bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mature dendritic cells pulsed with freeze–thaw cell lysates define an effective in vitro vaccine designed to elicit EBV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte responses
Authors: Herr Wolfgang , Ranieri Elena , Olson Walter , Zarour Hassane , Gesualdo Loreto , Storkus Walter J.
Published: October 2019

Immunotherapy trials targeting the induction of tumor-reactive T-cell responses in cancer patients appear to hold significant promise. Because nonmutated lineage-specific antigens and mutated idiotypic antigens may be coexpressed by tumor cells, the use of autologous tumor material to promote the broadest range of antitumor T-cell specificities has significant clinical potential in cancer vaccination trials. As a model for vaccination in the cancer setting, we chose to analyze the promotion of T-cell responses against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed B-lymphoblastoid cell line (B-LCL)–derived antigens in vitro. A series of bulk antigenic formats (freeze–thaw lysate, trifluoroacetic acid lysate, extracted membranes, affinity-purified MHC class I– and class II–presented peptides, acid-eluted peptides) prepared from EBV B-LCLs were tested for their ability to stimulate EBV B-LCL–reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in vitro when pulsed onto autologous dendritic cells (DCs). DC presentation of freeze–thaw lysate material derived from (either autologous or allogeneic) EBV B-LCLs with an Mr of 10 kd or larger stimulated optimal anti-EBV B-LCL responsiveness from freshly isolated CD4+ and CD8+ peripheral blood T cells. These in vivo “memory” T-cell responses were observed only in EBV-seropositive donors. CD4+ T-cell responses to lysate-pulsed DCs were Th1 type (ie, strong interferon-γ and weak interleukin-5 responses). While CD8+ T-cell responses were also observed in interferon-γ Elispot assays and in cytotoxicity assays, these responses were of low frequency unless the DC stimulators were induced to “mature” after being fed with tumor lysates. Optimal-length, naturally processed, and MHC class I– or class II–presented tumor peptides were comparatively poorly immunogenic in this model system.
Differentiation of myeloid dendritic cells into CD8α-positive dendritic cells in vivo
Authors: Merad Miriam , Fong Lawrence , Bogenberger Jakob , Engleman Edgar G.
Published: October 2019

Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DC) represent a family of antigen-presenting cells (APC) with varying phenotypes. For example, in mice, CD8α+ and CD8α− DC are thought to represent cells of lymphoid and myeloid origin, respectively. Langerhans cells (LC) of the epidermis are typical myeloid DC; they do not express CD8α, but they do express high levels of myeloid antigens such as CD11b and FcγR. By contrast, thymic DC, which derive from a lymphoid-related progenitor, express CD8α but only low levels of myeloid antigens. CD8α+ DC are also found in the spleen and lymph nodes (LN), but the origin of these cells has not been determined. By activating and labeling CD8α− epidermal LC in vivo, it was found that these cells expressed CD8α on migration to the draining LN. Similarly, CD8α− LC generated in vitro from a CD8 wild-type mouse and injected into the skin of a CD8αKO mouse expressed CD8α when they reached the draining LN. The results also show that CD8α+ LC are potent APC. After migration from skin, they localized in the T-cell areas of LN, secreted high levels of interleukin-12, interferon-γ, and chemokine-attracting T cells, and they induced antigen-specific T-cell activation. These results demonstrate that myeloid DC in the periphery can express CD8α when they migrate to the draining LN. CD8α expression on these DC appears to reflect a state of activation, mobilization, or both, rather than lineage.
Effective targeting of tumor vasculature by the angiogenesis inhibitors vasostatin and interleukin-12
Authors: Yao Lei , Pike Sandra E. , Setsuda Joyce , Parekh Justin , Gupta Ghanshyam , Raffeld Mark , Jaffe Elaine S. , Tosato Giovanna
Published: October 2019

Solid tumors are dependent on preexisting vasculature and neovascularization for their growth. Successful cancer therapies targeting the tumor vasculature would be expected to block the existing tumor blood supply and to prevent tumor neovascularization. We tested the antitumor activity of experimental therapy with 2 distinct antiangiogenic drugs. Vasostatin inhibits endothelial cell growth and neovascularization, and interleukin-12 (IL-12) targets the tumor vasculature acting through interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and the downstream chemokines interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and monokine induced by IFN-γ. Individually, vasostatin and IL-12 produced distinct efficacy profiles in trials aimed at reducing tumor growth in athymic mice. In combination, these inhibitors halted the growth of human Burkitt lymphoma, colon carcinoma, and ovarian carcinoma. Thus, cancer therapy that combines distinct inhibitors of angiogenesis is a novel, effective strategy for the experimental treatment of cancer.
Bcr-Abl kinase down-regulates cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 in human and murine cell lines
Authors: Jonuleit Tarja , van der Kuip Heiko , Miething Cornelius , Michels Heike , Hallek Michael , Duyster Justus , Aulitzky Walter E.
Published: October 2019

