bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of IL-10 Gene Expression in Th2 Cells by Jun Proteins
Authors: Wang Zheng-Yu , Sato Hiroshi , Kusam Saritha , Sehra Sarita , Toney Lisa M. , Dent Alexander L.
Published: April 2014

IL-10 is a key regulatory cytokine produced by T lymphocytes. Although Th2 cells are a major source of IL-10, little is known about IL-10 gene regulation in Th2 cells. High levels of IL-10 mRNA transcription are induced in the Th2 clone D10 after PMA plus ionomycin (P/I) stimulation; however we found that the IL-10 promoter was not inducible by P/I in D10 cells. We therefore sought regulatory regions in the IL-10 gene that could promote P/I-activated transcription in Th2 cells. Two strong DNase I-hypersensitive sites (DHSSs) were identified in the IL-10 gene in mouse T cells, and conserved noncoding sequences (CNSs) between the mouse and human IL-10 genes were also identified. One IL-10 DHSS maps within or next to a highly conserved CNS region, CNS-3. The CNS-3 region contains an AP-1 site that binds JunB and c-Jun proteins specifically in Th2 cells and not in Th1 cells. The CNS-3 element activates transcription from the IL-10 promoter after P/I stimulation and is responsive to c-Jun and JunB. Retroviral mediated-expression of either c-Jun or JunB in primary T cells led to a large increase in IL-10 expression, and inhibition of AP-1 activity by a dominant negative form of c-Jun in primary T cells strongly repressed IL-10 expression. IFN-γ was relatively unaffected by modulations in AP-1 activity. These data indicate that we have identified a novel regulatory element that can specifically activate transcription of the IL-10 gene in Th2 cells via the AP-1/Jun pathway.
Variable-Region-Identical Antibodies Differing in Isotype Demonstrate Differences in Fine Specificity and Idiotype
Authors: Torres Marcela , May Rena , Scharff Matthew D. , Casadevall Arturo
Published: April 2014

A central tenet of the current understanding of the relationship between Ab structure and function is that the variable region domain is solely responsible for Ag specificity. However, this view was recently challenged by the observation that families of mouse-human chimeric Abs with identical V regions demonstrate differences in fine specificity and by reports of changes in Ab Id structure with isotype switching. Here we revisited this question by evaluating the reactivity of two families of murine IgG switch variants that differed in V region usage for Cryptococcus neoformans glucuronoxylomannan, glucuronoxylomannan peptide mimetics, and anti-Id mAbs. The results reveal isotype-related differences in fine specificities and Id for two mAb isotype switched families, thus establishing the validity of this observation with sets of homologous Abs. The results suggest that the C region affects V region protein conformation, leading to differences in fine specificity and Id. The finding that isotype can affect fine specificity has major implications for current concepts of the generation of secondary responses, idiotypic network regulation, and isotype function. Given that isotype class switching and Ig gene somatic hypermutation share molecular mechanisms, these observations unify these processes in the sense that both can alter specificity and affinity.
IL-9 Is a Susceptibility Factor in Leishmania major Infection by Promoting Detrimental Th2/Type 2 Responses
Authors: Arendse Berenice , Van Snick Jacques , Brombacher Frank
Published: April 2014

IL-9 is a cytokine produced by Th2 cells, induced during Leishmania major infection. Because the role of IL-9 in leishmaniasis is currently unknown, IL-9-deficient mice were generated by immunization with mouse IL-9 coupled to OVA. This produced strong and long-lasting neutralizing anti-IL-9 Abs in vivo. Anti-IL-9 vaccination showed protective effects, because it enabled L. major-infected nonhealer BALB/c mice to better resist to leishmaniasis with doubling the time span until pathological disease progression occurred. Increased resistance was also demonstrated by moderate footpad swelling and histopathology due to reduced parasite burden compared with sham-immunized BALB/c mice. Mechanistically, IL-9 neutralization in BALB/c mice resulted in a reduction of detrimental Th2/type 2 responses with an observed shift toward protective Th1 immune responses. This led to an alteration from alternative to classical macrophage activation with subsequent enhanced killing effector functions, as demonstrated by increased NO production but reduced arginase 1-mediated macrophage responses. Conclusively, the data show that IL-9 is a susceptible factor in leishmaniasis. They further suggest that IL-9 is able to influence Th dichotomy in leishmaniasis by promoting detrimental Th2/type 2 responses in BALB/c mice. The results extend efforts made to generate autoantibodies capable of regulating biological processes, with IL-9 a potential drug target against leishmaniasis.
Modulation of Macrophage Phenotype by Soluble Product(s) Released from Neutrophils
Authors: Daley Jean M. , Reichner Jonathan S. , Mahoney Eric J. , Manfield Laura , Henry William L. , Mastrofrancesco Balduino , Albina Jorge E.
Published: April 2014

