nicholas
Published: April 2014

High mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1), a DNA binding nuclear and cytosolic protein, is a proinflammatory cytokine released by monocytes and macrophages. This study addressed the hypothesis that HMGB1 is an immunostimulatory signal that induces dendritic cell (DC) maturation. We show that HMGB1, via its B box domain, induced phenotypic maturation of DCs, as evidenced by increased CD83, CD54, CD80, CD40, CD58, and MHC class II expression and decreased CD206 expression. The B box caused increased secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-12, IL-6, IL-1α, IL-8, TNF-α, and RANTES. B box up-regulated CD83 expression as well as IL-6 secretion via a p38 MAPK-dependent pathway. In the MLR, B box-activated DCs acted as potent stimulators of allogeneic T cells, and the magnitude of the response was equivalent to DCs activated by exposure to LPS, nonmethylated CpG oligonucleotides, or CD40L. Furthermore, B box induced secretion of IL-12 from DCs as well as IL-2 and IFN-γ secretion from allogeneic T cells, suggesting a Th1 bias. HMGB1 released by necrotic cells may be a signal of tissue or cellular injury that, when sensed by DCs, induces and/or enhances an immune reaction.
Monomeric IgG in Intravenous Ig Preparations Is a Functional Antagonist of FcγRII and FcγRIIIb
Authors: van Mirre Edwin , Teeling Jessica L. , van der Meer Jos W. M. , Bleeker Wim K. , Hack C. Erik
Published: April 2014

Intravenous Ig preparations (IVIg), originally developed as a substitution therapy for patients with low plasma IgG, are nowadays frequently used in the treatment of various immune diseases. However, the mechanism of action of IVIg in these diseases remains elusive and is often referred to as “immunomodulatory.” We hypothesized that monomeric IgG may act as a low-affinity FcγR antagonist and sought experimental evidence for this hypothesis. Human neutrophils as well FcγRIIa-transfected IIA1.6 cells were used as FcγR-positive cells and aggregated IgG (aIgG) or stable dimeric IgG as FcγR-specific agonists for these cells. We found that monomeric IgG purified from IVIg at concentrations similar to that of IgG in plasma, diminished the binding of stable dimeric IgG to FcγRIIa transfectants, reduced aIgG-induced influx of Ca2+ ions into the cytosol of neutrophils, and attenuated the aIgG-induced release of elastase. Notably, monomeric IgG by itself did not elicit these responses, nor did it affect these processes in response to fMLP. Absorption of IgG from normal plasma revealed that plasma IgG exerted similar effects as monomeric IgG in IVIg. In addition, adding monomeric IgG to blood of healthy volunteers showed a dose-dependent decrease of aIgG-induced elastase release. Finally, we observed decreased aIgG-induced polymorphonuclear neutrophil responses in two hypogammaglobulinemic patients upon treatment with IVIg. We conclude that monomeric IgG at physiological levels acts as a low-affinity FcγR antagonist. Moreover, FcγR antagonism constitutes an immunomodulatory effect of IVIg.
Constitutive and Ligand-Induced TCR Degradation
Authors: von Essen Marina , Bonefeld Charlotte Menné , Siersma Volkert , Rasmussen Anette Bødker , Lauritsen Jens Peter H. , Nielsen Bodil L. , Geisler Carsten
Published: April 2014

