bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relative Contributions of NK and CD8 T Cells to IFN-γ Mediated Innate Immune Protection against Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Berg Rance E. , Crossley Emily , Murray Sean , Forman James 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
During the innate immune response to Listeria monocytogenes (LM), the secretion of IFN-γ is crucial in controlling bacterial numbers. We have shown recently that CD8 T cells have the ability to rapidly secrete IFN-γ independent of Ag, in response to IL-12 and IL-18, during a LM infection. In the current study, we compared the relative abilities of NK and CD8 T cells to provide innate immune protection. Upon transfer of either NK or memory OT-I T cells (specific for the OVA protein) into IFN-γ-deficient hosts that were infected subsequently with wild-type LM, both cell types were found in the spleen and had the ability to secrete IFN-γ. However, the OT-I T cells were more effective at providing innate immune protection as determined by spleen and liver LM burdens. We used immunocytochemistry to demonstrate that upon infection with LM, marginal zone macrophages were localized to the T cell area of the splenic follicle. Transferred memory OT-I T cells were also found in the T cell area of the spleen, colocalizing with the LM and macrophages. In sharp contrast, NK cells were found predominantly in the red pulp region of the spleen. In addition, memory OT-I T cells were also found to be associated with LM lesions in the liver. These results highlight the importance of CD8 T cells in innate immune responses to LM and suggest that their increased protective ability compared with NK cells is the result of their colocalization with LM and macrophages.
Mycobacterium tuberculosisRegulates CD1 Antigen Presentation Pathways through TLR-2
Authors: Roura-Mir Carme , Wang Lisheng , Cheng Tan-Yun , Matsunaga Isamu , Dascher Christopher C. , Peng Stanford L. , Fenton Matthew J. , Kirschning Carsten , Moody D. Branch 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis remains a major pathogen of worldwide importance, which releases lipid Ags that are presented to human T cells during the course of tuberculosis infections. Here we report that cellular infection with live M. tuberculosis or exposure to mycobacterial cell wall products converted CD1− myeloid precursors into competent APCs that expressed group 1 CD1 proteins (CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c). The appearance of group 1 CD1 proteins at the surface of infected or activated cells occurred via transcriptional regulation, and new CD1 protein synthesis and was accompanied by down-regulation of CD1d transcripts and protein. Isolation of CD1-inducing factors from M. tuberculosis using normal phase chromatography, as well as the use of purified natural and synthetic compounds, showed that this process involved polar lipids that signaled through TLR-2, and we found that TLR-2 was necessary for the up-regulation of CD1 protein expression. Thus, mycobacterial cell wall lipids provide two distinct signals for the activation of lipid-reactive T cells: lipid Ags that activate T cell receptors and lipid adjuvants that activate APCs through TLR-2. These dual activation signals may represent a system for selectively promoting the presentation of exogenous foreign lipids by those myeloid APCs, which come into direct contact with pathogens.
Mannose-Binding Lectin Recognizes Peptidoglycan via the N-Acetyl Glucosamine Moiety, and Inhibits Ligand-Induced Proinflammatory Effect and Promotes Chemokine Production by Macrophages
Authors: Nadesalingam Jeya , Dodds Alister W. , Reid Kenneth B. M. , Palaniyar Nades 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Peptidoglycan (PGN) is the major cell wall component (90%, w/w) of Gram-positive bacteria and consists of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and N-acetylmuramic acid (MurNAc) disaccharide repeating arrays that are cross-linked by short peptides. We hypothesized that PGN is a ligand for pathogen-associated pattern-recognition proteins. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and serum amyloid component P are two carbohydrate-binding innate immune proteins present in the blood. In this study we show that human MBL, but not serum amyloid component P, binds significantly to PGN via its C-type lectin domains, and that the interaction can be more effectively competed by GlcNAc than by MurNAc. Surface plasmon resonance analyses show that native MBL binds immobilized PGN with high avidity. Competition experiments also show that both native MBL and MBL(n/CRD), a 48-kDa recombinant trimeric fragment of MBL containing neck and carbohydrate recognition domains, have higher affinity for GlcNAc than for MurNAc. Protein arrays and ELISA show that PGN increases the secretion of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-10, MCP-2, and RANTES from PMA-stimulated human monocytic U937 cells. Interestingly, the presence of MBL together with PGN increases the production of IL-8 and RANTES, but reduces that of TNF-α. Our results indicate that Gram-positive bacterial is a biologically relevant ligand for MBL, and that the collectin preferentially binds to the GlcNAc moiety of the PGN via its C-type lectin domains. MBL inhibits PGN-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines while enhancing the production of chemokines by macrophages, which suggests that MBL may down-regulate macrophage-mediated inflammation while enhancing phagocyte recruitment.
