bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Second Generation of Double Mutant Cholera Toxin Adjuvants: Enhanced Immunity without Intracellular Trafficking
Authors: Hagiwara Yukari , Kawamura Yuki I. , Kataoka Kosuke , Rahima Bibi , Jackson Raymond J. , Komase Katsuhiro , Dohi Taeko , Boyaka Prosper N. , Takeda Yoshifumi , Kiyono Hiroshi , McGhee Jerry R. , Fujihashi Kohtaro
Published: April 2014

Nasal application of native cholera toxin (nCT) as a mucosal adjuvant has potential toxicity for the CNS through binding to GM1 gangliosides in the olfactory nerves. Although mutants of cholera toxin (mCTs) have been developed that show mucosal adjuvant activity without toxicity, it still remains unclear whether these mCTs will induce CNS damage. To help overcome these concerns, in this study we created new double mutant CTs (dmCTs) that have two amino acid substitutions in the ADP-ribosyltransferase active center (E112K) and COOH-terminal KDEL (E112K/KDEV or E112K/KDGL). Confocal microscopic analysis showed that intracellular localization of dmCTs differed from that of mCTs and nCTs in intestinal epithelial T84 cells. Furthermore, both dmCTs exhibited very low toxicity in the Y1 cell assay and mouse ileal loop tests. When mucosal adjuvanticity was examined, both dmCTs induced enhanced OVA-specific immune responses in both mucosal and systemic lymphoid tissues. Interestingly, although both dmCT E112K/KDEV and dmCT E112K/KDGL showed high Th2-type and significant Th1-type cytokine responses by OVA-specific CD4+ T cells, dmCT E112K/KDEV exhibited significantly lower Th1-type cytokine responses than did nCT and dmCT E112K/KDGL. These results show that newly developed dmCTs retain strong biological adjuvant activity without CNS toxicity.
CD4 T Cell-Dependent Autoimmunity against a Melanocyte Neoantigen Induces Spontaneous Vitiligo and Depends upon Fas-Fas Ligand Interactions
Authors: Lambe Teresa , Leung Janson C. H. , Bouriez-Jones Tiphaine , Silver Karlee , Makinen Kimmo , Crockford Tanya L. , Ferry Helen , Forrester John V. , Cornall Richard J.
Published: April 2014

Better understanding of tolerance and autoimmunity toward melanocyte-specific Ags is needed to develop effective treatment for vitiligo and malignant melanoma; yet, a systematic assessment of these mechanisms has been hampered by the difficulty in tracking autoreactive T cells. To address this issue, we have generated transgenic mice that express hen egg lysozyme as a melanocyte-specific neoantigen. By crossing these animals to a hen egg lysozyme-specific CD4 TCR transgenic line we have been able to track autoreactive CD4+ T cells from their development in the thymus to their involvement in spontaneous autoimmune disease with striking similarity to human vitiligo vulgaris and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. Our findings show that CD4-dependent destruction of melanocytes is partially inhibited by blocking Fas-Fas ligand interactions and also highlights the importance of local control of autoimmunity, as vitiligo remains patchy and never proceeds to confluence even when Ag and autoreactive CD4+ T cells are abundant. Immune therapy to enhance or suppress melanocyte-specific T cells can be directed at a series of semiredundant pathways involving tolerance and cell death.
CD22 Ligand Binding Regulates Normal and Malignant B Lymphocyte Survival In Vivo
Authors: Haas Karen M. , Sen Suman , Sanford Isaac G. , Miller Ann S. , Poe Jonathan C. , Tedder Thomas F.
Published: April 2014

The CD22 extracellular domain regulates B lymphocyte function by interacting with α2,6-linked sialic acid-bearing ligands. To understand how CD22 ligand interactions affect B cell function in vivo, mouse anti-mouse CD22 mAbs were generated that inhibit CD22 ligand binding to varying degrees. Remarkably, mAbs which blocked CD22 ligand binding accelerated mature B cell turnover by 2- to 4-fold in blood, spleen, and lymph nodes. CD22 ligand-blocking mAbs also inhibited the survival of adoptively transferred normal (73–88%) and malignant (90%) B cells in vivo. Moreover, mAbs that bound CD22 ligand binding domains induced significant CD22 internalization, depleted marginal zone B cells (82–99%), and reduced mature recirculating B cell numbers by 75–85%. The CD22 mAb effects were independent of complement and FcRs, and the CD22 mAbs had minimal effects in CD22AA mice that express mutated CD22 that is not capable of ligand binding. These data demonstrate that inhibition of CD22 ligand binding can disrupt normal and malignant B cell survival in vivo and suggest a novel mechanism of action for therapeutics targeting CD22 ligand binding domains.
Early Immunization Induces Persistent Tumor-Infiltrating CD8+ T Cells against an Immunodominant Epitope and Promotes Lifelong Control of Pancreatic Tumor Progression in SV40 Tumor Antigen Transgenic Mice
Authors: Otahal Pavel , Schell Todd D. , Hutchinson Sandra C. , Knowles Barbara B. , Tevethia Satvir S.
Published: April 2014

