bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservation of CD1 Intracellular Trafficking Patterns Between Mammalian Species
Authors: Dascher Christopher C. , Hiromatsu Kenji , Xiong Xiaowei , Sugita Masahiko , Buhlmann Janet E. , Dodge Ingrid L. , Lee Stella Y. , Roura-Mir Carme , Watts Gerald F. , Roy Christopher J. , Behar Samuel M. , Clemens Daniel L. , Porcelli Steve A. , Brenner Michael B.
Published: April 2014

Dendritic cells (DC) are potent APCs that sample Ags from the surrounding environment and present them to naive T cells using cell surface Ag-presenting molecules. The DC in both lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues express high levels of CD1, a cell surface glycoprotein capable of presenting lipids and glycolipids to T cells. Distinct group 1 CD1 isoforms (CD1a, -b, -c) in man are known to traffic to different parts of the endocytic system where microbial Ags may be sampled. Guinea pigs are the only known rodent species that express the group 1 CD1 proteins. Therefore, we examined the expression and trafficking of guinea pig CD1 (gpCD1) isoforms on isolated DC. Confocal microscopy using mAbs specific for individual gpCD1 isoforms revealed differential trafficking of two distinct CD1b isoforms within DC. Colocalization of MHC class II was observed with the gpCD1b1 isoform, consistent with localization in the late endosomes of DC. In contrast, the gpCD1b3 isoform lacks an endosomal sorting motif and remains on the cell surface. Following incubation with Mycobacterium tuberculosis lipoarabinomannan, colocalization of endocytosed lipoarabinomannan with the gpCD1b1 isoform was observed but not with the gpCD1b3 isoform, which remained primarily on the cell surface. These data demonstrate that guinea pig DC express CD1 isoforms with unique trafficking patterns that recapitulate the patterns seen for human CD1 isoforms. This suggests evolutionary pressure for a conserved mechanism in mammals that allows CD1 to sample lipid Ags from various subcompartments of the endocytic system.
Cationic Polypeptides Are Required for Antibacterial Activity of Human Airway Fluid
Authors: Cole Alexander M. , Liao Hsiang-I , Stuchlik Olga , Tilan Jason , Pohl Jan , Ganz Tomas
Published: April 2014

In a search for direct evidence leading to the biological relevance of airway secretions in innate host defense, we characterized the antibacterial function of cationic polypeptides within minimally manipulated nasal fluid. In this study, we show that cationic antimicrobial polypeptides are responsible for most of the bactericidal activity of whole nasal fluid. The removal of cationic polypeptides using a cation-exchange resin ablated the activity of nasal fluid against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. By using a novel proteomic approach, we identified a dozen cationic peptides and proteins within nasal fluid, all of which either are known antimicrobial polypeptides or have other proposed roles in host defense. Of the three most abundant cationic polypeptides in nasal fluid, lysozyme was more effective than either lactoferrin or secretory leukoprotease inhibitor in restoring the antibacterial activity of the cationic polypeptide-depleted fluid against a mucoid cystic fibrosis isolate of P. aeruginosa.
High Affinity Mimotope of the Polysaccharide Capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans Identified from an Evolutionary Phage Peptide Library
Authors: Beenhouwer David O. , May Rena J. , Valadon Philippe , Scharff Matthew D.
Published: April 2014

Cryptococcus neoformans causes a life-threatening meningoencephalitis in a significant percentage of AIDS patients. Mice immunized with a glycoconjugate vaccine composed of the glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) component of the cryptococcal capsular polysaccharide conjugated to tetanus toxoid (TT) produce Abs that, based on the epitope recognized, can be either protective or nonprotective. Since nonprotective Abs block the efficacy of protective Abs, we are interested in developing a vaccine that would focus the immune response specifically to protective epitopes. Previously, we screened a phage display library with 2H1, a protective anti-GXM mAb, and isolated PA1, a representative peptide that had a Kd of 295 nM for 2H1. Mice immunized with PA1 conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin developed high anti-peptide (1/13,000), but low anti-GXM (maximum, 1/200) titers. We now report our efforts to improve this vaccine by screening a sublibrary with six random amino acids added to either end of the PA1 motif to identify higher affinity peptides. P206.1, a peptide isolated from this sublibrary, had 80-fold higher affinity for 2H1 (Kd = 3.7 nM) than PA1. P206.1 bound protective, but not nonprotective, anti-GXM Abs. Mice immunized with P206.1 conjugated to various carriers did not mount an Ab response to GXM despite developing high anti-peptide titers. However, mice primed with GXM-TT and boosted with P206.1-TT developed significant anti-GXM titers (maximum, 1/180,000). This latter immunization scheme focused the immune response on protective epitopes, since only 2–5% of these titers were directed against nonprotective de-O-acetylated GXM epitopes compared with 20–60% in animals primed and boosted with GXM-TT.
IFN-γ Amplifies IL-6 and IL-8 Responses by Airway Epithelial-Like Cells Via Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase
Authors: van Wissen Matthijs , Snoek Mieke , Smids Barbara , Jansen Henk M. , Lutter René
Published: April 2014

