bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Programmed Death-1 Targeting Can Promote Allograft Survival
Authors: Özkaynak Engin , Wang Liqing , Goodearl Andrew , McDonald Kevin , Qin Shixin , O’Keefe Theresa , Duong Thao , Smith Tammy , Gutierrez-Ramos Jose-Carlos , Rottman James B. , Coyle Anthony J. , Hancock Wayne W.
Published: April 2014

The recently identified CD28 homolog and costimulatory molecule programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, which are homologs of B7, constitute an inhibitory regulatory pathway of potential therapeutic use in immune-mediated diseases. We examined the expression and functions of PD-1 and its ligands in experimental cardiac allograft rejection. In initial studies, we found that most normal tissues and cardiac isografts had minimal expression of PD-1, PD-L1, or PD-L2, but intragraft induction of all three molecules occurred during development of cardiac allograft rejection. Intragraft expression of all three genes was maintained despite therapy with cyclosporin A or rapamycin, but was prevented in the early posttransplant period by costimulation blockade using CD154 or anti-inducible costimulator mAb. We prepared PD-L1.Ig and PD-L2.Ig fusion proteins and showed that each bound to activated PD-1+ T cells and inhibited T cell functions in vitro, thereby allowing us to test the effects of PD-1 targeting on allograft survival in vivo. Neither agent alone modulated allograft rejection in wild-type recipients. However, use of PD-L1.Ig administration in CD28−/− recipients, or in conjunction with immunosuppression in fully MHC-disparate combinations, markedly prolonged cardiac allograft survival, in some cases causing permanent engraftment, and was accompanied by reduced intragraft expression of IFN-γ and IFN-γ-induced chemokines. PD-L1.Ig use also prevented development of transplant arteriosclerosis post-CD154 mAb therapy. These data show that when combined with limited immunosuppression, or in the context of submaximal TCR or costimulatory signals, targeting of PD-1 can block allograft rejection and modulate T and B cell-dependent pathologic immune responses in vivo.
Prevention of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Common Marmosets Using an Anti-IL-12p40 Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Brok Herbert P. M. , van Meurs Marjan , Blezer Erwin , Schantz Allen , Peritt David , Treacy George , Laman Jon D. , Bauer Jan , ’t Hart Bert A.
Published: April 2014

The experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model in the common marmoset approximates recognized features of the human disease multiple sclerosis (MS) with regard to its clinical presentation as well as neuropathological and radiological aspects of the lesions in brain and spinal cord. IL-12 is a proinflammatory cytokine that is produced by APC and promotes differentiation of Th1 effector cells. IL-12 is produced in the developing lesions of patients with MS as well as in EAE-affected animals. Previously it was shown that interference in IL-12 pathways effectively prevents EAE in rodents. In this study we report that in vivo neutralization of IL-12p40 using a novel Ab has beneficial effects in the myelin-induced EAE model in common marmosets. The Ab was injected i.v. at 7-day intervals starting well after immunization (day 14) and was continued until the end of the study (day 86). Stable levels of the Ab were measured 3 days after each injection throughout the study period. During this period anti-Ab responses could not be detected. We demonstrate that anti-IL-12p40 treatment has a protective effect on the neurological dysfunction as well as on neuropathological changes normally observed in the brain and spinal cord of EAE-affected individuals.
Antigen-Based Immunotherapy Drives the Precocious Development of Autoimmunity
Authors: Tian Jide , Olcott Angelica P. , Kaufman Daniel L.
Published: April 2014

During the development of type I diabetes mellitus in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, T cell autoimmunity gradually spreads among β cell Ags. Little is known about how autoantigen-based immunotherapies affect this spreading hierarchy. We treated newborn NOD mice with different autoantigenic β cell peptides (in adjuvant) and characterized their T cell responses at 4 wk of age, when autoimmunity is usually just beginning to arise to a few β cell Ag determinants. Surprisingly, we found that regardless of whether an early, or late target determinant was administered, autoimmunity had already arisen to all tested β cell autoantigen determinants, far in advance of when autoimmunity would have naturally arisen to these determinants. Thus, rather than limiting the loss of self-tolerance, immunotherapy caused the natural spreading hierarchy to be bypassed and autoreactivities to develop precociously. Evidently, young NOD mice have a broad array of β cell-reactive T cells whose activation/expansion can occur rapidly after treatment with a single β cell autoantigen. Notably, the precocious autoreactivities were Th2 type, with the exception that a burst of precocious Th1 responses was also induced to the injected autoantigen and there were always some Th1 responses to glutamic acid decarboxylase. Similarly treated type 1 diabetes mellitus-resistant mouse strains developed Th2 responses only to the injected Ag. Thus, autoantigen administration can induce a cascade of autoimmune responses in healthy (preautoimmune) mice that are merely genetically susceptible to spontaneous autoimmune disease. Such phenomena have not been observed in experimental autoimmune disease models and may have important clinical implications.
Split Tolerance in a Novel Transgenic Model of Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Stacy Sue , Gelb Bruce E. , Koop Barbara A. , Windle Jolene J. , Wall Katherine A. , Krolick Keith A. , Infante Anthony J. , Kraig Ellen
Published: April 2014

