bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taurine chloramine inhibits production of nitric oxide and TNF-alpha in activated RAW 264.7 cells by mechanisms that involve transcriptional and translational events.
Authors: Park E , Schuller-Levis G , Quinn M R
Published: December 2022

We previously reported that taurine chloramine (Tau-Cl) inhibits the production of both nitric oxide and TNF-alpha by activated RAW 264.7 cells. The current studies were conducted to gain insight into the mechanisms through which Tau-Cl exerts these effects. RAW 264.7 cells were activated by LPS (10 micrograms/ml) and rIFN-gamma (50 U/ml) in the absence or presence of either 0.8 mM Tau-Cl or taurine. Production of NO and TNF-alpha by RAW 264.7 cells was monitored: NO was measured spectrophotometrically as nitrite and TNF-alpha was measured by ELISA. Cell lysates were analyzed for the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by Western blot analyses, and TNF-alpha and iNOS mRNAs were assessed by northern blot analyses. Tau-Cl inhibited transcription of the iNOS gene, or some earlier event in the signal transduction pathway, because iNOS protein and iNOS mRNA were undetected in lysates of cells activated in the continuous presence of Tau-Cl. In contrast, steady-state levels of TNF-alpha mRNA increased in the presence of Tau-Cl to at least the same extent as that in untreated activated cells and persisted for a longer period of time. Metabolic labeling experiments demonstrated that Tau-Cl inhibited translation of TNF-alpha mRNA because the presence of the presecretory 26-kDa form and the secreted 17-kDa form of TNF-alpha were greatly reduced in lysates and culture media, respectively, of cells activated in the presence of Tau-Cl. Inhibition of TNF-alpha synthesis by Tau-Cl is not the result of a generalized effect on protein synthesis because the amount of radiolabeled protein precipitated from metabolically labeled cells by TCA was unaffected by Tau-Cl, and cell viability was unaffected. The results of these studies demonstrate that Tau-Cl decreases production of tissue-damaging inflammatory mediators and thus may act as a physiologic modulator of macrophage function.
T cell receptor repertoire differences between African Americans and Caucasians associated with polymorphism of the TCRBV3S1 (V beta 3.1) gene.
Authors: De Inocencio J , Choi E , Glass D N , Hirsch R
Published: December 2022

The generation of TCR diversity occurs primarily through rearrangement of germline DNA. Genetic polymorphism of the TCR chains appears to be a rarer mechanism for generating repertoire differences between races. Flow cytometric analysis of the TCR V beta repertoire in a population of healthy African Americans (n = 30) and Caucasians (n = 30) revealed a significant difference in the frequency of cells bearing V beta 3.1, but not V beta 2, V beta 5.1, V beta 5.2-5.3, V beta 6.7, V beta 8.1-8.2, V beta 12.1, V beta 13.3, or V beta 19. African Americans had a significantly lower frequency of V beta 3.1+ cells, in both the CD4+ (2.55 +/- 0.36% vs 4.85 +/- 0.43%, p = 0.0001) and the CD8+ (3.03 +/- 0.54% vs 5.32 +/- 0.57%, p = 0.004) population than did Caucasians, and this difference was independent of the age of the individuals. Analysis of genomic DNA revealed that the observed difference in frequency of V beta 3.1+ cells correlated with a recently described polymorphism of the recombination signal sequence of the TCRBV3S1 gene. Allele 1, associated with a lower frequency of V beta 3.1+ cells, was more commonly present in African Americans (0.68 vs 0.43), whereas allele 2, associated with a higher frequency of V beta 3.1+ cells, was more commonly present in Caucasians (0.31 vs 0.56). This study demonstrates the potential for TCR repertoire differences, based on genetic polymorphism, between African Americans and Caucasians.
Induction of a glucocorticoid-sensitive F1-anti-parental mechanism that affects engraftment during graft-versus-host disease.
Authors: You-Ten K E , Seemayer T A , Wisse B , Bertley F M , Lapp W S
Published: December 2022

Studies have shown that graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) in animal models induces persistent elevated levels of circulating adrenal glucocorticoids. In this report, we investigated the effects of endogenous glucocorticoids on the outcome of GVHD by adrenalectomizing (ADX) unirradiated (C57BL/6 x A)F1 (B6AF1) mice before GVHD induction. GVHD was induced by injection of 20 x 10(6) A strain parental lymphoid cells into B6AF1 mice. Our results demonstrated that non-ADX recipient mice experienced features characteristic of GVHD on day 13, which became progressively more severe by days 18 to 21. The GVHD features included severe immunosuppression, reversal in the host splenic CD4+/CD8+ ratio, histopathologic lesions in different tissues, and high parental cell chimerism in the spleens and lymph nodes. In contrast, ADX F1 recipient mice experienced GVHD features on day 13 similar to their non-ADX counterparts; however, ADX animals recovered rapidly from GVHD by days 18 to 21. Flow cytometry showed that, although a relatively high frequency of parental cells was detected in the spleens and lymph nodes of ADX mice on day 13, nearly all of the parental cells in the peripheral lymphoid organs disappeared on days 18 to 21, the time of recovery from GVHD. The marked reduction of parental cells and recovery from GVHD were prevented by treating ADX F1 mice with either exogenous glucocorticoid, anti-asialoGM1, or anti-CD8, but not anti-NK1.1 Ab. These results suggest that a dramatic recovery from GVHD was induced by a cell-mediated, steroid-sensitive F1-anti-parental mechanism. The F1-anti-parental phenomenon described herein is different from classical hybrid resistance.
Humoral response to a carboxyl-terminal region of the merozoite surface protein-1 plays a predominant role in controlling blood-stage infection in rodent malaria.
Authors: Daly T M , Long C A
Published: December 2022

