bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of the Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway in the Degradation of Nontyrosine Kinase-Type Cytokine Receptors of IL-9, IL-2, and Erythropoietin
Authors: Yen Chao-Huang , Yang Yu-Chung , Ruscetti Sandra K. , Kirken Robert A. , Dai Ren Ming , Li Chou-Chi H.
Published: April 2014

The ubiquitin-dependent proteasome-mediated (Ub-Pr) degradation pathway has been shown to regulate a large variety of substrates, including nuclear, cytosolic, and membrane proteins. In mammalian systems, polyubiquitin modification has been identified in a number of cell surface receptors for more than a decade; however, its biological significance has remained unclear until recently. For growth factor receptors with intrinsic tyrosine kinase domains, polyubiquitination is believed to trigger the internalization and subsequent degradation via the lysosomal pathway. In this study we provide the first evidence that non-tyrosine kinase-type cytokine surface receptors, IL-9R α-chain, IL-2 receptor β-chain, and erythropoietin receptor, can be polyubiquitinated and degraded by proteasomes. The Ub-Pr pathway regulates both the basal level turnover and the ligand-induced degradation of the receptors. A previously identified putative molecular chaperon, valosin-containing protein, undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation in a cytokine-dependent manner and associates with the receptor complexes following receptor engagement, suggesting that valosin-containing protein may target the ubiquitinated receptors to the proteasome for degradation.
Vβ T Cell Repertoire of CD8+ Splenocytes Selected on Nonpolymorphic MHC Class I Molecules
Authors: Laouini Dhafer , Casrouge Armanda , Dalle Sophie , Lemonnier François , Kourilsky Philippe , Kanellopoulos Jean
Published: April 2014

In this work, we have studied the role of the MHC class Ib molecules in the selection and maintenance of CD8+ T splenocytes. We have compared the CD8+ T cell repertoires of wild-type, H-2K-deficient, H-2D-deficient, or double knockout C57BL/6 mice. We show that the different CD8+ repertoires, selected either by class Ia and class Ib or by class Ib molecules only, use the various Vα (AV) and Vβ (BV) rearrangements in the same proportion and without biases in the CDR3 size distribution. Furthermore, we have estimated the size of the BV repertoire in the four different strains of mice. Interestingly, we have found that the BV repertoire size is proportional to the overall number of CD8+ splenocytes. This observation implies that BV diversity is positively correlated with the number of CD8+ cells, even when the number of CD8+ splenocytes is dramatically reduced (90% in the double knockout mice).
Definition of the Mamu A*01 Peptide Binding Specificity: Application to the Identification of Wild-Type and Optimized Ligands from Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Regulatory Proteins
Authors: Sidney John , Dzuris John L. , Newman Mark J. , Johnson R. Paul , Amitinder Kaur , Walker Christopher M. , Appella Ettore , Mothe Bianca , Watkins David I. , Sette Alessandro
Published: April 2014

Single amino acid substitution analogs of the known Mamu A*01 binding peptide gag 181-190 and libraries of naturally occurring sequences of viral or bacterial origin were used to rigorously define the peptide binding motif associated with Mamu A*01 molecules. The presence of S or T in position 2, P in position 3, and hydrophobic or aromatic residues at the C terminus is associated with optimal binding capacity. At each of these positions, additional residues are also tolerated but associated with significant decreases in binding capacity. The presence of at least two preferred and one tolerated residues at the three anchor positions is necessary for good Mamu A*01 binding; optimal ligand size is 8–9 residues. This detailed motif has been used to map potential epitopes from SIVmac239 regulatory proteins and to engineer peptides with increased binding capacity. A total of 13 wild type and 17 analog candidate epitopes were identified. Furthermore, our analysis reveals a significantly lower than expected frequency of epitopes in early regulatory proteins, suggesting a possible evolutionary- and/or immunoselection directed against variants of viral products that contain CTL epitopes.
A Single 3′α hs1,2 Enhancer in the Rabbit IgH Locus
Authors: Volgina Veronica V. , Kingzette Mae , Zhai Shi-Kang , Knight Katherine L.
Published: April 2014

Multiple cis-acting elements including the intronic enhancer and the 3′α enhancer (3′αE) regulate expression of the Ig heavy chain genes during B cell development. A 3′αE is composed of DNase I-hypersensitive sites, hs1,2, hs3a,b, and hs4, found 3′ of the murine Cα gene as well as 3′ of both human Cα genes, Cα1 and Cα2. Rabbits have 13 Cα genes, and we tested whether a 3′αE is associated with each of these genes. To identify 3′αE regions we developed a rabbit hs1,2 probe and used this to search for enhancer homologues of human hs1,2 in a genomic fosmid library. We identified a single hs1,2 fragment 8-kb downstream of Cα13, the presumed 3′-most Cα gene. We also identified and partially sequenced a new Cα gene, Cα14, located 6 kb upstream of Cα13. Genomic Southern blot analysis confirmed that the rabbit genome contains only one hs1,2 enhancer region. We tested the enhancer activity of the hs1,2 with the SV40, VH, and Iα promoters using the luciferase reporter gene in transient transfection assays and found that it significantly enhanced the activity of SV40 and VH promoters and slightly enhanced an Iα promoter. We conclude that the rabbit has a single hs1,2 enhancer that resides at the 3′ end of the IgH gene cluster and may constitute one of the cis-elements regulating the expression of IgH genes.
Interplay of Cytokines and Adjuvants in the Regulation of Mucosal and Systemic HIV-Specific CTL
Authors: Belyakov Igor M. , Ahlers Jeffrey D. , Clements John D. , Strober Warren , Berzofsky Jay A.
Published: April 2014

