bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of antigen binding and idiotypic expression by antibodies with polyglycine-replaced complementarity-determining regions.
Authors: Sompuram S R , Den W , Sharon J
Published: December 2022

We investigated the feasibility and usefulness, for structure-function studies, of removing the side chains of entire complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) of Abs by replacement with polyglycine. The CDRs of a murine Ab specific for p-azophenylarsonate (Ars) were replaced with polyglycine, one CDR at a time and in combinations, by oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis of the V region genes. Mutant Abs were expressed in transfected hybridoma cells and analyzed for Ars binding and for idiotypic expression. The results suggest that, except for the longest CDRs, polyglycine replacement does not alter the general structure of the Ab molecule. However, for analysis of functional contributions of a CDR, the polyglycine replacement method appears to be most useful for CDRs with extended structures whose replacement by polyglycine does not affect the structure of other parts of the variable regions. In the current studies, such CDRs were CDR1 of the heavy chain (H1) and CDR2 of the light chain (L2). The polyglycine replacement of L2, which does not contain an Ag-contacting residue, allowed the formation of an Ars binding Ab. Furthermore, this mutant Ab revealed previously uncharacterized contributions of L2 to idiotypic expression. Polyglycine replacement of H1 abolished Ars binding as expected, because H1 contains an Ag-contacting residue. However, introduction of the contacting residue (Asn) on the polyglycine-replaced H1 background restored the ability of the Ab to bind Ars. The results suggest that polyglycine replacement of CDRs can provide structural information that complements and extends the information obtained by other methods.
Generation of primary tumor-specific CTL in vitro to immunogenic and poorly immunogenic mouse tumors.
Authors: Liu B , Podack E R , Allison J P , Malek T R
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the generation of primary tumor-specific CTL activity in vitro to several mouse tumors. We report that the development of optimal primary tumor-specific CTL to the P815 mastocytoma, the EL4 thymoma, and the Lewis lung carcinoma is dependent on tumor Ags, on enhancement of T cell costimulation by B7.1, and on exogenous T helper activity in the form of IL-2 and IL-4. A relatively low concentration of IL-2 and IL-4 was required to limit the induction of lymphokine-activated killer cells. In the case of P815, the CTL were directed toward molecularly defined tumor rejection Ags. These primary cultures yielded long term T cell lines that were heterogeneous in fine tumor Ag specificity and in cytokine production.
A20 zinc finger protein inhibits TNF and IL-1 signaling.
Authors: Jäättelä M , Mouritzen H , Elling F , Bastholm L
Published: December 2022

A20 zinc finger protein is a product of a cytokine-induced primary response gene. In this report, we demonstrate that A20 specifically inhibits signal transduction pathways induced by TNF and IL-1, suggesting that it functions as a negative regulator of the cytokine response. Overexpression of A20 in MCF7 breast carcinoma cells or in WEHI-S fibrosarcoma cells inhibits apoptosis induced by TNF, whereas cytotoxicity induced by anti-Fas (anti-CD95); lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, serum starvation, oxidative stress, or okadaic acid is not inhibited. Overexpression of A20 also inhibits TNF-induced activation of phospholipase A2 in a similar dose-dependent manner as it inhibits TNF-mediated apoptosis, whereas it does not affect the activation of phospholipase A2 by anti-Fas. Interestingly, A20 also blocks TNF-induced signal transduction pathways not directly related to the cytotoxicity, namely activation of NF-kappa B and AP-1 transcription factors. Activation of these transcription factors by a functionally related cytokine, IL-1, is also inhibited by A20, whereas activation induced by hydrogen peroxide or phorbol ester is unaffected. Overexpression of A20 does not affect the binding of TNF to its cell surface receptors. These data suggest that A20 functions as a negative regulator of TNF and IL-1, interfering with signal transduction pathways at an early point following receptor binding but before the activation of various second messengers, leading to the wide variety of effects induced by these cytokines.
Extracellular matrix proteins attenuate activation and degranulation of stimulated eosinophils.
Authors: Kita H , Horie S , Gleich G J
Published: December 2022

Cellular adhesion plays an important role in the recruitment and activation of eosinophils. Here, we investigated whether extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins modify effector functions of activated human eosinophils. We coated 96-well plates with laminin or fibronectin and blocked nonspecific protein-binding sites with human serum albumin (HSA). When eosinophils were stimulated with platelet-activating factor (PAF) and incubated in these ECM-coated wells, the eosinophils adhered using both beta 1- and beta 2-integrins. Degranulation of eosinophils adherent to laminin- and fibronectin-coated wells was reduced about 50% compared with cells adherent to uncoated, HSA-blocked wells. Furthermore, these inhibitory effects of laminin and fibronectin were concentration-dependent and secretagogue-specific, that is, degranulation induced by C5a and IL-5 was inhibited while degranulation induced by secretory IgA and PMA was not inhibited. Plasma fibronectin, type I collagen and type IV collagen also inhibited PAF- and C5a-induced eosinophil degranulation, whereas fibrinogen did not. By microscopy, PAF-stimulated eosinophils, adhering to uncoated HSA-blocked wells, appeared elongated with many pseudopods. In contrast, eosinophils adhering to laminin-coated wells appeared oval with few pseudopods. Furthermore, when cells were incubated in laminin-coated wells, PAF-stimulated production of a second messenger, inositol phosphate, was markedly reduced. These findings suggest that ECM protein, such as laminin and fibronectin, attenuate both activation and degranulation of eosinophils and also influence their morphology after stimulation by physiologic secretagogues. Thus, ECM proteins may regulate activation of eosinophils, as they traverse between the peripheral blood and their targets.
The role of nitric oxide in proteoglycan turnover by bovine articular cartilage organ cultures.
Authors: Stefanovic-Racic M , Morales T I , Taskiran D , McIntyre L A , Evans C H
Published: December 2022

