bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
E-Selectin-Dependent Signaling Via the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway in Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Hu Yenya , Kiely Jeanne-Marie , Szente Brian E. , Rosenzweig Anthony , Gimbrone Michael A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractE-selectin, a cytokine-inducible adhesion molecule, supports rolling and stable arrest of leukocytes on activated vascular endothelium. Previous studies have suggested that this transmembrane protein can also transduce signals into the endothelial cell. We now demonstrate activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade in cultured HUVEC in response to E-selectin-dependent leukocyte adhesion and Ab-mediated cross-linking of cell surface E-selectin. Adhesion of increasing numbers of HL60 cells to IL-1β-activated HUVEC stimulated robust increases in MAPK activity that were abrogated by an E-selectin blocking Ab. Cross-linking of cell surface E-selectin with Abs, as a mimic of multivalent ligand engagement, strongly stimulated MAPK/extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK)-dependent MAPK activation and concomitant up-regulation of mRNA for c-fos, an immediate early response gene, whereas Ab cross-linking of HLA class I molecules (present at comparable density) failed to do so. Coimmunoprecipitation documented Ras, Raf-1 and, phospho-MEK complex formation. Unactivated HUVEC transduced with a full-length adenoviral E-selectin construct also exhibited cross-link-induced MAPK activation, macromolecular complex formation, and c-fos up-regulation, whereas HUVEC transduced with a cytoplasmic domain deletion mutant failed to respond. These observations indicate that E-selectin can transduce an activating stimulus via the MAPK cascade into the endothelial cell during leukocyte adhesion.
Oncostatin M Stimulates the Growth of Dermal Fibroblasts Via a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Ihn Hironobu , Tamaki Kunihiko 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Oncostatin M (OSM), a member of the hemopoietic cytokine family, has been implicated in the process of fibrosis and dermal wound healing. As a part of an ongoing study of the mechanisms of fibrosis and dermal wound healing, we have investigated the mechanism of the growth regulation of dermal fibroblasts by OSM. OSM stimulates the mitogenesis of dermal fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was completely blocked by anti-OSM IgG, but not by anti-IL-6 IgG. Furthermore, OSM induction was abolished by genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, or by PD98059, a specific mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway inhibitor, but not by calphostin C, a protein kinase C inhibitor. Immunoblotting analysis using a specific Ab against phosphorylated MAP kinase (Thr202/Tyr204) showed that OSM induces phosphorylation of MAP kinase in dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, transient transfection of the dominant-negative mutant MAP kinase into dermal fibroblasts abolished the OSM induction. These results strongly suggest that OSM stimulates the growth of dermal fibroblasts via a MAP kinase-dependent pathway.
Human Galectin-3 Is a Novel Chemoattractant for Monocytes and Macrophages
Authors: Sano Hideki , Hsu Daniel K. , Yu Lan , Apgar John R. , Kuwabara Ichiro , Yamanaka Tohru , Hirashima Mitsuomi , Liu Fu-Tong 
Published: April 2014

AbstractGalectin-3 is a β-galactoside-binding protein implicated in diverse biological processes. We found that galectin-3 induced human monocyte migration in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, and it was chemotactic at high concentrations (1.0 μM) but chemokinetic at low concentrations (10–100 nM). Galectin-3-induced monocyte migration was inhibited by its specific mAb and was blocked by lactose and a C-terminal domain fragment of the protein, indicating that both the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of galectin-3 are involved in this activity. Pertussis toxin (PTX) almost completely blocked monocyte migration induced by high concentrations of galectin-3. Galectin-3 caused a Ca2+ influx in monocytes at high, but not low, concentrations, and both lactose and PTX inhibited this response. There was no cross-desensitization between galectin-3 and any of the monocyte-reactive chemokines examined, including monocyte chemotactic protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, and stromal cell-derived factor-1α. Cultured human macrophages and alveolar macrophages also migrated toward galectin-3, but not monocyte chemotactic protein-1. Finally, galectin-3 was found to cause monocyte accumulation in vivo in mouse air pouches. These results indicate that galectin-3 is a novel chemoattractant for monocytes and macrophages and suggest that the effect is mediated at least in part through a PTX-sensitive (G protein-coupled) pathway.