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a malignant stem cell disease characterized by an expansion of myeloid progenitor cells expressing the constitutively activated Bcr-Abl kinase. This oncogenic event causes a deregulation of apoptosis and cell cycle progression. Although the molecular mechanisms protecting from apoptosis in CML cells are well characterized, the cell cycle regulatory event is poorly understood. An inhibitor of the cyclin-dependent kinases, p27, plays a central role in the regulation of growth factor dependent proliferation of hematopoietic cells. Therefore, we have analyzed the influence of Bcr-Abl in the regulation of p27 expression in various hematopoietic cell systems. An active Bcr-Abl kinase causes down-regulation of p27 expression in murine Ba/F3 cells and human M07 cells. Bcr-Abl blocks up-regulation of p27 after growth factor withdrawal and serum reduction. In addition, p27 induction by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is completely blocked in Bcr-Abl positive M07/p210 cells. This deregulation is directly mediated by the activity of the Bcr-Abl kinase. A Bcr-Abl kinase inhibitor completely abolishes p27 down-regulation by Bcr-Abl in both Ba/F3 cells transfected either with a constitutively active Bcr-Abl or with a temperature sensitive mutant. The down-regulation of p27 by Bcr-Abl depends on proteasomal degradation and can be blocked by lactacystin. Overexpression of wild-type p27 partially antagonizes Bcr-Abl–induced proliferation in Ba/F3 cells. We conclude that Bcr-Abl promotes cell cycle progression and activation of cyclin-dependent kinases by interfering with the regulation of the cell cycle inhibitory protein p27.
V(D)J recombinase-mediated transposition of the BCL2gene to the IGH locus in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Vaandrager Jan-Willem , Schuuring Ed , Philippo Katja , Kluin Philip M.
Published: October 2019

Using DNA fiber fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and 3-color interphase FISH, 2 cases of follicular lymphoma were identified in which the BCL2 gene was excised from 18q21 and inserted into the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) locus at 14q32. Both the insertion breakpoint at 14q32 and the deletion breakpoint at 18q21 were cloned using inverse polymerase chain reaction. Sequence analysis showed that the JH sequences were juxtaposed to the 5′-side of BCL2, and the DH sequences were juxtaposed to the 3′-side of BCL2. There were breakpoints at both the JH and DH recombination signal sequences, and N-nucleotides were present at all breakpoint junctions. At theBCL2 locus, the 3′-breakpoints in both cases were localized at exactly the same nucleotide position, 6.2 kilobase downstream of the major breakpoint region, directly adjacent to a complete cryptic recombination signal sequence (RSS) consisting of a heptamer, a nonamer, and a 23–base pair (bp) spacer. The BCL25′-breakpoints were approximately 600 bp upstream of the gene, within the CA repeats. Although less evident than for the BCL23′-breakpoints, cryptic RSSs were also identified at these breakpoints, with a 12-bp spacer. On the basis of structural characteristics of these rearrangements, a model is proposed in which the BCL2 gene is deleted from its locus by recombination activation gene-1/-2 (RAG-1/-2)–mediated excision. The gene is subsequently inserted into the recombiningIGH locus, a process involving the formation of hybrid joints between the IGH coding ends and theBCL2 signal ends.
Cell–cell contact between marrow stromal cells and myeloma cells via VCAM-1 and α4β1-integrin enhances production of osteoclast-stimulating activity
Authors: Michigami Toshimi , Shimizu Nobuaki , Williams Paul J. , Niewolna Maria , Dallas Sarah L. , Mundy Gregory R. , Yoneda Toshiyuki
Published: October 2019

Myeloma is a unique hematologic malignancy that exclusively homes in the bone marrow and induces massive osteoclastic bone destruction presumably by producing cytokines that promote the differentiation of the hematopoietic progenitors to osteoclasts (osteoclastogenesis). It is recognized that neighboring bone marrow stromal cells influence the expression of the malignant phenotype in myeloma cells. This study examined the role of the interactions between myeloma cells and neighboring stromal cells in the production of osteoclastogenic factors to elucidate the mechanism underlying extensive osteoclastic bone destruction. A murine myeloma cell line 5TGM1, which causes severe osteolysis, expresses α4β1-integrin and tightly adheres to the mouse marrow stromal cell line ST2, which expresses the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), a ligand for α4β1-integrin. Co-cultures of 5TGM1 with primary bone marrow cells generated tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Co-cultures of 5TGM1 with ST2 showed increased production of bone-resorbing activity and neutralizing antibodies against VCAM-1 or α4β1-integrin inhibited this. The 5TGM1 cells contacting recombinant VCAM-1 produced increased osteoclastogenic and bone-resorbing activity. The activity was not blocked by the neutralizing antibody to known osteoclastogenic cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor, or parathyroid hormone-related peptide. These data suggest that myeloma cells are responsible for producing osteoclastogenic activity and that establishment of direct contact with marrow stromal cells via α4β1-integrin/VCAM-1 increases the production of this activity by myeloma cells. They also suggest that the presence of stromal cells may provide a microenvironment that allows exclusive colonization of myeloma cells in the bone marrow.
High levels of human herpesvirus 8 viral load, human interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and C reactive protein correlate with exacerbation of multicentric Castleman disease in HIV-infected patients
Authors: Oksenhendler Eric , Carcelain Guislaine , Aoki Yoshiyasu , Boulanger Emmanuelle , Maillard Anne , Clauvel Jean-Pierre , Agbalika Félix
Published: October 2019

Multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) is a distinct type of lymphoproliferative disorder associated with inflammatory symptoms and interleukin-6 (IL-6) dysregulation. In the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, MCD is associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) infection. In a prospective study of 23 HIV-infected patients with MCD, clinical symptoms of MCD were present at 45 visits, whereas patients were in chemotherapy-induced clinical remission at 50 visits. Symptoms were associated with a high level of serum C reactive protein, high HHV8 viral load in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and high plasma human IL-6 and IL-10 levels. Strong correlations between plasma IL-6 and plasma IL-10 with the HHV8 viral load suggest that both cytokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of this virus-associated lymphoproliferative disorder.
Phosphatase inhibition promotes antiapoptotic but not proliferative signaling pathways in erythropoietin-dependent HCD57 cells
Authors: Lawson Amy E. , Bao Haifeng , Wickrema Amittha , Jacobs-Helber Sarah M. , Sawyer Stephen T.
Published: October 2019

