bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maintenance of Large Numbers of Virus-Specific CD8+ T Cells in HIV-Infected Progressors and Long-Term Nonprogressors
Authors: Gea-Banacloche Juan C. , Migueles Stephen A. , Martino Lisa , Shupert W. Lesley , McNeil Andrew C. , Sabbaghian M. Shirin , Ehler Linda , Prussin Calman , Stevens Randy , Lambert Laurie , Altman John , Hallahan Claire W. , de Quiros Juan Carlos Lopez Bernaldo , Connors Mark
Published: April 2014

The virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses of 21 HIV-infected patients were studied including a unique cohort of long-term nonprogressors with low levels of plasma viral RNA and strong proliferative responses to HIV Ags. HIV-specific CD8+ T cell responses were studied by a combination of standard cytotoxic T cell (CTL) assays, MHC tetramers, and TCR repertoire analysis. The frequencies of CD8+ T cells specific to the majority of HIV gene products were measured by flow cytometric detection of intracellular IFN-γ in response to HIV-vaccinia recombinant-infected autologous B cells. Very high frequencies (0.8–18.0%) of circulating CD8+ T cells were found to be HIV specific. High frequencies of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells were not limited to long-tern nonprogressors with restriction of plasma virus. No correlation was found between the frequency of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells and levels of plasma viremia. In each case, the vast majority of cells (up to 17.2%) responded to gag-pol. Repertoire analysis showed these large numbers of Ag-specific cells were scattered throughout the repertoire and in the majority of cases not contained within large monoclonal expansions. These data demonstrate that high numbers of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells exist even in patients with high-level viremia and progressive disease. Further, they suggest that other qualitative parameters of the CD8+ T cell response may differentiate some patients with very low levels of plasma virus and nonprogressive disease.
Myelin/Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein-Induced Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Common Marmosets: The Encephalitogenic T Cell Epitope pMOG24–36 Is Presented by a Monomorphic MHC Class II Molecule
Authors: Brok Herbert P.M. , Uccelli Antonio , Kerlero de Rosbo Nicole , Bontrop Ronald E. , Roccatagliata Luca , de Groot Natasja G. , Capello Elisabetta , Laman Jon D. , Nicolay Klaas , Mancardi Gian-Luigi , Ben-Nun Avraham , ‘t Hart Bert A.
Published: April 2014

Immunization of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) with a single dose of human myelin in CFA, without administration of Bordetella pertussis, induces a form of autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) resembling in its clinical and pathological expression multiple sclerosis in humans. The EAE incidence in our outbred marmoset colony is 100%. This study was undertaken to assess the genetic and immunological basis of the high EAE susceptibility. To this end, we determined the separate contributions of immune reactions to myelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and myelin basic protein to the EAE induction. Essentially all pathological features of myelin-induced EAE were also found in animals immunized with MOG in CFA, whereas in animals immunized with myelin basic protein in CFA clinical and pathological signs of EAE were lacking. The epitope recognition by anti-MOG Abs and T cells were assessed. Evidence is provided that the initiation of EAE is based on T and B cell activation by the encephalitogenic phMOG14–36 peptide in the context of monomorphic Caja-DRB*W1201 molecules.
Differential Expression of CC Chemokines and the CCR5 Receptor in the Pancreas Is Associated with Progression to Type I Diabetes
Authors: Cameron Mark J. , Arreaza Guillermo A. , Grattan Marsha , Meagher Craig , Sharif Shayan , Burdick Marie D. , Strieter Robert M. , Cook Donald N. , Delovitch Terry L.
Published: April 2014

We investigated the biological role of CC chemokines in the Th1-mediated pathogenesis of spontaneous type I diabetes in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. Whereas an elevated ratio of macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α):MIP-1β in the pancreas correlated with destructive insulitis and progression to diabetes in NOD mice, a decreased intrapancreatic MIP-1α:MIP-1β ratio was observed in nonobese diabetes-resistant (NOR) mice. IL-4 treatment, which prevents diabetes in NOD mice by polarizing intraislet Th2 responses, decreased CCR5 expression in islets and potentiated a high ratio of MIP-1β and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1): MIP-1α in the pancreas. Furthermore, NOD.MIP-1α−/− mice exhibited reduced destructive insulitis and were protected from diabetes. Neutralization of MIP-1α with specific Abs following transfer of diabetogenic T cells delayed the onset of diabetes in NOD.Scid recipients. These studies illustrate that the temporal expression of certain CC chemokines, particularly MIP-1α, and the CCR5 chemokine receptor in the pancreas is associated with the development of insulitis and spontaneous type I diabetes.
Determination of Carrier Status for the Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome by Flow Cytometric Analysis of Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Yamada Masafumi , Ariga Tadashi , Kawamura Nobuaki , Yamaguchi Koji , Ohtsu Makoto , Nelson David L. , Kondoh Tatsuro , Kobayashi Ichiro , Okano Motohiko , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Sakiyama Yukio
Published: April 2014

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is caused by defects in the WAS protein (WASP) gene on the X chromosome. Previous study disclosed that flow cytometric analysis of intracellular WASP expression (FCM-WASP analysis) in lymphocytes was useful for the diagnosis of WAS patients. Lymphocytes from all WAS patients showed WASPdim instead of WASPbright. Here we report that FCM-WASP analysis in monocytes could be a useful tool for the WAS carrier diagnosis. Monocytes from all nine WAS carriers showed varied population of WASPdim together with WASPbright. None of control individuals possessed the WASPdim population. In contrast, lymphocytes from all the carriers except two lacked the WASPdim population. The difference of the WASPdim population in monocytes and lymphocytes observed in WAS carriers suggests that WASP plays a more critical role in the development of lymphocytes than in that of monocytes. The present studies suggest that a skewed X-chromosomal inactivation pattern observed in WAS carrier peripheral blood cells is not fixed at the hemopoietic stem cell level but progresses after the lineage commitment.
Long Term Persistence of Herpes Simplex Virus-Specific CD8+ CTL in Persons with Frequently Recurring Genital Herpes
Authors: Posavad Christine M. , Huang Meei Li , Barcy Serge , Koelle David M. , Corey Lawrence
Published: April 2014