Respiratory viral infections increase inflammatory responses to concurrent or secondary bacterial challenges, thereby worsening disease outcome. This potentiation of inflammation is explained at least in part by IFN-γ promoting increased sensitivity to TNF-α and LPS. We sought to determine whether and, if so, how IFN-γ can modulate proinflammatory responses to TNF-α and LPS by epithelial cells, which are key effector cells in the airways. Preincubation of airway epithelial-like NCI-H292 cells with IFN-γ resulted in a hyperresponsive IL-6 and IL-8 production to TNF-α and LPS. The underlying mechanism involved the induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, which catabolized the essential amino acid, tryptophan. Depletion of tryptophan led to stabilization of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA and increased IL-6 and IL-8 responses, whereas supplementing tryptophan largely restored these changes. This novel mechanism may be implicated in enhanced inflammatory responses to bacterial challenges following viral infection.
A Novel Dendritic Cell-Induced Model of Erosive Inflammatory Arthritis: Distinct Roles for Dendritic Cells in T Cell Activation and Induction of Local Inflammation
Authors: Leung Bernard P. , Conacher Margaret , Hunter David , McInnes Iain B. , Liew Foo Y. , Brewer James M.
Published: April 2014

Transferring collagen-pulsed, bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) into congenic DBA/1 recipient mice produced arthritis in joints adjacent to the site of DC transfer and could be inhibited by treatment with TNF antagonists. Disease was Ag specific, as transfer of control, unpulsed DCs, or DCs pulsed with OVA did not produce arthritis. In contrast to other experimental arthritis models, DC-induced arthritis localized to the site of injection and did not spontaneously generalize to uninvolved joints, despite the demonstration of circulating collagen-reactive T cells. Similarly, transfer of T cells primed by collagen/DCs was not sufficient to produce arthritis in recipient mice. In collagen/DC-primed mice however, disease could be induced in uninvolved joints by local administration of noncollagen-pulsed DCs and this could be reduced through TNF inhibition. Similarly, injection of collagen/DC-primed mice with low-dose TNF also resulted in local induction of arthritis, as did administration of TNF to mice receiving T cells from collagen/DC but not OVA/DC-primed mice. Thus, we have demonstrated for the first time that administration of collagen-pulsed mature DCs is sufficient for the induction of arthritis. Furthermore, this disease process is mediated through both adaptive and innate effects of DCs; first, priming of autoreactive T cells and, second, induction of local inflammation via mediators such as TNF.
IL-12p35-Deficient Mice Are Susceptible to Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis: Evidence for Redundancy in the IL-12 System in the Induction of Central Nervous System Autoimmune Demyelination
Authors: Gran Bruno , Zhang Guang-Xian , Yu Shuo , Li Jifen , Chen Xiao-Han , Ventura Elvira S. , Kamoun Malek , Rostami Abdolmohamad
Published: April 2014

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) serves as a model for multiple sclerosis and is considered a CD4+, Th1 cell-mediated autoimmune disease. IL-12 is a heterodimeric cytokine, composed of a p40 and a p35 subunit, which is thought to play an important role in the development of Th1 cells and can exacerbate EAE. We induced EAE with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide 35–55 (MOG35–55) in C57BL/6 mice and found that while IL-12p40-deficient (−/−) mice are resistant to EAE, IL-12p35−/− mice are susceptible. Typical spinal cord mononuclear cell infiltration and demyelination were observed in wild-type and IL-12p35−/− mice, whereas IL-12p40−/− mice had normal spinal cords. A Th1-type response to MOG35–55 was observed in the draining lymph node and the spleen of wild-type mice. A weaker MOG35–55-specific Th1 response was observed in IL-12p35−/− mice, with lower production of IFN-γ. By contrast, a Th2-type response to MOG35–55 correlated with disease resistance in IL-12p40−/− mice. Production of TNF-α by microglia, CNS-infiltrating macrophages, and CD4+ T cells was detected in wild-type and IL-12p35−/−, but not in IL-12p40−/−, mice. In addition, NO production was higher in IL-12p35−/− and wild-type mice than in IL-12p40−/− mice. These data demonstrate a redundancy of the IL-12 system in the induction of EAE and suggest that p40-related heterodimers, such as the recently cloned IL-23 (p40p19), may play an important role in disease pathogenesis.
Critical Requirement for Professional APCs in Eliciting T Cell Responses to Novel Fragments of Histidyl-tRNA Synthetase (Jo-1) in Jo-1 Antibody-Positive Polymyositis
Authors: Ascherman Dana P. , Oriss Timothy B. , Oddis Chester V. , Wright Timothy M.
Published: April 2014

Polymyositis (PM) is an autoimmune muscle disease characterized by oligoclonal T cell infiltrates mediating myocytotoxicity. Although antigenic triggers for this process remain undefined, clinically homogeneous subsets of PM patients are characterized by autoantibodies directed against nuclear and cytoplasmic Ags that include histidyl-tRNA synthetase (Jo-1). Available evidence suggests that formation of anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies is Ag-driven and therefore dependent on CD4+ T cells that may also direct cytolytic CD8+ T cells involved in myocyte destruction. To assess peripheral blood T cell responses to Jo-1, we first subcloned full-length human Jo-1 as well as novel fragments of Jo-1 into the maltose-binding protein expression vector pMALc2. Expressed proteins were then used in standard proliferation assays with either PBMC or autologous DCs as sources of APCs. Although PBMC-derived APCs and DCs both supported peripheral blood T cell proliferation when primed with full-length human Jo-1, only DCs promoted proliferative responses to a unique amino-terminal fragment of Jo-1. mAb blockade of different HLA Ags revealed that these responses were MHC class II dependent. Therefore, for the first time, these studies demonstrate anti-Jo-1 T cell responses in Jo-1 Ab-positive PM patients as well as in healthy control subjects. More importantly, this work underscores the critical importance of APC type in dictating T cell responses to a novel antigenic fragment of Jo-1.
Overlapping Roles of P-Selectin and α4 Integrin to Recruit Leukocytes to the Central Nervous System in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Kerfoot Steven M. , Kubes Paul
Published: April 2014

