bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibodies to MHC Class I Induce Autoimmunity: Role in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Rejection
Authors: Fukami Naohiko , Ramachandran Sabarinathan , Saini Deepti , Walter Michael , Chapman William , Patterson G. Alexander , Mohanakumar Thalachallour 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Alloimmunity to mismatched donor HLA-Ags and autoimmunity to self-Ags have been hypothesized to play an important role in immunopathogenesis of chronic rejection of transplanted organs. However, it is not known what role, if any, alloimmune response plays in inducing autoimmunity. To test whether Ab-developed posttransplantation to mismatched donor MHC induces autoimmunity and chronic rejection, we developed a murine model wherein anti-MHC class I Abs or control (C1.18.4/anti-keratin) were administered intrabronchially into native lungs. Animals receiving anti-MHC class I, but not control Abs, developed marked cellular infiltration around vessels and bronchiole of lung by day 15, followed by epithelial hyperplasia, fibrosis, and occlusion of the distal airways similar to chronic rejection following human lung transplantation. Lungs of mice receiving anti-MHC class I showed increased expression of chemokines, their receptors, and growth factors, and induced IL-17 as well as de novo Abs to self-Ags, K-α1 tubulin, and collagen V. IL-17 neutralization by anti-IL-17 resulted in reduction of autoantibody and lesions induced by anti-MHC class I Abs. Thus, our results indicate that Abs to donor MHC can induce autoimmunity, mediated by IL-17, which plays a pivotal role in chronic rejection postlung transplantation. Therefore, approaches to prevent autoimmunity should be considered for the treatment of chronic rejection postlung transplantation.
Estradiol Increases IL-8 Secretion of Normal Human Breast Tissue and Breast Cancer In Vivo
Authors: Bendrik Christina , Dabrosin Charlotta 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
IL-8 or CXCL8 has been associated with tumor angiogenesis, metastasis, and poor prognosis in breast cancer. Estrogen is crucial in breast carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Whether sex steroids affect IL-8 secretion of normal breast tissue or breast cancer is not known. Several cell types in a tissue secrete IL-8. Hence, regulatory mechanisms of IL-8 need to be investigated in whole tissue. We used microdialysis to sample IL-8 in normal human breast tissue in situ in pre- and postmenopausal women, preoperatively in breast cancers of women, and in experimental breast cancer in mice. We found a significant positive correlation between IL-8 and estradiol in normal breast tissue and hormone-dependent breast cancer in vivo. Ex vivo, estradiol exposure increased the IL-8 secretion of normal whole breast tissue in culture. In experimental breast cancer, estradiol increased IL-8 whereas the anti-estrogen tamoxifen inhibited the secretion of IL-8 both in vitro and extracellularly in vivo in tumors of nude mice. An anti-IL-8 Ab inhibited endothelial cell proliferation induced by cancer cell produced IL-8 and tumors with low IL-8 levels exhibited decreased angiogenesis. Our results strongly suggest that estradiol has a critical role in the regulation of IL-8 in normal human breast tissue and human breast cancer. IL-8 may present a novel therapeutic target for estrogen driven breast carcinogenesis and tumor progression.
Cutting Edge: Down-Regulation of MHC Class I-Related Chain A on Tumor Cells by IFN-γ-Induced MicroRNA
Authors: Yadav Deepak , Ngolab Jennifer , Lim Rod Seung-Hwan , Krishnamurthy Siddharth , Bui Jack D. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
NKG2D is a receptor used by NK cells to detect virally infected and transformed cells. It recognizes ligands that are expressed constitutively on primary tumors and tumor cell lines. In this report, we have identified four microRNAs (miRNAs) that each was sufficient to reduce the expression of the NKG2D ligand MHC class I-related chain A (MICA). One of these miRNAs (miR-520b) was induced by IFN-γ, leading to a reduction in MICA surface protein levels. Interestingly, miR-520b acted on both the MICA 3′-untranslated region and the promoter region and caused a decrease in the levels of MICA transcript. In contrast, an antisense oligonucleotide inhibitor of miR-520b increased the expression of a reporter construct containing the MICA 3′-untranslated region but not the MICA promoter region. These findings demonstrate the novel regulation of an NKG2D ligand by an endogenous microRNA that is itself induced by IFN-γ.
