bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-Induced Reprogramming of Mast Cell Degranulation
Authors: Nguyen MyTrang , Pace Amy J. , Koller Beverly H.
Published: April 2014

Mast cell degranulation can initiate an acute inflammatory response and contribute to the progression of chronic diseases. Alteration in the cellular programs that determine the requirement for mast cell degranulation would therefore have the potential to dramatically impact disease severity. Mast cells are exposed to increased levels of PGE2 during inflammation. We show that although PGE2 does not trigger the degranulation of dermal mast cells of young animals, in older mice, PGE2 is a potent mast cell stimulator. Intradermal administration of PGE2 leads to an EP3 receptor-dependent degranulation of mast cells, with the number of degranulated cells approaching levels observed in IgE- and Ag-treated controls. Taken together, these studies suggest that the ability of PGE2 to initiate mast cell degranulation changes in the aging animal. Therefore, elevated PGE2 levels might provide an important pathway by which mast cells are engaged to participate in inflammatory responses in the elderly patient.
Estrogen Receptor α (ERα) Deficiency in Macrophages Results in Increased Stimulation of CD4+ T Cells while 17β-Estradiol Acts through ERα to Increase IL-4 and GATA-3 Expression in CD4+ T Cells Independent of Antigen Presentation
Authors: Lambert K. Chad , Curran Edward M. , Judy Barbara M. , Milligan Gregg N. , Lubahn Dennis B. , Estes D. Mark
Published: April 2014

The effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) on immune function have been extensively reported. The effects are dependent on concentration and duration of exposure and potential differences in signaling between the known E2 receptors, estrogen receptors (ER) α and ERβ. Through the use of ER-deficient mice, we and others have begun to demonstrate the role of the two known receptors in modulating immune functional activities. Previous studies have shown that cells of the innate immune system have altered function (bactericidal capacity) and patterns of cytokine expression (increased proinflammatory cytokine expression) through amelioration of ERα signaling. In this study, we extend these studies to analysis of T cell differentiation and proliferation in APC-dependent and APC-independent in vitro assay systems. Our results demonstrate that ERα deficiency in splenic macrophages, but not CD11c+ splenic dendritic cells pulsed with OVA significantly enhances proliferative responses and IFN-γ production by transgenic OVA peptide-specific (OT-II) CD4+ T cells when compared with Ag-pulsed APC from wild-type littermates. The addition of E2 in this culture system did not significantly affect the production of IFN-γ. In addition, when purified CD4+ T cells from ERα-deficient and wild-type littermates were stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 Ab in the absence of E2, there were no significant differences in IFN-γ or IL-4 production. However, the addition of E2 significantly increased IL-4 secretion, as well as increased GATA-3 mRNA levels from ERα-replete CD4+ T cells, while this effect was abrogated in ERα-deficient CD4+ T cells.
Selective Modulation of CD4+ T Cells from Lupus Patients by a Promiscuous, Protective Peptide Analog
Authors: Monneaux Fanny , Hoebeke Johan , Sordet Christelle , Nonn Céline , Briand Jean-Paul , Maillère Bernard , Sibillia Jean , Muller Sylviane
Published: April 2014

A peptide encompassing residues 131–151 of the spliceosomal U1-70K protein and its analog phosphorylated at Ser140 were synthesized as potential candidates for the treatment of patients with lupus. Studies in the MRL/lpr and (NZB × NZW)F1 lupus models have demonstrated that these sequences contain a CD4+ T cell epitope but administration of the phosphorylated peptide only ameliorates the clinical manifestations of treated MRL/lpr mice. Binding assays with soluble HLA class II molecules and molecular modeling experiments indicate that both peptides behave as promiscuous epitopes and bind to a large panel of human DR molecules. In contrast to normal T cells and T cells from non-lupus autoimmune patients, we found that PBMCs from 40% of lupus patients selected randomly and CFSE-labeled CD4+ T cells proliferate in response to peptide 131–151. Remarkably, however, we observed that phosphorylation of Ser140 prevents CD4+ T cells proliferation but not secretion of regulatory cytokines, suggesting a striking immunomodulatory effect of phosphorylated analog on lupus CD4+ T cells that was unique to patients. The analog might act as an activator of regulatory T cells or as a partial agonist of TCR.
Apoptosis of Oligodendrocytes via Fas and TNF-R1 Is a Key Event in the Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Hövelmeyer Nadine , Hao Zhenyue , Kranidioti Ksanthi , Kassiotis George , Buch Thorsten , Frommer Friederike , von Hoch Lennart , Kramer Dana , Minichiello Liliana , Kollias George , Lassmann Hans , Waisman Ari
Published: April 2014

In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for multiple sclerosis, immunization with myelin Ags leads to demyelination and paralysis. To investigate which molecules are crucial for the pathogenesis of EAE, we specifically assessed the roles of the death receptors Fas and TNF-R1. Mice lacking Fas expression in oligodendrocytes (ODCs) were generated and crossed to TNF-R1-deficient mice. To achieve specific deletion of a loxP-flanked fas allele in ODCs, we generated a new insertion transgene, expressing the Cre recombinase specifically in ODCs. Fas inactivation alone as well as the complete absence of TNF-R1 protected mice partially from EAE induced by the immunization with myelin ODC glycoprotein. The double-deficient mice, however, showed almost no clinical signs of EAE after immunization. Histological analysis revealed that demyelination was suppressed in CNS tissue and that lymphocyte infiltration was notably reduced. We conclude that the death receptors Fas and TNF-R1 are major initiators of ODC apoptosis in EAE. Although only moderate reduction of lymphocyte infiltration into CNS tissue was observed, the absence of these receptors appears to confer protection from demyelination and development of clinical disease.
Tec Kinases Regulate TCR-Mediated Recruitment of Signaling Molecules and Integrin-Dependent Cell Adhesion
Authors: Finkelstein Lisa D. , Shimizu Yoji , Schwartzberg Pamela L.
Published: April 2014

