bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transduction of Dendritic Cells with Bcl-xL Increases Their Resistance to Prostate Cancer-Induced Apoptosis and Antitumor Effect in Mice
Authors: Pirtskhalaishvili Georgi , Shurin Galina V. , Gambotto Andrea , Esche Clemens , Wahl Madeline , Yurkovetsky Zoya R. , Robbins Paul D. , Shurin Michael R. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We have shown that prostate cancer (PCa) causes apoptosis of dendritic cells (DC), which might block the development of specific antitumor immune responses. Analysis of murine prostatic carcinoma tissues revealed the significant decrease in intratumoral DC number during tumor progression. We demonstrated that the cytokine-mediated increase in DC survival was accompanied by an elevated expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL. Next, we evaluated the resistance to tumor-induced apoptosis and the antitumor efficiency of genetically engineered DC overexpressing Bcl-xL. DC were transduced with an adenoviral vector encoding the murine Bcl-xL gene and injected intratumorally. Data analysis revealed that treatment of PCa-bearing mice with Bcl-xL-transduced DC resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth compared with the administration of nontransduced DC. Thus, our data suggest that the protection of DC from PCa-induced apoptosis might significantly increase the efficacy of DC-based therapies in cancer even in the absence of available tumor-specific Ags.
CD11c+ Eosinophils in the Murine Thymus: Developmental Regulation and Recruitment upon MHC Class I-Restricted Thymocyte Deletion
Authors: Throsby Mark , Herbelin André , Pléau Jean-Marie , Dardenne Mireille 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Eosinophils are bone marrow-derived cells released into the circulation during hypersensitivity reactions and parasitic infections. Under normal conditions most eosinophils are tissue bound, where their physiologic role is unclear. During in situ analysis of the thymic microenvironment for CD11c+ dendritic cell subpopulations (APC critical in the process of thymic negative selection) a discrete population of CD11b/CD11c double-positive cells concentrated in the cortico-medullary region of young mice was detected. Thymic CD11c+ cells were isolated, and the CD11b+ subpopulation (CD44high, class IIlow, CD11cint) was identified as mature eosinophils based on: scatter characteristics, major basic protein mRNA expression, and eosinophilic granules. They are hypodense, release high levels of superoxide anion, and express CD25, CD69, and mRNA for IL-4 and IL-13, but not GM-CSF or IL-5, suggesting a distinct state of activation. Thymic eosinophils are preferentially recruited during the neonatal period; absolute numbers increased 10-fold between 7–14 days to reach parity with dendritic cells before diminishing. In a model of acute negative selection, eosinophil numbers were increased 2-fold 6 h after cognate peptide injection into MHC class I-restricted female H-Y TCR transgenic mice. In both peptide-treated female and negatively selecting male H-Y TCR mice, clusters of apoptotic bodies were associated with eosinophils throughout the thymus. Our data demonstrate a temporal and spatial association between eosinophil recruitment and class I-restricted selection in the thymus, suggesting an immunomodulatory role for eosinophils under nonpathological conditions.
The MHC Class II Molecule I-Ag7 Exists in Alternate Conformations That Are Peptide Dependent
Authors: Arneson Lynne S. , Peterson Mary , Sant Andrea J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractInsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease that is genetically linked to the HLA class II molecule DQ in humans and to MHC I-Ag7 in nonobese diabetic mice. The I-Ag7 β-chain is unique and contains multiple polymorphisms, at least one of which is shared with DQ alleles linked to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This polymorphism occurs at position 57 in the β-chain, in which aspartic acid is mutated to a serine, a change that results in the loss of an interchain salt bridge between αArg76 and βAsp57 at the periphery of the peptide binding groove. Using mAbs we have identified alternative conformations of I-Ag7 class II molecules. By using an invariant chain construct with various peptides engineered into the class II-associated invariant chain peptide (CLIP) region we have found that formation of these conformations is dependent on the peptide occupying the binding groove. Blocking studies with these Abs indicate that these conformations are present at the cell surface and are capable of interactions with TCRs that result in T cell activation.