The developmental stages of malaria parasites that infect E are responsible for the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. One of the leading candidates for a blood-stage vaccine against malaria is a surface protein of merozoites, the infectious stages for E, designated merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1). The rodent malarial parasite Plasmodium yoelii yoelii (Py) has provided a model system for the study of this Ag, and previous studies from our laboratory had demonstrated that the carboxyl-terminal, cysteine-rich region of MSP-1, when expressed in a native configuration, could immunize mice against a normally lethal challenge infection with Py. We have now prepared a new fusion construct with the glutathione-S-transferase gene of Schistosoma japonicum joined to the carboxyl-terminal 11 kDa of Py MSP-1. This includes only the two epidermal growth factor-like domains of the MSP-1 protein. When expressed in recombinant Escherichia coli, the fusion protein induces a strong protective response in BALB/c mice as judged by the resistance of immunized animals to a virulent challenge infection. Moreover, we demonstrate that this resistance can be transferred passively by immune serum or by purified Ig, establishing a significant role for humoral immunity in protection. No role for CD4+ or CD8+ T cells could be identified in the first 12 days after challenge infection in immune mice selectively depleted of these cells; however, after this time, parasitemias gradually increased in mice depleted of CD4+ T cells, suggesting an active host response is necessary to completely eliminate the infection.
Thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid initiate rapid and dramatic increases of IL-6 mRNA expression and IL-6 secretion in murine peritoneal macrophages.
Authors: Bost K L , Mason M J
Published: December 2022

Two different inhibitors of endosomal calcium ATPase activity, cyclopiazonic acid and thapsigargin, were shown to release a common intracellular calcium pool in normal, murine macrophages. Furthermore, the release of this pool was accompanied by increased calcium uptake from the extracellular medium. The activity of these inhibitors was linked to an important biologic response, because both cyclopiazonic acid and thapsigargin induced rapid and dramatic increases in IL-6 mRNA expression and secretion. Compared with control cultures, macrophages treated with these inhibitors increased IL-6 mRNA expression approximately 10-fold by 15 min and approximately 20-fold by 2 h, as determined using quantitative competitive-reverse transcribed-PCRs. The increased mRNA expression was coupled to translation and secretion of this monokine since cyclopiazonic acid and thapsigargin induced significant increases in IL-6 secretion as early as 2 h, and up to approximately 70-fold increases by 20 h, when compared with control cultures. Taken together, these results demonstrate that both cyclopiazonic acid and thapsigargin generate potent intracellular signals that initiate rapid and dramatic production of IL-6. Both thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid increased IL-6 mRNA expression at 15 min in the absence of Ca2+ influx from the extracellular medium. These results suggest that events associated with endosomal Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibition contribute to the activation of normal macrophages as defined by increased monokine secretion.
Tyrosine phosphorylation is required for eosinophil degranulation induced by immobilized immunoglobulins.
Authors: Kato M , Abraham R T , Kita H
Published: December 2022

Degranulation of eosinophils and release of toxic granule proteins play key roles in allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma. However, the intracellular signaling mechanisms that trigger eosinophil degranulation remain unclear. In this study, we investigated protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) involvement in the degranulation of human blood eosinophils induced by immobilized Ig. Eosinophils stimulated with Sepharose beads coated with secretory IgA (slgA) or IgG showed rapid increases in the tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular proteins with molecular masses of 50 to 56, 73, 78, 100, and 105 kDa. The Ig-induced phosphorylation response was not affected by pertussis toxin, a known inhibitor of Ig-dependent eosinophil activation. The tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and herbimycin A inhibited both the tyrosine phosphorylation and degranulation responses of eosinophils induced by sIgA- or IgG-coated beads. In contrast, eosinophil degranulation induced by PMA was not affected by genistein. Treatment of eosinophils with the protein phosphatase inhibitor pervanadate induced the phosphorylation of a similar set of intracellular proteins as well as cellular degranulation. Pervanadate also stimulated an increase in phosphoinositide hydrolysis, which was consistent with the activation of a phospholipase C-gamma isoform by this stimulus. Genistein pretreatment blocked the Ig-induced phospholipase C activation, providing evidence for PTK involvement in this reaction. These findings indicate that a PTK-dependent signaling pathway plays an important role in triggering the degranulation responses of human eosinophils to immobilized sIgA and IgG.
Characterization of the defects in murine peritoneal macrophage function in the early postsplenectomy period.
Authors: McCarthy J E , Redmond P H , Duggan S M , Watson R W , Condron C M , O'Donnell J R , Bouchier-Hayes D J
Published: December 2022