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is mediated by inflammatory cells recruited from the circulation to the CNS. We used intravital microscopy to investigate the mechanisms of this recruitment. No leukocyte rolling and very little adhesion was observed in healthy control mice. In contrast, both rolling and adhesion was observed in brain postcapillary venules before onset of physical symptoms of EAE. Rolling and adhesion remained elevated for 2 wk and returned to near normal levels by 5 wk postsymptom onset. Consistent with a role for P-selectin in recruitment to the CNS, P-selectin protein was detected in the brains and spinal cords of EAE mice. Expression was highest before symptom onset and decreased over the next 2 wk. The importance of α4 integrin increased with time as anti-α4 integrin blocked ∼20, 50, and 60% of leukocyte rolling 2 days before disease onset, 5 days and 2 wk postonset of symptoms, respectively, and 85% of rolling 5 wk postsymptoms. Addition of anti-P-selectin to α4 integrin Ab-treated mice blocked all remaining rolling at each time point. Interestingly, however, α4 integrin-mediated rolling appeared to be entirely dependent on P-selectin as anti-P-selectin alone was able to completely block all leukocyte rolling. In the absence of rolling (with P-selectin Ab), a 70% reduction in adhesion was noted. A very similar reduction was seen when mice were treated with α4 integrin-blocking Ab. In conclusion, we describe increased leukocyte trafficking in the brains of EAE mice with important overlapping roles for both P-selectin and α4 integrin in mediating leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions.
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule (ICAM)-1, But Not ICAM-2, Activates RhoA and Stimulates c-fos and rhoA Transcription in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Thompson Paul W. , Randi Anna M. , Ridley Anne J.
Published: April 2014

ICAM-1 and -2 are integrin-binding Ig superfamily adhesion molecules that are important for leukocyte transmigration across endothelial monolayers. ICAM-1 cross-linking is known to activate the small GTPase RhoA and induce stress fiber formation in endothelial cells, but ICAM-2 signaling has not been investigated. In this study, we compare ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 signaling and localization in HUVECs. Although ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 both localize with the actin-binding protein moesin in apical microvilli, only ICAM-1 colocalizes with moesin after cross-linking. Unlike ICAM-1, ICAM-2 does not activate RhoA or alter actin cytoskeletal organization. Interestingly, ICAM-1 stimulates transcription of c-fos, a known early response gene. In addition, it up-regulates rhoA expression, suggesting that it activates a positive feedback pathway after RhoA activation. These results indicate that in endothelial cells, ICAM-1, but not ICAM-2, rapidly stimulates signaling responses involving RhoA.
Mast Cell Chymase Modifies Cell-Matrix Interactions and Inhibits Mitogen-Induced Proliferation of Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Lazaar Aili L. , Plotnick Michael I. , Kucich Umberto , Crichton Irene , Lotfi Shidan , Das Susan K. P. , Kane Sibyl , Rosenbloom Joel , Panettieri Reynold A. , Schechter Norman M. , Puré Ellen
Published: April 2014

The hallmarks of chronic, severe asthma include prominent airway inflammation and airway smooth muscle (ASM) hypertrophy and hyperplasia. One of the factors that contribute to the injury and repair process within the airway is activation of proteases and turnover of extracellular matrix components. Mast cells, which are present in increased numbers in the asthmatic airway, are a rich source of the neutral protease chymase, which can degrade several basement membrane components. Recent data suggest that proteases also play a critical role in regulating the expression of CD44, the primary receptor for the matrix glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan. In this study we investigated the effects of chymase treatment on human ASM cell function. We found that chymase degraded the smooth muscle cell pericellular matrix. This was accompanied by an increased release of fibronectin and soluble CD44, but not soluble ICAM-1 or soluble hyaluronan, into the conditioned medium. In addition, chymase inhibited T cell adhesion to ASM and dramatically reduced epidermal growth factor-induced smooth muscle cell proliferation. These data suggest that the local release of mast cell chymase may have profound effects on ASM cell function and airway remodeling.
Eosinophils Express Functional IL-13 in Eosinophilic Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Schmid-Grendelmeier Peter , Altznauer Frank , Fischer Barbra , Bizer Christian , Straumann Alex , Menz Günter , Blaser Kurt , Wüthrich Brunello , Simon Hans-Uwe
Published: April 2014

IL-13 is an immunoregulatory and effector cytokine in allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma. A variety of immune and non-immune cells are known as IL-13 producers. In this study we investigated whether and under what conditions human eosinophils generate IL-13. Freshly isolated highly purified peripheral blood eosinophils from patients with several eosinophilic inflammatory diseases and from normal control individuals were investigated. We observed that blood eosinophils from patients suffering from bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, parasitic infections, hypereosinophilic syndrome, and idiopathic eosinophilic esophagitis expressed IL-13, as assessed by ELISA, ELISPOT assay, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry. By using nasal polyp tissues and immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated IL-13 expression in eosinophils under in vivo conditions. In contrast, blood eosinophils from control individuals as well as blood neutrophils from both eosinophilic and control patients did not produce detectable IL-13 levels. However, when blood eosinophils from control individuals were stimulated with GM-CSF or IL-5 in vitro, they generated IL-13 mRNA and protein, suggesting that IL-13 expression by eosinophils under inflammatory conditions is a cytokine-driven process. Stimulation of blood eosinophils containing IL-13 by eotaxin resulted in a rapid release of this cytokine. Eosinophil-derived IL-13 was functional, as it increased the surface expression of the low affinity IgE receptor (CD23) on purified B cells. In conclusion, human eosinophils are able to produce and release functional IL-13 in eosinophilic inflammatory responses.
Autocrine Production of IFN-γ by Macrophages Controls Their Recruitment to Kidney and the Development of Glomerulonephritis in MRL/lpr Mice
Authors: Carvalho-Pinto Carla E. , García María I. , Mellado Mario , Rodríguez-Frade J. Miguel , Martín-Caballero Juan , Flores Juana , Martínez-A Carlos , Balomenos Dimitrios
Published: April 2014

