bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Long-Evans Cinnamon Rats Based on CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cell Dysfunction
Authors: Ishimaru Naozumi , Yamada Akiko , Kohashi Masayuki , Arakaki Rieko , Takahashi Tetsuyuki , Izumi Keisuke , Hayashi Yoshio
Published: April 2014

A mutant strain with defective thymic selection of the Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rat was found to spontaneously develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like colitis. The secretion of Th1-type cytokines including IFN-γ and IL-2 from T cells of mesenteric lymph node cells (MLNs) and lamina propria mononuclear cells, but not spleen cells, in LEC rats was significantly increased more than that of the control Long-Evans Agouti rats through up-regulated expression of T-bet and phosphorylation of STAT-1 leading to NF-κB activation. In addition, the number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells of the thymus, MLNs, and lamina propria mononuclear cells from LEC rats was significantly reduced, comparing with that of the control rats. Moreover, bone marrow cell transfer from LEC rats into irradiated control rats revealed significantly reduced CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells in thymus, spleen, and MLNs compared with those from control rats. Indeed, adoptive transfer with T cells of MLNs, not spleen cells, from LEC rats into SCID mice resulted in the development of inflammatory lesions resembling the IBD-like lesions observed in LEC rats. These results indicate that the dysfunction of the regulatory system controlled by Treg cells may play a crucial role in the development of IBD-like lesions through up-regulated T-bet, STAT-1, and NF-κB activation of peripheral T cells in LEC rats.
Cutting Edge: K63-Linked Polyubiquitination of NEMO Modulates TLR Signaling and Inflammation In Vivo
Authors: Ni Chang-Yuan , Wu Zhao-Hui , Florence William C. , Parekh Vrajesh V. , Arrate Maria Pia , Pierce Steven , Schweitzer Brock , Van Kaer Luc , Joyce Sebastian , Miyamoto Shigeki , Ballard Dean W. , Oltz Eugene M.
Published: April 2014

Transcription factor NF-κB controls the expression of multiple genes involved in immunity and inflammation. The initial activation and duration of NF-κB signaling is regulated by posttranslational modifications to IκB kinase, which earmarks inhibitors of NF-κB for degradation. Prior studies suggest that K63-linked ubiquitination of NEMO (NF-κB essential modulator), an IκB kinase regulatory subunit, is critical for NF-κB and MAPK signaling following engagement of Ag receptors. We now demonstrate that NF-κB and MAPK pathways are largely unaffected in primary cells from mice harboring a ubiquitination-defective form of NEMO, NEMO-KR. TLR- but not Ag receptor-induced cellular responses are impaired in NEMO-KR mice, which are more resistant to LPS-induced endotoxic shock than wild-type animals. Thus, one function of NEMO ubiquitination is to fine tune innate immune responses under TLR control.
Differential Regulation of Antigen-Specific CD8+ T Cell Responses by IL-12p40 in a Dose-Dependent Manner
Authors: Kim Doo-Jin , Youn Je-In , Seo Sang-Hwan , Jin Hyun-Tak , Sung Young-Chul
Published: April 2014

IL-12p40 is a natural antagonist which inhibits IL-12- and IL-23-mediated biological activity by blocking the binding of IL-12/23 to their receptors. Recently, IL-12p40 was also shown to have immune-enhancing activity through the activation of macrophages or dendritic cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of IL-12p40 as a genetic adjuvant on immune modulation using recombinant adenoviruses expressing IL-12p40 (rAd/IL-12p40) and OVA (rAd/OVA). Coimmunization of rAd/IL-12p40 at a low dose (1 × 104 PFU) with rAd/OVA resulted in OVA-specific immune enhancement, while a high dose of rAd/IL-12p40 (1 × 108 PFU) caused significant suppression of CD8+ T cell responses. In addition, the enhancement and suppression of OVA-specific CD8+ T cell responses correlated with antitumor activity against E.G7-OVA tumor challenge, which subsequently affected the survival rate. Moreover, the differential CD8+ T cell response by IL-12p40 was still observed in IL-12Rβ2 knockout (IL-12Rβ2KO), but not in IL-12Rβ1 knockout (IL-12Rβ1KO) mice, indicating that IL-12p40 is a cytokine which can modulate Ag-specific T cell responses depending on IL-12Rβ1. Our findings provide a novel insight on the physiological role of IL-12p40, which can be informative in the design of vaccine strategies and therapeutic regimens.
A Critical Precursor Frequency of Donor-Reactive CD4+ T Cell Help Is Required for CD8+ T Cell-Mediated CD28/CD154-Independent Rejection
Authors: Ford Mandy L. , Wagener Maylene E. , Hanna Samantha S. , Pearson Thomas C. , Kirk Allan D. , Larsen Christian P.
Published: April 2014

Ag-specific precursor frequency is increasingly being appreciated as an important factor in determining the kinetics, magnitude, and degree of differentiation of T cell responses, and recently was found to play a critical role in determining the relative requirement of CD8+ T cells for CD28- and CD154-mediated costimulatory signals during transplantation. We addressed the possibility that variations in CD4+ T cell precursor frequency following transplantation might affect CD4+ T cell proliferation, effector function, and provision of help for donor-reactive B cell and CD8+ T cell responses. Using a transgenic model system wherein increasing frequencies of donor-reactive CD4+ T cells were transferred into skin graft recipients, we observed that a critical CD4+ T cell threshold precursor frequency was necessary to provide help following blockade of the CD28 and CD154 costimulatory pathways, as measured by increased B cell and CD8+ T cell responses and precipitation of graft rejection. In contrast to high-frequency CD8+ T cell responses, this effect was observed even though the proliferative and cytokine responses of Ag-specific CD4+ T cells were inhibited. Thus, we conclude that an initial high frequency of donor-reactive CD4+ T cells uncouples T cell proliferative and effector cytokine production from the provision of T cell help.
Kinetics of In Vivo Proliferation and Death of Memory and Naive CD8 T Cells: Parameter Estimation Based on 5-Bromo-2′-Deoxyuridine Incorporation in Spleen, Lymph Nodes, and Bone Marrow
Authors: Parretta Elisabetta , Cassese Giuliana , Santoni Angela , Guardiola John , Vecchio Antonia , Di Rosa Francesca
Published: April 2014

