bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phlebotomy to Reduce Iron Overload in Patients Cured of Thalassemia by Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Angelucci Emanuele , Muretto Pietro , Lucarelli Guido , Ripalti Marta , Baronciani Donatella , Erer Buket , Galimberti Maria , Giardini Claudio , Gaziev Djavid , Polchi Paola ,   the Italian Cooperative Group for Phlebotomy Treatment of Transplanted Thalassemia Patients
Published: October 2019

In thalassemia after successful bone marrow transplantation (BMT), iron overload remains an important cause of morbidity. After BMT, patients have normal erythropoiesis capable of producing a hyperplastic response to phlebotomy so that this procedure can be contemplated as a method of mobilizing iron from overloaded tissues. A phlebotomy program (6 mL/kg blood withdrawal at 14-day intervals) was proposed to 48 patients with prolonged follow-up (range, 2 to 7 years) after BMT. Seven patients were not submitted to the program (five because of refusal and two because of reversible side effects). The remaining 41 patients (mean age, 16 ± 2.9 years) were treated for a mean period of 35 ± 18 months. All were evaluated before and after 3 ± 0.6 years of followup. Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) or as median with a range (25 to 75 percentile). Serum ferritin decreased from 2,587 (2,129 to 4,817) to 417 (210 to 982) μg/L (P < .0001), total transferrin increased from 2.34 ± 0.37 to 2.7 ± 0.58 g/L (P = .0001), transferrin saturation decreased from 90% ± 14% to 50% ± 29% (P < .0001). Liver iron concentration evaluated on liver biopsy specimens decreased from 20.8 (15.5 to 28.1) to 4.2 (1.6 to 14.6) mg/g dry weight (P < .0001). Aspartate transaminase decreased from 2.7 ± 2 to 1.1 ± 0.6 (P < .0001) and alanine transaminase from 5.2 ± 3.4 to 1.7 ± 1.2 (P < .0001) times the upper level of normality. The Knodell score for liver histological activity decreased from 6.9 ± 3 to 4.9 ± 2.8 (P < .0001). These data indicate that phlebotomy is safe, efficient, and widely applicable to ex-thalassemics after BMT.
HRG Tokushima: Molecular and Cellular Characterization of Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein (HRG) Deficiency
Authors: Shigekiyo Toshio , Yoshida Hidemasa , Matsumoto Kazuya , Azuma Hiroyuki , Wakabayashi Sadao , Saito Shiro , Fujikawa Kazuo , Koide Takehiko
Published: October 2019

Previously, we found the first congenital deficiency of histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) in a Japanese woman with thrombosis. To elucidate the genetic basis of this deficiency, we first performed Southern blot analysis and found no gross deletion or insertion in the proband's HRG gene. We then examined the nucleotide sequences of all seven exons of the proband's HRG gene. A single nucleotide substitution, G to A at nucleotide position 429, which mutates Gly85 to Glu in the first cystatin-like domain, was found in exon 3 in 13 of 22 amplified clones. This mutation generates a unique Taq I site. Exon 3 was amplified from the proband, her family members, and 50 unrelated normal Japanese individuals, and Taq I fragmentation was examined. Fragmentation of exon 3 was observed in one allele of the genes from the proband and the family members who also have decreased plasma levels of HRG. Fifty unrelated normal Japanese individuals had a normal HRG gene, indicating that the G to A mutation is not a common polymorphism. To elucidate the identified mutation as a cause for the secretion defect of HRG in the proband's plasma, we constructed and transiently expressed the recombinant Tokushima-type HRG mutant (Gly85 to Glu) in baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, and examined an intracellular event of the mutant protein. The results showed that only about 20% of the Tokushima-type HRG was secreted into the culture medium, and intracellular degradation of the mutant was observed. Thus, the present study strongly suggests that the HRG deficiency is caused by intracellular degradation of the Gly85 to Glu mutant of HRG in the proband.
A Novel P-Selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1 Monoclonal Antibody Recognizes an Epitope Within the Tyrosine Sulfate Motif of Human PSGL-1 and Blocks Recognition of Both P- and L-Selectin
Authors: Snapp Karen R. , Ding Han , Atkins Kristin , Warnke Roger , Luscinskas Francis W. , Kansas Geoffrey S.
Published: October 2019

Interactions between P-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) mediate the earliest “rolling” of leukocytes on the lumenal surface of endothelial cells at sites of inflammation. Previously, PSGL-1 has been shown to be the primary mediator of interactions between neutrophils and P-selectin, but studies on the ability of PSGL-1 to mediate interactions between P-selectin and other subsets of leukocytes have yielded variable and conflicting results. A novel IgG monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to human PSGL-1 was generated, and the specificity of this MoAb was confirmed by both flow cytometric analysis and Western blotting of cells transfected with human PSGL-1. This newly developed MoAb, KPL1, inhibited interactions between P-selectin expressing COS cells and either HL60 cells, neutrophils, or lymphocytes. Furthermore, KPL1 completely inhibited interactions between P-selectin and either purified CD4 T cells or neutrophils in a flow assay under physiological conditions, but had no effect on interactions of T cells or neutrophils with E-selectin. In addition, KPL1 blocked interactions between lymphoid cells transfected with L-selectin and COS cells expressing PSGL-1. The KPL1 epitope was mapped to a site within a consensus tyrosine sulfation motif of PSGL-1, previously shown to be essential for interaction with P-selectin and now shown to be essential for interaction with L-selectin, and to be distinct from the epitope identified by the PL1 function blocking anti-PSGL-1 MoAb. Two-color flow cytometry of normal leukocytes showed that while natural killer (NK) cells (CD16+), monocytes, CD4 and CD8 T cells, and α/β and γ/δ T cells were uniformly positive for PSGL-1, B cells expressed low levels of the KPL1 epitope. This low level of KPL1 staining was also observed immunohistologically in germinal centers, which had no detectable KPL1 staining, whereas T-cell areas (interfollicular region) were positive for KPL1. Interestingly, plasma cells in situ and interleukin-6–dependent myeloma cell lines were KPL1+. Thus, PSGL-1 is expressed on essentially all blood neutrophils, NK cells, B cells, T cells, and monocytes. Variation in tyrosine sulfation during B-cell differentiation may affect the ability of B cells to interact with P- and L-selectin.
Interleukin-4 Promotes the Development of Tryptase and Chymase Double-Positive Human Mast Cells Accompanied by Cell Maturation
Authors: Toru Hano , Eguchi Mitsuoki , Matsumoto Ryoji , Yanagida Makoto , Yata Junichi , Nakahata Tatsutoshi
Published: October 2019

