bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The γ-Parvin-Integrin-Linked Kinase Complex Is Critically Involved in Leukocyte-Substrate Interaction
Authors: Yoshimi Ryusuke , Yamaji Satoshi , Suzuki Atsushi , Mishima Wataru , Okamura Mayumi , Obana Takashi , Matsuda Chie , Miwa Yoshihiro , Ohno Shigeo , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Leukocyte extravasation is an important step of inflammation, in which integrins have been demonstrated to play an essential role by mediating the interaction of leukocytes with the vascular endothelium and the subendothelial extracellular matrix. Previously, we identified an integrin-linked kinase (ILK)-binding protein affixin (β-parvin), which links initial integrin signals to rapid actin reorganization, and thus plays critical roles in fibroblast migration. In this study, we demonstrate that γ-parvin, one of three mammalian parvin family members, is specifically expressed in several lymphoid and monocytic cell lines in a complementary manner to affixin. Like affixin, γ-parvin directly associates with ILK through its CH2 domain and colocalizes with ILK at focal adhesions as well as the leading edge of PMA-stimulated U937 cells plated on fibronectin. The overexpression of the C-terminal fragment containing CH2 domain or the depletion of γ-parvin by RNA interference inhibits the substrate adhesion of MCP-1-stimulated U937 cells and the spreading of PMA-stimulated U937 cells on fibronectin. Interestingly, the overexpression of the CH2 fragment or the γ-parvin RNA interference also disrupts the asymmetric distribution of PTEN and F-actin observed at the very early stage of cell spreading, suggesting that the ILK-γ-parvin complex is essential for the establishment of cell polarity required for leukocyte migration. Taken together with the results that γ-parvin could form a complex with some important cytoskeletal proteins, such as αPIX, α-actinin, and paxillin as demonstrated for affixin and actopaxin (α-parvin), the results in this study suggest that the ILK-γ-parvin complex is critically involved in the initial integrin signaling for leukocyte migration.
Conserved and Heterogeneous Lipid Antigen Specificities of CD1d-Restricted NKT Cell Receptors
Authors: Brigl Manfred , van den Elzen Peter , Chen Xiuxu , Meyers Jennifer Hartt , Wu Douglass , Wong Chi-Huey , Reddington Faye , Illarianov Petr A. , Besra Gurdyal S. , Brenner Michael B. , Gumperz Jenny E. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
CD1d-restricted NKT cells use structurally conserved TCRs and recognize both self and foreign glycolipids, but the TCR features that determine these Ag specificities remain unclear. We investigated the TCR structures and lipid Ag recognition properties of five novel Vα24-negative and 13 canonical Vα24-positive/Vβ11-positive human NKT cell clones generated using α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer)-loaded CD1d tetramers. The Vα24-negative clones expressed Vβ11 paired with Vα10, Vα2, or Vα3. Strikingly, their Vα-chains had highly conserved rearrangements to Jα18, resulting in CDR3α loop sequences that are nearly identical to those of canonical TCRs. Vα24-positive and Vα24-negative clones responded similarly to α-GalCer and a closely related bacterial analog, suggesting that conservation of the CDR3α loop is sufficient for recognition of α-GalCer despite CDR1α and CDR2α sequence variation. Unlike Vα24-positive clones, the Vα24-negative clones responded poorly to a glucose-linked glycolipid (α-glucosylceramide), which correlated with their lack of a conserved CDR1α amino acid motif, suggesting that fine specificity for α-linked glycosphingolipids is influenced by Vα-encoded TCR regions. Vα24-negative clones showed no response to isoglobotrihexosylceramide, indicating that recognition of this mammalian lipid is not required for selection of Jα18-positive TCRs that can recognize α-GalCer. One α-GalCer-reactive, Vα24-positive clone differed from the others in responding specifically to mammalian phospholipids, demonstrating that semi-invariant NKT TCRs have a capacity for private Ag specificities that are likely conferred by individual TCR β-chain rearrangements. These results highlight the variation in Ag recognition among CD1d-restricted TCRs and suggest that TCR α-chain elements contribute to α-linked glycosphingolipid specificity, whereas TCR β-chains can confer heterogeneous additional reactivities.
Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Is Required for TLR2 and TLR4-Induced TNF, but Not IL-6, Production
Authors: Horwood Nicole J. , Page Theresa H. , McDaid John P. , Palmer Christine D. , Campbell Jamie , Mahon Tara , Brennan Fionula M. , Webster David , Foxwell Brian M. J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk), the gene mutated in the human immunodeficiency X-linked agammaglobulinemia, is activated by LPS and is required for LPS-induced TNF production. In this study, we have investigated the role of Btk both in signaling via another TLR (TLR2) and in the production of other proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. Our data show that in X-linked agammaglobulinemia PBMCs, stimulation with TLR4 (LPS) or TLR2 (N-palmitoyl-S-[2, 3-bis(palmitoyloxy)-(2R)-propyl]-(R)-cysteine) ligands produces significantly less TNF and IL-1β than in normal controls. In contrast, a lack of Btk has no impact on the production of IL-6, IL-8, or the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. Our previous data suggested that Btk lies within a p38-dependent pathway that stabilizes TNF mRNA. Accordingly, TaqMan quantitative PCR analysis of actinomycin D time courses presented in this work shows that overexpression of Btk is able to stabilize TNF, but not IL-6 mRNA. Furthermore, using the p38 inhibitor SB203580, we show that the TLR4-induced production of TNF, but not IL-6, requires the activity of p38 MAPK. These data provide evidence for a common requirement for Btk in TLR2- and TLR4-mediated induction of two important proinflammatory cytokines, TNF and IL-1β, and reveal important differences in the TLR-mediated signals required for the production of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10.
Functional Characterization of the CCL25 Promoter in Small Intestinal Epithelial Cells Suggests a Regulatory Role for Caudal-Related Homeobox (Cdx) Transcription Factors
Authors: Ericsson Anna , Kotarsky Knut , Svensson Marcus , Sigvardsson Mikael , Agace William 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The chemokine CCL25 is selectively and constitutively expressed in the small intestinal epithelium and plays an important role in mediating lymphocyte recruitment to this site. In this study, we demonstrate that CCL25 expression in murine small intestinal epithelial cells is independent of signaling through the lymphotoxin β receptor and is not enhanced by inflammatory stimuli, pathways involved in driving the expression of most other chemokines. We define a transcriptional start site in the CCL25 gene and a region −141 to −5 proximal of exon 1 that is required for minimal promoter activity in the small intestinal epithelial cell lines, MODE-K and mICc12. These cell lines expressed far less CCL25 mRNA than freshly isolated small intestinal epithelial cells indicating that they are missing important factors driving CCL25 expression. The CCL25 promoter contained putative binding sites for the intestinal epithelial-associated Caudal-related homeobox (Cdx) transcription factors Cdx-1 and Cdx-2, and small intestinal epithelial cells but not MODE-K and mICc12 cells expressed Cdx-1 and Cdx-2. EMSA analysis demonstrated that Cdx proteins were present in nuclear extracts from freshly isolated small intestinal epithelial cells but not in MODE-K or mICcl2 cells, and bound to putative Cdx sites within the CCL25 promoter. Finally, cotransfection of MODE-K cells with Cdx transcription factors significantly increased CCL25 promoter activity as well as endogenous CCL25 mRNA levels. Together these results demonstrate a unique pattern of regulation for CCL25 and suggest a role for Cdx proteins in regulating CCL25 transcription.
Modification of MyD88 mRNA Splicing and Inhibition of IL-1β Signaling in Cell Culture and in Mice with a 2′-O-Methoxyethyl-Modified Oligonucleotide
Authors: Vickers Timothy A. , Zhang Hong , Graham Mark J. , Lemonidis Kristina M. , Zhao Chenguang , Dean Nicholas M. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
A number of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, signal through the adaptor protein MyD88. This signaling leads to phosphorylation of IL-1R-associated kinase-1 (IRAK-1) and, ultimately, activation of the NF-κB transcription factor. A splice variant of MyD88 (MyD88S), which lacks the ability to couple IRAK-1 to NF-κB, has been described. A chemically modified antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that alters the splicing ratio of MyD88 to MyD88S in both cell culture and in animals has been identified. The ASO (ISIS 337846) binds to exon II donor sites in the MyD88 pre-mRNA. By manipulating levels of MyD88 splicing, proinflammatory signaling through the IL-1R has been shown to be diminished, both in cell culture and in mouse liver. To our knowledge, this represents the first example of modulation of RNA splicing of an endogenous gene target in animals after systemic ASO dosing and suggests that this mechanism may be useful as a novel modulator of inflammatory stimuli.
