bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Production of IL-10 by Human Regulatory T Cells Is Enhanced by IL-2 through a STAT5-Responsive Intronic Enhancer in the IL-10 Locus
Authors: Tsuji-Takayama Kazue , Suzuki Motoyuki , Yamamoto Mayuko , Harashima Akira , Okochi Ayumi , Otani Takeshi , Inoue Toshiya , Sugimoto Akira , Toraya Terumasa , Takeuchi Makoto , Yamasaki Fumiyuki , Nakamura Shuji , Kibata Masayoshi 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
STAT5 molecules are key components of the IL-2 signaling pathway, the deficiency of which often results in autoimmune pathology due to a reduced number of CD4+CD25+ naturally occurring regulatory T (Treg) cells. One of the consequences of the IL-2-STAT5 signaling axis is up-regulation of FOXP3, a master control gene for naturally occurring Treg cells. However, the roles of STAT5 in other Treg subsets have not yet been elucidated. We recently demonstrated that IL-2 enhanced IL-10 production through STAT5 activation. This occurred in two types of human Treg cells: a novel type of umbilical cord blood-derived Treg cell, termed HOZOT, and Tr1-like Treg cells, IL-10-Treg. In this study, we examined the regulatory mechanisms of IL-10 production in these Treg cells, focusing specifically on the roles of STAT5. By performing bioinformatic analysis on the IL-10 locus, we identified one STAT-responsive element within intron 4, designated I-SRE-4, as an interspecies-conserved sequence. We found that I-SRE-4 acted as an enhancer element, and clustered CpGs around the I-SRE-4 were hypomethylated in IL-10-producing Treg cells, but not in other T cells. A gel-shift analysis using a nuclear extract from IL-2-stimulated HOZOT confirmed that CpG DNA methylation around I-SRE-4 reduced STAT5 binding to the element. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed the in situ binding of IL-2-activated STAT5 to I-SRE-4. Thus, we provide molecular evidence for the involvement of an IL-2-STAT5 signaling axis in the expression of IL-10 by human Treg cells, an axis that is regulated by the intronic enhancer, I-SRE-4, and epigenetic modification of this element.
Fibroblastic Reticular Cells Guide T Lymphocyte Entry into and Migration within the Splenic T Cell Zone
Authors: Bajénoff Marc , Glaichenhaus Nicolas , Germain Ronald N. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Although a great deal is known about T cell entry into lymph nodes, much less is understood about how T lymphocytes access the splenic white pulp (WP). We show in this study that, as recently described for lymph nodes, fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) form a network in the T cell zone (periarteriolar lymphoid sheath, PALS) of the WP on which T lymphocytes migrate. This network connects the PALS to the marginal zone (MZ), which is the initial site of lymphocyte entry from the blood. T cells do not enter the WP at random locations but instead traffic to that site using the FRC-rich MZ bridging channels (MZBCs). These data reveal that FRCs form a substrate for T cells in the spleen, guiding these lymphocytes from their site of entry in the MZ into the PALS, within which they continue to move on the same network.
Contrasting Responses of Lymphoid Progenitors to Canonical and Noncanonical Wnt Signals
Authors: Malhotra Sachin , Baba Yoshihiro , Garrett Karla P. , Staal Frank J. T. , Gerstein Rachel , Kincade Paul W. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The Wnt family of secreted glycoproteins has been implicated in many aspects of development, but its contribution to blood cell formation is controversial. We overexpressed Wnt3a, Wnt5a, and Dickkopf 1 in stromal cells from osteopetrotic mice and used them in coculture experiments with highly enriched stem and progenitor cells. The objective was to learn whether and how particular stages of B lymphopoiesis are responsive to these Wnt family ligands. We found that canonical Wnt signaling, through Wnt3a, inhibited B and plasmacytoid dendritic cell, but not conventional dendritic cell development. Wnt5a, which can oppose canonical signaling or act through a different pathway, increased B lymphopoiesis. Responsiveness to both Wnt ligands diminished with time in culture and stage of development. That is, only hematopoietic stem cells and very primitive progenitors were affected. Although Wnt3a promoted retention of hematopoietic stem cell markers, cell yields and dye dilution experiments indicated it was not a growth stimulus. Other results suggest that lineage instability results from canonical Wnt signaling. Lymphoid progenitors rapidly down-regulated RAG-1, and some acquired stem cell-staining characteristics as well as myeloid and erythroid potential when exposed to Wnt3a-producing stromal cells. We conclude that at least two Wnt ligands can differentially regulate early events in B lymphopoiesis, affecting entry and progression in distinct differentiation lineages.
