bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of CTLA-4 Function by the Regulatory Subunit of Serine/Threonine Phosphatase 2A
Authors: Baroja Miren L. , Vijayakrishnan Lalitha , Bettelli Estelle , Darlington Peter J. , Chau Thu A. , Ling Vincent , Collins Mary , Carreno Beatriz M. , Madrenas Joaquín , Kuchroo Vijay K.
Published: April 2014

The catalytic subunit of the serine/threonine phosphatase 2A (PP2A) can interact with the cytoplasmic tail of CTLA-4. However, the molecular basis and the biological significance of this interaction are unknown. In this study, we report that the regulatory subunit of PP2A (PP2AA) also interacts with the cytoplasmic tail of CTLA-4. Interestingly, TCR ligation induces tyrosine phosphorylation of PP2AA and its dissociation from CTLA-4 when coligated. The association between PP2AA and CTLA-4 involves a conserved three-lysine motif in the juxtamembrane portion of the cytoplasmic tail of CTLA-4. Mutations of these lysine residues prevent the binding of PP2AA and enhance the inhibition of IL-2 gene transcription by CTLA-4, indicating that PP2A represses CTLA-4 function. Our data imply that the lysine-rich motif in CTLA-4 may be used to identify small molecules that block its binding to PP2A and act as agonists for CTLA-4 function.
Visualization of Lymphotoxin-β and Lymphotoxin-β Receptor Expression in Mouse Embryos
Authors: Browning Jeffrey L. , French Lars E.
Published: April 2014

The heteromeric lymphotoxin αβ ligand (LT) binds to the LTβ receptor (LTβR) and provides an essential trigger for lymph node (LN) development. LTβR signaling is also critical for the emergence of pathological ectopic lymph node-like structures and the maintenance of an organized splenic white pulp. To better understand the role of LT in development, the expression patterns of LTβ and LTβR mRNA were examined by in situ hybridization in the developing mouse embryo. Images of LTβ ligand expression in developing peripheral LN in the E18.5 embryo revealed a relatively early phase structure and allowed for comparative staging with LN development in rat and humans. The LTβR is expressed from E16.5 onward in respiratory, salivary, bronchial, and gastric epithelium, which may be consistent with early communication events between lymphoid elements and epithelial specialization over emerging mucosal LN. Direct comparison of mouse fetal and adult tissues by FACS analysis confirmed the elevated expression of LTBR in some embryonic epithelial layers. Therefore, surface LTBR expression may be elevated during fetal development in some epithelial layers.
Different Qualitative and Quantitative Regulation of Vβ TCR Transcripts During Early Acute Allograft Rejection and Tolerance Induction
Authors: Guillet Marina , Brouard Sophie , Gagne Katia , Sébille Fabien , Cuturi Maria-Cristina , Delsuc Marc-André , Soulillou Jean-Paul
Published: April 2014

Recently, using a global method of T cell repertoire analysis, we showed that purified naive T cells confronted in vitro with allogeneic APCs in a direct pathway-restricted MLR up-regulate their Vβ mRNAs without exhibiting skewing of complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) length distribution. In this report, using this approach, we show in vivo that Vβ transcript regulation and CDR3 length distribution follow the same pattern during acute rejection of MHC-incompatible heart allografts. In contrast, in tolerance induction by priming of recipients with donor cells, the vigorous Vβ mRNA accumulation with Gaussian CDR3 length distribution is abolished, providing a possible explanation for the down-regulation of activated T cells in tolerant animals. In addition, tolerated grafts harbor T cells with a highly altered repertoire, suggestive of self-restricted presentation with some patterns corresponding to previously identified regulatory cells.
CXCR5-Transduced Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells Traffic to B Cell Zones of Lymph Nodes and Modify Antigen-Specific Immune Responses
Authors: Wu Meng-Tse , Hwang Sam T.
Published: April 2014

Skin-derived migratory dendritic cells (DC), in contrast to bone marrow-derived DC (BMDC), express CXCR5, respond to the chemokine CXC ligand 13 (CXCL13) in vitro, and are capable of migrating to B cell zones (BCZ) in lymph nodes (LN) in vivo. Herein, we analyzed the surface phenotype of skin-derived migratory DC and found that 15–35% of MHC class IIhigh cells showed high levels of expression of CXCR5 but expressed low levels of DEC205, a suggested characteristic of dermal-type DC in mice. To study the effects of CXCR5 on the trafficking dynamics of DC, we stably expressed CXCR5 in BMDC by retroviral gene transduction. CXCR5 was detected by flow cytometry on transduced cells, which responded to CXCL13 in vitro in chemotaxis assays (3-fold over nontransduced BMDC, p < 0.01). When injected into the footpads of mice, ∼40% of injected CXCR5-BMDC were observed in BCZ of draining LN. Mice were vaccinated with CXCR5- and vector-BMDC that were pulsed with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) to induce Ag-specific cellular and humoral immune responses. Mice injected with CXCR5-BMDC (vs vector-BMDC) demonstrated marginally less footpad swelling in response to intradermal injection of KLH. Interestingly, significantly higher levels of KLH-specific IgG (p < 0.05) and IgM (p < 0.01) were found in the serum of mice injected with CXCR5-BMDC compared with mice immunized with vector-transduced BMDC. Thus, CXCR5 is predominantly expressed by dermal-type DC. Moreover, CXCR5 directs BMDC to BCZ of LN in vivo and modifies Ag-specific immune responses induced by BMDC vaccination.
IL-1 Regulates Cytoskeletal Organization in Osteoclasts Via TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 6/c-Src Complex
Authors: Nakamura Ichiro , Kadono Yuho , Takayanagi Hiroshi , Jimi Eijiro , Miyazaki Tsuyoshi , Oda Hiromi , Nakamura Kozo , Tanaka Sakae , Rodan Gideon A. , Duong Le T.
Published: April 2014

