bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal Expression of the C3a Receptor and Functional Responses of Primary Human Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Authors: Braun Michael C. , Reins Rose Y. , Li Tong-bin , Hollmann Travis J. , Dutta Ranjan , Rick Wetsel A. , Teng Ba-Bie , Ke Baozhen
Published: April 2014

Although complement activation and deposition have been associated with a variety of glomerulopathies, the pathogenic mechanisms by which complement directly mediates renal injury remain to be fully elucidated. Renal parenchymal tissues express a limited repertoire of receptors that directly bind activated complement proteins. We report the renal expression of the receptor for the C3 cleavage product C3a, a member of the anaphylatoxin family. C3aR is highly expressed in normal human and murine kidney, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Its distribution is limited to epithelial cells only, as glomerular endothelial and mesangial cells showed no evidence of C3aR expression. The C3aR is also expressed by primary renal proximal tubular epithelial cells in vitro as demonstrated by FACS, Western blot, and RT-PCR. In vitro C3aR is functional in terms of its capacity to bind 125I-labeled C3a and generate inositol triphosphate. Finally, using microarray analysis, four novel genes were identified and confirmed as transcriptionally regulated by C3aR activation in proximal tubular cells. These studies define a new pathway by which complement activation may directly modulate the renal response to immunologic injury.
IL-8 Is a Key Chemokine Regulating Neutrophil Recruitment in a New Mouse Model ofShigella-Induced Colitis
Authors: Singer Monique , Sansonetti Philippe J.
Published: April 2014

The lack of a mouse model of acute rectocolitis mimicking human bacillary dysentery in the presence of invasive Shigella is a major handicap to study the pathogenesis of the disease and to develop a Shigella vaccine. The inability of the mouse intestinal mucosa to elicit an inflammatory infiltrate composed primarily of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) may be due to a defect in epithelial invasion, in the sensing of invading bacteria, or in the effector mechanisms that recruit the PMN infiltrate. We demonstrate that the BALB/cJ mouse colonic epithelium not only can be invaded by Shigella, but also elicits an inflammatory infiltrate that, however, lacks PMN. This observation points to a major defect of mice in effector mechanisms, particularly the lack of expression of the CXC chemokine, IL-8. Indeed, this work demonstrates that the delivery of recombinant human IL-8, together with Shigella infection of the colonic epithelial surface, causes an acute colitis characterized by a strong PMN infiltrate that, by all criteria, including transcription profiles of key mediators of the innate/inflammatory response and histopathological lesions, mimics bacillary dysentery. This is a major step forward in the development of a murine model of bacillary dysentery.
Andrographolide Attenuates Inflammation by Inhibition of NF-κB Activation through Covalent Modification of Reduced Cysteine 62 of p50
Authors: Xia Yi-Feng , Ye Bu-Qing , Li Yi-Dan , Wang Jian-Guo , He Xiang-Jiu , Lin Xianfeng , Yao Xinsheng , Ma Dawei , Slungaard Arne , Hebbel Robert P. , Key Nigel S. , Geng Jian-Guo
Published: April 2014

NF-κB is a central transcriptional factor and a pleiotropic regulator of many genes involved in immunological responses. During the screening of a plant extract library of traditional Chinese herbal medicines, we found that NF-κB activity was potently inhibited by andrographolide (Andro), an abundant component of the plant Andrographis that has been commonly used as a folk remedy for alleviation of inflammatory disorders in Asia for millennia. Mechanistically, it formed a covalent adduct with reduced cysteine (62) of p50, thus blocking the binding of NF-κB oligonucleotide to nuclear proteins. Andro suppressed the activation of NF-κB in stimulated endothelial cells, which reduced the expression of cell adhesion molecule E-selectin and prevented E-selectin-mediated leukocyte adhesion under flow. It also abrogated the cytokine- and endotoxin-induced peritoneal deposition of neutrophils, attenuated septic shock, and prevented allergic lung inflammation in vivo. Notably, it had no suppressive effect on IκBα degradation, p50 and p65 nuclear translocation, or cell growth rates. Our results thus reveal a unique pharmacological mechanism of Andro’s protective anti-inflammatory actions.
CD137-Deficient Mice Have Reduced NK/NKT Cell Numbers and Function, Are Resistant to Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Shock Syndromes, and Have Lower IL-4 Responses
Authors: Vinay Dass S. , Choi Beom K. , Bae Jun S. , Kim Won Y. , Gebhardt Bryan M. , Kwon Byoung S.
Published: April 2014

CD137, a member of the TNF superfamily, is involved in T cell and NK cell activation and cytokine production. To establish its in vivo role in systems dependent on NK and NKT cells, we studied the response of CD137−/− mice to LPS-induced shock, tumor killing, and their IL-4-controlled Th2 responses. In both high and low dose shock models, all the CD137-deficient mice, but none of the wild-type BALB/c mice, survived. After injection of LPS/2-amino-2-deoxy-d-galactose (D-gal), CD137−/− mice had reduced serum cytokine levels and substantially impaired liver IFN-γ and TNF-α mRNA levels. Phenotypic analysis of mononuclear cells revealed fewer NK and NKT cells in the CD137−/− mice. The knockout mice did not generate a rapid IL-4 response after systemic T cell activation, or effective Ag-specific Th2 responses. In addition, both in vitro and in vivo NK-specific cytolytic activities were reduced. These findings suggest that CD137-directed NK/NKT cells play an important role in the inflammatory response leading to the production of proinflammatory cytokines, LPS-induced septic shock, and tumor killing, as well as IL-4-dependent Th2 responses.
Accelerated Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Injury in Autoimmunity-Prone Mice
Authors: Fleming Sherry D. , Monestier Marc , Tsokos George C.
Published: April 2014