The ability to recruit the host’s CD8+ T lymphocytes (TCD8) against cancer is often limited by the development of peripheral tolerance toward the dominant tumor-associated Ags. Because multiple epitopes derived from a given tumor Ag (T Ag) can be targeted by TCD8, vaccine approaches should be directed toward those TCD8 that are more likely to survive under conditions of persistent Ag expression. In this study, we investigated the effect of peripheral tolerance on the endogenous TCD8 response toward two epitopes, designated epitopes I and IV, from the SV40 large T Ag. Using rat insulin promoter (RIP) 1-Tag4 transgenic mice that express T Ag from the RIP and develop pancreatic insulinomas, we demonstrate that epitope IV- but not epitope I-specific TCD8 are maintained long term in tumor-bearing RIP1-Tag4 mice. Even large numbers of TCR-transgenic T cells specific for epitope I were rapidly eliminated from RIP1-Tag4 mice after adoptive transfer and recognition of the endogenous T Ag. Importantly, immunization of RIP1-Tag4 mice at 5 wk of age against epitope IV resulted in complete protection from tumor progression over a 2-year period despite continued expression of T Ag in the pancreas. This extensive control of tumor progression was associated with the persistence of functional epitope IV-specific TCD8 within the pancreas for the lifetime of the mice without the development of diabetes. This study indicates that an equilibrium is reached in which immune surveillance for spontaneous cancer can be achieved for the lifespan of the host while maintaining normal organ function.
MHC Class I-Like MILL Molecules Are β2-Microglobulin-Associated, GPI-Anchored Glycoproteins That Do Not Require TAP for Cell Surface Expression
Authors: Kajikawa Mizuho , Baba Tomohisa , Tomaru Utano , Watanabe Yutaka , Koganei Satoru , Tsuji-Kawahara Sachiyo , Matsumoto Naoki , Yamamoto Kazuo , Miyazawa Masaaki , Maenaka Katsumi , Ishizu Akihiro , Kasahara Masanori
Published: April 2014

MILL (MHC class I-like located near the leukocyte receptor complex) is a family of MHC class I-like molecules encoded outside the MHC, which displays the highest sequence similarity to human MICA/B molecules among known class I molecules. In the present study, we show that the two members of the mouse MILL family, MILL1 and MILL2, are GPI-anchored glycoproteins associated with β2-microglobulin (β2m) and that cell surface expression of MILL1 or MILL2 does not require functional TAP molecules. MILL1 and MILL2 molecules expressed in bacteria could be refolded in the presence of β2m, without adding any peptides. Hence, neither MILL1 nor MILL2 is likely to be involved in the presentation of peptides. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that MILL1 is expressed in a subpopulation of thymic medullary epithelial cells and a restricted region of inner root sheaths in hair follicles. The present study provides additional evidence that MILL is a class I family distinct from MICA/B.
Mutational Analysis of the Mechanism of Negative Regulation by Src Homology 2 Domain-Containing Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Substrate-1 of Phagocytosis in Macrophages
Authors: Ikeda Hiroshi , Okazawa Hideki , Ohnishi Hiroshi , Murata Yoji , Oldenborg Per-Arne , Matozaki Takashi
Published: April 2014

Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase substrate-1 (SHPS-1) is a transmembrane protein predominantly expressed in macrophages. The binding of CD47 on RBCs to SHPS-1 on macrophages is implicated in inhibition of phagocytosis of the former cells by the latter. We have now shown that forced expression in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages of a mutant version (SHPS-1-4F) of mouse SHPS-1, in which four tyrosine phosphorylation sites are replaced by phenylalanine, markedly promoted FcγR-mediated phagocytosis of mouse RBCs or SRBCs. Forced expression of another mutant form (SHPS-1-ΔCyto) of mouse SHPS-1, which lacks most of the cytoplasmic region, did not promote such phagocytosis. Similarly, forced expression of a rat version of SHPS-1-4F, but not that of rat wild-type SHPS-1 or SHPS-1-ΔCyto, in RAW264.7 cells enhanced FcγR-mediated phagocytosis of RBCs. Tyrosine phosphorylation of endogenous SHPS-1 as well as its association with Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1 were not markedly inhibited by expression of SHPS-1-4F. Furthermore, the attachment of IgG-opsonized RBCs to RAW264.7 cells was markedly increased by expression of SHPS-1-4F, and this effect did not appear to be mediated by the interaction between CD47 and SHPS-1. These data suggest that inhibition by SHPS-1 of phagocytosis in macrophages is mediated, at least in part, in a manner independent of the transinteraction between CD47 and SHPS-1. In addition, the cytoplasmic region as well as tyrosine phosphorylation sites in this region of SHPS-1 appear indispensable for this inhibitory action of SHPS-1. Moreover, SHPS-1 may regulate the attachment of RBCs to macrophages by an as yet unidentified mechanism.
HLA-B44 Polymorphisms at Position 116 of the Heavy Chain Influence TAP Complex Binding via an Effect on Peptide Occupancy
Authors: Thammavongsa Vilasack , Raghuraman Gayatri , Filzen Tracy M. , Collins Kathleen L. , Raghavan Malini
Published: April 2014

A single residue polymorphism distinguishes HLA-B*4402(D116) from HLA-B*4405(Y116), which was suggested to allow HLA-B*4405 to acquire peptides without binding to tapasin-TAP complexes. We show that HLA-B*4405 is not inherently unable to associate with tapasin-TAP complexes. Under conditions of peptide deficiency, both allotypes bound efficiently to TAP and tapasin, and furthermore, random nonamer peptides conferred higher thermostability to HLA-B*4405 than to HLA-B*4402. Correspondingly, under conditions of peptide sufficiency, more rapid peptide-loading, dissociation from TAP complexes, and endoplasmic reticulum exit were observed for HLA-B*4405, whereas HLA-B*4402 showed greater endoplasmic reticulum retention and enhanced tapasin-TAP binding. Together, these studies suggest that position 116 HLA polymorphisms influence peptide occupancy, which in turn determines binding to tapasin and TAP. Relative to HLA-B*4405, inefficient peptide loading of HLA-B*4402 is likely to underlie its stronger tapasin dependence for cell surface expression and thermostability, and its enhanced susceptibility to pathogen interference strategies.
Not Lipoteichoic Acid but Lipoproteins Appear to Be the Dominant Immunobiologically Active Compounds in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Hashimoto Masahito , Tawaratsumida Kazuki , Kariya Hiroyuki , Kiyohara Ai , Suda Yasuo , Krikae Fumiko , Kirikae Teruo , Götz Friedrich
Published: April 2014

Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) derived from Staphylococcus aureus is reported to be a ligand of TLR2. However, we previously demonstrated that LTA fraction prepared from bacterial cells contains lipoproteins, which activate cells via TLR2. In this study, we investigated the immunobiological activity of LTA fraction obtained from S. aureus wild-type strain, lipoprotein diacylglycerol transferase deletion (Δlgt) mutant, which lacks palmitate-labeled lipoproteins, and its complemented strain and evaluated the activity of LTA molecule. LTA fraction was prepared by butanol extraction of the bacteria followed by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Although all LTA fractions activated cells through TLR2, the LTA from Δlgt mutant was 100-fold less potent than those of wild-type and complemented strains. However, no significant structural difference in LTA was observed in NMR spectra. Further, alanylation of LTA molecule showed no effect in immunobiological activity. These results showed that not LTA molecule but lipoproteins are dominant immunobiologically active TLR2 ligand in S. aureus.
Molecular Analysis of NTB-A Signaling: A Role for EAT-2 in NTB-A-Mediated Activation of Human NK Cells
Authors: Eissmann Philipp , Watzl Carsten
Published: April 2014

Engagement of NTB-A on human NK cells by homophilic interaction with NTB-A-expressing target cells can trigger NK cell cytotoxicity, cytokine production, and proliferation. To better understand how NTB-A can activate NK cells, we analyzed the molecular mechanisms of NTB-A signaling. We show that NTB-A is tyrosine phosphorylated in unstimulated human NK cells and associates with SLAM-associated protein (SAP) and EAT-2. This phosphorylation of NTB-A is mediated by Src family kinases and is most likely a result of the homophilic interaction of NTB-A among neighboring NK cells. Stimulation of NK cells by NTB-A-positive targets results in increased NTB-A phosphorylation. The cytoplasmic tail of NTB-A contains three tyrosines, two of which are embedded within an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motif. We generated a NTB-A-negative NK cell line, in which we expressed different mutants of NTB-A. Functional studies showed that the second tyrosine is sufficient and essential for NTB-A-mediated cytotoxicity. EAT-2, but not SAP, is recruited to this second tyrosine, indicating that SAP may be dispensable for this NTB-A function. To further investigate this, we silenced SAP expression in NK cell lines. Functional analysis of these cells showed that NTB-A can mediate NK cell cytotoxicity in the absence of SAP, probably via EAT-2. In contrast, NTB-A-mediated IFN-γ production was greatly reduced in the absence of SAP, demonstrating that cytokine production and cytotoxicity are differentially dependent on SAP and possibly EAT-2.
Murine Vβ3+ and Vβ7+ T Cell Subsets Are Specific Targets for the HERV-K18 Env Superantigen
Authors: Tai Albert K. , Lin Miao , Chang Francesca , Chen Gang , Hsiao Francis , Sutkowski Natalie , Huber Brigitte T.
Published: April 2014

Superantigens are a class of proteins that are derived from microorganisms and have the unique characteristic of stimulating T cells in a TCR Vβ-specific manner, causing massive T cell proliferation and immune deregulation. For this reason, superantigens have been implicated in the development of multiple diseases. We have previously identified and cloned an EBV-associated superantigen, human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K18 envelope protein (Env). This superantigen is transactivated upon IFN-α treatment and EBV infection and stimulates human Vβ13+ T cells. Due to the limited scope of work that can be conducted with human samples and the complexity of HERVs in general, we set out to study the physiological effects of HERV-K18 Env in a murine model. In this report, we demonstrate the superantigen activity of HERV-K18 Env in mice and describe the generation of HERV-K18 transgenics, using a bacterial artificial chromosome as transgenes that allow the faithful reproduction of the expression pattern of this human provirus. From our in vitro and in vivo results we conclude that HERV-K18 Env stimulates Vβ3+ and Vβ7+ T cells in mice. The definition of the murine Vβ specificity and the establishment of a transgenic model will permit the investigation of the role of this superantigen in the life cycle of EBV and its implicated diseases.
Type I IFNs Stimulate Nitric Oxide Production and Resistance to Trypanosoma cruzi Infection
Authors: Costa Vlaudia M. A. , Torres Karen C. L. , Mendonça Ronaldo Z. , Gresser Ion , Gollob Kenneth J. , Abrahamsohn Ises A.
Published: April 2014

The participation of type I IFNs (IFN-I) in NO production and resistance to Trypanosoma cruzi infection was investigated. Adherent cells obtained from the peritoneal cavity of mice infected by the i.p. route produced NO and IFN-I. Synthesis of NO by these cells was partially inhibited by treatment with anti-IFN-αβ or anti-TNF-α Abs. Compared with susceptible BALB/c mice, peritoneal cells from parasite-infected resistant C57BL/6 mice produced more NO (2-fold), IFN-I (10-fold), and TNF-α (3.5-fold). Later in the infection, IFN-I levels measured in spleen cell (SC) cultures from 8-day infected mice were greater in C57BL/6 than in infected BALB/c mice, and treatment of the cultures with anti-IFN-αβ Ab reduced NO production. IFN-γ or IL-10 production by SCs was not different between the two mouse strains; IL-4 was not detectable. Treatment of C57BL/6 mice with IFN-I reduced parasitemia levels in the acute phase of infection. Mice deprived of the IFN-αβR gene developed 3-fold higher parasitemia levels in the acute phase in comparison with control 129Sv mice. Production of NO by peritoneal macrophages and SCs was reduced in mice that lacked signaling by IFN-αβ, whereas parasitism of macrophages was heavier than in control wild-type mice. We conclude that IFN-I costimulate NO synthesis early in T. cruzi infection, which contributes to a better control of the parasitemia in resistant mice.
Exhaustion of Type I Interferon Response following an Acute Viral Infection
Authors: Alsharifi Mohammed , Regner Matthias , Blanden Robert , Lobigs Mario , Lee Eva , Koskinen Aulikki , Müllbacher Arno
Published: April 2014

