bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral Vaccination withSalmonellaSimultaneously ExpressingYersinia pestisF1 and V Antigens Protects against Bubonic and Pneumonic Plague
Authors: Yang Xinghong , Hinnebusch B. Joseph , Trunkle Theresa , Bosio Catharine M. , Suo Zhiyong , Tighe Mike , Harmsen Ann , Becker Todd , Crist Kathryn , Walters Nancy , Avci Recep , Pascual David W.
Published: April 2014

The gut provides a large area for immunization enabling the development of mucosal and systemic Ab responses. To test whether the protective Ags to Yersinia pestis can be orally delivered, the Y. pestis caf1 operon, encoding the F1-Ag and virulence Ag (V-Ag) were cloned into attenuated Salmonella vaccine vectors. F1-Ag expression was controlled under a promoter from the caf1 operon; two different promoters (P), PtetA in pV3, PphoP in pV4, as well as a chimera of the two in pV55 were tested. F1-Ag was amply expressed; the chimera in the pV55 showed the best V-Ag expression. Oral immunization with Salmonella-F1 elicited elevated secretory (S)-IgA and serum IgG titers, and Salmonella-V-Ag(pV55) elicited much greater S-IgA and serum IgG Ab titers than Salmonella-V-Ag(pV3) or Salmonella-V-Ag(pV4). Hence, a new Salmonella vaccine, Salmonella-(F1+V)Ags, made with a single plasmid containing the caf1 operon and the chimeric promoter for V-Ag allowed the simultaneous expression of F1 capsule and V-Ag. Salmonella-(F1+V)Ags elicited elevated Ab titers similar to their monotypic derivatives. For bubonic plague, mice dosed with Salmonella-(F1+V)Ags and Salmonella-F1-Ag showed similar efficacy (>83% survival) against ∼1000 LD50 Y. pestis. For pneumonic plague, immunized mice required immunity to both F1- and V-Ags because the mice vaccinated with Salmonella-(F1+V)Ags protected against 100 LD50 Y. pestis. These results show that a single Salmonella vaccine can deliver both F1- and V-Ags to effect both systemic and mucosal immune protection against Y. pestis.
Identification of Genes Selectively Regulated by IFNs in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Indraccolo Stefano , Pfeffer Ulrich , Minuzzo Sonia , Esposito Giovanni , Roni Valeria , Mandruzzato Susanna , Ferrari Nicoletta , Anfosso Luca , Dell’Eva Raffaella , Noonan Douglas M. , Chieco-Bianchi Luigi , Albini Adriana , Amadori Alberto
Published: April 2014

IFNs are highly pleiotropic cytokines also endowed with marked antiangiogenic activity. In this study, the mRNA expression profiles of endothelial cells (EC) exposed in vitro to IFN-α, IFN-β, or IFN-γ were determined. We found that in HUVEC as well as in other EC types 175 genes were up-regulated (>2-fold increase) by IFNs, including genes involved in the host response to RNA viruses, inflammation, and apoptosis. Interestingly, 41 genes showed a >5-fold higher induction by IFN-α in EC compared with human fibroblasts; among them, the gene encoding the angiostatic chemokine CXCL11 was selectively induced by IFN-α in EC along with other genes associated with angiogenesis regulation, including CXCL10, TRAIL, and guanylate-binding protein 1. These transcriptional changes were confirmed and extended by quantitative PCR analysis and ELISA; whereas IFN-α and IFN-β exerted virtually identical effects on transcriptome modulation, a differential gene regulation by type I and type II IFN emerged, especially as far as quantitative aspects were concerned. In vivo, IFN-α-producing tumors overexpressed murine CXCL10 and CXCL11, guanylate-binding protein 1, and TRAIL, with evidence of CXCL11 production by tumor-associated EC. Overall, these findings improve our understanding of the antiangiogenic effects of IFNs by showing that these cytokines trigger an antiangiogenic transcriptional program in EC. Moreover, we suggest that quantitative differences in the magnitude of the transcriptional activation of IFN-responsive genes could form the basis for cell-specific transcriptional signatures.
Arachidonic Acid Metabolism as a Potential Mediator of Cardiac Fibrosis Associated with Inflammation
Authors: Levick Scott P. , Loch David C. , Taylor Stephen M. , Janicki Joseph S.
Published: April 2014

An increase in left ventricular collagen (cardiac fibrosis) is a detrimental process that adversely affects heart function. Strong evidence implicates the infiltration of inflammatory cells as a critical part of the process resulting in cardiac fibrosis. Inflammatory cells are capable of releasing arachidonic acid, which may be further metabolized by cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase enzymes to biologically active products, including PGs, leukotrienes, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids. Some of these products have profibrotic properties and may represent a pathway by which inflammatory cells initiate and mediate the development of cardiac fibrosis. In this study, we critically review the current literature on the potential link between this pathway and cardiac fibrosis.
The Extra Domain A from Fibronectin Targets Antigens to TLR4-Expressing Cells and Induces Cytotoxic T Cell Responses In Vivo
Authors: Lasarte Juan J. , Casares Noelia , Gorraiz Marta , Hervás-Stubbs Sandra , Arribillaga Laura , Mansilla Cristina , Durantez Maika , Llopiz Diana , Sarobe Pablo , Borrás-Cuesta Francisco , Prieto Jesús , Leclerc Claude
Published: April 2014