Natural Abs have been implicated in initiating mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced tissue injury. Autoantibodies have affinity and self-Ag recognition patterns similar to natural Abs. We considered that autoimmunity-prone mice that express high titers of autoantibodies should have enhanced I/R-induced injury. Five-month-old B6.MRL/lpr mice displayed accelerated and enhanced intestinal I/R-induced damage compared with 2-mo-old B6.MRL/lpr and age-matched C57BL/6 mice. Similarly, older autoimmune mice had accelerated remote organ (lung) damage. Infusion of serum IgG derived from 5-mo-old but not 2-mo-old B6.MRL/lpr into I/R resistant Rag-1−/− mice rendered them susceptible to local and remote organ injury. Injection of monoclonal IgG anti-DNA and anti-histone Abs into Rag-1−/− mice effectively reconstituted tissue injury. These data show that like natural Abs, autoantibodies, such as anti-dsDNA and anti-histone Abs, can instigate I/R injury and suggest that they are involved in the development of tissue damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Complement Mediates the Binding of HIV to Erythrocytes
Authors: Horakova Eliska , Gasser Olivier , Sadallah Salima , Inal Jameel M. , Bourgeois Guillaume , Ziekau Ingrid , Klimkait Thomas , Schifferli Jürg A.
Published: April 2014

A fraction of HIV is associated with erythrocytes even when the virus becomes undetectable in plasma under antiretroviral therapy. The aim of the present work was to further characterize this association in vitro. We developed an in vitro model to study the factors involved in the adherence of HIV-1 to erythrocytes. Radiolabeled HIV-1 (HIV) and preformed HIV-1/anti-HIV immune complexes (HIV-IC) were opsonized in various human sera, purified using sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation, and incubated with human erythrocytes. We observed that, when opsonized in normal human serum, not only HIV-IC, but also HIV, bound to erythrocytes, although the adherence of HIV was lower than that of HIV-IC. The adherence was abolished when the complement system was blocked, but was maintained in hypogammaglobulinemic sera. Complement-deficient sera indicated that both pathways of complement were important for optimal adherence. No adherence was seen in C1q-deficient serum, and the adherence of HIV was reduced when the alternative pathway was blocked using anti-factor D Abs. The adherence could be inhibited by an mAb against complement receptor 1. At supraphysiological concentrations, purified C1q mediated the binding of a small fraction of HIV and HIV-IC to erythrocytes. In conclusion, HIV-IC bound to erythrocytes as other types of IC do when exposed to complement. Of particular interest was that HIV alone bound also to erythrocytes in a complement/complement receptor 1-dependent manner. Thus, erythrocytes may not only deliver HIV-IC to organs susceptible to infection, but free HIV as well. This may play a crucial role in the progression of the primary infection.
Enhanced Tumor-Specific Long-Term Immunity of Hemaggluttinating Virus of Japan-Mediated Dendritic Cell-Tumor Fused Cell Vaccination by Coadministration with CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides
Authors: Hiraoka Kazuya , Yamamoto Seiji , Otsuru Satoru , Nakai Seiji , Tamai Katsuto , Morishita Ryuichi , Ogihara Toshio , Kaneda Yasufumi
Published: April 2014

Immunization with dendritic cells (DCs) using various Ag-loading approaches has shown promising results in tumor-specific immunotherapy and immunoprevention. Fused cells (FCs) that are generated from DCs and tumor cells are one of effective cancer vaccines because both known and unknown tumor Ags are presented on the FCs and recognized by T cells. In this study, we attempted to augment antitumor immunity by the combination of DC-tumor FC vaccination with immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motif (CpG ODN). Murine DCs were fused with syngeneic tumor cells ex vivo using inactivated hemagglutinating virus of Japan (Sendai virus). Mice were intradermally (i.d.) immunized with FCs and/or CpG ODN. Coadministration of CpG ODN enhanced the phenotypical maturation of FCs and unfused DCs, and the production of Th1 cytokines, such as IFN-γ and IL-12, leading to the induction of tumor-specific CTLs without falling into T cell anergy. In addition, immunization with FCs + CpG ODN provided significant protection against lethal s.c. tumor challenge and spontaneous lung metastasis compared with that with either FCs or CpG ODN alone. Furthermore, among mice that rejected tumor challenge, the mice immunized with FCs + CpG ODN, but not the mice immunized with FCs or CpG ODN alone, completely rejected tumor rechallenge, indicating that CpG ODN provided long-term maintenance of tumor-specific immunity induced by FCs. Thus, the combination of DC-tumor FCs and CpG ODN is an effective and feasible cancer vaccine to prevent the generation and recurrence of cancers.
Intestinal Epithelial Antigen Induces Mucosal CD8 T Cell Tolerance, Activation, and Inflammatory Response
Authors: Liu Zhanju , Lefrançois Leo
Published: April 2014