Enhanced Antiviral and Opsonic Activity of a Human Mannose-Binding Lectin and Surfactant Protein D Chimera
Authors: White Mitchell R. , Crouch Erika , Chang Donald , Sastry Kedarnath , Guo Ning , Engelich Georg , Takahashi Kazue , Ezekowitz R. Alan B. , Hartshorn Kevan L. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) of human serum mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and pulmonary surfactant protein D (SP-D) have distinctive monosaccharide-binding properties, and their N-terminal and collagen domains have very different quaternary structures. We produced a chimeric protein containing the N terminus and collagen domain of human SP-D and the neck region and CRD of human MBL (SP-D/MBLneck+CRD) to create a novel human collectin. The chimera bound to influenza A virus (IAV), inhibited IAV hemagglutination activity and infectivity, and induced aggregation of viral particles to a much greater extent than MBL. Furthermore, SP-D/MBLneck+CRD caused much greater increases in neutrophil uptake of, and respiratory burst responses to, IAV than MBL. These results indicate that pathogen interactions mediated by the MBL CRD are strongly influenced by the N-terminal and collagen-domain backbone to which it is attached. The presence of the CRD of MBL in the chimera resulted in altered monosaccharide binding properties compared with SP-D. As a result, the chimera caused greater aggregation and neutralization of IAV than SP-D. Distinctive functional properties of collectin collagenous domains and CRDs can be exploited to generate novel human collectins with potential for therapy of influenza.
Colitis Induced by Enteric Bacterial Antigen-Specific CD4+ T Cells Requires CD40-CD40 Ligand Interactions for a Sustained Increase in Mucosal IL-12
Authors: Cong Yingzi , Weaver Casey T. , Lazenby Audrey , Elson Charles O. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
C3H/HeJBir is a mouse substrain that is highly susceptible to colitis. Their CD4+ T cells react to Ags of the commensal enteric bacteria, and the latter can mediate colitis when activated by these Ags and transferred to histocompatible scid recipients. In this study, multiple long-term C3H/HeJBir CD4+ T cell (Bir) lines reactive to commensal enteric bacterial Ags have been generated. All these were Ag specific, pauciclonal, and Th1 predominant; most induced colitis uniformly after transfer to scid recipients. Lesions were focal and marked by increased expression of IL-12p40 and IFN-γ mRNA and protein. Pathogenic Bir T cell lines expressed CD40 ligand (CD40L) when cultured with Ag-pulsed APCs in vitro. Production of IL-12 was also increased in such cultures, an effect that was Ag- and T cell-dependent and required costimulation by CD40, but not by B7. The two Bir T cell lines that did not induce lesions after transfer failed to significantly express CD40L or increase IL-12 when cultured with Ag-pulsed APCs. Administration of anti-CD40L blocked disease expression induced by pathogenic T cells. We conclude that interactions in the colon mucosa between CD40L-expressing Bir Th1 cells with APCs endogenously loaded with commensal bacterial Ags are critical for sustained increases in local IL-12 production and progression to colitis.
Requirement of Hydrogen Peroxide Generation in TGF-β1 Signal Transduction in Human Lung Fibroblast Cells: Involvement of Hydrogen Peroxide and Ca2+ in TGF-β1-Induced IL-6 Expression
Authors: Junn Eunsung , Lee Kee Nyung , Ju Hyang Ran , Han Seung Hyun , Im Joo Young , Kang Hyung Sik , Lee Tae Ho , Bae Yun Soo , Ha Kwon Soo , Lee Zee Won , Rhee Sue Goo , Choi Inpyo 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Stimulation of human lung fibroblast cells with TGF-β1 resulted in a transient burst of reactive oxygen species with maximal increase at 5 min after treatment. This reactive oxygen species increase was inhibited by the antioxidant, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). TGF-β1 treatment stimulated IL-6 gene expression and protein synthesis in human lung fibroblast cells. Antioxidants including NAC, glutathione, and catalase reduced TGF-β1-induced IL-6 gene expression, and direct H2O2 treatment induced IL-6 expression in a dose-dependent manner. NAC also reduced TGF-β1-induced AP-1 binding activity, which is involved in IL-6 gene expression. It has been reported that Ca2+ influx is stimulated by TGF-β1 treatment. EGTA suppressed TGF-β1- or H2O2-induced IL-6 expression, and ionomycin increased IL-6 expression, with simultaneously modulating AP-1 activity in the same pattern. PD98059, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase kinase 1, suppressed TGF-β1- or H2O2-induced IL-6 and AP-1 activation. In addition, TGF-β1 or H2O2 increased MAPK activity which was reduced by EGTA and NAC, suggesting that MAPK is involved in TGF-β1-induced IL-6 expression. Taken together, these results indicate that TGF-β1 induces a transient increase of intracellular H2O2 production, which regulates downstream events such as Ca2+ influx, MAPK, and AP-1 activation and IL-6 gene expression.
