bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoids Antagonize Ap-1 by Inhibiting the Activation/Phosphorylation of Jnk without Affecting Its Subcellular Distribution
Authors: González María Victoria , Jiménez Benilde , Berciano María T. , González-Sancho José Manuel , Caelles Carme , Lafarga Miguel , Muñoz Alberto
Published: July 2002

The immunosuppressive and antiinflammatory actions of glucocorticoid hormones are mediated by their transrepression of activating protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) transcription factors. Inhibition of the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, the main mediator of AP-1 activation, has been described in extracts of hormone-treated cells. Here, we show by confocal laser microscopy, enzymatic assays, and immunoblotting that the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone inhibited tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)–induced phosphorylation and activation of JNK in the cytoplasm and nucleus of intact HeLa cells. As a result, c-Jun NH2-terminal domain phosphorylation and induction were impaired. Dexamethasone did not block the TNF-α–induced JNK nuclear translocation, but rather induced, per se, nuclear accumulation of the enzyme. Consistently with previous findings, a glucocorticoid receptor mutant (GRdim), which is deficient in dimerization, DNA binding, and transactivation, but retains AP-1 transrepressing activity, was as efficient as wild-type GR in mediating the same effects of dexamethasone on JNK in transfected Cos-7 cells. Our results show that glucocorticoids antagonize the TNF-α–induced activation of AP-1 by causing the accumulation of inactive JNK without affecting its subcellular distribution.
Cbl Associates with Pyk2 and Src to Regulate Src Kinase Activity, αvβ3 Integrin-Mediated Signaling, Cell Adhesion, and Osteoclast Motility
Authors: Sanjay Archana , Houghton Adam , Neff Lynn , DiDomenico Emilia , Bardelay Chantal , Antoine Evelyne , Levy Joan , Gailit James , Bowtell David , Horne William C. , Baron Roland
Published: July 2002

The signaling events downstream of integrins that regulate cell attachment and motility are only partially understood. Using osteoclasts and transfected 293 cells, we find that a molecular complex comprising Src, Pyk2, and Cbl functions to regulate cell adhesion and motility. The activation of integrin αvβ3 induces the [Ca2+]i-dependent phosphorylation of Pyk2 Y402, its association with Src SH2, Src activation, and the Src SH3-dependent recruitment and phosphorylation of c-Cbl. Furthermore, the PTB domain of Cbl is shown to bind to phosphorylated Tyr-416 in the activation loop of Src, the autophosphorylation site of Src, inhibiting Src kinase activity and integrin-mediated adhesion. Finally, we show that deletion of c Src or c-Cbl leads to a decrease in osteoclast migration. Thus, binding of αvβ3 integrin induces the formation of a Pyk2/Src/Cbl complex in which Cbl is a key regulator of Src kinase activity and of cell adhesion and migration. These findings may explain the osteopetrotic phenotype in the Src−/− mice.
An Inducible Mouse Model for Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex
Authors: Cao Tongyu , Longley Mary Ann , Wang Xiao-Jing , Roop Dennis R.
Published: July 2002

The Dowling-Meara variant of epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS-DM) is a severe blistering disease inherited in an autosomal-dominant fashion. Here we report the generation of a mouse model that allows focal activation of a mutant keratin 14 allele in epidermal stem cells upon topical administration of an inducer, resulting in EBS phenotypes in treated areas. Using laser capture microdissection, we show that induced blisters healed by migration of surrounding nonphenotypic stem cells into the wound bed. This observation provides an explanation for the lack of mosaic forms of EBS-DM. In addition, we show that decreased mutant keratin 14 expression resulted in normal morphology and functions of the skin. Our results have important implications for gene therapy of EBS and other dominantly inherited diseases.
The Karyopherin Kap142p/Msn5p Mediates Nuclear Import and Nuclear Export of Different Cargo Proteins
Authors: Yoshida Kimihisa , Blobel Günter
Published: July 2002

We have identified a novel pathway for protein import into the nucleus. Although the product of Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene MSN5 was previously shown to function as a karyopherin (Kap) for nuclear export of various proteins, we discovered a nuclear import pathway mediated by Msn5p (also referred to as Kap142p). We have purified from yeast cytosol a complex containing Kap142p and the trimeric replication protein A (RPA), which is required for multiple aspects of DNA metabolism, including DNA replication, DNA repair, and recombination. In wild-type cells, RPA was localized primarily to the nucleus but, in a KAP142 deletion strain, RPA was mislocalized to the cytoplasm and the strain was highly sensitive to bleomycin (BLM). BLM causes DNA double-strand breaks and, in S. cerevisiae, the DNA damage is repaired predominantly by RPA-dependent homologous recombination. Therefore, our results indicate that in wild-type cells a critical portion of RPA was imported into the nucleus by Kap142p. Like several other import-related Kap–substrate complexes, the endogenous RPA–Kap142p complex was dissociated by RanGTP, but not by RanGDP. All three RPA genes are essential for viability, whereas KAP142 is not. Perhaps explaining this disparity, we observed an interaction between RPA and Kap95p in a strain lacking Kap142p. This interaction could provide a mechanism for import of RPA into the nucleus and cell viability in the absence of Kap142p. Together with published results (Kaffman, A., N.M. Rank, E.M. O'Neill, L.S. Huang, and E.K. O'Shea. 1998. Nature. 396:482–486; Blondel, M., P.M. Alepuz, L.S. Huang, S. Shaham, G. Ammerer, and M. Peter. 1999. Genes Dev. 13:2284–2300; DeVit, M.J., and M. Johnston. 1999. Curr. Biol. 9:1231–1241; Mahanty, S.K., Y. Wang, F.W. Farley, and E.A. Elion. 1999. Cell. 98:501–512) our data indicate that the karyopherin Kap142p is able to mediate nuclear import of one set of proteins and nuclear export of a different set of proteins.
Centrosomes Enhance the Fidelity of Cytokinesis in Vertebrates and Are Required for Cell Cycle Progression
Authors: Khodjakov Alexey , Rieder Conly L.
Published: July 2002

