bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rebuilding an Immune-Mediated Central Nervous System Disease: Weighing the Pathogenicity of Antigen-Specific versus Bystander T Cells
Authors: McGavern Dorian B. , Truong Phi
Published: April 2014

Although both self- and pathogen-specific T cells can participate in tissue destruction, recent studies have proposed that after viral infection, bystander T cells of an irrelevant specificity can bypass peptide-MHC restriction and contribute to undesired immunopathological consequences. To evaluate the importance of this mechanism of immunopathogenesis, we determined the relative contributions of Ag-specific and bystander CD8+ T cells to the development of CNS disease. Using lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) as a stimulus for T cell recruitment into the CNS, we demonstrate that bystander CD8+ T cells with an activated surface phenotype can indeed be recruited into the CNS over a chronic time window. These cells become anatomically positioned in the CNS parenchyma, and a fraction aberrantly acquires the capacity to produce the effector cytokine, IFN-γ. However, when directly compared with their virus-specific counterparts, the contribution of bystander T cells to CNS damage was insignificant in nature (even when specifically activated). Although bystander T cells alone failed to cause tissue injury, transferring as few as 1000 naive LCMV-specific CD8+ T cells into a restricted repertoire containing only bystander T cells was sufficient to induce immune-mediated pathology and reconstitute a fatal CNS disease. These studies underscore the importance of specific T cells in the development of immunopathology and subsequent disease. Because of highly restrictive constraints imposed by the host, it is more likely that specific, rather than nonspecific, bystander T cells are the active participants in T cell-mediated diseases that afflict humans.
A Novel Model for Lymphocytic Infiltration of the Thyroid Gland Generated by Transgenic Expression of the CC Chemokine CCL21
Authors: Martin Andrea P. , Coronel Elizabeth C. , Sano Gen-ichiro , Chen Shu-Cheng , Vassileva Galya , Canasto-Chibuque Claudia , Sedgwick Jonathon D. , Frenette Paul S. , Lipp Martin , Furtado Glaucia C. , Lira Sergio A.
Published: April 2014

Lymphocytic infiltrates and lymphoid follicles with germinal centers are often detected in autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), but the mechanisms underlying lymphocyte entry and organization in the thyroid remain unknown. We tested the hypothesis that CCL21, a chemokine that regulates homeostatic lymphocyte trafficking, and whose expression has been detected in AITD, is involved in the migration of lymphocytes to the thyroid. We show that transgenic mice expressing CCL21 from the thyroglobulin promoter (TGCCL21 mice) have significant lymphocytic infiltrates, which are topologically segregated into B and T cell areas. Although high endothelial venules expressing peripheral lymph node addressin were frequently observed in the thyroid tissue, lymphocyte recruitment was independent of L-selectin or lymphotoxin-α but required CCR7 expression. Taken together, these results indicate that CCL21 is sufficient to drive lymphocyte recruitment to the thyroid, suggest that CCL21 is involved in AITD pathogenesis, and establish TGCCL21 transgenic mice as a novel model to study the formation and function of lymphoid follicles in the thyroid.
The Role of Dendritic Cells in Selection of Classical and Nonclassical CD8+ T Cells In Vivo
Authors: Cannarile Michael A. , Decanis Nadege , van Meerwijk Joost P. M. , Brocker Thomas
Published: April 2014

T cell development is determined by positive and negative selection events. An intriguing question is how signals through the TCR can induce thymocyte survival and maturation in some and programmed cell death in other thymocytes. This paradox can be explained by the hypothesis that different thymic cell types expressing self-MHC/peptide ligands mediate either positive or negative selection events. Using transgenic mice that express MHC class I (MHC-I) selectively on DC, we demonstrate a compartmentalization of thymic functions and reveal that DC induce CTL tolerance to MHC-I-positive hemopoietic targets in vivo. However, in normal and bone marrow chimeric mice, MHC-I+ DC are sufficient to positively select neither MHC-Ib (H2-M3)- nor MHC-Ia (H2-K)-restricted CD8+ T cells. Thus, thymic DC are specialized in tolerance induction, but cannot positively select the vast majority of MHC-I-restricted CD8+ T cells.
A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins Interact with Phosphodiesterases in T Lymphocyte Cell Lines
Authors: Asirvatham Angela L. , Galligan Sarah G. , Schillace Robynn V. , Davey Michael P. , Vasta Valeria , Beavo Joseph A. , Carr Daniel W.
Published: April 2014

The cAMP protein kinase A (PKA) pathway in T cells conveys an inhibitory signal to suppress inflammation. This study was performed to understand the mechanisms involved in cAMP-mediated signaling in T lymphocytes. A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) bind and target PKA to various subcellular locations. AKAPs also bind other signaling molecules such as cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) that hydrolyze cAMP in the cell. PDE4 and PDE7 have important roles in T cell activation. Based on this information, we hypothesized that AKAPs associate with PDEs in T lymphocytes. Immunoprecipitation of Jurkat cell lysates with Abs against both the regulatory subunit of PKA (RIIα) and specific AKAPs resulted in increased PDE activity associated with RIIα and AKAP95, AKAP149, and myeloid translocation gene (MTG) compared with control (IgG). Immunoprecipitation and pull-down analyses demonstrate that PDE4A binds to AKAP149, AKAP95, and MTG, but not AKAP79, whereas PDE7A was found to bind only MTG. Further analysis of MTG/PDE association illustrated that PDE4A and PDE7A bind residues 1–344 of MTG16b. Confocal analysis of HuT 78 cells stained with anti-PDE7A showed overlapping staining patterns with the Golgi marker GM130, suggesting that PDE7A is located in the Golgi. The staining pattern of PDE7A also showed similarity to the staining pattern of MTG, supporting the immunoprecipitation data and suggesting that MTG may interact with PDE7A in the Golgi. In summary, these data suggest that AKAPs interact with both PKA and PDE in T lymphocytes and thus are a key component of the signaling complex regulating T cell activation.
Localization of Marginal Zone Macrophages Is Regulated by C-C Chemokine Ligands 21/19
Authors: Ato Manabu , Nakano Hideki , Kakiuchi Terutaka , Kaye Paul M.
Published: April 2014