Erythropoietin (EPO) allows erythroid precursors to proliferate while protecting them from apoptosis. Treatment of the EPO-dependent HCD57 murine cell line with 70 μmol/L orthovanadate, a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, resulted in both increased tyrosine protein phosphorylation and prevention of apoptosis in the absence of EPO without promoting proliferation. Orthovanadate also delayed apoptosis in primary human erythroid progenitors. Thus, we investigated what survival signals were activated by orthovanadate treatment. Expression of Bcl-XL and BAD phosphorylation are critical for the survival of erythroid cells, and orthovanadate in the absence of EPO both maintained expression levels of antiapoptotic Bcl-XLand induced BAD phosphorylation at serine 112. Orthovanadate activated JAK2, STAT1, STAT5, the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3 kinase) pathway, and other signals such as JNK and p38 without activating the EPO receptor, JAK1, Tyk2, Vav, STAT3, and SHC. Neither JNK nor p38 appeared to have a central role in either apoptosis or survival induced by orthovanadate. Treatment with cells with LY294002, an inhibitor of PI-3 kinase activity, triggered apoptosis in orthovanadate-treated cells, suggesting a critical role of PI-3 kinase in orthovanadate-stimulated survival. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was poorly activated by orthovanadate, and inhibition of MAPK with PD98059 blocked proliferation without inducing apoptosis. Thus, orthovanadate likely acts to greatly increase JAK/STAT and PI-3 kinase basal activity in untreated cells by blocking tyrosine protein phosphatase activity. Activated JAK2/STAT5 then likely acts upstream of Bcl-XL expression and PI-3 kinase likely promotes BAD phosphorylation to protect from apoptosis. In contrast, MAPK/ERK activity correlates with only EPO-dependent proliferation but is not required for survival of HCD57 cells.
Similar repopulating capacity of mitotically active and resting umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells in NOD/SCID mice
Authors: Wilpshaar Jannine , Falkenburg J. H. Frederik , Tong Xia , Noort Willy A. , Breese Robert , Heilman Doug , Kanhai Humphrey , Orschell-Traycoff Christie M. , Srour Edward F.
Published: October 2019

It was hypothesized that during mammalian development, the extensive need for hematopoietic cells requires equal contribution to blood cell production from both quiescent and cycling hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) while maintaining the stem cell pool. To investigate this hypothesis, the engraftment potential of umbilical cord blood (UCB) CD34+ cells residing in either G0(G0CD34+ cells) or G1(G1CD34+ cells) phases of the cell cycle was assessed in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immune-deficient (NOD/SCID) mice. Whereas the level of chimerism in mice transplanted with UCB G0CD34+ cells was 69.9% ± 24.0%, mice receiving equal numbers of G1CD34+ cells harbored 46.7% ± 21.3% human cells 8 weeks posttransplantation. Both groups of cells sustained multilineage differentiation and the production of CD34+cells in recipient animals. The relationship between the number of transplanted G0CD34+ or G1CD34+ cells and the level of chimerism was analyzed by a general linear models procedure. Although the initial level of chimerism following transplantation of G0CD34+ cells was higher than that sustained by G1CD34+ cells, the increment in the degree of chimerism obtained with each additional 103 cells of either phenotype was identical, suggesting that the reconstitution potential of these 2 types of cells was similar. Of interest is that human cells recovered from primary recipients of both G0CD34+ and G1CD34+cells engrafted in secondary NOD/SCID recipients, albeit at a substantially lower level, confirming the primitive nature of UCB CD34+ cells residing in G1.
Interleukin-9 enhances interleukin-5 receptor expression, differentiation, and survival of human eosinophils
Authors: Gounni Abdelilah Soussi , Gregory Bernard , Nutku Esra , Aris Fadi , Latifa Koussih , Minshall Eleanor , North Janet , Tavernier Jan , Levit Roy , Nicolaides Nick , Robinson Douglas , Hamid Qutayba
Published: October 2019

Interleukin-9 (IL-9) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders. To examine the interaction between IL-9 and eosinophils, we evaluated mature peripheral blood eosinophils for their expression of the specific α-subunit of the IL-9 receptor (IL-9R–α). The expression of IL-9R–α by human eosinophils was detected at the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), flow cytometry, and immunocytochemical analysis, respectively. Functional analyses demonstrated that recombinant human (rh)IL-9 inhibited in vitro peripheral blood human eosinophil apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. We then examined the role of IL-9 in eosinophil differentiation using the human cord blood CD34+cells and human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60). The addition of IL-9 to CD34+ cells cultured in IL-3 and IL-5 enhanced eosinophil development, and IL-9 alone induced the expression of IL-5R–α. IL-9 also up-regulated the IL-5R–α chain cell surface expression during terminal eosinophil differentiation of the HL-60 cell line. Our findings suggest that IL-9 may potentiate in vivo eosinophil function by increasing their survival and IL-5–mediated differentiation and maturation. Taken together, these results suggest a mechanism by which IL-9 potentiates airway and tissue eosinophilia.
Nonmalignant disease associated with human herpesvirus 8 reactivation in patients who have undergone autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Luppi Mario , Barozzi Patrizia , Schulz Thomas F. , Trovato Raffaella , Donelli Amedea , Narni Franco , Sheldon Julie , Marasca Roberto , Torelli Giuseppe
Published: October 2019