When centrosomes are destroyed during prophase by laser microsurgery, vertebrate somatic cells form bipolar acentrosomal mitotic spindles (Khodjakov, A., R.W. Cole, B.R. Oakley, and C.L. Rieder. 2000. Curr. Biol. 10:59–67), but the fate of these cells is unknown. Here, we show that, although these cells lack the radial arrays of astral microtubules normally associated with each spindle pole, they undergo a normal anaphase and usually produce two acentrosomal daughter cells. Relative to controls, however, these cells exhibit a significantly higher (30–50%) failure rate in cytokinesis. This failure correlates with the inability of the spindle to properly reposition itself as the cell changes shape. Also, we destroyed just one centrosome during metaphase and followed the fate of the resultant acentrosomal and centrosomal daughter cells. Within 72 h, 100% of the centrosome-containing cells had either entered DNA synthesis or divided. By contrast, during this period, none of the acentrosomal cells had entered S phase. These data reveal that the primary role of the centrosome in somatic cells is not to form the spindle but instead to ensure cytokinesis and subsequent cell cycle progression.
Involvement of the Lamin Rod Domain in Heterotypic Lamin Interactions Important for Nuclear Organization
Authors: Schirmer Eric C. , Guan Tinglu , Gerace Larry
Published: July 2002

The nuclear lamina is a meshwork of intermediate-type filament proteins (lamins) that lines the inner nuclear membrane. The lamina is proposed to be an important determinant of nuclear structure, but there has been little direct testing of this idea. To investigate lamina functions, we have characterized a novel lamin B1 mutant lacking the middle ∼4/5 of its α-helical rod domain. Though retaining only 10 heptads of the rod, this mutant assembles into intermediate filament-like structures in vitro. When expressed in cultured cells, it concentrates in patches at the nuclear envelope. Concurrently, endogenous lamins shift from a uniform to a patchy distribution and lose their complete colocalization, and nuclei become highly lobulated. In vitro binding studies suggest that the internal rod region is important for heterotypic associations of lamin B1, which in turn are required for proper organization of the lamina. Accompanying the changes in lamina structure induced by expression of the mutant, nuclear pore complexes and integral membrane proteins of the inner membrane cluster, principally at the patches of endogenous lamins. Considered together, these data indicate that lamins play a major role in organizing other proteins in the nuclear envelope and in determining nuclear shape.
An Atomic Model of Actin Filaments Cross-Linked by Fimbrin and Its Implications for Bundle Assembly and Function
Authors: Volkmann Niels , DeRosier David , Matsudaira Paul , Hanein Dorit
Published: July 2002

Actin bundles have profound effects on cellular shape, division, adhesion, motility, and signaling. Fimbrin belongs to a large family of actin-bundling proteins and is involved in the formation of tightly ordered cross-linked bundles in the brush border microvilli and in the stereocilia of inner ear hair cells. Polymorphism in these three-dimensional (3D) bundles has prevented the detailed structural characterization required for in-depth understanding of their morphogenesis and function. Here, we describe the structural characterization of two-dimensional arrays of actin cross-linked with human T-fimbrin. Structural information obtained by electron microscopy, x-ray crystallography, and homology modeling allowed us to build the first molecular model for the complete actin–fimbrin cross-link. The restriction of the arrays to two dimensions allowed us to deduce the spatial relationship between the components, the mode of fimbrin cross-linking, and the flexibility within the cross-link. The atomic model of the fimbrin cross-link, the cross-linking rules deduced from the arrays, and the hexagonal packing of actin bundles in situ were all combined to generate an atomic model for 3D actin–fimbrin bundles. Furthermore, the assembly of the actin–fimbrin arrays suggests coupling between actin polymerization, fimbrin binding, and crossbridge formation, presumably achieved by a feedback between conformational changes and changes in affinity.
Activity-dependent nuclear translocation and intranuclear distribution of NFATc in adult skeletal muscle fibers
Authors: Liu Yewei , Cseresnyés Zoltán , Randall William R. , Schneider Martin F.
Published: July 2002

TTranscription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells NFATc (NFATc1, NFAT2) may contribute to slow-twitch skeletal muscle fiber type–specific gene expression. Green fluorescence protein (GFP) or FLAG fusion proteins of either wild-type or constitutively active mutant NFATc [NFATc(S→A)] were expressed in cultured adult mouse skeletal muscle fibers from flexor digitorum brevis (predominantly fast-twitch). Unstimulated fibers expressing NFATc(S→A) exhibited a distinct intranuclear pattern of NFATc foci. In unstimulated fibers expressing NFATc–GFP, fluorescence was localized at the sarcomeric z-lines and absent from nuclei. Electrical stimulation using activity patterns typical of slow-twitch muscle, either continuously at 10 Hz or in 5-s trains at 10 Hz every 50 s, caused cyclosporin A–sensitive appearance of fluorescent foci of NFATc–GFP in all nuclei. Fluorescence of nuclear foci increased during the first hour of stimulation and then remained constant during a second hour of stimulation. Kinase inhibitors and ionomycin caused appearance of nuclear foci of NFATc–GFP without electrical stimulation. Nuclear translocation of NFATc–GFP did not occur with either continuous 1 Hz stimulation or with the fast-twitch fiber activity pattern of 0.1-s trains at 50 Hz every 50 s. The stimulation pattern–dependent nuclear translocation of NFATc demonstrated here could thus contribute to fast-twitch to slow-twitch fiber type transformation.
The plasmamembrane calmodulin–dependent calcium pump
Authors: Schuh Kai , Uldrijan Stjepan , Telkamp Myriam , Röthlein Nicola , Neyses Ludwig
Published: July 2002