Additive Inhibition of Complement Deposition by Pneumolysin and PspA Facilitates Streptococcus pneumoniae Septicemia
Authors: Yuste Jose , Botto Marina , Paton James C. , Holden David W. , Brown Jeremy S. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of septicemia in the immunocompetent host. To establish infection, S. pneumoniae has to overcome host innate immune responses, one component of which is the complement system. Using isogenic bacterial mutant strains and complement-deficient immune naive mice, we show that the S. pneumoniae virulence factor pneumolysin prevents complement deposition on S. pneumoniae, mainly through effects on the classical pathway. In addition, using a double pspA−/ply− mutant strain we demonstrate that pneumolysin and the S. pneumoniae surface protein PspA act in concert to affect both classical and alternative complement pathway activity. As a result, the virulence of the pspA−/ply− strain in models of both systemic and pulmonary infection is greatly attenuated in wild-type mice but not complement deficient mice. The sensitivity of the pspA−/ply− strain to complement was exploited to demonstrate that although early innate immunity to S. pneumoniae during pulmonary infection is partially complement-dependent, the main effect of complement is to prevent spread of S. pneumoniae from the lungs to the blood. These data suggest that inhibition of complement deposition on S. pneumoniae by pneumolysin and PspA is essential for S. pneumoniae to successfully cause septicemia. Targeting mechanisms of complement inhibition could be an effective therapeutic strategy for patients with septicemia due to S. pneumoniae or other bacterial pathogens.
The Cathepsin B Death Pathway Contributes to TNF Plus IFN-γ-Mediated Human Endothelial Injury
Authors: Li Jie Hui , Pober Jordan S. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Vascular endothelial cells are primary targets of cytokine-induced cell death leading to tissue injury. We previously reported that TNF in combination with LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, activates caspase-independent cell death initiated by cathepsin B (Cat B) in HUVEC. We report that TNF in the presence of IFN-γ activates Cat B as well as a caspase death pathway in both HUVEC and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells, but only activates caspase-mediated death in HeLa cells and human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 cells. Like LY294002, IFN-γ triggers Cat B release from lysosomes in HUVEC. Cat B-triggered death involves mitochondria, indicated by release of cytochrome c, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibition of death by overexpressed Bcl-2. Cat B effects on mitochondria do not depend upon Bid cleavage. Unexpectedly, overexpression of a dominant negative mutated form of Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), which blocks caspase activation by TNF, potentiates TNF activation of Cat B and cell death in HUVEC. Similarly, mutant Jurkat cells lacking FADD also show increased susceptibility to TNF-induced Cat B-dependent cell death. These observations suggest that the Cat B death pathway is cell type-specific and may contribute to cytokine-mediated human tissue injury and to the embryonic lethality of FADD gene disruption in mice.
