bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cutting Edge: Sanglifehrin A, a Novel Cyclophilin-Binding Immunosuppressant Blocks Bioactive IL-12 Production by Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Steinschulte Christoph , Taner Timucin , Thomson Angus W. , Bein Gregor , Hackstein Holger 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Sanglifehrin A (SFA) is a novel cyclophilin-binding immunosuppressant with an unknown mechanism of action. IL-12p70 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of inflammation and autoimmune diseases. We discovered that SFA abrogates bioactive IL-12p70 production by human dendritic cells, the major producers of this cytokine. In direct comparison to the related calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporin A and the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor rapamycin, SFA acts uniquely within 1 h to inhibit (80–95%) IL-12p70 production by differentiated dendritic cells. Experiments with Toll-like receptor 3 and 4 ligands show a stimulus-independent suppression. Competitive experiments with a molar excess of cyclosporin A indicate a cyclophilin A-independent blockade of IL-12p70 production. We confirm potent inhibition of IL-12p70 production by SFA using purified human blood DC. Real-time RT-PCR reveals 84–94% suppression of IL-12p40, IL-12p35, and IL-23-specific p19 transcription. These novel insights into the immunosuppressive action of SFA are likely to impact on the clinical use of this agent.
Cutting Edge: Germinal Centers Formed in the Absence of B Cell-Activating Factor Belonging to the TNF Family Exhibit Impaired Maturation and Function
Authors: Vora Kalpit A. , Wang Li Chun , Rao Sambasiva P. , Liu Zhong-Ying , Majeau Gerard R. , Cutler Anne H. , Hochman Paula S. , Scott Martin L. , Kalled Susan L. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Germinal centers (GCs) form in B cell follicles and require specific signals for development and maintenance. B cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF) is a fundamental B cell survival factor and therefore may influence GC reactions and subsequent Ab responses. To test this possibility, the effect of BAFF neutralization in immunized mice was assessed. Using B cell maturation Ag-Fc, we demonstrate that BAFF blockade does not inhibit GC formation or somatic hypermutation. However, GCs in B cell maturation Ag-Fc-treated mice dissipated more rapidly than those of control mice and did not form a mature follicular dendritic cell reticulum. Examination of immunized BAFF-null mice validated the BAFF-independent nature of GC formation. Furthermore, Ab responses, including high-affinity responses, were attenuated. This is the first evidence that BAFF is required for maintenance, but not initiation, of the GC reaction, and it further hints that somatic hypermutation within the GC and selection of Ag-specific high-affinity Ab could be uncoupled.
A High Endothelial Venule Secretory Protein, Mac25/Angiomodulin, Interacts with Multiple High Endothelial Venule-Associated Molecules Including Chemokines
Authors: Nagakubo Daisuke , Murai Toshiyuki , Tanaka Toshiyuki , Usui Takeo , Matsumoto Masanori , Sekiguchi Kiyotoshi , Miyasaka Masayuki 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We previously reported that mac25/angiomodulin (AGM), a 30-kDa secretory protein, is abundantly expressed in high endothelial venules (HEVs), which play a crucial role in lymphocyte trafficking to the lymph nodes and Peyer’s patches. We report that mac25/AGM interacts preferentially with certain molecules that are expressed in or around HEVs. In particular, mac25/AGM interacted with not only the extracellular matrix proteins and glycosaminoglycans that are expressed in most blood vessels including HEVs, but also with some chemokines that are implicated in the regulation of lymphocyte trafficking, such as the secondary lymphoid-tissue chemokine (SLC; CCL21), IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10; CXCL10), and RANTES (CCL5). The binding of mac25/AGM to SLC and IP-10 was dose-dependent and saturable. The binding to IP-10 could be inhibited by SLC but not by a non-mac25/AGM-binding chemokine, EBI1-ligand chemokine (ELC; CCL19). Interestingly, mac25/AGM failed to interact with 18 other chemokines, suggesting that it binds to certain chemokines preferentially. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that mac25/AGM colocalizes at least partially with SLC and IP-10 at the basal lamina of HEVs. Upon binding with mac25/AGM, SLC and IP-10 retained all their Ca2+-signaling activity in vitro, suggesting that mac25/AGM can hold and present chemokines in the basal lamina of HEVs. These results imply that mac25/AGM plays a multifunctional role, serving not only as an adhesion protein to interact with glycosaminoglycans and extracellular matrix proteins but also as a molecule to present chemokines so that lymphocytes extravasating through HEVs receive further directional cues subsequent to the luminal encounter with lymphoid chemokines.