T cells deficient in the Tec kinases Itk or Itk and Rlk exhibit defective TCR-stimulated proliferation, IL-2 production, and activation of phospholipase C-γ. Evidence also implicates Tec kinases in actin cytoskeleton regulation, which is necessary for cell adhesion and formation of the immune synapse in T lymphocytes. In this study we show that Tec kinases are required for TCR-mediated up-regulation of adhesion via the LFA-1 integrin. We also demonstrate that the defect in adhesion is associated with defective clustering of LFA-1 and talin at the site of interaction of Rlk−/−Itk−/− and Itk−/− T cells with anti-TCR-coated beads. Defective recruitment of Vav1, protein kinase Cθ, and Pyk2 was also observed in Rlk−/−Itk−/− and Itk−/− T cells. Stimulation with ICAM-2 in conjunction with anti-TCR-coated beads enhanced polarization of Vav1, protein kinase Cθ, and Pyk2 in wild-type cells, demonstrating a role for integrins in potentiating the recruitment of signaling molecules in T cells. Increased recruitment of signaling molecules was most pronounced under conditions of low TCR stimulation. Under these suboptimal TCR stimulation conditions, ICAM-2 could also enhance the recruitment of signaling molecules in Itk−/−, but not Rlk−/−Itk−/− T cells. Thus, Tec kinases play key roles in regulating TCR-mediated polarization of integrins and signaling molecules to the site of TCR stimulation as well as the up-regulation of integrin adhesion.
Transcriptional Activators of Helper T Cell Fate Are Required for Establishment but Not Maintenance of Signature Cytokine Expression
Authors: Martins Gislâine A. , Hutchins Anne S. , Reiner Steven L.
Published: April 2014

The stability of helper T cell fates is not well understood. Using conditional introduction of dominant-negative factors, we now show that T-bet and GATA-3 are far more critical in establishment than maintenance of IFN-γ and IL-4 activity during Th1 and Th2 maturation, respectively. We also show that a genetic interaction between T-bet and its target Hlx seems to be required for Th1 maturation, but that Hlx may also be dispensable for maintenance of a transcriptionally permissive ifng gene. In parallel to progressive activator independence in the permissive lineage, the ifng gene becomes more recalcitrant to switching as the forbidden lineage matures. T-bet plus Hlx can disrupt ifng silencing when introduced into developing Th2 cells, but they fail to perturb ifng silencing in mature Th2 cells. In contrast, a hypermorphic allele of T-bet can reverse silencing of the ifng gene in mature Th2 cells. These results suggest that signature gene activity of helper T cells is initially plastic but later becomes epigenetically fixed and offer an initial strategy for inducing mature cells to switch their fate.
Distinct Regulation of H2-M3-Restricted Memory T Cell Responses in Lymph Node and Spleen
Authors: Ploss Alexander , Leiner Ingrid , Pamer Eric G.
Published: April 2014

CD8 T cell populations restricted by H2-M3 MHC class Ib molecules expand rapidly during primary Listeria monocytogenes infection but only minimally upon reinfection. In contrast, CD8 T cells restricted by MHC class Ia molecules undergo more delayed expansion during primary infection but rapid and robust expansion following reinfection. In this study we demonstrate that primary H2-M3-restricted CD8 T cell responses are unaffected by the frequency of naive MHC class Ia-restricted T cells during L. monocytogenes infection. The magnitude of H2-M3-restricted memory responses, in contrast, is down-modulated by increasing frequencies of MHC class Ia-restricted effector T cells following secondary systemic infection. Suppression by MHC class Ia-restricted T cells, however, is not a universal feature of MHC class Ib-restricted memory responses. Primary systemic L. monocytogenes infection followed by secondary tissue infection, for example, results in robust expansion of H2-M3-restricted memory T cells in draining lymph nodes, despite the activation of MHC class Ia-restricted memory T cell responses. Thus, whereas MHC class Ia-restricted memory T cell populations predominate in spleens following systemic reinfection, H2-M3-restricted memory T cell responses remain prominent in lymph nodes draining localized infections. Our studies demonstrate that interactions between CD8 T cell populations can differ, depending on the status of the responding T cells (naive vs memory) and the route of reinfection. These results may have important implications for prime-boost vaccination strategies.
Osteopontin Is Not Required for the Development of Th1 Responses and Viral Immunity
Authors: Abel Brian , Freigang Stefan , Bachmann Martin F. , Boschert Ursula , Kopf Manfred
Published: April 2014

Osteopontin (OPN) has been defined as a key cytokine promoting the release of IL-12 and hence inducing the development of protective cell-mediated immunity to viruses and intracellular pathogens. To further characterize the role of OPN in antiviral immunity, OPN-deficient (OPN−/−) mice were analyzed after infection with influenza virus and vaccinia virus. Surprisingly, we found that viral clearance, lung inflammation, and recruitment of effector T cells to the lung were unaffected in OPN−/− mice after influenza infection. Furthermore, effector status of T cells was normal as demonstrated by normal IFN-γ production and CTL lytic activity. Moreover, activation and Th1 differentiation of naive TCR transgenic CD4+ T cells by dendritic cells and cognate Ag was normal in the absence of OPN in vitro. Contrary to a previous report, we found that OPN−/− mice mounted a normal immune response to Listeria monocytogenes. In conclusion, OPN is dispensable for antiviral immune responses against influenza virus and vaccinia virus.
Pattern Recognition Molecules Activated by Chlamydia muridarum Infection of Cloned Murine Oviduct Epithelial Cell Lines
Authors: Derbigny Wilbert A. , Kerr Micah S. , Johnson Raymond M.
Published: April 2014