To study naive and memory CD8 T cell turnover, we performed BrdU incorporation experiments in adult thymectomized C57BL/6 mice and analyzed data in a mathematical framework. The following aspects were novel: 1) we examined the bone marrow, in addition to spleen and lymph nodes, and took into account the sum of cells contained in the three organs; 2) to describe both BrdU-labeling and -delabeling phase, we designed a general mathematical model, in which cell populations were distinguished based on the number of divisions; 3) to find parameters, we used the experimentally determined numbers of total and BrdU+ cells and the BrdU-labeling coefficient. We treated mice with BrdU continuously via drinking water for up to 42 days, measured by flow cytometry BrdU incorporation at different times, and calculated the numbers of BrdU+ naive (CD44int/low) and memory (CD44high) CD8 T cells. By fitting the model to data, we determined proliferation and death rates of both subsets. Rates were confirmed using independent sets of data, including the numbers of BrdU+ cells at different times after BrdU withdrawal. We found that both doubling time and half-life of the memory population were ∼9 wk, whereas for the naive subset the doubling time was almost 1 year and the half-life was roughly 7 wk. Our findings suggest that the higher turnover of memory CD8 T cells as compared with naive CD8 T cells is mostly attributable to a higher proliferation rate. Our results have implications for interpreting physiological and abnormal T cell kinetics in humans.
Induction of Anergy by Antibody Blockade of TCR in Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein-Specific Cells
Authors: Wasserman Heather A. , Evavold Brian D.
Published: April 2014

Previous studies have found that a 95% reduction in TCR expression does not adversely affect response to foreign Ags, indicating that T cells have an excess of TCR for Ag recognition. Because self-reactive T cells may have low affinity for peptide:MHC, we investigated whether myelin-reactive T cells require these excess TCR for optimal response. To test this concept, mAb were used to effectively reduce the TCR of Vα3.2 and Vβ11 TCR transgenic mice (referred to as 2D2). After masking the TCR with either continuous or prepulsed anti-Vα3.2 Ab, 2D2 cells were immediately stimulated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35–55. These cells have a dramatic Ab dose-dependent reduction in proliferation, with a small reduction in TCR expression leading to a 50% reduction in proliferation in vitro. Additionally, 2D2 cells, treated with anti-Vα3.2 Ab and peptide for 7 days, were re-stimulated with MOG and continue to have a dose-dependent reduction in proliferation. TCR quantitation identified the same amount of TCR on the Ab/peptide treatment compared with the peptide-only control. These results point out that the combination of reduced TCR and peptide challenge leads to a phenotypic change resulting in T cell anergy. Importantly, adoptive transfer of these anergic T cells upon autoimmune disease induction had a marked reduction in disease severity compared with untreated MOG-specific CD4+ T cells, which had significant autoimmune disease manifested by optic neuritis and death. Thus, reduction of TCR expression may provide a potential therapy for self-reactive T cells involved in autoimmune diseases through the induction of anergy.
CD43 Regulates Th2 Differentiation and Inflammation
Authors: Cannon Judy L. , Collins Amélie , Mody Purvi D. , Balachandran Diwaker , Henriksen Kammi J. , Smith Cassandra E. , Tong Jiankun , Clay Bryan S. , Miller Stephen D. , Sperling Anne I.
Published: April 2014

CD43 is a highly glycosylated transmembrane protein that regulates T cell activation. CD43−/− T cells are hyperproliferative and the cytoplasmic tail of CD43 has been found to be sufficient to reconstitute wild-type proliferation levels, suggesting an intracellular mechanism. In this study, we report that upon TCR ligation CD43−/− T cells demonstrated no increase in tyrosine phosphorylation but a decreased calcium flux. Interestingly, CD43−/− T cells preferentially differentiated into Th2 cells in vitro, and CD43−/− T cells show increased GATA-3 translocation into the nucleus. In vivo, CD43−/− mice exhibited increased inflammation in two separate models of Th2-mediated allergic airway disease. In contrast, in Th1-mediated diabetes, nonobese diabetic CD43−/− mice did not significantly differ from wild-type mice in disease onset or progression. Th1-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis to MOG35–55 was also normal in the CD43−/− mice. Nonetheless, the CD43−/− mice produced more IL-5 when restimulated with MOG35–55 in vitro and demonstrated decreased delayed-type hypersensitivity responses. Together, these data demonstrate that although CD43−/− T cells preferentially differentiate into Th2 cells, this response is not sufficient to protect against Th1-mediated autoimmune responses.
B Lymphocyte Stimulator Regulates Adaptive Immune Responses by Directly Promoting Dendritic Cell Maturation
Authors: Chang Sook Kyung , Mihalcik Stephen A. , Jelinek Diane F.
Published: April 2014