Human cultured mast cells (HCMCs) grown from cord blood mononuclear cells in the presence of stem cell factor (SCF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expressed tryptase but no or low chymase in their cytoplasm. The addition of IL-4 to these cells strikingly increased chymase expression. Consequently, the activity of chymase was significantly higher in IL-4–treated mast cells than that in IL-4–nontreated mast cells, whereas the activity of tryptase and histamine content were comparable in both cells. Electron microscopic immunocytochemistry also showed that secretary granules containing chymase increased in IL-4–treated mast cells. Interestingly, the IL-4–induced increase of chymase expression in HCMCs was accompanied by morphological maturation of the cells. Cytoplasmic projections were few in IL-4–nontreated HCMCs, and a small number of secretary granules were observed, most of which were empty or partially filled with discrete scrolls with rough particles showing immaturity. In contrast, IL-4–treated HCMCs had extremely abundant cytoplasmic projections and had many secretary granules filled with electron-dense crystal materials. Taken together, immature HCMCs grown only with SCF and IL-6 expressed tryptase with no or a low amount of chymase, and addition of IL-4 promoted cell maturation together with the expression of both tryptase and a high amount of chymase. Our findings will raise a possibility of a linear pathway of human mast cell development from tryptase single positive mast cells into tryptase and chymase double positive mast cells as the cells mature and will suggest that this maturation process is promoted by IL-4.
Interleukin-12–Activated Natural Killer Cells Recognize B7 Costimulatory Molecules on Tumor Cells and Autologous Dendritic Cells
Authors: Geldhof Anja B. , Moser Muriel , Lespagnard Laurence , Thielemans Kris , De Baetselier Patrick
Published: October 2019

Activation of natural killer (NK) cells in the presence of interleukin-12 (IL-12) augments the capacity of these effector cells to recognize B7-1– and B7-2–expressing target cells. These effector cells also efficiently lyse autologous B7-positive progenitor or organ-derived dendritic cells, suggesting a physiologic regulatory pathway between IL-12, NK cells, and B7-expressing antigen-presenting cells. Although IL-12–activated NK cells secreted higher levels of interferon-γ, this cytokine did not play a role in synergistic effects of IL-12 and B7 on NK activation. The B7-counterreceptor was found to be selectively upregulated on IL-2/IL-12 as compared with IL-2–activated NK cells. CD28 is functionally involved in the recognition of B7 on target cells since IL-2/IL-12–activated NK cells derived from CD28 knockout mice were strongly reduced in their capacity to lyse syngeneic B7-positive tumor cells as well as antigen-presenting cells. However, recognition of B7 on allogeneic targets did not require the expression of CD28 on the IL-2/IL-12–activated NK cells. Hence, IL-12 triggers the expression of both CD28-dependent and CD28-independent mechanisms that allow NK cells to eliminate B7-positive target cells including autologous dendritic cells.
Gene Immunotherapy in Murine Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Tumor Cell Vaccines Elicit More Potent Antitumor Immunity Compared With B7 Family and Other Cytokine Vaccines
Authors: Dunussi-Joannopoulos Kyriaki , Dranoff Glenn , Weinstein Howard J. , Ferrara James L.M. , Bierer Barbara E. , Croop James M.
Published: October 2019

In an attempt to explore novel treatment modalities in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we studied the role of costimulatory and cytokine gene immunotherapy in murine AML. We have previously shown that leukemic mice can be cured with CD80 transfected leukemic cells (B7.1-AML vaccine) administered early in the course of the disease and that the failure B7.1-AML vaccines administered late cannot be attributed to immunosuppression induced by tumor growth. CD8+ T cells, which are necessary for tumor rejection, are activated rather than suppressed during the first half of the leukemic course in nonvaccinated mice. In this report, we question whether CD86 (B7.2) or the cytokines granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-4 (IL-4), or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) can improve the vaccination potential of AML cells. The choice of cytokines was based on their combined and alone as well ability to direct the differentiation of CD34+ cells into potent antigen-presenting dendritic cells in vitro. Our studies show that (1) mice vaccinated with a leukemogenic number of AML cells engineered to express B7.2 (B7.2-AML) or to secrete GM-CSF, IL-4, or TNF-α (GM-, IL-4–, TNF-α–AML) do not develop leukemia; (2) GM-AML cells are tumorigenic in sublethally irradiated SJL/J mice but not in Swiss nu/nu mice, indicating that killing of tumor cells is not T-cell–dependent; (3) vaccines with irradiated GM-AML, but not B7.2-, IL-4–, or TNF-α–AML cells, can elicit leukemia-specific protective and therapeutic immunity; and (4) in head-to-head comparison experiments, vaccination with irradiated GM-AML is more potent than B7.1-AML, curing 80% and providing 20% prolonged survival of the leukemic mice at week 2, as opposed to cures only up to 1 week with B7.1-AML vaccines. These preclinical data emphasize that GM-CSF gene immunotherapy deserves clinical evaluation in AML.
DNA Cross-Linker–Induced G2/M Arrest in Group C Fanconi Anemia Lymphoblasts Reflects Normal Checkpoint Function
Authors: Heinrich Michael C. , Hoatlin Maureen E. , Zigler Amy J. , Silvey Kirsten V. , Bakke Antony C. , Keeble Winifred W. , Zhi Yu , Reifsteck Carol A. , Grompe Markus , Brown Michael G. , Ellen Magenis R. , Olson Susan B. , Bagby Grover C.
Published: October 2019

