bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin A Metabolites Induce Gut-Homing FoxP3+ Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Kang Seung G. , Lim Hyung W. , Andrisani Ourania M. , Broxmeyer Hal E. , Kim Chang H. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In this study, we report a novel biological function of vitamin A metabolites in conversion of naive FoxP3− CD4+ T cells into a unique FoxP3+ regulatory T cell subset (termed “retinoid-induced FoxP3+ T cells”) in both human and mouse T cells. We found that the major vitamin A metabolite all-trans-retinoic acid induces histone acetylation at the FoxP3 gene promoter and expression of the FoxP3 protein in CD4+ T cells. The induction of retinoid-induced FoxP3+ T cells is mediated by the nuclear retinoic acid receptor α and involves T cell activation driven by mucosal dendritic cells and costimulation through CD28. Retinoic acid can promote TGF-β1-dependent generation of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells but decrease the TGF-β1- and IL-6-dependent generation of inflammatory Th17 cells in mouse T cells. Retinoid-induced FoxP3+ T cells can efficiently suppress target cells and, thus, have a regulatory function typical for FoxP3+ T cells. A unique cellular feature of these regulatory T cells is their high expression of gut-homing receptors that are important for migration to the mucosal tissues particularly the small intestine. Taken together, these results identify retinoids as positive regulatory factors for generation of gut-homing FoxP3+ T cells.
The Endothelial Cell-Produced Antiangiogenic Cytokine Vascular Endothelial Growth Inhibitor Induces Dendritic Cell Maturation
Authors: Tian Fang , Grimaldo Sammy , Fugita Mitsugu , Cutts Jonita , Vujanovic Nikola L. , Li Lu-Yuan 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Angiogenesis is an essential component of chronic inflammation that is linked to carcinogenesis. In this study, we report that human vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI, TNF superfamily 15), an endothelial cell-produced antiangiogenic cytokine, induces mouse dendritic cell (DC) maturation, a critical event in inflammation-initiated immunity. VEGI-stimulated bone marrow-derived immature DCs display early activation of maturation signaling molecules NF-κB, STAT3, p38, and JNK, and cytoskeleton reorganization and dendrite formation. The activation signals are partially inhibited by using a neutralizing Ab against death domain-containing receptor-3 (DR3) or a truncated form of DR3 consisting of the extracellular domain, indicating an involvement of DR3 in the transmission of VEGI activity. A VEGI isoform, TL1A, does not induce similar activities under otherwise identical experimental conditions. Additionally, the cells reveal significantly enhanced expression of mature DC-specific marker CD83, secondary lymphoid tissue-directing chemokine receptor CCR7, the MHC class-II protein (MHC-II), and costimulatory molecules CD40, CD80, and CD86. Functionally, the cells exhibit decreased Ag endocytosis, increased cell surface distribution of MHC-II, and increased secretion of IL-12 and TNF. Moreover, VEGI-stimulated DCs are able to facilitate the differentiation of CD4+ naive T cells in cocultures. These findings suggest that the anticancer activity of VEGI arises from coupling the inhibition of endothelial cell growth with the promotion of the adaptive immune mechanisms through the stimulation of DC maturation.
DAP10 Deficiency Breaks the Immune Tolerance against Transplantable Syngeneic Melanoma
Authors: Hyka-Nouspikel Nevila , Lucian Linda , Murphy Erin , McClanahan Terri , Phillips Joseph H. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
DAP10, an activating adaptor protein, associates with the NKG2D protein to form a multisubunit receptor complex that is expressed in lymphoid and myeloid cells. The ligands for NKG2D-DAP10 receptor are expressed in both normal and tumor cells, suggesting distinct roles for this receptor in autoimmunity and cancer. In this study, we report that constitutive DAP10 activating signaling is part of regulatory mechanisms that control immunity against tumors. Mice lacking DAP10 (DAP10KO), showed enhanced immunity against melanoma malignancies due to hyperactive functioning of NK1.1+CD3+ NKT cells. DAP10 deficiency resulted in substantially increased NKT cell functions, including cytokine production and cytotoxicity, leading to efficient killing of melanoma tumors. Moreover, the antitumor phenotype of DAP10KO mice correlated with impaired activation status of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells (Tregs). Upon activation, DAP10KO Tregs maintained higher levels of IL-2 and produced significantly lower amounts of IL-10 and IFN-γ cytokines when compared with wild-type Tregs. Our data suggest that DAP10 signaling is involved in adjusting the activation threshold and generation of NKT cells and Tregs to avoid autoreactivity, but also modulates antitumor mechanisms.