Inducible Expression of a Th2-Type CC Chemokine Thymus- and Activation-Regulated Chemokine by Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Sekiya Takashi , Miyamasu Misato , Imanishi Masako , Yamada Hirokazu , Nakajima Toshiharu , Yamaguchi Masao , Fujisawa Takao , Pawankar Ruby , Sano Yasuyuki , Ohta Ken , Ishii Akira , Morita Yutaka , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Matsushima Kouji , Yoshie Osamu , Hirai Koichi 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCCR4 is now known to be selectively expressed in Th2 cells. Since the bronchial epithelium is recognized as an important source of mediators fundamental to the manifestation of respiratory allergic inflammation, we studied the expression of two functional ligands for CCR4, i.e., macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) and thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), in bronchial epithelial cells. The bronchial epithelium of asthmatics and normal subjects expressed TARC protein, and the asthmatics showed more intense expression than the normal subjects. On the other hand, MDC expression was only weakly detected in the asthmatics, but the intensity was not significantly different from that of normal subjects. Combination of TNF-α and IL-4 induced expression of TARC protein and mRNA in bronchial epithelial A549 cells, which was slightly up-regulated by IFN-γ. The enhancement by IFN-γ was more pronounced in bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells, and a maximum production occurred with combination of TNF-α, IL-4, and IFN-γ. On the other hand, MDC was essentially not expressed in any of the cultures. Furthermore, expressions of TARC protein and mRNA were almost completely inhibited by glucocorticoids. These results indicate that the airway epithelium represents an important source of TARC, which potentially plays a role via a paracrine mechanism in the development of allergic respiratory diseases. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of inhaled glucocorticoids on asthma may be at least in part due to their direct inhibitory effect on TARC generation by the bronchial epithelium.
Autoantigen-Specific CD4+CD28low T Cell Subset Prevents Autoimmune Exocrinopathy in Murine Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Saegusa Kaoru , Ishimaru Naozumi , Yanagi Kumiko , Haneji Norio , Nishino Mizuho , Azuma Miyuki , Saito Ichiro , Hayashi Yoshio 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Organ-specific autoimmune exocrinopathy resembling Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) that spontaneously develops in NFS/sld mutant mice thymectomized 3 day after birth is dependent on Th1-type CD4+ T cells. We previously reported that a cleavage product of 120-kDa α-fodrin may be an important autoantigen in the pathogenesis of SS in both an animal model and the patients. We demonstrate that in an animal model of SS with overt exocrinopathy, a unique CD4+ T cell subset expressing CD28low is dramatically increased in spleen cells before the disease onset, but that the CD4+ T cells of diseased mice were virtually all CD28high. We found that the spleen cells in these mice before the disease onset showed a significant increase in autoantigen-specific T cell proliferation. Analysis of in vitro cytokine production by spleen cells indicated, before the disease onset, severely impaired production of IL-2 and IFN-γ in the animal model, whereas high levels of IL-4 were observed. Expression of cytokine genes, including IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β, was detected in FACS-sorted CD4+CD28low T cells by RT-PCR analysis. Transfer of CD4+CD28low T cells into the animal model actually prevented the development of autoimmune lesions including autoantibody production. These results suggest that a CD4+CD28low T cell subset that is continuously activated by an organ-specific autoantigen may play a regulatory role in the development of organ-specific autoimmune disease in an animal model of SS.
NF-κB as a Central Mediator in the Induction of TGF-β in Monocytes from Patients with Idiopathic Myelofibrosis: An Inflammatory Response Beyond the Realm of Homeostasis
Authors: Rameshwar Pranela , Narayanan Ramaswamy , Qian Jing , Denny Thomas N. , Colon Cristina , Gascon Pedro 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Immune-mediated mechanisms have been implicated in the etiology of idiopathic bone marrow fibrosis (IMF). However, the mechanism remains poorly defined. Compared with healthy controls, IMF monocytes are overactivated, with increased production of TGF-β and IL-1. TGF-β is central to the progression of fibrosis in different organs. In the lung, fibrosis is associated with up-regulation of TGF-β-inducible genes. Because IL-1 and TGF-β have pro- and antiinflammatory properties and neither appears to regulate the high levels of each other in IMF, we studied the mechanism of this paradigm. We focused on the role of RelA, a subunit of the transcription factor, NF-κB that is associated with inflammatory responses. We transiently knocked out RelA from IMF monocytes with antisense oligonucleotides and showed that RelA is central to IL-1 and TGF-β production and to the adhesion of IMF monocytes. Because the NF-κB family comprises subunits other than RelA, we used aspirin and sodium salicylate to inhibit kinases that activate NF-κB and showed effects similar to those of the RelA knockout system. It is unlikely that RelA could be interacting directly with the TGF-β gene. Therefore, we determined its role in TGF-β production and showed that exogenous IL-1 could induce TGF-β and adherence of IMF monocytes despite the depletion of NF-κB. The results indicate that IL-1 is necessary for TGF-β production in IMF monocytes, but NF-κB activation is required for the production of endogenous IL-1. Initial adhesion activates NF-κB, which led to IL-1 production. Through autocrine means, IL-1 induces TGF-β production. In total, these reactions maintain overactivation of IMF monocytes.
