bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Critical Role for Allograft Inflammatory Factor-1 in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kimura Mizuho , Kawahito Yutaka , Obayashi Hiroshi , Ohta Mitsuhiro , Hara Hirokazu , Adachi Tetsuo , Tokunaga Daisaku , Hojo Tatsuya , Hamaguchi Masahide , Omoto Atsushi , Ishino Hidetaka , Wada Makoto , Kohno Masataka , Tsubouchi Yasunori , Yoshikawa Toshikazu 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by massive synovial proliferation, angiogenesis, subintimal infiltration of inflammatory cells and the production of cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. Allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) has been identified in chronic rejection of rat cardiac allografts as well as tissue inflammation in various autoimmune diseases. AIF-1 is thought to play an important role in chronic immune inflammatory processes, especially those involving macrophages. In the current work, we examined the expression of AIF-1 in synovial tissues and measured AIF-1 in synovial fluid (SF) derived from patients with either RA or osteoarthritis (OA). We also examined the proliferation of synovial cells and induction of IL-6 following AIF-1 stimulation. Immunohistochemical staining showed that AIF-1 was strongly expressed in infiltrating mononuclear cells and synovial fibroblasts in RA compared with OA. Western blot analysis and semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that synovial expression of AIF-1 in RA was significantly greater than the expression in OA. AIF-1 induced the proliferation of cultured synovial cells in a dose-dependent manner and increased the IL-6 production of synovial fibroblasts and PBMC. The levels of AIF-1 protein were higher in synovial fluid from patients with RA compared with patients with OA (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the concentration of AIF-1 significantly correlated with the IL-6 concentration (r = 0.618, p &lt; 0.01). These findings suggest that AIF-1 is closely associated with the pathogenesis of RA and is a novel member of the cytokine network involved in the immunological processes underlying RA.
C3d Binding to the Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Results in an Exacerbated Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Jégou Jean-François , Chan Philippe , Schouft Marie-Thérèse , Griffiths Mark R. , Neal James W. , Gasque Philippe , Vaudry Hubert , Fontaine Marc 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The complement system is known to contribute to demyelination in multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. However, there are few data concerning the natural adjuvant effect of C3d on the humoral response when it binds to myelin Ags. This study addresses the effect of C3d binding to the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) in the induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57BL/6J mice. Immunization with human MOG coupled to C3d was found to accelerate the appearance of clinical signs of the disease and to enhance its severity compared with MOG-immunized mice. This finding was correlated with an increased infiltration of leukocytes into the central nervous system accompanied by increased complement activation and associated with areas of demyelination and axonal loss. Furthermore, B cell participation in the pathogenesis of the disease was determined by their increased capacity to act as APCs and to form germinal centers. Consistent with this, the production of MOG-specific Abs was found to be enhanced following MOG/C3d immunization. These results suggest that binding of C3d to self-Ags could increase the severity of an autoimmune disease by enhancing the adaptive autoimmune response.
Maternal Acceptance of the Fetus: True Human Tolerance
Authors: Guleria Indira , Sayegh Mohamed H. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Induction and maintenance of immunologic tolerance in humans remains a desirable but elusive goal. Therefore, understanding the physiologic mechanisms of regulation of immune responses is highly clinically relevant for immune-mediated diseases (e.g., autoimmunity and asthma/allergy) and for cell and organ transplantation. Acceptance of the fetus, which expresses paternally inherited alloantigens, by the mother during pregnancy is a unique example of how the immune system reshapes a destructive alloimmune response to a state of tolerance. Understanding the complex mechanisms of fetomaternal tolerance has important implications for developing novel strategies to induce immunologic tolerance in humans in general and for prevention of spontaneous abortion in at-risk populations in particular.
Cutting Edge: Acute and Chronic Exposure of Immature B Cells to Antigen Leads to Impaired Homing and SHIP1-Dependent Reduction in Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1 Responsiveness
Authors: Brauweiler Anne , Merrell Kevin , Gauld Stephen B. , Cambier John C. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
An encounter of B cells with cognate self Ags in the periphery can lead to anergy, a condition characterized by altered anatomical localization, shortened life span, and refractility to Ag stimulation. We recently reported that an immature B cell encounter with cognate self-Ag in the bone marrow can also lead to anergy. In this study we show that anergic as well as acutely Ag-stimulated immature B cells are defective in stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)-induced calcium mobilization and migration and do not localize to bone marrow following adoptive transfer. This hyporesponsiveness does not involve CXCR4 modulation. However, BCR signal-mediated hyporesponsiveness to SDF-1 is associated with phosphorylation of the 5-inositol phosphatase SHIP1 and requires SHIP1 expression. Therefore, an encounter with cognate Ag may, by preventing SDF-1-induced phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate accumulation, trigger premature emigration of immature B cells from bone marrow.
