bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cutting Edge: Heterozygote Advantage in Autoimmune Disease: Hierarchy of Protection/Susceptibility Conferred by HLA and Killer Ig-Like Receptor Combinations in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Nelson George W. , Martin Maureen P. , Gladman Dafna , Wade Judith , Trowsdale John , Carrington Mary 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Functionally relevant combinations of HLA and killer Ig-like receptor (KIR) genotypes influence resistance to several diseases in humans. Analysis of genetic data from such studies is challenging because it involves multiple linked and unlinked loci that exert their influence in an epistatic manner. We previously reported that subjects with certain activating receptors were susceptible to developing psoriatic arthritis (PsA), an effect that was strongest when HLA ligands for corresponding homologous inhibitory receptors were missing. In this study, we present a novel model in which susceptibility to PsA is determined by the overall balance of activating and inhibitory composite KIR-HLA genotypes. This model fits our knowledge of clonal NK cell expression of KIR and regulation of NK cell activity better than does the previous model, as reflected in a robust trend for increasing susceptibility to PsA with more activating genotypes. These data emphasize the remarkable influence of KIR/HLA combinations on this disease.
Rapid Response of Marginal Zone B Cells to Viral Particles
Authors: Gatto Dominique , Ruedl Christiane , Odermatt Bernhard , Bachmann Martin F. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Marginal zone (MZ) B cells are thought to be responsible for the first wave of Abs against bacterial Ags. In this study, we assessed the in vivo response of MZ B cells in mice immunized with viral particles derived from the RNA phage Qβ. We found that both follicular (FO) and MZ B cells responded to immunization with viral particles. MZ B cells responded with slightly faster kinetics, but numerically, FO B cells dominated the response. B1 B cells responded similarly to MZ B cells. Both MZ and FO B cells underwent isotype switching, with MZ B cells again exhibiting faster kinetics. In fact, almost all Qβ-specific MZ B cells expressed surface IgG by day 5. Histological analysis demonstrated that a population of activated B cells remain associated with the MZ, probably due to the elevated integrin levels expressed by these cells. Thus, both MZ and FO B cells respond with rapid proliferation to viral infection and both populations undergo isotype switching, but MZ B cells remain in the MZ and may be responsible for local Ab production, opsonizing pathogens entering the spleen.
Development of CD4+ Macrophages from Intrathymic T Cell Progenitors Is Induced by Thymic Epithelial Cells
Authors: Esashi Eiji , Ito Hiroaki , Ishihara Katsuhiko , Hirano Toshio , Koyasu Shigeo , Miyajima Atsushi 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
It was recently demonstrated that there are CD4+ macrophages, which exhibit strong phagocytic activity, in the thymus. They are suggested to play an important role for the elimination of apoptotic thymocytes. However, the origin and nature of CD4+ macrophages in the thymus remain unexplored. In this study, we describe that the most immature intrathymic progenitors (CD25−/CD44+/FcR+) give rise to CD4+ macrophages by oncostatin M-responsive thymic epithelial cells (ORTEC) in an IL-7-dependent manner. Neither conditioned medium of ORTEC nor a mixture of cytokines induced CD4+ macrophages, and oncostatin M receptor was not expressed in thymocytes, suggesting that the development of CD4+ macrophages from the immature thymocytes requires a direct interaction with ORTEC. These results collectively suggest that the development of CD4+ macrophages from the intrathymic T cell progenitors is induced by thymic epithelial cells.
A Nonclassical MHC Class I Molecule Restricts CTL-Mediated Rejection of a Syngeneic Melanoma Tumor
Authors: Chiang Eugene Y. , Stroynowski Iwona 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Although CTL and polymorphic, classical MHC class I molecules have well defined roles in the immune response against tumors, little is currently known regarding the participation of nonpolymorphic, nonclassical MHC class I in antitumor immunity. Using an MHC class I-deficient melanoma as a model tumor, we demonstrate that Q9, a murine MHC class Ib molecule from the Qa-2 family, expressed on the surface of tumor cells, protects syngeneic hosts from melanoma outgrowth. Q9-mediated protective immunity is lost or greatly diminished in mice deficient in CTL, including β2-microglobulin knockout (KO), CD8 KO, and SCID mice. In contrast, the Q9 antitumor effects are not detectably suppressed in CD4 KO mice with decreased Th cell activity. Killing by antitumor CTL in vitro is Q9 specific and can be blocked by anti-Q9 and anti-CD8 Abs. The adaptive Q9-restricted CTL response leads to immunological memory, because mice that resist the initial tumor challenge reject subsequent challenges with less immunogenic tumor variants and show expansion of CD8+ T cell populations with an activated/memory CD44high phenotype. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that a MHC class Ib molecule can serve as a restriction element for antitumor CTL and mediate protective immune responses in a syngeneic setting.
