bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Both Sm and DNA are selecting antigens in the anti-Sm B cell response in autoimmune MRL/lpr mice.
Authors: Retter M W , Cohen P L , Eisenberg R A , Clarke S H
Published: December 2022

More than half of the anti-Sm hybridomas isolated from MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice produce Abs that also bind ssDNA, and half of these bind dsDNA. Intraclonal comparisons indicate that DNA is a selecting Ag for at least some dual-binding clones. To determine whether Sm itself is a selecting Ag for anti-Sm, we have identified the somatic mutations within the expressed VH and V kappa genes of eight anti-Sm hybridomas, six of which do not bind DNA. We find these V genes have between 0 and 12 somatic mutations each, and that four hybridomas possess a higher number of heavy or light chain CDR replacement (R) mutations than expected by chance, suggesting that these anti-Sm-producing B cells have undergone Ag selection. To demonstrate directly the effect of somatic mutation on Sm binding, we have engineered the unmutated counterpart of Ab 2-12, an Sm-specific hybridoma Ab with a nonrandom distribution of V kappa CDR R mutations, and compared its ability to bind Sm and ssDNA with that of the originally isolated 2-12 Ab. We find that the unmutated Ab has a much lower avidity for Sm than the mutant, but, unlike the mutant, it binds ssDNA. We conclude that Sm can drive clonal expansion in the anti-Sm response, and that Sm-only binding B cells can arise from Sm/DNA dual-binding B cell clonal precursors. These data also suggest that dual binding is not necessary to sustain clonal expansion. Thus, this response is unique in that it can be driven by either of two Ags.
Cytokine gene expression in islets and thyroids of BB rats. IFN-gamma and IL-12p40 mRNA increase with age in both diabetic and insulin-treated nondiabetic BB rats.
Authors: Zipris D , Greiner D L , Malkani S , Whalen B , Mordes J P , Rossini A A
Published: December 2022

Inflammatory cytokines, particularly those produced by Th1 type lymphocytes, are hypothesized to play a major role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The present studies investigated this hypothesis in the BB rat. Diabetes-prone (DP) BB rats develop spontaneous hyperglycemia and thyroiditis. Coisogenic diabetes-resistant (DR) BB rats do not develop either disorder spontaneously, but both diseases are induced by depletion of RT6+ T cells. Reverse transcriptase-PCR was used to measure mRNA encoding type 1 and type 2 cytokines. In both DP and RT6-depleted DR rats, IFN-gamma mRNA was present in islets before and during disease onset. IL-2 and IL-4 mRNAs were minimal or undetectable in infiltrated islets but present in activated peripheral T cells. IL-10 mRNA was present at low abundance in infiltrating T cells. These observations suggested a Th1 type inflammatory response, and consistent with this interpretation, we observed that mRNA encoding the p40 chain of IL-12 was also present before and during disease onset. Similar cytokine mRNA profiles were observed in the thyroids of RT6-depleted DR rats and in the islets of DP rats treated with prophylactic parenteral insulin to prevent diabetes. We conclude that IFN-gamma and IL-12 may play a major role in the expression of insulitis and thyroiditis in the BB rat, that Th1 lymphocytes may predominate over Th2 lymphocytes in these inflammatory lesions, and that prevention of diabetes by insulin is not associated with an alteration in the cytokine gene profile of islet infiltrating cells.
Target-induced inactivation and cell death by apoptosis in a subset of human NK cells.
Authors: Jewett A , Bonavida B
Published: December 2022

Interaction of sensitive target cells with NK cells results in both positive and negative signaling. Positive signaling results in the induction of NK cytotoxicity and sensitization for IL-2-mediated proliferation and secretion of cytokines. Negative signaling prevents the NK cells from recycling for cytotoxicity. Functional inactivation is restricted to the NK-target conjugate subset sparing the nonconjugating free NK subset. The mechanism of target-induced inactivation of NK cells was examined in cell-sorted and purified conjugates. The conjugates were subdivided into two fractions; in one fraction the NK cells were dissociated from the target (NKDC), and in the other fraction the conjugates were not disturbed (NKC). After coculture overnight with IL-2, the cytotoxic function of NKC was not augmented although a subpopulation proliferated and secreted TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma into the supernatant. In contrast, NKDC cytotoxic activity was enhanced by IL-2, but proliferated poorly and did not secrete TNF-alpha or IFN-gamma following IL-2 activation. The phenotype of the inactive NKC was found to be CD16dim/- CD692+ CD11b2+. Target-mediated inactivation correlated with target cell sensitivity to NK cytotoxicity. Furthermore, a significant fraction of NK cells in the NKC was programmed for cell death by apoptosis. Altogether, these results demonstrate that sensitive targets inactivate NK cells for cytotoxicity resulting in loss of NK cells. Furthermore, the results suggest that signaling for cytotoxic function by target cells is not linked to signaling for proliferation and secretion of cytokines by NK cells.
An inducible lymphocyte nuclear Ca2+/Mg(2+)-dependent endonuclease associated with apoptosis.
Authors: Khodarev N N , Ashwell J D
Published: December 2022