Genetic Dissection of Vasculitis, Myeloperoxidase-Specific Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Autoantibody Production, and Related Traits in Spontaneous Crescentic Glomerulonephritis-Forming/Kinjoh Mice
Authors: Hamano Yoshitomo , Tsukamoto Kazuyuki , Abe Masaaki , Sun Guo Dong , Zhang Danqing , Fujii Hiroaki , Matsuoka Shuji , Tanaka Masumi , Ishida-Okawara Akiko , Tachikawa Hitoshi , Nishimura Hiroyuki , Tokunaka Kazuhiro , Hirose Sachiko , Suzuki Kazuo 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The spontaneous crescentic glomerulonephritis-forming/Kinjoh (SCG/Kj) mouse is a model of human crescentic glomerulonephritis and vasculitis associated with the production of the myeloperoxidase (MPO)-specific antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (MPO-ANCA). Although the disease is mediated initially by mutation of the Fas gene (lpr), SCG/Kj mice also have non-Fas predisposing genetic factors. To define these factors, genome-wide quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was performed on female (B6× SCG/Kj) F2 intercross mice. Fourteen non-Fas QTLs were identified. QTLs of glomerulonephritis were located on chromosomes 1, 10, 13, 16, and 17, vasculitis on chromosomes 1 and 17, splenomegaly on chromosome 1, hypergammaglobulinemia on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 11, 13, and 17, antinuclear Ab on chromosomes 1, 8, 10, and 12, and MPO-ANCA production on chromosomes 1 and 10. Significant QTLs derived from SCG/Kj on chromosomes 1, 2, 7, and 13 were designated Scg-1 to Scg-5, respectively, and those derived from B6 on chromosomes 4, 6, 17, and 10 were designated Sxb-1 to Sxb-4, respectively. Two loci linked to MPO-ANCA production on chromosomes 1 and 10 were designated Man-1 and Man-2 (for MPO-ANCA), respectively. Although both Scg-1 and Scg-2 were on chromosome 1 and shared several functions, it was of interest that aberrant MPO-ANCA production was exclusively controlled by Man-1, the centromeric half region of the Scg-2 chromosomal segment. We also examined the epistatic effects between the lpr mutation and non-Fas susceptibility genes. QTLs are discussed in relation to previously described loci, with emphasis on their candidate genes.
Ancestral Organization of the MHC Revealed in the AmphibianXenopus
Authors: Ohta Yuko , Goetz Wilfried , Hossain M. Zulfiquer , Nonaka Masaru , Flajnik Martin F. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWith the advent of the Xenopus tropicalis genome project, we analyzed scaffolds containing MHC genes. On eight scaffolds encompassing 3.65 Mbp, 122 MHC genes were found of which 110 genes were annotated. Expressed sequence tag database screening showed that most of these genes are expressed. In the extended class II and class III regions the genomic organization, excluding several block inversions, is remarkably similar to that of the human MHC. Genes in the human extended class I region are also well conserved in Xenopus, excluding the class I genes themselves. As expected from previous work on the Xenopus MHC, the single classical class I gene is tightly linked to immunoproteasome and transporter genes, defining the true class I region, present in all nonmammalian jawed vertebrates studied to date. Surprisingly, the immunoproteasome gene PSMB10 is found in the class III region rather than in the class I region, likely reflecting the ancestral condition. Xenopus DMα, DMβ, and C2 genes were identified, which are not present or not clearly identifiable in the genomes of any teleosts. Of great interest are novel V-type Ig superfamily (Igsf) genes in the class III region, some of which have inhibitory motifs (ITIM) in their cytoplasmic domains. Our analysis indicates that the vertebrate MHC experienced a vigorous rearrangement in the bony fish and bird lineages, and a translocation and expansion of the class I genes in the mammalian lineage. Thus, the amphibian MHC is the most evolutionary conserved MHC so far analyzed.