Targeted disruption of either c-Src or TNFR-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in mice causes osteoclast dysfunction and an osteopetrotic phenotype, suggesting that both molecules play important roles in osteoclastic bone resorption. We previously demonstrated that IL-1 induces actin ring formation and osteoclast activation. In this study, we examined the relationship between IL-1/TRAF6-dependent and c-Src-mediated pathways in the activation of osteoclast-like cells (prefusion cells (pOCs); multinucleated cells) formed in the murine coculture system. In normal pOCs, IL-1 induces actin ring formation and tyrosine phosphorylation of p130Cas, a known substrate of c-Src. However, in Src-deficient pOCs, p130Cas was not tyrosine phosphorylated following IL-1 treatment. In normal pOCs treated with IL-1, anti-TRAF6 Abs coprecipitate p130Cas, protein tyrosine kinase 2, and c-Src. In Src-deficient pOCs, this molecular complex was not detected, suggesting that c-Src is required for formation of the TRAF6, p130Cas, and protein tyrosine kinase 2 complex. Moreover, an immunocytochemical analysis revealed that in osteoclast-like multinucleated cells, IL-1 induced redistribution of TRAF6 to actin ring structures formed at the cell periphery, where TRAF6 also colocalized with c-Src. Taken together, these data suggest that IL-1 signals feed into the tyrosine kinase pathways through a TRAF6-Src molecular complex, which regulates the cytoskeletal reorganization essential for osteoclast activation.
Adapter Molecule Grb2-Associated Binder 1 Is Specifically Expressed in Marginal Zone B Cells and Negatively Regulates Thymus-Independent Antigen-2 Responses
Authors: Itoh Shousaku , Itoh Motoyuki , Nishida Keigo , Yamasaki Satoru , Yoshida Yuichi , Narimatsu Masahiro , Park Sung Joo , Hibi Masahiko , Ishihara Katsuhiko , Hirano Toshio
Published: April 2014

Grb2-associated binder 1 (Gab1) is a member of the Gab/daughter of sevenless family of adapter molecules involved in the signal transduction pathways of a variety of growth factors, cytokines, and Ag receptors. To know the role for Gab1 in hematopoiesis and immune responses in vivo, we analyzed radiation chimeras reconstituted with fetal liver (FL) cells of Gab1−/− mice, because Gab1−/− mice are lethal to embryos. Transfer of Gab1−/− FL cells of 14.5 days post-coitum rescued lethally irradiated mice, indicating that Gab1 is not essential for hematopoiesis. Although mature T and B cell subsets developed normally in the peripheral lymphoid organs, reduction of pre-B cells and increase of myeloid cells in the Gab1−/− FL chimeras suggested the regulatory roles for Gab1 in hematopoiesis. The chimera showed augmented IgM and IgG1 production to thymus-independent (TI)-2 Ag, although they showed normal responses for thymus-dependent and TI-1 Ags, indicating its negative role specific to TI-2 response. Gab1−/− splenic B cells stimulated with anti-δ-dextran plus IL-4 plus IL-5 showed augmented IgM and IgG1 production in vitro that was corrected by the retrovirus-mediated transfection of the wild-type Gab1 gene, clearly demonstrating the cell-autonomous, negative role of Gab1. Furthermore, we showed that the negative role of Gab1 required its Src homology 2-containing tyrosine phosphatase-2 binding sites. Cell fractionation analysis revealed that nonfollicular B cells were responsible for the augmented Ab production in vitro. Consistent with these results, the Gab1 gene was expressed in marginal zone B cells but not follicular B cells. These results indicated that Gab1 is a unique negative regulator specific for TI-2 responses.
B Cells Control the Migration of a Subset of Dendritic Cells into B Cell Follicles Via CXC Chemokine Ligand 13 in a Lymphotoxin-Dependent Fashion
Authors: Yu Ping , Wang Yang , Chin Robert K. , Martinez-Pomares Luisa , Gordon Siamon , Kosco-Vibois Marie H. , Cyster Jason , Fu Yang-Xin
Published: April 2014

Certain classes of dendritic cells (DCs) meet rare cognate Ag-specific T and B cells inside primary B cell follicles for the development of germinal centers. However, the mechanisms underlying this coordination are still undefined. Cysteine-rich (CR) domain of the mannose receptor (CR-Fc)+ DCs are a newly discovered subset of DCs that migrate rapidly into the primary lymphoid follicles from marginal zone after immunization. In this work, we uncover the key role of B cells in the establishment of a microenvironment that allows these DCs to be in the B cell area in a lymphotoxin (LT)-dependent fashion. CR-Fc+ DCs are absent from the spleens of both LTβR- and LTα-deficient mice, suggesting that signaling by membrane LT is required for the presence of CR-Fc+ DCs in the spleen. Interestingly, analysis of mutant mice that lack T, B, or NK cells demonstrates that B cell-derived membrane LT is essential for the unique localization of CR-Fc+ DCs in the spleen. Using bone marrow transfer and ligand-blocking approaches, we provide evidence that B cell-derived LT acts indirectly on CR-Fc+ DCs through LTβR+ stromal cells. In analogous fashion to certain Ag-activated T and B cells, CR-Fc+ DCs, expressing CXCR5, localize to primary lymphoid follicles in response to CXC ligand 13 (B lymphocyte chemoattractant). Together, we propose that B cells play a central role in establishing the chemotactic gradient that attracts not only Ag-activated T and B cells but also Ag-carrying CR-Fc+ DCs. In turn, CR-Fc+ DCs and T cells home to B cell follicles to interact with B cells in the developing germinal center.
CD40 Ligation in the Presence of Self-Reactive CD8 T Cells Leads to Severe Immunopathology
Authors: Roth Evelyn , Schwartzkopff Johannes , Pircher Hanspeter
Published: April 2014