Viral infections often cause a period of heightened susceptibility to a secondary infection but the cause of this phenomenon is unknown. We found that a primary viral infection in mice rapidly triggers an IFN-I-dependent partial activation state in the majority of B and T lymphocytes, which reverts to a resting phenotype within 5 days. When a secondary infection with an unrelated virus occurred 5 to 9 days after the primary infection, no recurrence of marked activation of lymphocytes was observed. This was not due to an inherent inability of the previously activated cells to undergo renewed partial activation, because they responded when challenged with virus after transfer into “naive” recipients. Instead, the failure to respond optimally resided in the original host’s incapacity to mount an IFN-I response to the secondary infection during this time period. Thus, transient immunosuppression through exhaustion of IFN-I production during an acute viral infection creates a time period of enhanced susceptibility to secondary infection.
The Roles of Bacteria and TLR4 in Rat and Murine Models of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Jilling Tamas , Simon Dyan , Lu Jing , Meng Fan Jing , Li Dan , Schy Robert , Thomson Richard B. , Soliman Antoine , Arditi Moshe , Caplan Michael S.
Published: April 2014

Bacteria are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), but it is unknown whether their interaction with the epithelium can participate in the initiation of mucosal injury or they can act only following translocation across a damaged intestinal barrier. Our aims were to determine whether bacteria and intestinal epithelial TLR4 play roles in a well-established neonatal rat model and a novel neonatal murine model of NEC. Neonatal rats, C57BL/6J, C3HeB/FeJ (TLR4 wild type), and C3H/HeJ (TLR4 mutant) mice were delivered by Cesarean section and were subjected to formula feeding and cold asphyxia stress or were delivered naturally and were mother-fed. NEC incidence was evaluated by histological scoring, and gene expression was quantified using quantitative real-time PCR from cDNA generated from intestinal total RNA or from RNA obtained by laser capture microdissection. Spontaneous feeding catheter colonization or supplementation of cultured bacterial isolates to formula increased the incidence of experimental NEC. During the first 72 h of life, i.e., the time frame of NEC development in this model, intestinal TLR4 mRNA gradually decreases in mother-fed but increases in formula feeding and cold asphyxia stress, correlating with induced inducible NO synthase. TLR4, inducible NO synthase, and inflammatory cytokine induction occurred in the intestinal epithelium but not in the submucosa. NEC incidence was diminished in C3H/HeJ mice, compared with C3HeB/FeJ mice. In summary, bacteria and TLR4 play significant roles in experimental NEC, likely via an interaction of intraluminal bacteria and aberrantly overexpressed TLR4 in enterocytes.
EBV Can Protect Latently Infected B Cell Lymphomas from Death Receptor-Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Snow Andrew L. , Lambert Stacie L. , Natkunam Yasodha , Esquivel Carlos O. , Krams Sheri M. , Martinez Olivia M.
Published: April 2014

The relationship between EBV infection and sensitivity to death receptor (DR)-induced apoptosis is poorly understood. Using EBV− and EBV+ BJAB cells, we provide the first evidence that EBV can protect latently infected B cell lymphomas from apoptosis triggered through Fas or TRAIL receptors. Caspase 8 activation was impaired and cellular FLIP recruitment was enriched in death-inducing signaling complexes formed in EBV-infected BJAB cells relative to parent BJAB cells. Furthermore, latent membrane protein 1 expression alone could reduce caspase activation and confer partial resistance to DR apoptosis in BJAB cells. This protective effect was dependent on C-terminal activating region 2-driven NF-κB activation, which in turn up-regulated cellular FLIP expression in latent membrane protein 1+ BJAB cells. Thus, the ability of latent EBV to block DR apoptosis may help to ensure the survival of host cells during B cell differentiation, and contribute to the development of B cell lymphomas, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
Characterization of theHistoplasma capsulatum-Induced Granuloma
Authors: Heninger Erika , Hogan Laura H. , Karman Jozsef , Macvilay Sinarack , Hill Bjork , Woods Jon P. , Sandor Matyas
Published: April 2014

Rising rates of Histoplasma capsulatum infection are an emerging problem among the rapidly growing population of immune-compromised individuals. Although there is a growing understanding of systemic immunity against Histoplasma, little is known about the local granulomatous response, which is an important component in the control of infection. The focus of this article is the characterization of Histoplasma-induced granulomas. Five days after i.p. infection, infected macrophage appear in the liver and lung; however, no granulomas are apparent. Two days later, well-formed sarcoid granulomas are abundant in the lung and liver of infected mice, which contain all visible Histoplasma. Granulomas are dominated by macrophage and lymphocytes. Most of the Histoplasma and most of the apoptotic cells are found in the center of the lesions. We isolated liver granulomas at multiple time points after infection and analyzed the cellular composition, TCR gene usage, and cytokine production of granuloma-infiltrating cells. The lesions contain both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets, and T cells are the primary source of IFN-γ and IL-17. The main source of local TNF-α is macrophage. Chemokines are produced by both infiltrating macrophage and lymphocytes. Dendritic cells are present in granulomas; however, T cell expansion seems to occur systemically because TCR usage is very heterogeneous even at the level of individual lesions. This study is the first direct examination of host cellular responses in the Histoplasma-induced granuloma representing the specific interface between host and pathogen. Our studies will allow further analysis of key elements of host Histoplasma interactions at the site of chronic infection.
Immune Interactions with CD4+ T Cells Promote the Development of Functional Osteoclasts from Murine CD11c+ Dendritic Cells
Authors: Alnaeeli Mawadda , Penninger Josef M. , Teng Yen-Tung Andy
Published: April 2014

