bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endocytic Internalization of Adenovirus, Nonspecific Phagocytosis, and Cytoskeletal Organization Are Coordinately Regulated in Alveolar Macrophages by GM-CSF and PU.1
Authors: Berclaz Pierre-Yves , Zsengellér Zsuzsanna , Shibata Yoko , Otake Kazuhisa , Strasbaugh Steven , Whitsett Jeffrey A. , Trapnell Bruce C.
Published: April 2014

GM-CSF gene-targeted (GM−/−) mice have impaired pulmonary clearance of bacterial and fungal pathogens by alveolar macrophages (AMs). Because AMs also clear adenovirus from the lung, the role of GM-CSF in endocytic internalization of adenovirus by AMs was evaluated. Pulmonary clearance of adenovirus was severely impaired in GM−/− mice compared to wild-type (GM+/+) mice as determined by Southern analysis of viral DNA. Internalization of adenovirus by AMs was deficient in GM−/− mice in vivo and in vitro as determined by uptake of fluorescently labeled adenovirus or by PCR quantification of adenoviral DNA internalized within AMs. An AM cell line previously established from GM−/− mice (mAM) had impaired internalization of adenovirus and transferrin-coated 100-nm latex beads compared to MH-S, a GM+/+ AM cell line. Phagocytosis of 4-μm latex beads was also impaired in mAM cells as determined by confocal and fluorescence microscopy. Retroviral vector-mediated reconstitution of PU.1 expression in cultured GM−/− AMs restored phagocytosis of 4-μm beads, endocytosis of adenovirus, and transferrin-coated 100-nm beads (independent of integrin αV and transferrin receptors, respectively), and restored normal cytoskeletal organization, filamentous actin distribution, and stimulated formation of filopodia. Interestingly, mRNA for the phosphoinositide 3 kinase p110γ isoform, important in macrophage phagocytic function, was absent in GM−/− AMs and was restored by PU.1 expression. These data show that GM-CSF, via PU.1, regulates endocytosis of small (∼100 nm) pathogens/inert particles and phagocytosis of very large inert particles and suggests regulation of cytoskeletal organization by GM-CSF/PU.1 as the molecular basis of this control.
In Vivo IL-10 Production Reactivates Chronic Pulmonary Tuberculosis in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Turner Joanne , Gonzalez-Juarrero Mercedes , Ellis Debi L. , Basaraba Randy J. , Kipnis Andre , Orme Ian M. , Cooper Andrea M.
Published: April 2014

The production of immunosuppressive cytokines, such as IL-10 and TGF-β, has been documented in individuals diagnosed with active tuberculosis. In addition, IL-10 production is increased within the lungs of mice that have chronic mycobacterial infection. Therefore, we hypothesized that the down-regulatory properties of IL-10 might contribute to the reactivation of chronic Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in mice. To determine the influence of IL-10 on the course of infection, transgenic mice producing increased amounts of IL-10 under the control of the IL-2 promotor were infected with M. tuberculosis via the respiratory route. Mice that overexpressed IL-10 showed no increase in susceptibility during the early stages of infection, but during the chronic phase of the infection showed evidence of reactivation tuberculosis with a highly significant increase in bacterial numbers within the lungs. Reactivation was associated with the formation of macrophage-dominated lesions, decreased mRNA production for TNF and IL-12p40, and a decrease in Ag-specific IFN-γ secretion. These data support the hypothesis that IL-10 plays a pivotal role during the chronic/latent stage of pulmonary tuberculosis, with increased production playing a potentially central role in promoting reactivation tuberculosis.
A Novel Interaction of Outer Membrane Protein A with C4b Binding Protein Mediates Serum Resistance of Escherichia coli K1
Authors: Prasadarao Nemani V. , Blom Anna M. , Villoutreix Bruno O. , Linsangan Linette C.
Published: April 2014

Escherichia coli is an important pathogen that causes meningitis in neonates. The development of bacteremia preceding the traversal across the blood-brain barrier is a prerequisite for this pathogen that obviously must survive the bactericidal activity of serum. Here we report that outer membrane protein A (OmpA) of Escherichia coli contributes to serum resistance by binding to C4b binding protein (C4bp), a complement fluid phase regulator. C4bp contains seven identical α-chains and one β-chain linked together with disulfide bridges. We found that OmpA binds the α-chain of C4bp, which is composed of eight homologous complement control protein (CCP) modules. Binding studies using mutants of recombinant C4bp that lack one CCP at a time suggest that CCP3 is the major site of interaction with OmpA. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the N terminus of OmpA interacts with C4bp. Binding of C4bp to OmpA is not significantly inhibited in the presence of either C4b or heparin and is not salt sensitive, implying that it is hydrophobic in nature, suggesting a novel interaction between OmpA and C4bp. A compelling observation in this study is that synthetic peptides corresponding to CCP3 sequences block the binding of C4bp to OmpA and also significantly enhance serum bactericidal activity.
HIV-1 Protein Vpr Suppresses IL-12 Production from Human Monocytes by Enhancing Glucocorticoid Action: Potential Implications of Vpr Coactivator Activity for the Innate and Cellular Immunity Deficits Observed in HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Mirani Marco , Elenkov Ilia , Volpi Simona , Hiroi Naoki , Chrousos George P. , Kino Tomoshige
Published: April 2014