Modulation of TCR expression levels is a central event during T cell development and activation, and it probably plays an important role in adjusting T cell responsiveness. Conflicting data have been published on down-regulation and degradation rates of the individual TCR subunits, and several divergent models for TCR down-regulation and degradation have been suggested. The aims of this study were to determine the rate constants for constitutive and ligand-induced TCR degradation and to determine whether the TCR subunits segregate or are processed as an intact unit during TCR down-regulation and degradation. We found that the TCR subunits in nonstimulated Jurkat cells were degraded with rate constants of ∼0.0011 min−1, resulting in a half-life of ∼10.5 h. Triggering of the TCR by anti-TCR Abs resulted in a 3-fold increase in the degradation rate constants to ∼0.0033 min−1, resulting in a half-life of ∼3.5 h. The subunits of the TCR complex were down-regulated from the cell surface and degraded with identical kinetics, and most likely remained associated during the passage throughout the endocytic pathway from the cell surface to the lysosomes. Similar results were obtained in studies of primary human Vβ8+ T cells stimulated with superantigen. Based on these results, the simplest model for TCR internalization, sorting, and degradation is proposed.
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 Deficiency Leads to Impaired Recruitment of T Lymphocytes and Enhanced Host Susceptibility to Infection withTrypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Michailowsky Vladimir , Celes Mara R. N. , Marino Ana P. , Silva Andréa A. , Vieira Leda Q. , Rossi Marcos A. , Gazzinelli Ricardo T. , Lannes-Vieira Joseli , Silva João S.
Published: April 2014

In this study, we investigated the involvement of Th1 cytokines in the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAM) and recruitment of inflammatory cells to the heart of mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Our results show that endogenously produced IFN-γ is essential to induce optimal expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 on the cardiac vascular endothelium of infected mice. Furthermore, the influx of inflammatory cells into the cardiac tissue was impaired in Th1 cytokine-deficient infected mice, paralleling the intensity of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression on the vascular endothelium. Consistent with the importance of ICAM-1 in host resistance, ICAM-1 knockout (KO) mice were highly susceptible to T. cruzi infection, as assessed by mortality rate, parasitemia, and heart tissue parasitism. The enhanced parasitism was associated with a decrease in the numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the heart tissue of ICAM-1 KO mice. Additionally, ICAM-1 KO mice mounted an unimpaired IFN-γ response and IFN-γ-dependent production of reactive nitrogen intermediates and parasite- specific IgG2a. Supporting the participation of ICAM-1 in cell migration during T. cruzi infection, the entrance of adoptively transferred PBL from T. cruzi-infected wild-type C57BL/6 mice into the cardiac tissue of ICAM-1 KO mice was significantly abrogated. Therefore, we favor the hypothesis that ICAM-1 plays a crucial role in T lymphocyte recruitment to the cardiac tissue and host susceptibility during T. cruzi infection.
Dual Roles of PspC, a Surface Protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae, in Binding Human Secretory IgA and Factor H
Authors: Dave Sandhya , Carmicle Stephanie , Hammerschmidt Sven , Pangburn Michael K. , McDaniel Larry S.
Published: April 2014

Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as the pneumococcus, contains several surface proteins that along with the polysaccharide capsule function in antiphagocytic activities and evasion of the host immune system. These pneumococcal proteins interact with the host immune system in various ways and possess a wide range of biological activities that suggests that they may be involved at different stages of pneumococcal infection. PspC, also known as CbpA and SpsA, is one of several pneumococcal surface proteins that binds host proteins, including factor H (FH) and secretory IgA (sIgA) via the secretory component. Previous work by our laboratory has demonstrated that PspC on the surface of live pneumococcal cells binds FH. This paper provides evidence that FH activity is maintained in the presence of PspC and that the PspC binding site is located in the short consensus repeat 6–10 region of FH. We also report for the first time that although both FH and sIgA binding has been localized to the α-helical domain of PspC, the binding of FH to PspC is not inhibited by sIgA. ELISA, surface plasmon resonance, and flow cytometry indicate that the two host proteins do not compete for binding with PspC and likely do not share the same binding sites. We confirmed by Western analysis that the binding sites are separate using recombinant PspC proteins. These PspC variants bind FH yet fail to bind sIgA. Thus, we conclude that FH and sIgA can bind concurrently to the α-helical region of PspC.
The Hybrid Cytomegalovirus Enhancer/Chicken β-Actin Promoter along with Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus Posttranscriptional Regulatory Element Enhances the Protective Efficacy of DNA Vaccines
Authors: Garg Sanjay , Oran Alp E. , Hon Huiming , Jacob Joshy
Published: April 2014