Monolayer cultures of articular chondrocytes synthesize large amounts of nitric oxide (NO) following exposure to IL-1. The latter has antianabolic and procatabolic activities on these cells, but little is known about the role, if any, of NO in the integrated metabolic pathways of the chondrocyte. In the present study, the role of endogenously produced NO in both the synthesis and degradation of proteoglycans was investigated for the first time. Bovine articular cartilage slices exposed to 20 U/ml human rIL-1 beta (hrIL-1 beta) synthesized large amounts of NO for 1 to 2 days, after which production fell to a steady state level approximately 20% of the peak value for the remainder of the 14-day incubation. The NO synthase inhibitor, N-monomethyl L-arginine (L-NMA, 1 mM), blocked NO production and enhanced the acute catabolic effects of hrIL-1 beta in cartilage derived from both cartilage derived from both calves and adult animals. However, in late cultures, release of proteoglycans was reduced in the presence of L-NMA. The proteolytic activity in conditioned medium of these cultures (measured as caseinolytic activity) was enhanced by L-NMA; however, this inhibitor did not affect the rates of synthesis of proteoglycans. Although NO is widely assumed to be a mediator of cartilage catabolism, our data suggest that it may instead have an acute protective effect. Whether this effect is maintained chronically is less clear.
Immune or normal gamma delta T cells that assist alpha beta T cells in elicitation of contact sensitivity preferentially use V gamma 5 and V delta 4 variable region gene segments.
Authors: Ptak W , Szczepanik M , Ramabhadran R , Askenase P W
Published: December 2022

In the current study, we confirmed previous findings suggesting that gamma delta T cells were involved in the successful adoptive cell transfer of contact sensitivity (CS) by alpha beta CS-effector T cells. In this study, we used hamster anti-mouse gamma delta-TCR mAb treatment of CS-effector T cells, followed by enrichment and removal of the gamma delta T cells with goat anti-hamster Ig-linked magnetic beads, or by addition of hemolytic rabbit C. This removal of gamma delta T cells abrogated adoptive cell transfers of CS, despite the presence of alpha beta T cells that are known to mediate CS. FACS analysis documented enrichment of gamma delta T cells rising from 1 to 2% of the starting cells, to 60 to 95% of the magnetic bead adherent cells. Adoptive cell transfer of CS was reconstituted by adding back to the alpha beta cells, highly enriched gamma delta cells attached to anti-gamma delta-TCR magnetic beads. Not only were gamma delta-enriched T cells from sensitized mice able to assist immune CS-effector alpha beta T cells, but gamma delta T cells from normal nonimmune mice also had CS-assisting activity, and furthermore, neither were MHC-restricted in this function. Thus, CS-assisting gamma delta T cells were present endogenously in normal mice without prior immunization, and acted without Ag specificity and without MHC restriction, to assist CS-effector alpha beta T cells. Similar studies, with hamster mAbs specific for V gamma and V delta portions of gamma delta-TCR, demonstrated that the gamma delta T cells that assisted the CS-effector alpha beta T cells preferentially expressed V gamma 5 and V delta 4 in their TCR. PCR analysis on extracted mRNA showed that V gamma 5 and V delta 4 gene segments indeed were rearranged and expressed in the sensitized and normal lymph nodes; and one-and two-color FACS analysis of magnetic bead-fractionated cells suggested that V gamma 5 and V delta 4 were expressed on the same T cells. In summary, these results demonstrated that V gamma 5+, V delta 4+, gamma delta T cells were needed to assist alpha beta effector T cells in the adoptive cell transfer of CS.
Physical and functional interactions of protein tyrosine kinases, p59fyn and ZAP-70, in T cell signaling.
Authors: Fusaki N , Matsuda S , Nishizumi H , Umemori H , Yamamoto T
Published: December 2022

The src family protein tyrosine kinases participate in signaling through cell surface receptors that lack intrinsic tyrosine kinase domains. One of the src family kinases, p59fyn (Fyn), plays an important role in the TCR-mediated signaling. Here we report that Fyn becomes associated with the zeta-associated tyrosine kinase, ZAP-70, in a T cell hybridoma upon stimulation. The association was transient; it occurred as early as 10 s after stimulation and disappeared after 10 min. The two proteins were also associated with each other when coexpressed in COS cells. Coexpression of the zeta-chain was not required for their interaction. Mutational analysis of Fyn and ZAP-70 revealed that their kinase activities were relevant to the association. Deletion of both the SH2 and SH3 domains of Fyn resulted in the decrease of the association with ZAP-70. Consistently, Fyn-SH2 and Fyn-SH3 fused to glutathione S-transferase were able to bind to ZAP-70. These data suggest that multiple sites of Fyn and ZAP-70 are involved in the association. Furthermore, coexpression of the wild-type of both kinases in COS cells enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of the helix-turn-helix-containing protein, HS1. HS1 was also tyrosine phosphorylated upon TCR stimulation. Thus, we propose that Fyn phosphorylates and activates ZAP-70 and that both kinases cooperate in TCR signaling.
Roles of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1, CD31) in natural killer cell transendothelial migration and beta 2 integrin activation.
Authors: Berman M E , Xie Y , Muller W A
Published: December 2022

Platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1, CD31) is a glycoprotein expressed on the surfaces of monocytes, neutrophils, platelets, a subpopulation of T cells, and, as described in this work, on NK cells. It is also concentrated at the junctions between endothelial cells (EC) in culture, and is expressed on continuous endothelia in all tissues. PECAM has been shown to be involved in monocyte and neutrophil transendothelial migration in vitro and in vivo. The function of PECAM in NK cell interaction with EC has never been studied. In this work, we demonstrate that ligation of PECAM on the surface of NK cells activates their beta 2 integrins. Anti-PECAM Abs added to NK cells caused a 2.5- to 4-fold increase in the binding of these cells to monolayers of EC or 3T3 cells transfected with ICAM-1, and this was inhibited by a mAb against CD18. PECAM also plays a role in NK cell transendothelial migration. Anti-PECAM Abs inhibited 50% of NK cell transmigration through resting EC in an in vitro system. The transmigration of CD56dim and CD56bright cells was inhibited equally. IFN-gamma increased NK cell transmigration; the transmigration of CD56bright cells was increased to a much greater extent than CD56dim transmigration (4-fold vs 1.5-fold). Anti-PECAM inhibited the transmigration of CD56dim cells by 30%, while that of CD56bright cells was not blocked. These studies demonstrate that PECAM-1 could play an important role in the extravasation of NK cells into tissues for constitutive surveillance and into sites of inflammation.
Mouse microglial cells express a plasma membrane pore gated by extracellular ATP.
Authors: Ferrari D , Villalba M , Chiozzi P , Falzoni S , Ricciardi-Castagnoli P , Di Virgilio F
Published: December 2022

We have investigated responses to extracellular ATP (ATPe) in the microglial cell lines N9 and N13 and in freshly isolated mouse microglial cells. Upon stimulation with this nucleotide, N9 and N13 cells underwent an increase in the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), a sustained depolarization of the plasma membrane, and an uptake of extracellular markers such as ethidium bromide and lucifer yellow; increases in plasma membrane permeability were paralleled by striking morphologic changes. ATPe, as well as other nucleotides, activated a spiking Ca2+ release from intracellular stores; however, only ATPe was also able to cause a massive transmembrane Ca2+ influx. The ATP analogue 2'- and 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (BzATP) triggered a sustained Ca2+ influx accompanied by little release from stores. The ATP derivative oxidized ATP (oATP) strongly inhibited Ca2+ influx, minimally affecting Ca2+ release. From ATPe-sensitive microglial cell lines, we selected several ATPe-resistant clones that showed complete lack of ATPe-mediated plasma membrane permeability changes, although they retained the Ca2+ mobilization response from intracellular stores. ATPe-dependent plasma membrane permeability changes were also greatly reduced in growth-arrested microglial cells. Finally, ATPe triggered IL-1 beta release from wild-type but not ATPe-resistant microglial cells. These results show that microglial cells express at least two purinergic receptor subtypes, metabotropic (P2Y) and ionotropic (P2Z), and that the latter is modulated during cell cycle and coupled to IL-1 beta release.
Specificity and reciprocity in the interactions between TGF-beta and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha.
Authors: Maltman J , Pragnell I B , Graham G J
Published: December 2022

TGF-beta and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha) appear to share a number of biologic properties. We have been attempting to examine the interactions between these two peptides in the hope of gaining an insight into the basis for the apparent functional redundancy. Our earlier observations have indicated that TGF-beta is a potent down-regulator of MIP-1 alpha and MIP-1 beta expression in bone marrow macrophages and also of MIP-1 alpha receptor numbers on FDCPmix cells. We now demonstrate that the interplay between TGF-beta and MIP-1 alpha beta is relatively specific, in that only MIP-1 alpha and MIP-1 beta appear to be potently suppressed by TGF-beta, and that this suppressive activity is restricted to the direct TGF-beta isoforms. Activin and the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) appear to be inactive in this regard. We also demonstrate the existence of an endogenous TGF-beta-mediated block that acts to minimize MIP-1 alpha expression in TGF-beta-expressing macrophages. This coupled with the observations that MIP-1 alpha can induce expression of TGF-beta suggests to us that the complex interactions between MIP-1 alpha and MIP-1 beta and the direct TGF-beta isoforms (beta 1, beta 2, and beta 3) act to ensure minimized MIP-1 alpha beta expression and maximized TGF-beta expression. However, such interplay may also be dependent on the local cytokine or inflammatory profile to which the cells are exposed.
Establishment and characterization of a murine CD4+ T cell line and clone that induce experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis in B10.A mice.
Authors: Rizzo L V , Silver P , Wiggert B , Hakim F , Gazzinelli R T , Chan C C , Caspi R R
Published: December 2022