Postsplenectomy bacterial sepsis may be fatal, due to defects in both cellular and humoral immune responses. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of peritoneal macrophage antibacterial function in the early postsplenectomy period. Murine models of splenectomy and sham operation were characterized and peritoneal macrophages were harvested 24 h to 1 wk after surgery. Cells from splenectomized animals demonstrated a nonsignificant delay in phagocytosis of Escherichia coli at 24 h with, however, significantly impaired killing of intracellular organisms at 24 h and 1 wk compared to the sham group. Paradoxically, the production of the macrophage antibacterial product superoxide anion was not impaired at either time point in the splenectomy group compared with sham-operated and control mice. Nitric oxide release was significantly lower in the splenectomized group (p = 0.006), a possible explanation for reduced bacterial killing. Mortality from bacterial peritonitis was significantly higher with concomitant splenectomy than in the sham splenectomy group at 24 h (p < 0.02). The production of TNF from macrophages was up-regulated immediately following splenectomy, a cytokine which may contribute to mortality from bacteremic shock. Local defects in macrophage antimicrobial function may contribute significantly to bacteremia and to subsequent mortality in the early postsplenectomy period.
Effects of complement activation on the expression of CD59 by human mesangial cells.
Authors: Shibata T , Kohsaka T
Published: December 2022

Human mesangial cells (HMC) were analyzed for their expression of 20-kDa homologous restriction factor (CD59), a glycophospholipid-anchored regulatory protein of the complement cascade. Flow cytometric analysis showed that CD59 was expressed on the HMC membrane and, following the activation of the terminal pathway complement components, CD59 expression on the HMC membrane increased. Northern blot analysis showed that CD59 mRNA levels increased by complement activation. Of interest, CD59 mRNA levels increased by soluble complement activation product, zymosan-activated C8-depleted serum, but not zymosan-activated C5-depleted serum. This effect of soluble complement activation product was due to the presence of the action of C5a. Thus, recombinant C5a increased CD59 mRNA levels. The capacity of CD59 to reinsert into rat E and inhibit C-mediated lysis was inhibited by mAb against CD59 (1F5). Metabolic labeling using [35S]cysteine showed that the molecular mass of CD59 in HMC was 20 kDa. In conclusion, CD59 is present on HMC and the expression of CD59 is controlled by at least two steps of complement activation pathway, C5 and C8.
TGF-beta induces expression of monocyte chemoattractant JE/monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 via transcriptional factor AP-1 induced by protein kinase in osteoblastic cells.
Authors: Takeshita A , Chen Y , Watanabe A , Kitano S , Hanazawa S
Published: December 2022

In this work, we demonstrate the signal-transducing mechanism of TGF-beta 1 for gene expression of monocyte chemoattractant JE/monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in clonal osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. TGF-beta 1-induced JE/MCP-1 gene expression in the cells was inhibited markedly by H-7 (1-(5-isoguinolinesulfonyl)-2-O-methylpiperazine-dihydrochloride) and staurosporine, potent inhibitors of protein kinase. TGF-beta 1-induced expression of both early proto-oncogenes c-fos and c-jun in the cells was also inhibited by H-7 and staurosporine. Antisense oligonucleotides to c-fos and c-jun genes inhibited significantly the cytokine-induced JE/MCP-1 gene expression. Curcumin, a specific inhibitor of c-jun/AP-1, inhibited the cytokine-induced c-jun gene expression in a dose-dependent manner, though the c-fos gene expression was not affected. TGF-beta 1 stimulated transcriptionally the JE/MCP-1 gene expression, and this stimulation was inhibited significantly by curcumin. Curcumin-induced inhibition of the JE/MCP-1 gene product was also evidenced by both an assay involving immunoprecipitation with antiserum specific for JE/MCP-1 and an assay for monocyte chemotaxis. Curcumin markedly inhibited AP-1 binding activity to 12-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate-responsive element (TRE) in the cytokine-treated cells. Furthermore, H-7 and staurosporine also inhibited the binding activity to TRE in the cells treated by the cytokine. These results demonstrate that TGF-beta 1 induces expression of monocyte chemoattractant JE/MCP-1 via the transcriptional factor AP-1 induced by protein kinase in the osteoblastic cells.
All-trans- and 9-cis-retinoic acid inhibit growth of normal human and murine B cell precursors.
Authors: Fahlman C , Jacobsen S E , Smeland E B , Lømo J , Naess C E , Funderud S , Blomhoff H K
Published: December 2022

In the present paper we demonstrate that physiologic levels (10 nM) of both all-trans- and 9-cis-retinoic acid (RA) are potent inhibitors of the growth of human as well as murine B cell precursors in vitro. Ten nanomolar concentrations of all-trans- and 9-cis-RA reduced the DNA synthesis ([3H]thymidine uptake) of human B cell precursors (CD19+ IgM-) stimulated with O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and ionomycin by approximately 55% and 70%, respectively. Human B cell precursors stimulated with low m.w. B cell growth factor were also inhibited by RA. Ten nanomolar concentrations of either isoform of RA reduced DNA synthesis by approximately 50%. No effect of RA on differentiation to sIgM positive cells was noted. The potent growth-inhibiting effect of RA on human B cell precursors was confirmed in the murine cell system. B lymphopoiesis from murine hematopoietic precursors (Lin-B220(+)-containing cells) was induced by stimulation with IL-7. Concentrations of all-trans- and 9-cis-RA as low as 10 pM reduced the colony-forming ability of the IL-7-stimulated Lin-B220(+)-containing cells. Ten nanomolar concentrations of either isoform reduced colony formation by approximately 60%. RA was not toxic to the cells, as the inhibition of colony formation after 24 h was reversible at concentrations as high as 1 microM. The growth-inhibiting effect of RA was directly mediated, as revealed by single cell analysis of the Lin-B220(+)-containing cells. Thus, vitamin A appears to have an important role in regulation of B lymphopoiesis.
Bcl-xL rescues WEHI 231 B lymphocytes from oxidant-mediated death following diverse apoptotic stimuli.
Authors: Fang W , Rivard J J , Ganser J A , LeBien T W , Nath K A , Mueller D L , Behrens T W
Published: December 2022