The regulation of macrophage phenotype by neutrophils was studied in the s.c. polyvinyl alcohol sponge wound model in mice made neutropenic by anti-Gr-1 Ab, as well as in cell culture. Wounds in neutropenic mice contained 100-fold fewer neutrophils than those in nonneutropenic controls 1 day after sponge implantation. Wound fluids from neutropenic mice contained 68% more TNF-α, 168% more IL-6, and 61% less TGF-β1 than those from controls. Wound fluid IL-10 was not different between the two groups, and IL-4 was not detected. Intracellular TNF-α staining was greater in cells isolated from neutropenic wounds than in those from control wounds. The hypothesis that wound neutrophil products modulate macrophage phenotype was tested in Transwell cocultures of LPS-stimulated J774A.1 macrophages and day 1 wound cells (84% neutrophils/15% macrophages). Overnight cocultures accumulated 60% less TNF-α and IL-6 than cultures of J774A.1 alone. The suppression of cytokine release was mediated by a soluble factor(s), because culture supernatants from wound cells inhibited TNF-α and IL-6 release from LPS-stimulated J774A.1 cells. Culture supernatants from purified wound neutrophils equally suppressed TNF-α release from LPS-stimulated J774A.1 cells. Wound cell supernatants also suppressed TNF-α and superoxide release from murine peritoneal macrophages. The TNF-α inhibitory factor has a molecular mass <3000 Da and is neither PGE2 nor adenosine. The present findings confirm a role for neutrophils in the regulation of innate immune responses through modulation of macrophage phenotype.
CpG RNA: Identification of Novel Single-Stranded RNA That Stimulates Human CD14+CD11c+ Monocytes
Authors: Sugiyama Takahiro , Gursel Mayda , Takeshita Fumihiko , Coban Cevayir , Conover Jacqueline , Kaisho Tsuneyasu , Akira Shizuo , Klinman Dennis M. , Ishii Ken J.
Published: April 2014

Synthetic immunostimulatory nucleic acids such as CpG DNA are being harnessed therapeutically as vaccine adjuvants, anticancer or antiallergic agents. Efforts to identify nucleic acid-based agents capable of more specifically modulating the immune system are being developed. The current study identifies a novel class of single-stranded oligoribonucleotides (ORN) containing unmethylated CpG motifs and a poly(G) run at the 3′ end (CpG ORN) that directly stimulate human CD14+CD11c+ monocytes but not dendritic cells or B cells. CpG ORN activate NF-κB and p38 MAPK, resulting in IL-6 and IL-12 production and costimulatory molecule up-regulation but not IFNα. Methylation of cytosine at the 5′ portion in core CpG motif abrogates such activation. TLR3, 7, 8, or 9 alone did not confer response to CpG ORN, in contrast to previously reported respective nucleic acid ligands. These data suggest that CpG ORN represent a novel class of synthetic immunostimulatory nucleic acids with distinct target cells, receptors, and functions from that of previously known immunomodulatory nucleic acids.
In Vitro and In Vivo Induction of Heme Oxygenase 1 in Mouse Macrophages following Melanocortin Receptor Activation
Authors: Lam Connie W. , Getting Stephen J. , Perretti Mauro
Published: April 2014

RAW264.7 cell incubation with adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) led to a time-dependent (4–24 h) and concentration-related (1–100 ng/ml) induction of heme oxygenase (HO)-1, and this was a specific effect, because the pattern of expression of other cellular proteins (HO-2, heat shock proteins 70 and 90) was not modified by ACTH. Combined RT-PCR and Western blot analyses revealed expression of the melanocortin receptor (MC-R) types 1 and 3, but not 4, in these cells. However, use of more selective agonists (including melanotan (MTII)) indicated a predominant role for MC3-R in the induction of HO-1 expression and activity. Relevantly, ACTH and MTII incubation with primary peritoneal macrophages (Mφ) also induced HO-1 expression. The potential link between MC3-R dependent cAMP formation and HO-1 induction was ascertained by the following: 1) ACTH and MTII produced a concentration-dependent accumulation of cAMP in RAW264.7 cells, and 2) whereas a selective inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A abrogated ACTH- and MTII-induced HO-1 expression, a soluble cAMP derivative promoted HO-1 induction both in RAW264.7 cells and primary Mφ. HO-1 induction in peritoneal Mφ was also detected following in vivo administration of MTII, and appeared to be functionally related to the antimigratory effect of this melanocortin, as determined with a specific inhibitor (zinc protoporphyrin IX). In conclusion, this study highlights a biochemical link between MC-R activation and HO-1 induction in the Mφ, and proposes that this may be of functional relevance in determining MC-R-dependent control of the host inflammatory response.
Preferential Recognition of Undisruptable Dimers of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase by a Monoclonal Antibody Directed against an N-Terminal Epitope
Authors: Mazumdar Tuhina , Eissa N. Tony
Published: April 2014

Overproduction of NO by inducible NO synthase (iNOS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases. iNOS is active only as a homodimer in which the subunits align in a head-to-head manner, with the N-terminal oxygenase domains forming the dimer interface and a zinc metal center stabilizing the dimer. Thus, dimerization represents a critical locus for therapeutic interventions for regulation of NO synthesis. We have recently shown that intracellular iNOS forms dimers that are “undisruptable (UD)” by heat, SDS, strong denaturants, and/or reducing agents. Our data further suggest that the zinc metal center plays a role in forming and/or stabilizing iNOS undisruptable dimers (UD-dimers). In this study, we show that a mAb directed against a unique epitope at the oxygenase domain of human iNOS preferentially recognizes UD-dimers. This observation has implications for the mechanism of formation and regulation of dimer formation of iNOS. Our data suggest that UD-dimers of iNOS, in spite of SDS-PAGE denaturation, still maintain features of the quaternary structure of iNOS particularly at its N-terminal end and including head-to-head contact of the oxygenase domains.
L-Selectin, α4β1, and α4β7 Integrins Participate in CD4+ T Cell Recruitment to Chronically Inflamed Small Intestine
Authors: Rivera-Nieves Jesús , Olson Timothy , Bamias Giorgos , Bruce Anthony , Solga Michael , Knight Robert F. , Hoang Sharon , Cominelli Fabio , Ley Klaus
Published: April 2014