Cells from individuals with Fanconi anemia (FA) arrest excessively in the G2/M cell cycle compartment after exposure to low doses of DNA cross-linking agents. The relationship of this abnormality to the fundamental genetic defect in such cells is unknown, but many investigators have speculated that the various FA genes directly regulate cell cycle checkpoints. We tested the hypothesis that the protein encoded by the FA group C complementing gene (FAC) functions to control a cell cycle checkpoint and that cells from group C patients (FA[C]) have abnormalities of cell cycle regulation directly related to the genetic mutation. We found that retroviral transduction of FA(C) lymphoblasts with wild-type FAC cDNA resulted in normalization of the cell cycle response to low-dose mitomycin C (MMC). However, when DNA damage was quantified in terms of cytogenetic damage or cellular cytotoxicity, we found similar degrees of G2/M arrest in response to equitoxic amounts of MMC in FA(C) cells as well as in normal lymphoblasts. Similar results were obtained using isogenic pairs of uncorrected, FAC- or mock-corrected (neo only) FA(C) cell lines. To test the function of other checkpoints we examined the effects of hydroxyurea (HU) and ionizing radiation on cell cycle kinetics of FA(C) and normal lymphoblasts as well as with isogenic pairs of uncorrected, FAC-corrected, or mock-corrected FA(C) cell lines. In all cases the cell cycle response of FA(C) and normal lymphoblasts to these two agents were identical. Based on these studies we conclude that the aberrant G2/M arrest that typifies the response of FA(C) cells to low doses of cross-linking agents does not represent an abnormal cell cycle response but instead represents a normal cellular response to the excessive DNA damage that results in FA(C) cells following exposure to low doses of cross-linking agents.
Lymphoma Cell Burden in Progenitor Cell Grafts Measured by Competitive Polymerase Chain Reaction: Less Than One Log Difference Between Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Sources
Authors: Léonard Brigitte M. , Hétu Francis , Busque Lambert , Gyger Martin , Bélanger Robert , Perreault Claude , Roy Denis-Claude
Published: October 2019

A controversy persists in autologous transplantation as to which source of progenitor cells, bone marrow (BM) or peripheral blood (PB), contains the lowest number of contaminating lymphoma cells, and how mobilization procedures affect these numbers. To accurately measure the number of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) cells harboring the bcl-2/immunoglobulin H (IgH) rearrangement in progenitor cell grafts, we developed a nested quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction assay (QC-PCR). DNA from lymph nodes of four patients with NHL were cloned into the pSK(+) vectors to generate four internal controls (ICs) (two with major breakpoint region [MBR] and two with minor cluster region [mcr] rearrangements). The kinetics of amplification of ICs paralleled those of bcl-2/IgH rearranged genomic DNA. When used in a QC-PCR assay, these ICs were accurate at a 0.2-log level and provided reproducible results, as shown by low intrarun and interrun variability. An excellent correlation between predicted and observed lymphoma cell content (r = .99) was observed over a range of at least 5 logs of rearranged cells. This approach was used to measure involvement by NHL cells at the time of progenitor cell harvest in 37 autologous transplant patients. The number of bcl-2/IgH rearranged cells in BM, PB, and mobilized PB (mPB) was found to vary from 1 to 1.1 × 105 per million cells. The number of lymphoma cells present in BM was significantly higher than in PB (P = .0001), with a median difference in lymphoma cell content between BM and PB of 0.48 log of cells (range, −0.7 to 5 logs). In contrast, we found no difference in the concentration of bcl-2/IgH rearranged cells present in BM versus PB progenitor cells mobilized with cyclophosphamide and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (mPB) (P = .57). In conclusion, the QC-PCR assay described in this study could measure accurately and reproducibly the number of bcl-2/IgH rearranged cells among normal cells. Differences in levels of contamination by lymphoma cells between BM and PB were of less than one log (10-fold), and no differences in lymphoma cell concentrations were observed between BM and mobilized PB. As more cells are usually infused with mPB than with BM grafts, mPB progenitor cell grafts may actually be associated with higher levels of contamination by lymphoma cells. Furthermore, this QC-PCR assay should provide an important tool to assess the prognostic impact of lymphoma cell burden both in progenitor cell grafts and in vivo.
Impaired Induction of the CD28-Responsive Complex in Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Mobilized CD4 T Cells
Authors: Tanaka Junji , Mielcarek Marco , Torok-Storb Beverly
Published: October 2019

