bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of T cell epitopes restricted by HLA-DP9 in streptococcal M12 protein.
Authors: Dong R P , Kamikawaji N , Toida N , Fujita Y , Kimura A , Sasazuki T
Published: December 2022

Interaction of the HLA-DP9 (DPA1*0201/DPB1*0901) molecule and M protein of serotype 12 (SS95/12) streptococci, a main component of the streptococcal cell wall Ag, has been investigated to decipher peptide-binding capacity and T cell activation in the context of the HLA-DP molecule. Seven antigenic peptides (amino acids 19-25) restricted by the HLA-DP9 molecule were identified in M12 protein, using M12 protein- or peptide-specific T cell lines from naturally exposed individuals. The binding affinity of each peptide to the HLA-DP9 molecule was measured by fluorescence intensity of biotinylated peptides bound to L cell transfectants expressing HLA-DP9, followed by treatment with avidin-fluorescence. Binding of biotinylated peptides to the HLA-DP9 molecule was inhibited by an excess amount of corresponding nonbiotinylated peptides and other nonbiotinylated peptides, indicating that the peptides were bound to the HLA-DP9 molecule at a single binding site. Seven synthetic peptides containing the T cell epitopes restricted by the HLA-DP9 molecule had high binding affinity to the HLA-DP9 molecule. Comparison of the amino acid sequences of truncated analogues that could bind to the HLA-DP9 molecule and/or activate T cells suggested an HLA-DP9-specific binding motif, composed of a positively charged residue (R or K) at position 1, a hydrophobic residue (A, G, or L) at position 6, and another hydrophobic residue (L or V) at position 9. Analysis of single amino acid-substituted analogues suggested that the positively charged amino acid in the motif served as a key anchor residue for binding to the HLA-DP9 molecule, which differs from the binding motif to the HLA-DR molecules.
A novel octamer regulatory element in the VH11 leader exon of B-1 cells.
Authors: Goodglick L , Felsher D W , Neshat M S , Braun J
Published: December 2022

B-1 cells (CD5 B cells) represent an initial fetal wave of B cell lymphopoiesis. B-1 cells have fundamental properties that are unique from conventional B cells, including a restricted Ab repertoire. We investigated the mechanism for the overrepresentation of one such Ig H chain variable-region gene, VH11, by murine B-1 cells. We postulated that a cis-regulatory element contributed to the use of VH11. We observed that the DNA encoding the leader peptide of VH11 was atypically A/T rich and thus was a candidate for nuclear protein binding. By electrophoretic mobility shift analysis, we found that the VH11 leader DNA specifically bound to three protein complexes present in the nucleus of the B-1 cell line AJ9. Of these bands, one was ubiquitous for all cells examined (lymphoid and nonlymphoid); another band was present only in B cells, and the third band was specific for B-1 cells that expressed VH11 or VH12. In addition to its binding properties, the VH11 leader sequence also displayed modest tissue-specific enhancer activity. By DNA footprint analysis, all three protein complexes were found to bind to an octamer motif embedded within the VH11 leader DNA. To identify the octamer-binding proteins, a panel of octamer-specific Abs was used. We found that the ubiquitous band was Oct-1, and the B cell-specific band was Oct-2. The B-1 cell-specific nuclear binding protein was neither Oct-1 nor Oct-2, but may be a novel POU domain protein. We hypothesize that the VH11 leader octamer site may target this gene for preferential rearrangement and/or expression and therefore would be a contributing factor in the increased use of this gene by B-1 cells.
Identification of porcine endothelial cell membrane antigens recognized by human xenoreactive natural antibodies.
Authors: Holzknecht Z E , Platt J L
Published: December 2022

Rejection of an organ transplanted into a phylogenetically disparate recipient may be initiated by the binding of xenoreactive natural Abs of the recipient to Ags expressed on donor endothelium leading to the activation of the C system. Having previously shown that human xenoreactive Abs bind predominantly to N-linked oligosaccharides on porcine endothelial cell glycoproteins, we sought to identify those glycoproteins to gain insight into the pathogenesis of the rejection reaction and to develop improved methods for depleting those Abs. Based on amino-terminal and internal sequencing of the glycoproteins, reactivity with monospecific rabbit Abs, and functional properties, the porcine endothelial cell targets of human natural Abs were shown to be the von Willebrand factor, integrin alpha 1, alpha v, alpha 3/alpha 5, beta 1, and beta 3 chains and a 95-kDa glycoprotein homologous with chick DM-GRASP. Human and baboon Abs directed against those glycoproteins were shown to be absorbed during perfusion of porcine organs and the binding of human IgM to the isolated glycoproteins to initiate the activation of C leading to formation of iC3b neoantigen. The determinants recognized by human xenoreactive Abs had immunodominant alpha-galactosyl residues based on affinity chromatography, reactivity with anti-Gal alpha(1-3)Gal Abs and sensitivity to alpha-galactosidase. The findings show that members of the integrin family and the von Willebrand factor are major targets of xenoreactive Abs and suggest potential mechanisms by which the binding of Abs to endothelial cells might perturb the physiology of those cells and thus cause aberrant functioning of a tissue or organ.
Cloning of the murine CD5 promoter and its tissue-specific regulation.
Authors: Weichert T R , Schwartz R C
Published: December 2022

