bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant Phenotype and Function of Myeloid Dendritic Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ding Dacheng , Mehta Hemal , McCune W. Joseph , Kaplan Mariana J.
Published: April 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by a systemic autoimmune response with profound and diverse T cell changes. Dendritic cells (DCs) are important orchestrators of immune responses and have an important role in the regulation of T cell function. The objective of this study was to determine whether myeloid DCs from individuals with SLE display abnormalities in phenotype and promote abnormal T cell function. Monocyte-derived DCs and freshly isolated peripheral blood myeloid DCs from lupus patients displayed an abnormal phenotype characterized by accelerated differentiation, maturation, and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. These abnormalities were characterized by higher expression of the DC differentiation marker CD1a, the maturation markers CD86, CD80, and HLA-DR, and the proinflammatory cytokine IL-8. In addition, SLE patients displayed selective down-regulation of the maturation marker CD83 and had abnormal responses to maturation stimuli. These abnormalities have functional relevance, as SLE DCs were able to significantly increase proliferation and activation of allogeneic T cells when compared with control DCs. We conclude that myeloid DCs from SLE patients display significant changes in phenotype which promote aberrant T cell function and could contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE and organ damage.
Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Function: Inhibition of IFN-α Secretion and Modulation of Immune Phenotype by Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
Authors: Fabricius Dorit , O’Dorisio M. Sue , Blackwell Sue , Jahrsdörfer Bernd
Published: April 2014

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) are considered the main sentinels against viral infections and play a major role in immune tolerance. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a potent immunomodulator, whose role in PDC function is unknown. The present study was designed to investigate whether human PDC express VIP receptors and whether VIP has immunological effects on PDC. Using real-time RT-PCR and immunofluorescence, we demonstrated that VIP receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2 are expressed on PDC. After culturing PDC with VIP and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides for 48 h, expression of surface molecules with significance for PDC-T cell interactions as well as IFN-α secretion were quantified using FACS analysis and ELISA, respectively. For functional assays, CFSE-stained CD4+ T cells were coincubated with differentially treated PDC. T cell proliferation and production of various cytokines were determined by FACS analysis and ELISA. VIP enhanced PDC expression of CD86, MHC II, and CCR7. In contrast, VIP inhibited PDC secretion of IFN-α and expression of Neuropilin-1 and MHC I. The potential of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide-activated PDC to induce proliferation of allogeneic CD4+ T cells was impaired when VIP was present during activation. Furthermore, pretreatment of PDC with VIP resulted in a decrease of the IFN-γ:IL-4 ratio in cocultured T cells, suggesting a modulation of the immune response toward Th2. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that VIP regulates the immunological function of human PDC. VIP may thus be involved in the modulation of immune responses to viral infections as well as in the maintenance of immune tolerance.
Inhibition of Human Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Effector Functions by the Homophilic Carcinoembryonic Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 Interactions
Authors: Markel Gal , Seidman Rachel , Stern Noam , Cohen-Sinai Tali , Izhaki Orit , Katz Gil , Besser Michal , Treves Avraham J. , Blumberg Richard S. , Loewenthal Ron , Mandelboim Ofer , Orenstein Arie , Schachter Jacob
Published: April 2014

Efficient antitumor immune response requires the coordinated function of integrated immune components, but is finally exerted by the differentiated effector tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). TIL cells comprise, therefore, an exciting platform for adoptive cell transfer (ACT) in cancer. In this study, we show that the inhibitory carcinoembryonic Ag cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) protein is found on virtually all human TIL cells following preparation protocols of ACT treatment for melanoma. We further demonstrate that the CEACAM1 homophilic interactions inhibit the TIL effector functions, such as specific killing and IFN-γ release. These results suggest that CEACAM1 may impair in vivo the antitumor response of the differentiated TIL. Importantly, CEACAM1 is commonly expressed by melanoma and its presence is associated with poor prognosis. Remarkably, the prolonged coincubation of reactive TIL cells with their melanoma targets results in increased functional CEACAM1 expression by the surviving tumor cells. This mechanism might be used by melanoma cells in vivo to evade ongoing destruction by tumor-reactive lymphocytes. Finally, CEACAM1-mediated inhibition may hinder in many cases the efficacy of TIL ACT treatment of melanoma. We show that the intensity of CEACAM1 expression on TIL cells constantly increases during ex vivo expansion. The implications of CEACAM1-mediated inhibition of TIL cells on the optimization of current ACT protocols and on the development of future immunotherapeutic modalities are discussed.
Combined IL-15/IL-15Rα Immunotherapy Maximizes IL-15 Activity In Vivo
Authors: Stoklasek Thomas A. , Schluns Kimberly S. , Lefrançois Leo
Published: April 2014

IL-15 has substantial potential as an immunotherapeutic agent for augmenting immune responses. However, the activity of IL-15 is mediated by a unique mechanism in which the cytokine is transpresented by cell-bound high-affinity IL-15Rα to target cells expressing the IL-15Rβ and the common γ-chain. Thus, the efficacy of administered IL-15 alone may be limited by the availability of free IL-15Rα. We now show that administration of soluble IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes greatly enhanced IL-15 half-life and bioavailability in vivo. Treatment of mice with this complex, but not with IL-15 alone, resulted in robust proliferation of memory CD8 T cells, NK cells, and NK T cells. The activity of the complex required IL-15Rβ, but not IL-15Rα, expression by the responding cells and was IL-7-independent. Interestingly, IL-15/IL-15Rα immunotherapy also caused naive CD8 T cell activation and development into effector cells and long-term memory T cells. Lastly, complexed IL-15, as compared with IL-15 alone, dramatically reduced tumor burden in a model of B16 melanoma. These findings hold significant importance for the use of IL-15 as a potential adjuvant/therapeutic and inducer of homeostatic proliferation, without the necessity for prior immunodepletion.
TGFβ Protein Processing and Activity through TCR Triggering of Primary CD8+ T Regulatory Cells
Authors: Ménoret Antoine , Myers Lara M. , Lee Seung-Joo , Mittler Robert S. , Rossi Robert J. , Vella Anthony T.
Published: April 2014