Because it is one of the few autoimmune disorders in which the target autoantigen has been definitively identified, myasthenia gravis (MG) provides a unique opportunity for testing basic concepts of immune tolerance. In most MG patients, Abs against the acetylcholine receptors (AChR) at the neuromuscular junction can be readily identified and have been directly shown to cause muscle weakness. T cells have also been implicated and appear to play a role in regulating the pathogenic B cells. A murine MG model, generated by immunizing mice with heterologous AChR from the electric fish Torpedo californica, has been used extensively. In these animals, Abs cross-react with murine AChR; however, the T cells do not. Thus, to study tolerance to AChR, a transgenic mouse model was generated in which the immunodominant Torpedo AChR (T-AChR) α subunit is expressed in appropriate tissues. Upon immunization, these mice showed greatly reduced T cell responses to T-AChR and the immunodominant α-chain peptide. Limiting dilution assays suggest the likely mechanism of tolerance is deletion or anergy. Despite this tolerance, immunization with intact T-AChR induced anti-AChR Abs, including Abs against the α subunit, and the incidence of MG-like symptoms was similar to that of wild-type animals. Furthermore, evidence suggests that this B cell response to the α-chain receives help from T cells directed against the other AChR polypeptides (β, γ, or δ). This model offers a novel opportunity to elucidate mechanisms of tolerance regulation to muscle AChR and to clarify the role of T cells in MG.
Increased Nonobese Diabetic Th1:Th2 (IFN-γ:IL-4) Ratio Is CD4+ T Cell Intrinsic and Independent of APC Genetic Background
Authors: Koarada Syuichi , Wu Yuehong , Olshansky Grace , Ridgway William M.
Published: April 2014

Autoreactive CD4+ T cells play a major role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. We recently showed that the non-MHC genetic background controlled enhanced entry into the IFN-γ pathway by NOD vs B6.G7 T cells. In this study, we demonstrate that increased IFN-γ, decreased IL-4, and decreased IL-10 production in NOD T cells is CD4 T cell intrinsic. NOD CD4+ T cells purified and stimulated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 Abs generated greater IFN-γ, less IL-4, and less IL-10 than B6.G7 CD4+ T cells. The same results were obtained in purified NOD.H2b vs B6 CD4+ T cells, demonstrating that the non-MHC NOD genetic background controlled the cytokine phenotype. Moreover, the increased IFN-γ:IL-4 cytokine ratio was independent of the genetic background of APCs, since NOD CD4+ T cells generated increased IFN-γ and decreased IL-4 compared with B6.G7 CD4+ T cells, regardless of whether they were stimulated with NOD or B6.G7 APCs. Cell cycle analysis showed that the cytokine differences were not due to cycle/proliferative differences between NOD and B6.G7, since stimulated CD4+ T cells from both strains showed quantitatively identical entry into subsequent cell divisions (shown by CFSE staining), although NOD cells showed greater numbers of IFN-γ-positive cells with each subsequent cell division. Moreover, 7-aminoactinomycin D and 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine analysis showed indistinguishable entry into G0/G1, S, and G2/M phases of the cell cycle for both NOD and B6.G7 CD4+ cells, with both strains generating IFN-γ predominantly in the S phase. Therefore, the NOD cytokine effector phenotype is CD4+ T cell intrinsic, genetically controlled, and independent of cell cycle machinery.
Rapid Induction of Apoptosis in CD8+ HIV-1 Envelope-Specific Murine CTLs by Short Exposure to Antigenic Peptide
Authors: Takahashi Megumi , Osono Eiichi , Nakagawa Yohko , Wang Jian , Berzofsky Jay A. , Margulies David H. , Takahashi Hidemi
Published: April 2014

During primary viral infection, in vivo exposure to high doses of virus causes a loss of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells. This phenomenon, termed clonal exhaustion, and other mechanisms by which CTLs are deleted are poorly understood. Here we show evidence for a novel form of cell death in which recently stimulated CD8+ HIV-1 envelope gp160-specific murine CTLs become apoptotic in vitro after brief exposure to free antigenic peptide (P18-I10). Peak apoptosis occurred within 3 h of treatment with peptide, and the level of apoptosis was dependent on both the time after initial stimulation with target cells and the number of targets. Using T cell-specific H-2Dd/P18-I10 tetramers, we observed that the apoptosis was induced by such complexes. Induction of apoptosis was blocked by cyclosporin A, a caspase 3 inhibitor, and a mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, but not by Abs to either Fas ligand or to TNF-α. Thus, these observations suggest the existence of a Fas- or TNF-α-independent pathway initiated by TCR signaling that is involved in the rapid induction of CTL apoptosis. Such a pathway may prove important in the mechanism by which virus-specific CTLs are deleted in the presence of high viral burdens.
Ongoing In Vivo Immunoglobulin Class Switch DNA Recombination in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia B Cells
Authors: Cerutti Andrea , Zan Hong , Kim Edmund C. , Shah Shefali , Schattner Elaine J. , Schaffer András , Casali Paolo
Published: April 2014

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) results from the expansion of malignant CD5+ B cells that usually express IgD and IgM. These leukemic cells can give rise in vivo to clonally related IgG+ or IgA+ elements. The requirements and modalities of this process remain elusive. Here we show that leukemic B cells from 14 of 20 CLLs contain the hallmarks of ongoing Ig class switch DNA recombination (CSR), including extrachromosomal switch circular DNAs and circle transcripts generated by direct Sμ→Sγ, Sμ→Sα, and Sμ→Sε as well as sequential Sγ→Sα and Sγ→Sε CSR. Similar CLL B cells express transcripts for activation-induced cytidine deaminase, a critical component of the CSR machinery, and contain germline IH-CH and mature VHDJH-CH transcripts encoded by multiple Cγ, Cα, and Cε genes. Ongoing CSR occurs in only a fraction of the CLL clone, as only small proportions of CD5+CD19+ cells express surface IgG or IgA and lack IgM and IgD. In vivo class-switching CLL B cells down-regulate switch circles and circle transcripts in vitro unless exposed to exogenous CD40 ligand and IL-4. In addition, CLL B cells that do not class switch in vivo activate the CSR machinery and secrete IgG, IgA, or IgE upon in vitro exposure to CD40 ligand and IL-4. These findings indicate that in CLL at least some members of the malignant clone actively differentiate in vivo along a pathway that induces CSR. They also suggest that this process is elicited by external stimuli, including CD40 ligand and IL-4, provided by bystander immune cells.
The Role of FcγR Signaling in the K/B × N Serum Transfer Model of Arthritis
Authors: Corr Maripat , Crain Brian
Published: April 2014