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) establishes a lifelong infection in humans. Reactivation of latent virus occurs intermittently so that the immune system is frequently exposed to viral Ag, providing an opportunity to evaluate memory T cells to a persistent human pathogen. We studied the persistence of genital herpes lesion-derived HSV-specific CD8+ CTL from three immunocompetent individuals with frequently recurring genital HSV-2 infection. All CTL clones were HSV-2 type specific and only one to three unique clonotypes were identified from any single biopsy specimen. The TCRBV genes utilized by these clonotypes were sequenced, and clonotype-specific probes were used to longitudinally track these clonotypes in PBMC and genital lesions. CTL clonotypes were consistently detected in PBMC and lesions for at least 2 and up to 7 years, and identical clonotypes infiltrated herpes lesions spaced as long as 7.5 years apart. Moreover, these clones were functionally lytic in vivo over these time periods. Additionally, CTL clones killed target cells infected with autologous viral isolates obtained 6.5 years after CTL clones were established, suggesting that selective pressure by these CTL did not result in the mutation of CTL epitopes. Thus, HSV recurs in the face of persistent CD8+ CTL with no evidence of clonal exhaustion or mutation of CTL epitopes as mechanisms of viral persistence.
Cutting Edge: Repurification of Lipopolysaccharide Eliminates Signaling Through Both Human and Murine Toll-Like Receptor 2
Authors: Hirschfeld Matthew , Ma Ying , Weis John H. , Vogel Stefanie N. , Weis Janis J.
Published: April 2014

Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 has recently been associated with cellular responses to numerous microbial products, including LPS and bacterial lipoproteins. However, many preparations of LPS contain low concentrations of highly bioactive contaminants described previously as “endotoxin protein,” suggesting that these contaminants could be responsible for the TLR2-mediated signaling observed upon LPS stimulation. To test this hypothesis, commercial preparations of LPS were subjected to a modified phenol re-extraction protocol to eliminate endotoxin protein. While it did not influence the ability to stimulate cells from wild-type mice, repurification eliminated the ability of LPS to activate cells from C3H/HeJ (Lpsd) mice. Additionally, only cell lines transfected with human TLR4, but not human or murine TLR2, acquired responsiveness to both re-extracted LPS and to a protein-free, synthetic preparation of lipid A. These results suggest that neither human nor murine TLR2 plays a role in LPS signaling in the absence of contaminating endotoxin protein.
Identification of a Minimal T Cell Epitope Recognized by Antinucleosome Th Cells in the C-Terminal Region of Histone H4
Authors: Decker Patrice , Le Moal Anne , Briand Jean-Paul , Muller Sylviane
Published: April 2014

Autoreactive T cells responding to systemic autoantigens have been characterized in patients and mice with autoimmune diseases and in healthy individuals. Using peptides covering the whole sequence of histone H4, we characterized several epitopes recognized by lymph node Th cells from nonsystemic lupus erythematosus-prone mice immunized with the same peptides, the H4 protein, or nucleosomes. Multiple T epitopes were identified after immunizing H-2d BALB/c mice with H4 peptides. They spanned residues 28–42, 30–47, 66–83, 72–89, and 85–102. Within the region 85–102, a minimal CD4+ T epitope containing residues 88–99 was characterized. Although Abs to peptide 88–99 recognized H4, this peptide does not contain a dominant B cell epitope recognized by anti-H4 Abs raised in BALB/c mice or Abs from NZB/NZW H-2d/z lupus mice. Th cells primed in vivo with H4 responded to H4, but not to peptide 88–99. However, this peptide was able to stimulate the proliferation and IL-2 secretion of Th cells generated after immunization with nucleosomes. H488–99 thus represents a cryptic epitope with regard to H4 and a supradominant epitope presented by nucleosome, a supramolecular complex that plays a key role in lupus. This study shows that in the normal repertoire of naive BALB/c mice, autoreactive Th cells specific for histones are not deleted. The reactivity of these Th cells seems to be relatively restricted and resembles that of Th clones generated from SNF1 ((SWR × NZB)F1; I-Ad/q) lupus mice described earlier.
Direct Immunosuppressive Effects of EBV-Encoded Latent Membrane Protein 1
Authors: Dukers Danny F. , Meij Pauline , Vervoort Marcel B. H. J. , Vos Wim , Scheper Rik J. , Meijer Chris J. L. M. , Bloemena Elisabeth , Middeldorp Jaap M.
Published: April 2014