Use of the CD28/B7 costimulatory signal for T-cell activation was analyzed in granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (G-PBMCs) and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained before administration of G-CSF (preG-PBMCs). CTLA4Ig inhibition of OKT3-stimulated proliferation was significantly lower in G-PBMCs compared with preG-PBMCs (39.9% ± 5.6% and 72.2% ± 5.4%, respectively; P < .001). Furthermore, as shown in electrophoretic mobility-shift assays, the inducible level of the T-cell transcription factor CD28 responsive complex (CD28RC) was suppressed in CD4 cells derived from G-PBMC. However, depletion of CD14 cells from G-PBMCs restored CD28RC induction to normal levels. Taken together, these findings suggest that the large number of CD14 monocytes in G-PBMCs may limit T-cell responsiveness by suppressing the induction of the CD28RC.
A Truncated Isoform of the Human β Chain Common to the Receptors for Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor, Interleukin-3 (IL-3), and IL-5 With Increased mRNA Expression in Some Patients With Acute Leukemia
Authors: Gale Rosemary E. , Freeburn Robin W. , Khwaja Asim , Chopra Rajesh , Linch David C.
Published: October 2019

We report here a naturally occurring isoform of the human β chain common to the receptors for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), and IL-5 (GMRβC) with a truncated intracytoplasmic tail caused by deletion of a 104-bp exon in the membrane-proximal region of the chain. This β intracytoplasmic truncated chain (βIT) has a predicted tail of 46 amino acids, instead of 432 for βC, with 23 amino acids in common with βC and then a new sequence of 23 amino acids. In primary myeloid cells, βIT comprised approximately 20% of the total β chain message, but was increased up to 90% of total in blast cells from a significant proportion of patients with acute leukemia. Specific anti-βITantibodies demonstrated its presence in primary myeloid cells and cell lines. Coexpression of βIT converted low-affinity GMRα chains (KD 2.5 nmol/L) to higher-affinity αβ complexes (KD 200 pmol/L). These could bind JAK2 that was tyrosine-phosphorylated by stimulation with GM-CSF. βITdid not support GM-CSF–induced proliferation when cotransfected with GMRα into CTLL-2 cells. Therefore, it may interfere with the signal-transducing properties of the βC chain and play a role in the pathogenesis of leukemia.
Activation of Stat-3 Is Involved in the Induction of Apoptosis After Ligation of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Molecules on Human Jurkat T Cells
Authors: Skov Søren , Nielsen Mette , Bregenholt Søren , Ødum Niels , Claesson Mogens H.
Published: October 2019

Activation of Janus tyrosine kinases (Jak) and Signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stat) after ligation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) was explored in Jurkat T cells. Cross-linking of MHC-I mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of Tyk2, but not Jak1, Jak2, and Jak3. In addition, the transcription factor Stat-3 was tyrosine phosphorylated in the cytoplasma and subsequently translocated to the cell nucleus. Data obtained by electrophoretic mobility shift assay suggested that the activated Stat-3 protein associates with the human serum-inducible element (hSIE) DNA-probe derived from the interferon-γ activated site (GAS) in the c-fos promoter, a common DNA sequence for Stat protein binding. An association between hSIE and Stat-3 after MHC-I ligation was directly demonstrated by precipitating Stat-3 from nuclear extracts with biotinylated hSIE probe and avidin-coupled agarose. To investigate the function of the activated Stat-3, Jurkat T cells were transiently transfected with a Stat-3 isoform lacking the transactivating domain. This dominant-negative acting Stat-3 isoform significantly inhibited apoptosis induced by ligation of MHC-I. In conclusion, our data suggest the involvement of the Jak/Stat signal pathway in MHC-I–induced signal transduction in T cells.
The Human Intrinsic Factor-Vitamin B12 Receptor,Cubilin: Molecular Characterization and Chromosomal Mapping of the Gene to 10p Within the Autosomal Recessive Megaloblastic Anemia (MGA1) Region
Authors: Kozyraki Renata , Kristiansen Mette , Silahtaroglu Asli , Hansen Claus , Jacobsen Christian , Tommerup Niels , Verroust Pierre J. , Moestrup Søren K.
Published: October 2019

Uptake of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is facilitated by the cobalamin-binder gastric intrinsic factor (IF), which recognizes a 460-kD receptor, cubilin, present in the epithelium of intestine and kidney. Surface plasmon resonance analysis of ligand-affinity-purified human cubilin demonstrated a high-affinity calcium- and cobalamin-dependent binding of IF-cobalamin. Complete cDNA cloning of the human receptor showed a 3597 amino acid peripheral membrane protein with 69% identity to rat cubilin. Amino-terminal sequencing of the receptor indicates that the cDNA sequence encodes a precursor protein undergoing proteolytic processing due to cleavage at a recognition site (Arg7-Glu8-Lys9-Arg10) for the trans-Golgi proteinase furin. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, radiation hybrid mapping, and screening of YAC clones, the human cubilin gene was mapped between the markers D10S1661 and WI-5445 on the short arm of chromosome 10. This is within the autosomal recessive megaloblastic anemia (MGA1) 6-cM region harboring the unknown recessive-gene locus of juvenile megaloblastic anemia caused by intestinal malabsorption of cobalamin (Imerslund-Gräsbeck's disease). In conclusion, the present molecular and genetic information on human cubilin now provides circumstantial evidence that an impaired synthesis, processing, or ligand binding of cubilin is the molecular background of this hereditary form of megaloblastic anemia.
A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor in Elderly Patients With Previously Untreated Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Southwest Oncology Group Study (9031)
Authors: Godwin John E. , Kopecky Kenneth J. , Head David R. , Willman Cheryl L. , Leith Catherine P. , Hynes Harry E. , Balcerzak Stanley P. , Appelbaum Frederick R.
Published: October 2019

