bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL-10 Induces IL-10 in Primary Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages via the Transcription Factor Stat3
Authors: Staples Karl J. , Smallie Timothy , Williams Lynn M. , Foey Andy , Burke Bernie , Foxwell Brian M. J. , Ziegler-Heitbrock Loems
Published: April 2014

IL-10 is an important immunosuppressive cytokine that can down-regulate expression of other cytokines and has been shown to down-regulate itself. We show, in this study, that treatment of human monocyte-derived macrophages with IL-10 induces IL-10 mRNA in a dose- and time-dependent manner with an optimum induction at 100 ng/ml and at 6 h, whereas IL-10-induced IL-10 protein can be detected at 18 h. In the same cells, IL-10 can partially suppress IL-10 mRNA induced by LPS, but only down to the level of IL-10-induced IL-10. An adenoviral luciferase reporter construct driven by the −195 IL-10 promoter, which contains a Stat motif, was readily induced by both IL-10 and LPS. Mutation of this Stat motif ablated IL-10 activation of this promoter, but not the LPS activation. Finally, we show that overexpression of a dominant-negative Stat3 protein will prevent IL-10 induction, but not LPS induction, of IL-10 mRNA. These data show that IL-10 induces IL-10 in monocyte-derived macrophages in an autocrine manner via activation of the transcription factor Stat3.
Profound Enhancement of the IL-12/IL-18 Pathway of IFN-γ Secretion in Human CD8+ Memory T Cell Subsets via IL-15
Authors: Smeltz Ronald B.
Published: April 2014

Human memory CD8+ T cell subsets, termed central memory and effector memory T cells, can be identified by expression of CD45RA, CD62 ligand (CD62L), and CCR7. Accordingly, functional differences have been described for each subset, reflecting unique roles in immunological memory. The common γ-chain cytokines IL-15 and IL-7 have been shown to induce proliferation and differentiation of human CD8+ T cell subsets, as well as increased effector functions (i.e., cytokines, cytotoxicity). In this study, we observed that addition of IL-15 or IL-7 to cultures of human CD8+ T cells profoundly enhanced the IL-12-IL-18 pathway of IFN-γ production. Importantly, IL-15 and IL-7 lowered the threshold concentrations of IL-12 and IL-18 required for induction of IFN-γ by 100-fold. Comparison of IL-15 and IL-7 demonstrated that IL-15 was superior in its ability to enhance IL-12-IL-18-induced IFN-γ, without evidence of a synergistic effect between IL-15 and IL-7. We also observed that IL-15- and IL-7-mediated enhancement of IL-12-IL-18-induced IFN-γ production was a functional property of effector memory CD8+ T cells. Despite a lack of association between cell division and acquisition of IL-12-IL-18-induced IFN-γ, down-regulation of CD62L expression correlated well with increased IL-12-IL-18-induced IFN-γ. Purified central memory T cells stimulated with IL-15 and IL-7 down-regulated CD62L and acquired potent IL-12-IL-18-induced IFN-γ similar to effector memory T cells. Thus, in addition to its known role in development of T cell memory, IL-15 may amplify memory CD8+ T cell effector functions by increasing sensitivity to proinflammatory cytokine stimulation.
Dendritic Cells from Lupus-Prone Mice Are Defective in Repressing Immunoglobulin Secretion
Authors: Gilbert Mileka R. , Carnathan Diane G. , Cogswell Patricia C. , Lin Li , Baldwin Albert S. , Vilen Barbara J.
Published: April 2014

Autoimmunity results from a breakdown in tolerance mechanisms that regulate autoreactive lymphocytes. We recently showed that during innate immune responses, secretion of IL-6 by dendritic cells (DCs) maintained autoreactive B cells in an unresponsive state. In this study, we describe that TLR4-activated DCs from lupus-prone mice are defective in repressing autoantibody secretion, coincident with diminished IL-6 secretion. Reduced secretion of IL-6 by MRL/lpr DCs reflected diminished synthesis and failure to sustain IL-6 mRNA production. This occurred coincident with lack of NF-κB and AP-1 DNA binding and failure to sustain IκBα phosphorylation. Analysis of individual mice showed that some animals partially repressed Ig secretion despite reduced levels of IL-6. This suggests that in addition to IL-6, DCs secrete other soluble factor(s) that regulate autoreactive B cells. Collectively, the data show that MRL/lpr mice are defective in DC/IL-6-mediated tolerance, but that some individuals maintain the ability to repress autoantibody secretion by an alternative mechanism.
The A Subunit of Type IIb Enterotoxin (LT-IIb) Suppresses the Proinflammatory Potential of the B Subunit and Its Ability to Recruit and Interact with TLR2
Authors: Liang Shuang , Wang Min , Triantafilou Kathy , Triantafilou Martha , Nawar Hesham F. , Russell Michael W. , Connell Terry D. , Hajishengallis George
Published: April 2014