Intestinal autoimmune diseases are thought to be associated with a breakdown in tolerance, leading to mucosal lymphocyte activation perhaps as a result of encounter with bacterium-derived Ag. To study mucosal CD8+ T cell activation, tolerance, and polarization of autoimmune reactivity to self-Ag, we developed a novel (Fabpl4× at −132-OVA) transgenic mouse model expressing a truncated form of OVA in intestinal epithelia of the terminal ileum and colon. We found that OVA-specific CD8+ T cells were partially tolerant to intestinal epithelium-derived OVA, because oral infection with Listeria monocytogenes-encoding OVA did not elicit an endogenous OVA-specific MHC class I tetramer+CD8+ T cell response and IFN-γ-, IL-4-, and IL-5-secreting T cells were decreased in the Peyer’s patches, mesenteric lymph nodes, and intestinal mucosa of transgenic mice. Adoptive transfer of OVA-specific CD8+ (OT-I) T cells resulted in their preferential expansion in the Peyer’s patches and mesenteric lymph nodes and subsequently in the epithelia and lamina propria but failed to cause mucosal inflammation. Thus, CFSE-labeled OT-I cells greatly proliferated in these tissues by 5 days posttransfer. Strikingly, OT-I cell-transferred Fabpl4× at −132-OVA transgenic mice underwent a transient weight loss and developed a CD8+ T cell-mediated acute enterocolitis 5 days after oral L. monocytogenes-encoding OVA infection. These findings indicate that intestinal epithelium-derived “self-Ag” gains access to the mucosal immune system, leading to Ag-specific T cell activation and clonal deletion. However, when Ag is presented in the context of bacterial infection, the associated inflammatory signals drive Ag-specific CD8+ T cells to mediate intestinal immunopathology.
Antisense Oligonucleotides Down-Regulating Costimulation Confer Diabetes-Preventive Properties to Nonobese Diabetic Mouse Dendritic Cells
Authors: Machen Jennifer , Harnaha Jo , Lakomy Robert , Styche Alexis , Trucco Massimo , Giannoukakis Nick
Published: April 2014

Phenotypically “immature” dendritic cells (DCs), defined by low cell surface CD40, CD80, and CD86 can elicit host immune suppression in allotransplantation and autoimmunity. Herein, we report the most direct means of achieving phenotypic immaturity in NOD bone marrow-derived DCs aiming at preventing diabetes in syngeneic recipients. CD40, CD80, and CD86 cell surface molecules were specifically down-regulated by treating NOD DCs ex vivo with a mixture of antisense oligonucleotides targeting the CD40, CD80, and CD86 primary transcripts. The incidence of diabetes was significantly delayed by a single injection of the engineered NOD DCs into syngeneic recipients. Insulitis was absent in diabetes-free recipients and their splenic T cells proliferated in response to alloantigen. Engineered DC promoted an increased prevalence of CD4+CD25+ T cells in NOD recipients at all ages examined and diabetes-free recipients exhibited significantly greater numbers of CD4+CD25+ T cells compared with untreated NOD mice. In NOD-scid recipients, antisense-treated NOD DC promoted an increased prevalence of these putative regulatory T cells. Collectively, these data demonstrate that direct interference of cell surface expression of the major costimulatory molecules at the transcriptional level confers diabetes protection by promoting, in part, the proliferation and/or survival of regulatory T cells. This approach is a useful tool by which DC-mediated activation of regulatory T cells can be studied as well as a potential therapeutic option for type 1 diabetes.
Bone Marrow Precursors of Nonobese Diabetic Mice Develop into Defective Macrophage-Like Dendritic Cells In Vitro
Authors: Nikolic Tatjana , Bunk Marjolijn , Drexhage Hemmo A. , Leenen Pieter J. M.
Published: April 2014

The NOD mouse spontaneously develops autoimmune diabetes. Dendritic cells (DC) play a crucial role in the autoimmune response. Previous studies have reported a defective DC generation in vitro from the NOD mouse bone marrow (BM), but a deviated development of myeloid precursors into non-DC in response to GM-CSF was not considered. In this study, we demonstrate several abnormalities during myeloid differentiation of NOD BM precursors using GM-CSF in vitro. 1) We found reduced proliferation and increased cell death in NOD cultures, which explain the previously reported low yield of DC progeny in NOD. Cell yield in NOR cultures was normal. 2) In a detailed analysis GM-CSF-stimulated cultures, we observed in both NOD and NOR mice an increased frequency of macrophages, identified as CD11c+/MHCII− cells with typical macrophage morphology, phenotype, and acid phosphatase activity. This points to a preferential maturation of BM precursors into macrophages in mice with the NOD background. 3) The few CD11c+/MHCIIhigh cells that we obtained from NOD and NOR cultures, which resembled prototypic mature DC, appeared to be defective in stimulating allogeneic T cells. These DC had also strong acid phosphatase activity and elevated expression of monocyte/macrophage markers. In conclusion, in this study we describe a deviated development of myeloid BM precursors of NOD and NOR mice into macrophages and macrophage-like DC in vitro. Potentially, these anomalies contribute to the dysfunctional regulation of tolerance in NOD mice yet are insufficient to induce autoimmune diabetes because they occurred partly in NOR mice.
Melanoma Differentiation-Associated Gene-7/IL-24 Gene Enhances NF-κB Activation and Suppresses Apoptosis Induced by TNF
Authors: Aggarwal Sita , Takada Yasunari , Mhashilkar Abner M. , Sieger Kerry , Chada Sunil , Aggarwal Bharat B.
Published: April 2014

Melanoma differentiation-associated gene-7 (mda-7), also referred to as IL-24, is a novel growth regulatory cytokine that has been shown to regulate the immune system by inducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF, IL-1, and IL-6. Whether the induction of these cytokines by MDA-7 is mediated through activation of NF-κB or whether it regulates cytokine signaling is not known. In the present report we investigated the effect of MDA-7 on NF-κB activation and on TNF-induced NF-κB activation and apoptosis in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Stable or transient transfection with mda-7 into 293 cells failed to activate NF-κB. However, TNF-induced NF-κB activation was significantly enhanced in mda-7-transfected cells, as indicated by DNA binding, p65 translocation, and NF-κB-dependent reporter gene expression. Mda-7 transfection also potentiated NF-κB reporter activation induced by TNF receptor-associated death domain and TNF receptor-associated factor-2. Cytoplasmic MDA-7 with deleted signal sequence was as effective as full-length MDA-7 in potentiating TNF-induced NF-κB reporter activity. Secretion of MDA-7 was not required for the potentiation of TNF-induced NF-κB activation. TNF-induced expression of the NF-κB-regulated gene products cyclin D1 and cyclooxygenase-2, were significantly up-regulated by stable expression of MDA-7. Furthermore, MDA-7 expression abolished TNF-induced apoptosis, and suppression of NF-κB by IκBα kinase inhibitors enhanced apoptosis. Overall, our results indicate that stable or transient MDA-7 expression alone does not substantially activate NF-κB, but potentiates TNF-induced NF-κB activation and NF-κB-regulated gene expression. Potentiation of NF-κB survival signaling by MDA-7 inhibits TNF-mediated apoptosis.
Direct Antigen Presentation by a Xenograft Induces Immunity Independently of Secondary Lymphoid Organs
Authors: Tesar Bethany M. , Chalasani Geetha , Smith-Diggs Lonnette , Baddoura Fady K. , Lakkis Fadi G. , Goldstein Daniel R.
Published: April 2014