Developing lymphocytes undergo extensive cell death during selection of the immune repertoire. We investigated the influence of bcl-xL, a member of the bcl-2 family of apoptosis regulatory genes, on apoptosis in a model system for negative selection in the B lymphoid lineage. Overexpression of bcl-xL in WEHI 231 immature mouse B cells blocked apoptosis triggered by cross-linking of surface IgM. bcl-xL-transfected cells were also resistant to apoptosis following incubation in low serum medium or exposure to gamma-irradiation, the sphingomyelin ceramide, or compounds that increase intracellular levels of oxidants. Remarkably, the addition of antioxidants (catalase, N-acetylcysteine, or pyruvate) alone rescued the native WEHI 231 cells from apoptosis while having only minor effects on the viability of cells overexpressing bcl-xL. Anti-IgM cross-linking, ceramide, and gamma-irradiation treatments elevated intracellular peroxide production, which was prevented by treatment with antioxidants. Cells overexpressing bcl-xL had a similar rise in intracellular oxidants as control cells, indicating that bcl-xL modifies the cell's response to oxidants while having no detectable influence on the endogenous production of oxidants following apoptotic stimuli. These data implicate bcl-xL as a potent death repressor in B lymphocytes and support the hypothesis that bcl-xL regulates survival decisions within susceptible cells by functioning downstream of oxidant production.
Induction of responsiveness in superantigen-induced anergic T cells. Role of ligand density and costimulatory signals.
Authors: Heeg K , Wagner H
Published: December 2022

The bacterial superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) induces in vivo a state of anergy defined by the inability of V beta 8+ CD4+ T cells to produce IL-2 upon restimulation in vitro. However, restimulation in vivo triggers a burst of acutely released lymphokines including IL-2 and TNF, paralleled by up-regulation of lymphokine-specific mRNA. Since anergy as defined in vitro appears not to operate in vivo, we analyzed parameters able to induce responsiveness in anergic T cells. We show here that in vitro stimulation of anergic T cells with competent Ag-presenting cells induces responsiveness, provided the APC (activated B cells or dendritic cells) present high concentrations of SEB. Crosslinking of CD28 molecules on anergic T cells could substitute the requirement for competent APC. Quantitation of TCR threshold by determining the SEB concentrations able to trigger half-maximal T cell responses revealed that anergic and normal T cells exhibited the same TCR threshold for the expression of functional IL-2 receptors (IL-2R), yet the TCR threshold for induction of IL-2 production was 10- to 100-fold elevated in anergic T cells. TCR threshold for normal and anergic T cells was further dependent on the type of APC, i.e., costimulus-competent APC required 100-fold less SEB. The results indicate that extrinsic factors such as ligand concentration and costimulus competence of APC can overcome the heightened TCR threshold of anergic T cells, thus reverting anergy into responsiveness.
Human DNA-activated protein kinase (DNA-PK) is homologous to phosphatidylinositol kinases.
Authors: Poltoratsky V P , Shi X , York J D , Lieber M R , Carter T H
Published: December 2022

DNA-activated protein kinase (DNA-PK) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that interacts with a DNA end-binding heterodimeric protein, Ku, and is activated by double-stranded DNA. Genomic clones that contain the DNA-PK gene complement the murine scid defect, indicating that DNA-PK affects double-strand break repair and V(D)J recombination. Here we describe the cDNA sequence of the region that corresponds to about 100 kDa of C-terminal sequence of this large (> p350 kDa) protein. This region contains a kinase domain that has strong homology to phosphatidylinositol kinases.
Enhancement of VLA integrin receptor function on thymocytes by cAMP is dependent on the maturation stage of the thymocytes.
Authors: Halvorson M J , Coligan J E
Published: December 2022

A class of adhesion molecules, the VLA integrins, are expressed on thymocytes and have been shown to affect immature thymocyte differentiation in vitro. This study examines the ability of cAMP to regulate VLA receptor function in thymocytes. Pharmacologic agents that raise intracellular cAMP enhanced the binding of immature CD4- CD8- and CD4+ CD8+ thymocytes to fibronectin while having no effect on the binding of the more mature JIId- thymocytes. PGE2, a hormone produced by thymic epithelial cells and known to raise intracellular cAMP levels in thymocytes, also increased the binding of immature thymocytes to fibronectin. In contrast, activation of protein kinase C via PMA enhanced the binding of all three thymocyte subsets. The cAMP-induced binding was blocked by mAbs to the VLA integrin chains alpha 4 and alpha 5 and by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, (Rp)-cAMPS, indicating that activation of PKA enhances VLA-4 and VLA-5 receptor function. Activation of PKA was induced in all three thymocyte subsets following addition of cAMPa or forskolin, indicating that the inability of cAMP to enhance the binding of JIId- thymocytes was not due to an inability to activate PKA. Thus, cAMP enhances integrin function in thymocytes in a maturation stage-specific manner.
Early activation signal transduction pathways of Th1 and Th2 cell clones stimulated with anti-CD3. Roles of protein tyrosine kinases in the signal for IL-2 and IL-4 production.
Authors: Tamura T , Nakano H , Nagase H , Morokata T , Igarashi O , Oshimi Y , Miyazaki S , Nariuchi H
Published: December 2022