The HIV-1 protein Vpr has glucocorticoid receptor coactivator activity, potently increasing the sensitivity of glucocorticoid target tissues to cortisol. Patients with AIDS and normal cortisol secretion have manifestations compatible with glucocorticoid hypersensitivity of the immune system, such as suppression of innate and cellular immunities. The latter can be explained by glucocorticoid-induced inhibition of cytokine networks regulating innate and Th1-driven cellular immunity. We demonstrated that extracellularly administered Vpr protein dose-dependently potentiated glucocorticoid-induced suppression of both mRNA expression and secretion of IL-12 subunit p35 and IL-12 holo-protein, but not IL-12 subunit p40 or IL-10, by human monocytes/macrophages stimulated with LPS or heat-killed, formalin-fixed Staphylococcus aureus (Cowan strain 1). This effect was inhibited by the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU 486. Also, Vpr changed the expression of an additional five glucocorticoid-responsive genes in the same direction as dexamethasone and was active in potentiating the trans-activation, but not the trans-repression, properties of the glucocorticoid receptor on nuclear factor κB- or activating protein 1-regulated simple promoters. Thus, extracellular Vpr enhances the suppressive actions of the ligand-activated glucocorticoid receptor on IL-12 secretion by human monocytes/macrophages. Through this effect, Vpr may contribute to the suppression of innate and cellular immunities of HIV-1-infected individuals and AIDS patients.
On the Pathogenic Role of Brain-Sequestered αβ CD8+ T Cells in Experimental Cerebral Malaria
Authors: Belnoue Elodie , Kayibanda Michèle , Vigario Ana M. , Deschemin Jean-Christophe , Rooijen Nico van , Viguier Mireille , Snounou Georges , Rénia Laurent
Published: April 2014

Cerebral malaria (CM) develops in a small proportion of persons infected with Plasmodium falciparum and accounts for a substantial proportion of the mortality due to this parasite. The actual pathogenic mechanisms are still poorly understood, and in humans investigations of experimental CM are unethical. Using an established Plasmodium berghei-mouse CM model, we have investigated the role of host immune cells at the pathological site, the brain. We report in this study the detailed quantification and characterization of cells, which migrated and sequestered to the brain of mice with CM. We demonstrated that CD8+ αβ T cells, which sequester in the brain at the time when neurological symptoms appear, were responsible for CM mortality. These observations suggest a mechanism which unifies disparate observations in humans.
Presence of HIV-1 Gag-Specific IFN-γ+IL-2+ and CD28+IL-2+ CD4 T Cell Responses Is Associated with Nonprogression in HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Boaz Mark J. , Waters Anele , Murad Shahed , Easterbrook Philippa J. , Vyakarnam Annapurna
Published: April 2014

HIV immunity is likely CD4 T cell dependent. HIV-specific CD4 T cell proliferative responses are reported to correlate inversely with virus load and directly with specific CD8 responses. However, the phenotype and cytokine profile of specific CD4 T cells that correlate with disease is unknown. We compared the number/function of Gag p24-specific CD4 T cells in 17 HIV-infected long-term nonprogressors (LTNPs) infected for a median of 14.6 years with those of 16 slow progressors (SPs), also HIV infected for a median of 14 years but whose CD4 count had declined to <500 cells/μl. Compared with SPs, LTNPs had higher numbers of specific CD4s that were double positive for IFN-γ and IL-2 as well as CD28 and IL-2. However, CD4 T cells that produced IL-2 alone (IL-2+IFN-γ−) or IFN-γ alone (IFN-γ+IL-2−) did not differ between LTNPs and SPs. The decrease in p24-specific CD28+IL-2+ cells with a concomitant increase of p24-specific CD28−IL-2+ cells occurred before those specific for a non-HIV Ag, CMV. p24-specific CD28−IL-2+ cells were evident in LTNPs and SPs, whereas the CMV-specific CD28−IL-2+ response was confined to SPs. The difference between LTNPs and SPs in the Gag p24 IFN-γ+IL-2+ response was maintained when responses to total Gag (p17 plus p24) were measured. The percentage and absolute number of Gag-specific IFN-γ+IL-2+ but not of IFN-γ+IL-2− CD4s correlated inversely with virus load. The Gag-specific IFN-γ+IL-2+ CD4 response also correlated positively with the percentage of Gag-specific IFN-γ+ CD8 T cells in these subjects. Accumulation of specific CD28−IL-2+ helpers and loss of IFN-γ+IL-2+ CD4 T cells may compromise specific CD8 responses and, in turn, immunity to HIV.
CD4+ TCR Repertoire Heterogeneity inSchistosoma mansoni-Induced Granulomas
Authors: Hogan Laura H. , Wang Margaret , Suresh M. , Co Dominic O. , Weinstock Joel V. , Sandor Matyas
Published: April 2014

The hallmark of Schistosoma mansoni infection is the formation of liver granulomas around deposited ova. The initiation of granuloma formation is T cell-dependent since granulomas are not formed in their absence. We investigated whether a few T cells arrive to initiate the inflammatory lesion and subsequently expand locally, or whether a large repertoire of systemically activated T cells home to the delayed type hypersensitivity reaction induced by the ova. The TCR repertoire of single granulomas from the same liver were analyzed by PCR using Vβ-specific primers and CDR3 analysis. Each granuloma has a very diverse TCR repertoire indicating that most of the T cells recruited to these lesions are activated systemically. At the same time, sequence analysis of individually sized CDR3 products from single granuloma indicate that a fraction of T cells expand locally at the lesion site. Using TCR transgenic mice containing a pigeon cytochrome c-specific T cell population or lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection tracked with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-specific tetramers, we demonstrated that nonspecific T cells home to the granuloma if they are activated. However, recombinase-activating gene 2−/− pigeon cytochrome c-specific TCR transgenic mice fail to form granulomas in response to S. mansoni ova even after T cell activation, suggesting a requirement for egg-specific T cells in the initiation of these inflammatory lesions. Understanding the mechanism of T cell recruitment into granulomas has important implications for the rational design of immunotherapies for granulomatous diseases.
Sphingosine Kinase: A Point of Convergence in the Action of Diverse Neutrophil Priming Agents
Authors: MacKinnon Alison C. , Buckley Avril , Chilvers Edwin R. , Rossi Adriano G. , Haslett Christopher , Sethi Tariq
Published: April 2014