Influence of B Cell Antigen Receptor Expression Level on Pathways of B Cell Tolerance Induction
Authors: Liu Xiaohe , Shen Shixue , Manser Tim 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We have described an Ig-transgenic, autoreactive B cell clonotype that undergoes a novel tolerance pathway. Early in development this clonotype expresses average BCR levels, but these levels are progressively down-regulated as development proceeds efficiently to the mature, follicular compartment. This clonotype does not display conventional features of anergy and can be induced to undergo apoptosis and receptor editing in in vitro bone marrow cultures, but these pathways are not taken in vivo. These data suggested that autoantigen-driven down-regulation of BCR levels and, hence, avidity for autoantigen allows this clonotype to bypass conventional tolerance mechanisms. To test this idea, we enforced elevated levels of expression of BCR in this clonotype by making the transgenic Igh locus homozygous. This resulted in retarded clonotype development and L chain receptor editing in vivo. These data support a pivotal role for adaptive, autoantigen-induced adjustment of BCR expression levels in the regulation of primary B cell development and tolerance.
E2A Acts in cis in G1 Phase of Cell Cycle to Promote Ig Gene Diversification
Authors: Yabuki Munehisa , Ordinario Ellen C. , Cummings W. Jason , Fujii Monica M. , Maizels Nancy 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Rearranged Ig genes undergo diversification in sequence and structure initiated by the DNA deaminase, activation-induced deaminase. Ig genes must be transcribed for diversification to occur, but whether there are additional requirements for cis activation has not been established. Here we show, by chromatin immunoprecipitation, that the regulatory factor E2A associates with the rearranged IgλR gene in the chicken DT40 B cell line, which performs constitutive Ig gene diversification. By analysis of a DT40 derivative in which polymerized lactose operator tags the rearranged λR gene, we show that E2A must function in cis to promote diversification and that stimulation of diversification in cis depends on the E2A activation domains. By direct imaging, we show that λR/E2A colocalizations are most prominent in G1. We further show that expression of the E2A antagonist Id1 prevents λR/E2A colocalizations in G1 and impairs diversification but not transcription of λR. Thus, E2A acts in cis to promote Ig gene diversification, and G1 phase is the critical window for E2A action.
A Simple Mycobacterial Monomycolated Glycerol Lipid Has Potent Immunostimulatory Activity
Authors: Andersen Claire S. , Agger Else Marie , Rosenkrands Ida , Gomes Jessica M. , Bhowruth Veemal , Gibson Kevin J. C. , Petersen Rune V. , Minnikin David E. , Besra Gurdyal S. , Andersen Peter 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
It is a long held belief that the strong immunostimulatory activity of the Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine and Freund’s complete adjuvant is due to specific mycobacterial cell envelope components, such as lipids and polysaccharides. Implicated mycobacterial lipids include, among others, the so-called cord factor or trehalose dimycolate, but limited information is available regarding the precise molecular nature of the stimulatory components responsible for the interaction with human APCs. In this regard, the majority of research aimed at identifying and characterizing individual immunostimulatory mycobacterial lipids has been performed in the murine system using bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. In this study, it is documented that potent immunostimulatory activity lies within the bacillus Calmette-Guérin nonpolar lipid class. This activity can be narrowed down to a remarkably simple monomycolyl glycerol (MMG) with the ability to stimulate human dendritic cells as assessed by enhanced expression of activation markers and the release of proinflammatory cytokines. A synthetic analog of MMG based on 32 carbons (C32) was found to exhibit comparable levels of immunostimulatory activities. Immunization of mice with the tuberculosis vaccine candidate, Ag85B-ESAT-6, in MMG or the synthetic analog using cationic liposomes as the delivery vehicle was found to give rise to a prominent Th1 response characterized by significant levels of IFN-γ. Together, this development opens up the possibility of producing a novel class of chemically defined lipid adjuvants to enhance the activity of new vaccine formulations, directed against infectious agents including tuberculosis.