The location of immune activation is controversial during acute allograft rejection and unknown in xenotransplantation. To determine where immune activation to a xenograft occurs, we examined whether splenectomized alymphoplastic mice that possess no secondary lymphoid organs can reject porcine skin xenografts. Our results show that these mice rejected their xenografts, in a T cell-dependent fashion, at the same tempo as wild-type recipients, demonstrating that xenograft rejection is not critically dependent on secondary lymphoid organs. Furthermore, we provide evidence that immune activation in the bone marrow did not take place during xenograft rejection. Importantly, immunity to xenoantigens was only induced after xenotransplantation and not by immunization with porcine spleen cells, as xenografted mutant mice developed an effector response, whereas mutant mice immunized by porcine spleen cells via i.p. injection failed to do so. Moreover, we provide evidence that antixenograft immunity occurred via direct and indirect Ag presentation, as recipient T cells could be stimulated by either donor spleen cells or recipient APCs. Thus, our data provide evidence that direct and indirect Ag presentation by a xenograft induces immunity in the absence of secondary lymphoid organs. These results have important implications for developing relevant xenotransplantation protocols.
bcl-xL Is Critical for Dendritic Cell Survival In Vivo
Authors: Hon Huiming , Rucker Edmund B. , Hennighausen Lothar , Jacob Joshy
Published: April 2014

Dendritic cells (DC) are important regulators of immune function, transporting Ags from the periphery to draining lymph nodes (dLN) where they prime Ag-specific T lymphocytes. The magnitude of the immune response generated depends upon the longevity of the Ag-bearing DC in lymphoid tissues. We hypothesized that the control of DC survival is regulated by the antiapoptotic factor bcl-xL. Gene gun immunization of dual-expression DNA vaccines into a bcl-xfl/fl mouse resulted in the delivery of Ag, as well as selective deletion of the bcl-x gene in directly transfected, skin-residing DC. bcl-x-deficient DC failed to mount effective immune responses, and this corresponded to their rapid disappearance from the dLN due to apoptosis. We confirmed these results using RNA interference to specifically silence the antiapoptotic bcl-xL isoform in targeted skin-residing DC of C57BL/6 mice. In addition, delivery of bcl-xL in trans complemented the bcl-x deficiency in DC of bcl-xfl/fl mice, resulting in the maintenance of normal levels of Ag-bearing DC in the dLN. Taken together, our work demonstrates that the bcl-xL isoform is critical for survival of skin-derived, Ag-bearing DC in vivo.
LFA-1 on CD4+ T Cells Is Required for Optimal Antigen-Dependent Activation In Vivo
Authors: Kandula Sravanthi , Abraham Clara
Published: April 2014

The leukocyte-specific integrin, LFA-1, plays a critical role in trafficking of T cells to both lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues. However, the role of LFA-1 in T cell activation in vivo has been less well understood. Although there have been reports describing LFA-1-deficient T cell response defects in vivo, due to impaired migration to lymphoid structures and to sites of effector function in the absence of LFA-1, it has been difficult to assess whether T cells also have a specific activation defect in vivo. We examined the role of LFA-1 in CD4+ T cell activation in vivo by using a system that allows for segregation of the migration and activation defects through the adoptive transfer of LFA-1-deficient (CD18−/−) CD4+ T cells from DO11.10 Ag-specific TCR transgenic mice into wild-type BALB/c mice. We find that in addition to its role in trafficking to peripheral lymph nodes, LFA-1 is required for optimal CD4+ T cell priming in vivo upon s.c. immunization. CD18−/− DO11.10 CD4+ T cells primed in the lymph nodes demonstrate defects in IL-2 and IFN-γ production. In addition, recipient mice adoptively transferred with CD18−/− DO11.10 CD4+ T cells demonstrate a defect in OVA-specific IgG2a production after s.c. immunization. The defect in priming of CD18−/− CD4+ T cells persists even in the presence of proliferating CD18+/− CD4+ T cells and in lymphoid structures to which there is no migration defect. Taken together, these results demonstrate that LFA-1 is required for optimal CD4+ T cell priming in vivo.
Activation of Acid Sphingomyelinase and Its Inhibition by the Nitric Oxide/Cyclic Guanosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Pathway: Key Events in Escherichia coli-Elicited Apoptosis of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Falcone Sestina , Perrotta Cristiana , De Palma Clara , Pisconti Addolorata , Sciorati Clara , Capobianco Annalisa , Rovere-Querini Patrizia , Manfredi Angelo A. , Clementi Emilio
Published: April 2014