Fever, cutaneous rash, and hepatitis—for which an infectious cause was suspected—developed in an Italian patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with degenerate primers for the highly conserved DNA polymerase gene of herpesviruses detected herpesvirus sequences 100% identical to human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) in serial cell-free serum samples, collected immediately before or concomitant with the occurrence of clinical symptoms; no other common infections were documented. The presence of the HHV-8 genome (clade C) was confirmed by PCR with HHV-8–specific primers for orf 26 and orf-K1. HHV-8 viremia was undetectable either before transplantation or when the patient was clinically asymptomatic. Semiquantitative PCR analysis showed variations of the viral load correlating with the clinical status. Anti–HHV-8 antibodies were detected before and after transplantation by an immunofluorescence assay for lytic antigens. Active HHV-8 infection may be associated with nonmalignant illness after PBSC/bone marrow transplantation.
Financial analysis of chronic transfusion for stroke prevention in sickle cell disease
Authors: Wayne Alan S. , Schoenike Steve E. , Pegelow Charles H.
Published: October 2019

Chronic red blood cell transfusion can prevent many of the manifestations of sickle cell disease. The medical costs of chronic transfusion and management of associated side effects, especially iron overload, are considerable. This study was undertaken to evaluate the financial impact of chronic transfusion for stroke prevention in patients with sickle cell anemia. Outpatient charges pertaining to hospital-based Medicare uniform bill (UB-92) codes, professional fees, and iron chelation were evaluated. Data were collected on 21 patients for a total of 296 patient months (mean, 14; median, 14 months/patient). Charges ranged from $9828 to $50 852 per patient per year. UB-92, chelation, and physician-related charges accounted for 53%, 42%, and 5% of total charges, respectively. Of UB-92 charges, 58% were associated with laboratory fees and 16% were related to the processing and administration of blood. Charges for patients who required chelation therapy ranged from $31 143 to $50 852 per patient per year (mean, $39 779; median, $38 607). Deferoxamine accounted for 71% of chelation-related charges, which ranged from $12 719 to $24 845 per patient per year (mean, $20 514; median, $21 381). The financial impact of chronic transfusion therapy for sickle cell disease is substantial with charges approaching $400 000 per patient decade for patients who require deferoxamine chelation. These data should be considered in reference to cost and efficacy analyses of alternative therapies for sickle cell disease, such as allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
Cyclosporine, methotrexate, and methylprednisolone compared with cyclosporine and methotrexate for the prevention of graft-versus-host disease in bone marrow transplantation from HLA-identical sibling donor: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Ruutu Tapani , Volin Liisa , Parkkali Terttu , Juvonen Eeva , Elonen Erkki
Published: October 2019

The role of corticosteroids in the prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is not well established. We have conducted a prospective, randomized, open-label, single-center study about the effect of adding methylprednisolone (MP) to the widely used prophylactic regimen consisting of cyclosporine A and methotrexate. A total of 108 consecutive patients treated with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from an HLA-identical sibling donor for malignant blood disease were entered into the study; 53 patients were randomized to receive and 55 were randomized not to receive prophylactic MP. The dose of MP was 0.5 mg/kg on days 14 to 20, 1 mg/kg on days 21 to 34, 0.5 mg/kg on days 35 to 48, and thereafter the dose was slowly tapered and the administration discontinued on day 110. In the group given prophylactic MP, the incidence of acute GVHD was lower (19% vs 56%,P = .0001), there was a trend toward a lower incidence of chronic GVHD among low-risk patients (P = .06), and during the first 4 months the time spent at hospital was shorter and there were fewer infections. The total amount of MP given was similar in the study groups because of a higher incidence of acute GVHD and its treatment in the group of patients not given prophylactic MP. There were no significant differences between the study groups in relapse rate or survival. In conclusion, the addition of MP to the combination of cyclosporine and methotrexate markedly reduced the incidence of acute GVHD without causing untoward effects. The timing of corticosteroid administration is probably important for the efficacy.
Active GPIIb-IIIa conformations that link ligand interaction with cytoskeletal reorganization
Authors: Mondoro Traci Heath , White Melanie McCabe , Jennings Lisa K.
Published: October 2019

Glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa plays a critical role in platelet aggregation and platelet-mediated clot retraction. This study examined the intramolecular relationship between GPIIb-IIIa activation and fibrinogen binding, platelet aggregation, and platelet-mediated clot retraction. To distinguish between different high-affinity activation states of GPIIb-IIIa, the properties of an antibody (D3) specific for GPIIIa that induces GPIIb-IIIa binding to adhesive protein molecules and yet completely inhibits clot retraction were used. Clot retraction inhibition by D3 was not due to altered platelet-fibrin interaction; however, combination treatments of D3 and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) inhibited full-scale aggregation and decreased the amounts of GPIIb-IIIa and talin incorporated into the core cytoskeletons. Morphologic evaluation of the D3/ADP aggregates showed platelets that were activated but to a lesser extent when compared to ADP only. ADP addition to platelets caused an increase in the number of D3 binding sites indicating that ligand had bound to the GPIIb-IIIa receptor. These data suggest that high-affinity GPIIb-IIIa– mediated ligand binding can be separated mechanistically from GPIIb-IIIa–mediated clot retraction and that clot retraction requires additional signaling through GPIIb-IIIa after ligand binding. The conformation recognized by D3 represents the expression of a GPIIb-IIIa activation state that participates in full-scale platelet aggregation, cytoskeletal reorganization, and clot retraction.
Afibrinogenemia: first identification of a splicing mutation in the fibrinogen gamma chain gene leading to a major gamma chain truncation
Authors: Asselta Rosanna , Duga Stefano , Simonic Tatjana , Malcovati Massimo , Santagostino Elena , Giangrande Paul L. F. , Mannucci Pier Mannuccio , Tenchini Maria Luisa
Published: October 2019

