bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Listeria monocytogenesModulates Macrophage Cytokine Responses Through STAT Serine Phosphorylation and the Induction of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3
Authors: Stoiber Dagmar , Stockinger Silvia , Steinlein Peter , Kovarik Jan , Decker Thomas
Published: April 2014

Macrophage activation as part of natural resistance to infection is caused by stimulation with IFN-γ and by the invading microorganisms or microbial products. Infection of macrophages with the Gram-positive bacterium Listeria monocytogenes for short periods before activation with IFN-γ increased the phosphorylation of transcription factor STAT1 at S727 and thereby the expression of IFN-γ-induced genes. By contrast, persistent infection with viable bacteria or treatment with heat-killed Listeria diminished IFN-γ-stimulated transcription and the phosphorylation of STAT1 at Y701. Decreased IFN-γ signaling correlated with the induction of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) mRNA and protein. Contrasting our previous findings with LPS, maximal synthesis of SOCS3 required both the immediate signals from Listeria receptors on the cell surface and the activity of a polypeptide secreted in response to bacterial infection. SOCS3 induction by the secreted protein could not be blocked by neutralizing Abs to IL-10 and it did not require the presence of STAT1. Consistent with the induction of SOCS3 activity, Listeria also inhibited activation of STAT5 by GM-CSF. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase was rapidly activated upon infection of macrophages with L. monocytogenes. Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase with the pyridinyl imidazol SB203580 abrogated both STAT1 S727 phosphorylation and the expression of SOCS3. The data suggest that STAT1 serine kinase and SOCS3 activity are hallmarks of immediate and delayed phases of influence by bacterial signals on signal transduction in response to IFN-γ.
Borrelia burgdorferiand Other Bacterial Products Induce Expression and Release of the Urokinase Receptor (CD87)
Authors: Coleman James L. , Gebbia Joseph A. , Benach Jorge L.
Published: April 2014

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR, CD87) is a highly glycosylated 55- to 60-kDa protein anchored to the cell membrane through a glycosylphosphatidylinositol moiety that promotes the acquisition of plasmin on the surface of cells and subsequent cell movement and migration by binding urokinase-type plasminogen activator. uPAR also occurs in a soluble form in body fluids and tumor extracts, and both membrane and soluble uPAR are overexpressed in patients with tumors. uPAR may be a factor in inflammatory disorders as well. We investigated whether Borrelia burgdorferi could stimulate up-regulation of cell membrane uPAR in vitro. B. burgdorferi, purified native outer surface protein A, and a synthetic outer surface protein A hexalipopeptide stimulated human monocytes to up-regulate membrane uPAR as measured by immunofluorescence/FACS and Western blot. The presence of soluble uPAR in culture supernatants, measured by Ag capture ELISA, was also observed. LPS from Salmonella typhimurium and lipotechoic acid from Streptococcus pyogenes also induced the up-regulation of both membrane and soluble uPAR protein by monocytes. Up-regulation of uPAR was induced by conditioned medium from B. burgdorferi/monocyte cocultures. The up-regulation of uPAR by B. burgdorferi was concomitant with an increase in uPAR mRNA, indicating that synthesis was de novo. The expression and release of uPAR in response to B. burgdorferi and other bacterial components suggests a role in the pathogenesis of Lyme disease as well as in other bacterial infections.
Protein-Tyrosine Kinase Syk Expressed in Human Nasal Fibroblasts and Its Effect on RANTES Production
Authors: Yamada Takechiyo , Fujieda Shigeharu , Yanagi Shigeru , Yamamura Hirohei , Inatome Ryoko , Sunaga Hiroshi , Saito Hitoshi
Published: April 2014

Fibroblasts, a rich source of chemokines, interact with eosinophils and play a key role in the pathogenesis of airway disease. RANTES is produced by fibroblasts to attract and activate eosinophils. LPS is known to induce RANTES and cause protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase Syk is widely expressed and an important role in intracellular signal transduction in hemopoietic cells. In the present study, we examined whether Syk was expressed in a number of primary human nasal polyp tissue-derived fibroblast lines and whether it played some role in cellular function. Syk proteins were expressed in human nasal fibroblasts, but the expression level varied. There were positive correlations between the level of Syk expression and RANTES production induced by LPS. Overexpression of wild-type Syk by gene transfer enhanced RANTES production from nasal fibroblasts stimulated with LPS. The decrease of Syk expression by the administration of Syk antisense inhibited RANTES production. These results suggest that Syk expression affects RANTES production in fibroblasts of nasal polyps.
Production of IL-12 by Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Is Optimal When the Stimulus Is Given at the Onset of Maturation, and Is Further Enhanced by IL-4
Authors: Ebner Susanne , Ratzinger Gudrun , Krösbacher Beate , Schmuth Matthias , Weiss Angelika , Reider Daniela , Kroczek Richard A. , Herold Manfred , Heufler Christine , Fritsch Peter , Romani Nikolaus
Published: April 2014