We examined the interplay between cytokines and adjuvants to optimize the induction of CTL by a mucosal HIV peptide vaccine. We show synergy between IL-12 and GM-CSF when administered together with the HIV peptide PCLUS3–18IIIB and cholera toxin (CT) in the induction of CTL activity and protection against mucosal viral transmission. Further, we examine the efficacy of mutant Escherichia coli labile toxin, LT(R192G), as a less toxic adjuvant than CT. LT(R192G) was as effective as or more effective than CT at inducing a mucosal CTL response. Moreover, LT(R192G) was as effective without IL-12 as CT was when combined with IL-12, and the response elicited by LT(R192G) with the vaccine was not further enhanced by the addition of IL-12. GM-CSF synergized with LT(R192G) without exogenous IL-12. Therefore, LT(R192G) may induce a more favorable cytokine response by not inhibiting IL-12 production. In particular, less IL-4 is made after LT(R192G) than CT immunization, and the response is less susceptible to anti-IL-12 inhibition. Thus, the choice of mucosal adjuvant affects the cytokine environment, and the mucosal response and protection can be enhanced by manipulating the cytokine environment with synergistic cytokine combinations incorporated in the vaccine.
Depletion of a γδ T Cell Subset Can Increase Host Resistance to a Bacterial Infection
Authors: O’Brien Rebecca L. , Yin Xiang , Huber Sally A. , Ikuta Koichi , Born Willi K.
Published: April 2014

γδ T lymphocytes have been shown to regulate immune responses in diverse experimental systems. Because distinct γδ T cell subsets, as defined by the usage of certain TCR V genes, preferentially respond in various diseases and disease models, we have hypothesized that the various γδ T cell subsets carry out different functions. To test this, we compared one particular γδ T cell subset, the Vγ1+ subset, which represents a major γδ T cell type in the lymphoid organs and blood of mice, to other subsets and to γδ T cells as a whole. Using Listeria monocytogenes infection as an infectious disease model, we found that bacterial containment improves in mice depleted of Vγ1+ γδ T cells, albeit mice lacking all γδ T cells are instead impaired in their ability to control Listeria expansion. Our findings indicate that Vγ1+ γδ T cells reduce the ability of the innate immune system to destroy Listeria, even though other γδ T cells as a whole promote clearance of this pathogen.
Intrapulmonary TNF Gene Therapy Reverses Sepsis-Induced Suppression of Lung Antibacterial Host Defense
Authors: Chen Gina H. , Reddy Raju C. , Newstead Michael W. , Tateda Kazuhiro , Kyasapura Bhavani L. , Standiford Theodore J.
Published: April 2014

Sepsis syndrome is frequently complicated by the development of nosocomial infections, particularly Gram-negative pneumonia. Although TNF-α (TNF) has been shown to mediate many of the pathophysiologic events in sepsis, this cytokine is a critical component of innate immune response within the lung. Therefore, we hypothesized that the transient transgenic expression of TNF within the lung during the postseptic period could augment host immunity against nosocomial pathogens. To test this, mice underwent 26-gauge cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) as a model of abdominal sepsis, followed 24 h later by intratracheal (i.t.) administration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In animals undergoing sham surgery followed by bacterial challenge, Pseudomonas were nearly completely cleared from the lungs by 24 h. In contrast, mice undergoing CLP were unable to clear P. aeruginosa and rapidly developed bacteremia. Alveolar macrophages (AM) recovered from mice 24 h after CLP produced significantly less TNF ex vivo, as compared with AM from sham animals. Furthermore, the adenoviral mediated transgenic expression of TNF within the lung increased survival in CLP animals challenged with Pseudomonas from 25% in animals receiving control vector to 91% in animals administered recombinant murine TNF adenoviral vector. Improved survival in recombinant murine TNF adenoviral vector-treated mice was associated with enhanced lung bacterial clearance and proinflammatory cytokine expression, as well as enhanced AM phagocytic activity and cytokine expression when cultured ex vivo. These observations suggest that intrapulmonary immunostimulation with TNF can reverse sepsis-induced impairment in antibacterial host defense.
μ-Opioid Induction of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1, RANTES, and IFN-γ-Inducible Protein-10 Expression in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Wetzel Michele A. , Steele Amber D. , Eisenstein Toby K. , Adler Martin W. , Henderson Earl E. , Rogers Thomas J.
Published: April 2014

Strong evidence for the direct modulation of the immune system by opioids is well documented. μ-Opioids have been shown to alter the release of cytokines important for both host defense and the inflammatory response. Proinflammatory chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), RANTES, and IFN-γ-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) play crucial roles in cell-mediated immune responses, proinflammatory reactions, and viral infections. In this report, we show that [d-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin (DAMGO), a μ-opioid-selective agonist, augments the expression in human PBMCs of MCP-1, RANTES, and IP-10 at both the mRNA and protein levels. Because of the proposed relationship between opioid abuse and HIV-1 infection, we also examined the impact of DAMGO on chemokine expression in HIV-infected cells. Our results show that DAMGO administration induces a significant increase in RANTES and IP-10 expression, while MCP-1 protein levels remain unaffected in PBMCs infected with the HIV-1 strain. In contrast, we show a dichotomous effect of DAMGO treatment on IP-10 protein levels expressed by T- and M-tropic HIV-infected PBMCs. The differential modulation of chemokine expression in T- and M-tropic HIV-1-infected PBMCs by opioids supports a detrimental role for opioids during HIV-1 infection. Modulation of chemokine expression may enhance trafficking of potential noninfected target cells to the site of active infection, thus directly contributing to HIV-1 replication and disease progression to AIDS.
Contribution of Cyclopentenone Prostaglandins to the Resolution of Inflammation Through the Potentiation of Apoptosis in Activated Macrophages
Authors: Hortelano Sonsoles , Castrillo Antonio , Alvarez Alberto M. , Boscá Lisardo
Published: April 2014