A genomic clone containing 1700 bp of the 5'-flanking region and first exon of the murine CD5 gene was isolated by screening a NIH 3T3 fibroblast genomic library with the previously characterized murine CD5 cDNA. The CD5 5'-flanking region lacks a consensus TATA box but contains Sp1, AP-1, IgH muE2, SV40 enhancer core, CCAAT, TCF2 alpha/PEA3/ets, and C/EBP motifs. Transcription is initiated from multiple sites upstream of an Inr-like sequence. When linked to the CAT reporter gene, the CD5 5'-flanking region was an active promoter in transient transfection assays using the EL4 (T), PD36 (pre-B) and M12 (B) cell lines, but was inactive in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. This pattern of lymphoid-specific expression reflects the pattern of in vivo CD5 expression. Successive 5' to 3' deletions of the CD5 promoter/CAT reporter construct were transfected into T and B cells revealing a succession of positive and negative regulatory elements until promoter activity was eliminated at position -27. This result identified sequences from -125 to -27 (which contain the Inr, IgH muE2, SV40 enhancer core, and AP-1 sites) as sufficient for tissue-specific promotion. Isolation and characterization of the CD5 promoter represents an initial step in elucidating the control over tissue-specific expression of the murine CD5 gene.
Rat mammary adenocarcinoma 13762 expressing IFN-gamma elicits antitumor CD4+ MHC class II-restricted T cells that are cytolytic in vitro and tumoricidal in vivo.
Authors: Frey A B
Published: December 2022

Rat adenocarcinoma 13762 was modified by transfection to express IFN-gamma, and the tumor-forming potential of cytokine-producing cells was found to be dramatically impaired. Animals resistant to inocula of IFN-gamma-modified tumor were resistant to subsequent challenge with unmodified 13762 tumor. Induced immunity was tumor specific in that syngeneic but non-cross-reactive tumor grew with normal kinetics in animals injected with IFN-gamma-producing 13762 tumor. Antitumor T cells were derived from animals primed with IFN-gamma-producing 13762 tumor and expanded into a cell line by coculture in vitro with IFN-gamma-producing 13762 cells. Anti-13762-gamma T cells were cytotoxic in vitro toward IFN-gamma-producing 13762 tumor and were not reactive with other syngeneic tumors or spleen B cells. Anti-13762-gamma T cells were determined to be CD4+ by Ab staining and flow cytometric analysis, and recognition of 13762-gamma in vitro was inhibited by anti-MHC class II Ab. Anti-13762-gamma T cells were not reactive in vitro with wild-type 13762 tumor unless treated with exogenous rIFN-gamma, which induced expression of cell surface MHC class II. However, adoptively transferred anti-13762-gamma T cells could effect regression of wild-type 13762 tumor or dramatically inhibit progressive growth in animals carrying significant tumor burden, and the antitumor phenotype did not require CD8+ T cells in vivo. These experiments demonstrate that although antitumor T cells elicited against cytokine-modified tumor may fail to demonstrate reactivity with unmodified tumor in vitro, antitumor properties may be manifest in vivo.
IL-12 enhances Th1-type responses in human Leishmania donovani infections.
Authors: Ghalib H W , Whittle J A , Kubin M , Hashim F A , el-Hassan A M , Grabstein K H , Trinchieri G , Reed S G
Published: December 2022

IL-12 is a pluripotent cytokine that interacts with NK and T cells to play a central role in the initiation and maintenance of Th1 responses and IFN-gamma production. Because of the interactive relationship between IL-12 and IFN-gamma response to infectious organisms, a study was undertaken to examine the role of IL-12 in the immune regulation of human visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Human (Hu) VL is associated with immune dysfunction and the appearance of IL-10 mRNA, not present in healed individuals. We found that PBMC from treated VL patients produced both IL-12 p40 and IFN-gamma in response to in vitro stimulation with Leishmania donovani. The production of both IL-12 p40 and IFN-gamma were interdependent and were abrogated by the addition of exogenous Hu rIL-10. In contrast, PBMC from active VL patients did not produce IL-12 p40 or IFN-gamma in response to L. donovani lysate. Neutralizing anti-IL-10 mAb led to the enhancement of IFN-gamma production by active VL PBMC cultured with L. donovani lysate, and this enhanced IFN-gamma production was blocked by anti-IL-12 mAb. The addition of exogenous Hu rIL-12 to PBMC from active VL patients resulted in the augmentation of IFN-gamma in response to L. donovani lysate. Therefore, treatment of active VL patient PBMC with anti-IL-10 or IL-12 shifted the response toward a Th1-type response with the production of IFN-gamma. These results indicate that IL-12 may play an important role in the regulation of the cellular immune responses in Hu VL.
Multiple point mutations in an endogenous retroviral gene confer high immunogenicity on a drug-treated murine tumor.
Authors: Grohmann U , Puccetti P , Belladonna M L , Fallarino F , Bianchi R , Binaglia L , Sagakuchi K , Mage M G , Appella E , Fioretti M C
Published: December 2022

Exposure in vivo of murine L5178Y lymphoma cells to cytoreductive triazene derivatives leads to the generation of immunogenic variant lines expressing new transplantation Ags recognized by CTL. In one such clonal variant (clone D), at least one subset of T cell neoepitopes are provided by proteins previously shown by serology to be products of endogenous retroviral env sequences. We report here on characterization of PCR-amplified gp70 env genes in clone D. Relative to known gp70 sequences in parental cells and in current databases, one gp70 sequence presented four distinct nucleotide changes, two of which were apparently unique to clone D DNA and cDNA upon differential hybridization analysis. Transfection experiments with the entire gp70 gene or subgenic fragments encompassing a single putative mutation showed that products of the mutated env gene or fragments may confer immunogenicity in vivo and susceptibility in vitro to lysis by clone D-primed, H-2Kd- or H-2Ld-restricted CTL. By skin test assay of mice primed with either clone D or three mutated synthetic peptides, evidence was obtained that amino acid substitutions at the relevant positions of the gp70 protein may produce immunogenic T cell epitopes and that these epitopes are expressed in vivo by clone D. These data point to the role of mutated retroviral tumor peptides as rejection Ags in histocompatible hosts.
Synthetic oligonucleotide expressed by a recombinant vaccinia virus elicits therapeutic CTL.
Authors: Irvine K R , McCabe B J , Rosenberg S A , Restifo N P
Published: December 2022