Perturbed Homeostasis of Peripheral T Cells Elicits Decreased Susceptibility to Anti-CD3-Induced Apoptosis in Prediabetic Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Yang Wen , Hussain Shabbir , Mi Qing-Sheng , Santamaria Pere , Delovitch Terry L. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Activation-induced cell death (AICD) plays a key role in the homeostasis of the immune system. Autoreactive T cells are eliminated through AICD both from the thymus and periphery. In this study, we show that NOD peripheral T cells, especially CD8+ T cells, display a decreased susceptibility to anti-CD3-induced AICD in vivo compared with T cells from diabetes-resistant B6, nonobese diabetes-resistant, and NOD.B6Idd4 mice. The susceptibility of NOD CD8+ T cells to AICD varies in an age- and dose-dependent manner upon stimulation in vivo with either a mitogenic or nonmitogenic anti-CD3. NOD T cells preactivated by anti-CD3 in vivo are less susceptible than B6 T cells to TCR-induced AICD. Treatment of NOD mice with a mitogenic anti-CD3 depletes CD4+CD25−CD62L+ but not CD4+CD25+CD62L+ T cells, thereby resulting in an increase of the latter subset in the spleen. Treatment with a nonmitogenic anti-CD3 mAb delays the onset of T1D in 8.3 TCR transgenic NOD mice. These results demonstrate that the capacity of anti-CD3 to protect NOD mice from T1D correlates with its ability to perturb T cell homeostasis by inducing CD8+ T cell AICD and increasing the number of CD4+CD25+CD62L+ T cells in the periphery.
DNA Fusion Vaccines Induce Targeted Epitope-Specific CTLs against Minor Histocompatibility Antigens from a Normal or Tolerized Repertoire
Authors: Rice Jason , Buchan Sarah , Dewchand Hamlata , Simpson Elizabeth , Stevenson Freda K. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We have designed DNA fusion vaccines able to induce high levels of epitope-specific CD8+ T cells, using linked CD4+ T cell help. Such vaccines can activate effective immunity against tumor Ags. To model performance against minor histocompatibility (H) Ags important in allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation, responses against the H2Db-restricted Uty and Smcy male HY epitopes have been investigated. Vaccination of females induced high levels of tetramer-specific, IFN-γ-producing CD8+ T cells against each epitope. Vaccines incorporating a single epitope primed effector CTL able to kill male splenocytes in vitro and in vivo, and HYDbUty-specific vaccination accelerated rejection of syngeneic male skin grafts. Priming against either epitope established long-term memory, expandable by injection of male cells. Expanded CD8+ T cells remained specific for the priming HY epitope, with responses to the second suppressed. To investigate vaccine performance in a tolerized repertoire, male mice were vaccinated with the fusion constructs. Strikingly, this also generated epitope-specific IFN-γ-producing CD8+ T cells with cytotoxic function. However, numbers and avidity were lower than in vaccinated females, and vaccinated males failed to reject CFSE-labeled male splenocytes in vivo. Nevertheless, these findings indicate that DNA fusion vaccines can mobilize CD8+ T cells against endogenous minor H Ags, even from a profoundly tolerized repertoire. In the transplantation setting, vaccination of donors could prime and expand specific T cells for in vivo transfer. For patients, vaccination could activate a potentially less tolerized repertoire against similar Ags that may be overexpressed by tumor cells, for focused immune attack.