Transfer of T Cell Surface Molecules to Dendritic Cells upon CD4+ T Cell Priming Involves Two Distinct Mechanisms
Authors: Busch Annette , Quast Thomas , Keller Sascha , Kolanus Waldemar , Knolle Percy , Altevogt Peter , Limmer Andreas 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Activation of CD4+ T cells by APCs occurs by multiple Ag recognition events including the exchange of costimulatory signals and cytokines. Additionally, the T cells acquire APC-derived surface molecules. Herein, we describe for the first time the transfer of human and murine T cell surface receptors to APCs after Ag-specific interaction. This transfer occurs in two qualitatively different phases. The first group of molecules (e.g., CD2) derived from the T cell surface was transferred rapidly after 2 h of interaction, was strongly bound on the DC surface (acid wash-resistant), was strictly dependent on dendritic cell-T cell contact, and transferred independently of T cell activation. The second group, including the CD3/TCR complex, CD27, and OX40, was of intracellular origin, transferred later after 10–16 h in a cell-cell contact-independent fashion, was noncovalently bound, and was strictly dependent on Ag-specific T cell activation. Functionally, murine dendritic cells that received TCR molecules from OVA-specific CD4+ T cells after Ag-specific interaction were less efficient in priming naive CD4+ T cells of the same specificity without losing their ability for CD8+ T cell stimulation, indicating that the transferred TCR molecules mask the Ag-bearing MHC II molecules, thereby reducing their accessibility to following Ag-specific CD4+ T cells. While the first group of transferred T cell surface molecules might facilitate the detachment of the CD4+ T cell from the dendritic cell during the early scanning phases, the second group could play an important immunomodulatory role in intraclonal competition of T cells for APC access, making the physical presence of CD4+ T cells unnecessary.
Involvement of LEK1 in Dendritic Cell Regulation of T Cell Immunity against Chlamydia
Authors: He Qing , Eko Francis O. , Lyn Deborah , Ananaba Godwin A. , Bandea Claudiu , Martinez Joseph , Joseph Kahaliah , Kellar Kathy , Black Carolyn M. , Igietseme Joseph U. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We investigated the hypothesis that the enhanced Ag-presenting function of IL-10-deficient dendritic cells (DCs) is related to specific immunoregulatory cytoskeletal molecules expressed when exposed to Ags. We analyzed the role of a prominent cytoskeletal protein, LEK1, in the immunoregulation of DC functions; specifically cytokine secretion, costimulatory molecule expression, and T cell activation against Chlamydia. Targeted knockdown of LEK1 expression using specific antisense oligonucleotides resulted in the rapid maturation of Chlamydia-exposed DCs as measured by FACS analysis of key activation markers (i.e., CD14, CD40, CD54, CD80, CD86, CD197, CD205, and MHC class II). The secretion of mostly Th1 cytokines and chemokines (IL-1a, IL-9, IL-12, MIP-1a, and GM-CSF but not IL-4 and IL-10) was also enhanced by blocking of LEK1. The function of LEK1 in DC regulation involves cytoskeletal changes, since the dynamics of expression of vimentin and actin, key proteins of the cellular cytoskeleton, were altered after exposure of LEK1 knockdown DCs to Chlamydia. Furthermore, targeted inhibition of LEK1 expression resulted in the enhancement of the immunostimulatory capacity of DCs for T cell activation against Chlamydia. Thus, LEK1 knockdown DCs activated immune T cells at least 10-fold over untreated DCs. These results suggest that the effect of IL-10 deficiency is mediated through LEK1-related events that lead to rapid maturation of DCs and acquisition of the capacity to activate an elevated T cell response. Targeted modulation of LEK1 expression provides a novel strategy for augmenting the immunostimulatory function of DCs for inducing an effective immunity against pathogens.
