bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of TAP1 in B Lymphocytes by Cellular and Epstein-Barr Virus–Encoded Interleukin-10
Authors: Zeidler Reinhard , Eissner Günther , Meissner Petra , Uebel Stephan , Tampé Robert , Lazis Sabine , Hammerschmidt Wolfgang
Published: October 2019

Virally infected cells degrade intracellular viral proteins proteolytically and present the resulting peptides in association with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). These cells are normally prone to CTL-mediated elimination. However, several viruses have evolved strategies to avoid detection by the immune system that interfere with the pathway of antigen presentation. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) expresses a predominantly late protein, the BCRF1 gene product vIL-10, that is similar in sequence to the human interleukin-10 (hIL-10). We show here that vIL-10 affects the expression of one of the two transporter proteins (TAPs) associated with antigen presentation. Similarly, hIL-10 showed the same activity. Expression of the LMP2 and TAP1 genes but not expression of TAP2 or LMP7 is efficiently downregulated, indicating a specific IL-10 effect on the two divergently transcribed TAP1 and LMP2 genes. Downregulation of TAP1 by IL-10 hampers the transport of peptide antigens into the endoplasmatic reticulum, as shown in the TAP-specific peptide transporter assay, their loading onto empty MHC I molecules, and the subsequent translocation to the cell surface. As a consequence, IL-10 causes a general reduction of surface MHC I molecules on B lymphocytes that might also affect the recognition of EBV-infected cells by cytotoxic T cells.
Rapid Molecular Cloning of Rearrangements of the IGHJ Locus Using Long-Distance Inverse Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Willis T.G. , Jadayel D.M. , Coignet L.J.A. , Abdul-Rauf M. , Treleaven J.G. , Catovsky D. , Dyer M.J.S.
Published: October 2019

Clonal rearrangements of the Ig heavy chain (IGH ) locus consisting of either intrachromosomal (VDJ ) rearrangements or interchromosomal translocations are a consistent feature of all B-cell malignancies and may be used both diagnostically and to monitor response to therapy. Many of these rearrangements are targeted to the IGHJ segments, but only some can be amplified with regular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. To permit PCR amplification of potentially all IGHJ rearrangements, we have devised a method incorporating self-ligation of restriction endonuclease-digested DNA fragments with long-distance PCR (long-distance, inverse PCR [LDI-PCR]). We show here, using only 4 nested oligonucleotide primers, the successful amplification and DNA sequencing of all IGHJ rearrangements up to 5.4 kb in length from a panel of 13 cases and cell lines of various types of B-cell malignancy. In all cases, both VDJ and DJ IGH rearrangements and translocation breakpoints were amplified. Six cases exhibited t(14; 18)(q32; q21). All translocation breakpoints were cloned and sequenced. Three cases exhibited a rearrangement to the BCL2 major breakpoint region (MBR). However, 2 other cases exhibited rearrangements between the MBR and the minor cluster region (mcr). These 2 cases broke within 44 bp of each other, confirming the presence of an additional 3′ BCL2 breakpoint cluster region. The final case fell immediately 3′ of the 3′ UTR of the BCL2 gene adjacent to an Alu repeat. No other BCL2 breakpoints within this region have been reported. Four cases exhibited t(11; 14)(q13; q32). All 3 cases with translocations targeted to the IGHJ segments were successfully amplified and sequenced, including 1 case in which the BCL1 translocation could not be detected by DNA blot using the currently available probes. All three translocation breakpoints fell outside the BCL1 major translocation cluster between 20 and 40 kb telomeric and showed no clustering. Two of the three fell within or adjacent to Alu repeat regions. LDI-PCR is a simple and robust technique that allows PCR amplification of nearly all IGHJ rearrangements.
The Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Receptor Is Required for the Mobilization of Murine Hematopoietic Progenitors Into Peripheral Blood by Cyclophosphamide or Interleukin-8 But Not Flt-3 Ligand
Authors: Liu Fulu , Poursine-Laurent Jennifer , Link Daniel C.
Published: October 2019

Hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) can be mobilized from the bone marrow into the peripheral circulation in response to a number of stimuli including hematopoietic growth factors, cytotoxic agents, and certain chemokines. Despite significant differences in their biological activities, these stimuli result in the mobilization of HPC with a similar phenotype, suggesting that a common mechanism for mobilization may exist. In this study, the role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in progenitor mobilization was examined using G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR)–deficient mice. In contrast to wild-type mice, no increase in circulating colony-forming cells (CFU-C), CD34+ lineage− progenitors, or day 12 colony-forming unit-spleen progenitors (CFU-S) was detected in G-CSFR–deficient mice after cyclophosphamide administration. This defect was not due to a failure to regenerate HPC following cyclophosphamide administration as the number of CFU-C in the bone marrow of G-CSFR–deficient mice was increased relative to wild-type mice. Likewise, no increase in circulating CFU-C was detected in G-CSFR–deficient mice following interleukin-8 (IL-8) administration. In contrast, mobilization of HPC in response to flt-3 ligand was nearly normal. These results show that the G-CSFR is required for mobilization in response to cyclophosphamide or IL-8 but not flt-3 ligand and suggest that the G-CSFR may play an important and previously unexpected role in HPC migration.
Bernard-Soulier Syndrome Caused by a Dinucleotide Deletion and Reading Frameshift in the Region Encoding the Glycoprotein Ibα Transmembrane Domain
Authors: Afshar-Kharghan Vahid , López José A.
Published: October 2019