B10.A mice develop experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis after active immunization with the interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP). CD4+ T cells play an important role in the development of the disease. In this study we have isolated and characterized a CD4+ T cell line and a T cell clone that induce experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis when transferred into naive B10.A mice. The cell line was isolated from draining lymph nodes of IRBP-immunized animals by repeated cycles of IRBP stimulation. The line was shown to be pathogenic after 4 rounds of in vitro stimulation with IRBP at 5 x 10(6) cells/mouse. A T cell clone derived from this line by limiting dilution was shown to be pathogenic when the same number of cells was injected; incidence and severity of disease, however, were much lower. After 16 rounds of IRBP-specific stimulation the cell line was pathogenic at 10(5) cells/mouse. Analysis of the V beta repertoire revealed that at this point the line was mostly composed of V beta 8.2- and V beta 6-positive cells (> 80% of the population). The uveitogenic clone expressed V beta 8.2. Both the T cell line and the clone elaborated an unrestricted lymphokine profile in vitro. However, when these cells were adoptively transferred into naive recipients, mRNA isolated from the uveitic retina showed only Th1 type cytokines. These data help to characterize the nature of pathogenic cells involved in ocular autoimmunity.
Rat MHC-linked peptide transporter alleles strongly influence peptide binding by HLA-B27 but not B27-associated inflammatory disease.
Authors: Simmons W A , Leong L Y , Satumtira N , Butcher G W , Howard J C , Richardson J A , Slaughter C A , Hammer R E , Taurog J D
Published: December 2022

Rats transgenic for the human MHC molecule HLA-B27 were used to study the effect of two alleles, cima and cimb, which are associated with peptide transport by the MHC-encoded Tap2 transporter, on the function of HLA-B27 as a restriction element for CTL recognition of the male H-Y minor H Ag and on the multisystem inflammatory disease characteristic of B27 transgenic rats. Anti-H-Y CTL generated in cima B27 transgenic rats lysed male B27 cimb/b targets significantly less well than cima/a or cima/b targets. Addition of exogenous H-Y peptides to male B27 cimb/b targets increased susceptibility to lysis to the level of cima/a targets. Male B27 cimb/b cells were less efficient than cima/a cells in competitively inhibiting CTL lysis of female B27 cima/a targets sensitized with exogenous H-Y peptides. 3H-Labeled peptides eluted from B27 molecules of lymphoblasts from rats of two cimb and three cima RT1 haplotypes showed that the cimb peptide pool favors comparatively longer and/or more hydrophobic peptides. These results indicate that RT1-linked Tap2 polymorphism in the rat strongly influences peptide loading of HLA-B27. Nonetheless, the prevalence and severity of multisystem inflammatory lesions were comparable in backcross rats bearing either cima/b or cimb/b. It thus appears either that binding of specific peptides to B27 is unimportant in the pathogenesis of B27-associated disease or that the critical peptides, unlike H-Y and many others, are not influenced by Tap transporter polymorphism.
Differential regulation of bcl-2 and bcl-x by CD3, CD28, and the IL-2 receptor in cloned CD4+ helper T cells. A model for the long-term survival of memory cells.
Authors: Mueller D L , Seiffert S , Fang W , Behrens T W
Published: December 2022

In this study, we examined the molecular signals that control apoptosis in cloned CD4+ helper T cells. Resting T cells were highly resistant to spontaneous death in the absence of exogenous stress, and they expressed low levels of bcl-x protein and no detectable bcl-2. Upon exposure to gamma radiation, resting cells rapidly underwent apoptotic death. Incubation with IL-2 prevented this cell death and led to a large increase in bcl-2 protein expression and only a modest up-regulation in bcl-x. The combination of anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 mAbs was also effective in protecting the cells against radiation-induced apoptosis; however, this protection was associated predominantly with bcl-x up-regulation, and only a small induction of bcl-2 protein was observed. Finally, cyclosporin A blocked both IL-2 secretion and bcl-2 induction in response to CD3 plus CD28 stimulation, suggesting a role for endogenous lymphokine production in the induction of bcl-2. These data support a model in which memory T cells remain resistant to apoptosis because intermittent contact with Ag-bearing APC and IL-2R occupancy result in the expression of the life-proteins bcl-2 and bcl-x.
Differential expression of CD40 ligand on T cell subsets. Implications for different roles of CD45RA+ and CD45RO+ cells in IgE production.
Authors: Patel H R , Oshiba A , Jeppson J D , Gelfand E W
Published: December 2022

Physical contact between human T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes is required for the induction of IgE production. In the present study, we examined the abilities of CD45RA+ and CD45RO+ human T cell subsets to provide help for IgE production by human peripheral blood B cells in the presence of IL-4. Purified peripheral CD45RA+ T cells are much better inducers of IgE synthesis than are CD45RO+ T cells. Activation of CD45RA+ T cells, but not CD45RO+ T cells, via the TCR/CD3 complex is sufficient to confer the ability to provide IgE help, suggesting that an inducible T cell surface molecule plays an important role in this system. The CD40 ligand, an inducible T cell surface molecule, is expressed at higher levels on CD45RA+ T cells as compared with CD45RO+ T cells following CD3-stimulation. Blocking of the CD40-CD40 ligand interaction in vitro by the addition of a soluble form of B cell CD40 Ag completely blocks IgE production induced by CD45RA+ T cells. Finally, the in vitro conversion of CD45RA+ T cells to the CD45RO+ phenotype is accompanied by a loss in the ability of these cells to express the CD40 ligand in response to anti-CD3 stimulation as well as a loss in their ability to provide IgE help. These results suggest that both CD45 subsets may play significant and distinct roles in the induction of IgE production under physiologic conditions: CD45RO+ T cells provide IL-4 and the CD45RA+ subset provides the second signal via the CD40 ligand.
CD28 costimulation inhibits TCR-induced apoptosis during a primary T cell response.
Authors: Radvanyi L G , Shi Y , Vaziri H , Sharma A , Dhala R , Mills G B , Miller R G
Published: December 2022