Activation of the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 with LPS and IFN-γ induces apoptosis through the synthesis of high concentrations of NO due to the expression of NO synthase-2. In addition to NO, activated macrophages release other molecules involved in the inflammatory response, such as reactive oxygen intermediates and PGs. Treatment of macrophages with cyclopentenone PGs, which are synthesized late in the inflammatory onset, exerted a negative regulation on cell activation by impairing the expression of genes involved in host defense, among them NO synthase-2. However, despite the attenuation of NO synthesis, the percentage of apoptotic cells increased with respect to activated cells in the absence of cyclopentenone PGs. Analysis of the mechanisms by which these PGs enhanced apoptosis suggested a potentiation of superoxide anion synthesis that reacted with NO, leading to the formation of higher concentrations of peroxynitrite, a more reactive and proapoptotic molecule than the precursors. The effect of the cyclopentenone 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 on superoxide synthesis was dependent on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity, but was independent of the interaction with peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor γ. The potentiation of apoptosis induced by cyclopentenone PGs involved an increase in the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol and in the nitration of this protein. These results suggest a role for cyclopentenone PGs in the resolution of inflammation by inducing apoptosis of activated cells.
An IFN-γ-Independent Proinflammatory Role of IL-18 in Murine Streptococcal Cell Wall Arthritis
Authors: Joosten Leo A. B. , van de Loo Fons A. J. , Lubberts Erik , Helsen Monique M. A. , Netea Mihai G. , van der Meer Jos W. M. , Dinarello Charles A. , van den Berg Wim B.
Published: April 2014

IL-18 is a member of the IL-1 family of proteins that exerts proinflammatory effects. It was formally known as IFN-γ-inducing factor and is a pivotal cytokine for the development of Th1 responses. Apart from Th1 immune-stimulatory activity, IL-18 induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1 in vitro. The goal was to investigate the role of endogenous IL-18 in murine streptococcal cell wall (SCW)-induced arthritis. Furthermore, we investigated whether IL-18 neutralization had an impact on local TNF and IL-1 production. C57BL/6, BALB/c, and IFN-γ-deficient mice were injected with 2 mg of rabbit anti-murine IL-18 Abs shortly before induction of arthritis by intra-articular injection of 25 μg of SCW fragments into the right knee joint. Suppression of joint swelling was noted on days 1 and 2 of SCW arthritis after blockade of endogenous IL-18. Analysis of local cytokine concentrations showed that IL-18, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels were decreased. Severe inhibition of chondrocyte proteoglycan synthesis was seen in the vehicle-treated control animals, whereas a reversal of the inhibition of chondrocyte proteoglycan synthesis was found in the anti-IL-18-exposed animals. Blockade of endogenous IL-18 in IFN-γ-deficient mice showed results similar to those found in wild-type animals, identifying a role for IL-18 that is IFN-γ independent. The present study indicates that IL-18 is a proinflammatory cytokine during the onset of murine SCW arthritis, and this inflammatory role of IL-18 is IFN-γ independent.
CC Chemokine Receptor-2 Is Not Essential for the Development of Antigen-Induced Pulmonary Eosinophilia and Airway Hyperresponsiveness
Authors: MacLean James A. , De Sanctis George T. , Ackerman Kate G. , Drazen Jeffrey M. , Sauty Alain , DeHaan Elliot , Green Francis H. Y. , Charo Israel F. , Luster Andrew D.
Published: April 2014

Monocyte chemoattractant proteins-1 and -5 have been implicated as important mediators of allergic pulmonary inflammation in murine models of asthma. The only identified receptor for these two chemokines to date is the CCR2. To study the role of CCR2 in a murine model of Ag-induced asthma, we compared the pathologic and physiological responses of CCR2−/− mice with those of wild-type (WT) littermates following immunization and challenge with OVA. OVA-immunized/OVA-challenged (OVA/OVA) WT and CCR2−/− mice developed significant increases in total cells recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) compared with their respective OVA-immunized/PBS-challenged (OVA/PBS) control groups. There were no significant differences in BAL cell counts and differentials (i.e., macrophages, PMNs, lymphocytes, and eosinophils) between OVA/OVA WT and CCR2−/− mice. Serologic evaluation revealed no significant difference in total IgE and OVA-specific IgE between OVA/OVA WT mice and CCR2−/− mice. Lung mRNA expression and BAL cytokine protein levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-γ were also similar in WT and CCR2−/− mice. Finally, OVA/OVA CCR2−/− mice developed increased airway hyper-responsiveness to a degree similar to that in WT mice. We conclude that following repeated airway challenges with Ag in sensitized mice, the development of Th2 responses (elevated IgE, pulmonary eosinophilia, and lung cytokine levels of IL-4 and IL5) and the development of airway hyper-responsiveness are not diminished by a deficiency in CCR2.
Cutaneous Inflammatory Disorder in Integrin αE (CD103)-Deficient Mice
Authors: Schön Michael P. , Schön Margarete , Warren Henry B. , Donohue John P. , Parker Christina M.
Published: April 2014

