bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultraviolet B Radiation-Induced Cell Death: Critical Role of Ultraviolet Dose in Inflammation and Lupus Autoantigen Redistribution
Authors: Caricchio Roberto , McPhie Lenese , Cohen Philip L.
Published: April 2014

The nuclear self-Ags targeted in systemic lupus erythematosus translocate to the cell membrane of UV-irradiated apoptotic keratinocytes and may represent an important source of self-immunization. It is hard to understand how the noninflammatory milieu accompanying most apoptosis might provoke an immunogenic response leading to autoantibodies. We have found that the precise amount of keratinocyte UV exposure is crucial in determining the rate of apoptosis, the amount of inflammatory cytokine production, and the degree of autoantigen translocation. Low doses of UVB (≤15 mJ/cm2) promptly induced a normal, caspase-dependent apoptosis, while intermediate doses of UV-B (35 mJ/cm2) caused apoptosis with altered morphology, slower DNA fragmentation, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase degradation accompanied by increased Bcl-2. High doses of UVB (80 mJ/cm2) induced instead necrosis. We observed IL-1 production upon intermediate and high UVB doses. Nuclear Ag redistribution was also markedly UV dose dependent: at low doses, Sm, Ku, and DNA translocated to the surfaces of early apoptotic cells. At intermediate doses, these Ags concentrated on the cell membrane when the nucleus was still visible. At high doses, these autoantigens diffused into the cytoplasm and were released into the supernatant. Taken together, the results show that low-dose UVB induces prompt noninflammatory apoptosis. In contrast, intermediate and high doses of UVB induce proinflammatory apoptosis and necrosis, where the production of inflammatory cytokines is accompanied by exposure and release of autoantigens. The key importance of the UV dose on the fate of apoptotic keratinocytes and on their potential immunogenicity should help clarify the role of UVB in inducing systemic lupus erythematosus autoimmunity.
Increased Severity of Murine Lupus in Female Mice Is Due to Enhanced Expansion of Pathogenic T Cells
Authors: Lang Thomas J. , Nguyen Phuong , Papadimitriou John C. , Via Charles S.
Published: April 2014

A strong female predominance is a well-recognized feature of human lupus. The mechanism by which sex influences disease expression and severity is not fully understood. To address this question, we used the parent-into-F1 (p→F1) model of chronic graft-vs-host disease (cGVHD) in which lupus-like humoral autoimmunity and renal disease are induced in normal F1 mice. An advantage of this model is that the pathogenic T cells driving disease (donor strain) can be studied separately from nonspecifically activated T cells (host strain). We observed that lupus-like disease using female donor and host mice (f→F cGVHD) is characterized by more severe long-term disease (glomerulonephritis) than with male donor and host (m→M cGVHD). Interestingly, differences in disease parameters could be seen at 2 wk after parental cell transfer, as evidenced by a 2- to 3-fold greater engraftment of donor CD4+ T cells in f→F cGVHD mice, which persisted throughout disease course. Enhanced engraftment of donor CD4+ T cells in f→F cGVHD mice was not due to differences in splenic homing, alloreactive precursor frequency, initial proliferation rates, or apoptotic rates, but rather to sustained high proliferation rates during wk 2 of disease compared with m→M cGVHD mice. Crossover studies (m→F, f→M) demonstrated that enhanced donor CD4+ T cell proliferation and engraftment segregate with the sex of the host. These results demonstrate that the sex of the recipient can influence the expansion of pathogenic T cells, thus increasing long-term the burden of autoreactive T cells and resulting in greater disease severity.
MHC Class II-Peptide Complexes in Dendritic Cell Lipid Microdomains Initiate the CD4 Th1 Phenotype
Authors: Buatois Vanessa , Baillet Marjorie , Bécart Stéphane , Mooney Nuala , Leserman Lee , Machy Patrick
Published: April 2014

We investigated differentiation of CD4 T cells responding to Ag presented by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DC) in association with MHC class II (MHC II) molecules. Peptides encapsulated in liposomes opsonized by IgG were taken up by endocytosis. MHC II-peptide-specific T cells responding to this Ag were polarized to a Th1 cytokine profile in a CD40-, CD28-, MyD88-, and IL-12-dependent manner. Th2 responses were obtained from the same transgenic T cell population exposed to the same DC on which MHC-peptide complexes had dispersed for 48 h following uptake of FcR-targeted liposomes. DC that took up the same FcR-targeted liposomes and then were exposed to methyl-β-cyclodextrin, which chelates cholesterol and dissociates lipid microdomains, also stimulated Th2 differentiation. Incubation of T cells with DC incubated with peptides directly binding to MHC II resulted in Th2 responses, whether or not the DC were coincubated with opsonized liposomes as a maturation stimulus. CD4 Th1 polarization thus appears to depend on MHC II-peptide complex clustering in DC lipid microdomains and the time between peptide loading and T cell encounter.
The Duration of Signaling through CD40 Directs Biological Ability of Dendritic Cells to Induce Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Watanabe Satoshi , Kagamu Hiroshi , Yoshizawa Hirohisa , Fujita Nanae , Tanaka Hiroshi , Tanaka Junta , Gejyo Fumitake
Published: April 2014