B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) is a well-known direct costimulator of adaptive immune cells, particularly B lineage cells. However, we have reported recently that BLyS is also able to activate monocytes. Other innate immune cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs), play a key role in the initiation of adaptive immune responses and the purpose of the current study was to assess whether there is a direct role for BLyS in modulating human DC functions. In this study, we show that BLyS induces DC activation and maturation. Thus, BLyS strongly induced up-regulation of surface costimulatory molecule expression and secretion of specific cytokines and chemokines in DCs. BLyS-stimulated DCs (BLyS-DCs) were also able to augment allogeneic CD4 T cell proliferation to a greater extent than control DCs. BLyS-DCs secreted elevated levels of the major Th1-polarizing cytokine, IL-12p70, and they promoted naive CD4 T cell differentiation into Th1 T cells. Regarding BLyS receptor expression, DCs primarily express cytoplasmic transmembrane activator and CAML interactor; however, low levels of cell surface transmembrane activator and CAML interactor are expressed as well. Collectively, our data suggest that BLyS may modulate adaptive immune cells indirectly by inducing DC maturation.
Both Th1 and Th17 Are Immunopathogenic but Differ in Other Key Biological Activities
Authors: Cox Catherine A. , Shi Guangpu , Yin Hongen , Vistica Barbara P. , Wawrousek Eric F. , Chan Chi-Chao , Gery Igal
Published: April 2014

The role of Th17 lymphocytes in immunopathogenic processes has been well established, but little is known about their basic cell features. In this study, we compared polarized Th1 and Th17 for key biological activities related to pathogenicity and trafficking. Th1 and Th17 lineages were derived from TCR-transgenic CD4 murine cells specific against hen egg lysozyme. When adoptively transferred into mice expressing hen egg lysozyme in their eyes, both Th1 and Th17 induced ocular inflammation but with slight differences in histological pathology. PCR analysis revealed selective expression of IFN-γ or IL-17 in eyes of Th1 or Th17 recipients, respectively. Additionally, Th1 and Th17 were found to differ in three other key activities: 1) Th17 cells were inferior to Th1 cells in their capacity to trigger massive lymphoid expansion and splenomegaly; 2) the proportion of Th1 cells among infiltrating cells in inflamed recipient eyes declined rapidly, becoming a minority by day 7, whereas Th17 cells remained in the majority throughout this period; and 3) remarkable differences were noted between Th1 and Th17 cells in their expression of certain surface markers. In particular, reactivated Th1 expressed higher levels of CD49d and α4β7 (mucosal homing) in vitro and higher levels of CXCR3 (Th1 trafficking) in vivo. Reactivated Th17, however, expressed higher levels of αEβ7 (epithelial tissue homing) and CD38 (activation, maturation and trafficking) in vitro, but in vivo Th17 expressed higher levels of α4β7 and CCR6 (lymphocyte trafficking). These data reveal that Th1 and Th17 cells differ in several key biological activities influencing migration and pathogenic behavior during inflammatory disease.
Chronically Inflamed Human Tissues Are Infiltrated by Highly Differentiated Th17 Lymphocytes
Authors: Pène Jérôme , Chevalier Sylvie , Preisser Laurence , Vénéreau Emilie , Guilleux Marie-Hélène , Ghannam Soufiane , Molès Jean-Pierre , Danger Yannic , Ravon Elisa , Lesaux Sabine , Yssel Hans , Gascan Hugues
Published: April 2014

Chronic inflammatory diseases are characterized by local tissue injury caused by immunocompetent cells, in particular CD4+ T lymphocytes, that are involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders via the production of distinctive sets of cytokines. Here, we have characterized single CD4+ T cells that infiltrate inflamed tissue taken from patients with psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or allergic asthma. Results from a cytokine production and gene profile analysis identified a population of in vivo differentiatedretinoid-related orphan receptor γ-expressing T cells, producing high levels of IL-17, that can represent up to 30% of infiltrating T lymphocytes. Activated Th17 cells produced IL-26, TNF-α, lymphotoxin-β, and IL-22. IL-17 and IL-22 concentrations secreted by tissue infiltrating Th17 cells could reach up to 100 nM and were inversely correlated with the production of Th1- and Th2-associated cytokines. In addition, tissue-infiltrating Th17 cells are also characterized by high cell surface expression of CCR6, a chemokine receptor that was not expressed by Th1 and Th2 cells, isolated from the same lesions, and by the production of CCL20/MIP3α, a CCR6 ligand, associated with tissue infiltration. Culture supernatants of activated Th17 cells, isolated from psoriatic lesions, induced the expression of gene products associated with inflammation and abnormal keratinocyte differentiation in an IL-17 and IL-22-dependent manner. These results show that tissue-infiltrating Th17 cells contribute to human chronic inflammatory disease via the production of several inflammatory cytokines and the creation of an environment contributing to their migration and sequestration at sites of inflammation.
Differential Expression of the Human CD8β Splice Variants and Regulation of the M-2 Isoform by Ubiquitination
Authors: Thakral Deepshi , Dobbins Jessica , Devine Lesley , Kavathas Paula B.
Published: April 2014