In general, TGFβ is synthesized as a procytokine that requires proteolytic activation, release of the mature cytokine from its noncovalently associated latent-associated peptide, and binding to TGFβRII to mediate suppressive activity. We tracked this process in mice containing primed CD8 regulatory T cells (Tregs) by immunoblotting in primary whole cell lysates for pro-TGFβ, latent-associated peptide and mature TGFβ. Generation of CD8 Tregs promoted processing of the 50 kDa pro-TGFβ protein into a 12.5 kDa mature TGFβ species in vivo. Despite the inability to detect mature TGFβ in the sera of mice with primed CD8 Tregs and in the synthetic culture medium of stimulated CD8 Tregs, we demonstrated engagement of TGFβRII through immunoblotting for Smad2 phosphorylation. This process relied on continual TCR triggering, which also induced Smad3 phosphorylation. To understand the movement of mature TGFβ, we showed that in contrast to IFN-γ, mature TGFβ does not remain a soluble cytokine but is likely to be rapidly adsorbed by neighboring cells. These data show the exquisite local control directed toward TGFβ by the immune system and underscore the fine specificity involved in its detection.
Cell-Associated Double-Stranded RNA Enhances Antitumor Activity through the Production of Type I IFN
Authors: McBride Sara , Hoebe Kasper , Georgel Philippe , Janssen Edith
Published: April 2014

The efficacy of tumor cell vaccination largely depends on the maturation and activation status of the dendritic cell. Here we investigated the ability of soluble and tumor cell-associated dsRNA to serve as an adjuvant in the induction of protective adaptive antitumor responses. Our data showed that cell-associated dsRNA, but not soluble dsRNA, enhanced both tumor-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses. The cell-associated dsRNA increased the clonal burst of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and endowed them with an enhanced capacity for expansion upon a secondary encounter with tumor Ags, even when the CD8+ T cells were primed in the absence of CD4+ T cell help. The adjuvant effect of cell-associated dsRNA was fully dependent on the expression of TLR3 by the APCs and their subsequent production of type I IFNs, as the adjuvant effect of cell-associated dsRNA was completely abrogated in mice deficient in TLR3 or type I IFN signaling. Importantly, treatment with dsRNA-associated tumor cells increased the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and enhanced the survival of tumor-bearing mice. The data from our studies suggest that using cell-associated dsRNA as a tumor vaccine adjuvant may be a suitable strategy for enhancing vaccine efficacy for tumor cell therapy in cancer patients.
CC-Chemokine Ligand 16 Induces a Novel Maturation Program in Human Immature Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells
Authors: Cappello Paola , Fraone Tiziana , Barberis Laura , Costa Carlotta , Hirsch Emilio , Elia Angela R. , Caorsi Cristiana , Musso Tiziana , Novelli Francesco , Giovarelli Mirella
Published: April 2014

Dendritic cells (DCs) are indispensable for initiation of primary T cell responses and a host’s defense against infection. Many proinflammatory stimuli induce DCs to mature (mDCs), but little is known about the ability of chemokines to modulate their maturation. In the present study, we report that CCL16 is a potent maturation factor for monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) through differential use of its four receptors and an indirect regulator of Th cell differentiation. MoDCs induced to mature by CCL16 are characterized by increased expression of CD80 and CD86, MHC class II molecules, and ex novo expression of CD83 and CCR7. They produce many chemokines to attract monocytes and T cells and are also strong stimulators in activating allogeneic T cells to skew toward Th1 differentiation. Interestingly, they are still able to take up Ag and express chemokine receptors usually bound by inflammatory ligands and can be induced to migrate to different sites where they capture Ags. Our findings indicate that induction of MoDC maturation is an important property of CCL16 and suggest that chemokines may not only organize the migration of MoDCs, but also directly regulate their ability to prime T cell responses.
The MAPK Scaffold Kinase Suppressor of Ras Is Involved in ERK Activation by Stress and Proinflammatory Cytokines and Induction of Arthritis
Authors: Fusello Angela M. , Mandik-Nayak Laura , Shih Fei , Lewis Robert E. , Allen Paul M. , Shaw Andrey S.
Published: April 2014

The MAPK ERK is required for LPS-induced TNF production by macrophages. Although the scaffold kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR)1 is required for efficient Erk activation by mitogenic stimuli, the role of KSR1 in ERK activation by inflammatory and stress stimuli is unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of KSR deficiency on ERK activation by stress stimuli and show that ERK activation by TNF, IL-1, and sorbitol is attenuated in the absence of KSR1. To determine the significance of this defect in vivo, we tested KSR-deficient mice using a passive transfer model of arthritis. We found that the induction of arthritis is impaired in the absence of KSR. Thus, KSR plays a role in ERK activation during inflammatory and stress responses both in vitro and in vivo.
Platelet-Activating Factor Receptor and Innate Immunity: Uptake of Gram-Positive Bacterial Cell Wall into Host Cells and Cell-Specific Pathophysiology
Authors: Fillon Sophie , Soulis Konstantinos , Rajasekaran Surender , Benedict-Hamilton Heather , Radin Jana N. , Orihuela Carlos J. , El Kasmi Karim C. , Murti Gopal , Kaushal Deepak , Gaber M. Waleed , Weber Joerg R. , Murray Peter J. , Tuomanen Elaine I.
Published: April 2014