Cutting Edge: Chemokine Receptor CCR4 Is Necessary for Antigen-Driven Cutaneous Accumulation of CD4 T Cells under Physiological Conditions
Authors: Campbell James J. , O’Connell Daniel J. , Wurbel Marc-André 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Dual expression of chemokine receptor CCR4 and E-selectin ligand is characteristic of skin-tropic CD4 T cells from blood, lymphoid organs, and the skin itself. A strong and specific correlation exists among CCR4, its ligand CCL17/TARC, and the cutaneous lymphocyte-homing process. Nevertheless, whether CCR4 function is required for skin-specific trafficking remains an open question, which we address in this study. We developed an Ag-specific, TCR-transgenic, murine CD4 T cell adoptive transfer model that induces a mixed Th1 and Th17 cutaneous response. Within the hosts, both CCR4+/+ and CCR4−/− donor CD4 T cells contribute equally well to the circulating E-selectin ligand+ pool in response to Ag. However, only CCR4+/+ donor cells accumulate efficiently within the skin. CCR4−/− cells home normally to the peritoneum, showing that they do not have a general defect in lymphocyte trafficking. We conclude that under physiological conditions, CCR4 is a nonredundant, necessary component of skin-specific lymphocyte trafficking.
Cutting Edge: Proinflammatory and Th2 Cytokines Synergize to Induce Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Production by Human Skin Keratinocytes
Authors: Bogiatzi Sofia I. , Fernandez Isabel , Bichet Jean-Christophe , Marloie-Provost Marie-Annick , Volpe Elisabetta , Sastre Xavier , Soumelis Vassili 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an epithelial cell-derived cytokine that strongly activates dendritic cells (DC) and can initiate allergic inflammation. The factors inducing the production of human TSLP are not known. In this study, we show that proinflammatory (TNF-α or IL-1α) and Th2 (IL-4 or IL-13) cytokines synergized to induce the production of TSLP in human skin explants. TSLP production in situ was restricted to epidermal keratinocytes of the suprabasal layer. TSLP production could not be inhibited by factors regulating Th2 inflammation, such as IL-10, TGF-β, or IFN-γ. Cytokine-treated skin culture supernatants induced the maturation of blood CD11c+ DC in a TSLP-dependent manner. Our data provide the first evidence of TSLP induction and subsequent DC activation in human skin. Blocking TSLP-inducing cytokines could represent a novel strategy for the treatment of allergic diseases.
The Fas/Fas Ligand System Inhibits Differentiation of Murine Osteoblasts but Has a Limited Role in Osteoblast and Osteoclast Apoptosis
Authors: Kovac̆ić Nataša , Lukić Ivan Krešimir , Grc̆ević Danka , Katavić Vedran , Croucher Peter , Marušić Ana 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Apoptosis through Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) is an important regulator of immune system homeostasis but its role in bone homeostasis is elusive. We systematically analyzed: 1) the expression of Fas/FasL during osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis in vitro, 2) the effect of FasL on apoptosis and osteoblastic/osteoclastic differentiation, and 3) osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis in mice deficient in Fas or FasL. The expression of Fas increased with osteoblastic differentiation. Addition of FasL weakly increased the proportion of apoptotic cells in both osteoclastogenic and osteoblastogenic cultures. In a CFU assay, FasL decreased the proportion of osteoblast colonies but did not affect the total number of colonies, indicating specific inhibitory effect of Fas/FasL on osteoblastic differentiation. The effect depended on the activation of caspase 8 and was specific, as addition of FasL to osteoblastogenic cultures significantly decreased gene expression for runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) required for osteoblastic differentiation. Bone marrow from mice without functional Fas or FasL had similar osteoclastogenic potential as bone marrow from wild-type mice, but generated more osteoblast colonies ex vivo. These colonies had increased expression of the osteoblast genes Runx2, osteopontin, alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and osteoprotegerin. Our results indicate that Fas/FasL system primarily controls osteoblastic differentiation by inhibiting progenitor differentiation and not by inducing apoptosis. During osteoclastogenesis, the Fas/FasL system may have a limited effect on osteoclast progenitor apoptosis. The study suggests that Fas/FasL system plays a key role in osteoblastic differentiation and provides novel insight into the interactions between the immune system and bone.
