bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constitutive Expression of MHC Class II Genes in Melanoma Cell Lines Results from the Transcription of Class II Transactivator Abnormally Initiated from Its B Cell-Specific Promoter
Authors: Deffrennes Virginie , Vedrenne Jocelyn , Stolzenberg Marie-Claude , Piskurich Janet , Barbieri Giovanna , Ting Jenny P. , Charron Dominique , Alcaïde-Loridan Catherine
Published: April 2014

In melanoma cell lines, two different patterns of MHC class II expression have been described, either an IFN γ-inducible expression of HLA-DR and HLA-DP, with a faint or null expression of HLA-DQ, resembling that described for melanocytes, or a constitutive expression, i.e., IFN-γ independent, of all three HLA-D isotypes. As this latter phenotype has been associated with a more rapid progression of melanoma tumors, we have analyzed in different melanoma cell lines the molecular mechanisms leading to this abnormal pattern of MHC class II expression. In agreement with the evidence of a coordinate transcription of the HLA-D genes in these cell lines, we have shown the constitutive expression of CIITA (class II transactivator) transcripts, CIITA being known as the master switch of MHC class II expression. Unexpectedly, these transcripts initiate from promoter III of the CIITA gene, a promoter that is mainly used constitutively in B lymphocytes. This expression was further shown to occur through factor(s) acting on the enhancer located upstream of CIITA promoter III, which was previously described in epithelioid cells as an IFN-γ-response sequence. The hypothesis of a general abnormality of the IFN-γ transduction pathway was dismissed. Constitutive transcription of CIITA from promoter III having been observed in unrelated melanoma cell lines, we propose the hypothesis that this phenomenon might not be a random event, but could be linked to the neoplasic state of the melanoma cells.
Cutting Edge: Recipient MHC Class II Expression Is Required to Achieve Long-Term Survival of Murine Cardiac Allografts After Costimulatory Blockade
Authors: Yamada Akira , Chandraker Anil , Laufer Terri M. , Gerth Andrea J. , Sayegh Mohamed H. , Auchincloss Hugh
Published: April 2014

To study the role of the direct and indirect pathways in achieving tolerance, we used genetically altered mouse strains in two ways: 1) MHC class II-deficient mice were used as donors of skin and cardiac grafts to eliminate the direct CD4+ T cell response, and 2) B6 II−4+ mice, which are MHC class II-deficient mice expressing an MHC class II transgene only on thymic epithelium, were used as recipients of normal grafts. These mice cannot mount an indirect response. Eliminating the indirect pathway actually made it more difficult to achieve prolonged allograft survival when we used costimulatory blockade than when both pathways were available. Costimulatory blockade was ineffective even when CD4+ T cells from normal animals were transferred into recipients that lacked MHC class II molecules. These results suggest that an active CD4+ response through the indirect pathway is necessary for costimulatory blockade to be effective in prolonging allograft survival.
Cutting Edge: NKG2D Receptors Induced by IL-15 Costimulate CD28-Negative Effector CTL in the Tissue Microenvironment
Authors: Roberts Arthur I. , Lee Leanne , Schwarz Eliezer , Groh Veronika , Spies Thomas , Ebert Ellen C. , Jabri Bana
Published: April 2014

Unlike primary T cells in lymph nodes, effector CD8+ CTL in tissues do not express the costimulatory receptor CD28. We report that NKG2D, the receptor for stress-induced MICA and MICB molecules expressed in the intestine, serves as a potent costimulatory receptor for CTL freshly isolated from the human intestinal epithelium. Expression and function of NKG2D are selectively up-regulated by the cytokine IL-15, which is released by the inflamed intestinal epithelium. These findings identify a novel CTL costimulatory pathway regulated by IL-15 and suggest that tissues can fine-tune the activation of effector T cells based on the presence or absence of stress and inflammation. Uncontrolled secretion of IL-15 could lead to excessive induction of NKG2D and thus contribute to the development of autoimmune disease by facilitating the activation of autoreactive T cells.
Cutting Edge: A Major Fraction of Human Bone Marrow Lymphocytes Are Th2-Like CD1d-Reactive T Cells That Can Suppress Mixed Lymphocyte Responses
Authors: Exley Mark A. , Tahir Syed Muhammad Ali , Cheng Olivia , Shaulov Angela , Joyce Robin , Avigan David , Sackstein Robert , Balk Steven P.
Published: April 2014

Murine bone marrow (BM) NK T cells can suppress graft-vs-host disease, transplant rejection, and MLRs. Human BM contains T cells with similar potential. Human BM was enriched for NK T cells, ∼50% of which recognized the nonpolymorphic CD1d molecule. In contrast to the well-characterized blood-derived CD1d-reactive invariant NK T cells, the majority of human BM CD1d-reactive T cells used diverse TCR. Healthy donor invariant NK T cells rapidly produce large amounts of IL-4 and IFN-γ and can influence Th1/Th2 decision-making. Healthy donor BM CD1d-reactive T cells were Th2-biased and suppressed MLR and, unlike the former, responded preferentially to CD1d+ lymphoid cells. These results identify a novel population of human T cells which may contribute to B cell development and/or maintain Th2 bias against autoimmune T cell responses against new B cell Ag receptors. Distinct CD1d-reactive T cell populations have the potential to suppress graft-vs-host disease and stimulate antitumor responses.
Cutting Edge: B Cell Specificity Contributes to the Outcome of Diabetes in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Hulbert Chrys , Riseili Brent , Rojas Mauricio , Thomas James W.
Published: April 2014

