bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myobacterium tuberculosis Induces Selective Up-Regulation of TLRs in the Mononuclear Leukocytes of Patients with Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Chang Jung-Su , Huggett Jim F. , Dheda Keertan , Kim Louise U. , Zumla Alimuddin , Rook Graham A. W. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Human and mouse studies indicate that TLRs are important in mycobacterial infections. We investigated TLR gene expression in fresh unstimulated blood and bronchoalveolar lavage from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis using a well-validated, real-time PCR. A human splice variant of TLR1, designated hsTLR1, was found in all donors tested. hsTLR1 mRNA lacks exon 2, which is a 77-bp region of the 5′-untranslated region, but contains the same coding sequence as TLR1. Compared with the matched controls, whole blood from patients had increased levels of mRNA encoding TLR2 (p = 0.0006), TLR1 (p = 0.004), hsTLR1 (p = 0.0003), TLR6 (p &lt; 0.0001), and TLR4 (p = 0.0002). By contrast, expression of these TLRs was not increased in bronchoalveolar lavage. An increased level of hsTLR1 mRNA was found in both CD3− (p = 0.0078) and CD4+ cells (p = 0.028), resulting in an increased ratio of hsTLR1 mRNA to TLR1 and to TLR6 mRNA. An in vitro study in THP1 cells suggested that this relative increase in hsTLR1 might be attributable to a direct effect of mycobacterial components because it could be mimicked by mycobacterial preparations in the absence of IFN-γ or T cells and by the TLR1/2 agonist Pam3CysK4. Half-life studies using blood from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and THP1 cells exposed to Myobacterium tuberculosis in vitro showed p38 MAPK-independent stabilization of mRNAs encoding hsTLR1 and TLR1. We conclude that M. tuberculosis exerts direct effects on patterns of TLR expression, partly via changes in mRNA half-life. The significance of these changes in the pathogenesis of disease deserves further investigation.
Precursor Frequency, Nonlinear Proliferation, and Functional Maturation of Virus-Specific CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Whitmire Jason K. , Benning Nicola , Whitton J. Lindsay 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The early events regulating antiviral CD4 responses were tracked using an adoptive transfer model. CD4+ T cell expansion was nonlinear, with a lengthy lag phase followed by 2 days of explosive proliferation. A small number of naive Ag-specific CD4+ T cells were found in nonlymphoid tissues and, in the 8 days following infection, the number of activated cells increased in all tissues analyzed, and their effector functions matured. Finally, we show that a naive mouse contains ∼100 naive CD4+ precursor cells specific for a single epitope, a precursor frequency of ∼10−5, similar to that of naive CD8+ T cells, indicating that the ∼50-fold difference in size of the two responses to virus infection is determined by something other than the number of precursor cells.
Clonal Competition Inhibits the Proliferation and Differentiation of Adoptively Transferred TCR Transgenic CD4 T Cells in Response to Infection
Authors: Foulds Kathryn E. , Shen Hao 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
CD4 and CD8 T cells have been shown to proliferate and differentiate to different extents following antigenic stimulation. CD4 T cells form a heterogenous pool of effector cells in various stages of division and differentiation, while nearly all responding CD8 T cells divide and differentiate to the same extent. We examined CD4 and CD8 T cell responses during bacterial infection by adoptive transfer of CFSE-labeled monoclonal and polyclonal T cells. Monoclonal and polyclonal CD8 T cells both divided extensively, whereas monoclonal CD4 T cells underwent limited division in comparison with polyclonal CD4 T cells. Titration studies revealed that the limited proliferation of transferred monoclonal CD4 T cells was due to inhibition by a high precursor frequency of clonal T cells. This unusually high precursor frequency of clonal CD4 T cells also inhibited the differentiation of these cells. These results suggest that the adoptive transfer of TCR transgenic CD4 T cells significantly underestimates the extent of proliferation and differentiation of CD4 T cells following infection.