Anti-DNA autoantibody production is a key factor in lupus erythematosus development; nonetheless, the link between glomerular anti-DNA autoantibody deposition and glomerulonephritis development is not understood. To study the inflammatory and destructive processes in kidney, we used IFN-γ+/− MRL/lpr mice which produce high anti-DNA Ab levels but are protected from kidney disease. The results showed that defective macrophage recruitment to IFN-γ+/− mouse kidney was not caused by decreased levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, a chemokine that controls macrophage migration to MRL/lpr mouse kidney. To determine which IFN-γ-producing cell type orchestrates the inflammation pathway in kidney, we transferred IFN-γ+/+ monocyte/macrophages or T cells to IFN-γ−/− mice, which do not develop anti-DNA autoantibodies. The data demonstrate that IFN-γ production by infiltrating macrophages, and not by T cells, is responsible for adhesion molecule up-regulation, macrophage accumulation, and inflammation in kidney, even in the absence of autoantibody deposits. Therefore, in addition to monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage-produced IFN-γ controls macrophage migration to kidney; the degree of IFN-γ production by macrophages also regulates glomerulonephritis development. Our findings establish the level of IFN-γ secretion by macrophages as a link between anti-DNA autoantibody deposition and glomerulonephritis development, outline the pathway of the inflammatory process, and suggest potential treatment for disease even after autoantibody development.
Characterization of Autoreactive T Cells to the Autoantigens Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein A2 (RA33) and Filaggrin in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Fritsch Ruth , Eselböck Daniela , Skriner Karl , Jahn-Schmid Beatrice , Scheinecker Clemens , Bohle Barbara , Tohidast-Akrad Makiyeh , Hayer Silvia , Neumüller Josef , Pinol-Roma Serafin , Smolen Josef S. , Steiner Günter
Published: April 2014

The role of autoimmune reactions in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is poorly understood. To address this issue we have investigated the spontaneous T cell response to two well-characterized humoral autoantigens in RA patients and controls: 1) the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2, i.e., the RA33 Ag (A2/RA33), and 2) filaggrin in unmodified and citrullinated forms. In stimulation assays A2/RA33 induced proliferative responses in PBMC of almost 60% of the RA patients but in only 20% of the controls (patients with osteoarthritis or psoriatic arthritis and healthy individuals), with substantially stronger responses in RA patients (p < 0.00002). Furthermore, synovial T cells of seven RA patients investigated were also clearly responsive. In contrast, responses to filaggrin were rarely observed and did not differ between RA patients and controls. Analysis of A2/RA33-induced cytokine secretion revealed high IFN-γ and low IL-4 production in both RA and control PBMC, whereas IL-2 production was mainly observed in RA PBMC (p < 0.03). Moreover, A2/RA33-specific T cell clones from RA patients showed a strong Th1 phenotype and secreted higher amounts of IFN-γ than Th1 clones from controls (p < 0.04). Inhibition experiments performed with mAbs against MHC class II molecules showed A2/RA33-induced T cell responses to be largely HLA-DR restricted. Finally, immunohistochemical analyses revealed pronounced overexpression of A2/RA33 in synovial tissue of RA patients. Taken together, the presence of autoreactive Th1-like cells in RA patients in conjunction with synovial overexpression of A2/RA33 may indicate potential involvement of this autoantigen in the pathogenesis of RA.
Persistent Mitochondrial Hyperpolarization, Increased Reactive Oxygen Intermediate Production, and Cytoplasmic Alkalinization Characterize Altered IL-10 Signaling in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Gergely Peter , Niland Brian , Gonchoroff Nick , Pullmann Rudolf , Phillips Paul E. , Perl Andras
Published: April 2014

Abnormal death signaling in lymphocytes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients has been associated with elevation of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψm) and increased production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). The resultant ATP depletion sensitizes T cells for necrosis that may significantly contribute to inflammation in patients with SLE. In the present study, the role of mitochondrial signal processing in T cell activation was investigated. CD3/CD28 costimulation of PBL elicited transient mitochondrial hyperpolarization and intracellular pH (pHi) elevation, followed by increased ROI production. Baseline Δψm, ROI production, and pHi were elevated, while T cell activation-induced changes were blunted in 15 patients with SLE in comparison with 10 healthy donors and 10 rheumatoid arthritis patients. Similar to CD3/CD28 costimulation, treatment of control PBL with IL-3, IL-10, TGF-β1, and IFN-γ led to transient Δψm elevation. IL-10 had diametrically opposing effects on mitochondrial signaling in lupus and control donors. Unlike healthy or rheumatoid arthritis PBL, cells of lupus patients were resistant to IL-10-induced mitochondrial hyperpolarization. By contrast, IL-10 enhanced ROI production and cell death in lupus PBL without affecting ROI levels and survival of control PBL. Ab-mediated IL-10 blockade or stimulation with antagonistic lymphokine IL-12 normalized baseline and CD3/CD28-induced changes in ROI production and pHi with no impact on Δψm of lupus PBL. The results suggest that mitochondrial hyperpolarization, increased ROI production, and cytoplasmic alkalinization play crucial roles in altered IL-10 responsiveness in SLE.
Large Scale Identification of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Associated Antigens by Autoantibodies
Authors: Wang Yu , Han Ke-Jun , Pang Xue-Wen , Vaughan Hilary A. , Qu Wei , Dong Xue-Yuan , Peng Ji-Run , Zhao Hai-Tao , Rui Jing-An , Leng Xi-Sheng , Cebon Jonathan , Burgess Antony W. , Chen Wei-Feng
Published: April 2014