Neutrophils are a vital component of the early acute inflammatory response, but can cause profound tissue damage when activated to excess or prevented from undergoing apoptosis. However, much remains unknown about the intracellular signaling pathways regulating neutrophil activity. The structurally diverse neutrophil-priming agents platelet-activating factor, TNF-α, and the substance P analog [d-Arg6, d-Trp7,9,NmePhe8]-substance P(6–11) (SP-G) stimulated a rapid increase in sphingosine kinase activity in freshly isolated human neutrophils. This activity was blocked by preincubation with the sphingosine kinase inhibitor N,N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS). DMS also inhibited the increase in intracellular calcium concentration stimulated by platelet-activating factor, fMLP, and SP-G. This suggests that the increase in intracellular calcium concentration by these agents is dependent on sphingosine kinase activation and the generation of sphingosine-1-phosphate. Changes in cell polarization and the augmentation of the fMLP-induced superoxide anion generation, by all priming agents were also inhibited by DMS, while only the superoxide anion release was blocked by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002. Moreover, SP-G and GM-CSF inhibited constitutive neutrophil apoptosis which was completely blocked by DMS. These results suggest a novel role for sphingosine kinase in the regulation of neutrophil priming.
Caspase-1-Deficient Mice Have Delayed Neutrophil Apoptosis and a Prolonged Inflammatory Response to Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Rowe Sarah J. , Allen Lucy , Ridger Victoria C. , Hellewell Paul G. , Whyte Moira K. B.
Published: April 2014

Caspase-1, the prototypic caspase, is known to process the cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 to mature forms but it is unclear whether, like other caspases, it can induce apoptosis by activation of downstream protease cascades. Neutrophils are known to express caspase-1, to release IL-1β and to undergo rapid, caspase-dependent apoptosis. We examined apoptosis and IL-1β production in peripheral blood neutrophils of caspase-1-deficient and wild-type mice. Constitutive apoptosis of caspase-1-deficient neutrophils was delayed compared with wild-type neutrophils and LPS-mediated inhibition of apoptosis was absent, but caspase-1-deficient neutrophils were susceptible to Fas-mediated apoptosis. LPS-stimulated IL-1β production was absent from caspase-1-deficient neutrophils. To ascertain whether these differences in apoptosis and IL-1β production would alter the response to acute lung injury, we studied pulmonary neutrophil accumulation following intratracheal administration of LPS. Caspase-1-deficient mice showed increased, predominantly neutrophilic pulmonary inflammation, but inflammation had resolved in both wild-type and deficient animals by 72 h after LPS instillation. IL-1β production was increased in wild-type lungs but was also detected in caspase-1-deficient mice. We conclude that caspase-1 modulates apoptosis of both peripheral blood and inflammatory neutrophils, but is not essential for IL-1β production in the lung.
Restraint of Proinflammatory Cytokine Biosynthesis by Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase-1 in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Macrophages
Authors: Chen Peili , Li Ji , Barnes Janice , Kokkonen Gertrude C. , Lee John C. , Liu Yusen
Published: April 2014

Exposure of macrophages to LPS elicits the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, through complex signaling mechanisms. Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases play a critical role in this process. In the present study, we have addressed the role of MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) in regulating proinflammatory cytokine production using RAW264.7 macrophages. Analysis of MAP kinase activity revealed a transient activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 after LPS stimulation. Interestingly, MKP-1 was induced concurrently with the inactivation of JNK and p38, whereas blocking MKP-1 induction by triptolide prevented this inactivation. Ectopic expression of MKP-1 accelerated JNK and p38 inactivation and substantially inhibited the production of TNF-α and IL-6. Induction of MKP-1 by LPS was found to be extracellular signal-regulated kinase dependent and involved enhanced gene expression and increased protein stability. Finally, MKP-1 expression was also induced by glucocorticoids as well as cholera toxin B subunit, an agent capable of preventing autoimmune diseases in animal models. These findings highlight MKP-1 as a critical negative regulator of the macrophage inflammatory response, underscoring its premise as a potential target for developing novel anti-inflammatory drugs.
Function of the Lectin Domain of Mac-1/Complement Receptor Type 3 (CD11b/CD18) in Regulating Neutrophil Adhesion
Authors: Xia Yu , Borland Gita , Huang Jibiao , Mizukami Ikuko F. , Petty Howard R. , Todd Robert F. , Ross Gordon D.
Published: April 2014