The plasma membrane calcium/calmodulin-dependent calcium ATPase (PMCA) (Shull, G.E., and J. Greeb. 1988. J. Biol. Chem. 263:8646–8657; Verma, A.K., A.G. Filoteo, D.R. Stanford, E.D. Wieben, J.T. Penniston, E.E. Strehler, R. Fischer, R. Heim, G. Vogel, S. Mathews, et al. 1988. J. Biol. Chem. 263:14152–14159; Carafoli, E. 1997. Basic Res. Cardiol. 92:59–61) has been proposed to be a regulator of calcium homeostasis and signal transduction networks of the cell. However, little is known about its precise mechanisms of action. Knock-out of (mainly neuronal) isoform 2 of the enzyme resulted in hearing loss and balance deficits due to severe inner ear defects, affecting formation and maintenance of otoconia (Kozel, P.J., R.A. Friedman, L.C. Erway, E.N. Yamoah, L.H. Liu, T. Riddle, J.J. Duffy, T. Doetschman, M.L. Miller, E.L. Cardell, and G.E. Shull. 1998. J. Biol. Chem. 273:18693–18696). Here we demonstrate that PMCA 4b is a negative regulator of nitric oxide synthase I (NOS-I, nNOS) in HEK293 embryonic kidney and neuro-2a neuroblastoma cell models. Binding of PMCA 4b to NOS-I was mediated by interaction of the COOH-terminal amino acids of PMCA 4b and the PDZ domain of NOS-I (PDZ: PSD 95/Dlg/ZO-1 protein domain). Increasing expression of wild-type PMCA 4b (but not PMCA mutants unable to bind PDZ domains or devoid of Ca2+-transporting activity) dramatically downregulated NO synthesis from wild-type NOS-I. A NOS-I mutant lacking the PDZ domain was not regulated by PMCA, demonstrating the specific nature of the PMCA–NOS-I interaction. Elucidation of PMCA as an interaction partner and major regulator of NOS-I provides evidence for a new dimension of integration between calcium and NO signaling pathways.
Overexpression of Cbfa1 in osteoblasts inhibits osteoblast maturation and causes osteopenia with multiple fractures
Authors: Liu Wenguang , Toyosawa Satoru , Furuichi Tatsuya , Kanatani Naoko , Yoshida Carolina , Liu Yang , Himeno Miki , Narai Satoru , Yamaguchi Akira , Komori Toshihisa
Published: July 2002

Targeted disruption of core binding factor α1 (Cbfa1) showed that Cbfa1 is an essential transcription factor in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that Cbfa1 plays important roles in matrix production and mineralization. However, it remains to be clarified how Cbfa1 controls osteoblast differentiation, bone formation, and bone remodelling. To understand fully the physiological functions of Cbfa1, we generated transgenic mice that overexpressed Cbfa1 in osteoblasts using type I collagen promoter. Unexpectedly, Cbfa1 transgenic mice showed osteopenia with multiple fractures. Cortical bone, which was thin, porous, and enriched with osteopontin, was invaded by osteoclasts, despite the absence of acceleration of osteoclastogenesis. Although the number of neonatal osteoblasts was increased, their function was impaired in matrix production and mineralization. Furthermore, terminally differentiated osteoblasts, which strongly express osteocalcin, and osteocytes were diminished greatly, whereas less mature osteoblasts expressing osteopontin accumulated in adult bone. These data indicate that immature organization of cortical bone, which was caused by the maturational blockage of osteoblasts, led to osteopenia and fragility in transgenic mice, demonstrating that Cbfa1 inhibits osteoblast differentiation at a late stage.
Dynamics of ligand-induced, Rac1-dependent anchoring of cadherins to the actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Lambert Mireille , Choquet Daniel , Mège René-Marc
Published: July 2002

Cadherin receptors are key morphoregulatory molecules during development. To dissect their mode of action, we developed an approach based on the use of myogenic C2 cells and beads coated with an Ncad-Fc ligand, allowing us to mimic cadherin-mediated adhesion. We used optical tweezers and video microscopy to investigate the dynamics of N-cadherin anchoring within the very first seconds of bead–cell contact. The analysis of the bead movement by single-particle tracking indicated that N-cadherin molecules were freely diffusive in the first few seconds after bead binding. The beads rapidly became diffusion-restricted and underwent an oriented rearward movement as a result of N-cadherin anchoring to the actin cytoskeleton. The kinetics of anchoring were dependent on ligand density, suggesting that it was an inducible process triggered by active cadherin recruitment. This anchoring was inhibited by the dominant negative form of Rac1, but not that of Cdc42. The Rac1 mutant had no effect on cell contact formation or cadherin–catenin complex recruitment, but did inhibit actin recruitment. Our results suggest that cadherin anchoring to the actin cytoskeleton is an adhesion-triggered, Rac1-regulated process enabling the transduction of mechanical forces across the cell membrane; they uncover novel aspects of the action of cadherins in cell sorting, cell migration, and growth cone navigation.
Src-mediated coupling of focal adhesion kinase to integrin αvβ5 in vascular endothelial growth factor signaling
Authors: Eliceiri Brian P. , Puente Xose S. , Hood John D. , Stupack Dwayne G. , Schlaepfer David D. , Huang Xiaozhu Z. , Sheppard Dean , Cheresh David A.
Published: July 2002