CD4+ T cells are essential for development and perpetuation of Crohn’s disease, a chronic immune-mediated condition that affects primarily the small intestine. Using novel models of Crohn’s disease-like ileitis (i.e., SAMP1/YitFc and CD4+ T cell transfer models), we have begun to understand the adhesive pathways that mediate lymphocyte trafficking to the chronically inflamed small bowel. Expansion of the CD4/β7+ population and increased mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) expression were observed within the intestinal lamina propria with disease progression. However, Ab blockade of the β7 integrin, the α4β7 heterodimer, MAdCAM-1, or L-selectin did not attenuate inflammation. Blockade of two pathways (L-selectin and MAdCAM-1 or α4 integrins) was required to improve ileitis. Further analyses showed that 55 ± 7% of the mesenteric lymph node α4β7+CD4 expressed L-selectin. These L-selectin+ T cells were the main producers of TNF-α and the predominant ileitis-inducing subpopulation. Mechanistically, combined blockade of L-selectin and MAdCAM-1 depleted the intestinal lamina propria of CD4+ T cells that aberrantly coexpressed α4β7 and α4β1 integrins, markedly decreasing local production of TNF-α and IFN-γ. Thus, pathogenic CD4+ T cells not only use the physiologic α4β7/MAdCAM-1 pathway, but alternatively engage α4β1 and L-selectin to recirculate to the chronically inflamed small intestine.
Cellular Basis of the Role of Diesel Exhaust Particles in Inducing Th2-Dominant Response
Authors: Ohtani Tomoyuki , Nakagawa Satoshi , Kurosawa Masahiro , Mizuashi Masato , Ozawa Maki , Aiba Setsuya
Published: April 2014

There is growing evidence that diesel exhaust particles (DEP) can induce allergic diseases with increased IgE production and preferential activation of Th2 cells. To clarify the cellular basis of the role of DEP in the induction of Th2-dominant responses, we examined the effects of DEP on the cytokine production by T cells stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 Ab and on that by monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) stimulated with CD40L and/or IFN-γ. We examined IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, and IL-10 produced by T cells and TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-12 produced by MoDCs using real-time PCR analysis or by ELISA. To highlight the effects of DEP, we compared the effects of DEP with those of dexamethasone (DEX) and cyclosporin A (CyA). DEP significantly suppressed IFN-γ mRNA expression and protein production, while it did not affect IL-4 or IL-5 mRNA expression or protein production. The suppressive effect on IFN-γ mRNA expression was more potent than that of DEX and comparable at 30 μg/ml with 10−7 M CyA. The suppressive effect on IFN-γ production was also more potent than that of either DEX or CyA. DEP suppressed IL-12p40 and IL-12p35 mRNA expression and IL-12p40 and IL-12p70 production by MoDCs, while it augmented IL-1β mRNA expression. Finally, by using a thiol antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine, we found that the suppression of IFN-γ production by DEP-treated T cells was mediated by oxidative stress. These data revealed a unique characteristic of DEP, namely that they induce a Th2 cytokine milieu in both T cells and dendritic cells.
Targeted Disruption of the Artemis Murine Counterpart Results in SCID and Defective V(D)J Recombination That Is Partially Corrected with Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Li Lanying , Salido Eduardo , Zhou Yungui , Bhattacharyya Swati , Yannone Steven M. , Dunn Elizabeth , Meneses Juanito , Feeney Ann J. , Cowan Morton J.
Published: April 2014

Artemis is a mammalian protein, the absence of which results in SCID in Athabascan-speaking Native Americans (SCIDA). This novel protein has been implicated in DNA double-strand break repair and V(D)J recombination. We have cloned the Artemis murine counterpart, mArt, and generated a mouse with a targeted disruption of mArt. Artemis-deficient mice show a similar T−B− NK+ immunodeficiency phenotype, and carry a profound impairment in coding joint rearrangement, while retaining intact signal ends and close to normal signal joint formation. mArt−/− embryonic fibroblasts show increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Hemopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation using 500-5000 enriched congenic, but not allogeneic mismatched HSC corrected the T cell and partially corrected the B cell defect. Large numbers (40,000) of allogeneic mismatched HSC or pretreatment with 300 cGy of radiation overcame graft resistance, resulting in limited B cell engraftment. Our results suggest that the V(D)J and DNA repair defects seen in this mArt−/− mouse model are comparable to those in humans with Artemis deficiency, and that the recovery of immunity following HSC transplantation favors T rather than B cell reconstitution, consistent with what is seen in children with this form of SCID.
Cutting Edge: NKG2D Is a Costimulatory Receptor for Human Naive CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Maasho Kerima , Opoku-Anane Jessica , Marusina Alina I. , Coligan John E. , Borrego Francisco
Published: April 2014

In humans, all αβ CD8+ T cells express NKG2D, but in mouse, it is only expressed by activated and memory CD8+ T cells. We purified human naive CD8+ T cells to show that NKG2D serves as a costimulatory receptor for TCR induced Ca2+ mobilization and proliferation. The resulting effector cells are skewed toward a type 1 phenotype and produce high levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α. NKG2D ligands, MHC class I chain-related (MIC)A, MICB, and UL16-binding proteins are expressed on the proliferating cells and NKG2D is down-regulated. The addition of the homeostatic cytokines IL-7 and IL-15 to the culture medium not only enhances proliferation but also counteracts the down-regulation of NKG2D, more so than the addition of IL-2. These results indicate that NKG2D can regulate the priming of human naive CD8+ T cells, which may provide an alternative mechanism for potentiating and channeling the immune response.
Expression Profiling of Murine Double-Negative Regulatory T Cells Suggest Mechanisms for Prolonged Cardiac Allograft Survival
Authors: Lee Boris P.-L. , Mansfield Elaine , Hsieh Szu-Chuan , Hernandez-Boussard Tina , Chen Wenhao , Thomson Christopher W. , Ford Megan S. , Bosinger Steven E. , Der Sandy , Zhang Zhu-xu , Zhang Meixia , Kelvin David J. , Sarwal Minnie M. , Zhang Li
Published: April 2014