Murine splenic T cells undergo apoptosis when the TCR complex is re-cross-linked in the absence of costimulation during a primary immune response. However, if the CD28 complex is also cross-linked, growth continues without induction of apoptosis. Prevention of apoptosis by CD28 costimulation was associated with increased expression of bcl-xL, while overexpression of bcl-2 in T cells from bcl-2 transgenic mice was not protective. In both situations, surviving cells can be recovered in a growth arrested state following the primary response, many more if CD28 was also religated. When these cells were restimulated in secondary response, those surviving TCR religation without CD28 costimulation could not be induced to proliferate further. In contrast, cells given CD28 costimulation during the primary response proliferated well after restimulation. Thus, the CD28 signaling pathway may function not only in the initial activation of naive T cells, but also in maintaining their viability and responsiveness during a primary immune response. In addition, the results further suggest that bcl-2 and bcl-xL regulate T cell survival under different conditions, with bcl-xL being perhaps more important in maintaining viability of activated T cells traversing the cell cycle.
A recurrent clonotype in the spontaneous anti-IgG2a rheumatoid factor response of lpr/lpr mice.
Authors: Hande S , Jacobson B A , Manser T
Published: December 2022

We generated mice transgenic for a VH gene that partially encodes an anti-IgG2a rheumatoid factor. Such transgenic VH genes recombine at a low frequency with the endogenous Igh locus in mice, giving rise to a small number of B cells that express heavy chains partially encoded by the transgene. The transgenes were crossed onto an lpr/lpr background, and hybridomas were generated from the resulting mice at 3 to 6 mo of age. Analysis of the anti-IgG2a- producing hybridomas obtained revealed that none expressed the transgenic VH. Surprisingly, however, most of the mice yielded multiple anti-IgG2a hybridomas that expressed VH genes comprised of a single VH gene segment, D regions with highly homologous 5' ends encoding CDR3 regions of identical length, and the JH4 segment. Expressed light chain diversity among these hybridomas was also highly restricted; most expressed a single V kappa gene segment. All of the hybridomas expressed members of the V kappa 19/28 family. Many of the VH genes contained a low frequency of somatic mutation. The recurrence of this family of V regions is not due to an indirect transgene effect or to effects of the genetic background used to construct the mice, as hybridomas expressing the predominant V gene segment combination were also isolated from a transgene-negative lpr/lpr littermate and from MRL lpr/lpr mice. These data contrast with the previous findings of others that while the spontaneous rheumatoid factor response of lpr/lpr mice was oligoclonal, recurrent clonotypes were not apparent, and the VH and V kappas encoding these rheumatoid factors contained a high frequency of somatic mutation whose distribution and type were indicative of Ag-driven selection.
Receptors on T cells escaping superantigen-mediated deletion lack special beta-chain junctional region structural characteristics.
Authors: Pullen A M , Bogatzki L Y
Published: December 2022

The TCR V beta element is pivotal for superantigen recognition; however, not all T cells bearing a particular V beta element respond to an individual superantigen. Recent evidence has indicated that the TCR V alpha element also contributes to recognition of superantigen/MHC class II complexes. To determine whether the TCR beta-chain junctional regions influence recognition of a superantigen encoded by mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) proviral integrant Mtv-1, we have analyzed these regions in T cells that have survived superantigen-mediated negative selection in B10.BR-Mtv-1 mice. Our data indicate: 1) no TCR J beta skewing, 2) no difference in the length of the third complementarity-determining region (CDR3), and 3) no outstanding structural features that are shared among the junctional regions of the V beta 3+ T cells that escape thymic clonal elimination in superantigen-expressing mice. Several possible models for TCR engagement of viral superantigen/MHC class II complexes are discussed.
Human natural yeast killer toxin-like candidacidal antibodies.
Authors: Polonelli L , De Bernadis F , Conti S , Boccanera M , Magliani W , Gerloni M , Cantelli C , Cassone A
Published: December 2022

A murine mAb (mAbKT4, IgG1) that neutralized in vitro the anti-Candida activity of a killer toxic (KT) from the yeast Pichia anomala acted as an idiotypic (Id) vaccine in eliciting anti-Id Abs with toxin-like activity (KT-IdAb) in a rat vaginitis model. In this study, we demonstrate that intravaginal or intragastric inoculations of Candida albicans bearing a receptor for the toxin was able to recall KT-IdAb production in the vagina of the animals primarily immunized with mAbKT4 and also to elicit by themselves an Ab that functionally mimicked the KT (KTAb). Anti-Id-like, KT-like Abs were also consistently found in the vaginal fluid of human vaginitis patients who were infected by Candida but who had never been exposed to the Id vaccine. These Abs were as candidacidal in vitro as those raised in rat vagina by the Id vaccination, and, likewise, their cytocidal effect was totally neutralized by previous reaction with mAbKT4. Importantly, they were also able to confer a significant anticandidal protection in the rat vaginitis model, comparable to that achievable by KT-IdAb passively transferred to naive rats from Id-vaccinated animals. Thus, candidacidal Abs representing the internal image of a yeast KT are part of the Ab repertoire that follows infection or immunization with Candida. It is speculated that the host's immune system response may exploit the KT receptor of microbial pathogens to produce microbicidal Abs, possibly mirroring competition events among microorganisms in natural habitats.
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol toxin of Plasmodium up-regulates intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin expression in vascular endothelial cells and increases leukocyte and parasite cytoadherence via tyrosine kinase-dependent signal transduction.
Authors: Schofield L , Novakovic S , Gerold P , Schwarz R T , McConville M J , Tachado S D
Published: December 2022