We investigated the molecular genetic and biosynthetic basis of Bernard-Soulier syndrome in a severely affected white woman. Flow cytometric analysis showed a severe deficiency of glycoprotein (GP) Ib, GP IX, and GP V on the surface of her platelets. Similarly, GP Ibα was undetectable by immunoblot analysis of platelet lysates. Surprisingly, a large quantity of a 70-kD protein (which probably represents a GP Ibα degradation product) was found in the patient's plasma in much greater quantities than in the plasma of an unaffected individual. To analyze the molecular lesion responsible for the disorder, we amplified and sequenced gene segments corresponding to the entire coding regions of the GP Ibα, GP Ibβ, and GP IX genes. The patient was homozygous for a specific GP Ibα allele that contained two tandem VNTR repeats in the region encoding the macroglycopeptide (C variant) and three differences from the published GP Ibα gene sequence. Two mutations were unlikely to be involved in the disorder: the substitution of a single base (T → C) in the second nucleotide of exon 2, which is in the 5′ untranslated region of the GP Ibα transcript, and a silent mutation in the third base of the codon for Arg342 (A → G) that does not change the amino acid sequence. The third mutation was a deletion of the last two bases of the codon for Tyr492 (TAT). This mutation causes a frameshift that alters the GP Ibα amino acid sequence, beginning within its transmembrane region. The mutant polypeptide contains 81 novel amino acids and is 38 amino acids shorter than its wild-type counterpart. The new sequence changes the hydrophobic nature of the transmembrane domain and greatly decreases the net positive charge of what had been the cytoplasmic domain. The deletion mutation was introduced into the GP Ibα cDNA, alone and in combination with the 5′ mutation, and expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The deletion alone severely reduced GP Ibα expression on the cell surface. Expression was not decreased further by addition of the 5′ mutation, confirming that the deletion was the cause of the Bernard-Soulier phenotype. Stable cell lines expressing the mutant polypeptide secreted large amounts of the polypeptide into the medium, suggesting that the mutant anchors poorly in the plasma membrane. Nevertheless, a fraction of the mutant was able to associate with GP Ibβ, as demonstrated by their coimmunoprecipitation with a GP Ibβ antibody.
Thrombin Cleavage-Independent Deposition of Fibrinogen in Extracellular Matrices
Authors: Guadiz Gayle , Sporn Lee Ann , Simpson-Haidaris Patricia J.
Published: October 2019

Lung epithelial cells (A549) synthesize and secrete fibrinogen (FBG) in vitro when stimulated with interleukin-6 and dexamethasone. This FBG secretion is polarized in the basolateral direction, suggesting that FBG is a component of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Immunofluorescent staining of A549 cells showed a fibrillar pattern of FBG, similar to the staining detected using antibodies against the matrix constituents, collagen type IV and fibronectin (FN). The same pattern of staining was detected using antibodies against fibrinopeptides A and B, as well as with the T2G1 monoclonal antibody against the fibrin-specific epitope, β15-21. Matrix staining was unaltered in the presence of the thrombin inhibitor, hirudin, or the plasmin inhibitor, aprotinin, consistent with the interpretation that matrix deposition of FBG does not require such enzymatic action. Metabolic labeling studies confirmed that FBG secreted from A549 cells or deposited into the ECM showed no evidence of thrombin or plasmin proteolytic processing or of transglutaminase-mediated covalent cross-linking (γ-γ dimers or α-polymers). Incubation of either A549 cell-derived or purified plasma FBG with cultures of human foreskin fibroblasts resulted in FBG deposition in the ECM that colocalized with matrix fibrils containing endogenously produced FN and laminin (LN). Binding of FBG to this exogenously produced matrix was unaltered by inhibition of thrombin and plasmin action, yet also exhibited exposure of the fibrin-specific epitope, β15-21. The majority (∼70%) of newly synthesized and secreted FBG is bound to the cell surface as determined by its trypsin-sensitivity. Cell surface-bound FBG is initially deoxycholate-soluble, which, over time, becomes incorporated in the deoxycholate-insoluble ECM in a similar fashion to FN. These data suggest that matrix incorporation requires the binding of secreted FBG to cell-associated matrix assembly sites. However, unlike FN, FBG in the ECM is composed of the dimeric protamer (Aα/Bβ/γγ) and not high molecular weight polymers indicative of fibrin. This study provides evidence that deposition of FBG in both endogenous and exogenously produced matrices results in conformational changes that occur independently of thrombin cleavage. This matrix-bound FBG, on which unique cell-reactive domains are likely exposed, could augment cellular response mechanisms evoked during injury and inflammation.
Identification of T-Cell Epitopes on the Rhesus Polypeptides in Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Barker Robert N. , Hall Andrew M. , Standen Graham R. , Jones Jeff , Elson Christopher J.
Published: October 2019