In the present experiments, TCR-CD3-associated early activation signal transduction pathways were examined in Th1 and Th2 clones by the stimulation with soluble monovalent anti-CD3 which resulted in efficient production of IL-2 and IL-4 in Th1 and Th2 cells, respectively. Although protein tyrosine kinases such as Fyn and ZAP-70 were activated in Th1 clones shortly after stimulation, these kinases in Th2 clones were not activated; but, their activity in resting conditions was shown to be decreased by the stimulation. In accordance with these findings, neither phospholipase C-gamma 1 activation nor phosphatidyl inositol-4,5-bisphosphate breakdown was induced in Th2 clones, in contrast to positive responses in Th1 clones. The oscillation of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was a common signal for the activation of both Th1 and Th2 clones; however, the [Ca2+]i elevation in Th1 clones was herbimycin A sensitive, whereas that in Th2 was clone resistant, suggesting that the mechanism of the [Ca2+]i elevation in Th2 cells is different from that in Th1 cells in terms of the participation of protein tyrosine kinases. The anti-CD3 stimulation did not cause Lck activation in either the Th1 or Th2 clone, although remarkable activation was induced in both clones following anti-CD4 stimulation, indicating that Lck activation was not required for either IL-2 or IL-4 production of Th cells. Taken together, these results indicate that Th1 and Th2 cells are different from each other in early activation signal transduction pathways, especially in the role of protein tyrosine kinases.
Induction of cell-mediated immune responses to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag protein by using Listeria monocytogenes as a live vaccine vector.
Authors: Frankel F R , Hegde S , Lieberman J , Paterson Y
Published: December 2022

Cytolytic T cells, acting through cytokines or by direct lysis of infected target cells, have been shown to play a significant role in the control of viral infections and may be responsible for the prolonged asymptomatic phase following infection by HIV. Accordingly, methods that can generate strong cell-mediated immune responses may be useful in the development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against HIV. Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive intracellular microorganism that elicits strong cell-mediated immune responses against its own secreted proteins following infection. In this study we have modified the chromosome of L. monocytogenes so that it stably expresses and secretes the p55 HIV gag gene product and examined the cell-mediated immune response of BALB/c mice to infection with this recombinant organism. Infected animals were found to mount a specific, strong, long-lasting CD8+ cytolytic T cell response against a predominant epitope contained within the p24 fragment of the HIV Gag protein. This epitope previously has been shown to be recognized by CTLs obtained from some HIV-infected humans. Our results suggest that chromosomally modified strains of L. monocytogenes may provide valuable vaccine vectors for use against HIV.
Identification and characterization of the complement C5a anaphylatoxin receptor on human astrocytes.
Authors: Gasque P , Chan P , Fontaine M , Ischenko A , Lamacz M , Götze O , Morgan B P
Published: December 2022

The C fragment C5a exerts its important physiologic and pathologic effects through interaction with a specific C5a receptor (C5aR) which is highly expressed on polymorphonuclear leukocytes and some other leukocytes. The presence of this receptor on epithelia and endothelia has recently been documented, raising the possibility that these other cells might also respond to locally generated C5a. C has been implicated in several brain disorders, notably demyelination and neurodegeneration, and cells within brain can synthesize a complete C system. It is thus of interest to examine the mechanisms by which C damages or activates brain cells. To this end we have examined the expression on human fetal astrocytes and astrocyte-derived cell lines of receptors for C fragments. We here report that human astrocytes and cell lines express a receptor for C5a (48 to 72 x 10(3) copies/cell), which is indistinguishable at the protein or mRNA level from that in leukocytes. The astrocyte C5aR was recognized by five different specific Abs, which revealed by Western blotting a protein of 40 to 45 kDa in primary human astrocytes and astrocyte cell lines. Expression was confirmed by RT-PCR using multiple primers. Neither inflammatory cytokines nor PMA caused up-regulation of the receptor on astrocytes. The receptor was functional in that addition of C5a (1 nM to 100 nM) or, at high doses (100 nM), C5adesArg, triggered a calcium transient in astrocytes. We propose that C5aR expression on astrocytes plays an important role in control of inflammation in brain and may be a central component of C-mediated brain injury.
Evidence for superantigen involvement in cardiovascular injury due to Kawasaki syndrome.
Authors: Leung D Y , Giorno R C , Kazemi L V , Flynn P A , Busse J B
Published: December 2022

Kawasaki syndrome (KS), the major cause of acquired heart disease in children, is an acute multisystem vasculitis frequently associated with the development of myocarditis and coronary artery abnormalities. Despite the widely held belief that KS is an infectious disease, its etiology has remained elusive. Recently, we and others have reported the selective expansion of V beta 2+ T cells in the peripheral blood of most patients in the acute, but not in the convalescent, phase of KS. These data were consistent with the concept that this illness is triggered by a bacterial superantigen. We report here that a patient who died of acute KS had selective expansion of V beta 2+ T cells in her myocardium and coronary artery. Sequence analysis of TCR beta-chain genes of V beta 2+ T cells from the myocardium showed extensive junctional region diversity. These observations, along with the demonstration of V beta 2 expansion in both the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets, support the concept that the activation of infiltrating V beta 2+ T cells are involved in the cardiovascular damage associated with KS.
T cell epitope mapping of ragweed pollen allergen Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Amb a 5) and Ambrosia trifida (Amb t 5) and the role of free sulfhydryl groups in T cell recognition.
Authors: Zhu X , Greenstein J L , Rogers B L , Kuo M C
Published: December 2022

Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Amb a 5; Ra5S) and Ambrosia trifida (Amb t 5; Ra5G) are homologous allergens purified from short and giant ragweed pollen, respectively. Allergic human sera and hyperimmunized animal antisera directed against Amb a 5 or Amb t 5 show a high degree of species specificity, with little or no cross-reactivity between these two allergens, suggesting that the major Ab binding epitopes of Amb a 5 and Amb t 5 are distinct. Overlapping synthetic peptides derived from the allergen sequences were used to investigate the specificity of T cell responses in four strains of mice, BALB/c (H-2d), CBA (H-2k), C57BL/6 (H-2b), and A/J (H-2a). All four strains of mice responded to purified Amb a 5 and Amb t 5. Cross-reactivity was found at the T cell level between Amb a 5 and Amb t 5 in T cells from BALB/c, A/J, and CBA mice, but not in T cells from C57BL/6 mice. A T cell epitope from Amb a 5, residues 27-36 (PWQVVCYESS), was mapped using T cell hybridomas from BALB/c mice. A T cell epitope in Amb t 5 was mapped in the same strain to residues 24-34 (KYCVCYDSKAI). Disulfide bonds in Amb a 5 and Amb t 5 were found to be involved in T cell reactivity. Conversion of disulfide bridges into free sulfhydryl (SH) forms was required for the response of T cell hybridomas to peptide t5 (residues 27-40) from Amb t 5. Reduction of peptide a4 (residues 21-37) from Amb a 5 was essential for inducing the cross-reactivity observed with Amb t 5-specific T cell hybridomas. It is concluded that free sulfhydryl groups play a major role in the T cell recognition of cross-reactivity T cell epitopes within these related allergens.
CTL in mice immunized with human mucin 1 are MHC-restricted.
Authors: Apostolopoulos V , Loveland B E , Pietersz G A , McKenzie I F
Published: December 2022

CTLs that recognize tumor Ags have been described in mice and humans, particularly for melanoma. These CTLs are CD8+, which is MHC-restricted. In contrast, in human carcinomas of the breast, pancreas, or ovary, and in multiple myeloma, CD8+ CTLs have been described that lyse targets expressing human MUC1 in a non-MHC-restricted manner. On the basis of these observations, we immunized mice with conjugates of mannan-human fusion protein, human mucin 1 (MUC1), which produced CD8+ CTLs. In contrast to the human anti-MUC1 CTLs found in cancer patients, the murine anti-MUC1 CTLs were clearly MHC-restricted, e.g., in inbred mice of the H-2-b, d, k, s, or z haplotypes; the H-2 restriction was also confirmed in H-2 congenic strains. Tests of H-2 recombinant strains demonstrated that MUC1 peptides were able to associate with D or K class I molecules of the b, d, or k haplotypes. Mice lacking MHC-class I molecules made weak CTL responses that were H-2Db-restricted, and in the class I H-2Kbm1 mutant strain, CTL restriction was also shown. Finally, cold target inhibition studies demonstrated that Kb and Db are recognized similarly, but Kk is less well recognized. Thus, anti-MUC1 CTLs induced by immunization of mice are different from those obtained from patients. The immunization of cancer patients with MUC1 peptides is now undergoing clinical trials and it will be of interest to observe whether the CTLs induced are HLA-restricted, not restricted, or whether both types of CTLs are produced.
B7/CD28-dependent and -independent induction of CD40 ligand expression.
Authors: Ding L , Green J M , Thompson C B , Shevach E M
Published: December 2022

The induction of a T cell-dependent Ab response is mediated by the interaction of the T cell activation Ag, CD40 ligand (CD40L), with CD40. Since this interaction is independent of Ag, coreceptors such as CD4, and MHC molecules, the expression of the CD40L must be strictly regulated or B cell-mediated autoimmunity may be produced. In this study, we examined the requirements for costimulatory signals for induction of CD40L expression in vitro and in vivo on CD4+ T cells from normal and CD28-deficient mice following stimulation with anti-CD3, Con A, or specific peptide Ag. Expression of B7-1 was both necessary and sufficient for induction of the CD40L on normal CD4+ T cells when L cell transfectants were used as APCs. When normal accessory cell populations were used, only partial inhibition of induction of the CD40L was observed with reagents that inhibit B7/CD28 interactions. Furthermore, the CD40L could be induced on CD4+ T cells from CD28-deficient mice. Thus, non-B7/CD28 cellular interactions can also mediate the costimulatory signals needed for induction of CD40L expression.
Dissociated expression of granulocyte-macrophage CSF and IL-3 in short-term T cell clones from normal mice.
Authors: Fitzpatrick D R , Kelso A
Published: December 2022