The type IIb heat-labile enterotoxin of Escherichia coli (LT-IIb) and its nontoxic pentameric B subunit (LT-IIb-B5) display different immunomodulatory activities, the mechanisms of which are poorly understood. We investigated mechanisms whereby the absence of the catalytically active A subunit from LT-IIb-B5 renders this molecule immunostimulatory through TLR2. LT-IIb-B5, but not LT-IIb, induced TLR2-mediated NF-κB activation and TNF-α production. These LT-IIb-B5 activities were antagonized by LT-IIb; however, inhibitors of adenylate cyclase or protein kinase A reversed this antagonism. The LT-IIb antagonistic effect is thus likely dependent upon the catalytic activity of its A subunit, which causes elevation of intracellular cAMP and activates cAMP-dependent protein kinase A. Consistent with this, a membrane-permeable cAMP analog and a cAMP-elevating agonist, but not catalytically defective point mutants of LT-IIb, mimicked the antagonistic action of wild-type LT-IIb. The mutants moreover displayed increased proinflammatory activity compared with wild-type LT-IIb. Additional mechanisms for the divergent effects on TLR2 activation by LT-IIb and LT-IIb-B5 were suggested by findings that the latter was significantly stronger in inducing lipid raft recruitment of TLR2 and interacting with this receptor. The selective use of TLR2 by LT-IIb-B5 was confirmed in an assay for IL-10, which is inducible by both LT-IIb and LT-IIb-B5 at comparable levels; TLR2-deficient macrophages failed to induce IL-10 in response to LT-IIb-B5 but not in response to LT-IIb. These differential immunomodulatory effects by LT-IIb and LT-IIb-B5 have important implications for adjuvant development and, furthermore, suggest that enterotoxic E. coli may suppress TLR-mediated innate immunity through the action of the enterotoxin A subunit.
Human Peripheral Blood T Regulatory Cells (Tregs), Functionally Primed CCR4+ Tregs and Unprimed CCR4− Tregs, Regulate Effector T Cells Using FasL
Authors: Baatar Dolgor , Olkhanud Purevdorj , Sumitomo Kenya , Taub Dennis , Gress Ronald , Biragyn Arya
Published: April 2014

Regulatory CD25+CD4+ T cells (Tregs) play an important role in the control of peripheral tolerance. In this study we demonstrate that human peripheral blood Tregs can be divided into two distinct populations based on the expression of CCR4. The majority (∼75%) of freshly isolated Tregs express CCR4 and presumably represent memory-type Tregs. Interestingly, CCR4− Tregs require anti-CD3 Ab-mediated activation to acquire a regulatory activity, while CCR4+ Tregs appear to be already primed to suppress the proliferation of CD8+ T cells. CCR4 is also expressed on CD25lowCD4+ T cells (CCR4+ non-Tregs) that mostly suppress Th1-type polarization without affecting T cell proliferation, presumably via the production of immunomodulatory cytokines like IL-10. In contrast, CCR4+ Tregs express FasL to primarily regulate T cell proliferation via a contact-mediated process involving FasL/Fas signaling, a major regulatory pathway of T cell homeostasis. Finally, we also demonstrate that the depletion of CCR4+ T cells leads to Th1-type polarization of CD4+ T cells and augmentation of CD8+ T cell responses to tumor Ags.
Dermal Fibroblasts Induce Maturation of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Saalbach Anja , Klein Claudia , Sleeman Jonathan , Sack Ulrich , Kauer Friederike , Gebhardt Carl , Averbeck Marco , Anderegg Ulf , Simon Jan C.
Published: April 2014

To trigger an effective T cell-mediated immune response in the skin, cutaneous dendritic cells (DC) migrate into locally draining lymph nodes, where they present Ag to naive T cells. Little is known about the interaction of DC with the various cellular microenvironments they encounter during their migration from the skin to lymphoid tissues. In this study, we show that human DC generated from peripheral blood monocytes specifically interact with human dermal fibroblasts via the interaction of β2 integrins on DC with Thy-1 (CD90) and ICAM-1 on fibroblasts. This induced the phenotypic maturation of DC reflected by expression of CD83, CD86, CD80, and HLA-DR in a TNF-α- and ICAM-1-dependent manner. Moreover, fibroblast-matured DC potently induced T cell activation reflected by CD25 expression and enhanced T cell proliferation. Together these data demonstrate that dermal fibroblasts that DC can encounter during their trafficking from skin to lymph node can act as potent regulators of DC differentiation and function, and thus may actively participate in the regulation and outcome of DC-driven cutaneous immune responses.
Mannose Receptor Expression and Function Define a New Population of Murine Dendritic Cells
Authors: McKenzie Emma J. , Taylor Philip R. , Stillion Richard J. , Lucas Andrew D. , Harris James , Gordon Siamon , Martinez-Pomares Luisa
Published: April 2014

In vitro the mannose receptor (MR) mediates Ag internalization by dendritic cells (DC) and favors the presentation of mannosylated ligands to T cells. However, in vivo MR seems to play a role not in Ag presentation but in the homeostatic clearance of endogenous ligands, which could have the secondary benefit of reducing the levels of endogenous Ag available for presentation to the adaptive immune system. We have now observed that while MR+ cells are consistently absent from T cell areas of spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (LN), peripheral LN of untreated adult mice contain a minor population of MR+MHCII+ in the paracortex. This novel MR+ cell population can be readily identified by flow cytometry and express markers characteristic of DC. Furthermore, these MR+ DC-like cells located in T cell areas can be targeted with MR ligands (anti-MR mAb). Numbers of MR+MHCII+ cells in the paracortex are increased upon stimulation of the innate immune system and, accordingly, the amount of anti-MR mAb reaching MR+MHCII+ cells in T cell areas is dramatically enhanced under these conditions. Our results indicate that the MR can act as an Ag-acquisition system in a DC subpopulation restricted to lymphoid organs draining the periphery. Moreover, the effect of TLR agonists on the numbers of these MR+ DC suggests that the immunogenicity of MR ligands could be under the control of innate stimulation. In accordance with these observations, ligands highly specific for the MR elicit enhanced humoral responses in vivo only when administered in combination with endotoxin.
Increased Hyperoxia-Induced Mortality and Acute Lung Injury in IL-13 Null Mice
Authors: Bhandari Vineet , Choo-Wing Rayman , Homer Robert J. , Elias Jack A.
Published: April 2014