Dendritic cells (DC) are innate immune effectors and are critically involved in regulating T cell immunity. Osteoclasts (OC) are bone-resorbing cells derived from the monocyte/macrophage lineage in response to receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). DC and T cells form aggregates in the inflammatory infiltrates at active disease sites in human and in experimental rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. We investigated whether DC interactions with T cells in the bone environment can support the development of functional OC. In the present study, we demonstrate that upon proper activation by microbial or protein Ags (namely Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, bovine insulin, and outer membrane protein-1) and during immune interactions with CD4+ T cells in vitro, murine BM-derived and splenic CD11c+ DC (CD11b−F4/80−Ly-6C−CD31−) develop into TRAP+CT-R+cathepsin-k+ functional OC in a RANKL/RANK-dependent manner. Rescue and blocking experiments using CD11c+ DC derived from Csf-1−/−op/op mice show that M-CSF is required “before” developing such osteoclastogenic potential upstream of RANKL/RANK signaling, suggesting that immature CD11c+ DC can indeed act like OC precursors. In addition, these CD11c+ DC-derived OC are capable of inducing bone loss after adoptive transfer in vivo. These data suggest a direct contribution of DC during immune interactions with CD4+ T cells to inflammation-induced osteoclastogenesis. Therefore, our findings not only provide further evidence for DC plasticity, but also extend the current paradigm of osteoimmunology.
Specific Contribution of p19ARF to Nitric Oxide-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Zeini Miriam , Través Paqui G. , López-Fontal Raquel , Pantoja Cristina , Matheu Ander , Serrano Manuel , Boscá Lisardo , Hortelano Sonsoles
Published: April 2014

NO is an important bioactive molecule involved in a variety of physio- and pathological processes, including apoptosis induction. The proapoptotic activity of NO involves the rise in the tumor suppressor p53 and the accumulation and targeting of proapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family, in particular Bax and the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. However, the exact mechanism by which NO induces p53 activation has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we describe that NO induces p19ARF through a transcriptional mechanism. This up-regulation of p19ARF activates p53, leading to apoptosis. The importance of p19ARF on NO-dependent apoptosis was revealed by the finding that various cell types from alternate reading frame-knockout mice exhibit a diminished response to NO-mediated apoptosis when compared with normal mice. Moreover, the biological relevance of alternative reading frame to p53 apoptosis was confirmed in in vivo models of apoptosis. Together, these results demonstrate that NO-dependent apoptosis requires, in part, the activation of p19ARF.
The Role of IFN-α and Nitric Oxide in the Release of HMGB1 by RAW 264.7 Cells Stimulated with Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid or Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Jiang Weiwen , Pisetsky David S.
Published: April 2014

High mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1) is a nonhistone nuclear protein with a dual function. Inside the cell, HMGB1 binds to DNA and modulates a variety of processes, including transcription. Outside the cell, HMGB1 displays cytokine activity and can promote inflammation, serving as a mediator in models of shock and arthritis. In in vitro studies, proinflammatory molecules such as LPS, lipoteichoic acid, dsRNA, TNF-α, and IFN-γ can induce HMGB1 release from macrophages. To define further the release process, we investigated the role of the downstream mediators, NO and IFN-α, in the release of HMGB1 from RAW 264.7 macrophage cells stimulated with LPS or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)). In these experiments, 1400W, an inhibitor of NO production by the inducible NO synthase, reduced HMGB1 release stimulated by LPS, but not poly(I:C), whereas neutralizing IFN-α prevented HMGB1 release induced by poly(I:C), but not LPS. The addition of an NO donor and rIFN-α to RAW 264.7 cells caused HMGB1 release. Furthermore, inhibition of JNK activation attenuated HMGB1 release induced by either LPS or poly(I:C). Analysis of bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated by LPS or poly(I:C) showed patterns of HMGB1 release similar to those of RAW 264.7 cells. Together, these experiments indicate that, although both LPS and poly(I:C) induce HMGB1 release from RAW 264.7 cells and murine macrophages, the response is differentially dependent on NO and IFN-α.
Functional Analysis of the Chemokine Receptor CCR3 on Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Beck Lisa A. , Tancowny Brian , Brummet Mary E. , Asaki S. Yukiko , Curry Stephanie L. , Penno Margaret B. , Foster Martyn , Bahl Ash , Stellato Cristiana
Published: April 2014

The function of chemokine receptors on structural cells is only partially known. We previously reported the expression of a functional CCR3 receptor on airway epithelial cells (EC). We speculated that CCR3 might drive wound repair and expression of inflammatory genes in epithelium. The human airway EC lines BEAS-2B, 16-HBE, and primary bronchial EC were used to test the effect of in vitro challenge with the CCR3 ligands CCL11/eotaxin, CCL24/eotaxin-2, or CCL26/eotaxin-3 on 1) wound repair, using an established wound model; 2) cell proliferation and chemotaxis, using specific fluorometric assays; and 3) gene expression, using pathway-specific arrays for inflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, chemokines, and chemokine receptor genes. Agonist specificity was tested by cell pretreatment with an AstraZeneca CCR3 antagonist (10−8 – 10−6 M). CCL24 challenge significantly accelerated epithelial wound closure, with similar effects exerted by CCL11 and CCL26. This effect was time dependent, submaximal at 1 nM, and comparable in potency to epidermal growth factor. CCL24 induced a concentration-dependent increase in EC proliferation and chemotaxis, with significant effects observed at 10 nM. The AstraZeneca compound selectively inhibited these CCL24-mediated responses. CCL11 induced the up-regulation of several profibrogenic molecules such as fibroblast growth factor 1 and 5 and of several CC and CXC chemokines. Epithelial immunostaining for CCR3 was stronger in bronchial biopsies of asthmatics displaying marked inflammatory changes than in nondiseased samples. Epithelial CCR3 participates in key functions for wound repair, amplifies the expression of profibrogenic and chemokine transcripts, and appears up-regulated in inflamed asthmatic airways.
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor 2-Deficient Mice Have Reduced Intestinal Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Kokkotou Efi , Torres Daniel , Moss Alan C. , O’Brien Michael , Grigoriadis Dimitri E. , Karalis Katia , Pothoulakis Charalabos
Published: April 2014