P815A is a naturally occurring tumor rejection Ag of the methylcholanthrene-induced murine mastocytoma P815. The gene encoding the Ag P815A, designated P1A, is identical to that encoded in the normal genome of the DBA/2 mouse. A recombinant vaccinia virus (rVV) was constructed that expressed a synthetic oligonucleotide encoding the minimal determinant peptide of the tumor-associated Ag. Although the rVV recombinant expressing this mini-gene was recognized efficiently in vitro, it was an ineffective immunogen in vivo. The addition of an endoplasmic reticulum insertion signal sequence to the NH2 terminus of the minimal determinant resulted in a rVV that elicited CD8+ T cells that could lyse P815 mastocytoma cells in vitro and that were therapeutic in vivo. Recombinant viruses expressing synthetic oligonucleotide sequences preceded by the insertion signal sequences allow the expression of Ag directly into the endoplasmic reticulum, where binding to MHC class I molecules is most efficient. Vaccines based on synthetic oligonucleotides could be constructed with ease and rapidity but, most importantly, such constructs avoid the dangers associated with the expression of full length genes encoding TAA that are potentially oncogenic.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase in cattle. Differential cytokine regulation of nitric oxide synthase in bovine and murine macrophages.
Authors: Adler H , Frech B , Thöny M , Pfister H , Peterhans E , Jungi T W
Published: December 2022

We assessed bovine bone marrow-derived macrophages and monocyte-derived macrophages for expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity. Both cell types expressed iNOS activity upon stimulation with Salmonella dublin (S. dublin) or with LPS. A 372-bp fragment of the bovine iNOS mRNA could be amplified by reverse transcription-PCR from mRNA of stimulated macrophages. Cloning and sequencing of the fragment revealed a high degree of homology to human hepatocyte, rat vascular smooth muscle cell, and mouse macrophage iNOS both at the nucleotide (87 to 92%) and amino acid levels (94 to 97%). iNOS mRNA was expressed maximally 6 h after stimulation with S. dublin, whereas maximal nitrite accumulation in supernatants was measured at 24 to 48 h. Significant differences with regard to cytokine regulation of iNOS were observed between murine and bovine macrophages cultured under identical conditions. The most striking difference was the inability of homologous IFN-gamma to induce iNOS both at the level of nitrite production and of mRNA expression in bovine macrophages. TNF-alpha, IL-2, and IL-1 alone or together with IFN-gamma neither induced iNOS nor primed bovine macrophages for enhanced iNOS expression or activity upon stimulation with S. dublin. RhuIL-4, but not rhuTGF-beta, down-regulated S. dublin-induced iNOS activity and mRNA expression in bovine macrophages. Thus, an enzyme with a high degree of homology to rodent iNOS is inducible by stimulation of bovine macrophages with bacteria, but induction and regulation by cytokines occur under more restricted conditions than in rodent macrophages.
Complement expression in human brain. Biosynthesis of terminal pathway components and regulators in human glial cells and cell lines.
Authors: Gasque P , Fontaine M , Morgan B P
Published: December 2022

C biosynthesis at extrahepatic sites remote from plasma C may be important in the protection of tissues against inflammation and infection but may also contribute to tissue injury. This latter possibility is particularly relevant in the central nervous system (CNS), where several cell types are susceptible to damage by C. We have previously shown that human astrocyte-derived tumor cell lines synthesize and secrete all of the components of the activation pathways of C. In this study, we demonstrate that these cells also produce the components (C6, C7, C8, and C9) and regulators (S-protein and clusterin) of the lytic terminal C pathway. The terminal components produced are hemolytically active, and secretion is markedly up-regulated by the inflammatory cytokine IFN-gamma. Primary human fetal astrocytes also expressed C6, C7, S-protein, and clusterin. The human monocyte/macrophage cell line, used here as a model for microglia, also produced all terminal components and regulators when appropriately stimulated. These studies raise the prospect of the intrathecal synthesis of a complete, functional C system and its regulators in the inflamed CNS. Intrathecal C synthesis may be important in the resolution of infection and inflammation but, given the C susceptibility of some CNS cell types, may also exacerbate damage in demyelination and neurodegeneration.
Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes store large amounts of terminal complement components C7 and C6, which may be released on stimulation.
Authors: Høgåsen A K , Würzner R , Abrahamsen T G , Dierich M P
Published: December 2022