IL-13 is a critical effector at sites of Th2 inflammation and remodeling. As a result, anti-IL-13-based therapies are being actively developed to treat a variety of diseases and disorders. However, the beneficial effects of endogenous IL-13 in the normal and diseased lung have not been adequately defined. We hypothesized that endogenous IL-13 is an important regulator of oxidant-induced lung injury and inflammation. To test this hypothesis, we compared the effects of 100% O2 in mice with wild-type and null IL-13 loci. In this study, we demonstrate that hyperoxia significantly augments the expression of the components of the IL-13R, IL-13Rα1, and IL-4Rα. We also demonstrate that, in the absence of IL-13, hyperoxia-induced tissue inflammation is decreased. In contrast, in the IL-13 null mice, DNA injury, cell death, caspase expression, and activation and mortality are augmented. Interestingly, the levels of the cytoprotective cytokines vascular endothelial cell growth factor, IL-6, and IL-11 were decreased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These studies demonstrate that the expression of the IL-13R is augmented and that the endogenous IL-13-IL-13R pathway contributes to the induction of inflammation and the inhibition of injury in hyperoxic acute lung injury.
Protective Role of Macrophages in Noninflammatory Lung Injury Caused by Selective Ablation of Alveolar Epithelial Type II Cells
Authors: Miyake Yasunobu , Kaise Hitomi , Isono Kyo-ichi , Koseki Haruhiko , Kohno Kenji , Tanaka Masato
Published: April 2014

Macrophages have a wide variety of activities and it is largely unknown how the diverse phenotypes of macrophages contribute to pathological conditions in the different types of tissue injury in vivo. In this study we established a novel animal model of acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by the dysfunction of alveolar epithelial type II (AE2) cells and examined the roles of alveolar macrophages in the acute lung injury. The human diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor (DTR), heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), was expressed under the control of the lysozyme M (LysM) gene promoter in the mice. When DT was administrated to the mice they suffered from acute lung injury and died within 4 days. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that AE2 cells as well as alveolar macrophages were deleted via apoptosis in the mice treated with DT. Consistent with the deletion of AE2 cells, the amount of surfactant proteins in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was greatly reduced in the DT-treated transgenic mice. When bone marrow from wild-type mice was transplanted into irradiated LysM-DTR mice, the alveolar macrophages became resistant to DT but the mice still suffered from acute lung injury by DT administration. Compared with the mice in which both AE2 cells and macrophages were deleted by DT administration, the DT-treated LysM-DTR mice with DT-resistant macrophages showed less severe lung injury with a reduced amount of hepatocyte growth factor in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These results indicate that macrophages play a protective role in noninflammatory lung injury caused by the selective ablation of AE2 cells.
Germinal Center Helper T Cells Are Dual Functional Regulatory Cells with Suppressive Activity to Conventional CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Marinova Ekaterina , Han Shuhua , Zheng Biao
Published: April 2014

Germinal center (GC) reaction is a T cell-dependent process in which activated B cells mature to produce high-affinity Abs and differentiate into memory B cells. The GC microenvironment is almost exclusively reserved for the optimal Ag-specific B cell clonal expansion, selection, and maturation, but lack significant conventional CD4+ T cell responses. The mechanisms that ensure such a focused B cell response in the GC are not known. In this study, we report that human CD4+CD57+ T cells, which are the major helper T cells in GCs, actively suppress the activation of conventional CD4+ T cells, particularly Th1 cells, via a direct contact-dependent mechanism and soluble mediators. Our findings demonstrate that GC T cells are unique regulatory cells that provide critical help signals for B cell response but suppress conventional effector T cells in the same local environment.
IL-28 Elicits Antitumor Responses against Murine Fibrosarcoma
Authors: Numasaki Muneo , Tagawa Masatoshi , Iwata Fumi , Suzuki Takashi , Nakamura Akira , Okada Masahiro , Iwakura Yoichiro , Aiba Setsuya , Yamaya Mutsuo
Published: April 2014

IL-28 is a recently described antiviral cytokine. In this study, we investigated the biological effects of IL-28 on tumor growth to evaluate its antitumor activity. IL-28 or retroviral transduction of the IL-28 gene into MCA205 cells did not affect in vitro growth, whereas in vivo growth of MCA205IL-28 was markedly suppressed along with survival advantages when compared with that of controls. When the metastatic ability of IL-28-secreting MCA205 cells was compared with that of controls, the expression of IL-28 resulted in a potent inhibition of metastases formation in the lungs. IL-28-mediated suppression of tumor growth was mostly abolished in irradiated mice, indicating that irradiation-sensitive cells, presumably immune cells, are primarily involved in the IL-28-induced suppression of tumor growth. In vivo cell depletion experiments displayed that polymorphonuclear neutrophils, NK cells, and CD8 T cells, but not CD4 T cells, play an equal role in the IL-28-mediated inhibition of in vivo tumor growth. Consistent with these findings, inoculation of MCA205IL-28 into mice evoked enhanced IFN-γ production and cytotoxic T cell activity in spleen cells. Antitumor action of IL-28 is partially dependent on IFN-γ and is independent of IL-12, IL-17, and IL-23. IL-28 increased the total number of splenic NK cells in SCID mice and enhanced IL-12-induced IFN-γ production in vivo and expanded spleen cells in C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, IL-12 augmented IL-28-mediated antitumor activity in the presence or absence of IFN-γ. These findings indicate that IL-28 has bioactivities that induce innate and adaptive immune responses against tumors.
A Novel Mode of Action for a Microbial-Derived Immunotoxin: The Cytolethal Distending Toxin Subunit B Exhibits Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-Triphosphate Phosphatase Activity
Authors: Shenker Bruce J. , Dlakić Mensur , Walker Lisa P. , Besack Dave , Jaffe Eileen , LaBelle Ed , Boesze-Battaglia Kathleen
Published: April 2014

The Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans cytolethal distending toxin (Cdt) is a potent immunotoxin that induces G2 arrest in human lymphocytes. We now show that the CdtB subunit exhibits phosphatidylinositol (PI)-3,4,5-triphosphate phosphatase activity. Breakdown product analysis indicates that CdtB hydrolyzes PI-3,4,5-P3 to PI-3,4-P2 and therefore functions in a manner similar to phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphatases. Conserved amino acids critical to catalysis in this family of enzymes were mutated in the cdtB gene. The mutant proteins exhibit reduced phosphatase activity along with decreased ability to induce G2 arrest. Consistent with this activity, Cdt induces time-dependent reduction of PI-3,4,5-P3 in Jurkat cells. Lymphoid cells with defects in SHIP1 and/or ptase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) (such as Jurkat, CEM, Molt) and, concomitantly, elevated PI-3,4,5-P3 levels were more sensitive to the toxin than HUT78 cells which contain functional levels of both enzymes and low levels of PI-3,4,5-P3. Finally, reduction of Jurkat cell PI-3,4,5-P3 synthesis using the PI3K inhibitors, wortmannin and LY290004, protects cells from toxin-induced cell cycle arrest. Collectively, these studies show that the CdtB not only exhibits PI-3,4,5-P3 phosphatase activity, but also that toxicity in lymphocytes is related to this activity.
MyD88 Is Required for the Formation of Long-Term Humoral Immunity to Virus Infection
Authors: Guay Heath M. , Andreyeva Tatyana A. , Garcea Robert L. , Welsh Raymond M. , Szomolanyi-Tsuda Eva
Published: April 2014

Development of long-term humoral immunity is a major goal of vaccination, but the mechanisms involved in the formation of long-term Ab responses are still being determined. In this study, we identify a previously unknown requirement for MyD88, an adaptor molecule that mediates signals at most TLRs, for the generation of long-term humoral immunity during live virus infection. Polyoma virus-infected MyD88 knockout mice generated strong acute T cell-dependent antiviral IgM and IgG responses and developed germinal centers. Activation-induced cytidine deaminase, an enzyme required for isotype switching and somatic hypermutation, was also induced in germinal center B cells, similar to wild-type mice. However, MyD88 knockout mice failed to develop bone marrow plasma cells and did not maintain long-term serum antiviral Ab responses. The isotype distribution of antiviral IgG responses was also altered; serum IgG2a and IgG2b levels were diminished, whereas IgG1 responses were not affected. The requirement for MyD88 for the formation of long-term humoral immunity to polyoma virus was intrinsic to B cells and was independent of IL-1R and IL-18R, cytokine receptors that also signal through MyD88. Our findings show that MyD88-dependent signaling pathways in B cells are essential for effectively generating long-term Ab responses and implicate a role for TLR in the formation of long-term humoral immunity.
Oligoadenylate Synthetase/Protein Kinase R Pathways and αβ TCR+ T Cells Are Required for Adenovirus Vector: IFN-γ Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 in Cornea
Authors: Austin Bobbie Ann , Halford William P. , Williams Bryan R. G. , Carr Daniel J. J.
Published: April 2014

An adenoviral (Ad) vector containing the murine IFN-γ transgene (Ad:IFN-γ) was evaluated for its capacity to inhibit HSV-1. To measure effectiveness, viral titers were analyzed in cornea and trigeminal ganglia (TG) during acute ocular HSV-1 infection. Ad:IFN-γ potently suppressed HSV-1 replication in a dose-dependent fashion, requiring IFN-γ receptor. Moreover, Ad:IFN-γ was effective when delivered −72 and −24 h before infection as well as 24 h postinfection. Associated with antiviral opposition, TG from Ad:IFN-γ-transduced mice harbored fewer T cells. Also related to T cell involvement, Ad:IFN-γ was effective but attenuated in TG from αβ TCR-deficient mice. In corneas, αβ TCR+ T cells were obligatory for protection against viral multiplication. Type I IFN involvement amid antiviral efficacy of Ad:IFN-γ was further investigated because types I and II IFN pathways have synergistic anti-HSV-1 activity. Ad:IFN-γ inhibited viral reproduction in corneas and TG from αβ IFNR-deficient (CD118−/−) mice, although viral titers were 2- to 3-fold higher in cornea and TG compared with wild-type mice. The absence of IFN-stimulated antiviral proteins, 2′-5′ oligoadenylate synthetase/RNase L, and dsRNA-dependent protein kinase R completely eliminated the antiviral effectiveness of Ad:IFN-γ. Collectively, the results demonstrate the following: 1) nonexistence of type I IFN receptor does not abolish defense of Ad:IFN-γ against HSV-1; 2) antiviral pathways oligoadenylate synthetase-RNase L and protein kinase R are mandatory; and 3) αβ TCR+ T cells are compulsory for Ad:IFN-γ effectiveness against HSV-1 in cornea but not in TG.
MyD88-Dependent Activation of B220−CD11b+LY-6C+ Dendritic Cells during Brucella melitensis Infection
Authors: Copin Richard , De Baetselier Patrick , Carlier Yves , Letesson Jean-Jacques , Muraille Eric
Published: April 2014