Previous work has shown that stimulation of APCs via CD40 strongly influences the outcome of a CD8 T cell response. In this study, we examined the effect of CD40 ligation on peripheral tolerance induction of self-reactive CD8 T cells in an adoptive transfer model. Naive CD8 T cells from TCR-transgenic (tg) mice specific for the gp33 epitope of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus were tolerized when transferred into H8-tg mice expressing the gp33 epitope under the control of a MHC class I promoter. However, if the H8 recipient mice were treated with agonistic anti-CD40 Abs, TCR-tg cells vigorously proliferated, and induced destruction of lymphoid organs and hepatitis. Break of peripheral tolerance induction was B cell independent and did not require CD28/B7 interactions. These findings provide further in vivo evidence for the crucial role of the activation state of the APC in peripheral tolerance induction and suggest the need for caution in systemically activating APC via CD40 ligation in the presence of self-reactive T cells.
The Human V-PreB Promoter Is a Target for Coordinated Activation by Early B Cell Factor and E47
Authors: Gisler Ramiro , Sigvardsson Mikael
Published: April 2014

The development of mature B lymphoid cells involves a highly orchestrated regulation of stage- and lineage-specific genes. In this study, we report an analysis of the human surrogate L chain VpreB promoter. The promoter has an overall homology of 56% to the mouse counterpart and displays a preB cell-restricted activity in transient transfections in cell lines. The promoter harbors three independent binding sites for early B cell factor (EBF) as defined by EMSA and supershift experiments. These sites were important for the full function of the promoter in a preB cell line, and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments indicate that EBF interacts with the promoter in vivo. In addition to this, ectopic expression of EBF induces the activity of a reporter gene under control of the VpreB promoter in epithelioid HeLa cells, an effect augmented by coexpression of the basic-helix-loop helix transcription factor E47. The ability to interact directly with E47 was shared by the promoters controlling the human mb-1 and B29 genes. These data indicate that the human VpreB promoter is a direct target for activation by EBF and E47 and that functional collaboration between these proteins may be of great importance in human B cell development.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 Expression and Signaling in Human, Mouse, and Rat Leukocytes: Evidence for Replacement of the Short Cytoplasmic Domain Isoform by Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Linked Proteins in Human Leukocytes
Authors: Singer Bernhard B. , Scheffrahn Inka , Heymann Robert , Sigmundsson Kristmundur , Kammerer Robert , Öbrink Björn
Published: April 2014

Carcinoembryonic Ag-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1), the primordial carcinoembryonic Ag gene family member, is a transmembrane cell adhesion molecule expressed in leukocytes, epithelia, and blood vessel endothelia in humans and rodents. As a result of differential splicing, CEACAM1 occurs as several isoforms, the two major ones being CEACAM1-L and CEACAM1-S, that have long (L) or short (S) cytoplasmic domains, respectively. The L:S expression ratios vary in different cells and tissues. In addition to CEACAM1, human but not rodent cells express GPI-linked CEACAM members (CEACAM5–CEACAM8). We compared the expression patterns of CEACAM1-L, CEACAM1-S, CEACAM6, and CEACAM8 in purified populations of neutrophilic granulocytes, B lymphocytes, and T lymphocytes from rats, mice, and humans. Human granulocytes expressed CEACAM1, CEACAM6, and CEACAM8, whereas human B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes expressed only CEACAM1 and CEACAM6. Whereas granulocytes, B cells, and T cells from mice and rats expressed both CEACAM1-L and CEACAM1-S in ratios of 2.2–2.9:1, CEACAM1-S expression was totally lacking in human granulocytes, B cells, and T cells. Human leukocytes only expressed the L isoforms of CEACAM1. This suggests that the GPI-linked CEACAM members have functionally replaced CEACAM1-S in human leukocytes. Support for the replacement hypothesis was obtained from experiments in which the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erk)1/2 were activated by anti-CEACAM Abs. Thus, Abs against CEACAM1 activated Erk1/2 in rat granulocytes, but not in human granulocytes. Erk1/2 in human granulocytes could, however, be activated by Abs against CEACAM8. We demonstrated that CEACAM1 and CEACAM8 are physically associated in human granulocytes. The CEACAM1/CEACAM8 complex in human cells might accordingly play a similar role as CEACAM1-L/CEACAM1-S dimers known to occur in rat cells.
Characterization of a Novel Killer Cell Lectin-Like Receptor (KLRH1) Expressed by Alloreactive Rat NK Cells
Authors: Naper Christian , Hayashi Shigenari , Løvik Guro , Kveberg Lise , Niemi Eréne C. , Rolstad Bent , Dissen Erik , Ryan James C. , Vaage John T.
Published: April 2014

NK cells have the ability to recognize and kill MHC-mismatched hemopoietic cells. In the present study, strain-specific differences in the rat NK allorecognition repertoire were exploited to generate Abs against receptors that may be involved in allogeneic responses. A mAb termed STOK9 was selected, and it reacted with subsets of NK cells and NKR-P1+ T cells from certain rat strains possessing highly alloreactive NK cells. The STOK9+ NK subset was broadly alloreactive and lysed Con A lymphoblast targets from a range of MHC-mismatched strains. The mAb STOK9 precipitated a 75-kDa dimeric glycoprotein from NK lysates. Expression cloning revealed that each monomer consisted of 231 aa with limited homology to other previously characterized killer cell lectin-like receptors (KLRs). This glycoprotein therefore constitutes a novel KLR branch, and it has been termed KLRH1. A gene in the central region of the natural killer gene complex on rat chromosome 4 encodes KLRH1. A mouse homolog appears to be present as deduced from analyses of genomic trace sequences. The function of KLRH1 is unknown, but it contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif, suggesting an inhibitory function. The MHC haplotype of the host appears to influence KLRH1 expression, suggesting that it may function as an MHC-binding receptor on subsets of NK cells and T lymphocytes.
Heavy Chain V Region Diversity in the Duck-Billed Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus): Long and Highly Variable Complementarity-Determining Region 3 Compensates for Limited Germline Diversity
Authors: Johansson Jeannette , Aveskogh Maria , Munday Barry , Hellman Lars
Published: April 2014