Depletion of dendritic cells (DCs) via apoptosis contributes to sepsis-induced immune suppression. The mechanisms leading to DC apoptosis during sepsis are not known. In this study we report that immature DCs undergo apoptosis when treated with high numbers of Escherichia coli. This effect was mimicked by high concentrations of LPS. Apoptosis was accompanied by generation of ceramide through activation of acid sphingomyelinase (A-SMase), was prevented by inhibitors of this enzyme, and was restored by exogenous ceramide. Compared with immature DCs, mature DCs expressed significantly reduced levels of A-SMase, did not generate ceramide in response to E. coli or LPS, and were insensitive to E. coli- and LPS-triggered apoptosis. However, sensitivity to apoptosis was restored by addition of exogenous A-SMase or ceramide. Furthermore, inhibition of A-SMase activation and ceramide generation was found to be the mechanism through which the immune-modulating messenger NO protects immature DCs from the apoptogenic effects of E. coli and LPS. NO acted through formation of cGMP and stimulation of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase. The relevance of A-SMase and its inhibition by NO/cGMP were confirmed in a mouse model of LPS-induced sepsis. DC apoptosis was significantly higher in inducible NO synthase-deficient mice than in wild-type animals and was significantly reduced by treatment ex vivo with NO, cGMP, or the A-SMase inhibitor imipramine. Thus, A-SMase plays a central role in E. coli/LPS-induced DC apoptosis and its inhibition by NO, and it might be a target of new therapeutic approaches to sepsis.
Ikaros Null Mice Display Defects in T Cell Selection and CD4 versus CD8 Lineage Decisions
Authors: Urban Julie A. , Winandy Susan
Published: April 2014

Previous evidence suggested that the hemopoietic-specific nuclear factor Ikaros regulates TCR signaling thresholds in mature T cells. In this study, we test the hypothesis that Ikaros also sets TCR signaling thresholds to regulate selection events and CD4 vs CD8 lineage determination in developing thymocytes. Ikaros null mice were crossed to three lines of TCR-transgenic mice, and positive selection, negative selection, and CD4 vs CD8 lineage decisions were analyzed. Mice expressing a polyclonal repertoire or a MHC class II-restricted TCR transgene exhibited enhanced positive selection toward the CD4 lineage. Moreover, in the absence of Ikaros, CD4 development can occur with decreased thresholds of TCR signaling. In addition, CD4 single-positive thymocytes were detected in MHC class I-restricted TCR-transgenic Ikaros null mice. To assess the role of Ikaros in negative selection, we analyzed deletion of T cells induced by conventional Ag or by endogenous superantigen. Surprisingly, negative selection was impaired in Ikaros null thymocytes despite evidence of high levels of TCR signal and no intrinsic defect in apoptosis ex vivo. To our knowledge, these data identify Ikaros as the first nuclear factor that plays a critical role in regulating negative selection as well as CD4 vs CD8 lineage decisions during positive selection.
Aged Mice Develop Protective Antitumor Immune Responses with Appropriate Costimulation
Authors: Lustgarten Joseph , Dominguez Ana Lucia , Thoman Marilyn
Published: April 2014

There is a clear decrease in CD8+ T cell effector function with aging, a loss once thought to be intrinsic to the CD8+ T cells. Recent studies suggest, however, that this decline may be a consequence of altered stimulatory signals within the aged lymphoid microenvironment. In this study, we compared the immune responses of young and old mice against the BM-185 pre-B cell lymphoma expressing enhanced GFP (EGFP) as a surrogate tumor Ag. Young animals develop protective immune responses when immunized with BM-185-EGFP, but aged mice do not and ultimately succumb to the tumor. However, expression of CD80 (B7.1) on the BM-185-EGFP (BM-185-EGFP-CD80) results in rejection of the tumor by both young and old animals. Additionally, injection of BM-185-EGFP-CD80 cells in young mice promotes the development of long-lasting memory responses capable of rejecting BM-185 wild-type tumors. Aged animals similarly injected did not develop antitumor memory responses. Interestingly, old animals immunized with the BM-185-EGFP-CD80 cells plus injections of the agonist anti-OX40 mAb did develop long-lasting memory responses capable of rejecting the BM-185 wild-type tumors with the same vigor as the young animals. We show that old mice have the capacity to develop strong antitumor responses and protective memory responses as long as they are provided with efficient costimulation. These results have important implications for the development of vaccination strategies in the elderly, indicating that the aged T cell repertoire can be exploited for the induction of tumor immunity.
An IL-4Rα Allelic Variant, I50, Acts as a Gain-of-Function Variant Relative to V50 for Stat6, But Not Th2 Differentiation
Authors: Stephenson Linda , Johns Mary H. , Woodward Emily , Mora Ana L. , Boothby Mark
Published: April 2014

Signaling through the IL-4R α-chain (IL-4Rα) is crucial for the development of Th2 cells, central effectors in atopic disease. Alleles of the IL-4Rα have been identified that have been variably associated with increased incidence of allergic disease, but there is little direct evidence that any variant is sufficient to alter a target that determines allergic pathophysiology or susceptibility. Variants of IL-4Rα encoding isoleucine instead of valine at position 50 (I50 vs V50, respectively) can signal increased Stat6-dependent transcriptional activity, whether in an I50, Q551 or I50, R551 haplotype. Strikingly, signaling through these receptors did not increase the efficiency of Th2 development or the IL-4 mediated repression of Th1 development or a target gene, IL-18Rα. Further, IL-4-induced proliferation was similar for Th2 cells independent of the variant expressed. Together these findings indicate that IL-4Rα variants that exhibit gain-of-function with respect to Stat6 do not act directly through alterations in Th2/Th1 induction after Ag exposure. The data further suggest that for such variants, any mechanistic involvement is based on a role in cellular targets of Th2 cytokines.
A Profound Alteration of Blood TCRB Repertoire Allows Prediction of Cerebral Malaria
Authors: Collette Alexis , Bagot Sébastien , Ferrandiz Maria E. , Cazenave Pierre-André , Six Adrien , Pied Sylviane
Published: April 2014