We have shown previously that the Rhesus (Rh) polypeptides are the commonest targets for pathogenic anti-red blood cell (RBC) autoantibodies in patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). The aim of the current work was to determine whether activated T cells from such patients also mount recall responses to epitopes on these proteins. Two panels of overlapping 15-mer peptides, corresponding to the sequences of the 30-kD Rh proteins associated with expression of the D and Cc/Ee blood group antigens, were synthesized and screened for the ability to stimulate the in vitro proliferation of mononuclear cells from the peripheral blood or spleen of nine AIHA cases. Culture conditions were chosen that favor recall proliferation by previously activated T cells, rather than primary responses. In seven of the patients, including all four cases with autoantibody to the Rh proteins, two or more peptides elicited proliferation, but cells from eight of nine patients with other anemias and seven of nine healthy donors failed to respond to the panels. Multiple peptides were also stimulatory in two positive control donors who had been alloimmunized with Rh D-positive RBCs. Six different profiles of peptides elicited responses in the AIHA patients, and this variation may reflect the different HLA types in the group. Stimulatory peptides were identified throughout domains shared between, or specific to, each of the related 30-kD Rh proteins, but T cells that responded to nonconserved regions did not cross-react with the alternative sequences. Anti-major histocompatibility complex class II antibodies blocked the responses and depletion experiments confirmed that the proliferating mononuclear cells were T cells. Notably, splenic T cells that proliferated against multiple Rh peptides also responded to intact RBCs. We propose that pathogenic autoantibody production in many cases of AIHA is driven by the activation of T-helper cells specific for previously cryptic epitopes on the Rh proteins.
An Allelic Association Implicates Myeloperoxidase in the Etiology of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Reynolds Wanda F. , Chang Eric , Douer Dan , Ball Edward D. , Kanda Vikas
Published: October 2019

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) catalyzes a reaction between chloride and hydrogen peroxide to generate hypochlorous acid and other reactive compounds that have been linked to DNA damage. The MPO gene is expressed at high levels in normal myeloid precursors and in acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) which are clonal derivatives of myeloid precursors that have lost the ability to differentiate into mature blood cells. Two MPO alleles differ at -463 G/A within a cluster of nuclear receptor binding sites in an Alu element. The -463 G creates a stronger SP1 binding site and retinoic acid (RA) response element (RARE) in the allele termed Sp. In this study, we investigate potential links between MPO genotype, MPO expression level, and myeloid leukemia. The SpSp MPO genotype is shown to correlate with increased MPO mRNA levels in primary myeloid leukemia cells. This higher-expressing SpSp genotype is further shown to be overrepresented in acute promyelocytic leukemia-M3 (APL-M3) and AML-M4, suggesting that higher levels of MPO are associated with an increased risk for this subset of leukemias.
Inhibition of Metastasis of Intraocular Melanomas by Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Transfer of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type 1 (PAI-1) in an Athymic Mouse Model
Authors: Ma Ding , Gerard Robert D. , Li Xiao-Yan , Alizadeh Hassan , Niederkorn Jerry Y.
Published: October 2019

Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in adults and results in the death of 50% of the patients. Plasminogen activators (PA) are believed to facilitate tumor metastasis by promoting invasion of tissue barriers. The present study explored the possibility of preventing the metastasis of intraocular melanomas by disrupting plasminogen activator function through gene transfer. A replication-deficient adenovirus vector was used for the in vivo transfer of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) cDNA. Intraocular injection of an adenovirus vector (AdCMV-PAI-1) expressing plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 resulted in: (1) the transduction of more than 95% of human and murine uveal melanoma cells in the eyes of nude mice; (2) a 50% reduction in the number of animals developing liver metastases; and (3) a 78% reduction in the metastatic tumor burden in animals that eventually developed metastases. In other experiments intravenous injections of AdCMV-PAI-1 resulted in transduction of normal liver cells and culminated in a sharp reduction in the incidence of metastases and a significant prolongation of host survival. The results support the feasibility of disruption of PA function through gene transfer as a therapeutic strategy for preventing metastases and prolonging host survival.
Molecular Interactions Between Hb α-G Philadelphia, HbC, and HbS: Phenotypic Implications for SC α-G Philadelphia Disease
Authors: Lawrence Christine , Hirsch Rhoda Elison , Fataliev Nazim A. , Patel Snehal , Fabry Mary E. , Nagel Ronald L.
Published: October 2019

We show here that αG-Phila.2βC2 has an increased rate of crystal nucleation compared to α2 βC2 (HbC). We conclude from this finding that position α68, the mutation site of αG-Phila.2 β2 (HbGPhiladelphia), is a contact site in the crystal of HbC. In addition, that HbS enhances HbC crystallization (additive to the effect of αG-Phila, as shown here) and that αG-Phila. inhibits polymerization of HbS are pathogenically relevant previously known facts. All of these findings help explain the phenotype of an individual simultaneously heterozygous for the βS, βC, and the αG-Phila. genes (SCα-G Philadelphia disease). This disease is characterized by a mild clinical course, abundant circulating intraerythrocytic crystals, and increased folded red cells. This phenotype seems to be the result of increased crystallization and decreased polymerization brought about by the opposite effects of the gene product of the αG-Phila. gene on the βC and βS gene products. Some of the intraerythrocytic crystals in this syndrome are unusually long and thin, resembling sugar canes, unlike those seen in SC disease. The mild clinical course associated with increased crystallization implies that, in SC disease, polymerization of HbS is pathogenically more important than the crystallization induced by βC chains. The SCα-G Philadelphia disease is an example of multiple hemoglobin chain interactions (epistatic effect among globin genes) creating a unique phenotype.
Blockade of Human P2X7 Receptor Function With a Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Buell G. , Chessell I.P. , Michel A.D. , Collo G. , Salazzo M. , Herren S. , Gretener D. , Grahames C. , Kaur R. , Kosco-Vilbois M.H. , Humphrey P.P.A.
Published: October 2019