In neoplastic cells of EBV-positive lymphoid malignancies latent membrane protein (LMP1) is expressed. Because no adequate cellular immune response can be detected against LMP1, we investigated whether LMP1 had a direct effect on T lymphocyte activation. In this study we show that nanogram amounts of purified recombinant LMP1 (rLMP1) strongly suppresses activation of T cells. By sequence alignment two sequences (LALLFWL and LLLLAL) in the first transmembrane domain of LMP1 were identified showing strong homology to the immunosuppressive domain (LDLLFL) of the retrovirus-encoded transmembrane protein p15E. The effects of rLMP1 and LMP1-derived peptides were tested in T cell proliferation and NK cytotoxicity assays and an Ag-induced IFN-γ release enzyme-linked immunospot assay. LMP1 derived LALLFWL peptides showed strong inhibition of T cell proliferation and NK cytotoxicity, while acetylated LALLFWL peptides had an even stronger effect. In addition, Ag-specific IFN-γ release was severely inhibited. To exert immunosuppressive effects in vivo, LMP1 has to be excreted from the cells. Indeed, LMP1 was detected in supernatant of EBV-positive B cell lines (LCL), and differential centrifugation in combination with Western blot analysis of the pellets indicated that LMP1 is probably secreted by LCL in the form of exosomes. The amount of secreted LMP1 in B cell cultures is well below the immunosuppressive level observed with rLMP1. Our results demonstrate direct immunosuppressive properties of LMP1 (fragments) and suggest that EBV-positive tumor cells may actively secrete LMP1 and thus mediate immunosuppressive effects on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Moreover, we demonstrate, for the first time, that transmembrane protein-mediated immunosuppression is not solely restricted to RNA tumor viruses, but can also be found in DNA tumor viruses.
Membrane Lymphotoxin Is Required for the Development of Different Subpopulations of NK T Cells
Authors: Elewaut Dirk , Brossay Laurent , Santee Sybil M. , Naidenko Olga V. , Burdin Nicolas , De Winter Hilde , Matsuda Jennifer , Ware Carl F. , Cheroutre Hilde , Kronenberg Mitchell
Published: April 2014

The development of lymphoid organs requires membrane-bound lymphotoxin (LT), a heterotrimer containing LTα and LTβ, but the effects of LT on T cell function have not been characterized extensively. Upon TCR cross-linking in vitro, splenocytes from both LTα−/− and LTβ−/− mice failed to produce IL-4 and IL-10 due to a reduction in NK T cells. Concordantly, LTα−/− and LTβ−/− mice did not respond to the lipoglycan α-galactosylceramide, which is presented by mouse CD1 to Vα14+ NK T cells. Interestingly, both populations of NK T cells, including those that are mouse CD1 dependent and α-galactosylceramide reactive and those that are not, were affected by disruption of the LTα and LTβ genes. NK T cells were not affected, however, in transgenic mice in which LT signaling is blocked, beginning on day 3 after birth, by expression of a soluble decoy LTβ receptor. This suggests that membrane-bound LT is critical for NK T cells early in ontogeny, but not for the homeostasis of mature cells.
Activated Self-MHC-Reactive T Cells Have the Cytokine Phenotype of Th3/T Regulatory Cell 1 T Cells
Authors: Kitani Atsushi , Chua Kevin , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Strober Warren
Published: April 2014

In the present study, we show that human self-MHC-reactive (autoreactive) T cell clones are functionally distinct from Ag-specific T cell clones. Self-MHC-reactive T cells exhibited helper function for B cell Ig production when cultured with non-T cells alone, and they exhibit suppressor function when cultured with PWM- or rCD40 ligand (rCD40L)-activated non-T cells, whereas tetanus toxoid (TT)-specific clones exhibited only helper function in the presence of TT with or without PWM or rCD40L. Addition of neutralizing Abs to the cultures showed that the suppression was mediated by TGF-β but not by IL-10 or IFN-γ. The self-MHC-reactive clones also inhibited proliferation of primary CD4+ T cells and TT-specific T cell clones, but in this case the inhibition was mediated by both IL-10 and TGF-β. In further studies, the interactions between self-MHC-reactive T cell clones and non-T cells that led to suppressor cytokine production have been explored. We found that prestimulation of non-T cells for 8 h with PWM or for 48 h for rCD40L results in non-T cells capable of inducing self-MHC-reactive T cell to produce high levels of TGF-β and IL-10. In addition, these prestimulation times coincided with peak induction of HLA-DR and costimulatory B7 molecule (especially CD86) expression on B cells. Finally, addition of CTLA-4/Fc or blocking F(ab′)2 anti-CTLA-4 mAb, plus optimally stimulated non-T cells, to cultures of self-MHC-reactive clones inhibited the induction of TGF-β but not IL-10 or IFN-γ production. In summary, these studies show that activated self-MHC-reactive T cells have the cytokine phenotype of Th3 or T regulatory cell 1 and thus may be important regulatory cells that mediate oral and peripheral tolerance and prevent the development of autoimmunity.
Human Uveal Melanoma Cells Produce Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factor to Prevent Lysis by NK Cells
Authors: Repp Amanda C. , Mayhew Elizabeth S. , Apte Sherine , Niederkorn Jerry Y.
Published: April 2014

Human uveal melanoma arises in an immune privileged ocular environment in which both adaptive and innate immune effector mechanisms are suppressed. Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular tumor in adults and is derived from tissues in the eye that produce macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF), a cytokine that has recently been demonstrated to produce immediate inhibition of NK cell-mediated lytic activity. Although NK cell-mediated lysis of uveal melanomas is inhibited in the eye, melanoma cells that disseminate from the eye are at risk for surveillance by NK cells. Moreover, uveal melanoma cells demonstrate a propensity to metastasize to the liver, an organ with one of the highest levels of NK activity in the body. Therefore, we speculated that uveal melanomas produced MIF as a means of escaping NK cell-mediated lysis. Accordingly, seven primary uveal melanoma cell lines and two cell lines derived from uveal melanoma metastases were examined for their production of MIF. MIF was detected in melanoma culture supernatants by both ELISA and the classical bioassay of macrophage migration inhibition. Melanoma-derived MIF inhibited NK cell-mediated lysis of YAC-1 and uveal melanoma cells. Cell lines derived from uveal melanoma metastases produced approximately twice as much biologically active MIF as cultures from primary uveal melanomas. Inhibition of NK cell-mediated killing by uveal melanoma-derived MIF was specifically inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by anti-MIF Ab. The results suggest that human uveal melanoma cells maintain a microenvironment of immune privilege by secreting active MIF that protects against NK cell-mediated killing.
Activation of Antigen-Specific CD4+ Th2 Cells and B Cells In Vivo Increases Norepinephrine Release in the Spleen and Bone Marrow
Authors: Kohm Adam P. , Tang Yueming , Sanders Virginia M. , Jones Stephen B.
Published: April 2014

The neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) binds to the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) expressed on various immune cells to influence cell homing, proliferation, and function. Previous reports showed that NE stimulation of the B cell β2AR is necessary for the maintenance of an optimal primary and secondary Th2 cell-dependent Ab response in vivo. In the present study we investigated the mechanism by which activation of Ag-specific CD4+ Th2 cells and B cells in vivo by a soluble protein Ag increases NE release in the spleen and bone marrow. Our model system used scid mice that were reconstituted with a clone of keyhole limpet hemocyanin-specific Th2 cells and trinitrophenyl-specific B cells. Following immunization, the rate of NE release in the spleen and bone marrow was determined using [3H]NE turnover analysis. Immunization of reconstituted scid mice with a cognate Ag increased the rate of NE release in the spleen and bone marrow 18–25 h, but not 1–8 h, following immunization. In contrast, immunization of mice with a noncognate Ag had no effect on the rate of NE release at any time. The cognate Ag-induced increase in NE release was partially blocked by ganglionic blockade with chlorisondamine, suggesting a role for both pre- and postganglionic signals in regulating NE release. Thus, activation of Ag-specific Th2 cells and B cells in vivo by a soluble protein Ag increases the rate of NE release and turnover in the spleen and bone marrow 18–25 h after immunization.
Involvement of an ATP-Dependent Peptide Chaperone in Cross-Presentation After DNA Immunization
Authors: Kumaraguru Udayasankar , Rouse Richard J. D. , Nair Smita K. , Bruce Barry D. , Rouse Barry T.
Published: April 2014

Immunization with plasmid DNA holds promise as a vaccination strategy perhaps useful in situations that currently lack vaccines, since the major means of immune induction may differ from more conventional approach. In the present study, we demonstrate that exposure of macrophages to plasmid DNA encoding viral proteins or OVA generates Ag-specific material that, when presented in vitro by dendritic cells to naive T cells, induces primary CTL response or elicits IL-2 production from an OVA peptide-specific T-T hybridoma. The immunogenic material released was proteinaceous in nature, free of apoptotic bodies, and had an apparent m.w. much larger than a 9–11-aa CTL-recognizable peptide. The macrophage-released factor(s) specifically required a hydrolyzable ATP substrate and was inhibited by procedures that removed or hydrolyzed ATP; in addition, anti-heat-shock protein 70 antiserum abrogated the activity to a large extent. These results indicate the possible involvement of a heat-shock protein 70-linked peptide chaperone in a cross-priming method of immune induction by DNA vaccination. Such a cross-priming process may represent a principal mechanism by which plasmid DNA delivered to cells such as myocytes effectively shuttle Ag to DC or other APC to achieve CTL induction in vivo.
Facing Two T Cell Epitopes: A Degree of Randomness in the Primary Response Is Lost Upon Secondary Immunization
Authors: Bousso Philippe , Lemaı̂tre Fabrice , Bilsborough Janine , Kourilsky Philippe
Published: April 2014

We have analyzed the hierarchy of epitope-specific T cell populations during a primary and a secondary CD8 T cell response. MHC-peptide tetramers were used to track the in vivo kinetics of expansion of T cell populations specific for two Kd-restricted epitopes simultaneously presented by a murine tumor cell following primary or recall immunizations. Individual syngeneic mice generated remarkably different primary CTL responses, as reflected by up to 60-fold differences in the relative contribution of each peptide-specific T cell population to the overall response. In these primary immunizations, the CTL dominance was not dictated by the respective abundance of the presented epitopes. In sharp contrast, the secondary response was systematically associated with a selective expansion of the same epitope-specific population both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro experiments indicated that the extent of expansion of each epitope-specific memory population is modulated by the epitope density. We conclude that, at least for this set of epitopes, the CTL hierarchy is not controlled by the same parameters in a primary vs a secondary response.
Gr-1+ Myeloid Cells Derived from Tumor-Bearing Mice Inhibit Primary T Cell Activation Induced Through CD3/CD28 Costimulation
Authors: Kusmartsev Sergei A. , Li Yu , Chen Shu-Hsia
Published: April 2014

Activation of T cells is a necessary step in the development of a specific antitumor immune response. In the present study, we evaluated the ability of Gr-1+ myeloid cells, derived from the bone marrow or spleen of tumor-bearing mice, to inhibit CD3/CD28-mediated T cell activation. Using flow cytometry, we found that growth of a murine colon carcinoma (MCA-26) induces a significant increase in the number of Gr-1+ and Gr-1+/Mac-1+ myeloid cells in both bone marrow and spleen of the tumor host. The proliferative response of T cells was dramatically decreased when naive T cells were activated by anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 Abs in the presence of a myeloid-enriched cell fraction derived from spleen or bone marrow of tumor-bearing mice vs the bone marrow of naive mice. Reversal of the inhibitory effect could be achieved by adding a combination of MnTBAP (manganese [III] tetrakis [4-benzoic acid]) porphyrin and l-NMMA (NG-monomethyl-l-arginine), a superoxide dismutase mimetic and inducible NO synthase inhibitor, respectively, or by depletion of the Gr-1-positive cells. IFN-γ, which is endogenously produced by CD3/CD28-stimulated naive T cells, is involved in induction of the inhibitory activity of myeloid cells. Importantly, when T cells pre-activated with anti-CD3 Abs were used as responder cells, the bone marrow- or spleen-derived Gr-1+ myeloid cells were unable to suppress CD3/CD28-induced T cell proliferation. Our findings suggest that one mechanism by which an increased number of immune suppressive Gr-1+ cells can induce T cell unresponsiveness or immune tolerance in tumor hosts could be through peroxynitrite production upon primary T cell activation.
Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Mouse Hepatic CD8α+ Lymphoid-Related Dendritic Cells
Authors: O’Connell Peta J. , Morelli Adrian E. , Logar Alison J. , Thomson Angus W.
Published: April 2014