Vaccination strategies based on the in vivo targeting of Ags to dendritic cells (DCs) are needed to improve the induction of specific T cell immunity against tumors and infectious agents. In this study, we have used a recombinant protein encompassing the extra domain A from fibronectin (EDA), an endogenous ligand for TLR4, to deliver Ags to TLR4-expressing DC. The purified EDA protein was shown to bind to TLR4-expressing HEK293 cells and to activate the TLR4 signaling pathway. EDA also stimulated the production by DC of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-12 or TNF-α and induced their maturation in vitro and in vivo. A fusion protein between EDA and a cytotoxic T cell epitope from OVA efficiently presented this epitope to specific T cells and induced the in vivo activation of a strong and specific CTL response. Moreover, a fusion protein containing EDA and the full OVA also improved OVA presentation by DC and induced CTL responses in vivo. These EDA recombinant proteins protected mice from a challenge with tumor cells expressing OVA. These results strongly suggest that the fibronectin extra domain A may serve as a suitable Ag carrier for the development of antiviral or antitumoral vaccines.
Dual Assemblies of an Activating Immune Receptor, MAIR-II, with ITAM-Bearing Adapters DAP12 and FcRγ Chain on Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: Nakahashi Chigusa , Tahara-Hanaoka Satoko , Totsuka Naoya , Okoshi Yasushi , Takai Toshiyuki , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro , Honda Shin-ichiro , Shibuya Kazuko , Shibuya Akira
Published: April 2014

Certain activating immune receptors expressed on myeloid cells noncovalently associate with either DAP12 or FcεRIγ (FcRγ chain), the ITAM-bearing transmembrane adapter proteins. An activating receptor, myeloid-associated Ig-like receptor (MAIR) II, is expressed on a subset of B cells and macrophages in the spleen and peritoneal cavity of mice and associates with DAP12 in these cells. However, we demonstrate here that cross-linking MAIR-II with mAb induced secretion of a significant amount of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 from DAP12−/− as well as wild-type (WT) peritoneal macrophages. We show that MAIR-II associates with not only DAP12 but also FcRγ chain homodimers in peritoneal macrophages. LPS enhanced the FcRγ chain expression and FcRγ chain-dependent cell surface expression of MAIR-II and had additive effects on MAIR-II-mediated inflammatory cytokine secretion from peritoneal macrophages. The lysine residue in the transmembrane region of MAIR-II was involved in the association with FcRγ chain as well as DAP12. Our findings present the first case of an activating receptor that uses either DAP12 or FcRγ chain as a signaling adapter. The FcRγ chain may provide cooperation with and/or compensation for DAP12 in MAIR-II-mediated inflammatory responses by peritoneal macrophages.
Alteration of the Migratory Behavior of UV-Induced Regulatory T Cells by Tissue-Specific Dendritic Cells
Authors: Schwarz Agatha , Maeda Akira , Schwarz Thomas
Published: April 2014

UV radiation-induced regulatory T cells (UV-Treg) inhibit the sensitization but not the elicitation of contact hypersensitivity when injected i.v. Because UV-Treg express the lymph node homing receptor CD62 ligand, upon i.v. injection they migrate into the lymph nodes but not into the periphery and therefore inhibit sensitization but not elicitation. We tried to modify the migratory behavior of UV-Treg with the aim to get them into the periphery and thereby to suppress the effector phase of immune reactions. Because the tissue selective homing of T effector cells is determined by tissue-specific dendritic cells (DC), we attempted to reprogram the migratory behavior of UV-Treg by DC. 2,4-Dinitrofluorobencene (DNFB)-specific UV-Treg coincubated with epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) blocked the elicitation upon i.v. injection into DNFB-sensitized mice. In contrast, i.v. injection of UV-Treg not incubated with LC did not inhibit the ear challenge. The same negative effect was observed for UV-Treg coincubated with DC from bone marrow, spleen, or lymph nodes. This effect was not due to different maturation stages as checked by MHC class II expression of the different DC types. Incubation with LC but not with bone marrow-derived DC down-regulated the expression of CD62 ligand on UV-Treg. Accordingly, CFDA-SE labeled UV-Treg coincubated with LC were found in the ears but not in the lymph nodes upon i.v. injection. This finding shows that the migratory behavior can be reprogrammed by tissue-specific DC and may have input on strategies trying to use Treg not only for the prevention but also for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases.
Regulatory T Cells Maintain Long-Term Tolerance to Myelin Basic Protein by Inducing a Novel, Dynamic State of T Cell Tolerance
Authors: Cabbage Sarah E. , Huseby Eric S. , Sather Blythe D. , Brabb Thea , Liggitt Denny , Goverman Joan
Published: April 2014

The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis involves a breakdown in T cell tolerance to myelin proteins like myelin basic protein (MBP). Most MBP-specific T cells are eliminated by central tolerance in adult mice, however, the developmentally regulated expression of MBP allows MBP-specific thymocytes in young mice to escape negative selection. It is not known how these T cells that encounter MBP for the first time in the periphery are regulated. We show that naive MBP-specific T cells transferred into T cell-deficient mice induce severe autoimmunity. Regulatory T cells prevent disease, however, suppression of the newly transferred MBP-specific T cells is abrogated by activating APCs in vivo. Without APC activation, MBP-specific T cells persist in the periphery of protected mice but do not become anergic, raising the question of how long-term tolerance can be maintained if APCs presenting endogenous MBP become activated. Our results demonstrate that regulatory T cells induce naive MBP-specific T cells responding to nonactivated APCs to differentiate into a unique, tolerized state with the ability to produce IL-10 and TGF-β1 in response to activated, but not nonactivated, APCs presenting MBP. This tolerant response depends on continuous activity of regulatory T cells because, in their absence, these uniquely tolerized MBP-specific T cells can again induce autoimmunity.
Bcl10/Malt1 Signaling Is Essential for TCR-Induced NF-κB Activation in Thymocytes but Dispensable for Positive or Negative Selection
Authors: Jost Philipp J. , Weiss Stephanie , Ferch Uta , Gross Olaf , Mak Tak W. , Peschel Christian , Ruland Jürgen
Published: April 2014