A monoclonal antibody (MoAb) specific for the human P2X7receptor was generated in mice. As assessed by flow cytometry, the MoAb labeled human blood-derived macrophage cells natively expressing P2X7 receptors and cells transfected with human P2X7 but not other P2X receptor types. The MoAb was used to immunoprecipitate the human P2X7 receptor protein, and in immunohistochemical studies on human lymphoid tissue, P2X7receptor labeling was observed within discrete areas of the marginal zone of human tonsil sections. The antibody also acted as a selective antagonist of human P2X7 receptors in several functional studies. Thus, whole cell currents, elicited by the brief application of 2′,3′-(4-benzoyl)-benzoyl-ATP in cells expressing human P2X7, were reduced in amplitude by the presence of the MoAb. Furthermore, preincubation of human monocytic THP-1 cells with the MoAb antagonized the ability of P2X7 agonists to induce the release of interleukin-1β.
Susceptibility Alleles for Aberrant B-1 Cell Proliferation Involved in Spontaneously Occurring B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in a Model of New Zealand White Mice
Authors: Hamano Yoshitomo , Hirose Sachiko , Ida Akinori , Abe Masaaki , Zhang Danqing , Kodera Sanki , Jiang Yi , Shirai Jun , Miura Yuko , Nishimura Hiroyuki , Shirai Toshikazu
Published: October 2019

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and autoimmune disease are a related event, and genetic factors are linked to both diseases. As B-CLL is mainly of B-1 cell type that participates in autoantibody production, genetically-determined regulatory abnormalities in proliferation and/or differentiation of B-1 cells may determine their fate. We earlier found that, in H-2–congenic (NZB × NZW) F1 mice, while H-2d/z heterozygosity predisposes to autoimmune disease, H-2z/z homozygosity predisposes to B-CLL. Studies also suggested the involvement of non–H-2-linked NZW allele(s) in leukemogenesis. Using H-2–congenic NZW and B10 mouse strains, their F1 and backcross progeny, we have now identified three major NZW susceptibility loci for abnormal proliferation of B-1 cells, which form the basis of leukemogenesis; one H-2–linked locus on chromosome 17 and the other two non–H-2-linked loci, each on chromosome 13 and chromosome 17. Each susceptibility allele functioned independently, in an incomplete dominant fashion, the sum of effects determining the extent of aberrant B-1 cell frequencies. The development of leukemia was associated with age-related increase in B-1 cell frequencies in the blood. Thus, these alleles probably predispose B-1 cells to accumulate genetic alterations, giving rise to B-CLL. Potentially important candidate genes and correlation of the findings with autoimmune disease are discussed.
Thrombopoietin Production Is Inhibited by a Translational Mechanism
Authors: Ghilardi Nico , Wiestner Adrian , Skoda Radek C.
Published: October 2019

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a lineage-dominant hematopoietic cytokine that regulates megakaryopoiesis and platelet production. The major site of TPO biosynthesis is the liver. Despite easily detectable levels of liver TPO mRNA, the circulating TPO serum levels are very low. We have observed that translation of TPO mRNA is inhibited by the presence of inhibitory elements in the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR). Alternative promoter usage and differential splicing generate at least three TPO mRNA isoforms that differ in the composition of their 5′-UTR. Using mutational analysis we show that physiologically the translation of these TPO mRNA isoforms is strongly inhibited by the presence of AUG codons, which define several short open reading frames (ORFs) in the 5′-UTR and suppress efficient initiation at the physiologic start site. The two regularly spliced isoforms, which account for 98% of TPO mRNA, were almost completely inhibited, whereas a rare splice variant that lacks exon 2 can be more efficiently translated. Thus, inhibition of translation of the TPO mRNA is an efficient mechanism to prevent overproduction of this highly potent cytokine.
The Viral Chemokine Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-II Is a Selective Th2 Chemoattractant
Authors: Sozzani S. , Luini W. , Bianchi G. , Allavena P. , Wells T.N.C. , Napolitano M. , Bernardini G. , Vecchi A. , D’Ambrosio D. , Mazzeo D. , Sinigaglia F. , Santoni A. , Maggi E. , Romagnani S. , Mantovani A.
Published: October 2019

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) lesions are characterized by a prominent leukocyte infiltrate composed of mononuclear phagocytes and T cells. KS-associated CD4+ and CD8+ cells showed predominantly a type II cytokine profile. The CC chemokine viral macrophage inflammatory protein-II (vMIP-II) encoded by the KS-associated herpes virus 8 was a selective chemoattractant for T helper 2 (Th2 cells) and for monocytes, whereas it was inactive on other leukocytes, including Th1 cells, dendritic cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. vMIP-II was an agonist for CCR8, a chemokine receptor selectively expressed on CD4+ and CD8+ cells with a type II cytokine profile. Hence, vMIP-II has agonist activity for a chemokine receptor (CCR8), which is preferentially expressed on polarized Th2 cells. The capacity of vMIP-II to attract type II T cells selectively is likely to be a component of the virus strategy to subvert the host immune response.
Trivalent Antimonials Induce Degradation of the PML-RAR Oncoprotein and Reorganization of the Promyelocytic Leukemia Nuclear Bodies in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia NB4 Cells
Authors: Müller Stefan , Miller Wilson H. , Dejean Anne
Published: October 2019