The integrin αEβ7 is thought to play an important role in the localization of mucosal, but not of cutaneous T lymphocytes. Thus, it was surprising that 89% of adult αE−/− mice on the 129/Sv × BALB/c background developed inflammatory skin lesions without an apparent infectious etiology. Skin inflammation correlated with αE deficiency in mice with a mixed 129/Sv × BALB/c background, but not in mice further backcrossed to BALB/c and housed in a second animal facility. These studies suggested that αE deficiency, in combination with other genetic and/or environmental factors, is involved in lesion development. The lesions were infiltrated by CD4+ T cells and neutrophils, and associated with increased expression of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, skin inflammation resulted from transfer of unfractionated αE−/− splenocytes into scid/scid mice, but not from transfer of wild-type splenocytes, suggesting that the lesions resulted from immune dysregulation. We also studied the role of αEβ7 in a murine model of hyperproliferative inflammatory skin disorders that is induced by transfer of minor histocompatibility-mismatched CD4+/CD45RBhigh T cells into scid/scid mice under specific environmental conditions. Under housing conditions that were permissive for lesion development, transfer of αE-deficient CD4+/CD45RBhigh T cells significantly exacerbated the cutaneous lesions as compared with lesions observed in mice reconstituted with wild-type donor cells. These experiments suggested that αE-expressing cells play an important role during the course of cutaneous inflammation. In addition, they suggest that αEβ7 deficiency, in combination with other genetic or environmental factors, is a risk factor for inflammatory skin disease.
CTLA-4 Gene Polymorphism at Position 49 in Exon 1 Reduces the Inhibitory Function of CTLA-4 and Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Graves’ Disease
Authors: Kouki Tsuyoshi , Sawai Yoshikuni , Gardine Cyprian A. , Fisfalen Maria-Elena , Alegre Maria-Luisa , DeGroot Leslie J.
Published: April 2014

Activation of T cells requires at least two signals transduced by the Ag-specific TCR and a costimulatory ligand such as CD28. CTLA-4, expressed on activated T cells, binds to B7 present on APCs and functions as a negative regulator of T cell activation. Our laboratory previously reported the association of Graves’ disease (GD) with a specific CTLA-4 gene polymorphism. In theory, reduced expression or function of CTLA-4 might augment autoimmunity. In the present study, we categorized autoimmune thyroid disease patients and normal controls (NC) by genotyping a CTLA-4 exon 1 polymorphism and investigated the function of CTLA-4 in all subjects. PBMCs and DNA were prepared from GD (n = 45), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) (n = 18), and NC (n = 43). There were more GD patients with the G/G or A/G alleles (82.2% vs 65.1% in NC), and significantly fewer patients with the A/A allele (17.8% vs 34.9% in NC). In the presence of soluble blocking anti-human CTLA-4 mAb, T cell proliferation following incubation with allogeneic EBV-transformed B cells was augmented in a dose-dependent manner. Augmentation induced by CTLA-4 mAb was similar in GD and NC (GD, HT, NC = 156%, 164%, 175%, respectively). We related CTLA-4 polymorphism to mAb augmentation of T cell proliferation in each subgroup (GD, HT, NC). Although PBMC from individuals with the G/G alleles showed 132% augmentation, those with the A/A alleles showed 193% augmentation (p = 0.019). CTLA-4 polymorphism affects the inhibitory function of CTLA-4. The G allele is associated with reduced control of T cell proliferation and thus contributes to the pathogenesis of GD and presumably of other autoimmune diseases.
A Shift in the Phenotype of Melan-A-Specific CTL Identifies Melanoma Patients with an Active Tumor-Specific Immune Response
Authors: Dunbar P. Rod , Smith Caroline L. , Chao David , Salio Mariolina , Shepherd Dawn , Mirza Fareed , Lipp Martin , Lanzavecchia Antonio , Sallusto Federica , Evans Alun , Russell-Jones Robin , Harris Adrian L. , Cerundolo Vincenzo
Published: April 2014

In a significant proportion of melanoma patients, CTL specific for the melan-A26/7–35 epitope can be detected in peripheral blood using HLA-A2/peptide tetramers. However, the functional capacity of these CTL has been controversial, since although they prove to be effective killers after in vitro expansion, in some patients they have blunted activation responses ex vivo. We used phenotypic markers to characterize melan-A tetramer+ cells in both normal individuals and melanoma patients, and correlated these markers with ex vivo assays of CTL function. Melanoma patients with detectable melan-A tetramer+ cells in peripheral blood fell into two groups. Seven of thirteen patients had a CCR7+ CD45R0− CD45RA+ phenotype, the same as that found in some healthy controls, and this phenotype was associated with a lack of response to melan-A peptide ex vivo. In the remaining six patients, melan-A tetramer+ cells were shifted toward a CCR7− CD45R0+ CD45RA− phenotype, and responses to melan-A peptide could be readily demonstrated ex vivo. When lymph nodes infiltrated by melan-A-expressing melanoma cells were examined, a similar dichotomy emerged. These findings demonstrate that activation of melan-A-specific CTL occurs in only some patients with malignant melanoma, and that only patients with such active immune responses are capable of responding to Ag in ex vivo assays.
Identification of Distinct Surface-Expressed and Intracellular CXC-Chemokine Receptor 2 Glycoforms in Neutrophils:N-Glycosylation Is Essential for Maintenance of Receptor Surface Expression
Authors: Ludwig Andreas , Ehlert Jan E. , Flad Hans-Dieter , Brandt Ernst
Published: April 2014