Development of Streptococcal Pyrogenic Exotoxin C Vaccine Toxoids That Are Protective in the Rabbit Model of Toxic Shock Syndrome
Authors: McCormick John K. , Tripp Timothy J. , Olmsted Stephen B. , Matsuka Yury V. , Gahr Pamala J. , Ohlendorf Douglas H. , Schlievert Patrick M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractStreptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin C (SPE C) is a superantigen produced by many strains of Streptococcus pyogenes that (along with streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A) is highly associated with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) and other invasive streptococcal diseases. Based on the three-dimensional structure of SPE C, solvent-exposed residues predicted to be important for binding to the TCR or the MHC class II molecule, or important for dimerization, were generated. Based on decreased mitogenic activity of various single-site mutants, the double-site mutant Y15A/N38D and the triple-site mutant Y15A/H35A/N38D were constructed and analyzed for superantigenicity, toxicity (lethality), immunogenicity, and the ability to protect against wild-type SPE C-induced STSS. The Y15A/N38D and Y15A/H35A/N38D mutants were nonmitogenic for rabbit splenocytes and human PBMCs and nonlethal in two rabbit models of STSS, yet both mutants were highly immunogenic. Animals vaccinated with the Y15A/N38D or Y15A/H35A/N38D toxoids were protected from challenge with wild-type SPE C. Collectively, these data indicate that the Y15A/N38D and Y15A/H35A/N38D mutants may be useful as toxoid vaccine candidates.
Cutting Edge: Functional Requirement for SAP in 2B4-Mediated Activation of Human Natural Killer Cells as Revealed by the X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome
Authors: Tangye Stuart G. , Phillips Joseph H. , Lanier Lewis L. , Nichols Kim E. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) is an immunodeficiency characterized by life-threatening infectious mononucleosis and EBV-induced B cell lymphoma. The gene mutated in XLP encodes SLAM (signaling lymphocytic activation molecule-associated protein)-associated protein (SAP), a small SH2 domain-containing protein. SAP associates with 2B4 and SLAM, activating receptors expressed by NK and T cells, and prevents recruitment of SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 SHP-2) to the cytoplasmic domains of these receptors. The phenotype of XLP may therefore result from perturbed signaling through SAP-associating receptors. We have addressed the functional consequence of SAP deficiency on 2B4-mediated NK cell activation. Ligating 2B4 on normal human NK cells with anti-2B4 mAb or interaction with transfectants bearing the 2B4 ligand CD48 induced NK cell cytotoxicity. In contrast, ligation of 2B4 on NK cells from a SAP-deficient XLP patient failed to initiate cytotoxicity. Despite this, CD2 or CD16-induced cytotoxicity of SAP-deficient NK cells was similar to that of normal NK cells. Thus, selective impairment of 2B4-mediated NK cell activation may contribute to the immunopathology of XLP.
Cutting Edge: HMG-1 as a Mediator of Acute Lung Inflammation
Authors: Abraham Edward , Arcaroli John , Carmody Aaron , Wang Haichao , Tracey Kevin J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Acute inflammatory lung injury is often a delayed complication of critical illness and is associated with increased mortality. High mobility group-1 (HMG-1) protein, in addition to its role as a transcriptional regulatory factor, has recently been identified as a late mediator of endotoxin lethality. In the present studies, HMG-1 given intratracheally produced acute inflammatory injury to the lungs, with neutrophil accumulation, the development of lung edema, and increased pulmonary production of IL-1β, TNF-α, and macrophage-inflammatory protein-2. In endotoxin-induced acute lung inflammation, administration of anti-HMG-1 Abs either before or after endotoxin exposure decreased the migration of neutrophils to the lungs as well as lung edema. These protective effects of anti-HMG-1 were specific, because pulmonary levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, or macrophage-inflammatory protein-2 were not decreased after therapy with anti-HMG-1. Together, these findings indicate that HMG-1 is a distal mediator of acute inflammatory lung injury.