Although it has been demonstrated that the functions of dendritic cells (DCs), including Ag capture, Ag presentation, and migratory activity, change dynamically with their maturation, the most appropriate conditioning of DCs for anticancer immunotherapy is still unclear. The help signal is one of the most potent stimuli for DC maturation and is provided by the interaction of CD40 expressed on DCs with CD40 ligand on CD4+ T cells. To elucidate the appropriate conditioning of DCs for anticancer immunotherapy, we examined the biological activity of DCs stimulated with immobilized anti-CD40 Ab. DCs stimulated for 3 h (3h-DCs) still showed an immature phenotype, but exhibited augmented migration toward secondary lymphoid tissues. Subcutaneous injection of 3h-DCs facilitated priming of T cells, which could mediate potent antitumor therapeutic efficacy, in draining lymph nodes and successfully induced protective immunity. In contrast, 24h-DCs showed a mature phenotype with good Ag presentation ability to induce cell killing by adoptively transferred CD8+ T cells when injected at tumor sites; however, they showed no migratory activity and were unable to induce protective immunity when injected s.c.. This is the first report that functionally distinct DCs, either for the priming phase or for the effector phase, could be obtained by conditioning with CD40 stimulation and that the duration of stimulation determines the biological outcome. The usage of DCs conditioned for the priming phase might provide significant advantages in anticancer immunotherapy.
Maturation of Dendritic Cell 2 Phenotype by a Helminth Glycan Uses a Toll-Like Receptor 4-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Thomas Paul G. , Carter Michele R. , Atochina Olga , Da’Dara Akram A. , Piskorska Danuta , McGuire Edward , Harn Donald A.
Published: April 2014

The biology of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) stimulating APCs to differentiate into a Th1-promoting phenotype has been well characterized. Conversely, not a single pathogen product that promotes a Th2 phenotype has been rigorously identified. Strong Th2 responses and dendritic cell 2 maturation are driven by helminth extracts, and carbohydrates have been shown to be responsible for much of this activity. In this study, we show that a helminth carbohydrate, lacto-N-fucopentaose III (LNFPIII) functions as an innate Th2 promoter via its action on murine dendritic cells, with the α1–3-linked fucose required for this activity. In contrast to Th1-type PAMPs, which activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases, the Th2 PAMP LNFPIII preferentially activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Furthermore, the ability of LNFPIII to drive DC2 maturation is dependent on signaling via Toll-like receptor 4. These data support a new understanding of how APCs integrate signaling pathways to produce a Th1- or Th2-promoting phenotype.
Fibronectin-Associated Fas Ligand Rapidly Induces Opposing and Time-Dependent Effects on the Activation and Apoptosis of T Cells
Authors: Zanin-Zhorov Alexandra , Hershkoviz Rami , Hecht Iris , Cahalon Liora , Lider Ofer
Published: April 2014

Recently, it has been shown that Fas ligand (FasL) interacts with the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein fibronectin (FN), and that the bound FasL retains its cytotoxic efficacy. Herein, we examined the ramifications of FasL-ECM protein interactions throughout a specific time period, in the absence or presence of additional activating molecules, assuming that these complexed interactions occur during inflammation. We found that exposure of purified human T cells to FN-associated recombinant FasL for as brief as 5–10 min at 0.1–100 ng/ml induced their adhesion in β1 integrin- and FasR-dependent manners while activating the intracellular protein kinase, Pyk-2. The FN-associated FasL stops the CXCL12 (stromal cell-derived factor 1α)-induced chemotaxis of T cells by inhibiting the chemokine-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling and cytoskeletal rearrangement. This short term exposure of T cells to the FN-bound FasL (1 ng/ml), which was followed by T cell activation via the CD3 complex, resulted in 1) increased secretion of IFN-γ (measured after 24 h), and 2) enhanced T cell apoptosis (measured after 72 h). Thus, in the context of inflamed ECM and depending on the time after FasL activation, its concentration, and the nature of other contextual mediators, FasL initially retains effector T cells at sites of inflammation and, later, induces T cell apoptosis and return to homeostasis.
Molecular Cloning and Immunologic Characterization of a Novel cDNA Coding for Progesterone-Induced Blocking Factor
Authors: Polgar Beata , Kispal Gyula , Lachmann Margit , Paar Gabriella , Nagy Eszter , Csere Peter , Miko Eva , Szereday Laszlo , Varga Peter , Szekeres-Bartho Julia
Published: April 2014

Previous studies from our laboratory showed that the immunomodulatory effects of progesterone are mediated by a 34-kDa protein, named the progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF). Lymphocytes of women with threatened abortion fail to produce this factor. Via inducing a Th2 biased cytokine production and blocking of NK activity, PIBF prevents induced pregnancy loss in mice, suggesting that substitution therapy with PIBF could be useful as an alternative treatment of certain forms of recurrent spontaneous abortions. Our study was aimed at mapping the sequence and structure of PIBF coding cDNA and characterizing the encoded protein product. Screening of a human liver cDNA library revealed a 2765-bp clone with a 2271-bp open reading frame. The PIBF1 cDNA encodes a protein of 757 amino acid residues with an 89-kDa predicted molecular mass, which shows no significant amino acid sequence homology with any known protein. PIBF produced via recombinant technique is recognized by the Ab specific for the secreted lymphocyte PIBF Ab, and possesses the biological activities of the secreted lymphocyte PIBF. The full-length PIBF is associated with the nucleus, whereas secretion of shorter forms, such a 34-kDa protein is induced by activation of the cell. The 48-kDa N-terminal part of PIBF is biologically active, and the part of the molecule, responsible for modulating NK activity is encoded by exons 2–4. These data provide an initial step for exploiting the possible diagnostic and therapeutic potential of this immunomodulatory molecule.
Simultaneous Prediction of Binding Capacity for Multiple Molecules of the HLA B44 Supertype
Authors: Sidney John , Southwood Scott , Pasquetto Valerie , Sette Alessandro
Published: April 2014