Recent studies have demonstrated that both mouse and human αβTCR+CD3+NK1.1−CD4−CD8− double-negative regulatory T (DN Treg) cells can suppress Ag-specific immune responses mediated by CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. To identify molecules involved in DN Treg cell function, we generated a panel of murine DN Treg clones, which specifically kill activated syngeneic CD8+ T cells. Through serial cultivation of DN Treg clones, mutant clones arose that lost regulatory capacity in vitro and in vivo. Although all allogeneic cardiac grafts in animals preinfused with tolerant CD4/CD8 negative 12 DN Treg clones survived over 100 days, allograft survival is unchanged following infusion of mutant clones (19.5 ± 11.1 days) compared with untreated controls (22.8 ± 10.5 days; p < 0.001). Global gene expression differences between functional DN Treg cells and nonfunctional mutants were compared. We found 1099 differentially expressed genes (q < 0.025%), suggesting increased cell proliferation and survival, immune regulation, and chemotaxis, together with decreased expression of genes for Ag presentation, apoptosis, and protein phosphatases involved in signal transduction. Expression of 33 overexpressed and 24 underexpressed genes were confirmed using quantitative real-time PCR. Protein expression of several genes, including FcεRIγ subunit and CXCR5, which are >50-fold higher, was also confirmed using FACS. These findings shed light on the mechanisms by which DN Treg cells down-regulate immune responses and prolong cardiac allograft survival.
Role for Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 in NK Cell Cytotoxicity and X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Disease
Authors: Aoukaty Ala , Tan Rusung
Published: April 2014

NK cells from individuals with X-linked lymphoproliferative (XLP) disease exhibit functional defects when stimulated through the NK receptor, 2B4 (CD244). These defects are likely a consequence of aberrant intracellular signaling initiated by mutations of the adaptor molecule SLAM-associated protein. In this report, we show that NK cells from individuals with XLP but not healthy individuals fail to phosphorylate and thereby inactivate glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) following 2B4 stimulation. Lack of GSK-3 phosphorylation prevented the accumulation of the transcriptional coactivator β-catenin in the cytoplasm and its subsequent translocation to the nucleus. Potential signaling pathways leading from 2B4 stimulation to GSK-3 phosphorylation were also investigated. Ligation of 2B4 resulted in the phosphorylation of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Vav-1, and subsequent activation of the GTP-binding protein Rac-1 (but not Ras) and the serine-threonine kinase Raf-1 in healthy but not XLP-derived NK cells. In addition, the activity of MEK-2 (but not MEK-1) was up-regulated, and Erk1/2 was phosphorylated in normal NK cells but not those from an individual with XLP suggesting that these proteins relay SLAM-associated protein-dependent signals from 2B4. Finally, inactivation of GSK-3 using a specific inhibitor of GSK-3β increased the cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion of both healthy and XLP NK cells. These data indicate that the signaling of 2B4 in NK cells is mediated by GSK-3 and β-catenin, possibly through a signal transduction pathway that involves Vav-1, Rac-1, Raf-1, MEK-2, and Erk1/2 and that this pathway is aberrant in individuals with XLP.
Altered Migration, Recruitment, and Somatic Hypermutation in the Early Response of Marginal Zone B Cells to T Cell-Dependent Antigen
Authors: Phan Tri Giang , Gardam Sandra , Basten Antony , Brink Robert
Published: April 2014

The early responses of follicular (Fo) and marginal zone (MZ) B cells to T cell-dependent Ag were compared using anti-hen egg lysozyme (HEL+) B cells capable of class switch recombination and somatic hypermutation (SHM). Purified CD21/35intCD23high Fo and CD21/35highCD23low MZ splenic B cells from SWHEL Ig-transgenic mice were transferred into wild-type recipients and challenged with HEL-sheep RBC. Responding HEL+ B cells from both populations switched efficiently to IgG1, generated syndecan-1+ Ab-secreting cells, and exhibited equivalent rates of proliferation. However, the expansion of HEL+ MZ B cells lagged significantly behind that of HEL+ Fo B cells due to less efficient homing to the outer periarteriolar lymphatic sheath and reduced recruitment into the proliferative response. Despite the equivalent rates of class switch recombination, the onset of SHM was delayed in the MZ subset, indicating that these two activation-induced cytidine deaminase-dependent events are uncoupled in the early response of MZ B cells. Migration of HEL+ B cells into germinal centers coincided with the onset of SHM, occurring more rapidly with Fo vs MZ responders. These results are consistent with the concept that Fo and MZ B cells have evolved to specialize in T cell-dependent and T-independent responses respectively.
NK Cells Inhibit T Cell Proliferation via p21-Mediated Cell Cycle Arrest
Authors: Trivedi Prachi P. , Roberts Paul C. , Wolf Norbert A. , Swanborg Robert H.
Published: April 2014