Phospholipase D1 Regulates Phagocyte Adhesion
Authors: Iyer Shankar S. , Agrawal Reitu S. , Thompson Christopher R. , Thompson Steven , Barton James A. , Kusner David J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Adhesion is a fundamental cellular response that is essential to the physiologic processes of development, differentiation, proliferation, and motility, as well as to the pathology of inflammation, transformation, and metastasis. Adhesion of phagocytic leukocytes is a critical modulator of antimicrobial and cytotoxic functions, including the respiratory burst, secretion, and apoptosis. Because phospholipase D (PLD) is linked to several signaling pathways implicated in these processes, we tested the hypothesis that PLD regulates phagocyte adhesion. Adhesion of primary human neutrophils and monocyte-derived macrophages to fibronectin was accompanied by marked stimulation of PLD activity. Similarly, adhesion of both human (PLB, THP-1) and murine (RAW) myeloid-macrophage cell lines to fibronectin, fibrinogen, collagen, or plastic resulted in significant activation of PLD. Stimulation of PLD activity was rapid and persisted for at least 90 min. Confocal microscopy indicated that PLD1 exhibited partial colocalization with actin filaments at the adherent interface, in proximity to the focal adhesion protein, paxillin. Reductions in PLD activity by chemical inhibitors or specific short-interfering RNA-induced knockdown of PLD1 resulted in significant inhibition of phagocyte adhesion and was accompanied by reductions in total cellular F-actin. These data support the hypotheses that adhesion stimulates PLD activity, and that PLD1 regulates the initial stages of phagocyte adhesion. Stimulation of PLD activity may promote adhesion-dependent phagocyte effector responses.
The Combined CTA1-DD/ISCOM Adjuvant Vector Promotes Priming of Mucosal and Systemic Immunity to Incorporated Antigens by Specific Targeting of B Cells
Authors: Helgeby Anja , Robson Neil C. , Donachie Anne M. , Beackock-Sharp Helen , Lövgren Karin , Schön Karin , Mowat Allan , Lycke Nils Y. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The cholera toxin A1 (CTA1)-DD/QuilA-containing, immune-stimulating complex (ISCOM) vector is a rationally designed mucosal adjuvant that greatly potentiates humoral and cellular immune responses. It was developed to incorporate the distinctive properties of either adjuvant alone in a combination that exerted additive enhancing effects on mucosal immune responses. In this study we demonstrate that CTA1-DD and an unrelated Ag can be incorporated together into the ISCOM, resulting in greatly augmented immunogenicity of the Ag. To demonstrate its relevance for protection against infectious diseases, we tested the vector incorporating PR8 Ag from the influenza virus. After intranasal immunization we found that the immunogenicity of the PR8 proteins were significantly augmented by a mechanism that was enzyme dependent, because the presence of the enzymatically inactive CTA1R7K-DD mutant largely failed to enhance the response over that seen with ISCOMs alone. The combined vector was a highly effective enhancer of a broad range of immune responses, including specific serum Abs and balanced Th1 and Th2 CD4+ T cell priming as well as a strong mucosal IgA response. Unlike unmodified ISCOMs, Ag incorporated into the combined vector could be presented by B cells in vitro and in vivo as well as by dendritic cells; it also accumulated in B cell follicles of draining lymph nodes when given s.c. and stimulated much enhanced germinal center reactions. Strikingly, the enhanced adjuvant activity of the combined vector was absent in B cell-deficient mice, supporting the idea that B cells are important for the adjuvant effects of the combined CTA1-DD/ISCOM vector.
A Mechanism of Virulence: Virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain H37Rv, but Not Attenuated H37Ra, Causes Significant Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Disruption in Macrophages Leading to Necrosis
Authors: Chen Minjian , Gan Huixian , Remold Heinz G. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Infection of human monocyte-derived macrophages with Mycobacterium tuberculosis at low multiplicities of infection leads 48–72 h after the infection to cell death with the characteristics of apoptosis or necrosis. Predominant induction of one or the other cell death modality depends on differences in mitochondrial membrane perturbation induced by attenuated and virulent strains. Infection of macrophages with the attenuated H37Ra or the virulent H37Rv causes mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization characterized by cytochrome c release from the mitochondrial intermembrane space and apoptosis. Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization is transient, peaks 6 h after infection, and requires Ca2+ flux and B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma 2-associated protein X translocation into mitochondria. In contrast, only the virulent H37Rv induces significant mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψm) loss caused by mitochondrial permeability transition. Dissipation of Δψm also peaks at 6 h after infection, is transient, is inhibited by the classical mitochondrial permeability transition inhibitor cyclosporine A, has a requirement for mitochondrial Ca2+ loading, and is independent of B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma translocation into the mitochondria. Transient dissipation of Δψm 6 h after infection is essential for the induction of macrophage necrosis by Mtb, a mechanism that allows further dissemination of the pathogen and development of the disease.