An Antimicrobial Cathelicidin Peptide, Human CAP18/LL-37, Suppresses Neutrophil Apoptosis via the Activation of Formyl-Peptide Receptor-Like 1 and P2X7
Authors: Nagaoka Isao , Tamura Hiroshi , Hirata Michimasa 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Peptide antibiotics possess the potent antimicrobial activities against invading microorganisms and contribute to the innate host defense. An antibacterial cathelicidin, human cationic antibacterial protein of 18 kDa/LL-37, not only exhibits potent bactericidal activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, but also functions as a chemoattractant for immune cells, including neutrophils. During bacterial infections, the life span of neutrophils is regulated by various pathogen- and host-derived substances. In this study, to further evaluate the role of LL-37 in innate immunity, we investigated the action of LL-37 on neutrophil apoptosis. Neutrophil apoptosis was assessed using human blood neutrophils based on the morphological changes. Of note, LL-37 dose dependently (0.01–5 μg/ml) suppressed neutrophil apoptosis, accompanied with the phosphorylation of ERK-1/2, expression of Bcl-xL (an antiapoptotic protein), and inhibition of caspase 3 activity. Interestingly, LL-37-induced suppression of neutrophil apoptosis was attenuated by the antagonists for formyl-peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL1) and P2X7 nucleotide receptor. Of importance, the agonists for FPRL1 and P2X7 apparently suppressed neutrophil apoptosis. Collectively, these observations indicate that LL-37 cannot only kill bacteria, but also modulate (suppress) neutrophil apoptosis via the activation of FPRL1 and P2X7 in bacterial infections. Suppression of neutrophil apoptosis results in the prolongation of their life span, and may be advantageous for host defense against bacterial invasion.
Vaccine-Induced Memory CD8+ T Cells Cannot Prevent Central Nervous System Virus Reactivation
Authors: Ramakrishna Chandran , Atkinson Roscoe A. , Stohlman Stephen A. , Bergmann Cornelia C. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Noncytopathic viruses use multiple strategies to evade immune detection, challenging a role for vaccine induced CTL in preventing microbial persistence. Recrudescence of neurotropic coronavirus due to loss of T cell-mediated immune control provided an experimental model to test T cell vaccination efficacy in the absence of Ab. Challenge virus was rapidly controlled in vaccinated Ab-deficient mice coincident with accelerated recruitment of memory CD8+ T cells and enhanced effector function compared with primary CD8+ T cell responses. In contrast to primary effectors, reactivated memory cells persisted in the CNS at higher frequencies and retained ex vivo cytolytic activity. Nevertheless, despite earlier and prolonged T cell-mediated control in the CNS of vaccinated mice, virus ultimately reactivated. Apparent loss of memory CD8+ effector function in vivo was supported by a prominent decline in MHC expression on CNS resident target cells, presumably reflecting diminished IFN-γ. Severely reduced MHC expression on glial cells at the time of recrudescence suggested that memory T cells, although fully armed to exert antiviral activity upon Ag recognition in vitro, are not responsive in an environment presenting few if any target MHC molecules. Paradoxically, effective clearance of viral Ag thus affords persisting virus a window of opportunity to escape from immune surveillance. These studies demonstrate that vaccine-induced T cell memory alone is unable to control persisting virus in a tissue with strict IFN-dependent MHC regulation, as evident in immune privileged sites.
Antigen-Specific Responses Accelerate Bacterial Clearance in the Bladder
Authors: Thumbikat Praveen , Waltenbaugh Carl , Schaeffer Anthony J. , Klumpp David J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) cause patient morbidity and have a substantial economic impact. Half of all women will suffer a UTI at least once, and 25% of these women will have recurrent infections. That 75% of previously infected women do not become reinfected strongly suggests a role for an adaptive immune response. The goal of this study was to characterize the adaptive immune responses to uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), the predominant uropathogen. A novel murine model of UTI reinfection was developed using the prototypic cystitis UPEC isolate NU14 harboring a plasmid encoding OVA as a unique antigenic marker. Bacterial colonization of the bladder was quantified following one or more infections with NU14-OVA. Animals developed anti-OVA serum IgG and IgM titers after the initial infection and marked up-regulation of activation markers on splenic T cells. We observed a 95% reduction in bacterial colonization upon reinfection, and splenic leukocytes showed Ag-specific proliferation in vitro. Adoptive transfer of splenic T cells or passive transfer of serum from previously infected mice protected naive syngeneic mice from UPEC colonization. These findings support our hypothesis that adaptive immune responses to UPEC protect the bladder from reinfection and form the basis of understanding susceptibility to recurrent UTI in women.