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes vascular permeability (VP) and neovascularization, and is required for development. We find that VEGF-stimulated Src activity in chick embryo blood vessels induces the coupling of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) to integrin αvβ5, a critical event in VEGF-mediated signaling and biological responsiveness. In contrast, FAK is constitutively associated with β1 and β3 integrins in the presence or absence of growth factors. In cultured endothelial cells, VEGF, but not basic fibroblast growth factor, promotes the Src-mediated phosphorylation of FAK on tyrosine 861, which contributes to the formation of a FAK/αvβ5 signaling complex. Moreover, formation of this FAK/αvβ5 complex is significantly reduced in pp60c-src-deficient mice. Supporting these results, mice deficient in either pp60c-src or integrin β5, but not integrin β3, have a reduced VP response to VEGF. This FAK/αvβ5 complex was also detected in epidermal growth factor-stimulated epithelial cells, suggesting a function for this complex outside the endothelium. Our findings indicate that Src can coordinate specific growth factor and extracellular matrix inputs by recruiting integrin αvβ5 into a FAK-containing signaling complex during growth factor–mediated biological responses.
The GTP binding proteins Gem and Rad are negative regulators of the Rho–Rho kinase pathway
Authors: Ward Yvona , Yap Seow-Fong , Ravichandran V. , Matsumura Fumio , Ito Masaaki , Spinelli Beth , Kelly Kathleen
Published: July 2002

The cytoskeletal changes that alter cellular morphogenesis and motility depend upon a complex interplay among molecules that regulate actin, myosin, and other cytoskeletal components. The Rho family of GTP binding proteins are important upstream mediators of cytoskeletal organization. Gem and Rad are members of another family of small GTP binding proteins (the Rad, Gem, and Kir family) for which biochemical functions have been mostly unknown. Here we show that Gem and Rad interface with the Rho pathway through association with the Rho effectors, Rho kinase (ROK) α and β. Gem binds ROKβ independently of RhoA in the ROKβ coiled-coil region adjacent to the Rho binding domain. Expression of Gem inhibited ROKβ-mediated phosphorylation of myosin light chain and myosin phosphatase, but not LIM kinase, suggesting that Gem acts by modifying the substrate specificity of ROKβ. Gem or Rad expression led to cell flattening and neurite extension in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells. In interference assays, Gem opposed ROKβ- and Rad opposed ROKα-mediated cell rounding and neurite retraction. Gem did not oppose cell rounding initiated by ROKβ containing a deletion of the Gem binding region, demonstrating that Gem binding to ROKβ is required for the effects observed. In epithelial or fibroblastic cells, Gem or Rad expression resulted in stress fiber and focal adhesion disassembly. In addition, Gem reverted the anchorage-independent growth and invasiveness of Dbl-transformed fibroblasts. These results identify physiological roles for Gem and Rad in cytoskeletal regulation mediated by ROK.
Micro-RNAs
Authors: Grosshans Helge , Slack Frank J.
Published: July 2002

Two small temporally regulated RNAs (stRNAs)**Abbreviations used in this paper: stRNA, small temporally regulated RNA; miRNA, micro-RNA; siRNA, small interfering RNA; RNAi, RNA interference. of ∼22 nucleotides regulate timing of gene expression during development of the nematode C. elegans. This regulation occurs at a posttranscriptional, presumably translational, level and is distinct from RNA interference (RNAi). One of the two stRNAs, let-7, as well as its target gene, lin-41, are highly conserved even in humans, suggesting a wide employment of stRNA-mediated gene regulation. Recent reports indicate that these two stRNAs are indeed likely to represent only the tip of an iceberg with hundreds or more of additional micro-RNAs (miRNAs) existing in metazoans. miRNAs might thus be previously underestimated key participants in the field of gene regulation.
Ribosomal genes in focus
Authors: Koberna Karel , Malínský Jan , Pliss Artem , Mašata Martin , Večeřová Jaromíra , Fialová Markéta , Bednár Jan , Raška Ivan
Published: July 2002

T he organization of transcriptionally active ribosomal genes in animal cell nucleoli is investigated in this study in order to address the long-standing controversy with regard to the intranucleolar localization of these genes. Detailed analyses of HeLa cell nucleoli include direct localization of ribosomal genes by in situ hybridization and their indirect localization via nascent ribosomal transcript mappings. On the light microscopy (LM) level, ribosomal genes map in 10–40 fluorescence foci per nucleus, and transcription activity is associated with most foci. We demonstrate that each nucleolar focus observed by LM corresponds, on the EM level, to an individual fibrillar center (FC) and surrounding dense fibrillar components (DFCs). The EM data identify the DFC as the nucleolar subcompartment in which rRNA synthesis takes place, consistent with detection of rDNA within the DFC. The highly sensitive method for mapping nascent transcripts in permeabilized cells on ultrastructural level provides intense and unambiguous clustered immunogold signal over the DFC, whereas very little to no label is detected over the FC. This signal is strongly indicative of nascent “Christmas trees” of rRNA associated with individual rDNA genes, sampled on the surface of thin sections. Stereological analysis of the clustered transcription signal further suggests that these Christmas trees may be contorted in space and exhibit a DNA compaction ratio on the order of 4–5.5.
The Rho-associated protein kinase p160ROCK is required for centrosome positioning
Authors: Chevrier Véronique , Piel Matthieu , Collomb Nora , Saoudi Yasmina , Frank Ronald , Paintrand Michel , Narumiya Shuh , Bornens Michel , Job Didier
Published: July 2002