Type I diabetes mellitus (TIDM) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by T cell-mediated destruction of insulin-producing β cells in the pancreas. In the nonobese diabetic (NOD) model of TIDM, insulitis and diabetes are dependent on the presence of B lymphocytes; however, the requirement for specificity within the B cell repertoire is not known. To determine the role of Ag-specific B cells in TIDM, VH genes with different potential for insulin binding were introduced into NOD as H chain transgenes. VH125 H chain combines with endogenous L chains to produce a repertoire in which 1–3% of mature B cells are insulin specific, and these mice develop accelerated diabetes. In contrast, NOD mice harboring a similar transgene, VH281, with limited insulin binding develop insulitis but are protected from TIDM. The data indicate that Ag-specific components in the B cell repertoire may alter the course of TIDM.
Cross-Priming as a Predominant Mechanism for Inducing CD8+ T Cell Responses in Gene Gun DNA Immunization
Authors: Cho Jae Ho , Youn Jin Won , Sung Young Chul
Published: April 2014

DNA immunization induces CD8+ CTL responses by bone marrow-derived APCs, which are directly transfected with a plasmid DNA and/or acquire Ags from DNA-transfected non-APCs. To investigate the relative contribution of DNA-transfected APCs vs non-APCs to the initiation of CD8+ T cell responses, we used tissue-specific promoter-directed gene expression and adoptive transfer systems in gene gun DNA immunization. In this study, we demonstrated that non-APC-specific gene expressions induced significant CD8+ CTL and IFN-γ-producing cells and Ab responses, whereas APC-specific gene expressions led to moderate CTL and IFN-γ-producers, but no Ab responses. Interestingly, mice immunized with a non-APC-specific plasmid induced more rapid, vigorous, and prolonged proliferation of adoptively transferred Ag-specific CD8+ T cells than APC-specific plasmid-immunized mice. In addition, the in vivo proliferative responses elicited by a non-APC-specific plasmid administration were dependent on TAP, but were independent of CD4+ T cell help. Collectively, our results suggest that cross-priming, in which Ags expressed in non-APCs are taken up, processed, and presented by APCs, plays an important role in the initiation, magnitude, and maintenance of CD8+ T cell responses in gene gun DNA immunization.
FcγRIIB in IgG-Mediated Suppression of Antibody Responses: Different Impact In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Karlsson Mikael C. I. , Getahun Andrew , Heyman Birgitta
Published: April 2014

The suppressive effect of IgG on Ab responses to particulate Ags such as erythrocytes is well documented. IgG-mediated suppression is used clinically in rhesus prophylaxis to prevent RhD-negative mothers from becoming immunized against their Rh D-positive fetuses. We have recently shown that IgG anti-SRBC, passively administered together with SRBC, can induce efficient suppression of primary Ab responses to SRBC in mice lacking the known FcRs for IgG (FcγRI, FcγIII, and FcγRIIB or the neonatal FcR). The lack of a demonstrable effect of the inhibitory FcγRIIB was particularly surprising, and, in this study, the involvement of this receptor is further investigated during broader experimental conditions. The data show that SRBC-specific IgG administered up to 5 days after SRBC can induce suppression both in wild-type and FcγRIIB-deficient mice. Suppression of secondary Ab responses to SRBC in vivo was similar in the two strains. In contrast, IgG-mediated suppression of Ab responses in vitro was impaired in cultures with primed FcγRIIB-deficient spleen cells. In conclusion, inhibition of in vivo Ab responses to SRBC by passively administered IgG can take place via an FcγRIIB-independent pathway. This pathway causes >99% suppression and operates during all experimental conditions studied so far. The nature of the mechanism can at present only be hypothesized. Masking of epitopes and/or rapid elimination of IgG-Ag complexes would both be compatible with the observations.
IL-10 Induces CCR6 Expression During Langerhans Cell Development While IL-4 and IFN-γ Suppress It
Authors: Dieu-Nosjean Marie-Caroline , Massacrier Catherine , Vanbervliet Béatrice , Fridman Wolf-Herman , Caux Christophe
Published: April 2014

Immune responses are initiated by dendritic cells (DC) that form a network comprising different populations. In particular, Langerhans cells (LC) appear as a unique population of cells colonizing epithelial surfaces. We have recently shown that macrophage-inflammatory protein-3α/CCL20, a chemokine secreted by epithelial cells, induces the selective migration of LC among DC populations. In this study, we investigated the effects of cytokines on the expression of the CCL20 receptor, CCR6, during differentiation of LC. We found that both IL-4 and IFN-γ blocked the expression of CCR6 and CCL20 responsiveness at different stages of LC development. The effect of IL-4 was reversible and most likely due to the transient blockade of LC differentiation. In contrast, IFN-γ-induced CCR6 loss was irreversible and was concomitant to the induction of DC maturation. When other cytokines involved in DC and T cell differentiation were tested, we found that IL-10, unlike IL-4 and IFN-γ, maintained CCR6 expression. The effect of IL-10 was reversible and upon IL-10 withdrawn, CCR6 was lost concomitantly to final LC differentiation. In addition, IL-10 induced the expression of CCR6 and responsiveness to CCL20 in differentiated monocytes that preserve their ability to differentiate into mature DC. Finally, TGF-β, which induces LC differentiation, did not alter early CCR6 expression, but triggered its irreversible down-regulation, in parallel to terminal LC differentiation. Taken together, these results suggest that the recruitment of LC at epithelial surface might be suppressed during Th1 and Th2 immune responses, and amplified during regulatory immune responses involving IL-10 and TGF-β.
CD4 Ligation Promotes the IL-4-Independent Development of IL-4-Producing Clones from Naive CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Campbell Scott B. , Komata Tadashi , Kelso Anne
Published: April 2014