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States and a major cause of female infertility due to infection-induced Fallopian tube scarring. Epithelial cells are likely central to host defense and pathophysiology as they are the principal cell type productively infected by C. trachomatis. We generated cloned murine oviduct epithelial cell lines without viral or chemical transformation to investigate the role of the TLRs and cytosolic nucleotide binding site/leucine-rich repeat proteins Nod1 and Nod2 in epithelial responses to Chlamydia muridarum infection. RT-PCR assays detected mRNA for TLR2 (TLRs 1 and 6), TLR3, and TLR5. No mRNA was detected for TLRs 4, 7, 8, and 9. Messenger RNAs for Nod1 and Nod2 were present in the epithelial cell lines. Oviduct epithelial cell lines infected with C. muridarum or exposed to the TLR2 agonist peptidoglycan secreted representative acute phase cytokines IL-6 and GM-CSF in a MyD88-dependent fashion. Infected epithelial cell lines secreted the immunomodulatory cytokine IFN-β, even though C. muridarum does not have a clear pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) for triggering IFN-β transcription. The oviduct epithelial lines did not secrete IFN-β in response to the TLR2 agonist peptidoglycan or to the TLR3 agonist poly(I:C). Our data identify TLR2 as the principal TLR responsible for secretion of acute phase cytokines by C. muridarum-infected oviduct epithelial cell lines. The pattern recognition molecule responsible for infection-induced IFN-β secretion by oviduct epithelial cells remains to be determined.
IL-4 Inhibits the Expression of Mouse Formyl Peptide Receptor 2, a Receptor for Amyloid β1–42, in TNF-α-Activated Microglia
Authors: Iribarren Pablo , Chen Keqiang , Hu Jinyue , Zhang Xia , Gong Wanghua , Wang Ji Ming
Published: April 2014

Microglia are phagocytic cells in the CNS and actively participate in proinflammatory responses in neurodegenerative diseases. We have previously shown that TNF-α up-regulated the expression of formyl peptide receptor 2 (mFPR2) in mouse microglial cells, resulting in increased chemotactic responses of such cells to mFPR2 agonists, including amyloid β1–42 (Aβ42), a critical pathogenic agent in Alzheimer’s disease. In the present study, we found that IL-4, a Th2-type cytokine, markedly inhibited TNF-α-induced expression of mFPR2 in microglial cells by attenuating activation of ERK and p38 MAPK as well as NF-κB. The effect of IL-4 was not dependent on Stat6 but rather required the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) as demonstrated by the capacity of PP2A small interfering RNA to reverse the effect of IL-4 in TNF-α-activated microglia. Since both IL-4 and TNF-α are produced in the CNS under pathophysiological conditions, our results suggest that IL-4 may play an important role in the maintenance of CNS homeostasis by limiting microglial activation by proinflammatory stimulants.
Effects of MHC and Gender on Lupus-Like Autoimmunity inNba2Congenic Mice
Authors: Gubbels Melanie R. , Jørgensen Trine N. , Metzger Troy E. , Menze Katherine , Steele Heather , Flannery Shannon A. , Rozzo Stephen J. , Kotzin Brian L.
Published: April 2014

The lupus-like disease that develops in hybrids of NZB and NZW mice is genetically complex, involving both MHC- and non-MHC-encoded genes. Studies in this model have indicated that the H2d/z MHC type, compared with H2d/d or H2z/z, is critical for disease development. C57BL/6 (B6) mice (H2b/b) congenic for NZB autoimmunity 2 (Nba2), a NZB-derived susceptibility locus on distal chromosome 1, produce autoantibodies to nuclear Ags, but do not develop kidney disease. Crossing B6.Nba2 to NZW results in H2b/z F1 offspring that develop severe lupus nephritis. Despite the importance of H2z in past studies, we found no enhancement of autoantibody production or nephritis in H2b/z vs H2b/b B6.Nba2 mice, and inheritance of H2z/z markedly suppressed autoantibody production. (B6.Nba2 × NZW)F1 mice, compared with MHC-matched B6.Nba2 mice, produced higher levels of IgG autoantibodies to chromatin, but not to dsDNA. Although progressive renal damage with proteinuria only occurred in F1 mice, kidneys of some B6.Nba2 mice showed similar extensive IgG and C3 deposition. We also studied male and female B6.Nba2 and F1 mice with different MHC combinations to determine whether increased susceptibility to lupus among females was also expressed within the context of the Nba2 locus. Regardless of MHC or the presence of NZW genes, females produced higher levels of antinuclear autoantibodies, and female F1 mice developed severe proteinuria with higher frequencies. Together, these studies help to clarify particular genetic and sex-specific influences on the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.
Features of Medullary Thymic Epithelium Implicate Postnatal Development in Maintaining Epithelial Heterogeneity and Tissue-Restricted Antigen Expression
Authors: Gillard Geoffrey O. , Farr Andrew G.
Published: April 2014