The CD8αβ heterodimer functions as a coreceptor with the TCR, influencing the outcome of CD8+ T cell responses to pathogen-infected and tumor cells. In contrast to the murine CD8B gene, the human gene encodes alternatively spliced variants with different cytoplasmic tails (M-1, M-2, M-3, and M-4). At present, little is known about the expression patterns and functional significance of such variants. We used quantitative RT-PCR to demonstrate differential mRNA expression patterns of these splice variants in thymocytes and in resting, memory, and activated primary human CD8+ T cells. In total CD8+ T cells, mRNA levels of the M-1 variant were the most predominant and levels of M-3 were the least detected. The M-4 isoform was predominant in effector memory CD8+ T cells. Upon stimulation of CD8+ T cells, the M-2 variant mRNA levels were elevated 10–20-fold relative to resting cells in contrast to the other isoforms. Curiously, the M-2 isoform was not expressed on the cell surface in transfected cell lines. Using fluorescent chimeras of the extracellular domain of mouse CD8β fused to the cytoplasmic tails of each isoform, the M-2 isoform was localized in a lysosomal compartment regulated by ubiquitination of a lysine residue (K215) in its cytoplasmic tail. In contrast, upon short-term stimulation, the M-2 protein localized to the cell surface with the TCR complex. The relatively recent evolution of CD8B gene splice variants in the chimpanzee/human lineage is most likely important for fine-tuning the CD8+ T cell responses.
Leishmania braziliensis Infection Induces Dendritic Cell Activation, ISG15 Transcription, and the Generation of Protective Immune Responses
Authors: Vargas-Inchaustegui Diego A. , Xin Lijun , Soong Lynn
Published: April 2014

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the causative agent of cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis in South America, and the latter is a severe and disfiguring form of the disease. Our understanding of how L. braziliensis parasites interact with dendritic cells (DCs) is limited, partially due to the difficulty in generating axenic amastigotes. In this study, we successfully generated axenic amastigotes of L. braziliensis and used them to test the hypothesis that L. braziliensis infection efficiently triggers innate responses in DCs and the subsequent adaptive immune responses for parasite clearance. This study has revealed unique immunological features of L. braziliensis infection. Firstly, axenic amastigotes showed higher infectivity and the potential to stimulate C57BL/6 (B6) bone marrow-derived dendritic cells to produce IL-12p40 when compared with their promastigote counterparts. Both parasite-carrying and bystander DCs displayed an activated (CD11chighCD45RB−CD83+CD40+CD80+) phenotype. Secondly, L. braziliensis infection triggered transcription and phosphorylation of STAT molecules and IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15). Finally, the self-healing of the infection in mice was correlated to the expansion of IFN-γ- and IL-17-producing CD4+ cells, suggesting the existence of active mechanisms to regulate local inflammation. Collectively, this study supports the view that innate responses at the DC level determine parasite-specific T cell responses and disease outcomes.
Mast Cell Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide Prevents Invasive Group A Streptococcus Infection of the Skin
Authors: Di Nardo Anna , Yamasaki Kenshi , Dorschner Robert A. , Lai Yuping , Gallo Richard L.
Published: April 2014

Mast cells (MC) express cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides that act as broad-spectrum antibiotics and influence the immune defense of multiple epithelial surfaces. We hypothesized that MC help protect against skin infection through the expression of cathelicidin. The susceptibility of MC-deficient mice (Kit Wsh−/−) to invasive group A streptococcus (GAS) was compared with control mice. Following s.c. injection of GAS, MC-deficient mice had 30% larger skin lesions, 80% more lesional bacteria, and 30% more spleens positive for bacteria. In contrast to results obtained when GAS was injected into skin, no significant differences were noted between MC-deficient mice and control mice after GAS was applied topically, indicating that MC activity is most important after barrier penetration. To determine whether these differences were due to MC expression of cathelicidin, MC-deficient mice were reconstituted with MC derived from either wild-type or cathelicidin-deficient (Camp−/−) mice and challenged with GAS. Forty-eight hours after bacterial injection, mice that did not receive MC had an average lesion size of 200 mm2, mice reconstituted with wild-type MC showed lesions comparable to control mice (25 mm2), while mice reconstituted with Camp−/− MC showed an average lesion size of 120 mm2. Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) analysis of cathelicidin peptide purified from mast cells defined this as a unique 28-aa peptide. Combined, these results show that MC confer defense against Gram-positive bacterial infection in the skin, a function mediated in part by the expression of a unique cathelicidin peptide.
Activity of Adenosine Receptors Type 1 Is Required for CX3CL1-Mediated Neuroprotection and Neuromodulation in Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Lauro Clotilde , Di Angelantonio Silvia , Cipriani Raffaela , Sobrero Fabrizia , Antonilli Letizia , Brusadin Valentina , Ragozzino Davide , Limatola Cristina
Published: April 2014

The chemokine fractalkine (CX3CL1) is constitutively expressed by central neurons, regulating microglial responses including chemotaxis, activation, and toxicity. Through the activation of its own specific receptor, CX3CR1, CX3CL1 exerts both neuroprotection against glutamate (Glu) toxicity and neuromodulation of the glutamatergic synaptic transmission in hippocampal neurons. Using cultured hippocampal neuronal cell preparations, obtained from CX3CR1−/− (CX3CR1GFP/GFP) mice, we report that these same effects are mimicked by exposing neurons to a medium conditioned with CX3CL1-treated mouse microglial cell line BV2 (BV2-st medium). Furthermore, CX3CL1-induced neuroprotection from Glu toxicity is mediated through the adenosine receptor 1 (AR1), being blocked by neuronal cell preparations treatment with 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), a specific inhibitor of AR1, and mimicked by both adenosine and the specific AR1 agonist 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine. Similarly, experiments from whole-cell patch-clamped hippocampal neurons in culture, obtained from CX3CR1+/+ mice, show that CX3CL1-induced depression of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid- (AMPA-) type Glu receptor-mediated current (AMPA-current), is associated with AR1 activity being blocked by DPCPX and mimicked by adenosine. Furthermore, BV2-st medium induced a similar AMPA-current depression in CX3CR1GFP/GFP hippocampal neurons and this depression was again blocked by DPCPX. We also report that CX3CL1 induced a significant release of adenosine from microglial BV2 cells, as measured by HPLC analysis. We demonstrate that (i) CX3CL1, along with AR1, are critical players for counteracting Glu-mediated neurotoxicity in the brain and (ii) AR1 mediates neuromodulatory action of CX3CL1 on hippocampal neurons.
IL-10 Inhibits Cysteinyl Leukotriene-Induced Activation of Human Monocytes and Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells
Authors: Woszczek Grzegorz , Chen Li-Yuan , Nagineni Sahrudaya , Shelhamer James H.
Published: April 2014

The immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10 plays an essential role in down-modulating adaptive and innate immune responses leading to chronic inflammatory diseases. In contrast, cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs), important proinflammatory mediators of cell trafficking and innate immune responses, are thought to enhance immune reactions in the pathogenesis of diseases, such as bronchial asthma, atherosclerosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the IL-10 regulatory role in cysLT-induced activation of human monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Herein we show that cysLT-induced activation and chemotaxis of human monocytes and monocyte-derived immature dendritic cells (iDC) are inhibited by IL-10 pretreatment. IL-10 down-regulated cysLT type 1 and 2 receptors’ mRNA in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. cysLT-induced activation of monocytes and iDCs measured by intracellular calcium flux and immediate-early gene expression (FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogen homolog B and early growth response-2) was potently decreased by IL-10 and by the cysLT antagonist MK571. Chemotaxis of monocytes and iDCs to increasing concentrations of leukotriene D4 (LTD4) was also inhibited by IL-10. LTD4 enhanced iDC migration in response to CCL5. IL-10 selectively inhibited LTD4-induced chemotaxis without affecting migration to CCL5. These data indicate that cysLT-induced activation of human monocytes and dendritic cells may be specifically inhibited by IL-10, suggesting a direct link between the 5-lipoxygenase proinflammatory pathway and IL-10 regulatory mechanisms. Antileukotriene therapies may reproduce some regulatory mechanisms played by IL-10 in inflammatory processes.
Analysis of the Neuroinflammatory Response to TLR7 Stimulation in the Brain: Comparison of Multiple TLR7 and/or TLR8 Agonists
Authors: Butchi Niranjan B. , Pourciau Susan , Du Min , Morgan Tim W. , Peterson Karin E.
Published: April 2014

Activation of astrocytes and microglia and the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines are often associated with virus infection in the CNS as well as a number of neurological diseases of unknown etiology. These inflammatory responses may be initiated by recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that stimulate TLRs. TLR7 and TLR8 were identified as eliciting antiviral effects when stimulated by viral ssRNA. In the present study, we examined the potential of TLR7 and/or TLR8 agonists to induce glial activation and neuroinflammation in the CNS by intracerebroventricular inoculation of TLR7 and/or TLR8 agonists in newborn mice. The TLR7 agonist imiquimod induced astrocyte activation and up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IFN-β, TNF, CCL2, and CXCL10. However, these responses were only of short duration when compared with responses induced by the TLR4 agonist LPS. Interestingly, some of the TLR7 and/or TLR8 agonists differed in their ability to activate glial cells as evidenced by their ability to induce cytokine and chemokine expression both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, TLR7 stimulation can induce neuroinflammatory responses in the brain, but individual TLR7 agonists may differ in their ability to stimulate cells of the CNS.
Suppressive Oligodeoxynucleotides Inhibit Silica-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation
Authors: Sato Takashi , Shimosato Takeshi , Alvord W. Gregory , Klinman Dennis M.
Published: April 2014

Inhalation of silica-containing dust particles induces silicosis, an inflammatory disease of the lungs characterized by the infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils into the lungs and the production of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) expressing “immunosuppressive motifs” were recently shown to block pathologic inflammatory reactions in murine models of autoimmune disease. Based on those findings, the potential of suppressive ODN to prevent acute murine silicosis was examined. In vitro studies indicate that suppressive ODN blunt silica-induced macrophage toxicity. This effect was associated with a reduction in ROS production and p47phox expression (a subunit of NADPH oxidase key to ROS generation). In vivo studies show that pretreatment with suppressive (but not control) ODN reduces silica-dependent pulmonary inflammation, as manifest by fewer infiltrating cells, less cytokine/chemokine production, and lower levels of ROS (p < 0.01 for all parameters). Treatment with suppressive ODN also reduced disease severity and improved the survival (p < 0.05) of mice exposed to silica.
Dependency of Caspase-1 Activation Induced in Macrophages by Listeria monocytogenes on Cytolysin, Listeriolysin O, after Evasion from Phagosome into the Cytoplasm
Authors: Hara Hideki , Tsuchiya Kohsuke , Nomura Takamasa , Kawamura Ikuo , Shoma Shereen , Mitsuyama Masao
Published: April 2014