Older age is a poor prognosis factor in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This double-blind trial was designed to test the hypothesis that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) used as supportive care could improve the treatment of elderly AML patients. Two hundred thirty-four patients 55 or more years of age with a morphologic diagnosis of de novo or secondary AML, French-American-British (FAB) M0-M7, excluding M3, were randomly assigned to a standard induction regimen (daunorubicin at 45 mg/m2 intravenously [IV] on days 1 through 3 and Ara-C at 200 mg/m2 IV continuous infusion on days 1 through 7) plus either placebo or G-CSF (400 μg/m2 IV over 30 minutes once daily). Results are reported here for 211 centrally confirmed cases of non-M3 AML. The two groups were well balanced in demographic, clinical, and hematological parameters, with median ages of 68 years in the G-CSF and 67 years in the placebo groups. The complete response (CR) rate was not significantly better in the G-CSF group: 50% in the placebo and 41% in the G-CSF group (one-tailedP = .89). Median overall survival was also similar, 9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 7 to 10 months) in the placebo and 6 months (95% CI, 3 to 8 months) in the G-CSF arms (P = .71). We found a significant 15% reduction in the time to neutrophil recovery in the G-CSF group (P = .014). G-CSF had no impact on recovery from thrombocytopenia (P = .80) or duration of first hospitalization (P = .27). When infection complications were evaluated, G-CSF had a beneficial effect on the duration but not on incidence of infection. G-CSF patients had fewer days with fever and shorter duration of antibiotic use. However, there was no difference in the frequency of total documented infections or in the number of fatal infections (19% placebo v 20% G-CSF). In this study of elderly AML patients, G-CSF improved clinical parameters of duration of neutropenia and antibiotic use, but did not change CR rate or survival or shorten hospitalization.
Semiquantitative Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Determination of Patients at Risk for EBV-Induced Lymphoproliferative Disease After Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Lucas Kenneth G. , Burton Robert L. , Zimmerman Sarah E. , Wang Jinghong , Cornetta Kenneth G. , Robertson Kent A. , Lee Chao H. , Emanuel David J.
Published: October 2019

Epstein-Barr virus–induced lymphoproliferative disease (EBV-LPD) is a serious and potentially fatal complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). To evaluate levels of EBV DNA in SCT patients, a semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and diluted, and PCR was performed by using a primer set specific for a well-conserved sequence of the internal repeat 1 region of the EBV genome. Forty-one SCT patients were screened with this method. Thirty-seven patients received allogeneic transplants, of which 18 were T-cell–depleted marrow. Four additional patients received autologous SCT, one of which was T-cell depleted. The mean time of follow-up by EBV PCR was 147 days (range, 47 to 328 days) posttransplant. The range of EBV copies/μg DNA from normal EBV sero-positive donors was 40 to 4,000. Seven patients had ≥40,000 copies of EBV DNA/μg DNA, all of whom were recipients of T-cell–depleted SCT. Five of the seven patients with elevated levels of EBV DNA developed EBV-LPD. Four of these five patients with EBV-LPD had elevated levels of EBV DNA from 1 to 8 weeks before diagnosis. Two patients with EBV-LPD had normal levels of EBV DNA, and two patients with ≥40,000 copies EBV/μg DNA did not develop EBV-LPD. In one patient, clinical resolution of disease correlated with a decrease in EBV DNA and an increase in the level of EBV-specific cytotoxic T-cell precursors. These data indicate that the measurement of EBV viral load with semiquantitative PCR is useful in detecting EBV-LPD in high-risk patients before the onset of clinical symptoms. Because not all patients with elevated levels of EBV DNA develop EBV-LPD, semiquantitative PCR results cannot substitute for clinical, radiographic, and pathological confirmation of this diagnosis.
Lyn Physically Associates With the Erythropoietin Receptor and May Play a Role in Activation of the Stat5 Pathway
Authors: Chin Hiroshi , Arai Ayako , Wakao Hiroshi , Kamiyama Ryuichi , Miyasaka Nobuyuki , Miura Osamu
Published: October 2019

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation plays a crucial role in signaling from the receptor for erythropoietin (Epo), although the Epo receptor (EpoR) lacks the tyrosine kinase domain. We have previously shown that the Jak2 tyrosine kinase couples with the EpoR to transduce a growth signal. In the present study, we demonstrate that Lyn, a Src family tyrosine kinase, physically associates with the EpoR in Epo-dependent hematopoietic cell lines, 32D/EpoR-Wt and F36E. Coexpression experiments in COS7 cells further showed that Lyn induces tyrosine phosphorylation of the EpoR and that both LynA and LynB, alternatively spliced forms of Lyn, bind with the membrane-proximal 91-amino acid region of the EpoR cytoplasmic domain. In vitro binding studies using GST-Lyn fusion proteins further showed that the Src homology (SH)-2 domain of Lyn specifically binds with the tyrosine-phosphorylated EpoR in lysate from Epo-stimulated cells, whereas the tyrosine kinase domain of Lyn binds with the unphosphorylated EpoR. Far-Western blotting and synthetic phosphopeptide competition assays further indicated that the Lyn SH2 domain directly binds to the tyrosine-phosphorylated EpoR, most likely through its interaction with phosphorylated Y-464 or Y-479 in the carboxy-terminal region of the EpoR. In vitro binding studies also demonstrated that the Lyn SH2 domain directly binds to tyrosine-phosphorylated Jak2. In vitro reconstitution experiments in COS7 cells further showed that Lyn induces tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat5, mainly on Y-694, and activates the DNA-binding and transcription-activating abilities of Stat5. In agreement with this, Lyn enhanced the Stat5-dependent transcriptional activation when overexpressed in 32D/EpoR-Wt cells. In addition, Lyn was demonstrated to phosphorylate the EpoR and Stat5 on tyrosines in vitro. These results suggest that Lyn may play a role in activation of the Jak2/Stat5 and other signaling pathways by the EpoR.
The Effects of Colony-Stimulating Factor-1 on the Distribution of Mononuclear Phagocytes in the Developing Osteopetrotic Mouse
Authors: Roth Philip , Dominguez Melissa G. , Stanley E. Richard
Published: October 2019

Colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), the primary regulator of mononuclear phagocyte (M▹) production, exists as either a circulating or cell surface, membrane-spanning molecule. To establish transplacental transfer of maternal CSF-1, gestational day-17 mothers were injected intravenously with 125I-mouse CSF-1 or human rCSF-1, and the 125I-cpm or human CSF-1 concentrations were measured in fetal tissue, placenta, and fetal/maternal sera. Biologically active CSF-1 crossed the placenta and peaked in fetal tissue, placenta, and serum 10 minutes after injection. The role of CSF-1 in perinatal M▹ development was examined by studying the CSF-1–deficient osteopetrotic (csfmop/csfmop) mouse. Fetal/neonatal mice, derived from matings of either +/csfmopfemales with csfmop/csfmop males or the reciprocal pairings, were genotyped and tissue M▹ identified and quantified. In the presence of circulating maternal CSF-1 (+/csfmop mother), M▹ development incsfmop/csfmop liver was essentially complete at birth relative to +/csfmoplittermates, but significantly reduced in spleen, kidney, and lung. In the absence of circulating maternal CSF-1 (csfmop/csfmop mother), M▹ numbers at birth were reduced in csfmop/csfmopliver relative to the offspring of +/csfmopmothers, but were similar in spleen, kidney, and lung. We conclude that CSF-1 is required for the perinatal development of most M▹ in these tissues. Compensation for total absence of local CSF-1 production by circulating, maternal CSF-1 is tissue-specific and most prominent in liver, the first fetal organ perfused by placental blood. However, because some M▹ developed in the complete absence of CSF-1, other factors must also be involved in the regulation of macrophage development.
CD44 Selectively Associates With Active Src Family Protein Tyrosine Kinases Lck and Fyn in Glycosphingolipid-Rich Plasma Membrane Domains of Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes
Authors: Ilangumaran Subburaj , Briol Anne , Hoessli Daniel C.
Published: October 2019

CD44 is the major cell surface receptor for the extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan and is implicated in a variety of biological events that include embryonic morphogenesis, lymphocyte recirculation, inflammation, and tumor metastasis. CD44 delivers activation signals to T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and macrophages by stimulating protein tyrosine phosphorylation and calcium influx. The mechanism of signal transduction via CD44 remains undefined, although CD44 was shown to physically associate with intracellular protein tyrosine kinase Lck in T lymphocytes. In the present report, we show that a significant proportion of CD44 in human peripheral blood T lymphocytes and endothelial cells is associated with low-density plasma membrane fractions that represent specialized plasma membrane domains enriched in glycosphingolipids and glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins. CD44 and the GPI-anchored CD59 do not appear to directly interact in the low-density membrane fractions. In human peripheral blood T lymphocytes, 20% to 30% of the Src family protein tyrosine kinases, Lck and Fyn, are recovered from these fractions. CD44-associated protein kinase activity was selectively recovered from the low-density membrane fractions, corresponding to glycosphingolipid-rich plasma membrane microdomains. Reprecipitation of the in vitro phosphorylated proteins showed that CD44 associates not only with Lck but also with Fyn kinase in these membrane domains. Our results suggest that cellular stimulation via CD44 may proceed through the signaling machinery of glycosphingolipid-enriched plasma membrane microdomains and, hence, depend on the functional integrity of such domains.
Inactivation of the ATM Gene in T-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemias
Authors: Stoppa-Lyonnet Dominique , Soulier Jean , Laugé Anthony , Dastot Hélène , Garand Richard , Sigaux François , Stern Marc-Henri
Published: October 2019

T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare form of mature leukemia that occurs both in adults as a sporadic disease and in younger patients suffering an hereditary condition, ataxia telangiectasia (AT). The ATM gene, located in the 11q22-23 chromosomal region, is consistently mutated in AT patients. The strong predisposition of AT patients to develop T-PLL and the high frequency of T-cell leukemias/lymphomas observed in atm-deficient mice, together with the known functions of the ATM protein, led us to evaluate the ATM gene as a potential tumor suppressor gene involved in T-PLL. Paired leukemic and nonleukemic cells were obtained from a series of 15 patients suffering sporadic T-PLLs, allowing loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis. LOH of the 11q22-23 region was detected in 10 of these 15 cases (67%). The minimal deleted region was defined as an approximately 2.5 Mb interval that contained the ATMgene. No ATM rearrangement or biallelic deletion was detected by Southern blotting in the T-PLL series. However, in five T-PLLs with LOH of the 11q22-23 region, Western blot analysis showed either undetectable (3 cases) or decreased levels (1 case) of ATM protein, whereas ATM was present at high levels in cases without LOH. The protein truncation test (PTT) was then used to search for mutations in the ATM gene. Four mutations (1 nonsense, 2 aberrant splicings, and 1 missense) were detected in patients with LOH and none in patients without LOH of the region. The acquired character of these ATM mutations was demonstrated in three patients. Altogether, allelicATM inactivations by large deletions or mutations were found in approximately two thirds of T-PLL. ATM is thus a tumor suppressor gene whose inactivation is a key event in the development of T-cell prolymphocytic leukemias.
The Effect of Apotransferrin on Iron Release From Caco-2 Cells, an Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line
Authors: Alvarez-Hernandez Xavier , Smith Margaret , Glass Jonathan
Published: October 2019