Although putative thymic epithelial progenitor cells have been identified, the developmental potential of these cells, the extent of medullary thymic epithelium (mTEC) heterogeneity, and the mechanisms that mediate the expression of a wide range of peripheral tissue-restricted Ags (TRAs) by mTECs remain poorly defined. Here we have defined several basic properties of the mTEC population that refine our understanding of these cells and impose important constraints for any model of mTEC differentiation and function. We report here that mTECs from adult mice are mitotically active, implying continual turnover, differentiation, and replacement of mTEC populations in the adult thymus. The mTEC population in adult thymus expresses transcription factors implicated in the maintenance of multipotential progenitor cell populations, suggesting that epithelial progenitors in the adult thymus may not be restricted to a thymic fate. mTECs also express multiple transcription factors required for the specification of multiple epithelial lineages in peripheral tissues. Thus, expression of some TRAs by mTECs may represent coordinated gene expression that reflects alternate programs of epithelial differentiation among mTECs. Analysis of TRA expression in individual and small pools of sorted mTECs show that mTECs are highly heterogeneous; each individual mTEC expresses a limited spectrum of TRAs, and the frequency of mTECs that express any individual TRA is quite low (>0.4–2%). Collectively, these findings suggest that the differentiation of mTECs can involve some of the developmental programs used by other epithelial lineages and that expression of some TRAs by mTECs may reflect this activity.
Regulatory T Cell Responses Develop in Parallel to Th Responses and Control the Magnitude and Phenotype of the Th Effector Populatio
Authors: Taylor Justin J. , Mohrs Markus , Pearce Edward J.
Published: April 2014

Host survival during schistosomiasis requires the development of a tightly regulated and Th2-polarized immune response against parasite egg Ags. In this system, Th1 response suppression has been thought to be enforced through the production of IL-10 by Th2 cells and natural T regulatory (Treg) cells. By comparing Th responses in schistosome egg-injected mice that lack IL-10, IL-4, and/or Treg cells, we have been able to build a detailed picture of the relative contributions of Treg cells, Th2 cells, and IL-10 to regulation of the egg-induced response. Our data indicate that eggs induce a marked Treg cell response, evident as the extensive proliferation of Foxp3+ cells that is proportionally as great as the response occurring within the Th compartment. Furthermore, we show that Treg cells prevent Th1 response development and limit the magnitude of the Th2 response. Although Treg cells are able to produce IL-10 after egg injection, we found no evidence for a role for IL-10 in Treg-mediated suppression of Th cell responses, nor did we find evidence for an inhibitory effect of Th2 cells on Th1 response development. Thus, the magnitude and phenotype of the egg-induced effector Th response are controlled by a parallel response within the Treg population.
Human Metapneumovirus Elicits Weak IFN-γ Memory Responses Compared with Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Douville Renée N. , Bastien Nathalie , Li Yan , Pochard Pierre , Simons F. Estelle R. , HayGlass Kent T.
Published: April 2014

Human metapneumovirus (MPV) is a recently discovered pathogen that causes repeated lower respiratory tract infections beginning in infancy. The prevalence, nature and control of human regulatory responses to MPV are unknown. In this study, we develop and optimize systems to evaluate MPV-driven cytokine responses. Using primary culture of human PBMC from previously exposed adults, MPV-stimulated responses were directly compared with those elicited by genetically and clinically similar respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Intense IL-6 production was evident following culture with infectious or inactivated RSV. MPV elicited IL-6 responses averaging 3.5-fold more intense (p < 0.001). Virus-dependent expression of IL-11, IL-12, IFN-α, and other innate immunity cytokines differed little between MPV and RSV. When examining adaptive immunity, RSV infection elicited strong IFN-γ responses by all 60 adults. In marked contrast, MPV elicited IFN-γ in a lower frequency of adults (p < 0.002) and at levels averaging 6-fold weaker (p < 0.001). These Th1-dominated responses were CD4, CD8, CD86 dependent, and were closely paralleled by strong virus-driven IL-10 and CCL5 production. For MPV and RSV, Th2 (IL-5, IL-13) responses were sporadic, occurring in 10–40% of the population. Thus, MPV and RSV, although both ubiquitous and leading to very high levels of infection, seroconversion, and clinically similar presentation in the population, evoke distinct innate and adaptive T cell-dependent cytokine responses. Although both viruses yield Th1-dominated responses with strong IL-10 and CCL5 production, MPV restimulation results in markedly more robust IL-6 and significantly weaker adaptive cytokine responses, in both prevalence and intensity, than does RSV.
Differential Effects of IL-27 on Human B Cell Subsets
Authors: Larousserie Frédérique , Charlot Pascaline , Bardel Emilie , Froger Josy , Kastelein Robert A. , Devergne Odile
Published: April 2014

IL-27 is a novel heterodimeric cytokine of the IL-12 family that plays an important role in the regulation of T cell responses. Its role on human B cells has not been previously studied. In this study, we show that both chains of the IL-27 receptor complex, IL-27R and gp130, are constitutively expressed at the surface of naive and memory human tonsillar B cells, and are induced on germinal center B cells following CD40 stimulation. In naive B cells, IL-27 induced strong STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation, whereas it induced moderate STAT1 and low STAT3 activation in memory B cells. IL-27 induced T-bet expression in naive and memory B cells stimulated by CD40 or surface Ig engagement, but induced significant IL-12Rβ2 surface expression in anti-Ig-stimulated naive B cells only. In anti-Ig-stimulated naive or memory B cells, IL-27 also induced CD54, CD86, and CD95 surface expression. In addition, IL-27 increased proliferation of anti-Ig-activated naive B cells and of anti-CD40-activated naive and germinal center B cells, but not of CD40-activated memory B cells. These data indicate that the B cell response to IL-27 is modulated during B cell differentiation and varies depending on the mode of B cell activation.
CD2BP1 Modulates CD2-Dependent T Cell Activation via Linkage to Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase (PTP)-PEST
Authors: Yang Hailin , Reinherz Ellis L.
Published: April 2014