Heparin-Binding Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Growth Factor Inhibits Cytokine-Induced NF-κB Activation and Nitric Oxide Production via Activation of the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Pathway
Authors: Mehta Veela B. , Besner Gail E. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
NO produced by inducible NO synthase (iNOS) has been implicated in various pathophysiological processes including inflammation. Therefore, inhibitors of NO synthesis or iNOS gene expression have been considered as potential anti-inflammatory agents. We have previously demonstrated that heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HB-EGF) decreases proinflammatory cytokine IL-8 and NO production in cytokine-stimulated intestinal epithelial cells by interfering with the NF-κB signaling pathway. However, the upstream signaling mechanisms involved in these responses have not yet been defined. In this report, we show that in intestinal epithelial cells, HB-EGF triggered PI3K-dependent phosphorylation of Akt. Inhibition of PI3K reversed the ability of HB-EGF to block NF-κB activation, expression of iNOS, and NO production. Small interfering RNA of PI3K also reversed the inhibitory effect of HB-EGF on iNOS expression. Alternatively, transient expression of constitutively active PI3K decreased NO production by ∼2-fold more than treatment with HB-EGF alone. This PI3K effect was HB-EGF dependent. Thus, activation of PI3K is essential but not sufficient for decreased NO synthesis. PI3K and HB-EGF act synergistically to decrease NO synthesis. Neither overexpression or inhibition of MEK, Ras, or Akt affected HB-EGF-mediated inhibition of NF-κB activation. These data demonstrate that HB-EGF decreases proinflammatory cytokine-stimulated NF-κB activation and NO production via activation of the PI3K signaling pathway. These results also suggest that inhibition of NF-κB and activation of the PI3K-dependent signaling cascade by HB-EGF may represent key signals responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of HB-EGF.
Antibodies from Inflamed Central Nervous System Tissue Recognize Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein
Authors: O’Connor Kevin C. , Appel Heiner , Bregoli Lisa , Call Matthew E. , Catz Ingrid , Chan Jennifer A. , Moore Nicole H. , Warren Kenneth G. , Wong Susan J. , Hafler David A. , Wucherpfennig Kai W. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Autoantibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) can induce demyelination and oligodendrocyte loss in models of multiple sclerosis (MS). Whether anti-MOG Abs play a similar role in patients with MS or inflammatory CNS diseases by epitope spreading is unclear. We have therefore examined whether autoantibodies that bind properly folded MOG protein are present in the CNS parenchyma of MS patients. IgG was purified from CNS tissue of 14 postmortem cases of MS and 8 control cases, including cases of encephalitis. Binding was assessed using two independent assays, a fluorescence-based solid-phase assay and a solution-phase RIA. MOG autoantibodies were identified in IgG purified from CNS tissue by solid-phase immunoassay in 7 of 14 cases with MS and 1 case of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, but not in IgG from noninflamed control tissue. This finding was confirmed with a solution-phase RIA, which measures higher affinity autoantibodies. These data demonstrate that autoantibodies recognizing MOG are present in substantially higher concentrations in the CNS parenchyma compared with cerebrospinal fluid and serum in subjects with MS, indicating that local production/accumulation is an important aspect of autoantibody-mediated pathology in demyelinating CNS diseases. Moreover, chronic inflammatory CNS disease may induce autoantibodies by virtue of epitope spreading.
A Helminth Glycan Induces APC Maturation via Alternative NF-κB Activation Independent of IκBα Degradation
Authors: Thomas Paul G. , Carter Michele R. , Da’dara Akram A. , DeSimone Tiffany M. , Harn Donald A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Activation of APCs via TLRs leads to activation of NF-κB, a key transcription factor in cells of the immune system most often associated with induction of Th1-type and proinflammatory responses. The neoglycoconjugate lacto-N-fucopentaose III (12-25 molecules)-dextran (LNFPIII-Dex) activates dendritic cells (DCs) via TLR4, as does LPS. However, unlike LPS, LNFPIII-Dex-activated cells induce Th2-type CD4+ T cell responses. This observation led us to ask whether LNFPIII-activated APCs were differentially activating NF-κB, and if so, could this partly account for how DCs mature in response to these two different pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). In this study, we show that LNFPIII-Dex stimulation of APCs induces rapid, but transient NF-κB translocation and activity in the nucleus, in comparison with the persistent activation induced by LPS. We then demonstrate that transient vs persistent NF-κB activation has important implications in the development of the APC phenotype, showing that the second wave of NF-κB translocation in response to LPS is required for production of the proinflammatory mediator NO. In contrast to LPS, LNFPIII-stimulated APCs that only transiently activate NF-κB do not induce degradation of the known IκB family members or production of NO. However, cells stimulated with LNFPIII rapidly accumulate p50, suggesting that an alternative p105 degradation-dependent mechanism is primarily responsible for NF-κB activation downstream of LNFPIII. Finally, we show that while NF-κB translocation in LNFPIII-stimulated APCs is transient, it is required for the development of the DC 2 phenotype, confirming a crucial and multifaceted role for NF-κB in innate immune responses.