Secretion of the C factors C7, C6, and C3 by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and PBMCs was studied by ELISA and immunoblot. The release of C7 and C6 by PMNs during 24 h of culture was 16-fold and 6-fold higher, respectively, than the C3 release, with median concentrations of 50.2 ng/ml, 18.3 ng/ml, and 3.1 ng/ml, respectively. In PBMC cultures, C release was considerably lower, and there was a different secretory pattern with a 6-fold higher release of C3 compared with C7 and C6. Stimulation with PMA led to a more rapid and complete secretion of the components to the culture media, whereas treatment with unopsonized Candida species did not affect the release. PMN release of C factors was not dependent on protein biosynthesis, and there was no indication of a selective uptake of C7 from serum as demonstrated by incubating PMNs from a subject with allotype C7 N in C7 M serum. Thus, the C components were probably produced by the PMNs or their bone marrow precursors before ex vivo culture. In cell lysates of freshly isolated cells, median C7, C6, and C3 contents of 1 x 10(7) PMNs were 149.7, 60.1, and 10.4 ng/ml, respectively, whereas the corresponding values for 1 x 10(7) PBMCs were 3.2, 2.6, and 14.6 ng/ml, respectively. The C6 and C7 were shown to incorporate into the terminal complement complex, and their molecular integrity was supported by identical m.w. to C6 and C7 present in normal serum. PMNs may represent a major source of C7 and C6 and may be more important than monocytes or macrophages in contributing terminal C components at a site of inflammation. This suggests a new role for the PMN as a C membrane attack modulator.
Prostanoid enhancement of interleukin-6 production by rat peritoneal mast cells.
Authors: Leal-Berumen I , O'Byrne P , Gupta A , Richards C D , Marshall J S
Published: December 2022

Mast cells are traditionally associated with an acute response involving the short-term release of mediators such as histamine. We have shown previously that mast cells can produce IL-6 without prior histamine release. In this study we examined the hypothesis that mast cell IL-6 production can be selectively regulated by PGs. Highly purified rat peritoneal mast cells were cultured in the presence of PGE1, PGE2, or PGD2 alone or in combination with anti-IgE or bacterial LPS. Histamine release was assessed after 10 min; IL-6 and TNF-alpha production was measured in supernatants after 18 h. Mast cell IL-6 production was induced by PGE1 and PGE2 to a similar level to that observed in anti-IgE-activated cells. In contrast, constitutive production of TNF-alpha was inhibited by PGE1 and PGE2, but not by PGD2. PGE2 had a synergistic effect, inducing IL-6 in the presence of LPS, whereas an additive effect was observed in the presence of anti-IgE. None of the prostanoids alone induced significant histamine release at the 10-min time point. However, PGE2 significantly increased histamine release when added concurrently with anti-IgE. Flurbiprofen in the context of anti-IgE or LPS activation did not alter mast cell IL-6 or TNF-alpha production. IL-6 production in response to each of the stimuli was significantly inhibited by the corticosteroid dexamethasone. These observations of selective modulation of mast cell cytokine production are important to understand the mechanisms by which mast cells interact with other cells during an inflammatory process involving prostanoid synthesis.
Periocular inflammation in mice with experimental systemic lupus erythematosus. A new experimental blepharitis and its modulation.
Authors: Chan C C , Gery I , Kohn L D , Nussenblatt R B , Mozes E , Singer D S
Published: December 2022

Experimental systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be induced in mice by immunization with a human monoclonal anti-DNA Ab, bearing a major Id 16/6Id. Immunized mice initially produce Abs to 16/6Id, DNA and nuclear Ags, and subsequently develop various clinical manifestations including leukopenia and renal immune complex disease. MHC class I Ags play a critical role in the induction and progression of experimental SLE. The present study reports that ocular changes also occur in mice with experimental SLE. The ocular disease is characterized by bilateral subacute and chronic inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis) with immune complex IgG deposition and hypertrophic meibomian glands. The severity of ocular changes was strain dependent: most severe in 129 mice, less intense in BALB/c animals and only minimal in C3H.SW mice. No blepharitis developed in mice deficient in MHC class I expression. Further, the disease was strongly inhibited in BALB/c mice treated with methimazole, an agent that has been shown to repress transcription of MHC class I. In these cases, there was no IgG deposition and a decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells in the eyelids. These observations thus suggest that, similar to the observation with experimental SLE, MHC class I is critical in the onset of this experimental autoimmune blepharitis. The new experimental eye disease described here provides an animal model for chronic blepharitis in humans, a common condition for which such a model has been sought.
Murine and human antibodies to native DNA that cross-react with the A and D SnRNP polypeptides cause direct injury of cultured kidney cells.
Authors: Koren E , Koscec M , Wolfson-Reichlin M , Ebling F M , Tsao B , Hahn B H , Reichlin M
Published: December 2022

Murine monoclonal and human affinity-purified Abs to native DNA (anti-nDNA) that cross-react with the A and D SnRNP polypeptides were analyzed for direct injurious effects against cultured pig kidney (PK15) cells under ordinary cell-culture conditions. Of the two murine nephritogenic Abs derived from NZB/NZW F1 mice (BWds1 and BWds3), BWds1 initially bound to the cell surface and subsequently penetrated into cells localizing in nuclei and cytoplasm. BWds3 was consistently and abundantly associated with the surface of live cells without penetration. In the presence of rabbit C, BWds3 caused massive cell lysis (85% dead cells) whereas BWds1 had only a modest lytic effect (24% dead cells). One of the nonpathogenic murine anti-nDNA Abs (5GD5) that did not cross-react with the A and D polypeptides showed no interaction with PK-15 cells and had no injurious effects. Affinity-purified autoantibodies to nDNA isolated from two SLE patients with high anti-nDNA titers and clinically active lupus nephritis showed properties similar to the murine mAbs. They both strongly cross-reacted with the A and D SnRNP polypeptides and interacted with live PK-15 cells. One of them (Cr) penetrated into live cells and localized within cytoplasm and nuclei whereas the other (Pe) bound mostly to the cell surface and caused significant cell lysis in the presence of C. Results of this study suggest that the nephritogenic murine anti-nDNA as well as subpopulations of human anti-nDNA Abs could exert their injurious influence through direct interactions with kidney cells using two different pathogenic mechanisms (i.e., C-mediated cytotoxicity and potential cell cycle dysfunctions. Interestingly, cross-reactivity of anti-nDNA Abs with the A and D SnRNP polypeptides appears to be a prerequisite for their direct pathogenicity.
Induction of experimental autoimmune sialoadenitis by immunization of PL/J mice with carbonic anhydrase II.
Authors: Nishimori I , Bratanova T , Toshkov I , Caffrey T , Mogaki M , Shibata Y , Hollingsworth M A
Published: December 2022