The signals that trigger IL-4-independent IL-4 synthesis by conventional CD4+ T cells are not yet defined. In this study, we show that coactivation with anti-CD4 mAb can stimulate single naive CD4+ T cells to form IL-4-producing clones in the absence of APC and exogenous IL-4, independently of effects on proliferation. When single CD4+ lymph node cells from C57BL/6 mice were cultured with immobilized anti-CD3ε mAb and IL-2, 65–85% formed clones over 12–14 days. Coimmobilization of mAb to CD4, CD11a, and/or CD28 increased the size of these clones but each exerted different effects on their cytokine profiles. Most clones produced IFN-γ and/or IL-3 regardless of the coactivating mAb. However, whereas 0–6% of clones obtained with mAb to CD11a or CD28 produced IL-4, 10–40% of those coactivated with anti-CD4 mAb were IL-4 producers. A similar response was observed among CD4+ cells from BALB/c mice. Most IL-4-producing clones were derived from CD4+ cells of naive (CD44low or CD62Lhigh) phenotype and the great majority coproduced IFN-γ and IL-3. The effect of anti-CD4 mAb on IL-4 synthesis could be dissociated from effects on clone size since anti-CD4 and anti-CD11a mAb stimulated formation of clones of similar size which differed markedly in IL-4 production. Engagement of CD3 and CD4 in the presence of IL-2 is therefore sufficient to induce a substantial proportion of naive CD4+ T cells to form IL-4-producing clones in the absence of other exogenous signals, including IL-4 itself.
Deletional Analysis of the Murine IL-12 p35 Promoter Comparing IFN-γ and Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation
Authors: Kollet Jutta , Witek Christian , Gentry John D. , Liu Xiaojuan , Schwartzbach Steven D. , Petro Thomas M.
Published: April 2014

IL-12, pivotal to the development of Th1 cells and formed by association of p35 and p40 subunits, is made by macrophages and the macrophage cell line RAW264.7. In this study, the promoter for p35 was cloned and analyzed. The murine IL-12 p35 gene has promoters upstream from each of the first two exons. The exon 1 and exon 2 promoters, cloned into a reporter vector, were responsive to LPS or IFN-γ/CD40 ligation in transfected RAW264.7 cells. The exon 2 promoter containing bp −809 to +1 has significant homology to the human p35 promoter. Thus, deletion analysis was performed to determine the regions required for responsiveness to LPS, CD40, and/or IFN-γ. Base pairs −809 to −740 influenced responsiveness to LPS. In contrast, bp −740to −444 and bp −122 to −100 were required for responses to IFN-γ, IFN-γ/LPS, or IFN-γ/CD40 ligation. Removal of bp −444 to −392 increased the response of the exon 2 promoter to each stimulant. IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-1 is involved in the activity of this promoter at bp −108 to −103 because levels of nuclear IRF-1 correlated with exon 2 promoter activity in response to IFN-γ and IRF-1 overexpression stimulated and enhanced exon 2 promoter activity. Also, site or deletion mutation of the IRF-1 element at bp −108 to −103 reduced the responsiveness of the promoter and IRF-1 bound to an oligonucleotide containing bp −108 to −103. The data suggest that the response of the p35 promoter to IFN-γ requires a distinct IRF-1 positive regulatory element at bp −108 to −103.
Homeostatic Expansion Occurs Independently of Costimulatory Signals
Authors: Prlic Martin , Blazar Bruce R. , Khoruts Alexander , Zell Traci , Jameson Stephen C.
Published: April 2014

Naive T cells undergo homeostatic proliferation in lymphopenic mice, a process that involves TCR recognition of specific self peptide/MHC complexes. Since costimulation signals regulate the T cell response to foreign Ags, we asked whether they also regulate homeostatic expansion. We report in this study that homeostatic expansion of CD4 and CD8 T cells occurs independently of costimulation signals mediated through CD28/B7, CD40L/CD40, or 4-1BB/4-1BBL interactions. Using DO11.10 TCR transgenic T cells, we confirmed that CD28 expression was dispensable for homeostatic expansion, and showed that the presence of endogenous CD4+CD25+ regulatory cells did not detectably influence homeostatic expansion. The implications of these findings with respect to regulation of T cell homeostasis and autoimmunity are discussed.
CD45 Modulates Galectin-1-Induced T Cell Death: Regulation by Expression of Core 2O-Glycans
Authors: Nguyen Julie T. , Evans Douglas P. , Galvan Marisa , Pace Karen E. , Leitenberg David , Bui Thanhmy N. , Baum Linda G.
Published: April 2014

Galectin-1 induces death of immature thymocytes and activated T cells. Galectin-1 binds to T cell-surface glycoproteins CD45, CD43, and CD7, although the precise roles of each receptor in cell death are unknown. We have determined that CD45 can positively and negatively regulate galectin-1-induced T cell death, depending on the glycosylation status of the cells. CD45+ BW5147 T cells lacking the core 2 β-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (C2GnT) were resistant to galectin-1 death. The inhibitory effect of CD45 in C2GnT− cells appeared to require the CD45 cytoplasmic domain, because Rev1.1 cells expressing only CD45 transmembrane and extracellular domains were susceptible to galectin-1 death. Moreover, treatment with the phosphotyrosine-phosphatase inhibitor potassium bisperoxo(1,10-phenanthroline)oxovanadate(V) enhanced galectin-1 susceptibility of CD45+ T cell lines, but had no effect on the death of CD45− T cells, indicating that the CD45 inhibitory effect involved the phosphatase domain. Expression of the C2GnT in CD45+ T cell lines rendered the cells susceptible to galectin-1, while expression of the C2GnT in CD45− cells had no effect on galectin-1 susceptibility. When CD45+ T cells bound to galectin-1 on murine thymic stromal cells, only C2GnT+ T cells underwent death. On C2GnT+ cells, CD45 and galectin-1 co-localized in patches on membrane blebs while no segregation of CD45 was seen on C2GnT− T cells, suggesting that oligosaccharide-mediated clustering of CD45 facilitated galectin-1-induced cell death.
Opposing Effects of Anti-Activation-Inducible Lymphocyte- Immunomodulatory Molecule/Inducible Costimulator Antibody on the Development of Acute Versus Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Ogawa Shu-hei , Nagamatsu Go , Watanabe Masashi , Watanabe Shiho , Hayashi Tomohito , Horita Shigeru , Nitta Kosaku , Nihei Hiroshi , Tezuka Katsunari , Abe Ryo
Published: April 2014

