bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transgenic Expression of Dominant-Negative Fas-Associated Death Domain Protein in β Cells Protects against Fas Ligand-Induced Apoptosis and Reduces Spontaneous Diabetes in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Allison Janette , Thomas Helen E. , Catterall Tara , Kay Thomas W. H. , Strasser Andreas 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In type 1 diabetes, many effector mechanisms damage the β cell, a key one being perforin/granzyme B production by CD8+ T cells. The death receptor pathway has also been implicated in β cell death, and we have therefore generated NOD mice that express a dominant-negative form of the Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD) adaptor to block death receptor signaling in β cells. Islets developed normally in these animals, indicating that FADD is not necessary for β cell development as it is for vasculogenesis. β cells from the transgenic mice were resistant to killing via the Fas pathway in vitro. In vivo, a reduced incidence of diabetes was found in mice with higher levels of dominant-negative FADD expression. This molecule also blocked signals from the IL-1R in culture, protecting isolated islets from the toxic effects of cytokines and also marginally reducing the levels of Fas up-regulation. These data support a role for death receptors in β cell destruction in NOD mice, but blocking the perforin/granzyme pathway would also be necessary for dominant-negative FADD to have a beneficial clinical effect.
HIV Type 1 Glycoprotein 120 Inhibits Human B Cell Chemotaxis to CXC Chemokine Ligand (CXCL) 12, CC Chemokine Ligand (CCL)20, and CCL21
Authors: Badr Gamal , Borhis Gwenoline , Treton Dominique , Moog Christiane , Garraud Olivier , Richard Yolande 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe analyzed the modulation of human B cell chemotaxis by the gp120 proteins of various HIV-1 strains. X4 and X4/R5 gp120 inhibited B cell chemotaxis toward CXCL12, CCL20, and CCL21 by 40–50%, whereas R5 gp120 decreased inhibition by 20%. This gp120-induced inhibition was strictly dependent on CXCR4 or CCR5 and lipid rafts but not on CD4 or VH3-expressing BCR. Inhibition did not impair the expression or ligand-induced internalization of CCR6 and CCR7. Our data suggest that gp120/CXCR4 and gp120/CCR5 interactions lead to the cross-desensitization of CCR6 and CCR7 because gp120 does not bind CCR6 and CCR7. Unlike CXCL12, gp120 did not induce the activation of phospholipase Cβ3 and PI3K downstream from CXCR4, whereas p38 MAPK activation was observed. Similar results were obtained if gp120-treated cells were triggered by CCL21 and CCL20. Our results are consistent with a blockade restricted to signaling pathways using phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate as a substrate. X4 and X4/R5 gp120 induced the cleavage of CD62 ligand by a mechanism dependent on matrix metalloproteinase 1 and 3, CD4, CXCR4, Gαi, and p38 MAPK, whereas R5 gp120 did not. X4 and X4/R5 gp120 also induced the relocalization of cytoplasmic CD95 to the membrane and a 23% increase in CD95-mediated apoptosis. No such effects were observed with R5 gp120. The gp120-induced decrease in B cell chemotaxis and CD62 ligand expression, and increase in CD95-mediated B cell apoptosis probably have major deleterious effects on B cell responsiveness during HIV infection and in vaccination trials.
Cutting Edge: In Contrast to Effector T Cells, CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Regulatory T Cells Are Highly Susceptible to CD95 Ligand- but Not to TCR-Mediated Cell Death
Authors: Fritzsching Benedikt , Oberle Nina , Eberhardt Nadine , Quick Sabine , Haas Jürgen , Wildemann Brigitte , Krammer Peter H. , Suri-Payer Elisabeth 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) suppress T cell function and protect rodents from autoimmune disease. Regulation of Treg during an immune response is of major importance. Enhanced survival of Treg is beneficial in autoimmune disease, whereas increased depletion by apoptosis is advantageous in cancer. We show here that freshly isolated FACS-sorted Treg are highly sensitive toward CD95-mediated apoptosis, whereas other T cell populations are resistant to CD95-induced apoptosis shortly after isolation. In contrast, TCR restimulation of Treg in vitro revealed a reduced sensitivity toward activation-induced cell death compared with CD4+CD25− T cells. Thus, the apoptosis phenotype of Treg is unique in comparison to other T cells, and this might be further explored for novel therapeutic modulations of Treg.