Tracking of Vβ8.2-Positive Encephalitogenic T Cells by Complementarity-Determining Region 3 Spectratyping and Subsequent Southern Blot Hybridization in Lewis Rats after Neuroantigen Sensitization
Authors: Sakuma Hiroshi , Kohyama Kuniko , Jee Youngheun , Matsumoto Yoh 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPathogenic T cells in organ-specific autoimmune diseases use a limited number of TCR α- and β-chains. In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced in Lewis rats by immunization with myelin basic protein, encephalitogenic T cells mainly use Vβ8.2 TCR and clonal expansion of the Vβ8.2 spectratype containing the EAE-specific complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) sequence, DSSYEQYFGPG, is found in the spinal cord throughout the course of clinical EAE. In the present study we performed temporal and spatial analyses of Vβ8.2 spectratype expansion by CDR3 spectratyping and subsequent DNA hybridization with a probe specific for the encephalitogenic CDR3 sequence to elucidate the kinetics of encephalitogenic T cells during the induction phase after neuroantigen sensitization. It was demonstrated that Vβ8.2 spectratype expansion and/or the positive signal in Southern blot were first detected in the regional lymph nodes as early as day 3 postimmunization and was disseminated over the lymphoid organs by day 6. Because perfusion of immunized rats with PBS erased the positive signals on day 3 postimmunization, the majority of Vβ8.2-positive encephalitogenic T cells at the very early stage would reside within the lymphatic or blood vessels. Furthermore, removal of the draining lymph node 1, 3, and 6 days after immunization in the foot pad did not ameliorate clinical EAE. These findings strongly suggest that encephalitogenic T cells disseminate throughout the whole body very rapidly after sensitization. Analysis of pathogenic T cells at the clonal level provides useful information for designing effective immunotherapy.
CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein β Isoforms and the Regulation of α-Smooth Muscle Actin Gene Expression by IL-1β
Authors: Hu Biao , Wu Zhe , Jin Hong , Hashimoto Naozumi , Liu Tianju , Phan Sem H. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The role of IL-1β in inflammation is amply documented, but its ability to inhibit myofibroblast differentiation and, in particular, the suppression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) gene expression is less well understood. Because IL-1β can induce C/EBPβ expression, the role of C/EBPβ isoforms in IL-1β regulation of α-SMA gene expression was investigated in rat lung myofibroblasts. The results showed that IL-1β inhibited α-SMA expression in a dose-dependent manner, which was associated with stimulation of the expression of both C/EBPβ isoforms, liver-enriched activating protein (LAP) and liver-enriched inhibitory protein (LIP). However, a greater increase in LIP relative to LAP expression resulted in a reduced LAP/LIP ratio after IL-1β treatment. Transfection with an LAP-expressing plasmid stimulated, whereas an LIP-expressing plasmid inhibited, α-SMA expression. Cells from C/EBPβ-deficient mice had reduced levels of α-SMA expression and promoter activity, which failed to respond to IL-1β treatment. Sequence analysis identified the presence of a C/EBPβ consensus binding sequence in the α-SMA promoter, which, when mutated, resulted in diminished promoter activity and abolished its responsiveness to IL-1β treatment. EMSA revealed binding of C/EBPβ to this C/EBPβ consensus binding sequence from the α-SMA promoter. Finally, IL-1β enhanced the expression of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E, a stimulator of LIP expression, which may account for a mechanism by which IL-1β could alter the LAP/LIP ratio. These data taken together suggest that C/EBPβ isoforms regulate α-SMA gene expression, and that its inhibition by IL-1β was due to preferential stimulation of LIP expression.
Deletion of the Complement Anaphylatoxin C3a Receptor Attenuates, Whereas Ectopic Expression of C3a in the Brain Exacerbates, Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Boos Laura , Campbell Iain L. , Ames Robert , Wetsel Rick A. , Barnum Scott R. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The C3aR is expressed throughout the CNS and is increased in expression on glial cells during CNS inflammation. However, the role that C3a and the C3aR play in chronic inflammation, such as in the demyelinating disease experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), remains unclear. We show in this study that deletion of the C3aR is protective in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-induced EAE in C57BL/6 mice. C3aR-deficient (C3aR−/−) mice had a significantly attenuated course of EAE compared with control mice during the chronic phase of the disease. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated modestly reduced macrophage and T cell infiltration in the spinal cords of C3aR−/− mice. To examine the role of C3a in EAE, we developed a transgenic mouse that expresses C3a exclusively in the CNS using the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter. We observed that C3a/GFAP mice had exacerbated EAE during the chronic phase of the disease, with significant mortality compared with nontransgenic littermates. C3a/GFAP mice had massive meningeal and perivascular infiltration of macrophages and CD4+ T cells. These studies indicate that C3a may contribute to the pathogenesis of demyelinating disease by directly or indirectly chemoattracting encephalitogenic cells to the CNS.