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by a specific t(15;17) chromosomal translocation that fuses the genes encoding the promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) and the retinoic acid receptor  (RAR). The resulting PML-RAR protein induces a block in the differentiation of the myeloid progenitor cells, which can be released by retinoic acid (RA) in vitro and in vivo. The RA-induced differentiation of APL blasts is paralleled by the degradation of the fusion protein and the relocation of wild-type PML from aberrant nuclear structures to its normal localization in nuclear bodies. Recently, arsenic trioxide (As2O3) treatment was proposed as an alternative therapy in APL, because it can induce complete remission in both RA-sensitive and -resistant APL patients. Intriguingly, As2O3 was also shown to induce degradation of the PML-RAR chimera and to reorganize PML nuclear bodies. Here we show that trivalent antimonials also have striking effects on RA-sensitive and RA-resistant APL cells. Treatment of the APL-derived NB4 cells and the RA-resistant subclone NB4R4 with antimony trioxide or potassium antimonyl tartrat triggers the degradation of the fusion protein and the concomitant reorganization of the PML nuclear bodies. In addition, as reported for As2O3, the antimonials provoke apoptosis of NB4 and NB4R4 cells. The mechanism of antimony action is likely to be similar to that of As2O3, notably both substances induce the attachment of the ubiquitin-like SUMO-1 molecule to the PML moiety of PML-RAR. From these data, we propose that, in analogy to As2O3, antimonials might have a beneficial therapeutic effect on APL patients, perhaps with less toxicity than arsenic.
P-Selectin and Platelet Clearance
Authors: Berger Gaëtan , Hartwell Daqing W. , Wagner Denisa D.
Published: October 2019

P-selectin is an adhesion receptor for leukocytes expressed by activated platelets and endothelial cells. To assess a possible role of P-selectin in platelet clearance, we adapted an in vivo biotinylation technique in mice. Wild-type and P-selectin–deficient mice were infused with N-hydroxysuccinimido biotin. The survival of biotinylated platelets was followed by flow cytometry after labeling with fluorescent streptavidin. Both wild-type and P-selectin–deficient platelets presented identical life spans of about 4.7 days, suggesting that P-selectin does not play a role in platelet turnover. When biotinylated platelets were isolated, activated with thrombin, and reinjected into mice, the rate of platelet clearance was unchanged. In contrast, storage of platelets at 4°C caused a significant reduction in their life span in vivo but again no significant differences were observed between the two genotypes. The infused thrombin-activated platelets rapidly lost their surface P-selectin in circulation, and this loss was accompanied by the simultaneous appearance of a 100-kD P-selectin fragment in the plasma. This observation suggests that the platelet membrane P-selectin was shed by cleavage. In conclusion, this study shows that P-selectin, despite its binding to leukocytes, does not mediate platelet clearance. However, the generation of a soluble form of P-selectin on platelet activation may have biological implications in modulating leukocyte recruitment or thrombus growth.
Norethisterone Treatment, a Major Risk-Factor for Veno-Occlusive Disease in the Liver After Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Hägglund Hans , Remberger Mats , Klaesson Sven , Lönnqvist Berit , Ljungman Per , Ringdén Olle
Published: October 2019

In this single-center study, we retrospectively analyzed incidence and risk factors for hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) in 249 consecutive patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between January 1990 and June 1995. Twenty-four of the 249 transplanted patients developed VOD. The probabilities of developing VOD were 17% among women and 7% in men (P = .01). In women treated with norethisterone, the incidence was 27% compared with 3% in women without this treatment (P = .007). One-year survival rates were 17% and 73% in patients with (n = 24) or without VOD (n = 225), respectively. The use of heparin prophylaxis (100 IE/kg/24 hours for 1 month) did not alter the incidence or 1-year mortality of VOD. In multivariate analysis, the following risk factors were significant: norethisterone treatment (P < .001), bilirubin >26 μmol/L before bone marrow transplantation (BMT) (P = .002), one HLA-antigen mismatch (P = .003), previous abdominal irradiation (P = .02), and conditioning with busulphan (P = .02). Our conclusion is that norethisterone treatment should not be used in patients undergoing BMT and heparin prophylaxis did not affect the incidence or mortality of VOD.
Hematopoietic Cells From -Spectrin–Deficient Mice Are Sufficient to Induce Thrombotic Events in Hematopoietically Ablated Recipients
Authors: Wandersee Nancy J. , Lee John C. , Kaysser Tamma M. , Bronson Roderick T. , Barker Jane E.
Published: October 2019

Thrombotic events are life-threatening complications of human hemolytic anemias such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia. It is not clear whether these events are solely influenced by aberrant hematopoietic cells or also involve aberrant nonhematopoietic cells. Spherocytosis mutant (Spna1sph/Spna1sph; for simplicity referred to as sph/sph) mice develop a severe hemolytic anemia postnatally due to deficiencies in -spectrin in erythroid and other as yet incompletely defined nonerythroid tissues. Thrombotic lesions occur in all adult sph/sph mice, thus providing a hematopoietically stressed model in which to assess putative causes of thrombus formation. To determine whether hematopoietic cells fromsph/sph mice are sufficient to initiate thrombi, bone marrow from sph/sph or +/+ mice was transplanted into mice with no hemolytic anemia. One set of recipients was lethally irradiated; the other set was genetically stem cell deficient. All mice implanted withsph/sph marrow, but not +/+ marrow, developed severe anemia and histopathology typical of sph/sph mice. Histological analyses of marrow recipients showed that thrombi were present in the recipients of sph/sph marrow, but not +/+ marrow. The results indicate that the -spectrin–deficient hematopoietic cells of sph/sph mice are the primary causative agents of the thrombotic events.
Stomach Implant for Long-Term Erythropoietin Expression in Rats
Authors: Lejnieks Daniel V. , Ramesh N. , Lau Stella , Osborne William R.A.
Published: October 2019