IFN-γ is a key cytokine controlling Brucella infection. One of its major function is the stimulation of Brucella-killing effector mechanisms, such as inducible NO synthase (iNOS)/NOS2 activity, in phagocytic cells. In this study, an attempt to identify the main cellular components of the immune response induced by Brucella melitensis in vivo is made. IFN-γ and iNOS protein were analyzed intracellularly using flow cytometry in chronically infected mice. Although TCRβ+CD4+ cells were the predominant source of IFN-γ in the spleen, we also identified CD11b+LY-6C+LY-6G−MHC-II+ cells as the main iNOS-producing cells in the spleen and the peritoneal cavity. These cells appear similar to inflammatory dendritic cells recently described in the mouse model of Listeria monocytogenes infection and human psoriasis: the TNF/iNOS-producing dendritic cells. Using genetically deficient mice, we demonstrated that the induction of iNOS and IFN-γ-producing cells due to Brucella infection required TLR4 and TLR9 stimulation coupled to Myd88-dependent signaling pathways. The unique role of MyD88 was confirmed by the lack of impact of Toll-IL-1R domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-β deficiency. The reduction of IFN-γ+ and iNOS+ cell frequency observed in MyD88-, TLR4-, and TLR9-deficient mice correlated with a proportional lack of Brucella growth control. Taken together, our results provide new insight into how immune responses fight Brucella infection.
Disparity in IL-12 Release in Dendritic Cells and Macrophages in Response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Is Due to Use of Distinct TLRs
Authors: Pompei Luca , Jang Sihyug , Zamlynny Beata , Ravikumar Sharada , McBride Amanda , Hickman Somia Perdow , Salgame Padmini
Published: April 2014

The control of IL-12 production from dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is not well understood. The objective of this study was to pursue the mechanism underlying our previous report that in response to Mtb infection, DCs release abundant IL-12, whereas secretion is limited in macrophages. An initial comparison of IL-12p35 and IL-12p40 gene induction showed that p35 transcription is similar in murine bone marrow-derived DCs and macrophages, but a rapid and enhanced IL-12p40 transcription occurs only in DCs. Consistent with the p40 gene transcription profile, Mtb-induced remodeling at nucleosome 1 of the p40 promoter also occurs rapidly and extensively in DCs in comparison to macrophages. Removal of IL-10 or addition of IFNγ enhances macrophage IL-12 release to Mtb, but without affecting the kinetics of remodeling at the macrophage p40 promoter. Furthermore, we show that Mtb-induced remodeling at the p40 promoter and IL-12 release in DCs is TLR9 dependent, and in contrast, TLR2 dependent, in macrophages. Data are also presented to demonstrate that a TLR9 agonist induces quantitatively more extensive remodeling at the IL-12p40 promoter and larger IL-12 release in comparison to a TLR2 agonist. Collectively, these findings suggest that DCs and macrophages handle Mtb differently resulting in only DCs being able to engage the more efficient TLR9 pathway for IL-12 gene induction. Our results also imply that TLR2 signaling is not a good inducer of IL-12, supporting the increasingly strong paradigm that TLR2 favors Th2 responses.
TLR3 Is Essential for the Induction of Protective Immunity against Punta Toro Virus Infection by the Double-Stranded RNA (dsRNA), Poly(I:C12U), but not Poly(I:C): Differential Recognition of Synthetic dsRNA Molecules
Authors: Gowen Brian B. , Wong Min-Hui , Jung Kie-Hoon , Sanders Andrew B. , Mitchell William M. , Alexopoulou Lena , Flavell Richard A. , Sidwell Robert W.
Published: April 2014

In the wake of RNA virus infections, dsRNA intermediates are often generated. These viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns can be sensed by a growing number of host cell cytosolic proteins and TLR3, which contribute to the induction of antiviral defenses. Recent evidence indicates that melanoma differentiation-associated gene-5 is the prominent host component mediating IFN production after exposure to the dsRNA analog, poly(I:C). We have previously reported that Punta Toro virus (PTV) infection in mice is exquisitely sensitive to treatment with poly(I:C12U), a dsRNA analog that has a superior safety profile while maintaining the beneficial activity of the parental poly(I:C) in the induction of innate immune responses. The precise host factor(s) mediating protective immunity following its administration remain to be elucidated. To assess the role of TLR3 in this process, mice lacking the receptor were used to investigate the induction of protective immunity, type I IFNs, and IL-6 following treatment. Unlike wild-type mice, those lacking TLR3 were not protected against PTV infection following poly(I:C12U) therapy and failed to produce IFN-α, IFN-β, and IL-6. In contrast, poly(I:C) treatment significantly protected TLR3−/− mice from lethal challenge despite some deficiencies in cytokine induction. There was no indication that the lack of protection was due to the fact that TLR3-deficient mice had a reduced capacity to fight infection because they were not found to be more susceptible to PTV. We conclude that TLR3 is essential to the induction of antiviral activity elicited by poly(I:C12U), which does not appear to be recognized by the cytosolic sensor of poly(I:C), melanoma differentiation-associated gene-5.
Role of the Indigenous Microbiota in Maintaining the Virus-Specific CD8 Memory T Cells in the Lung of Mice Infected with Murine Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Tanaka Kazuo , Sawamura Sadaaki , Satoh Tadayuki , Kobayashi Kiyoshi , Noda Satoshi
Published: April 2014

The potent role of indigenous microbiota in maintaining murine CMV (MCMV)-specific memory T cells, which were measured by multimer staining, was investigated using germfree (GF) mice. When the BALB/c mice bred under specific pathogen-free (SPF) conditions were i.p. infected with 0.2 LD50 of MCMV, high frequencies of CD69+/CD44+ MCMV-specific CD8 T cells were noted in the lungs even at 6–12 mo after infection (11.1 ± 3.2 and 9.8 ± 0.9%, respectively). In contrast, even though the viral load and expression levels of mRNA of such cytokines as IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IFN-γ in the lungs of MCMV-infected GF mice were comparable to those of infected SPF mice, the frequencies of MCMV-specific CD8 T cells in the lungs of infected GF mice were kept lower than 1% at 6–12 mo after infection. In addition, the reconstitution of microbiota of MCMV-infected GF mice by orally administering a fecal suspension prepared from SPF mice restored the frequencies of both CD8+/multimer+ and CD8+/multimer− T cells to levels similar to those found in SPF mice. These results suggested the indigenous microbiota to play a crucial role in the expansion and maintenance of viral-specific CD8 memory T cells, probably by cross-reactivity between the antigenic epitope of the MCMV-specific memory T cells and the variety of peptides derived from the members of the microbiota. Such cross-reactivity may thus be a major feature of those cells.
Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (CSF) and Macrophage CSF-Dependent Macrophage Phenotypes Display Differences in Cytokine Profiles and Transcription Factor Activities: Implications for CSF Blockade in Inflammation
Authors: Fleetwood Andrew J. , Lawrence Toby , Hamilton John A. , Cook Andrew D.
Published: April 2014