FcγRs Modulate Cytotoxicity of Anti-Fas Antibodies: Implications for Agonistic Antibody-Based Therapeutics
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Szalai Alexander J. , Zhou Tong , Zinn Kurt R. , Chaudhuri Tandra R. , Li Xiaoli , Koopman William J. , Kimberly Robert P. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Development of anti-Fas Abs to treat diseases with insufficient Fas-mediated apoptosis has been limited by concern about hepatotoxicity. We report here that hepatotoxicity elicited by anti-Fas Ab Jo2 is dependent on FcγRIIB. Thus, following Jo2 treatment, all FcγRIIB−/− mice survived while 80% of wild-type and all FcR-γ−/− mice died from acute liver failure. Microscopic examination suggests that FcγRIIB deficiency protects the hepatic sinusoidal endothelium, a cell type that normally coexpresses Fas and FcγRIIB. In vitro studies showed that FcγRIIB, but not FcγRI and FcγRIII, on neighboring macrophages substantially enhanced Jo2 mediated apoptosis of Fas expressing target cells. However, FcγRI and FcγRIII appeared essential for apoptosis-inducing activity of a non-hepatotoxic anti-Fas mAb HFE7A. These findings imply that by interacting with the Fc region of agonistic Abs, FcγRs can modulate both the desired and undesired consequences of Ab-based therapy. Recognizing this fact should facilitate development of safer and more efficacious agonistic Abs.
Tumor Cells Engineered with IL-12 and IL-15 Genes Induce Protective Antibody Responses in Nude Mice
Authors: Orengo Anna Maria , Di Carlo Emma , Comes Alberto , Fabbi Marina , Piazza Tiziana , Cilli Michele , Musiani Piero , Ferrini Silvano 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIL-12 and IL-15 stimulate T, B, and NK cell functions through independent mechanisms, and cooperative effects of these cytokines have been reported. The human MHC class I-negative small cell lung cancer cell line, N592, genetically engineered to secrete IL-15, N592/IL-15, showed a reduced tumor growth rate, while N592 cells engineered with IL-12, N592/IL-12, grew similarly to the wild-type N592, N592 parental cells (N592pc), in nude mice. However, N592 cells coexpressing both cytokines, N592/IL-12/IL-15 cells, were completely rejected by 100% of nude mice. Here we show that 60% of nude mice rejecting N592/IL-12/IL-15 cells were resistant to N592pc rechallenge. SCID mice rejected N592/IL-12/IL-15 cells, but did not develop resistance to N592pc rechallenge, suggesting a role of Ab responses. Among nude mice rejecting N592/IL-12/IL-15 cells, those developing resistance to N592pc rechallenge had significantly higher titers of anti-N592 IgG2b Abs than nonresistant nude mice. Induction of an Ig class switch in nude mice was related to the expression of IFN-γ and CD40 ligand in the draining lymph nodes. An IgG2b, anti-N592 mAb, derived from N592/IL-12/IL-15-immunized nude mice splenocytes induced significant protection against N592pc, while an IgM mAb was ineffective. The protective IgG2b mAb, but not the IgM mAb, triggered Ab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by nude mouse splenocytes against N592pc. These data indicate that IL-12 and IL-15 synergistically trigger innate, immunity-mediated, anti-tumor effects, resulting in cytotoxic IgG Ab responses in T cell-deficient mice. Protective Ab responses may relate to both direct actions of IL-12 and IL-15 on B cells and to the activation of an innate immunity-B cell cross-talk.