Autoantibodies are often detected in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and these responses may represent recognition of tumor Ags that are associated with transformation events. The identities of these Ags, however, are less well known. Using serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression libraries (SEREX) from four HCC patients, we identified 55 independent cDNA sequences potentially encoding HCC tumor Ags. Of these genes, 15 are novel. Two such proteins, HCA587 and HCA661, were predominantly detected in testis, but not in other normal tissues, except for a weak expression in normal pancreas. In addition to HCC, these two Ags can be found in cancers of other histological types. Therefore, they can be categorized as cancer-testis (CT) Ags. Two other Ags (HCA519 and HCA90) were highly overexpressed in HCC and also expressed in cancer cell lines of lung, prostate, and pancreas, but not in the respective normal tissues. Four other Ags were identified to be expressed in particular types of cancer cell lines (HCA520 in an ovarian cancer cell line, HCA59 and HCA67 in a colon cancer cell line, HCA58 in colon and ovarian cancer cell lines), but not in the normal tissue counterpart(s). In addition, abundant expression of complement inactivation factors was found in HCC. These results indicate a broad range expression of autoantigens in HCC patients. Our findings open an avenue for the study of autoantigens in the transformation, metastasis, and immune evasion in HCC.
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells by Macrophages Induces Novel Signaling Events Leading to Cytokine-Independent Survival and Inhibition of Proliferation: Activation of Akt and Inhibition of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases 1 and 2
Authors: Reddy Suman M. , Hsiao K.-H. Kevin , Abernethy Vivian Elizabeth , Fan Hanli , Longacre Angelika , Lieberthal Wilfred , Rauch Joyce , Koh Jason S. , Levine Jerrold S.
Published: April 2014

Recent evidence indicates that phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells, initially thought to be a silent event, can modulate macrophage (Mφ) function. We show in this work that phagocytic uptake of apoptotic cells or bodies, in the absence of serum or soluble survival factors, inhibits apoptosis and maintains viability of primary cultures of murine peritoneal and bone marrow Mφ with a potency approaching that of serum-supplemented medium. Apoptotic uptake also profoundly inhibits the proliferation of bone marrow Mφ stimulated to proliferate by M-CSF. While inhibition of proliferation is an unusual property for survival factors, the combination of increased survival and decreased proliferation may aid the Mφ in its role as a scavenger during resolution of inflammation. The ability of apoptotic cells to promote survival and inhibit proliferation appears to be the result of simultaneous activation of Akt and inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinases extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1 and ERK2 (ERK1/2). While several activators of the innate immune system, or danger signals, also inhibit apoptosis and proliferation, danger signals and necrotic cells differ from apoptotic cells in that they activate, rather than inhibit, ERK1/2. These signaling differences may underlie the opposing tendencies of apoptotic cells and danger signals in promoting tolerance vs immunity.
Tumor-Infiltrating CD4+ T Lymphocytes Express APO2 Ligand (APO2L)/TRAIL upon Specific Stimulation with Autologous Lung Carcinoma Cells: Role of IFN-α on APO2L/TRAIL Expression and -Mediated Cytotoxicity
Authors: Dorothée Guillaume , Vergnon Isabelle , Menez Jeanne , Echchakir Hamid , Grunenwald Dominique , Kubin Marek , Chouaib Salem , Mami-Chouaib Fathia
Published: April 2014

In the present report, we have investigated TRAIL/APO2 ligand (APO2L) expression, regulation, and function in human lung carcinoma tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Using a panel of non-small cell lung carcinoma cell lines, we first showed that most of them expressed TRAIL-R1/DR4, TRAIL-R2/DR5, but not TRAIL-R3/DcR1 and TRAIL-R4/DcR2, and were susceptible to APO2L/TRAIL-induced cell death. Two APO2L/TRAIL-sensitive tumor cell lines (MHC class I+/II+ or I+/II−) were selected and specific CD4+ HLA-DR- or CD8+ HLA-A2-restricted CTL clones were respectively isolated from autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Interestingly, although the established T cell clones did not constitutively express detectable levels of APO2L/TRAIL, engagement of their TCR via activation with specific tumor cells selectively induced profound APO2L/TRAIL expression on the CD4+, but not on the CD8+, CTL clones. Furthermore, as opposed to the CD8+ CTL clone which mainly used granule exocytosis pathway, the CD4+ CTL clone lysed the specific target via both perforin/granzymes and APO2L/TRAIL-mediated mechanisms. The latter cytotoxicity correlated with APO2L/TRAIL expression and was significantly enhanced in the presence of IFN-α. More interestingly, in vivo studies performed in SCID/nonobese diabetic mice transplanted with autologous tumor and transferred with the specific CD4+ CTL clone in combination with IFN-α resulted in an important APO2L/TRAIL-mediated tumor growth inhibition, which was prohibited by soluble TRAIL-R2. Our findings suggest that APO2L/TRAIL, specifically induced by autologous tumor and up-regulated by IFN-α, may be a key mediator of tumor-specific CD4+ CTL-mediated cell death and point to a potent role of this T cell subset in tumor growth control.
IFN-β Pretreatment Sensitizes Human Melanoma Cells to TRAIL/Apo2 Ligand-Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Chawla-Sarkar Mamta , Leaman Douglas W. , Jacobs Barbara S. , Borden Ernest C.
Published: April 2014