Serpin-6 Expression Protects Embryonic Stem Cells from Lysis by Antigen-Specific CTL
Authors: Abdullah Zeinab , Saric Tomo , Kashkar Hamid , Baschuk Nikola , Yazdanpanah Benjamin , Fleischmann Bernd K. , Hescheler Jürgen , Krönke Martin , Utermöhlen Olaf 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The immune response to embryonic stem (ES) cells is still poorly understood. In this study, we addressed the adaptive cellular immune response to undifferentiated and differentiated ES cells infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a vertically transmitted pathogen in mice and humans. In contrast to the prevailing view, we found that undifferentiated and differentiated murine ES cells express MHC class I molecules, although at low levels. When cocultured with LCMV-infected ES cells, syngeneic but not allogeneic LCMV-specific CTL secrete IFN-γ. Strikingly, LCMV-specific CTL do not efficiently kill LCMV-infected ES cells. ES cells showed high-level expression of the serine protease inhibitor 6, an endogenous inhibitor of the CTL-derived cytotoxic effector molecule granzyme B. Down-regulation of serpin-6 by RNA interference sensitized ES cells for CTL-induced cell death. The results of this study suggest that LCMV-infected murine ES cells present viral Ags and are recognized by LCMV-specific CTL in a MHC class I-restricted manner, yet resist CTL-mediated lysis through high-level expression of serine protease inhibitor 6.
Treatment-Enhanced CD4+Foxp3+ Glucocorticoid-Induced TNF Receptor Family RelatedHigh Regulatory Tumor-Infiltrating T Cells Limit the Effectiveness of Cytokine-Based Immunotherapy
Authors: Berhanu Aklile , Huang Jian , Watkins Simon C. , Okada Hideho , Storkus Walter J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Regulatory T cells can suppress activated CD4+ and CD8+ T effector cells and may serve as an impediment to spontaneous or therapeutic type 1 antitumor immunity. In a previous study, we observed minimal therapeutic impact, but significantly enhanced T cell cross-priming and lesional infiltration of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells into established CMS4 sarcomas after combined treatment of BALB/c mice with rFLt3 ligand (rFL) and recombinant GM-CSF (rGM-CSF). In this study, we show that this cytokine regimen also results in the profound enhancement of CD4+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) expressing FoxP3, IL-10, and TGF-β mRNA, with 50 or 90% of CD4+ TIL coexpressing the CD25 and glucocorticoid-induced TNFR family related molecules, respectively. Intracellular staining for Foxp3 protein revealed that combined treatment with rFL plus rGM-CSF results in a significant increase in CD4+Foxp3+ T cells in the spleen of both control and tumor-bearing mice, and that nearly half of CD4+ TIL expressed this marker. In addition, CD4+ TIL cells were of an activated/memory (ICOShighCD62LlowCD45RBlow) phenotype and were capable of suppressing allospecific T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production from (in vivo cross-primed) anti-CMS4 CD8+ T cells in vitro, via a mechanism at least partially dependent on IL-10 and TGF-β. Importantly, in vivo depletion of CD4+ T cells resulted in the ability of previously ineffective, rFL plus rGM-CSF therapy-induced CD8+ T cells to now mediate tumor regression.
Targeting of the Transcription Factor STAT4 by Antisense Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides Suppresses Collagen-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Hildner Kai M. , Schirmacher Peter , Atreya Imke , Dittmayer Maria , Bartsch Brigitte , Galle Peter R. , Wirtz Stefan , Neurath Markus F. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe transcription factor STAT4 mediates signals of various proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-12, IL-15, and IL-23, that initiate and stabilize Th1 cytokine production. Although Th1 cytokine production has been suggested to play a major pathogenic role in rheumatoid arthritis, the role of STAT4 in this disease is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate a key functional role of STAT4 in murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). In initial studies we found that STAT4 expression is strongly induced in CD4+ T cells and to a lesser extent in CD11b+ APCs during CIA. To analyze the role of STAT4 for arthritis manifestation, we next investigated the outcome of interfering with STAT4 gene expression in CIA by using STAT4-deficient mice. Interestingly, STAT4-deficient mice developed significantly less severe arthritis than wild-type control mice and the T cells from such mice produced less IL-6, TNF, and IL-17. In addition, the targeting of STAT4 expression by a specific antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide directed at the translation start site suppressed STAT4 levels and signs of CIA even when applied during the onset of disease manifestation. These data suggest a key regulatory role of STAT4 in the pathogenesis and manifestation of murine collagen-induced arthritis. Furthermore, the targeting of STAT4 emerges as a novel approach to therapy for chronic arthritis.