Listeriolysin O (LLO), an hly-encoded cytolysin from Listeria monocytogenes, plays an essential role in the entry of this pathogen into the macrophage cytoplasm and is also a key factor in inducing the production of IFN-γ during the innate immune stage of infection. In this study, we examined the involvement of LLO in macrophage production of the IFN-γ-inducing cytokines IL-12 and IL-18. Significant levels of IL-12 and IL-18 were produced by macrophages upon infection with wild-type L. monocytogenes, whereas an LLO-deficient mutant (the L. monocytogenes Δhly) lacked the ability to induce IL-18 production. Complementation of Δhly with hly completely restored the ability. However, when Δhly was complemented with ilo encoding ivanolysin O (ILO), a cytolysin highly homologous with LLO, such a restoration was not observed, although ILO-expressing L. monocytogenes invaded and multiplied in the macrophage cytoplasm similarly as LLO-expressing L. monocytogenes. Induction of IL-18 was diminished when pretreated with a caspase-1 inhibitor or in macrophages from caspase-1-deficient mice, suggesting the activation of caspase-1 as a key event resulting in IL-18 production. Activation of caspase-1 was induced in macrophages infected with LLO-expressing L. monocytogenes but not in those with Δhly. A complete restoration of such an activity could not be observed even after complementation with the ILO gene. These results show that the LLO molecule is involved in the activation of caspase-1, which is essential for IL-18 production in infected macrophages, and suggest that some sequence unique to LLO is indispensable for some signaling event resulting in the caspase-1 activation induced by L. monocytogenes.
The Tec Family Kinase, IL-2-Inducible T Cell Kinase, Differentially Controls Mast Cell Responses
Authors: Iyer Archana S. , August Avery
Published: April 2014

The Tec family tyrosine kinase, IL-2-inducible T cell kinase (Itk), is expressed in T cells and mast cells. Mice lacking Itk exhibit impaired Th2 cytokine secretion; however, they have increased circulating serum IgE, but exhibit few immunological symptoms of allergic airway responses. We have examined the role of Itk in mast cell function and FcεRI signaling. We report in this study that Itk null mice have reduced allergen/IgE-induced histamine release, as well as early airway hyperresponsiveness in vivo. This is due to the increased levels of IgE in the serum of these mice, because the transfer of Itk null bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells into mast cell-deficient W/Wv animals is able to fully rescue histamine release in the W/Wv mice. Further analysis of Itk null bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells in vitro revealed that whereas they have normal degranulation responses, they secrete elevated levels of cytokines, including IL-13 and TNF-α, particularly in response to unliganded IgE. Analysis of biochemical events downstream of the FcεRI revealed little difference in overall tyrosine phosphorylation of specific substrates or calcium responses; however, these cells express elevated levels of NFAT, which was largely nuclear. Our results suggest that the reduced mast cell response in vivo in Itk null mice is due to elevated levels of IgE in these mice. Our results also suggest that Itk differentially modulates mast cell degranulation and cytokine production in part by regulating expression and activation of NFAT proteins in these cells.
Th2 Differentiation Is Unaffected by Jagged2 Expression on Dendritic Cells
Authors: Krawczyk Connie M. , Sun Jie , Pearce Edward J.
Published: April 2014

Expression of the Jagged Notch ligands by dendritic cells (DCs) has been suggested to play a role in instructing Th2 responses. Supporting this hypothesis, we found that Jagged2 but not Jagged1 expression, correlates with the ability of DCs to induce Th2 responses. Jagged2 expression is up-regulated in response to the helminth soluble Schistosoma mansoni egg Ag, which conditions DCs to induce Th2 responses, and is markedly down-regulated following exposure to TLR agonists that generally promote Th1 responses. Conversely, Jagged1 expression is markedly induced by TLR ligation. Despite these correlations, suppression of expression of Jagged2 using retrovirally delivered small interfering RNA failed to affect the ability of DCs to induce Th2 cell differentiation either in vitro or in vivo. Moreover, retrovirally induced expression of Jagged2 did not enhance the ability of DCs to induce Th2 cell responses. Our data indicate that Jagged2 expression by DCs is not sufficient or required for Th2 cell differentiation.
Homogenization of TCR Repertoires within Secondary CD62Lhigh and CD62Llow Virus-Specific CD8+ T Cell Populations
Authors: Kedzierska Katherine , Venturi Vanessa , Valkenburg Sophie A. , Davenport Miles P. , Turner Stephen J. , Doherty Peter C.
Published: April 2014

Influenza virus-specific CD8+ T cell clonotypes generated and maintained in C57BL/6J mice after respiratory challenge were found previously to distribute unequally between the CD62Llow “effector” (TEM) and CD62Lhigh “central” (TCM) memory subsets. Defined by the CDR3β sequence, most of the prominent TCRs were represented in both the CD62Lhigh and CD62Llow subsets, but there was also a substantial number of diverse, but generally small, CD62Lhigh-only clonotypes. The question asked here is how secondary challenge influences both the diversity and the continuity of TCR representation in the TCM and TEM subsets generated following primary exposure. The experiments use single-cell RT-PCR to correlate clonotypic composition with CD62L phenotype for secondary influenza-specific CD8+ T cell responses directed at the prominent DbNP366 and DbPA224 epitopes. In both the acute and long-term memory phases of the recall responses to these epitopes, we found evidence of a convergence of TCR repertoire expression for the CD62Llow and CD62Lhigh populations. In fact, unlike the primary response, there were no significant differences in clonotypic diversity between the CD62Llow and CD62Lhigh subsets. This “TCR homogenization” for the CD62Lhigh and CD62Llow CD8+ populations recalled after secondary challenge indicates common origin, most likely from the high prevalence populations in the CD62Lhigh central memory set. Our study thus provides key insights into the TCR diversity spectrum for CD62Lhigh and CD62Llow T cells generated from a normal, unmanipulated T cell repertoire following secondary challenge. A better understanding of TCR selection and maintenance has implications for improved vaccine and immunotherapy protocols.
Therapeutic Vaccination with Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV)-DNA+IL-12 or IL-15 Induces Distinct CD8 Memory Subsets in SIV-Infected Macaques
Authors: Halwani Rabih , Boyer Jean D. , Yassine-Diab Bader , Haddad Elias K. , Robinson Tara M. , Kumar Sanjeev , Parkinson Rose , Wu Ling , Sidhu Maninder K. , Phillipson-Weiner Rebecca , Pavlakis George N. , Felber Barbara K. , Lewis Mark G. , Shen Anding , Siliciano Robert F. , Weiner David B. , Sekaly Rafick-Pierre
Published: April 2014

