bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IFN Regulatory Factor-1 Is Required for the Up-Regulation of the CD40-NF-κB Activator 1 Axis During Airway Inflammation
Authors: Zhao Zhendong , Qian Youcun , Wald Dave , Xia Yi-Feng , Geng Jian-Guo , Li Xiaoxia 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Recent studies show that NF-κB activator 1 (Act1) functions as an important adapter molecule for CD40-mediated signaling in epithelial cells. To explore the physiological function of the CD40-Act1 axis, we studied the regulation of gene expression of CD40 and Act1 both in vivo and in cell culture models. Although CD40 and Act1 are up-regulated in mouse lung upon LPS stimulation, IL-1 plus IFN-α, -β, or -γ synergistically up-regulate both CD40 and Act1 gene expression in human epithelial A549 cells. Cycloheximide superinduces the Act1 mRNA, whereas actinomycin D completely abolishes the Act1 mRNA, indicating that the induction of Act1 mRNA is at the transcriptional level and does not require protein synthesis. Promoter sequence analyses identified putative IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-1, C/EBP-β, and AP-1 transcription factor binding sites in the Act1 promoter. Although mutation of any of the three sites abolished the promoter activity, Abs against IRF-1 and C/EBP-β, but not AP-1, blocked the formation of the DNA-binding complex induced by IL-1 plus IFN-β stimulation, suggesting cooperative action between IRF-1 and C/EBP-β in mediating Act1 promoter activity. Importantly, LPS-induced gene expression of CD40 and Act1 in the mouse lung is abolished in IRF-1−/− mice, indicating an essential role of transcription factor IRF-1 in the coordinated regulation of these two genes during airway inflammation. The induced expression of the CD40-Act1 axis by inflammatory cytokines in epithelial cells probably plays an important role in priming these cells for their response to CD40 ligand during airway inflammation.
Regulation of Airway Epithelial Cell NF-κB-Dependent Gene Expression by Protein Kinase Cδ
Authors: Page Kristen , Li Jing , Zhou Limei , Iasvoyskaia Svetlana , Corbit Kevin C. , Soh Jae-Won , Weinstein I. Bernard , Brasier Allan R. , Lin Anning , Hershenson Marc B. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Airway epithelial cells synthesize proinflammatory molecules such as IL-8, GM-CSF, RANTES, and ICAM-1, the expression of which is increased in the airways of patients with asthma. We investigated the regulation of these NF-κB-dependent genes by the novel protein kinase C (PKC) isoform PKCδ in 16HBE14o- human airway epithelial cells, focusing on IL-8 expression. Transient transfection with the constitutively active catalytic subunit of PKCδ (PKCδ-CAT), and treatment with bryostatin 1, an activator of PKCδ, each increased transcription from the IL-8 promoter, whereas overexpression of PKCε had minor effects. Expression of a dominant negative PKCδ mutant (PKCδ-KR) or pretreatment of cells with rottlerin, a chemical PKCδ inhibitor, attenuated TNF-α- and phorbol ester-induced transcription from the IL-8 promoter. Bryostatin 1 treatment increased IL-8 protein abundance in primary airway epithelial cells. Selective activation of PKCδ by bryostatin also activated NF-κB, as evidenced by p65 RelA and p50 NF-κB1 binding to DNA, NF-κB trans-activation, and IκB degradation. The sufficiency of PKCδ to induce NF-κB nuclear translocation and binding to DNA was confirmed in a 16HBE14o- cell line inducibly expressing PKCδ-CAT under the tet-off system. Deletion of the NF-κB response element severely attenuated PKCδ-induced IL-8 promoter activity. Finally, PKCδ-CAT induced transcription from the GM-CSF, RANTES, and ICAM-1 promoters. Together these data suggest that PKCδ plays a key role in the regulation of airway epithelial cell NF-κB-dependent gene expression.