Migration of CD4 T Cells and Dendritic Cells toward Sphingosine 1-Phosphate (S1P) Is Mediated by Different Receptor Subtypes: S1P Regulates the Functions of Murine Mature Dendritic Cells via S1P Receptor Type 3
Authors: Maeda Yasuhiro , Matsuyuki Hirofumi , Shimano Kyoko , Kataoka Hirotoshi , Sugahara Kunio , Chiba Kenji 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) and lymphocytes are known to show a migratory response to the phospholipid mediator, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). However, it is unclear whether the same S1P receptor subtype mediates the migration of lymphocytes and DCs toward S1P. In this study, we investigated the involvement of S1P receptor subtypes in S1P-induced migration of CD4 T cells and bone marrow-derived DCs in mice. A potent S1P receptor agonist, the (S)-enantiomer of FTY720-phosphate [(S)-FTY720-P], at 0.1 nM or higher and a selective S1P receptor type 1 (S1P1) agonist, SEW2871, at 0.1 μM or higher induced a dose-dependent down-regulation of S1P1. The pretreatment with these compounds resulted in a significant inhibition of mouse CD4 T cell migration toward S1P. Thus, it is revealed that CD4 T cell migration toward S1P is highly dependent on S1P1. Mature DCs, when compared with CD4 T cells or immature DCs, expressed a relatively higher level of S1P3 mRNA. S1P at 10–1000 nM induced a marked migration and significantly enhanced the endocytosis of FITC-dextran in mature but not immature DCs. Pretreatment with (S)-FTY720-P at 0.1 μM or higher resulted in a significant inhibition of S1P-induced migration and endocytosis in mature DCs, whereas SEW2871 up to 100 μM did not show any clear effect. Moreover, we found that S1P-induced migration and endocytosis were at an extremely low level in mature DCs prepared from S1P3-knockout mice. These results indicate that S1P regulates migration and endocytosis of murine mature DCs via S1P3 but not S1P1.
B Cell Regulation of CD4+CD25+ T Regulatory Cells and IL-10 Via B7 is Essential for Recovery From Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Mann Monica K. , Maresz Katarzyna , Shriver Leah P. , Tan Yanping , Dittel Bonnie N. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
CD4+CD25+ T regulatory (Treg) cells expressing the Foxp3 transcription factor have been shown to be present in the CNS during the autoimmune disease experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and can inhibit EAE clinical disease by an IL-10-dependent mechanism. In addition, IL-10 expression in the CNS late in the EAE disease course has been attributed to recovery. However, it is not known how Treg cells and IL-10 expressions are regulated during EAE. We have previously shown a requirement for B cells in recovery from EAE and here investigated whether this was due to a deficiency in Treg cells and IL-10 in the CNS. We found that B cell deficiency resulted in a delay in the emergence of Foxp3-expressing Treg cells and IL-10 in the CNS during EAE, but not in the periphery. Reconstitution with wild-type B cells resulted in disease recovery and normalized IL-10 and Foxp3 expression. However, reconstitution with B7-deficient B cells did not. Furthermore, we show that IL-10 and Foxp3 expression is enhanced in CNS nonencephalitogenic T cells. These data suggest a novel mechanism whereby B cells regulate CD4+CD25+ Treg cells via B7 and subsequently enter the CNS and suppress autoimmune inflammation, mediating recovery.
Temporal Dissection of T-bet Functions
Authors: Matsuda Jennifer L. , George Thaddeus C. , Hagman James , Gapin Laurent 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
T-bet is a transcription factor of the T-box family that regulates the expression of numerous immune system-associated genes. T-bet directs the acquisition of the Th1-associated genetic program in differentiating CD4+ lymphocytes. It also influences the development of NK and NKT cells through its regulation of the IL-2/IL-15Rβ-chain (CD122) and the trafficking of these lymphocytes through CxCR3. The temporal requirements of T-bet activity for the production of IFN-γ and the regulation of CD122 and CxCR3 expression remain undefined. We produced an ectopically controllable form of T-bet by fusing its C-terminal domain with a mutated ligand-binding domain of human estrogen receptor α. By temporally controlling the expression of T-bet-estrogen receptor α by the addition or removal of 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-HT), we show that IFN-γ, CD122, and CxCR3 are direct gene targets of T-bet whose expression are acutely regulated by T-bet activity.