Blocking 4-1BB/4-1BB Ligand Interactions Prevents Herpetic Stromal Keratitis
Authors: Seo Su K. , Park Hye Y. , Choi Jae H. , Kim Won Y. , Kim Young H. , Jung Hyo W. , Kwon Byungsuk , Lee Hyeon W. , Kwon Byoung S. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHerpetic stromal keratitis (HSK) is a chronic inflammatory process in corneal stroma that results from recurrent HSV type 1 infection. We used the murine model of HSK to demonstrate the importance of the interaction between an inducible T cell costimulatory receptor, 4-1BB, and its ligand, 4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL), in the development of this disease. In BALB/c mice, HSK ordinarily induced by infection with the RE strain of herpes was prevented by blocking 4-1BB/4-1BBL interaction, either by deleting 4-1BB (in mutant 4-1BB−/− mice) or by introducing mAbs against 4-1BBL. The majority of T cells infiltrating the infected corneas were 4-1BB+ activated effector cells that expressed cell surface markers CD44, CD25, and/or CD62L, as well as chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR2, and CCR5, and a limited number of TCR Vβ chains (Vβ8.1/8.2, Vβ8.3, Vβ10b, and Vβ5.1/5.2, in order of abundance). Analysis of cell surface phenotypes showed that the failure to develop HSK in the 4-1BB−/− mice was associated with a reduced expression of CD62L at the time of T cell migration into the corneal stroma.
Increased Resistance of LFA-1-Deficient Mice to Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Shock/Liver Injury in the Presence of TNF-α and IL-12 Is Mediated by IL-10: A Novel Role for LFA-1 in the Regulation of the Proinflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Balance
Authors: Emoto Masashi , Emoto Yoshiko , Brinkmann Volker , Miyamoto Mamiko , Yoshizawa Izumi , Stäber Manuela , van Rooijen Nico , Hamann Alf , Kaufmann Stefan H. E. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractChallenge with low doses of LPS together with d-galactosamine causes severe liver injury, resulting in lethal shock (low dose LPS-induced shock). We examined the role of LFA-1 in low dose LPS-induced shock. LFA-1−/− mice were more resistant to low dose LPS-induced shock/liver injury than their heterozygous littermates, although serum levels of TNF-α and IL-12 were higher in these mice. C57BL/6 mice were not rescued from lethal effects of LPS by depletion of NK1+ cells, granulocytes, or macrophages, and susceptibility of NKT cell-deficient mice was comparable to that of controls. High numbers of platelets were detected in the liver of LFA-1+/− mice after low dose LPS challenge, whereas liver accumulation of platelets was only marginal in LFA-1−/− mice. Following low dose LPS challenge, serum levels of IL-10 were higher in LFA-1−/− mice than in LFA-1+/− mice, and susceptibility to low dose LPS-induced shock as well as platelet accumulation in the liver of LFA-1−/− mice were markedly increased by IL-10 neutralization. Serum levels of IL-10 in LFA-1+/− mice were only marginally affected by macrophage depletion. However, in LFA-1−/− mice macrophage depletion markedly reduced serum levels of IL-10, and as a corollary, susceptibility of LFA-1−/− mice to low dose LPS-induced shock was markedly elevated despite the fact that TNF-α levels were also diminished. We conclude that LFA-1 participates in LPS-induced lethal shock/liver injury by regulating IL-10 secretion from macrophages and that IL-10 plays a decisive role in resistance to shock/liver injury. Our data point to a novel role of LFA-1 in control of the proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine network.
