bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Combined Action of IL-15 and IL-12 Gene Transfer Can Induce Tumor Cell Rejection Without T and NK Cell Involvement
Authors: Di Carlo Emma , Comes Alberto , Basso Stefania , De Ambrosis Alessandro , Meazza Raffaella , Musiani Piero , Moelling Karin , Albini Adriana , Ferrini Silvano 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The cooperative antitumor effects of IL-12 and IL-15 gene transfer were studied in the N592 MHC class I-negative small cell lung cancer cell line xenotransplanted in nude mice. N592 cells engineered to secrete IL-15 displayed a significantly reduced tumor growth kinetics, and a slightly reduced tumor take rate, while N592 engineered with IL-12 displayed only minor changes in their growth in nude mice. However, N592 cells producing both cytokines were completely rejected, and produced a potent local bystander effect, inducing rejection of coinjected wild-type tumor cells. N592/IL-12/IL-15 cells were completely and promptly rejected also in NK-depleted nude mice, while in granulocyte-depleted animals a slight delay in the rejection process was observed. Immunohistochemical analyses of the N592/IL-12/IL-15 tumor area in intact nude mice revealed the presence of infiltrating macrophages, granulocytes, and NK cells, and expression of inducible NO synthase and of secondary cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, and at higher levels GM-CSF, macrophage-inflammatory protein-2, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. In NK cell-depleted nude mice, numerous macrophages and granulocytes infiltrated the tumor, and a strong expression of macrophage-inflammatory protein-2 and inducible NO synthase was also observed. Finally, macrophages cocultured with N592/IL-12/IL-15 produced NO in vitro, and inhibited tumor cell growth, further suggesting their role as effector cells in this model.
Rac Is Involved in Early TCR Signaling
Authors: Arrieumerlou Cécile , Randriamampita Clotilde , Bismuth Georges , Trautmann Alain 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe GTPase Rac controls signaling pathways often related to actin polymerization in various cell types. In T lymphocytes, Rac is activated by Vav, a major component of the multiprotein transduction complex associated to the TCR. Although profound signaling defects have been observed in Vav-deficient mice, a role of Rac in the corresponding early TCR signaling has not been tested directly. This question was investigated in Jurkat T cells transfected with either a dominant-negative (RacN17) or a constitutively active (RacV12) form of Rac. In T cells expressing either RacN17 or RacV12, the anti-CD3-induced Ca2+ response and production of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate were inhibited. The basal level of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate was not significantly diminished by Rac mutants. The major inhibitory effect of Rac mutants on Ca2+ signaling is exerted on the activity of phospholipase C-γ and, before that, on the phosphorylation of ZAP-70 and of the linker molecule for activation of T cells, LAT. An anti-CD3-induced increase in actin polymerization was observed in control cells but not in cells transfected with a Rac mutant. In addition, latrunculin, which binds to monomeric actin, simultaneously inhibited basal and CD3-induced actin polymerization and Ca2+ signaling. These findings suggest a link between the effects exerted by Rac mutants on cortical actin polymerization and on TCR signaling. Rac cycling between its GTP- and GDP-bound states is necessary for this signaling. Alterations observed in early TCR-dependent signals suggest that Rac contributes to the assembly of the TCR-associated multiprotein transduction complex.
Synergistic Induction of the Tap-1 Gene by IFN-γ and Lipopolysaccharide in Macrophages Is Regulated by STAT1
Authors: Cramer Lorraine A. , Nelson Stacy L. , Klemsz Michael J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractProper regulation of the Tap-1 gene is critical for the initiation and continuation of a cellular immune response. Analysis of the Tap-1/low molecular mass polypeptide 2 bidirectional promoter showed that the IFN-γ activation site element is critical for the rapid induction of the promoter by IFN-γ following transfection into the human macrophage cell line THP-1. Furthermore, activation of STAT1 binding to this site was important for the synergistic response seen following the stimulation with both IFN-γ and LPS. Mutation of an IFN-stimulated regulatory element that binds IFN regulatory factor 1 appeared to enhance the response to IFN-γ and LPS. These data show that STAT1 is necessary for the activation of Tap-1 gene expression in APCs and initiation of cellular immune responses. Furthermore, our data suggest that bacterial products such as LPS may enhance cellular immune responses through augmenting the ability of STAT1 to regulate IFN-γ-inducible genes.