We selected for study a set of B44-supertype molecules collectively represented in >40% of the individuals in all major ethnicities (B*1801, B*4001, B*4002, B*4402, B*4403, and B*4501). The peptide-binding specificity of each molecule was characterized using single amino acid substitution analogues and nonredundant peptide libraries. In all cases, only peptide ligands with glutamic acid in position 2 were preferred. At the C terminus, each allele was associated with a unique but broad pattern of preferences, but all molecules tolerated hydrophobic/aliphatic (leucine, isoleucine, valine, methionine), aromatic (tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan), and small (alanine, glycine, threonine) residues. Secondary anchor motifs were also defined for all molecules. Together, these features were used to define a B44 supermotif and a novel algorithm for calculating degeneracy scores that can be used to predict B44-supertype degenerate binders. Approximately 90% of the peptides with a B44 supermotif degeneracy score of >10 bound at least three of the six B44-supertype molecules studied with high affinity. Finally, a number of peptides derived from hepatitis B and C viruses, HIV, and Plasmodium falciparum have been identified that have degenerate B44 supertype-binding capacity. Taken together, these findings have important implications for epitope-based approaches to vaccination, immunotherapy, and the monitoring of immune responses.
Increased Acute Inflammation, Leukotriene B4-Induced Chemotaxis, and Signaling in Mice Deficient for G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 6
Authors: Kavelaars Annemieke , Vroon Anne , Raatgever Roel P. , Fong Alan M. , Premont Richard T. , Patel Dhavalkumar D. , Lefkowitz Robert J. , Heijnen Cobi J.
Published: April 2014

Directed migration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) is required for adequate host defense against invading organisms and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is one of the most potent PMN chemoattractants. LTB4 exerts its action via binding to BLT1, a G protein-coupled receptor. G protein-coupled receptors are phosphorylated by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRK) in an agonist-dependent manner, resulting in receptor desensitization. Recently, it has been shown that the human BLT1 is a substrate for GRK6. To investigate the physiological importance of GRK6 for inflammation and LTB4 signaling in PMN, we used GRK6-deficient mice. The acute inflammatory response (ear swelling and influx of PMN into the ear) after topical application of arachidonic acid was significantly increased in GRK6−/− mice. In vitro, GRK6−/− PMN showed increased chemokinetic and chemotactic responses to LTB4. GRK6−/− PMN respond to LTB4 with a prolonged increase in intracellular calcium and prolonged actin polymerization, suggesting impaired LTB4 receptor desensitization in the absence of GRK6. However, pre-exposure to LTB4 renders both GRK6−/− as well as wild-type PMN refractory to restimulation with LTB4, indicating that the presence of GRK6 is not required for this process to occur. In conclusion, GRK6 deficiency leads to prolonged BLT1 signaling and increased neutrophil migration.
Identification of Five New HLA-B*3501-Restricted Epitopes Derived from Common Melanoma-Associated Antigens, Spontaneously Recognized by Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes
Authors: Benlalam Houssem , Linard Boris , Guilloux Yannik , Moreau-Aubry Agnès , Derré Laurent , Diez Elisabeth , Dreno Brigitte , Jotereau Francine , Labarrière Nathalie
Published: April 2014

We previously described HLA-B35-restricted melanoma tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte responses to frequently expressed melanoma-associated Ags: tyrosinase, Melan-A/MART-1, gp100, MAGE-A3/MAGE-A6, and NY-ESO-1. Using clones derived from these TIL, we identified in this study the corresponding epitopes. We show that five of these epitopes are new and that melanoma cells naturally present all the six epitopes. Interestingly, five of these epitopes correspond to or encompass melanoma-associated Ag epitopes presented in other HLA contexts, such as A2, A1, B51, and Cw3. In particular, the HLA-B35-restricted Melan-A epitope is mimicked by the peptide 26–35, already known as the most immunodominant melanoma epitope in the HLA-A*0201 context. Because this peptide lacked adequate anchor amino acid residues for efficient binding to HLA-B35, modified peptides were designed. Two of these analogues were found to induce higher PBL- and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte-specific responses than the parental peptide, suggesting that they could be more immunogenic in HLA-B*3501 melanoma patients. These data have important implications for the formulation of polypeptide-based vaccines as well as for the monitoring of melanoma-specific CTL response in HLA-B*3501 melanoma patients.
EBV-Induced Molecule 1 Ligand Chemokine (ELC/CCL19) Promotes IFN-γ-Dependent Antitumor Responses in a Lung Cancer Model
Authors: Hillinger Sven , Yang Seok-Chul , Zhu Li , Huang Min , Duckett Russell , Atianzar Kimberly , Batra Raj K. , Strieter Robert M. , Dubinett Steven M. , Sharma Sherven
Published: April 2014