Differential Survival of Cytotoxic T Cells and Memory Cell Precursors
Authors: Zhang Manling , Byrne Susan , Liu Ni , Wang Yue , Oxenius Annette , Ashton-Rickardt Philip G. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
It is widely assumed that the development of memory CD8 T cells requires the escape of CTLs from programmed cell death. We show in this study that although serine protease inhibitor 6 (Spi6) is required to protect clonal bursts of CTLs from granzyme B-induced programmed cell death, it is not required for the development of memory cells. This conclusion is reached because memory cell precursors down-regulate both Spi6 and granzyme B, unlike CTLs, and they do not require Spi6 for survival. These findings suggest that memory CD8 T cells are derived from progenitors that are refractory to self-inflicted damage, rather than derived from fully differentiated CTLs.
Interleukin-15 but Not Interleukin-7 Abrogates Vaccine-Induced Decrease in Virus Level in Simian Immunodeficiency Virusmac251-Infected Macaques
Authors: Hryniewicz Anna , Price David A. , Moniuszko Marcin , Boasso Adriano , Edghill-Spano Yvette , West Sadie M. , Venzon David , Vaccari Monica , Tsai Wen-Po , Tryniszewska Elzbieta , Nacsa Janos , Villinger Francois , Ansari Aftab A. , Trindade Christopher J. , Morre Michel , Brooks David , Arlen Philip , Brown Helen J. , Kitchen Christina M. R. , Zack Jerome A. , Douek Daniel C. , Shearer Gene M. , Lewis Mark G. , Koup Richard A. , Franchini Genoveffa 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe loss of CD4+ T cells and the impairment of CD8+ T cell function in HIV infection suggest that pharmacological treatment with IL-7 and IL-15, cytokines that increase the homeostatic proliferation of T cells and improve effector function, may be beneficial. However, these cytokines could also have a detrimental effect in HIV-1-infected individuals, because both cytokines increase HIV replication in vitro. We assessed the impact of IL-7 and IL-15 treatment on viral replication and the immunogenicity of live poxvirus vaccines in SIVmac251-infected macaques (Macaca mulatta). Neither cytokine augmented the frequency of vaccine-expanded CD4+ or CD8+ memory T cells, clonal recruitment to the SIV-specific CD8+ T cell pool, or CD8+ T cell function. Vaccination alone transiently decreased the viral set point following antiretroviral therapy suspension. IL-15 induced massive proliferation of CD4+ effector T cells and abrogated the ability of vaccination to decrease set point viremia. In contrast, IL-7 neither augmented nor decreased the vaccine effect and was associated with a decrease in TGF-β expression. These results underscore the importance of testing immunomodulatory approaches in vivo to assess potential risks and benefits for HIV-1-infected individuals.
Identification of Adiponectin as a Novel Hemopoietic Stem Cell Growth Factor
Authors: DiMascio Leah , Voermans Carlijn , Uqoezwa Mweia , Duncan Andrew , Lu Danhong , Wu Judy , Sankar Uma , Reya Tannishtha 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe hemopoietic microenvironment consists of a diverse repertoire of cells capable of providing signals that influence hemopoietic stem cell function. Although the role of osteoblasts and vascular endothelial cells has recently been characterized, the function of the most abundant cell type in the bone marrow, the adipocyte, is less defined. Given the emergence of a growing number of adipokines, it is possible that these factors may also play a role in regulating hematopoiesis. Here, we investigated the role of adiponectin, a secreted molecule derived from adipocytes, in hemopoietic stem cell (HSC) function. We show that adiponectin is expressed by components of the HSC niche and its’ receptors AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 are expressed by HSCs. At a functional level, adiponectin influences HSCs by increasing their proliferation, while retaining the cells in a functionally immature state as determined by in vitro and in vivo assays. We also demonstrate that adiponectin signaling is required for optimal HSC proliferation both in vitro and in long term hemopoietic reconstitution in vivo. Finally we show that adiponectin stimulation activates p38 MAPK, and that inhibition of this pathway abrogates adiponectin’s proliferative effect on HSCs. These studies collectively identify adiponectin as a novel regulator of HSC function and suggest that it acts through a p38 dependent pathway.