MicroRNA-221–222 Regulate the Cell Cycle in Mast Cells
Authors: Mayoral Ramon J. , Pipkin Matthew E. , Pachkov Mikhail , van Nimwegen Erik , Rao Anjana , Monticelli Silvia 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a large family of small noncoding RNAs that have emerged as key posttranscriptional regulators in a wide variety of organisms. Because any one miRNA can potentially regulate expression of a distinct set of genes, differential miRNA expression can shape the repertoire of proteins that are actually expressed during development and differentiation or disease. Here, we have used mast cells as a model to investigate the role of miRNAs in differentiated innate immune cells and found that miR-221–222 are significantly up-regulated upon mast cell activation. Using both bioinformatics and experimental approaches, we identified some signaling pathways, transcription factors, and potential cis-regulatory regions that control miR-221–222 transcription. Overexpression of miR-221–222 in a model mast cell line perturbed cell morphology and cell cycle regulation without altering viability. While in stimulated cells miR-221–222 partially counteracted expression of the cell-cycle inhibitor p27kip1, we found that in the mouse alternative splicing results in two p27kip1 mRNA isoforms that differ in their 3′ untranslated region, only one of which is subject to miR-221–222 regulation. Additionally, transgenic expression of miR-221–222 from bacterial artificial chromosome clones in embryonic stem cells dramatically reduced cell proliferation and severely impaired their accumulation. Our study provides further insights on miR-221–222 transcriptional regulation as well as evidences that miR-221–222 regulate cell cycle checkpoints in mast cells in response to acute activation stimuli.
Cutting Edge: Developmental Stage-Specific Recruitment of Cohesin to CTCF Sites throughout Immunoglobulin Loci during B Lymphocyte Development
Authors: Degner Stephanie C. , Wong Timothy P. , Jankevicius Gytis , Feeney Ann J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Contraction of the large Igh and Igκ loci brings all V genes, spanning &gt;2.5 Mb in each locus, in proximity to DJH or Jκ genes. CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a transcription factor that regulates gene expression by long-range chromosomal looping. We therefore hypothesized that CTCF may be crucial for the contraction of the Ig loci, but no CTCF sites have been described in any V loci. Using ChIP-chip, we demonstrated many CTCF sites in the VH and Vκ regions. However, CTCF enrichment in the Igh locus, but not the Igκ locus, was largely unchanged throughout differentiation, suggesting that CTCF binding alone cannot be responsible for stage-specific looping. Because cohesin can colocalize with CTCF, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation for the cohesin subunit Rad21 and found lineage and stage-specific Rad21 recruitment to CTCF in all Ig loci. The differential binding of cohesin to CTCF sites may promote multiple loop formation and thus effective V(D)J recombination.
Human Cytomegalovirus Paralyzes Macrophage Motility through Down-Regulation of Chemokine Receptors, Reorganization of the Cytoskeleton, and Release of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor
Authors: Frascaroli Giada , Varani Stefania , Blankenhorn Nina , Pretsch Robert , Bacher Michael , Leng Lin , Bucala Richard , Landini Maria Paola , Mertens Thomas 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Macrophages contribute to host defense and to the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Conversely, they are important targets of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a herpesvirus that has evolved many strategies to modulate the host immune response. Because an efficient macrophage trafficking is required for triggering an adequate immune response, we investigated the effects exerted by HCMV infection on macrophage migratory properties. By using endotheliotropic strains of HCMV, we obtained high rates of productively infected human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). Twenty-four hours after infection, MDM showed reduced polar morphology and became unable to migrate in response to inflammatory and lymphoid chemokines, bacterial products and growth factors, despite being viable and metabolically active. Although chemotactic receptors were only partially affected, HCMV induced a dramatic reorganization of the cytoskeleton characterized by rupture of the microtubular network, stiffness of the actin fibers, and collapse of the podosomes. Furthermore, supernatants harvested from infected MDM contained high amounts of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and were capable to block the migration of neighboring uninfected MDM. Because immunodepletion of MIF from the conditioned medium completely restored MDM chemotaxis, we could show for the first time a functional role of MIF as an inhibitor of macrophage migration in the context of HCMV infection. Our findings reveal that HCMV uses different mechanisms to interfere with movement and positioning of macrophages, possibly leading to an impairment of antiviral responses and to an enhancement of the local inflammation.