Apoptotic cell death is typically accompanied by internucleosomal chromatin fragmentation. Although a number of candidate enzymes have been proposed, there is as yet no direct evidence for the involvement of any particular endonuclease in this process. Here we demonstrate the existence of an endonuclease(s) that is up-regulated during apoptotic T cell death. The endonuclease(s) is located in the nucleus, and its activity is increased up to eightfold by a variety of stimuli or conditions that induce apoptosis in T cell hybridomas and thymocytes. Treatments that prevent TCR-mediated apoptosis, such as cyclosporin A or concomitant administration of glucocorticoids, also prevent the induction of enzyme activity. The endonuclease activity is associated with three molecular forms, designated A, B, and C, with apparent M(r) of 49K, 47K, and 45K, respectively, and constitutes the major endonuclease activity in T hybridoma cells. From A exists in resting cells, and its activity is increased threefold after the induction of apoptosis. Forms B and C are absent in resting cells and are induced up to 20-fold after stimuli that lead to apoptosis. All three forms are Ca2+/Mg2+ dependent and are inhibited by Zn2+. This enzyme(s) introduces double strand breaks and single strand nicks into supercoiled plasmid DNA, demonstrating the mode of DNA fragmentation characteristic of products of apoptotic chromatin degradation. The enzyme(s) produces DNA fragments with 5'-P and 3'-OH terminals, also consistent with apoptotic chromatin degradation. Finally, enzyme solubilized from cells activated to die cleaves chromatin in nuclei isolated from unstimulated T hybridoma cells, yielding the classic DNA ladder. Because of its biologic properties, we named this enzyme(s) inducible lymphocyte Ca2+/Mg(2+)-dependent endonuclease, or ILCME. Because inducible lymphocyte Ca2+/Mg(2+)-dependent endonuclease possesses the key features predicted for an apoptosis-specific enzyme, it is a new candidate for an enzyme(s) that participates in DNA cleavage in apoptotic T cells.
Thymus-leukemia antigen interacts with T cells and self-peptides.
Authors: Sharma P , Joyce S , Chorney K A , Griffith J W , Bonneau R H , Wilson F D , Johnson C A , Flavell R A , Chorney M J
Published: December 2022

The functional role of the class Ib thymus-leukemia (TL) Ag expressed within the thymic cortex and intestinal mucosa of the mouse remains unknown. In an approach to elucidate the potential functionality of TL, we developed transgenic mice that ectopically express the H-2T18d gene product on essentially all nucleated cells through the control of a heterologous H-2Kb gene promoter. Transgenic mice demonstrated an increase in the number of CD4+ lymphocytes within the thymus and lymph nodes; these cells displayed an altered T cell receptor repertoire possibly suggesting a role for the ectopically expressed TL protein. The TL protein additionally displayed the characteristics of a bona fide transplantation Ag, because skin grafts from transgenic animals onto MHC- and minor histocompatibility Ag-matched nontransgenic recipient mice resulted in a rapid and vigorous immunologic rejection of the allograft. In MLR studies, transgenic stimulator cells induced the proliferation of responders to a level intermediate between genetically identical and H-2-disparate responder-stimulator combinations. The TL protein was also capable of stimulating cytotoxic T lymphocytes, thereby resulting in specific lysis of TL+ target cells. Further data demonstrated that the TL protein assembles with peptides that are modified at the amino terminus, and that TL retains these molecules at the cell surface. Together, these data suggest that H-2T18d is capable of interacting with T cells via a bound peptide. These data further support the possibility that TL may subserve a specialized function within the immunologic system.
Immature T cells in peripheral lymphoid organs of recombinase-activating gene-1/-2-deficient mice. Thymus dependence and responsiveness to anti-CD3 epsilon antibody.
Authors: Falk I , Potocnik A J , Barthlott T , Levelt C N , Eichmann K
Published: December 2022

Thymocytes of mice deficient in the recombinase-activating gene (RAG)-1 or RAG-2 cannot express and receive signals through the pre-TCR. As a result, thymocyte development in these mice terminates at the CD4/8 double negative (DN), IL-2R-alpha-positive stage. Nevertheless, RAG-deficient DN thymocytes express functional CD3 complexes and can therefore be induced by anti-CD3 epsilon mAb to mature to the CD4+8+ double positive stage. In the present paper we demonstrate that the peripheral lymphoid organs (lymph nodes, spleen) and peripheral blood of RAG-deficient mice harbor an immature T cell population which, similar to RAG-deficient DN thymocytes, contains high levels of cytoplasmic CD3 epsilon and responds to anti-CD3 epsilon mAb in vivo. With respect to surface phenotype (Thy1.2+, PgP-1+, HSA+, Fc gamma RII/III-, IL-2R-alpha-, c-kit-), these cells are similar to intermediate stage RAG-deficient DN thymocytes. Moreover, they express mRNA for pre-TCR-alpha and for the nondeleted RAG. Following injection of anti-CD3 epsilon mAb, these cells proliferate, down-regulate heat stable Ag and PgP-1, and partially differentiate to CD4+ and CD8+ double positive and single positive cells. The induced population displays a mixed phenotype, between that of immature thymocytes and lymph node T cells in normal mice. Induction is successful in thymectomized RAG-deficient mice, suggesting that it occurs in the periphery. However, after thymectomy, inducible cells disappear with an approximate half-life of 10 to 14 days. We suggest that DN thymocytes can emigrate and repopulate peripheral lymphoid organs of RAG-deficient mice. These cells respond to CD3 signaling by aberrant maturation, possibly due to the inappropriate microenvironment of peripheral lymphoid organs.
Stat1 implication in the immune response to superantigens in vivo.
Authors: Gimeno R , Codony-Servat J , Plana M , Rodriguez-Sanchez J L , Juarez C
Published: December 2022