Human CD2 regulates T cell activation and adhesion via mechanisms yet to be fully understood. This study focuses on CD2BP1, a CD2 cytoplasmic tail-binding protein preferentially expressed in hematopoetic cells. Structural and functional analyses suggest that CD2BP1 acts as a scaffold protein, participating in regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. In this study, using a murine Ag-specific primary T cell transduction system to assess CD69, IL-2, and IFN-γ expression, we provide evidence that CD2BP1 directly and negatively impacts T cell activation via isolated CD2 triggering or TCR stimulation dependent on coordinate CD2 engagement. Disruption of protein tyrosine phosphatase-PEST and/or CD2BP1 association with the CD2 signalsome rescues T cells from the inhibitory effect of CD2 crosslinking. The overexpression of CD2BP1 selectively attenuates phospholipase Cγ1, ERK1/2, and p38 phosphorylation without abrogating CD2-independent TCR stimulation. This study provides new insight on the regulation of T cell activation and may have implications for autoimmune processes known to be associated with CD2BP1 mutations.
Further Differentiation of Murine Double-Positive Thymocytes Is Inhibited in Adenosine Deaminase-Deficient Murine Fetal Thymic Organ Culture
Authors: Van De Wiele C. Justin , Joachims Michelle L. , Fesler Amy M. , Vaughn James G. , Blackburn Michael R. , McGee Stephanie T. , Thompson Linda F.
Published: April 2014

Murine fetal thymic organ culture (FTOC) was used to investigate the mechanism by which a lack of adenosine deaminase (ADA) leads to a failure of T cell production in the thymus. We previously showed that T cell development was inhibited beginning at the CD4−CD8−CD25+CD44low stage in ADA-deficient FTOC initiated at day 15 of gestation when essentially all thymocytes are CD4−CD8−. In the present study, we asked whether thymocytes at later stages of differentiation would also be sensitive to ADA inhibition by initiating FTOC when substantial numbers of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes were already present. dATP was highly elevated in ADA-deficient cultures, and the recovery of αβ TCR+ thymocytes was inhibited by 94%, indicating that the later stages of thymocyte differentiation are also dependent upon ADA. ADA-deficient cultures were partially rescued by the pan-caspase inhibitor carbobenzoxy-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone or by the use of apoptotic protease-activating factor-1-deficient mice. Rescue was even more dramatic, with 60- to >200-fold increases in the numbers of CD4+CD8+ cells, when FTOC were performed with an inhibitor of adenosine kinase, the major thymic deoxyadenosine phosphorylating enzyme, or with bcl-2 transgenic mice. dATP levels were normalized by treatment with either carbobenzoxy-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone or an adenosine kinase inhibitor, but not in cultures with fetal thymuses from bcl-2 transgenic mice. These data suggest that ADA deficiency leads to the induction of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis as a consequence of the accumulation of dATP derived from thymocytes failing the positive/negative selection checkpoint.
Class I and III Phosphatidylinositol 3′-Kinase Play Distinct Roles in TLR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kuo Cheng-Chin , Lin Wen-Ting , Liang Chi-Ming , Liang Shu-Mei
Published: April 2014

PI3K involvement has been implicated in the TLR signal pathway. However, the precise roles of the different classes of PI3K in the pathway remain elusive. In this study, we have explored the functions of class I and class III PI3K in the TLR signal pathway using specific kinase mutants and PI3K lipid products. Our results reveal that class III PI3K specifically regulates CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN)-induced cytokine and NO production as well as NF-κB activation, whereas class I PI3K regulates both CpG ODN- and LPS-induced IL-12 production and NF-κB activation. Additional studies of CpG ODN uptake with flow cytometric analysis show that class III PI3K, but not class I, regulates cellular CpG ODN uptake. Furthermore, experiments with MyD88-overexpressing fibroblast cells transfected with dominant-negative mutants of PI3K demonstrate that class III PI3K regulates CpG ODN-mediated signaling upstream of MyD88, while class I PI3K regulation is downstream of MyD88. These results suggest that class I and class III PI3K play distinct roles in not only the uptake of CpG ODN, but also responses elicited by CpG ODN and LPS.
CD4+ T Regulatory Cell Induction and Function in Transplant Recipients after CD154 Blockade Is TLR4 Independent
Authors: Zhai Yuan , Meng Lingzhong , Gao Feng , Wang Yue , Busuttil Ronald W. , Kupiec-Weglinski Jerzy W.
Published: April 2014

Although the role of CD4+ T regulatory cells (Treg) in transplantation tolerance has been established, putative mechanisms of Treg induction and function in vivo remain unclear. TLR4 signaling has been implicated in the regulation of CD4+CD25+ Treg functions recently. In this study, we first examined the role of recipient TLR4 in the acquisition of operational CD4+ Treg following CD154 blockade in a murine cardiac transplant model. Then, we determined whether TLR4 activation in allograft tolerant recipients would reverse alloimmune suppression mediated by CD4+ Treg. We document that donor-specific immune tolerance was readily induced in TLR4-deficient recipients by a single dose of anti-CD154 mAb, similar to wild-type counterparts. The function and phenotype of CD4+ Treg in both wild-type and TLR4 knockout long-term hosts was demonstrated by a series of depletion experiments examining their ability to suppress the rejection of secondary donor-type test skin grafts and to inhibit alloreactive CD8+ T cell activation in vivo. Furthermore, TLR4 activation in tolerant recipients following exogenous LPS infusion in conjunction with donor-type skin graft challenge, failed to break Treg-mediated immune suppression. In conclusion, our data reveals a distinctive property of CD4+ Treg in tolerant allograft recipients, whose induction and function are independent of TLR4 signaling.
In vivo and In vitro Regulation of Type I IFN Synthesis by Synergistic Effects of CD40 and Type II IFN
Authors: Greene Jennifer A. , DeVecchio Jennifer L. , Gould Meetha P. , Auletta Jeffery J. , Heinzel Frederick P.
Published: April 2014