GM-CSF and M-CSF (CSF-1) can enhance macrophage lineage numbers as well as modulate their differentiation and function. Of recent potential significance for the therapy of inflammatory/autoimmune diseases, their blockade in relevant animal models leads to a reduction in disease activity. What the critical actions are of these CSFs on macrophages during inflammatory reactions are unknown. To address this issue, adherent macrophages (GM-BMM and BMM) were first derived from murine bone marrow precursors by GM-CSF and M-CSF, respectively, and stimulated in vitro with LPS to measure secreted cytokine production, as well as NF-κB and AP-1 activities. GM-BMM preferentially produced TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12p70, and IL-23 whereas, conversely, BMM generated more IL-10 and CCL2; strikingly the latter population could not produce detectable IL-12p70 and IL-23. Following LPS stimulation, GM-BMM displayed rapid IκBα degradation, RelA nuclear translocation, and NF-κB DNA binding relative to BMM, as well as a faster and enhanced AP-1 activation. Each macrophage population was also pretreated with the other CSF before LPS stimulation and found to adopt the phenotype of the other population to some extent as judged by cytokine production and NF-κB activity. Thus, GM-CSF and M-CSF demonstrate, at the level of macrophage cytokine production, different and even competing responses with implications for their respective roles in inflammation, including a possible dampening or suppressive role for M-CSF in certain circumstances.
Free Cholesterol Alters Lipid Raft Structure and Function Regulating Neutrophil Ca2+ Entry and Respiratory Burst: Correlations with Calcium Channel Raft Trafficking
Authors: Kannan Kolenkode B. , Barlos Dimitrios , Hauser Carl J.
Published: April 2014

Recent studies associate cholesterol excess and atherosclerosis with inflammation. The link between these processes is not understood, but cholesterol is an important component of lipid rafts. Rafts are thought to concentrate membrane signaling molecules and thus regulate cell signaling through G protein-coupled pathways. We used methyl β-cyclodextrin to deplete cholesterol from polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) rafts and thus study the effects of raft disruption on G protein-coupled Ca2+ mobilization. Methyl β-cyclodextrin had no effect on Ca2+ store depletion by the G protein-coupled agonists platelet-activating factor or fMLP, but abolished agonist-stimulated Ca2+ entry. Free cholesterol at very low concentrations regulated Ca2+ entry into PMN via nonspecific Ca2+ channels in a biphasic fashion. The specificity of cholesterol regulation for Ca2+ entry was confirmed using thapsigargin studies. Responses to cholesterol appear physiologic because they regulate respiratory burst in a proportional biphasic fashion. Investigating further, we found that free cholesterol accumulated in PMN lipid raft fractions, promoting formation and polarization of membrane rafts. Finally, the transient receptor potential calcium channel protein TRPC1 redistributed to raft fractions in response to cholesterol. The uniformly biphasic relationships between cholesterol availability, Ca2+ signaling and respiratory burst suggest that Ca2+ influx and PMN activation are regulated by the quantitative relationships between cholesterol and other environmental lipid raft components. The association between symptomatic cholesterol excess and inflammation may therefore in part reflect free cholesterol- dependent changes in lipid raft structure that regulate immune cell Ca2+ entry. Ca2+ entry-dependent responses in other cell types may also reflect cholesterol bioavailability and lipid incorporation into rafts.
Chemokine Receptor CCR2 but Not CCR5 or CCR6 Mediates the Increase in Pulmonary Dendritic Cells during Allergic Airway Inflammation
Authors: Robays Lander J. , Maes Tania , Lebecque Serge , Lira Sergio A. , Kuziel William A. , Brusselle Guy G. , Joos Guy F. , Vermaelen Karim V.
Published: April 2014

Increased numbers of pulmonary dendritic cells (DCs) are recruited to the lungs during allergic airway inflammation and contribute to the maintenance of the inflammatory immune response. The chemokine receptors that directly control DC accumulation into the lungs are largely unknown. To explore this issue, we generated mixed bone marrow chimeric mice containing both wild-type and knockout cells for a given chemokine receptor. After induction of allergic airway inflammation, we specifically tracked and compared chemokine receptor knockout vs wild-type DC populations through various lung compartments. Using this approach, we show that CCR2, but not CCR5 or CCR6, directly controls the accumulation of DCs into allergic lungs. Furthermore, the size of inflammatory monocyte populations in peripheral blood was strikingly CCR2 dependent, suggesting that CCR2 primarily mediates the release of monocytic DC precursors into the bloodstream.
The Lymphocytic Infiltration in Calcific Aortic Stenosis Predominantly Consists of Clonally Expanded T Cells
Authors: Wu Henry D. , Maurer Mathew S. , Friedman Richard A. , Marboe Charles C. , Ruiz-Vazquez Elena M. , Ramakrishnan Rajasekhar , Schwartz Allan , Tilson M. David , Stewart Allan S. , Winchester Robert
Published: April 2014