All human melanoma cell lines (assessed by annexin V and TUNEL assays) were resistant to apoptosis induction by TRAIL/Apo2L protein. TRAIL/Apo2L activated caspase-8 and caspase-3, but subsequent apoptotic events such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and DNA fragmentation were not observed. To probe the molecular mechanisms of cellular resistance to apoptosis, melanoma cell lines were analyzed for expression of apoptosis regulators (apoptotic protease-associated factor-1, FLIP, caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, cellular inhibitor of apoptosis, Bcl-2, or Bax); no correlation was observed. TRAIL/Apo2L was induced in melanoma cell lines by IFN-β and had been correlated with apoptosis induction. Because IFN-β induced other gene products that have been associated with apoptosis, it was postulated that one or more IFN-stimulated genes might sensitize cells to TRAIL/Apo2L. Melanoma cell lines were treated with IFN-β for 16–24 h before treatment with TRAIL/Apo2L. Regardless of their sensitivity to either cytokine alone, >30% of cells underwent apoptosis in response to the combined treatment. Induction of apoptosis by IFN-β and TRAIL/Apo2L in combination correlated with synergistic activation of caspase-9, a decrease in mitochondrial potential, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Cleavage of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis following IFN-β and TRAIL/Apo2L treatment was observed in sensitive WM9, A375, or WM3211 cells but not in resistant WM35 or WM164 cells. Thus, in vitro IFN-β and TRAIL/Apo2L combination treatment had more potent apoptotic and anti-growth effects when compared with either cytokine alone in melanoma cells lines.
B Cell Progenitors Are Arrested in Maturation but Have Intact VDJ Recombination in the Absence of Ig-α and Ig-β
Authors: Pelanda Roberta , Braun Uschi , Hobeika Elias , Nussenzweig Michel C. , Reth Michael
Published: April 2014

Ig-α and Ig-β mediate surface expression and signaling of diverse B cell receptor complexes on precursor, immature, and mature B cells. Their expression begins before that of the Ig chains in early progenitor B cells. In this study, we describe the generation of Ig-α-deficient mice and their comparative analysis to mice deficient for Ig-β, the membrane-IgM, and recombination-activating gene 2 to determine the requirement of Ig-α and Ig-β in survival and differentiation of pro-B cells. We find that in the absence of Ig-α, B cell development does not progress beyond the progenitor stage, similar to what is observed in humans lacking this molecule. However, neither in Ig-α- nor in Ig-β-deficient mice are pro-B cells impaired in V(D)J recombination, in the expression of intracellular Ig μ-chains, or in surviving in the bone marrow microenvironment. Finally, Ig-α and Ig-β are not redundant in their putative function, as pro-B cells from Ig-α and Ig-β double-deficient mice are similar to those from single-deficient animals in every aspect analyzed.
Characterization of Chromatin Structure and Enhancer Elements for Murine Recombination Activating Gene-2
Authors: Wei Xing-Cheng , Kishi Hiroyuki , Jin Zhe-Xiong , Zhao Wen-Pu , Kondo Sachiko , Matsuda Tadashi , Saito Shigeru , Muraguchi Atsushi
Published: April 2014

Recombination-activating genes (RAGs) play a critical role in V(D)J recombination machinery and their expression is specifically regulated during lymphocyte ontogeny. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating murine RAG-2 expression, we examined a chromatin structure of 25-kb DNA segment adjacent to murine RAG-2 by analyzing DNase I hypersensitive (HS) sites. In a RAG-2-expressing murine pre-B cell line, three lymphoid cell-specific HS sites (HS1, HS2, and HS3) were identified. Among these HS sites, one HS site (HS3) that locates in the RAG-2 promoter was associated only with RAG-2-expressing cell lines. Using the transient enhanced green fluorescence protein reporter gene assays, we identified two enhancer elements in the 5′-upstream region of RAG-2 that corresponded to HS1 and HS2. One of the enhancer elements (D3) exhibited enhancer activity only in the lymphoid cell lines. Analysis of the transgenic mice carrying the enhanced green fluorescence protein-reporter gene linked with D3 revealed that D3 activated the reporter gene-expression in the primary lymphoid tissues, but not in the secondary lymphoid tissues or nonlymphoid tissues. D3 was active in CD4−CD8−, but not in CD4+CD8+ or CD4+CD8− thymocytes in the thymus, and also active in B220+IgM−, but not in B220+IgM+, cells in the bone marrow. Finally, our data suggested that C/EBP may bind to the D3 enhancer and function as one of the transcription factor(s) responsible for the enhancer activity. These results show that the tissue- and stage-specific expression of murine RAG-2 is regulated by alteration of the chromatin structure as well as cis-regulatory enhancer elements.
Protein Structure Plays a Critical Role in Peanut Allergen Stability and May Determine Immunodominant IgE-Binding Epitopes
Authors: Sen Moon , Kopper Randall , Pons Laurent , Abraham Edathara C. , Burks A. Wesley , Bannon Gary A.
Published: April 2014