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and urocortins (Ucn) bind with various affinities to two G-protein-coupled receptors, CRHR1 and CRHR2, which are expressed in brain and in peripheral tissues, including immune cells. CRHR2-deficient mice display anxiety-like behavior, hypersensitivity to stress, altered feeding behavior and metabolism, and cardiovascular abnormalities. However, the phenotype of these mice in inflammatory responses has not been determined. In the present study we found that compared with wild-type CRHR2-null mice developed substantially reduced intestinal inflammation and had lower intestinal mRNA expression of the potent chemoattractants keratinocyte chemokine and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 following intraluminal exposure to Clostridium difficile toxin A, a potent enterotoxin that mediates antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis in humans. This effect was recapitulated by administration of astressin 2B, a selective CRHR2 antagonist, before toxin A exposure. Moreover, Ab array analysis revealed reduced expression of several inflammatory chemokines, including keratinocyte chemokine and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 in toxin A-exposed mice pretreated with astressin 2B. Real-time RT-PCR of wild-type mouse intestine showed that only UcnII, but not other Ucn, was significantly up-regulated by ileal administration of toxin A at 4 h compared with buffer exposure. We also found that human colonic epithelial HT-29 cells express CRHR2α mRNA, whereas expression of β and γ spliced variants was minimal. Moreover, treatment of HT-29 cells with UcnII, which binds exclusively to CRHR2, stimulated expression of IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1. Taken together, these results provide direct evidence that CRHR2 mediates intestinal inflammatory responses via release of proinflammatory mediators at the colonocyte level.
Active Participation of Antigen-Nonspecific Lymphoid Cells in Immune-Mediated Inflammation
Authors: Chen Jun , Fujimoto Chiaki , Vistica Barbara P. , Wawrousek Eric F. , Kelsall Brian , Gery Igal
Published: April 2014

The pathogenic process of tissue-specific autoimmune disease depends to a large extent on recruitment of Ag-nonspecific cells into the target tissue. Little is known, however, about the recruitment process and the features that characterize the recruited cells. In this study, we analyzed the recruitment of Ag-nonspecific lymphoid cells into an inflammatory site by using an experimental system in which TCR-transgenic Th1 cells are adoptively transferred to induce ocular inflammation in recipient mice that express the target Ag in their eyes. A sharp increase in number of all host cell populations was observed in the recipient spleen, reaching a peak on day 4 postcell transfer and declining thereafter. A large portion of the host’s spleen CD4 cells underwent phenotypic changes that facilitate their migration into the target organ, the eye. These changes included increased expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR3, and the adhesion molecule CD49d, as well as a decline in expression of CD62L. The host lymphocytes migrated into the recipient mouse eye more slowly than the donor cells, but became the great majority of the infiltrating cells at the peak of inflammation on day 7 postcell injection. Interestingly, the mass migration of host T cells was preceded by an influx of host dendritic cells, that reached their peak on day 4 postcell injection. The eye-infiltrating host CD4 lymphocytes underwent additional changes, acquiring a profile of activated lymphocytes, i.e., up-regulation of CD25 and CD69. Our results thus provide new information about the active participation of Ag-nonspecific lymphoid cells in immune-mediated inflammation.
Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Kidney-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Renal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Ascon Dolores B. , Lopez-Briones Sergio , Liu Manchang , Ascon Miguel , Savransky Vladimir , Colvin Robert B. , Soloski Mark J. , Rabb Hamid
Published: April 2014

T and B lymphocytes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of renal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). The trafficking of lymphocytes into kidneys during IRI has been postulated to underlie this effect, but has not been rigorously studied. We therefore characterized the lymphocyte populations infiltrating into mouse kidneys 3 and 24 h after renal IRI. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry staining of kidney lymphocytes showed increased trafficking of CD3+ T cells and CD19+ B cells in both sham-operated and IRI mice 3 h after renal IRI. In the IRI mice, increased infiltration of NK1.1+ and CD4+NK1.1+ cells compared with normal and sham-operated mice was observed 3 and 24 h after renal IRI, respectively. After 24 h of renal IRI, the decreased percentages of CD3+, CD19+, and NK1.1+ populations in the IRI mice compared with control groups were observed. Increased TNF-α and IFN-γ production of kidney infiltration CD3+ T cells in IRI mice but not sham-operated mice was found. Unexpectedly, isolation and transfer of kidney-infiltrating lymphocytes 24 h after renal IRI into T cell-deficient mice reduced their functional and histological injury after renal IRI, suggesting that kidney-infiltrating lymphocytes could have a protective function. These quantitative, qualitative, and functional changes in kidney lymphocytes provide mechanistic insight into how lymphocytes modulate IRI, as well as demonstrating that abdominal surgery alone leads to lymphocyte changes in kidney.
Role of FcRs in Animal Model of Autoimmune Bullous Pemphigoid
Authors: Zhao Minglang , Trimbeger Mary E. , Li Ning , Diaz Luis A. , Shapiro Steven D. , Liu Zhi
Published: April 2014

