bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conformational Changes in Mannan-Binding Lectin Bound to Ligand Surfaces
Authors: Dong Mingdong , Xu Sailong , Oliveira Cristiano L. P. , Pedersen Jan S. , Thiel Steffen , Besenbacher Flemming , Vorup-Jensen Thomas 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The binding of soluble proteins to target surfaces is vital in triggering the immune response. However, structural insight into such processes is still lacking. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a classic example of a pattern recognition molecule with important roles in innate immunity against microbial infections. By small angle x-ray scattering analysis we show that the large MBL complex in solution is folded into a ramified structure with a striking rotational symmetry and a structure permissive of elongation by unbending. Nevertheless, the structure in solution is found to be very stable. However, when the MBL molecule interacts with surface-immobilized ligands, the stable MBL structure is broken into a stretched state with separation of the ligand-binding domains as shown by high resolution atomic force microscopy. These studies provide a snapshot of the single molecule mechanics of MBL and the first direct evidence that the transition from the soluble state to surface-bound protein involves large conformational changes in the quaternary structure, thus highlighting the role of surface topography in immune recognition.
Reporter Gene Insertions Reveal a Strictly B Lymphoid-Specific Expression Pattern of Pax5 in Support of Its B Cell Identity Function
Authors: Fuxa Martin , Busslinger Meinrad 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The transcription factor Pax5 is essential for B cell commitment and development. Although the detailed Pax5 expression pattern within the hemopoietic system is still largely unknown, we previously reported that Pax5 is monoallelically transcribed in pro-B and mature B cells. In this study, we have investigated the expression of Pax5 at single-cell resolution by inserting a GFP or human Cd2 indicator gene under the translational control of an internal ribosomal entry sequence into the 3′ untranslated region of Pax5. These insertions were noninvasive, as B cell development was normal in Pax5ihCd2/ihCd2 and Pax5iGFP/iGFP mice. Transheterozygous Pax5ihCd2/iGFP mice coexpressed GFP and human CD2 at similar levels from pro-B to mature B cells, thus demonstrating biallelic expression of Pax5 at all stages of B cell development. No reporter gene expression could be detected in plasma cells and non-B cells of the hemopoietic system. Moreover, the vast majority of common lymphoid progenitors and pre-pro-B cells in the bone marrow of Pax5iGFP/iGFP mice did not yet express GFP, indicating that Pax5 expression is fully switched on only during the transition from uncommitted pre-pro-B cells to committed pro-B cells. Hence, the transcriptional initiation and B cell-specific expression of Pax5 is entirely consistent with its B cell lineage commitment function.
NF-AT-Mediated Expression of TGF-β1 in Tolerant T Cells
Authors: Nakano Naoko , Hosokawa Hiroyuki , Kohyama Masako , Hozumi Nobumichi 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
During T cell development in the thymus, a certain population of self-reactive thymocytes differentiates into regulatory T cells that suppress otherwise harmful self-reactive T cells. In transgenic mice expressing both TCR that specifically recognizes moth cytochrome c and the moth cytochrome c ligand, a large proportion of CD4+ T cells expresses CD25 and secretes TGF-β1 upon Ag stimulation. Because TGF-β1 expression by these T cells can be decreased by cyclosporin A, a NF-AT inhibitor, NF-AT-mediated TGF-β1 expression in T cells was addressed by characterizing a NF-AT response element in the TGF-β1 promoter. Analysis of the mouse TGF-β1 promoter (−1799 to +793) in transfection experiments in T cell 68-41 hybridoma cells detected NF-AT binding sites at positions +268 and +288 in the proximal promoter region. Binding of NF-AT to this region was detected only in tolerant CD4+ T cells, but not in fully activated CD4+ T cells by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Activation of these NF-AT sites was sufficient to induce TGF-β1 promoter activity; however, additional signaling due to full Ag stimulation blocked NF-AT-mediated TGF-β1 expression. This suppression of the TGF-β1 promoter is mediated by the −1079 to −406 region, in which deletion of a GATA-binding motif at position −821 abrogates NF-AT-mediated activation of the TGF-β1 promoter. Therefore, TGF-β1 expression in T cells is controlled by multiple regulatory factors that have distinct functions in response to partial or full TCR activation.