Dectin-1 and TLRs Permit Macrophages to Distinguish between Different Aspergillus fumigatus Cellular States
Authors: Gersuk Geoffrey M. , Underhill David M. , Zhu Liqun , Marr Kieren A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a common cause of invasive and allergic pulmonary disease. Resting conidia of the filamentous fungus are constantly inhaled, but cause infection only after initiating hyphal growth. In this study, we have explored whether macrophages can distinguish between resting spores and the maturing, potentially invasive form of the fungus. Although macrophages bind and ingest A. fumigatus resting conidia efficiently, there is little inflammatory response; NF-κβ is not activated, inflammatory cytokines are not induced, and reactive oxygen species are not produced. However, maturing A. fumigatus conidia and germ tubes stimulate NF-κβ, secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and production of reactive oxygen by human monocyte-derived macrophages and murine macrophages from multiple anatomical sites. These responses are in part mediated by dectin-1, which binds cell wall β-glucan that is not present on the surface of dormant conidia, but is present after cellular swelling and loss of the hydrophobic proteinaceous cell wall. Dectin-1 binding to germ tubes augments, but is not required for, TLR2-mediated inflammatory cytokine secretion. Dectin-1 recognition of germ tubes also stimulates TNF-α production in the absence of both TLR2 and MyD88 signaling. These data demonstrate one mechanism by which the pulmonary inflammatory response is tailored toward metabolically active cells, thereby avoiding unnecessary tissue damage with frequent inhalation of ubiquitous spores.
Structure and Regulatory Profile of the Monkeypox Inhibitor of Complement: Comparison to Homologs in Vaccinia and Variola and Evidence for Dimer Formation
Authors: Liszewski M. Kathryn , Leung Marilyn K. , Hauhart Richard , Buller R. Mark L. , Bertram Paula , Wang Xuefeng , Rosengard Ariella M. , Kotwal Girish J. , Atkinson John P. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The outbreak of monkeypox in the Unites States in the summer of 2003 was the first occurrence of this smallpox-like disease outside of Africa. This limited human epidemic resulted from cross-infection of prairie dogs by imported African rodents. Although there were no human fatalities, this outbreak illustrates that monkeypox is an emerging natural infection and a potential biological weapon. We characterized a virulence factor expressed by monkeypox (monkeypox inhibitor of complement enzymes or MOPICE). We also compared its structure and regulatory function to homologous complement regulatory proteins of variola (SPICE) and vaccinia (VCP). In multiple expression systems, 5–30% of MOPICE, SPICE, and VCP consisted of function-enhancing disulfide-linked homodimers. Mammalian cells infected with vaccinia virus also expressed VCP dimers. MOPICE bound human C3b/C4b intermediate to that of SPICE and VCP. Cofactor activity of MOPICE was similar to VCP, but both were ∼100-fold less efficient than SPICE. SPICE and VCP, but not MOPICE, possessed decay-accelerating activity for the C3 and C5 convertases of the classical pathway. Additionally, all three regulators possessed heparin-binding capability. These studies demonstrate that MOPICE regulates human complement and suggest that dimerization is a prominent feature of these virulence factors. Thus, our data add novel information relative to the functional repertoire of these poxviral virulence factors. Furthermore, targeting and neutralizing these complement regulatory active sites via mAbs is a therapeutic approach that may enhance protection against smallpox.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Deficiency Impairs Host Defense against Abdominal Sepsis
Authors: Renckens Rosemarijn , Roelofs Joris J. T. H. , Florquin Sandrine , de Vos Alex F. , Lijnen H. Roger , van’t Veer Cornelis , van der Poll Tom 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 is involved in extracellular matrix degradation and leukocyte migration. To determine the role of MMP-9 in the innate immune response to peritonitis, MMP-9 gene-deficient (MMP-9−/−) and normal wild-type mice were i.p. infected with Escherichia coli. MMP-9 mRNA and pro-MMP-9 protein levels increased rapidly upon induction of peritonitis. Although MMP-9−/− neutrophils showed a normal phagocytosis of E. coli in vitro, MMP-9−/− mice displayed a reduced resistance against E. coli peritonitis, as indicated by an enhanced bacterial outgrowth in the peritoneal cavity and increased dissemination of the infection. Furthermore, the cytokine response to LPS was not influenced by MMP-9 deficiency. However, during E. coli peritonitis, MMP-9−/− mice showed much higher peritoneal chemokine and cytokine levels compared with wild-type mice. Despite the increased local chemokine concentrations, MMP-9−/− mice displayed a diminished recruitment of leukocytes to the site of infection, indicating that cellular migration was impaired. Moreover, MMP-9−/− mice developed more severe distant organ damage during infection. These data suggest that MMP-9 is an essential component of an effective host response to E. coli peritonitis.