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a bullous dermatosis associated with autoantibodies directed against the hemidesmosomal Ags BP180 and BP230. Lesional skin is characterized by detachment of the epidermis from the dermis with an intense inflammatory cell infiltrate in the upper dermis. In experimental BP, subepidermal blistering is triggered by rabbit anti-murine BP180 (mBP180) IgG and depends upon complement activation, mast cell degranulation, and neutrophil infiltration. In this study, we determined the role of FcγRs on neutrophils in experimental BP. Mice deficient in FcγRIII (FcγRIII−/−) and those deficient in both FcγRI and FcγRIII (FcγRI&III−/−) but not in FcγRII (FcγRII−/−) were resistant to BP. Pathogenic IgG activated wild-type neutrophils, but not FcγRIII-deficient neutrophils, to secrete proteolytic enzymes. The function of anti-mBP180 IgG depended entirely on its Fc domain; F(ab′)2 of IgG had no pathogenic activities. In wild-type mice injected with pathogenic IgG, an FcγR blocker abolished the BP phenotype and inhibited activation of wild-type neutrophils stimulated by pathogenic IgG. Results from this study establish that FcγRIII plays a critical role in the activation of infiltrating neutrophils and the subsequent blistering in experimental BP.
CD100 Enhances Dendritic Cell and CD4+ Cell Activation Leading to Pathogenetic Humoral Responses and Immune Complex Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Li Ming , O’Sullivan Kim M. , Jones Lynelle K. , Semple Timothy , Kumanogoh Atsushi , Kikutani Hitoshi , Holdsworth Stephen R. , Kitching A. Richard
Published: April 2014

CD100, a member of the semaphorin family, is a costimulatory molecule in adaptive immune responses by switching off CD72’s negative signals. However, CD100’s potential pathogenetic effects in damaging immune responses remain largely unexplored. We tested the hypothesis that CD100 plays a pathogenetic role in experimental immune complex glomerulonephritis. Daily injection of horse apoferritin for 14 days induced immune complex formation, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis and proteinuria in CD100-intact (CD100+/+) BALB/c mice. CD100-deficient (CD100−/−) mice were protected from histological and functional glomerular injury. They exhibited reduced deposition of Igs and C3 in glomeruli, reduced MCP-1 and MIP-2 intrarenal mRNA expression, and diminished glomerular macrophage accumulation. Attenuated glomerular injury was associated with decreased Ag-specific Ig production, reduced CD4+ cell activation and cytokine production. Following Ag injection, CD4+ cell CD100 expression was enhanced and dendritic cell CD86 expression was up-regulated. However, in CD100−/− mice, dendritic cell CD86 (but not CD80) up-regulation was significantly attenuated. Following i.p. immunization, CD86, but not CD80, promotes early Ag-specific TCR-transgenic DO11.10 CD4+ cell proliferation and IFN-γ production, suggesting that CD100 expression enables full expression of CD86 and consequent CD4+ cell activation. Transfer of CD100+/+ DO11.10 cells into CD100−/− mice resulted in decreased proliferation demonstrating that CD100 from other sources in addition to CD100 from Ag-specific CD4+ cells plays a role in initial T cell proliferation. Although T cell-B cell interactions also may be relevant, these studies demonstrate that CD100 enhances pathogenetic humoral immune responses and promotes the activation of APCs by up-regulating CD86 expression.
Role of MAPK in the Regulation of Double-Stranded RNA- and Encephalomyocarditis Virus-Induced Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression by Macrophages
Authors: Steer Sarah A. , Moran Jason M. , Christmann Benjamin S. , Maggi Leonard B. , Corbett John A.
Published: April 2014

In response to virus infection or treatment with dsRNA, macrophages express the inducible form of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and produce proinflammatory prostaglandins. Recently, we have shown that NF-κB is required for encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV)- and dsRNA-stimulated COX-2 expression in mouse macrophages. The dsRNA-dependent protein kinase R is not required for EMCV-stimulated COX-2 expression, suggesting the presence of protein kinase R-independent pathways in the regulation of this antiviral gene. In this study, the role of MAPK in the regulation of macrophage expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX)-2 in response to EMCV infection was examined. Treatment of mouse macrophages or RAW-264.7 cells with dsRNA or infection with EMCV stimulates the rapid activation of the MAPKs p38, JNK, and ERK. Inhibition of p38 and JNK activity results in attenuation while ERK inhibition does not modulate dsRNA- and EMCV-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production by macrophages. JNK and p38 appear to selectively regulate COX-2 expression, as inhibition of either kinase fails to prevent dsRNA- or EMCV-stimulated inducible NO synthase expression by macrophages. Using macrophages isolated from TLR3-deficient mice, we show that p38 and JNK activation and COX-2 expression in response to EMCV or poly(IC) does not require the presence the dsRNA receptor TLR3. These findings support a role for p38 and JNK in the selective regulation of COX-2 expression by macrophages in response to virus infection.
Stat5 Expression Is Required for IgE-Mediated Mast Cell Function
Authors: Barnstein Brian O. , Li Geqiang , Wang Zhengqi , Kennedy Sarah , Chalfant Charles , Nakajima Hiroshi , Bunting Kevin D. , Ryan John J.
Published: April 2014