B7-H3 Contributes to the Development of Pathogenic Th2 Cells in a Murine Model of Asthma
Authors: Nagashima Osamu , Harada Norihiro , Usui Yoshihiko , Yamazaki Tomohide , Yagita Hideo , Okumura Ko , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Akiba Hisaya 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
B7-H3 is a new member of the B7 family. The receptor for B7-H3 has not been identified, but it seems to be expressed on activated T cells. Initial studies have shown that B7-H3 provides a stimulatory signal to T cells. However, recent studies suggest a negative regulatory role for B7-H3 in T cell responses. Thus, the immunological function of B7-H3 is controversial and unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of neutralizing anti-B7-H3 mAb in a mouse model of allergic asthma to determine whether B7-H3 contributes to the development of pathogenic Th2 cells and pulmonary inflammation. Administration of anti-B7-H3 mAb significantly reduced airway hyperreactivity with a concomitant decrease in eosinophils in the lung as compared with control IgG-treated mice. Treatment with anti-B7-H3 mAb also resulted in decreased production of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in the draining lymph node cells. Although blockade of B7-H3 during the induction phase abrogated the development of asthmatic responses, B7-H3 blockade during the effector phase did not inhibit asthmatic responses. These results indicated an important role for B7-H3 in the development of pathogenic Th2 cells during the induction phase in a murine model of asthma.
Inside-Out Regulation of FcαRI (CD89) Depends on PP2A
Authors: Bakema Jantine E. , Bakker Annie , de Haij Simone , Honing Henk , Bracke Madelon , Koenderman Leo , Vidarsson Gestur , van de Winkel Jan G. J. , Leusen Jeanette H. W. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
To achieve a correct cellular immune response toward pathogens, interaction between FcR and their ligands must be regulated. The Fc receptor for IgA, FcαRI, is pivotal for the inflammatory responses against IgA-opsonized pathogens. Cytokine-induced inside-out signaling through the intracellular FcαRI tail is important for FcαRI-IgA binding. However, the underlying molecular mechanism governing this process is not well understood. In this study, we report that PP2A can act as a molecular switch in FcαRI activation. PP2A binds to the intracellular tail of FcαRI and, upon cytokine stimulation, PP2A becomes activated. Subsequently, FcαRI is dephosphorylated on intracellular Serine 263, which we could link to receptor activation. PP2A inhibition, in contrast, decreased FcαRI ligand binding capacity in transfected cells but also in eosinophils and monocytes. Interestingly, PP2A activity was found crucial for IgA-mediated binding and phagocytosis of Neisseria meningitidis. The present findings demonstrate PP2A involvement as a molecular mechanism for FcαRI ligand binding regulation, a key step in initiating an immune response.
TH17 Cells Mediate Steroid-Resistant Airway Inflammation and Airway Hyperresponsiveness in Mice
Authors: McKinley Laura , Alcorn John F. , Peterson Alanna , DuPont Rachel B. , Kapadia Shernaaz , Logar Alison , Henry Adam , Irvin Charles G. , Piganelli Jon D. , Ray Anuradha , Kolls Jay K. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Steroid-resistant asthma comprises an important source of morbidity in patient populations. TH17 cells represent a distinct population of CD4+ Th cells that mediate neutrophilic inflammation and are characterized by the production of IL-17, IL-22, and IL-6. To investigate the function of TH17 cells in the context of Ag-induced airway inflammation, we polarized naive CD4+ T cells from DO11.10 OVA-specific TCR-transgenic mice to a TH2 or TH17 phenotype by culturing in conditioned medium. In addition, we also tested the steroid responsiveness of TH2 and TH17 cells. In vitro, TH17 cytokine responses were not sensitive to dexamethasone (DEX) treatment despite immunocytochemistry confirming glucocorticoid receptor translocation to the nucleus following treatment. Transfer of TH2 cells to mice challenged with OVA protein resulted in lymphocyte and eosinophil emigration into the lung that was markedly reduced by DEX treatment, whereas TH17 transfer resulted in increased CXC chemokine secretion and neutrophil influx that was not attenuated by DEX. Transfer of TH17 or TH2 cells was sufficient to induce airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine. Interestingly, AHR was not attenuated by DEX in the TH17 group. These data demonstrate that polarized Ag-specific T cells result in specific lung pathologies. Both TH2 and TH17 cells are able to induce AHR, whereas TH17 cell-mediated airway inflammation and AHR are steroid resistant, indicating a potential role for TH17 cells in steroid-resistant asthma.