The Caco-2 cell line grown in bicameral chambers was used to study the effect of transferrin in the basal chamber on the transepithelial transport of iron. We have shown that when iron was offered as59Fe on the apical surface of the Caco-2 cells, transport of 59Fe into the basal chamber was stimulated by 50 μmol/L apotransferrin. Here, we examined the effect on59Fe transport of lower concentrations of apotransferrin, as well as the effects on transport of ovo-, cobalt-, and ferri-transferrin and of iron chelators with an affinity for iron greater than that of transferrin. The stimulation of 59Fe transport was more sensitive to the presence of apotransferrin with a Km of 0.078 ± 0.008 μmol/L compared with ferri-transferrin with a Km of 1.24 ± 0.39 μmol/L (P < .006). 59Fe transport was less sensitive to diethylenetriaminopenta-acetic acid (DTPA) than apotransferrin with Kms of 1.52 ± 0.70. The chelator nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) exhibited no stimulation of59Fe transport. Analysis of laser scanning confocal micrographs showed that apotransferrin labeled with Texas Red is internalized by Caco-2 cells from the basal side and localizes in distinct vesicles above the nucleus. The sensitivity of apotransferrin in stimulating Fe transport suggests a unique interaction of apotransferrin with the basal surface of the intestinal epithelium.
Examination of Ferrochelatase Mutations That Cause Erythropoietic Protoporphyria
Authors: Sellers V.M. , Dailey T.A. , Dailey H.A.
Published: October 2019

Ferrochelatase (E.C. 4.99.1.1), the enzyme that catalyzes the terminal step in the heme biosynthetic pathway, is the site of defect in the human inherited disease erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Previously it has been demonstrated that patients with EPP may have missense mutations leading to amino acid substitutions, early chain termination, or exon deletions. While it has been clearly demonstrated that two missense mutations result in lowered enzyme activity, it has never been shown what effect specific exon deletions may have. In the current work, recombinant human ferrochelatase has been engineered to have individual exon deletions corresponding to exons 3 through 11. When expressed in Escherichia coli, none of these possesses significant enzyme activity and all lack the [2Fe-2S] cluster. One of the human missense mutations, F417S, and a series of amino acid replacements at this site (ie, F417W, F417Y, and F417L) were examined. With the exception of F417L, all lacked enzyme activity and did not contain the [2Fe-2S] cluster in vivo or as isolated in vitro.
Treatment of Myeloproliferative Disorders With Hydroxyurea: Effects on Red Blood Cell Geometry and Deformability
Authors: Engström K. Gunnar , Löfvenberg Eva
Published: October 2019

Hydroxyurea (HU) is used in suppressing the bone marrow and producing fetal-like red blood cells (RBCs). These RBCs are large in size and may theoretically disturb the microcirculation. In five patients with myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), the RBC geometry and deformability were analyzed before and after 6 to 8 months of HU treatment. In untreated MPD, the RBC geometry and filterability was normal. After HU, the RBC membrane area increased 24% and the cell volume increased 39% (P < .005). This change resulted in a 12% increase in the minimum cylindrical diameter (MCD). From a static bending model of initial deformation, the RBC diametrical cross-section had a significantly increased section modulus. However, this increase in profile stiffness was compensated for by its larger projected cell area and, thus, pressure load on the RBC corpuscle. The resulting resistance to initial deformation therefore remained unchanged after HU. These findings were tested experimentally; with 3-μm filter membranes, HU treatment caused a significant increase in flow resistance (P < .02), in accordance with MCD. However, with 5-μm pores, no difference was seen, again in consonance with the theoretical findings of initial deformation. Because most capillaries are larger than 3 μm, we suggest that HU is acceptable from a perspective of cellular microrheology.
Prevention of Marrow Graft Rejection Without Induction of Graft-Versus-Host Disease by a Cytotoxic T-Cell Clone That Recognizes Recipient Alloantigens
Authors: Kusunoki Yoichiro , Chen Wei , Martin Paul J.
Published: October 2019

In allogeneic marrow transplantation, donor T cells that recognize recipient alloantigens prevent rejection but also cause graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). To evaluate whether the ability to prevent marrow graft rejection could be dissociated from the ability to cause GVHD, we generated a panel of four different CD8 cytotoxic T-lymphocyte clones specific for H2d alloantigens. Three of the clones caused no overt toxicity when as many as 20 × 106 cells were infused intravenously into irradiated H2d-positive recipients, and one clone caused acute lethal toxicity within 1 to 3 days after transferring 10 × 106cells into H2d-positive recipients. One clone that did not cause toxicity was able to prevent rejection of (C57BL/6J × C3H/HeJ)F1 marrow in 800 cGy-irradiated (BALB/cJ × C57BL/6J)F1 recipients without causing GVHD. Large numbers of cells and exogenously administered interleukin-2 were required to prevent rejection. These results with different CD8 clones suggest that GVHD and prevention of rejection could be separable effects mediated by distinct populations of donor T cells that recognize recipient alloantigens.
Anti–LFA-1 Blocking Antibodies Prevent Mobilization of Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells Induced by Interleukin-8
Authors: Pruijt Johannes F.M. , van Kooyk Yvette , Figdor Carl G. , Lindley Ivan J.D. , Willemze Roel , Fibbe Willem E.
Published: October 2019