Experimental autoimmune sialoadenitis was induced in PL/J (H-2u) mice by intradermal immunization with human carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) and adjuvant containing monophosphoryl lipid A and trehalose diorynomycolate. Mice immunized with CAII showed a significant increase in the number and size of foci with lymphocytic infiltration in the salivary gland compared with mice immunized with adjuvant alone and untreated mice. In mice immunized with CAII, lymphocytic foci were observed around intercalated and intralobular ducts in the salivary glands, resulting in atrophy and replacement of acinar units. The epithelial cells of salivary ducts adjacent to the lymphocytic foci showed both degenerative and regenerative changes. Similar lymphocytic infiltrations were observed in the pancreas and kidney of a few mice immunized with CAII. Among several mouse strains with different H-2 haplotypes (p, q, r, s, and u), strains bearing H-2s and H-2u were susceptible to CAII-induced sialoadenitis. These results indicate that sialoadenitis induced by the immunization of CAII in mice may serve as a disease model of Sjögren's syndrome and that CAII or its derived peptides in association with the MHC may be one Ag recognized by an autoimmune response in this syndrome.
CD82, member of the tetra-span-transmembrane protein family, is a costimulatory protein for T cell activation.
Authors: Lebel-Binay S , Lagaudrière C , Fradelizi D , Conjeaud H
Published: December 2022

It is now well documented that full activation of T cells requires a two-signal triggering that can be mimicked, in the absence of accessory cells, by co-immobilization of mAbs directed to stimulatory/accessory molecules (CD2, CD3, CD28, adhesion molecules, etc.). In this report, we describe that engagement of CD82 can delivery such a costimulatory signal for full activation of the human T cell line Jurkat, leading to strong IL-2 production and cell differentiation. The CD82 Ag, which belongs to the new tetra-span-transmembrane family (CD9, CD37, CD53, CD63, and CD81 (TAPA-1)), has been identified originally in our laboratory for its enhanced expression on three LAK-susceptible cell lines, and has been characterized as an activation/differentiation marker of mononuclear cells. Jurkat cells, stimulated in vitro by co-immobilization of anti-CD82 and anti-CD3 mAbs, produced high levels of IL-2, became strongly adherent to plastic dishes, and developed dendritic processes. These morphologic changes, associated with a total arrest of cell proliferation, were not the result of cell death but rather of cell differentiation, as shown by an increase in their metabolic activity. Costimulation through both CD82 and CD3 induced up-regulation of both IL-2 and IFN-gamma mRNA synthesis (but not of IL-4) and an increased expression of HLA class I molecules at the cell surface, which was inhibited by anti-IFN-gamma Ab.
IL-12 inhibits the production of IL-4 and IL-10 in allergen-specific human CD4+ T lymphocytes.
Authors: Marshall J D , Secrist H , DeKruyff R H , Wolf S F , Umetsu D T
Published: December 2022

IL-12 influences cytokine synthesis in unprimed CD4+ T cells by enhancing IFN-gamma synthesis and enhancing the development of Th1 cells, but its effects upon Ag-primed T cells, which are thought to have relatively fixed cytokine profiles, is less clear. We investigated the capacity of IL-12 to modify cytokine synthesis in allergen-specific human CD4+ T lymphocytes from allergic donors after in vitro stimulation. CD4+ T cells were obtained from the peripheral blood of subjects with allergic rhinitis, depleted of activated T cells, and cultured with APCs and allergen. IL-12 dramatically inhibited the development of IL-4 and IL-10 synthesis, while it enhanced T cell secretion of IFN-gamma and IL-2, and enhanced Ag-specific T cell proliferation. The inhibitory effect of IL-12 on IL-4 synthesis was not dependent on the presence of IFN-gamma, was greatest when IL-12 was added at the initiation of culture, and was minimal when added late, indicating that resting memory CD4+ T cells were more sensitive than activated CD4+ T cells to the effects of IL-12. The effect of IL-12 on IL-4 and IL-10 synthesis was not dependent on the APC type, because IL-12 decreased IL-4 synthesis when either B cells or monocytes served as APCs. These results indicate that IL-12 may be therapeutically beneficial in the treatment of allergic diseases in which allergen-specific T cells characteristically produce enhanced quantities of IL-4 and IL-10.
Antigen-presenting T cells induce the development of cytotoxic CD4+ T cells. I. Involvement of the CD80-CD28 adhesion molecules.
Authors: Mauri D , Wyss-Coray T , Gallati H , Pichler W J
Published: December 2022