Linked Foreign T-Cell Help Activates Self-Reactive CTL and Inhibits Tumor Growth
Authors: Steinaa Lucilla , Rasmussen Peter Birk , Wegener Anne Marie , Sonderbye Lene , Leach Dana R. , Rygaard Jørgen , Mouritsen Søren , Gautam Anand M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTransgenic mice expressing membrane-bound OVA under the rat insulin promoter, RIP-mOVA, has previously been suggested to display deletional tolerance toward the dominant CTL epitope, SIINFEKL, and provide an elegant model system to test the hypothesis that the lack of T cell help contributes to the tolerance. To understand how the CD8 tolerance is maintained in these mice, a set of neo-self-Ags, OVA, modified to contain a foreign Th peptide, were constructed and tested for their ability to induce CTL responses in RIP-mOVA mice. Immunization with these Th peptide-modified OVA molecules and not with the wild-type OVA induced self-reactive CTLs recognizing dominant CTL peptide, SIINFEKL. Importantly, immunization with the modified OVA constructs also prevented the growth of OVA-expressing tumors in transgenic mice. Since endogenous OVA Th peptides did not contribute toward breaking self CTL tolerance, these results also highlighted a very robust CD4 T cell tolerance toward OVA in RIP-mOVA mice that has not been previously described. These results therefore provide direct evidence that it is the tolerance in the CD4 Th cell compartment that helps maintain the CTL tolerance against self-Ag in these mice. Since the CTL tolerance can be broken or bypassed by foreign Th peptides inserted into a self Ag, potential of using this approach in generating effective therapeutic cancer vaccines is discussed.
Listeria-Infected Myeloid Dendritic Cells Produce IFN-β, Priming T Cell Activation
Authors: Feng Hanping , Zhang Dong , Palliser Deborah , Zhu Pengcheng , Cai Shenghe , Schlesinger Ann , Maliszewski Laura , Lieberman Judy 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes infects dendritic cells (DC) and other APCs and induces potent cell-mediated protective immunity. However, heat-killed bacteria fail to do so. This study explored whether DC differentially respond to live and killed Listeria and how this affects T cell activation. To control for bacterial number, a replication-deficient strain, Lmdd, defective in d-alanine biosynthesis, was used. We found that DC internalize both live and heat-killed Lmdd and similarly up-regulate the expression of costimulatory molecules, a necessary step for T cell activation. However, only live Lmdd-infected DC stimulate T cells to express the early activation marker CD69 and enhance T cell activation upon TCR engagement. Infection with live, but not heat-killed, Lmdd induces myeloid DC to secrete copious amounts of IFN-β, which requires bacterial cytosolic invasion. Exposure to high concentrations of IFN-β sensitizes naive T cells for Ag-dependent activation.
ERK Activation Following Macrophage FcγR Ligation Leads to Chromatin Modifications at the IL-10 Locus
Authors: Lucas Mark , Zhang Xia , Prasanna Vikram , Mosser David M. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that macrophages stimulated in the presence of immune complexes produce high levels of IL-10. We now examine the mechanism of IL-10 superinduction. We report that the enhanced production of IL-10 correlates with a rapid and enhanced activation of two MAPKs, ERK and p38. The inhibition of either ERK or p38 prevented IL-10 induction, indicating that both MAPKs were required for IL-10 synthesis. By chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we demonstrate that activation of ERK leads to the phosphorylation of serine 10 on histone H3 at the il-10 gene, making the promoter more accessible to transcription factors generated in response to p38 activation. Inhibition of ERK activation prevented histone modifications, and decreased the binding of Sp1 and STAT3 to the IL-10 promoter. We conclude that the activation of ERK following FcγR ligation leads to a remodeling of the chromatin at the il-10 locus, making it more accessible to transcription factors. The rapid and transient regulation of transcription factor accessibility to the IL-10 promoter by MAPK activation represents a novel way that the production of this cytokine is regulated.