Attenuation of Experimental Autoimmune Myositis by Blocking ICOS-ICOS Ligand Interaction
Authors: Katsumata Yasuhiro , Harigai Masayoshi , Sugiura Tomoko , Kawamoto Manabu , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Matsumoto Yoh , Kohyama Kuniko , Soejima Makoto , Kamatani Naoyuki , Hara Masako 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Polymyositis (PM) is an acquired, systemic, connective tissue disease characterized by the proximal muscle weakness and infiltration of mononuclear cells into the affected muscles. To understand its etiology and immunopathogenesis, appropriate animal model is required. It has been demonstrated that immunization with native human skeletal C protein induces severe and reproducible experimental autoimmune myositis (EAM) in Lewis rats, and that the muscle inflammatory lesions in the EAM mimic those of human PM. In the present study, we prepared recombinant skeletal C protein fragment and succeeded in inducing as severe EAM as that by native C protein. We found ICOS expression on muscle fiber-infiltrating T cells in the EAM rats, but not in normal rats. Treatment with anti-ICOS mAb reduced incidence and severity of myositis; decreased the number of muscle-infiltrating CD11b/c+, TCR+, and CD8a+ cells; and inhibited the expression of IL-1α and CCL2 in the hamstring muscles of the EAM rats. However, the treatment neither inhibited serum anti-C protein IgG level, C protein-induced proliferation of lymph node (LN) cells, or LN T cells, nor production of IFN-γ by C protein-stimulated LN cells in EAM rats. These data indicate that analysis of C protein-induced EAM provides not only insights into pathogenesis of PM, but also useful information regarding development of effective immunotherapy against the disease. ICOS-ICOS ligand interaction would be a novel therapeutic target for PM.
The Role of B Cells in the Development of CD4 Effector T Cells during a Polarized Th2 Immune Response
Authors: Liu Qian , Liu Zhugong , Rozo Cristina T. , Hamed Hossein A. , Alem Farhang , Urban Joseph F. , Gause William C. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that B cells promote Th2 cell development by inhibiting Th1 cell differentiation. To examine whether B cells are directly required for the development of IL-4-producing T cells in the lymph node during a highly polarized Th2 response, B cell-deficient and wild-type mice were inoculated with the nematode parasite, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. On day 7, in the absence of increased IFN-γ, IL-4 protein and gene expression from CD4 T cells in the draining lymph nodes were markedly reduced in B cell-deficient mice and could not be restored by multiple immunizations. Using a DO11.10 T cell adoptive transfer system, OVA-specific T cell IL-4 production and cell cycle progression, but not cell surface expression of early activation markers, were impaired in B cell-deficient recipient mice following immunization with N. brasiliensis plus OVA. Laser capture microdissection and immunofluorescent staining showed that pronounced IL-4 mRNA and protein secretion by donor DO11.10 T cells first occurred in the T cell:B cell zone of the lymph node shortly after inoculation of IL-4−/− recipients, suggesting that this microenvironment is critical for initial Th2 cell development. Reconstitution of B cell-deficient mice with wild-type naive B cells, or IL-4−/− B cells, substantially restored Ag-specific T cell IL-4 production. However, reconstitution with B7-1/B7-2-deficient B cells failed to rescue the IL-4-producing DO11.10 T cells. These results suggest that B cells, expressing B7 costimulatory molecules, are required in the absence of an underlying IFN-γ-mediated response for the development of a polarized primary Ag-specific Th2 response in vivo.