Impact of a Three Amino Acid Deletion in the CH2 Domain of Murine IgG1 on Fc-Associated Effector Functions
Authors: Baudino Lucie , Nimmerjahn Falk , Shinohara Yasuro , Furukawa Jun-Ichi , Petry Franz , Verbeek J. Sjef , Nishimura Shin-Ichiro , Ravetch Jeffery V. , Izui Shozo 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Four murine IgG subclasses display markedly different Fc-associated effector functions because of their differential binding to three activating IgG Fc receptors (FcγRI, FcγRIII, and FcγRIV) and C1q. Previous analysis of IgG subclass switch variants of 34-3C anti-RBC monoclonal autoantibodies revealed that the IgG1 subclass, which binds only to FcγRIII and fails to activate complement, displayed the poorest pathogenic potential. This could be related to the presence of a three amino acid deletion at positions 233–235 in the CH2 domain uniquely found in this subclass. To address this question, IgG1 insertion and IgG2b deletion mutants at positions 233–235 of 34-3C anti-RBC Abs were generated, and their ability to initiate effector functions and their pathogenicity were compared with those of the respective wild-type Abs. The insertion of amino acid residues at positions 233–235 enabled the IgG1 subclass to bind FcγRIV but did not improve the binding to C1q. Accordingly, its pathogenicity was enhanced but still inferior to that of IgG2b. In contrast, the IgG2b deletion mutant lost its ability to bind to FcγRIV and activate complement. Consequently, its pathogenicity was markedly diminished to a level comparable to that of IgG1. Our results demonstrated that the initiation of FcγR- and complement-mediated effector functions of IgG2b was profoundly affected by the three amino acid deletion at positions 233–235, but that this natural three amino acid deletion could only partially explain the poor binding of IgG1 to FcγRIV and C1q. This indicates the lack in the IgG1 subclass of as yet unknown motifs promoting efficient interaction with FcγRIV and C1q.
A RAG1 Mutation Found in Omenn Syndrome Causes Coding Flank Hypersensitivity: A Novel Mechanism for Antigen Receptor Repertoire Restriction
Authors: Wong Serre-Yu , Lu Catherine P. , Roth David B. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Hypomorphic RAG mutants with severely reduced V(D)J recombination activity cause Omenn Syndrome (OS), an immunodeficiency with features of immune dysregulation and a restricted TCR repertoire. Precisely how RAG mutants produce autoimmune and allergic symptoms has been unclear. Current models posit that the severe recombination defect restricts the number of lymphocyte clones, a few of which are selected upon Ag exposure. We show that murine RAG1 R972Q, corresponding to an OS mutation, renders the recombinase hypersensitive to selected coding sequences at the hairpin formation step. Other RAG1 OS mutants tested do not manifest this sequence sensitivity. These new data support a novel mechanism for OS: by selectively impairing recombination at certain coding flanks, a RAG mutant can cause primary repertoire restriction, as opposed to a more random, limited repertoire that develops secondary to severely diminished recombination activity.
Sulfhydryl-Based Tumor Antigen-Carrier Protein Conjugates Stimulate Superior Antitumor Immunity against B Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Betting David J. , Kafi Kamran , Abdollahi-Fard Alireza , Hurvitz Sara A. , Timmerman John M. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Therapeutic vaccination of B cell lymphoma patients with tumor-specific Ig (idiotype, or Id) chemically coupled to the immunogenic foreign carrier protein keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) using glutaraldehyde has shown promising results in early clinical trials, and phase III trials are underway. However, glutaraldehyde Id-KLH vaccines fail to elicit anti-Id immune and clinical responses in many patients, possibly because glutaraldehyde reacts with lysine, cysteine, tyrosine, and histidine residues, damaging critical immunogenic epitopes. A sulfhydryl-based tumor Ag-carrier protein conjugation system using maleimide chemistry was used to enhance the efficacy of Id-KLH vaccines. Maleimide Id-KLH conjugates eradicated A20 lymphoma from most tumor-bearing mice, whereas glutaraldehyde Id-KLH had little efficacy. Maleimide Id-KLH elicited tumor-specific IgG Abs and T cells, with CD8+ T cells being the major effectors of antilymphoma immunity. Maleimide Id-KLH vaccines also demonstrated superior efficacy in 38C13 and BCL-1 lymphoma models, where Abs were shown to be critical for protection. Importantly, standard glutaraldehyde Id-KLH conjugation procedures could result in “overconjugation” of the tumor Ag, leading to decreased efficacy, whereas the heterobifunctional maleimide-based conjugation yielded potent vaccine product regardless of conjugation duration. Under lysosomal processing conditions, the Id-carrier protein linkage was cleavable only after maleimide conjugation. Maleimide KLH conjugation was easily performed with human Igs analogous to those used in Id-KLH clinical trials. These data support the evaluation of sulfhydryl-based Id-KLH vaccines in lymphoma clinical trials and possibly the use of tumor Ag-carrier protein vaccines for other cancers.