The antitumor efficacy of EBV-induced molecule 1 ligand CC chemokine (ELC/CCL19) was evaluated in a murine lung cancer model. The ability of ELC/CCL19 to chemoattract both dendritic cells and T lymphocytes formed the rationale for this study. Compared with diluent-treated tumor-bearing mice, intratumoral injection of recombinant ELC/CCL19 led to significant systemic reduction in tumor volumes (p < 0.01). ELC/CCL19-treated mice exhibited an increased influx of CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets as well as dendritic cells at the tumor sites. These cell infiltrates were accompanied by increases in IFN-γ, MIG/CXCL9, IP-10/CXCL10, GM-CSF, and IL-12 but a concomitant decrease in the immunosuppressive molecules PGE2 and TGFβ. Transfer of T lymphocytes from ELC/CCL19 treated tumor-bearing mice conferred the antitumor therapeutic efficacy of ELC/CCL19 to naive mice. ELC/CCL19 treated tumor-bearing mice showed enhanced frequency of tumor specific T lymphocytes secreting IFN-γ. In vivo depletion of IFN-γ, MIG/CXCL9, or IP-10/CXCL10 significantly reduced the antitumor efficacy of ELC/CCL19. These findings provide a strong rationale for further evaluation of ELC/CCL19 in tumor immunity and its use in cancer immunotherapy.
Soluble Forms of Toll-Like Receptor (TLR)2 Capable of Modulating TLR2 Signaling Are Present in Human Plasma and Breast Milk
Authors: LeBouder Emmanuel , Rey-Nores Julia E. , Rushmere Neil K. , Grigorov Martin , Lawn Stephen D. , Affolter Michael , Griffin George E. , Ferrara Pascual , Schiffrin Eduardo J. , Morgan B. Paul , Labéta Mario O.
Published: April 2014

Dysregulation of the initial, innate immune response to bacterial infection may lead to septic shock and death. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in this innate immune response, and yet the regulatory mechanisms controlling microbial-induced TLR triggering are still to be fully understood. We have therefore sought specific regulatory mechanisms that may modulate TLR signaling. In this study, we tested for the possible existence of a functionally active soluble form of TLR2. We demonstrated the existence of natural soluble forms of TLR2 (sTLR2), which we show to be capable of modulating cell activation. We found that blood monocytes released sTLR2 constitutively and that the kinetics of sTLR2 release increased upon cell activation. Analysis of cells expressing the human TLR2 cDNA or its c-myc-tagged version indicated that sTLR2 resulted from the posttranslational modification of the TLR2 protein in an intracellular compartment. Moreover, an intracellular pool of sTLR2 is maintained. sTLR2 was found naturally expressed in breast milk and plasma. Milk sTLR2 levels mirrored those of the TLR coreceptor soluble CD14. Depletion of sTLR2 from serum resulted in an increased cellular response to bacterial lipopeptide. Notably, serum sTLR2 was lower in tuberculosis patients. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments and computational molecular docking studies showed an interaction between sTLR2 and soluble CD14 in plasma and milk. These findings suggest the existence of a novel and specific innate immune mechanism regulating microbial-induced TLR triggering, and may lead to new therapeutics for the prevention and/or treatment of severe infectious diseases.
IL-8-Mediated Cell Migration in Endothelial Cells Depends on Cathepsin B Activity and Transactivation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
Authors: Schraufstatter Ingrid U. , Trieu Khanh , Zhao Ming , Rose David M. , Terkeltaub Robert A. , Burger Meike
Published: April 2014

Microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) express both the CXCR1 and the CXCR2, but cell migration is almost entirely mediated by the CXCR2. Similarly, NIH 3T3 cells transfected with the CXCR2 migrated toward IL-8, whereas CXCR1-transfected cells failed to do so. This situation differs from that seen in leukocytes, where chemotaxis is primarily a function of the CXCR1. To define signal transduction pathways that explain this difference in behavior, various inhibitors were used to block cell migration. Apart from inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, which blocked migration in all cases, inhibition of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor blocked IL-8-mediated cell migration in HMECs and in CXCR2-transfected NIH 3T3 cells, but not in RBL2H3 cells, which do not express an EGFR. Blocking Abs against the EGFR or against heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor similarly blocked IL-8-mediated cell migration and in vitro tubulogenesis in HMECs. Furthermore, inhibition of the EGFR also attenuated focus formation in NIH 3T3 expressing the CXCR2. Immunoprecipitations of the EGFR in HMECs and in NIH 3T3 cells expressing the CXCR2 confirmed that the EGFR was phosphorylated following stimulation with IL-8. However, in contrast to previous reports, e.g., for the thrombin receptor, inhibition of matrix metalloproteases blocked IL-8-mediated cell migration only partially, whereas it was ablated by inhibition of cathepsin B. These results indicate that IL-8-induced transactivation of the EGFR is mediated by the CXCR2 and involves cathepsin B, and that this pathway is important for the migratory and tumorigenic effects of IL-8.
CD154 Activates Macrophage Antimicrobial Activity in the Absence of IFN-γ through a TNF-α-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Andrade Rosa M. , Wessendarp Matthew , Subauste Carlos S.
Published: April 2014

Protection against certain intracellular pathogens can take place in the absence of IFN-γ through mechanisms dependent on TNF-α. In this regard, patients with partial defect in IFN-γ receptor 1 are not susceptible to toxoplasmosis. Thus, we used a model of Toxoplasma gondii infection to investigate whether CD154 modulates IFN-γ-independent mechanisms of host protection. Human monocyte-derived macrophages treated with recombinant CD154 exhibited increased anti-T. gondii activity. The number of tachyzoites per 100 macrophages at 20 h postinfection was lower in CD154-treated macrophages compared with controls. This was accompanied by a decrease in the percentage of infected cells in CD154-treated macrophages at 20 h compared with 1 h postinfection. CD154-bearing cells also induced antimicrobial activity in T. gondii-infected macrophages. CD154 enhanced macrophage anti-T. gondii activity independently of IFN-γ. TNF-α mediated the effects of CD154 on macrophage anti-T. gondii activity. CD154 increased TNF-α production by T. gondii-infected macrophages, and neutralization of TNF-α inhibited the effect of CD154 on macrophage anti-T. gondii activity. These results demonstrate that CD154 triggers TNF-α-dependent antimicrobial activity in macrophages and suggest that CD154 regulates the mechanisms of host protection that take place when IFN-γ signaling is deficient.
Induction of CD8+ T Cells to an HIV-1 Antigen through a Prime Boost Regimen with Heterologous E1-Deleted Adenoviral Vaccine Carriers
Authors: Pinto Arguinaldo R. , Fitzgerald Julie C. , Giles-Davis Wynetta , Gao Guang Ping , Wilson James M. , Ertl Hildegund C. J.
Published: April 2014