In this work, to study the emergence of the H chain V region repertoire during mammalian evolution, we present an analysis of 25 independent H chain V regions from a monotreme, the Australian duck-billed platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus. All the sequences analyzed were found to form a single branch within the clan III of mammalian V region sequences in a distance tree. However, compared with a classical V gene family this branch was more diversified in sequence. Sequence analysis indicates that the apparent lack of diversity in germline V segments is well compensated for by relatively long and highly diversified D and N nucleotides. In addition, extensive sequence variation was observed in the framework region 3. Furthermore, at least five and possibly seven different J segments seem to be actively used in recombination. Interestingly, internal cysteine bridges in the complementarity-determining region (CDR)3 loop, or between the CDR2 and CDR3 loops, are found in ∼36% of the platypus VH sequences. Such cysteine bridges have also been observed in cow, camel, and shark. Internal cysteine bridges may play a role in stabilizing long and diversified CDR3 and thereby have a role in increasing the affinity of the Ab-Ag interaction.
Identification of a NovelLy49Promoter That Is Active in Bone Marrow and Fetal Thymus
Authors: Saleh Ali , Makrigiannis Andrew P. , Hodge Deborah L. , Anderson Stephen K.
Published: April 2014

The analysis of several Ly49 genes has identified a tissue-specific promoter adjacent to the previously defined first exon. The current study reveals the presence of an additional Ly49 promoter (Pro-1) and two noncoding exons upstream of the previously defined promoter (Pro-2). DNA sequences homologous to Pro-1 are present 4–10 kb upstream of Pro-2 in all Ly49 genes examined, and Pro-1 transcripts were detected from the Ly49a, e, g, o, and v genes. Pro-1 activity can be detected in bone marrow, embryonic thymus, freshly isolated liver NK cells, and the murine LNK cell line, but it does not function in adult thymus, sorted NK-T cells, spleen NK cells, or the EL-4 T cell line, even though these cells express Ly49 proteins. Luciferase reporter assays identified a Pro-1 core promoter region that functions in the LNK cell line but not EL-4 cells. The novel promoter is not active in mature NK cells, suggesting that Pro-1 represents an early Ly49 promoter.
Kinetic Analysis of a Unique Direct Prothrombinase, fgl2, and Identification of a Serine Residue Critical for the Prothrombinase Activity
Authors: Chan Camie W. Y. , Chan Matthew W. C. , Liu Mingfeng , Fung Laisum , Cole Edward H. , Leibowitz Julian L. , Marsden Philip A. , Clark David A. , Levy Gary A.
Published: April 2014

fgl2 prothrombinase, by its ability to generate thrombin, has been shown to be pivotal to the pathogenesis of viral-induced hepatitis, cytokine-induced fetal loss syndrome, and xeno- and allograft rejection. In this study, the molecular basis of fgl2 prothrombinase activity was examined in detail. Purified fgl2 protein generated in a baculovirus expression system had no measurable prothrombinase activity, whereas the activity was restored when the purified protein was reconstituted into phosphatidyl-l-serine-containing vesicles. Reconstituted fgl2 catalyzed the cleavage of human prothrombin to thrombin with kinetics consistent with a first order reaction, with an apparent Vmax value of 6 mol/min/mol fgl2 and an apparent Km value for prothrombin of 8.3 μM. The catalytic activity was totally dependent on calcium, and factor Va (500 nM) enhanced the catalytic efficiency of fgl2 by increasing the apparent Vmax value to 3670 mol/min/mol fgl2 and decreasing the apparent Km value for prothrombin to 7.2 μM. By a combination of site-directed mutagenesis and production of truncated proteins, it was clearly shown that residue Ser89 was critical for the prothrombinase activity of fgl2. Furthermore, fgl2 prothrombinase activity was not inhibited by antithrombin III, soybean trypsin inhibitor, 4-aminobenzamidine, aprotinin, or phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, whereas diisopropylfluorophosphate completely abrogated the activity. In this work we provide direct evidence that fgl2 cleaves prothrombin to thrombin consistent with serine protease activity and requires calcium, phospholipids, and factor Va for its full activity.
Induction of Heat Shock Protein 47 Synthesis by TGF-β and IL-1β Via Enhancement of the Heat Shock Element Binding Activity of Heat Shock Transcription Factor 1
Authors: Sasaki Hiroyoshi , Sato Tsutomu , Yamauchi Naofumi , Okamoto Tetsuro , Kobayashi Daisuke , Iyama Satoshi , Kato Junji , Matsunaga Takuya , Takimoto Rishu , Takayama Tetsuji , Kogawa Katsuhisa , Watanabe Naoki , Niitsu Yoshiro
Published: April 2014

With most immunological reactions, tissue fibrosis, collagen overproduction caused by immune cytokines, is inevitably associated. Among the various immune cytokines, heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) is a procollagen-specific molecular chaperon and is essential for secretion of procollagen from cells. Induction of HSP47 by TGF-β has been previously reported in rat skeletal myoblasts and mouse osteoblasts, but not in human diploid fibroblasts. As for IL-1β, its effect on HSP47 has not been elucidated. In the present study, using human embryonic lung fibroblast cells, we first disclosed that both TGF-β and IL-1β induced HSP47 synthesis. We then revealed that the binding of the heat shock element (HSE) by heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) was enhanced by both cytokines. We further demonstrated that trimer formation of HSF1, which is essential for its binding to HSE, was induced by these cytokines. The enhancement of HSP47 synthesis and their trimer formation of HSF1 were augmented by using a combination of both cytokines. Collectively, TGF- β and IL-1β were found to induce trimer formation of HSF1 which in turn bound to HSE of HSP47, resulting in the enhancement of HSP47 expression. Thus, HSP47 could well be a good candidate for molecular targeting in controlling tissue fibrosis, given that both principal fibrinogenetic cytokines (TGF-β, IL-1β) are commonly involved in its induction through HSF1 trimerization.
Antigenic Topology of Chlamydial PorB Protein and Identification of Targets for Immune Neutralization of Infectivity
Authors: Kawa Diane E. , Stephens Richard S.
Published: April 2014