We analyzed the activation and changes in the protein level of STAT1 as a consequence of in vivo treatment with superantigens. Ninety minutes after i.p. injection of the staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), a complex containing STAT1 that was able to specifically bind to DNA containing GAS-like sequences was activated in mouse splenocytes. This complex had the same characteristics as that induced by IFN-gamma in several in vitro systems. Activation of the complex was inhibited by cyclosporin A, and Abs against IFN-gamma severely decreased the amount of complex detected. When splenocytes were analyzed 24 h after SEB treatment, a high increase in the amount of the STAT1 isoforms, STAT91 and STAT84, was observed by Western analysis, but binding to GAS-like sequences was clearly decreased when compared with analysis at 90 min. Nevertheless, when SEB was injected a second time 24 h after the first injection, the binding of STAT1 to GAS-like sequences had risen again. This approach corroborates the implication of IFN-gamma in the response to superantigens in vivo and shows the relevance of analysis of transcription factors in defining the molecular events involved in the immune response.
CD30 expression does not discriminate between human Th1- and Th2-type T cells.
Authors: Hamann D , Hilkens C M , Grogan J L , Lens S M , Kapsenberg M L , Yazdanbakhsh M , van Lier R A
Published: December 2022

CD30 is a member of the TNF receptor superfamily that is commonly used as a marker for Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells in Hodgkin's disease. More recently, it has been proposed that CD30 is preferentially up-regulated on Th2-type human T cells. We analyzed regulation of CD30 expression on both peripheral blood T cells and T cell clones. In short-term culture, CD30 expression could be induced on T cells by Ags that elicit Th2-type responses (Schistosoma haematobium, adult worm Ag, and Toxocaria canis, excretory/secretory Ag) and Th0-type responses (tetanus toxoid), as well as Th1-type responses (tuberculin purified protein derivative). Moreover, simultaneous measurement of membrane phenotype and cytokine production showed that CD30-expressing cells can produce IFN-gamma. Finally, within panels of randomly generated as well as Ag-specific T cell clones, CD30 expression was found on Th0-, Th2-, and Th1-type clones. We conclude that induction of CD30 on activated T cells is not related to differentiation in Th0-, Th1-, or Th2-type cells.
Human B cells express IL-5 receptor messenger ribonucleic acid and respond to IL-5 with enhanced IgM production after mitogenic stimulation with Moraxella catarrhalis.
Authors: Huston M M , Moore J P , Mettes H J , Tavana G , Huston D P
Published: December 2022

The potential for IL-5 to regulate human B cells is controversial despite its well established role as a regulatory factor for murine B cells. We hypothesized that the mechanism by which human B cells were stimulated would, as with murine B cells, determine their potential to respond to IL-5. Since Staphylococcus aureus Cowan strain I (SAC) and Moraxella catarrhalis (MCat) stimulate human B cells by distinct interactions with cell-surface Ig, we compared their potential to induce an IL-5-responsive state by human B cells purified to homogeneity. Neither SAC alone nor SAC plus IL-5 stimulated Ig production, although microgram quantities of IgM were produced with SAC plus IL-2. In contrast, MCat induced microgram quantities of IgM by B cells in the absence of exogenous cytokines, and IL-5 significantly increased IgM production over twofold in the majority of donors. Synergism of IL-5 and IL-2 was detected using suboptimal concentrations of IL-2 with MCat-, but not SAC-, stimulated B cells. Donor B cells unresponsive to IL-5 when stimulated with MCat, became IL-5 responsive in the presence of IL-2. Since message for the IL-5R alpha, IL-5R beta, and soluble IL-5R alpha chains was detected in freshly isolated B cells, we further investigated whether IL-5 responsiveness to MCat, but not SAC, was due to their differential regulation of IL-5R mRNA. Surprisingly, stimulation by either MCat or SAC, without or with IL-2, increased both IL-5R alpha and IL-5R beta mRNA and decreased soluble IL-5R alpha mRNA. These studies demonstrate that, as with murine B cells, human B cells express message for IL-5R but can respond to IL-5 only if appropriately stimulated to undergo terminal differentiation.
Cell-mediated cytotoxicity results from, but may not be critical for, primary allograft rejection.
Authors: Walsh C M , Hayashi F , Saffran D C , Ju S T , Berke G , Clark W R
Published: December 2022

Tumor cells insensitive to lysis through the Fas and TNF pathways were injected either subcutaneously or into the peritoneal cavities of allogeneic perforin-less (P0) and perforin wild-type (P2) mice. In three of four cases, the tumors were rejected equally rapidly in both strains of mice. Rejection was accompanied by vigorous in vitro cytotoxicity in P2, but not in P0 mice. The rapid clearance of allografted cells in mice where all three known cytolytic pathways are seriously compromised raises important questions about the involvement of cell-mediated cytotoxicity, as defined by current assay techniques, in primary allograft rejection.
IL-12 is essential for resistance against Yersinia enterocolitica by triggering IFN-gamma production in NK cells and CD4+ T cells.
Authors: Bohn E , Autenrieth I B
Published: December 2022