DNA vaccines represent a novel and powerful alternative to conventional vaccine approaches. They are extremely stable and can be produced en masse at low cost; more importantly, DNA vaccines against emerging pathogens or bioterrorism threats can be quickly constructed based solely upon the pathogen’s genetic code. The main drawback of DNA vaccines is that they often induce lower immune responses than traditional vaccines, particularly in nonrodent species. Thus, improving the efficacy of DNA vaccines is a critical issue in vaccine development. In this study we have enhanced the efficacy of DNA vaccines by adopting strategies that increase gene expression. We generated influenza-hemagglutinin (HA)-encoding DNA vaccines that contain the hybrid CMV enhancer/chicken β-actin (CAG) promoter and/or the mRNA-stabilizing post-transcriptional regulatory element from the woodchuck hepatitis virus (WPRE). Mice were immunized with these DNA vaccines, and the influenza-HA-specific cellular and humoral immune responses were compared with a conventional, HA-encoding DNA vaccine whose gene expression was driven by the CMV immediate-early promoter (pCMV-HA). CAG promoter-driven DNA vaccines elicited significantly higher humoral and cellular immune responses compared with the pCMV-HA vaccine. DNA vaccines consisting of both CAG and WPRE elements (pCAG-HA-WPRE) induced the highest level of protective immunity, such that immunization with 10-fold lower DNA doses prevented death in 100% of the mice upon lethal viral challenge, whereas all mice immunized with the conventional pCMV-HA vaccine succumbed to influenza infection.
A Caspase-6 and Anti-Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 (HER2) Antibody Chimeric Molecule Suppresses the Growth of HER2-Overexpressing Tumors
Authors: Xu Yan-Ming , Wang Li-Feng , Jia Lin-Tao , Qiu Xiu-Chun , Zhao Jing , Yu Cui-Juan , Zhang Rui , Zhu Feng , Wang Cheng-Ji , Jin Bo-Quan , Chen Si-Yi , Yang An-Gang
Published: April 2014

Clinical studies have suggested that human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) provide a useful target for antitumor therapy. We previously described the generation of a chimeric HER2-targeted immunocasp-3 protein. In this study, we extend the repertoire of chimeric proapoptotic proteins with immunocasp-6, a construct that comprises a HER2-specific single-chain Ab, a single-chain Pseudomonas exotoxin A, and an active caspase-6, which can directly cleave lamin A leading to nucleus damage and inducing programmed cell death. We demonstrate that the secreted immunocasp-6 molecule selectively recognizes and induces apoptosis in HER2-overexpressing tumor cells in vitro, but not in cells with undetectable HER2. The immunocasp-6 gene was next transferred into BALB/c athymic mice bearing human breast SK-BR-3 tumors by i.m. injection of liposome-encapsulated vectors, by intratumor injection of adenoviral vectors, or by i.v. injection of PBMC modified by retroviral infection. Regardless of the method used, expression of immunocasp-6 suppressed tumor growth and prolonged animal survival significantly. Our data show that the chimeric immunocasp-6 molecule can recognize HER2–positive tumor cells, promptly attack their nucleus, and induce their apoptotic death, suggesting the potential of this strategy for the treatment of human cancers that overexpress HER2.
Abundant Expression of Granzyme A, but Not Perforin, in Granules of CD8+ T Cells in GALT: Implications for Immune Control of HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Shacklett Barbara L. , Cox Catherine A. , Quigley Máire F. , Kreis Christophe , Stollman Neil H. , Jacobson Mark A. , Andersson Jan , Sandberg Johan K. , Nixon Douglas F.
Published: April 2014