The development of cytotoxic CD4+ T lymphocytes that can kill target cells in a MHC class II-restricted manner was evaluated by comparing different APCs. B-lymphoblasts (B-LCL) pulsed with the superantigen staphylococcus enterotoxin B or allogeneic B-lymphoblasts induce CD4+ T cells without cytotoxic activity. In contrast, superantigen-pulsed, MHC class II+ T cell blasts or allogeneic T cell blasts preferentially induce the development of specific, MHC class II-restricted CD4+ cytotoxic effector cells. CD4+ T cell clones generated with T or B cell blasts as APCs (T- or B-APCs) differ in their cytolytic potential, but secrete a similar cytokine pattern. Our data implicate that activated T-APCs preferentially induce a cytotoxic, CD8+ and CD4+ T cell response. Because the density of CD80 expression is lower on activated T-APCs than on B-APCs, we studied the involvement of CD28 and CD80 adhesion molecules in the generation of CD4+ CTLs. Partial blockade of the CD80 molecule with a CTLA4-Ig fusion protein and with specific anti-CD80 mAbs on B-APCs enhanced the generation of CD4+ CTLs. Specific anti-CD86 mAbs, on the contrary, had no effect on the generation of CD4+ CTLs. In contrast, stimulation of CD28, the CD80 counter-receptor, with a cross-linked B7-Ig fusion protein or with an anti-CD28 mAb, inhibited the generation of CD4+ CTLs. Thus, a reduced interaction between CD80 and CD28 may be relevant for the induction of CD4+ CTLs. This shows a new and not yet described function of these adhesion molecules. This induction of a cytotoxic immune response by T cells as APCs may be relevant for the anticlonotypic regulation of T cells and for the depletion of CD4+ T cells in HIV infection.
B cell superstimulatory influenza virus activates peritoneal B cells.
Authors: Rott O , Charreire J , Mignon-Godefroy K , Cash E
Published: December 2022

We evaluated the potential of B cell "superstimulatory" influenza viruses to activate peritoneal B cells (PBC) from BALB/c mice containing both CD5+ and CD5- "sister" cells. Like conventional B cells, PBCs responded to influenza viruses in a hemagglutinin glycoprotein (HA) subtype-specific manner with proliferation and vigorous Ig synthesis. However, a number of HA subtypes that are highly stimulatory for conventional B cells failed to induce significant responses of PBC. Isotype-determination revealed a high predominance of IgM and only very low production of IgA and IgG. HA-activated CD5+ B cells showed a hyperexpression of various activation markers, including MHC class II, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (CD54), and B7-1 molecules. In contrast to conventional B cells, where activation by HA is antagonized by phorbol esters (PMA), HA and PMA acted synergistically on PBC, suggesting differential activation requirements of B-2 cells vs PBC in response to HA. Like HA stimulation of B-2 cells, virus-triggered proliferation of PBC was abrogated by a simultaneous treatment with F(ab')2 fragments of anti-Ig Ab and exhibited synergistic effects with LPS stimulation. HA-mediated proliferative responses of PBC, but not of B-2 cells, were positively controlled by various cytokines, including IL-4 and IL-10, and to a lesser extent by IL-6. In conclusion, our data present the first example of a stimulation of peritoneal B cells by a polyclonal-activating virus, findings that call for considering infections with polyclonal B cell-stimulatory viruses as a means of expanding the pool of potentially autoreactive CD5+ B cells.
Expression of CD45RB and CD27 identifies subsets of CD4+ memory T cells with different capacities to induce B cell differentiation.
Authors: Tortorella C , Schulze-Koops H , Thomas R , Splawski J B , Davis L S , Picker L J , Lipsky P E
Published: December 2022

The capacity of four subsets of CD4+ memory T cells, defined by expression of CD45RB and CD27, to provide help for B cells was examined. Larger amounts of Ig were induced by CD45RBdimCD27- cells compared with the CD45RBdimCD27+ population, whereas CD45RBbrightCD27+ or CD27- cells were poor inducers of Ig synthesis. Mitomycin C treatment, which prevents suppressive activity, markedly enhanced Ig production supported by each subset except for CD45RBbrightCD27- cells. Mitomycin C-treated CD45RBdim cells remained the most efficient inducers of Ig production, but no difference was detected between CD27+ and CD27- cells. The subsets also differed in their ability to proliferate and secrete cytokines, but these differences did not explain variations in the capacity to provide help for B cells. Both CD27- subsets exhibited decreased proliferation and uniquely secreted IL-4, with the CD45RBdimCD27- subset producing the greatest quantities of IL-4. No differences in IL-2 and IFN-gamma production were found. IL-10 secretion increased with the acquisition of the CD45RBdim phenotype and, within the CD45RBdim cells, with the loss of CD27. Staining for cytoplasmic cytokines indicated that individual populations of CD27-CD4+ helper T cells produced either IL-4 or IFN-gamma, whereas more than half of the IL-4 producers also synthesized IL-2. Finally, the different abilities of CD4+ memory T cell subsets to support B cell differentiation did not relate to variations in the expression of CD40 ligand. These results indicate that within the CD4+ memory T cell population an increase of helper activity associates with the shift from a CD45RBbright to a CD45RBdim phenotype. Within the CD45RBdim subset, the loss of CD27 is associated with a reduction of suppressive activity.
The extracellular neutral cysteine proteinase of Entamoeba histolytica degrades anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a.
Authors: Reed S L , Ember J A , Herdman D S , DiScipio R G , Hugli T E , Gigli I
Published: December 2022