In this study we demonstrate that glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) of malaria parasite origin directly increases cell adhesion molecule expression in purified HUVECs in a dose- and time-dependent manner, resulting in a marked increase in parasite and leukocyte cytoadherence to these target cells. The structurally related glycolipids dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylinositol and iM4 glycoinositolphospholipid of Leishmania mexicana had no such activity. Malarial GPI exerts this effect by activation of an endogenous GPI-based signal transduction pathway in endothelial cells. GPI induces rapid onset tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple intracellular substrates within 1 min of addition to cells in a dose-dependent manner. This activity can be blocked by the protein tyrosine kinase-specific antagonist herbimycin A, genistein, and tyrphostin. These tyrosine kinase antagonists also inhibit GPI-mediated up-regulation of adhesion expression and parasite cytoadherence. GPI-induced up-regulation of adhesion expression and parasite cytoadherence can also be blocked by the NF kappa B/c-rel antagonist pyrrolidine-dithiocarbamate, suggesting the involvement of this family of transcription factors in GPI-induced adhesin expression. The direct activation of endothelial cells by GPI does not require the participation of TNF or IL-1. However, GPI is also responsible for the indirect pathway of increased adhesin expression mediated by TNF and IL-1 output from monocytes/macrophages. Total parasite extracts also up-regulate adhesin expression and parasite cytoadherence in HUVECs, and this activity is blocked by a neutralizing mAb to malaria GPI, suggesting that GPI is the dominant agent of parasite origin responsible for this activity. Thus, a parasite-derived GPI toxin activates vascular endothelial cells by tyrosine kinase-mediated signal transduction, leading to NF kappa B/c-rel activation and downstream expression of adhesins, events that may play a central role in the etiology of cerebral malaria.
Early-type hypersensitivity-associated airway inflammation and eosinophilia induced by Dermatophagoides farinae in sensitized mice.
Authors: Yu C K , Lee S C , Wang J Y , Hsiue T R , Lei H Y
Published: December 2022

In a murine ear-swelling model, we demonstrated a unique hypersensitivity response and defined it as early-type hypersensitivity (ETH). ETH was characterized by increased vasopermeability and edematous change that occurred within 1 h at the site of Ag challenge. In this study, intranasal challenge with Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) on Df-sensitized BALB/c mice induced an ETH response in the lungs. The lung ETH was manifested by an increase in wet lung weight, production of TNF-alpha in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, and hyperemia and edematous change around vessels of small airways 1 h after Ag provocation. The challenged animals subsequently developed airway inflammation, beginning with a neutrophilic infiltrate which was followed by lymphocytes and eosinophils. The Df-induced eosinophilia was Ag-specific and maximal at 48 h after challenge. At this time, the trachea from sensitized mice also exhibited hyperreactivity to carbachol. Pretreatment with anti-CD4+ mAb significantly decreased the recruitment of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. An enhanced expression of pulmonary endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 was noted as early as 6 h after challenge. Anti-Df Abs of IgG class, but not IgE class, were detected in Df-immunized mice at the time of challenge. Furthermore, Df challenge induced a stronger eosinophil response in BALB/c mice (H-2d) than in B10.BR (H-2k) mice. B10.BR mice also did not exhibit pulmonary edema or ETH of ear swelling 1 h after challenge. These data suggest that an ETH-associated 1 h pulmonary edematous change was induced by intranasal challenge of Df in Df-sensitized mice, and that the ETH might contribute to the development of subsequent pulmonary inflammation and eosinophilia.
Prostaglandin E2 stimulates osteoclast formation via endogenous IL-1 beta expressed through protein kinase A.
Authors: Amano S , Naganuma K , Kawata Y , Kawakami K , Kitano S , Hanazawa S
Published: December 2022

The present study was conducted to determine whether endogenous IL-1 is involved as a potent mediator of PGE2-stimulated osteoclast formation in 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3)-primed calvarial cells from mouse embryos. PGE2 induced IL-1 beta gene expression in the primed calvarial cells. IL-1 beta gene expression was also induced in a dose-dependent manner by forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP. PGE2-induced IL-1 beta gene expression was markedly inhibited by H-89, a potent inhibitor of protein kinase A. On the other hand, osteoclast formation in 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-primed calvarial cells was also stimulated by forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP, and their stimulatory effects were dose dependent. H-89 also inhibited PGE2-stimulated osteoclast formation. The presence of the IL-1 beta gene product in the conditioned medium of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3-primed calvarial cells treated with PGE2 was proved by the results of an immunoprecipitation assay using anti-mouse IL-1 beta Ab. The addition of anti-mouse IL-1 beta Ab to 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 primed calvarial cell cultures markedly inhibited PGE2-stimulated osteoclast formation. The stimulatory effect of conditioned medium of primed calvarial cells treated with PGE2 on osteoclast formation was also inhibited by anti-IL-1 beta Ab pretreatment. Furthermore, we found that endogenous IL-6 is partially involved in PGE2-stimulated osteoclast formation.
Identification of an N-terminally truncated form of the chemokine RANTES and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor as major eosinophil attractants released by cytokine-stimulated dermal fibroblasts.
Authors: Noso N , Sticherling M , Bartels J , Mallet A I , Christophers E , Schröder J M
Published: December 2022