Spontaneous arthritis in the KRN transgenic mouse (K/BxN) model is due to the autoreactivity of the transgenic TCR and subsequent induction of autoantibodies directed against glucose-6-phosphate isomerase. These autoantibodies transfer clinically apparent arthritis into most recipient mouse strains and systemic catabolism of the transferred Abs attenuates paw swelling. Although mice deficient in the common γ-chain of the FcγR did not show clinical synovitis after receiving K/BxN sera, erosive lesions in the bone still developed. Further analysis demonstrated that FcγRII−/− mice manifested accelerated arthritis whereas the FcγRIII−/− mice had a more slowly progressing arthritis. Paw swelling required FcγR expression by bone marrow-derived cells and mast cells substantially contributed to the acute phase of paw swelling. In the K/BxN serum transfer model of arthritis, there is a clinically apparent acute phase, which is modulated by FcγRII and FcγRIII, and a subacute component, which results in bone erosion, even in the absence of FcγR signaling.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Synoviocyte Survival Is Dependent on Stat3
Authors: Krause Anja , Scaletta Nicholas , Ji Jong-Dae , Ivashkiv Lionel B.
Published: April 2014

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fibroblasts (SFs) are relatively resistant to apoptosis and exhibit dysregulated growth secondary to production of autocrine-acting growth factors and the accumulation of cell-autonomous defects. Many of the cytokines and growth factors expressed during RA synovitis, including IL-6, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and platelet-derived growth factor, activate the transcription factor Stat3 that has been implicated in promoting cell growth and survival. We analyzed the role of Stat3 in mediating the abnormal growth and survival properties of RA synoviocytes using retroviral-mediated gene transfer of a dominant negative mutant of Stat3, termed Stat3-YF. Approximately 3- to 5-fold overexpression of Stat3-YF effectively blocked endogenous Stat3 activation and Stat3-dependent gene expression, including expression of the socs3 and myc genes. Stat3-YF-transduced RA synoviocytes failed to grow in culture, exhibited markedly diminished [3H]thymidine incorporation (>90% decreased), and died spontaneously. Cell death occurred by apoptosis, as confirmed by annexin V staining, propidium iodide exclusion, and identification of cells with subdiploid levels of DNA. In marked contrast to control cells, EGF accelerated death of Stat3-YF-transduced SFs, such that >90% of cells were dead within 24–48 h of transduction. These results indicate that ablation of Stat3 function converts EGF from a growth/survival factor for RA synoviocytes to a death factor. Stat3-YF also induced apoptosis in osteoarthritis synoviocytes, and levels of apoptosis were increased by exogenous EGF. Apoptosis in Stat3-YF-transduced osteoarthritis synoviocytes was suppressed when Stat1 activity was blocked using a dominant negative Stat1 mutant. Our results identify Stat3 as an important molecule for RA SF survival, and suggest that Stat3 may represent a good target for gene therapy.
The Natural Autoantibody Repertoire of Nonobese Diabetic Mice Is Highly Active
Authors: Thomas James W. , Kendall Peggy L. , Mitchell Holly G.
Published: April 2014

Analysis of spontaneous hybridomas generated from nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice indicates that the natural autoantibody repertoire of NOD mice is highly active compared with C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. This property of increased B cell activity is present early in life (4 wk) and persists in older mice of both sexes. Even when selected for binding to a prototypic β cell Ag, such as insulin, NOD mAb have characteristics of natural autoantibodies that include low avidity and broad specificity for multiple Ags. Analyses of the variable region of Ig H chain (VH) and variable region κ L chain genes expressed by six insulin binding mAb show that V gene segments are often germline encoded and are identical with those used by autoantibodies, especially anti-dsDNA, from systemic autoimmune disease in MRL, NZB/W, and motheaten mice. VH genes used by four mAb are derived from the large J558 family and two mAb use VH7183 and VHQ52 genes. The third complementarity-determining region of Ig H chain of these mAb have limited N segment diversity, and some mAb contain DNA segments indicative of gene replacement. Genetic abnormalities in the regulation of self-reactive B cells may be a feature that is shared between NOD and conventional systemic autoimmune disorders. In NOD, the large pool of self-reactive B cells may fuel autoimmune β cell destruction by facilitating T-B cell interactions, as evidenced by the identification of one mAb that has undergone Ag-driven somatic hypermutation.
Differential MHC Class II-Mediated Presentation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Autoantigens by Human Dendritic Cells and Macrophages
Authors: Tsark Eleanor C. , Wang Wei , Teng Yu-Chin , Arkfeld Daniel , Dodge George R. , Kovats Susan
Published: April 2014