The functional role of inducible costimulator (ICOS)-mediated costimulation was examined in an in vivo model of alloantigen-driven Th1 or Th2 cytokine responses, the parent-into-F1 model of acute or chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), respectively. When the Ab specific for mouse ICOS was injected into chronic GVHD-induced mice, activation of B cells, production of autoantibody, and development of glomerulonephritis were strongly suppressed. In contrast, the same treatment enhanced donor T cell chimerism and host B cell depletion in acute GVHD induced host mice. Blocking of B7-CD28 interaction by injection of anti-B7-1 and anti-B7-2 Abs inhibited both acute and chronic GVHD. These observations clearly indicate that the costimulatory signal mediated by CD28 caused the initial allorecognition resulting in the clonal expansion of alloreactive T cells, whereas the costimulatory signal mediated by ICOS played a critical role in the functional differentiation and manifestation of alloreactive T cells. Furthermore, treatment with anti-ICOS Ab selectively suppresses Th2-dominant autoimmune disease.
Lipopolysaccharide Stimulates the MyD88-Independent Pathway and Results in Activation of IFN-Regulatory Factor 3 and the Expression of a Subset of Lipopolysaccharide-Inducible Genes
Authors: Kawai Taro , Takeuchi Osamu , Fujita Takashi , Inoue Jun-ichiro , Mühlradt Peter F. , Sato Shintaro , Hoshino Katsuaki , Akira Shizuo
Published: April 2014

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers innate immune responses through Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, a member of the TLR family that participates in pathogen recognition. TLRs recruit a cytoplasmic protein, MyD88, upon pathogen recognition, mediating its function for immune responses. Two major pathways for LPS have been suggested in recent studies, which are referred to as MyD88-dependent and -independent pathways. We report in this study the characterization of the MyD88-independent pathway via TLR4. MyD88-deficient cells failed to produce inflammatory cytokines in response to LPS, whereas they responded to LPS by activating IFN-regulatory factor 3 as well as inducing the genes containing IFN-stimulated regulatory elements such as IP-10. In contrast, a lipopeptide that activates TLR2 had no ability to activate IFN-regulatory factor 3. The MyD88-independent pathway was also activated in cells lacking both MyD88 and TNFR-associated factor 6. Thus, TLR4 signaling is composed of at least two distinct pathways, a MyD88-dependent pathway that is critical to the induction of inflammatory cytokines and a MyD88/TNFR-associated factor 6-independent pathway that regulates induction of IP-10.
NF-κB-Inducing Kinase Is Dispensable for Activation of NF-κB in Inflammatory Settings but Essential for Lymphotoxin β Receptor Activation of NF-κB in Primary Human Fibroblasts
Authors: Smith Clive , Andreakos Evangelos , Crawley James B. , Brennan Fionula M. , Feldmann Marc , Foxwell Brian M. J.
Published: April 2014

The transcription factor NF-κB is of major importance in the biology of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-1α, and thereby is intimately involved in the process of inflammation. Understanding the mechanisms by which NF-κB is activated in response to inflammatory stimuli has become a major goal of inflammation research. The discovery of NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) as a TNFR-associated factor-interacting enzyme and a potential activator of the IκBα-kinase complex appeared to have identified an important element of the NF-κB activition pathway, a view that was supported by several subsequent studies. However, recent experiments in the alymphoplasia (aly/aly) mouse, which has missense point mutation (G885R) in NIK, has challenged that view. The reasons for the discrepancy between the different studies is unclear and could be due to multiple factors, such as cell type, species of cell, or primary vs transformed cell lines. One system that has not been investigated is primary human cells. Using an adenoviral vector encoding kinase-deficient NIK, we have investigated the role of NIK in LPS, IL-1, TNF-α, and lymphotoxin (LT) βR signaling in primary human cells and TNF-α expression from rheumatoid tissue. These data show that, in the primary systems tested, NIK has a restricted role in LTβR signaling and is not required by the other stimuli tested. Also, there is no apparent role for NIK in the process of TNF-α production in human rheumatoid arthritis. These data also highlight the potential problems in extrapolating the function of signaling pathways between primary and transfected cell lines.
IL-18-Binding Protein Protects Against Lipopolysaccharide- Induced Lethality and Prevents the Development of Fas/Fas Ligand-Mediated Models of Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Faggioni Raffaella , Cattley Russell C. , Guo Jane , Flores Silvia , Brown Heather , Qi Meiying , Yin Songmei , Hill David , Scully Sheila , Chen Ching , Brankow David , Lewis Jeffrey , Baikalov Claudia , Yamane Harvey , Meng Tina , Martin Frank , Hu Sylvia , Boone Tom , Senaldi Giorgio
Published: April 2014