The current model of innate immune recognition of Gram-positive bacteria suggests that the bacterial cell wall interacts with host recognition proteins such as TLRs and Nod proteins. We describe an additional recognition system mediated by the platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFr) and directed to the pathogen-associated molecular pattern phosphorylcholine that results in the uptake of bacterial components into host cells. Intravascular choline-containing cell walls bound to endothelial cells and caused rapid lethality in wild-type, Tlr2−/−, and Nod2−/− mice but not in Pafr−/− mice. The cell wall exited the vasculature into the heart and brain, accumulating within endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, and neurons in a PAFr-dependent way. Physiological consequences of the cell wall/PAFr interaction were cell specific, being noninflammatory in endothelial cells and neurons but causing a rapid loss of cardiomyocyte contractility that contributed to death. Thus, PAFr shepherds phosphorylcholine-containing bacterial components such as the cell wall into host cells from where the response ranges from quiescence to severe pathophysiology.
Vimentin Expressed onMycobacterium tuberculosis-Infected Human Monocytes Is Involved in Binding to the NKp46 Receptor
Authors: Garg Ankita , Barnes Peter F. , Porgador Angel , Roy Sugata , Wu Shiping , Nanda Jagpreet S. , Griffith David E. , Girard William M. , Rawal Nenoo , Shetty Sreerama , Vankayalapati Ramakrishna
Published: April 2014

We previously showed that human NK cells used the NKp46 receptor to lyse Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra-infected monocytes. To identify ligands on H37Ra-infected human mononuclear phagocytes, we used anti-NKp46 to immunoprecipitate NKp46 from NK cells bound to its ligand(s) on H37Ra-infected monocytes. Mass spectrometry analysis identified a 57-kDa molecule, vimentin, as a putative ligand for NKp46. Vimentin expression was significantly up-regulated on the surface of infected monocytes, compared with uninfected cells, and this was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. Anti-vimentin antiserum inhibited NK cell lysis of infected monocytes, whereas antiserum to actin, another filamentous protein, did not. CHO-K1 cells transfected with a vimentin construct were lysed much more efficiently by NK cells than cells transfected with a control plasmid. This lysis was inhibited by mAb-mediated masking of NKp46 (on NK cells) or vimentin (on infected monocytes). ELISA and Far Western blotting showed that recombinant vimentin bound to a NKp46 fusion protein. These results indicate that vimentin is involved in binding of NKp46 to M. tuberculosis H37Ra-infected mononuclear phagocytes.
The Immediate Early 2 Protein of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) Mediates the Apoptotic Control in HCMV Retinitis through Up-Regulation of the Cellular FLICE-Inhibitory Protein Expression
Authors: Chiou Shih-Hwa , Yang Yi-Ping , Lin Jung-Chun , Hsu Chih-Hung , Jhang Hua-Ci , Yang Yu-Ting , Lee Chen-Hsen , Ho Larry L. T. , Hsu Wen-Ming , Ku Hung-Hai , Chen Shih-Jen , Chen Steve S.-L. , Chang Margaret D. T. , Wu Cheng-Wen , Juan Li-Jung
Published: April 2014

Human CMV (HCMV) is a widespread human pathogen that causes blindness by inducing retinitis in AIDS patients. Previously, we showed that viral immediate early 2 (IE2) protein may allow HCMV to evade the immune control by killing the Fas receptor-positive T lymphocytes attracted to the infected retina with increased secretion of Fas ligand (FasL). In this study, we further demonstrate that the secreted FasL also kills uninfected Fas-rich bystander retinal cells and that IE2 simultaneously protects the infected cells from undergoing apoptotic death, in part, by activating the expression of cellular FLIP (c-FLIP), an antiapoptotic molecule that blocks the direct downstream executer caspase 8 of the FasL/Fas pathway. c-FLIP induction requires the N-terminal 98 residues of IE2 and the c-FLIP promoter region spanning nucleotides −978 to −696. In vivo association of IE2 to this region, IE2-specific c-FLIP activation, and decrease of FasL-up-regulated activities of caspases 8 and 3 were all demonstrated in HCMV-infected human retinal cells. Moreover, c-FLIP up-regulation by IE2 appeared to involve PI3K and might also render cells resistant to TRAIL-mediated death. Finally, enhanced c-FLIP signals were immunohistochemically detected in IE-positive cells in the HCMV-infected lesions of the human retina. Taken together, these data demonstrate specific activation of c-FLIP by HCMV IE2 and indicate a novel role for c-FLIP in the pathogenesis of HCMV retinitis.
Regulatory T Cells Dampen Pulmonary Inflammation and Lung Injury in an Animal Model ofPneumocystisPneumonia
Authors: McKinley Laura , Logar Alison J. , McAllister Florencia , Zheng Mingquan , Steele Chad , Kolls Jay K.
Published: April 2014

CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells are decreased in patients infected with HIV and have been shown to be critical in mediating Ag tolerance in the lung. Because a subset of Pneumocystis-infected individuals develop substantial lung injury, which can be modeled in immune reconstituted scid mice, we used mouse models of Pneumocystis carinii to investigate the role of regulatory T cells in opportunistic infection and immune reconstitution. In this study, we show that CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells are part of the host response to Pneumocystis in CD4+ T cell-intact mice. Moreover, lung injury and proinflammatory Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung homogenate were increased following CD4+CD25− immune reconstitution in Pneumocystis-infected SCID mice but not in CD4+CD25+ T cell-reconstituted animals. The ability of CD4+CD25+ T cells to control inflammation and injury during the course of Pneumocystis was confirmed by treatment of wild-type C57BL/6 mice with anti-CD25 mAb. These data show that CD4+CD25+ T cells control pulmonary inflammation and lung injury associated with Pneumocystis infection both in the setting of immune reconstitution as well as new acquisition of infection.
Anti-HIV State but Not Apoptosis Depends on IFN Signature in CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Audigé Annette , Urosevic Mirjana , Schlaepfer Erika , Walker Russell , Powell Doug , Hallenberger Sabine , Joller Helen , Simon Hans-Uwe , Dummer Reinhard , Speck Roberto F.
Published: April 2014

To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying early host responses to HIV in the CD4+ T cell target population, we examined gene expression in CD4+ T cells isolated 24 h after ex vivo HIV infection of lymphocyte aggregate cultures derived from human tonsils. Gene profiling showed a distinct up-regulation of genes related to immune response and response to virus, notably of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), irrespective of the coreceptor tropism of the virus. This mostly IFN-α-dependent gene signature suggested the involvement of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, a principal component of the antiviral immune response. Indeed, depletion of plasmacytoid dendritic cells before HIV inoculation abrogated transcriptional up-regulation of several ISGs and resulted in increased levels of HIV replication. Treatment with a blocking anti-IFN-αR Ab yielded increased HIV replication; conversely, HIV replication was decreased in pDC-depleted cultures treated with IFN-α. Among up-regulated ISGs was also TRAIL, indicating a potential role of the IFN signature in apoptosis. However, a blocking anti-TRAIL Ab did not abrogate apoptosis of CD4+ T cells in CXCR4-tropic HIV-infected cultures, suggesting the involvement of pathways other than TRAIL mediated. We conclude that acute HIV infection of lymphoid tissue results in up-regulation of ISGs in CD4+ T cells, which induces an anti-HIV state but not apoptosis.
Immunoproteasomes Are Essential for Clearance ofListeria monocytogenesin Nonlymphoid Tissues but Not for Induction of Bacteria-Specific CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Strehl Britta , Joeris Thorsten , Rieger Melanie , Visekruna Alexander , Textoris-Taube Kathrin , Kaufmann Stefan H. E. , Kloetzel Peter-Michael , Kuckelkorn Ulrike , Steinhoff Ulrich
Published: April 2014

Microbial infections induce the replacement of constitutive proteasomes by immunoproteasomes (I-proteasomes). I-proteasomes support efficient generation of MHC class I epitopes and influence immunodominance hierarchies of CD8+ T cells. Recently, the function of I-proteasomes in antimicrobial responses was challenged by showing that the lack of I-proteasomes has no effect on induction and function of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-specific CD8+ T cells. Here, we show that infection with Listeria monocytogenes rapidly induces I-proteasomes in nonlymphoid tissues, which leads to enhanced generation of protection relevant CD8+ T cell epitopes. I-proteasome-deficient mice (β5i−/− mice) exhibited normal frequencies of L. monocytogenes-specific CD8+ T cells. However, clearance of L. monocytogenes in liver but not spleen was significantly impaired in I-proteasome-deficient mice. In summary, our studies demonstrate that induction of I-proteasomes is required for CD8+ T cell-mediated elimination of L. monocytogenes from nonlymphoid but not lymphoid tissues.
Mycobacterium tuberculosisSubverts Innate Immunity to Evade Specific Effectors
Authors: Loeuillet Corinne , Martinon Fabio , Perez Cynthia , Munoz Miguel , Thome Margot , Meylan Pascal R.
Published: April 2014

The macrophage is the niche of the intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Induction of macrophage apoptosis by CD4+ or CD8+ T cells is accompanied by reduced bacterial counts, potentially defining a host defense mechanism. We have already established that M. tuberculosis-infected primary human macrophages have a reduced susceptibility to Fas ligand (FasL)-induced apoptosis. To study the mechanisms by which M. tuberculosis prevents apoptotic signaling, we have generated a cell culture system based on PMA- and IFN-γ-differentiated THP-1 cells recapitulating the properties of primary macrophages. In these cells, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 or TLR2 agonists and mycobacterial infection protected macrophages from apoptosis and resulted in NF-κB nuclear translocation associated with up-regulation of the antiapoptotic cellular FLIP. Transduction of a receptor-interacting protein-2 dominant-negative construct showed that nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 is not involved in protection in the mycobacterial infection system. In contrast, both a dominant-negative construct of the MyD88 adaptor and an NF-κB inhibitor abrogated the protection against FasL-mediated apoptosis, showing the implication of TLR2-mediated activation of NF-κB in apoptosis protection in infected macrophages. The apoptosis resistance of infected macrophages might be considered as an immune escape mechanism, whereby M. tuberculosis subverts innate immunity signaling to protect its host cell against FasL+-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes.
Mechanisms of Neonatal Mucosal Antibody Protection
Authors: Harris Nicola L. , Spoerri Iris , Schopfer Jacqueline F. , Nembrini Chiara , Merky Patrick , Massacand Joanna , Urban Joseph F. , Lamarre Alain , Burki Kurt , Odermatt Bernhard , Zinkernagel Rolf M. , Macpherson Andrew J.
Published: April 2014