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by synovial joint infiltration of activated CD4+ T cells and MHC class II+ APC, and is linked to specific HLA-DR alleles. Candidate autoantigens in synovial fluid and cartilage include type II collagen (CII) and cartilage gp39 (HCgp39). Using preparations of native Ag and T cells derived from Ag-immunized DR4-transgenic mice, we determined that human ex vivo differentiated DR4+ dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages (Mφ) can mediate MHC class II presentation of CII or HCgp39 epitopes. The form of the Ag (soluble, partially degraded, or particulate) delivered to the APC influenced its presentation by DC and Mφ. DC efficiently presented partially degraded, but not native CII α-chains, while Mφ presentation was most efficient after phagocytosis of bead-conjugated CII. Both DC and Mφ presented soluble HCgp39, and activated Mφ from some donors presented epitopes derived from endogenously synthesized HCgp39. When synovial fluid from rheumatoid arthritis patients was used as a source of Ag, DC presentation of HCgp39 and CII epitopes was efficient, indicating that synovial fluid contains soluble forms of CII and HCgp39 amenable to internalization, processing, and presentation. These data support the hypothesis that CII and HCgp39 are autoantigens and that their class II-mediated presentation by DC and Mφ to T cells in vivo has a critical role in the pathogenesis of human rheumatoid arthritis.
Essential Role of NF-κB-Inducing Kinase in T Cell Activation Through the TCR/CD3 Pathway
Authors: Matsumoto Mitsuru , Yamada Takuji , Yoshinaga Steven K. , Boone Tom , Horan Tom , Fujita Shigeru , Li Yi , Mitani Tasuku
Published: April 2014

NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) is involved in lymphoid organogenesis in mice through lymphotoxin-β receptor signaling. To clarify the roles of NIK in T cell activation through TCR/CD3 and costimulation pathways, we have studied the function of T cells from aly mice, a strain with mutant NIK. NIK mutant T cells showed impaired proliferation and IL-2 production in response to anti-CD3 stimulation, and these effects were caused by impaired NF-κB activity in both mature and immature T cells; the impaired NF-κB activity in mature T cells was also associated with the failure of maintenance of activated NF-κB. In contrast, responses to costimulatory signals were largely retained in aly mice, suggesting that NIK is not uniquely coupled to the costimulatory pathways. When NIK mutant T cells were stimulated in the presence of a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, proliferative responses were abrogated more severely than in control mice, suggesting that both NIK and PKC control T cell activation in a cooperative manner. We also demonstrated that NIK and PKC are involved in distinct NF-κB activation pathways downstream of TCR/CD3. These results suggest critical roles for NIK in setting the threshold for T cell activation, and partly account for the immunodeficiency in aly mice.
CD40 Ligand and CTLA-4 Are Reciprocally Regulated in the Th1 Cell Proliferative Response Sustained by CD8+ Dendritic Cells
Authors: Fallarino Francesca , Grohmann Ursula , Vacca Carmine , Bianchi Roberta , Fioretti Maria C. , Puccetti Paolo
Published: April 2014

Subsets of murine dendritic cells (DCs) from the spleen differ in their ability to induce proliferative responses in both primary and secondary CD4+ T cells. Recent evidence indicates that lymphoid-related CD8+ DCs fail to provide appropriate signals to freshly isolated secondary CD4+ T cells to sustain their proliferation in vitro. In the present study, we examined peptide-pulsed CD8− and CD8+ DCs for ability to stimulate Th1 and Th2 cell clones with the same Ag specificity. Defective ability to induce proliferation was selectively shown by CD8+ DCs presenting Ag to the Th1 clone. The deficiency in CD8+ DCs was overcome by CD40 triggering before peptide pulsing. When exposed to CD8+ DCs in the absence of CD40 activation, the Th1 clone expressed low levels of CD40 ligand and high levels of surface CTLA-4. Neutralization of CTLA-4 during the DC/T cell coculture resulted in increased CD40 ligand expression and proliferation of T cells. Remarkably, the activation of CD40 on DCs under conditions that would increase Th1 cell proliferation, also resulted in down-regulation of surface CTLA-4. These results confirm differential effects of CD8+ and CD8− DCs in the stimulation of Ag-primed Th cells. In addition, they suggest that reciprocal regulation of CD40 ligand and CTLA-4 expression occurs in Th1 cells exposed to CD8+ DCs.
Immune Surveillance and Effector Functions of CCR10+ Skin Homing T Cells
Authors: Hudak Susan , Hagen Michael , Liu Ying , Catron Daniel , Oldham Elizabeth , McEvoy Leslie M. , Bowman Edward P.
Published: April 2014

Skin homing T cells carry memory for cutaneous Ags and play an important sentinel and effector role in host defense against pathogens that enter via the skin. CCR10 is a chemokine receptor that is preferentially expressed among blood leukocytes by a subset of memory CD4 and CD8 T cells that coexpress the skin-homing receptor cutaneous lymphocyte Ag (CLA), but not the gut-homing receptor α4β7. Homing and chemokine receptor coexpression studies detailed in this study suggest that the CLA+/CCR10+ memory CD4 T cell population contains members that have access to both secondary lymphoid organ and skin compartments; and therefore, can act as both “central” and “effector” memory T cells. Consistent with this effector phenotype, CLA+/CCR10+ memory CD4 T cells from normal donors secrete TNF and IFN-γ but minimal IL-4 and IL-10 following in vitro stimulation. Interactions of CCR10 and its skin-associated ligand CC ligand 27 may play an important role in facilitating memory T cell entry into cutaneous sites during times of inflammation.
Green Fluorescent Protein-Glucocorticoid Receptor Knockin Mice Reveal Dynamic Receptor Modulation During Thymocyte Development
Authors: Brewer Judson A. , Sleckman Barry P. , Swat Wojciech , Muglia Louis J.
Published: April 2014