Pattern Recognition by TREM-2: Binding of Anionic Ligands
Authors: Daws Michael R. , Sullam Paul M. , Niemi Eréne C. , Chen Thomas T. , Tchao Nadia K. , Seaman William E. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe recently described the cloning of murine triggering receptor expressed by myeloid cells (TREM) 2, a single Ig domain DNAX adaptor protein 12-associated receptor expressed by cells of the myeloid lineage. In this study, we describe the identification of ligands for TREM-2 on both bacteria and mammalian cells. First, by using a TREM-2A/IgG1-Fc fusion protein, we demonstrate specific binding to a number of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and to yeast. Furthermore, we show that fluorescently labeled Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bind specifically to TREM-2-transfected cells. The binding of TREM-2A/Ig fusion protein to E. coli can be inhibited by the bacterial products LPS, lipoteichoic acid, and peptidoglycan. Additionally, binding can be inhibited by a number of other anionic carbohydrate molecules, including dextran sulfate, suggesting that ligand recognition is based partly on charge. Using a sensitive reporter assay, we demonstrate activation of a TREM-2A/CD3ζ chimeric receptor by both bacteria and dextran sulfate. Finally, we demonstrate binding of TREM-2A/Ig fusion to a series of human astrocytoma lines but not to a variety of other cell lines. The binding to astrocytomas, like binding to bacteria, is inhibited by anionic bacterial products, suggesting either a similar charge-based ligand recognition method or overlapping binding sites for recognition of self- and pathogen-expressed ligands.
Antitumor and Antimetastatic Activity of IL-23
Authors: Lo Chia-Hui , Lee Shan-Chih , Wu Pin-Yi , Pan Wen-Yu , Su Jui , Cheng Chao-Wen , Roffler Steve R. , Chiang Bor-Luen , Lee Chun-Nan , Wu Cheng-Wen , Tao Mi-Hua 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The structure and T cell stimulatory effects of the recently discovered cytokine IL-23 are similar to, but distinct from, those of IL-12. Although the antitumor activities of IL-12 are well characterized, the effect of IL-23 on tumor growth is not known. In this study, murine CT26 colon adenocarcinoma and B16F1 melanoma cells were engineered using retroviral vectors to release single-chain IL-23 (scIL-23) to evaluate its antitumor activity. In BALB/c mice, scIL-23-transduced CT26 cells grew progressively until day 26 to an average size of 521 ± 333 mm3, then the tumors started to regress in most animals, resulting in a final 70% rate of complete tumor rejection. scIL-23 transduction also significantly suppressed lung metastases of CT26 and B16F1 tumor cells. In addition, mice that rejected scIL-23-transduced tumors developed a memory response against subsequent wild-type tumor challenge. Compared with scIL-12-expressing CT26 cells, scIL-23-transduced tumors lacked the early response, but achieved comparable antitumor and antimetastatic activity. These results demonstrated that IL-23, like IL-12, provided effective protection against malignant diseases, but it probably acted by different antitumor mechanisms. As a first step in identifying these antitumor mechanisms, tumor challenge studies were performed in immunocompromised hosts and in animals selectively depleted of various lymphocyte populations. The results showed that CD8+ T cells, but not CD4+ T cells or NK cells, were crucial for the antitumor activity of IL-23.
IL-21 Activates Both Innate and Adaptive Immunity to Generate Potent Antitumor Responses that Require Perforin but Are Independent of IFN-γ
Authors: Ma Hak-Ling , Whitters Matthew J. , Konz Richard F. , Senices Mayra , Young Deborah A. , Grusby Michael J. , Collins Mary , Dunussi-Joannopoulos Kyriaki 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
IL-21 is a key factor in the transition between innate and adaptive immune responses. We have used the cytokine gene therapy approach to study the antitumor responses mediated by IL-21 in the B16F1 melanoma and MethA fibrosarcoma tumor models in mice. Retrovirally transduced tumor cells secreting biologically functional IL-21 have growth patterns in vitro similar to that of control green fluorescent protein-transduced cells, but are completely rejected in vivo. We show that IL-21 activates NK and CD8+ T cells in vivo, thus mediating complete rejection of poorly immunogenic tumors. Rejection of IL-21-secreting tumors requires the presence of cognate IL-21R and does not depend on CD4+ T cell help. Interestingly, perforin, but not IFN-γ or other major Th1 and Th2 cytokines (IL-12, IL-4, or IL-10), is required for the IL-21-mediated antitumor response. Moreover, IL-21 results in 50% protection and 70% cure of nonimmunogenic tumors when given before and after tumor challenge, respectively, in C57BL/6 mice. We conclude that IL-21 immunotherapy warrants clinical evaluation as a potential treatment for cancer.