We have shown previously that the extracellular cysteine proteinase of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites activates the alternative pathway of complement by specifically cleaving C3. This unique mechanism of complement activation leads to passive lysis of nonpathogenic, but not of pathogenic strains. In an attempt to investigate the relationship between the cleavage of complement components C3 and C5 and the pathogenesis of amebiasis, we investigated the production of the anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a, which have diverse effects on the host immune response. The concentration of proteinase required to cleave purified C5 was at least 5 to 10 times that needed for C3 cleavage, but these levels are easily obtainable as demonstrated by cleavage of 125I-labeled C5 during incubation with purified trophozoites. When the C3a-like cleavage fragments were purified by gel filtration, they were found to be extensively degraded during a 1-h incubation of C3 with the proteinase. Subsequent evaluations of the C3a- and C5a-like cleavage products generated earlier in the reaction using immunoblots and cellulose acetate electrophoresis revealed rapid degradation, even during incubation periods as short as 5 min. Because C-terminal fragments as small as 20 amino acid residues can mimic the biologic functions of C3a or C5a, we tested cleavage products for activity. In sensitive bioassays, including guinea pig platelet aggregation for C3a activity and chemotaxis for C5a activity, we demonstrated that proteolysis renders these molecules inactive. These studies suggest that the extracellular cysteine proteinase of E. histolytica, which is capable of activating the complement system, may also provide a mechanism to circumvent normal host immunity by inactivating the proinflammatory factors C3a and C5a.
Expression of functional receptors for human C5a anaphylatoxin (CD88) on the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. Stimulation of acute-phase protein-specific mRNA and protein synthesis by human C5a anaphylatoxin.
Authors: Buchner R R , Hugli T E , Ember J A , Morgan E L
Published: December 2022

Acute inflammation is characterized by increased production of acute phase proteins in the liver. The induction of the hepatocytic response is primarily mediated through soluble cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and transforming growth factor beta, which bind to specific cell surface receptors and regulate gene expression of acute-phase proteins. Hepatoma cell lines, such as HepG2, represent a model system for studying acute-phase protein synthesis. HepG2 is induced to produce a variety of acute-phase proteins, including alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, fibrinogen, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, and haptoglobin, upon stimulation with cytokines. Analysis of HepG2 by reverse transcriptase PCR indicated that this cell line synthesized mRNA specific for the human C5a receptor (CD88). Flow cytometric analysis of HepG2 cells indicated that these cells bound anti-CD88 Ab, thus confirming our RT-PCR data by demonstrating that these cells also express the C5a receptor. Because C5a has been shown to be a potent mediator of inflammation and HepG2 cells express CD88, we assessed the possibility that C5a was capable of stimulating acute-phase protein synthesis by HepG2 cells. The results indicate that binding of human C5a to CD88 on HepG2 cells resulted in an increased production of alpha 1-antitrypsin- and alpha 1-antichymotrypsin-specific mRNA as assayed by RT-PCR. Analysis of culture supernatants derived from C5a-stimulated HepG2 cells showed an increased production of alpha 1-antitrypsin as measured by solid-phase ELISA. alpha 1-antitrypsin production by HepG2 cells was a direct result of C5a stimulation as evidenced by the fact that anti-C5a receptor Ab inhibited the response. These results suggest that C5a may be an important mediator of APP production in the regulation of the inflammatory response.
Identification of complement regulatory domains in human factor H.
Authors: Gordon D L , Kaufman R M , Blackmore T K , Kwong J , Lublin D M
Published: December 2022

Factor H, a regulator of complement activation, contains 20 short consensus repeat (SCR) domains common among the family of C3b/C4b-binding proteins. Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with cDNA corresponding to the N-terminal tryptic fragment of factor H (containing SCR 1-5 and part of SCR 6) secreted protein with cofactor activity for factor I-dependent cleavage of C3b. A series of deletion mutants, each lacking one of the first five SCR, were constructed, and the supernatants of transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells were tested for cofactor activity. Supernatants of Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with SCR 1, SCR 4, and SCR 5 deletion mutants retained cofactor function, although the SCR 1 deletion had reduced cofactor activity. Deletion of SCR 2 or 3 totally abolished cofactor activity. Expression and functional analysis of SCR units 1-3, 2-3, and 2-4 demonstrated that the SCR 1-3 unit is sufficient for cofactor activity, but SCR 1-4 is required for full activity. For assays involving cell protection, a construct linking SCR 1-5 to the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchor of decay-accelerating factor was prepared, and stable transfectants were obtained. These cells were protected against complement-mediated cytotoxicity, similarly to decay-accelerating factor- and membrane cofactor protein-transfected cells. These studies define the complement regulatory domains in factor H and suggest that the general complement functional unit for C3 convertase regulation involves three or four consecutive SCR units.
A novel canine leukointegrin, alpha d beta 2, is expressed by specific macrophage subpopulations in tissue and a minor CD8+ lymphocyte subpopulation in peripheral blood.
Authors: Danilenko D M , Rossitto P V , Van der Vieren M , Le Trong H , McDonough S P , Affolter V K , Moore P F
Published: December 2022

The beta 2 or leukointegrin family is comprised of three structurally related leukocyte surface heterodimers: LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18), Mac-1/Mo-1 (CD11b/CD18), and p150,95 (CD11c/CD18). In this work, we describe a novel canine beta 2 (CD18)-associated leukointegrin, designated alpha d. Expression of alpha d in tissues was prominent in macrophages in splenic red pulp, lymph node medullary regions, and bone marrow. In peripheral blood, alpha d expression was limited to a minor subpopulation of CD8+ T cells, which included small lymphocytes and large granular lymphocytes. A minor subpopulation of either CD8+ or CD4-CD8- splenic red pulp lymphocytes also expressed alpha d. Immunoprecipitation of alpha d from canine splenocytes revealed a heterodimer of 155 kDa and 95 kDa. Prior clearance of splenocyte extracts with an anti-CD18 mAb resulted in complete removal of alpha d. In addition, prior clearance of canine splenocyte extracts with anti-CD11a, anti-CD11b, or anti-CD11c mAb failed to clear alpha d. These immunoclearance data indicated that canine alpha d was antigenically distinct from the three known CD11 molecules, and occurred as an alpha d beta 2 heterodimer. Amino acid sequencing of canine alpha d affinity isolated from spleen further suggested that canine alpha d beta 2 probably represented a fourth member of the canine leukointegrin family via its homology to a subsequently discovered, novel human leukointegrin, alpha d beta 2, which further supported the uniqueness of the canine protein. The discovery of canine alpha d, and the demonstration of its highly restricted cell and tissue distribution, support a re-evaluation of leukointegrin-dependent inflammatory and immunologic interactions that involve cells now known to express alpha d.
Lung macrophage uptake of unopsonized environmental particulates. Role of scavenger-type receptors.
Authors: Kobzik L
Published: December 2022