Dendritic cells produce IL-12 both in response to microbial stimuli and to T cells, and can thus skew T cell reactivity toward a Th1 pattern. We investigated the capacity of dendritic cells to elaborate IL-12 with special regard to their state of maturation, different maturation stimuli, and its regulation by Th1/Th2-influencing cytokines. Monocyte-derived dendritic cells were generated with GM-CSF and IL-4 for 7 days, followed by another 3 days ± monocyte-conditioned media, yielding mature (CD83+/dendritic cell-lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein+) and immature (CD83−/dendritic cell-lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein−) dendritic cells. These dendritic cells were stimulated for another 48 h, and IL-12 p70 was measured by ELISA. We found the following: 1) Immature dendritic cells stimulated with CD154/CD40 ligand or bacteria (both of which concurrently also induced maturation) secreted always more IL-12 than already mature dendritic cells. Mature CD154-stimulated dendritic cells still made significant levels (up to 4 ng/ml). 2) Terminally mature skin-derived dendritic cells did not make any IL-12 in response to these stimuli. 3) Appropriate maturation stimuli are required for IL-12 production: CD40 ligation and bacteria are sufficient; monocyte-conditioned media are not. 4) Unexpectedly, IL-4 markedly increased the amount of IL-12 produced by both immature and mature dendritic cells, when present during stimulation. 5) IL-10 inhibited the production of IL-12. Our results, employing a cell culture system that is now being widely used in immunotherapy, extend prior data that IL-12 is produced most abundantly by dendritic cells that are beginning to respond to maturation stimuli. Surprisingly, IL-12 is only elicited by select maturation stimuli, but can be markedly enhanced by the addition of the Th2 cytokine, IL-4.
IL-12 and IL-18 Are Increased and Stimulate IFN-γ Production in Sarcoid Lungs
Authors: Shigehara Katsunori , Shijubo Noriharu , Ohmichi Mitsuhide , Takahashi Ryuji , Kon Shin-ichiro , Okamura Haruki , Kurimoto Masashi , Hiraga Yohmei , Tatsuno Tachio , Abe Shosaku , Sato Noriyuki
Published: April 2014

Sarcoidosis is a systemic chronic granulomatous disease of unknown cause. Recent investigations revealed that the cytokine profile in inflamed lesions of sarcoidosis is Th1 dominant. To obtain better immunopathologic understanding of sarcoidosis, we examined the expression of IL-12 and IL-18 and their roles in IFN-γ production in pulmonary sarcoidosis. Sarcoid cases had significantly elevated levels of IL-12 (p40 and p70) and IL-18 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids compared with healthy subjects. IL-12 p70 and IL-18 were immunohistochemically expressed in the epithelioid cells and giant cells of sarcoid granulomas. Significant induction of IFN-γ, IL-12 p70, and IL-18 was observed from sarcoid BAL fluid cells with LPS stimulation, whereas LPS tended to induce only IL-12 p70 in BAL fluid cells from healthy subjects. Sarcoid cases had significantly greater IFN-γ induction with LPS stimulation than healthy subjects did. IL-18 mRNA expression was observed in freshly isolated sarcoid BAL fluid cells as well as in LPS-stimulated sarcoid BAL fluid cells, but IFN-γ and IL-12 mRNA expression was observed only in LPS-stimulated BAL fluid cells. Treatment with anti-IL-12- and anti-IL-18-neutralizing Abs significantly inhibited IFN-γ production from LPS-stimulated BAL fluid cells of sarcoid cases. Coadministration of rIL-12 or rIL-18 induced greater IFN-γ production in sarcoid BAL fluid cells than in normal BAL fluid cells. We concluded that bioactive IL-12 and IL-18 were produced in sarcoid BAL fluid cells and synergistically induced IFN-γ production, indicating important cytokines in the Th1 response of sarcoidosis.
egc, A Highly Prevalent Operon of Enterotoxin Gene, Forms a Putative Nursery of Superantigens in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Jarraud Sophie , Peyrat Marie Alix , Lim Annick , Tristan Anne , Bes Michèle , Mougel Christophe , Etienne Jerome , Vandenesch François , Bonneville Marc , Lina Gerard
Published: April 2014

The recently described staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE) G and I were originally identified in two separate strains of Staphylococcus aureus. We have previously shown that the corresponding genes seg and sei are present in S. aureus in tandem orientation, on a 3.2-kb DNA fragment (Jarraud, J. et al. 1999. J. Clin. Microbiol. 37:2446–2449). Sequence analysis of seg-sei intergenic DNA and flanking regions revealed three enterotoxin-like open reading frames related to seg and sei, designated sek, sel, and sem, and two pseudogenes, ψ ent1 and ψ ent2. RT-PCR analysis showed that all these genes, including seg and sei, belong to an operon, designated the enterotoxin gene cluster (egc). Recombinant SEG, SEI, SEK, SEL, and SEM showed superantigen activity, each with a specific Vβ pattern. Distribution studies of genes encoding superantigens in clinical S. aureus isolates showed that most strains harbored such genes and in particular the enterotoxin gene cluster, whatever the disease they caused. Phylogenetic analysis of enterotoxin genes indicated that they all potentially derived from this cluster, identifying egc as a putative nursery of enterotoxin genes.
Requirement for Leptin in the Induction and Progression of Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Matarese Giuseppe , Di Giacomo Antonio , Sanna Veronica , Lord Graham M. , Howard Jane K. , Di Tuoro Antonino , Bloom Stephen R. , Lechler Robert I. , Zappacosta Serafino , Fontana Silvia
Published: April 2014

Recent evidence indicates that leptin modifies T cell immunity, and may provide a key link between nutritional deficiency and immune dysfunction. To study the influence of leptin on autoimmunity, susceptibility to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induced by immunization with a myelin-derived peptide was examined in leptin-deficient, C57BL/6J-ob/ob mice, with or without leptin replacement, and in wild-type controls. Leptin replacement converted disease resistance to susceptibility in the C57BL/6J-ob/ob mice; this was accompanied by a switch from a Th2 to Th1 pattern of cytokine release and consequent reversal of Ig subclass production. Our findings suggest that leptin is required for the induction and maintenance of an effective proinflammatory immune response in the CNS.
B Cell Immunodeficiency Fails to Develop in CD4-Deficient Mice Infected with BM5: Murine AIDS as a Multistep Disease
Authors: Harris David P. , Koch Susanne , Mullen Lina M. , Swain Susan L.
Published: April 2014