E1-deleted adenoviral recombinants most commonly based on the human serotype 5 (AdHu5) have been shown thus far to induce unsurpassed transgene product-specific CD8+ T cell responses. A large percentage of the adult human population carries neutralizing Abs due to natural exposures to AdHu5 virus. To circumvent reduction of the efficacy of adenovirus (Ad) vector-based vaccines by neutralizing Abs to the vaccine carrier, we developed E1-deleted adenoviral vaccine carriers based on simian serotypes. One of these carriers, termed AdC68, expressing a codon-optimized truncated form of gag of HIV-1 was shown previously to induce a potent transgene product-specific CD8+ T cell response in mice. We constructed a second chimpanzee adenovirus vaccine vector, termed AdC6, also expressing the truncated gag of HIV-1. This vector, which belongs to a different serotype than the AdC68 virus, induces high frequencies of gag-specific CD8+ T cells in mice including those pre-exposed to AdHu5 virus. Generation of an additional E1-deleted adenoviral vector of chimpanzee origin allows for sequential booster immunizations with heterologous vaccine carriers. In this study, we show that such heterologous prime boost regimens based on E1-deleted adenoviral vectors of different serotypes expressing the same transgene product are highly efficient in increasing the transgene product-specific CD8+ T cell response. They are equivalent to sequential vaccinations with an E1-deleted Ad vector followed by booster immunization with a poxvirus vector and they surpass regimens based on DNA vaccine prime followed by a recombinant adenoviral vector boost.
Hyaluronic Acid or TNF-α Plus Fibronectin Triggers Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony-Stimulating Factor mRNA Stabilization in Eosinophils Yet Engages Differential Intracellular Pathways and mRNA Binding Proteins
Authors: Esnault Stéphane , Malter James S.
Published: April 2014

Eosinophils (Eos) accumulate in airways and lung parenchyma of active asthmatics. GM-CSF is a potent inhibitor of Eos apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo and is produced by activated fibroblasts, mast cells, T lymphocytes as well as Eos. Cytokine release by Eos is preceded by GM-CSF mRNA stabilization induced by TNF-α plus fibronectin. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major extracellular matrix proteoglycan, which also accumulates in the lung during asthma exacerbations. In this study we have analyzed the effects of HA on Eos survival and GM-CSF expression. We demonstrate that like TNF-α plus fibronectin, HA stabilizes GM-CSF mRNA, increases GM-CSF secretion, and prolongs in vitro Eos survival. GM-CSF mRNA stabilization accounts for most of the observed GM-CSF mRNA accumulation and protein production. Unlike TNF-α plus fibronectin, GM-CSF mRNA stabilization induction by HA requires continuous extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation. Finally, to identify potential protein regulators responsible for GM-CSF mRNA stabilization, immunoprecipitation-RT-PCR studies revealed increased GM-CSF mRNA associated with YB-1, HuR, and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) C after TNF-α plus fibronectin but only hnRNP C after HA. Thus, our data suggest that both TNF-α plus fibronectin and HA, which are relevant physiological effectors in asthma, contributes to long-term Eos survival in vivo by enhancing GM-CSF production through two different posttranscriptional regulatory pathways involving extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation and RNA binding proteins YB-1, HuR, and hnRNP C.
Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Is a Chemoattractant Cytokine for Human Neutrophils: Involvement of the Ribosomal p70 S6 Kinase Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gomez-Cambronero Julian , Horn Jeffrey , Paul Cassandra C. , Baumann Michael A.
Published: April 2014

GM-CSF stimulates proliferation of myeloid precursors in bone marrow and primes mature leukocytes for enhanced functionality. We demonstrate that GM-CSF is a powerful chemotactic and chemokinetic agent for human neutrophils. GM-CSF-induced chemotaxis is time dependent and is specifically neutralized with Abs directed to either the ligand itself or its receptor. Maximal chemotactic response was achieved at ∼7 nM GM-CSF, and the EC50 was ∼0.9 nM. Both concentrations are similar to the effective concentrations of IL-8 and less than the effective concentrations of other neutrophil chemoattractants such as neutrophil-activating peptide-78, granulocyte chemotactic protein-2, leukotriene B4, and FMLP. GM-CSF also acts as a chemoattractant for native cells bearing the GM-CSF receptor, such as monocytes, as well as for GM-CSF receptor-bearing myeloid cell lines, HL60 (promyelomonocyte leukemic cell line) and MPD (myeloproliferative disorder cell line), following differentiation induction. GM-CSF induced a rapid, transient increase in F-actin polymerization and the formation of focal contact rings in neutrophils, which are prerequisites for cell migration. The mechanism of GM-CSF-induced chemotaxis appears to involve the cell signaling molecule, ribosomal p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K). Both p70S6K enzymatic activity and T421/S424 and T389 phosphorylation are markedly increased with GM-CSF. In addition, the p70S6K inhibitor hamartin transduced into cells as active protein, interfered with GM-CSF-dependent migration, and attenuated p70S6K phosphorylation. These data indicate that GM-CSF exhibits chemotactic functionality and suggest new avenues for the investigation of the molecular basis of chemotaxis as it relates to inflammation and tissue injury.
Adenovirus-Transduced Dendritic Cells Injected into Skin or Lymph Node Prime Potent Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Specific T Cell Immunity in Monkeys
Authors: Brown Kevin , Gao Wentao , Alber Sean , Trichel Anita , Murphey-Corb Michael , Watkins Simon C. , Gambotto Andrea , Barratt-Boyes Simon M.
Published: April 2014