To delineate the cellular targets and mechanisms by which glucocorticoids (GCs) exert their actions, we generated mice in which a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-GC receptor (GR) fusion gene is knocked into the GR locus. In these mice, the GFP-GR protein, which is functionally indistinguishable from endogenous GR, allows the tracking and quantitation of GR expression in single living cells. In GFP-GR thymus, GR expression is uniform among embryonic thymocyte subpopulations but gradually matures over a 3-wk period after birth. In the adult, GR is specifically induced to high levels in CD25+CD4−CD8− thymocytes and returns to basal levels in CD4+CD8+ thymocytes of wild-type and positively selecting female HY TCR-transgenic mice, but not negatively selecting male HY TCR-transgenic mice. In GFP-GR/recombinase-activating gene 2−/− thymocytes, GR expression is down-regulated by pre-TCR complex stimulation. Additionally, relative GR expression is dissociated from GC-induced apoptosis in vivo. Results from these studies define differential GR expression throughout ontogeny, suggest pre-TCR activation as a specific mechanism of GR down-regulation, define immature CD8+ thymocytes as novel apoptosis-sensitive GC targets, and separate receptor abundance from susceptibility to apoptosis across thymocyte populations.
Regulation of Class II MHC Expression in APCs: Roles of Types I, III, and IV Class II Transactivator
Authors: Pai Rish K. , Askew David , Boom W. Henry , Harding Clifford V.
Published: April 2014

Class II transactivator (CIITA) is necessary for expression of class II MHC (MHC-II) molecules. In mice, CIITA expression is regulated by three promoters (pI, pIII, and pIV), producing types I, III, and IV CIITA. The relative roles of different CIITA types remain unclear. Unstimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages expressed low levels of CIITA mRNA; type I CIITA was nine times more abundant than type IV (type III CIITA was barely detected). Exposure to IFN-γ (6 h) dramatically increased types I and IV CIITA mRNA to similar absolute levels. Type IV CIITA declined over time, but type I was stable for over 72 h. Thus, the dominant form of CIITA evolved with time during activation by IFN-γ, and type I CIITA explained prolonged expression of MHC-II by macrophages. mRNA half-life was shorter for type I than type IV CIITA, suggesting that sustained transcription contributed to stable expression of type I CIITA induced by IFN-γ. Splenic B cells expressed mRNA for type III CIITA but very little for types I or IV. Treatment with IL-4 increased surface expression of MHC-II protein, but mRNA for MHC-II and CIITA (total, I, III, and IV) remained unchanged, suggesting posttranslational regulation. Splenic dendritic cells expressed type I CIITA but little type III or IV; CpG DNA induced their maturation and decreased types I and III CIITA, consistent with decreased MHC-II protein synthesis. CIITA types differ in regulation in various APCs under different stimuli, and the predominant type of CIITA varies at different stages of APC activation.
Critical Role of NK Cells Rather Than Vα14+NKT Cells in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Lethal Shock in Mice
Authors: Emoto Masashi , Miyamoto Mamiko , Yoshizawa Izumi , Emoto Yoshiko , Schaible Ulrich E. , Kita Eiji , Kaufmann Stefan H. E.
Published: April 2014

Although macrophages play a central role in the pathogenesis of septic shock, NK1+ cells have also been implicated. NK1+ cells comprise two major populations, namely NK cells and Vα14+NKT cells. To assess the relative contributions of these NK1+ cells to LPS-induced shock, we compared the susceptibility to LPS-induced shock of β2-microglobulin (β2m)−/− mice that are devoid of Vα14+NKT cells, but not NK cells, with that of wild-type (WT) mice. The results show that β2m−/− mice were more susceptible to LPS-induced shock than WT mice. Serum levels of IFN-γ following LPS challenge were significantly higher in β2m−/− mice, and endogenous IFN-γ neutralization or in vivo depletion of NK1+ cells rescued β2m−/− mice from lethal effects of LPS. Intracellular cytokine staining revealed that NK cells were major IFN-γ producers. The Jα281−/− mice that are exclusively devoid of Vα14+NKT cells were slightly more susceptible to LPS-induced shock than heterozygous littermates. Hence, LPS-induced shock can be induced in the absence of Vα14+NKT cells and IFN-γ from NK cells is involved in this mechanism. In WT mice, hierarchic contribution of different cell populations appears likely.
Characterization of Thrombin-Induced Leukocyte Rolling and Adherence: A Potential Proinflammatory Role for Proteinase-Activated Receptor-4
Authors: Vergnolle Nathalie , Derian Claudia K. , D’Andrea Michael R. , Steinhoff Martin , Andrade-Gordon Patricia
Published: April 2014

It is commonly accepted that thrombin exerts its proinflammatory properties through the activation of proteinase-activated receptor (PAR)-1, although two other thrombin receptors have been discovered: PAR-3 and PAR-4. In this study, we have investigated the mechanisms and the receptors involved in thrombin-induced leukocyte/endothelial cell interactions by using selective agonists and antagonists of thrombin receptors in an in vivo intravital microscopy system. Topical addition of selective PAR-1 agonists to rat mesenteric venules failed to reproduce the increased leukocyte rolling and adhesion observed after thrombin topical addition. When added together with the selective PAR-1 antagonist RWJ-56110, thrombin was still able to provoke increased leukocyte rolling and adherence. The thrombin-induced leukocyte rolling and adherence was not affected by pretreatment of rats with an anti-platelet serum. Selective PAR-4-activating peptide was able to reproduce the effects of thrombin on leukocyte rolling and adhesion. Intraperitoneal injection of PAR-4-activating peptide also caused a significant increase in leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity. In rat tissues, PAR-4 expression was detected both on endothelium and isolated leukocytes. Taken together, these results showed that in rat mesenteric venules, thrombin exerts proinflammatory properties inducing leukocyte rolling and adherence, by a mechanism independent of PAR-1 activation or platelet activation. However, PAR-4 activation either on endothelial cells or on leukocytes might be responsible for the thrombin-induced effects. These findings suggest that PAR-4 activation could contribute to several early events in the inflammatory reaction, including leukocyte rolling, adherence and recruitment, and that in addition to PAR-1, PAR-4 could be involved in proinflammatory properties of thrombin.
Functional Activation of the Formyl Peptide Receptor by a New Endogenous Ligand in Human Lung A549 Cells
Authors: Rescher Ursula , Danielczyk Antje , Markoff Arseni , Gerke Volker
Published: April 2014