Although Yersinia enterocolitica is extracellularly located in infected tissues, a specific T cell response is required to overcome infection. Recent work implicated that in contrast to Yersinia-susceptible BALB/c mice, C57BL/6 mice are Yersinia resistant due to the rapid development of a Yersinia-specific Th1 T cell response. This study focused on the role of IL-12 in Y. enterocolitica infections in both mouse strains. We found that C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice produced comparable quantities of IL-12 mRNA after Y. enterocolitica infection. Likewise, Yersinia-infected bone marrow macrophages from both mouse strains produced equal quantities of IL-12. Administration of neutralizing anti-IL-12 Abs abrogated resistance against yersiniae in either strain. In addition, administration of rIL-12 rendered BALB/c mice resistant to yersiniae, while this treatment was toxic to C57BL/6 mice. IL-12-mediated protection was partially dependent on IFN-gamma. Spleen cells from both strains of mice produced Yersinia-triggered IFN-gamma in an IL-12-dependent manner, although those from BALB/c mice produced 10-fold lesser quantities. Administration of rIL-12 in vivo increased Yersinia-induced IFN-gamma production by BALB/c spleen cells in vitro, but decreased IFN-gamma production by spleen cells from C57BL/6 mice. IL-10 was antagonistic to IL-12 only in BALB/c mice and inhibited Yersinia-triggered IFN-gamma production. In vivo depletion experiments revealed that IL-12 accounts for Yersinia-induced IFN-gamma production by both NK cells and CD4+ T cells, the latter of which are an essential source of IFN-gamma r while NK cell-derived IFN-gamma production can be compensated by other cells. In contrast to that in the spleen, IL-12 plays a minor role in protection against yersiniae in Peyer's patches after orogastric infection. In summary, our data suggest that IL-12 is rapidly induced by Y. enterocolitica infection and required for IFN-gamma production by NK cells as well by CD4+ T cells. Although BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice produced comparable quantities of IL-12, IFN-gamma production, and thus resistance to yersiniae, can be increased by exogenous IL-12 only in BALB/c, not in C57BL/6, mice.
The T cell receptor gene usage by simian immunodeficiency virus gag-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in rhesus monkeys.
Authors: Chen Z W , Shen L , Regan J D , Kou Z , Ghim S H , Letvin N L
Published: December 2022

MHC class I-restricted CTL play an important role in limiting the spread of HIV-1 in the infected individual. Elucidating the molecular interactions of CTL with the virus is, therefore, of central importance for characterizing the immune control of this infection. In exploring this CTL response, we have defined the TCR usage by SIVmac Gag-specific CTL in rhesus monkeys. Thirty-nine CTL clones were generated from PBL of three SIVmac-infected monkeys expressing the MHC class I Mamu-A*01 gene product, all of which were shown to recognize a single SIVmac Gag peptide in association with Mamu-A*01. Sixty-six percent of CTL clones derived from two monkeys early after infection expressed TCR genes of the V beta 13 family; 70% of these V beta 13+ CTL clones expressed a TCR heterodimer composed of V alpha 1 and V beta 13 gene products. In addition, there appeared to be a selection of a single conserved amino acid and restricted CDR3 lengths in junctional regions of TCR beta-chains expressed by the V beta 13+ CTL clones. These findings indicate significant structural constraints on the CTL-TCR interaction with the AIDS virus. Interestingly, 55% of the CTL clones derived from the third animal at a later time following infection employed genes of the V beta 6 family in their TCR. Despite the preferential use of TCR V family genes by the CTL clones, the SIVmac Gag-specific CTL response was clearly polyclonal; TCR expressed by these CTL clones displayed varied sequences in their CDR3 regions. Other V gene families, including V beta 23, V alpha 8, and V alpha 20, were used in TCR expressed by SIVmac Gag-specific CTL clones. These studies, therefore, indicate that the TCR repertoire of SIVmac Gag-specific CTL that share a peptide and MHC class I recognition specificity can be diverse. Such a broad CTL-TCR repertoire may be advantageous for the host in containing an AIDS virus infection.
Mast cells process bacterial Ags through a phagocytic route for class I MHC presentation to T cells.
Authors: Malaviya R , Twesten N J , Ross E A , Abraham S N , Pfeifer J D
Published: December 2022

The pivotal role of mast cells in allergic reactions and inflammatory processes is well established and recent studies have suggested that mast cells may also have a role in specific immune responses. Because mast cells have been shown to phagocytose and kill enterobacteria, we wished to determine whether they could also process bacterial Ags for presentation to T cells. Using a model system in which a well-characterized T cell epitope is expressed within bacteria as a fusion protein, we demonstrate in this paper that mast cells are indeed capable of processing bacterial Ags for presentation through class I MHC molecules to T cell hybridomas after phagocytic uptake of live bacteria. Processing occurs from a number of Gram-negative enterobacteria including Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. Parallel assays show that processing of the model Ag from enterobacteria by mast cells is similar in efficiency to processing by peritoneal macrophages. Consistent with earlier observations demonstrating a function of the bacterial fimbrial protein FimH in promoting bacterial binding to mast cells, the magnitude of the Ag processing response of E. coli is influenced by bacterial expression of FimH. Taken together, these observations extend the range of cell types capable of the phagocytic pathway of Ag processing and suggest that mast cells may have a previously unrecognized role in the induction of specific immune responses to bacteria.
Regulation of mucosal and systemic antibody responses by T helper cell subsets, macrophages, and derived cytokines following oral immunization with live recombinant Salmonella.
Authors: VanCott J L , Staats H F , Pascual D W , Roberts M , Chatfield S N , Yamamoto M , Coste M , Carter P B , Kiyono H , McGhee J R
Published: December 2022