Adenoviral vectors can be used to deliver complex Ag to dendritic cells (DC), and thus may be ideal for stimulating broad T cell responses to viral pathogens and tumors. To test this hypothesis in a relevant primate model, we used recombinant adenovirus serotype 5 vectors expressing SIV Gag Ag to transduce monocyte-derived DC from rhesus macaques, and then immunized donor animals either by intradermal or intranodal injections. T cell responses were evaluated by ELISPOT assay using previously frozen PBMC pulsed with pools of 15-mer peptides representing the Gag sequence. Immunization resulted in rapid and potent induction of T cell responses to multiple regions of Gag, with frequencies approaching 1 Gag-specific T cell per 500 uncultured PBMC. Surprisingly, intradermal and intranodal injections generated a similar intensity and breadth of response, indicating that administration of Ag-expressing DC by either route may be equally effective at inducing immune responses. Detailed analysis of two monkeys revealed CD8+ T cell responses to several peptide epitopes of Gag not previously described, at least two of which are restricted by MHC class I alleles not currently identified. Repeated vaccination did not induce T cell responses to the adenoviral vector and did not prevent Ag-expressing DC injected under the capsule of the lymph node from migrating to the paracortex and interposing between T cells. However, boost injections of adenovirus-transduced DC were generally limited in efficacy. These findings support the use of adenovirus-transduced DC in the therapy of HIV infection and cancer.
Tumor Vaccination after Allogeneic Bone Marrow Cell Reconstitution of the Nonmyeloablatively Conditioned Tumor-Bearing Murine Host
Authors: Zöller Margot
Published: April 2014

Allogeneic bone marrow cell reconstitution of the nonmyeloablatively conditioned host is supposed to provide an optimized platform for tumor vaccination. We recently showed that an allogeneic T cell-depleted graft was well accepted if the tumor-bearing host was NK depleted. Based on this finding, a vaccination protocol in tumor-bearing, nonmyeloablatively conditioned, allogeneically reconstituted mice was elaborated. Allogeneically reconstituted mice, bearing a renal cell carcinoma, received tumor-primed donor lymph node cells (LNC), which had or had not matured in the allogeneic host. Primed LNC were supported by tumor lysate-pulsed dendritic cells, which were donor or host derived. Optimal responses against the tumor were observed with host-tolerant, tumor-primed LNC in combination with host-derived dendritic cells. High frequencies of tumor-specific proliferating and CTLs were recorded; the survival time of tumor-bearing mice was significantly prolonged, and in >50% of mice the tumor was completely rejected. Notably, severe graft-vs-host disease was observed in reconstituted mice that received tumor-primed LNC, which had not matured in the allogeneic host. However, graft-vs-host was not aggravated after vaccination with tumor-primed, host-tolerant LNC. Thus, the LNC were tolerant toward the host, but not toward the tumor. The finding convincingly demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of tumor vaccination after allogeneic reconstitution of the nonmyeloablatively conditioned host.
Mutation of a Dibasic Amino Acid Motif Within the C Terminus of the P2X7 Nucleotide Receptor Results in Trafficking Defects and Impaired Function
Authors: Denlinger Loren C. , Sommer Julie A. , Parker Karen , Gudipaty Lalitha , Fisette Philip L. , Watters Jyoti W. , Proctor Richard A. , Dubyak George R. , Bertics Paul J.
Published: April 2014

Activation of the P2X7 receptor by extracellular nucleotides modulates multiple immune functions, including inflammatory mediator production, membrane fusion events, and apoptosis. Previous studies have revealed that the C terminus of this multimeric cation channel possesses a lipid-interaction motif that has been proposed to regulate receptor function. This domain is homologous to the LPS binding region of the LPS binding protein, and we demonstrated that two basic residues (Arg578, Lys579) within this motif are essential for LPS binding to P2X7 in vitro. Because P2X7 can influence LPS action, and because lipid interaction motifs modulate the trafficking of other ion channel-linked receptors, we hypothesized that this motif of P2X7 is critical for receptor function and trafficking. In these studies we mutated Arg578 and Lys579 of P2X7, and the expression profile, channel activity, and pore formation of the mutant were characterized in transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells. In contrast with the wild-type receptor, the P2X7-R578E/K579E mutant fails to demonstrate surface immunoreactivity despite normal levels of total protein expression. This effect on the mutant receptor is unlikely to result from widespread defects in protein folding, because surface localization, determined using conformation-specific Abs, can be restored by growing the cells at 25°C, conditions that slow receptor recycling. Despite surface expression at reduced temperatures, at 25°C the P2X7-R578E/K579E mutant still exhibits greatly reduced sodium, potassium, and calcium channel activity when compared with the wild-type receptor, and cannot induce pore formation. These data suggest that the lipid interaction motif of the P2X7 C terminus controls receptor trafficking and modulates channel activity.
Cutting Edge: Cross-Presentation as a Mechanism for Efficient Recruitment of Tumor-Specific CTL to the Brain
Authors: Calzascia Thomas , Di Berardino-Besson Wilma , Wilmotte Rick , Masson Frédérick , Tribolet Nicolas de , Dietrich Pierre-Yves , Walker Paul R.
Published: April 2014