A lectin function within CD11b mediates both cytotoxic priming of Mac-1/complement receptor type 3 (CR3) by β-glucan and the formation of transmembrane signaling complexes with GPI-anchored glycoproteins such as CD16b (FcγRIIIb). A requirement for GPI-anchored urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR; CD87) in neutrophil adhesion and diapedesis has been demonstrated with uPAR-knockout mice. In this study, neutrophil activation conditions generating high-affinity (H-AFN) or low-affinity (L-AFN) β2 integrin adhesion were explored. A role for the Mac-1/CR3 lectin domain and uPAR in mediating H-AFN or L-AFN adhesion was suggested by the inhibition of Mac-1/CR3-dependent adhesion to ICAM-1 or fibrinogen by β-glucan or anti-uPAR. The formation of uPAR complexes with Mac-1/CR3 activated for L-AFN adhesion was demonstrated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Conversely, Jurkat cell LFA-1 H-AFN-adhesion to ICAM-1 was not associated with uPAR/LFA-1 complexes, any requirement for GPI-anchored glycoproteins, or inhibition by β-glucan. A single CD11b lectin site for β-glucan and uPAR was suggested because the binding of either β-glucan or uPAR to Mac-1/CR3 selectively masked two CD11b epitopes adjacent to the transmembrane domain. Moreover, treatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C that removed GPI-anchored proteins increased CD11b-specific binding of 125I-labeled β-glucan by 3-fold and this was reversed with soluble recombinant uPAR. Conversely, neutrophil activation for generation of Mac-1/CR3/uPAR complexes inhibited CD11b-dependent binding of 125I-labeled β-glucan by 75%. These data indicate that the same lectin domain within CD11b regulates both the cytotoxic and adhesion functions of Mac-1/CR3.
Macrophage-Colony-Stimulating Factor-Induced Activation of Extracellular-Regulated Kinase Involves Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase and Reactive Oxygen Species in Human Monocytes
Authors: Bhatt Nitin Y. , Kelley Todd W. , Khramtsov Valery V. , Wang Yijie , Lam Gregory K. , Clanton Thomas L. , Marsh Clay B.
Published: April 2014

We previously reported that activation of the phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase pathway was important in M-CSF-induced monocyte survival. Because M-CSF also induces activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase extracellular-regulated kinase (Erk), we focused on dissecting the mechanism used by M-CSF to induce Erk activation in human monocytes. We found that, in addition to the MAP/Erk kinase inhibitor PD098059, the PI 3-kinase inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin both suppressed Erk activation in M-CSF-treated monocytes, suggesting that 3-phosphorylated products of PI 3-kinase played a role in Erk activation. Investigating the biochemical pathways regulated by PI 3-kinase to activate Erk, we found that, in response to M-CSF, normal human monocytes induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), which were suppressed by the PI 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin but not by the solvent control DMSO or the MAP/Erk kinase inhibitor PD098059. We next found that, in the absence of M-CSF, ROS could induce Erk activation in human monocytes. Exogenous H2O2 induced Erk activation in human monocytes, which was suppressed by exogenous catalase. To determine whether ROS induced by M-CSF played a role in Erk activation, we found that N-acetylcysteine and diphenyleneiodonium both suppressed Erk activation in M-CSF-treated monocytes. Erk activation by M-CSF also seemed to play a role in cellular survival in monocytes. These data suggest that, in M-CSF-stimulated human monocytes, PI 3-kinase products and ROS production play a role in Erk activation and monocyte survival.
A Potent and Selective Nonpeptide Antagonist of CXCR2 Inhibits Acute and Chronic Models of Arthritis in the Rabbit
Authors: Podolin Patricia L. , Bolognese Brian J. , Foley James J. , Schmidt Dulcie B. , Buckley Peter T. , Widdowson Katherine L. , Jin Qi , White John R. , Lee Judithann M. , Goodman Richard B. , Hagen Tonja R. , Kajikawa Osamu , Marshall Lisa A. , Hay Douglas W. P. , Sarau Henry M.
Published: April 2014

Much evidence implicates IL-8 as a major mediator of inflammation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. The effects of IL-8 and its related ligands are mediated via two receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2. In the present study, we demonstrate that a potent and selective nonpeptide antagonist of human CXCR2 potently inhibits 125I-labeled human IL-8 binding to, and human IL-8-induced calcium mobilization mediated by, rabbit CXCR2 (IC50 = 40.5 and 7.7 nM, respectively), but not rabbit CXCR1 (IC50 = >1000 and 2200 nM, respectively). These data suggest that the rabbit is an appropriate species in which to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of a human CXCR2-selective antagonist. In two acute models of arthritis in the rabbit induced by knee joint injection of human IL-8 or LPS, and a chronic Ag (OVA)-induced arthritis model, administration of the antagonist at 25 mg/kg by mouth twice a day significantly reduced synovial fluid neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. In addition, in the more robust LPS- and OVA-induced arthritis models, which were characterized by increased levels of proinflammatory mediators in the synovial fluid, TNF-α, IL-8, PGE2, leukotriene B4, and leukotriene C4 levels were significantly reduced, as was erythrocyte sedimentation rate, possibly as a result of the observed decreases in serum TNF-α and IL-8 levels. In vitro, the antagonist potently inhibited human IL-8-induced chemotaxis of rabbit neutrophils (IC50 = 0.75 nM), suggesting that inhibition of leukocyte migration into the knee joint is a likely mechanism by which the CXCR2 antagonist modulates disease.
Functional Expression of the C-X-C Chemokine Receptor CXCR4 by Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells: Regulation by Proinflammatory Mediators
Authors: Eddleston Jane , Christiansen Sandra C. , Zuraw Bruce L.
Published: April 2014