Recently, attention has focussed on phenotypic and functional differences between classic myeloid dendritic cells (DC), and DC that reportedly develop from an early, committed lymphoid precursor. In mice, DC from these separate hemopoietic lineages differ by their surface expression of CD8α. We undertook a comparative study of CD8α+ (CD11blow; lymphoid-related) and CD8α− (CD11bhigh; myeloid) DC isolated from mouse liver. CD8α+ and CD8α− DC each constituted ≤1.0% of the freshly isolated, normal nonparenchymal cells (NPC). Both populations were enriched 10–15% by overnight culture and metrizamide density centrifugation. Flt3 ligand (Flt3L) potently induced equal expansion of both subsets in vivo. Tissue-resident CD8α+ DC, freshly isolated from Flt3L-treated mice, existed primarily as immature cells (CD11c+, CD11blow, CD40−/low, CD80low, CD86low, MHC class IIlow), consistent with previous observations regarding bulk DC freshly isolated from nonlymphoid tissues. Following overnight culture in GM-CSF, CD8α+ DC underwent phenotypic and functional maturation equivalent to that observed for CD8α− DC. CD95 ligand (FasL) mRNA was detected in both immature and mature DC of each subset. In vitro analysis confirmed that flow-sorted, mature CD8α+ and CD8α− DC were strong and equally efficient stimulators of allogeneic T cell proliferation in primary MLR. Both immunohistochemical and genomic DNA analysis revealed that in vivo, sorted CD8α+ DC trafficked from s.c. sites to T cell areas of allogeneic lymphoid tissue and were equally efficient at priming naive T cells compared with CD8α− DC. This is the first comparative study of lymphoid-related DC isolated from nonlymphoid tissue.
Abnormal Immune Function of Hemopoietic Cells from Alymphoplasia (aly) Mice, a Natural Strain with Mutant NF-κB-Inducing Kinase
Authors: Yamada Takuji , Mitani Tasuku , Yorita Kazuko , Uchida Daisuke , Matsushima Akemi , Iwamasa Kikue , Fujita Shigeru , Matsumoto Mitsuru
Published: April 2014

Alymphoplasia (aly) mice, a natural strain with a mutant NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) gene, manifest a unique phenotype; they lack lymph nodes and Peyer’s patches, have a disturbed spleen architecture, and exhibit defects in both Ab and cellular immune responses. Although a stromal defect caused by impaired lymphotoxin-β receptor signaling accounts for their abnormal lymphoid organogenesis, the exact mechanisms underlying the development of immunodeficiency in aly mice are poorly understood. We therefore investigated the contribution of hemopoietic cells with the aly NIK mutation to the development of immunodeficiency. Transfer of aly/aly bone marrow cells into aly/+ mice resulted in poorly developed B cell follicles and lack of support for the development of germinal centers and isotype switching, indicating that the hemopoietic cells of aly mice contain an autonomous defect. However, follicular dendritic cell clusters were maintained in the spleens of these bone marrow chimeras, suggesting that the lack of follicular dendritic cell clusters in aly mice is probably due to the stromal defect. The aly mice lacked marginal zone B cells in their spleens, and aly/aly B cells showed an impaired proliferative response after in vitro stimulation. IL-2 production by activated T cells was also impaired. By contrast, the dendritic cells of aly mice exhibited grossly normal development and function. Supporting the concept of an autonomous cell defect, Rel protein expression was altered in aly/aly spleens. Thus, the aly NIK mutation affects hemopoietic cell function in an intrinsic fashion and, together with the stromal defect, may contribute to the development of immunodeficiency in aly mice.
Molecular Basis for Nonanaphylactogenicity of a Monoclonal Anti-IgE Antibody
Authors: Rudolf Michael P. , Zuercher Adrian W. , Nechansky Andreas , Ruf Christine , Vogel Monique , Miescher Sylvia M. , Stadler Beda M. , Kricek Franz
Published: April 2014