IL-21 Enhances Tumor Rejection through a NKG2D-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Takaki Rayna , Hayakawa Yoshihiro , Nelson Andrew , Sivakumar Pallavur V. , Hughes Steven , Smyth Mark J. , Lanier Lewis L. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
IL-21 is a cytokine that can promote the anti-tumor responses of the innate and adaptive immune system. Mice treated with IL-21 reject tumor cells more efficiently, and a higher percentage of mice remain tumor-free compared with untreated controls. In this study, we demonstrate that in certain tumor models IL-21-enhanced tumor rejection is NKG2D dependent. When engagement of the NKG2D receptor was prevented, either due to the lack of ligand expression on the tumor cells or due to direct blocking with anti-NKG2D mAb treatment, the protective effects of IL-21 treatment were abrogated or substantially diminished. Specifically, IL-21 only demonstrated a therapeutic effect in mice challenged with a retinoic acid early inducible-1δ-bearing lymphoma but not in mice bearing parental RMA tumors lacking NKG2D ligands. Furthermore, treatment with a blocking anti-NKG2D mAb largely prevented the therapeutic effect of IL-21 in mice challenged with the 4T1 breast carcinoma, the 3LL lung carcinoma, and RM-1 prostate carcinoma. By contrast, IL-21 did mediate beneficial effects against both the parental DA3 mammary carcinoma and DA3 tumors transfected with H60, a NKG2D ligand. We also observed that IL-21 treatment could enhance RMA-retinoic acid early inducible-1δ tumor rejection in RAG-1−/− deficient mice, thereby demonstrating that the IL-21-induced protective effect can be mediated by the innate immune system and that, in this case, IL-21 does not require the adaptive immune response. Collectively, these findings suggest that IL-21 therapy may work optimally against tumors that can elicit a NKG2D-mediated immune response.
Prolongation of Sheep Corneal Allograft Survival by Transfer of the Gene Encoding Ovine IL-12-p40 but Not IL-4 to Donor Corneal Endothelium
Authors: Klebe Sonja , Coster Douglas J. , Sykes Pamela J. , Swinburne Sarah , Hallsworth Peter , Scheerlinck Jean-Pierre Y. , Krishnan Ravi , Williams Keryn A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Immunological rejection is the major cause of human corneal allograft failure. We hypothesized that local production of IL-4 or the p40 subunit of IL-12 (p40 IL-12) by the grafted cornea might prolong allograft survival. Replication-deficient adenoviral vectors encoding ovine IL-4 or p40 IL-12 and GFP were generated and used to infect ovine corneas ex vivo. mRNA for each cytokine was detected in infected corneas, and the presence of secreted protein in corneal supernatants was confirmed by bioassay (for IL-4) or immunoprecipitation (for p40 IL-12). Sheep received uninfected or gene-modified orthotopic corneal allografts. Postoperatively, untreated corneas (n = 13) and corneas expressing GFP (n = 6) were rejected at a median of 21 and 20 days, respectively. Corneas expressing IL-4 (n = 6) underwent rejection at 18.5 days (p &gt; 0.05 compared with controls) and histology demonstrated the presence of eosinophils. In contrast, corneas expressing p40 IL-12 (n = 9) showed prolonged allograft survival (median day to rejection = 45 days, p = 0.003). Local intraocular production of p40 IL-12 thus prolonged corneal graft survival significantly, but local production of the prototypic immunomodulatory cytokine IL-4 induced eosinophilia, inflammation, and rejection. These findings have important implications for the development of novel strategies to improve human corneal graft survival.