NK cells have been shown to influence immune responses via direct interaction with cells of the adaptive immune system, such as dendritic cells, B cells, and T cells. A role for NK cells in down-regulation of T cell responses has been implicated in several studies; however, the underlying mechanism of this suppression has remained elusive. In this study we show that dark Agouti rat NK cells inhibit syngeneic T cell proliferation via up-regulation of the cell cycle inhibitor, p21, resulting in a G0/G1 stage cell cycle arrest. The inhibition is cell-cell contact dependent, reversible, and Ag nonspecific. Interestingly, NK cells do not inhibit IL-2 secretion or IL-2R up-regulation and do not induce T cell death. Thus, our results show that NK cells do not affect early T cell activation events, but specifically inhibit T cell proliferation by direct interaction with T cells. Our findings suggest that NK cells may play an important role in maintaining immune homeostasis by directly regulating clonal expansion of activated T cells. This novel mechanism of T cell regulation by NK cells provides insight into NK cell-mediated regulation of adaptive immunity and provides a mechanistic link between NK cell function and suppression of T cell responses.
HIV Type 1 Can Act as an APC upon Acquisition from the Host Cell of Peptide-Loaded HLA-DR and CD86 Molecules
Authors: Roy Jocelyn , Martin Geneviève , Giguère Jean-François , Bélanger Dave , Pétrin Myriam , Tremblay Michel J.
Published: April 2014

It is well documented that a wide range of host-derived cell surface constituents is inserted within HIV type 1 (HIV-1) and located on the exterior of the virion. Although no virus-associated protein of host origin has been shown to be absolutely required for virus replication, studies have revealed that many of these proteins are functional and can affect several steps of the virus life cycle. In this study, we found that HIV-1 acquires peptide-loaded class II MHC (MHC-II) and the costimulatory CD86 molecules from the host cell. Moreover, we present evidence that virions bearing such peptide-loaded MHC-II and CD86 proteins can lead to activation of the transcription factors NF-κB and NF-AT in an Ag-specific human T cell line. A linear correlation was found between activation of NF-κB and the amount of peptide-loaded MHC-II molecules inserted within HIV-1. Finally, transcription of unintegrated and integrated HIV-1 DNA was promoted upon exposure of peptide-specific human T cells to viruses bearing both peptide-loaded MHC-II and CD86 proteins. These data suggest that HIV-1 can operate as an APC depending on the nature of virus-anchored host cell membrane components. It can be proposed that HIV-1 can manipulate one of its primary targets through the process of incorporation of host-derived proteins.
The Enlarged Population of Marginal Zone/CD1dhigh B Lymphocytes in Nonobese Diabetic Mice Maps to Diabetes Susceptibility RegionIdd11
Authors: Rolf Julia , Motta Vinicius , Duarte Nadia , Lundholm Marie , Berntman Emma , Bergman Marie-Louise , Sorokin Lydia , Cardell Susanna L. , Holmberg Dan
Published: April 2014

The NOD mouse is an important experimental model for human type 1 diabetes. T cells are central to NOD pathogenesis, and their function in the autoimmune process of diabetes has been well studied. In contrast, although recognized as important players in disease induction, the role of B cells is not clearly understood. In this study we characterize different subpopulations of B cells and demonstrate that marginal zone (MZ) B cells are expanded 2- to 3-fold in NOD mice compared with nondiabetic C57BL/6 (B6) mice. The NOD MZ B cells displayed a normal surface marker profile and localized to the MZ region in the NOD spleen. Moreover, the MZ B cell population developed early during the ontogeny of NOD mice. By 3 wk of age, around the time when autoreactive T cells are first activated, a significant MZ B cell population of adult phenotype was found in NOD, but not B6, mice. Using an F2(B6 × NOD) cross in a genome-wide scan, we map the control of this trait to a region on chromosome 4 (logarithm of odds score, 4.4) which includes the Idd11 and Idd9 diabetes susceptibility loci, supporting the hypothesis that this B cell trait is related to the development of diabetes in the NOD mouse.
Receptor-Binding Domain of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Spike Protein Contains Multiple Conformation-Dependent Epitopes that Induce Highly Potent Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: He Yuxian , Lu Hong , Siddiqui Pamela , Zhou Yusen , Jiang Shibo
Published: April 2014

The spike (S) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is a major antigenic determinant capable of inducing protective immunity. Recently, a small fragment on the SARS-CoV S protein (residues 318–510) was characterized as a minimal receptor-binding domain (RBD), which mediates virus binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the functional receptor on susceptible cells. In this study, we demonstrated that a fusion protein containing RBD linked to human IgG1 Fc fragment (designated RBD-Fc) induced high titer of RBD-specific Abs in the immunized mice. The mouse antisera effectively neutralized infection by both SARS-CoV and SARS pseudovirus with mean 50% neutralization titers of 1/15,360 and 1/24,737, respectively. The neutralization determinants on the RBD of S protein were characterized by a panel of 27 mAbs isolated from the immunized mice. Six groups of conformation-dependent epitopes, designated as Conf I–VI, and two adjacent linear epitopes were identified by ELISA and binding competition assays. The Conf IV and Conf V mAbs significantly blocked RBD-Fc binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, suggesting that their epitopes overlap with the receptor-binding sites in the S protein. Most of the mAbs (23 of 25) that recognized the conformational epitopes possessed potent neutralizing activities against SARS pseudovirus with 50% neutralizing dose ranging from 0.005 to 6.569 μg/ml. Therefore, the RBD of SARS S protein contains multiple conformational epitopes capable of inducing potent neutralizing Ab responses, and is an important target site for developing vaccines and immunotherapeutics.
Apoptosis Induced by the Toll-Like Receptor Adaptor TRIF Is Dependent on Its Receptor Interacting Protein Homotypic Interaction Motif
Authors: Kaiser William J. , Offermann Margaret K.
Published: April 2014