IL-18-binding protein (IL-18BP) is a natural IL-18 inhibitor. Human IL-18BP isoform a was produced as fusion construct with human IgG1 Fc and assessed for binding and neutralizing IL-18. IL-18BP-Fc binds human, mouse, and rat IL-18 with high affinity (KD 0.3–5 nM) in a BIAcore-based assay. In vitro, IL-18BP-Fc blocks IL-18 (100 ng/ml)-induced IFN-γ production by KG1 cells (EC50 = 0.3 μg/ml). In mice challenged with an LD90 of LPS (15 mg/kg), IL-18BP-Fc (5 mg/kg) administered 10 min before LPS blocks IFN-γ production and protects against lethality. IL-18BP-Fc administered 10 min before LPS blocks IFN-γ production induced by LPS (5 mg/kg) with ED50 of 0.005 mg/kg. Furthermore, IL-18BP-Fc (5 mg/kg) abrogates LPS (5 mg/kg)-induced IFN-γ production even when administered 6 days before LPS but shows no effect when administered 9 or 12 days before LPS. Given 10 min before LPS challenge to mice primed 12 days in advance with heat-killed Propionibacterium acnes, IL-18BP-Fc prevents LPS-induced liver damage and IFN-γ and Fas ligand expression. Given at the moment of priming with P. acnes, IL-18BP-Fc decreases P. acnes-induced granuloma formation, macrophage-inflammatory protein-1α and macrophage-inflammatory protein-2 production and prevents sensitization to LPS. IL-18BP-Fc also prevents Con A-induced liver damage and IFN-γ and Fas ligand expression as well as liver damage induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A or by anti-Fas agonistic Ab. In conclusion, IL-18BP can be engineered and produced in recombinant form to generate an IL-18 inhibitor, IL-18BP-Fc, endowed with remarkable in vitro and in vivo properties of binding and neutralizing IL-18.
Regulation of CD8 Expression in Mast Cells by Exogenous or Endogenous Nitric Oxide
Authors: Nohara Osamu , Kulka Marianna , Déry René E. , Wills Fiona L. , Hirji Nadir S. , Gilchrist Mark , Befus A. Dean
Published: April 2014

We recently reported a novel CD8 molecule on rat alveolar macrophages and peritoneal mast cells (PMC). However, little is known about the regulation of CD8 expression and function on these cells. We investigated the regulation of CD8 expression on PMC by NO, because NO can regulate inflammatory responses and also because anti-CD8 Ab stimulates inducible NO synthase and NO production by PMC and alveolar macrophages. Ligation of CD8α on PMC with Ab (OX8) induced CD8α mRNA expression after 3–6 h, and flow cytometry demonstrated that OX8 treatment increased CD8α protein expression compared with PMC treated with isotype control IgG1. To test whether NO mediates the up-regulation of CD8α, we used the NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (500 μM) and NO synthase inhibitors (NG-monomethyl-l-arginine and NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester; 100 μM). S-nitrosoglutathione up-regulated both mRNA and protein expression of CD8α in PMC compared with that in sham-treated cells, while NO synthase inhibitors down-regulated OX8 Ab-induced CD8α expression. To investigate how NO regulates CD8 expression on PMC, we examined the cGMP-dependent pathway using 8-bromo-cGMP (2 mM) and the guanylate cyclase inhibitor, 1H-oxadiazoloquinoxalin-1-one (20 μM). 8-Bromo-cGMP up-regulated CD8 expression, whereas 1H-oxadiazoloquinoxalin-1-one down-regulated its expression. Thus, ligation of CD8 up-regulates CD8 expression on PMC, a response mediated at least in part by NO through a cGMP-dependent pathway. The significance of this up-regulation of CD8α on mast cells (MC) is unclear, but since ligation of CD8 on MC with OX8 Ab can alter gene expression and mediator secretion, up-regulation of CD8 may enhance the MC response to natural ligation of this novel form of CD8.
Hydrodynamic Shear Regulates the Kinetics and Receptor Specificity of Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte-Colon Carcinoma Cell Adhesive Interactions
Authors: Jadhav Sameer , Bochner Bruce S. , Konstantopoulos Konstantinos
Published: April 2014

The ability of tumor cells to metastasize hematogenously is regulated by their interactions with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). However, the mechanisms mediating PMN binding to tumor cells under physiological shear forces remain largely unknown. This study was designed to characterize the molecular interactions between PMNs and tumor cells as a function of the dynamic shear environment, using two human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines (LS174T and HCT-8) as models. PMN and colon carcinoma cell suspensions, labeled with distinct fluorophores, were sheared in a cone-and-plate rheometer in the presence of the PMN activator fMLP. The size distribution and cellular composition of formed aggregates were determined by flow cytometry. PMN binding to LS174T cells was maximal at 100 s−1 and decreased with increasing shear. At low shear (100 s−1) PMN CD11b alone mediates PMN-LS174T heteroaggregation. However, L-selectin, CD11a, and CD11b are all required for PMN binding to sialyl Lewisx-bearing LS174T cells at high shear (800 s−1). In contrast, sialyl Lewisx-low HCT-8 cells fail to aggregate with PMNs at high shear conditions, despite extensive adhesive interactions at low shear. Taken together, our data suggest that PMN L-selectin initiates LS174T cell tethering at high shear by binding to sialylated moieties on the carcinoma cell surface, whereas the subsequent involvement of CD11a and CD11b converts these transient tethers into stable adhesion. This study demonstrates that the shear environment of the vasculature modulates the dynamics and molecular constituents mediating PMN-tumor cell adhesion.
Antigen Discovery in Chronic Human Inflammatory Central Nervous System Disease: Panning Phage-Displayed Antigen Libraries Identifies the Targets of Central Nervous System-Derived IgG in Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
Authors: Burgoon Mark P. , Owens Gregory P. , Carlson Sharon , Maybach Amy L. , Gilden Donald H.
Published: April 2014