During T cell development in the thymus, high-affinity/avidity TCR engagement induces negative selection by apoptosis, while lower affinity/avidity TCR interactions lead to positive selection and survival of thymocytes. Yet, the mechanisms that discriminate between positive and negative selection are not fully understood. One major regulator of survival and apoptosis in lymphoid cells is the transcription factor NF-κB. Several reports have indicated key roles for NF-κB in positive and negative selection. In peripheral T cells, TCR ligation activates NF-κB through a selective pathway that involves protein kinase Cθ, Bcl10, and Malt1. While protein kinase Cθ is dispensable for thymic TCR signaling, the molecular roles of Bcl10 and Malt1 in thymocytes have not been investigated. In the present study, we show that both Bcl10 and Malt1 are essential for TCR signaling in thymocytes as a genetic disruption of either molecule blocks TCR-induced NF-κB activation in these cells. To investigate the function of this pathway in thymic selection, we introduced the Bcl10 or Malt1 mutations into three well-established TCR transgenic mouse models. Surprisingly, using several in vivo or in vitro assays, we were unable to demonstrate a role for TCR-induced NF-κB activation in either positive or negative selection. Thus, while TCR signaling to NF-κB controls the activation of mature T cells, we suggest that this pathway is not involved in the positive or negative selection of thymocytes.
Identification of CXCL11 as a STAT3-Dependent Gene Induced by IFN
Authors: Yang Chuan He , Wei Lai , Pfeffer Susan R. , Du Ziyun , Murti Aruna , Valentine William J. , Zheng Yi , Pfeffer Lawrence M.
Published: April 2014

IFNs selectively regulate gene expression through several signaling pathways. The present study explored the involvement of STAT3 in the IFN-induced expression of the gene encoding the CXCL11 chemokine. The CXCL11 gene was induced in IFN-sensitive Daudi cells, but not in an IFN-resistant DRST3 subline with a defective STAT3 signaling pathway. Although the IFN-stimulated gene ISG15 was induced to a similar extent in Daudi and DRST3 cells, expression of wild-type STAT3 in DRST3 cells restored the IFN inducibility of CXCL11. Reconstitution of STAT3 knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts with wild-type STAT3, or STAT3 with the canonical STAT3 dimerization site at Y705 mutated, restored IFN inducibility of the CXCL11 gene. These data indicate that CXCL11 gene induction by IFN is STAT3 dependent, but that phosphorylation of Y705 of STAT3 is not required. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that IFN treatment of Daudi and DRST3 cells induced STAT3 binding to the CXCL11 promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays also revealed that NF-κB family member p65 and IFN regulatory factor (IRF)1 were bound to CXCL11 promoter upon IFN treatment of Daudi cells. In contrast, IFN induced the binding of p50 and IRF2 to the CXCL11 promoter in DRST3 cells. The profile of promoter binding was indistinguishable in IFN-sensitive Daudi cells and DRST3 cells reconstituted with wild-type STAT3. Thus, STAT3 also plays a role in the recruitment of the transcriptional activators p65 and IRF1, and the displacement of the transcriptional repressors p50 and IRF2 from the CXCL11 promoter also appears to regulate the induction of CXCL11 gene transcription.
Oxidized Phospholipids Inhibit Phagocytosis and Impair Outcome in Gram-Negative Sepsis In Vivo
Authors: Knapp Sylvia , Matt Ulrich , Leitinger Norbert , van der Poll Tom
Published: April 2014

Oxidized phospholipids that are generated during inflammation exert anti-inflammatory properties and prevent death during murine endotoxemia. Oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (OxPAPC) inhibits the interaction of LPS with LPS-binding protein and CD14. In this study, we determined the functional properties of OxPAPC and potential interference with CD14 during abdominal sepsis caused by Escherichia coli. Administration of OxPAPC rendered mice highly susceptible to E. coli peritonitis, as indicated by an accelerated mortality and enhanced bacterial outgrowth and dissemination. CD14−/− mice also displayed increased mortality and bacterial outgrowth and OxPAPC did not further impair host defense in these animals. The mechanisms by which OxPAPC and CD14 deficiency impaired the immune response differed: whereas CD14−/− mice demonstrated a strongly reduced recruitment of phagocytes to the site of the infection, OxPAPC did not influence the influx of inflammatory cells but strongly diminished the phagocytosing capacity of neutrophils and macrophages by a CD14-independent mechanism. Furthermore, OxPAPC potently inhibited uptake of fluorospheres as well as receptor-mediated endocytosis and fluid-phase pinocytosis. These data suggest that oxidized phospholipids such as produced during inflammatory reactions may contribute to mortality during Gram-negative sepsis in vivo via impairment of the phagocytic properties of professional phagocytes.
Activating Ly-49 Receptors Regulate LFA-1-Mediated Adhesion by NK Cells
Authors: Osman Mohammed S. , Burshtyn Deborah N. , Kane Kevin P.
Published: April 2014