CXCR4 and its ligand stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) have recently been implicated in the development of airway inflammation in a mouse model of allergic airway disease. Here we report, for the first time, the expression of a functional CXCR4 in primary human normal bronchial epithelial cells and the regulation of CXCR4 gene expression by proinflammatory mediators. Both bradykinin (BK) and IL-1β induced an accumulation of CXCR4 mRNA in normal bronchial epithelial cells in a time-dependent manner, with peak levels of CXCR4 mRNA reached between 4 and 24 h after stimulation. Ligand activation of CXCR4 in airway epithelial cells resulted in the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun amino-terminal kinase signaling pathways and calcium mobilization. Pretreatment of airway epithelial cells with BK or IL-1β enhanced SDF-1α induced phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase and calcium mobilization, in addition to increasing the level of CXCR4 protein. Finally, we describe the expression of CXCR4 mRNA and its regulation by BK in vivo in human nasal tissue. CXCR4 mRNA levels are significantly higher in the nasal tissue of symptomatic allergic rhinitis subjects compared with normal subjects. Moreover, BK challenge significantly increased CXCR4 mRNA levels in nasal tissue of mild allergic rhinitis subjects in vivo, but not normal controls. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that human airway epithelial cells respond to proinflammatory mediators by up-regulating the chemokine receptor CXCR4, thus enabling the cells to respond more effectively to constitutively expressed SDF-1α. This may lead to enhanced activation of intracellular signaling pathways resulting in the release of mediators involved in inflammatory allergic airway disease.
Decreased Expression of Membrane IL-5 Receptor α on Human Eosinophils: I. Loss of Membrane IL-5 Receptor α on Airway Eosinophils and Increased Soluble IL-5 Receptor α in the Airway After Allergen Challenge
Authors: Liu Lin Ying , Sedgwick Julie B. , Bates Mary Ellen , Vrtis Rose F. , Gern James E. , Kita Hirohita , Jarjour Nizar N. , Busse William W. , Kelly Elizabeth A. B.
Published: April 2014

IL-5 is a key cytokine for eosinophil maturation, recruitment, activation, and possibly the development of inflammation in asthma. High concentrations of IL-5 are present in the airway after Ag challenge, but the responsiveness of airway eosinophils to IL-5 is not well characterized. The objectives of this study were to establish, following airway Ag challenge: 1) the expression of membrane (m)IL-5Rα on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) eosinophils; 2) the responsiveness of these cells to exogenous IL-5; and 3) the presence of soluble (s)IL-5Rα in BAL fluid. To accomplish these goals, blood and BAL eosinophils were obtained from atopic subjects 48 h after segmental bronchoprovocation with Ag. There was a striking reduction in mIL-5Rα on airway eosinophils compared with circulating cells. Furthermore, sIL-5Rα concentrations were elevated in BAL fluid, but steady state levels of sIL-5Rα mRNA were not increased in BAL compared with blood eosinophils. Finally, BAL eosinophils were refractory to IL-5 for ex vivo degranulation, suggesting that the reduction in mIL-5Rα on BAL eosinophils may regulate IL-5-mediated eosinophil functions. Together, the loss of mIL-5Rα, the presence of sIL-5Rα, and the blunted functional response (degranulation) of eosinophils to IL-5 suggest that when eosinophils are recruited to the airway, regulation of their functions becomes IL-5 independent. These observations provide a potential explanation for the inability of anti-IL-5 therapy to suppress airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled Ag, despite a reduction in eosinophil recruitment.
Decreased Expression of Membrane IL-5 Receptor α on Human Eosinophils: II. IL-5 Down-Modulates Its Receptor Via a Proteinase-Mediated Process
Authors: Liu Lin Ying , Sedgwick Julie B. , Bates Mary Ellen , Vrtis Rose F. , Gern James E. , Kita Hirohita , Jarjour Nizar N. , Busse William W. , Kelly Elizabeth A. B.
Published: April 2014

In the accompanying study, we demonstrated that following Ag challenge, membrane (m)IL-5Rα expression is attenuated on bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophils, soluble (s)IL-5Rα is detectable in BAL fluid in the absence of increased steady state levels of sIL-5Rα mRNA, and BAL eosinophils become refractory to IL-5 for ex vivo degranulation. We hypothesized that IL-5 regulates its receptor through proteolytic release of mIL-5Rα, which in turn contributes to the presence of sIL-5Rα. Purified human peripheral blood eosinophils were incubated with IL-5 under various conditions and in the presence of different pharmacological agents. A dose-dependent decrease in mIL-5Rα was accompanied by an increase in sIL-5Rα in the supernatant. IL-5 had no ligand-specific effect on mIL-5Rα or sIL-5Rα mRNA levels. The matrix metalloproteinase-specific inhibitors BB-94 and GM6001 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 partially inhibited IL-5-mediated loss of mIL-5Rα, suggesting that sIL-5Rα may be produced by proteolytic cleavage of mIL-5Rα. IL-5 transiently reduced surface expression of β-chain, but had no effect on the expression of GM-CSFRα. Pretreatment of eosinophils with a dose of IL-5 that down-modulated mIL-5Rα rendered these cells unable to degranulate in response to further IL-5 stimulation, but they were fully responsive to GM-CSF. These findings suggest that IL-5-activated eosinophils may lose mIL-5Rα and release sIL-5Rα in vivo, which may limit IL-5-dependent inflammatory events in diseases such as asthma.
Resident Cell Chemokine Expression Serves as the Major Mechanism for Leukocyte Recruitment During Local Inflammation
Authors: García-Ramallo Eva , Marques Teresa , Prats Neus , Beleta Jordi , Kunkel Steven L. , Godessart Nuria
Published: April 2014