Anti-Idiotype × Anti-CD44 Bispecific Antibodies Inhibit Invasion of Lymphoid Organs by B Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Avin Esther , Haimovich Joseph , Hollander Nurit 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The demonstration that Abs to adhesion molecules can block tumor metastasis suggested their use for therapy. However, such Abs affect nonmalignant cells as well. To circumvent this adverse effect, we proposed the use of bispecific Abs that bind simultaneously to an adhesion receptor and to a tumor-specific Ag. Such bifunctional Abs bind more avidly to tumor cells that coexpress both target Ags than to normal cells. The Id of the surface Ig of malignant B lymphocytes is a tumor-specific Ag. Therefore, we produced bispecific Abs with specificity to the adhesion molecule, CD44, and to an idiotypic determinant of the murine B cell lymphoma, 38C-13. These anti-Id × anti-CD44 bispecific Abs blocked 38C-13 cell adhesion to hyaluronic acid, while not affecting adhesion of Id-negative cells. In vivo studies demonstrated that the bispecific Abs inhibited lymphoma cell dissemination to the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and spleen, and prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice. Migration of 38C-13 cells to the lymphoid organs was inhibited by the bispecific Abs. Thus, the bispecific Ab-mediated reduction in metastasis resulted, at least in part, from reduced homing to these organs. In contrast to anti-CD44 monospecific Abs, the anti-Id × anti-CD44 bispecific Abs did not affect immune responses such as delayed-type hypersensitivity. Hence, bispecific Abs against adhesion molecules and tumor-specific Ags may selectively block tumor metastasis in a way which may leave at least part of the immune system intact.
Negative Role of Colony-Stimulating Factor-1 in Macrophage, T Cell, and B Cell Mediated Autoimmune Disease in MRL-Fas
lpr Mice
Authors: Lenda Deborah M. , Stanley E. Richard , Kelley Vicki R. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Inflammation in the kidney and other tissues (lung, and salivary and lacrimal glands) is characteristic of MRL-Faslpr mice with features of lupus. Macrophages (Mφ) are prominent in these tissues. Given that 1) Mφ survival, recruitment, proliferation, and activation during inflammation is dependent on CSF-1, 2) Mφ mediate renal resident cell apoptosis, and 3) CSF-1 is up-regulated in MRL-Faslpr mice before, and during nephritis, we hypothesized that CSF-1-deficient MRL-Faslpr mice would be protected from Mφ-mediated nephritis, and the systemic illness. To test this hypothesis, we compared CSF-1-deficient MRL-Faslpr with wild-type strains. Renal pathology is suppressed and function improved in CSF-1-deficient MRL-Faslpr mice. There are far fewer intrarenal Mφ and T cells in CSF-1-deficient MRL-Faslpr vs wild-type kidneys. This leukocytic reduction results from suppressed infiltration, and intrarenal proliferation, but not enhanced apoptosis. The CSF-1-deficient MRL-Faslpr kidneys remain preserved as indicated by greatly reduced indices of injury (nephritogenic cytokines, tubular apoptosis, and proliferation). The renal protective mechanism in CSF-1-deficient mice is not limited to reduced intrarenal leukocytes; circulating Igs and autoantibodies, and renal Ig deposits are decreased. This may result from enhanced B cell apoptosis and fewer B cells in CSF-1-deficient MRL-Faslpr mice. Furthermore, the systemic illness including, skin, lung, and lacrimal and salivary glands pathology, lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly are dramatically suppressed in CSF-1-deficient MRL-Faslpr as compared with wild-type mice. These results indicate that CSF-1 is an attractive therapeutic target to combat Mφ-, T cell-, and B cell-mediated autoimmune lupus.