The formyl peptide receptor (FPR), a heptahelical G protein-coupled receptor on phagocytic leukocytes, can be triggered by bacterially derived oligopeptides of the prototype fMLP. Although FPR expression and activation have been associated with cells of myeloid origin and bacterial inflammation, the receptor has recently been identified in nonmyeloid cells, thus suggesting additional physiological functions and the existence of an endogenous agonist. In this study, we demonstrate the presence and functional activation of the FPR in the human lung cell line A549, which represents an extrahepatic model for the regulation of acute-phase proteins. Activation of the FPR in A549 cells cannot only be triggered by fMLP, but also by an agonistic peptide of the recently identified endogenous FPR ligand, annexin 1. In addition to inducing changes in the F-actin content, annexin 1-mediated triggering of the FPR results in an increased expression of acute-phase proteins. Hence, activation of nonmyeloid FPR by its endogenous ligand annexin 1 could participate in the regulation of acute-phase responses, e.g., during inflammation and/or wound healing.
Intrathecal Fas Ligand Infusion Strengthens Immunoprivilege of Central Nervous System and Suppresses Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Zhu Bing , Luo Liqing , Chen Yongliang , Paty Donald W. , Cynader Max S.
Published: April 2014

Fas ligand (FasL) is an essential molecule strongly expressed in some immunoprivileged sites, but is expressed at very low levels in normal CNS. In this study, acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in Lewis rats with guinea pig myelin basic protein. Intrathecal infusion of recombinant FasL before EAE onset dose dependently suppressed acute EAE and alleviated pathological inflammation in lumbosacral spinal cord. This treatment greatly increased apoptosis in CNS inflammatory cells, but did not inhibit systemic immune response to myelin basic protein. Systemic administration of a similar dose of rFasL was ineffective. In vitro, encephalitogenic T cells were highly sensitive to rFasL-induced cell death, and activated macrophages were also susceptible. In addition, in vitro rFasL treatment potentiated the immunosuppressive property of rat cerebrospinal fluid. We conclude that intrathecal infusion of rFasL eliminated the initial wave of infiltrating T cells and macrophages, and therefore blocked the later recruitment of inflammatory cells into CNS. Although Fas receptor expression was observed on spinal cord neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, no damage to these cells or to the myelin structure was detected after rFasL infusion.
Interacting Quantitative Trait Loci Control Loss of Peripheral Tolerance and Susceptibility to Autoimmune Ovarian Dysgenesis After Day 3 Thymectomy in Mice
Authors: Roper Randall J. , Ma Runlin Z. , Biggins Julia E. , Butterfield Russell J. , Michael Sandra D. , Tung Kenneth S. K. , Doerge Rebecca W. , Teuscher Cory
Published: April 2014

Day 3 thymectomy (D3Tx) results in a loss of peripheral tolerance mediated by CD4+CD25+ T cells and the development of autoimmune ovarian dysgenesis (AOD) in A/J and (C57BL/6J × A/J)F1 (B6AF1) hybrids but not in C57BL/6J mice. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) linkage analysis using a B6AF1 × C57BL/6J backcross population verified Aod1 and Aod2 that were previously mapped as qualitative traits. Additionally, three new QTL intervals, Aod3, Aod4, and Aod5, on chromosomes 1, 2, and 7, respectively, influencing specific subphenotypes of AOD were identified. QTL linkage analysis using the A × B and B × A recombinant inbred lines verified Aod3 and confirmed linkage to H2. Aod5 colocalized with Mater, an ovarian-specific autoantigen recognized by anti-ovarian autoantibodies in the sera of D3Tx mice. Sequence analysis of Mater identified allelic, strain-specific splice variants between A/J and C57BL/6J mice making it an attractive candidate gene for Aod5. Interaction analysis revealed significant epistatic effects between Aod1–5 and Gasa2, a locus associated with susceptibility to D3Tx-induced autoimmune gastritis, as well as with H2. These results indicate that the QTL controlling D3Tx-induced autoimmune phenomenon are both organ specific and more generalized in their effects with respect to the genesis and activity of the immunoregulatory mechanisms maintaining peripheral tolerance.
Cutting Edge: A Murine, IL-12-Independent Pathway of IFN-γ Induction by Gram-Negative Bacteria Based on STAT4 Activation by Type I IFN and IL-18 Signaling
Authors: Freudenberg Marina A. , Merlin Thomas , Kalis Christoph , Chvatchko Yolande , Stübig Hella , Galanos Chris
Published: April 2014

IFN-αβ is a potent immunoregulatory cytokine involved in the defense against viral and bacterial infections. In this study, we describe an as yet undefined IFN-αβ-dependent pathway of IFN-γ induction in mice. This pathway is based on a synergism of IFN-αβ and IL-18, and is independent of IL-12 signaling yet dependent on STAT4. In contradiction to current dogma, we show further that IFN-αβ alone induces tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT4 in murine splenocytes of different mouse strains. This pathway participates in the induction of IFN-γ by Gram-negative bacteria and is therefore expected to play a role whenever IFN-α or IFN-β and IL-18 are produced concomitantly during bacterial, viral, or other infections.
Messenger RNA Electroporation of Human Monocytes, Followed by Rapid In Vitro Differentiation, Leads to Highly Stimulatory Antigen-Loaded Mature Dendritic Cells
Authors: Ponsaerts Peter , Van den Bosch Glenn , Cools Nathalie , Van Driessche Ann , Nijs Griet , Lenjou Marc , Lardon Filip , Van Broeckhoven Christine , Van Bockstaele Dirk R. , Berneman Zwi N. , Van Tendeloo Viggo F. I.
Published: April 2014