Hypersensitivity to peanuts is a reaction mediated by IgE Abs in response to several peanut protein allergens. Among these allergenic proteins, Ara h 2 is one of the most commonly recognized allergens. Ara h 2 is a 17-kDa protein that has eight cysteine residues that could form up to four disulfide bonds. Circular dichroism studies showed substantial changes in the secondary and tertiary structures of the reduced Ara h 2 as compared with the native protein. Upon treatment with trypsin, chymotrypsin, or pepsin, a number of relatively large fragments are produced that are resistant to further enzymatic digestion. These resistant Ara h 2 peptide fragments contain intact IgE-binding epitopes and several potential enzyme cut sites that are protected from the enzymes by the compact structure of the protein. The enzyme-treated allergen remains essentially intact despite the action of proteases until the fragments are dissociated when the disulfide linkages are reduced. Amino acid sequence analysis of the resistant protein fragments indicates that they contain most of the immunodominant IgE-binding eptiopes. These results provide a link between allergen structure and the immunodominant IgE-binding epitopes within a population of food-allergic individuals.
The Primary Antibody Repertoire Represents a Linked Network of Degenerate Antigen Specificities
Authors: Manivel Venkatasamy , Bayiroglu Fahri , Siddiqui Zaved , Salunke Dinakar M. , Rao Kanury V. S.
Published: April 2014

In this study, germline Abs were used to select clones from a random dodecapeptide phage-display library. This revealed a much greater heterogeneity of binders than could be obtained with mutated daughter Abs that presumably had been selected in vivo by nominal Ag during active immune responses. We demonstrate that the pluripotency of germline Abs can subsequently be optimized by binding interactions that correlate with thermodynamic changes indicative of structural adaptations at the interface. This singular feature confers on each Ab a distinct window of Ag specificities, where the entropic space explored constitutes a thermodynamic signature of that particular Ab. Combining site plasticity may facilitate overlaps in such windows, with independent Abs converging onto common determinants with near identical binding affinities. In addition to providing for an amplified recognition potential, this networking of individual spectra of Ag specificities simultaneously facilitates the rapid recognition of Ag. Importantly, it also ensures that the primary response is composed of Abs with a high degree of “evolvability.”
Antigen Presentation by CD1d Contributes to the Amplification of Th2 Responses to Schistosoma mansoni Glycoconjugates in Mice
Authors: Faveeuw Christelle , Angeli Véronique , Fontaine Josette , Maliszewski Charles , Capron André , Van Kaer Luc , Moser Muriel , Capron Monique , Trottein François
Published: April 2014

During murine schistosomiasis, there is a gradual switch from a predominant Th1 cytokine response to a Th2-dominated response after egg laying, an event that favors the formation of granuloma around viable eggs. Egg-derived glycoconjugates, including glycolipids, may play a crucial role in this phenomenon. In this study, we used a model of dendritic cell sensitization to study the role of egg glycoconjugates in the induction of specific immune response to soluble egg Ag (SEA) and to investigate the possibility that CD1d, a molecule implicated in glycolipid presentation, may be involved in such a phenomenon. We show that, when captured, processed, and presented to naive T lymphocytes by dendritic cells, egg, but not larval, Ag skew the immune response toward a Th2 response. Periodate treatment reversed this effect, indicating that the sugar moiety of SEA is important in this phenomenon. Using DC treated ex vivo with a neutralizing anti-CD1d Ab or isolated from CD1d knockout mice, we show that CD1d is crucial in the priming of SEA-specific Th2 lymphocytes. We then evaluated the contribution of CD1d on the development of the SEA-specific immune response and on the formation of the egg-induced liver granuloma during murine schistosomiasis. We find that CD1d knockout mice have a reduced Th2 response after egg laying and develop a less marked fibrotic pathology compared with wild-type mice. Altogether, our results suggest that Ag presentation of parasite glycoconjugates to CD1d-restricted T cells may be important in the early events leading to the induction of Th2 responses and to egg-induced pathology during murine schistosomiasis.
Production of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor in the Nonspecific Acute Phase Response Enhances Host Resistance to Bacterial Infection
Authors: Noursadeghi Mahdad , Bickerstaff Maria C. M. , Herbert Jeff , Moyes David , Cohen Jonathan , Pepys Mark B.
Published: April 2014

Mice mounting an acute phase response, induced by sterile inflammation after a single s.c. injection of casein 24 h beforehand, were remarkably protected against lethal infection with Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria. This was associated with enhanced early clearance of bacteremia, greater phagocytosis and oxidative burst responses by neutrophils, and enhanced recruitment of neutrophils into tissues compared with control, nonacute phase mice. Casein-induced inflammation was also associated with increased concentrations of G-CSF in serum, and administration of neutralizing Ab to this cytokine completely abrogated protection against Escherichia coli infection after casein pretreatment. Injection of recombinant murine G-CSF between 3 and 24 h before infection conferred the same protection as casein injection. In contrast, the casein-induced acute phase response affected neither serum values of TNF-α, IL-1β, or IL-6 after E. coli infection nor susceptibility to LPS toxicity. Furthermore, protection against infection was unaffected in IL-1R knockout mice, which have deficient acute phase plasma protein responses, or after nonspecific inhibition of acute phase protein synthesis by d-galactosamine or specific depletion of complement C3 by cobra venom factor. Increased production of G-CSF in the acute phase response is thus a key physiological component of host defense, and pretreatment with G-CSF to prevent bacterial infection in at-risk patients now merits further study, especially in view of increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Human Neutrophil-Expressed CD28 Interacts with Macrophage B7 to Induce Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase-Dependent IFN-γ Secretion and Restriction of Leishmania Growth
Authors: Venuprasad K. , Banerjee Pinaki P. , Chattopadhyay Subhasis , Sharma Satyan , Pal Subrata , Parab P. B. , Mitra Debashis , Saha Bhaskar
Published: April 2014