Essential Role of LFA-1 in Activating Th2-Like Responses by α-Galactosylceramide-Activated NKT Cells
Authors: Matsumoto Goichi , Kubota Eiro , Omi Yasushi , Lee Ushaku , Penninger Josef M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractNKT cells produce large amounts of cytokines associated with both the Th1 (IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4) responses following stimulation of their invariant Vα14 Ag receptor. The role of adhesion molecules in the activation of NKT cells by the Vα14 ligand α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) remains unclear. To address this issue, LFA-1−/− (CD11a−/−) mice were used to investigate IL-4 and IFN-γ production by NKT cells following α-GalCer stimulation. Intriguingly, LFA-1−/− mice showed increased IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 production and polarized Th2-type responses in response to α-GalCer in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the Th2-specific transcription factor GATA-3 was up-regulated in α-GalCer-activated NKT cells from LFA-1−/− mice. These results provide the first genetic evidence that the adhesion receptor LFA-1 has a crucial role in Th2-polarizing functions of NKT cells.
Suppressive Oligodeoxynucleotides Inhibit Th1 Differentiation by Blocking IFN-γ- and IL-12-Mediated Signaling
Authors: Shirota Hidekazu , Gursel Mayda , Klinman Dennis M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractRepetitive TTAGGG motifs present at high frequency in mammalian telomeres can suppress Th1-mediated immune responses. Synthetic oligonucleotides (ODN) containing TTAGGG motifs mimic this activity and have proven effective in the prevention/treatment of certain Th1-dependent autoimmune diseases. This work explores the mechanism by which suppressive ODN block the induction of Th1 immunity. Findings indicate that these ODN inhibit IFN-γ-induced STAT1 phosphorylation and IL-12-induced STAT3 and STAT4 phosphorylation. As a result, T-bet expression is reduced as is the maturation of naive CD4+ cells into Th1 effectors. These changes indirectly support the generation of Th2-dominated immune responses. Suppressive ODN may thus represent a novel approach to influence the Th1:Th2 balance in vivo.
Engagement of Glucocorticoid-Induced TNFR Family-Related Receptor on Effector T Cells by its Ligand Mediates Resistance to Suppression by CD4+CD25+ T Cells
Authors: Stephens Geoffrey L. , McHugh Rebecca S. , Whitters Matthew J. , Young Deborah A. , Luxenberg Deborah , Carreno Beatriz M. , Collins Mary , Shevach Ethan M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractNonactivated CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells constitutively express glucocorticoid-induced TNFR family-related receptor (GITR), a TNFR family member whose engagement was presumed to abrogate regulatory T cell-mediated suppression. Using GITR−/− mice, we report that GITR engagement on CD25−, not CD25+ T cells abrogates T cell-mediated suppression. Mouse APCs constitutively express GITR ligand (GITR-L), which is down-regulated following TLR signaling in vivo. Although GITR−/−CD25− T cells were capable of mounting proliferative responses, they were incapable of proliferation in the presence of physiological numbers of CD25+ T cells. Thus, GITR-L provides an important signal for CD25− T cells, rendering them resistant to CD25+-mediated regulation at the initiation of the immune response. The down-regulation of GITR-L by inflammatory stimuli may enhance the susceptibility of effector T cells to suppressor activity during the course of an infectious insult.
Novel Negative Regulator of Expression in Fas Ligand (CD178) Cytoplasmic Tail: Evidence for Translational Regulation and against Fas Ligand Retention in Secretory Lysosomes
Authors: Xiao Sheng , Deshmukh Umesh S. , Jodo Satoshi , Koike Takao , Sharma Rahul , Furusaki Akiro , Sung Sun-sang J. , Ju Shyr-Te 
Published: April 2014

AbstractFas ligand ((FasL) CD178), a type II transmembrane protein, induces apoptosis of cells expressing the Fas receptor. It possesses a unique cytoplasmic tail (FasLCyt) of 80 aa. As a type II transmembrane protein, the early synthesis of FasLCyt could affect FasL translation by impacting FasL endoplasmic reticulum translocation and/or endoplasmic reticulum retention. Previous studies suggest that the proline-rich domain (aa 43–70) in FasLCyt (FasLPRD) inhibits FasL membrane expression by retaining FasL in the secretory lysosomes. This report shows that deletion of aa 2–33 of FasLCyt dramatically increased total FasL levels and FasL cell surface expression. This negative regulator of FasL expression is dominant despite the presence of FasLPRD. In addition, retention of proline-rich domain-containing FasL in the cytoplasm was not observed. Moreover, we demonstrated that FasLCyt regulates FasL expression by controlling the rate of de novo synthesis of FasL. Our study demonstrated a novel negative regulator of FasL expression in the FasLCyt region and its mechanism of action.