TLRs detect specific molecular features of microorganisms and subsequently engage distinct signaling networks through the differential use of Toll/IL-1R (TIR)-domain-containing adapter proteins. In this study, we investigated the control of apoptosis by the TIR domain-containing adapter proteins MyD88, TIR-domain containing adapter protein (TIRAP), TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing IFN-β (TRIF), TRIF-related adapter molecule (TRAM), and sterile α motifs and β-catenin/armadillo repeats (SARM). Upon overexpression, TRIF was the sole TIR-adapter to potently engage mammalian cell death signaling pathways. TRIF-induced cell death required caspase activity initiated by the Fas/Apo-1-associated DD protein-caspase-8 axis and was unaffected by inhibitors of the intrinsic apoptotic machinery. The proapoptotic potential of TRIF mapped to the C-terminal region that was found to harbor a receptor interacting protein (RIP) homotypic interaction motif (RHIM). TRIF physically interacted with the RHIM-containing proteins RIP1 and RIP3, and deletion and mutational analyses revealed that the RHIM in TRIF was essential for TRIF-induced apoptosis and contributed to TRIF-induced NF-κB activation. The domain that was required for induction of apoptosis could activate NF-κB but not IFN regulatory factor-3, yet the activation of NF-κB could be blocked by superrepressor IκBα without blocking apoptosis. Thus, the ability of TRIF to induce apoptosis was not dependent on its ability to activate either IFN regulatory factor-3 or NF-κB but was dependent on the presence of an intact RHIM. TRIF serves as an adaptor for both TLR3 and TLR4, receptors that are activated by dsRNA and LPS, respectively. These molecular motifs are encountered during viral and bacterial infection, and the apoptosis that occurs when TRIF is engaged represents an important host defense to limit the spread of infection.
Dominant Role for TL1A/DR3 Pathway in IL-12 plus IL-18-Induced IFN-γ Production by Peripheral Blood and Mucosal CCR9+ T Lymphocytes
Authors: Papadakis Konstantinos A. , Zhu Daocheng , Prehn John L. , Landers Carol , Avanesyan Armine , Lafkas Gina , Targan Stephan R.
Published: April 2014

The TNF-like cytokine TL1A augments IFN-γ production by anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 and IL-12/IL-18-stimulated peripheral blood (PB) T cells. However, only a small subset of PB T cells respond to TL1A stimulation with IFN-γ production. PB CCR9+ T cells represent a small subset of circulating T cells with mucosal T cell characteristics and a Th1/Tr1 cytokine profile. In the current study, we show that TL1A enhanced IFN-γ production by TCR- or CD2/CD28-stimulated CCR9+CD4+ PB T cells. However, TL1A had the most pronounced effect on augmenting IFN-γ production by IL-12/IL-18-primed CCR9+CD4+ PB T cells. TL1A enhanced both the percentage and the mean fluorescence intensity of IFN-γ in CCR9+CD4+ T cells as assessed by intracellular cytokine staining. IL-12 plus IL-18 up-regulated DR3 expression in CCR9+CD4+ T cells but had negligible effect on CCR9−CD4+ T cells. CCR9+CD4+ T cells isolated from the small intestine showed a 37- to 105-fold enhancement of IFN-γ production when TL1A was added to the IL-12/IL18 cytokine combination. Cell membrane-expressed TL1A was preferentially expressed in CCR9+CD4+ PB T cells, and a blocking anti-TL1A mAb inhibited IFN-γ production by cytokine-primed CCR9+CD4+ T cells by ∼50%. Our data show that the TL1A/DR3 pathway plays a dominant role in the ultimate level of cytokine-induced IFN-γ production by CCR9+ mucosal and gut-homing PB T cells and could play an important role in Th1-mediated intestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, where increased expression of IL-12, IL-18, TL1A, and DR3 converge in the inflamed intestinal mucosa.
A2A Adenosine Receptors on Bone Marrow-Derived Cells Protect Liver from Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Day Yuan-Ji , Li Yuesheng , Rieger Jayson M. , Ramos Susan I. , Okusa Mark D. , Linden Joel
Published: April 2014

Activation of the A2A adenosine receptor (A2AR) during reperfusion of various tissues has been found to markedly reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this study, we used bone marrow transplantation (BMT) to create chimeric mice that either selectively lack or selectively express the A2AR on bone marrow-derived cells. Bolus i.p. injection of the selective A2A agonist, 4-{3-[6-amino-9-(5-cyclopropylcarbamoyl-3,4-dihydroxy-tetrahydro-furan-2-yl)-9H-purin-2-yl]-prop-2-ynyl}-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ATL313; 3 μg/kg), at the time of reperfusion protects wild-type (wt) mice from liver ischemia-reperfusion injury. ATL313 also protects wt/wt (donor/recipient BMT mouse chimera) and wt/knockout chimera but produces modest protection of knockout/wt chimera as assessed by alanine aminotransferase activity, induction of cytokine transcripts (RANTES, IFN-γ-inducible protein-10, IL-1α, IL-1-β, IL-1Rα, IL-18, IL-6, and IFN-γ), or histological criteria. ATL313, which is highly selective for the A2AR, produces more liver protection of chimeric BMT mice than 4-{3-[6-amino-9-(5-ethylcarbamoyl-3,4-dihydroxy-tetrahydro-furan-2-yl)-9H-purin-2-yl]-prop-2-ynyl}-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid methyl ester, which is rapidly metabolized in mice to produce 4-{3-[6-amino-9-(5-ethylcarbamoyl-3,4-dihydroxy-tetrahydro-furan-2-yl)-9H-purin-2-yl]-prop-2-ynyl}-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, which has similar affinity for the A2AR and the proinflammatory A3 adenosine receptor. GFP chimera mice were created to show that vascular endothelial cells in the injured liver do not account for liver protection because they are not derived by transdifferentiation of bone marrow precursors. The data suggest that activation of the A2AR on bone marrow-derived cells is primarily responsible for protecting the liver from reperfusion injury.
Coinfection withSchistosoma mansoniIs Associated with Decreased HIV-Specific Cytolysis and Increased IL-10 Production
Authors: McElroy Michael D. , Elrefaei Mohamed , Jones Norman , Ssali Francis , Mugyenyi Peter , Barugahare Banson , Cao Huyen
Published: April 2014