Somatostatin Through Its Specific Receptor Inhibits Spontaneous and TNF-α- and Bacteria-Induced IL-8 and IL-1β Secretion from Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Chowers Yehuda , Cahalon Liora , Lahav Maor , Schor Hagai , Tal Ruth , Bar-Meir Simon , Levite Mia 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Intestinal epithelial cells secrete proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines that are crucial in mucosal defense. However, this secretion must be tightly regulated, because uncontrolled secretion of proinflammatory mediators may lead to chronic inflammation and mucosal damage. The aim of this study was to determine whether somatostatin, secreted within the intestinal mucosa, regulates secretion of cytokines from intestinal epithelial cells. The spontaneous as well as TNF-α- and Salmonella-induced secretion of IL-8 and IL-1β derived from intestinal cell lines Caco-2 and HT-29 was measured after treatment with somatostatin or its synthetic analogue, octreotide. Somatostatin, at physiological nanomolar concentrations, markedly inhibited the spontaneous and TNF-α-induced secretion of IL-8 and IL-1β. This inhibition was dose dependent, reaching &gt;90% blockage at 3 nM. Furthermore, somatostatin completely abrogated the increased secretion of IL-8 and IL-1β after invasion by Salmonella. Octreotide, which mainly stimulates somatostatin receptor subtypes 2 and 5, affected the secretion of IL-8 and IL-1β similarly, and the somatostatin antagonist cyclo-somatostatin completely blocked the somatostatin- and octreotide-induced inhibitory effects. This inhibition was correlated to a reduction of the mRNA concentrations of IL-8 and IL-1β. No effect was noted regarding cell viability. These results indicate that somatostatin, by directly interacting with its specific receptors that are expressed on intestinal epithelial cells, down-regulates proinflammatory mediator secretion by a mechanism involving the regulation of transcription. These findings suggest that somatostatin plays an active role in regulating the mucosal inflammatory response of intestinal epithelial cells after physiological and pathophysiological stimulations such as bacterial invasion.
Cd22aPRE-mRNA Dysregulated Expression of theCd22Gene as a Result of a Short Interspersed Nucleotide Element Insertion inCd22aLupus-Prone Mice
Authors: Mary Charles , Laporte Catherine , Parzy Daniel , Santiago Marie-Laure , Stefani Franck , Lajaunias Frédéric , Parkhouse R. Michael E. , O’Keefe Theresa L. , Neuberger Michael S. , Izui Shozo , Reininger Luc 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe Cd22 gene encodes a B cell-specific adhesion molecule that modulates B cell Ag receptor-mediated signal transduction, and is allelic to a lupus-susceptibility locus in New Zealand White (NZW) mice. In this study, we show that, in addition to the wild-type transcripts, NZW (Cd22a) mice synthesize aberrant CD22 mRNAs that contain ∼20–120 nucleotide insertions upstream of the coding region between exons 2 and 3, and/or ∼100–190 nucleotide deletions of exon 4. Sequence analysis revealed that these aberrant mRNA species arose by alternative splicing due to the presence in the NZW strain of a 794-bp sequence insertion in the second intron, containing a cluster of short interspersed nucleotide elements. Both the presence of sequence insertion and aberrantly spliced mRNAs were specific to mice bearing the Cd22a and Cd22c alleles. Up-regulation of CD22 expression after LPS activation appeared impaired in Cd22a spleen cells (twice lower than in Cd22b B cells). Furthermore, we show that partial CD22 deficiency, i.e., heterozygous level of CD22 expression, markedly promotes the production of IgG anti-DNA autoantibodies in C57BL/6 (Cd22b) mice bearing the Y chromosome-linked autoimmune acceleration gene, Yaa. Taken together, these results suggest that a lower up-regulation of CD22 on activated B cells (resulting from Cd22 gene anomaly in Cd22a mice or from CD22 heterozygosity in mutants obtained by gene targeting) is implicated in autoantibody production, providing support for Cd22a as a possible candidate allele contributing to lupus susceptibility.