Acetyl-11-Keto-β-Boswellic Acid Potentiates Apoptosis, Inhibits Invasion, and Abolishes Osteoclastogenesis by Suppressing NF-κB and NF-κB-Regulated Gene Expression
Authors: Takada Yasunari , Ichikawa Haruyo , Badmaev Vladimir , Aggarwal Bharat B. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), a component of an Ayurvedic therapeutic plant Boswellia serrata, is a pentacyclic terpenoid active against a large number of inflammatory diseases, including cancer, arthritis, chronic colitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and bronchial asthma, but the mechanism is poorly understood. We found that AKBA potentiated the apoptosis induced by TNF and chemotherapeutic agents, suppressed TNF-induced invasion, and inhibited receptor activator of NF-κB ligand-induced osteoclastogenesis, all of which are known to require NF-κB activation. These observations corresponded with the down-regulation of the expression of NF-κB-regulated antiapoptotic, proliferative, and angiogenic gene products. As examined by DNA binding, AKBA suppressed both inducible and constitutive NF-κB activation in tumor cells. It also abrogated NF-κB activation induced by TNF, IL-1β, okadaic acid, doxorubicin, LPS, H2O2, PMA, and cigarette smoke. AKBA did not directly affect the binding of NF-κB to the DNA but inhibited sequentially the TNF-induced activation of IκBα kinase (IKK), IκBα phosphorylation, IκBα ubiquitination, IκBα degradation, p65 phosphorylation, and p65 nuclear translocation. AKBA also did not directly modulate IKK activity but suppressed the activation of IKK through inhibition of Akt. Furthermore, AKBA inhibited the NF-κB-dependent reporter gene expression activated by TNFR type 1, TNFR-associated death domain protein, TNFR-associated factor 2, NF-κB-inducing kinase, and IKK, but not that activated by the p65 subunit of NF-κB. Overall, our results indicated that AKBA enhances apoptosis induced by cytokines and chemotherapeutic agents, inhibits invasion, and suppresses osteoclastogenesis through inhibition of NF-κB-regulated gene expression.
Ligation of the FcRγ Chain-Associated Human Osteoclast-Associated Receptor Enhances the Proinflammatory Responses of Human Monocytes and Neutrophils
Authors: Merck Estelle , Gaillard Claude , Scuiller Mathieu , Scapini Patrizia , Cassatella Marco A. , Trinchieri Giorgio , Bates Elizabeth E. M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe have previously described the human osteoclast associated receptor (hOSCAR), expressed in all cells of the myeloid lineage, and its immune functions. This receptor, which associates with the FcRγ chain to transduce an activating signal, induces calcium flux in monocytes and dendritic cells, and modulates specific responses of dendritic cells. In this study, we have examined the effects of hOSCAR ligation on various proinflammatory responses of monocytes and neutrophils. Monocytes stimulated via hOSCAR ligation released IL-8/CXCL8 and other chemokines such as epithelial neutrophil-activating peptide-78/CXCL5, macrophage-derived chemokine/CCL22, and MCP-1/CCL2 and up-regulated markers involved in cell adhesion and costimulatory functions. Monocytes stimulated via hOSCAR in the absence of survival factors had an increased life span. Although the life span of neutrophils was unaffected, these cells, when stimulated via hOSCAR, rapidly released reactive oxygen intermediates, degranulated lactoferrin, myeloperoxidase, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and also secreted IL-8/CXCL8. Neutrophils also underwent changes in cell surface molecule expression with the cleavage of CD62L and increased expression of CD11b and CD66b after 2-h stimulations. Finally, we demonstrated synergy between hOSCAR and TLR ligands on both monocytes and neutrophils, with up to 8-fold increases in cytokine secretion when hOSCAR was cross-linked in the presence of LPS or R-848. Overall, our data demonstrate that hOSCAR is a functional receptor on monocytes and neutrophils, involved in the induction of the primary proinflammatory cascade and the initiation of downstream immune responses.