The marginal zone (MZ) of the spleen is an important site for the capture of blood-borne pathogens and a gateway for lymphocytes entering the white pulp. We have recently reported that Leishmania donovani infection results in a remarkably selective loss of MZ macrophages (MZM) from the MZ. To understand the basis of this observation, we have investigated how MZM maintain their anatomical distribution in the steady state in uninfected mice. We now report that plt/plt mice, which lack functional CCL19 and CCL21, have significantly reduced numbers of MZM compared with normal C57BL/6 (B6) mice. Similarly, in B6.CD45.1→plt/plt chimeras, donor-derived MZM were rare compared with the number observed in reciprocal plt/plt→B6.CD45.1 chimeras. Moreover, we show that administration of pertussis toxin, an inhibitor of chemokine receptor signaling, to B6 mice results in exit of MZM from the MZ, that MZM can migrate in response to CCL19 and CCL21 in vitro, and that MZM colocalize with CD31+CCL21+ endothelial cells. Collectively, these data indicate that CCL21 and, to a lesser extent, CCL19 play significant roles in the distinctive localization of MZM within the splenic MZ. Deficiency of CCL19 and CCL21, as also previously observed in mice infected with L. donovani, may thus account for the selective loss of MZM seen during this infection.
Th2 Response of Human Peripheral Monocytes Involves Isoform-Specific Induction of Monoamine Oxidase-A
Authors: Chaitidis Pavlos , Billett Ellen E. , O’Donnell Valerie B. , Fajardo Alexandra Bermudez , Fitzgerald Julia , Kuban Ralf J. , Ungethuem Ute , Kühn Hartmut
Published: April 2014

Monocyte/macrophage function is critically regulated by specific cytokines and growth factors that they are exposed to at inflammatory sites. IL-4 and IL-13 are multifunctional cytokines generated mainly by Th2 lymphocytes that have important biological activities in allergy and inflammation. The Th2 response of human peripheral monocytes is characterized by complex alterations in the gene expression pattern, which involves dominant expression of CD23 cell surface Ag and lipid-peroxidizing 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX1). In this study, we report that the classical Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 strongly up-regulate expression of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) with no induction of the closely related isozyme, MAO-B. Real-time PCR indicated a >2000-fold up-regulation of the MAO-A transcripts, and immunohistochemistry revealed coexpression of the enzyme with 15-LOX1 in a major subpopulation of monocytes. MAO-A was also induced in lung carcinoma A549 cells by IL-4 in parallel with 15-LOX1. In promyelomonocytic U937 cells, which neither express 15-LOX1 nor MAO-A in response to IL-4 stimulation, expression of MAO-A was up-regulated following transfection with 15-LOX1. This is the first report indicating expression of MAO-A in human monocytes. Its isoform-specific up-regulation in response to Th2 cytokines suggests involvement of the enzyme in modulation of innate and/or acquired immune system.
Marrow Stromal Cells and Osteoclast Precursors Differentially Contribute to TNF-α-Induced Osteoclastogenesis In Vivo
Authors: Kitaura Hideki , Sands Mark S. , Aya Kunihiko , Zhou Ping , Hirayama Teruhisa , Uthgenannt Brian , Wei Shi , Takeshita Sunao , Novack Deborah Veis , Silva Matthew J. , Abu-Amer Yousef , Ross F. Patrick , Teitelbaum Steven L.
Published: April 2014

The marrow stromal cell is the principal source of the key osteoclastogenic cytokine receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) ligand (RANKL). To individualize the role of marrow stromal cells in varying states of TNF-α-driven osteoclast formation in vivo, we generated chimeric mice in which wild-type (WT) marrow, immunodepleted of T cells and stromal cells, is transplanted into lethally irradiated mice deleted of both the p55 and p75 TNFR. As control, similarly treated WT marrow was transplanted into WT mice. Each group was administered increasing doses of TNF-α. Exposure to high-dose cytokine ex vivo induces exuberant osteoclastogenesis irrespective of in vivo TNF-α treatment or whether the recipient animals possess TNF-α-responsive stromal cells. In contrast, the osteoclastogenic capacity of marrow treated with lower-dose TNF-α requires priming by TNFR-bearing stromal cells in vivo. Importantly, the osteoclastogenic contribution of cytokine responsive stromal cells in vivo diminishes as the dose of TNF-α increases. In keeping with this conclusion, mice with severe inflammatory arthritis develop profound osteoclastogenesis and bone erosion independent of stromal cell expression of TNFR. The direct induction of osteoclast recruitment by TNF-α is characterized by enhanced RANK expression and sensitization of precursor cells to RANKL. Thus, osteolysis attending relatively modest elevations in ambient TNF-α depends upon responsive stromal cells. Alternatively, in states of severe periarticular inflammation, TNF-α may fully exert its bone erosive effects by directly promoting the differentiation of osteoclast precursors independent of cytokine-responsive stromal cells and T lymphocytes.
TCR- and CD28-Mediated Recruitment of Phosphodiesterase 4 to Lipid Rafts Potentiates TCR Signaling
Authors: Abrahamsen Hilde , Baillie George , Ngai Jacob , Vang Torkel , Nika Konstantina , Ruppelt Anja , Mustelin Tomas , Zaccolo Manuela , Houslay Miles , Taskén Kjetil
Published: April 2014