We have assessed regulatory Th cell and cytokine responses in mice after oral immunization with recombinant Salmonella (BRD 847) expressing fragment C of tetanus toxoid, since little information is available to explain how these vectors induce mucosal IgA responses. A single dose of BRD 847 elicited serum IgG2a and mucosal IgA anti-tetanus toxoid Ab responses. To assess Th1-and Th2-type responses, CD4+ T cells from Peyer's patches and spleen were restimulated in vitro, and cytokine-specific ELISPOT, ELISA, and reverse transcriptase-PCR assays were used to assess cytokine patterns. CD4+ T cells produced IFN-gamma and IL-2 as well as IL-10, but not IL-4 or IL-5. Although IL-6 was elevated, further purification of cells from in vitro cultures into CD4+ Mac-1- T cells and Mac-1+ CD4- cells revealed that only the latter cell population had consistently elevated IL-6 gene expression, whereas both sorted populations exhibited increased IFN-gamma and IL-10 gene expression. Thus, orally administered recombinant Salmonella expressing fragment C of tetanus toxoid elicited dominant Ag-specific Th1-type responses together with Th2-type cells producing IL-10 in both mucosal and systemic tissues. Macrophages producing IL-6 were also evident. Our results are consistent with the suggestion that Ag-specific Th1 cells and their derived cytokines, IFN-gamma and IL-2, and Th2-derived IL-10 together with IL-6 produced by macrophages provide important signals for the development of mucosal IgA and serum IgG subclass responses in the absence of preferential expression of Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5.
TNF/IL-1-inducible protein TSG-6 potentiates plasmin inhibition by inter-alpha-inhibitor and exerts a strong anti-inflammatory effect in vivo.
Authors: Wisniewski H G , Hua J C , Poppers D M , Naime D , Vilcek J , Cronstein B N
Published: December 2022

TNF-stimulated gene 6 (tsg6), encoding a 35-kDa secretory glycoprotein (TSG-6), is induced in fibroblasts, chondrocytes, synovial cells, and mononuclear cells by the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1, or by LPS. Large amounts of TSG-6 protein were found in synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. TSG-6 protein forms a stable complex with components of the serine protease inhibitor, inter-alpha-inhibitor (I alpha I). In this work, we show that TSG-6 potentiates the inhibitory effect of l alpha l on the protease activity of plasmin. The plasmin/plasminogen activator system is important in the protease network associated with inflammation. To test the hypothesis that through their cooperative inhibitory effect on plasmin TSG-6 and l alpha l can modulate the protease network and thus inhibit inflammation, we examined the effect of TSG-6 on experimentally induced inflammation. Human recombinant TSG-6 protein showed a potent anti-inflammatory activity in the murine air pouch model of carrageenan- or IL-1-induced acute inflammation. The inhibitory effect of locally administered TSG-6 on the IL-1-induced cellular infiltration was comparable with that of systemic dexamethasone treatment. Two mutant TSG-6 proteins with single amino acid substitutions close to the N terminus showed a complete or partial loss of anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-inflammatory effect of the TNF/IL-1-inducible TSG-6 protein, along with its ability to inhibit protease action through interaction with l alpha l, suggests that TSG-6 production during inflammation is part of a negative feedback loop operating through the protease network.
Definition of a Trichophyton protein associated with delayed hypersensitivity in humans. Evidence for immediate (IgE and IgG4) and delayed hypersensitivity to a single protein.
Authors: Woodfolk J A , Slunt J B , Deuell B , Hayden M L , Platts-Mills T A
Published: December 2022

Dermatophytes of the genus Trichophyton cause infections of human skin, nails, and hair. Unlike most Ags, Trichophyton can elicit either immediate (IH) or delayed (DH) hypersensitivity skin reactions. Previous studies isolated a 30-kDa Ag (Tri t 1) that caused IH skin tests. The study presented here used skin testing and in vitro T cell proliferation assays to monitor purification of an Ag, designated Protein IV, associated with DH reactions. Protein IV was purified by cation exchange HPLC; amino acid sequence analysis of the N-terminus and nine internal peptides (143 residues) revealed no homologies to Tri t 1 or to any other known proteins. A mAb-based ELISA was developed to measure Protein IV. Protein IV elicited DH skin reactions in subjects with a history of athlete's foot but also caused IH skin reactions. Serologic responses to Protein IV were studied in 59 adults who had been skin tested with Trichophyton extract. IH skin reactions were associated with a positive RAST (14/23) as well as with specific IgE (13/23) and IgG4 (14/23) Abs to Protein IV. DH skin tests were not associated with IgE or IgG4 Abs. IgE anti-Protein IV Abs were quantitatively correlated with IgG4 Abs (r = 0.57, p < 0.001). Specific IgG Abs to Protein IV were highest in IH subjects (gm = 230 U/ml), and lowest in those with DH (gm = 91 U/ml) or negative (gm = 81 U/ml) skin tests; furthermore, the prevalence of IgG Abs increased significantly with age. Protein IV is the first defined protein associated with both DH and IH skin reactions; these reactions are characterized by distinct serologic responses. The results establish that diverse immune responses in humans can be directed against the same protein.
Accessory cell-derived IL-12 and prostaglandin E2 determine the IFN-gamma level of activated human CD4+ T cells.
Authors: Hilkens C M , Snijders A , Vermeulen H , van der Meide P H , Wierenga E A , Kapsenberg M L
Published: December 2022