Immunosuppressant FTY720 Induces Apoptosis by Direct Induction of Permeability Transition and Release of Cytochrome c from Mitochondria
Authors: Nagahara Yukitoshi , Ikekita Masahiko , Shinomiya Takahisa 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
FTY720 has immunosuppressive activity in experimental organ transplantation and shows a prompt and protracted decrease of blood T lymphocytes upon oral administration. The blood lymphocyte decrease in vivo was mainly a result of FTY720-induced apoptosis. However, this apoptotic mechanism is not well understood. We examined the mechanism of FTY720-induced apoptosis in lymphoma. Western blotting and fluorescent caspase-specific substrate revealed that caspase-3 is involved in FTY720-induced apoptosis, whereas caspase-1 is not. Apoptotic cell death was inhibited by the pan-caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK, suggesting that caspase activation is essential for FTY720-induced apoptosis. FTY720 reduced mitochondrial transmembrane potential and released cytochrome c from the mitochondria of intact cells as well as in a cell-free system even in the presence of Z-VAD-FMK. As these mitochondrial reactions occurred before caspase activation, we concluded that FTY720 directly influences mitochondrial functions. The inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition by Bcl-2 overexpression or by chemical inhibitors prevented all apoptotic events occurring in intact cells and in a cell-free system. Moreover, using a cell-free system, FTY720 did not directly affect isolated nuclei or cytosol. These results indicate that FTY720 directly affects mitochondria and triggers permeability transition to induce further apoptotic events.
Structural Relatedness of Distinct Determinants Recognized by Monoclonal Antibody TP25.99 on β2-Microglobulin-Associated and β2-Microglobulin-Free HLA Class I Heavy Chains
Authors: Desai Smruti A. , Wang Xinhui , Noronha Elvyra J. , Zhou Qinwei , Rebmann Vera , Grosse-Wilde Hans , Moy Franklin J. , Powers Robert , Ferrone Soldano 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The association of HLA class I heavy chains with β2-microglobulin (β2m) changes their antigenic profile. As a result, Abs react with either β2m-free or β2m-associated HLA class I heavy chains. An exception to this rule is the mAb TP25.99, which reacts with both β2m-associated and β2m-free HLA class I heavy chains. The reactivity with β2m-associated HLA class I heavy chains is mediated by a conformational determinant expressed on all HLA-A, -B, and -C Ags. This determinant has been mapped to amino acid residues 194–198 in the α3 domain. The reactivity with β2m-free HLA class I heavy chains is mediated by a linear determinant expressed on all HLA-B Ags except the HLA-B73 allospecificity and on &lt;50% of HLA-A allospecificities. The latter determinant has been mapped to amino acid residues 239–242, 245, and 246 in the α3 domain. The conformational and the linear determinants share several structural features, but have no homology in their amino acid sequence. mAb TP25.99 represents the first example of a mAb recognizing two distinct and spatially distant determinants on a protein. The structural homology of a linear and a conformational determinant on an antigenic entity provides a molecular mechanism for the sharing of specificity by B and TCRs.
Plasma Antibodies from Malaria-Exposed Pregnant Women Recognize Variant Surface Antigens on Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes in a Parity-Dependent Manner and Block Parasite Adhesion to Chondroitin Sulfate A
Authors: Ricke Christina H. , Staalsoe Trine , Koram Kwadwo , Akanmori Bartholomew D. , Riley Eleanor M. , Theander Thor G. , Hviid Lars 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In areas of intense Plasmodium falciparum transmission, clinical immunity is acquired during childhood, and adults enjoy substantial protection against malaria. An exception to this rule is pregnant women, in whom malaria is both more prevalent and severe than in nonpregnant women. Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) in endemic areas is concentrated in the first few pregnancies, indicating that protective immunity to PAM is a function of parity. The placenta is often heavily infected in PAM, and placental parasites show a striking preference for chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) as an adhesion receptor. Plasma Abs from malaria-exposed multiparous women are able to interfere with binding of P. falciparum parasites to CSA in vitro, and acquisition of Abs interfering with CSA-specific parasite sequestration thus appears to be a critical element in acquired protection against PAM. Here we show that adults from an area of hyperendemic P. falciparum transmission generally possessed low levels of Abs specifically recognizing surface Ags expressed by a CSA-adhering parasite isolate, while unselected isolates were well recognized. In marked contrast, most third-trimester pregnant women from that area had very high plasma levels of such Abs. Plasma levels of Abs specifically recognizing the CSA-adhering isolate strongly depended on parity, whereas recognition of CSA-nonadhering isolates did not. Finally, we demonstrate a clear correlation between plasma levels of Abs recognizing the CSA-specific isolate and the ability to interfere with its sequestration to CSA in vitro. Our study supports the hypothesis that Abs inhibiting CSA-specific parasite sequestration are important in acquisition of protection against PAM.