We previously showed that CD28 is expressed on human peripheral blood neutrophils and plays an important role in CXCR-1 expression and IL-8-induced neutrophil migration. In this work we demonstrate that Leishmania major infection of macrophages results in parasite dose-dependent IL-8 secretion in vitro and in IL-8-directed neutrophil migration, as blocked by both anti-IL-8 and anti-IL-8R Abs, toward the L. major-infected macrophages. In the neutrophil-macrophage cocultures, both CTLA4-Ig, a fusion protein that blocks CD28-CD80/CD86 interaction, and a neutralizing anti-IFN-γ Ab inhibit the anti-leishmanial function of neutrophils, suggesting that the neutrophil-macrophage interaction via CD28-CD80/CD86 plays an important role in the IFN-γ-dependent restriction of the parasite growth. Cross-linking of neutrophil-expressed CD28 by monoclonal anti-CD28 Ab or B7.1-Ig or B7.2-Ig results in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase association with CD28 and in wortmannin-sensitive but cyclosporin A-resistant induction and secretion of IFN-γ. Whereas the neutrophils secrete IFN-γ with CD28 signal alone, the T cells do not secrete the cytokine in detectable amounts with the same signal. Thus, neutrophil-expressed CD28 modulates not only the granulocyte migration but also induction and secretion of IFN-γ at the site of infection where it migrates from the circulation.
Cytokine Regulation of Periportal Fibrosis in Humans Infected with Schistosoma mansoni: IFN-γ Is Associated with Protection Against Fibrosis and TNF-α with Aggravation of Disease
Authors: Henri Sandrine , Chevillard Christophe , Mergani Adil , Paris Patricia , Gaudart Jean , Camilla Christophe , Dessein Hélia , Montero Felix , Elwali Nasr-Eldin M. A. , Saeed Osman K. , Magzoub Mubarak , Dessein Alain J.
Published: April 2014

Hepatic periportal fibrosis, which affects 5–10% of subjects infected by Schistosoma mansoni, is caused by the T cell-dependent granuloma that develop around schistosome eggs. Experimental models of infection have shown that granuloma and fibrosis are tightly regulated by cytokines. However, it is unknown why advanced periportal fibrosis occurs only in certain subjects. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the cytokine response of S. mansoni-infected subjects with advanced liver disease in an attempt to relate susceptibility to periportal fibrosis with an abnormal production of cytokines that regulate granuloma and fibrosis. Fibrosis was evaluated by ultrasound on 795 inhabitants of a Sudanese village in which S. mansoni is endemic: advanced periportal fibrosis was observed in 12% of the population; 35% of the affected subjects exhibited signs of portal hypertension. Age (odds ratio (OR), 11.5), gender (OR, 4.2), and infection levels (OR, 2.2) were significantly (p ≤ 0.01) associated with hepatic fibrosis. Cytokines produced by egg-stimulated blood mononuclear cells from 99 subjects were measured (75 with no or mild fibrosis; 24 subjects with advanced fibrosis). Multivariate analysis of cytokine levels showed that high IFN-γ levels were associated with a marked reduction of the risk of fibrosis (p = 0.01; OR, 0.1); in contrast, high TNF-α levels were associated with an increased risk (p = 0.05; OR, 4.6) of periportal fibrosis. Moreover, infection levels were negatively associated with IFN-γ production. These results with observations in experimental models strongly suggest that IFN-γ plays a key role in the protection of S. mansoni-infected patients against periportal fibrosis, whereas TNF-α may aggravate the disease.
In Vitro Correlates ofLd-Restricted Resistance to Toxoplasmic Encephalitis and Their Critical Dependence on Parasite Strain
Authors: Johnson Jennifer J. , Roberts Craig W. , Pope Constance , Roberts Fiona , Kirisits Michael J. , Estes Randee , Mui Ernest , Krieger Tim , Brown Charles R. , Forman Jim , McLeod Rima
Published: April 2014

Resistance to murine toxoplasmic encephalitis has been precisely and definitively mapped to the Ld class I gene. Consistent with this, CD8+ T cells can adoptively transfer resistance to toxoplasmic encephalitis. However, cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, capable of killing class I-matched, infected target cells, are generated during the course of Toxoplasma gondii infection even in mice lacking the Ld gene. Ld-restricted killing could not be demonstrated, and the functional correlate of the Ld gene has therefore remained elusive. Herein, Ld-restricted killing of T. gondii-infected target cells is demonstrated for the first time. Ld-restricted killing is critically dependent on the strain of T. gondii and is observed with all the derivatives of type II strains tested, but not with a type I strain. These results have important implications for vaccine development.
Cutting Edge: Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 Deficiency Improves Resistance Against Sepsis Caused by Polymicrobial Infection
Authors: Weighardt Heike , Kaiser-Moore Simone , Vabulas Ramunas M. , Kirschning Carsten J. , Wagner Hermann , Holzmann Bernhard
Published: April 2014

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important for the activation of innate immune cells upon encounter of microbial pathogens. The present study investigated the potential roles of TLR2, TLR4, and the signaling protein myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) in polymicrobial septic peritonitis. Whereas both TLR2 and TLR4 were dispensable for host defense against septic peritonitis, MyD88-deficient mice were protected in this infection model. Recruitment of neutrophils to the septic focus and bacterial clearance were normal in MyD88-deficient mice. In contrast, the systemic inflammatory response was strongly attenuated in the absence of MyD88. Surprisingly, MyD88 deficiency did not alter cytokine and chemokine production in spleen, but markedly reduced the inflammatory response in liver and lung. Production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and macrophage-inflammatory protein-1α was entirely independent of MyD88. These results imply a central role of MyD88 for the systemic immune pathology of polymicrobial sepsis and show that cytokine production in spleen and induction of certain chemokines are MyD88 independent.