Ligation of the TCR along with the coreceptor CD28 is necessary to elicit T cell activation in vivo, whereas TCR triggering alone does not allow a full T cell response. Upon T cell activation of human peripheral blood T cells, we found that the majority of cAMP was generated in T cell lipid rafts followed by activation of protein kinase A. However, upon TCR and CD28 coligation, β-arrestin in complex with cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) was recruited to lipid rafts which down-regulated cAMP levels. Whereas inhibition of protein kinase A increased TCR-induced immune responses, inhibition of PDE4 blunted T cell cytokine production. Conversely, overexpression of either PDE4 or β-arrestin augmented TCR/CD28-stimulated cytokine production. We show here for the first time that the T cell immune response is potentiated by TCR/CD28-mediated recruitment of PDE4 to lipid rafts, which counteracts the local, TCR-induced production of cAMP. The specific recruitment of PDE4 thus serves to abrogate the negative feedback by cAMP which is elicited in the absence of a coreceptor stimulus.
Identification of Novel Human Aggrecan T Cell Epitopes in HLA-B27 Transgenic Mice Associated with Spondyloarthropathy
Authors: Kuon Wolfgang , Kuhne Maren , Busch Dirk H. , Atagunduz Pamir , Seipel Martina , Wu Peihua , Morawietz Lars , Fernahl Gabriele , Appel Heiner , Weiss Elisabeth H. , Krenn Veit , Sieper Joachim
Published: April 2014

The pathology of ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and other spondyloarthropathies (SpA) is closely associated with the human leukocyte class I Ag HLA-B27. A characteristic finding in SpA is inflammation of cartilage structures of the joint, in particular at the site of ligament/tendon and bone junction (enthesitis). In this study, we investigated the role of CD8+ T cells in response to the cartilage proteoglycan aggrecan as a potential candidate autoantigen in BALB/c-B27 transgenic mice. We identified four new HLA-B27-restricted nonamer peptides, one of them (no. 67) with a particularly strong T cell immunogenicity. Peptide no. 67 immunization was capable of stimulating HLA-B27-restricted, CD8+ T cells in BALB/c-B27 transgenic animals, but not in wild-type BALB/c mice. The peptide was specifically recognized on P815-B27 transfectants by HLA-B27-restricted CTLs, which were also detectable by HLA tetramer staining ex vivo as well as in situ. Most importantly, analysis of the joints from peptide no. 67-immunized mice induced typical histological signs of SpA. Our data indicate that HLA-B27-restricted epitopes derived from human aggrecan are involved in the induction of inflammation (tenosynovitis), underlining the importance of HLA-B27 in the pathogenesis of SpA.
IL-7 Gene Therapy in Aging Restores Early Thymopoiesis without Reversing Involution
Authors: Phillips Joy A. , Brondstetter Theresa I. , English Chauca A. , Lee Heidi E. , Virts Elizabeth L. , Thoman Marilyn L.
Published: April 2014

Thymic involution begins early in life and continues throughout adulthood, resulting in a decreased population of naive T cells in the periphery and a reduced ability to fight off newly encountered infectious diseases. We have previously shown that the first step of thymopoiesis is specifically blocked in aging. This block at the DN1 to DN2 transition and the subsequent loss of thymic output in old age mirrors the changes seen in IL-7-deficient mice, and it is hypothesized that decreased intrathymic IL-7 is involved in age-related thymic involution. To separate the effect of IL-7 on thymic involution from its function as a peripheral lymphocyte growth cofactor, we injected IL-7-secreting stromal cells into the thymi of recipient mice. The increased local concentration of IL-7 maintained the first step of thymopoiesis at a level far higher than was seen in age-matched controls. However, despite this success, there was no decrease in thymic involution or increase in T cell output. The inability of IL-7 to prevent involution led us to the discovery of an additional age-sensitive step in thymopoiesis, proliferation of the DN4 population, which is unaffected by IL-7 expression.
Flt3-Ligand, IL-4, GM-CSF, and Adherence-Mediated Isolation of Murine Lung Dendritic Cells: Assessment of Isolation Technique on Phenotype and Function
Authors: Swanson Kena A. , Zheng Yan , Heidler Kathleen M. , Zhang Zhen-Du , Webb Tonya J. , Wilkes David S.
Published: April 2014

Lung dendritic cells (DCs) are difficult to study due to their limited quantities and the complexities required for isolation. Although many procedures have been used to overcome this challenge, the effects of isolation techniques on lung DCs have not been reported. The current study shows that freshly isolated DCs (CD11c+) have limited ability to induce proliferation in allogeneic T cells, and are immature as indicated by low cell surface expression of costimulatory molecules compared with liver or splenic DCs. DCs isolated after overnight culture or from mice treated with Flt3L are phenotypically mature and potent stimulators of allogeneic T cells. DCs could not be propagated from lung mononuclear cells in response to IL-4 and GM-CSF. Contrary to data reported for nonpulmonary DCs, expression of CCR6 was decreased on mature lung DCs, and only a subset of mature DCs expressed higher levels of CCR7. Absence of CD8α expression indicates that freshly isolated DCs are myeloid-type, whereas mature DCs induced by overnight culture are both “lymphoid” (CD8α+) and “myeloid” (CD8α−). DCs from mice genetically deficient in CD8α expression were strong simulators of allogeneic T cells which was consistent with data showing that CD8α− DCs from CD8α-sufficient mice are better APCs compared with CD8α+ DCs from the same mice. These data show that freshly isolated lung DCs are phenotypically and functionally distinct, and that the isolation technique alters the biology of these cells. Therefore, lung DC phenotype and function must be interpreted relative to the technique used for isolation.
Initiation of Cellular Organization in Lymph Nodes Is Regulated by Non-B Cell-Derived Signals and Is Not Dependent on CXC Chemokine Ligand 13
Authors: Cupedo Tom , Lund Frances E. , Ngo Vu N. , Randall Troy D. , Jansen Wendy , Greuter Mascha J. , de Waal-Malefyt Rene , Kraal Georg , Cyster Jason G. , Mebius Reina E.
Published: April 2014