NK cells are important for innate resistance to tumors and viruses. Engagement of activating Ly-49 receptors expressed by NK cells leads to rapid NK cell activation resulting in target cell lysis and cytokine production. The ITAM-containing DAP12 adapter protein stably associates with activating Ly-49 receptors, and couples receptor recognition with generation of NK responses. Activating Ly-49s are potent stimulators of murine NK cell functions, yet how they mediate such activities is not well understood. We demonstrate that these receptors trigger LFA-1-dependent tight conjugation between NK cells and target cells. Furthermore, we show that activating Ly-49 receptor engagement leads to rapid DAP12-dependent up-regulation of NK cell LFA-1 adhesiveness to ICAM-1 that is also dependent on tyrosine kinases of the Syk and Src families. These results indicate for the first time that activating Ly-49s control adhesive properties of LFA-1, and by DAP12-dependent inside-out signaling. Ly-49-driven mobilization of LFA-1 adhesive function may represent a fundamental proximal event during NK cell interactions with target cells involving activating Ly-49 receptors, leading to target cell death.
Interactions of Ly49 Family Receptors with MHC Class I Ligands in trans and cis
Authors: Scarpellino Léonardo , Oeschger Franziska , Guillaume Philippe , Coudert Jérôme D. , Lévy Frédéric , Leclercq Georges , Held Werner
Published: April 2014

The Ly49A NK cell receptor interacts with MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules on target cells and negatively regulates NK cell-mediated target cell lysis. We have recently shown that the MHC-I ligand-binding capacity of the Ly49A NK cell receptor is controlled by the NK cells’ own MHC-I. To see whether this property was unique to Ly49A, we have investigated the binding of soluble MHC-I multimers to the Ly49 family receptors expressed in MHC-I-deficient and -sufficient C57BL/6 mice. In this study, we confirm the binding of classical MHC-I to the inhibitory Ly49A, C and I receptors, and demonstrate that detectable MHC-I binding to MHC-I-deficient NK cells is exclusively mediated by these three receptors. We did not detect significant multimer binding to stably transfected or NK cell-expressed Ly49D, E, F, G, and H receptors. Yet, we identified the more distantly related Ly49B and Ly49Q, which are not expressed by NK cells, as two novel MHC-I receptors in mice. Furthermore, we show using MHC-I-sufficient mice that the NK cells’ own MHC-I significantly masks the Ly49A and Ly49C, but not the Ly49I receptor. Nevertheless, Ly49I was partly masked on transfected tumor cells, suggesting that the structure of Ly49I is compatible in principal with cis binding of MHC-I. Finally, masking of Ly49Q by cis MHC-I was minor, whereas masking of Ly49B was not detected. These data significantly extend the MHC-I specificity of Ly49 family receptors and show that the accessibility of most, but not all, MHC-I-binding Ly49 receptors is modulated by the expression of MHC-I in cis.
A Soluble Form of the MHC Class I-Specific CD160 Receptor Is Released from Human Activated NK Lymphocytes and Inhibits Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity
Authors: Giustiniani Jérôme , Marie-Cardine Anne , Bensussan Armand
Published: April 2014

CD160 is a GPI-anchored lymphocyte surface receptor in which expression is mostly restricted to the highly cytotoxic CD56dimCD16+ peripheral blood NK subset. We previously reported that MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules bind to CD160 receptors on circulating NK lymphocytes and that this interaction triggers their cytotoxic activity and cytokine production. We also observed that CD160 surface expression on NK cells is down-modulated upon activation with PMA or IL-2. In this study, we further report that short-time incubation of NK lymphocytes with IL-15 converts the membrane-bound CD160 to a soluble form through a proteolytic cleavage involving a metalloprotease. Thus, CD160 is no longer detected at the cell surface, but can be immunoprecipitated from the NK cell culture medium. Interestingly, CD160 transcript remains highly expressed during the process of protein shedding. In addition, we demonstrate that CD160 mRNA synthesis can be induced in CD56bright separated lymphocytes following exposure to IL-15. By producing a Flag-tagged soluble CD160 protein, we establish that its binding to MHC-I molecules results in the inhibition of the cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocyte activity and of the CD160-mediated NK cell cytotoxicity. Thus, we show that activated NK lymphocytes release a soluble form of CD160 that functionally impairs the MHC-I-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocyte responsiveness.
Prevention of Type 1 Diabetes by Invariant NKT Cells Is Independent of Peripheral CD1d Expression
Authors: Novak Jan , Beaudoin Lucie , Park SeHo , Griseri Thibault , Teyton Luc , Bendelac Albert , Lehuen Agnès
Published: April 2014

Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells can prevent diabetes by inhibiting the differentiation of anti-islet T cells. We recently showed that neither iNKT cell protection against diabetes nor iNKT cell inhibition of T cell differentiation in vitro requires cytokines such as IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and TGF-β. In contrast, cell-cell contacts were required for iNKT cell inhibition of T cell differentiation in vitro. The present study was designed to determine whether the CD1d molecule is involved in the inhibitory function of iNKT cells. Experiments were performed in vitro and in vivo, using cells lacking CD1d expression. The in vivo experiments used CD1d-deficient mice that were either reconstituted with iNKT cells or expressed a CD1d transgene exclusively in the thymus. Both mouse models had functional iNKT cells in the periphery, even though CD1d was not expressed in peripheral tissues. Surprisingly, both in vitro inhibition of T cell differentiation by iNKT cells and mouse protection against diabetes by iNKT cells were CD1d-independent. These results reveal that iNKT cells can exert critical immunoregulatory effects in the absence of CD1d recognition and that different molecular interactions are involved in iNKT cell functions.
IL-7 Induces Myelopoiesis and Erythropoiesis
Authors: Aiello Francesca B. , Keller Jonathan R. , Klarmann Kimberly D. , Dranoff Glenn , Mazzucchelli Renata , Durum Scott K.
Published: April 2014