β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists, Like Glucocorticoids, Repress Eotaxin Gene Transcription by Selective Inhibition of Histone H4 Acetylation
Authors: Nie Mei , Knox Alan J. , Pang Linhua 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Eotaxin is a potent eosinophil chemoattractant implicated in various allergic inflammatory conditions including asthma, but relatively little is known about its regulation. Human airway smooth muscle cells are an important source of eotaxin in the airway. We have previously demonstrated that β2-adrenoceptor agonists (β2-agonists) and glucocorticoids additively inhibit eotaxin production in human airway smooth muscle cells, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we studied the molecular mechanisms of their actions and interactions on eotaxin gene transcription. TNF-α-induced eotaxin gene transcription was mediated mainly by the transcription factor NF-κB (p65/p50) as analyzed by luciferase reporter gene assay, Western blotting, EMSA, and electrophoretic mobility supershift assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that TNF-α also induced selective histone H4 acetylation on lysines 5 and 12 at the eotaxin promoter site and p65 binding to the eotaxin promoter, resulting in eotaxin gene transcription. The inhibition of eotaxin production by β2-agonists and glucocorticoids was transcriptional and not due to altered NF-κB nuclear translocation or in vitro promoter binding capability, but due to their inhibition of TNF-α-induced histone H4 acetylation and p65 in vivo binding to the promoter. Additive inhibition was achieved when the two groups of drugs were combined. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which β2-agonists, like glucocorticoids, regulate NF-κB-mediated inflammatory gene expression through inhibition of histone acetylation. This provides one explanation for the benefits that result when these agents are combined to treat asthma, and may have important implications in a wide range of inflammatory diseases.
Oxidized Phospholipids Negatively Regulate Dendritic Cell Maturation Induced by TLRs and CD40
Authors: Blüml Stefan , Kirchberger Stefanie , Bochkov Valery N. , Krönke Gerhard , Stuhlmeier Karl , Majdic Otto , Zlabinger Gerhard J. , Knapp Walter , Binder Bernd R. , Stöckl Johannes , Leitinger Norbert 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) induced by pathogen-derived signals via TLRs is a crucial step in the initiation of an adaptive immune response and therefore has to be well controlled. In this study, we demonstrate that oxidized phospholipids (ox-PLs), which are generated during infections, apoptosis, and tissue damage, interfere with DC activation, preventing their maturation. ox-PLs blocked TLR-3- and TLR-4-mediated induction of the costimulatory molecules CD40, CD80, CD83, and CD86, the cytokines IL-12 and TNF, as well as lymphocyte stimulatory capacity. CD40 and TLR-2-mediated cytokine production was also inhibited, whereas up-regulation of costimulatory molecules via these receptors was not affected by ox-PLs. Thus, formation of ox-PLs during the course of an inflammatory response may represent a negative-feedback loop preventing excessive and sustained immune reactions through regulating DC maturation.
Application of Plasmid DNA Encoding IL-18 Diminishes Development of Herpetic Stromal Keratitis by Antiangiogenic Effects
Authors: Kim Bumseok , Lee Sujin , Suvas Susmit , Rouse Barry T. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
HSV-1 infection of the eye can cause a blinding immunoinflammatory stromal keratitis (SK) lesion. Using the mouse model, we have demonstrated that angiogenesis is an essential step in lesion pathogenesis because its inhibition results in diminished severity. The molecules involved in causing corneal angiogenesis are multiple and include the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of proteins. In this report we show that application of plasmid DNA encoding IL-18 to the cornea of mice before HSV-1 ocular infection resulted in reduced angiogenesis and diminished SK immunoinflammatory lesions. The antiangiogenic effects of IL-18 treatment appeared to be mediated by inhibition of VEGF production in the cornea. We also showed that IL-18 controlled VEGF expression in vitro and also decreased CpG oligodeoxynucleotide induced VEGF-dependent neovascularization. In addition the administration of IL-18-binding protein, an IL-18 antagonist, into the inflammatory eye resulted in elevated angiogenesis and increased VEGF expression. Our results indicate that IL-18 is an important endogenous negative regulator of HSV-induced angiogenesis resulting in reduced SK lesion severity. Our results could mean that IL-18 administration may represent a useful approach to manage unwanted angiogenesis.