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and IL-3 are generally thought to be produced in a coordinated fashion by all activated T cells. We have examined this premise using quantitative kinetic analyses of the expression of GM-CSF and IL-3 in clonal cultures of mouse T cells for the first two weeks following in vitro stimulation with solid-phase TCR- and accessory molecule-specific mAbs. We demonstrate that 1) differential secretion of GM-CSF and IL-3 is a feature of high proportions of CD8+ and CD4+ T cell clones, for extended periods of time following activation; 2) multiple patterns of expression of these two cytokines can occur, including equivalent, GM-CSF-biased, and IL-3-biased production, and a pattern that switches over a period of days from GM-CSF-biased to IL-3-biased production; 3) the disparate relative levels of secretion are not due to differential consumption of either cytokine; 4) altered T cell activation by addition of CD28 costimulation accelerates both GM-CSF and IL-3 production but biased patterns of expression are retained, and 5) most T cells are not pre-committed to a particular pattern of relative GM-CSF and IL-3 expression; instead, the potential for multiple patterns may persist for several days following in vitro activation. The results indicate that T cells have the potential to display previously unrecognized diversity of expression of GM-CSF and IL-3.
Regulation of JAK3 expression and activation in human B cells and B cell malignancies.
Authors: Tortolani P J , Lal B K , Riva A , Johnston J A , Chen Y Q , Reaman G H , Beckwith M , Longo D , Ortaldo J R , Bhatia K , McGrath I , Kehrl J , Tuscano J , McVicar D W , O'Shea J J
Published: December 2022

Members of the Janus family (JAK) of protein tyrosine kinases are critical enzymes in signaling pathways via hematopoietin receptors. We have cloned JAK3, which unlike other known family members (JAK1, JAK2, and TYK2) is preferentially expressed in hematopoietic cells but not in a variety of other cells. Functionally, JAK3 and JAK1 are coupled to the receptors for IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-15 in T cells and NK cells. Because of the importance of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-7 in B cell physiology, we sought to determine whether JAK3 was also present in B lymphocytes and whether it was involved in signaling via cytokines that are important for B cell development and function. In this report, we demonstrate that JAK3 is expressed in normal human peripheral blood B cells at levels that are comparable to those in T cells. In addition, the levels were found to be markedly up-regulated following stimulation with staphylococcal protein A Cowan and anti-CD40 Abs. In addition, IL-4 and IL-7 induced the rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK3 and JAK1, and IL-4 activated both JAK3 and JAK1 phosphotransferase activity. JAK3 protein was also detected in immature B cell lines, but not in more well differentiated cell lines. Additionally, JAK3 was detected in lysates from bone marrow lymphoblasts of patients with B cell precursor acute lymphocytic leukemia and cell lines derived from human B cell lymphomas. Together, these data suggest that the regulation of JAK3 expression and activity is likely to be important in B cell development and function.
Similar but nonidentical amino acid residues on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 are involved in the interaction with alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 4 beta 7 under different activity states.
Authors: Chiu H H , Crowe D T , Renz M E , Presta L G , Jones S , Weissman I L , Fong S
Published: December 2022

The integrin receptors alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 4 beta 7 both bind to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Here, we report that the amino acid residue requirements for murine VCAM-1 adhesion to murine alpha 4 beta 1 (WEHI 231) and alpha 4 beta 7 (38C13/beta 7-transfectant) positive cells are strikingly similar but nonidentical under multiple adhesion activity states. By site-directed mutagenesis of domain 1 of VCAM-1, the amino acid residues on the loop between beta strands C and D (R36, Q38, I39, D40, P42) and on the adjacent antiparallel beta strand F (L70 and T72) were required for basal level adhesion to both alpha 4 beta 1-positive and alpha 4 beta 7-positive cells. Mutation at two other sites, N44 (loop between beta strands C and D) and E66 (loop between beta strands E and F), specifically reduced alpha 4 beta 7-positive cell adhesion, but not alpha 4 beta 1-positive cell adhesion. Mutation H85A augmented alpha 4 beta 7 binding but not alpha 4 beta 1 binding. These apparent differences relate to the higher intrinsic activity state of alpha 4 beta 1 on WEHI 231 than on alpha 4 beta 7 (38C13/beta 7-transfectant). In contrast, under higher adhesion activity states induced by either MnCl2 or truncation of the beta 7 cytoplasmic tail, mutation of either amino acid residue D40 or L70 completely blocked cell adhesion without evidence of structural perturbation of VCAM-1. These results suggested that the two structurally discontinuous amino acid residues, the negatively charged D40 and the hydrophobic L70 adjacently located on domain 1 of VCAM-1, are essential for interaction under multiple activity states with both alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 4 beta 7 integrin receptors.
Recombinant human growth-regulated oncogene-alpha induces T lymphocyte chemotaxis. A process regulated via IL-8 receptors by IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13.
Authors: Jinquan T , Frydenberg J , Mukaida N , Bonde J , Larsen C G , Matsushima K , Thestrup-Pedersen K
Published: December 2022

The human cytokine growth-regulated oncogene (GRO)-alpha is a small glycoprotein secreted by monocytes, endothelial cells, glycoprotein secreted by monocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, synovial cells, and some tumor cells such as melanoma cells. It is structurally related to IL-8 and can activate neutrophils, whereas it induces chemotaxis, exocytosis, and a respiratory burst in neutrophils. To date, its functions on T lymphocytes have not been well established. We report here that recombinant human (rh)GRO-alpha is a potent chemoattractant for freshly isolated T lymphocytes, but not for anti-CD3 mAb-activated T lymphocytes. It attracts CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets to an equal extent. The migrating T lymphocytes toward rhGRO-alpha are predominantly CD45RO+ memory CD4+ and CD8+ subsets. The chemotactic migration of T lymphocytes toward rhGRO-alpha is stimulated via the IL-8 receptors on the cells. This process can be augmented by IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, and inhibited by IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13. In addition, we also document that on T lymphocytes there exist IL-8 receptors that can be up-regulated by IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-2. Our results demonstrate that rhGRO-alpha gene encodes for an inflammatory mediator that stimulates the directional migration of T lymphocytes. It may thus be another important mediator in the diseases in which T lymphocytes form the major constituent of the cellular infiltration.
Co-chemotactic effect of Gc-globulin (vitamin D binding protein) for C5a. Transient conversion into an active co-chemotaxin by neutrophils.
Authors: Kew R R , Fisher J A , Webster R O
Published: December 2022