The molecular and cellular events that initiate the formation of T and B cell areas in developing lymph nodes are poorly understood. In this study we show that formation of the lymphoid architecture in murine neonatal lymph nodes evolves through a series of distinct stages. The initial segregation of T and B cells is regulated in a CXCL13-independent manner, characterized by the localization of B cells in a ring-like pattern in the outer cortex on day 4. However, during this CXCL13-independent phase of lymph node modeling, CXCL13 is expressed and regulated in a lymphotoxin-α1β2 (LTα1β2)-dependent manner. Surprisingly, neonatal B cells are unable to respond to this chemokine and also lack surface LTα1β2 expression. At this time, CD45+CD4+CD3− cells are the predominant LTα1β2-expressing cells and are also capable of responding to CXCL13. From day 4 on, architectural changes become CXCL13 dependent, and B cells become fully CXCL13 responsive, express LTα1β2, and cluster in anatomically distinct follicles. Because the initial induction of CXCL13 is dependent on LTα1β2, a role for CD45+CD4+CD3− cells in inducing chemokine expression in the developing lymph nodes is proposed and, as such, a role in initiation of the shaping of the microenvironment.
E2f1Mutation Induces Early Onset of Diabetes and Sjögren’s Syndrome in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Salam Mohammad Abdus , Matin Khairul , Matsumoto Naoko , Tsuha Yuzo , Hanada Nobuhiro , Senpuku Hidenobu
Published: April 2014

E2f1 is an important regulator of T cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis that controls the transcription of a group of genes that are normally regulated at the G1 to S phase transition in the cell cycle. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) are highly regulated autoimmune diseases that develop spontaneously in NOD mice. The aim of the present in vivo study was to explore the functional importance of the E2f1 molecule in IDDM and SS, in the context of whole animal physiology and pathophysiology, using E2f1-deficient NOD mice. For the experiment, we produced NOD mice homozygous for a nonfunctional E2f1 allele onto a NOD background. E2f1-deficient NOD mice developed an early and increased onset of diabetes as compared with their littermates. These mice also exhibited a defect in T lymphocyte development, leading to excessive numbers of mature T cells (CD4+ and CD8+), due to a maturation stage-specific defect in the apoptosis of thymocytes and peripheral T cells. We also found that they also exhibited a more rapid and increased entry into the S phase following antigenic stimulation of spleen cells and thymocytes in vitro. Furthermore, E2f1-deficient mice showed a profound decrease of immunoregulatory CD4+CD25+ T cells, while the spleen cells of NOD mice lacking E2f1 showed a significant increase of the proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ following antigenic stimulation in vitro. Consistent with these observations, E2f1 homozygous mutant NOD mice were highly predisposed to the development of IDDM and SS.
Restriction of De Novo Nucleotide Biosynthesis Interferes with Clonal Expansion and Differentiation into Effector and Memory CD8 T Cells
Authors: Quéméneur Laurence , Beloeil Laurent , Michallet Marie-Cécile , Angelov Georgi , Tomkowiak Martine , Revillard Jean-Pierre , Marvel Jacqueline
Published: April 2014

Nucleotide synthesis inhibitors are currently used in neoplastic diseases or as immunosuppressive agents for the prevention of acute rejection in organ transplantation and the treatment of autoimmune disorders. We have previously described that these inhibitors interfere with proliferation and survival of primary T cells in vitro. However, the precise effects of nucleotide restriction on effector and memory functions have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the impact of nucleotide synthesis inhibition on CD8 T cell differentiation by using TCR transgenic mice (F5) specific for the influenza virus nucleoprotein 68 peptide presented on the H-2Db molecule. Our results show that methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil prevent the acquisition of effector functions, such as IFN-γ, granzyme B expression, and cytotoxic function following antigenic stimulation of naive cells. Surprisingly, in the presence of mycophenolate mofetil, activated F5 cells are still able to produce granzyme B and to kill target cells but to a lesser extent compared with control. All three inhibitors interfere with the differentiation of naive cells into memory CD8 T cells. In contrast, the drugs are unable to inhibit the development of improved cytotoxic functions displayed by memory CD8 T cells.
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Modulates α-Galactosylceramide-Responsive Human Vα24+Vβ11+ NKT Cells
Authors: Crough Tania , Nieda Mie , Nicol Andrew J.
Published: April 2014