Valve lesions in degenerative calcific aortic stenosis (CAS), a disorder affecting 3% of those older than 75 years, are infiltrated by T lymphocytes. We sought to determine whether the αβ TCR repertoire of these valve-infiltrating lymphocytes exhibited features either of a polyclonal nonselective response to inflammation or contained expanded clones suggesting a more specific immune process. TCR β-chain CDR3-length distribution analysis using PCR primers specific for 23 Vβ families performed in eight individuals with CAS affecting tri- or bileaflet aortic valves revealed considerable oligoclonal T cell expansion. In five cases, β-chain nucleotide sequencing in five selected Vβ families showed that an average of 92% of the valve-infiltrating T cell repertoire consisted of expanded T cell clones, differing markedly in composition from the relatively more polyclonal peripheral CD8 or CD4 T cell subsets found even in this elderly population. Twenty-four of the valve-infiltrating T cell clones also had the same clone identified in blood, some of which were highly expanded. Interestingly, 22 of these 24 shared clones were CD8 in lineage (p = 1.5 × 10−12), suggesting a possible relationship to the expanded CD8+CD28− T cell clones frequently present in the elderly. Additionally, the sequences of several TCR β-chain CDR3 regions were homologous to TCR β-chains identified previously in allograft arteriosclerosis. We infer that these findings are inconsistent with a nonselective secondary response of T cells to inflammation and instead suggest that clonally expanded αβ T cells are implicated in mediating a component of the valvular injury responsible for CAS.
Potential Role for IL-7 in Fas-Mediated T Cell Apoptosis During HIV Infection
Authors: Fluur Caroline , De Milito Angelo , Fry Terry J. , Vivar Nancy , Eidsmo Liv , Atlas Ann , Federici Cristina , Matarrese Paola , Logozzi Mariantonia , Rajnavölgyi Eva , Mackall Crystal L. , Fais Stefano , Chiodi Francesca , Rethi Bence
Published: April 2014

IL-7 promotes survival of resting T lymphocytes and induces T cell proliferation in lymphopenic conditions. As elevated IL-7 levels occur in HIV-infected individuals in addition to high Fas expression on T cells and increased sensitivity to Fas-induced apoptosis, we analyzed whether IL-7 has a regulatory role in Fas-mediated T cell apoptosis. We show that IL-7 up-regulates Fas expression on naive and memory T cells through a mechanism that involves translocation of Fas molecules from intracellular compartments to the cell membrane. IL-7 induced the association of Fas with the cytoskeletal component ezrin and a polarized Fas expression on the cell surface. The potential role of IL-7 in Fas up-regulation in vivo was verified in IL-7-treated macaques and in HIV-infected or chemotherapy treated patients by the correlation between serum IL-7 levels and Fas expression on T cells. IL-7 treatment primed T cells for Fas-induced apoptosis in vitro and serum IL-7 levels correlated with the sensitivity of T cells to Fas-induced apoptosis in HIV-infected individuals. Our data suggest an important role for IL-7 in Fas-mediated regulation of T cell homeostasis. Elevated IL-7 levels associated with lymphopenic conditions, including HIV-infection, might participate in the increased sensitivity of T cells for activation-induced apoptosis.
Overexpression of Activation-Induced Cytidine Deaminase in B Cells Is Associated with Production of Highly Pathogenic Autoantibodies
Authors: Hsu Hui-Chen , Wu Yalei , Yang PingAr , Wu Qi , Job Godwin , Chen Jian , Wang John , Accavitti-Loper Mary Ann V. , Grizzle William E. , Carter Robert H. , Mountz John D.
Published: April 2014

Defective receptor editing or defective B cell checkpoints have been associated with increased frequency of multireactive autoantibodies in autoimmune disease. However, Ig somatic hypermutation and/or class switch recombination may be mechanisms enabling the development of pathogenic multireactive autoantibodies. In this study, we report that, in the BXD2 mouse model of autoimmune disease, elevated expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) in recirculating follicular CD86+ subsets of B cells and increased germinal center B cell activity are associated with the production of pathogenic multireactive autoantibodies. CD4 T cells from BXD2 mice that expressed increased levels of CD28 and an increased proliferative response to anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 stimulation are required for this process. Inhibition of the CD28-CD86 interaction in BXD2 mice with AdCTLA4-Ig resulted in normalization of AID in the B cells and suppression of IgG autoantibodies. This treatment also prevented the development of germinal center autoantibody-producing B cells, suggesting that an optimal microenvironment enabling AID function is important for the formation of pathogenic autoantibodies. Taken together, our data indicate that AID expression in B cells is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and that suppression of this gene may be a molecular target of CTLA4-Ig therapy.
Airway Exposure Levels of Lipopolysaccharide Determine Type 1 versus Type 2 Experimental Asthma
Authors: Kim Yoon-Keun , Oh Sun-Young , Jeon Seong Gyu , Park Heung-Woo , Lee Soo-Yeon , Chun Eun-Young , Bang Boram , Lee Hyun-Seung , Oh Min-Hee , Kim You-Sun , Kim Jong-Hoon , Gho Yong Song , Cho Sang-Heon , Min Kyung-Up , Kim You-Young , Zhu Zhou
Published: April 2014

Allergic asthma is characterized by airway inflammation initiated by adaptive immune responses to aeroallergens. Recent data suggest that severe asthma may be a different form of asthma rather than an increase in asthma symptoms and that innate immune responses to LPS can modulate adaptive immune responses to allergens. In this study, we evaluated the hypothesis that airway exposure to different doses of LPS induces different form of asthma. Our study showed that neutrophilic inflammation and IFN-γ expression were higher in induced sputum from severe asthma patients than from mild to moderate asthmatics. Animal experiments indicated that allergen sensitization with low-dose LPS (0.1 μg) induced type 2 asthma phenotypes, i.e., airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilic inflammation, and allergen-specific IgE up-regulation. In contrast, allergen sensitization with high-dose LPS (10 μg) induced asthma phenotypes, i.e., airway hyperresponsiveness and noneosinophilic inflammation that were not developed in IFN-γ-deficient mice, but unaffected in the absence of IL-4. During the allergen sensitization period, TNF-α expression was found to be enhanced by both low- and high-dose LPS, whereas IL-12 expression was only enhanced by high-dose LPS. Interestingly, the asthma phenotypes induced by low-dose LPS, but not by high-dose LPS, were completely inhibited in TNF-α receptor-deficient mice, whereas the asthma phenotypes induced by high-dose LPS were abolished in the homozygous null mutation of the STAT4 gene. These findings suggest that airway exposure levels of LPS induces different forms of asthma that are type 1 and type 2 asthma phenotypes by high and low LPS levels, respectively.
Clinical Transplantation Tolerance: Many Rivers to Cross
Authors: Salama Alan D. , Womer Karl L. , Sayegh Mohamed H.
Published: April 2014