The immunodeficiency syndrome murine AIDS (MAIDS), caused by the BM5 retrovirus preparation, involves the activation, division, and subsequent anergy of the entire CD4+ T cell population as well as extensive B cell hyperproliferation and hypergammaglobulinemia, resulting in splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy, followed many weeks later by death. The development of MAIDS requires CD4+ T cells and MHC class II expression by the infected host, supporting a role for T-B interaction in disease development or progression. To explore this possibility, we examined development of MAIDS in mice deficient in CD4 (CD4 knockout), in which T-B interactions are compromised. We find that in CD4 knockout hosts, BM5 causes T cell immunodeficiency in the remaining T cells but has only a limited ability to induce B cell phenotypic changes, hyperproliferation, hypergammaglobulinemia, or splenomegaly. There is also delayed death of infected mice. This implies that CD4 dependent T-B interaction is needed to induce the B cell aspects of disease and supports a multistep mechanism of disease in which B cell changes follow and are caused by CD4+ T cell effects.
CD8+ Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes Are Primed for Fas-Mediated Activation-Induced Cell Death But Are Not Apoptotic In Situ
Authors: Radoja Sasa , Saio Masanao , Frey Alan B.
Published: April 2014

Induction of Fas-mediated activation-induced cell death in antitumor T cells has been hypothesized to permit tumor escape from immune destruction. Several laboratories have proposed that expression of Fas ligand (L) by tumor is the basis for this form of T cell tolerance. In this study, we characterized murine tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) for activation status, cell cycle status, level of apoptosis, cytokine secretion, and proliferative capacity. TILs express multiple activation markers (circa CD69, CD95L, CD122, and LFA-1) and contain IL-2 and IFN-γ mRNAs, but are neither cycling nor apoptotic in situ. In addition, TIL are dramatically suppressed in proliferative response and do not secrete IL-2 and IFN-γ. However, upon purification and activation in vitro, TIL secrete high levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ, enter S phase, and then die by Fas-mediated apoptosis. Activation by injection of anti-TCR Ab or IL-2 into tumor-bearing mice induced TIL entrance into S phase preceding apoptosis, showing that TIL have functional TCR-mediated signal transduction in situ. Our data demonstrate that TIL, not tumor, express both Fas and FasL, are arrested in G1, do not secrete cytokine in situ, and, upon activation in vitro and in vivo, rapidly die by activation-induced cell death.
p27kif Protein Levels and E2F Activity Are Targets of Cot Kinase During G1 Phase Progression in T Cells
Authors: Velasco-Sampayo Ana , Alemany Susana
Published: April 2014

Cot/Tpl-2 kinase, homologous to members of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase, was initially discovered by its capacity to promote cell transformation. Cot/Tpl-2 mRNA levels are increased during G0 to G1 phase progression in T lymphocytes, suggesting a role for this kinase later on in the cell cycle. The IL-2-dependent CTLL-2 cells were used to investigate the role of Cot kinase in G1 to S phase transition. Transient expression of Cot kinase in CTLL-2 cells increases DNA synthesis triggered by IL-2 and the transient expression of a dominant negative form of Cot kinase in CTLL-2 markedly reduces the DNA synthesis triggered by this cytokine. Cell cycle analysis of synchronized CTLL-2 stabling overexpressing Cot kinase indicates that this kinase contributes to the passage to S and G2-M phases of the cell cycle. Cot kinase reduces the levels of the cyclin kinase inhibitor p27kip, whereas bcl-xL expression is unaffected. Cot kinase also increases E2F transcriptional activity in a phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-independent way and acts in synergy with this kinase. These data give evidence, for the first time, of the regulation of different G1 progression events by Cot kinase.
Transcriptional Regulation of CD28 Expression by CD28GR, a Novel Promoter Element Located in Exon 1 of the CD28 Gene
Authors: Lin Catherine J. , Tam Robert C.
Published: April 2014

CD28 provides an essential costimulatory signal required for Ag-mediated T cell activation via the TCR. Although accumulating evidence exists for the signaling properties of CD28, less is known regarding the regulation of CD28 expression. In this study, we have identified a novel promoter element of CD28, CD28GR (GGGGAGGAGGGG), which is located between +181 and +192 in exon 1 of the CD28 gene. Mutations within the 12-bp CD28GR sequence abolished its transcriptional activity. CD28GR contains a Sp1/EGR-1 binding site, which was found to act as the predominant functional element for regulating CD28 gene expression in Jurkat cells. Exon 1/CD28GR-driven transcription in Jurkat cells was augmented by cotransfection with Sp1 or EGR-1 expression plasmid. Similar augmentation was also shown with pharmacologic activation. This study is the first to identify a regulatory element that is critical for conferring constitutive and activation-induced transcriptional activation of the CD28 gene. Furthermore, our results proposed potential involvement of Sp1 in regulating CD28 expression. The linkage between Sp1 and the expression of CD28 has important implications in how viral infections, such as HIV, can induce immunosuppression.
Extrafollicular Plasmablast B Cells Play a Key Role in Carrying Retroviral Infection to Peripheral Organs
Authors: Finke Daniela , Baribaud Frédéric , Diggelmann Heidi , Acha-Orbea Hans
Published: April 2014