The presence of increased IgG in the brains of humans with infectious and inflammatory CNS diseases of unknown etiology such as multiple sclerosis may be a clue to the cause of disease. For example, the intrathecally synthesized oligoclonal bands in diseases such as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) or cryptococcal meningitis have been shown to represent Ab directed against the causative agents, measles virus (MV), or Cryptococcus neoformans, respectively. Using SSPE as a model system, we developed a strategy to identify the antigenic targets of the intrathecal disease-relevant IgG in chronic human inflammatory and demyelinating diseases of the CNS. Libraries of cDNA Ags were displayed on the surface of T7Select bacteriophage and biopanned on IgG extracted from the brain of an SSPE patient, or on a monospecific recombinant Fab identified from SSPE brain. After three or six rounds of biopanning on either Ab, positive phage-displayed Ags reacting with IgG were enriched to 35–77% of all panned clones. Sequence analysis of the positive clones identified fragments of the nucleocapsid protein of MV, the cause of SSPE. The sensitivity of the system was determined by diluting the positive clones from this SSPE phage-displayed library at a ratio of 10−6 into another phage-displayed library that did not contain any detectable MV Ags; after six rounds of panning, the positive clones comprised 34% of all phage and were also shown to be MV nucleocapsid specific. This strategy will be useful to identify potentially rare Ags in diseases of unknown cause.
Enhancing Effect of IL-1, IL-17, and TNF-α on Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-3α Production in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Regulation by Soluble Receptors and Th2 Cytokines
Authors: Chabaud Martine , Page Guillaume , Miossec Pierre
Published: April 2014

Macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-3α is a chemokine involved in the migration of T cells and immature dendritic cells. To study the contribution of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines to the recruitment of these cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium, we looked at the effects of the monocyte-derived cytokines ΙL-1β and TNF-α and the T cell-derived cytokine IL-17 on MIP-3α production by RA synoviocytes. Addition of ΙL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α induced MIP-3α production in a dose-dependent manner. At optimal concentrations, ΙL-1β (100 pg/ml) was much more potent than IL-17 (100 ng/ml) and TNF-α (100 ng/ml). When combined at lower concentrations, a synergistic effect was observed. Conversely, the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 inhibited MIP-3α production by activated synoviocytes, but IL-10 had no effect. Synovium explants produced higher levels of MIP-3α in RA than osteoarthritis synovium. MIP-3α-producing cells were located in the lining layer and perivascular infiltrates in close association with CD1a immature dendritic cells. Addition of exogenous IL-17 or ΙL-1β to synovium explants increased MIP-3α production. Conversely, specific soluble receptors for ΙL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α inhibited MIP-3α production to various degrees, but 95% inhibition was obtained only when the three receptors were combined. Similar optimal inhibition was also obtained with IL-4, but IL-13 and IL-10 were less active. These findings indicate that interactions between monocyte and Th1 cell-derived cytokines contribute to the recruitment of T cells and dendritic cells by enhancing the production of MIP-3α by synoviocytes. The inhibitory effect observed with cytokine-specific inhibitors and Th2 cytokines may have therapeutic applications.
Possible Role of Organ-Specific Autoantigen for Fas Ligand-Mediated Activation-Induced Cell Death in Murine Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Ishimaru Naozumi , Yanagi Kumiko , Ogawa Kouichi , Suda Takashi , Saito Ichiro , Hayashi Yoshio
Published: April 2014

Activation-induced cell death (AICD) is a well-known mechanism of peripheral T cell tolerance that depends upon an interaction between Fas and Fas ligand (FasL). In this study, we demonstrate that the administration of a soluble form of anti-FasL Ab, FLIM58, results in severe destructive autoimmune exocrinopathy in the murine model of human Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), and we found that an organ-specific autoantigen may play an important role on down-modulation of AICD. A high titer of serum autoantibodies against 120-kDa α-fodrin autoantigen was detected in the FLIM58-treated mice, and splenic T cell culture supernatants contained high levels of IFN-γ. In vitro T cell apoptosis assay indicated that FasL-mediated AICD is down-regulated by autoantigen stimulation in spleen cells from the murine SS model, but not from Fas-deficient MRL/lpr mice and FasL-deficient MRL/gld mice. FasL undergo metalloproteinase-mediated proteolytic processing in their extracellular domains, resulting in the release of soluble trimeric ligands (soluble FasL). We showed that the processing of soluble FasL occurs in autoantigen-specific CD4+ T cells, and that a significant increase in expressions of metalloproteinase-9 mRNA was observed in spleen cells from SS model mice. These findings indicate that the increased generation of soluble FasL inhibits the normal AICD process, leading to the proliferation of effector CD4+ T cells in the murine SS model.
CD18 Activation Epitopes Induced by Leukocyte Activation
Authors: Beals Chan R. , Edwards Ana C. , Gottschalk Rebecca J. , Kuijpers Taco W. , Staunton Donald E.
Published: April 2014

The cell surface adhesion molecule LFA-1 coordinates leukocyte trafficking and is a costimulatory molecule for T cell activation. We developed a panel of mAbs that recognize activation epitopes on the CD18 subunit, and show that stimulation of T lymphocytes appears to be accompanied by a conformational change in a subpopulation of LFA-1 that does not require ligand binding. Activation epitope up-regulation requires divalent cations, is sensitive to cellular signal transduction events, and correlates with cell adhesion. In addition, the stimulated appearance of these activation epitopes is absent in cell lines from patients with leukocyte adhesion deficiency-1/variant that has previously been shown to be defective in LFA-1 activation. Thus, these activation epitope Abs can be used to dissect signal transmission to CD18. Evidence suggests that these CD18 activation epitopes are induced early in cellular activation and are independent of actin rearrangement necessary for avid adhesion. We have also determined that function-blocking CD18 Abs inhibit the induction of activation epitopes. One activation epitope Ab binds to a site on CD18 distinct from that of the blocking Abs, indicating that the blocking Abs suppress a conformational change in LFA-1. We also find that these neoepitopes are present on rLFA-1 with high affinity for ICAM-1 and their binding is modulated in parallel with the affinity of LFA-1 for ICAM-1. Collectively, these neoepitope Abs identify a subpopulation of LFA-1 most likely with high affinity for ICAM-1 and necessary for LFA-1 function.
Human B Cell Activation by Autologous NK Cells Is Regulated by CD40-CD40 Ligand Interaction: Role of Memory B Cells and CD5+ B Cells
Authors: Blanca Isaac R. , Bere Earl W. , Young Howard A. , Ortaldo John R.
Published: April 2014