Cerebral malaria (CM) is one of the severe complications of Plasmodium infection. In murine models of CM, Tαβ cells have been implicated in the neuropathogenesis. To obtain insights into the TCRB repertoire during CM, we used high throughput CDR3 spectratyping and set up new methods and software tools to analyze data. We compared PBL and spleen repertoires of mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA that developed CM (CM+) or not (CM−) to evidence modifications of the TCRB repertoire associated with neuropathology. Using distinct statistical multivariate methods, the PBL repertoires of CM+ mice were found to be specifically altered. This alteration is partly due to recurrently expanded T cell clones. Strikingly, alteration of the PBL repertoire can be used to distinguish between CM+ and CM−. This study provides the first ex vivo demonstration of modifications of Tαβ cell compartment during CM. Finally, our original approach for deciphering lymphocyte repertoires can be transposed to various pathological conditions.
Superoxide Production at Phagosomal Cup/Phagosome through βI Protein Kinase C during FcγR-Mediated Phagocytosis in Microglia
Authors: Ueyama Takehiko , Lennartz Michelle R. , Noda Yukiko , Kobayashi Toshihiro , Shirai Yasuhito , Rikitake Kyoko , Yamasaki Tomoko , Hayashi Shigeto , Sakai Norio , Seguchi Harumichi , Sawada Makoto , Sumimoto Hideki , Saito Naoaki
Published: April 2014

Protein kinase C (PKC) plays a prominent role in immune signaling. To elucidate the signal transduction in a respiratory burst and isoform-specific function of PKC during FcγR-mediated phagocytosis, we used live, digital fluorescence imaging of mouse microglial cells expressing GFP-tagged molecules. βI PKC, εPKC, and diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) β dynamically and transiently accumulated around IgG-opsonized beads (BIgG). Moreover, the accumulation of p47phox, an essential cytosolic component of NADPH oxidase and a substrate for βI PKC, at the phagosomal cup/phagosome was apparent during BIgG ingestion. Superoxide (O2−) production was profoundly inhibited by Gö6976, a cPKC inhibitor, and dramatically increased by the DGK inhibitor, R59949. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that BIgG induced O2− production at the phagosome but not at the intracellular granules. We conclude that activation/accumulation of βI PKC is involved in O2− production, and that O2− production is primarily initiated at the phagosomal cup/phagosome. This study also suggests that DGKβ plays a prominent role in regulation of O2− production during FcγR-mediated phagocytosis.
Activation of CD8 T Cells by Mycobacterial Vaccination Protects against Pulmonary Tuberculosis in the Absence of CD4 T Cells
Authors: Wang Jun , Santosuosso Michael , Ngai Patricia , Zganiacz Anna , Xing Zhou
Published: April 2014

We have investigated whether both primary CD8 T cell activation and CD8 T cell-mediated protection from Mycobacterium tuberculosis challenge could occur in mycobacterial-vaccinated CD4 T cell-deficient (CD4KO) mice. Different from wild-type C57BL/6 mice, s.c. vaccination with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in CD4KO mice failed to provide protection from secondary M. tuberculosis challenge at 3 wk postvaccination. However, similar to C57BL/6 mice, CD4KO mice were well protected from M. tuberculosis at weeks 6 and 12 postvaccination. This protection was mediated by CD8 T cells. The maintenance of protective effector/memory CD8 T cells in CD4KO mice did not require the continuous presence of live BCG vaccine. As in C57BL/6 mice, similar levels of primary activation of CD8 T cells in CD4KO mice occurred in the draining lymph nodes at 3 wk after BCG vaccination, but different from C57BL/6 mice, the distribution of these cells to the spleen and lungs of CD4KO mice was delayed, which coincided with delayed acquisition of protection in CD4KO mice. Our results suggest that both the primary and secondary activation of CD8 T cells is CD4 T cell independent and that the maintenance of these CD8 T cells is also independent of CD4 T cells and no longer requires the presence of live mycobacteria. However, the lack of CD4 T cells may result in delayed distribution of activated CD8 T cells from draining lymph nodes to distant organs and consequently a delayed acquisition of immune protection. Our findings hold implications in rational design of tuberculosis vaccination strategies for humans with impaired CD4 T cell function.
Novel and Promiscuous CTL Epitopes in Conserved Regions of Gag Targeted by Individuals with Early Subtype C HIV Type 1 Infection from Southern Africa
Authors: Masemola Agatha M. , Mashishi Tumelo N. , Khoury Greg , Bredell Helba , Paximadis Maria , Mathebula Tiyani , Barkhan Debra , Puren Adrian , Vardas Efthyia , Colvin Mark , Zijenah Lynn , Katzenstein David , Musonda Rosemary , Allen Susan , Kumwenda Newton , Taha Taha , Gray Glenda , McIntyre James , Karim Salim Abdool , Sheppard Haynes W. , Gray Clive M. ,   HIVNET 028 Study Team
Published: April 2014