IL-7 administration to mice was previously reported to increase the mobilization of progenitor cells from marrow to peripheral sites. We now report that IL-7 increases the number of mature myeloid and monocytic cells in spleen and peripheral blood. This effect required T cells, and we show that IL-7 treatment in vivo induced GM-CSF and IL-3 production by T cells with memory phenotype. However, additional myelopoietic cytokines were shown to be involved because mice deficient in both GM-CSF and IL-3 also responded to IL-7 with increased myelopoiesis. Candidate cytokines included IFN-γ and Flt3 ligand, which were also produced in response to IL-7. Because IFN-γ-deficient mice also increased myelopoiesis, it was suggested that IL-7 induced production of redundant myelopoietic cytokines. In support of this hypothesis, we found that the supernatant from IL-7-treated, purified T cells contained myelopoietic activity that required a combination of Abs against GM-CSF, IL-3, and anti-Flt3 ligand to achieve maximum neutralization. IL-7 administration increased the number of splenic erythroid cells in either normal, Rag1 or GM-CSF-IL-3-deficient mice, suggesting that IL-7 might directly act on erythroid progenitors. In support of this theory, we detected a percentage of TER-119+ erythroid cells that expressed the IL-7Rα-chain and common γ-chain. Bone marrow cells expressing IL-7R and B220 generated erythroid colonies in vitro in response to IL-7, erythropoietin, and stem cell factor. This study demonstrates that IL-7 can promote nonlymphoid hemopoiesis and production of cytokines active in the host defense system in vivo, supporting its possible clinical utility.
Dampening of IFN-γ-Inducible Gene Expression in Human Choriocarcinoma Cells Is Due to Phosphatase-Mediated Inhibition of the JAK/STAT-1 Pathway
Authors: Choi Jason C. , Holtz Renae , Petroff Margaret G. , Alfaidy Nadia , Murphy Shawn P.
Published: April 2014

Trophoblast cells (TBCs) form the blastocyst-derived component of the placenta and play essential roles in fetal maintenance. The proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ plays a central role in activating cellular immunity, controlling cell proliferation, and inducing apoptosis. IFN-γ is secreted by uterine NK cells in the placenta during pregnancy and in mice is required for proper formation of the decidual layer and remodeling of the uterine vasculature. Despite the presence of IFN-γ in the placenta, TBCs do not express either MHC class Ia or class II Ags, and are resistant to IFN-γ-mediated apoptosis. In this study, we demonstrate that IFN-γ-induced expression of multiple genes is significantly reduced in human trophoblast-derived choriocarcinoma cells relative to HeLa epithelial or fibroblast cells. These results prompted us to investigate the integrity of the JAK/STAT-1 pathway in these cells. Choriocarcinoma cells and HeLa cells express comparable levels of the IFN-γ receptor. However, tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK-2 is compromised in IFN-γ-treated choriocarcinoma cells. Moreover, phosphorylation of STAT-1 at tyrosine 701 is substantially reduced in both IFN-γ-treated human choriocarcinoma and primary TBCs compared with HeLa cells or primary foreskin fibroblasts. A corresponding reduction of both IFN regulatory factor 1 mRNA and protein expression was observed in IFN-γ-treated TBCs. Treatment of choriocarcinoma cells with the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor pervanadate significantly enhanced IFN-γ-inducible JAK and STAT-1 tyrosine phosphorylation and select IFN-γ-inducible gene expression. We propose that phosphatase-mediated suppression of IFN-γ signaling in TBCs contributes to fetal maintenance by inhibiting expression of genes that could be detrimental to successful pregnancy.
Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptides Block Dendritic Cell TLR4 Activation and Allergic Contact Sensitization
Authors: Di Nardo Anna , Braff Marissa H. , Taylor Kristen R. , Na ChangRim , Granstein Richard D. , McInturff Jamie E. , Krutzik Stephan , Modlin Robert L. , Gallo Richard L.
Published: April 2014

Cathelicidins are antimicrobial peptides of the innate immune system that establish an antimicrobial barrier at epithelial interfaces and have been proposed to have a proinflammatory function. We studied the role of cathelicidin in allergic contact dermatitis, a model requiring dendritic cells of the innate immune response and T cells of the adaptive immune response. Deletion of the murine cathelicidin gene Cnlp enhanced an allergic contact response, whereas local administration of cathelicidin before sensitization inhibited the allergic response. Cathelicidins inhibited TLR4 but not TLR2 mediated induction of dendritic cell maturation and cytokine release, and this inhibition was associated with an alteration of cell membrane function and structure. Further analysis in vivo connected these observations because inhibition of sensitization by exogenous cathelicidin was dependent on the presence of functional TLR4. These observations provide evidence that cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides mediate an anti-inflammatory response in part by their activity at the membrane.
Serum Amyloid A Induces Monocyte Tissue Factor
Authors: Cai Hong , Song Changjie , Endoh Ikuko , Goyette Jesse , Jessup Wendy , Freedman S. Ben , McNeil H. Patrick , Geczy Carolyn L.
Published: April 2014