The outer membrane protein PorB is a conserved chlamydial protein that functions as a porin and is capable of eliciting neutralizing Abs. A topological antigenic map was developed using overlapping synthetic peptides representing the Chlamydia trachomatis PorB sequence and polyclonal immune sera. To identify which antigenic determinants were surface accessible, monospecific antisera were raised to the PorB peptides and were used in dot-blot and ELISA-based absorption studies with viable chlamydial elementary bodies (EBs). The ability of the surface-accessible antigenic determinants to direct neutralizing Ab responses was investigated using standardized in vitro neutralization assays. Four major antigenic clusters corresponding to Phe34-Leu59 (B1-2 and B1-3), Asp112 -Glu145 (B2-3 and B2-4), Gly179-Ala225 (B3-2 to B3-4), and Val261-Asn305 (B4-4 to B5-2) were identified. Collectively, the EB absorption and dot-blot assays established that the immunoreactive PorB Ags were exposed on the surface of chlamydial EBs. Peptide-specific antisera raised to the surface-accessible Ags neutralized chlamydial infectivity and demonstrated cross-reactivity to synthetic peptides representing analogous C. pneumoniae PorB sequences. Furthermore, neutralization of chlamydial infectivity by C. trachomatis PorB antisera was inhibited by synthetic peptides representing the surface-exposed PorB antigenic determinants. These findings demonstrate that PorB Ags may be useful for development of chlamydial vaccines.
Costimulation of Host T Lymphocytes by a Trypanosomal trans-Sialidase: Involvement of CD43 Signaling
Authors: Todeschini Adriane R. , Nunes Marise P. , Pires Rachel S. , Lopes Marcela F. , Previato José O. , Mendonça-Previato Lúcia , DosReis George A.
Published: April 2014

Trans-sialidase is a membrane-bound and shed sialidase from Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite responsible for Chagas disease. We investigated the role of soluble trans-sialidase on host CD4+ T cell activation. Trans-sialidase activated naive CD4+ T cells in vivo. Both enzymatically active and inactive recombinant trans-sialidases costimulated CD4+ T cell activation in vitro. Costimulation resulted in increased mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, proliferation, and cytokine synthesis. Furthermore, active and inactive trans-sialidases blocked activation-induced cell death in CD4+ T cells from T. cruzi-infected mice. By flow cytometry, inactive trans-sialidase bound the highly sialylated surface Ag CD43 on host CD4+ T cells. Both costimulatory and antiapoptotic effects of trans-sialidases required CD43 signaling. These results suggest that trans-sialidase family proteins are involved in exacerbated host T lymphocyte responses observed in T. cruzi infection.
Expansion of NK Cells with Reduction of Their Inhibitory Ly-49A, Ly-49C, and Ly-49G2 Receptor-Expressing Subsets in a Murine Helminth Infection: Contribution to Parasite Control
Authors: Korten Simone , Volkmann Lars , Saeftel Michael , Fischer Kerstin , Taniguchi Masaru , Fleischer Bernhard , Hoerauf Achim
Published: April 2014

Natural killer cell-associated direct cytotoxicity and cytokine production are crucial mechanisms for early innate host resistance against viruses, bacteria, or protozoa. The engagement of inhibitory NK cell receptors can influence host responses to viruses. However, these receptors have not been investigated to date in parasitic infections, and little is known about the role of NK cells in the defense against helminths. Therefore, we have correlated the frequencies of cells expressing the pan-NK marker DX5 and subsets bearing inhibitory Ly-49 receptors with worm survival and cytokine production during infection with Litomosoides sigmodontis in BALB/c mice (H2d), the only fully permissive model of filariasis. A marked influx of DX5+/CD3− NK cells and DX5+/CD3+ T cells into the pleural cavity, where the parasites were located, was observed. The frequency of pleural NK cells expressing the H2d-reactive inhibitory receptors Ly-49A, Ly-49C, or Ly-49G2 declined most strongly compared with spleen and blood. In the peripheral blood, longitudinal analysis revealed an early and stable reduction of Ly-49C+ and Ly-49G2+ NK cells, a subsequent significant increase of the entire NK cell and DX5+/CD3+ T cell populations, and a reduction in the Ly-49A+ subset. The in vivo depletion of NK cells strongly enhanced the worm load and influenced IL-4 and IL-5 plasma levels. These data demonstrate a new role for NK cells in the host defense against filariae and, for the first time, alterations of Ly-49 receptor-expressing NK cell subsets in a parasitic infection.
Critical Role of Signaling Through IL-1 Receptor for Development of Arthritis and Sepsis DuringStaphylococcus aureusInfection
Authors: Hultgren Olof H. , Svensson Lena , Tarkowski Andrej
Published: April 2014