The p160–Rho-associated coiled-coil–containing protein kinase (ROCK) is identified as a new centrosomal component. Using immunofluorescence with a variety of p160ROCK antibodies, immuno EM, and depletion with RNA interference, p160ROCK is principally bound to the mother centriole (MC) and an intercentriolar linker. Inhibition of p160ROCK provoked centrosome splitting in G1 with the MC, which is normally positioned at the cell center and shows little motion during G1, displaying wide excursions around the cell periphery, similar to its migration toward the midbody during cytokinesis. p160ROCK inhibition late after anaphase in mitosis triggered MC migration to the midbody followed by completion of cell division. Thus, p160ROCK is required for centrosome positioning and centrosome-dependent exit from mitosis.
Dual functions of α4β1 integrin in epicardial development
Authors: Sengbusch Jennifer K. , He Wei , Pinco Karen A. , Yang Joy T.
Published: July 2002

The epicardium of the mammalian heart arises from progenitor cells outside the developing heart. The epicardial progenitor (EPP) cells migrate onto the heart through a cyst-mediated mechanism in which the progenitors are released from the tissue of origin as cysts; the cysts float in the fluid of the pericardial cavity and attach to the naked myocardial surface of the heart, and cells in the cysts then migrate out to form an epithelial sheet. In this paper, we show that the gene encoding the α4 subunit of α4β1 integrin (α4β1) is essential for this migratory process. We have generated a knockin mutation in mice replacing the α4 integrin gene with the lacZ reporter gene, placing lacZ under the control of the α4 integrin promoter. We show that in homozygous mutant embryos, the migration of EPP progenitor cells is impaired due to inefficient budding of the cysts and a failure of the cells in the cysts to migrate on the heart. This study provides direct genetic evidence for essential roles for α4β1 integrin–mediated cell adhesion in the migration of progenitor cells to form the epicardium, in addition to a previous finding that α4β1 is essential for maintaining the epicardium (Yang, J.T., H. Rayburn, and R.O. Hynes. 1995. Development. 121:549–560).
CCR5 Levels and Expression Pattern Correlate with Infectability by Macrophage-tropic HIV-1, In Vitro
Authors: Wu Lijun , Paxton William A. , Kassam Nasim , Ruffing Nancy , Rottman James B. , Sullivan Nancy , Choe Hyeryun , Sodroski Joseph , Newman Walter , Koup Richard A. , Mackay Charles R.
Published: July 2002

Chemokine receptors serve as coreceptors for HIV entry into CD4+ cells. Their expression is thought to determine the tropism of viral strains for different cell types, and also to influence susceptibility to infection and rates of disease progression. Of the chemokine receptors, CCR5 is the most important for viral transmission, since CCR5 is the principal receptor for primary, macrophage-tropic viruses, and individuals homozygous for a defective CCR5 allele (Δ32/ Δ32) are highly resistant to infection with HIV-1. In this study, CCR5-specific mAbs were generated using transfectants expressing high levels of CCR5. The specificity of these mAbs was confirmed using a broad panel of chemokine receptor transfectants, and by their non-reactivity with T cells from Δ32/Δ32 individuals. CCR5 showed a distinct pattern of expression, being abundant on long-term activated, IL-2–stimulated T cells, on a subset of effector/memory T cells in blood, and on tissue macrophages. A comparison of normal and CCR5 Δ32 heterozygotes revealed markedly reduced expression of CCR5 on T cells from the heterozygotes. There was considerable individual to individual variability in the expression of CCR5 on blood T cells, that related to factors other than CCR5 genotype. Low expression of CCR5 correlated with the reduced infectability of T cells with macrophage-tropic HIV-1, in vitro. Anti-CCR5 mAbs inhibited the infection of PBMC by macrophage-tropic HIV-1 in vitro, but did not inhibit infection by T cell–tropic virus. Anti-CCR5 mAbs were poor inhibitors of chemokine binding, indicating that HIV-1 and ligands bind to separate, but overlapping regions of CCR5. These results illustrate many of the important biological features of CCR5, and demonstrate the feasibility of blocking macrophage-tropic HIV-1 entry into cells with an anti-CCR5 reagent.
Measles Virus Nucleocapsid Protein Binds to FcγRII and Inhibits Human B Cell Antibody Production
Authors: Ravanel Kissia , Castelle Claire , Defrance Thierry , Wild T. Fabian , Charron Dominique , Lotteau Vincent , Rabourdin-Combe Chantal
Published: July 2002

Despite the development of an efficient specific immune response during measles virus (MV) infection, an immunosuppression occurs contributing to secondary infections. To study the role of nucleocapsid protein (NP) in MV-induced immunosuppression, we produced recombinant MV NP. Purified recombinant NP exhibited biochemical, antigenic, and tridimensional structure similar to viral NP. By flow cytometry, we showed that viral or recombinant NP bound to human and murine B lymphocytes, but not to T lymphocytes. This binding was specific, independent of MHC class II expression, and dependent of the B lymphocyte activation state. The murine IIA1.6 B cell line, deficient in the Fc receptor for IgG (FcγRII) expression, did not bind NP efficiently. Transfected IIA1.6 cells expressing either murine FcγRIIb1 or b2, or human FcγRIIa, b1*, or b2 isoforms efficiently bound NP. Furthermore, this binding was inhibited up to 90% by monoclonal antibodies 2.4G2 or KB61 specific for murine and human FcγRII, respectively. Finally, the in vitro Ig synthesis of CD40- or Ig-activated human B lymphocytes in the presence of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-10 was reduced by 50% in the presence of recombinant NP. These data demonstrate that MV NP binds to human and murine FcγRII and inhibits in vitro antibody production, and therefore suggests a role for NP in MV-induced immunosuppression.
Clinical and Serologic Manifestations of Autoimmune Disease in MRL-lpr/lpr Mice Lacking Nitric Oxide Synthase Type 2
Authors: Gilkeson Gary S. , Mudgett John S. , Seldin Michael F. , Ruiz Phil , Alexander Audrey A. , Misukonis Mary A. , Pisetsky David S. , Weinberg J. Brice
Published: July 2002