Zap70 Signaling Pathway Mediates Glucocorticoid Receptor-Dependent Transcriptional Activation: Role in the Regulation of Annexin 1 Expression in T Cells
Authors: Ishaq Mohammad , DeGray Gerald , Mou Kathy , Aguilera Angelica , Yang Jun , Lempicki Richard A. , Hazen Allison , Natarajan Ven 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We have recently shown that Zap70 is important in retinoid receptor-dependent transactivation in T lymphocytes. We report that Zap70 signaling is also essential in dexamethasone-inducible glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated transactivation in T lymphocytes. Zap70-negative Jurkat T cells and cells reconstituted with inactive Zap70 exhibited attenuated GR-mediated activation as compared with Zap70 reconstituted and wild-type cells. Lck-lacking Jurkat cells were also found to show markedly reduced GR activation, and reconstitution with Lck restored the activation. Gene array and protein analysis showed that the level of annexin 1 (ANXA1), an anti-inflammatory protein known to be induced and released by the glucocorticoid action, was significantly reduced in Zap70-negative and Zap70-inactive Jurkat cells as compared with wild-type cells. Lck-lacking cells were also found to have markedly reduced ANXA1 levels and reconstitution with Lck restored the ANXA1 expression. RNA interference-induced knockdown of Zap70 or Lck in Jurkat cells and peripheral blood T lymphocytes also resulted in the loss of ANXA1 expression. Transcriptional analysis revealed that dexamethasone-inducible GR-mediated activation of ANXA1 promoter was compromised in both Zap70 knocked down peripheral blood T cells and Zap70 or Lck-deficient/Lck-inactive Jurkat cells, indicating an essential role of these kinases in GR-mediated ANXA1 promoter activation in T lymphocytes. To summarize, our data demonstrate an important role for Zap70 signaling in GR-mediated transactivation in T lymphocytes and also point out a crucial role of this kinase in maintaining normal ANXA1 levels in these cells.
Identification of a Second Group of Type I IFNs in Fish Sheds Light on IFN Evolution in Vertebrates
Authors: Zou Jun , Tafalla Carolina , Truckle Jonathan , Secombes Chris J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In this report, three type I IFN genes were identified in rainbow trout (rt) Oncorhynchus mykiss and are classified into two groups based on their primary protein sequences: group I containing two cysteine residues; and group II containing four cysteines residues. The group I rtIFNs were induced in fibroblasts (RTG-2 cells), macrophages (RTS-11 cells), and head kidney leukocytes when stimulated with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid, whereas group II IFN was up-regulated in head kidney leukocytes but not in RTG-2 and RTS-11 cells. Recombinant group I rtIFNs were potent at inducing Mx expression and eliciting antiviral responses, whereas recombinant group II rtIFN was poor in these activities. That two subgroups of type I IFN exist in trout prompted a survey of the genomes of several fish species, including zebrafish, medaka, threespine stickleback and fugu, the amphibian Xenopus tropicalis, the monotreme platypus and the marsupial opossum, to gain further insight into possible IFN evolution. Analysis of the sequences confirmed that the new IFN subgroup found in trout (group II IFN) exists in other fish species but was not universally present in fish. The IFN genes in amphibians were shown for the first time to contain introns and to conserve the four cysteine structure found in all type I IFNs except IFN-βε and fish group I IFN. The data overall support the concept that different vertebrate groups have independently expanded their IFN types, with deletion of different pairs of cysteines apparent in fish group I IFN and IFN-βε of mammals.
IFN-γ and R-848 Dependent Activation of Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells by Neisseria meningitidis Adhesin A
Authors: Mazzon Cristina , Baldani-Guerra Barbara , Cecchini Paola , Kasic Tihana , Viola Antonella , de Bernard Marina , Aricò Beatrice , Gerosa Franca , Papini Emanuele 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
A soluble recombinant form of Neisseria meningitidis adhesin A (NadAΔ351–405), proposed as a constituent of anti-meningococcal B vaccines, is here shown to specifically interact with and immune-modulate human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (mo-DCs). After priming with IFN-γ and stimulation with NadAΔ351–405, mo-DCs strongly up-regulated maturation markers CD83, CD86, CD80, and HLA-DR, secreted moderate quantities of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8, and produced a slight, although significant, amount of IL-12p70. Costimulation of mo-DCs with NadAΔ351–405 and the imidoazoquinoline drug R-848, believed to mimic bacterial RNA, increased CD86 in an additive way, but strongly synergized the secretion of IL-12p70, IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and MIP-1α, especially after IFN-γ priming. CD86/CD80 overexpression correlated with the occupation of high-(kd ∼ 80 nM) and low-(kd ∼ 4 μM) affinity binding sites for NadAΔ351–405. Alternatively, secretion of IL-12p70 and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 corresponded to the occupation of high- or low-affinity receptors, respectively. Mo-DCs matured by IFN-γ and NadAΔ351–405 supported the proliferation of naive CD4+ T lymphocytes, inducing the differentiation of both IFN-γ and IL-4 producing phenotypes. Our data show that NadA not only is a good immunogen but is as well endowed with a proimmune, self-adjuvating, activity.