IL-1R-deficient mice (IL-1R−/−) and their wild-type controls (IL-1R+/+) were i.v. inoculated with 1 × 107 or 106 Staphylococcus aureus per mouse to mimic bacterial sepsis and septic arthritis. The disease outcome was severely worsened in the IL-1R−/− mice as compared with IL-1R+/+ mice. Indeed, 3 days after inoculation of 107 S. aureus per mouse 84% of IL-1R−/− mice displayed clinical signs of septicemia as compared with none of the IL-1R+/+ mice. On day 9 after inoculation with 106 S. aureus per mouse 75% of the IL-1R−/− mice were dead as compared with none of the IL-1R+/+ mice. Also, the number of staphylococci in circulation was 25- to 30-fold increased in IL-1R−/− mice as compared with IL-1R+/+ mice, the most probable reason for the outcome. The frequency and severity of septic arthritis were significantly increased in IL-1R−/− mice, as compared with IL-1R+/+ mice, following i.v. inoculation of staphylococci. This was probably due to an increased accumulation of bacteria in the joints of IL-1R−/− mice as compared with their wild-type controls. Interestingly, while serum levels of IL-18 in IL-1R−/− mice were significantly lower than in IL-1R+/+ mice 24 h after inoculation of S. aureus, both IL-18 and IL-1β were significantly increased in IL-1R−/− vs IL-1R+/+ mice 4 days after the bacterial inoculation. In conclusion, IL-1R signaling plays a crucial role in host protection during systemic S. aureus infection as seen by the fatal outcome of S. aureus sepsis and arthritis in IL-1R-deficient mice.
Complement C2 Receptor Inhibitor Trispanning and the β-Chain of C4 Share a Binding Site for Complement C2
Authors: Inal Jameel M. , Schifferli Jürg A.
Published: April 2014

Complement C2 receptor inhibitor trispanning (CRIT) of the Schistosoma parasite binds human C2 via the C2a segment. The receptor in vivo functions as C2 decoy receptor by directly competing with C4b for binding to C2. As a result, CRIT is able to limit the extent of classical pathway (CP) C3 convertase formation. We report that the CRIT-extracellular domain 1 (ed1) peptide inhibits CP-mediated complement activation with an ICH50 of ∼0.1 μM, the C-terminal 11 aa of CRIT-ed1, named H17, even more effectively. The β-chain region F222–Y232 of C4 shares 55% identity and 73% similarity with H17. Peptides based on this region also inhibit CP in a dose-dependent manner. As further evidence of C2 binding we showed CRIT-ed1 peptides and homologous C4 β-chain peptides to inhibit complement in C2 hemolytic assays. We have predicted C4 β-c F222–Y232 as a C2 binding site which we have termed the CRIT-ed1 domain, and the sequence [F/H]EVKX4/5P as a consensus C2-binding sequence. Anti-CRIT-ed1 cross-reacts with the C4 β-chain and F222EVKITPGKPY232 appears to be the key epitope recognized by this Ab. Furthermore, anti-CRIT-ed1 was found to inhibit CP activation in a total hemolytic assay. We believe that Schistosoma CRIT-ed1, as well as C4 β-chain peptides based on the CRIT-ed1 domain, function as interface peptides. These peptides, based on C2-binding sequences in CRIT, or C4, competitively inhibit the binding of C2 to C4b and thus limit the activation of C. The C4 peptides, unlike CRIT-ed1, did not inhibit the cleavage of C2 by C1s.
Human C1qRp Is Identical with CD93 and the mNI-11 Antigen But Does Not Bind C1q
Authors: McGreal Eamon P. , Ikewaki Nobunao , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Morgan B. Paul , Gasque Philippe
Published: April 2014

It has been suggested that the human C1qRp is a receptor for the complement component C1q; however, there is no direct evidence for an interaction between C1q and C1qRp. In this study, we demonstrate that C1q does not show enhanced binding to C1qRp-transfected cells compared with control cells. Furthermore, a soluble recombinant C1qRp-Fc chimera failed to interact with immobilized C1q. The proposed role of C1qRp in the phagocytic response in vivo is also unsupported in that we demonstrate that this molecule is not expressed by macrophages in a variety of human tissues and the predominant site of expression is on endothelial cells. Studies on the rodent homolog of C1qRp, known as AA4, have suggested that this molecule may function as an intercellular adhesion molecule. Here we show that C1qRp is the Ag recognized by several previously described mAbs, mNI-11 and two anti-CD93 Abs (clones X2 and VIMD2b). Interestingly, mNI-11 (Fab′) has been shown to promote monocyte-monocyte and monocyte-endothelial cell adhesive interactions. We produced a recombinant C1qRp-Fc chimera containing the C-type lectin-like domain of C1qRp and found specific binding to vascular endothelial cells in sections of inflamed human tonsil, indicating the presence of a C1qRp ligand at this site. This interaction was Ca2+ independent and was not blocked by our anti-C1qRp mAb BIIG-4, but was blocked by the proadhesive mAb mNI-11. Collectively, these data indicate that C1qRp is not a receptor for C1q, and they support the emerging role of C1qRp (here renamed CD93) in functions relevant to intercellular adhesion.
Receptor-Mediated Monitoring of Tissue Well-Being Via Detection of Soluble Heparan Sulfate by Toll-Like Receptor 4
Authors: Johnson Geoffrey B. , Brunn Gregory J. , Kodaira Yuzo , Platt Jeffrey L.
Published: April 2014

Perturbations to the well-being of tissues in plants and invertebrates generate fragments of endogenous molecules that are recognized by innate immune receptors. Vertebrates have homologous receptors on specialized cells such as dendritic cells, but whether these receptors respond to fragments of endogenous molecules is not known. We tested the idea that Toll-like receptors on dendritic cells might recognize polysaccharide fragments of heparan sulfate proteoglycan. Dendritic cells were found to mature in response to heparan sulfate as measured by costimulatory protein expression, morphology, and T lymphocyte stimulation, but this maturation was absent when Toll-like receptor 4 was mutated or inhibited. These findings suggest that Toll-like receptors in vertebrates may monitor tissue well-being by recognizing fragments of endogenous macromolecules.
Two msbB Genes Encoding Maximal Acylation of Lipid A Are Required for Invasive Shigella flexneri to Mediate Inflammatory Rupture and Destruction of the Intestinal Epithelium
Authors: d’Hauteville Hélène , Khan Shahid , Maskell Duncan J. , Kussak Anders , Weintraub Andrej , Mathison John , Ulevitch Richard J. , Wuscher Nicole , Parsot Claude , Sansonetti Philippe J.
Published: April 2014