IL-12 and PGE2 are two immunomodulators produced by accessory cells (AC) in response to various stimuli. IL- 12 enhances IFN-gamma production by activated CD4+ T cells, whereas PGE2 inhibits the secretion of this cytokine. Because these AC-derived factors exert clearly opposite modulatory effects on IFN-gamma production, we examined 1) the net-IFN-gamma production of CD4+ T cells, stimulated in the presence of both IL-12 and PGE2, 2) the susceptibility of activated CD4+ T cells in time by adding these modulators at different timepoints after stimulation, and 3) the relative contributions of AC-derived IL-12 and PGE2 to IFN-gamma levels by stimulating CD4+ T cells in the presence of LPS-activated monocytes and inhibitors of PGE2 or IL-12. Here, we demonstrate that 1) IL-12 and PGE2 do not abrogate the modulatory action of each other and that the net-IFN-gamma production is determined by their concentration ratio, 2) T cells become insensitive to PGE2, whereas susceptibility to IL-12 is retained after activation, and 3) activated monocytes potently modulate IFN-gamma levels of stimulated CD4+ T cells via release of IL-12 and PGE2. The relative contributions of these AC-derived factors shift in time, due to different production kinetics, from a dominant IL-12 effect to a mixed IL-12/PGE2 effect. Because the net IFN-gamma production of CD4+ T cells is largely determined by the ratio of IL-12 and PGE2 at the timepoint of T cell activation, an imbalance in the production of these immunomodulators may, therefore, lead to immunologic dysfunction.
T cell adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is controlled by cell spreading and the activation of integrin LFA-1.
Authors: Stewart M P , Cabanas C , Hogg N
Published: December 2022

Many leukocyte integrins require activation before they can adhere to their ligands. For example, stimulation of T cells enables the integrin LFA-1 to bind to ligand. This study compares two well known protocols for inducing T cell LFA-1 mediated adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM)-1. We how that treatment with high concentrations of the divalent cation Mg2+ induces a high affinity state of LFA-1, which is reflected in the binding of soluble ICAM-1 and correlates with the expression of the epitope recognized by mAb 24. The second stimulation protocol with the phorbol ester phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) does not induce a high affinity state of LFA-1, and in this situation, adhesion is dependent on cell spreading and intracellular events involving protein kinase C, [Ca2+]i, and actin polymerization. These low affinity LFA-1 receptors are responsible for the initial contact with immobilized ligand because, unlike the Mg2+-stimulated receptors, adhesion is not blocked by soluble ICAM-1. Finally, we used a third method of inducing LFA-1-mediated adhesion by stimulation of T cells through the TCR/CD3 complex. This procedure, which is considered to be a more physiologic trigger for LFA-1 activation, resembles the phorbol ester protocol in that high affinity LFA-1 receptors are not induced and cell adhesion depends on involvement of the cytoskeleton and cell spreading.
Induction of heat-stable antigen expression by phagocytosis is involved in in vitro activation of unprimed CTL by macrophages.
Authors: De Bruijn M L , Peterson P A , Jackson M R
Published: December 2022

Costimulation is required for activation of unprimed CTL. While the costimulatory molecules B7 and heat stable Ag (HSA) play a role in CTL response induction generated by dendritic cells, HSA but not B7 contributes to primary CTL response induced by macrophages (M phi), but only if particulate material has been ingested. This is a finding that correlates well with the observation that soon after phagocytosis of latex beads by M phi, cell surface expression of HSA rapidly increases. This increase could not be prevented by addition of drugs that blocked the synthesis or intracellular transport of newly synthesized HSA. However, inhibitors of protein kinase C did significantly down-regulate HSA expression. Other proteins appear to be regulated by a similar mechanism, because the surface expression of the CD45 isoform B220, of IL-2R, and of CD26 also increased immediately following ingestion of beads by M phi. These data suggest that there exists a sequestered pool of proteins that can be exposed coordinately at the cell surface via a protein kinase signaling mechanism that detects phagocytic events. In the case of HSA, we suggest that the ability to rapidly modulate the cell surface level of costimulatory molecules is a useful mechanism by which M phi are able to quickly up-regulate their T cell stimulatory capabilities during the time when, most likely, they are presenting foreign Ag.
Interactions of CD80 and CD86 with CD28 and CTLA4.
Authors: Ellis J H , Burden M N , Vinogradov D V , Linge C , Crowe J S
Published: December 2022

CD80 and CD86 are cell surface glycoproteins expressed on a variety of professional APCs. They have attracted much attention due to their function as potent costimulators of T lymphocyte function through their interaction with CD28 and possibly CTLA4. Because inhibitors of this interaction may have therapeutic relevance in human autoimmune disease, we investigated the properties of linear peptides derived from conserved regions of CTLA4 and CD80 known to be essential for binding. None of these peptides were sufficient to bind ligand, nor did they act as potent competitive inhibitors. Conformationally constrained versions of the CTLA4 motif were also inactive. These results suggested that other parts of the proteins are important in determining binding, so a series of modified CD80 and CD86 molecules were constructed in an attempt to identify other binding determinants. Insertion of two residues between the two Ig domains of CD80 resulted in decreased affinity for CTLA4, but a similar mutation in CD86 was without effect. We also identified another asymmetry between CD80 and CD86 in that the V domain of CD86 but not that of CD80 is sufficient for CTLA4 binding. The CD86-V domain appears to have CTLA4 binding properties equivalent to that of intact CD86. These data illustrate a fundamental difference between these costimulatory molecules and suggest a mechanism by which they may be differentially recognized by receptors on the T cell surface.
Characterization of the antigenic structure of human type II collagen.
Authors: Krco C J , Pawelski J , Harders J , McCormick D , Griffiths M , Luthra H S , David C S
Published: December 2022