NK cells are a subpopulation of lymphocytes characterized primarily by their cytolytic activity. They are recognized as an important component of the immune response against virus infection and tumors. In addition to their cytolytic activity, NK cells also participate either directly or indirectly in the regulation of the ongoing Ab response. More recently, it has been suggested that NK cells have an important role in the outcome of autoimmune diseases. Here, we demonstrate that human NK cells can induce autologous resting B cells to synthesize Ig, including switching to IgG and IgA, reminiscent of a secondary Ab response. B cell activation by the NK cell is contact-dependent and rapid, suggesting an autocrine B cell-regulated process. This NK cell function is T cell-independent, requires an active cytoplasmic membrane, and is blocked by anti-CD40 ligand (anti-CD154) or CD40-mIg fusion protein, indicating a critical role for CD40-CD40 ligand interaction. Depletion studies also demonstrate that CD5+ B cells (autoreactive B-1 cells) and a heterogeneous population of CD27+ memory B cells play a critical role in the Ig response induced by NK cells. The existence of this novel mechanism of B cell activation has important implications in innate immunity, B cell-mediated autoimmunity, and B cell neoplasia.
A Dominant Jurkat T Cell Mutation That Inhibits LFA-1-Mediated Cell Adhesion Is Associated with Increased Cell Growth
Authors: Cherry Lisa K. , Weber Kim S. C. , Klickstein Lloyd B.
Published: April 2014

LFA-1 exists in a low avidity state on resting leukocytes and is believed to adopt a high avidity state when the cells are exposed to a stimulus. Current evidence supports both aggregation of LFA-1 on the cell surface and conformational changes in the reversible acquisition of a high avidity state. We studied this regulation by selecting a Jurkat T cell clone, J-lo1.3, that expresses LFA-1 yet fails to bind to purified ICAM-1 despite treatment of the cells with PMA or Mn2+. Several lines of evidence demonstrated the absence of any changes within LFA-1 itself. LFA-1 protein purified from the J-lo1.3 clone and the wild-type Jurkat clone, Jn.9, were found to be functionally equivalent. The cDNA sequences encoding the LFA-1 α- and β-chains from J-lo1.3 were identical with the published sequences except for nine base pairs. However, these differences were also found in a Jurkat mutant with a constitutively avid phenotype, J+hi1.19 or the wild-type Jn.9 genomic or cDNA. Fusion of J-lo1.3 with Jn.9 yielded hybrids that exhibited the J-lo1.3 adhesion phenotype, which indicated a dominant mutation in J-lo1.3. This phenotype was relatively specific for LFA-1 among all integrins expressed by Jurkat. Interestingly, the J-lo1.3 cells had a 1.2-fold faster doubling time than did the Jn.9 cells. Reversion of J-lo1.3 to the wild-type adhesion phenotype by mutagenesis and selection also decreased the growth rate. These data support a connection between cellular growth and cellular adhesion in lymphocytes.
Tolerance or Immunity to a Tumor Antigen Expressed in Somatic Cells Can Be Determined by Systemic Proinflammatory Signals at the Time of First Antigen Exposure
Authors: Frazer Ian H. , Kluyver Rachel De , Leggatt Graham R. , Yang Guo Hua , Dunn Linda , White Olivia , Harris Craig , Liem Amy , Lambert Paul
Published: April 2014

Mice transgenic for the E7 tumor Ag of human papillomavirus type 16, driven from a keratin 14 promoter, express E7 in keratinocytes but not dendritic cells. Grafted E7-transgenic skin is not rejected by E7-immunized mice that reject E7-transduced transplantable tumors. Rejection of recently transplanted E7-transgenic skin grafts, but not of control nontransgenic grafts or of established E7-transgenic grafts, is induced by systemic administration of live or killed Listeria monocytogenes or of endotoxin. Graft recipients that reject an E7 graft reject a subsequent E7 graft more rapidly and without further L. monocytogenes exposure, whereas recipients of an E7 graft given without L. monocytogenes do not reject a second graft, even if given with L. monocytogenes. Thus, cross-presentation of E7 from keratinocytes to the adaptive immune system occurs with or without a proinflammatory stimulus, but proinflammatory stimuli at the time of first cross-presentation of Ag can determine the nature of the immune response to the Ag. Furthermore, immune effector mechanisms responsible for rejection of epithelium expressing a tumor Ag in keratinocytes are different from those that reject an E7-expressing transplantable tumor. These observations have implications for immunotherapy for epithelial cancers.
2B4 (CD244)-Mediated Activation of Cytotoxicity and IFN-γ Release in Human NK Cells Involves Distinct Pathways
Authors: Chuang Samuel S. , Kumaresan Pappanaicken R. , Mathew Porunelloor A.
Published: April 2014