5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide Ribonucleoside: A Novel Immunomodulator with Therapeutic Efficacy in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Nath Narender , Giri Shailendra , Prasad Ratna , Salem Mohamad Labib , Singh Avtar K. , Singh Inderjit 
Published: April 2014

AbstractExperimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis, is a Th1-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS. AMP-activated protein kinase was reported recently to have anti-inflammatory activities by negatively regulating NF-κB signaling. In this study, we investigated the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of an AMP-activated protein kinase activator, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR), in active and passive EAE induced by active immunization with PLP139–151 or MOG35–55 and in adoptive transfer of PLP139–151-sensitized T cells, respectively. In vivo treatment with AICAR exerted both prophylactic and therapeutic effects on EAE, attenuating the severity of clinical disease. The anti-inflammatory effects of AICAR were associated with the inhibition of the Ag-specific recall responses and inhibition of the Th1-type cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α, whereas it induced the production of Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. Treatment of PLP139–151-specific T cells in vitro with AICAR decreased their expression of T-bet in response to IL-12, a Th1 transcription factor, whereas in response to IL-4, it induced the expression and phosphorylation of Th2 transcription factors GATA3 and STAT6, respectively. Moreover, treatment of APCs in vitro with AICAR inhibited their capability to present the proteolipid protein peptide to PLP139–151-specific T cells. In an irrelevant Th1-mediated, OT-2 TCR transgenic mouse model, AICAR impaired in vivo Ag-specific expansion of CD4+ T cells. Together, these findings show for the first time that AICAR is a novel immunomodulator with promising beneficial effects for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other Th1-mediated inflammatory diseases.
A His-155 to Tyr Polymorphism Confers Gain-of-Function to the Human P2X7 Receptor of Human Leukemic Lymphocytes
Authors: Cabrini Giulio , Falzoni Simonetta , Forchap Sylvia L. , Pellegatti Patrizia , Balboni Alessandra , Agostini Paola , Cuneo Antonio , Castoldi Gianluigi , Baricordi O. Roberto , Di Virgilio Francesco 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The P2X7R is an ATP-gated cation channel expressed in hemopoietic cells that participates in both cell proliferation and apoptosis. Expression and function of the P2X7R have been associated with the clinical course of patients affected by chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Functional variants causing loss-of-function of the P2X7R have been identified, namely, polymorphisms 1513A&gt;C (E496A), 1729T&gt;A (I568N), and 946G&gt;A (R307Q). Here we investigated other nonsynonymous polymorphisms located either in the extracellular portion of the receptor, such as the 489C&gt;T (H155Y) variant, or in the long cytoplasmic tail of the receptor, such as the 1068G&gt;A (A348T), 1096C&gt;G (T357S), and 1405A&gt;G (Q460R) variants. P2X7R function was monitored by measuring ATP-induced Ca2+ influx in PBL of patients affected by CLL and in recombinant human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells stably transfected with each single P2X7 allelic variant. Ca2+ influx was markedly reduced in association with the 1513C allele, whereas variants located in the same intracellular domain, such as the 1068A, 1096G, or 1405G variants, were associated with a minor functional decrease. Significant Ca2+ flux increase was observed in lymphocytes from CLL patients bearing the 489C/T and 489T/T genotypes in association with the 1513A/A genotype. Functional analysis in recombinant HEK293 cells expressing P2X7R confirmed an increased ATP-dependent activation of the P2X7 489T mutant with respect to the wild type receptor, as assessed by both by [Ca2+]i influx and ethidium uptake experiments. These data identify the 489C&gt;T as a gain-of-function polymorphism of the P2X7R.
Cutting Edge: Yin-Yang: Balancing Act of Prostaglandins with Opposing Functions to Regulate Inflammation
Authors: Mandal Asim K. , Zhang Zhongjian , Kim Sung-Jo , Tsai Pei-Chih , Mukherjee Anil B. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
For many years, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a critical enzyme for PG production, has been the favorite target for anti-inflammatory drug development. However, recent revelations regarding the adverse effects of selective COX-2 inhibitors have stimulated intense debate. Interestingly, in the early phase of inflammation, COX-2 facilitates inflammatory PG production while in the late phase it has anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, although some PGs are proinflammatory, others have anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, it is likely that PGs with opposing effects maintain homeostasis, although the molecular mechanism(s) remains unclear. We report here that an inflammatory PG, PGD2, via its receptor, mediates the activation of NF-κB stimulating COX-2 gene expression. Most interestingly, an anti-inflammatory PG (PGA1) suppresses NF-κB activation and inhibits COX-2 gene expression. We propose that while pro- and anti-inflammatory PGs counteract each other to maintain homeostasis, selective COX-2 inhibitors may disrupt this balance, thereby resulting in reported adverse effects.