B cells can either differentiate in germinal centers or in extrafollicular compartments of secondary lymphoid organs. Here we show the migration properties of B cells after differentiation in murine peripheral lymph node infected with mouse mammary tumor virus. Naive B cells become activated, infected, and carry integrated retroviral DNA sequences. After production of a retroviral superantigen, the infected B cells receive cognate T cell help and differentiate along the two main differentiation pathways analogous to classical Ag responses. The extrafollicular differentiation peaks on day 6 of mouse mammary tumor virus infection, and the follicular one becomes detectable after day 10. B cells participating in this immune response carry a retroviral DNA marker that can be detected by using semiquantitative PCR. We determined the migration patterns of B cells having taken part in the T cell-B cell interaction from the draining lymph node to different tissues. Waves of immigration and retention of infected cells in secondary lymphoid organs, mammary gland, salivary gland, skin, lung, and liver were observed correlating with the two peaks of B cell differentiation in the draining lymph node. Other organs revealed immigration of infected cells at later time points. The migration properties were correlated with a strong up-regulation of α4β1 integrin expression. These results show the migration properties of B cells during an immune response and demonstrate that a large proportion of extrafolliculary differentiating plasmablasts can escape local cell death and carry the retroviral infection to peripheral organs.
IL-10-Deficient Mice Demonstrate Multiple Organ Failure and Increased Mortality DuringEscherichia coliPeritonitis Despite an Accelerated Bacterial Clearance
Authors: Sewnath Miguel E. , Olszyna Dariusz P. , Birjmohun Rakesh , ten Kate Fiebo J. W. , Gouma Dirk J. , van der Poll Tom
Published: April 2014

To determine the role of endogenous IL-10 in local antibacterial host defense and in the development of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome during abdominal sepsis, IL-10 gene-deficient (IL-10−/−) and wild-type (IL-10+/+) mice received an i.p. injection with Escherichia coli. Peritonitis was associated with a bacterial dose-dependent increase in IL-10 concentrations in peritoneal fluid and plasma. The recovery of E. coli from the peritoneal fluid, blood, and lungs was diminished in IL-10−/− mice, indicating that endogenous IL-10 impaired bacterial clearance. Despite a lower bacterial load, IL-10−/− mice had higher concentrations of TNF, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and keratinocyte in peritoneal fluid and plasma, and demonstrated more severe multiple organ damage as indicated by clinical chemistry and histopathology. Furthermore, IL-10−/− mice showed an increased neutrophil recruitment to the peritoneal cavity. To examine the role of elevated TNF levels in the altered host response in IL-10−/− mice, the effect of a neutralizing anti-TNF mAb was determined. Anti-TNF did not influence the clearance of E. coli in either IL-10+/+ or IL-10−/− mice. Furthermore, anti-TNF did not affect leukocyte influx in the peritoneal fluid, multiple organ damage, or survival in IL-10+/+ mice. In IL-10−/− mice, anti-TNF partially attenuated neutrophil recruitment and multiple organ damage, and prevented the increased lethality. These data suggest that although endogenous IL-10 facilitates the outgrowth and dissemination of bacteria during E. coli peritonitis, it protects mice from lethality by attenuating the development of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome by a mechanism that involves inhibition of TNF release.
Identification of a Selective Nonpeptide Antagonist of the Anaphylatoxin C3a Receptor That Demonstrates Antiinflammatory Activity in Animal Models
Authors: Ames Robert S. , Lee Dennis , Foley James J. , Jurewicz Anthony J. , Tornetta Mark A. , Bautsch Wilfried , Settmacher Britta , Klos Andreas , Erhard Karl F. , Cousins Russell D. , Sulpizio Anthony C. , Hieble J. Paul , McCafferty Gerald , Ward Keith W. , Adams Jerry L. , Bondinell William E. , Underwood David C. , Osborn Ruth R. , Badger Alison M. , Sarau Henry M.
Published: April 2014

The anaphylatoxin C3a is a potent chemotactic peptide and inflammatory mediator released during complement activation which binds to and activates a G-protein-coupled receptor. Molecular cloning of the C3aR has facilitated studies to identify nonpeptide antagonists of the C3aR. A chemical lead that selectively inhibited the C3aR in a high throughput screen was identified and chemically optimized. The resulting antagonist, N2-[(2,2-diphenylethoxy)acetyl]-l-arginine (SB 290157), functioned as a competitive antagonist of 125I-C3a radioligand binding to rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells expressing the human C3aR (RBL-C3aR), with an IC50 of 200 nM. SB 290157 was a functional antagonist, blocking C3a-induced C3aR internalization in a concentration-dependent manner and C3a-induced Ca2+ mobilization in RBL-C3aR cells and human neutrophils with IC50s of 27.7 and 28 nM, respectively. SB 290157 was selective for the C3aR in that it did not antagonize the C5aR or six other chemotactic G protein-coupled receptors. Functional antagonism was not solely limited to the human C3aR; SB 290157 also inhibited C3a-induced Ca2+ mobilization of RBL-2H3 cells expressing the mouse and guinea pig C3aRs. It potently inhibited C3a-mediated ATP release from guinea pig platelets and inhibited C3a-induced potentiation of the contractile response to field stimulation of perfused rat caudal artery. Furthermore, in animal models, SB 290157, inhibited neutrophil recruitment in a guinea pig LPS-induced airway neutrophilia model and decreased paw edema in a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model. This selective antagonist may be useful to define the physiological and pathophysiological roles of the C3aR.
IL-10 Up-Regulates Macrophage Expression of the S100 Protein S100A8
Authors: Xu Ken , Yen Tina , Geczy Carolyn L.
Published: April 2014