The mechanistic relationships between initiating stimulus, cellular source and sequence of chemokine expression, and leukocyte recruitment during inflammation are not clear. To study these relationships in an acute inflammatory process, we challenged a murine air pouch with carrageenan. A time-dependent increase in TNF-α, monocyte chemottractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage-inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), RANTES, KC, and MIP-2 was found in the exudates preceding cell recruitment, but displaying different kinetic profiles. Air pouches generated for 2, 6, or 9 days before initiating inflammation demonstrated a proportional increase in the number of cells lining the cavities. Two hours after carrageenan stimulation, the synthesis of TNF-α and all chemokines but RANTES increased in proportion to the lining cellularity, although no differences in infiltrating leukocytes were found, suggesting that the early source of these mediators is resident cells. To assess the contribution of neutrophils to chemokine synthesis at later time points, we used neutropenic animals. Neutrophil depletion caused a decrease in TNF-α (51%), KC (37%), MIP-1α (30%), and RANTES (57%) levels and a 2-fold increase in monocytes 4 h after challenge. No effect on MIP-2 and MCP-1 levels was observed. The selective blockade of CXCR2 or CCR1 inhibited neutrophil recruitment by 74% and 54%, respectively, without a significant inhibition of monocytes. A differential effect on TNF-α and MCP-1 levels was observed after these treatments, indicating that the two receptors did not subserve a mere redundant chemotactic role. Overall, our results suggest that chemokines synthesized by resident cells play an important role in the evolution of the inflammatory response.
Proinflammatory Gene Induction by Platelet-Activating Factor Mediated Via Its Cognate Nuclear Receptor
Authors: Marrache A. Marilise , Gobeil Fernand , Bernier Sylvie G. , Stankova Jana , Rola-Pleszczynski Marek , Choufani Sanaa , Bkaily Ghassan , Bourdeau Annie , Sirois Martin G. , Vazquez-Tello Alejandro , Fan Li , Joyal Jean-Sébastien , Filep Janos G. , Varma Daya R. , Ribeiro-da-Silva Alfredo , Chemtob Sylvain
Published: April 2014

It has been postulated that intracellular binding sites for platelet-activating factor (PAF) contribute to proinflammatory responses to PAF. Isolated nuclei from porcine cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (PCECs) produced PAF-molecular species in response to H2O2. Using FACS analysis, we demonstrated the expression of PAF receptors on cell and nuclear surfaces of PCECs. Confocal microscopy studies performed on PCECs, Chinese hamster ovary cells stably overexpressing PAF receptors, and isolated nuclei from PCECs also showed a robust nuclear distribution of PAF receptors. Presence of PAF receptors at the cell nucleus was further revealed in brain endothelial cells by radioligand binding experiments, immunoblotting, and in situ in brain by immunoelectron microscopy. Stimulation of nuclei with methylcarbamate-PAF evoked a decrease in cAMP production and a pertussis toxin-sensitive rise in nuclear calcium, unlike observations in plasma membrane, which exhibited a pertussis toxin-insensitive elevation in inositol phosphates. Moreover, on isolated nuclei methylcarbamate-PAF evoked the expression of proinflammatory genes inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and was associated with augmented extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation and NF-κB binding to the DNA consensus sequence. COX-2 expression was prevented by mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and NF-κB inhibitors. This study describes for the first time the nucleus as a putative organelle capable of generating PAF and expresses its receptor, which upon stimulation induces the expression of the proinflammatory gene COX-2.
The Role of IL-13 in Established Allergic Airway Disease
Authors: Taube Christian , Duez Catherine , Cui Zhi-Hua , Takeda Katsuyuki , Rha Yeong-Ho , Park Jung-Won , Balhorn Annette , Donaldson Debra D. , Dakhama Azzeddine , Gelfand Erwin W.
Published: April 2014

The effectiveness of targeting IL-13 in models where airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway inflammation have already been established is not well-described. We investigated the effects of blocking IL-13 on the early and late phase airway responses and the development of AHR in previously sensitized and challenged mice. BALB/cByJ mice were sensitized (days 1 and 14) and challenged (days 28–30) with OVA. Six weeks later (day 72), previously sensitized/challenged mice were challenged with a single OVA aerosol and the early and late phase response and development of AHR were determined. Specific in vivo blockade of IL-13 was attained after i.p. injection of a soluble IL-13Rα2-IgG fusion protein (sIL-13Rα2Fc) on days 71–72 for the early and late responses and on days 71–73 for the development of AHR. sIL-13Rα2Fc administration inhibited the late, but not early, phase response and the OVA challenge-induced changes in lung resistance and dynamic compliance; as well, sIL-13Rα2Fc administration decreased bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophilia and mucus hypersecretion following the secondary challenge protocols. These results demonstrate that targeting IL-13 alone regulates airway responses when administrated to mice with established allergic airway disease. These data identify the importance of IL-13 in the development of allergen-induced altered airway responsiveness following airway challenge, even when administered before rechallenge of mice in which allergic disease had been previously established.
Piceatannol Inhibits TNF-Induced NF-κB Activation and NF-κB-Mediated Gene Expression Through Suppression of IκBα Kinase and p65 Phosphorylation
Authors: Ashikawa Kazuhiro , Majumdar Sekhar , Banerjee Sanjeev , Bharti Alok C. , Shishodia Shishir , Aggarwal Bharat B.
Published: April 2014