Congenital afibrinogenemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the complete absence of plasma fibrinogen and by a bleeding tendency ranging from mild to moderately severe. Beside a deletion of the almost entire Aα-chain gene, only 2 missense mutations in the C-terminal domain of the Bβ-chain have been very recently described as being associated with afibrinogenemia. We studied a Pakistani patient with unmeasurable plasma levels of functional and immunoreactive fibrinogen. Sequencing of the fibrinogen genes revealed a homozygous G→A transition at position +5 of intron 1 of the γ-chain gene. The predicted mutant fibrinogen γ-chain would contain the signal peptide, followed by a short stretch of aberrant amino acids, preceding a premature stop codon. To demonstrate the causal role of the identified mutation, we prepared expression vectors containing a region of the fibrinogen γ-chain gene spanning from exon 1 to intron 4 and carrying either a G or an A at position +5 of intron 1. Transient transfection of the mutated plasmid in HeLa cells, followed by RNA extraction and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, allowed us to demonstrate the production of an erroneously spliced messenger RNA (mRNA), retaining intron 1, as shown by direct sequencing. A normal splicing occurred in HeLa cells transfected with the wild-type plasmid. This is the first report of a mutation in the fibrinogen γ-chain gene causing afibrinogenemia and indicates that, in addition to the Aα and Bβ-chain genes, the γ-chain gene must also be considered in mutation screening for afibrinogenemia.
Concept of lymphoid versus myeloid dendritic cell lineages revisited: both CD8α− and CD8α+dendritic cells are generated from CD4lowlymphoid-committed precursors
Authors: Martı́n Pilar , del Hoyo Gloria Martı́nez , Anjuère Fabienne , Ruiz Sara Ruiz , Arias Cristina Fernández , Marı́n Alvaro Rodrı́guez , Ardavı́n Carlos
Published: October 2019

Two dendritic cell (DC) subsets have been identified in the murine system on the basis of their differential CD8α expression. CD8α+ DCs and CD8α− DCs are considered as lymphoid- and myeloid-derived, respectively, because CD8α+ but not CD8α− splenic DCs were generated from lymphoid CD4low precursors, devoid of myeloid reconstitution potential. Although CD8α− DCs were first described as negative for CD4, our results demonstrate that approximately 70% of them are CD4+. Besides CD4− CD8α− and CD4+CD8α− DCs displayed a similar phenotype and T-cell stimulatory potential in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), although among CD8α− DCs, the CD4+ subset appears to have a higher endocytic capacity. Finally, experiments of DC reconstitution after irradiation in which, in contrast to previous studies, donor-type DCs were analyzed without depleting CD4+ cells, revealed that both CD8α+ DCs and CD8α− DCs were generated after transfer of CD4low precursors. These data suggest that both CD8α+ and CD8α− DCs derive from a common precursor and, hence, do not support the concept of the CD8α+ lymphoid-derived and CD8α−myeloid-derived DC lineages. However, because this hypothesis has to be confirmed at the clonal level, it remains possible that CD8α− DCs arise from a myeloid precursor within the CD4low precursor population or, alternatively, that both CD8α+ and CD8α− DCs derive from an independent nonlymphoid, nonmyeloid DC precursor. In conclusion, although we favor the hypothesis that both CD8α+ and CD8α− DCs derive from a lymphoid-committed precursor, a precise study of the differentiation process of CD8α+ and CD8α− DCs is required to define conclusively their origin.
Inhibition of NF-κB induces apoptosis of KSHV-infected primary effusion lymphoma cells
Authors: Keller Shannon A. , Schattner Elaine J. , Cesarman Ethel
Published: October 2019

Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV), or human herpervirus 8 (HHV-8), is a γ-herpesvirus that infects human lymphocytes and is associated with primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). Currently, the role of viral infection in the transformation of PEL cells is unknown. One possibility is that KSHV, like the lymphotropic viruses Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human T-cell leukemia virus I (HTLV-I), activates the transcription factor NF-κB to promote survival and proliferation of infected lymphocytes. To examine this possibility, we assessed NF-κB activity in KSHV-infected PEL cell lines and primary tumor specimens by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). We observed that NF-κB is constitutively activated in all KSHV-infected lymphomas, and consists of 2 predominant complexes, p65/p50 heterodimers and p50/p50 homodimers. Inhibition experiments demonstrated that Bay 11-7082, an irreversible inhibitor of IκBα phosphorylation, completely and specifically abrogated the NF-κB/DNA binding in PEL cells. PEL cells treated with Bay 11 demonstrated down-regulation of the NF-κB inducible cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6), and apoptosis. These results suggest that NF-κB activity is necessary for survival of KSHV-infected lymphoma cells, and that pharmacologic inhibition of NF-κB may be an effective treatment for PEL.
Isotype switch variants reveal clonally related subpopulations in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Ottensmeier Christian H. , Stevenson Freda K.
Published: October 2019

Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) are aggressive tumors accounting for approximately 40% of B-cell malignancies. The immunoglobulin (Ig) variable region genes have undergone rearrangement and are commonly somatically mutated. The majority show intraclonal variation which indicates that somatic mutation has continued after transformation. Typically, cells of DLBCLs express Ig of a single isotype, but there may be accompanying cells that express alternative isotypes. To probe the status of the isotype switch process in DLBCL, 4 cases of tumor-derived constant region transcripts of all isotypes were investigated. Following the identification of the VDJ sequences, the presence of the major isotype expected from immunohistochemical analysis was confirmed at the RNA level. Another 3-4 alternative isotypes were revealed in all cases, some of which could also be detected by immunohistochemistry. All cases were somatically mutated with an intraclonal variation. In 2 cases there were clearly distinct patterns of somatic mutation between isotypes, which was consistent with independent evolution of the tumor subpopulations. There was apparent clustering of mutational patterns into either an IgMD/IgG3/IgA set or an IgG1/IgA set, indicating that the switch to IgA can occur by different routes. Alternative isotype expression is evident in DLBCL at both the RNA and protein levels. The pattern of mutation indicates that switching is occurring in subpopulations of the tumor after malignant transformation. The findings support the concept that isotype switch events may be a feature of DLBCL.
A correlation of erythrokinetics, ineffective erythropoiesis, and erythroid precursor apoptosis in Thai patients with thalassemia
Authors: Pootrakul Pensri , Sirankapracha Pornpan , Hemsorach Surai , Moungsub Wanna , Kumbunlue Rawiprapa , Piangitjagum Anong , Wasi Prawase , Ma Lisa , Schrier Stanley L.
Published: October 2019

The variety of patients with thalassemia in Thailand offers an opportunity to fully characterize the kinetic causes of the anemia and to study apoptosis of marrow erythroid precursors as a possible factor contributing to its severity. Kinetic studies showed that in hemoglobin H (HbH) disease, the extent of hemolysis, as well as the minimally ineffective erythropoiesis, usually falls within the compensatory capacity of normal erythropoiesis; therefore, anemia in patients with HbH partly represents a failure to expand erythropoiesis adequately. Hemoglobin Constant Spring (HbCS), a common variant of α thalassemia in Bangkok, causes more severe hemolysis and a distinct increase in ineffective erythropoiesis. Ineffective erythropoiesis plays a much more prominent role in β thalassemia/hemoglobin E (β-thal/HbE) disease, in which the variability of the anemia is puzzling. We compared mild and severe cases and found that patients with severe disease had a maximal marrow erythropoietic response that failed to compensate for very short survival of red blood cells and a marked quantitative increase in ineffective erythropoiesis. Analysis of apoptosis of marrow erythroid precursors done both on shipped samples and in Bangkok showed a moderate increase in HbH disease, consistent with the small increase in ineffective erythropoiesis. In patients with homozygous HbCS, there was a further increase in apoptosis, consistent with the additional increase in ineffective erythropoiesis. Patients with β-thal/HbE disease had the most ineffective erythropoiesis and the most erythroid apoptosis. Thus, it appears that α-chain deposition in erythroid precursors, either αA or αcs, leads to accelerated apoptosis and ineffective erythropoiesis.
Up-regulation of HIV coreceptors CXCR4 and CCR5 on CD4+ T cells during human endotoxemia and after stimulation with (myco)bacterial antigens: the role of cytokines
Authors: Juffermans Nicole P. , Paxton William A. , Dekkers Pascale E. P. , Verbon Annelies , de Jonge Evert , Speelman Peter , van Deventer Sander J. H. , van der Poll Tom
Published: October 2019

Concurrent infections in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection stimulate HIV replication. Chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR5 can act as HIV coreceptors. The authors hypothesized that concurrent infection increases the HIV load through up-regulation of CXCR4 and CCR5. Using experimental endotoxemia as a model of infection, changes in HIV coreceptor expression were assessed in 8 subjects injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 4 ng/kg). The expression of CXCR4 and CCR5 on CD4+ T cells was increased 2- to 4-fold, 4 to 6 hours after LPS injection. In whole blood in vitro, LPS induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in the expression of CXCR4 and CCR5 on CD4+ T cells. Similar changes were observed after stimulation with cell wall components ofMycobacterium tuberculosis (lipoarabinnomannan) orStaphylococcus aureus (lipoteichoic acid), or with staphylococcal enterotoxin B. LPS increased viral infectivity of CD4-enriched peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with a T-tropic HIV strain. In contrast, M-tropic virus infectivity was reduced, possibly because of elevated levels of the CCR5 ligand cytokines RANTES and MIP-1β. LPS-stimulated up-regulation of CXCR4 and CCR5 in vitro was inhibited by anti-TNF and anti-IFNγ. Incubation with recombinant TNF or IFNγ mimicked the LPS effect. Anti–interleukin 10 (anti–IL-10) reduced CCR5 expression, without influencing CXCR4. In accordance, rIL-10 induced up-regulation of CCR5, but not of CXCR4. Intercurrent infections during HIV infection may up-regulate CXCR4 and CCR5 on CD4+ T cells, at least in part via the action of cytokines. Such infections may favor selectivity of HIV for CD4+ T cells expressing CXCR4.
Blood-derived nurse-like cells protect chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cells from spontaneous apoptosis through stromal cell–derived factor-1
Authors: Burger Jan A. , Tsukada Nobuhiro , Burger Meike , Zvaifler Nathan J. , Dell'Aquila Marie , Kipps Thomas J.
Published: October 2019