Thyrotropin-Mediated Repression of Class IITrans-Activator Expression in Thyroid Cells: Involvement of STAT3 and Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling
Authors: Kim Ho , Suh Jae Mi , Hwang Eun Suk , Kim Dong Wook , Chung Hyo Kyun , Song Jung Hun , Hwang Jung Hwan , Park Ki Cheol , Ro Heung Kyu , Jo Eun-Kyeong , Chang Jong-Soo , Lee Tae-Hoon , Lee Myung-Shik , Kohn Leonard D. , Shong Minho 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIt has been suggested that class I and class II MHC are contributing factors for numerous diseases including autoimmune thyroid diseases, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. The class II trans-activator (CIITA), which is a non-DNA-binding regulator of class II MHC transcription, regulates the constitutive and inducible expression of the class I and class II genes. FRTL-5 thyroid cells incubated in the presence of IFN-γ have a significantly higher level of cell surface rat MHC class II RTI.B. However, the IFN-γ-induced RT1.B expression was suppressed significantly in cells incubated in the presence of thyrotropin. Thyrotropin (TSH) represses IFN-γ-induced CIITA expression by inhibiting type IV CIITA promoter activity through the suppression of STAT1 activation and IFN regulatory factor 1 induction. This study found that TSH induces transcriptional activation of the STAT3 gene through the phosphorylation of STAT3 and CREB activation. TSH induces SOCS-1 and SOCS-3, and TSH-mediated SOCS-3 induction was dependent on STAT3. The cell line stably expressing the wild-type STAT3 showed a higher CIITA induction in response to IFN-γ and also exhibited TSH repression of the IFN-γ-mediated induction of CIITA. However, TSH repression of the IFN-γ-induced CIITA expression was not observed in FRTL-5 thyroid cells, which stably expresses the dominant negative forms of STAT3, STAT3-Y705F, and STAT3-S727A. This report suggests that TSH is also engaged in immunomodulation through signal cross-talk with the cytokines in thyroid cells.
c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Negatively Regulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced IL-12 Production in Human Macrophages: Role of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in Glutathione Redox Regulation of IL-12 Production
Authors: Utsugi Mitsuyoshi , Dobashi Kunio , Ishizuka Tamotsu , Endou Katsuaki , Hamuro Junji , Murata Yukie , Nakazawa Tsugio , Mori Masatomo 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Although c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) plays an important role in cytokine expression, its function in IL-12 production is obscure. The present study uses human macrophages to examine whether the JNK pathway is required for LPS-induced IL-12 production and defines how JNK is involved in the regulation of IL-12 production by glutathione redox, which is the balance between intracellular reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). We found that LPS induced IL-12 p40 protein and mRNA in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in PMA-treated THP-1 macrophages, and that LPS activated JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase, in PMA-treated THP-1 cells. Inhibition of p38 MAP kinase activation using SB203580 dose dependently repressed LPS-induced IL-12 p40 production, as described. Conversely, inhibition of JNK activation using SP600125 dose dependently enhanced both LPS-induced IL-12 p40 production from THP-1 cells and p70 production from human monocytes. Furthermore, JNK antisense oligonucleotides attenuated cellular levels of JNK protein and LPS-induced JNK activation, but augmented IL-12 p40 protein production and mRNA expression. Finally, the increase in the ratio of GSH/GSSG induced by glutathione reduced form ethyl ester (GSH-OEt) dose dependently enhanced LPS-induced IL-12 p40 production in PMA-treated THP-1 cells. GSH-OEt augmented p38 MAP kinase activation, but suppressed the JNK activation induced by LPS. Our findings indicate that JNK negatively affects LPS-induced IL-12 production from human macrophages, and that glutathione redox regulates LPS-induced IL-12 production through the opposite control of JNK and p38 MAP kinase activation.