The Leukotriene B4 Receptor (BLT1) Is Required for Effector CD8+ T Cell-Mediated, Mast Cell-Dependent Airway Hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Taube Christian , Miyahara Nobuaki , Ott Vanessa , Swanson Brad , Takeda Katsuyuki , Loader Joan , Shultz Leonard D. , Tager Andrew M. , Luster Andrew D. , Dakhama Azzeddine , Gelfand Erwin W. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Studies in both humans and rodents have suggested that CD8+ T cells contribute to the development of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and that leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is involved in the chemotaxis of effector CD8+ T cells (TEFF) to the lung by virtue of their expression of BLT1, the receptor for LTB4. In the present study, we used a mast cell-CD8-dependent model of AHR to further define the role of BLT1 in CD8+ T cell-mediated AHR. C57BL/6+/+ and CD8-deficient (CD8−/−) mice were passively sensitized with anti-OVA IgE and exposed to OVA via the airways. Following passive sensitization and allergen exposure, C57BL/6+/+ mice developed altered airway function, whereas passively sensitized and allergen-exposed CD8−/− mice failed to do so. CD8−/− mice reconstituted with CD8+ TEFF developed AHR in response to challenge. In contrast, CD8−/− mice reconstituted with BLT1-deficient effector CD8+ T cells did not develop AHR. The induction of increased airway responsiveness following transfer of CD8+ TEFF or in wild-type mice could be blocked by administration of an LTB4 receptor antagonist confirming the role of BLT1 in CD8+ T cell-mediated AHR. Together, these data define the important role for mast cells and the LTB4-BLT1 pathway in the development of CD8+ T cell-mediated allergic responses in the lung.
Trophoblast Contact Deactivates Human Neutrophils
Authors: Petty Howard R. , Kindzelskii Andrei L. , Espinoza Jimmy , Romero Roberto 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Trophoblasts are fetal epithelial cells that form an interface between mother and offspring. To evaluate their anti-inflammatory capacity, we tested the hypothesis that trophoblasts deactivate neutrophils using single-cell assays. Several biophysical (Ca2+ and NAD(P)H oscillation frequency) and physiological (oxidant production) markers of activated neutrophils revert to a nonactivated phenotype as activated cells make contact with trophoblasts. Indistinguishable results were obtained using syncytiotrophoblasts and in experiments using trophoblasts and neutrophils from the same mother to recapitulate the semiallogeneic system. These changes suggest reduced hexose monophosphate shunt (HMS) activity. We discovered that two metabolic regulatory points, glucose transport and HMS enzyme trafficking, are affected by trophoblasts. This restriction in HMS activity deactivates neutrophils, thereby limiting oxidative DNA damage within trophoblasts.
Contribution of NZB Autoimmunity 2 to Y-Linked Autoimmune Acceleration-Induced Monocytosis in Association with Murine Systemic Lupus
Authors: Kikuchi Shuichi , Santiago-Raber Marie-Laure , Amano Hirofumi , Amano Eri , Fossati-Jimack Liliane , Moll Thomas , Kotzin Brian L. , Izui Shozo 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The accelerated development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in BXSB male mice is associated with the presence of the Y-linked autoimmune acceleration (Yaa) mutation, which induces an age-dependent monocytosis. Using a cohort of C57BL/6 (B6) × (NZB × B6)F1 backcross male mice bearing the Yaa mutation, we defined the pathogenic role and genetic basis for Yaa-associated monocytosis. We observed a remarkable correlation of monocytosis with autoantibody production and subsequent development of lethal lupus nephritis, indicating that monocytosis is an additional useful indicator for severe SLE. In addition, we identified an NZB-derived locus on chromosome 1 predisposing to the development of monocytosis, which peaked at Fcgr2b encoding FcγRIIB and directly overlapped with the previously identified NZB autoimmunity 2 (Nba2) locus. The contribution of Nba2 to monocytosis was confirmed by the analysis of Yaa-bearing B6 mice congenic for the NZB-Nba2 locus. Finally, we observed a very low-level expression of FcγRIIB on macrophages bearing the NZB-type Fcgr2b allele, compared with those bearing the B6-type allele, and the development of monocytosis in FcγRIIB haploinsufficient B6 mice carrying the Yaa mutation. These data suggest that the Nba2 locus may play a supplementary role in the pathogenesis of SLE by promoting the development of monocytosis and the activation of effector cells bearing stimulatory FcγR, in addition to its implication in the dysregulated activation of autoreactive B cells.