Eosinophil (Eo) granule proteins and, rarely, intact Eos represent a characteristic histopathologic feature of the dermal part of affected tissue in atopic dermatitis and some allergic reactions. Dermal fibroblasts are a rich source of cytokines and inflammatory mediators; therefore, we have investigated whether these cells release Eo chemoattractants when stimulated with different stimuli. Eo-chemotactic activity was detected after stimulation of cells with TNF-alpha and IL-1, but not when phorbol ester, PHA, or medium alone was used. Biochemical characterization of Eo-chemotactic activity in supernatants of NF-alpha-stimulated cells revealed both heparin-binding and nonbinding activity. HPLC purification with subsequent N-terminal sequencing and mass spectrometric analysis showed that the heparin-binding Eo-chemotactic peak corresponded to the chemokine [Tyr-RANTES]66 that also contained [Ser-RANTES]68 as contaminant, whereas the nonheparin-binding activity was identified as granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF) by the use of neutralizing Abs. [Tyr-RANTES]66 was found to show identical behavior in the chemotaxis assay system with respect to potency and efficacy as natural [Ser-RANTES]68. These findings support the hypothesis that dermal fibroblasts can play an important role in the recruitment of Eo by release of the chemokine RANTES together with GM-CSF.
Tolerance sensitivity of immature-stage B cells: can developmentally regulated B cell antigen receptor (BCR) signal transduction play a role?
Authors: Monroe J G
Published: December 2022

During development, B lymphocytes pass through a window in which self-reactive cells are eliminated. Elimination at this early stage of development occurs because immature-stage B cells are more sensitive to tolerance induction and negative selection than are mature-stage B cells. In this discussion, the author presents the arguments leading to the conclusion that the molecular basis for this differential sensitivity to negative selection is due to intrinsic differences in Ag receptor signal transduction between immature and mature B cells.
Mice lacking the IFN-gamma receptor have impaired ability to resolve a lung eosinophilic inflammatory response associated with a prolonged capacity of T cells to exhibit a Th2 cytokine profile.
Authors: Coyle A J , Tsuyuki S , Bertrand C , Huang S , Aguet M , Alkan S S , Anderson G P
Published: December 2022

To investigate the modulatory role of IFN-gamma on the induction and maintenance of Th2 mucosal immunity in vivo, experiments were performed in mice lacking the IFN-gamma R. Aerosol OVA challenge of immunized wild-type mice resulted in an infiltration of eosinophils into the lung, associated with the ex vivo production of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-5) from purified lung Thy1.2+ cells stimulated via the CD3/TCR complex. However, while immunized IFN-gamma R-deficient mice exhibited elevated levels of IgE, IgG1, and reduced levels of IgG2a compared with wild-type mice, there was no difference in the recruitment of eosinophils into the lung or the production of IL-4 and IL-5 from lung T cells on day 3. In contrast, up to 2 mo after a single Ag challenge, eosinophils were still present in the lungs of IFN-gamma R-deficient, but not wild-type, mice. Likewise, lung-derived T cells from IFN-gamma R-deficient mice produced higher levels of IL-4 and IL-5, both at 1 and 2 mo after OVA challenge compared with T cells from wild-type mice. We conclude that endogenous IFN-gamma regulates the humoral isotype Ab pattern, but does not modulate the commitment of T cells to a Th2 phenotype in vivo or the acute infiltration of eosinophils to the lung. However, in the absence of IFN-gamma-mediated signaling, there is a transition from a spontaneously resolving to a persisting eosinophilic inflammation of the lungs, associated with a sustained capacity of lung T cells to secrete a Th2 cytokine profile.
Fc receptor-induced expression of Fas ligand on activated NK cells facilitates cell-mediated cytotoxicity and subsequent autocrine NK cell apoptosis.
Authors: Eischen C M , Schilling J D , Lynch D H , Krammer P H , Leibson P J
Published: December 2022

Ligation of the Fc gamma R on NK cells by Ab-coated target cells initiates a mode of killing referred to as antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). There is clear evidence that the release from NK cells of granules containing pore-forming proteins and serine proteases can result in the rapid (within minutes) cell death of Ab-coated targets. However, little information is available as to whether NK cells can initiate subsequent killing through granule-independent mechanisms and as to the mechanisms that down-regulate NK cell-mediated responses. We demonstrate in this study that FcR stimulation of activated human NK cells not only induces granule exocytosis, but also subsequently results in the transcriptional up-regulation of Fas ligand. These FcR-stimulated NK cells can then kill targets that bear Fas (CD95/APO-1), as this cytotoxicity can be inhibited by blocking Abs to the Fas receptor. In addition, as resting NK cells become activated, their Fas receptors become competent to deliver autocrine suicide signals. We demonstrate in this work that the interaction of Fas ligand on the FcR-stimulated NK cells with their Fas receptors can result in apoptosis of the NK cells. These results suggest that the FcR-induced expression of Fas ligand on activated NK cells can critically influence the capacity of these cells to mediate paracrine and autocrine cell death.
IL-12-induced IL-10 production by human T cells as a negative feedback for IL-12-induced immune responses.
Authors: Meyaard L , Hovenkamp E , Otto S A , Miedema F
Published: December 2022