C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) increase in the blood of patients with inflammatory conditions and CRP-induced monocyte tissue factor (TF) may contribute to inflammation-associated thrombosis. This study demonstrates that SAA is a potent and rapid inducer of human monocyte TF. SAA induced TF mRNA in PBMC within 30 min and optimal procoagulant activity within 4 h, whereas CRP (25 μg/ml)-induced activity was minimal at this time. Unlike CRP, SAA did not synergize with LPS. Procoagulant activity was inhibited by anti-TF and was dependent on factors VII and X, and TF Ag levels were elevated on CD14+ monocytes. Responses were optimal with lymphocytes, although these were not obligatory. Inhibitor studies indicate activation of NF-κB through the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways; the cyclo-oxygenase pathway was not involved. SAA-induced TF was partially inhibited by high-density lipoprotein, but not by low-density lipoprotein or by apolipoprotein A-I. SAA is a ligand for the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and TF generation was suppressed by ∼50% by a RAGE competitor, soluble RAGE, and by ∼85% by anti-RAGE IgG. However, another RAGE ligand, high mobility group box-1 protein, capable of inducing monocyte chemotactic protein-1 mRNA in 2 h, did not induce TF within 24 h. Cross-linking studies confirmed SAA binding to soluble RAGE. Elevated SAA is a marker of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and PBMC from patients with rheumatoid arthritis were more sensitive to SAA than normals, suggesting a new link between inflammation and thrombosis.
Complement C1q and C3 Are Critical for the Innate Immune Response to Streptococcus pneumoniae in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Rupprecht Tobias A. , Angele Barbara , Klein Matthias , Heesemann Juergen , Pfister Hans-Walter , Botto Marina , Koedel Uwe
Published: April 2014

Previous studies suggest that the complement system can contribute to limiting pneumococcal outgrowth within the CNS. In this study, we evaluated the role of the complement system in the activation of the innate immune response and the development of the prognosis-relevant intracranial complications in a murine model of pneumococcal meningitis. Thereby, we used mice deficient in C1q, lacking only the classical pathway, and C3, lacking all three complement activation pathways. At 24 h after intracisternal infection, bacterial titers in the CNS were almost 12- and 20-fold higher in C1q- and C3-deficient-mice, respectively, than in wild-type mice. Mean CSF leukocyte counts were reduced by 47 and 73% in C1q- and C3-deficient-mice, respectively. Intrathecal reconstitution with wild-type serum in C3-deficient mice restored both the ability of mice to combat pneumococcal infection of the CSF and the ability of leukocytes to egress into the CSF. The altered recruitment of leukocytes into the CSF of C3-deficient mice was paralleled by a strong reduction of the brain expression of cytokines and chemokines. The dampened immune response in C3-deficient mice was accompanied by a reduction of meningitis-induced intracranial complications, but, surprisingly, also with a worsening of short-term outcome. The latter seems to be due to more severe bacteremia (12- and 120-fold higher in C1q- and C3-deficient-mice, respectively) and, consecutively, more severe systemic complications. Thus, our study demonstrated for the first time that the complement system plays an integral role in mounting the intense host immune response to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection of the CNS.
Diverse and Potent Chemokine Production by Lung CD11bhigh Dendritic Cells in Homeostasis and in Allergic Lung Inflammation
Authors: Beaty Steven R. , Rose C. Edward , Sung Sun-sang J.
Published: April 2014

Lung CD11chigh dendritic cells (DC) are comprised of two major phenotypically distinct populations, the CD11bhigh DC and the integrin αEβ7+ DC (CD103+ DC). To examine whether they are functionally distinguishable, global microarray studies and real-time PCR analysis were performed. Significant differences between the two major CD11chigh DC types in chemokine mRNA expression were found. CD11bhigh DC is a major secretory cell type and highly expressed at least 16 chemokine mRNA in the homeostatic state, whereas CD103+ DC highly expressed only 6. Intracellular chemokine staining of CD11chigh lung cells including macrophages, and ELISA determination of sort-purified CD11chigh cell culture supernatants, further showed that CD11bhigh DC produced the highest levels of 9 of 14 and 5 of 7 chemokines studied, respectively. Upon LPS stimulation in vitro and in vivo, CD11bhigh DC remained the highest producer of 7 of 10 of the most highly produced chemokines. Induction of airway hyperreactivity and lung inflammation increased lung CD11bhigh DC numbers markedly, and they produced comparable or higher amounts of 11 of 12 major chemokines when compared with macrophages. Although not a major producer, CD103+ DC produced the highest amounts of the Th2-stimulating chemokines CCL17/thymus and activation-related chemokine and CCL22/monocyte-derived chemokine in both homeostasis and inflammation. Significantly, CCL22/monocyte-derived chemokine exhibited regulatory effects on CD4+ T cell proliferation. Further functional analysis showed that both DC types induced comparable Th subset development. These studies showed that lung CD11bhigh DC is one of the most important leukocyte types in chemokine production and it is readily distinguishable from CD103+ DC in this secretory function.
Functions and Regulation of NF-κB RelA during Pneumococcal Pneumonia
Authors: Quinton Lee J. , Jones Matthew R. , Simms Benjamin T. , Kogan Mariya S. , Robson Bryanne E. , Skerrett Shawn J. , Mizgerd Joseph P.
Published: April 2014

Eradication of bacteria in the lower respiratory tract depends on the coordinated expression of proinflammatory cytokines and consequent neutrophilic inflammation. To determine the roles of the NF-κB subunit RelA in facilitating these events, we infected RelA-deficient mice (generated on a TNFR1-deficient background) with Streptococcus pneumoniae. RelA deficiency decreased cytokine expression, alveolar neutrophil emigration, and lung bacterial killing. S. pneumoniae killing was also diminished in the lungs of mice expressing a dominant-negative form of IκBα in airway epithelial cells, implicating this cell type as an important locus of NF-κB activation during pneumonia. To study mechanisms of epithelial RelA activation, we stimulated a murine alveolar epithelial cell line (MLE-15) with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) harvested from mice infected with S. pneumoniae. Pneumonic BALF, but not S. pneumoniae, induced degradation of IκBα and IκBβ and rapid nuclear accumulation of RelA. Moreover, BALF-induced RelA activity was completely abolished following combined but not individual neutralization of TNF and IL-1 signaling, suggesting either cytokine is sufficient and necessary for alveolar epithelial RelA activation during pneumonia. Our results demonstrate that RelA is essential for the host defense response to pneumococcus in the lungs and that RelA in airway epithelial cells is primarily activated by TNF and IL-1.
Increased Levels of NF-ATc2 Differentially Regulate CD154 and IL-2 Genes in T Cells from Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Kyttaris Vasileios C. , Wang Ying , Juang Yuang-Taung , Weinstein Arthur , Tsokos George C.
Published: April 2014