The mast cell (MC) inflammatory response is now linked not only to atopy, but also to arthritis, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and resistance to bacterial infection. In the current study, we demonstrate that the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (Stat5) is rapidly activated by IgE cross-linkage, and that its expression is critical to the MC response. Stat5-deficient (Stat5KO) MC demonstrated a significant decrease in IgE-mediated degranulation, leukotriene B4 production, cytokine secretion, and survival signals. The defect in cytokine production may be caused by decreased cytokine mRNA stability. Stat5KO MC-induced cytokine mRNAs normally following IgE cross-linkage, but these mRNAs were not sustained over time and were degraded at twice the rate observed in WT cells. Interestingly, the RNA destabilizing protein tristetraprolin was induced following IgE cross-linkage in Stat5KO but not wild-type cells. Moreover, reducing tristetraprolin expression via short hairpin RNA transfection significantly increased IL-13 production in Stat5KO MC. Our work demonstrates that Stat5 is a critical factor in IgE-induced MC activation, acting in part via posttranscriptional control of cytokine mRNA stability. These data have a direct impact on MC-associated inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
c-Src Mediates Thrombin-Induced NF-κB Activation and IL-8/CXCL8 Expression in Lung Epithelial Cells
Authors: Lin Chien-Huang , Cheng Hui-Wen , Hsu Ming-Jen , Chen Mei-Chieh , Lin Chia-Chin , Chen Bing-Chang
Published: April 2014

In this study, we examined the regulation of NF-κB activation and IL-8/CXCL8 expression by thrombin in human lung epithelial cells (EC). Thrombin caused a concentration-dependent increase in IL-8/CXCL8 release in a human lung EC line (A549) and primary normal human bronchial EC. In A549 cells, thrombin, SFLLRN-NH2 (a protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) agonist peptide), and GYPGQV-NH2 (a PAR4 agonist peptide), but not TFRGAP-NH2 (a PAR3 agonist peptide), induced an increase in IL-8/CXCL8-luciferase (Luc) activity. The thrombin-induced IL-8/CXCL8 release was attenuated by d-phenylalanyl-l-prolyl-l-arginine chloromethyl ketone (a thrombin inhibitor), U73122 (a phosphoinositide-phospholipase C inhibitor), Ro-32-0432 (a protein kinsase C α (PKCα) inhibitor), an NF-κB inhibitor peptide, and Bay 117082 (an IκB phosphorylation inhibitor). Thrombin-induced increase in IL-8/CXCL8-Luc activity was inhibited by the dominant-negative mutant of c-Src and the cells transfected with the κB site mutation of the IL-8/CXCL8 construct. Thrombin caused time-dependent increases in phosphorylation of c-Src at tyrosine 416 and c-Src activity. Thrombin-elicited c-Src activity was inhibited by Ro-32-0432. Stimulation of cells with thrombin activated IκB kinase αβ (IKKαβ), IκBα phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, p50 and p65 translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus, NF-κB-specific DNA-protein complex formation, and κB-Luc activity. Pretreatment of A549 cells with Ro-32-4032 and the dominant-negative mutant of c-Src DN inhibited thrombin-induced IKKαβ activity, κB-Luc activity, and NF-κB-specific DNA-protein complex formation. Further studies revealed that thrombin induced PKCα, c-Src, and IKKαβ complex formation. These results show for the first time that thrombin, acting through PAR1 and PAR4, activates the phosphoinositide-phospholipase C/PKCα/c-Src/IKKαβ signaling pathway to induce NF-κB activation, which in turn induces IL-8/CXCL8 expression and release in human lung EC.
Evaluation of the Function of Human Invariant NKT Cells from Cancer Patients Using α-Galactosylceramide-Loaded Murine Dendritic Cells
Authors: Shimizu Kanako , Hidaka Michihiro , Kadowaki Norimitsu , Makita Noriko , Konishi Naoko , Fujimoto Koji , Uchiyama Takashi , Kawano Fumio , Taniguchi Masaru , Fujii Shin-ichiro
Published: April 2014

NKT cells play a role in immunological regulation of certain diseases, and their frequency and/or function may be related to disease prognosis. However, it is often difficult to evaluate NKT cell function in patients with malignancies due to reduced numbers of NKT cells as well as the dysfunction of the APCs used as stimulators. We found that NKT cell function could not be evaluated by conventional ELISPOT assays, confirming the impaired function of APCs in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)-chronic phase patients. To overcome this problem, we have established a sensitive assay using murine dendritic cells to evaluate the function of small numbers of human NKT cells independent of autologous APCs. We found that imatinib-treated CML-chronic phase patients showing a complete cytogenetic response had NKT cells capable of producing IFN-γ, whereas NKT cells from patients who were only partially responsive to imatinib treatment did not produce IFN-γ. Functional NKT cells found in imatinib-treated, CML-complete cytogenetic response patients may offer the promise of effective immunotherapy with ex vivo-generated α-galactosylceramide-pulsed dendritic cells. This new approach should be available for evaluating the functions of NKT cells and APCs in cancer patients.
Leishmania Antigens Are Presented to CD8+ T Cells by a Transporter Associated with Antigen Processing-Independent Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Bertholet Sylvie , Goldszmid Romina , Morrot Alexandre , Debrabant Alain , Afrin Farhat , Collazo-Custodio Carmen , Houde Mathieu , Desjardins Michel , Sher Alan , Sacks David
Published: April 2014

CD8+ T cells are generated in response to Leishmania major (Lm) or Toxoplasma gondii parasitic infections, indicating that exogenously delivered Ag can be processed for presentation by MHC class I molecules. We show that presentation of Lm nucleotidase (NT)-OVA is TAP independent in vivo and in vitro, and is inhibited by chloroquine, but not by proteasome inhibitors. In contrast, the presentation of T. gondii P30-OVA relies on the TAP/proteasome pathway. Presentation of OVA- or rNT-OVA-coated beads also bypassed TAP requirement above a certain Ag threshold. TAP was also dispensable for the presentation of wild-type Lm Ags to primed CD8+ T cells in vitro. Finally, in vivo priming of CD8+ T cells involved in acquired resistance to Lm was not compromised in TAP-deficient mice. Thus, Leishmania Ags appear to be confined to an intraphagosomal processing pathway that requires higher concentrations of Ags, suggesting that these parasites may have evolved strategies to impair the efficient endoplasmic reticulum-based, TAP-dependent cross-presentation pathway to avoid or delay CD8+ T cell priming.