Dendritic cells (DC) are professional Ag-capturing and -presenting cells of the immune system. Because of their exceptional capability of activating tumor-specific T cells, cancer vaccination research is now shifting toward the formulation of a clinical human DC vaccine. We developed a short term and serum-free culture protocol for rapid generation of fully mature, viable, and highly stimulatory CD83+ DC. Human monocytes were cultured for 24 h in serum-free AIM-V medium, followed by 24-h maturation by polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid (polyI:C). Short term cultured, polyI:C-maturated DC, far more than immature DC, showed typical mature DC markers and high allogeneic stimulatory capacity and had high autologous stimulatory capacity in an influenza model system using peptide-pulsed DC. Electroporation of mRNA as an Ag-loading strategy in these cells was optimized using mRNA encoding the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Monocytes electroporated with EGFP mRNA, followed by short term, serum-free differentiation to mature DC, had a phenotype of DC, and all showed positive EGFP fluorescence. Influenza matrix protein mRNA-electroporated monocytes cultured serum-free and maturated with polyI:C showed high stimulatory capacity in autologous T cell activation experiments. In conclusion, the present short term and serum-free ex vivo DC culture protocol in combination with mRNA electroporation at the monocyte stage imply an important reduction in time and consumables for preparation of Ag-loaded mature DC compared with classical DC culture protocols and might find application in clinical immunotherapy settings.
Cytokine Control of Memory B Cell Homing Machinery
Authors: Roy Meenakshi P. , Kim Chang H. , Butcher Eugene C.
Published: April 2014

The germinal center (GC) is a pivotal site for the development of B cell memory. Whereas GC B cells do not chemotax to most chemokines and do not express the adhesion receptors L-selectin, α4β7, and cutaneous lymphocyte Ag (CLA), memory B cells respond to various chemotactic signals and express adhesion receptors. In this study, we show that CD40 ligand, IL-2, and IL-10 together drive this transition of GC B cells to memory phenotype in vitro, up-regulating memory B cell markers, chemotactic responses to CXC ligand (CXCL)12, CXCL13, and CCL19, and expression of adhesion receptors L-selectin, α4β7, and CLA. Moreover, addition of IL-4 modulates this transition, preventing chemotactic responses to CXCL12 and CXCL13 (but not to CCL19), and inhibiting the re-expression of L-selectin, but not of CLA or α4β7. CCR7 expression, responsiveness to CCL19, and L-selectin/α4β7 phenotype are coordinately regulated. Thus, IL-2/IL-10 and IL-4 play important and distinctive roles in developing the migratory capacities of memory B cells.
IL-17 Selectively Down-Regulates TNF-α-Induced RANTES Gene Expression in Human Colonic Subepithelial Myofibroblasts
Authors: Andoh Akira , Fujino Sanae , Bamba Shigeki , Araki Yoshio , Okuno Takafumi , Bamba Tadao , Fujiyama Yoshihide
Published: April 2014

IL-17 enhances the TNF-α-induced IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in human colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts. In this study, we investigated how IL-17 modulates RANTES secretion in these cells. TNF-α potently induced RANTES secretion, but IL-17 dose-dependently inhibited the TNF-α-induced RANTES secretion. This was also observed at the mRNA level. Even after pretreatment with TNF-α for 12 h, the inhibitory effect of IL-17 was detectable. IL-17 did not affect the TNF-α-induced stability of the RANTES gene. IL-17 significantly decreased the TNF-α-induced increase in RANTES promoter activity, and IL-17 actually blocked the TNF-α-induced RANTES gene transcription. EMSAs demonstrated that IL-17 did not modulate the TNF-α-induced NF-κB DNA-binding activity, but markedly decreased TNF-α-induced IFN regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) DNA-binding activity. Because cooperation between NF-κB and IRF-1 is important in the TNF-α-induced RANTES gene expression, the major mechanism mediating the inhibitory effect of IL-17 may be achieved by the inhibition of IRF-1 DNA-binding activity.
Mature Dendritic Cell Generation Promoted by Lysophosphatidylcholine
Authors: Coutant Frédéric , Perrin-Cocon Laure , Agaugué Sophie , Delair Thierry , André Patrice , Lotteau Vincent
Published: April 2014

During the acute phase response, the interplay between high density lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins (LDL) favors transient generation of oxidized LDL with proinflammatory activities. We hypothesized that oxidative modification of LDL is an endogenous signal for the immune system, and we have shown that oxidized LDL promotes mature dendritic cell transition from monocyte, therefore linking the nonspecific acute phase response to adaptive immunity. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is a major lipid component of oxidized LDL with reported proinflammatory activities. We now report that LPC acts through G protein-coupled receptors on differentiating monocytes to generate mature dendritic cells with the ability to stimulate IL-2 and IFN-γ production by allogeneic T lymphocytes. LPC is most effective in lipoprotein-deprived serum and can be inhibited by an excess of native LDLs reflecting normal plasma conditions. Therefore, by controlling the balance between native and oxidized lipoproteins and the resulting production of LPC, the acute phase reactants may provide a context of Ag presentation that is transiently favorable to immune activation. Intralipid, a therapeutic lipid emulsion for parenteral nutrition with unexplained immunomodulatory properties, also blocked LPC activity. This opens perspectives for the understanding and treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.
IL-4 Promotes Stat6-Dependent Survival of Autoreactive B Cells In Vivo Without Inducing Autoantibody Production
Authors: Morris Suzanne C. , Dragula Nanette L. , Finkelman Fred D.
Published: April 2014