Localization of MHC Class II/Human Cartilage Glycoprotein-39 Complexes in Synovia of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Using Complex-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Steenbakkers Peter G. A. , Baeten Dominique , Rovers Eric , Veys Eric M. , Rijnders Antonius W. M. , Meijerink Jan , De Keyser Filip , Boots Annemieke M. H. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Recently human cartilage gp-39 (HC gp-39) was identified as a candidate autoantigen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To further investigate the relevance of this Ag in RA, we have generated a set of five mAbs to a combination epitope of complexes of HC gp-39263–275 and the RA-associated DRαβ1*0401 HLA class II molecules. FACS studies revealed that these mAb recognize specific complexes on homozygous DRαβ1*0401-positive B lymphoblastoid cells pulsed with HC gp-39263–275. The best mAb, 12A, was further characterized using a set of irrelevant DRαβ1*0401-binding peptides and truncated/elongated versions of HC gp-39263–275 itself. The minimal epitope recognized in combination with DRαβ1*0401 was HC gp-39263–273. Peptides not encompassing HC gp-39263–273 were not recognized. Three of five mAb were able to inhibit (up to 90%) the response of HC gp-39263–275-specific DRαβ1*0401-restricted T cell hybridomas to peptide-pulsed APC or purified complexes. Using mAb 12A, we have been able to identify and localize dendritic cells that present DRαβ1*0401/HC gp-39263–275 complexes in synovial tissue of DRαβ1*0401-positive RA patients, indicating local presentation of the HC gp-39263–275 epitope in the inflamed target tissue by professional APC. These data support a role of HC gp-39 in the local autoimmune response that leads to chronic inflammation and joint destruction.
P2X7 Receptor-Dependent Blebbing and the Activation of Rho-Effector Kinases, Caspases, and IL-1β Release
Authors: Verhoef Philip A. , Estacion Mark , Schilling William , Dubyak George R. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In response to ATP binding, the P2X7R facilitates cation channel activation, nonspecific pore formation, rapid changes in plasma membrane morphology, and secretion of IL-1β from LPS-primed macrophages. To investigate the relationship between the P2X7R-dependent changes in plasma membrane organization and the release of IL-1β, we generated time-lapse movies of ATP-stimulated BAC1 murine macrophages in conjunction with biochemical analyses of IL-1β release. Similar image analyses in human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing recombinant P2X7R (HEK-P2X7) permitted comparison of P2X7R-dependent effects in macrophage vs nonmacrophage backgrounds. Whereas HEK-P2X7 cells exhibit zeiotic blebbing within 5 min of ATP treatment, BAC1 macrophages initiated a distinct “tethered” blebbing 10 min after ATP addition. This blebbing was comparably induced by the P2X7R-selective agonist BzATP and was blocked by P2X7R inhibitors KN-62 and oxidized ATP. Blebbing was initiated at ATP concentrations ≥3 mM, but optimal IL-1β release occurred at 1 mM ATP. P2X7R-dependent blebbing was abrogated in the presence of Rho-effector kinase inhibitors Fasudil and Y-27632, but ATP-induced IL-1β release was unaffected. ATP-induced activation of RhoA could be detected in both HEK-P2X7 cells and BAC1 murine macrophages. Thus, P2X7R activation signals distinct, novel membrane blebbing events (dependent on RhoA activation and Rho-effector kinase activity) and simultaneously initiates release of IL-1β. Our observations that blebbing and IL-1β release are dissociable suggest these events occur via parallel rather than convergent signaling pathways.
Marked Airway Eosinophilia Prevents Development of Airway Hyper-responsiveness During an Allergic Response in IL-5 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Kobayashi Takao , Iijima Koji , Kita Hirohito 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Tissue eosinophilia probably plays important roles in the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma and allergic disorders; however, this concept was challenged recently by controversial results in mouse models of bronchial asthma treated with anti-IL-5 Ab and the failure of anti-IL-5 therapy in humans. We have now used a unique model, IL-5 transgenic (TG) mice, to address a fundamental question: is airway eosinophilia beneficial or detrimental in the allergic response? After sensitization and challenge with OVA, IL-5 TG mice showed a marked airway eosinophilia. Surprisingly, these IL-5 TG mice showed lower airway reactivity to methacholine. Immunohistochemical analysis of the lungs revealed a marked peribronchial infiltration of eosinophils, but no eosinophil degranulation. In vitro, mouse eosinophils from peritoneal lavage fluids did not produce superoxide anion, but did produce an anti-inflammatory and fibrotic cytokine, TGF-β1. Indeed, the TGF-β1 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens from IL-5 TG mice directly correlated with airway eosinophilia (r = 0.755). Furthermore, anti-IL-5 treatment of IL-5 TG mice decreased both airway eosinophilia and TGF-β1 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and increased airway reactivity. Thus, in mice, marked eosinophilia prevents the development of airway hyper-reactivity during an allergic response. Overall, the roles of eosinophils in asthma and in animal models need to be addressed carefully for their potentially detrimental and beneficial effects.