The Loss and Gain of Marginal Zone and Peritoneal B Cells Is Different in Response to Relapsing Fever and Lyme Disease Borrelia
Authors: Malkiel Susan , Kuhlow Christopher J. , Mena Patricio , Benach Jorge L. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
T cell-independent Abs are protective against Lyme disease and relapsing fever, illnesses caused by Borrelia spirochetes with distinct blood-borne phases of infection. To understand this protective response, we characterized splenic and peritoneal B cell compartments during infection using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. In the spleen, early after infection, Borrelia crocidurae, a relapsing fever species, induced a striking loss of marginal zone (MZ) B cells from the MZ, while Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, induced the expansion of this subset. At the same time, no significant changes were observed in follicular B cells in response to either species of Borrelia. In the peritoneal cavity, a further loss was demonstrated early in response to B. crocidurae in the B1b, B1c, and B2 cell subsets, but B1a cells were not significantly altered. The loss of B1c and B2 cells was sustained through subsequent peaks of spirochetemia, suggesting these subsets may be important in resolving relapsing episodes. In contrast, an early and significant increase in peritoneal B1a, B1b, and B1c cells, but not B2 cells, occurred in response to B. burgdorferi. Later in the course of infection, both species of Borrelia induced the selective expansion of peritoneal B1b cells, suggesting that B1b cells may participate in long-lasting immunity to Lyme and relapsing fever spirochetes. Our data demonstrate that different Borrelia can activate the same B cell subsets in distinct ways and they each elicit a complex interplay of MZ and multiple peritoneal B cell subsets in the early response to infection.
The Bacterial Fermentation Product Butyrate Influences Epithelial Signaling via Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Changes in Cullin-1 Neddylation
Authors: Kumar Amrita , Wu Huixia , Collier-Hyams Lauren S. , Kwon Young-Man , Hanson Jason M. , Neish Andrew S. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The human enteric flora plays a significant role in intestinal health and disease. Populations of enteric bacteria can inhibit the NF-κB pathway by blockade of IκB-α ubiquitination, a process catalyzed by the E3-SCFβ-TrCP ubiquitin ligase. The activity of this ubiquitin ligase is regulated via covalent modification of the Cullin-1 subunit by the ubiquitin-like protein NEDD8. We previously reported that interaction of viable commensal bacteria with mammalian intestinal epithelial cells resulted in a rapid and reversible generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that modulated neddylation of Cullin-1 and resulted in suppressive effects on the NF-κB pathway. Herein, we demonstrate that butyrate and other short chain fatty acids supplemented to model human intestinal epithelia in vitro and human tissue ex vivo results in loss of neddylated Cul-1 and show that physiological concentrations of butyrate modulate the ubiquitination and degradation of a target of the E3- SCFβ-TrCP ubiquitin ligase, the NF-κB inhibitor IκB-α. Mechanistically, we show that physiological concentrations of butyrate induces reactive oxygen species that transiently alters the intracellular redox balance and results in inactivation of the NEDD8-conjugating enzyme Ubc12 in a manner similar to effects mediated by viable bacteria. Because the normal flora produces significant amounts of butyrate and other short chain fatty acids, these data provide a functional link between a natural product of the intestinal normal flora and important epithelial inflammatory and proliferative signaling pathways.
Activated Human Neonatal CD8+ T Cells Are Subject to Immunomodulation by Direct TLR2 or TLR5 Stimulation
Authors: McCarron Mark , Reen Denis J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In conditions of optimal priming, the neonate possess competency to mount quantitatively adult-like responses. Vaccine formulations containing sufficiently potent adjuvants may overcome the neonates’ natural tendency for immunosuppression and provoke a similarly robust immune response. TLR expression on T cells represents the possibility of directly enhancing T cell immunity. We examined the ex vivo responsiveness of highly purified human cord blood-derived CD8+ T cells to direct TLR ligation by a repertoire of TLR agonists. In concert with TCR stimulation, only Pam3Cys (palmitoyl-3-Cys-Ser-(Lys)4) and flagellin monomers significantly enhanced proliferation, CD25+ expression, IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and intracellular granzyme B expression. TLR2 and TLR5 mRNA was detected in the CD8+ T cells. Blocking studies confirmed that the increase in IFN-γ production was by the direct triggering of surface TLR2 or TLR5. The simultaneous exposure of CD8+ T cells to both TLR agonists had an additive effect on IFN-γ production. These data suggest that a combination of the two TLR ligands would be a potent T cell adjuvant. This may represent a new approach to TLR agonist-based adjuvant design for future human neonatal vaccination strategies requiring a CD8+ component.