Characterization of optimal CTL epitopes in Gag can provide crucial information for evaluation of candidate vaccines in populations at the epicenter of the HIV-1 epidemic. We screened 38 individuals with recent subtype C HIV-1 infection using overlapping consensus C Gag peptides and hypothesized that unique HLA-restricting alleles in the southern African population would determine novel epitope identity. Seventy-four percent of individuals recognized at least one Gag peptide pool. Ten epitopic regions were identified across p17, p24, and p2p7p1p6, and greater than two-thirds of targeted regions were directed at: TGTEELRSLYNTVATLY (p17, 35%); GPKEPFRDYVDRFFKTLRAEQATQDV (p24, 19%); and RGGKLDKWEKIRLRPGGKKHYMLKHL (p17, 15%). After alignment of these epitopic regions with consensus M and a consensus subtype C sequence from the cohort, it was evident that the regions targeted were highly conserved. Fine epitope mapping revealed that five of nine identified optimal Gag epitopes were novel: HLVWASREL, LVWASRELERF, LYNTVATLY, PFRDYVDRFF, and TLRAEQATQD, and were restricted by unique HLA-Cw*08, HLA-A*30/B*57, HLA-A*29/B*44, and HLA-Cw*03 alleles, respectively. Notably, three of the mapped epitopes were restricted by more than one HLA allele. Although these epitopes were novel and restricted by unique HLA, they overlapped or were embedded within previously described CTL epitopes from subtype B HIV-1 infection. These data emphasize the promiscuous nature of epitope binding and support our hypothesis that HLA diversity between populations can shape fine epitope identity, but may not represent a constraint for universal recognition of Gag in highly conserved domains.
Lipoproteins, Not Lipopolysaccharide, Are the Key Mediators of the Proinflammatory Response Elicited by Heat-Killed Brucella abortus
Authors: Giambartolomei Guillermo H. , Zwerdling Astrid , Cassataro Juliana , Bruno Laura , Fossati Carlos A. , Philipp Mario T.
Published: April 2014

Inflammation is a hallmark of brucellosis. Although Brucella abortus, one of the disease’s etiologic agents, possesses cytokine-stimulatory properties, the mechanism by which this bacterium triggers a proinflammatory response is not known. We examined the mechanism whereby heat-killed B. abortus (HKBA), as well as its LPS, induces production of inflammatory cytokines in monocytes/macrophages. Polymyxin B, a specific inhibitor of LPS activity, did not inhibit the production of TNF-α- and IL-6-induced HKBA in the human monocytic cell line THP-1. HKBA induced the production of these cytokines in peritoneal macrophages of both C3H/HeJ and C3H/HeN mice, whereas B. abortus LPS only stimulated cells from C3H/HeN mice. Anti-TLR2 Ab, but not anti-TLR4 Ab, blocked HKBA-mediated TNF-α and IL-6 production in THP-1 cells. Because bacterial lipoproteins, a TLR2 ligand, have potent inherent stimulatory properties, we investigated the capacity of two B. abortus lipoproteins, outer membrane protein 19 (Omp19) and Omp16, to elicit a proinflammatory response. Lipidated (L)-Omp16 and L-Omp19, but not their unlipidated forms, induced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12 in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. Preincubation of THP-1 cells with anti-TLR2 Ab blocked L-Omp19-mediated TNF-α and IL-6 production. Together, these results entail a mechanism whereby B. abortus can stimulate cells from the innate immune system and induce cytokine-mediated inflammation in brucellosis. We submit that LPS is not the cause of inflammation in brucellosis; rather, lipoproteins of this organism trigger the production of proinflammatory cytokines, and TLR2 is involved in this process.
Stimulus-Dependent Requirement for Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor in Inflammation
Authors: Cook Andrew D. , Braine Emma L. , Hamilton John A.
Published: April 2014

Data from several inflammation/autoimmunity models indicate that GM-CSF can be a key inflammatory mediator. Convenient models in readily accessible tissues are needed to enable the GM-CSF-dependent cellular responses to be elaborated. In this study, we show that, in contrast to the response to the commonly used i.p. irritant, thioglycolate medium, an Ag-specific methylated BSA-induced peritonitis in GM-CSF−/− mice was severely compromised. The reduced response in the latter peritonitis model was characterized by fewer neutrophils and macrophages, as well as by deficiencies in the properties of the remaining macrophages, namely size and granularity, phagocytosis, allogeneic T cell triggering, and proinflammatory cytokine production. B1 lymphocytes were more evident in the GM-CSF−/− Ag-specific exudates, indicating perhaps that GM-CSF can act on a common macrophage-B1 lymphocyte precursor in the inflamed peritoneum. We propose that these findings contribute to our understanding of how GM-CSF acts as a proinflammatory cytokine in many chronic inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. Of general significance, the findings also indicate that the nature of the stimulus is quite critical in determining whether a particular inflammatory mediator, such as GM-CSF, plays a role in an ensuing inflammatory reaction.
The Role of the Th2 CC Chemokine Ligand CCL17 in Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Belperio John A. , Dy Maria , Murray Lynne , Burdick Marie D. , Xue Ying Y. , Strieter Robert M. , Keane Michael P.
Published: April 2014

Increasing evidence suggests that the development of pulmonary fibrosis is a Th2-mediated process. We hypothesized that the CC chemokines that are associated with a Th2 profile (CCL17 and CCL22) have an important role in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. We measured CCL17 and CCL22 during the pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. We found that both CCL17 and CCL22 were significantly elevated through day 20 as compared with control mice. Peak expression of CCL22 preceded the peak levels of CCL17, as measured by real-time quantitative PCR. CCR4 is the receptor for CCL17 and CCL22 therefore, to further characterize the role of CCL17 and CCL22, we measured CCR4 mRNA in lung tissue of bleomycin-treated mice by real-time quantitative PCR. CCR4 was significantly elevated in bleomycin-treated mice as compared with control mice. Immunolocalization demonstrated that CCR4 was expressed predominantly on macrophages. Neutralization of CCL17, but not CCL22, led to a reduction in pulmonary fibrosis. Immunolocalization of bleomycin-treated lung tissue and human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis tissue specimens showed that epithelial cells expressed CCL17. These findings demonstrate a central role for Th2 chemokines and the macrophage in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and are further support for the role of a Th2 phenotype in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis.
Dual Mode of Action of a Human Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Monoclonal Antibody for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Bleeker Wim K. , Lammerts van Bueren Jeroen J. , van Ojik Heidi H. , Gerritsen Arnout F. , Pluyter Marielle , Houtkamp Mischa , Halk Ed , Goldstein Joel , Schuurman Janine , van Dijk Marc A. , van de Winkel Jan G. J. , Parren Paul W. H. I.
Published: April 2014