A series of 101 peptides each 20 amino acids in length (10-residue overlap) spanning the helical portion of the mature alpha-chain of human type II collagen (CII) was synthesized. DBA/1 (H-2q) mice were immunized with individual peptides, and draining lymph node cells were challenged in vitro. Strong responses were measured to three peptides: peptide I (residues 74-93), peptide 14 (residues 254-273), and peptide 81 (residues 924-943). B10.Q (H-2q) mice were responsive to peptides I and 81 but not to peptide 14. B10.RIII (H-2r) mice, which are resistant to arthritis induction following immunization with human CII, were unresponsive to peptides I, 14, and 81. Using single amino acid truncated peptides, we determined minimal immunostimulatory lengths for peptides I and 81. Residues critical to antigenicity were identified by introducing alanine and glycine substitutions into minimal length immunostimulatory peptides. The determinants within peptides I and 81 are 100% homologous to mouse CII and are autoantigens. Peptide 81 has homology to viral proteins. Peptide 14 is 90% homologous to mouse CII and has homology to heat shock proteins.
Modulation of megakaryocytopoiesis by human macrophage-stimulating protein, the ligand for the RON receptor.
Authors: Banu N , Price D J , London R , Deng B , Mark M , Godowski P J , Avraham H
Published: December 2022

We observed that human megakaryocytes expressed the heterodimeric tyrosine kinase RON, which serves as a receptor for macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP). MSP appears to be structurally related to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which is a pleiotropic growth factor for a broad spectrum of tissues and cell types. The effects of human rMSP and rHGF on permanent human megakaryocytic cell lines as well as on human and murine primary marrow megakaryocytes were studied. MSP enhanced the maturation of the primary bone marrow megakaryocytes and human megakaryocytic cell lines, CMK and DAMI, as assessed by an increase in ploidy content. The increase in ploidy was blocked by specific Abs for MSP and by anti-IL-6 Abs. MSP treatment of primary human marrow megakaryocytes, DAMI cells, or CMK cells resulted in enhanced secretion of IL-6. The addition of MSP to cultures of immature murine megakaryoblasts showed a significant growth response, similar to that of exogenous IL-6. This increased growth of immature murine megakaryoblasts in response to MSP was abrogated either by Abs against MSP or by neutralizing mAbs to IL-6. HGF, over a range of concentrations (10 to 100 ng/ml) alone or in combination with IL-3, granulocyte-macrophage-CSF, or IL-6, had no effect on differentiation of human or murine marrow megakaryocytes. These results indicate that megakaryocytes express a novel tyrosine kinase receptor (RON), and that its ligand, MSP, appears capable of regulating megakaryocyte maturation, possibly via an autocrine mechanism mediated by induction of the cytokine IL-6.
Endotoxin-induced activation of the nuclear transcription factor kappa B and expression of E-selectin messenger RNA in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and endothelial cells in vivo.
Authors: Essani N A , McGuire G M , Manning A M , Jaeschke H
Published: December 2022

Endotoxin causes neutrophil sequestration in the liver and severe vascular and parenchymal cell injury. Inducible adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and selectins are involved in neutrophil recruitment to an inflammatory site in vivo. The objective of our study was to characterize the translocation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus (NF-kappa B activation) during endotoxemia using the electrophoretic mobility shift assay and to investigate its role in regulation of E-selectin gene transcription in liver cells in vivo. Administration of 0.5 mg/kg Salmonella enteritidis endotoxin to male Fischer rats induced a drastic but transient activation of NF-kappa B at the whole liver level. Major subunits identified were p50 (NF-kappa B1), p65 (RelA), and c-Rel, but not p52 (NF-kappa B2). Isolation of liver cells from control animals induced substantial NF-kappa B activation in Kupffer cells and endothelial cells and minor activation in hepatocytes. One hour after endotoxin treatment in vivo, NF-kappa B was uniformly activated in all isolated cells. At 5 h, NF-kappa B activation was reduced to various degrees in all cell types, with hepatocytes showing only a moderate decrease. Northern blot analysis indicated no E-selectin mRNA in all control cells; however, at 1 h, endotoxin induced E-selectin gene transcription transiently in endothelial cells and in Kupffer cells but not in hepatocytes. These data support the hypothesis that NF-kappa B activation is important for E-selectin gene transcription in hepatic vascular lining cells. However, the fact that hepatic parenchymal cells, despite NF-kappa B activation do not express E- selectin mRNA, suggests that NF-kappa B activation alone is not sufficient for E-selectin gene transcription in vivo.
Loss of high affinity transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) binding to a nephritogenic T cell results in absence of growth inhibition by TGF-beta 1 and augmented nephritogenicity.
Authors: Bailey N C , Frishberg Y , Kelly C J
Published: December 2022

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) affects cellular proliferation and differentiation and has been linked to the development of pathologic extracellular matrix production characteristic of progressive renal disease. TGF-beta 1 is conventionally regarded as having growth-inhibitory activity on T lymphocytes. The growth-regulatory activity of TGF-beta 1 depends on the interaction of TGF-beta 1 with its receptors, especially the type I and II receptors. In this study, we describe a CD4+ nephritogenic T cell clone that, unlike a sister clone with an identical TCR Ag receptor, is not growth inhibited by TGF-beta 1, nor is its nephritogenicity affected by exogenous TGF-beta 1. Although this TGF-beta-resistant T cell clone expresses both type I and II TGF-beta receptors on the cell surface, the affinity of this interaction is markedly diminished compared with that of the sister T cell clone, which does undergo growth arrest in response to extracellular TGF-beta 1. The resistant T cell clone expresses one mutant allele for the type I TGF-beta receptor. This mutation consists of a leucine to glutamine substitution at codon 122, a conserved amino acid in the transmembrane domain. We speculate that this mutation alters the interaction between the type I and II TGF-beta receptors following recognition of ligand by the type II receptor.
Estrogen suppression of connective tissue deposition in a murine model of peritoneal adhesion formation.
Authors: Frazier-Jessen M R , Mott F J , Witte P L , Kovacs E J
Published: December 2022