The G protein-coupled CXC-chemokine receptor CXCR-2 mediates activation of neutrophil effector functions in response to multiple ligands, including IL-8 and neutrophil-activating peptide 2 (NAP-2). Although CXCR-2 has been successfully cloned and expressed in several cell lines, the molecular properties of the native neutrophil-expressed receptor have remained largely undefined. Here we report on the identification and characterization of distinct CXCR-2 glycoforms and their subcellular distribution in neutrophils. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses of surface-expressed receptors covalently linked to IL-8 or NAP-2 as well as in their unloaded state revealed the occurrence of a single CXCR-2 variant with an apparent size of 56 kDa. According to deglycosylation experiments surface-expressed CXCR-2 carries two N-linked 9-kDa carbohydrate moieties that are both of complex structure. In addition, two other CXCR-2 variants of 38 and 40 kDa were found to occur exclusively intracellular and to carry N-glycosylations of high mannose or hybrid type. These receptors did not participate in ligand-induced receptor trafficking, while surface-expressed CXCR-2 was internalized and re-expressed following stimulation with NAP-2. By enzymatic removal of one 9-kDa carbohydrate moiety in surface-expressed CXCR-2 we can show that neither NAP-2-induced trafficking nor signaling of the receptor is dependent on its full glycosylation. Instead, glycosylation was found to protect CXCR-2 from proteolytic attack, as even partial deglycosylation is associated with serine protease-mediated disappearance of the receptor from the neutrophil surface. Thus, although not directly involved in signaling, glycosylation appears to be required to maintain neutrophil responsiveness to CXC-chemokines during inflammation.
Pro-Carboxypeptidase R is an Acute Phase Protein in the Mouse, Whereas Carboxypeptidase N Is Not
Authors: Sato Tomoo , Miwa Takashi , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Matsukawa Noriyuki , Obata Kyoko , Okada Noriko , Campbell William , Okada Hidechika
Published: April 2014

Carboxypeptidase R (EC 3.4.17.20; CPR) and carboxypeptidase N (EC 3.4.17.3; CPN) cleave carboxyl-terminal arginine and lysine residues from biologically active peptides such as kinins and anaphylatoxins, resulting in regulation of their biological activity. Human proCPR, also known as thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor, plasma pro-carboxypeptidase B, and pro-carboxypeptidase U, is a plasma zymogen activated during coagulation. CPN, however, previously termed kininase I and anaphylatoxin inactivator, is present in a stable active form in plasma. We report here the isolation of mouse proCPR and CPN cDNA clones that can induce their respective enzymatic activities in culture supernatants of transiently transfected cells. Potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor can inhibit carboxypeptidase activity in culture medium of mouse proCPR-transfected cells. The expression of proCPR mRNA in murine liver is greatly enhanced following LPS injection, whereas CPN mRNA expression remains unaffected. Furthermore, the CPR activity in plasma increased 2-fold at 24 h after LPS treatment. Therefore, proCPR can be considered a type of acute phase protein, whereas CPN is not. An increase in CPR activity may facilitate rapid inactivation of inflammatory mediators generated at the site of Gram-negative bacterial infection and may consequently prevent septic shock. In view of the ability of proCPR to also inhibit fibrinolysis, an excess of proCPR induced by LPS may contribute to hypofibrinolysis in patients suffering from disseminated intravascular coagulation caused by sepsis.
Distal Recognition Site for Classical Pathway Convertase Located in the C345C/Netrin Module of Complement Component C5
Authors: Sandoval Ana , Ai Rong , Ostresh John M. , Ogata Ronald T.
Published: April 2014

Previous studies focused on indels in the complement C345 protein family identified a number of potential protein-protein interaction sites in components C3 and C5. Here, one of these sites in C5, near the α-chain C terminus, was examined by alanine-scanning mutagenesis at 16 of the 18 non-alanine residues in the sequence KEALQIKYNFSFRYIYPLD. Alanine substitutions affected activities in the highly variable manner characteristic of binding sites. Substitutions at the lysine or either phenylalanine residue in the central KYNFSF sequence had the greatest effects, yielding mutants with <20% of the normal activity. These three mutants were also resistant to the classical pathway (CP) C5 convertase, with sensitivities roughly proportional to their hemolytic activities, but had normal susceptibilities to the cobra venom factor (CVF)-dependent convertase. Synthetic peptide MGKEALQIKYNFS-NH2 was found similarly to inhibit CP but not CVF convertase activation, and the effects of alanine substitutions in this peptide largely reflected those of the equivalent mutations in C5. These results indicate that residues KYNFSF form a novel, distal binding site for the CP, but not CVF convertase. This site lies ∼880 residues downstream of the convertase cleavage site within a module that has been independently named C345C and NTR; this module is found in diverse proteins including netrins and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases.
HLA-DR-Promiscuous T Cell Epitopes fromPlasmodium falciparumPre-Erythrocytic-Stage Antigens Restricted by Multiple HLA Class II Alleles
Authors: Doolan Denise L. , Southwood Scott , Chesnut Robert , Appella Ettore , Gomez Eduardo , Richards Allen , Higashimoto Yuichiro I. , Maewal Ajesh , Sidney John , Gramzinski Robert A. , Mason Carl , Koech Davy , Hoffman Stephen L. , Sette Alessandro
Published: April 2014

Previously, we identified and established the antigenicity of 17 CD8+ T cell epitopes from five P. falciparum Ags that are restricted by multiple common HLA class I alleles. Here, we report the identification of 11 peptides from the same Ags, cicumsporozoite protein, sporozoite surface protein 2, exported protein-1, and liver-stage Ag-1, that bind between at least five and up to 11 different HLA-DR molecules representative of the most common HLA-DR Ags worldwide. These peptides recall lymphoproliferative and cytokine responses in immune individuals experimentally immunized with radiation-attenuated Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites (irradiated sporozoites) or semi-immune individuals naturally exposed to malaria in Irian Jaya or Kenya. We establish that all peptides are recognized by individuals of each of the three populations, and that the frequency and magnitude of helper T lymphocyte responses to each peptide is influenced by the intensity of exposure to P. falciparum sporozoites. Mean frequencies of lymphoproliferative responses are 53.2% (irradiated sporozoites) vs 22.4% (Kenyan) vs 5.8% (Javanese), and mean frequencies of IFN-γ responses are 66.3% (irradiated sporozoites) vs 27.3% (Kenyan) vs 8.7% (Javanese). The identification of HLA class II degenerate T cell epitopes from P. falciparum validates our predictive strategy in a biologically relevant system and supports the potential for developing a broadly efficacious epitope-based vaccine against malaria focused on a limited number of peptide specificities.
Killer Cell Activating Receptors Function as Costimulatory Molecules on CD4+CD28null T Cells Clonally Expanded in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Namekawa Takashi , Snyder Melissa R. , Yen Jeng-Hsien , Goehring Brenda E. , Leibson Paul J. , Weyand Cornelia M. , Goronzy Jörg J.
Published: April 2014