T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are characterized by heightened TCR-initiated free intracytoplasmic calcium responses. We demonstrate that activated T cells from SLE patients, but not from rheumatoid arthritis patients, displayed higher levels of the calcineurin-dependent transcription factor NF-ATc2 in the nucleus compared with control T cells. DNA NF-AT-binding activity was also increased, as was the amount of NF-ATc2 bound to the promoters of CD154 (CD40L) and IL-2 genes. Nevertheless, although high NF-ATc2 levels translated into higher CD154 transcription in SLE, IL-2 transcription was decreased. The absence of important transcriptional activators (AP-1, NF-κΒ) and the presence of transcriptional repressors (cAMP response element modulator) on the IL-2 promoter explain this dichotomous effect.
Cutting Edge: Loss of TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5 on Langerhans Cells Abolishes Bacterial Recognition
Authors: van der Aar Angelic M.G. , Sylva-Steenland Regien M. R. , Bos Jan D. , Kapsenberg Martien L. , de Jong Esther C. , Teunissen Marcel B. M.
Published: April 2014

It is unknown whether closely related epidermal dendritic cells, Langerhans cells (LCs), and dermal dendritic cells (DDCs) have unique functions. In this study, we show that human DDCs have a broad TLR expression profile, whereas human LCs have a selective impaired expression of cell surface TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5, all involved in bacterial recognition. This distinct TLR expression profile is acquired during the TGF-β1-driven development of LCs in vitro. Consequently, and in contrast to DDCs, LCs weakly respond to bacterial TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5 ligands in terms of cytokine production and maturation, as well as to whole Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whereas their responsiveness to viral TLR ligands and viruses is fully active and comparable to DDCs. Unresponsiveness of LCs to bacteria may be a mechanism that contributes to tolerance to bacterial commensals that colonize the skin.
Non-T Cell Activation Linker (NTAL) Negatively Regulates TREM-1/DAP12-Induced Inflammatory Cytokine Production in Myeloid Cells
Authors: Tessarz Anja S. , Weiler Sandra , Zanzinger Kai , Angelisová Pavla , Horejsí Václav , Cerwenka Adelheid
Published: April 2014

The engagement of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) on macrophages and neutrophils leads to TNF-α and IL-8 production and enhances inflammatory responses to microbial products. For signal transduction, TREM-1 couples to the ITAM-containing adapter DNAX activation protein of 12 kDa (DAP12). In general, ITAM-mediated signals lead to cell activation, although DAP12 was recently implicated in inhibitory signaling in mouse macrophages and dendritic cells. To date, signals downstream of the TREM-1 and DAP12 complex in myeloid cells are poorly defined. By analyzing receptor-induced tyrosine phosphorylation patterns, we discovered that the ligation of TREM-1 leads to tyrosine phosphorylation of the non-T cell activation linker (NTAL; also called linker of activation in B cells or LAB) in a myelomonocytic cell line and primary human granulocytes. Using RNA interference to decrease the expression levels of NTAL, we demonstrate that in NTAL knockdown cell lines the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 is enhanced. In addition, low levels of NTAL are correlated with decreased and delayed mobilization of Ca2+ after TREM-1 triggering. Most importantly, we demonstrate that NTAL acts as a negative regulator of TNF-α and IL-8 production after stimulation via TREM-1. Our results show that activation signals delivered via DAP12 can be counterbalanced by the adaptor NTAL, identifying NTAL as gatekeeper of TREM-1/DAP12-induced signaling in myeloid cells.
Changes in the Role of the CD45 Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase in Regulating Lck Tyrosine Phosphorylation during Thymic Development
Authors: Falahati Rustom , Leitenberg David
Published: April 2014

CD45-dependent dephosphorylation of the negative regulatory C-terminal tyrosine of the Src family kinase Lck, promotes efficient TCR signal transduction. However, despite the role of CD45 in positively regulating Lck activity, the distinct phenotypes of CD45 and Lck/Fyn-deficient mice suggest that the role of CD45 in promoting Lck activity may be differentially regulated during thymocyte development. In this study, we have found that the C-terminal tyrosine of Lck (Y505) is markedly hyperphosphorylated in total thymocytes from CD45-deficient mice compared with control animals. In contrast, regulation of the Lck Y505 phosphorylation in purified, double-negative thymocytes is relatively unaffected in CD45-deficient cells. These changes in the role of CD45 in regulating Lck phosphorylation during thymocyte development correlate with changes in coreceptor expression and the presence of coreceptor-associated Lck. Biochemical analysis of coreceptor-associated and nonassociated Lck in thymocytes, and in cell lines varying in CD4 and CD45 expression, indicate that CD45-dependent regulation of Lck Y505 phosphorylation is most evident within the fraction of Lck that is coreceptor associated. In contrast, Lck Y505 phosphorylation that is not coreceptor associated is less affected by the absence of CD45. These data define distinct pools of Lck that are differentially regulated by CD45 during T cell development.
Suppression of the Effector Phase of Inflammatory Arthritis by Double-Stranded RNA Is Mediated by Type I IFNs
Authors: Yarilina Anna , DiCarlo Edward , Ivashkiv Lionel B.
Published: April 2014