During cognate interaction with CD40 ligand (CD154)-expressing T cells, Ag-presenting accessory cells are activated for increased cytokine synthetic and costimulatory function. We examined whether CD40 modulates in vivo innate immune function over time, hypothesizing that distinct cytokine responses evolve to delayed microbial exposure. C3H/HeN mice pretreated with activating anti-CD40 Ab (FGK45) produced 10-fold more serum IFN-γ and IL-12 p70 to delayed, but not synchronous, challenge with LPS. A novel finding was that LPS-induced IFN-α increased by 20-fold in mice pretreated for 24 h, but not 6 h or less, with anti-CD40. Anti-CD40-pretreated C57BL/6 RAG-2−/− mice similarly increased IFN-α responses to delayed LPS challenge, confirming mediation by innate immunity. Type I IFNR- and IFN-γ-deficient mice treated with anti-CD40 failed to expand serum IFN-α responses to LPS challenge. Combined pretreatment with anti-CD40 and anti-IFN-γ mAb showed that IFN-γ produced after anti-CD40 pretreatment, but before LPS challenge, was necessary for IFN-α synthetic enhancement. Anti-CD40 also increased polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C))-inducible IFN-α by 5-fold in an IFN-γ-dependent fashion, but did not significantly increase IFN-α production to CpG or Pam3Cys challenges. Poly(IC)-stimulated splenocytes from anti-CD40-pretreated mice produced 4-fold more IFN-α than controls and production associated with CD11c+ cells. Finally, rIFN-γ and anti-CD40 combined synergistically to increase poly(IC)-inducible IFN-α synthetic capacity in bone marrow dendritic cells. We conclude that innate immune production of IFN-α is cooperatively regulated by CD40 and IFN-γ acting on dendritic cells, suggesting a unique mechanism by which innate immune function evolves in response to specific adaptive immune signals.
MyD88-Dependent Signaling for IL-15 Production Plays an Important Role in Maintenance of CD8αα TCRαβ and TCRγδ Intestinal Intraepithelial Lymphocytes
Authors: Yu Qingsheng , Tang Ce , Xun Sun , Yajima Toshiki , Takeda Kiyoshi , Yoshikai Yasunobu
Published: April 2014

Interaction between commensal bacteria and intestinal epithelial cells (i-ECs) via TLRs is important for intestinal homeostasis. In this study, we found that the numbers of CD8αα TCRαβ and TCRγδ intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (i-IELs) were significantly decreased in MyD88-deficient (−/−) mice. The expression of IL-15 by i-ECs was severely reduced in MyD88−/− mice. Introduction of IL-15 transgene into MyD88−/− mice (MyD88−/− IL-15 transgenic mice) partly restored the numbers of CD8αα TCRαβ and TCRγδ i-IELs. The i-IEL in irradiated wild-type (WT) mice transferred with MyD88−/− bone marrow (BM) cells had the same proportions of i-IEL as WT mice, whereas those in irradiated MyD88−/− mice transferred with WT BM cells showed significantly reduced proportions of CD8αα TCRαβ and TCRγδ i-IELs, as was similar to the proportions found in MyD88−/− mice. However, irradiated MyD88−/− IL-15 transgenic mice transferred with WT BM cells had increased numbers of CD8αα TCRαβ and TCRγδ subsets in the i-IEL. These results suggest that parenchymal cells such as i-ECs contribute to the maintenance of CD8αα TCRαβ and γδ i-IELs at least partly via MyD88-dependent IL-15 production.
TLR5-Mediated Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Activation Negatively Regulates Flagellin-Induced Proinflammatory Gene Expression
Authors: Yu Yimin , Nagai Shigenori , Wu Huixia , Neish Andrew S. , Koyasu Shigeo , Gewirtz Andrew T.
Published: April 2014

Epithelial cells detect motile pathogens via TLR5 ligation of flagellin, resulting in rapid induction of antibacterial/proinflammatory gene expression. Although such flagellin-induced gene expression is quite transient, likely to avoid the negative consequences of inflammation, little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms that mediate its shutdown. We hypothesized that, analogous to the case for TLR4, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) might negatively regulate TLR5 signaling. However, because PI3K is an essential positive mediator of some pathways of TLR-mediated gene expression, the opposite hypothesis was also considered. Herein, we observed that flagellin stimulation of epithelial cells indeed induced rapid (<30 min) PI3K activation, as evidenced by Akt phosphorylation, via a TLR5-mediated mechanism. Blockade of PI3K with wortmannin resulted in marked enhancement of flagellin-induced gene expression as assessed by measuring levels of inducible NO synthase, IL-6, and IL-8. Such enhancement of gene expression by PI3K inhibition correlated with prolonged activation of MAPK (p38 and ERK1/2) and was ablated under MAPK inhibition. Such effect of inhibiting PI3K with wortmannin was mimicked by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, and, conversely, a constitutively active PI3K prevented p38 activation in response to flagellin. Last, to test the significance of these results in vivo, we measured flagellin-induced gene expression in PI3K knockout mice. PI3K-null mice displayed increased levels of flagellin-induced serum IL-6, KC (IL-8 homolog), and nitrite as compared with heterozygous littermates. Thus, TLR5’s rapid activation of PI3K serves to limit MAPK signaling, thus limiting proinflammatory gene expression and reducing the potential negative consequences of proinflammatory gene expression.
TLRs Mediate IFN-γ Production by Human Uterine NK Cells in Endometrium
Authors: Eriksson Mikael , Meadows Sarah K. , Basu Satarupa , Mselle Teddy F. , Wira Charles R. , Sentman Charles L.
Published: April 2014