Piceatannol is an anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-proliferative stilbene that has been shown to interfere with the cytokine signaling pathway. Previously, we have shown that resveratrol suppresses the activation of the nuclear transcription factor NF-κB. Piceatannol, previously reported as a selective inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase Syk, is structurally homologous to resveratrol. Whether piceatannol can also suppress NF-κB activation was investigated. The treatment of human myeloid cells with piceatannol suppressed TNF-induced DNA binding activity of NF-κB. In contrast, stilbene or rhaponticin (another analog of piceatannol) had no effect, suggesting the critical role of hydroxyl groups. The effect of piceatannol was not restricted to myeloid cells, as TNF-induced NF-κB activation was also suppressed in lymphocyte and epithelial cells. Piceatannol also inhibited NF-κB activated by H2O2, PMA, LPS, okadaic acid, and ceramide. Piceatannol abrogated the expression of TNF-induced NF-κB-dependent reporter gene and of matrix metalloprotease-9, cyclooxygenase-2, and cyclin D1. When examined for the mechanism, we found that piceatannol inhibited TNF-induced IκBα phosphorylation, p65 phosphorylation, p65 nuclear translocation, and IκBα kinase activation, but had no significant effect on IκBα degradation. Piceatannol inhibited NF-κB in cells with deleted Syk, indicating the lack of involvement of this kinase. Overall, our results clearly demonstrate that hydroxyl groups of stilbenes are critical and that piceatannol, a tetrahydroxystilbene, suppresses NF-κB activation induced by various inflammatory agents through inhibition of IκBα kinase and p65 phosphorylation.
Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Leukocyte Lipid Body Formation In Vivo: Innate Immunity Elicited Intracellular Loci Involved in Eicosanoid Metabolism
Authors: Pacheco Patrícia , Bozza Fernando A. , Gomes Rachel N. , Bozza Marcelo , Weller Peter F. , Castro-Faria-Neto Hugo C. , Bozza Patrícia T.
Published: April 2014

Lipid bodies are rapidly inducible, specialized cytoplasmic domains for eicosanoid-forming enzyme localization, which we hypothesize to have specific roles in enhanced inflammatory mediator production during pathological conditions, including sepsis. However, little is known about the origins, composition, or functions of lipid bodies in vivo. We show that lipid body numbers were increased in leukocytes from septic patients in comparison with healthy subjects. Analogously, the intrathoracic administration of LPS into mice induced a dose- and time-dependent increase in lipid body numbers. Pretreatment with anti-CD14 or anti-CD11b/CD18 mAb drastically inhibited LPS-induced lipid body formation. Moreover, LPS failed to form lipid bodies in C3H/HeJ (TLR4 mutated) mice, demonstrating a requisite role for LPS receptors in lipid body formation. LPS-induced lipid body formation was also inhibited by the platelet-activating factor-receptor antagonists, suggesting a role for endogenous platelet-activating factor. The eicosanoid-forming enzymes, 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2, were immunolocalized within experimentally induced (LPS in mice) or naturally occurring (septic patients) lipid bodies. The proinflammatory cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis, TNF-α, was also shown to colocalize within lipid bodies. Prior stimulation of leukocytes to form lipid bodies enhanced the capacity of leukocytes to produce leukotriene B4 and PGE2. In conclusion, our studies indicate that lipid bodies formed after LPS stimulation and sepsis are sites for eicosanoid-forming enzymes and cytokine localization and may develop and function as structurally distinct, intracellular sites for paracrine eicosanoid synthesis during inflammatory conditions.
A Novel Class II-Binding Motif Selects Peptides That Mediate Organ-Specific Autoimmune Disease in SWXJ, SJL/J, and SWR/J Mice
Authors: Jane-wit Daniel , Yu Min , Edling Andrea E. , Kataoka Seiko , Johnson Justin M. , Stull Linda B. , Moravec Christine S. , Tuohy Vincent K.
Published: April 2014

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is responsible for ∼25% of all cases of congestive heart failure. We have recently shown that immunization of autoimmune-susceptible SWXJ mice with whole cardiac myosin leads to T cell-mediated experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAMC) and DCM. We have now identified two disease-inducing peptides from cardiac α-myosin heavy chain (CAMHC). Our approach involved the use of a novel MHC class II-binding motif contained in several peptides known to be immunogenic in SWXJ (H-2q,s) mice or in the parental SJL/J (H-2s) or SWR/J (H-2q) mouse strains. Two of four CAMHC peptides containing the -KXXS- peptide motif were found to be immunogenic. Immunization of SWXJ or parental SJL/J and SWR/J mice with CAMHC peptides pα406–425 or pα1631–1650 resulted in EAMC and DCM, characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and decompensated right-sided ventricular dilatation. Despite mediating high incidences of severe disease, both peptides were found to be cryptic determinants, thereby providing further evidence for the importance and perhaps predominance of self crypticity in autoimmunity. Both peptides showed dual parental I-Aq and I-As restriction and mediated passive transfer of disease with activated CD4+ T cells. An intact motif was necessary for antigenicity because loss of activity occurred in peptides containing nonconservative substitutions at the motif’s terminal lysine and serine residues. Our studies provide a new model for EAMC and DCM in strains of mice widely used in autoimmune studies. Moreover, the -KXXS- motif may be particularly useful in implicating previously overlooked proteins as autoimmune targets and in facilitating the development of new organ-specific autoimmune mouse models for human diseases.
Imbalance in the Expression of CXC Chemokines Correlates with Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Angiogenic Activity and Procollagen Levels in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Keane Michael P. , Donnelly Seamas C. , Belperio John A. , Goodman Richard B. , Dy Maria , Burdick Marie D. , Fishbein Michael C. , Strieter Robert M.
Published: April 2014