The number and localization of effector cells to the tumor site are crucial elements for immune rejection of solid tumors. However, for cerebral malignancies, antitumor responses need to be finely tuned to avoid neuropathologic consequences. In this study, we determine factors that regulate CTL localization and tumoricidal function after intracerebral implantation of tumors expressing model Ag. H-2bxd mice implanted with a CW3+ murine glioma lacking H-2Kd molecules necessary to present the CW3170–179 epitope demonstrate cross-priming of H-2Kd-restricted CTL, and moreover, Ag-dependent accumulation of functional H-2Kd/CW3170–179-specific CTL within the tumor bed. This implicates a role for cross-presentation not only in priming, but also in retention of fully differentiated CTL in the tumor stroma at the effector stage of the response. Modulating cross-presentation of Ag may be the key in regulating specific immune responses in the brain: either by augmenting protective responses or by down-modulating destructive autoimmune reactions.
Cutting Edge: Expansion of the KIR Locus by Unequal Crossing Over
Authors: Martin Maureen P. , Bashirova Arman , Traherne James , Trowsdale John , Carrington Mary
Published: April 2014

The killer Ig-like receptor (KIR) genes have high sequence similarity and are organized in a head-to-tail fashion. These properties may enhance misalignment of homologous chromosomes during synapsis preceding meiotic recombination, resulting in unequal crossing over. We have identified an extended KIR haplotype that contains a novel hybrid gene and two copies of each of two previously described KIR genes. A parsimonious mechanism for the derivation of this haplotype invokes unequal crossing over between two known ancestral KIR haplotypes. These data raise the possibility that unequal crossing over may be responsible in part for the expansion/contraction of KIR haplotypes as well as other homologous gene families that map in tandem.
Lymphoid Precursors in Intestinal Cryptopatches Express CCR6 and Undergo Dysregulated Development in the Absence of CCR6
Authors: Lügering Andreas , Kucharzik Torsten , Soler Dulce , Picarella Dominic , Hudson James T. , Williams Ifor R.
Published: April 2014

Small intestinal cryptopatches (CP) are the major anatomic site for extrathymic differentiation by precursors destined to become intestinal intraepithelial T lymphocytes (IEL). We found that mice deficient in CCR6 exhibited a 2.7-fold increase in the number of αβ TCR IEL, but little or no expansion of γδ TCR IEL. Among the αβ TCR IEL subsets, the CD4− CD8αα+ and CD4+ CD8αα+ subsets were preferentially expanded in CCR6 null mice. Because some CD8αα+ IEL can arise through extrathymic differentiation in CP, we investigated CCR6 expression by T lymphocyte precursors undergoing extrathymic differentiation in intestinal CP. In sections of CP, 50–60% of c-kit+ precursors were CCR6+. CD11c+ cells concentrated at the periphery of CP did not express CCR6. A subset of c-kit+, Lin− cells in lamina propria suspensions was CCR6+, but CCR6 was absent from c-kit+ precursors in bone marrow. CCR6 was absent from the vast majority of mature IEL. CCR6 is present on lymphocyte precursors in cryptopatches, expressed transiently during extrathymic IEL development, and is required for homeostatic regulation of intestinal IEL.
MHC Recognition by Hapten-Specific HLA-A2-Restricted CD8+ CTL
Authors: Gagnon Susan J. , Wang Zichun , Turner Richard , Damirjian Marale , Biddison William E.
Published: April 2014

T cell recognition by peptide-specific αβ TCRs involves not only recognition of the peptide, but also recognition of multiple molecular features on the surface of the MHC molecule to which the peptide has been bound. We have previously shown that TCRs that are specific for five different peptides presented by HLA-A2 recognize similar molecular features on the surface of the α1 and α2 helices of the HLA-A2 molecule. We next asked whether these same molecular features of the HLA-A2 molecule would be recognized by hapten-specific HLA-A2-restricted TCRs, given that hapten-specific T cells frequently show reduced MHC dependence/restriction. The results show that a panel of CD8+ CTL that are specific for the hapten DNP bound to two different peptides presented by HLA-A2 do the following: 1) show stringent MHC restriction, and 2) are largely affected by the same mutations on the HLA-A2 molecule that affected recognition by peptide-specific CTL. A small subset of this panel of CD8+ CTL can recognize a mutant HLA-A2 molecule in the absence of hapten. These data suggest that TCR recognition of a divergent repertoire of ligands presented by HLA-A2 is largely dependent upon common structural elements in the central portion of the peptide-binding site.
In Vivo, Dendritic Cells Can Cross-Present Virus-Like Particles Using an Endosome-to-Cytosol Pathway
Authors: Morón Víctor Gabriel , Rueda Paloma , Sedlik Christine , Leclerc Claude
Published: April 2014

Recombinant parvovirus-like particles (PPV-VLPs) are particulate exogenous Ags that induce strong CTL response in the absence of adjuvant. In the present report to decipher the mechanisms responsible for CTL activation by such exogenous Ag, we analyzed ex vivo and in vitro the mechanisms of capture and processing of PPV-VLPs by dendritic cells (DCs). In vivo, PPV-VLPs are very efficiently captured by CD8α− and CD8α+ DCs and then localize in late endosomes of DCs. Macropinocytosis and lipid rafts participate in PPV-VLPs capture. Processing of PPV-VLPs does not depend upon recycling of MHC class I molecules, but requires vacuolar acidification as well as proteasome activity, TAP translocation, and neosynthesis of MHC class I molecules. This study therefore shows that in vivo DCs can cross-present PPV-VLPs using an endosome-to-cytosol processing pathway.
Regulation of the Class II MHC Pathway in Primary Human Monocytes by Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
Authors: Hornell Tara M. C. , Beresford Guy W. , Bushey Alyssa , Boss Jeremy M. , Mellins Elizabeth D.
Published: April 2014