Modern immunosuppressive regimens for organ transplantation have resulted in excellent short-term results but less dramatic improvements in long-term outcomes. Moreover, they are associated with significant deleterious effects. One solution that should avoid the adverse drug effects and result in improved graft and patient longevity as well as positively impacting on the organ shortage is the establishment of transplantation tolerance. Ever since the original description of transplantation tolerance in rodent allografts, there have been significant efforts made to translate tolerance-promoting strategies to the clinical arena. However, >50 years later, we are still faced with significant barriers that are preventing such a goal from being widely attained. Nonetheless, pilot clinical tolerance protocols are underway in selected transplant recipients. In this review, we discuss the scientific and nonscientific issues that must be overcome for successful transplantation tolerance to become a clinical reality.
Cutting Edge: Lipopolysaccharide Induces IL-10-Producing Regulatory CD4+ T Cells That Suppress the CD8+ T Cell Response
Authors: den Haan Joke M. M. , Kraal Georg , Bevan Michael J.
Published: April 2014

TLR ligands are potent activators of dendritic cells and therefore function as adjuvants for the induction of immune responses. We analyzed the capacity of TLR ligands to enhance CD8+ T cell responses toward soluble protein Ag. Immunization with OVA together with LPS or poly(I:C) elicited weak CD8+ T cell responses in wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Surprisingly, these responses were greatly increased in mice lacking CD4+ T cells indicating the induction of regulatory CD4+ T cells. In vivo, neutralization of IL-10 completely restored CD8+ T cell responses in wild-type mice and OVA-specific IL-10 producing CD4+ T cells were detected after immunization with OVA plus LPS. Our study shows that TLR ligands not only activate the immune system but simultaneously induce Ag specific, IL-10-producing regulatory Tr1 cells that strongly suppress CD8+ T cell responses. In this way, excessive activation of the immune system may be prevented.
Human CD4+ T Cells Displaying Viral Epitopes Elicit a Functional Virus-Specific Memory CD8+ T Cell Response
Authors: Adamopoulou Eleni , Diekmann Jan , Tolosa Eva , Kuntz Gaby , Einsele Hermann , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Topp Max S.
Published: April 2014

The Ag-specific cellular recall response to herpes virus infections is characterized by a swift recruitment of virus-specific memory T cells. Rapid activation is achieved through formation of the immunological synapse and supramolecular clustering of signal molecules at the site of contact. During the formation of the immunological synapse, epitope-loaded MHC molecules are transferred via trogocytosis from APCs to T cells, enabling the latter to function as Ag-presenting T cells (T-APCs). The contribution of viral epitope expressing T-APCs in the regulation of the herpes virus-specific CD8+ T cell memory response remains unclear. Comparison of CD4+ T-APCs with professional APCs such as Ag-presenting CD40L-activated B cells (CD40B-APCs) demonstrated reduced levels of costimulatory ligands. Despite the observed differences, CD4+ T-APCs are as potent as CD40B-APCs in stimulating herpes virus-specific CD8+ T cells resulting in a greater than 35-fold expansion of CD8+ T cells specific for dominant and subdominant viral epitopes. Virus-specific CD8+ T cells generated by CD4+ T-APCs or CD40B-APCs showed both comparable effector function such as specific lysis of targets and cytokine production and also did not differ in their phenotype after expansion. These results indicate that viral epitope presentation by Ag-specific CD4+ T cells may contribute to the rapid recruitment of virus-specific memory CD8+ T cells during a viral recall response.
Immune Modulation and Tolerance Induction by RelB-Silenced Dendritic Cells through RNA Interference
Authors: Li Mu , Zhang Xusheng , Zheng Xiufen , Lian Dameng , Zhang Zhu-Xu , Ge Weiwen , Yang Jinming , Vladau Costin , Suzuki Motohiko , Chen Dong , Zhong Robert , Garcia Bertha , Jevnikar Anthony M. , Min Wei-Ping
Published: April 2014

Dendritic cells (DC), the most potent APCs, can initiate the immune response or help induce immune tolerance, depending upon their level of maturation. DC maturation is associated with activation of the NF-κB pathway, and the primary NF-κB protein involved in DC maturation is RelB, which coordinates RelA/p50-mediated DC differentiation. In this study, we show that silencing RelB using small interfering RNA results in arrest of DC maturation with reduced expression of the MHC class II, CD80, and CD86. Functionally, RelB-silenced DC inhibited MLR, and inhibitory effects on alloreactive immune responses were in an Ag-specific fashion. RelB-silenced DC also displayed strong in vivo immune regulation. An inhibited Ag-specific response was seen after immunization with keyhole limpet hemocyanin-pulsed and RelB-silenced DC, due to the expansion of T regulatory cells. Administration of donor-derived RelB-silenced DC significantly prevented allograft rejection in murine heart transplantation. This study demonstrates for the first time that transplant tolerance can be induced by means of RNA interference using in vitro-generated tolerogenic DC.