The murine calcium binding protein S100A8 (A8) is a leukocyte chemoattractant, but high levels may be protective and scavenge hypochlorite. A8 is induced by LPS, IFN-γ, and TNF in elicited macrophages. Th2 cytokines generally suppress proinflammatory gene expression, and IL-4 and IL-13 partially decreased A8 induction in macrophages and endothelial cells stimulated by LPS or IFN. In contrast, IL-10 synergized with LPS and IFN to increase mRNA levels ≥9-fold and secreted A8 levels ∼4-fold. IL-10 decreased the optimal time of mRNA expression induced by LPS from 24 to 8 h. Blocking experiments indicated that endogenous IL-10 contributes to gene induction by LPS. Cooperation between IL-10 and LPS was not due to altered mRNA stability but was dependent on de novo protein synthesis. Transfection analysis with A8 luciferase constructs confirmed that synergy was due to increased transcription. The region of the promoter involved was localized to a 178-bp fragment flanking the transcription start site of the gene. This region was also responsible for the suppressive effects of IL-4 and IL-13. Forskolin, CTP-cAMP, and PGE2 also enhanced LPS- and IFN-induced A8 mRNA, whereas indomethacin significantly reduced synergy between IL-10 and LPS. Mitogen-activated protein kinase/cyclooxygenase 2/cAMP pathways involving CCAAT-enhancing binding protein, located within the active promoter, may mediate A8 gene up-regulation in a manner mechanistically distinct to genes regulated by IL-10 via the STAT pathway. A8 exhibits pleiotropic effects, and the high levels secreted as a result of IL-10 synergy may regulate untoward inflammatory damage by virtue of its an antioxidant capacity.
Mycobacterium bovisStrain Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-Induced Liver Granulomas Contain a Diverse TCR Repertoire, but a Monoclonal T Cell Population Is Sufficient for Protective Granuloma Formation
Authors: Hogan Laura H. , Macvilay Khen , Barger Brittany , Co Dominic , Malkovska Irena , Fennelly Glenn , Sandor Matyas
Published: April 2014

Granuloma formation is a form of delayed-type hypersensitivity requiring CD4+ T cells. Granulomas control the growth and dissemination of pathogens, preventing host inflammation from harming surrounding tissues. Using a murine model of Mycobacterium bovis strain bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) infection we studied the extent of T cell heterogeneity present in liver granulomas. We demonstrate that the TCR repertoire of granuloma-infiltrating T cells is very diverse even at the single-granuloma level, suggesting that before granuloma closure, a large number of different T cells are recruited to the lesion. At the same time, the TCR repertoire is selected, because AND TCR transgenic T cells (Vα11/Vβ3 anti-pigeon cytochrome c) are preferentially excluded from granulomas of BCG-infected AND mice, and cells expressing secondary endemic Vβ-chains are enriched among AND cells homing to granulomas. Next, we addressed whether TCR heterogeneity is required for effective granuloma formation. We infected 5CC7/recombinase-activating gene 2−/− mice with recombinant BCG that express pigeon cytochrome c peptide in a mycobacterial 19-kDa bacterial surface lipoprotein. A CD4+ T cell with a single specificity in the absence of CD8+ T cells is sufficient to form granulomas and adequately control bacteria. Our study shows that expanded monoclonal T cell populations can be protective in mycobacterial infection.
Surfactant Protein A Suppresses Lipopolysaccharide-Induced IL-10 Production by Murine Macrophages
Authors: Salez Laurent , Balloy Viviane , van Rooijen Nico , Lebastard Mai , Touqui Lhousseine , McCormack Francis X. , Chignard Michel
Published: April 2014

Upon LPS exposure, mononuclear phagocytes produce TNF-α and IL-10, two cytokines with pro- and anti-inflammatory activities, respectively. We previously described that murine resident alveolar macrophages, which play a central role in the immunosurveillance of the lung alveoli, do not synthesize IL-10 in vivo or in vitro when exposed to LPS. In the present report we demonstrate that during lung inflammation induced by the intranasal administration of LPS, bronchoalveolar cells collected between days 3 and 5 are able to synthesize IL-10 when exposed to LPS. We also show that depletion of resident alveolar macrophages by an intratracheal instillation of liposome-encapsulated clodronate is followed by subsequent replenishment of the airspaces by mononuclear phagocytes. This is accompanied by the transient competence of cells for IL-10 production. The cell capacity to produce IL-10 is evident up to 3 days and then decreases. This led us to hypothesize that the alveolar environment contains a down-regulator of LPS-induced IL-10 synthesis by recently emigrating mononuclear phagocytes. We show that the surfactant protein A, an airspace protein that has known immunomodulatory activities, dramatically inhibits LPS-induced IL-10 formation by bone marrow-derived macrophages. These data show a difference between resident and inflammatory macrophages with respect to IL-10 synthesis. Moreover, this study highlights for the first time the inhibitory role of surfactant protein A in the anti-inflammatory activity of macrophages through inhibition of IL-10 production.
Genetic Regulation of Autoimmune Disease: BALB/c Background TGF-β1-Deficient Mice Develop Necroinflammatory IFN-γ-Dependent Hepatitis
Authors: Gorham James D. , Lin Jack T. , Sung James L. , Rudner Lynnie A. , French Margaret A.
Published: April 2014