Shigella flexneri is a Gram-negative pathogen that invades and causes inflammatory destruction of the human colonic epithelium, thus leading to bloody diarrhea and dysentery. A type III secretion system that delivers effector proteins into target eukaryotic cells is largely responsible for cell and tissue invasion. However, the respective role of this invasive phenotype and of lipid A, the endotoxin of the Shigella LPS, in eliciting the inflammatory cascade that leads to rupture and destruction of the epithelial barrier, was unknown. We investigated whether genetic detoxification of lipid A would cause significant alteration in pathogenicity. We showed that S. flexneri has two functional msbB genes, one carried by the chromosome (msbB1) and the other by the virulence plasmid (msbB2), the products of which act in complement to produce full acyl-oxy-acylation of the myristate at the 3′ position of the lipid A glucosamine disaccharide. A mutant in which both the msbB1 and msbB2 genes have been inactivated was impaired in its capacity to cause TNF-α production by human monocytes and to cause rupture and inflammatory destruction of the epithelial barrier in the rabbit ligated intestinal loop model of shigellosis, indicating that lipid A plays a significant role in aggravating inflammation that eventually destroys the intestinal barrier. In addition, neutralization of TNF-α during invasion by the wild-type strain strongly impaired its ability to cause rupture and inflammatory destruction of the epithelial lining, thus indicating that TNF-α is a major effector of epithelial destruction by Shigella.
Regulation of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Expression in the Lung Following Hemorrhagic Shock and Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Fan Jie , Kapus Andras , Marsden Philip A. , Li Yue Hua , Oreopoulos George , Marshall John C. , Frantz Stefan , Kelly Ralph A. , Medzhitov Ruslan , Rotstein Ori D.
Published: April 2014

The Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has recently been shown to function as the major upstream sensor for LPS. In this study, a rodent model of lung injury following resuscitated hemorrhagic shock was used to examine the regulation of TLR4 gene and protein expression in vivo and in vitro. Intratracheal LPS alone induced a rapid reduction in whole lung TLR4 mRNA, an effect which is also observed in recovered alveolar macrophages. This effect appeared to be due to a lowering of TLR4 mRNA stability by ∼69%. By contrast, while shock/resuscitation alone had no effect on TLR4 mRNA levels, it markedly altered the response to LPS. Specifically, antecedent shock prevented the LPS-induced reduction in TLR4 mRNA levels. This reversal was explained by the ability of prior resuscitated shock both to prevent the destabilization of TLR4 mRNA by LPS and also to augment LPS-stimulated TLR4 gene transcription compared with LPS alone. Oxidant stress related to shock/resuscitation appeared to contribute to the regulation of TLR4 mRNA, because supplementation of the resuscitation fluid with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine reversed the ability of shock/resuscitation to preserve TLR4 mRNA levels following LPS. TLR4 protein levels in whole lung mirrored the changes seen for TLR4 mRNA. Considered in aggregate, these data suggest that levels of tlr4 expression are controlled both transcriptionally as well as posttranscriptionally through altered mRNA stability and that antecedent shock/resuscitation, a form of global ischemia/reperfusion, might influence regulation of this gene.
Lipoxin A4 Analogs Attenuate Induction of Intestinal Epithelial Proinflammatory Gene Expression and Reduce the Severity of Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis
Authors: Gewirtz Andrew T. , Collier-Hyams Lauren S. , Young Andrew N. , Kucharzik Torsten , Guilford William J. , Parkinson John F. , Williams Ifor R. , Neish Andrew S. , Madara James L.
Published: April 2014

The anti-inflammatory eicosanoid lipoxin A4 (LXA4), aspirin-triggered 15-epi-LXA4, and their stable analogs down-regulate IL-8 secretion and subsequent recruitment of neutrophils by intestinal epithelia. In an effort to elucidate the mechanism by which these lipid mediators modulate cellular proinflammatory programs, we surveyed global epithelial gene expression using cDNA microarrays. LXA4 analog alone did not significantly affect expression of any of the >7000 genes analyzed. However, LXA4 analog pretreatment attenuated induction of ∼50% of the 125 genes up-regulated in response to the gastroenteritis-causing pathogen Salmonella typhimurium. A major subset of genes whose induction was reduced by LXA4 analog pretreatment is regulated by NF-κB, suggesting that LXA4 analog was influencing the activity of this transcription factor. Nanomolar concentrations of LXA4 analog reduced NF-κB-mediated transcriptional activation in a LXA4 receptor-dependent manner and inhibited induced degradation of IκBα. LXA4 analog did not affect earlier stimulus-induced signaling events that lead to IκBα degradation, such as S. typhimurium-induced epithelial Ca2+ mobilization or TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of IκBα. To establish the in vivo relevance of these findings, we examined whether LXA4 analogs could affect intestinal inflammation in vivo using the mouse model of DSS-induced inflammatory colitis. Oral administration of LXA4 analog (15-epi-16-para-fluoro-phenoxy-LXA4, 10 μg/day) significantly reduced the weight loss, hematochezia, and mortality that characterize DSS colitis. Thus, LXA4 analog-mediated down-regulation of proinflammatory gene expression via inhibition of the NF-κB pathway can be therapeutic for diseases characterized by mucosal inflammation.
The Chemokine Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1α Modulates α4β7 Integrin-Mediated Lymphocyte Adhesion to Mucosal Addressin Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 and Fibronectin
Authors: Wright Natalia , Hidalgo Andrés , Rodríguez-Frade José Miguel , Soriano Silvia F. , Mellado Mario , Parmo-Cabañas Marisa , Briskin Michael J. , Teixidó Joaquin
Published: April 2014