2B4 (CD244), a member of the CD2 subset of the Ig superfamily receptors, is expressed on all human NK cells, a subpopulation of T cells, basophils and monocytes. 2B4 activates NK cell mediated cytotoxicity, induces secretion of IFN-γ and matrix metalloproteinases, and NK cell invasiveness. Although there has been several molecules shown to interact with 2B4, the signaling mechanism of 2B4-mediated activation of NK cells is still unknown. In this study, we found cross-linking of 2B4 on YT cells, a human NK cell line, results in the increased DNA binding activity of activator protein-1 (AP-1), an important regulator of nuclear gene expression in leukocytes. We investigated the possible role of various signaling molecules that may be involved in the activation of lytic function of YT cells via 2B4. Treatment of YT cells with various specific inhibitors indicate that 2B4-stimulation of YT cells in spontaneous and Ab-dependent cytotoxicity is Ras/Raf dependent and involves multiple MAPK signaling pathways (ERK1/2 and p38). However, only inhibitors of transcription and p38 inhibited 2B4-mediated IFN-γ release indicating distinct pathways are involved in cytotoxicity and cytokine release. In this study we also show that 2B4 constitutively associates with the linker for activation of T cells (LAT) and that 2B4 may mediate NK cell activation via a LAT-dependent signaling pathway. These results indicate that 2B4-mediated activation of NK cells involves complex interactions involving LAT, Ras, Raf, ERK and p38 and that cytolytic function and cytokine production may be regulated by distinct pathways.
Fas Ligand Engagement of Resident Peritoneal Macrophages In Vivo Induces Apoptosis and the Production of Neutrophil Chemotactic Factors
Authors: Hohlbaum Andreas M. , Gregory Meredith S. , Ju Shyr-Te , Marshak-Rothstein Ann
Published: April 2014

Fas ligand (FasL) is a potent proapoptotic type-II transmembrane protein that can cause cell death in Fas+ target populations. Despite the presumed “silent” nature of apoptotic cell death, forced expression of FasL can induce a dramatic inflammatory response. To elucidate the in vivo mechanism(s) linking FasL and inflammation, we used a membrane-bound cell-free form of FasL (mFasL-vesicle preparation (VP)). We found that i.p. injection of FasL-microvesicles led to the rapid activation and subsequent demise of Mac1high resident peritoneal macrophages. Apoptosis of Mac1high peritoneal macrophages was observed within 0.5 h of mFasL-VP injection and correlated with the detection of increased macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 levels in peritoneal lavage fluid as well as induced RNA expression of IL-1β, MIP-2, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β. In vitro culture of purified peritoneal populations identified Mac1high cells as the major cytokine/chemokine producers in response to mFasL-VP. Purified Mac1high cells exposed to FasL could restore the ability of Fas-deficient mice to mount an inflammatory response. Our data demonstrate that the FasL-mediated inflammatory response starts with the production of proinflammatory mediators by preapoptotic resident tissue macrophages and suggest a general mechanism responsible for neutrophil inflammation seen in cases of FasL-expressing allografts.
IL-12 Prevents the Inhibitory Effects of cis-Urocanic Acid on Tumor Antigen Presentation by Langerhans Cells: Implications for Photocarcinogenesis
Authors: Beissert Stefan , Rühlemann David , Mohammad Taj , Grabbe Stephan , El-Ghorr Ali , Norval Mary , Morrison Harry , Granstein Richard D. , Schwarz Thomas
Published: April 2014

UV radiation induces skin cancer primarily by its DNA-damaging properties, but also by its capacity to suppress the immune system. The photoisomer of urocanic acid (UCA), cis-UCA, is an important mediator of UV-induced immunosuppression and is involved in the inhibition of tumor immunity. The immunomodulatory cytokine IL-12 is known to counteract many of the immunosuppressive effects of UV radiation, including UV-induced immune tolerance. In this study, we addressed whether IL-12 also reverts the immunosuppressive activities of cis-UCA. Cis-UCA inhibits the ability of Langerhans cells to present tumor Ags for primary and secondary tumor immune responses. IL-12 treatment completely prevented the suppression by cis-UCA. IL-12 also protected mice from cis-UCA-induced suppression of contact hypersensitivity responses. To study the effects of cis-UCA on Ag-processing and Ag-presenting function in vitro, Langerhans cells were treated with UCA isomers and incubated with OVA or OVA peptide323–339 before exposure to OVA-specific transgenic T cells. Cis-, but not trans-UCA suppressed Ag presentation, which was completely reversed upon addition of IL-12. Since these findings suggest that cis-UCA may play an important role in photocarcinogenesis by inhibiting a tumor immune response, mice were chronically UVB irradiated to induce skin cancer. Whereas all mice in the control groups developed tumors, mice treated with a mAb with specificity for cis-UCA showed a significantly reduced tumor incidence. These data strongly indicate the importance of cis-UCA during photocarcinogenesis and support the concept of counteracting cis-UCA as an alternative strategy to prevent UV-induced skin cancer, possibly via the application of IL-12.
Lipopolysaccharide Modulation of Dendritic Cells Is Insufficient to Mature Dendritic Cells to Generate CTLs from Naive Polyclonal CD8+ T Cells In Vitro, Whereas CD40 Ligation Is Essential
Authors: Kelleher Michelle , Beverley Peter C. L.
Published: April 2014

Many cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses are dependent on the interactions between CD40 ligand on the helper CD4+ T cell and CD40 on the APC. Although CD40 triggering of dendritic cells (DC) has been shown to mature the DC by increasing the level of expression of costimulatory molecules and inducing IL-12 secretion, the precise mechanisms by which CD40-CD40 ligand interactions allow DC to drive CTL responses remain unknown. We have used an in vitro model in which naive polyclonal CD8+ T cells can be activated by bone marrow-derived DC to investigate factor(s) that are responsible for this CD40-dependent generation of CTLs. DC modulated with agonistic anti-CD40 mAb (aCD40) are able to generate Ag-specific CTL responses while DC modulated with the microbial stimulus LPS alone do not. We compared the Ag-presenting capacity, levels of costimulatory molecules, and release of cytokines and chemokines of DC modulated with aCD40 to that of DC modulated by LPS. None of the factors assayed account for the unique capacity of anti-CD40-matured DC to drive CTL but this model provides a simplified system for further investigation. Although we attempted to use an LPS-free system for these studies, we are unable to rule out the possibility that very low levels of endotoxin (<20 pg/ml) may synergize with CD40 ligation in the generation of CTLs.