IgE Abs mediate allergic responses by binding to specific high affinity receptors (FcεRI) on mast cells and basophils. Therefore, the IgE/FcεRI interaction is a target for clinical intervention in allergic disease. An anti-IgE mAb, termed BSW17, is nonanaphylactogenic, although recognizing IgE bound to FcεRI, and interferes with binding of IgE to FcεRI. Thus, BSW17 represents a candidate Ab for treatment of IgE-mediated disorders. By panning BSW17 against random peptide libraries displayed on phages, we defined mimotopes that mimic the conformational epitope recognized on human IgE. Two types of mimotopes, one within the Cε3 and one within the Cε4 domain, were identified, indicating that this mAb may recognize either a large conformational epitope or eventually two distinct epitopes on IgE. On the basis of alignments of the two mimotopes with the human IgE sequence, we postulate that binding of BSW17 to the Cε3 region predominantly blocks binding of IgE to FcεRI, leading to neutralization of IgE. Moreover, binding of BSW17 to the Cε4 region may explain how BSW17 recognizes FcεRI-bound IgE, and binding to this region may also interfere with degranulation of IgE sensitized cells (basophils and mast cells). As a practical application of these findings, mimotope peptides coupled to a carrier protein may be used for the development of a peptide-based anti–allergy vaccine by induction of anti-IgE Abs similar to the current approach of using humanized nonanaphylactogenic anti-IgE Abs as a passive vaccine.
CD164 Monoclonal Antibodies That Block Hemopoietic Progenitor Cell Adhesion and Proliferation Interact with the First Mucin Domain of the CD164 Receptor
Authors: Doyonnas Regis , Yi-Hsin Chan James , Butler Lisa H. , Rappold Irene , Lee-Prudhoe Jane E. , Zannettino Andrew C. W. , Simmons Paul J. , Bühring Hans-Jörg , Levesque Jean-Pierre , Watt Suzanne M.
Published: April 2014

The novel sialomucin, CD164, functions as both an adhesion receptor on human CD34+ cell subsets in bone marrow and as a potent negative regulator of CD34+ hemopoietic progenitor cell proliferation. These diverse effects are mediated by at least two functional epitopes defined by the mAbs, 103B2/9E10 and 105A5. We report here the precise epitope mapping of these mAbs together with that of two other CD164 mAbs, N6B6 and 67D2. Using newly defined CD164 splice variants and a set of soluble recombinant chimeric proteins encoded by exons 1–6 of the CD164 gene, we demonstrate that the 105A5 and 103B2/9E10 functional epitopes map to distinct glycosylated regions within the first mucin domain of CD164. The N6B6 and 67D2 mAbs, in contrast, recognize closely associated and complex epitopes that rely on the conformational integrity of the CD164 molecule and encompass the cysteine-rich regions encoded by exons 2 and 3. On the basis of their sensitivities to reducing agents and to sialidase, O-sialoglycoprotease, and N-glycanase treatments, we have characterized CD164 epitopes and grouped them into three classes by analogy with CD34 epitope classification. The class I 105A5 epitope is sialidase, O-glycosidase, and O-sialoglycoprotease sensitive; the class II 103B2/9E10 epitope is N-glycanase, O-glycosidase, and O-sialoglycoprotease sensitive; and the class III N6B6 and 67D2 epitopes are not removed by such enzyme treatments. Collectively, this study indicates that the previously observed differential expression of CD164 epitopes in adult tissues is linked with cell type specific post-translational modifications and suggests a role for epitope-associated carbohydrate structures in CD164 function.
Expression of Toll-Like Receptor 2 on γδ T Cells Bearing Invariant Vγ6/Vδ1 Induced byEscherichia coliInfection in Mice
Authors: Mokuno Yasuji , Matsuguchi Tetsuya , Takano Manabu , Nishimura Hitoshi , Washizu Junji , Ogawa Tomohiko , Takeuchi Osamu , Akira Shizuo , Nimura Yuji , Yoshikai Yasunobu
Published: April 2014

We recently reported that the number of γδ T cells was increased after infection with Escherichia coli in C3H/HeN mice. We here showed that an i.p. injection with native lipid A derived from E. coli induced an increase of γδ T cells in the peritoneal cavity of LPS-responsive C3H/HeN mice and, albeit to a lesser degree, also in LPS-hyporesponsive C3H/HeJ mice. The purified γδ T cells from C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ mice expressed a canonical TCR repertoire encoded by Vγ6-Jγ1/Vδ1-Dδ2-Jδ2 gene segments and proliferated in response to the native lipid A derived from E. coli in a TCR-independent manner. The lipid A-reactive γδ T cells bearing canonical Vγ6/Vδ1 expressed Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 mRNA, while TLR4 mRNA was undetectable. Treatment with a TLR2 anti-sense oligonucleotide resulted in hyporesponsiveness of the γδ T cells to the native lipid A. TLR2-deficient mice showed an impaired increase of the γδ T cells following injection of native lipid A. These results suggest that TLR2 is involved in the activation of canonical Vγ6/Vδ1 T cells by native E. coli lipid A.
Central Role of Double-Stranded RNA-Activated Protein Kinase in Microbial Induction of Nitric Oxide Synthase
Authors: Uetani Kohsaku , Der Sandy D. , Zamanian-Daryoush Maryam , de la Motte Carol , Lieberman Belinda Y. , Williams Bryan R. G. , Erzurum Serpil C.
Published: April 2014

NO synthase 2 (NOS2) is induced in airway epithelium by influenza virus infection. NOS2 induction late in the course of viral infection may occur in response to IFN-γ, but early in infection gene expression may be induced by the viral replicative intermediate dsRNA through the dsRNA-activated protein kinase (PKR). Since PKR activates signaling pathways important in NOS2 gene induction, we determined whether PKR is a component in the signal transduction pathway leading to NOS2 gene expression after viral infection of airway epithelium. We show that NOS2 gene expression in human airway epithelial cells occurs in response to influenza A virus or synthetic dsRNA. Furthermore, dsRNA leads to rapid activation of PKR, followed by activation of signaling components including NF-κB and IFN regulatory factor 1. NOS2 expression is markedly diminished and IFN regulatory factor 1 and NF-κB activation are substantially impaired in PKR null cells. Strikingly, NOS2 induction in response to LPS is abolished in PKR null cells, confirming a central role for PKR in the general signaling pathway to NOS2.
Anergic T Cells Inhibit the Antigen-Presenting Function of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Vendetti Silvia , Chai Jian-Guo , Dyson Julian , Simpson Elizabeth , Lombardi Giovanna , Lechler Robert
Published: April 2014