The interaction between the integrin α4β7 and its ligand, mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1, on high endothelial venules represents a key adhesion event during lymphocyte homing to secondary lymphoid tissue. Stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) is a chemokine that attracts T and B lymphocytes and has been hypothesized to be involved in lymphocyte homing. In this work we show that α4β7-mediated adhesion of CD4+ T lymphocytes and the RPMI 8866 cell line to mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 was up-regulated by SDF-1α in both static adhesion and cell detachment under shear stress assays. Both naive and memory phenotype CD4+ T cells were targets of SDF-1α-triggered increased adhesion. In addition, SDF-1α augmented α4β7-dependent adhesion of RPMI 8866 cells to connecting segment-1 of fibronectin. While pertussis toxin totally blocked chemotaxis of CD4+ and RPMI 8866 cells to SDF-1α, enhanced α4β7-dependent adhesion triggered by this chemokine was partially inhibited, indicating the participation of Gαi-dependent as well as Gαi-independent signaling. Accordingly, we show that SDF-1α induced a rapid and transient association between its receptor CXCR4 and Gαi, whereas association of pertussis toxin-insensitive Gα13 with CXCR4 was slower and of a lesser extent. SDF-1α also activated the small GTPases RhoA and Rac1, and inhibition of RhoA activation reduced the up-regulation of α4β7-mediated lymphocyte adhesion in response to SDF-1α, suggesting that activation of RhoA could play an important role in the enhanced adhesion. These data indicate that up-regulation by SDF-1α of lymphocyte adhesion mediated by α4β7 could contribute to lymphocyte homing to secondary lymphoid tissues.
IFN-γ-Inducible Protein 10 (CXCL10) Contributes to Airway Hyperreactivity and Airway Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Asthma
Authors: Medoff Benjamin D. , Sauty Alain , Tager Andrew M. , Maclean James A. , Smith R. Neal , Mathew Anuja , Dufour Jennifer H. , Luster Andrew D.
Published: April 2014

Allergic asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by eosinophilic inflammation and airway hyper-reactivity. Cytokines and chemokines specific for Th2-type inflammation predominate in asthma and in animal models of this disease. The role of Th1-type inflammatory mediators in asthma remains controversial. IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10; CXCL10) is an IFN-γ-inducible chemokine that preferentially attracts activated Th1 lymphocytes. IP-10 is up-regulated in the airways of asthmatics, but its function in asthma is unclear. To investigate the role of IP-10 in allergic airway disease, we examined the expression of IP-10 in a murine model of asthma and the effects of overexpression and deletion of IP-10 in this model using IP-10-transgenic and IP-10-deficient mice. Our experiments demonstrate that IP-10 is up-regulated in the lung after allergen challenge. Mice that overexpress IP-10 in the lung exhibited significantly increased airway hyperreactivity, eosinophilia, IL-4 levels, and CD8+ lymphocyte recruitment compared with wild-type controls. In addition, there was an increase in the percentage of IL-4-secreting T lymphocytes in the lungs of IP-10-transgenic mice. In contrast, mice deficient in IP-10 demonstrated the opposite results compared with wild-type controls, with a significant reduction in these measures of Th2-type allergic airway inflammation. Our results demonstrate that IP-10, a Th1-type chemokine, is up-regulated in allergic pulmonary inflammation and that this contributes to the airway hyperreactivity and Th2-type inflammation seen in this model of asthma.
Localized Exocytosis of Primary (Lysosomal) Granules During Phagocytosis: Role of Ca2+-Dependent Tyrosine Phosphorylation and Microtubules
Authors: Tapper Hans , Furuya Wendy , Grinstein Sergio
Published: April 2014

The uptake and killing of bacteria by human neutrophils are dependent on the fusion of secretory granules with forming phagosomes. The earliest component of exocytosis was found to precede phagosome closure, so that granular membrane constituents were detectable on the plasmalemma. We show that during phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized particles, this early secretory response is highly polarized in the case of primary granules, but less so for specific granules. The vectorial discharge of primary granules was dependent on calcium, but no evidence was found that calcium is involved in determining the polarity of exocytosis. In particular, a redistribution of endomembrane calcium stores toward forming phagosomes could not be detected. Polarized granule exocytosis was accompanied by focal tyrosine phosphorylation and actin polymerization, although the latter was not required for the response. Instead, microtubules seemed to contribute to the vectorial nature of the response. During particle ingestion, the microtubule-organizing center relocated toward forming phagosomes, and colchicine treatment altered the pattern of exocytosis, reducing its directionality. We hypothesize that the focal activation of tyrosine kinases generates localized signals that induce exocytosis in a calcium-dependent manner, and that reorientation of microtubules facilitates preferential delivery of granules toward the forming phagosome.
Mast Cell-Derived TNF-α Primes Sensory Nerve Endings in a Pulmonary Hypersensitivity Reaction
Authors: van Houwelingen Anneke H. , Kool Mirjam , de Jager Saskia C. A. , Redegeld Frank A. M. , van Heuven-Nolsen Dicky , Kraneveld Aletta D. , Nijkamp Frans P.
Published: April 2014

TNF-α is a cytokine associated with inflammatory diseases, including asthma. Increased levels of TNF-α were found in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice undergoing a dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced non-IgE-mediated pulmonary hypersensitivity reaction. We report in this work that TNF-α increases the susceptibility of sensory neurons to dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNS) and capsaicin, leading to a tracheal vascular hyperpermeability response in DNFB-sensitized and DNS-challenged mice. mAb against TNF-α or the TNFR1 inhibited this hyperpermeability response in DNFB-sensitized and DNS-challenged mice. Furthermore, the hyperpermeability response after DNS challenge was abolished in DNFB-sensitized mast cell-deficient WBB6F1-W/WV mice. These animals showed a remarked decrease of TNF-α bronchoalveolar lavage fluid levels after a single DNS challenge. The hyperpermeability response after DNS challenge was regained in mast cell-deficient mice after mast cell reconstitution. These findings indicate a prominent role for TNF-α and its TNFR1 in the DNFB-induced tracheal hyperpermeability response. We propose that a priming effect of mast cell-derived TNF-α on the sensory neurons could be the mechanism of action of TNF-α in the vascular hyperpermeability response in tracheas of mice undergoing a pulmonary hypersensitivity reaction.