Importance of TLR2 in Early Innate Immune Response to Acute Pulmonary Infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis in Mice
Authors: Hajishengallis George , Wang Min , Bagby Gregory J. , Nelson Steve 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis is implicated in certain systemic diseases including atherosclerosis and aspiration pneumonia. This organism induces innate responses predominantly through TLR2, which also mediates its ability to induce experimental periodontitis and accelerate atherosclerosis. Using a validated mouse model of intratracheal challenge, we investigated the role of TLR2 in the control of P. gingivalis acute pulmonary infection. TLR2-deficient mice elicited reduced proinflammatory or antimicrobial responses (KC, MIP-1α, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12p70, and NO) in the lung and exhibited impaired clearance of P. gingivalis compared with normal controls. However, the influx of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into the lung and the numbers of resident alveolar macrophages (AM) were comparable between the two groups. TLR2 signaling was important for in vitro killing of P. gingivalis by polymorphonuclear leukocytes or AM and, moreover, the AM bactericidal activity required NO production. Strikingly, AM were more potent than peritoneal or splenic macrophages in P. gingivalis killing, attributed to diminished AM expression of complement receptor-3 (CR3), which is exploited by P. gingivalis to promote its survival. The selective expression of CR3 by tissue macrophages and the requirement of TLR2 inside-out signaling for CR3 exploitation by P. gingivalis suggest that the role of TLR2 in host protection may be contextual. Thus, although TLR2 may mediate destructive effects, as seen in models of experimental periodontitis and atherosclerosis, we have now shown that the same receptor confers protection against P. gingivalis in acute lung infection.
Francisella tularensisLive Vaccine Strain Induces Macrophage Alternative Activation as a Survival Mechanism
Authors: Shirey Kari Ann , Cole Leah E. , Keegan Achsah D. , Vogel Stefanie N. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractFrancisella tularensis (Ft), the causative agent of tularemia, elicits a potent inflammatory response early in infection, yet persists within host macrophages and can be lethal if left unchecked. We report in this study that Ft live vaccine strain (LVS) infection of murine macrophages induced TLR2-dependent expression of alternative activation markers that followed the appearance of classically activated markers. Intraperitoneal infection with Ft LVS also resulted in induction of alternatively activated macrophages (AA-Mφ). Induction of AA-Mφ by treatment of cells with rIL-4 or by infection with Ft LVS promoted replication of intracellular Ftn, in contrast to classically activated (IFN-γ plus LPS) macrophages that promoted intracellular killing of Ft LVS. Ft LVS failed to induce alternative activation in IL-4Rα−/− or STAT6−/− macrophages and prolonged the classical inflammatory response in these cells, resulting in intracellular killing of Ft. Treatment of macrophages with anti-IL-4 and anti-IL-13 Ab blunted Ft-induced AA-Mφ differentiation and resulted in increased expression of IL-12 p70 and decreased bacterial replication. In vivo, Ft-infected IL-4Rα−/− mice exhibited increased survival compared with wild-type mice. Thus, redirection of macrophage differentiation by Ft LVS from a classical to an alternative activation state enables the organism to survive at the expense of the host.
A Novel Role for Non-Neutralizing Antibodies against Nucleoprotein in Facilitating Resistance to Influenza Virus
Authors: Carragher Damian M. , Kaminski Denise A. , Moquin Amy , Hartson Louise , Randall Troy D. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Current influenza vaccines elicit Abs to the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase envelope proteins. Due to antigenic drift, these vaccines must be reformulated annually to include the envelope proteins predicted to dominate in the following season. By contrast, vaccination with the conserved nucleoprotein (NP) elicits immunity against multiple serotypes (heterosubtypic immunity). NP vaccination is generally thought to convey protection primarily via CD8 effector mechanisms. However, significant titers of anti-NP Abs are also induced, yet the involvement of Abs in protection has largely been disregarded. To investigate how Ab responses might contribute to heterosubtypic immunity, we vaccinated C57BL/6 mice with soluble rNP. This approach induced high titers of NP-specific serum Ab, but only poorly detectable NP-specific T cell responses. Nevertheless, rNP immunization significantly reduced morbidity and viral titers after influenza challenge. Importantly, Ab-deficient mice were not protected by this vaccination strategy. Furthermore, rNP-immune serum could transfer protection to naive hosts in an Ab-dependent manner. Therefore, Ab to conserved, internal viral proteins, such as NP, provides an unexpected, yet important mechanism of protection against influenza. These results suggest that vaccines designed to elicit optimal heterosubtypic immunity to influenza should promote both Ab and T cell responses to conserved internal proteins.