Gc-globulin (vitamin D binding protein) has been shown to augment significantly the leukocyte chemotactic activity of the activated C peptides C5a and C5adesArg (i.e., the co-chemotactic effect). However, the mechanism of chemotaxis enhancement is not known. To investigate the role that the neutrophil plays in this process, cells were co-incubated with Gc-globulin for up to 45 min and washed, and their subsequent chemotactic response to a suboptimal concentration of C5a alone was measured during a 30-min assay. The generation of co-chemotactic activity during the preincubation period was time dependent, showed minimal activity for the first 10 min and a steep rise from 10 to 20 min, and was maximal and stable at 30 min. The binding of radiolabeled Gc-globulin by neutrophils at 37 degrees C mirrored this time-dependent generation of C5a co-chemotactic activity, with stable cellular levels achieved between 30 and 45 min at 36 +/- 4 fmol (2 +/- 0.1 ng)/10(6) cells. The binding of radiolabeled Gc-globulin and the generation of co-chemotactic activity were dependent upon physiologic temperatures (37 degrees C) and levels of Ca2+ (1.3 mM) and Mg2+ (0.8 mM), and were inhibited by an Ab to Gc-globulin. Finally, the C5a co-chemotactic activity of Gc-globulin would decay rapidly if neutrophils were washed and then incubated a second time at 37 degrees C before chemotaxis to C5a. These results demonstrate that neutrophils bind exogenous Gc-globulin and generate C5a co-chemotactic activity in a time-, temperature-, and divalent cation-dependent manner. Moreover, this activity is transient if neutrophils lack a continuous supply of Gc-globulin.
Presence of T cells with activated and memory phenotypes in inflammatory spinal cord lesions.
Authors: Barten D M , Clark R B , Ruddle N H
Published: December 2022

The phenotypic and functional characteristics of activated T cells and recruited unactivated T cells at an inflammatory site were examined using a V beta 4+ myelin basic protein-specific T cell clone in a passively transferred model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. A high percentage of the T cells isolated from the central nervous system (CNS) were V beta 4+. This population exhibited the characteristics of activated T cells based on the proportion of cells in the blast state, their ability to proliferate in response to IL-2 or CNS Ag, and their expression of activation/memory cell markers. Activated V beta 4+ T cells were also observed in the periphery. Large numbers of V beta 4- T cells, which are entirely host-recruited, were also found in the CNS, where they demonstrated the properties of memory cells. There were differences in adhesion molecule expression between CNS V beta 4+ T cells and peripheral V beta 4+ T cells, although both populations were in activated state. V beta 4+ T cells at the site of Ag expression (the spinal cord) demonstrated higher levels of LFA-1 and CD44, but lower levels of VLA-4 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1, than did V beta 4+ T cells in the spleen. In contrast, the levels of all of these adhesion molecules on recruited V beta 4- T cells were higher in the CNS than in the periphery. This experimental model allows the detailed characterization of different T cell populations isolated from the same inflammatory site.
Analysis of Tcrvb8, Il4, and Ifg as genetic predisposition factors for atopic IgE response in a murine model.
Authors: Venugopal G , Yang M , Luo Z , Salo D , Cheang M , Mohapatra S S
Published: December 2022

Allergen-induced synthesis of lgE Abs in genetically predisposed individuals constitutes the hallmark of allergic diseases; however, the molecular basis of this genetic predisposition remains unknown. T cell cytokines lL-4 and IFN-gamma reciprocally regulate lgE synthesis and are potential genetic factors governing atopy. To examine the inheritance patterns of IgE responsiveness and address the role of these cytokines as genetic predisposition factors, in this study we established a MHC-identical mouse colony comprising crosses between two inbred strains of mouse, A.SW and SJL, respectively representing high and low IgE responder phenotypes. Segregation analysis with 149 [(A.SW x SJL)F1 x SJL] backcross and 148 [(A.SW x SJL)F1 x F1]F2 mice suggested that persistent high IgE responsiveness was inherited as a simple Mendelian dominant trait under the control of a single non-MHC, autosomal gene of major effect in these strains. Since SJL lacked Tcrvb8 genes, we examined the possibility of Tcrvb8 as a candidate gene for IgE responsiveness. The results suggested association of neither the Tcrvb8 gene nor its expression with allergen-induced IgE phenotype. Furthermore, microsatellite marker and gene sequencing analyses revealed that neither of the ll4 and lfg genes was associated with IgE phenotype. Moreover, correlation studies between IgE and cytokine levels in splenocyte cultures indicated that IgE levels were moderately to poorly correlated with IL-4 and IFN-gamma levels. It is concluded that even though expression of Tcrvb8, II4, and Ifg genes may play pivotal roles in IgE regulation, these genes per se do not contribute to genetic predisposition of allergen-induced IgE hyperresponsiveness in these strains of mice.