Because GALT is a major portal of entry for HIV-1 and reservoir for viral replication, we hypothesized that an ineffective cellular immune response in intestinal mucosa might partially explain the failure of immune control in AIDS. In this study, we demonstrate that the vast majority of CD8+ T cells in rectal tissue, including HIV-1-specific cells, fail to express the cytolytic protein, perforin. However, rectal CD8+ T cells do express granzyme A, and are also capable of releasing IFN-γ upon stimulation with cognate peptide. Confocal microscopy showed that granzyme A was located in intracellular granules in the absence of perforin. The majority of rectal CD8+ T cells exhibit an effector memory phenotype, expressing CD45RO but not CCR7. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that perforin RNA is expressed in rectal CD8+ T cells from healthy and HIV-1-positive individuals. In HIV-1-positive individuals, similar amounts of perforin RNA were detected in CD8+ T cells from rectal tissue and PBMC, despite a relative absence of perforin protein in rectal tissue. These findings demonstrate an important difference in perforin expression between CD8+ T cells in blood and mucosa. Furthermore, the relative absence of armed effector cells may serve to protect the integrity of rectal mucosa under normal conditions, but might also provide an early advantage to HIV-1 and other sexually transmitted viruses.
Replication-Dependent Potent IFN-α Induction in Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells by a Single-Stranded RNA Virus
Authors: Hornung Veit , Schlender Jörg , Guenthner-Biller Margit , Rothenfusser Simon , Endres Stefan , Conzelmann Karl-Klaus , Hartmann Gunther
Published: April 2014

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells sense viral ssRNA or its degradation products via TLR7/8 and CpG motifs within viral DNA via TLR9. Although these two endosomal pathways operate independently of viral replication, little is known about the detection of actively replicating viruses in plasmacytoid dendritic cell (PDC). Replication and transcription of the viral genome of ssRNA viruses as well as many DNA viruses lead to the formation of cytosolic dsRNA absent in noninfected cells. In this study, we used human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) encoding a fusion (F) protein for direct cytosolic entry. Both HRSV infection and cytosolic delivery of a 65-nt dsRNA led to potent IFN-α induction in PDC, but not in myeloid dendritic cells. Inactivation of HRSV by UV irradiation abrogated IFN-α induction in PDC. The comparison of two respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) constructs carrying either the HRSV or the bovine RSV F protein revealed that F-mediated cytosolic entry of RSV was absolutely required for IFN-α induction in PDC. HRSV-induced IFN-α production was independent of endosomal acidification and of protein kinase R (PKR) kinase activity, as demonstrated with chloroquine and the PKR inhibitor 2-aminopurine, respectively. In contrast, the induction of IFN-α by the TLR7/8 ligand R848, by the TLR9 ligand CpG-A ODN 2216, and by inactivated influenza virus (TLR7/8 dependent) was completely blocked by 2-aminopurine. IFN-α induction by mouse pathogenic Sendai virus was not affected in PKR- and MyD88-deficient mice, confirming that a ssRNA virus, which is able to directly enter host cells via fusion at the plasma membrane, can be detected by PDC independently of PKR, TLR7/8, and TLR9.
4-1BB and OX40 Act Independently to Facilitate Robust CD8 and CD4 Recall Responses
Authors: Dawicki Wojciech , Bertram Edward M. , Sharpe Arlene H. , Watts Tania H.
Published: April 2014

Mice deficient in OX40 or 4-1BB costimulatory pathways show defects in T cell recall responses, with predominant effects on CD4 vs CD8 T cells, respectively. However, OX40L can also stimulate CD8 T cells and 4-1BBL can influence CD4 T cells, raising the possibility of redundancy between the two TNFR family costimulators. To test this possibility, we generated mice deficient in both 4-1BBL and OX40L. In an adoptive transfer model, CD4 T cells expressed 4-1BB and OX40 sequentially in response to immunization, with little or no overlap in the timing of their expression. Under the same conditions, CD8 T cells expressed 4-1BB, but no detectable OX40. Thus, in vivo expression of 4-1BB and OX40 can be temporally and spatially segregated. In the absence of OX40L, there were decreased CD4 T cells late in the primary response and no detectable secondary expansion of adoptively transferred CD4 T cells under conditions in which primary expansion was unaffected. The 4-1BBL had a minor effect on the primary response of CD4 T cells in this model, but showed larger effects on the secondary response, although 4-1BBL−/− mice show less impairment in CD4 secondary responses than OX40L−/− mice. The 4-1BBL−/− and double knockout mice were similarly impaired in the CD8 T cell response, whereas OX40L−/− and double knockout mice were similarly impaired in the CD4 T cell response to both protein Ag and influenza virus. Thus, 4-1BB and OX40 act independently and nonredundantly to facilitate robust CD4 and CD8 recall responses.
Mechanism of Prostaglandin (PG)E2-Induced Prolactin Expression in Human T Cells: Cooperation of Two PGE2 Receptor Subtypes, E-Prostanoid (EP) 3 and EP4, Via Calcium- and Cyclic Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate-Mediated Signaling Pathways
Authors: Gerlo Sarah , Verdood Peggy , Gellersen Birgit , Hooghe-Peters Elisabeth L. , Kooijman Ron
Published: April 2014