To approach the goal of consistent long-term erythropoietin (Epo) expression in vivo, we developed an implantation procedure in which transduced autologous vascular smooth muscle was introduced into rats in a chamber created from a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ring placed under the serosa of the stomach. The implant became vascularized and permitted the long-term survival of smooth muscle cells expressing Epo. Hematocrits of treated animals increased rapidly and monitored over 12 months gave a mean value of 56.0 ± 4.0% (P < .001; n = 9), increased from a presurgery mean of 42.3 ± 1.6%. Hemoglobin levels rose from a presurgery mean of 15.2 ± 0.4 g/dL and for 12 months were significantly elevated with a mean value of 19.5 ± 1.3 g/dL (P < .001; n = 9). The hematocrit and hemoglobin levels of control animals receiving human adenosine deaminase (ADA)–expressing cells were not significantly different from baseline (P > .05; n = 5). In response to tissue oxygenation, kidney, and (to a lesser extent) liver are specific organs that synthesize Epo. Treated animals showed downregulation of endogenous Epo mRNA in kidney over a 12-month period. The PTFE implant provides sustained gene delivery, is safe, and is minimally invasive. It allows easy engraftment of transduced cells and may be applied generally to the systemic delivery of therapeutic proteins such as hormones and clotting factors.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.
Transformation of Mycosis Fungoides/Sezary Syndrome: Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis
Authors: Diamandidou Eleni , Colome-Grimmer Maria , Fayad Luis , Duvic Madeleine , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: October 2019

The occurrence of large cell transformation has been well documented in a subgroup of patients with mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome (MF/SS). However, because of the rarity of MF/SS, little is known about the influence of clinicopathologic features in predicting large cell transformation and about outcome in the transformed cases. We evaluated all patients with MF/SS who were registered in our clinic during the study period and for whom pathologic slides for review were available or could be obtained. Disease was classified as transformed if biopsy showed large cells (≥4 times the size of a small lymphocyte) in more than 25% of the infiltrate or if they formed microscopic nodules. Twenty-six patients with transformation were identified from a total of 115 evaluable cases with a diagnosis of MF/SS. The actuarial cumulative probability of transformation reached 39% in 12 years. The median time from diagnosis of MF/SS to transformation was 12 months (range, 0 to 128 months). Thirty-one percent of all patients with stage IIB-IV disease at presentation eventually transformed versus 14% of those with stage I-IIA (P= .03), with transformation being especially common in patients with tumors (T3), 46% of whom transformed. Combining elevated β2 microglobulin and lactic dehydrogenase (neither elevated v one or both elevated) was also predictive for transformation (P = .009). The median survival from initial diagnosis of MF/SS for the transformed patients was 37 months versus 163 months for the untransformed group (P = .0029). The median survival from transformation was 19.4 months (range, 2+ to 138 months). The following characteristics were associated with an inferior survival in transformed patients: (1) early transformation (<2 years from the diagnosis v ≥2 years; P = .011) and (2) advanced stage (IIB-IV v I-IIA; 2-year survival, 23% v 86%;P = .0035). We conclude that MF/SS patients with stages IIB-IV disease and, in particular, those with tumors have a high incidence of large-cell transformation. Patients with transformation have a relatively poor survival, especially if transformation occurs early (within 2 years) in the course of disease or if they are staged as IIB or higher.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.
Second Malignancies in Patients With Hairy Cell Leukemia in British Columbia: A 20-Year Experience
Authors: Au Wing Y. , Klasa Richard J. , Gallagher Richard , Le Nhu , Gascoyne Randy D. , Connors Joseph M.
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare the relative risk of second malignancies in a cohort of patients with hairy cell leukemia (HCL) against the normal population. Potential effects of type of treatment and duration of follow-up and the site distribution of cancer were also examined. Between 1976 and 1996, 117 patients were diagnosed with HCL in British Columbia who were referred to the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) for treatment. All additional malignancies were traced using a provincial population-based cancer registry and follow-up records from the BCCA. There were 90 men and 27 women. Median age at diagnosis was 53 years. The median follow-up time was 68 months. Twenty-three patients underwent primary splenectomy, 65 received interferon alpha, 24 deoxycoformycin, and 67 cladribine (2-chlorodeoxyadenosine). Thirty-six patients had an additional malignancy (30.7%) with a total of 44 tumors. Six patients (5.1%) had two or more malignancies. Twenty-five patients had malignancies diagnosed after HCL (21.3%), three concurrent with HCL (2.6%), and 12 preceding HCL (10.2%). Second tumors (n = 28 tumors) occurred at a median of 40 months after HCL (range, 3 to 167). The relative rate (RR) of second malignancy among men and women was 2.91 (P < .001) and 1.65 (P = .23), respectively, compared with age and secular trend-matched controls. There were eight prostate cancers, nine nonmelanoma skin cancers, two lung cancers, and four gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas. The RR (90% confidence interval [CI]) in the various treatment groups were: splenectomy (RR = 0.21 to 3.81), purine analogues (RR = 0.60 to 5.69), interferon then purine analogues (RR = 1.60 to 4.31), interferon alone (RR = 1.57 to 8.40). Cancer risk peaked at 2 years after HCL (RR = 4.13) and fell steadily afterwards, reaching a RR of 1.82 at 6 years. Twenty patients died, six due to HCL, 10 due to second malignancies, and four of unrelated causes. HCL patients appear to be inherently prone to malignancies. This appears to be more related to HCL tumor burden than to genetic predisposition or treatment effect. RR tends to fall with time after effective treatment. However, close monitoring for and vigorous prevention of cancer in HCL patients is advisable.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.
Effective Treatment of Cobalamin Deficiency With Oral Cobalamin
Authors: Kuzminski Antoinette M. , Del Giacco Eric J. , Allen Robert H. , Stabler Sally P. , Lindenbaum John
Published: October 2019