The phenomena of infectious tolerance and linked-suppression are well established, but the mechanisms involved are incompletely defined. Anergic T cells can inhibit responsive T cells in vitro and prolong skin allograft survival in vivo. In this study the mechanisms underlying these events were explored. Allospecific mouse T cell clones rendered unresponsive in vitro inhibited proliferation by responsive T cells specific for the same alloantigens. The inhibition required the presence of APC, in that the response to coimmobilized anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 Abs was not inhibited. Coculture of anergic T cells with bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DC) led to profound inhibition of the ability of the DC to stimulate T cells with the same or a different specificity. After coculture with anergic T cells expression of MHC class II, CD80 and CD86 by DC were down-regulated. These effects did not appear to be due to a soluble factor in that inhibition was not seen in Transwell experiments, and was not reversed by addition of neutralizing anti-IL-4, anti-IL-10, and anti-TGF-β Abs. Taken together, these data suggest that anergic T cells function as suppressor cells by inhibiting Ag presentation by DC via a cell contact-dependent mechanism.
Lineage-Specific Telomere Shortening and Unaltered Capacity for Telomerase Expression in Human T and B Lymphocytes with Age
Authors: Son Ni Huiping , Murray Shannon , Yanovski Jack , Hodes Richard J. , Weng Nan-ping
Published: April 2014

Age effects on telomere length and telomerase expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes were analyzed from 121 normal individuals age newborn to 94 years and revealed several new findings. 1) Telomere shortening was observed in CD4+ and CD8+ T and B cells with age. However, the rate of telomere loss was significantly different in these populations, 35 ± 8, 26 ± 7, and 19 ± 7 bp/year for CD4+ and CD8+ T and B cells, respectively. In addition, CD4+ T cells had the longest average telomeres at all ages, followed by B cells, with CD8+ T cell telomeres the shortest, suggesting that these lymphocyte populations may have different replicative histories in vivo. 2) Telomerase activity in freshly isolated T and B cells was indistinguishably low to undetectable at all ages but was markedly increased after Ag and costimulatory receptors mediated stimulation in vitro. Furthermore, age did not alter the magnitude of telomerase activity induced after stimulation of T or B lymphocytes through Ag and costimulatory receptors or in response to PMA plus ionomycin treatment. 3) The levels of telomerase activity induced by in vitro stimulation varied among individual donors but were highly correlated with the outcome of telomere length change in CD4+ T cells after Ag receptor-mediated activation. Together, these results indicate that rates of age-associated loss of telomere length in vivo in peripheral blood lymphocytes is specific to T and B cell subsets and that age does not significantly alter the capacity for telomerase induction in lymphocytes.
Transient Translocation of the B Cell Receptor and Src Homology 2 Domain-Containing Inositol Phosphatase to Lipid Rafts: Evidence Toward a Role in Calcium Regulation
Authors: Petrie Ryan J. , Schnetkamp Paul P. M. , Patel Kamala D. , Awasthi-Kalia Manjula , Deans Julie P.
Published: April 2014

Membrane microdomains (lipid rafts) are enriched in selected signaling molecules and may compartmentalize receptor-mediated signals. Here, we report that in primary human B lymphocytes and in Ramos B cells B cell receptor (BCR) stimulation induces rapid and transient redistribution of a subset of engaged BCRs to lipid rafts and phosphorylation of raft-associated tyrosine kinase substrates. Cholesterol sequestration disrupted the lipid rafts, preventing BCR redistribution, but did not inhibit tyrosine kinase activation or phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular regulated kinase. However, raft disruption enhanced the release of calcium from intracellular stores, suggesting that rafts may sequester early signaling events that down-regulate calcium flux. Consistent with this, BCR stimulation induced rapid and transient translocation of the Src homology 2 domain-containing inositol phosphatase, SHIP, into lipid rafts.
CpG-DNA-Mediated Transient Lymphadenopathy Is Associated with a State of Th1 Predisposition to Antigen-Driven Responses
Authors: Lipford Grayson B. , Sparwasser Tim , Zimmermann Stefan , Heeg Klaus , Wagner Hermann
Published: April 2014

Infections can influence concurrent and subsequent Th1 vs Th2 immune responses to Ags. Through pattern recognition of foreign unmethylated CpG dinucleotides, the vertebrate innate immune system can sense infectious danger and typically replies with a Th1-polarized adaptive immune response. We examined whether CpG-DNA exposure would influence subsequent responses to infection and soluble Ags. CpG-DNA injection led to local lymphadenopathy characterized by maintenance of cellular composition with some biasing toward elevated dendritic cell composition. Sustained local production of IL-12 and IFN-γ from dendritic cells and T cells was shown. Prior injection by up to 2 wk with CpG-DNA protected BALB/c mice from Th2 driven lethal leishmaniasis. CpG-DNA injection by up to 5 wk before soluble Ag challenge resulted in the generation of Ag-specific CTL, Th1 recall responses to Ag, and Th1-polarized Ag-specific Abs. Thus, CpG-DNA instigated a local predisposition for intense CTL responses and Th1-polarized immune responses to subsequent infections or Ag challenge. The induction by the innate immune system of a locally contained hypersensitivity could represent a capacitating immune reaction yielding rapid conditioned responses to secondary infections.
Age-Dependent Alterations in the Assembly of Signal Transduction Complexes at the Site of T Cell/APC Interaction
Authors: Tamir Ami , Eisenbraun Michael D. , Garcia Gonzalo G. , Miller Richard A.
Published: April 2014