Impaired virus-specific immune responses have previously been observed with Schistosoma mansoni coinfection. We characterized Gag-specific responses in HIV-1-positive Ugandans with and without S. mansoni coinfection. We observed no significant difference in the frequency of IFN-γ CD8+ T cells between the two groups. Interestingly, expression of CD107, a marker for cytolytic activity, was significantly lower in volunteers with S. mansoni coinfection compared with those with HIV-1 infection alone (p = 0.002). In contrast, the frequency of IL-10-positive Gag-specific CD8+ T cell responses was higher in volunteers with S. mansoni coinfection (p = 0.004). Analysis of human CMV-specific CD8+ T cell responses in the same individuals failed to reveal a similar pattern of altered CD107 and IL-10 expression. Our results suggest that S. mansoni coinfection is associated with decreased Gag-specific CD8+ cytolytic T cell responses and increased number of Gag-specific IL-10 positive CD8+ T cells. Our findings may have important implications toward the implementation of HIV preventive and therapeutic programs in Africa.
Effects of Increasing IL-7 Availability on Lymphocytes during and after Lymphopenia-Induced Proliferation
Authors: Bosco Nabil , Agenès Fabien , Ceredig Rhodri
Published: April 2014

IL-7 is critically involved in regulating peripheral T cell homeostasis. To investigate the role of IL-7 on lymphopenia-induced proliferation of polyclonal lymphocytes, we have transferred CFSE-labeled cells into a novel T-lymphopenic, IL-7-transgenic mouse line. Results obtained indicate that T and B cells do not respond in the same way to IL-7-homeostatic signals. Overexpression of IL-7 enhances proliferation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells but with distinctly temporal effects. Expansion of naturally arising CD4+-regulatory T cells was like that of conventional CD4+ T cells. IL-7 had no effect on B cell proliferation. By immunohistology, transferred T cells homed to T cell areas of spleen lymphoid follicles. Increasing IL-7 availability enhanced T cell recovery by promoting cell proliferation and reducing apoptosis during early stages of lymphopenia-induced proliferation. Taken together, these results provide new insights into the pleiotropic effects of IL-7 on lymphopenia-induced T cell proliferation.
Refining the Rules of Gliadin T Cell Epitope Binding to the Disease-Associated DQ2 Molecule in Celiac Disease: Importance of Proline Spacing and Glutamine Deamidation
Authors: Qiao Shuo-Wang , Bergseng Elin , Molberg Øyvind , Jung Günther , Fleckenstein Burkhard , Sollid Ludvig M.
Published: April 2014

Celiac disease is driven by intestinal T cells responsive to proline-rich gluten peptides that often harbor glutamate residues formed by tissue transglutaminase-mediated glutamine conversion. The disease is strongly associated with the HLA variant DQ2.5 (DQA1*05, DQB1*02), and intestinal gluten-reactive T cells from DQ2.5-positive patients are uniquely restricted by this HLA molecule. In this study, we describe the mapping of two novel T cell epitopes of γ-gliadin and the experimental identification of the DQ2.5 binding register of these and three other γ-gliadin epitopes. The new data extend the knowledge base for understanding the binding of gluten peptides to DQ2.5. The alignment of the experimentally determined binding registers of nine gluten epitopes reveal positioning of proline residues in positions P1, P3, P6, and P8 but never in positions P2, P4, P7, and P9. Glutamate residues formed by tissue transglutaminase-mediated deamidation are found in position P1, P4, P6, P7, or P9, but only deamidations in positions P4 and P6, and rarely in P7, seem to be crucial for T cell recognition. The majority of these nine epitopes are recognized by celiac lesion T cells when presented by the related but nonassociated DQ2.2 (DQA1*0201, DQB1*02) molecule. Interestingly, the DQ2.2 presentation for most epitopes is less efficient than presentation by the DQ2.5 molecule, and this is particularly prominent for the α-gliadin epitopes. Contrary to previous findings, our data do not show selective presentation of DQ2.5 over DQ2.2 for gluten epitopes that carry proline residues at the P3 position.
Cellular FLIP Long Form Augments Caspase Activity and Death of T Cells through Heterodimerization with and Activation of Caspase-8
Authors: Dohrman Austin , Russell Jennifer Q. , Cuenin Solange , Fortner Karen , Tschopp Jürg , Budd Ralph C.
Published: April 2014

Caspase activity is required not only for the death of T cells, but also for their activation. A delicate balance of caspase activity is thus required during T cell activation at a level that will not drive cell death. How caspase activity is initiated and regulated during T cell activation is not known. One logical candidate for this process is cellular FLIP long form (c-FLIPL), because it can block caspase-8 recruitment after Fas (CD95) ligation as well as directly heterodimerize with and activate caspase-8. The current findings demonstrate that after T cell activation, caspase-8 and c-FLIPL associate in a complex enriched for active caspases. This occurs coincidently with the cleavage of two known caspase-8 substrates, c-FLIPL and receptor interacting protein 1. Caspase activity is higher in wild-type CD8+ than CD4+ effector T cells. Increased expression of c-FLIPL results in augmented caspase activity in resting and effector T cells to levels that provoke cell death, especially of the CD8 subset. c-FLIPL is thus not only an inhibitor of cell death by Fas, it can also act as a principal activator of caspases independently of Fas.
The Chicken Leukocyte Receptor Complex: A Highly Diverse Multigene Family Encoding at Least Six Structurally Distinct Receptor Types
Authors: Viertlboeck Birgit C. , Habermann Felix A. , Schmitt Ramona , Groenen Martien A. M. , Du Pasquier Louis , Göbel Thomas W.
Published: April 2014