Despite more than a 10-fold increase in T cell numbers in G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts, incidence and severity of acute graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) are comparable to bone marrow transplantation. As CD1d-restricted, Vα24+Vβ11+ NKT cells have pivotal immune regulatory functions and may influence GVHD, we aimed to determine whether G-CSF has any effects on human NKT cells. In this study, we examined the frequency and absolute numbers of peripheral blood NKT cells in healthy stem cell donors (n = 8) before and following G-CSF (filgrastim) treatment. Effects of in vivo and in vitro G-CSF on NKT cell cytokine expression profiles and on responsiveness of NKT cell subpopulations to specific stimulation by α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) were assessed. Contrary to the effects on conventional T cells, the absolute number of peripheral blood NKT cells was unaffected by G-CSF administration. Furthermore, responsiveness of NKT cells to α-GalCer stimulation was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) following exposure to G-CSF in vivo. This hyporesponsiveness was predominantly due to a direct effect on NKT cells, with a lesser contribution from G-CSF-mediated changes in APC. G-CSF administration resulted in polarization of NKT cells toward a Th2, IL-4-secreting phenotype following α-GalCer stimulation and preferential expansion of the CD4+ NKT cell subset. We conclude that G-CSF has previously unrecognized differential effects in vivo on NKT cells and conventional MHC-restricted T cells, and effects on NKT cells may contribute to the lower than expected incidence of GVHD following allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.
Rac1 Mediates Collapse of Microvilli on Chemokine-Activated T Lymphocytes
Authors: Nijhara Ruchika , van Hennik Paula B. , Gignac Michelle L , Kruhlak Michael J. , Hordijk Peter L. , Delon Jerome , Shaw Stephen
Published: April 2014

Lymphocytes circulate in the blood and upon chemokine activation rapidly bind, where needed, to microvasculature to mediate immune surveillance. Resorption of microvilli is an early morphological alteration induced by chemokines that facilitates lymphocyte emigration. However, the antecedent molecular mechanisms remain largely undefined. We demonstrate that Rac1 plays a fundamental role in chemokine-induced microvillar breakdown in human T lymphocytes. The supporting evidence includes: first, chemokine induces Rac1 activation within 5 s via a signaling pathway that involves Gαi. Second, constitutively active Rac1 mediates microvilli disintegration. Third, blocking Rac1 function by cell permeant C-terminal “Trojan” peptides corresponding to Rac1 (but not Rac2, Rho, or Cdc42) blocks microvillar loss induced by the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α). Furthermore, we demonstrate that the molecular mechanism of Rac1 action involves dephosphorylation-induced inactivation of the ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) family of actin regulators; such inactivation is known to detach the membrane from the underlying actin cytoskeleton, thereby facilitating disassembly of actin-based peripheral processes. Specifically, ERM dephosphorylation is induced by constitutively active Rac1 and stromal cell-derived factor 1α-induced ERM dephosphorylation is blocked by either the dominant negative Rac1 construct or by Rac1 C-terminal peptides. Importantly, the basic residues at the C terminus of Rac1 are critical to Rac1’s participation in ERM dephosphorylation and in microvillar retraction. Together, these data elucidate new roles for Rac1 in early signal transduction and cytoskeletal rearrangement of T lymphocytes responding to chemokine.
Role of B7 in T Cell Tolerance
Authors: Lohr Jens , Knoechel Birgit , Kahn Estelle C. , Abbas Abul K.
Published: April 2014

The induction of effective immune responses requires costimulation by B7 molecules, and Ag recognition without B7 is thought to result in no response or tolerance. We compared T cell responses in vivo to the same Ag presented either by mature dendritic cells (DCs) or as self, in the presence or absence of B7. We show that Ag presentation by mature B7-1/2-deficient DCs fails to elicit an effector T cell response but does not induce tolerance. In contrast, using a newly developed adoptive transfer system, we show that naive OVA-specific DO11 CD4+ T cells become anergic upon encounter with a soluble form of OVA, in the presence or absence of B7. However, tolerance in DO11 cells transferred into soluble OVA transgenic recipients can be broken by immunization with Ag-pulsed DCs only in B7-deficient mice and not in wild-type mice, suggesting a role of B7 in maintaining tolerance in the presence of strong immunogenic signals. Comparing two double-transgenic models—expressing either a soluble or a tissue Ag—we further show that B7 is not only essential for the active induction of regulatory T cells in the thymus, but also for their maintenance in the periphery. Thus, the obligatory role of B7 molecules paradoxically is to promote effective T cell priming and contain effector responses when self-Ags are presented as foreign.
Loss of SHIP and CIS Recruitment to the Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Receptor Contribute to Hyperproliferative Responses in Severe Congenital Neutropenia/Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Hunter Melissa G. , Jacob Anand , O’Donnell Lynn C. , Agler Amanda , Druhan Lawrence J. , Coggeshall K. Mark , Avalos Belinda R.
Published: April 2014

Mutations in the G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR) in patients with severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) are postulated to contribute to transformation to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). These mutations result in defective receptor internalization and sustained cellular activation, suggesting a loss of negative signaling by the G-CSFR. In this paper we investigated the roles of SHIP and cytokine-inducible Src homology 2 protein (CIS) in down-modulating G-CSFR signals and demonstrate that loss of their recruitment as a consequence of receptor mutations leads to aberrant signaling. We show that SHIP binds to phosphopeptides corresponding to Tyr744 and Tyr764 in the G-CSFR and that Tyr764 is required for in vivo phosphorylation of SHIP and the formation of SHIP/Shc complexes. Cells expressing a G-CSFR form lacking Tyr764 exhibited hypersensitivity to G-CSF and enhanced proliferation, but to a lesser degree than observed with the most common mutant G-CSFR form in patients with SCN/AML, prompting us to investigate whether suppressor of cytokine signaling proteins also down-modulate G-CSFR signals. G-CSF was found to induce the expression of CIS and of CIS bound to phosphopeptides corresponding to Tyr729 and Tyr744 of the G-CSFR. The expression of CIS was prolonged in cells with the SCN/AML mutant G-CSFR lacking Tyr729 and Tyr744, which also correlated with increased G-CSFR expression. These findings suggest that SHIP and CIS interact with distal phosphotyrosine residues in the G-CSFR to negatively regulate G-CSFR signaling by limiting proliferation and modulating surface expression of the G-CSFR, respectively. Novel therapeutic approaches targeting inhibitory pathways that limit G-CSFR signaling may have promise in the treatment of patients with SCN/AML.
Preapoptotic Phenotype of Viral Epitope-Specific CD8 T Cells Precludes Memory Development and Is an Intrinsic Property of the Epitope
Authors: Wang Xiaoting Z. , Brehm Michael A. , Welsh Raymond M.
Published: April 2014