CD4+ T Cells from (New Zealand Black × New Zealand White)F1 Lupus Mice and Normal Mice Immunized Against Apoptotic Nucleosomes Recognize Similar Th Cell Epitopes in the C Terminus of Histone H3
Authors: Fournel Sylvie , Neichel Sarah , Dali Hayet , Farci Sandrine , Maillère Bernard , Briand Jean-Paul , Muller Sylviane 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe have previously reported that peptide 88-99 of histone H4 represents a minimal T cell epitope recognized by Th cells from nonautoimmune BALB/c (H-2d/d) mice immunized with nucleosomes. In this study, we tested a panel of overlapping peptides spanning the whole sequences of H4 and H3 for recognition by CD4+ T cells from unprimed (New Zealand Black (NZB) × New Zealand White (NZW))F1 lupus mice (H-2d/z). None of the 11 H4 peptides was recognized by CD4+ T cells from (NZB × NZW)F1 mice. In contrast, these cells proliferated and secreted IL-2, IL-10, and IFN-γ upon ex vivo stimulation with H3 peptides representing sequences 53-70, 64-78, and 68-85. Peptides 56-73 and 61-78 induced the production of IFN-γ and IL-10, respectively, without detectable proliferation, suggesting that they may act as partial agonist of the TCR. Th cells from unprimed BALB/c mice and other lupus-prone mice such as SNF1 (H-2d/q) and MRL/lpr (H-2k/k) mice did not recognize any peptides present within the H3 region 53-85. We further demonstrated that immunization of normal BALB/c mice with syngeneic liver nucleosomes and spleen apoptotic cells, but not with nonapoptotic syngeneic cells, induced Th cell responses against several peptides of the H3 region 53-85. Moreover, we found that this conserved region of H3, which is accessible at the surface of nucleosomes, is targeted by Abs from (NZB × NZW)F1 mice and lupus patients, and contains motifs recognized by several distinct HLA-DR molecules. It might thus be important in the self-tolerance breakdown in lupus.
Effects of IL-7 on Early Human Thymocyte Progenitor Cells In Vitro and in SCID-hu Thy/Liv Mice
Authors: Napolitano Laura A. , Stoddart Cheryl A. , Hanley Mary Beth , Wieder Eric , McCune Joseph M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIL-7 is a critical component of thymopoiesis in animals and has recently been shown to play an important role in T cell homeostasis. Although there is increasing interest in the use of IL-7 for the treatment of lymphopenia caused by the HIV type 1, evidence that IL-7 may accelerate HIV replication has raised concerns regarding its use in this setting. We sought to identify the effects of IL-7 on human thymocyte survival and to determine the impact of IL-7 administration on in vivo HIV infection of the human thymus. Using in vitro analysis, we show that IL-7 provides potent anti-apoptotic and proliferative signals to early thymocyte progenitors. Analysis of CD34+ subpopulations demonstrates that surface IL-7 receptor is expressed on most CD34highCD5+CD1a− thymocytes and that this subpopulation appears to be one of the earliest maturation stages responsive to the effects of IL-7. Thus, IL-7 provides survival signals to human thymocytes before surface expression of CD1a. CD4+CD8+ thymocytes are relatively unresponsive to IL-7, although IL-7 protects these cells from dexamethasone-induced apoptosis. IL-7 has a predominantly proliferative effect on mature CD4+CD3+CD8− and CD8+CD3+CD4− thymocytes. In contrast to the in vitro findings, we observe that in vivo administration of IL-7 to SCID-hu Thy/Liv mice does not appear to enhance thymocyte survival nor does it appear to accelerate HIV infection. Given the growing interest in the use of IL-7 for the treatment of human immunodeficiency, these findings support additional investigation into its in vivo effects on thymopoiesis and HIV infection.