Fragmentation of Two Quantitative Trait Loci Controlling Collagen-Induced Arthritis Reveals a New Set of Interacting Subloci
Authors: Ahlqvist Emma , Bockermann Robert , Holmdahl Rikard 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Linkage analysis of F2 crosses has led to identification of large numbers of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for complex diseases, but identification of the underlying genes has been more difficult. Reasons for this could be complications that arise from separation of interacting or neighboring loci. We made a partial advanced intercross (PAI) to characterize and fine-map linkage to collagen-induced arthritis in two chromosomal regions derived from the DBA/1 strain and crossed into the B10.Q strain: Cia7 on chromosome 7 and a locus on chromosome 15. Only Cia7 was detected by a previous F2 cross. Linkage analysis of the PAI revealed a different linkage pattern than the F2 cross, adding multiple loci and strong linkage to the previously unlinked chromosome 15 region. Subcongenic strains derived from animals in the PAI confirmed the loci and revealed additional subloci. In total, no less than seven new loci were identified. Several loci interacted and three loci were protective, thus partly balancing the effect of the disease-promoting loci. Our results indicate that F2 crosses do not reveal the full complexity of identified QTLs, and that detection is more dependent on the genetic context of a QTL than the potential effect of the underlying gene.
IL-13 Mediates In Vivo IL-9 Activities on Lung Epithelial Cells but Not on Hematopoietic Cells
Authors: Steenwinckel Valérie , Louahed Jamila , Orabona Ciriana , Huaux François , Warnier Guy , McKenzie Andrew , Lison Dominique , Levitt Roy , Renauld Jean-Christophe 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Increased IL-9 expression, either systemically or under the control of lung-specific promoter, induces an asthma-like phenotype, including mucus overproduction, mastocytosis, lung eosinophilia, and airway hyperresponsiveness. These activities correlate with increased production of other Th2 cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in IL-9 Tg mice. To determine the exact role of IL-13 in this phenotype, mice overexpressing IL-9 were crossed with IL-13-deficient mice. In these animals, IL-9 could still induce mastocytosis and B lymphocyte infiltration of the lungs. Although IL-9-induced eosinophilia in the peritoneal cavity was not diminished in the absence of IL-13, IL-13 was required for IL-9 to increase eotaxin expression and lung eosinophilia. Mucus production and up-regulation of lung epithelial genes upon IL-9 overexpression were completely abolished in the absence of IL-13. Using hemopoietic cell transfer experiments with recipients that overexpressed IL-9 but were deficient in the IL-9 receptor (IL-9R), we could demonstrate that the effect of IL-9 on lung epithelial cells is indirect and could be fully restored by transfer of hemopoietic cells expressing IL-9R. Mucus production by lung epithelial cells was only up-regulated when hemopoietic cells simultaneously expressed functional IL-9R and IL-13 genes, indicating that IL-13 is not a cofactor but a direct mediator of the effect of IL-9 on lung epithelial cells. Taken together, these data indicate that IL-9 can promote asthma through IL-13-independent pathways via expansion of mast cells, eosinophils, and B cells, and through induction of IL-13 production by hemopoietic cells for mucus production and recruitment of eosinophils by lung epithelial cells.
Immunotherapy of Tumors with Neuroimmune Ligand Capsaicin
Authors: Beltran Jacqueline , Ghosh Amiya K. , Basu Sreyashi 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Red chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) is a highly consumed spice throughout the world. Its principal pungent ingredient is the phenol capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide). Capsaicin causes neurogenic inflammation and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. We have observed previously that dendritic cells, a key cell type in immune responses, have the receptor for capsaicin, and engagement of this receptor has powerful immune consequences. In this study, we demonstrate that intratumoral administration of capsaicin into a preexisting tumor results in retarded progression of the injected tumor regardless of whether the tumor is at its early or late stage. Furthermore, it leads to significant inhibition of growth of other, uninjected tumors in the same animal. Capsaicin-elicited immunity is shown to be T cell-mediated and tumor-specific. These results reflect the immunological potency of a neurological ligand in modulating immune response against an established tumor.