Function and Regulation of SPLUNC1 Protein in Mycoplasma Infection and Allergic Inflammation
Authors: Chu Hong Wei , Thaikoottathil Jyoti , Rino John G. , Zhang Gongyi , Wu Qun , Moss Taylor , Refaeli Yosef , Bowler Russell , Wenzel Sally E. , Chen Zhongzhou , Zdunek Jeffrey , Breed Rachel , Young Ryan , Allaire Erin , Martin Richard J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Respiratory infections, including Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp), contribute to asthma pathobiology. To date, the mechanisms underlying the increased susceptibility of asthmatics to airway Mp infection remain unclear. Short palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone 1 (SPLUNC1) protein is a recently described large airway epithelial cell-derived molecule that was predicted to exert host defense activities. However, SPLUNC1 function and regulation in an infectious or allergic milieu are still unknown. We determined host defense and anti-inflammatory functions of SPLUNC1 protein in Mp infection and the regulation of SPLUNC1 by Mp and allergic inflammation (e.g., IL-13). SPLUNC1 function was examined in Mp or human airway epithelial cell cultures by using SPLUNC1 recombinant protein, overexpression and RNA interference. Human and mouse bronchial epithelial SPLUNC1 was examined using immunostaining, Western blotting, ELISA, laser capture microdissection, and real-time PCR. Mouse models of Mp infection and allergic inflammation and air-liquid interface cultures of normal human primary bronchial epithelial cells were used to study SPLUNC1 regulation by Mp and IL-13. We found that: 1) SPLUNC1 protein decreased Mp levels and inhibited epithelial IL-8 production induced by Mp-derived lipoproteins; 2) normal human and mouse large airway epithelial cells expressed high levels of SPLUNC1; and 3) although Mp infection increased SPLUNC1, IL-13 significantly decreased SPLUNC1 expression and Mp clearance. Our results suggest that SPLUNC1 serves as a novel host defense protein against Mp and that an allergic setting markedly reduces SPLUNC1 expression, which may in part contribute to the persistent nature of bacterial infections in allergic airways.
Pathogenic Complement Activation in Collagen Antibody- Induced Arthritis in Mice Requires Amplification by the Alternative Pathway
Authors: Banda Nirmal K. , Takahashi Kazue , Wood Allyson K. , Holers V. Michael , Arend William P. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Immune complex-induced inflammation can be mediated by the classical pathway of complement. However, using mice genetically deficient in factor B or C4, we have shown that the collagen Ab-induced model of arthritis requires the alternative pathway of complement and is not dependent on the classical pathway. We now demonstrate that collagen Ab-induced arthritis is not altered in mice genetically deficient in either C1q or mannose-binding lectins A and C, or in both C1q and mannose-binding lectins. These in vivo results prove the ability of the alternative pathway to carry out pathologic complement activation in the combined absence of intact classical and lectin pathways. C3 activation was also examined in vitro by adherent collagen-anti-collagen immune complexes using sera from normal or complement-deficient mice. These results confirm the ability of the alternative pathway to mediate immune complex-induced C3 activation when C4 or C1q, or both C1q and mannose-binding lectins, are absent. However, when all three activation pathways of complement are intact, initiation by immune complexes occurs primarily by the classical pathway. These results indicate that the alternative pathway amplification loop, with its ability to greatly enhance C3 activation, is necessary to mediate inflammatory arthritis induced by adherent immune complexes.
Variant IL-1 Receptor-Associated Kinase-1 Mediates Increased NF-κB Activity
Authors: Liu Gang , Tsuruta Yuko , Gao Zhiqian , Park Young-Jun , Abraham Edward 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
IL-1R-associated kinase (IRAK)-1 is a critical mediator of TLR/IL-1R-induced activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. We previously described that a commonly occurring IRAK-1 variant haplotype, containing amino acid changes from serine to phenylalanine at position 196 and from leucine to serine at position 532, is associated with increased activation of NF-κB in LPS-stimulated neutrophils from patients with sepsis-induced acute lung injury and also higher mortality and more severe clinical outcomes in such patients. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms, we examined the ability of wild-type and variant IRAK-1 to modulate NF-κB activation. We found increased NF-κB transcriptional activity and expression of NF-κB-dependent proinflammatory cytokines in IL-1β-stimulated IRAK-1-deficient cells transfected with variant IRAK-1 as compared with IRAK-1 wild type. IκB-α degradation was faster and p65 phosphorylation more prolonged after IL-1β stimulation in cells expressing the IRAK-1 variant. However, IL-1-induced activation of MAPKs and nuclear translocation of NF-κB are comparable in both IRAK-1 variant- and IRAK-1 wild-type-expressing cells. Autophosphorylation of the IRAK-1 variant is greater than that found with wild-type IRAK-1. Additionally, variant IRAK-1 has greater interaction with TNFR-associated factor 6 than does wild-type IRAK-1. The enhanced activity of variant IRAK-1 appeared to be due to the alteration at aa 532, with only minimal effects being associated with change at aa 196. These results demonstrate that variant IRAK-1 is associated with alterations in multiple intracellular events that are likely to contribute to increased NF-κB activation and inflammatory responses in individuals with this IRAK-1 haplotype.