Previously, we have shown that interleukin (IL)-8 induces the rapid (15 to 30 minutes) mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) in mice. Because integrins are essential for adhesion and transendothelial migration of HPC, we studied the involvement of the β2-integrin leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) in IL-8–induced mobilization. After a single injection of blocking anti–LFA-1 antibodies, no mobilization of colony-forming cells was observed. In addition, when mice were pretreated with anti–LFA-1 or saline and subsequently injected with 30 μg of IL-8, mobilization of HPC was completely blocked. We showed that this was not due to anti–LFA-1 antibodies affecting colony formation, as addition of anti–LFA-1 antibodies to colony cultures in semisolid medium had no inhibitory activity. Also, anti-intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 antibodies, directed to the main ligand of LFA-1 significantly inhibited the IL-8–induced mobilization. Furthermore, IL-1–induced mobilization was significantly inhibited by anti–LFA-1 antibodies. Because LFA-1 is reported to be expressed on more differentiated HPC, it was considered that the IL-8–induced mobilization of more primitive HPC would not be blocked by anti–LFA-1 antibodies. Transplantation of blood-derived mononuclear cells (MNC) from IL-8–mobilized animals pretreated with anti–LFA-1 antibodies protected only 25% of lethally irradiated recipient mice, whereas the radioprotection rate of control mice transplanted with MNC derived from IL-8-mobilized animals was 86% (P < .01). Anti-LFA–1 antibodies did not interfere with stem cell homing, as transplantation of IL-8-mobilized blood MNC, incubated in vitro with these antibodies resulted in 100% radioprotection. We conclude that anti–LFA-1 antibodies completely prevent the rapid mobilization of colony-forming cells and of cells with radioprotective capacity induced by IL-8. These results indicate a major role for the β2-integrin LFA-1 in the IL-8–induced mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells.
NF-κB Transcription Factors Are Involved in Normal Erythropoiesis
Authors: Zhang Min-Ying , Sun Shao-Cong , Bell Laurie , Miller Barbara A.
Published: October 2019

NF-κB/Rel designates a widely distributed family of transcription factors involved in immune and acute phase responses. Here, the expression and function of NF-κB factors in erythroid proliferation and differentiation were explored. In an erythroleukemia cell line, TF-1, high levels of p105/p50, p100/p52, p65, and IκBα were detected 24 hours after growth factor deprivation. In response to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) stimulation, significant induction of p52 expression was observed. GM-CSF also induced nuclear translocation of both p52 and p65. No induction of NF-κB factors was observed with erythropoietin stimulation of TF-1 cells. Overexpression of p52 and p65 in TF-1 cells by transient transfection resulted in significant induction of a κB-TATA-luciferase reporter plasmid, showing that these factors are functional in vivo in erythroid cells. To determine whether NF-κB factors may play a role in normal erythropoiesis, levels of these factors were determined in burst-forming unit-erythroid (BFU-E)–derived cells at different stages of differentiation. The NF-κB factors p105/p50, p100/p52, and p65 were highly expressed in early BFU-E–derived precursors, which are rapidly proliferating, and declined during maturation. Furthermore, nuclear levels of NF-κB factors p50, p52, and p65 were higher in less mature precursors (day 10 BFU-E–derived cells) compared with more differentiated (day 14) erythroblasts. In nuclear extracts from day 10 BFU-E–derived cells, p50, p52, and p65 were able to form complexes, which bound to κB sites in the promoters of both the c-myb and c-mycgenes, suggesting that c-myb and c-myc may be among the κB-containing genes regulated by NF-κB factors in normal erythroid cells. Taken together, these data show that NF-κB factors are modulated by GM-CSF and suggest they function to regulate specific κB containing genes involved in erythropoiesis.
Antibodies to Protease-Activated Receptor 3 Inhibit Activation of Mouse Platelets by Thrombin
Authors: Ishihara Hiroaki , Zeng Dewan , Connolly Andrew J. , Tam Carmen , Coughlin Shaun R.
Published: October 2019

Recent studies of mice deficient in the thrombin receptor, protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), provided definitive evidence for the existence of a second thrombin receptor in mouse platelets. We recently identified a new thrombin receptor designated protease-activated receptor 3 (PAR3). The mRNA encoding a mouse homologue of PAR3 was highly expressed in mouse splenic megakaryocytes, making it a good candidate for the missing mouse platelet thrombin receptor. We now report that PAR3 protein is expressed on the surface of mouse platelets and that PAR3 antibodies partially inhibit activation of mouse platelets by thrombin but not U46619, a thromboxane receptor agonist. These observations suggest that PAR3 contributes to mouse platelet activation by thrombin.
Fluid Shear Stress Attenuates Tumor Necrosis Factor-α–Induced Tissue Factor Expression in Cultured Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Matsumoto Yutaka , Kawai Yohko , Watanabe Kiyoaki , Sakai Kazuo , Murata Mitsuru , Handa Makoto , Nakamura Shin , Ikeda Yasuo
Published: October 2019

Hemodynamic forces modulate various endothelial cell functions under gene regulation. Previously, we have shown that fibrinolytic activity of endothelial cells is enhanced by the synergistic effects of shear stress and cytokines. In this study, we investigated the effect of shear stress on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α–induced tissue factor (TF) expression in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), using a modified cone-plate viscometer. Shear stresses at physiological levels reduced TNF-α (100 U/mL)–induced TF expression at both mRNA and antigen levels, in a shear-intensity and exposure-time dependent manner, whereas shear stress itself did not induce TF expression in HUVECs. TF expressed on the cell surfaces measured by flow cytometry using an anti-TF monoclonal antibody (HTF-K180) was also decreased to one third by shear force applied at 18 dynes/cm2 for 15 hours before and 6 hours after TNF-α stimulation. Furthermore, functional activity of TF, as assessed by the activation of factor X in the presence of FVIIa and Ca2+, was also decreased by shear application. However, the stability of TF mRNA was not decreased in the presence of shear stress. These results suggest that shear force acts as an important regulator of TF expression in endothelium at the transcriptional level.