GM-CSF stimulates the growth and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors and also affects mature cell function. These effects have led to the use of GM-CSF as a vaccine adjuvant with promising results; however, the mechanisms underlying GM-CSF-mediated immune potentiation are incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that the immune stimulatory role of GM-CSF is in part due to effects on class II MHC Ag presentation. We find that, in primary human monocytes treated for 24–48 h, GM-CSF increases surface class II MHC expression and decreases the relative level of the invariant chain-derived peptide, CLIP, bound to surface class II molecules. GM-CSF also increases expression of the costimulatory molecules CD86 and CD40, but not the differentiation marker CD1a or CD16. Furthermore, GM-CSF-treated monocytes are better stimulators in a mixed leukocyte reaction. Additional analyses of the class II pathway revealed that GM-CSF increases total protein and RNA levels of HLA-DR, DM, and DOα. Expression of class II transactivator (CIITA) types I and III, but not IV, transcripts increases in response to GM-CSF. Furthermore, GM-CSF increases the amount of CIITA associated with the DR promoter. Thus, our data argue that the proinflammatory role of GM-CSF is mediated in part through increased expression of key molecules involved in the class II MHC pathway via induction of CIITA.
TCRζ mRNA with an Alternatively Spliced 3′-Untranslated Region Detected in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients Leads to the Down-Regulation of TCRζ and TCR/CD3 Complex
Authors: Tsuzaka Kensei , Fukuhara Izumi , Setoyama Yumiko , Yoshimoto Keiko , Suzuki Katsuya , Abe Tohru , Takeuchi Tsutomu
Published: April 2014

The reduction or absence of TCR ζ-chain (ζ) expression in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients is thought to be related to the pathogenesis of SLE. Recently, we reported the predominant expression of ζ mRNA containing an alternatively spliced 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR; ζmRNA/as-3′UTR) and a reduction in the expression of ζ mRNA containing the wild-type 3′UTR (ζmRNA/w-3′UTR) in T cells from SLE patients. Here we show that AS3′UTR mutants (MA5.8 cells deficient in ζ protein that have been transfected with ζmRNA/as-3′UTR) exhibit a reduction in the expression of TCR/CD3 complex and ζ protein on their cell surface as well as a reduction in the production of IL-2 after stimulation with anti-CD3 Ab compared with that in wild-type 3′UTR mutants (MA5.8 cells transfected with ζmRNA/w-3′UTR). Furthermore, the real-time PCR analyses demonstrated that the half-life of ζmRNA/as-3′UTR in AS3′UTR mutants (3 h) was much shorter than that of ζmRNA/w-3′UTR in wild-type 3′UTR mutants (15 h). Thus, the lower stability of ζmRNA/as-3′UTR, which is predominant in SLE T cells, may be responsible for the reduced expression of the TCR/CD3 complex, including ζ protein, in SLE T cells.
Membranous Cells in Nasal-Associated Lymphoid Tissue: A Portal of Entry for the Respiratory Mucosal Pathogen Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Park Hae-Sun , Francis Kevin P. , Yu Jun , Cleary P. Patrick
Published: April 2014

Human tonsils are suspected to be an antibiotic-impervious human reservoir for group A streptococcus. An intranasal infection model in mice and a bioluminescent-tagged strain were used to investigate this possibility. Viable streptococci were predominantly found both intra- and extracellularly in nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT), a human tonsil homologue. Ulex europaeus-1, a membranous (M) cell-specific lectin, identified cells harboring streptococci at the epithelial surface of NALT and blocked bacterial colonization of this tissue. These results suggest that M cells in NALT transport this Gram-positive pathogen across the epithelial layers in a manner similar to those in Peyer’s patches, which permit enteric pathogens to invade deeper tissues from the gastrointestinal tract.
Anaphylatoxin C5a Induces Monocyte Recruitment and Differentiation into Dendritic Cells by TNF-α and Prostaglandin E2-Dependent Mechanisms
Authors: Soruri Afsaneh , Riggert Joachim , Schlott Thilo , Kiafard Ziba , Dettmer Claudia , Zwirner Jörg
Published: April 2014

Although monocytes can be directed to develop into dendritic cells (DC) in vitro, the molecular mechanisms that induce their transformation in vivo are largely unknown. In the present study we employed an in vivo SCID mouse model to investigate the impact of two proinflammatory chemotaxins, the anaphylatoxin C5a and the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (CCL3), on the differentiation of human monocytes and immature DC generated from monocytes in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4. Both C5a and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α recruited human monocytes and immature DC into the peritoneal cavity of SCID mice, but only C5a induced their differentiation into phenotypically mature DC by 48 h after injection. Macrophages derived from monocytes by in vitro culture were resistant to C5a-mediated transformation in vivo. The effect of C5a was indirect, since C5a-stimulated TNF-α and PGE2 were found to be obligatory as well as sufficient to induce differentiation of monocytes. In contrast to monocytes, in vitro generated immature DC required TNF-α, but not PGE2, for their C5a-mediated maturation in vivo. C5a-transformed monocytes represented an inflammatory type of DC, as they constitutively secreted high amounts of TNF-α, but also retained the capacity to release the Th1 cytokine IL-12 p70 upon stimulation with CD40 ligand. In summary, we identified for the first time a cascade of inflammatory signals that can induce the transformation of monocytes into DC in vivo. This novel function emphasizes the important immunoregulatory role of C5a at the interface of innate and adaptive immunity.