Salmonella Infection Does Not Increase Expression and Activity of the High Affinity IL-12 Receptor
Authors: Elhofy Adam , Marriott Ian , Bost Kenneth L. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Expression of high affinity IL-12 receptors is required for IL-12-mediated IFN-γ production. Activation of this pathway has been shown to be critical in generating optimal cell-mediated immunity. Therefore, increased IL-12 receptor expression might be expected in the host response after infection by an intracellular bacterial pathogen. In the present study, we have made the surprising discovery that infection with Salmonella results in an early reduction of high affinity IL-12 receptor expression and activation. After oral inoculation with Salmonella, the level of mRNA expression encoding IL-12 receptor β2 (IL-12Rβ2) subunit was diminished 12 h postinfection in the mesenteric lymph nodes and subsequently in the spleen. Furthermore, decreased IL-12Rβ2 mRNA expression was observed in CD4+ T lymphocytes isolated from the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleens of infected mice. Attenuated IL-12Rβ2 mRNA expression correlated with reduced receptor signaling, as demonstrated by reduced IL-12-induced STAT4 phosphorylation in enriched T lymphocytes isolated from the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleens of Salmonella-infected mice. These in vivo results were substantiated with an in vitro model system. In this model system, T lymphocytes cocultured with Salmonella-infected macrophages expressed less IL-12Rβ2 mRNA. The cocultured T cells were also less responsive to IL-12 as assessed by reduced phosphorylation of STAT4 and limited IFN-γ secretion. Together, these studies suggest that Salmonella can limit an optimal host immune response by reducing the expression and activity of high affinity IL-12 receptors.
The Membrane Form of the Type II IL-1 Receptor Accounts for Inhibitory Function
Authors: Neumann Detlef , Kollewe Christian , Martin Michael U. , Boraschi Diana 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIL-1 signaling is mediated by the type I IL-1R (IL-1RI). The nonsignaling type II receptor has a regulatory function, since it reduces IL-1 effects by scavenging free IL-1 molecules. This regulatory function has been demonstrated only for the soluble form, released from the membrane receptor by action of specific proteases, but is still ill-defined for the membrane receptor itself. To assess the function of membrane IL-1RII, a modified IL-1RII cDNA was constructed, in which the cleavable domain was replaced with the corresponding uncleavable sequence of the epidermal growth factor receptor. The human keratinocyte line HaCaT, which does not express wild-type IL-1RII (wtIL-1RII), was stably transfected with this modified cDNA (unconventionally cleavable IL-1RII (uIL-1RII)). Cells transfected with uIL-1RII expressed the membrane form of IL-1RII, but were unable to produce the 60-kDa soluble receptor. Upon analysis of IL-1 responsiveness, parental HaCaT and vector-transfected cells (E27), expressing IL-1RI and the accessory chain IL-1R accessory protein, were responsive to IL-1. Conversely, cells overexpressing wtIL-1RII (811) or uIL-1RII (9D4) showed comparable reduction in responsiveness to both IL-1α (bound by membrane and soluble receptors) and IL-1β (recognized by the membrane receptor only), suggesting that the membrane form of the IL-1RII is mainly responsible for IL-1 inhibition. In contrast with wtIL-1RII, uIL-1RII did not interact with IL-1R accessory protein. Thus, the membrane form of IL-1RII possesses strong IL-1-inhibitory activity, independent of sequestration of the accessory protein and circumscribed to its ligand sink function.
An α-Helical Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide Selectively Modulates Macrophage Responses to Lipopolysaccharide and Directly Alters Macrophage Gene Expression
Authors: Scott Monisha G. , Rosenberger Carrie M. , Gold Michael R. , Finlay B. Brett , Hancock Robert E. W. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Certain cationic antimicrobial peptides block the binding of LPS to LPS-binding protein and reduce the ability of LPS to induce the production of inflammatory mediators by macrophages. To gain a more complete understanding of how LPS activates macrophages and how cationic peptides influence this process, we have used gene array technology to profile gene expression patterns in macrophages treated with LPS in the presence or the absence of the insect-derived cationic antimicrobial peptide CEMA (cecropin-melittin hybrid). We found that CEMA selectively blocked LPS-induced gene expression in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. The ability of LPS to induce the expression of &gt;40 genes was strongly inhibited by CEMA, while LPS-induced expression of another 16 genes was relatively unaffected. In addition, CEMA itself induced the expression of a distinct set of 35 genes, including genes involved in cell adhesion and apoptosis. Thus, CEMA, a synthetic α-helical peptide, selectively modulates the transcriptional response of macrophages to LPS and can alter gene expression in macrophages.