We previously reported that prolactin gene expression in the T-leukemic cell line Jurkat is stimulated by PGE2 and that cAMP acts synergistically with Ca2+ or protein kinase C on the activation of the upstream prolactin promoter. Using the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D, we now show that PGE2-induced prolactin expression requires de novo prolactin mRNA synthesis and that PGE2 does not influence prolactin mRNA stability. Furthermore, PGE2-induced prolactin expression was inhibited by protein kinase inhibitor fragment 14–22 and BAPTA-AM, which respectively, inhibit protein kinase A- and Ca2+-mediated signaling cascades. Using specific PGE2 receptor agonists and antagonists, we show that PGE2 induces prolactin expression through engagement of E-prostanoid (EP) 3 and EP4 receptors. We also found that PGE2 induces an increase in intracellular cAMP concentration as well as intracellular calcium concentration via EP4 and EP3 receptors, respectively. In transient transfections, 3000 bp flanking the leukocyte prolactin promoter conferred a weak induction of the luciferase reporter gene by PGE2 and cAMP, whereas cAMP in synergy with ionomycin strongly activated the promoter. Mutation of a C/EBP responsive element at −214 partially abolished the response of the leukocyte prolactin promoter to PGE2, cAMP, and ionomycin plus cAMP.
Extract of Reishi Polysaccharides Induces Cytokine Expression via TLR4-Modulated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways
Authors: Hsu Hsien-Yeh , Hua Kuo-Feng , Lin Chun-Cheng , Lin Chun-Hung , Hsu Jason , Wong Chi-Huey
Published: April 2014

We have demonstrated that an extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi or Ling-Zhi) polysaccharides (EORP) exerts immunomodulating activities by stimulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines from mouse spleen cells. Interestingly, via responding to LPS in genetic variation of murine macrophage HeNC2 and GG2EE cell lines, and using TLR4 Ab blockage in human blood-derived monocytic macrophages, we have found that the TLR4, but not complement receptor type 3, is a putative receptor of EORP, mediating the consequent immunomodulating events associated with IL-1 gene expression. Based on our studies of reactive oxygen species production, polymyxin B inhibition, and protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activity, we ruled out the possibility of LPS contamination in EORP. We have found that EORP differentially modulates the protein kinase (PK)-mediated signal transduction pathways associated with inflammatory cytokine IL-1. In human macrophages and murine macrophage J774A.1 cells, EORP was found to up-regulate IL-1 secretion and pro-IL-1 (precursor of IL-1) as well as IL-1-converting enzyme expression. Specifically, EORP rapidly stimulates PTK-mediated phosphorylation, followed by induction of PKs and activation of MAPKs: ERK, JNK, and p38. Using PK inhibitors in the kinase activity assays, Western blot analyses and IL-1 ELISA, we have extensively examined and dissected the role of individual PK in the regulation of pro-IL-1/IL-1. Our findings establish that EORP-mediated signaling pathways are involved in the pro-IL-1/IL-1 regulation: PTK/protein kinase C/MEK1/ERK and PTK/Rac1/p21-activated kinase/p38.
Evidence of a Novel IL-2/15Rβ-Targeted Cytokine Involved in Homeostatic Proliferation of Memory CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Kamimura Daisuke , Ueda Naoko , Sawa Yukihisa , Hachida Shinji , Atsumi Toru , Nakagawa Takayuki , Sawa Shin-ichiro , Jin Gui-Hua , Suzuki Haruhiko , Ishihara Katsuhiko , Murakami Masaaki , Hirano Toshio
Published: April 2014