Expansion of CD4+CD28null T cells is a characteristic finding in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Despite lacking CD28 molecules, these unusual CD4 T cells undergo clonal proliferation and form large and long-lived clonal populations. They produce high levels of IFN-γ, exhibit autoreactivity, and have cytolytic function. The mechanisms facilitating the expansion and longevity of CD4+CD28null T cell clones in vivo are unknown. Here, we report that CD4+CD28null, but not CD4+CD28+, T cells express MHC class I-recognizing receptors normally found on NK cells. CD4+CD28null T cells preferentially expressed killer cell activating receptors (KAR), often in the absence of killer cell inhibitory receptors. Cross-linking of KAR molecules enhanced the proliferative response to TCR-mediated stimulation, but not the cytolytic function of CD4+CD28null T cells, suggesting different signaling pathways in CD4 T cells and NK cells. Triggering of KAR signaling led to the phosphorylation of several cellular targets, although the pattern of phosphorylation differed from that induced by the TCR. Aberrant expression of KAR molecules in the absence of inhibitory receptors and in the appropriate HLA setting may lead to the clonal outgrowth of autoreactive CD4+CD28null T cells commonly seen in rheumatoid arthritis.
Identification of CD4+ T Cell Epitopes from NY-ESO-1 Presented by HLA-DR Molecules
Authors: Zeng Gang , Touloukian Christopher E. , Wang Xiang , Restifo Nicholas P. , Rosenberg Steven A. , Wang Rong-Fu
Published: April 2014

In previous studies, the shared cancer-testis Ag, NY-ESO-1, was demonstrated to be recognized by both Abs and CD8+ T cells. Gene expression of NY-ESO-1 was detected in many tumor types, including melanoma, breast, and lung cancers, but was not found in normal tissues, with the exception of testis. In this study, we describe the identification of MHC class II-restricted T cell epitopes from NY-ESO-1. Candidate CD4+ T cell peptides were first identified using HLA-DR4 transgenic mice immunized with the NY-ESO-1 protein. NY-ESO-1-specific CD4+ T cells were then generated from PBMC of a patient with melanoma stimulated with the candidate peptides in vitro. These CD4+ T cells recognized NY-ESO-1 peptides or protein pulsed on HLA-DR4+ EBV B cells, and also recognized tumor cells expressing HLA-DR4 and NY-ESO-1. A 10-mer peptide (VLLKEFTVSG) was recognized by CD4+ T cells. These studies provide new opportunities for developing more effective vaccine strategies by using tumor-specific CD4+ T cells. This approach may be applicable to the identification of CD4+ T cell epitopes from many known tumor Ags recognized by CD8+ T cells.
Cutting Edge: In Situ Tetramer Staining of Antigen-Specific T Cells in Tissues
Authors: Skinner Pamela J. , Daniels Mark A. , Schmidt Clint S. , Jameson Stephen C. , Haase Ashley T.
Published: April 2014

Staining Ag-specific T cells with fluorescently labeled tetrameric MHC/peptide complexes has provided a powerful experimental approach to characterizing the immune response. In this report, we describe an extension of this method to directly visualize Ag-specific T cells in tissues. We successfully stained transgenic T cells with MHC tetramers in spleen sections from both 2C and OT-1 TCR transgenic mice. In addition, with the in situ tetramer staining technique, we detected a very small population of Ag-specific T cells in tissue after adoptive transfer of transgenic TCR T cells to a syngeneic nontransgenic mouse. We also show that the in situ tetramer technique can be applied to lightly fixed as well as frozen tissue, thus extending the method to archived tissue collections. This in situ tetramer staining technique offers a general approach to tracking the Ag-specific T cells in tissues.
Cutting Edge: IL-12 Is Required for the Maintenance of IFN-γ Production in T Cells Mediating Chronic Resistance to the Intracellular Pathogen,Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Yap George , Pesin Michael , Sher Alan
Published: April 2014

IL-12 is required for the development of IFN-γ-dependent resistance to intracellular pathogens but is not thought to play a major role in its maintenance. To directly assess the requirement for continuous IL-12 signaling in long-term cell-mediated immunity, recombinant cytokine was transiently administered to IL-12 p40-deficient mice during the first 2 wk of infection with the intracellular pathogen Toxoplasma gondii. As expected, these animals survived the acute phase and established chronic infections. However, 4–6 wk after IL-12 withdrawal, the mice exhibited increased brain cyst burdens and succumbed to toxoplasmic encephalitis. Reactivation was associated with a loss of T-dependent IFN-γ production without a concomitant increase in Th2 cytokine expression. Importantly, parasite Ag-induced IFN-γ synthesis by purified T cells from these animals could be restored by in vitro exposure to IL-12. These results argue that endogenous IL-12 is required for the long-term maintenance of IFN-γ-dependent resistance against intracellular pathogens.
The Abrogation of Allosensitization Following the Induction of Mixed Allogeneic Chimerism
Authors: Colson Yolonda L. , Schuchert Matthew J. , Ildstad Suzanne T.
Published: April 2014