Because cobalamin deficiency is routinely treated with parenteral cobalamin, we investigated the efficacy of oral therapy. We randomly assigned 38 newly diagnosed cobalamin deficient patients to receive cyanocobalamin as either 1 mg intramuscularly on days 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 30, 60, and 90 or 2 mg orally on a daily basis for 120 days. Therapeutic effectiveness was evaluated by measuring hematologic and neurologic improvement and changes in serum levels of cobalamin (normal, 200 to 900 pg/mL) methylmalonic acid (normal, 73 to 271 nmol/L), and homocysteine (normal, 5.1 to 13.9 μmol/L). Five patients were subsequently found to have folate deficiency, which left 18 evaluable patients in the oral group and 15 in the parenteral group. Correction of hematologic and neurologic abnormalities was prompt and indistinguishable between the 2 groups. The mean pretreatment values for serum cobalamin, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine were, respectively, 93 pg/mL, 3,850 nmol/L, and 37.2 μmol/L in the oral group and 95 pg/mL, 3,630 nmol/L, and 40.0 μmol/L in the parenteral therapy group. After 4 months of therapy, the respective mean values were 1,005 pg/mL, 169 nmol/L, and 10.6 μmol/L in the oral group and 325 pg/mL, 265 nmol/L, and 12.2 μmol/L in the parenteral group. The higher serum cobalamin and lower serum methylmalonic acid levels at 4 months posttreatment in the oral group versus the parenteral group were significant, with P < .0005 and P < .05, respectively. In cobalamin deficiency, 2 mg of cyanocobalamin administered orally on a daily basis was as effective as 1 mg administered intramuscularly on a monthly basis and may be superior.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.
Human Herpesvirus 7 Infection Induces Profound Cell Cycle Perturbations Coupled to Disregulation of cdc2 and Cyclin B and Polyploidization of CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Secchiero Paola , Bertolaso Lucia , Casareto Luca , Gibellini Davide , Vitale Marco , Bemis Kristi , Aleotti Arrigo , Capitani Silvano , Franchini Genoveffa , Gallo Robert C. , Zauli Giorgio
Published: October 2019

Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) infection of both primary CD4+ T lymphocytes and SupT1 lymphoblastoid T-cell line induced a progressive accumulation of cells exibiting a gap 2/mitosis (G2/M) and polyploid content coupled to an increased cell size. The expression of both cyclin-dependent kinase cdc2 and cyclin B was increased in HHV-7–infected cells with respect to the uninfected ones. Moreover, the simultaneous flow cytometric analysis of cyclin B and DNA content showed that cyclin B expression was not only increased but also unscheduled with respect to its usual cell cycle pattern. However, the levels of kinase activity associated to cdc2 were decreased in HHV-7–infected cells with respect to uninfected cultures. To elucidate the origin of the enlarged HHV-7–infected cells, extensive electron and confocal microscopy analyses were performed. Membrane fusion events associated to cytoplasmic bridges, which characterize the formation of syncytia, were never observed. On the other hand, analysis of serial sections of the same cells strongly suggested that enlarged HHV-7–infected cells contained a single polylobated nucleus. This was confirmed by flow cytometry analysis performed on nuclei isolated from HHV-7–infected cells, which showed multiple peaks with a DNA content >4n. Taken together, these data indicate that giant cells, which represent the hallmark of in vitro HHV-7 infection, arise from single CD4+ T cells undergoing a process of polyploidization.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.
The t(4;14) Translocation in Myeloma Dysregulates Both FGFR3and a Novel Gene, MMSET, Resulting in IgH/MMSET Hybrid Transcripts
Authors: Chesi Marta , Nardini Elena , Lim Robert S.C. , Smith Kerrington D. , Kuehl W. Michael , Bergsagel P. Leif
Published: October 2019

Previously we reported that a karyotypically silent t(4;14)(p16.3;q32.3) translocation is present in about 25% of multiple myeloma (MM) tumors, and causes overexpression of FGFR3, which is 50 to 100 kb telomeric to the 4p16 breakpoints. Frequent FGFR3 kinase activating mutations in MM with t(4;14) translocations substantiate an oncogenic role for FGFR3. We now report that the 4p16 breakpoints occur telomeric to and within the 5′ introns of a novel gene,MMSET (Multiple Myeloma SETdomain). In normal tissues, MMSET has a complex pattern of expression with a short form (647 amino acids [aa]) containing an HMG box andhath region, and an alternatively spliced long form (1365 aa) containing the HMG box and hath region plus 4 PHD fingers and a SET domain. Although t(4;14) translocation results in IgH/MMSET hybrid transcripts, overexpression of MMSET also occurs from endogenous promoters on 4p16. Given the homology to HRX/MLL1/ALL1at 11q23 that is dysregulated by translocations in acute leukemia, we hypothesize that dysregulation of MMSET contributes to neoplastic transformation in MM with t(4;14) translocation. This is the first example of an IgH translocation that simultaneously dysregulates two genes with oncogenic potential: FGFR3 on der(14) andMMSET on der(4).