Bioactive Proteinase 3 on the Cell Surface of Human Neutrophils: Quantification, Catalytic Activity, and Susceptibility to Inhibition
Authors: Campbell Edward J. , Campbell Melody A. , Owen Caroline A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Although proteinase 3 (PR3) is known to have the potential to promote inflammation and injure tissues, the biologic forms and function of PR3 in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) from healthy donors have received little attention. In this paper, we show that PMN contain 3.24 ± SD 0.24 pg of PR3 per cell, and that the mean concentration of PR3 in azurophil granules of PMN is 13.4 mM. Low levels of PR3 are detectable on the cell surface of unstimulated PMN. Exposure of PMN to cytokines or chemoattractants alone induces modest (1.5- to 2.5-fold) increases in cell surface-bound PR3. In contrast, brief priming of PMN with cytokines, followed by activation with a chemoattractant, induces rapid and persistent, 5- to 6-fold increases in cell surface expression of PR3, while causing minimal free release of PR3. Membrane-bound PR3 on PMN is catalytically active against Boc-Alanine-Alanine-Norvaline-thiobenzyl ester and fibronectin, but in marked contrast to soluble PR3, membrane-bound PR3 is resistant to inhibition by physiologic proteinase inhibitors. PR3 appears to bind to the cell surface of PMN via a charge-dependent mechanism because exposure of fixed, activated PMN to solutions having increasing ionic strength results in elution of PR3, HLE, and CG, and there is a direct relationship between their order of elution and their isoelectric points. These data indicate that rapidly inducible PR3 expressed on the cell surface of PMN is an important bioactive form of the proteinase. If PR3 expression on the cell surface of PMN is dysregulated, it is well equipped to amplify tissue injury directly, and also indirectly via the generation of autoantibodies.
The Induction of Cell Death in Human Osteoarthritis Chondrocytes by Nitric Oxide Is Related to the Production of Prostaglandin E2 Via the Induction of Cyclooxygenase-2
Authors: Notoya Kohei , Jovanovic Dragan V. , Reboul Pascal , Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Mineau François , Pelletier Jean-Pierre 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
There is increasing evidence suggesting that chondrocyte death may contribute to the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). This study focused on the characterization of signaling cascade during NO-induced cell death in human OA chondrocytes. The NO generator, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), promoted chondrocyte death in association with DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation, and down-regulation of Bcl-2. Both caspase-3 inhibitor Z-Asp(OCH3)-Glu(OCH3)-Val-Asp(OCH3)-CH2F and caspase-9 inhibitor Z-Leu-Glu(OCH3)-His-Asp(OCH3)-CH2F prevented the chondrocyte death. Blocking the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway by the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 inhibitor PD98059 or p38 kinase inhibitor SB202190 also inhibited the SNP-mediated cell death, suggesting possible requirements of both extracellular signal-related protein kinase 1/2 and p38 kinase for the NO-induced cell death. Furthermore, the selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 by NS-398 or the inhibition of COX-1/COX-2 by indomethacin blocked the SNP-induced cell death. The chondrocyte death induced by SNP was associated with an overexpression of COX-2 protein (as determined by Western blotting) and an increase in PGE2 release. PD98059 and SB202190, but neither Z-DEVD FMK nor Z-LEHD FMK completely inhibited the SNP-mediated PGE2 production. Analysis of interactions between PGE2 and the cell death showed that PGE2 enhanced the SNP-mediated cell death, whereas PGE2 alone did not induce the chondrocyte death. These data indicate that NO-induced chondrocyte death signaling includes PGE2 production via COX-2 induction and suggest that both extracellular signal-related protein kinase 1/2 and p38 kinase pathways are upstream signaling of the PGE2 production. The results also demonstrate that exogenous PGE2 may sensitize human OA chondrocytes to the cell death induced by NO.