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) overexpression is common in a large number of solid tumors and represents a negative prognostic indicator. Overexpression of EGF-R is strongly tumor associated, and this tyrosine kinase type receptor is considered an attractive target for Ab therapy. In this study, we describe the evaluation of mAb 2F8, a high avidity human mAb (IgG1κ) directed against EGF-R, developed using human Ig transgenic mice. mAb 2F8 effectively blocked binding of EGF and TGF-α to the EGF-R. At saturating concentrations, 2F8 completely blocked EGF-R signaling and inhibited the in vitro proliferation of EGF-R-overexpressing A431 cells. At much lower concentrations, associated with low receptor occupancy, 2F8 induced efficient Ab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro. In vivo studies showed potent antitumor effects in models with A431 tumor xenografts in athymic mice. Ex vivo analysis of the EGF-R status in tumor xenografts in 2F8-treated mice revealed that there are two therapeutic mechanisms. First, blocking of EGF-R signaling, which is most effective at complete receptor saturation and therefore requires a relatively high Ab dose. Second, at very low 2F8 receptor occupancy, we observed potent antitumor effects in mice, which are likely based on the engagement of immune effector mechanisms, in particular ADCC. Taken together, our findings indicate that ADCC represents an important effector mechanism of this Ab, which is effective at relatively low dose.
Induction of Immunological Tolerance/Hyporesponsiveness in Baboons with a Nondepleting CD4 Antibody
Authors: Winsor-Hines Dawn , Merrill Christopher , O’Mahony Mark , Rao Patricia E. , Cobbold Stephen P. , Waldmann Herman , Ringler Douglas J. , Ponath Paul D.
Published: April 2014

Tolerance induction with anti-CD4 Abs is well established in rodent transplant and autoimmune disease models, but has yet to be demonstrated in non-human primates or in clinical studies. In retrospect, failure of anti-CD4 Abs to induce tolerance in primates may be technical, a consequence of insufficient dosing and Ab properties influencing immunogenicity and cell depletion. To circumvent these possible limitations, we constructed a novel anti-CD4 mAb, TRX1, humanized to reduce immunogenicity and Fc-modified to prevent cell depletion. Using equine immune globulin (equine Ig) as a model Ag, we examined the tolerance-inducing capacity of TRX1 in baboons. During the induction phase, TRX1 inhibited the humoral response to equine Ig in a dose-dependent manner, with complete suppression of response at the highest dose tested (40 mg/kg). Upon challenge, anti-equine Ig responses were generated in baboons treated with 1 and 10 mg/kg doses of TRX1 and in control animals. In higher dosing cohorts (20 and 40 mg/kg), however, the immune response to equine Ig was modulated in seven of nine animals, including complete unresponsiveness to Ag challenges in two animals. Five of nine were hyporesponsive to equine Ig, generating titers 50- to 250-fold lower than control groups. Repeated challenge resulted in titers falling to baseline or near baseline, with two of five hyporesponsive animals becoming unresponsive to Ag. All animals responded to neoantigen immunization, indicating that the modified response to equine Ig was Ag specific. These studies demonstrate that anti-CD4 Ab-mediated, Ag-specific tolerance can be achieved in baboons without long term immune suppression.
A Critical Role for FcγRIIB in the Induction of Rheumatoid Factors
Authors: Moll Thomas , Nitschke Lars , Carroll Michael , Ravetch Jeffrey V. , Izui Shozo
Published: April 2014

Rheumatoid factors (RF) are autoantibodies with specificity for the Fc portion of IgG, and IgG-containing immune complexes are likely to be the major source of RF autoantigens. Therefore, the activation of RF-producing B cells could be controlled specifically through recognition of IgG immune complexes by the low-affinity IgG FcR, FcγRIIB, a potent negative regulator of the BCR. To test this possibility, we determined the development of RF in C57BL/6 (B6) mice lacking FcγRIIB, in relation to the H2 haplotype, complement C3, and the Y-linked autoimmune acceleration (Yaa) mutation. FcγRIIB-null B6 mice displayed substantial anti-IgG2a RF activities in their sera, in addition to anti-DNA autoantibodies. Their RF and anti-DNA responses were linked to the H2b haplotype, but were suppressed almost completely by the H2d haplotype. Strikingly, the absence of C3 failed to modulate RF production, but strongly inhibited anti-DNA production. Furthermore, we observed that partial FcγRIIB deficiency (i.e., heterozygous level of FcγRIIB expression) was sufficient to induce the production of RF and anti-DNA autoantibodies in the presence of the Yaa mutation. In contrast to FcγRIIB, the deficiency in another BCR negative regulator, CD22, was unable to promote RF and anti-DNA autoimmune responses in B6 mice. Our results indicate that RF autoimmune responses are critically controlled by FcγRIIB, together with the H2b and Yaa gene, while C3 regulates positively and specifically anti-DNA, but not RF autoimmune responses.
Secreted Immunomodulatory Viral Proteins as Novel Biotherapeutics
Authors: Lucas Alexandra , McFadden Grant
Published: April 2014

Many viruses have learned to evade or subvert the host antiviral immune responses by encoding and expressing immunomodulatory proteins that protect the virus from attack by elements of the innate and acquired immune systems. Some of these viral anti-immune regulators are expressed as secreted proteins that engage specific host immune targets in the extracellular environment, where they exhibit potent anti-immune properties. We review here viral immunomodulatory proteins that have been tested as anti-inflammatory reagents in animal models of disease caused by excessive inflammation or hyperactivated immune pathways. The potential for such viral molecules for the development of novel drugs to treat immune-based or inflammatory disorders is discussed.