The homeostasis of memory CD8+ T cells is regulated by cytokines. IL-15 is shown to promote the proliferation of memory CD8+ T cells, while IL-2 suppresses their division in vivo. This inhibitory effect of IL-2 appears to occur indirectly, through other cell populations including CD25+CD4+ T cells; however, the details of this mechanism remain unclear. In this study, we show that 1) both Ag-experienced and memory phenotype CD8+ T cells divided after the depletion of IL-2 in vivo; 2) this division occurred normally and CD44highIL-2/15Rβhigh CD8+ T cells generated after IL-2 depletion in IL-15 knockout (KO) and in IL-7-depleted IL-15 KO mice; 3) surprisingly, the blockade of IL-2/15Rβ signaling in IL-2-depleted IL-15 KO mice completely abolished the division of memory CD8+ T cells, although the only cytokines known to act through IL-2/15Rβ are IL-2 and IL-15; and 4) the expression of IL-2/15Rβ molecules on memory CD8+ T cells was required for their division induced by IL-2 depletion. These results demonstrate that the depletion of IL-2 in vivo induced memory CD8+ T cell division by an IL-15-independent but by an IL-2/15Rβ-dependent mechanism, suggesting the existence of a novel IL-2/15Rβ-utilizing cytokine that acts directly on memory CD8+ T cells to promote cell division.
Induction of Bystander Suppression by Feeding Antigen Occurs despite Normal Clonal Expansion of the Bystander T Cell Population
Authors: Millington Owain R. , Mowat Allan McI. , Garside Paul
Published: April 2014

The induction of bystander suppression, whereby the response against one Ag is suppressed when it is presented in the context of an Ag to which tolerance is already established, would be an important property of oral tolerance, because it would allow treatment of autoimmune and hypersensitivity responses where the initiating Ag is not known. Although bystander suppression has been described in oral tolerance, it is not known how its effects are mediated at the level of the bystander T cells. In addition, previous studies have not compared regimes in which Ag is fed in a tolerogenic or immunogenic manner, meaning that the possible effects of Ag competition have not been excluded. In this study we have used two populations of Ag-specific TCR transgenic CD4+ T cells to examine the cellular basis of bystander suppression associated with oral tolerance in mice in vitro and in vivo. Our results show that bystander responses can be inhibited by feeding Ag and that these effects are more pronounced in mice fed protein in tolerogenic form than after feeding Ag with mucosal adjuvant. However, the expansion of the bystander-specific CD4+ T cells is not influenced by the presence of oral tolerance. Thus, bystander suppression does not reflect clonal deletion or reduced clonal expansion of the bystander T cells, but may act by altering the functional differentiation of bystander T cells.
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Modulates Langerhans Cell Immune Function
Authors: Kodali Sreedevi , Ding Wanhong , Huang Jing , Seiffert Kristina , Wagner John A. , Granstein Richard D.
Published: April 2014