Analysis of TCRαβ Combinations used by Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Specific CD8+ T Cells in Rhesus Monkeys: Implications for CTL Immunodominance
Authors: Hasegawa Atsuhiko , Moriya Chikaya , Liu Huining , Charini William A. , Vinet Heather C. , Subbramanian Ramu A. , Sen Pritha , Letvin Norman L. , Kuroda Marcelo J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Immunodominance is a common feature of Ag-specific CTL responses to infection or vaccines. Understanding the basis of immunodominance is crucial to understanding cellular immunity and viral evasion mechanisms and will provide a rational approach for improving HIV vaccine design. This study was performed comparing CTLs specific for the SIV Gag p11C (dominant) and SIV Pol p68A (subdominant) epitopes that are consistently generated in Mamu-A*01+ rhesus monkeys exposed to SIV proteins. Additionally, vaccinated monkeys were used to prevent any issues of antigenic variation or dynamic changes in CTL responses by continuous Ag exposure. Analysis of the TCR repertoire revealed the usage of higher numbers of TCR clones by the dominant p11C-specific CTL population. Preferential usage of specific TCRs and the in vitro functional TCR-α- and -β-chain-pairing assay suggests that every peptide/MHC complex may only be recognized by a limited number of unique combinations of α- and β-chain pairs. The wider array of TCR clones used by the dominant p11C-specific CTL population might be explained by the higher probability of generating those specific TCR chain pairs. Our data suggest that Ag-specific naive T cell precursor frequency may be predetermined and that this process dictates immunodominance of SIV-specific CD8+ T cell responses. These findings will aid in understanding immunodominance and designing new approaches to modulate CTL responses.
The Activating NKG2D Ligand MHC Class I-Related Chain A Transfers from Target Cells to NK Cells in a Manner That Allows Functional Consequences
Authors: McCann Fiona E. , Eissmann Philipp , Önfelt Björn , Leung Rufina , Davis Daniel M. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Recently, it has become apparent that surface proteins commonly transfer between immune cells in contact. Inhibitory receptors and ligands exchange between cells during NK cell surveillance and we report here that NK cells also acquire activating ligands from target cells. Specifically, the stress-inducible activating ligand for NKG2D, MHC class I-related chain A (MICA), transferred to NK cells upon conjugation with MICA-expressing target cells. Acquisition of MICA from target cells was dependent on cell contact and occurred after accumulation of MICA at the immunological synapse. Moreover, transfer of MICA was facilitated by specific molecular recognition via NKG2D and augmented by Src kinase signaling. Importantly, MICA associated with its new host NK cell membrane in an orientation that allowed engagement with NKG2D in trans and indeed could down-regulate NKG2D in subsequent homotypic interactions with other NK cells. MICA captured from target cells could subsequently transfer between NK cells and, more importantly, NK cell degranulation was triggered in such NK cell-NK cell interactions. Thus, NK cells can influence other NK cells with proteins acquired from target cells and our data specifically suggest that NK cells could lyse other NK cells upon recognition of activating ligands acquired from target cells. This mechanism could constitute an important function for immunoregulation of NK cell activity.
Flt3 Ligand Expands Lymphoid Progenitors Prior to Recovery of Thymopoiesis and Accelerates T Cell Reconstitution after Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Wils Evert-Jan , Braakman Eric , Verjans Georges M. G. M. , Rombouts Elwin J. C. , Broers Annoek E. C. , Niesters Hubert G. M. , Wagemaker Gerard , Staal Frank J. T. , Löwenberg Bob , Spits Hergen , Cornelissen Jan J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Deficient thymopoiesis and retarded recovery of newly developed CD4+ T cells is one of the most important determinants of impaired immunocompetence after hemopoietic stem cell transplantation. Here we evaluated whether Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3) ligand (FL) alone or combined with IL-7 affects T cell recovery, thymopoiesis, and lymphoid progenitor expansion following bone marrow transplantation in immunodeficient mice. FL strongly accelerated and enhanced the recovery of peripheral T cells after transplantation of a low number of bone marrow cells. An additive effect on T cell recovery was not observed after coadministration of IL-7. Lineage−sca-1+c-kit+flt3+ lymphoid progenitor cell numbers were significantly increased in bone marrow of FL-treated mice before recovery of thymopoiesis. Thymocyte differentiation was advanced to more mature stages after FL treatment. Improved T cell recovery resulted in better immunocompetence against a post-bone marrow transplantation murine CMV infection. Collectively, our data suggest that FL promotes T cell recovery by enhanced thymopoiesis and by expansion of lymphoid progenitors.