IL-12 is an important initiator of cellular immune responses. This involves a positive feedback mechanism via IFN-gamma, which is abrogated when the pathogen that induces IL-12 production by the macrophage has been cleared. Here, we studied IL-10 as an additional negative regulator of IL-12-induced immune responses. Our results showed that upon stimulation with CD2 mAb, IL-12 was capable of inducing human T cells to produce IL-10. IL-12 was able to induce IL-10 production in primary T cells in the absence or the presence of accessory cells and in short-term cultures of established T cell clones. Moreover, T cell clones that had been cultured for longer periods in the presence of IL-12, when restimulated in the absence of IL-12, still produced high amounts of IL-10. Furthermore, we demonstrated that IL-10-mediated inhibition of T cell proliferation was dose dependent and depended on the time of addition of IL-10 and on the IL-12 concentration in culture. IL-10 has been identified as a dominant inhibitor of IL-12 production by APCs. The finding that IL-12 is capable of potently inducing its own inhibitor shows that the immune system is equipped with an intrinsic negative feedback mechanism that limits ongoing T cell activation. This indicates that the kinetics of T cell responses seem to be regulated by the ratio of IL-12 and IL-10 levels, which may gradually decline during the immune response.
Costimulation of IL-4 production by murine B7-1 and B7-2 molecules.
Authors: Natesan M , Razi-Wolf Z , Reiser H
Published: December 2022

We have examined the capacity of murine B7-1 and B7-2 to costimulate the production of IL-4 by murine CD4+ T lymphocytes. Cloned and freshly isolated T cells were incubated with the anti-CD3 mAb 145-2C11 in the presence of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that stably express murine B7-1 and B7-2 at comparable levels. IL-4 protein levels were measured in culture supernatants by the CT.4S bioassay, and levels of IL-4 mRNA were determined by semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Both B7-1- and B7-2-transfected CHO cells, but not CHO control transfectants, were able to costimulate IL-4 production. Similarly, both B7-1 and B7-2 could up-regulate IFN-gamma mRNA levels. Cell fractionation experiments on freshly isolated CD4+ T lymphocytes revealed that the costimulatory potential of B7-1 and B7-2 for IL-4 production was restricted to CD44high T cells, i.e., the subpopulation that contains recently activated and memory cells. CD44low, naive CD4+ T lymphocytes, could only be induced to produce IL-4 by repeated stimulation with B7 transfectants. In summary, we have not detected qualitative differences in the capacities of murine B7-1 and B7-2 to induce IL-4 production. The results of our experiments, therefore, argue against the recent hypothesis that precursor Th cells are directed toward the Th2 phenotype by B7-2 and toward the Th1 phenotype by B7-1.
Cytokines suppress apoptosis independent of increases in reactive oxygen levels.
Authors: Packham G , Ashmun R A , Cleveland J L
Published: December 2022

Antioxidants suppress apoptosis induced by diverse stimuli in many cells, including immune cells, suggesting that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are common mediators of apoptosis. We evaluated the potential role for ROS in the apoptosis of myeloid progenitors following withdrawal of survival factors and in the apoptosis triggered by enforced c-myc expression, two model systems of programmed cell death. ROS are potential mediators of these cell deaths, as low concentrations of H2O2 (0.1-0.2 mM) or menadione (less than = 10 microM) induced myeloid cell apoptosis, and cytokines effectively suppressed this cell death. Apoptosis following IL-3 withdrawal and c-Myc-induced cell death was also effectively suppressed by the antioxidants pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and glutathione peroxidase. Moreover, measurements of intracellular ROS in cells treated with oxidants or antioxidants showed a correlation between levels of reactive oxygen and the induction or suppression of apoptosis. However, apoptosis following IL-3 withdrawal and c-Myc-induced cell death was not associated with increased reactive oxygen. Therefore, myeloid programmed cell death is not associated with increases in ROS.
Analysis of MHC class II presentation of particulate antigens of B lymphocytes.
Authors: Vidard L , Kovacsovics-Bankowski M , Kraeft S K , Chen L B , Benacerraf B , Rock K L
Published: December 2022

To generate Ab responses to most protein Ags, B cells must first degrade proteins in endocytic compartments and then display antigenic peptides bound to MHC class II molecules. T helper lymphocytes recognize these complexes and stimulate the B cell to synthesize Ab. Although Ab play a key role in host defense against bacteria, it is believed that B cells are incapable of internalizing particulate Ags. However, we find that B lymphoblastoid cell lines and LPS-activated B lymphocytes can present particulate Ag up to 10(5)-fold more efficiently compared with soluble Ag. Moreover, particulate Ags are presented efficiently by unstimulated B cells when they bind to surface Ig. In comparison to B cells, macrophages in general presented particulate Ags 10- to 1000-fold more efficiently and could also present Ag from particles of a much wider range of sizes. We document by ultrastructural and immunofluorescence analysis that B lymphoblastoid cell lines bind and internalize these particles. The internalization and presentation of the particulate Ag is inhibited by cytochalasin B. In contrast, a similar morphologic analysis of normal lymphocytes demonstrated that while Ag beads are bound to the cell surface, they are internalized only rarely. These results suggest there may be both surface and intracellular pathways for the presentation of particulate Ags by B cells. Interestingly, for both macrophages and B cells, the epitopes generated from particulate and soluble Ags were not identical quantitatively or qualitatively, indicating that there are differences in how these forms of Ag are processed and presented.