Epidermal nerves lie in close proximity to Langerhans cells (LC) and are capable of releasing peptides that modulate LC function, including calcitonin gene-related peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide. The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has also been found in cutaneous nerves and mRNA, for the VIP receptor vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor type 1, and vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor type 2 have been found in murine LC and the LC-like cell line XS106. We examined the effects of VIP on LC function and cutaneous immunity. VIP inhibited elicitation of a delayed-type hypersensitivity response in previously immunized mice by epidermal cells enriched for LC content pulsed with Ag in vitro. VIP also inhibited the ability of unseparated epidermal cells to present Ag to a T cell clone and hybridoma and the ability of highly enriched LCs to present to the T cell clone. Inhibition of presentation to the hybridoma was observed with an antigenic peptide that does not require processing, suggesting that VIP is active at a step independent of Ag processing. To elucidate the mechanism(s) by which VIP may mediate these effects, we determined the effects of VIP on LC cytokine production using the XS106 cell line as a surrogate for LC. VIP augmented the production of the IL-10 in LPS-stimulated XS106 cells while down-regulating IL-12 and IL-1β production. Thus, VIP, like pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide and calcitonin gene-related peptide, down-regulates LC function and the associated immune response.
Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid Suppresses T Cell Protein Kinase Cθ Lipid Raft Recruitment and IL-2 Production
Authors: Fan Yang-Yi , Ly Lan H. , Barhoumi Rola , McMurray David N. , Chapkin Robert S.
Published: April 2014

To date, the proximal molecular targets through which dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) suppress the inflammatory process have not been elucidated. Because cholesterol and sphingolipid-enriched rafts have been proposed as platforms for compartmentalizing dynamically regulated signaling assemblies at the plasma membrane, we determined the in vivo effects of fish oil and highly purified docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) on T cell microdomain lipid composition and the membrane subdomain distribution of signal-transducing molecules (protein kinase C (PKC)θ, linker for activation of T cells, and Fas/CD95), before and after stimulation. Mice were fed diets containing 5 g/100 g corn oil (control), 4 g/100 g fish oil (contains a mixture of n-3 PUFA) plus 1 g/100 g corn oil, or 4 g/100 g corn oil plus 1 g/100 g DHA ethyl ester for 14 days. Dietary n-3 PUFA were incorporated into splenic T cell lipid raft and soluble membrane phospholipids, resulting in a 30% reduction in raft sphingomyelin content. In addition, polyclonal activation-induced colocalization of PKCθ with lipid rafts was reduced by n-3 PUFA feeding. With respect to PKCθ effector pathway signaling, both AP-1 and NF-κB activation, IL-2 secretion, and lymphoproliferation were inhibited by fish oil feeding. Similar results were obtained when purified DHA was fed. These data demonstrate for the first time that dietary DHA alters T cell membrane microdomain composition and suppresses the PKCθ signaling axis.
Follicular Dendritic Cell Regulation of CXCR4-Mediated Germinal Center CD4 T Cell Migration
Authors: Estes Jacob D. , Thacker Tyler C. , Hampton Denise L. , Kell Sariah A. , Keele Brandon F. , Palenske Emily A. , Druey Kirk M. , Burton Gregory F.
Published: April 2014

Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) up-regulate the chemokine receptor CXCR4 on CD4 T cells, and a major subpopulation of germinal center (GC) T cells (CD4+CD57+), which are adjacent to FDCs in vivo, expresses high levels of CXCR4. We therefore reasoned that GC T cells would actively migrate to stromal cell-derived factor-1 (CXCL12), the CXCR4 ligand, and tested this using Transwell migration assays with GC T cells and other CD4 T cells (CD57−) that expressed much lower levels of CXCR4. Unexpectedly, GC T cells were virtually nonresponsive to CXCL12, whereas CD57−CD4 T cells migrated efficiently despite reduced CXCR4 expression. In contrast, GC T cells efficiently migrated to B cell chemoattractant-1/CXCL13 and FDC supernatant, which contained CXCL13 produced by FDCs. Importantly, GC T cell nonresponsiveness to CXCL12 correlated with high ex vivo expression of regulator of G protein signaling (RGS), RGS13 and RGS16, mRNA and expression of protein in vivo. Furthermore, FDCs up-regulated both RGS13 and RGS16 mRNA expression in non-GC T cells, resulting in their impaired migration to CXCL12. Finally, GC T cells down-regulated RGS13 and RGS16 expression in the absence of FDCs and regained migratory competence to CXCL12. Although GC T cells express high levels of CXCR4, signaling through this receptor appears to be specifically inhibited by FDC-mediated expression of RGS13 and RGS16. Thus, FDCs appear to directly affect GC T cell migration within lymphoid follicles.