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in humans arises spontaneously in genetically susceptible individuals and is associated with the presence of Th1 cells in the liver. The understanding of AIH has advanced more slowly than that of other organ-specific autoimmune diseases, however, largely because of the lack of an appropriate animal model. We now describe a new mouse model characterized by spontaneous development of necroinflammatory hepatitis that is restricted by genetic background. Mice deficient in the immunomodulatory cytokine TGF-β1 were extensively back-bred to the BALB/c background. The BALB/c background dramatically modified the phenotype of TGF-β1−/− mice: specifically, BALB/c-TGF-β1−/− mice developed a lethal necroinflammatory hepatitis that was not observed in TGF-β1−/− mice on a different genetic background. BALB/c background TGF-β1−/− livers contained large numbers of activated CD4+ T cells that produced large quantities of IFN-γ, but little IL-4, identifying them as Th1 cells. BALB/c background TGF-β1−/−/IFN-γ−/− double knockout mice, generated by cross-breeding, did not develop necroinflammatory hepatitis, demonstrating that IFN-γ is mechanistically required for its pathogenesis. This represents the first murine model of hepatitis that develops spontaneously, is restricted by genetic background, and is dependent upon the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ, and that thus recapitulates these important aspects of AIH.
Anti-CTLA-4 Antibody Treatment Triggers Determinant Spreading and Enhances Murine Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Wang Hua-Bing , Shi Fu-Dong , Li Hulun , Chambers Benedict J. , Link Hans , Ljunggren Hans-Gustaf
Published: April 2014

CTLA-4 appears to be a negative regulator of T cell activation and is implicated in T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG), induced by immunization of C57BL/6 mice with acetylcholine receptor (AChR) in adjuvant, is an autoantibody-mediated disease model for human myasthenia gravis (MG). The production of anti-AChR Abs in MG and EAMG is T cell dependent. In the present study, we demonstrate that anti-CTLA-4 Ab treatment enhances T cell responses to AChR, increases anti-AChR Ab production, and provokes a rapid onset and severe EAMG. To address possible mechanisms underlying the enhanced autoreactive T cell responses after anti-CTLA-4 Ab treatment, mice were immunized with the immunodominant peptide α146–162 representing an extracellular sequence of the AChR. Anti-CTLA-4 Ab, but not control Ab, treatment subsequent to peptide immunization results in clinical EAMG with diversification of the autoantibody repertoire as well as enhanced T cell proliferation against not only the immunizing α146–162 peptide, but also against other subdominant epitopes. Thus, treatment with anti-CTLA-4 Ab appears to induce determinant spreading, diversify the autoantibody repertoire, and enhance B cell-mediated autoimmune disease in this murine model of MG.
Overexpression of Bcl-2 Differentially Restores Development of Thymus-Derived CD4−8+ T Cells and Intestinal Intraepithelial T Cells in IFN-Regulatory Factor-1-Deficient Mice
Authors: Ohteki Toshiaki , Maki Chikako , Koyasu Shigeo
Published: April 2014

Mice lacking IFN-regulatory factor (IRF)-1 have reduced numbers of mature CD8+ T cells within the thymus and peripheral lymphoid organs, suggesting a critical role of IRF-1 in CD8+ T cell differentiation. Here we show that endogenous Bcl-2 expression is substantially reduced in IRF-1−/−CD8+ thymocytes and that introduction of a human Bcl-2 transgene driven by Eμ or lck promoter in IRF-1−/− mice restores the CD8+ T cell development. Restored CD8+ T cells are functionally mature in terms of allogeneic MLR and cytokine production. In contrast to thymus-derived CD8+ T cells, other lymphocyte subsets including NK, NK T, and TCR-γδ+ intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes, which are also impaired in IRF-1−/− mice, are not rescued by expressing human Bcl-2. Our results indicate that IRF-1 differentially regulates the development of these lymphocyte subsets and that survival signals involving Bcl-2 are critical for the development of thymus-dependent CD8+ T cells.
Three Different Vaccines Based on the 140-Amino Acid MUC1 Peptide with Seven Tandemly Repeated Tumor-Specific Epitopes Elicit Distinct Immune Effector Mechanisms in Wild-Type Versus MUC1-Transgenic Mice with Different Potential for Tumor Rejection
Authors: Soares M. Melina , Mehta Vinay , Finn Olivera J.
Published: April 2014

Low-frequency CTL and low-titer IgM responses against tumor-associated Ag MUC1 are present in cancer patients but do not prevent cancer growth. Boosting MUC1-specific immunity with vaccines, especially effector mechanisms responsible for tumor rejection, is an important goal. We studied immunogenicity, tumor rejection potential, and safety of three vaccines: 1) MUC1 peptide admixed with murine GM-CSF as an adjuvant; 2) MUC1 peptide admixed with adjuvant SB-AS2; and 3) MUC1 peptide-pulsed dendritic cells (DC). We examined the qualitative and quantitative differences in humoral and T cell-mediated MUC1-specific immunity elicited in human MUC1-transgenic (Tg) mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Adjuvant-based vaccines induced MUC1-specific Abs but failed to stimulate MUC1-specific T cells. MUC1 peptide with GM-CSF induced IgG1 and IgG2b in WT mice but only IgM in MUC1-Tg mice. MUC1 peptide with SB-AS2 induced high-titer IgG1, IgG2b, and IgG3 Abs in both WT and MUC1-Tg mice. Induction of IgG responses was T cell independent and did not have any effect on tumor growth. MUC1 peptide-loaded DC induced only T cell immunity. If injected together with soluble peptide, the DC vaccine also triggered Ab production. Importantly, the DC vaccine elicited tumor rejection responses in both WT and MUC1-Tg mice. These responses correlated with the induction of MUC1-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in WT mice, but only CD8+ T cells in MUC1-Tg mice. Even though MUC1-specific CD4+ T cell tolerance was not broken, the capacity of MUC1-Tg mice to reject tumor was not compromised.
Phosphatidylinositol 3′-Kinase Blocks CD95 Aggregation and Caspase-8 Cleavage at the Death-Inducing Signaling Complex by Modulating Lateral Diffusion of CD95
Authors: Varadhachary Arun S. , Edidin Michael , Hanlon Allison M. , Peter Marcus E. , Krammer Peter H. , Salgame Padmini
Published: April 2014