Induction of a Th1 Response from Th2-Polarized T Cells by Activated Dendritic Cells: Dependence on TCR:Peptide-MHC Interaction, ICAM-1, IL-12, and IFN-γ
Authors: Radhakrishnan Suresh , Wiehagen Karla R. , Pulko Vesna , Van Keulen Virginia , Faubion William A. , Knutson Keith L. , Pease Larry R. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) are important regulators of T cell immunity. The degree of stimulation, the pattern of costimulatory molecules expressed, and the cytokines secreted by DC dictate the nature of the effector and memory cells generated, particularly with respect to their Th1 or Th2 phenotypes. In this study, we demonstrate that the addition of activated DC to spleen cultures containing established Th2-polarized CD4+ T cells was sufficient to suppress Th2 and induce Th1 cytokines in a recall response, a phenomenon referred to as phenotype reversal. The ability of activated DC to induce phenotype reversal displayed exquisite Ag specificity. The DC activator B7-DC cross-linking Ab (XAb) was &gt;10,000-fold more efficient at inducing phenotype reversal than the TLR agonists CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide and Gardiquimod. Characterization of the mechanisms governing phenotype reversal revealed the requirement for cognate interaction between the TCR:peptide-MHC complex, the expression of the costimulation/adhesion molecule ICAM-1, and secretion of IL-12 and IFN-γ by the activated DC. The requirement for the costimulation/adhesion molecule SLAM (signaling lymphocytic activation molecule) was found to be quantitative. Thus, activation of DC, particularly by crosslinking B7-DC, can modulate well-established Th2 T cell responses in an Ag-specific manner. Because the regulation of mouse and human DC by B7-DC XAb overlaps in several significant ways, immune modulation with B7-DC XAb is a potential strategy for treating Th2-mediated diseases.
Synergistic Effect of Bacillus Calmette Guerin and a Tuberculosis Subunit Vaccine in Cationic Liposomes: Increased Immunogenicity and Protection
Authors: Dietrich Jes , Billeskov Rolf , Doherty T. Mark , Andersen Peter 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In the present work, we evaluated a new TB vaccine approach based on a combination of the Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine and a subunit vaccine consisting of the proteins Ag85B and ESAT-6. We demonstrate that in addition to its vaccine efficacy BCG is an immune modulator that can potentiate a Th1 immune response better than the well-known adjuvant mono phosphoryl lipid A, leading to enhanced recognition of the subunit vaccine Ag85B-ESAT-6. Importantly, adding a vehicle to the vaccine, such as the cationic liposome dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA), significantly increased the potentiating effect of BCG. This synergistic effect between BCG and Ag85B-ESAT-6/liposome required drainage to the same lymph node of all vaccine components but did not require direct mixing of the components and was therefore also observed when BCG and Ag85B-ESAT-6/liposome were given as separate injections at sites draining to the same lymph node. The resulting optimized vaccine protocol consisting of BCG and subunit in liposomes (injected side by side) followed by boosting with the subunit in conventional adjuvant resulted in an impressive increase in the protective efficacy of up to 7-fold compared with BCG alone and 3-fold compared with unaugmented BCG boosted by the subunit vaccine. Thus, these studies suggest an immunization strategy where a novel TB subunit vaccine is administered as part of the child vaccination program together with BCG in neonates and followed by subunit boosting.