DNA vaccination is an invaluable approach for immune therapy in that it lacks vector interference and thus permits repeated vaccination boosts. However, by themselves, DNA-based vaccines are typically poor inducers of Ag-specific immunity in humans and non-human primates. Cytokines, such as IL-12 and IL-15, have been shown to be potent adjuvants for the induction and maintenance of cellular immune responses, in particular during HIV infection. In this study, we examined the ability of therapeutic vaccination with SIV-DNA+IL-12 or IL-15 as molecular adjuvants to improve DNA vaccine potency and to enhance memory immune responses in SIV-infected macaques. Our results demonstrate that incorporating IL-12 into the vaccine induces SIV-specific CD8 effector memory T cell (TEM) functional responses and enhances the capacity of IFN-γ-producing CD8 TEM cells to produce TNF. Lower levels of PD-1 were expressed on T cells acquiring dual function upon vaccination as compared with mono-functional CD8 TEM cells. Finally, a boost with SIV-DNA+IL-15 triggered most T cell memory subsets in macaques primed with either DNA-SIV or placebo but only CD8 TEM in macaques primed with SIV-DNA+IL-12. These results indicate that plasmid IL-12 and IL-15 cytokines represent a significant addition to enhance the ability of therapeutic DNA vaccines to induce better immunity.
Inhibition of Invariant Chain Processing, Antigen-Induced Proliferative Responses, and the Development of Collagen-Induced Arthritis and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by a Small Molecule Cysteine Protease Inhibitor
Authors: Podolin Patricia L. , Bolognese Brian J. , Carpenter Donald C. , Davis T. Gregg , Johanson Roy A. , Fox Josephine H. , Long Edward , Dong Xiaoyang , Marquis Robert W. , LoCastro Stephen M. , Terfloth Gerald J. , Kurali Edit , Peterson John J. , Smith Brian R. , McQueney Michael S. , Yamashita Dennis S. , Capper-Spudich Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2014

Members of the papain family of cysteine proteases (cathepsins) mediate late stage processing of MHC class II-bound invariant chain (Ii), enabling dissociation of Ii, and binding of antigenic peptide to class II molecules. Recognition of cell surface class II/Ag complexes by CD4+ T cells then leads to T cell activation. Herein, we demonstrate that a pan-active cathepsin inhibitor, SB-331750, attenuated the processing of whole cell Ii p10 to CLIP by Raji cells, and DBA/1, SJL/J, and C57BL/6 splenocytes. In Raji cells and C57BL/6 splenocytes, SB-331750 inhibited class II-associated Ii processing and reduced surface class II/CLIP expression, whereas in SB-331750-treated DBA/1 and SJL/J splenocytes, class II-associated Ii processing intermediates were undetectable. Incubation of lymph node cells/splenocytes from collagen-primed DBA/1 mice and myelin basic protein-primed SJL/J mice with Ag in the presence of SB-331750 resulted in concentration-dependent inhibition of Ag-induced proliferation. In vivo administration of SB-331750 to DBA/1, SJL/J, and C57BL/6 mice inhibited splenocyte processing of whole cell Ii p10 to CLIP. Prophylactic administration of SB-331750 to collagen-immunized/boosted DBA/1 mice delayed the onset and reduced the severity of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), and reduced paw tissue levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. Similarly, treatment of myelin basic protein-primed SJL/J lymph node cells with SB-331750 delayed the onset and reduced the severity of adoptively transferred experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Therapeutic administration of SB-331750 reduced the severity of mild/moderate CIA and EAE. These results indicate that pharmacological inhibition of cathepsins attenuates CIA and EAE, potentially via inhibition of Ii processing, and subsequent Ag-induced T cell activation.
CD45 Regulates TLR-Induced Proinflammatory Cytokine and IFN-β Secretion in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Cross Jennifer L. , Kott Katharine , Miletić Tatjana , Johnson Pauline
Published: April 2014

CD45 is a leukocyte-specific protein tyrosine phosphatase and an important regulator of AgR signaling in lymphocytes. However, its function in other leukocytes is not well-understood. In this study, we examine the function of CD45 in dendritic cells (DCs). Analysis of DCs from CD45-positive and CD45-null mice revealed that CD45 is not required for the development of DCs but does influence DC maturation induced by TLR agonists. CD45 affected the phosphorylation state of Lyn, Hck, and Fyn in bone marrow-derived DCs and dysregulated LPS-induced Lyn activation. CD45 affected TLR4-induced proinflammatory cytokine and IFN-β secretion and TLR4-activated CD45-null DCs had a reduced ability to activate NK and Th1 cells to produce IFN-γ. Interestingly, the effect of CD45 on TLR-induced cytokine secretion depended on the TLR activated. Analysis of CD45-negative DCs indicated a negative effect of CD45 on TLR2 and 9, MyD88-dependent cytokine production, and a positive effect on TLR3 and 4, MyD88-independent IFN-β secretion. This indicates a new role for CD45 in regulating TLR-induced responses in DCs and implicates CD45 in a wider regulatory role in innate and adaptive immunity.
IL-7 Activates the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/AKT Pathway in Normal Human Thymocytes but Not Normal Human B Cell Precursors
Authors: Johnson Sonja E. , Shah Nisha , Bajer Anna A. , LeBien Tucker W.
Published: April 2014