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator of the inflammatory response. MRL–lpr/lpr mice overexpress inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) and overproduce NO in parallel with the development of an autoimmune syndrome with a variety of inflammatory manifestations. In previous studies, we showed that inhibiting NO production with the nonselective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor NG-monomethyl–arginine reduced glomerulonephritis, arthritis, and vasculitis in MRL–lpr/lpr mice. To define further the role of NO and NOS2 in disease in MRL–lpr/lpr mice, mice with targeted disruption of NOS2 were produced by homologous recombination and bred to MRL–lpr/lpr mice to the N4 generation. MRL–lpr/lpr littermates homozygous for disrupted NOS2 (−/−), heterozygous for disrupted NOS2 (+/−), or wildtype (+/+) were derived for this study. Measures of NO production were markedly decreased in the MRL-lpr/lpr (−/−) mice compared with MRL-lpr/lpr (+/+) mice, with intermediate production by the MRL-lpr/lpr (+/−) mice. There was no detectable NOS2 protein by immunoblot analysis of the spleen, liver, kidney, and peritoneal macrophages of the (−/−) animals, whereas that of (+/+) was high and (+/−) intermediate. The (−/−) mice developed glomerular and synovial pathology similar to that of the (+/−) and (+/+) mice. However, (−/−) mice and (+/−) mice had significantly less vasculitis of medium-sized renal vessels than (+/+) mice. IgG rheumatoid factor levels were significantly lower in the (−/−) mice as compared with (+/+) mice, but levels of anti-DNA antibodies were comparable in all groups. Our findings show that NO derived from NOS2 has a variable impact on disease manifestations in MRL-lpr/lpr mice, suggesting heterogeneity in disease mechanisms.
Introduction of a Glycosylation Site into a Secreted Protein Provides Evidence for an Alternative Antigen Processing Pathway: Transport of Precursors of Major Histocompatability Complex Class I–Restricted Peptides from the Endoplasmic Reticulum to the Cytosol
Authors: Bačík Igor , Snyder Heidi Link , Antón Luis C. , Russ Gustav , Chen Weisan , Bennink Jack R. , Urge Laszlo , Otvos Laszlo , Dudkowska Boguslawa , Eisenlohr Laurence , Yewdell Jonathan W.
Published: July 2002

We found that the presentation of a H-2Kd-restricted determinant from influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP) to T cells is strictly dependent on expression of the transporter associated with antigen presentation (TAP), regardless of whether NP is expressed as a cytosolic or secreted NP (SNP). Introducing an N-linked glycosylation site into the determinant selectively reduced presentation of SNP. This indicates that glycosylation does not interfere with TAP-transported peptides, and therefore that cytosolic peptides derived from SNP must have been exposed to the glycosylation machinery of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) before their existence in the cytosol. Based on these findings, we propose that TAP-dependent processing of at least some ER-targeted proteins entails the reimportation of protein from the secretory pathway to the cytosol, where the protein is processed via the classical pathway.
Monocyte Chemotactic Protein 1 Regulates Oral Tolerance Induction by Inhibition of T Helper Cell 1–related Cytokines
Authors: Karpus William J. , Kennedy Kevin J. , Kunkel Steven L. , Lukacs Nicholas W.
Published: July 2002

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a T cell–mediated autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that serves as an animal model for multiple sclerosis. Antigen-specific tolerance regimens, including oral tolerance, have been used prophylactically to prevent development of acute EAE as well as a number of other autoimmune diseases. Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain the immunologic basis for disease inhibition: bystander immune suppression and clonal anergy/deletion. This report demonstrates a novel mechanism for monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 as a regulatory factor of oral tolerance. Oral administration of proteolipid protein peptide (PLP139–151) increased MCP-1 expression in the intestinal mucosa, Peyer's patch, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Increase in MCP-1 expression resulted in downregulation of mucosal interleukin (IL)-12 expression with concomitant increase in mucosal IL-4 expression. Functionally, MCP-1 upregulation was shown to regulate oral tolerance induction by the ability of antibodies to MCP-1 to inhibit tolerance induction. The anti–MCP-1 abrogation of oral tolerance induction also resulted in restoration of mucosal IL-12 expression as well as peripheral antigen-specific T helper cell 1 responses. These results demonstrate a novel and important role for MCP-1 in the regulation or oral tolerance for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune disease.
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Factor 6 (Stat6)-deficient Mice Are Protected from Antigen-induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness and Mucus Production
Authors: Kuperman Douglas , Schofield Brian , Wills-Karp Marsha , Grusby Michael J.
Published: July 2002

The pleiotropic cytokine interleukin 4 (IL-4) has been shown to regulate many processes thought to be important in the allergic diathesis. To determine the mechanism(s) by which IL-4 mediates allergic airway responses to inhaled allergens, we compared the effects of antigen sensitization and challenge on the development of allergic airway responses in mice in which the gene for the signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 6 (Stat6) was disrupted to those of their wild-type littermates. Strikingly, Stat6-deficient mice failed to develop airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), which was observed in their wild-type littermates after allergen provocation. Moreover, antigen-induced increases in mucus-containing cells were found to be completely Stat6 dependent. Consistent with the lack of Th2 cytokine responses in Stat6-deficient mice, no ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E was detected in their serum. In contrast, Stat6 signaling only partially mediated antigen-induced eosinophilia with no role in vascular adhesion molecule 1 expression. These results indicate that Stat6 signal transduction is critical in the development of allergen-induced AHR and that agents that specifically inhibit this pathway may provide a novel strategy for the treatment of allergic disorders.
Reversal of Proinflammatory Responses by Ligating the Macrophage Fcγ Receptor Type I
Authors: Sutterwala Fayyaz S. , Noel Gary J. , Salgame Padmini , Mosser David M.
Published: July 2002