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.
Gene Transfer in Dendritic Cells, Induced by Oral DNA Vaccination With Salmonellatyphimurium, Results in Protective Immunity Against a Murine Fibrosarcoma
Authors: Paglia Paola , Medina Eva , Arioli Ivano , Guzman Carlos A. , Colombo Mario P.
Published: October 2019

A live attenuated AroA− auxotrophic mutant ofSalmonella typhimurium (SL7207) has been used as carrier for the pCMVβ vector that contains the β-galactosidase (β-gal) gene under the control of the immediate early promoter ofCytomegalovirus (CMV). We tested whether orally administered bacterial carrier could enter and deliver the transgene to antigen-presenting cells (APCs) through the natural enteric route of infection and whether β-gal expression could generate a protective response against an aggressive murine fibrosarcoma transduced with the β-gal gene (F1.A11) that behaves operationally as a tumor-associated antigen. After three courses, at 15-day intervals, mice developed both cell-mediated and systemic humoral responses to β-gal. Mice vaccinated with the Salmonella harboring pCMVβ, but not with plasmid-less carrier, showed resistance to a challenge with F1.A11 cells. These experiments suggest that Salmonella-based DNA immunization allows us to specifically target antigen expression in vivo to APCs. To prove that the transgene is actually expressed by APCs as a function of an eukaryotic promoter, the green fluorescent protein (GFP) was placed under the control of either the eukariotic CMV or a prokaryotic promoter. Using cytofluorometric analysis, GFP was detected only in splenocytes of mice receiving a Salmonella carrier harboring GFP under the CMV promoter. These results indicate that transgene expression occurs because of a Salmonella-mediated gene transfer to eukaryotic cells. Finally, approximately 19% of the splenocytes expressed GFP. Among them, F4/80+ macrophages and CD11cbright dendritic cells (DCs) were scored as positive for GFP expression. Extensive work has been performed trying to optimize the way to transfect DCs, ex vivo, with genes coding for relevant antigens. We show here, for the first time, that DCs can be directly and specifically transduced in vivo such to induce DNA vaccination against tumors.

© 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.
Effect of FLT3 Ligand and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor on Expansion and Mobilization of Facilitating Cells and Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Mice: Kinetics and Repopulating Potential
Authors: Neipp Michael , Zorina Tatiana , Domenick Michele A. , Exner Beate G. , Ildstad Suzanne T.
Published: October 2019

We have previously identified a cellular population in murine bone marrow that facilitates engraftment of highly purified hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) across major histocompatibility complex (MHC) barriers without causing graft-versus-host disease. Here we investigated the effect of flt3 ligand (FL) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on the mobilization of facilitating cells (FC) and HSC into peripheral blood (PB). Mice were injected with FL alone (day 1 to 10), G-CSF alone (day 4 to 10), or both in combination. The number of FC (CD8+/βTCR−/γδTCR−) and HSC (lineage−/Sca-1+/c-kit+) was assessed daily by flow cytometry. Lethally irradiated allogeneic mice were reconstituted with PB mononuclear cells (PBMC). FL and G-CSF showed a highly significant synergy on the mobilization of FC and HSC. The peak efficiency for mobilization of FC (21-fold increase) and HSC (200-fold increase) was reached on day 10. Our data further suggest that the proliferation of FC and HSC induced by FL in addition to the mobilizing effect mediated by G-CSF might be responsible for the observed synergy of both growth factors. Finally, the engraftment potential of PBMC mobilized with FL and G-CSF or FL alone was superior to PBMC obtained from animals treated with G-CSF alone. Experiments comparing the engraftment potential of day 7 and day 10 mobilized PBMC indicate that day 10, during which both FC and HSC reached their maximum, might be the ideal time point for the collection of both populations. © 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.
Hyperdiploid Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia With 51 to 65 Chromosomes: A Distinct Biological Entity With a Marked Propensity to Undergo Apoptosis
Authors: Ito Chikako , Kumagai Masa-aki , Manabe Atsushi , Coustan-Smith Elaine , Raimondi Susana C. , Behm Frederick G. , Murti K. Gopal , Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Pui Ching-Hon , Campana Dario
Published: October 2019

To determine the cellular basis for the excellent clinical outcome of hyperdiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), defined by a modal chromosome number of 51 to 65, we assessed the growth potential of leukemic cells from 129 children with newly diagnosed ALL. Flow cytometric analysis was used to compare leukemic cell recoveries at the beginning and at the end of 7-day cultures on allogeneic bone marrow–derived stromal layers. The median percentage of cell recovery after culture was 91% (range, <1% to 550%). Among the 25 hyperdiploid cases, only two had cell recoveries above the median value, compared with 63 of 104 cases with different ploidies (P< .001); 21 had recoveries within the first quartile, in contrast to only 12 of the 104 other cases. Cell recoveries in the 16 cases with duplications of chromosomes 4 and 10, a feature previously associated with a superior outcome, were all within the first quartile. Flow cytometric studies indicated that rapid induction of apoptosis was the underlying cause of low cell recoveries in cases with hyperdiploidy. The demise of hyperdiploid cells on stroma was not due to failure to adhere with stromal elements (as shown by electron microscopy) or to deficiencies of interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-11, stem-cell factor, interferon- (IFN-), tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), or to combinations of these cytokines. Inactivation of IL-4, IFN- and TNF-, which if secreted by stromal layers could be toxic to ALL cells, failed to improve the survival of hyperdiploid blasts. We conclude that leukemic cells bearing 51 to 65 chromosomes have a marked propensity to undergo apoptosis. The stringent survival requirements of these cells, together with their potentially higher sensitivity to antileukemic drugs, may well account for the high cure rates achieved in patients with this form of ALL.