Activation of phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI 3′-K) after ligation of CD3 protects Th2 cells from CD95-mediated apoptosis. Here we show that protection is achieved by inhibition of the formation of CD95 aggregates and consequent activation of caspase-8. Inhibition of aggregate formation is mediated by changes in the actin cytoskeleton, which in turn inhibit lateral diffusion of CD95, reducing its diffusion coefficient, D, 10-fold. After cytochalasin D treatment of stimulated cells, the lateral diffusion of CD95 increases to the value measured on unstimulated cells, and CD95 molecules aggregate to process caspase-8 and mediate apoptosis. Regulation of functional receptor formation by modulating lateral diffusion is a novel mechanism for controlling receptor activity.
Cyclophosphamide Induces the Development of Early Myeloid Cells Suppressing Tumor Cell Growth by a Nitric Oxide-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Peláez Blondineth , Campillo José A. , López-Asenjo José A. , Subiza José L.
Published: April 2014

Adoptive immunotherapy with cyclophosphamide (Cy) increases the host resistance against tumor growth. The precise mechanism(s) by which this therapy enhances tumor suppression is unclear. Cy induces the development of early myeloid cells that may be strongly antiproliferative through NO production. These cells are similar to the natural suppressor cells found in normal bone marrow with a potential antitumor effect. Here we have addressed whether the development of NO-producing cells may be involved in this tumor resistance in Cy-treated mice. The results show a synergism between Cy treatment and tumor-specific lymphocytes transferred systemically (i.v.) or locally (Winn’s assay) that results in a strong tumor suppression. Inhibition of NO production by NG-monomethyl-l-arginine at the site of tumor inoculation results in a loss of the protection achieved by the combined therapy. Cy-treated mice develop splenic early myeloid (CD11b, Gr-1, CD31 (ER-MP12), ER-MP20, ER-MP54) cells producing large amounts of NO upon T cell-derived signals (IFN-γ plus CD40 ligation) able to inhibit tumor cell growth in vitro. Early myeloid cells (ER-MP54+) and cells expressing inducible NO synthase are increased at the site of tumor challenge in mice treated with the combined therapy, but not in those treated with Cy or immune cell transfer alone. Thus, Cy induces the expansion of early myeloid cells, inhibiting tumor cell growth by a mechanism involving NO. Both the recruitment and the activation of these myeloid cells at the site of tumor challenge appear to be dependent on the presence of tumor-specific lymphocytes.
TNF-α Controls Intracellular Mycobacterial Growth by Both Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase-Dependent and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase-Independent Pathways
Authors: Bekker Linda-Gail , Freeman Sherry , Murray Peter J. , Ryffel Bernard , Kaplan Gilla
Published: April 2014

The role of TNF-α in the control of mycobacterial growth in murine macrophages was studied in vitro. Infection of macrophages from TNF-α gene disrupted (TNF-knockout (KO)) mice with recombinant Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) expressing the vector only (BCG-vector) resulted in logarithmic growth of the intracellular bacilli. Infection with BCG-secreting murine TNF-α (BCG-TNF) led to bacillary killing. Killing of BCG-TNF was associated with rapid accumulation of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) protein and the production of nitrite. The uncontrolled growth of BCG-vector was associated with low iNOS expression but no nitrite production. Thus, iNOS expression appears to be TNF-α independent but iNOS generation of NO requires TNF-α. In cultures of TNF-KO macrophages infected with BCG-TNF, inhibition of iNOS by aminoguanidine (AMG) abolished the killing of the bacilli. However, the growth of the organisms was still inhibited, suggesting an iNOS-independent TNF-α-mediated growth inhibition. To confirm this, macrophages from iNOS-KO mice were infected with either BCG-vector or BCG-TNF. As expected, no nitrite was detected in the culture medium. TNF-α was detected only when the cells were infected with BCG-TNF. In the iNOS-KO macrophages, the growth of BCG was inhibited only in the BCG-TNF infection. These results suggest that in the absence of iNOS activity, TNF-α stimulates macrophages to control the growth of intracellular BCG. Thus, there appears to be both a TNF-α-dependent-iNOS-dependent killing pathway as well as a TNF-α-dependent-iNOS-independent growth inhibitory pathway for the control of intracellular mycobacteria in murine macrophages.
P2X7 Nucleotide Receptor Mediation of Membrane Pore Formation and Superoxide Generation in Human Promyelocytes and Neutrophils
Authors: Suh Byung-Chang , Kim Jong-So , Namgung Uk , Ha Hyunjung , Kim Kyong-Tai
Published: April 2014

The P2X7 receptor, which induces cation channel opening imparting significant permeability to Ca2+ and pore formation with changes in the plasma membrane potential, has been known to be rather restrictedly expressed in cells of the macrophage lineage including dendrites, mature macrophages, and microglial cells. However, we show here that the P2X7 receptor is also expressed in cells of granulocytic lineage such as HL-60 promyelocytes, granulocytic differentiated cells, and neutrophils. Exposure of these cells to 2′,3′-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl-ATP (BzATP) triggered intracellular Ca2+ rise through the mediation of phospholipase C-independent and suramin-sensitive pathways. BzATP also induced depolarization of the plasma membrane in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, whereas it hyperpolarized the cells in the presence of external Ca2+, probably in part through the activation of Ca2+-activated K+ channels. However, the hyperpolarization phenomenon was markedly attenuated in differentiated HL-60 cells and neutrophils. RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of P2X7 receptors on both HL-60 and neutrophil-like cells. This was further confirmed by pore formation through which the uptake of Lucifer yellow and YO-PRO1 occurred on BzATP treatment. BzATP stimulated in a concentration-dependent manner the production of superoxide in differentiated HL-60 cells via a pathway partially dependent on extracellular Ca2+. Moreover, in human neutrophils, BzATP was a more effective inducer of superoxide generation than PMA. Taken together, this is a first demonstration of the expression of P2X7 receptors on neutrophils, which shows that the receptor is functionally involved in the defense mechanism by activation of the respiratory burst pathway.
Differential Involvement of Dendritic Cell Subsets During AcuteSalmonellaInfection
Authors: Kirby Alun C. , Yrlid Ulf , Svensson Mattias , Wick Mary Jo
Published: April 2014