Innate immune receptors that recognize nucleic acids, such as TLRs and RNA helicases, are potent activators of innate immunity that have been implicated in the induction and exacerbation of autoimmunity and inflammatory arthritis. Polyriboinosine-polyribocytidylic acid sodium salt (poly(IC)) is a mimic of dsRNA and viral infection that activates TLR3 and the RNA helicases retinoic acid-induced gene-1 and melanoma differentiation-associated gene-5, and strongly induces type I IFN production. We analyzed the effects of systemic delivery of poly(IC) on the inflammatory effector phase of arthritis using the collagen Ab-induced and KRN TCR-transgenic mouse serum-induced models of immune complex-mediated experimental arthritis. Surprisingly, poly(IC) suppressed arthritis, and suppression was dependent on type I IFNs that inhibited synovial cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production. Administration of exogenous type I IFNs was sufficient to suppress arthritis. These results suggest a regulatory role for innate immune receptors for dsRNA in modulating inflammatory arthritis and provide additional support for an anti-inflammatory function of type I IFNs in arthritis that directly contrasts with a pathogenic role in promoting autoimmunity in systemic lupus.
The Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Aminopeptidase 1 in Immunity to Infection and in Cross-Presentation
Authors: Firat Elke , Saveanu Loredana , Aichele Peter , Staeheli Peter , Huai Jisen , Gaedicke Simone , Nil Ahmed , Besin Gilles , Kanzler Benoît , van Endert Peter , Niedermann Gabriele
Published: April 2014

Endoplasmic reticulum-associated aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) is involved in the final processing of endogenous peptides presented by MHC class I molecules to CTLs. We generated ERAP1-deficient mice and analyzed cytotoxic responses upon infection with three viruses, including lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, which causes vigorous T cell activation and is controlled by CTLs. Despite pronounced effects on the presentation of selected epitopes, the in vivo cytotoxic response was altered for only one of several epitopes tested. Moreover, control of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus was not impaired in the knockout mice. Thus, we conclude that lack of ERAP1 has little influence on antiviral immunohierarchies and antiviral immunity in the infections studied. We also focused on the role of ERAP1 in cross-presentation. We demonstrate that ERAP1 is required for efficient cross-presentation of cell-associated Ag and of OVA/anti-OVA immunocomplexes. Surprisingly, however, ERAP1 deficiency has no effect on cross-presentation of soluble OVA, suggesting that for soluble exogenous proteins, final processing may not take place in an environment containing active ERAP1.
Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of Immune CD8+ T Cell Responses Induced by a Single Injection of a HIV DNA Vaccine in Mice
Authors: Arrode Geraldine , Hegde Ramakrishna , Mani Arunmani , Jin Yuhuai , Chebloune Yahia , Narayan Opendra
Published: April 2014

HIV DNA vaccines are potent inducers of cell-mediated immune (CMI) response in mice but elicit poor HIV-specific IFN-γ-producing T cells in monkeys and humans. In this study, we performed kinetic analyses on splenocytes of BALB/c mice that were immunized by a single injection with a unique DNA vaccine. Using IFN-γ-ELISPOT and multiparametric FACS analysis, we characterized the induced CMI response. We found that the response was detectable for at least 63 wk. ELISPOT detection of IFN-γ-producing T cells showed a profile with two waves separated by a long period of minimal response. Multiparametric FACS analysis showed two populations of CD3+CD8+ T cells that were specific for all HIV Ags. These cells had similar robust proliferation abilities and contained granzyme B. However, only a few produced IFN-γ. Both IFN-γ-producing and non-IFN-γ-producing HIV-specific CD8+ T cells were detected in the early stage (week (W)1 and W2 postimmunization (PI)), in the prolonged intermediate period of minimal response (W4-W26 PI), and in the final late phase of increased response (W30-W63 PI). Our longitudinal characterization showed that both subsets of cells underwent expansion, contraction, and memory generation/maintenance phases throughout the lifespan of the animal. Altogether, these findings bring insight to the heterogeneity of the immune T cell response induced by a single immunization with this DNA and strengthen the concept that used of the IFN-γ-ELISPOT assay alone may be insufficient to detect critical T cell responses to candidate HIV vaccines.
Requirement for Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase p110δ Signaling in B Cell Antigen Receptor-Mediated Antigen Presentation
Authors: Al-Alwan Monther M. , Okkenhaug Klaus , Vanhaesebroeck Bart , Hayflick Joel S. , Marshall Aaron J.
Published: April 2014

The BCR serves to both signal cellular activation and enhance uptake and presentation of Ags by B cells; however, the intracellular signaling mechanisms linking the BCR to Ag presentation functions have been controversial. PI3Ks are critical signaling enzymes controlling many cellular processes, with the p110δ isoform playing a critical role in BCR signaling. In this study, we used pharmacological and genetic approaches to evaluate the role of p110δ signaling in Ag presentation by primary B lymphocytes. It was found that activation of allogeneic T cells is significantly reduced when B cells are pretreated with global PI3K inhibitors, but was intact when p110δ signaling was specifically inactivated. In contrast, inactivation of p110δ significantly impaired the ability of B cells to activate T cells in a BCR-mediated Ag uptake and presentation model. Prestimulation of p110δ-inactivated B cells with anti-CD40 or LPS could not rescue their BCR-mediated Ag presentation ability to normal levels. p110δ signaling was required for efficient presentation of either anti-Ig or protein Ag via a lysozyme-specific BCR. p110δ-inactivated B cells were able to internalize Ag normally, and no defects in association of Ag with lysosome-associated membrane protein 1+ late endosomes were observed; however, these cells were less effective in forming polarized conjugates with Ag-specific T cells. Our data demonstrate a role for p110δ signaling in B cell Ag presentation function, implicating 3-phosphoinositides and their targets in the latter stages of this process.