Following an abrupt transition at birth from the sterile uterus to an environment with abundant commensal and pathogenic microbes, neonatal mammals are protected by maternal Abs at mucosal surfaces. We show in mice that different Ab isotypes work in distinct ways to protect the neonatal mucosal surface. Secretory IgA acts to limit penetration of commensal intestinal bacteria through the neonatal intestinal epithelium: an apparently primitive process that does not require diversification of the primary natural Ab repertoire. In contrast, neonatal protection against the exclusively luminal parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus required IgG from primed females. This immune IgG could either be delivered directly in milk or retrotransported via neonatal Fc receptor from the neonatal serum into the intestinal lumen to exert its protective effect.
Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Limit Viral Replication, Pulmonary Inflammation, and Airway Hyperresponsiveness in Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Peters Nina , Schwarze Jürgen
Published: April 2014

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), as major producers of IFN-α, are thought not only to be pivotal in antiviral immunity, but also to limit allergic inflammation. In this study, we delineate the role of pDC in a mouse model of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced airway inflammation. Bone marrow-derived pDC generated high levels of IFN-α upon RSV infection, and the percentage of pDC expressing MHC class II and maturation-associated costimulatory molecules was increased. However, their weak Ag-presenting capacity was not enhanced. Furthermore, pDC induced marked levels of IL-10 in T cell cultures irrespective of infection. In vivo, numbers of pDC in the lung increased early after RSV infection and remained elevated throughout the inflammatory phase and the resolution phase of infection. Depletion of pDC resulted in increases in peak RSV titers, pulmonary inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness. In contrast, adoptive transfer of activated pDC to the airways reduced RSV copy numbers. In conclusion, RSV infection induces activation of murine pDC with robust IFN-α production, limiting replication and accelerating elimination of RSV. In addition to this innate response, pDC also may play an immune regulatory role in reducing pulmonary inflammation and inhibiting the development of airway hyperresponsiveness.
Trypanosoma cruzi-Mediated IFN-γ-Inducible Nitric Oxide Output in Macrophages Is Regulated byiNOSmRNA Stability
Authors: Bergeron Marc , Olivier Martin
Published: April 2014

Although the effects of activated macrophages (Μφ) on the intracellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi are well documented, little is known about how host-Μφ functions are affected by this pathogen before activation. This study is aimed at assessing the capacity of T. cruzi infection to modulate J77.4 murine Μφ NO generation following IFN-γ stimulation, and identifying mechanisms regulating this modulation. Results show that parasite infection potentiates Μφ to produce inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA and protein as well as NO following IFN-γ stimulation above IFN-γ alone controls. This potentiation occurs through the concomitant activation of NF-κB, ERK1/ERK2 MAPK, and stress-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Activation of the JAK/STAT pathway by IFN-γ then leads to STAT1α translocation and the transcription of a stable iNOS mRNA species. A decreased rate of iNOS mRNA degradation results in elevated levels of iNOS protein and NO production. Maximal iNOS expression is likely achieved through NF-κB activation by T. cruzi, whereas iNOS mRNA stability results from ERK1/ERK2 MAPK and stress-activated protein kinase activation by the infection. Taken together, our data show that T. cruzi-infected Μφ NO generation is controlled at both pre- and posttranscriptional levels and relies on signaling pathway cross-talk. This is the first report of a parasite pathogen capable of heightening host mRNA stability.
The Engagement of Activating FcγRs Inhibits Primate Lentivirus Replication in Human Macrophages
Authors: David Annie , Sáez-Cirión Asier , Versmisse Pierre , Malbec Odile , Iannascoli Bruno , Herschke Florence , Lucas Marianne , Barré-Sinoussi Françoise , Mouscadet Jean-François , Daëron Marc , Pancino Gianfranco
Published: April 2014

We previously reported that the stimulation of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) by plate-bound i.v. Igs inhibits HIV-1 replication. In this study, we show that IgG immune complexes also suppress HIV-1 replication in MDMs and that activating receptors for the Fc portion of IgG–FcγRI, FcγRIIA, and FcγRIII–are responsible for the inhibition. MDM stimulation through FcγRs induces activation signals and the secretion of HIV-1 modulatory cytokines, such as M-CSF, TNF-α, and macrophage-derived chemokine. However, none of these cytokines contribute to HIV-1 suppression. HIV-1 entry and postintegration steps of viral replication are not affected, whereas reduced levels of reverse transcription products and of integrated proviruses, as determined by real-time PCR analysis, account for the suppression of HIV-1 gene expression in FcγR-activated MDMs. We found that FcγR-dependent activation of MDMs also inhibits the replication of HIV-2, SIVmac, and SIVagm, suggesting a common control mechanism for primate immunodeficiency lentiviruses in activated macrophages.
Akt/Protein Kinase B Modulates Macrophage Inflammatory Response toFrancisellaInfection and Confers a Survival Advantage in Mice
Authors: Rajaram Murugesan V. S. , Ganesan Latha P. , Parsa Kishore V. L. , Butchar Jonathan P. , Gunn John S. , Tridandapani Susheela
Published: April 2014