Within murine CD11c+ dendritic cells (DC), CD8α+, CD8α−CD4+, and CD8α−CD4− subsets are defined. This study characterized the localization, number, and function of these subsets during acute Salmonella typhimurium infection. Immunohistochemical and flow cytometric analyses of spleens from mice orally infected with virulent S. typhimurium revealed that in situ redistribution and alteration in the absolute number and function of DC occurred in a subset-specific manner during infection. CD8α−CD4+ DC present at B cell follicle borders in the spleen of naive mice were absent 5 days post-Salmonella infection, despite no overall change in the absolute number of CD8α−CD4+ splenic DC. CD8α+ and CD8α−CD4− DC were prominently associated with the red pulp, and the frequency of these cells increased strikingly 5 days post-Salmonella infection. Significant quantitative increases in both CD8α+ and CD8α−CD4− subsets were associated with the in situ redistribution. Examination of Salmonella-infected TAP1−/−/β2-microglobulin−/− mice, which lack CD8α+ T cells, confirmed the differential subset-specific modulations in the DC populations both in situ and quantitatively. Ex vivo intracellular cytokine analysis showed significantly increased frequencies of CD8α+ DC producing TNF-α at days 2 and 5 postinfection. In contrast, CD4+ DC producing TNF-α were transiently increased followed by a significant reduction. No significant increase in IL-12p40 or IL-10 production by splenic DC was detected during the first 5 days post-S. typhimurium infection. Together these data reveal differential modulation of splenic DC subsets with regard to organization, number, and cytokine production during the course of acute Salmonella infection.
Differential Effects of Apoptotic Versus Lysed Cells on Macrophage Production of Cytokines: Role of Proteases
Authors: Fadok Valerie A. , Bratton Donna L. , Guthrie Lindsay , Henson Peter M.
Published: April 2014

Granulocytes undergoing apoptosis are recognized and removed by phagocytes before their lysis. The release of their formidable arsenal of proteases and other toxic intracellular contents into tissues can create significant damage, prolonging the inflammatory response. Binding and/or uptake of apoptotic cells by macrophages inhibits release of proinflammatory cytokines by mechanisms that involve anti-inflammatory mediators, including TGF-β. To model the direct effects of necrotic cells on macrophage cytokine production, we added lysed or apoptotic neutrophils and lymphocytes to mouse and human macrophages in the absence of serum to avoid complement activation. The results confirmed the ability of lysed neutrophils, but not lymphocytes, to significantly stimulate production of macrophage-inflammatory protein 2 or IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-10. Concomitantly, induction of TGF-β1 by lysed neutrophils was significantly lower than that observed for apoptotic cells. The addition of selected serine protease inhibitors and anti-human elastase Ab markedly reduced the proinflammatory effects, the lysed neutrophils then behaving as an anti-inflammatory stimulus similar to intact apoptotic cells. Separation of lysed neutrophils into membrane and soluble fractions showed that the neutrophil membranes behaved like apoptotic cells. Thus, the cytokine response seen when macrophages were exposed to lysed neutrophils was largely due to liberated proteases. Therefore, we suggest that anti-inflammatory signals can be given by PtdSer-containing cell membranes, whether from early apoptotic, late apoptotic, or lysed cells, but can be overcome by proteases liberated during lysis. Therefore, the outcome of an inflammatory reaction and the potential immunogenicity of Ags within the damaged cell will be determined by which signals predominate.
Sepsis-Induced Apoptosis Causes Progressive Profound Depletion of B and CD4+ T Lymphocytes in Humans
Authors: Hotchkiss Richard S. , Tinsley Kevin W. , Swanson Paul E. , Schmieg Robert E. , Hui Jia Ji , Chang Katherine C. , Osborne Dale F. , Freeman Bradley D. , Cobb J. Perren , Buchman Timothy G. , Karl Irene E.
Published: April 2014

Patients with sepsis have impaired host defenses that contribute to the lethality of the disorder. Recent work implicates lymphocyte apoptosis as a potential factor in the immunosuppression of sepsis. If lymphocyte apoptosis is an important mechanism, specific subsets of lymphocytes may be more vulnerable. A prospective study of lymphocyte cell typing and apoptosis was conducted in spleens from 27 patients with sepsis and 25 patients with trauma. Spleens from 16 critically ill nonseptic (3 prospective and 13 retrospective) patients were also evaluated. Immunohistochemical staining showed a caspase-9-mediated profound progressive loss of B and CD4 T helper cells in sepsis. Interestingly, sepsis did not decrease CD8 T or NK cells. Although there was no overall effect on lymphocytes from critically ill nonseptic patients (considered as a group), certain individual patients did exhibit significant loss of B and CD4 T cells. The loss of B and CD4 T cells in sepsis is especially significant because it occurs during life-threatening infection, a state in which massive lymphocyte clonal expansion should exist. Mitochondria-dependent lymphocyte apoptosis may contribute to the immunosuppression in sepsis by decreasing the number of immune effector cells. Similar loss of lymphocytes may be occurring in critically ill patients with other disorders.