Persistent Induction of the Chemokine Receptor CXCR4 by TGF-β1 on Synovial T Cells Contributes to Their Accumulation Within the Rheumatoid Synovium
Authors: Buckley Christopher D. , Amft Nicole , Bradfield Paul F. , Pilling Darrell , Ross Ewan , Arenzana-Seisdedos Fernando , Amara Ali , Curnow S. John , Lord Janet M. , Scheel-Toellner Dagmar , Salmon Mike 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Chemokines and their receptors determine the distribution of leukocytes within tissues in health and disease. We have studied the role of the constitutive chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand, stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) in the perivascular accumulation of T cells in rheumatoid arthritis. We show that synovial T cells, which are primed CD45RO+CD45RBdull cells and consequently not expected to express constitutive chemokine receptors, have high levels of the chemokine receptor CXCR4. Sustained expression of CXCR4 was maintained on synovial T cells by specific factors present within the synovial microenvironment. Extensive screening revealed that TGF-β isoforms induce the expression of CXCR4 on CD4 T cells in vitro. Depletion studies using synovial fluid confirmed an important role for TGF-β1 in the induction of CXCR4 expression in vivo. The only known ligand for CXCR4 is SDF-1. We found SDF-1 on synovial endothelial cells and showed that SDF-1 was able to induce strong integrin-mediated adhesion of synovial fluid T cells to fibronectin and ICAM-1, confirming that CXCR4 expressed on synovial T cells was functional. These results suggest that the persistent induction of CXCR4 on synovial T cells by TGF-β1 leads to their active, SDF-1-mediated retention in a perivascular distribution within the rheumatoid synovium.
Selective Blockade of IL-15 by Soluble IL-15 Receptor α-Chain Enhances Cardiac Allograft Survival
Authors: Smith Xin G. , Bolton Eleanor M. , Ruchatz Holger , Wei Xiao-quing , Liew Foo Y. , Bradley J. Andrew 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
IL-15 is a T cell growth factor that shares many functional similarities with IL-2 and has recently been shown to be present in tissue and organ allografts, leading to speculation that IL-15 may contribute to graft rejection. Here, we report on the in vivo use of an IL-15 antagonist, a soluble fragment of the murine IL-15R α-chain, to investigate the contribution of IL-15 to the rejection of fully vascularized cardiac allografts in a mouse experimental model. Administration of soluble fragment of the murine IL-15R α-chain (sIL-15Rα) to CBA/Ca (H-2k) recipients for 10 days completely prevented rejection of minor histocompatibility complex-mismatched B10.BR (H-2k) heart grafts (median survival time (MST) of &gt;100 days vs MST of 10 days for control recipients) and led to a state of donor-specific immunologic tolerance. Treatment of CBA/Ca recipients with sIL-15Rα alone had only a modest effect on the survival of fully MHC-mismatched BALB/c (H-2d) heart grafts. However, administration of sIL-15Rα together with a single dose of a nondepleting anti-CD4 mAb (YTS 177.9) delayed mononuclear cell infiltration of the grafts and markedly prolonged graft survival (MST of 60 days vs MST of 20 days for treatment with anti-CD4 alone). Prolonged graft survival was accompanied in vitro by reduced proliferation and IFN-γ production by spleen cells, whereas CTL and alloantibody levels were similar to those in animals given anti-CD4 mAb alone. These findings demonstrate that IL-15 plays an important role in the rejection of a vascularized organ allograft and that antagonists to IL-15 may be of therapeutic value in preventing allograft rejection.
Mechanisms Associated with Thymocyte Apoptosis Induced by Simian Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Rosenzweig Michael , Connole Michelle , Forand-Barabasz Amy , Tremblay Marie-Pier , Johnson R. Paul , Lackner Andrew A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Despite considerable research, the mechanisms by which HIV disrupts thymic function remain controversial. We have described the phenotypic changes that occur in the thymus of SIV-infected macaques during acute SIV infection. In this study, we analyzed the effects of SIV infection on apoptotic pathways in thymic tissue from newborn macaques infected with SIV. Thymocyte apoptosis was accompanied by a modest increase in surface Fas expression, a profound decrease in the frequency of bcl-2-positive cells, as well as the amount of bcl-2 per cell. With control of viral replication, levels of bcl-2 and Fas returned to baseline together with a return to basal levels of apoptosis. In the thymus, SIV infection resulted in depletion of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes, an increase in apoptosis of thymocytes, and a down-regulation of MHC class I molecules. These changes peaked 14–21 days after infection at or just after peak viremia. This data further suggests disruption of the antiapoptotic pathway regulated by bcl-2 plays a critical role in SIV-induced apoptosis of thymocytes.