The receptors responsible for avid alveolar macrophage (AM) phagocytosis of unopsonized environmental particulates have not been well defined. This study used flow cytometry to quantitate the effects of a panel of soluble ligands for macrophage adhesion receptors on AM binding of unopsonized environmental dusts (titanium dioxide, TiO2; iron oxide, Fe2O3; alpha-quartz, SiO2; diesel engine exhaust dust) or fluorescent latex beads. Polyanionic ligands of the macrophage scavenger receptor (SR) for acetylated-LDL caused marked inhibition of AM binding of the oxide particles and latex beads (e.g., TiO2 binding; polyinosinic acid (polyl), 10 micrograms/ml: 70.2 +/- 1.5% inhibition, mean +/- SE, n = 11). In contrast, no inhibition was seen with the polyanions heparin and chondroitin sulfate (chond-S), or dextran, consistent with the known inhibitor profile of macrophage SRs for acetylated-LDL AM uptake of latex or SiO2 beads instilled into lungs of hamsters was inhibited by administration of polyl but not chondroitin sulfate (AM beads per cell: control, 6.1 +/- 0.7; polyl, 3.5 +/- 0.2; chond-S, 5.1 +/- 0.7, n > or = 4, p < 0.05 for control vs polyl) indicating macrophages SRs operate in vivo as well as in vitro. In contrast, AM binding of the carbonaceous diesel dust particles was not inhibited by any ligand tested. AM uptake of unopsonized TiO2, SR ligands or acetylated LDL caused no significant activation of AM respiratory burst or TNF production, consistent with past observations that opsonin-independent phagocytosis of inert particles by normal AMs is not accompanied by pro-inflammatory activation. These data implicate macrophage-type SRs in AM binding of charged environmental particles and indicate that distinct mechanisms mediate binding of carbonaceous dusts.
Leukocyte transmigration, but not rolling or adhesion, is selectively inhibited by dexamethasone in the hamster post-capillary venule. Involvement of endogenous lipocortin 1.
Authors: Mancuso F , Flower R J , Perretti M
Published: December 2022

This study investigates the effect of dexamethasone on leukocyte extravasation in the post-capillary venules of the hamster cheek pouch, using an intravital microscopy technique, and seeks to clarify the potential involvement of the steroid-inducible protein lipocortin 1. Topical application of FMLP (10 nmol), or substance P (10 nmol), to the superfused cheek pouch induced at the level of the post-capillary venules the three characteristic phenomena of leukocyte rolling, adhesion, and transmigration. Pretreatment of hamsters with an anti-inflammatory dose of dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) increased lipocortin 1 levels in circulating leukocytes as assessed by flow cytometry, but did not modify either leukocyte rolling or the number of adherent cells; however approximately 65% of the adherent leukocytes subsequently detached and returned to the blood stream, whereas those that entered into the diapedesis process exhibited a long latency (approximately three- to fourfold longer than in control animals) before transmigration. In hamsters passively immunized with a polyclonal anti-lipocortin 1 serum, leukocyte diapedesis started at similar times in both control and dexamethasone-treated animals, whereas a significant prolongation was observed in those animals treated with a non-immune sheep serum. These observations indicate that 1) lipocortin 1 is elevated in circulating leukocytes following dexamethasone treatment; 2) the step of leukocyte extravasation affected by dexamethasone in the actual transmigration process, and 3) this specific effect upon leukocyte diapedesis is mediated by endogenous lipocortin 1.
The activation of the Jak-STAT 1 signaling pathway by IL-5 in eosinophils.
Authors: Pazdrak K , Stafford S , Alam R
Published: December 2022

The intracellular signal transduction of IL-5 in eosinophils is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the involvement of the newly discovered Jak-STAT pathway in the IL-5 signal transduction mechanism. Eosinophils were purified from peripheral blood by discontinuous Percoll gradients and stimulated with IL-5. The involvement of Jak 2 was investigated by immunoprecipitation followed by immunoblotting for tyrosine phosphorylation. The activation of Jak 2 was studied by autophosphorylation of the immunoprecipitated kinase. Jak 2 was tyrosine phosphorylated within 1 to 3 min after stimulation of eosinophils with IL-5. Further, the immunoprecipitated Jak 2 obtained from IL-5-stimulated cells underwent autophosphorylation. Jak 2 coprecipitated with the beta-subunit of the IL-5 receptor, suggesting a physical association of the kinase with the receptor. The nuclear factor STAT-1 (p91) was investigated by immunoprecipitation followed by immunoblotting for tyrosine phosphorylation. STAT-1 was tyrosine phosphorylated within 15 min of IL-5 stimulation. The presence of STAT-1 in the nuclear extract was studied by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. IL-5 induced two proteins that bound to the gamma-activating sequence. In the presence of an anti-STAT-1 Ab, the band was supershifted. Thus, we demonstrated that IL-5 activated the Jak 2-STAT 1 signaling pathway in eosinophils. We speculate that the Jak 2-STAT 1 pathway may be involved in the activation of IL-5-inducible genes in eosinophils.