Persistent cross-linking of hen egg lysozyme (HEL)-specific B cell membrane Ig (mIg) in double transgenic mice that express soluble HEL as a self Ag (HEL-Ig mice) decreases B cell mIgM expression, responsiveness, and life span. Because in vitro treatment with IL-4 inhibits T cell apoptosis through a Stat6-independent mechanism, increases mIg expression, and suppresses activation-induced B cell death, we studied IL-4 effects on B cell mIg expression, survival, and Ab secretion in Stat6-sufficient and deficient HEL-Ig mice. IL-4 treatment nearly normalized B cell number and greatly increased the percentage of mature B cells in HEL-Ig mice, but failed to normalize mIgM expression or spontaneous LPS-induced IgM secretion. IL-4 effects on B cell survival and maturation were CD4+ T cell independent, but Stat6 dependent, and did not involve receptor editing. IL-4 had to be present while B cells were generated to have a detectable effect on autoreactive B cell survival; however, the survival of B cells generated in the presence of IL-4 was substantially increased even after IL-4 was withdrawn. These observations suggest that: 1) activation-induced B cell death and anergy are independent processes; 2) B cells that survive to maturity develop increased resistance to Ag-induced deletion; and 3) IL-4 promotes B and T cell survival through different mechanisms.
TCR/CD3 Down-Modulation and ζ Degradation Are Regulated by ZAP-70
Authors: Dumont Céline , Blanchard Nicolas , Di Bartolo Vincenzo , Lezot Nathalie , Dufour Evelyne , Jauliac Sébastien , Hivroz Claire
Published: April 2014

TCR down-modulation following binding to MHC/peptide complexes is considered to be instrumental for T cell activation because it allows serial triggering of receptors and the desensitization of stimulated cells. We studied CD3/TCR down-modulation and ζ degradation in T cells from two ZAP-70-immunodeficient patients. We show that, at high occupancy of the TCR, down-modulation of the CD3/TCR is comparable whether T cells express or do not express ZAP-70. However, if TCR occupancy was low, we found that CD3/TCR was down-regulated to a lesser extent in ZAP-70-negative than in ZAP-70-positive T cells. We studied CD3/TCR down-modulation in P116 (a ZAP-70-negative Jurkat cell-derived clone) and in P116 transfected with genes encoding the wild-type or a kinase-dead form of ZAP-70. Down-modulation of the TCR at high occupancy did not require ZAP-70, whereas at low TCR occupancy down-modulation was markedly reduced in the absence of ZAP-70 and in cells expressing a dead kinase mutant of ZAP-70. Thus, the presence of ZAP-70 alone is not sufficient for down-modulation; the kinase activity of this molecule is also required. The degradation of ζ induced by TCR triggering is also severely impaired in T cells from ZAP-70-deficient patients, P116 cells, and P116 cells expressing a kinase-dead form of ZAP-70. This defect in TCR-induced ζ degradation is observed at low and high levels of TCR occupancy. Our results identify ZAP-70, a tyrosine kinase known to be crucial for T cell activation, as a key player in TCR down-modulation and ζ degradation.
Thymocyte Development in Early Growth Response Gene 1-Deficient Mice
Authors: Bettini Matthew , Xi Hongkang , Milbrandt Jeffrey , Kersh Gilbert J.
Published: April 2014

Early growth response gene 1 (Egr1) codes for a transcriptional regulator that contains a zinc-finger DNA binding domain. Egr1 expression is induced by a variety of extracellular stimuli including TCR-ligand interactions. Its pattern of expression in the thymus and dependence on ERK activation have led to speculation that it has a role in T cell development, but the exact nature of this role has been undefined. To more clearly define the role of Egr1 in thymocyte development, we have analyzed thymocytes from Egr1-deficient mice. We find that thymuses from Egr1-deficient mice contain twice as many cells as age-matched controls, and the increase in thymocyte number is apparent at the early CD4/CD8 double negative stage of development. Subsequent maturation to the CD4/CD8 double positive stage and survival of the double positive cells both appear normal in Egr1-deficient animals. We also find that Egr1 promotes positive selection of both CD4 and CD8 single positive cells without playing a major role in negative selection. Egr1 influences positive selection by enhancing expression of the helix-loop-helix inhibitor Id3 and the anti-apoptosis molecule bcl-2. Thus, Egr1 translates developmental signals into appropriate changes in gene expression at multiple stages of thymocyte development.
Aberrant DAP12 Signaling in the 129 Strain of Mice: Implications for the Analysis of Gene-Targeted Mice
Authors: McVicar Daniel W. , Winkler-Pickett Robin , Taylor Lynn S. , Makrigiannis Andrew , Bennett Michael , Anderson Stephen K. , Ortaldo John R.
Published: April 2014

NK cells are implicated in antiviral responses, bone marrow transplantation and tumor immunosurveillance. Their function is controlled, in part, through the Ly49 family of class I binding receptors. Inhibitory Ly49s suppress signaling, while activating Ly49s (i.e., Ly49D) activate NK cells via the DAP12 signaling chain. Activating Ly49 signaling has been studied primarily in C57BL/6 mice, however, 129 substrains are commonly used in gene-targeting experiments. In this study, we show that in contrast to C57BL/6 NK cells, cross-linking of DAP12-coupled receptors in 129/J mice induces phosphorylation of DAP12 but not calcium mobilization or cytokine production. Consistent with poor-activating Ly49 function, 129/J mice reject bone marrow less efficiently than C57BL/6 mice. Sequence analysis of receptors and DAP12 suggests no structural basis for inactivity, and both the 129/J and C57BL/6 receptors demonstrate normal function in a reconstituted receptor system. Most importantly, reconstitution of Ly49D in 129/J NK cells demonstrated that the signaling deficit is within the NK cells themselves. These unexpected findings bring into question any NK analysis of 129/J, 129Sv, or gene-targeted mice derived from these strains before complete backcrossing, and provide a possible explanation for the differences observed in the immune response of 129 mice in a variety of models.