Virus-specific CD8 T cells after clearance of infection reduce their number in lymphoid organs by apoptotic death and by migration into peripheral tissues. During and after infection, many lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)-specific CD8 T cells in lymphoid but not peripheral tissues are in a preapoptotic state, as detected by the early apoptosis marker annexin V. In this report, we investigated the significance of this preapoptotic state and how it may be influenced by viral epitope specificity. Stimulation with anti-CD3 or IL-2 in vitro postponed DNA fragmentation in annexin V+ cells, but adoptive transfer studies in vivo showed that this preapoptotic phenotype precluded the development of functional memory. CD8 T cells specific to LCMV epitopes NP396 and gp33 differed in their preapoptotic state, with NP396-specific T cells binding more annexin V than gp33-specific T cells. These epitope- and tissue-dependent differences were seen in primary, memory, and secondary responses and in mice receiving different displays of Ag by infection with LCMV strains of different tropisms or by infection with vaccinia virus recombinants expressing LCMV proteins. Thus, the epitope-dependent differences in apoptosis were independent of virus tropisms, duration of Ag exposure, and competition within APCs, and were an intrinsic property of the epitope. The tissue-dependent and epitope-dependent preapoptotic state correlated with reduced expression of IL-7Rα.
CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides Stimulate Protective Innate Immunity against PulmonaryKlebsiellaInfection
Authors: Deng Jane C. , Moore Thomas A. , Newstead Michael W. , Zeng Xianying , Krieg Arthur M. , Standiford Theodore J.
Published: April 2014

Bacterial pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality in the United States. Innate immune responses, including type-1 cytokine production, are critical to the effective clearance of bacterial pathogens from the lung. Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotide motifs (CpG ODN), which mimic the effects of bacterial DNA, have been shown to enhance type-1 cytokine responses during infection due to intracellular pathogens, resulting in enhanced microbial clearance. The role of CpG ODN in modulating protective innate immunity against extracellular pathogens is unknown. Using a murine model of Gram-negative pneumonia, we found that CpG ODN administration stimulated protective immunity against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Specifically, intratracheal (i.t.) administration of CpG ODN (30 μg) 48 h before i.t. K. pneumoniae challenge resulted in increased survival, compared with animals pretreated with control ODN or saline. Pretreatment with CpG ODN resulted in enhanced bacterial clearance in lung and blood, and higher numbers of pulmonary neutrophils, NKT cells, γδ-T cells, and activated NK1.1+ cells and γδ-T lymphocytes during infection. Furthermore, pretreatment with CpG ODN enhanced the production of TNF-α, and type-1 cytokines, including IL-12, IFN-γ, and the IFN-γ-dependent ELR− CXC chemokines IFN-γ-inducible protein-10 and monokine induced by IFN-γ in response to Klebsiella challenge, compared with control mice. These findings indicate that i.t. administration of CpG ODN can stimulate multiple components of innate immunity in the lung, and may form the basis for novel therapies directed at enhancing protective immune responses to severe bacterial infections of the lung.
Vδ1+ γδ T Cells Producing CC Chemokines May Bridge a Gap between Neutrophils and Macrophages in Innate Immunity duringEscherichia coliInfection in Mice
Authors: Tagawa Tetsuzo , Nishimura Hitoshi , Yajima Toshiki , Hara Hiromitsu , Kishihara Kenji , Matsuzaki Goro , Yoshino Ichiro , Maehara Yoshihiko , Yoshikai Yasunobu
Published: April 2014

An influx of neutrophils followed a short time later by an influx of macrophages to the infected site plays a key role in innate immunity against Escherichia coli infection. We found in this study that Vδ1−/− mice exhibited impaired accumulation of peritoneal macrophages but not neutrophils and delayed bacterial clearance after i.p. inoculation with E. coli. Peritoneal γδ T cells from E. coli-infected wild-type mice produced CCL3/MIP-1α and CCL5/RANTES in response to γδ TCR triggering in vitro, whereas such production was not evident in γδ T cells from E. coli-infected Vδ1−/− mice. Neutralization of CCL3/MIP-1α by a specific mAb in vivo significantly inhibited the accumulation of macrophages in the peritoneal cavity after E. coli infection, resulting in exacerbated bacterial growth in the peritoneal cavity. These results suggest that Vδ1+ γδ T cells bridge a gap between neutrophils and macrophages in innate immunity during E. coli infection mediated by production of CC chemokines, enhancing macrophage trafficking to the site of infection.
The 15-Deoxy-δ12,14-Prostaglandin J2 Inhibits the Inflammatory Response in Primary Rat Astrocytes via Down-Regulating Multiple Steps in Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase-Akt-NF-κB-p300 Pathway Independent of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ
Authors: Giri Shailendra , Rattan Ramandeep , Singh Avtar K. , Singh Inderjit
Published: April 2014

Ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), such as 15-deoxy-12,14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2), have been proposed as a new class of anti-inflammatory compounds because 15d-PGJ2 was able to inhibit the induction of inflammatory response genes such as inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and TNF (TNF-α) in a PPAR-dependent manner in various cell types. In primary astrocytes, the anti-inflammatory effects (inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and iNOS gene expression) of 15d-PGJ2 are observed to be independent of PPARγ. Overexpression (wild-type and dominant-negative forms) of PPARγ and its antagonist (GW9662) did not alter the 15d-PGJ2-induced inhibition of LPS/IFN-γ-mediated iNOS and NF-κB activation. The 15d-PGJ2 inhibited the inflammatory response by inhibiting IκB kinase activity, which leads to the inhibition of degradation of IκB and nuclear translocation of p65, thereby regulating the NF-κB pathway. Moreover, 15d-PGJ2 also inhibited the LPS/IFN-γ-induced PI3K-Akt pathway. The 15d-PGJ2 inhibited the recruitment of p300 by NF-κB (p65) and down-regulated the p300-mediated induction of iNOS and NF-κB luciferase reporter activity. Coexpression of constitutive active Akt and PI3K (p110) reversed the 15d-PGJ2-mediated inhibition of p300-induced iNOS and NF-κB luciferase activity. This study demonstrates that 15d-PGJ2 suppresses inflammatory response by inhibiting NF-κB signaling at multiple steps as well as by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway independent of PPARγ in primary astrocytes.
Bradykinin B2 Receptor Mediates NF-κB Activation and Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression via the Ras/Raf-1/ERK Pathway in Human Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Chen Bing-Chang , Yu Chung-Chi , Lei Hui-Chieh , Chang Ming-Shyan , Hsu Ming-Jen , Huang Chuen-Lin , Chen Mei-Chieh , Sheu Joen-Rong , Chen Tseng-Fu , Chen Ta-Liang , Inoue Hiroyasu , Lin Chien-Huang
Published: April 2014

In this study, we investigated the signaling pathways involved in bradykinin (BK)-induced NF-κB activation and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in human airway epithelial cells (A549). BK caused concentration- and time-dependent increase in COX-2 expression, which was attenuated by a selective B2 BK receptor antagonist (HOE140), a Ras inhibitor (manumycin A), a Raf-1 inhibitor (GW 5074), a MEK inhibitor (PD 098059), an NF-κB inhibitor (pyrrolidine dithiocarbate), and an IκB protease inhibitor (l-1-tosylamido-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone). The B1 BK receptor antagonist (Lys-(Leu8)des-Arg9-BK) had no effect on COX-2 induction by BK. BK-induced increase in COX-2-luciferase activity was inhibited by cells transfected with the κB site deletion of COX-2 construct. BK-induced Ras activation was inhibited by manumycin A. Raf-1 phosphorylation at Ser338 by BK was inhibited by manumycin A and GW 5074. BK-induced ERK activation was inhibited by HOE140, manumycin A, GW 5074, and PD 098059. Stimulation of cells with BK activated IκB kinase αβ (IKKαβ), IκBα phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, p65 and p50 translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus, the formation of an NF-κB-specific DNA-protein complex, and κB-luciferase activity. BK-mediated increase in IKKαβ activity and formation of the NF-κB-specific DNA-protein complex were inhibited by HOE140, a Ras dominant-negative mutant (RasN17), manumycin A, GW 5074, and PD 098059. Our results demonstrated for the first time that BK, acting through B2 BK receptor, induces activation of the Ras/Raf-1/ERK pathway, which in turn initiates IKKαβ and NF-κB activation, and ultimately induces COX-2 expression in human airway epithelial cell line (A549).
Bacterial Lipoprotein Delays Apoptosis in Human Neutrophils through Inhibition of Caspase-3 Activity: Regulatory Roles for CD14 and TLR-2
Authors: Power Colm P. , Wang Jiang H. , Manning Brian , Kell Malcolm R. , Aherne Noel F. , Wu Qiong D. , Redmond H. Paul
Published: April 2014

The human sepsis syndrome resulting from bacterial infection continues to account for a significant proportion of hospital mortality. Neutralizing strategies aimed at individual bacterial wall products (such as LPS) have enjoyed limited success in this arena. Bacterial lipoprotein (BLP) is a major constituent of the wall of diverse bacterial forms and profoundly influences cellular function in vivo and in vitro, and has been implicated in the etiology of human sepsis. Delayed polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) apoptosis is a characteristic feature of human sepsis arising from Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacterial infection. Bacterial wall product ligation and subsequent receptor-mediated events upstream of caspase inhibition in neutrophils remain incompletely understood. BLP has been shown to exert its cellular effects primarily through TLR-2, and it is now widely accepted that lateral associations with the TLRs represent the means by which CD14 communicates intracellular messages. In this study, we demonstrate that BLP inhibits neutrophil mitochondrial membrane depolarization with a subsequent reduction in caspase-3 processing, ultimately leading to a significant delay in PMN apoptosis. Pretreatment of PMNs with an anti-TLR-2 mAb or anti-CD14 mAb prevented BLP from delaying PMN apoptosis to such a marked degree. Combination blockade using both mAbs completely prevented the effects of BLP (in 1 and 10 ng/ml concentrations) on PMN apoptosis. At higher concentrations of BLP, the antiapoptotic effects were observed, but were not as pronounced. Our findings therefore provide the first evidence of a crucial role for both CD14 and TLR-2 in delayed PMN apoptosis arising from bacterial infection.
A Mouse Herpesvirus Induces Relapse of Experimental Autoimmune Arthritis by Infection of the Inflammatory Target Tissue
Authors: Yarilin Dmitry A. , Valiando Jennifer , Posnett David N.
Published: April 2014