The association of preformed anti-donor Abs with the hyperacute rejection of bone marrow and solid organ allografts and the persistence of the anti-donor immune response secondary to immunologic memory make allosensitization an absolute contraindication to transplantation. Mixed allogeneic (A + B→A) bone marrow chimerism has been demonstrated to confer donor-specific tolerance in nonsensitized recipients, but has not been evaluated in the setting of allosensitization. The current study documents that despite significant anti-donor sensitization, mixed allogeneic engraftment is possible and provides a marked advantage over fully allogeneic (B→A) models. Moreover, the acceptance of donor skin grafts and loss of circulating anti-donor Abs suggest that allosensitization can be abrogated with the induction of stable mixed allogeneic chimerism.
Langerhans Cells That Have Matured In Vivo in the Absence of T Cells Are Fully Capable of Inducing a Helper CD4 as Well as a Cytotoxic CD8 Response
Authors: De Creus An , Van Beneden Katrien , Taghon Tom , Stolz Frank , Debacker Veronique , Plum Jean , Leclercq Georges
Published: April 2014

Langerhans cells (LCs) are immature dendritic cells (DCs) present in the skin epithelium. Upon Ag exposure, they migrate to the draining lymph nodes where they mature into potent stimulators of naive T cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of T cells on LC migration and maturation. Therefore, the in vivo migration and maturation of LCs after sensitization with the hapten FITC was compared between C57BL/6 or BALB/c mice used as positive controls, and recombination activating gene (RAG) 1 knockout (−/−) mice or SCID mice used as T cell-deficient mice. Phenotypically, there was no difference between migrated LCs from RAG1−/− or SCID mice vs normal C57BL/6 or BALB/c mice: both populations of FITC+ cells had a dendritic morphology and a mature phenotype as they expressed high levels of MHC class II molecules and costimulatory molecules CD80, CD86, and CD54. Sorted migrated LCs of RAG1−/− or SCID mice were efficient stimulators of allogeneic T cells and Ag-specific CD4+ T cells. The same results were found if migrated LCs were fixed instead of irradiated, excluding the possibility that LCs derived from RAG1−/− or SCID mice would mature in the presence of T cells during the stimulation tests. Importantly, fixed migrated LCs of RAG1−/− mice were also efficient stimulators of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. These data suggest that T cells are not required for full maturation of LCs.
Stimulation of the B Cell Receptor, CD86 (B7-2), and the β2-Adrenergic Receptor Intrinsically Modulates the Level of IgG1 and IgE Produced per B Cell
Authors: Kasprowicz Deborah J. , Kohm Adam P. , Berton Michael T. , Chruscinski Andrezj J. , Sharpe Arlene , Sanders Virginia M.
Published: April 2014

Our findings using B cells from either wild-type, CD86-deficient, or β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR)-deficient mice suggest three mechanisms by which the level of IgG1 and IgE production can be increased on a per cell basis. Trinitrophenyl-specific B cells enriched from unimmunized mouse spleens were pre-exposed to Ag and/or the β2AR ligand terbutaline for 24 h before being activated by either a β2AR-negative Th2 cell clone or CD40 ligand/Sf9 cells and IL-4 in the presence or absence of an anti-CD86 Ab. Data suggest that the first mechanism involves a B cell receptor (BCR)-dependent up-regulation of CD86 expression that, when CD86 is stimulated, increases the amount of IgG1 and IgE produced in comparison to unstimulated cells. The second mechanism involves a BCR- and β2AR-dependent up-regulation of CD86 to a level higher than that induced by stimulation of either receptor alone that, when CD86 is stimulated, further increases the amount of IgG1 and IgE produced. The third mechanism is BCR-independent and involves a β2AR-dependent increase in the ability of a B cell to respond to IL-4. Flow cytometric and limiting dilution analyses suggest that the increase in IgG1 and IgE occurs independently from the isotype switching event. These findings suggest that the BCR, the β2AR, and CD86 are involved in regulating IL-4-dependent IgG1 and IgE production.
Secondary V(D)J Rearrangements and B Cell Receptor-Mediated Down-Regulation of Recombination Activating Gene-2 Expression in a Murine B Cell Line
Authors: Maës Jérôme , Caspi Yael , Rougeon François , Haimovich Joseph , Goodhardt Michele
Published: April 2014

It has recently become clear that recombination of Ig genes is not restricted to B cell precursors but that secondary rearrangements can also occur under certain conditions in phenotypically immature bone marrow and peripheral B cells. However, the nature of these cells and the regulation of secondary V(D)J recombination in response to B cell receptor (BCR) stimulation remain controversial. In the present study, we have analyzed secondary light chain gene rearrangements and recombination activating gene (RAG) expression in the surface IgM+, IgD− murine B cell line, 38C-13, which has previously been found to undergo κ light chain replacement. We find that 38C-13 cells undergo spontaneous secondary Vκ-Jκ and RS rearrangements in culture, with recombination occurring on both productive and nonproductive alleles. Both 38C-13 cells and the Id-negative variants express the RAG genes, indicating that the presence of RAG does not depend on activation via the 38C-13 BCR. Moreover, BCR cross-linking in 38C-13 cells leads to a rapid and reversible down-regulation of RAG2 mRNA. Therefore, 38C-13 cells resemble peripheral IgM+, IgD− B cells undergoing light chain gene rearrangement and provide a possible in vitro model for studying peripheral V(D)J recombination.
Overexpression of the Proteasome Subunits LMP2, LMP7, and MECL-1, But Not PA28α/β, Enhances the Presentation of an Immunodominant Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus T Cell Epitope
Authors: Schwarz Katrin , van den Broek Maries , Kostka Susanne , Kraft Regine , Soza Andrea , Schmidtke Gunter , Kloetzel Peter-M. , Groettrup Marcus
Published: April 2014