Evidence to Support the Role of HLA-G5 in Allograft Acceptance through Induction of Immunosuppressive/ Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Le Rond Solène , Azéma Christine , Krawice-Radanne Irène , Durrbach Antoine , Guettier Catherine , Carosella Edgardo D. , Rouas-Freiss Nathalie 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The soluble HLA-G5 isoform encoded by intron-4 retaining spliced transcript has been previously detected in vivo in sera and grafts from transplanted patients who had significantly better graft acceptance. These findings led us to investigate the role of HLA-G5 in tolerance induction in vitro and its biological relevance in allograft acceptance in vivo. We demonstrated that engagement of Ig-like transcript-2 and Ig-like transcript-4 receptors by HLA-G5 is involved in inhibition of T cell alloproliferative responses. Naive T cells sensitized in vitro with HLA-G5, for as little as 18 h, 1) lost their ability to respond to subsequent allogeneic stimulus, and 2) acquired regulatory properties because they inhibited the reactivity of other T cells. These HLA-G5-induced T cells act in an Ag-nonspecific fashion and through soluble factors. Biological relevance was provided by ex vivo analyzes of samples from liver-kidney cotransplanted patients who had high HLA-G5 serum levels and no graft rejection. We showed that addition of HLA-G5-containing sera from these patients inhibited T cell alloresponses and that serum HLA-G5 was responsible for this inhibition. Notably, PBMC from transplanted patients exposed to high levels of circulating HLA-G5 did not respond to allostimulation and inhibited alloreactivity of other T cells. These results demonstrate that HLA-G5-mediated tolerance involves the induction of immunosuppressive T cells. These findings provide evidence supporting the tolerogenic properties of HLA-G and emphasize its potential application as a relevant therapeutic candidate capable of limiting allograft rejection.
Cutting Edge: Membrane Nanotubes In Vivo: A Feature of MHC Class II+ Cells in the Mouse Cornea
Authors: Chinnery Holly R. , Pearlman Eric , McMenamin Paul G. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Membrane nanotubes are a recently discovered form of cellular protrusion between two or more cells whose functions include cell communication, environmental sampling, and protein transfer. Although clearly demonstrated in vitro, evidence of the existence of membrane nanotubes in mammalian tissues in vivo has until now been lacking. Confocal microscopy of whole-mount corneas from wild-type, enhanced GFP chimeric mice, and Cx3cr1gfp transgenic mice revealed long (&gt;300 μm) and fine (&lt;0.8 μm diameter) membrane nanotube-like structures on bone marrow-derived MHC class II+ cells in the corneal stroma, some of which formed distinct intercellular bridges between these putative dendritic cells. The frequency of these nanotubes was significantly increased in corneas subjected to trauma and LPS, which suggests that nanotubes have an important role in vivo in cell-cell communication between widely spaced dendritic cells during inflammation. Identification of these novel cellular processes in the mammalian cornea provides the first evidence of membrane nanotubes in vivo.
Cutting Edge: Foxp3-Mediated Induction of Pim 2 Allows Human T Regulatory Cells to Preferentially Expand in Rapamycin
Authors: Basu Samik , Golovina Tatiana , Mikheeva Tatiana , June Carl H. , Riley James L. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Addition of rapamycin to cultures of expanding natural CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) helps maintain their suppressive activity, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Pim 2 is a serine/threonine kinase that can confer rapamycin resistance. Unexpectedly, pim 2 was found to be constitutively expressed in freshly isolated, resting Tregs, but not in CD4+CD25− T effector cells. Introduction of Foxp3, but not Foxp3Δ2, into effector T cells induced pim 2 expression and conferred preferential expansion in the presence of rapamycin, indicating that Foxp3 can regulate pim 2 expression. Finally, we determined there is a positive correlation between Treg expansion and Foxp3 expression in the presence of rapamycin. Together, these results indicate that Tregs are programmed to be resistant to rapamycin, providing further rationale for why this immunosuppressive drug should be used in conjunction with expanded Tregs.
Cutting Edge: Overlapping Functions of TLR7 and TLR9 for Innate Defense against a Herpesvirus Infection
Authors: Zucchini Nicolas , Bessou Gilles , Traub Stephanie , Robbins Scott H. , Uematsu Satoshi , Akira Shizuo , Alexopoulou Lena , Dalod Marc 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
As initially demonstrated with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are the major source of IFN-α/β in response to a variety of viruses in vivo. However, contradictory results have been obtained pertaining to the mechanisms promoting IFN-α/β production by pDCs in response to MCMV. In this study we show that TLR7 and TLR9 exert redundant functions for IFN-α/β, IL-12p40, and TNF-α production by pDCs in vivo during MCMV infection. In contrast, we confirm that systemic production of IL-12p70 strictly depends on TLR9. The combined loss of TLR7 and TLR9 recapitulates critical features of the phenotype of MyD88-deficient mice, including a dramatic decrease in systemic IFN-α/β levels, an increase in viral load, and increased susceptibility to MCMV-induced mortality. This is the first demonstration of the implication of TLR7 in the recognition of a DNA virus.