Overexpression of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling-3 in T Cells Exacerbates Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Numata Kosuke , Kubo Masato , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Takagi Katsumasa , Mizuta Hiroshi , Okada Seiji , Kunkel Steven L. , Ito Takaaki , Matsukawa Akihiro 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Cytokines have been implicated in the progression of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury. Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are negative regulators of cytokine signaling by inhibiting the JAK-STAT pathway, but their role in APAP hepatotoxicity is unknown. In this present study, we attempted to explore the role of SOCS3 in T cells in APAP-induced liver injury. Mice with a cell-specific overexpression of SOCS3 in T cells (SOCS3Tg, in which Tg is transgenic) exhibited exaggerated hepatic injury after APAP challenge, as evidenced by increased serum alanine aminotransferase levels, augmented hepatic necrosis, and decreased survival relative to the wild-type mice. Adaptive transfer of SOCS3Tg-CD4+ T cells into T and B cell-deficient RAG-2−/− mice resulted in an exacerbated liver injury relative to the control. In SOCS3Tg mice, hepatocyte apoptosis was enhanced with decreased expression of antiapoptotic protein bcl-2, whereas hepatocyte proliferation was reduced with altered cell cycle-regulatory proteins. Levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α in the circulation were augmented in SOCS3Tg mice relative to the control. Studies using neutralizing Abs indicated that elevated IFN-γ and TNF-α were responsible for the exacerbated hepatotoxicity in SOCS3Tg mice. Activation of STAT1 that is harmful in liver injury was augmented in SOCS3Tg hepatocytes. Alternatively, hepatoprotective STAT3 activation was decreased in SOCS3Tg hepatocytes, an event that was associated with augmented SOCS3 expression in the hepatocytes. Altogether, these results suggest that forced expression of SOCS3 in T cells is deleterious in APAP hepatotoxicity by increasing STAT1 activation while decreasing STAT3 activation in hepatocytes, possibly through elevated IFN-γ and TNF-α.
IL-21 Has a Pathogenic Role in a Lupus-Prone Mouse Model and Its Blockade with IL-21R.Fc Reduces Disease Progression
Authors: Herber Deborah , Brown Thomas P. , Liang Spencer , Young Deborah A. , Collins Mary , Dunussi-Joannopoulos Kyri 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by dysregulated interactions between autoreactive T and B lymphocytes and the development of anti-nuclear Abs. The recently described pleiotropic cytokine IL-21 has been shown to regulate B cell differentiation and function. IL-21 is produced by activated T lymphocytes and its interactions with IL-21R are required for isotype switching and differentiation of B cells into Ab-secreting cells. In this report, we studied the impact of blocking IL-21 on disease in the lupus-prone MRL-Faslpr mouse model. Mice treated for 10 wk with IL-21R.Fc fusion protein had reduced proteinuria, fewer IgG glomerular deposits, no glomerular basement membrane thickening, reduced levels of circulating dsDNA autoantibodies and total sera IgG1 and IgG2a, and reduced skin lesions and lymphadenopathy, compared with control mice. Also, treatment with IL-21R.Fc resulted in a reduced number of splenic T lymphocytes and altered splenic B lymphocyte ex vivo function. Our data show for the first time that IL-21 has a pathogenic role in the MRL-Faslpr lupus model by impacting B cell function and regulating the production of pathogenic autoantibodies. From a clinical standpoint, these results suggest that blocking IL-21 in systemic lupus erythematosus patients may represent a promising novel therapeutic approach.
Immobilized Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1α Triggers Rapid VLA-4 Affinity Increases to Stabilize Lymphocyte Tethers on VCAM-1 and Subsequently Initiate Firm Adhesion
Authors: DiVietro Jeffrey A. , Brown David C. , Sklar Larry A. , Larson Richard S. , Lawrence Michael B. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The integrin VLA-4 (α4β1) mediates tethering and rolling events as well as firm adhesion of leukocytes to VCAM-1. Unlike selectins, VLA-4 integrin-mediated lymphocyte adhesiveness can be modulated by chemokines through intracellular signaling pathways. To investigate the effects of the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) on VLA-4-mediated lymphocyte adhesion, human PBL were flowed over VCAM-1 substrates in a parallel plate flow chamber with surface-immobilized SDF-1α, a potent activator of firm adhesion. The initial tethering interactions had a median lifetime of 200 ms, consistent with the half-life of low-affinity VLA-4-VCAM-1 bonds. Immobilized SDF-1α acted within the lifetime of a primary tether to stabilize initial tethering interactions, increasing the likelihood a PBL would remain interacting with the surface. As expected, the immobilized SDF-1α also increased the ratio of PBL firm adhesion to rolling. An LDV peptide-based small molecule that preferentially binds high-affinity VLA-4 reduced PBL firm adhesion to VCAM-1 by 90%. The reduction in firm adhesion due to blockage of high-affinity VLA-4 was paralleled by a 4-fold increase in the fraction of rolling PBL. Chemokine activation of PBL firm adhesion on VCAM-1 depended on induction of high-affinity VLA-4 rather than recruitment of a pre-existing pool of high-affinity VLA-4 as previously thought.