Herpesvirus Chemokine-Binding Glycoprotein G (gG) Efficiently Inhibits Neutrophil Chemotaxis In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Van de Walle Gerlinde R. , May Maeva L. , Sukhumavasi Woraporn , von Einem Jens , Osterrieder Nikolaus 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Glycoprotein G (gG) of alphaherpesviruses has been described to function as a viral chemokine-binding protein (vCKBP). More recently, mutant viruses devoid of gG have been shown to result in increased virulence, but it remained unclear whether the potential of gG to serve as a vCKBP is responsible for this observation. In this study, we used equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) as a model to study the pathophysiological importance of vCKBP activity. First, in vitro chemotaxis assays studying migration of immune cells, an important function of chemokines, were established. In such assays, supernatants of EHV-1-infected cells significantly inhibited IL-8-induced chemotaxis of equine neutrophils. Identification of gG as the responsible vCKBP was achieved by repeating similar experiments with supernatants from cells infected with a gG-negative mutant, which were unable to alter IL-8-induced equine neutrophil migration. Furthermore, rEHV-1 gG was able to significantly reduce neutrophil migration, establishing gG as a bona fide vCKBP. Second, and importantly, in vivo analyses in a murine model of EHV-1 infection showed that neutrophil migration in the target organ lung was significantly reduced in the presence of gG. In summary, we demonstrate for the first time that EHV-1 gG not only binds to chemokines but is also capable of inhibiting their chemotactic function both in vitro and in vivo, thereby contributing to viral pathogenesis and virulence.
A Soluble Form of Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (IMP321) Induces Activation of a Large Range of Human Effector Cytotoxic Cells
Authors: Brignone Chrystelle , Grygar Caroline , Marcu Manon , Schäkel Knut , Triebel Frédéric 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The principal antitumor immune response is mediated through the activation of type 1 cytotoxic (Tc1) CD8 T cells, NK cells, and monocytes/macrophages. In this study, we investigated the potency of a clinical-grade soluble form of lymphocyte activation gene-3 protein (IMP321), a physiological high-affinity MHC class II binder, at inducing in PBMCs an appropriate cytotoxic-type response in short-term ex vivo assays. We found that IMP321 binds to a minority (&lt;10%) of MHC class II + cells in PBMCs, including all myeloid dendritic cells, and a small fraction of monocytes. Four hours after addition of IMP321 to PBMCs, these myeloid cells produce TNF-α and CCL4 as determined by intracellular staining. At 18 h, 1% of CD8+ T cells and 3.7% NK cells produce Tc1 cytokines such as IFN-γ and/or TNF-α (mean values from 60 blood donors). Similar induction was observed in metastatic cancer patient PBMCs, but the values were lower for the NK cell subset. Early APC activation by IMP321 is needed for this Tc1-type activation because pure sorted CD8+ T cells could not be activated by IMP321. Only Ag-experienced, fully differentiated granzyme+ CD8 T cells (effector and effector memory but not naive or central memory T cells) are induced by IMP321 to full Tc1 activation. In contrast to IMP321, TLR1-9 agonists induce IL-10 and are therefore unable to induce this Tc1 IFN-γ+ response. Thus, IMP321 has many properties that confirm its potential to be a new class of immunopotentiator in cancer patients.
Cutting Edge: Lack of Evidence for Connexin-43 Expression in Human Epidermal Langerhans Cells
Authors: Zimmerli Simone C. , Masson Florence , Cancela José , Meda Paolo , Hauser Conrad 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
A provocative study has shown that viral peptides may be transferred in vitro from epithelial cells to APC through connexin-43 gap junction channels. In support of this cross-presentation pathway, the study also reported that human dendritic cells, including Langerhans cells of skin, express connexin-43. In this report we show that if this was the case, the levels of connexin-43 are below those detectable by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR of purified CD1a+ cells, and electron microscopy, raising questions about the relevance of the connexin-43-dependent mechanism for Langerhans cells of noninflamed human skin.