Diffuse alveolar damage is the histopathological hallmark of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and is a stereotypic response to a variety of etiologies. Moreover, a significant proportion of ARDS survivors have residual pulmonary fibrosis and compromised pulmonary function. This suggests that the pathogenesis of diffuse alveolar damage that ultimately leads to the chronic fibrosis of ARDS has features of dysregulated repair exemplified by exaggerated intra-alveolar angiogenesis and fibrogenesis (i.e., fibroproliferation and deposition of extracellular matrix), leading to progressive alveolar fibrosis and impaired lung function. We obtained bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from patients with ARDS or ventilated control patients and assessed CXC chemokine levels by ELISA. We found an imbalance in the expression of ELR+ as compared with ELR− CXC chemokines from BALF of patients with ARDS as compared with controls. This imbalance correlated with angiogenic activity as assessed by the corneal micropocket assay. Furthermore, these levels correlated with both procollagen I and procollagen III levels in BALF. In contrast, while BALF levels of vascular endothelial growth factor were elevated, vascular endothelial growth factor did not appear to be significantly contributing to the angiogenic activity. These findings suggest that CXC chemokines have an important role in the fibroproliferative phase of ARDS via the regulation of angiogenesis.
Production of Type I IFN Sensitizes Macrophages to Cell Death Induced byListeria monocytogenes
Authors: Stockinger Silvia , Materna Tilo , Stoiber Dagmar , Bayr Lourdes , Steinborn Ralf , Kolbe Thomas , Unger Hermann , Chakraborty Trinad , Levy David E. , Müller Mathias , Decker Thomas
Published: April 2014

Type I IFNs (IFN-α/β) modulate innate immune responses. Here we show activation of transcription factor IFN regulatory factor 3, the synthesis of large amounts of IFN-β mRNA, and type I IFN signal transduction in macrophages infected with Listeria monocytogenes. Expression of the bacterial virulence protein listeriolysin O was necessary, but not sufficient, for efficient IFN-β production. Signaling through a pathway involving the type I IFN receptor and Stat1 sensitized macrophages to L. monocytogenes-induced cell death in a manner not requiring inducible NO synthase (nitric oxide synthase 2) or protein kinase R, potential effectors of type I IFN action during microbial infections. The data stress the importance of type I IFN for the course of infections with intracellular bacteria and suggest that factors other than listeriolysin O contribute to macrophage death during Listeria infection.
Inhibition of TGFβ1 by Anti-TGFβ1 Antibody or Lisinopril Reduces Thyroid Fibrosis in Granulomatous Experimental Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Authors: Chen Kemin , Wei Yongzhong , Sharp Gordon C. , Braley-Mullen Helen
Published: April 2014

In this study, a murine model of granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (G-EAT) was used to determine the role of TGFβ1 in fibrosis initiated by an autoimmune inflammatory response. The fibrotic process was evaluated by staining thyroid tissue for collagen, α-smooth muscle actin, TGFβ1, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and measuring serum thyroxine in mice given anti-TGFβ1 or the ACE inhibitor lisinopril. The role of particular inflammatory cells in fibrosis was tested by depletion experiments, and the cytokine profile in thyroids was examined by RT-PCR. Neutralization of TGFβ1 by anti-TGFβ1 or lisinopril resulted in less collagen deposition and less accumulation of myofibroblasts, and levels of active TGFβ1 and ACE were reduced in thyroids of treated mice compared with those of untreated controls. Other profibrotic molecules, such as platelet-derived growth factor, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and IL-13, were also reduced in thyroids of anti-TGFβ1- and lisinopril-treated mice compared with those of controls. Confocal microscopy showed that CD4+ T cells and macrophages expressed TGFβ1. Fibrosis was reduced by injection of anti-CD4 mAb on day 12, when G-EAT was very severe (4–5+). Together, these results suggest a critical role for TGFβ1 in fibrosis initiated by autoimmune-induced inflammation. Autoreactive CD4+ T cells may contribute to thyroid fibrosis through production of TGFβ1. This G-EAT model provides a new model to study how fibrosis associated with autoimmune damage can be inhibited.
First-Generation Adenovirus Vectors Shorten Survival Time in a Murine Model of Sepsis
Authors: Doerschug Kevin , Sanlioglu Salih , Flaherty Dawn M. , Wilson Rebecca L. , Yarovinsky Timur , Monick Martha M. , Engelhardt John F. , Hunninghake Gary W.
Published: April 2014

Adverse immunological reactions to adenoviral vectors have significantly impacted the utility of this virus for treating genetic and environmentally induced diseases. In this study, we evaluate the effect of adenoviral vectors on an animal model of sepsis. Systemic delivery of first-generation adenoviral vectors to septic mice (cecal ligation and puncture) resulted in a shortened survival time. This effect was not observed with second-generation or inactivated first-generation vectors. The accelerated death was accompanied by a number of important changes in the disease. These changes included increased liver cell apoptosis (including Kupffer cells) and a marked increase in liver bacterial load. In the lung, the combination induced an increase in bacterial load, as well as greater lung injury. In the serum, the combination was associated with decreased TNF-α levels and an increase in bacterial load. Finally, a profound degree of lymphocyte apoptosis was observed in these animals. These observations suggest that prior exposure to first-generation adenovirus gene therapy vectors may worsen the outcome of some forms of sepsis.