The Gram-negative bacterium Francisella novicida infects primarily monocytes/macrophages and is highly virulent in mice. Macrophages respond by producing inflammatory cytokines that confer immunity against the infection. However, the molecular details of host cell response to Francisella infection are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that F. novicida infection of murine macrophages induces the activation of Akt. Inhibition of Akt significantly decreases proinflammatory cytokine production in infected macrophages, whereas production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 is enhanced. Analysis of the mechanism of Akt influence on cytokine response demonstrated that Akt promotes NF-κB activation. We have extended these findings to show that Akt activation may be regulated by bacterial genes associated with phagosomal escape. Infection with mglA mutants of F. novicida elicited sustained activation of Akt in comparison to cells infected with wild-type F. novicida. Concomitantly, there was significantly higher proinflammatory cytokine production and lower IL-10 production in cells infected with the mglA mutant. Finally, transgenic animals expressing constitutively active Akt displayed a survival advantage over their wild-type littermates when challenged with lethal doses of F. novicida. Together, these observations indicate that Akt promotes proinflammatory cytokine production by F. novicida-infected macrophages through its influence on NF-κB, thereby contributing to immunity against F. novicida infection.
Enhancement of CD8+ T Cell Immunity in the Lung by CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides Increases Protective Efficacy of a Modified Vaccinia Ankara Vaccine against Lethal Poxvirus Infection Even in a CD4-Deficient Host
Authors: Belyakov Igor M. , Isakov Dmitry , Zhu Qing , Dzutsev Amiran , Klinman Dennis , Berzofsky Jay A.
Published: April 2014

Immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) have proven effective as adjuvants for protein-based vaccines, but their impact on immune responses induced by live viral vectors is not known. We found that addition of CpG ODN to modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) markedly improved the induction of longer-lasting adaptive protective immunity in BALB/c mice against intranasal pathogenic vaccinia virus (Western Reserve; WR). Protection was mediated primarily by CD8+ T cells in the lung, as determined by CD8-depletion studies, protection in B cell-deficient mice, and greater protection correlating with CD8+ IFN-γ-producing cells in the lung but not with those in the spleen. Intranasal immunization was more effective at inducing CD8+ T cell immunity in the lung, and protection, than i.m. immunization. Addition of CpG ODN increased the CD8+ response but not the Ab response. Depletion of CD4 T cells before vaccination with MVA significantly diminished protection against pathogenic WR virus. However, CpG ODN delivered with MVA was able to substitute for CD4 help and protected CD4-depleted mice against WR vaccinia challenge. This study demonstrates for the first time a protective adjuvant effect of CpG ODN for a live viral vector vaccine that may overcome CD4 deficiency in the induction of protective CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity.
Mucosal Administration of Ag85B-ESAT-6 Protects against Infection withMycobacterium tuberculosisand Boosts Prior Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Immunity
Authors: Dietrich Jes , Andersen Claire , Rappuoli Rino , Doherty T. Mark , Jensen Charlotte Green , Andersen Peter
Published: April 2014

We have examined the intranasal administration of a vaccine against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) consisting of the mucosal adjuvant LTK63 and the Ag Ag85B-ESAT-6. Vaccination with LTK63/Ag85B-ESAT-6 gave a strong and sustained Th1 response mediated by IFN-γ-secreting CD4 cells, which led to long-lasting protection against tuberculosis, equivalent to that observed with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) or Ag85B-ESAT-6 in dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide/monophosphoryl lipid A. Because a crucial element of novel vaccine strategies is the ability to boost BCG-derived immunity, we also tested whether LTK63/Ag85B-ESAT-6 could act as a BCG booster vaccine in BCG-vaccinated mice. We found that vaccinating with LTK63/Ag85B-ESAT-6 strongly boosted prior BCG-stimulated immunity. Compared with BCG-vaccinated nonboosted mice, we observed that infection with M.tb led to a significant increase in anti-M.tb-specific CD4 T cells in the lungs of LTK63/Ag85B-ESAT-6-boosted animals. This correlated with a significant increase in the protection against M.tb in LTK63/Ag85B-ESAT-6-boosted mice, compared with BCG-vaccinated animals. Thus, LTK63/Ag85B-ESAT-6 represents an efficient preventive vaccine against tuberculosis with a strong ability to boost prior BCG immunity.
Antigen-Specific CD8+ T Cells and the Development of Central Memory during Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Kamath Arati , Woodworth Joshua S.M. , Behar Samuel M.
Published: April 2014

Whether true memory T cells develop in the face of chronic infection such as tuberculosis remains controversial. To address this question, we studied CD8+ T cells specific for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis ESAT6-related Ags TB10.3 and TB10.4. The shared epitope TB10.3/10.420–28 is presented by H-2 Kd, and 20–30% of the CD8+ T cells in the lungs of chronically infected mice are specific for this Ag following respiratory infection with M. tuberculosis. These TB10.3/10.420–28-specific CD8+ T cells produce IFN-γ and TNF and express CD107 on their cell surface, which indicates their likely role as CTL in vivo. Nearly all of the Ag-specific CD8+ T cells in the lungs of chronically infected mice had a T effector cell phenotype based on their low expression of CD62L and CD45RB. In contrast, a population of TB10.3/10.420–28-specific CD8+ T cells was identified in the lymphoid organs that express high levels of CD62L and CD45RB. Antibiotic treatment to resolve the infection led to a contraction of the Ag-specific CD8+ T cell population and was accompanied by an increase in the proportion of CD8+ T cells with a central memory phenotype. Finally, challenge of memory-immune mice with M. tuberculosis was accompanied by significant expansion of TB10.3/10.420–28-specific CD8+ T cells, which suggests that these cells are in fact functional memory T cells.
Engagement of CD14 Mediates the Inflammatory Potential of Monosodium Urate Crystals
Authors: Scott Peter , Ma Hong , Viriyakosol Suganya , Terkeltaub Robert , Liu-Bryan Ru
Published: April 2014