Allospecific T Cell Epitope Sharing Reveals Extensive Conservation of the Antigenic Features of Peptide Ligands Among HLA-B27 Subtypes Differentially Associated with Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Montserrat Veronica , Martí Mercè , de Castro José A. López 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHLA-B*2702, B*2704, and B*2705 are strongly associated with spondyloarthritis, whereas B*2706 is not. Subtypes differ among each other by a few amino acid changes and bind overlapping peptide repertoires. In this study we asked whether differential subtype association with disease is related to differentially bound peptides or to altered antigenicity of shared ligands. Alloreactive CTL raised against B*2704 were analyzed for cross-reaction with B*2705, B*2702, B*2706, and mutants mimicking subtype changes. These CTL are directed against many alloantigen-bound peptides and can be used to analyze the antigenicity of HLA-B27 ligands on different subtypes. Cross-reaction of anti-B*2704 CTL with B*2705 and B*2702 correlated with overlap of their peptidic anchor motifs, suggesting that many shared ligands have similar antigenic features on these three subtypes. Moreover, the percent of anti-B*2704 CTL cross-reacting with B*2706 was only slightly lower than the overlap between the corresponding peptide repertoires, suggesting that most shared ligands have similar antigenic features on these two subtypes. Cross-reaction with B*2705 or mutants mimicking changes between B*2704 and B*2705 was donor-dependent. In contrast, cross-reaction with B*2702 or B*2706 was less variable among individuals. Conservation of antigenic properties among subtypes has implications for allorecognition, as it suggests that shared peptides may determine cross-reaction across exposed amino acid differences in the MHC molecules and that the antigenic distinctness of closely related allotypes may differ among donors. Our results also suggest that differential association of HLA-B27 subtypes with spondyloarthritis is more likely related to differentially bound peptides than to altered antigenicity of shared ligands.
Cutting Edge: B Cell Receptor Signals Regulate BLyS Receptor Levels in Mature B Cells and Their Immediate Progenitors
Authors: Smith Susan Harless , Cancro Michael P. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis study examines how B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) receptor expression and responsiveness are influenced by B cell receptor (BcR) signaling. Our results show that resting and BcR-stimulated B cells are dependent on BLyS for survival and that B cells remain BLyS responsive during BcR-induced activation. Further, BcR ligation up-regulates expression of the BLySR B cell maturation defect/BLySR3 (Bcmd/BR3), but not other known BLySRs. Finally, the coupling of BcR signaling with Bcmd/BR3 expression is limited to late transitional and mature B cells. Together, these findings establish the coupling of BcR signaling with Bcmd/BR3 expression as a fundamental aspect of follicular B cell selection, survival, and activation.
Notch-Regulated Ankyrin-Repeat Protein Inhibits Notch1 Signaling: Multiple Notch1 Signaling Pathways Involved In T Cell Development
Authors: Yun Theodore J. , Bevan Michael J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We have characterized the function of Notch-regulated ankyrin-repeat protein (Nrarp) in mouse cell lines and in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Nrarp overexpression is able to block Notch-induced activation of CBF-1. In AKR1010 thymoma cells, Nrarp overexpression blocks CBF-1-dependent transcriptional activation of Notch-responsive genes and inhibits phenotypic changes associated with Notch activation. Enforced expression of Nrarp in mouse HSCs results in a profound block in T lineage commitment and progression through early stages of thymocyte maturation. In contrast, Deltex-1 overexpression in HSCs can also block T lineage commitment but not progression through the early double negative stages of thymocyte maturation. The different effects of Deltex-1 and Nrarp overexpression suggest that alternate Notch signaling pathways mediate T vs B lineage commitment and thymocyte maturation.