The chicken Ig-like receptors (CHIR) have been described as two Ig domain molecules with long cytoplasmic tails containing inhibitory motifs. In this study, we demonstrate that CHIR form a large family, with multiple members showing great sequence variability among members as well as a great diversity in domain organization and properties of the transmembrane and cytoplasmic segments. We characterize various novel receptor types with motifs indicative of inhibitory, activating, or both functions. In addition to the inhibitory receptors with two ITIM, receptors with a single immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motif or receptors lacking a cytoplasmic domain were isolated. Activating receptors with a short cytoplasmic domain and a transmembrane arginine assembled with the newly identified chicken FcεRIγ chain. Three bifunctional receptor types were characterized composed of one or two C2-type Ig-like domains, a transmembrane region with a positively charged residue and combinations of cytoplasmic motifs such as ITIM, immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motif, and YXXM. RT-PCR revealed distinct expression patterns of individual CHIR. All receptor types shared a conserved genomic architecture, and in single Ig domain receptors a pseudoexon replaced the second Ig exon. Southern blot analyses with probes specific for the Ig1 domain were indicative of a large multigene family. Of 103 sequences from the Ig1 domain of a single animal, 41 unique sequences were obtained that displayed extensive variability within restricted Ig regions. Fluorescence in situ hybridization localized the CHIR gene cluster to microchromosome 31 and identified this region as orthologous to the human leukocyte receptor complex.
Human-Like Immune Responses in CD46 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Johansson Linda , Rytkönen Anne , Wan Hong , Bergman Peter , Plant Laura , Agerberth Birgitta , Hökfelt Tomas , Jonsson Ann-Beth
Published: April 2014

Neisseria meningitidis is a major cause of sepsis and/or meningitis. These bacteria normally cause disease only in humans, however, mice expressing human CD46 are susceptible to meningococcal disease. To explain the sensitivity of CD46 transgenic mice to meningococci, we evaluated early immune responses. Stimulation of TNF, IL-6, and IL-10 was stronger in CD46 transgenic mice compared with nontransgenic mice, and resembled human responses. In CD46 transgenic mice, bacterial clearance in blood started at later time points, and neutrophil numbers in blood were lower compared with nontransgenic mice. Further, elevated levels of activated microglia cells and cyclooxygenase-2 were observed in brain of infected CD46 transgenic mice. Intraperitoneal administration of meningococci lead to increased levels of macrophages only in the i.p. cavity of CD46 transgenic mice. Most of the responses were impaired or absent using LPS-deficient meningococci, showing the importance of LPS in the early immune response to meningococcal infection. Taken together, these data demonstrate that responses in mice expressing human CD46 mimic human meningococcal disease in many aspects, and demonstrate novel important links between CD46 and the innate immune system.
Neutrophil-Mediated Maturation of Chemerin: A Link between Innate and Adaptive Immunity
Authors: Wittamer Valérie , Bondue Benjamin , Guillabert Aude , Vassart Gilbert , Parmentier Marc , Communi David
Published: April 2014

Dendritic cells and macrophages are professional APCs that play a central role in initiating immune responses, linking innate and adaptive immunity. Chemerin is a novel chemoattractant factor that specifically attracts APCs through its receptor ChemR23. Interestingly, chemerin is secreted as a precursor of low biological activity, prochemerin, which upon proteolytic removal of a C-terminal peptide, is converted into a potent and highly specific agonist of its receptor. Given the fact that APCs are often preceded by polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) in inflammatory infiltrates, we hypothesized that PMN could mediate chemerin generation. We demonstrate here that human degranulated PMNs release proteases that efficiently convert prochemerin into active chemerin. The use of specific protease inhibitors allowed us to identify the neutrophil serine proteases cathepsin G and elastase as responsible for this process. Mass spectrometry analysis of processed prochemerin showed that each protease generates specifically a distinct form of active chemerin, differing in their C terminus and initially identified in human inflammatory fluids. These findings strongly suggest that bioactive chemerin generation takes place during the early stages of inflammation, underscoring the functional contribution of chemerin as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity.
Differential Involvement of BB Loops of Toll-IL-1 Resistance (TIR) Domain-Containing Adapter Proteins in TLR4- versus TLR2-Mediated Signal Transduction
Authors: Toshchakov Vladimir U. , Basu Subhendu , Fenton Matthew J. , Vogel Stefanie N.
Published: April 2014

TLRs sense pathogens and transmit intracellular signals via the use of specific adapter proteins. We designed a set of “blocking peptides” (BPs) comprised of the 14 aa that correspond to the sequences of the BB loops of the four known Toll-IL-1 resistance (TIR) domain-containing adapter proteins (i.e., MyD88, TIR domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-β (TRIF), TRIF-related adapter molecule (TRAM), and TIR-domain containing adapter protein (TIRAP)) linked to the cell-penetrating segment of the antennapedia homeodomain. LPS (TLR4)-mediated gene expression, as well as MAPK and transcription factor activation associated with both MyD88-dependent and -independent signaling pathways, were disrupted by all four BPs (TRAM ≈ MyD88 > TRIF > TIRAP), but not by a control peptide. In contrast, none of the BPs inhibited TLR2-mediated activation of MAPKs. Only the MyD88 BP significantly blocked Pam3Cys-induced IL-1β mRNA; however, the inhibitory effect was much less than observed for LPS. Our data suggest that the interactions required for a fully functional TLR4 signaling “platform” are disrupted by these BPs, and that the adapter BB loops may serve distinct roles in TLR4 and TLR2 signalosome assembly.