Phagocyte ingestion of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals can induce proinflammatory responses and trigger acute gouty inflammation. Alternatively, the uptake of MSU crystals by mature macrophages can be noninflammatory and promote resolution of gouty inflammation. Macrophage activation by extracellular MSU crystals involves apparent recognition and ingestion mediated by TLR2 and TLR4, with subsequent intracellular recognition linked to caspase-1 activation and IL-1β processing driven by the NACHT-LRR-PYD-containing protein-3 inflammasome. In this study, we examined the potential role in gouty inflammation of CD14, a phagocyte-expressed pattern recognition receptor that functionally interacts with both TLR2 and TLR4. MSU crystals, but not latex beads, directly bound recombinant soluble (s) CD14 in vitro. CD14−/− bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) demonstrated unimpaired phagocytosis of MSU crystals but reduced p38 phosphorylation and ∼90% less IL-1β and CXCL1 release. Attenuated MSU crystal-induced IL-1β release in CD14−/− BMDMs was mediated by decreased pro-IL-1β protein expression and additionally by decreased caspase-1 activation and IL-1β processing consistent with diminished NACHT-LRR-PYD-containing protein-3 inflammasome activation. Coating of MSU crystals with sCD14, but not sTLR2 or sTLR4, restored IL-1β and CXCL1 production in CD14−/− BMDMs in vitro. Gain of function of CD14 directly enhanced TLR4-mediated signaling in response to MSU crystals in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells in vitro. Last, MSU crystal-induced leukocyte influx at 6 h was reduced by∼75%, and local induction of IL-1β decreased by >80% in CD14−/− mouse s.c. air pouches in vivo. We conclude that engagement of CD14 is a central determinant of the inflammatory potential of MSU crystals.
Vav Proteins in Neutrophils Are Required for FcγR-Mediated Signaling to Rac GTPases and Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidase Component p40(phox)
Authors: Utomo Ahmad , Cullere Xavier , Glogauer Michael , Swat Wojciech , Mayadas Tanya N.
Published: April 2014

Phagocytes generate reactive oxygen species, the regulation of which is important in eliminating ingested microbes while limiting tissue damage. Clustering of FcγRs results in the activation of Vav proteins, Rho/Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factors, and results in robust superoxide generation through the NADPH oxidase. In this study, studies in neutrophils isolated from mice deficient in Vav or Rac isoforms demonstrate a critical role for Vav3 in Rac2-dependent activation of the NADPH oxidase following FcγR clustering. However, studies in cytokine-primed cells revealed a strict requirement for Vav1 and Vav3 and Rac1 and Rac2 in the FcγR-mediated oxidative burst. In comparison, Vav was not essential for PMA or G protein-coupled receptor-mediated superoxide generation. The FcγR-mediated oxidative burst defect in Vav-deficient cells was linked to aberrant Rac activation as well as Rac- and actin-polymerization-independent, but PI3K-dependent, phosphorylation of the NADPH oxidase component p40(phox). In macrophages, Vav regulation of Rac GTPases was required specifically in FcγR-mediated activation of the oxidative burst, but not in phagocytosis. Thus, Vav proteins specifically couple FcγR signaling to NADPH oxidase function through a Rac-dependent as well as an unexpected Rac-independent signal that is proximal to NADPH oxidase activation and does not require actin polymerization.
Evidence against Calcium as a Mediator of Mitochondrial Dysfunction during Apoptosis Induced by Arachidonic Acid and Other Free Fatty Acids
Authors: Maia Rita C. , Culver Carolyn A. , Laster Scott M.
Published: April 2014

Apoptosis is often accompanied by activation of phospholipase A2, causing release of free fatty acids (FFAs), which in turn are thought to contribute to the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψm). In these experiments, we asked whether calcium plays a role as an intermediate in this process. A total of 14 FFAs were compared for their ability to cause loss of Δψm and for their ability to affect levels of intracellular calcium. Among the FFAs, unsaturated FFAs tended to induce apoptosis while saturated FFAs did not. Arachidonic acid (AA) was most damaging, causing loss of Δψm and cell death in 8–10 h while linoleic acid, γ-linolenic acid, and docosapentaenoic also strongly induced apoptosis. Effects of the FFAs on levels of intracellular calcium were very different. Many caused strong calcium responses; however, the ability to induce a strong calcium response was not predictive of ability to induce apoptosis, and overall, we did not find a correlation between apoptosis and calcium induction. Also, verapamil and TMB-8 were able to block the calcium response, but these inhibitors did not prevent loss of Δψm, indicating that the calcium response is not necessary for FFA-induced loss of Δψm. In contrast, we found that cyclosporine A could inhibit the AA-induced loss of Δψm with both whole cells and isolated mitochondria, confirming that the antimitochondrial effects of FFA can stem from direct effects on the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Finally, we show that the strong apoptosis-inducing activity of AA may stem from its ability to selectively induce its own release.
HIV and Other Lentiviral Infections Cause Defects in Neutrophil Chemotaxis, Recruitment, and Cell Structure: Immunorestorative Effects of Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
Authors: Heit Bryan , Jones Gareth , Knight Derrice , Antony Joseph M. , Gill M. John , Brown Christopher , Power Christopher , Kubes Paul
Published: April 2014