The human endometrium (EM) contains macrophages, NK cells, T cells, B cells, and neutrophils in contact with a variety of stromal and epithelial cells. The interplay between these different cell types and their roles in defense against pathogen invasion in this specialized tissue are important for controlling infection and reproduction. TLRs are a family of receptors able to recognize conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns. In this study, we determined the expression of TLRs on uterine NK (uNK) cells from the human EM and the extent to which uNK cells responded to TLR agonist stimulation. uNK cells expressed TLRs 2, 3, and 4, and produced IFN-γ when total human endometrial cells were stimulated with agonists to TLR2 or TLR3 (peptidoglycan or poly(I:C), respectively). Activated uNK cell clones produced IFN-γ upon stimulation with peptidoglycan or poly(I:C). However, purified uNK cells did not respond directly to TLR agonists, but IFN-γ was produced by uNK cells in response to TLR stimulation when cocultured with APCs. These data indicate that uNK cells express TLRs and that they can respond to TLR agonists within EM by producing IFN-γ. These data also indicate that the uNK cells do not respond directly to TLR stimulation, but rather their production of IFN-γ is dependent upon interactions with other cells within EM.
C/EBP Homologous Protein (CHOP) Is Crucial for the Induction of Caspase-11 and the Pathogenesis of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatio
Authors: Endo Motoyoshi , Mori Masataka , Akira Shizuo , Gotoh Tomomi
Published: April 2014

C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP)/growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible gene 153 is a C/EBP family transcription factor which is involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis. To determine whether the ER stress-CHOP pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of the lung inflammation, mice were given LPS intratracheally. Treatment with LPS induced mRNAs for CHOP and BiP. The LPS-induced inflammation in lung, including the IL-1β activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, was attenuated in the Chop knockout mice. Caspase-11, which is needed for the activation of procaspase-1 and pro-IL-1β, was induced by LPS treatment in the lung and primary cultured macrophages. The induction of caspase-11 by LPS was suppressed in Chop knockout mice. Caspase-11 was also induced by such ER stress inducers as thapsigargin or tunicamycin. These results show that CHOP plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of inflammation through the induction of caspase-11.
Accelerated Macrophage Apoptosis Induces Autoantibody Formation and Organ Damage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Denny Michael F. , Chandaroy Parthapratim , Killen Paul D. , Caricchio Roberto , Lewis Emily E. , Richardson Bruce C. , Lee Kyung-Dall , Gavalchin Jerrie , Kaplan Mariana J.
Published: April 2014

Increased monocyte/macrophage (Mφ) apoptosis occurs in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is mediated, at least in part, by an autoreactive CD4+ T cell subset. Furthermore, autoreactive murine CD4+ T cells that kill syngeneic Mφ in vitro induce a lupus-like disease in vivo. However, it is unclear whether increased Mφ apoptosis in SLE per se is sufficient to accelerate/promote autoimmunity. We have investigated whether increased Mφ apoptosis in vivo, induced by the administration of clodronate liposomes, can exacerbate the autoimmune phenotype in NZB × SWR (SNF1) lupus-prone mice, and induce autoantibody production in haplotype-matched BALB/c × DBA1 (DBF1) non-lupus-prone mice. Lupus-prone mice SNF1 mice that were treated with clodronate liposomes, but not mice treated with vehicle, developed significant increases in autoantibodies to dsDNA, nucleosomes, and the idiotypically related family of nephritic Abs IdLNF1, when compared with untreated SNF1 mice. Furthermore, clodronate treatment hastened the onset of proteinuria and worsened SNF1 lupus nephritis. When compared with vehicle-treated controls, clodronate-treated non-lupus-prone DBF1 mice developed significantly higher levels of anti-nucleosome and IdLNF1 Abs but did not develop lupus nephritis. We propose that Mφ apoptosis contributes to the pathogenesis of autoantibody formation and organ damage through both an increase in the apoptotic load and impairment in the clearance of apoptotic material. This study suggests that mechanisms that induce scavenger cell apoptosis, such as death induced by autoreactive cytotoxic T cells observed in SLE, could play a pathogenic role and contribute to the severity of the disease.
LFA-1-Dependent HuR Nuclear Export and Cytokine mRNA Stabilization in T Cell Activation
Authors: Wang Jin Gene , Collinge Mark , Ramgolam Vinod , Ayalon Oran , Fan Xinhao Cynthia , Pardi Ruggero , Bender Jeffrey R.
Published: April 2014