It is not known what is required for successive relapses in autoimmune diseases or evolution to a progressive chronic disease. Autoimmune arthritis caused by passive transfer of autoantibodies against glucose 6-phosphate isomerase is transient and therefore lends itself well to test for what might extend the disease. Herpesviruses have long been suspected of contributing to human autoimmune disease. We infected mice with a murine gamma-herpesvirus (MHV-68). In immunodeficient mice, transient arthritis was followed by a relapse. This was due to lytic viral infection of synovial tissues demonstrated by PCR, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Latent infection could be reactivated in the synovium of normal mice when treated with Cytoxan and this was associated with increased clinical arthritis. We conclude that herpesviruses may play an ancillary pathogenic role in autoimmune arthritis by infection of the inflammatory target tissue.
Expansion of Bone Marrow IFN-α-Producing Dendritic Cells in New Zealand Black (NZB) Mice: High Level Expression of TLR9 and Secretion of IFN-α in NZB Bone Marrow
Authors: Lian Zhe-Xiong , Kikuchi Kentaro , Yang Guo-Xiang , Ansari Aftab A. , Ikehara Susumu , Gershwin M. Eric
Published: April 2014

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have elevated IFN-α production. Furthermore, sera IFN-α levels correlate with disease activity. We have focused our attention on whether this phenotype is also seen in the New Zealand Black (NZB) mice and simultaneously addressed the underlying mechanisms. Specifically, we analyzed: 1) levels of sera IFN-α after type A CpG ODN 2216 injection in autoimmunity-prone NZB and control mice, and 2) levels of IFN-α synthesized by IFN-α-producing dendritic cells (IPDCs) using highly enriched populations of CD11c+B220+ IPDCs derived from NZB and control mice; IPDCs are divided into two subpopulations (CD4+CD11c+B220+ and CD4−CD11c+B220+). Our data demonstrate that NZB mice produced higher levels of sera IFN-α after type A CpG ODN 2216 injection when compared with control mice (p < 0.01). In addition, the cell numbers, frequency, and TLR9 mRNA levels of CD4+ and CD4− IPDC were markedly increased in the bone marrow (BM) of NZB mice. Upon in vitro stimulation with TLR9 ligand-CpG ODN 2216, higher levels of IFN-α were synthesized by IPDCs from the BM of NZB. The major contributor of IFN-α was the CD4−CD11c+B220+ IPDC subpopulation. Furthermore, NZB BM IPDCs manifest impaired expression of homing chemokine CCR7 and CD62L, and IL-12 production. These data on the functional characteristics of the IPDC lineages explain in part the mechanism of hyper-IFN-α production and help clarify the mechanism for the expansion of NZB BM IPDCs.
Inhibition of T Cell Apoptosis in the Aqueous Humor of Patients with Uveitis by IL-6/Soluble IL-6 Receptor trans-Signaling
Authors: Curnow S. John , Scheel-Toellner Dagmar , Jenkinson Will , Raza Karim , Durrani Omar M. , Faint Jeff M. , Rauz Saaeha , Wloka Kaska , Pilling Darrell , Rose-John Stefan , Buckley Christopher D. , Murray Philip I. , Salmon Mike
Published: April 2014

A fundamental mechanism of immune privilege in the eye is the induction of T lymphocyte apoptosis. Intraocular inflammation in uveitis implies compromise of immune privilege. This study sought to determine whether apoptosis of T cells is actively inhibited in patients with uveitis and by what pathways this may occur. Apoptotic lymphocytes were found to be absent from aqueous humor (AqH) of virtually all patients with recent-onset uveitis. However, T cells removed from the eye were highly susceptible to both spontaneous and Fas ligand-induced apoptosis in vitro. AqH from patients with uveitis had no modulatory effect on Fas ligand-induced apoptosis, but strongly suppressed survival factor deprivation-induced apoptosis. In contrast, noninflammatory AqH from patients undergoing cataract surgery had no modulatory effects on apoptosis at all. These data suggest that triggering of the Fas pathway is diminished in uveitis, and also that homeostatic resolution through survival factor deprivation-induced apoptosis is inhibited by factors present in AqH. The most widely recognized pathways, common γ-chain cytokines and type I IFNs, did not contribute to AqH-mediated T cell survival. High levels of both IL-6 and soluble IL-6R were found in AqH. IL-6 alone did not induce T cell survival, because IL-6R expression on T cells in AqH was too low to facilitate signaling. However, combinations of IL-6 and soluble IL-6R were highly effective inhibitors of T cell apoptosis, suggesting that the trans-signaling pathway is likely to be a key mediator of T cell apoptosis inhibition mediated by uveitis AqH.
γ-Aminobutyric Acid Inhibits T Cell Autoimmunity and the Development of Inflammatory Responses in a Mouse Type 1 Diabetes Model
Authors: Tian Jide , Lu Yuxin , Zhang Hanwei , Chau Cindy H. , Dang Hoa N. , Kaufman Daniel L.
Published: April 2014

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is both a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS and a product of β cells of the peripheral islets. Our previous studies, and those of others, have shown that T cells express functional GABAA receptors. However, their subunit composition and physiological relevance are unknown. In this study, we show that a subset of GABAA receptor subunits are expressed by CD4+ T cells, including the δ subunit that confers high affinity for GABA and sensitivity to alcohol. GABA at relatively low concentrations down-regulated effector T cell responses to β cell Ags ex vivo, and administration of GABA retarded the adoptive transfer of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in NOD/scid mice. Furthermore, treatment with low dose of GABA (600 μg daily) dramatically inhibited the development of proinflammatory T cell responses and disease progression in T1D-prone NOD mice that already had established autoimmunity. Finally, GABA inhibited TCR-mediated T cell cycle progression in vitro, which may underlie GABA’s therapeutic effects. The immunoinhibitory effects of GABA on T cells may contribute to the long prodomal period preceding the development of T1D, the immunological privilege of the CNS, and the regulatory effects of alcohol on immune responses. Potentially, pharmacological modulation of GABAA receptors on T cells may provide a new class of therapies for human T1D as well as other inflammatory diseases.