Patients with HIV infection exhibit deficits in bacterial and fungal clearance, and possibly depressed innate immunity. In this study, we observed that neutrophils from HIV-infected patients have a profound defect in chemotaxis in response to endogenous (IL-8) and bacterial (fMLP) chemoattractants, which was directly correlated with peripheral CD4+ lymphocyte levels but not plasma viral load. A similar chemotactic defect was observed in the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) model of HIV infection. Intravital microscopy of FIV-infected animals revealed marked impairment in the in vivo recruitment of leukocytes; specifically integrin-dependent neutrophil adhesion and emigration induced by bacterial products. Treatment of FIV-infected animals with GM-CSF re-established both neutrophil recruitment (rolling, adhesion, and emigration) and in vitro chemotaxis to the levels seen in uninfected animals. This restoration of neutrophil responses was not due to GM-CSF-mediated priming. Rather, HIV and FIV infections resulted in defective neutrophil development, with an ensuing reduction in neutrophil granularity and chemotactic receptor expression. GM-CSF therapy restored neutrophil granularity, implying restoration of normal neutrophil development. Together, our findings underscore the fundamental defects in innate immunity caused by lentivirus infections, while also indicating that GM-CSF may be a potential immunorestorative therapy for HIV-infected patients.
CD40 Ligand Enhances Dengue Viral Infection of Dendritic Cells: A Possible Mechanism for T Cell-Mediated Immunopathology
Authors: Sun Peifang , Celluzzi Christina M. , Marovich Mary , Subramanian Hemavathy , Eller Michael , Widjaja Susana , Palmer Dupeh , Porter Kevin , Sun Wellington , Burgess Timothy
Published: April 2014

We have previously shown that dengue virus (DV) productively infects immature human dendritic cells (DCs) through binding to cell surface DC-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin molecules. Infected DCs are apoptotic, refractory to TNF-α stimulation, inhibited from undergoing maturation, and unable to stimulate T cells. In this study, we show that maturation of infected DCs could be restored by a strong stimulus, CD40L. Addition of CD40L significantly reduced apoptosis of DCs, promoted IL-12 production, and greatly elevated the IFN-γ response of T cells, but yet did not restore T cell proliferation in MLR. Increased viral infection of DCs was also observed; however, increased infection did not appear to be mediated by DC-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin, but rather was regulated by decreased production of IFN-α and decreased apoptotic death of infected DCs. Because CD40L is highly expressed on activated memory (but not naive) T cells, the observation that CD40L signaling results in enhanced DV infection of DC suggests a possible T cell-dependent mechanism for the immune-mediated enhancement of disease severity associated with some secondary dengue infections.
A Truncated Alternative Spliced Isoform of Human Desmoglein 1 Contains a Specific T Cell Epitope Binding to the Pemphigus Foliaceus-Associated HLA Class II DRβ1*0102 Molecule
Authors: Mouquet Hugo , Farci Sandrine , Joly Pascal , Maillère Bernard , Leblond Jonathan , Drouot Laurent , Leprince Jérôme , Tonon Marie Christine , Loiseau Pascale , Charron Dominique , Tron François , Gilbert Danièle
Published: April 2014

Desmogleins (Dsg) are transmembrane glycoproteins of the desmosome that allow a cell-cell adhesion between keratinocytes and comprise four different isoforms (Dsg1 to Dsg4). Two Dsg are targeted by pathogenic autoantibodies produced in the course of autoimmune bullous skin diseases, Dsg1 in pemphigus foliaceus (PF), and Dsg3 and Dsg1 in pemphigus vulgaris. The genetic susceptibility to PF is associated with certain HLA class II alleles, which are thought to participate in disease pathogenesis through their capacity to accommodate autoantigen-derived peptides and present them to autoreactive T cells. So far, a unique isoform of Dsg1 has been described in humans, which includes several immunodominant T cell epitopes. In this study, we describe an alternative transcript of DSG1, which contains a 101-bp insertion corresponding to the 3′ end of DSG1-intron 6 and introducing a stop codon in the nucleotide sequence. This alternative transcript leads to the synthesis of a truncated isoform of Dsg1 expressed in normal human epidermis. This isoform bears a specific peptide sequence that binds to the PF-associated HLA class II DRβ1*0102 molecule as shown in a HLA-DR peptide-binding assay, and induces PF T cell proliferation. These data provide an illustration of an autoantigen encoded by alternative spliced transcript that may participate in the pathogenesis of the disease by bearing PF-associated HLA class II restricted-epitope.
Gene Transfer of Tumor-Reactive TCR Confers Both High Avidity and Tumor Reactivity to Nonreactive Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes
Authors: Johnson Laura A. , Heemskerk Bianca , Powell Daniel J. , Cohen Cyrille J. , Morgan Richard A. , Dudley Mark E. , Robbins Paul F. , Rosenberg Steven A.
Published: April 2014

Cell-based antitumor immunity is driven by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells bearing TCR that recognize specific tumor-associated peptides bound to class I MHC molecules. Of several cellular proteins involved in T cell:target-cell interaction, the TCR determines specificity of binding; however, the relative amount of its contribution to cellular avidity remains unknown. To study the relationship between TCR affinity and cellular avidity, with the intent of identifying optimal TCR for gene therapy, we derived 24 MART-1:27-35 (MART-1) melanoma Ag-reactive tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) clones from the tumors of five patients. These MART-1-reactive clones displayed a wide variety of cellular avidities. α and β TCR genes were isolated from these clones, and TCR RNA was electroporated into the same non-MART-1-reactive allogeneic donor PBMC and TIL. TCR recipient cells gained the ability to recognize both MART-1 peptide and MART-1-expressing tumors in vitro, with avidities that closely corresponded to the original TCR clones (p = 0.018–0.0003). Clone DMF5, from a TIL infusion that mediated tumor regression clinically, showed the highest avidity against MART-1 expressing tumors in vitro, both endogenously in the TIL clone, and after RNA electroporation into donor T cells. Thus, we demonstrated that the TCR appeared to be the core determinant of MART-1 Ag-specific cellular avidity in these activated T cells and that nonreactive PBMC or TIL could be made tumor-reactive with a specific and predetermined avidity. We propose that inducing expression of this highly avid TCR in patient PBMC has the potential to induce tumor regression, as an “off-the-shelf” reagent for allogeneic melanoma patient gene therapy.