IL-7 signaling culminates in different biological outcomes in distinct lymphoid populations, but knowledge of the biochemical signaling pathways in normal lymphoid populations is incomplete. We analyzed CD127/IL-7Rα expression and function in normal (nontransformed) human thymocytes, and human CD19+ B-lineage cells purified from xenogeneic cord blood stem cell/MS-5 murine stromal cell cultures, to further clarify the role of IL-7 in human B cell development. IL-7 stimulation of CD34+ immature thymocytes led to phosphorylation (p-) of STAT5, ERK1/2, AKT, and glycogen synthase kinase-3 β, and increased AKT enzymatic activity. In contrast, IL-7 stimulation of CD34− thymocytes (that included CD4+/CD8+ double-positive, and CD4+ and CD8+ single-positive cells) only induced p-STAT5. IL-7 stimulation of CD19+ cells led to robust induction of p-STAT5, but minimal induction of p-ERK1/2 and p-glycogen synthase kinase-3 β. However, CD19+ cells expressed endogenous p-ERK1/2, and when rested for several hours following removal from MS-5 underwent de-phosphorylation of ERK1/2. IL-7 stimulation of rested CD19+ cells resulted in robust induction of p-ERK1/2, but no induction of AKT enzymatic activity. The use of a specific JAK3 antagonist demonstrated that all IL-7 signaling pathways in CD34+ thymocytes and CD19+ B-lineage cells were JAK3-dependent. We conclude that human CD34+ thymocytes and CD19+ B-lineage cells exhibit similarities in activation of STAT5 and ERK1/2, but differences in activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. The different induction of PI3K/AKT may at least partially explain the different requirements for IL-7 during human T and B cell development.
Neurogenic Exacerbation of Microglial and Astrocyte Responses toNeisseria meningitidisandBorrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Chauhan Vinita S. , Sterka David G. , Gray David L. , Bost Kenneth L. , Marriott Ian
Published: April 2014

Although glial cells are recognized for their roles in maintaining neuronal function, there is growing appreciation of the ability of resident CNS cells to initiate and/or augment inflammation following trauma or infection. The tachykinin, substance P (SP), is well known to augment inflammatory responses at peripheral sites and its presence throughout the CNS raises the possibility that this neuropeptide might serve a similar function within the brain. In support of this hypothesis, we have recently demonstrated the expression of high affinity receptors for SP (Neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors) on microglia and shown that this tachykinin can significantly elevate bacterially induced inflammatory prostanoid production by isolated cultures of these cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that endogenous SP/NK-1R interactions are an essential component in the initiation and/or progression of CNS inflammation in vivo following exposure to two clinically relevant bacterial CNS pathogens, Neisseria meningitidis and Borrelia burgdorferi. We show that in vivo elevations in inflammatory cytokine production and decreases in the production of an immunosuppressive cytokine are markedly attenuated in mice genetically deficient in the expression of the NK-1R or in mice treated with a specific NK-1R antagonist. Furthermore, we have used isolated cultures of microglia and astrocytes to demonstrate that SP can augment inflammatory cytokine production by these resident CNS cell types following exposure to either of these bacterial pathogens. Taken together, these studies indicate a potentially important role for neurogenic exacerbation of resident glial immune responses in CNS inflammatory diseases, such as bacterial meningitis.
Genome-Wide Microarray Expression Analysis of CD4+ T Cells from Nonobese Diabetic Congenic Mice Identifies Cd55 (Daf1) and Acadl as Candidate Genes for Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Irie Junichiro , Reck Brian , Wu Yuehong , Wicker Linda S. , Howlett Sarah , Rainbow Daniel , Feingold Eleanor , Ridgway William M.
Published: April 2014

NOD.Idd3/5 congenic mice have insulin-dependent diabetes (Idd) regions on chromosomes 1 (Idd5) and 3 (Idd3) derived from the nondiabetic strains B10 and B6, respectively. NOD.Idd3/5 mice are almost completely protected from type 1 diabetes (T1D) but the genes within Idd3 and Idd5 responsible for the disease-altering phenotype have been only partially characterized. To test the hypothesis that candidate Idd genes can be identified by differential gene expression between activated CD4+ T cells from the diabetes-susceptible NOD strain and the diabetes-resistant NOD.Idd3/5 congenic strain, genome-wide microarray expression analysis was performed using an empirical Bayes method. Remarkably, 16 of the 20 most differentially expressed genes were located in the introgressed regions on chromosomes 1 and 3, validating our initial hypothesis. The two genes with the greatest differential RNA expression on chromosome 1 were those encoding decay-accelerating factor (DAF, also known as CD55) and acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase, long chain, which are located in the Idd5.4 and Idd5.3 regions, respectively. Neither gene has been implicated previously in the pathogenesis of T1D. In the case of DAF, differential expression of mRNA was extended to the protein level; NOD CD4+ T cells expressed higher levels of cell surface DAF compared with NOD.Idd3/5 CD4+ T cells following activation with anti-CD3 and -CD28. DAF up-regulation was IL-4 dependent and blocked under Th1 conditions. These results validate the approach of using congenic mice together with genome-wide analysis of tissue-specific gene expression to identify novel candidate genes in T1D.