Macrophages can respond to a variety of infectious and/or inflammatory stimuli by secreting an array of proinflammatory cytokines, the overproduction of which can result in shock or even death. In this report, we demonstrate that ligation of macrophage Fcγ receptors (FcγR) can lead to a reversal of macrophage proinflammatory responses by inducing an upregulation of interleukin (IL)-10, with a reciprocal inhibition of IL-12 production. IL-10 upregulation was specific to FcγR ligation, since the ligation of the Mac-1 receptor did not alter IL-10 production. The identification of the specific FcγR subtype responsible for IL-10 upregulation was determined in gene knockout mice. Macrophages from mice lacking the FcR γ chain, which is required for assembly and signaling by FcγRI and FcγRIII, failed to upregulate IL-10 in response to immune complexes. However, mice lacking either the FcγRII or the FcγRIII were fully capable of upregulating IL-10 production, implicating FcγRI in this process. The biological consequences of FcγRI ligation were determined in both in vitro and in vivo models of inflammation and sepsis. In all of the models tested, the ligation of FcγR promoted the production of IL-10 and inhibited the secretion of IL-12. This reciprocal alteration in the pattern of macrophage cytokine production illustrates a potentially important role for FcγR-mediated clearance in suppressing macrophage proinflammatory responses.
Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 3α Is Involved in the Constitutive Trafficking of Epidermal Langerhans Cells
Authors: Charbonnier Anne-Sophie , Kohrgruber Norbert , Kriehuber Ernst , Stingl Georg , Rot Antal , Maurer Dieter
Published: July 2002

Certain types of dendritic cells (DCs) appear in inflammatory lesions of various etiologies, whereas other DCs, e.g., Langerhans cells (LCs), populate peripheral organs constitutively. Until now, the molecular mechanism behind such differential behavior has not been elucidated. Here, we show that CD1a+ LC precursors respond selectively and specifically to the CC chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-3α. In contrast, CD14+ precursors of DC and monocytes are not attracted by MIP-3α. LCs lose the migratory responsiveness to MIP-3α during their maturation, and non-LC DCs do not acquire MIP-3α sensitivity. The notion that MIP-3α may be responsible for selective LC recruitment into the epidermis is further supported by the following observations: (a) MIP-3α is expressed by keratinocytes and venular endothelial cells in clinically normal appearing human skin; (b) LCs express CC chemokine receptor (CCR)6, the sole MIP-3α receptor both in situ and in vitro; and (c) non-LC DCs that are not found in normal epidermis lack CCR6. The mature forms of LCs and non-LC DCs display comparable sensitivity for MIP-3β, a CCR7 ligand, suggesting that DC subtype–specific chemokine responses are restricted to the committed precursor stage. Although LC precursors express primarily CCR6, non-LC DC precursors display a broad chemokine receptor repertoire. These findings reflect a scenario where the differential expression of chemokine receptors by two different subpopulations of DCs determines their functional behavior. One type, the LC, responds to MIP-3α and enters skin to screen the epidermis constitutively, whereas the other type, the “inflammatory” DC, migrates in response to a wide array of different chemokines and is involved in the amplification and modulation of the inflammatory tissue response.
Combination Immunotherapy of B16 Melanoma Using Anti–Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte–Associated Antigen 4 (Ctla-4) and Granulocyte/Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (Gm-Csf)-Producing Vaccines Induces Rejection of Subcutaneous and Metastatic Tumors Accompanied by Autoimmune Depigmentation
Authors: van Elsas Andrea , Hurwitz Arthur A. , Allison James P.
Published: July 2002

We examined the effectiveness of cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) blockade, alone or in combination with a granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)–expressing tumor cell vaccine, on rejection of the highly tumorigenic, poorly immunogenic murine melanoma B16-BL6. Recently established tumors could be eradicated in 80% (68/85) of the cases using combination treatment, whereas each treatment by itself showed little or no effect. Tumor rejection was dependent on CD8+ and NK1.1+ cells but occurred irrespective of the presence of CD4+ T cells. Mice surviving a primary challenge rejected a secondary challenge with B16-BL6 or the parental B16-F0 line. The same treatment regimen was found to be therapeutically effective against outgrowth of preestablished B16-F10 lung metastases, inducing long-term survival. Of all mice surviving B16-BL6 or B16-F10 tumors after combination treatment, 56% (38/68) developed depigmentation, starting at the site of vaccination or challenge and in most cases progressing to distant locations. Depigmentation was found to occur in CD4-depleted mice, strongly suggesting that the effect was mediated by CTLs. This study shows that CTLA-4 blockade provides a powerful tool to enhance T cell activation and memory against a poorly immunogenic spontaneous murine tumor and that this may involve recruitment of autoreactive T cells.
Somatic Mutation and Light Chain Rearrangement Generate Autoimmunity in Anti–Single-Stranded DNA Transgenic Mrl/lpr Mice
Authors: Brard Frederic , Shannon Michele , Prak Eline Luning , Litwin Samuel , Weigert Martin
Published: July 2002