CTLA-4 · FasL Induces Alloantigen-Specific Hyporesponsiveness
Authors: Elhalel Michal Dranitzki , Huang Jui-Han , Schmidt William , Rachmilewitz Jacob , Tykocinski Mark L. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe APC:T cell interface can be effectively targeted with immunotherapeutic proteins. We previously described a unique trans signal converter protein, CTLA-4 · Fas ligand (FasL), that has the inherent capacities to tether the T cell inhibitor FasL (CD95 ligand) to the surfaces of B7 (CD80 and CD86)-positive APC (via CTLA-4:B7 interaction), and in so doing, to simultaneously interfere with B7-to-CD28 T cell activation signals. Given the continuing need for agents capable of inducing allograft tolerance without generalized immunosuppression, we have explored in depth the functional activity of CTLA-4 · FasL in human allogeneic MLR. CTLA-4 · FasL inhibits 1° MLR and induces specific hyporesponsiveness in 2° MLR, with both effects only partially reversible with exogenous IL-2. Moreover, the presence of exogenous IL-2 during the 1° MLR does not affect the induction of hyporesponsiveness upon restimulation. Furthermore, CTLA-4 · FasL enables partial activation of allostimulated T cells, reduces the fraction of actively dividing cells, and increases the percentage of dead cells among dividing T cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that CTLA-4 · FasL-mediated inhibition of secondary alloantigenic responses involves both anergy induction and clonal deletion. Thus, CTLA-4 · FasL, a paradigmatic trans signal converter protein, manifests unique functional properties and emerges as a potentially useful immunotherapeutic for modulating alloresponsiveness.
Minor Histocompatibility Antigens on Canine Hemopoietic Progenitor Cells
Authors: Weber Martin , Lange Claudia , Günther Wolfgang , Franz Monika , Kremmer Elisabeth , Kolb Hans-Jochem 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAdoptive immunotherapy with CTL against minor histocompatibility Ags (mHA) provides a promising way to treat leukemia relapse in allogeneic chimeras. Here we describe the in vitro generation of CTL against mHA in the dog. We tested their inhibitory effect on the growth of hemopoietic progenitor cells stimulated by hemopoietic growth factors in a 4-day suspension culture. CTL were produced by coculture of donor PBMC with bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs). These DCs were characterized by morphology, high expression of MHC class II and CD1a, and the absence of the monocyte-specific marker CD14. Characteristically these cells stimulated allogeneic lymphocytes (MLR) and, after pulsing with a foreign Ag (keyhole limpet hemocyanin), autologous T cells. CTL were generated either ex vivo by coculture with DCs of DLA-identical littermates or in vivo by immunization of the responder with DCs obtained from a DLA-identical littermate. In suspension culture assays the growth of hemopoietic progenitor cells was inhibited in 53% of DLA-identical littermate combinations. In canine families mHA segregated with DLA as restriction elements. One-way reactivity against mHA was found in five littermate combinations. In two cases mHA might be Y chromosome associated, in three cases autosomally inherited alleles were detected. We conclude that CTL can be produced in vitro and in vivo against mHA on canine hemopoietic progenitor cells using bone marrow-derived DCs.
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Polarizes Human Dendritic Cells Toward a Th2-Promoting Phenotype Through Its Receptor Guanylyl Cyclase-Coupled Receptor A
Authors: Morita Rimpei , Ukyo Naoya , Furuya Mayumi , Uchiyama Takashi , Hori Toshiyuki 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAtrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a cardiovascular hormone secreted mainly by the cardiac atria and regulates the volume-pressure homeostasis. The action of ANP is mediated by its receptor, guanylyl cyclase-coupled receptor A (GC-A). In this study, we explored the possibility that ANP and GC-A may play a role in the dendritic cell (DC)-mediated immune regulation. We first examined the expression of GC-A in human monocyte-derived DCs in comparison with monocytes and found that DCs but not monocytes express GC-A at both the mRNA and protein levels. DCs responded to ANP with an increase in intracellular cGMP in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that GC-A expressed on DCs is functional. Furthermore, treatment of DCs with ANP decreased production of IL-12 and TNF-α and conversely increased that of IL-10 upon stimulation with LPS. In accordance with this change of cytokine production, DCs treated with ANP plus LPS promoted differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into a Th2 phenotype. Finally, we presented evidence that ANP affected cytokine production of fresh whole blood stimulated with LPS in line with the above-mentioned results. These results indicate that ANP polarizes human DCs toward a Th2-promoting phenotype through GC-A and thus can regulate immune responses.