Lymphokine gene expression is a precisely regulated process in T cell-mediated immune responses. In this study we demonstrate that engagement of the β2 integrin LFA-1 in human peripheral T cells markedly extends the half-life of TNF-α, GM-CSF, and IL-3 mRNA, as well as a chimeric β-globin mRNA reporter construct containing a strongly destabilizing class II AU-rich element from the GM-CSF mRNA 3′-untranslated region. This integrin-enhanced mRNA stability leads to augmented protein production, as determined by TNF-α ELISPOT assays. Furthermore, T cell stimulation by LFA-1 promotes rapid nuclear-to-cytoplasmic translocation of the mRNA-stabilizing protein HuR, which in turn is capable of binding an AU-rich element sequence in vitro. Abrogation of HuR function by use of inhibitory peptides, or marked reduction of HuR levels by RNA interference, prevents LFA-1 engagement-mediated stabilization of T cell TNF-α or IFN-γ transcripts, respectively. Thus, HuR-mediated mRNA stabilization, stimulated by integrin engagement and controlled at the level of HuR nuclear export, is critically involved in T cell activation.
Hyperthermia Enhances CTL Cross-Priming
Authors: Shi Hongzhen , Cao Tinghua , Connolly John E. , Monnet Laurence , Bennett Lynda , Chapel Sylvie , Bagnis Claude , Mannoni Patrice , Davoust Jean , Palucka A. Karolina , Banchereau Jacques
Published: April 2014

Dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with killed allogeneic melanoma cells can cross-prime naive CD8+ T cells to differentiate into melanoma-specific CTLs in 3-wk cultures. In this study we show that DCs loaded with killed melanoma cells that were heated to 42°C before killing are more efficient in cross-priming of naive CD8+ T cells than DCs loaded with unheated killed melanoma cells. The enhanced cross-priming was demonstrated by several parameters: 1) induction of naive CD8+ T cell differentiation in 2-wk cultures, 2) enhanced killing of melanoma peptide-pulsed T2 cells, 3) enhanced killing of HLA-A*0201+ melanoma cells in a standard 4-h chromium release assay, and 4) enhanced capacity to prevent tumor growth in vitro in a tumor regression assay. Two mechanisms might explain the hyperthermia-induced enhanced cross-priming. First, heat-treated melanoma cells expressed increased levels of 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70), and enhanced cross-priming could be reproduced by overexpression of HSP70 in melanoma cells transduced with HSP70 encoding lentiviral vector. Second, hyperthermia resulted in the increased transcription of several tumor Ag-associated Ags, including MAGE-B3, -B4, -A8, and -A10. Thus, heat treatment of tumor cells permits enhanced cross-priming, possibly via up-regulation of both HSPs and tumor Ag expression.
B Cell Tolerance Checkpoints That Restrict Pathways of Antigen-Driven Differentiation
Authors: William Jacqueline , Euler Chad , Primarolo Nicole , Shlomchik Mark J.
Published: April 2014

Autoreactive B cells can be regulated by deletion, receptor editing, or anergy. Rheumatoid factor (RF)-expressing B lymphocytes in normal mice are not controlled by these mechanisms, but they do not secrete autoantibody and were presumed to ignore self-Ag. Surprisingly, we now find that these B cells are not quiescent, but instead are constitutively and specifically activated by self-Ag. In BALB/c mice, RF B cells form germinal centers (GCs) but few Ab-forming cells (AFCs). In contrast, autoimmune mice that express the autoantigen readily generate RF AFCs. Most interestingly, autoantigen-specific RF GCs in BALB/c mice appear defective. B cells in such GCs neither expand nor are selected as efficiently as equivalent cells in autoimmune mice. Thus, our data establish two novel checkpoints of autoreactive B cell regulation that are engaged only after initial autoreactive B cell activation: one that allows GCs but prevents AFC formation and one that impairs selection in the GC. Both of these checkpoints fail in autoimmunity.
NF-κB-Dependent Regulation of the Timing of Activation-Induced Cell Death of T Lymphocytes
Authors: Mittal Akanksha , Papa Salvatore , Franzoso Guido , Sen Ranjan
Published: April 2014

One of the mechanisms by which activated T cells die is activation-induced cell death (AICD). This pathway requires persistent stimulation via the TCR and engagement of death receptors. We found that TCR stimulation led to transient nuclear accumulation of the NF-κB component p65/RelA. In contrast, nuclear c-Rel levels remained high even after extended periods of activation. Loss of nuclear p65/RelA correlated with the onset of AICD, suggesting that p65/RelA target genes may maintain cell viability. Quantitative RNA analyses showed that three of several putative NF-κB-dependent antiapoptotic genes were expressed with kinetics that paralleled nuclear expression of p65/RelA. Of these three, ectopic expression only of Gadd45β protected significantly against AICD, whereas IEX-1 and Bcl-xL were much less effective. We propose that the timing of AICD, and thus the length of the effector phase, are regulated by transient expression of a subset of p65/RelA-dependent antiapoptotic genes.
Expression and Regulation of the Orphan Receptor RDC1 and Its Putative Ligand in Human Dendritic and B Cells
Authors: Infantino Simona , Moepps Barbara , Thelen Marcus
Published: April 2014

Based on phylogenetic analysis and chromosomal mapping, the orphan receptor RDC1 was proposed to be a chemokine receptor. In this study we examined the expression of RDC1 on leukocytes by measuring mRNA levels and receptor expression using a new specific mAb. Both mRNA and protein levels were high in monocytes and B cells, relatively low on immature dendritic cells (DC), and up-regulated during final stages of maturation. Strikingly, in mature plasmacytoid DC the mRNA was up-regulated, but did not correlate with protein surface expression. We indeed report that CpG-activated plasmacytoid DC produce a putative ligand for RDC1, which selectively down-regulates RDC1, but not CXCR4 on primary human B cells. RDC1 expression was found to be tightly regulated during B cell development and differentiation. In blood-derived switch memory B cells, the expression of RDC1 appeared to correlate with the ability to differentiate into plasma cells upon activation, suggesting that RDC1 is a marker for memory B cells, which are competent to become Ab-secreting cells.