A subset of blood cells from patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) spontaneously differentiates in vitro into large, round, or fibroblast-like adherent cells that display stromal cell markers, namely vimentin and STRO-1. These cells also express stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1), a CXC chemokine that ordinarily is secreted by marrow stromal cells. Leukemia B cells attach to these blood-derived adherent cells, down-modulate their receptors for SDF-1 (CXCR4), and are protected from undergoing spontaneous apoptosis in vitro. Neutralizing antibodies to SDF-1 inhibit this effect. Moreover, the rapid deterioration in the survival of CLL B cells, when separated from such cells, is mitigated by exogenous SDF-1. This chemokine also results in the rapid down-modulation of CXCR4 and activation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein-kinase (ERK 1/2) by CLL B cells in vitro. It is concluded that the blood of patients with CLL contains cells that can differentiate into adherent nurse-like cells that protect leukemia cells from undergoing spontaneous apoptosis through an SDF-1–dependent mechanism. In addition to its recently recognized role in CLL B-cell migration, SDF-1–mediated CLL B-cell activation has to be considered a new mechanism involved in the microenvironmental regulation of CLL B-cell survival.
Analysis of engraftment, graft-versus-host disease, and immune recovery following unrelated donor cord blood transplantation
Authors: Thomson Blythe G. , Robertson Kent A. , Gowan Darla , Heilman Doug , Broxmeyer Hal E. , Emanuel David , Kotylo Patricia , Brahmi Zacharie , Smith Franklin O.
Published: October 2019

Unrelated cord blood (UCB) is being used as a source of alternative hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation with increasing frequency. From November 1994 to February 1999, 30 UCB transplant procedures were performed for both malignant and nonmalignant diseases in 27 children, aged 0.4 to 17.1 years. Patients received either HLA-matched (n = 3) or 1- or 2-antigen–mismatched (n = 27) UCB following 1 of 2 standardized preparative and graft-versus-host disease regimens (hyperfractionated total body irradiation, cyclophosphamide, and antithymocyte globulin [ATG] with cyclosporine A and methotrexate; or busulfan, melphalan, and ATG with cyclosporine A and prednisone). The median time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment was 27 days (12-60 days) and 75 days (33-158 days) posttransplantation, respectively. No correlation was noted between neutrophil and platelet engraftment and nucleated cells per kilogram, CD34+ cells per kilogram infused, or cytomegalovirus status of recipient. The cumulative probability of acute grade 2 or greater graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 37.2%, and of grade 3 or greater GVHD was 8.8%. No patients developed chronic GVHD. CD4, CD19, and natural killer cell recovery was achieved at a median of 12, 6, and 2 months, respectively. CD8 recovery was delayed at a median of 9 months. Normal mitogen response was achieved at 6 to 9 months. The probability of survival, disease-free survival, and event-free survival at 1 year was 52.3% (34.1%-70.5%), 54.7% (34.5%-74.9%) and 49.6% (29.9%-69.4%), respectively. This series of 30 UCB transplants suggests that although CD8 cell recovery is delayed, the pattern of immune reconstitution with UCB is similar to that reported for other stem cell sources.
A partial deficiency of interleukin-7Rα is sufficient to abrogate T-cell development and cause severe combined immunodeficiency
Authors: Roifman Chaim M. , Zhang Junyan , Chitayat David , Sharfe Nigel
Published: October 2019

Both in vitro and in vivo studies established that interleukin 7 (IL-7) is essential for differentiation of immature T cells and B cells but not natural killer (NK) cells in the mouse. In humans, although both T-cell and B-cell progenitors express the functional IL-7 receptor that consists of IL-7Rα and the γcommon (γc) chain, this lymphocyte receptor system is critical for T lineage but not for B lineage development. Indeed, complete γc deficiency like IL-7Rα deficiency results in the arrest of T-cell but not B-cell development (T−B+ SCID). However, partial deficiency of γc caused by missense mutations results in a T+B+ phenotype and a delay of clinical presentation. It was therefore plausible to assume that partial deficiency of IL-7Rα, like partial γc deficiency may lead to a milder clinical and immunologic phenotype. A P132S mutation in the IL-7Rα was identified in 3 patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) within an extensively consanguineous family. Substitution of proline with serine in the extracellular portion of IL-7Rα did not affect IL-7Rα messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression, but severely compromised affinity to IL-7, resulting in defective signal transduction. In response to IL-7 stimulation, Jak-3 phosphorylation was markedly reduced in both patient cells as well as in COS cells reconstituted with mutant IL-7Rα. Surprisingly, this partial deficiency of IL-7Rα resulted in a severe phenotype, including markedly reduced circulating T cells while sparing B-cell numbers similar to γc chain deficiency. However, unlike the previously reported cases, serum immunoglobulins were virtually absent. Further, unlike γc deficiency, NK cell numbers and function was preserved. Despite the partial deficiency, clinical presentation was indistinguishable from a complete γc deficiency, including severe and persistent viral and protozoal infections and failure to thrive. Unlike partial γc deficiency, a partial deficiency of IL-7Rα results in an arrest of T-cell development, leading to typical severe combined immunodeficiency. This underscores the critical role of IL-7Rα chain in the differentiation of T cells.
Induction of neutrophil responsiveness to myeloperoxidase antibodies by their exposure to supernatant of degranulated autologous neutrophils
Authors: Hess Christoph , Sadallah Salima , Schifferli Jürg-Alfred
Published: October 2019