Differential Regulation of Killer Cell Lectin-Like Receptor G1 Expression on T Cells
Authors: Robbins Scott H. , Terrizzi Stephanie C. , Sydora Beate C. , Mikayama Toshifumi , Brossay Laurent 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1) is the mouse homologue of the rat mast cell function-associated Ag and contains a tyrosine-based inhibitory motif in its cytoplasmic domain. It has been demonstrated that KLRG1 is induced on activated NK cells and that KLRG1 can inhibit NK cell effector functions. In this study, we show that in naive C57BL/6 mice KLRG1 is expressed on a subset of CD44highCD62Llow T cells. KLRG1 expression can be detected on a small number of Vα14i NK T cells but not on CD8αα+ intraepithelial T cells that are either TCRγδ+ or TCRαβ+. We also show that KLRG1 expression is dramatically induced on ∼50% of the CD8+ T cells during both a viral and a parasitic infection. Interestingly, during Toxoplasma gondii infection, KLRG1 is up-regulated on CD4+ T cells. Although KLRG1 expression can be induced on both NK cells and T cells, the molecular mechanism leading to the induction of KLRG1 differs in these two subsets of cells. Indeed, the up-regulation of KLRG1 on NK cells can be driven in vivo by cytokines, whereas KLRG1 cannot be induced on CD8+ T cells by cytokines. In addition, although induction of KLRG1 on T cells appears to require TCR engagement in vivo, TCR engagement is not sufficient for KLRG1 induction in vitro. Taken together, these data suggest that the expression and induction of KLRG1 on T cells are tightly regulated. This could have important biological consequences on T cell activation and homeostasis.
Transfection of Dendritic Cells with RNA Induces CD4- and CD8-Mediated T Cell Immunity Against Breast Carcinomas and Reveals the Immunodominance of Presented T Cell Epitopes
Authors: Müller Martin R. , Grünebach Frank , Nencioni Alessio , Brossart Peter 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTransfection of dendritic cells (DC) with tumor-derived RNA has recently been shown to elicit tumor-specific CTL capable of recognizing and lysing a variety of tumor cells. In our study we analyzed the induction of HLA class I- and II-restricted T cell responses against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Using this approach we were able to elicit CD4- and CD8-mediated antitumor responses. The CTL specifically lysed MCF-7 cells and DC electroporated with MCF-7 RNA, but spared control cell lines. The specificity of the cytotoxic activity was confirmed in cold target inhibition assays and using mAbs blocking HLA class I molecules. Interestingly, these polyclonal cytotoxic T cells recognized selectively two epitopes derived from the MUC1 and Her-2/neu tumor Ags. The induced Th cells were found to be entirely HLA class II restricted and showed a significant cross-reactivity to a renal cell carcinoma cell line, similar to the results obtained with cytotoxic T cells.
Potentiation of a Tumor Cell Susceptibility to Autologous CTL Killing by Restoration of Wild-Type p53 Function
Authors: Thiery Jérôme , Dorothée Guillaume , Haddada Hedi , Echchakir Hamid , Richon Catherine , Stancou Rodica , Vergnon Isabelle , Benard Jean , Mami-Chouaib Fathia , Chouaib Salem 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Inactivation of p53 has been implicated in many types of tumors particularly in non-small cell lung carcinoma, one of the most common cancers in which p53 mutation has been frequently identified. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of p53 status on the regulation of tumor susceptibility to specific CTL-mediated cell death. For this purpose, we used a cytotoxic T lymphocyte clone, Heu127, able to lyse the human autologous lung carcinoma cell line, IGR-Heu, in a HLA-A2-restricted manner. Direct genomic DNA sequencing revealed that IGR-Heu expresses a mutated p53 at codon 132 of the exon 5 which results in the loss of p53 capacity to induce the expression of the p53-regulated gene product p21waf/CIP1. Initial experiments demonstrated that IGR-Heu was resistant to Fas, TNF, and TRAIL apoptotic pathways. This correlated with the lack of p55 TNFRI, Fas, DR4, and DR5 expression. The effect of wild-type (wt) p53 restoration on the sensitization of IGR-Heu to autologous CTL clone lysis was investigated following infection of the tumor cell line with a recombinant adenovirus encoding the wt p53 (Adwtp53). We demonstrate that the restoration of wt p53 expression and function resulted in a significant potentiation of target cell susceptibility to CTL-mediated lysis. The wt p53-induced optimization of tumor cell killing by specific CTL involves at least in part Fas-mediated pathway via induction of CD95 expression by tumor cells but does not appear to interfere with granzyme B cytotoxic pathway.