Reciprocal Immunomodulation in a Schistosome and Hepatotropic Virus Coinfection Model
Authors: Edwards Matthew J. , Buchatska Olena , Ashton Miranda , Montoya Maria , Bickle Quentin D. , Borrow Persephone 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHuman coinfection with the helminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni and hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses is associated with increased hepatic viral burdens and severe liver pathology. In this study we developed a murine S. mansoni/lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) coinfection model that reproduces the enhanced viral replication and liver pathology observed in human coinfections, and used this model to explore the mechanisms involved. Viral coinfection during the Th2-dominated granulomatous phase of the schistosome infection resulted in induction of a strong LCMV-specific T cell response, with infiltration of high numbers of LCMV-specific IFN-γ-producing CD8+ cells into the liver. This was associated with suppression of production of the Th2 cytokines dominant during S. mansoni infection and a rapid increase in morbidity, linked to hepatotoxicity. Interestingly, the liver of coinfected mice was extremely susceptible to viral replication. This correlated with a reduced intrahepatic type I IFN response following virus infection. Schistosome egg Ags were found to suppress the type I IFN response induced in murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid. These results suggest that suppression of the antiviral type I IFN response by schistosome egg Ags in vivo predisposes the liver to enhanced viral replication with ensuing immunopathological consequences, findings that may be paralleled in human schistosome/hepatotropic virus coinfections.
Further Characterization of Reproductive Abnormalities in mCd59b Knockout Mice: A Potential New Function of mCd59 in Male Reproduction
Authors: Qin Xuebin , Dobarro Martin , Bedford Sylvia J. , Ferris Sean , Miranda Patricia V. , Song Wenping , Bronson Roderick T. , Visconti Pablo E. , Halperin Jose A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
CD59 is a GPI-linked membrane protein that inhibits formation of the membrane attack complex of complement. We reported recently that mice have two CD59 genes (termed mCd59a and mCd59b), and that the targeted deletion of mCd59b (mCd59b−/−) results in spontaneous hemolytic anemia and progressive loss of male fertility. Further studies of the reproductive abnormalities in mCd59b−/− mice reported in this study revealed the presence of abnormal multinucleated cells and increased apoptotic cells within the walls of the seminiferous tubules, and a decrease in the number, motility, and viability of sperm associated with a significant increase in abnormal sperm morphologies. Both the capacitation-associated tyrosine phosphorylation and the ionophore-induced acrosome reaction as well as luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone serum levels were similar in mCd59b−/− and mCd59b+/+. Surprisingly, the functional deficiency of the complement protein C3 did not rescue the abnormal reproductive phenotype of mCd59b−/−, although it was efficient in rescuing their hemolytic anemia. These results indicate that the male reproductive abnormalities in mCd59b−/− are complement-independent, and that mCd59 may have a novel function in spermatogenesis that is most likely unrelated to its function as an inhibitor of membrane attack complex formation.
Immune Complex-Dependent Remodeling of the Airway Vasculature in Response to a Chronic Bacterial Infection
Authors: Aurora Arin B. , Baluk Peter , Zhang DongJi , Sidhu Sukhvinder S. , Dolganov Gregory M. , Basbaum Carol , McDonald Donald M. , Killeen Nigel 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Chronic inflammation in the airways is associated with dramatic architectural changes in the walls of the airways and in the vasculature they contain. In this study, we show that the adaptive immune system is essential for airway remodeling that occurs in mice that are chronically infected with the respiratory pathogen Mycoplasma pulmonis. Angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and epithelial remodeling were greatly reduced in mice that lacked B cells. Substantiating a role for Ab and airway immune complexes, we found that the transfer of immune serum to B cell-deficient mice could reconstitute pathogen-induced angiogenesis. Inflammatory cells recruited to the infected airways were activated by the humoral response, and this activation correlated with the induction of genes for remodeling factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor-D. The results reveal a novel pathway whereby T cell-dependent humoral immunity to a persistent airway infection can induce inflammation-dependent angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and chronic airway pathology.