Estrogen's involvement in inflammation and wound healing is poorly understood. To examine the role of estrogen in peritoneal adhesion formation, we gave ovariectomized female C57BL/6 mice time-release pellets containing placebo, 0.05 mg 17 beta-estradiol (low E2), or 5 mg 17 beta-estradiol (high E2) before i.p. injection of talc in saline or saline alone. Analyses of abdominal wall connective tissue thickness and peritoneal cell populations were performed. Talc-treated mice receiving low and high E2 replacement had a decreased amount of abdominal connective tissue deposition (29% and 65% decrease, respectively) as compared with talc-treated mice receiving placebo pellets. At high E2 replacement, the difference in connective tissue deposition was significant statistically (p less than 0.01). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the number of macrophages in adhesion tissue was proportionate to the amount of connective tissue present, regardless of the circulating levels of E2. Northern blot analysis of abdominal wall tissue showed that five of six talc-treated animals given placebo expressed mRNA for the murine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), JE. Conversely, only one of five talc-treated animals that received E2 replacement expressed JE/MCP-1 mRNA, suggesting that the hormone may inhibit connective tissue deposition by altering the production of chemotactic factors. Furthermore, E2 suppressed talc-induced expression of JE/MCP-1 mRNA in murine macrophages. Since macrophages play a central role in the wound healing process, these studies suggest that E2 inhibition of adhesion formation could be mediated by suppressing macrophage activation and/or recruitment to inflammatory sites.
Extrahepatic secreted complement C3 contributes to circulating C3 levels in humans.
Authors: Naughton M A , Botto M , Carter M J , Alexander G J , Goldman J M , Walport M J
Published: December 2022

The majority of complement protein C3 is synthesized by the liver, but many other cell types produce small amounts of functionally active C3. The overall contribution of such extrahepatic C3 production to the total circulating C3 level is unknown. Bone marrow and extrahepatic C3 productions were quantified in bone marrow transplant (BMT) and liver transplant (LT) recipients, respectively, where a mismatch for the C3 allotypes distinguished by the mAb HAV 4-1 had occurred. In the BMT group, donor-derived C3 was detected by ELISA and immunoblotting techniques. It contributed to 0.1 to 2.6% of the total circulating C3 during the immediate post-BMT period in response to inflammatory stimuli. Cell culture and immunostaining techniques demonstrated that monocytes were the source of the C3. By 6 wk following BMT, donor-derived C3 levels had decreased to below the detection limit of the assays. By contrast in the LT group, total extrahepatic C3 levels were higher (3.1-5.7% of the total circulating C3) and remained stable for up to 1 yr post-LT. This study demonstrates that extrahepatic derived C3 forms a larger proportion of the circulating C3 levels than was considered previously and that in the resting state, most of this extrahepatically derived C3 comes from nonmyeloid sources. In addition, monocytes, which in the resting state contribute negligible amounts of C3, have the potential when stimulated to contribute significantly to the total systemic C3 pool. These findings highlight the importance of locally secreted complement proteins.
Hydroxamate-based metalloprotease inhibitor blocks shedding of L-selectin adhesion molecule from leukocytes: functional consequences for neutrophil aggregation.
Authors: Bennett T A , Lynam E B , Sklar L A , Rogelj S
Published: December 2022

L-selectin is an adhesion molecule that mediates the recruitment of neutrophils to inflammatory sites and initiates the migration of lymphocytes into the peripheral lymph nodes. In response to cell activation, L-selectin is shed from the cell surface, and altered levels of functional soluble L-selectin are detected in the plasma of patients suffering from numerous inflammatory diseases as well as AIDS. The mechanism that regulates L-selectin shedding is poorly understood. Here we show that a hydroxamate-based metalloprotease inhibitor, N-(D,L-[2-(hydroxyaminocarbonyl)- methyl]-4-methylpentano)-L-3-(tert-butyl)-alanyl-L-alanine, 2-aminoethyl amide, which blocks leukocyte TNF, TNF receptor, and IL-6 receptor release, also inhibits L-selectin shedding from neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes. Moreover, we show that such inhibition of L-selectin shedding profoundly affects neutrophil aggregation and permits reaggregation in the presence of a heterologous stimulus.
Ligation of CD40 influences the function of human Ig-secreting B cell hybridomas both positively and negatively.
Authors: Bergman M C , Attrep J F , Grammer A C , Lipsky P E
Published: December 2022

The effect of ligation of CD40 on the proliferation and Ig secretion of a battery of human Ig-secreting hybridomas was examined to determine the regulatory activity of this surface molecule on B cells after initial activation. B cell hybridomas were generated by fusing activated peripheral blood B cells with SPAZ-4, a non-Ig-secreting fusion partner, and were cloned before analysis. All hybridomas expressed CD40 comparably. These hybridomas were stimulated with either recombinant baculovirus-expressed membrane-bound CD40L or a soluble murine CD40L/CD8 construct in the presence or the absence of various cytokines. Concentrations of CD40L that saturated 40 to 100% of CD40 induced initial homotypic aggregation followed by Fas (CD95)-independent apoptosis, with resultant decreases in growth and Ig secretion. Concentrations of CD40L that saturated 15 to 25% of CD40 also stimulated aggregation of all hybridomas. However, proliferation and Ig secretion of 9 of 13 IgM-secreting hybridomas, but none of 14 IgG- or IgA-secreting hybridomas, were enhanced by these concentrations of CD40L. These responses were independent of interactions mediated by the adhesion pair CD1la/CD18-CD54. These results indicate that the impact of CD40 ligation on human Ig-secreting hybridomas varies with the extent of CD40 engagement and depending on whether the hybridoma derived from an activated B cell that had previously undergone switch recombination.