Antibodies to single-stranded (ss)DNA are expressed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and in lupus-prone mouse models such as the MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) strain. In nonautoimmune mice, B cells bearing immunoglobulin site-directed transgenes (sd-tgs) that code for anti-ssDNA are functionally silenced. In MRL/lpr autoimmune mice, the same sd-tgs are expressed in peripheral B cells and these autoantibodies gain the ability to bind other autoantigens such as double-stranded DNA and cell nuclei. These new specificities arise by somatic mutation of the anti-ssDNA sd-tgs and by secondary light chain rearrangement. Thus, B cells that in normal mice are anergic can be activated in MRL/lpr mice, which can lead to the generation of pathologic autoantibodies. In this paper, we provide the first direct evidence for peripheral rearrangement in vivo.
Impairment of Antigen-Presenting Cell Function in Mice Lacking Expression of Ox40 Ligand
Authors: Murata Kazuko , Ishii Naoto , Takano Hiroshi , Miura Shigeto , Ndhlovu Lishomwa C. , Nose Masato , Noda Tetsuo , Sugamura Kazuo
Published: July 2002

OX40 expressed on activated T cells is known to be an important costimulatory molecule on T cell activation in vitro. However, the in vivo functional significance of the interaction between OX40 and its ligand, OX40L, is still unclear. To investigate the role of OX40L during in vivo immune responses, we generated OX40L-deficient mice and a blocking anti-OX40L monoclonal antibody, MGP34. OX40L expression was demonstrated on splenic B cells after CD40 and anti-immunoglobulin (Ig)M stimulation, while only CD40 ligation was capable of inducing OX40L on dendritic cells. OX40L-deficient and MGP34-treated mice engendered apparent suppression of the recall reaction of T cells primed with both protein antigens and alloantigens and a significant reduction in keyhole limpet hemocyanin–specific IgG production. The impaired T cell priming was also accompanied by a concomitant reduction of both T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines. Furthermore, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) derived from the mutant mice revealed an impaired intrinsic APC function, demonstrating the importance of OX40L in both the priming and effector phases of T cell activation. Collectively, these results provide convincing evidence that OX40L, expressed on APCs, plays a critical role in antigen-specific T cell responses in vivo.
Differential Tumor Surveillance by Natural Killer (Nk) and Nkt Cells
Authors: Smyth Mark J. , Thia Kevin Y. T. , Street Shayna E.A. , Cretney Erika , Trapani Joseph A. , Taniguchi Masaru , Kawano Tetsu , Pelikan Sonja B. , Crowe Nadine Y. , Godfrey Dale I.
Published: July 2002

Natural tumor surveillance capabilities of the host were investigated in six different mouse tumor models where endogenous interleukin (IL)-12 does or does not dictate the efficiency of the innate immune response. Gene-targeted and lymphocyte subset–depleted mice were used to establish the relative importance of natural killer (NK) and NK1.1+ T (NKT) cells in protection from tumor initiation and metastasis. In the models examined, CD3− NK cells were responsible for tumor rejection and protection from metastasis in models where control of major histocompatibility complex class I–deficient tumors was independent of IL-12. A protective role for NKT cells was only observed when tumor rejection required endogenous IL-12 activity. In particular, T cell receptor Jα281 gene-targeted mice confirmed a critical function for NKT cells in protection from spontaneous tumors initiated by the chemical carcinogen, methylcholanthrene. This is the first description of an antitumor function for NKT cells in the absence of exogenously administered potent stimulators such as IL-12 or α-galactosylceramide.
Activation of Lipoxin a4 Receptors by Aspirin-Triggered Lipoxins and Select Peptides Evokes Ligand-Specific Responses in Inflammation
Authors: Chiang Nan , Fierro Iolanda M. , Gronert Karsten , Serhan Charles N.
Published: July 2002

Lipoxin (LX) A4 and aspirin-triggered LX (ATL) are endogenous lipids that regulate leukocyte trafficking via specific LXA4 receptors (ALXRs) and mediate antiinflammation and resolution. ATL analogues dramatically inhibited human neutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocyte [PMN]) responses evoked by a potent necrotactic peptide derived from mitochondria as well as a rogue synthetic chemotactic peptide. These bioactive lipid analogues and small peptides each selectively competed for specific 3H-LXA4 binding with recombinant human ALXR, and its N-glycosylation proved essential for peptide but not LXA4 recognition. Chimeric receptors constructed from receptors with opposing functions, namely ALXR and leukotriene B4 receptors (BLTs), revealed that the seventh transmembrane segment and adjacent regions of ALXR are essential for LXA4 recognition, and additional regions of ALXR are required for high affinity binding of the peptide ligands. Together, these findings are the first to indicate that a single seven-transmembrane receptor can switch recognition as well as function with certain chemotactic peptides to inhibitory with ATL and LX (lipid ligands). Moreover, they suggest that ALXR activation by LX or ATL can protect the host from potentially deleterious PMN responses associated with innate immunity as well as direct effector responses in tissue injury by recognition of peptide fragments.
Enterocyte Expression of Interleukin 7 Induces Development of γδ T Cells and Peyer's Patches
Authors: Laky Karen , Lefrançois Leo , Lingenheld Elizabeth G. , Ishikawa Hiromichi , Lewis Julia M. , Olson Sara , Suzuki Kenji , Tigelaar Robert E. , Puddington Lynn
Published: July 2002

The intestinal mucosa is suggested to support extrathymic T cell development, particularly for T cell receptor (TCR)-γδ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). TCR-γδ cell development requires interleukin (IL)-7; IL-7−/− or IL-7 receptor−/− mice lack TCR-γδ cells. Using the intestinal fatty acid binding protein (iFABP) promoter, we reinstated expression of IL-7 to mature enterocytes of IL-7−/− mice (iFABP-IL7). In iFABP-IL7 mice, TCR-γδ IELs were restored, as were cryptopatches and Peyer's patches. TCR-γδ cells remained absent from all other tissues. Likewise, T cell development in thymus and B cell maturation in the bone marrow and spleen retained the IL-7−/− phenotype. Thus, IL-7 expression by enterocytes was sufficient for extrathymic development of TCR-γδ cells in situ within the intestinal epithelium and was crucial for organization of mucosal lymphoid tissue.