Pulmonary Surfactant Protein A Activates a Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Calcium Signal Transduction Pathway in Human Macrophages: Participation in the Up-Regulation of Mannose Receptor Activity
Authors: Beharka Alison A. , Crowther Joy E. , McCormack Francis X. , Denning Gerene M. , Lees Jason , Tibesar Eric , Schlesinger Larry S. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Surfactant protein A (SP-A), a major component of lung surfactant, binds to macrophages and has been shown to alter several macrophage biological functions, including up-regulation of macrophage mannose receptor (MR) activity. In the present study, we show that SP-A induces signal transduction pathway(s) that impact on MR expression. The addition of human, rat, or recombinant rat SP-A to human monocyte-derived macrophages significantly raised the level of cytosolic Ca2+ above baseline within 10 s of SP-A addition, as measured by spectrofluorometric analysis. SP-A induced a refractory state specific for SP-A consistent with homologous desensitization of a receptor(s) linked to calcium mobilization because a second application of SP-A did not induce a rise in cytosolic Ca2+ whereas the addition of platelet-activating factor did. Using site-directed mutations in SP-A, we determined that both the attached sugars and the collagen-like domain of SP-A are necessary to optimize Ca2+ mobilization. SP-A triggered the increase in cytosolic Ca2+ by inducing activation of phospholipase C, which leads to the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids, yielding inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and mobilizing intracellularly stored Ca2+ by inositol triphosphate-sensitive channels. Finally, inhibition of PI3Ks, which appear to act upstream of phospholipase C in Ca2+ mobilization, decreased the SP-A-induced rise in MR expression, providing evidence that SP-A induction of MR activity involves the activation of a pathway in which PI3K is a component. These studies provide further evidence that SP-A produced in the lung plays a role in modulating macrophage biology, thereby contributing to the alternative activation state of the alveolar macrophage.
Proteomic Analysis of Microglia-Derived Exosomes: Metabolic Role of the Aminopeptidase CD13 in Neuropeptide Catabolism
Authors: Potolicchio Ilaria , Carven Gregory J. , Xu Xiaonan , Stipp Christopher , Riese Richiard J. , Stern Lawrence J. , Santambrogio Laura 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Vesicle transport is a fundamental mechanism of communication in the CNS. In this study we characterized a novel type of vesicle released by murine brain microglial cells: microglial exosomes. Analysis of their protein content identified several enzymes, chaperones, tetraspanins, and membrane receptors previously reported in B cells and dendritic cell-derived exosomes. Additionally, microglia-derived exosomes expressed the aminopeptidase CD13 and the lactate transporter MCT-1. Exosomal CD13 was metabolically active in cleaving leucine- and methionine-enkephalins peptides by releasing the N-terminal tyrosine. Cleaved neuropeptides were unable to bind to the neuronal opioid receptor as assessed by cAMP response. Microglial exosomal vesicles may represent an important, previously unrecognized, cellular communication system in an organ in which cell motility is highly restricted.
Control of Recent Thymic Emigrant Survival by Positive Selection Signals and Early Growth Response Gene 1
Authors: Schnell Frederick J. , Kersh Gilbert J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Early growth response gene 1 (Egr1) is a transcriptional regulator whose expression can be induced by multiple signals including the TCR. Egr1 has been shown to promote positive selection, but an investigation of its role in T cell homeostasis has not been reported. The possibility that similar signals control both positive selection and peripheral T cell homeostasis led us to investigate the role of Egr1 in the maintenance of peripheral T cells. We have found that on TCR transgenic backgrounds, Egr1-deficient mice have a reduction in their number of naive T cells. Although Egr1-deficient animals have a low percentage of mature thymocytes due to inefficient positive selection, the absolute number of mature thymocytes is only slightly reduced due to increased thymus size in Egr1-deficient mice. Despite possessing near normal numbers of mature thymocytes, we find that Egr1-deficient mice have poor accumulation of recent thymic emigrants (RTE) in the periphery. The poor accumulation of RTE in Egr1-deficient mice appears to originate from decreased survival of mature thymocytes and RTE, which we have observed both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that an Egr1-mediated signal during positive selection promotes not only the production of single positive thymocytes, but also the survival of selected thymocytes until they can become established in the periphery.