The proteasome is a large protease complex that generates most of the peptide ligands of MHC class I molecules either in their final form or in the form of N-terminally extended precursors. Upon the stimulation of cells with IFN-γ, three constitutively expressed subunits of the 20S proteasome are replaced by the inducible subunits LMP2 (low-molecular mass polypeptide 2), LMP7, and MECL-1 (multicatalytic endopeptidase complex-like-1) to form so-called immunoproteasomes. We show in this study that overexpression of these three subunits in triple transfectants led to a marked enhancement in the H-2Ld-restricted presentation of the immunodominant nonameric epitope NP118, which is derived from the nucleoprotein (NP) of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Overexpression of the α and β subunits of the IFN-γ-inducible proteasome regulator PA28, in contrast, did not have a comparable effect. In vitro, immunoproteasomes as compared with constitutive proteasomes generated higher amounts of 11- and 12-mer fragments containing the NP118 epitope. These are likely to be cytosolic precursors of NP118, as a proline anchor residue in the second position of NP118 may interfere with TAP-mediated transport of the nonameric epitope itself. In conclusion, we provide evidence that up-regulation of the three inducible subunits, LMP2, LMP7, and MECL-1, can result in a marked improvement of Ag presentation and that, depending on the epitope, PA28 and immunoproteasomes may differentially affect Ag processing.
A Role for the Region Encompassing the c″ Strand of a TCR Vα Domain in T Cell Activation Events
Authors: Qadri Ayub , Radu Caius G. , Thatte Jayant , Cianga Petru , Ober Bertram T. , Ober Raimund J. , Ward E. Sally
Published: April 2014

The distinct strand topology of TCR Vα domains results in a flatter surface in the region encompassing the c″ strand than the corresponding region in Ig V domains. In the current study a possible role for this region in T cell activation has been investigated by inserting a potential glycosylation site at Vα residue 82. This residue is in proximity to the c″ strand and distal to the putative interaction site for cognate peptide:MHC ligand. An additional N-linked carbohydrate at this position would create a protrusion on the Vα domain surface, and this may interfere with TCR aggregation and/or recruitment of signaling molecules. The modified TCR has been expressed in transfected T cells, and the phenotype following stimulation has been compared with that of cells expressing the wild-type TCR. The mutation has significant effects on activation-induced cell death and TCR internalization, but, unexpectedly, does not affect IL-2 secretion. Furthermore, analyses with tetrameric, peptide:MHC class II complexes suggest that the mutation decreases the ability of the TCR to aggregate into a configuration compatible with avid binding by these multivalent ligands.
B Cell Receptor Engagement and T Cell Contact Inducebcl-6Somatic Hypermutation in Human B Cells: Identity with Ig Hypermutation
Authors: Zan Hong , Li Zongdong , Yamaji Kozaburo , Dramitinos Patricia , Cerutti Andrea , Casali Paolo
Published: April 2014

The human bcl-6 proto-oncogene has been found to be mutated in both neoplastic and normal B cells. We used CL-01 cells, our monoclonal model of germinal center differentiation, and normal human B cells to explore the induction requirements and the modalities of bcl-6 hypermutation. As we have previously shown, CL-01 cells are IgM+ IgD+ and effectively mutate the expressed Ig VHDJH and VλJλ genes and switch to IgG, IgA, and IgE upon B cell receptor engagement and contact with CD4+ T cells through CD40:CD154 and CD80:CD28 coengagement. In this paper we showed that the same stimuli induce somatic hypermutation of bcl-6 in CL-01 and normal IgM+ IgD+ B cells. bcl-6 hypermutation was not accompanied by translocation of this proto-oncogene or hypermutation of the β-actin gene, and it did mimic Ig hypermutation. It was associated with transcription initiation, in that it targeted the first exon and a 696-bp sequence immediately downstream (∼0.6 kb) of the transcription initiation site while sparing further downstream (∼2.5 kb) and upstream (∼0.1 kb) areas. bcl-6 hypermutation displayed an overall rate of 2.2 × 10−4 changes/base/cell division with characteristic nucleotide preferences and showed strand polarity. These findings show that B cell receptor engagement promotes hypermutation in genes other than Ig, and suggest that cis-regulating elements similar to those of the Ig locus exist in bcl-6.
Underutilization of the Vκ10C Gene in the B Cell Repertoire Is Due to the Loss of Productive VJ Rearrangements During B Cell Development
Authors: Fitzsimmons Sean P. , Clark Kathleen J. , Mostowski Howard S. , Shapiro Marjorie A.
Published: April 2014

The Vκ10 family of murine light chain Ig genes is composed of three members, two of which (Vκ10A and Vκ10B) are well used. Vκ10C, the third member of this family, is not detected in any expressed Abs. Our previous work showed that Vκ10C is structurally functional and can recombine, but mRNA levels in spleen were extremely low relative to those of Vκ10A and Vκ10B. Furthermore, while the Vκ10C promoter was efficient in B cells, it was shown to work inefficiently in pre-B cell lines. Here, we extend our analysis of the Vκ10 family and examine Vκ10 gene accessibility, their representation in Vκ cDNA phage libraries, and the frequency and nature of rearrangements during different stages of B cell development. We demonstrate that Vκ10C is under-represented in Vκ cDNA libraries, but that the frequency of its sterile transcripts in pre-B cells surpasses both Vκ10A and Vκ10B, indicating that the gene is as accessible as Vκ10A and Vκ10B to the recombination machinery. We also demonstrate that Vκ10C recombines at a frequency equal to that of Vκ10A in pre-B cells and has a normal nonproductive to productive recombination ratio. As B cells develop, however, both the frequency of Vκ10C rearrangements and the presence of productive rearrangements decline, indicating that these cells are in some fashion being eliminated.