Antibodies against myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PR3) are the predominant autoantibodies present in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. Their binding to the corresponding antigen on the surface of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) is believed to trigger the disease process. Cytokines released during an inflammatory reaction are thought to prime resting PMNs, making them responsive to autoantibodies. In the present study we found that MPO but not PR3 could be detected on the cell surface of unstimulated PMNs after incubation with the supernatants of activated autologous PMNs. MPO was shown to be acquired from these supernatants, because PMNs did not express MPO when the supernatants were specifically MPO-depleted. In addition, purified soluble MPO bound to unstimulated PMNs. Unstimulated PMNs that had passively acquired MPO released oxygen radicals when incubated with monoclonal antibody anti-MPO or the immunoglobulin G fraction of a patient with MPO-ANCA. The data presented here suggest that, in ANCA-associated vasculitis, soluble MPO released by activated PMNs may bind to unstimulated PMNs, thereby making them reactive to anti-MPO antibodies. This mechanism of dispersing PMN activation would be specific for MPO-ANCA and may explain differences in the pathologic and clinical expression of MPO-ANCA versus PR3-ANCA vasculitis.
High incidence of biallelic point mutations in the Runt domain of the AML1/PEBP2αB gene in Mo acute myeloid leukemia and in myeloid malignancies with acquired trisomy 21
Authors: Preudhomme Claude , Warot-Loze Delphine , Roumier Christophe , Grardel-Duflos Nalthalie , Garand Richard , Lai Jean Luc , Dastugue Nicole , Macintyre Elizabeth , Denis Claude , Bauters Francis , Kerckaert Jean Pierre , Cosson Alain , Fenaux Pierre
Published: October 2019

The AML1 gene, situated in 21q22, is often rearranged in acute leukemias through t(8;21) translocation, t(12;21) translocation, or less often t(3;21) translocation. Recently, point mutations in the Runt domain of the AML1 gene have also been reported in leukemia patients. Observations for mutations of the Runt domain of the AML1 gene in bone marrow cells were made in 300 patients, including 131 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 94 with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), 28 with blast crisis chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), 3 with atypical CML, 41 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and 3 with essential thrombocythemia (ET). Forty-one of the patients had chromosome 21 abnormalities, including t(8;21) in 6 of the patients with AML, t(12;21) in 8 patients with ALL, acquired trisomy 21 in 17 patients, tetrasomy 21 in 7 patients, and constitutional trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) in 3 patients. A point mutation was found in 14 cases (4.7%), including 9 (22%) of the 41 patients with AML of the Mo type (MoAML) (none of them had detectable chromosome 21 rearrangement) and 5 (38%) of the 13 myeloid malignancies with acquired trisomy 21 (1 M1AML, 2 M2AML, 1 ET, and 1 atypical CML). In at least 8 of 9 mutated cases of MoAML, both AML alleles were mutated: 3 patients had different stop codon mutations of the 2 AML1 alleles, and 5 patients had the same missense or stop codon mutation in both AML1 alleles, which resulted in at least 3 of the patients having duplication of the mutated allele and deletion of the normal residual allele, as shown by FISH analysis and by comparing microsatellite analyses of several chromosome 21 markers on diagnosis and remission samples. In the remaining mutated cases, with acquired trisomy 21, a missense mutation of AML1, which involved 2 of the 3 copies of the AML1 gene, was found. Four of the 7 mutated cases could be reanalyzed in complete remission, and no AML1 mutation was found, showing that mutations were acquired in the leukemic clone. In conclusion, these findings confirm the possibility of mutations of the Runt domain of the AML1 gene in leukemias, mainly in MoAML and in myeloid malignancies with acquired trisomy 21. AML1 mutations, in MoAML, involved both alleles and probably lead to nonfunctional AML1 protein. As AML1 protein regulates the expression of the myeloperoxidase gene, the relationship between AML1 mutations and Mo phenotype in AML will have to be further explored.
Thalidomide and its analogs overcome drug resistance of human multiple myeloma cells to conventional therapy
Authors: Hideshima Teru , Chauhan Dharminder , Shima Yoshihito , Raje Noopur , Davies Faith E. , Tai Yu-Tzu , Treon Steven P. , Lin Boris , Schlossman Robert L. , Richardson Paul , Muller George , Stirling David I. , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: October 2019

Although thalidomide (Thal) was initially used to treat multiple myeloma (MM) because of its known antiangiogenic effects, the mechanism of its anti-MM activity is unclear. These studies demonstrate clinical activity of Thal against MM that is refractory to conventional therapy and delineate mechanisms of anti-tumor activity of Thal and its potent analogs (immunomodulatory drugs [IMiDs]). Importantly, these agents act directly, by inducing apoptosis or G1 growth arrest, in MM cell lines and in patient MM cells that are resistant to melphalan, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (Dex). Moreover, Thal and the IMiDs enhance the anti-MM activity of Dex and, conversely, are inhibited by interleukin 6. As for Dex, apoptotic signaling triggered by Thal and the IMiDs is associated with activation of related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase. These studies establish the framework for the development and testing of Thal and the IMiDs in a new treatment paradigm to target both the tumor cell and the microenvironment, overcome classical drug resistance, and achieve improved outcome in this presently incurable disease.