Regulation of the Fas Death Pathway by FLICE-Inhibitory Protein in Primary Human B Cells
Authors: Hennino Ana , Berard Marion , Casamayor-Pallejà Montserrat , Krammer Peter H. , Defrance Thierry 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The Fas/Fas ligand (L) system plays an important role in the maintenance of peripheral B cell tolerance and the prevention of misguided T cell help. CD40-derived signals are required to induce Fas expression on virgin B cells and to promote their susceptibility to Fas-mediated apoptosis. In the current study, we have analyzed the early biochemical events occurring upon Fas ligation in CD40L-activated primary human tonsillar B cells with respect to Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), caspase-8/FADD-like IL-1β-converting enzyme (FLICE), and c-FLICE inhibitory protein (FLIP). We report here that Fas-induced apoptosis in B cells does not require integrity of the mitochondrial Apaf-1 pathway and that caspase-8 is activated by association with the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC), i.e., upstream of the mitochondria. We show that both FADD and the zymogen form of caspase-8 are constitutively expressed at high levels in virgin B cells, whereas c-FLIP expression is marginal. In contrast, c-FLIP, but neither FADD nor procaspase-8, is strongly up-regulated upon ligation of CD40 or the B cell receptor on virgin B cells. Finally, we have found that c-FLIP is also recruited and cleaved at the level of the DISC in CD40L-activated virgin B cells. We propose that c-FLIP expression delays the onset of apoptosis in Fas-sensitive B cells. The transient protection afforded by c-FLIP could offer an ultimate safeguard mechanism against inappropriate cell death or allow recruitment of phagocytes to ensure efficient removal of apoptotic cells.
The Dual Role of IL-2 in the Generation and Maintenance of CD8+ Memory T Cells
Authors: Dai Zhenhua , Konieczny Bogumila T. , Lakkis Fadi G. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The mechanisms responsible for the generation and maintenance of T cell memory are unclear. In this study, we tested the role of IL-2 in allospecific CD8+ T cell memory by analyzing the long-term survival, phenotype, and functional characteristics of IL-2-replete (IL-2+/+) and IL-2-deficient (IL-2−/−) CD8+ TCR-transgenic lymphocytes in an adoptive transfer model. We found that IL-2 is not essential for the in vivo generation, maintenance, or recall response of CD8+ memory T cells. However, IL-2 increased the size of the CD8+ memory pool if present at the time of initial T cell activation but reduced the size of the pool if present during memory maintenance by inhibiting the proliferation of CD8+ memory T cells. Thus, IL-2-based vaccine strategies or immunosuppressive regimens that target IL-2 should take into account the divergent roles of IL-2 in CD8+ T cell immunity.
Disparate Cytotoxic Activity of Nickel-Specific CD8+ and CD4+ T Cell Subsets Against Keratinocytes
Authors: Traidl Claudia , Sebastiani Silvia , Albanesi Cristina , Merk Hans F. , Puddu Pietro , Girolomoni Giampiero , Cavani Andrea 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is the result of an exaggerated immune reaction to haptens mediated by skin-homing T cells, but the effector mechanisms responsible for the tissue damage are poorly understood. Here we studied the capacity of distinct subsets of hapten-specific T cells to induce apoptosis in autologous keratinocytes. Skin- and blood-derived nickel-specific CD8+ T cytotoxic 1 (Tc1) and Tc2 clones as well as CD4+ Th1 and Th2 expressed the cutaneous lymphocyte-associated Ag and exhibited strong MHC-restricted cytotoxicity against nickel-coupled B lymphoblasts, as detected by the [3H]TdR release assay. Both Tc1 and Tc2 clones, but not CD4+ T cells, displayed a significant cytotoxic activity against resting nickel-modified keratinocytes. Following IFN-γ treatment, keratinocytes expressed MHC class II and ICAM-1 and became susceptible to Th1-mediated, but not Th2-mediated, cytotoxicity. The molecules of the two major cytotoxic pathways, Fas ligand (FasL) and perforin, were expressed by Tc1, Tc2, and Th1 cells, whereas Th2 cells expressed only FasL. Experiments performed in the presence of specific inhibitors of the perforin (concanamycin A) and FasL (brefeldin A) pathway indicated that perforin-mediated killing dominated in Tc1 and Tc2, and FasL-mediated cytotoxicity prevailed in Th2 clones, with a more heterogeneous behavior in the case of Th1 cells. Finally, perforin mRNA was expressed in ACD lesional skin, as assessed by RT-PCR analysis. In aggregate, our results indicate that keratinocytes can be target of multiple hapten-specific CTL responses, that may have distinct roles in the epidermal injury during ACD.