TCR interaction with peptide-MHC complexes triggers migration of protein kinases, actin-binding proteins, and other accessory molecules to the T cell/APC synapse. We used confocal immunofluorescence methods to show that the adapter protein LAT (linker for activation of T cells) and the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav also move to the APC interface in mouse CD4 T cells conjugated to anti-CD3 hybridoma cells, and in TCR-transgenic CD4 cells conjugated to APC bearing agonist (but not closely related nonagonist) peptides. The proportion of CD4+ T cells able to relocalize LAT or Vav, or to relocate cytoplasmic NT-AT (NF-ATc) from cytoplasm to nucleus, declines about 2-fold in aged mice. The decline in LAT relocalization is accompanied by a similar decline in tyrosine phosphorylation of LAT in CD4 cells stimulated by CD3/CD4 cross-linking. Two-color experiments show that LAT redistribution is strongly associated with relocalization of both NF-ATc and protein kinase C-θ among individual cells. LAT migration to the immunological synapse depends on actin polymerization as well as on activity of Src family kinases, but aging leads to only a small change in the percentage of CD4 cells that redistribute F-actin to the site of APC contact. These results suggest that defects in the ability of T cells from aged donors to move kinase substrates and coupling factors, including LAT and Vav, into the T cell/APC contact region may contribute to the decline with age in NF-ATc-dependent gene expression, and thus to defects in T cell clonal expansion.
Expression of a Functional FcεRI on Rat Eosinophils and Macrophages
Authors: Dombrowicz David , Quatannens Brigitte , Papin Jean-Paul , Capron André , Capron Monique
Published: April 2014

Besides its crucial role in type I hypersensitivity reactions, IgE is involved in anti-parasite immunity. This role has been clearly demonstrated in both human and rat schistosomiasis, but remains controversial in the mouse. Since the cellular distribution of the high affinity IgE receptor, FcεRI, differs in humans and mice, it might explain the differences in effector function of IgE between the two species. In humans, eosinophils and macrophages induce IgE-dependent cytotoxicity toward Schistosoma mansoni larvae, which involves FcεRI in the case of eosinophils. In the present study, we have investigated the expression and function of FcεRI in rat eosinophils and macrophages. We demonstrate, by flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and Western blot analysis, that in rats, as in humans, a functional αγ2 trimeric FcεRI is expressed on eosinophils and macrophages. We also show that these two cell types can induce IgE-mediated, FcεRI-dependent cellular cytotoxicity toward schistosomula. These results thus provide a molecular basis for the differences observed between rat and mouse regarding IgE-mediated anti-parasite immunity.
Comprehensive Assessment of Determinant Specificity, Frequency, and Cytokine Signature of the Primed CD8 Cell Repertoire Induced by a Minor Transplantation Antigen
Authors: Heeger Peter S. , Valujskikh Anna , Lehmann Paul V.
Published: April 2014

T cell immunity is often focused on one peptide segment of a complex protein Ag, with other epitopes inducing weaker, low frequency responses or no responses at all. Such determinant hierarchy has been well characterized for MHC class II-restricted CD4 cell immunity, but is less well understood for class I-restricted CD8 cell responses. We studied class I determinant recognition in a skin transplant model with β-galactosidase (β-gal) as a minor transplantation Ag. CD8 T cells from C57BL/6 mice that rejected congenic C57BL/6 β-gal transgenic skin were tested in enzyme-linked immunospot assays for recall responses to single-step, overlapping, 9-mer peptides that spanned a 94-aa region of the β-gal sequence. This approach provided every possible class I-restricted peptide for CD8 cell recognition, allowing us to define the in vivo frequency of CD8 cells specific for each of the 86 individual peptides. While four peptides were predicted to bind to the Kb or Db molecules, only one (β-gal96–103) actually induced an immune response. No peptides outside of the motifs were recognized. Tolerization to β-gal96–103 significantly prolonged β-gal transgenic skin graft survival, confirming its immune dominance. Therefore, single-determinant dominance characterized this CD8 cell response. The data demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale, comprehensive, class I determinant mapping, an approach that should be indispensable in measuring CD8 cell immunity in humans.
Indirect Recognition of Porcine Swine Leukocyte Ag Class I Molecules Expressed on Islets by Human CD4+ T Lymphocytes
Authors: Olack Barbara , Manna Partha , Jaramillo Andrés , Steward Nancy , Swanson Carol , Kaesberg Dana , Poindexter Nancy , Howard Todd , Mohanakumar Thalachallour
Published: April 2014

Xenotransplantation of porcine islets is considered a viable alternative treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, we characterized human PBL responding to porcine islets both in vitro by coculture and in vivo using SCID mice reconstituted with human PBLs (HuPBL-SCID) and transplanted with porcine islets. T cell lines generated in vitro and graft-infiltrating T cells obtained from HuPBL-SCID mice were CD4+-proliferated specifically to porcine islets cultured with autologous APC. This proliferation was abrogated by an anti-human class II Ab. These T cell lines also proliferated to purified swine leukocyte Ag (SLA) class I molecules in the presence of self-APC, indicating that the primary xenoantigens recognized are peptides derived from SLA. This CD4+ T cell line lysed porcine islets but not splenocytes. CD4+ T cell clones with Th0, Th1, and Th2 cytokine profiles were isolated. The Th0 and Th1 clones lysed porcine islets, whereas the Th2 clone that secreted a large amount of IL-4 was not lytic. These results demonstrate that human T cells responding to porcine islets are primarily CD4+ and recognize porcine xenoantigens by the indirect Ag pathway presentation. These activated T cells produce cytokines that lyse islets. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the major porcine xenoantigens recognized are SLA class I molecules.