Immune Complex/Ig Negatively Regulate TLR4-Triggered Inflammatory Response in Macrophages through FcγRIIb-Dependent PGE2 Production
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Shuxun , Liu Juan , Zhang Ting , Shen Qian , Yu Yizhi , Cao Xuetao 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Excessive activation of TLR may induce endotoxin shock and inflammatory diseases, so the negative regulation of TLR-triggered inflammatory response attracts much attention. Nonpathogenic immune complex (IC) and Ig (IC/Ig) have been shown to play important roles in the regulation of immune responses and to be therapeutic in some kinds of autoimmune diseases. However, the role of IC/Ig in the regulation of TLR-triggered inflammatory responses and the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully understood. In this study we demonstrate that IC/Ig can significantly inhibit LPS-induced secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 from macrophages by preferentially inducing PGE2. Pretreatment of mice with IC can protect wild-type mice, but not FcγRIIb−/− mice, from lethal endotoxin shock, and significantly reduce the levels of serum TNF-α and IL-6 in wild-type mice but not in FcγR IIb−/− mice. Furthermore, blockade of PGE2 by celecoxib restores LPS-induced production of TNF-α and IL-6 in the presence of IC both in vitro and in vivo. Accordingly, blockade of PGE2 production in vivo results in the increased sensitivity of IC-pretreated mice to lethal endotoxin shock. Therefore, IC/Ig can negatively regulate TLR4-triggered inflammatory response in macrophages through FcγRIIb-dependent PGE2. In addition, our results suggest that down-regualtion of NF-κB activation and TLR4 expression but activation of protein kinase A pathway in macrophages by IC/Ig contribute to the negative regulatory process. Thus we provide new manner for the immune regulation and mechanistic explanation for nonpathogenic IC/Ig in the treatment of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.
Crosstalk between CXCR4/Stromal Derived Factor-1 and VLA-4/VCAM-1 Pathways Regulates Neutrophil Retention in the Bone Marrow
Authors: Petty Joseph M. , Lenox Christopher C. , Weiss Daniel J. , Poynter Matthew E. , Suratt Benjamin T. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Neutrophil retention in and release from the bone marrow is a critical process that remains incompletely understood. Previous work has implicated the CXCR4/stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) chemokine axis in the marrow retention of neutrophils, yet the adhesion pathways responsible for this retention are unknown. Because α4β1 integrin (VLA-4) and its ligand VCAM-1 play a central role in the interactions of hematopoietic stem cells, lymphocytes, and developing neutrophils in the marrow, we investigated whether this integrin might be involved in marrow neutrophil retention and release. In this study, we show that VLA-4 is expressed on murine marrow neutrophils and decreases with maturation, whereas blockade of this integrin leads to the release of marrow neutrophils. Marrow neutrophils adhere via VLA-4 to VCAM-1, which is expressed on marrow endothelium and stroma, and inhibition of VCAM-1 causes release of marrow neutrophils. Furthermore, SDF-1 (CXCL12) signaling through neutrophil CXCR4 augments VLA-4 adhesion to VCAM-1 in vitro, an effect that is blocked by preincubation with pertussis toxin. In vivo blockade of both CXCR4 and α4 causes synergistic release of marrow neutrophils, showing that cross-talk between CXCR4 and VLA-4 modulates marrow retention of these cells. Taken together, these results indicate that the VLA-4/VCAM adhesion pathway is critical in the retention and maturation-controlled release of neutrophils from the marrow, while providing an important link between the CXCR4/SDF-1 signaling axis and the adhesion events that govern this process.