IL-11 Selectively Inhibits Aeroallergen-Induced Pulmonary Eosinophilia and Th2 Cytokine Production
Authors: Wang Jingming , Homer Robert J. , Hong Lielie , Cohn Lauren , Lee Chun Guen , Jung Sungsoo , Elias Jack A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIL-11 is a pleiotropic cytokine that induces tissue remodeling with subepithelial fibrosis when expressed in the airway. Its effects on the Th2-dominated airway inflammation that is characteristic of asthma, however, are poorly understood. To characterize the effects of IL-11 on Th2 tissue inflammation, we compared the inflammatory responses elicited by OVA in sensitized mice in which IL-11 is overexpressed in a lung-specific fashion (CC10-IL-11) with that in transgene− wild-type littermate controls. Transgene− and CC10-IL-11 transgene+ mice had comparable levels of circulating Ag-specific IgE after sensitization. OVA challenge of sensitized transgene− mice caused airway and parenchymal eosinophilic inflammation, Th2 cell accumulation, and mucus hypersecretion with mucus metaplasia. Exaggerated levels of immunoreactive endothelial cell VCAM-1, mucin (Muc) 5ac gene expression and bronchoalveolar lavage and lung IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 protein and mRNA were also noted. In contrast, OVA challenge in CC10-IL-11 animals elicited impressively lower levels of tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage inflammation, eosinophilia, and Th2 cell accumulation, and significantly lower levels of VCAM-1 and IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 mRNA and protein. IL-11 did not cause a comparable decrease in mucus hypersecretion, Muc 5ac gene expression, or the level of expression of RANTES, monocyte chemoattractant protein-2, or monocyte chemoattractant protein-3. In addition, IL-11 did not augment IFN-γ production demonstrating that the inhibitory effects of IL-11 were not due to a shift toward Th1 inflammation. These studies demonstrate that IL-11 selectively inhibits Ag-induced eosinophilia, Th2 inflammation, and VCAM-1 gene expression in pulmonary tissues.
Central Nervous System-Initiated Inflammation and Neurotrophism in Trauma: IL-1β Is Required for the Production of Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor
Authors: Herx Leonie M. , Rivest Serge , Yong V. Wee 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Injury to the CNS results in the production and accumulation of inflammatory cytokines within this tissue. The origin and role of inflammation within the CNS remains controversial. In this paper we demonstrate that an acute trauma to the mouse brain results in the rapid elevation of IL-1β. This increase is detectable by 15 min after injury and significantly precedes the influx of leukocytes that occurs hours after. To confirm that IL-1β up-regulation is initiated by cells within the CNS, in situ hybridization for cytokine transcript was combined with cell type immunohistochemistry. The results reveal parenchymal microglia to be the sole source of IL-1β at 3 h postinjury. A role for CNS-initiated inflammation was addressed by examining the expression of the neurotrophic factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). Analysis of their temporal relationship suggests the up-regulation of CNTF by IL-1β, which was confirmed through three lines of evidence. First, the application of IL-1 receptor antagonist into the lesion site attenuated the up-regulation of CNTF. Second, the examination of corticectomized animals genetically deficient for IL-1β found no CNTF up-regulation. Third, the lack of CNTF elevation in IL-1β null mice was rescued through exogenous application of IL-1β into the lesion site. These findings provide the first evidence of the requirement for IL-1β in the production of CNTF following CNS trauma, and suggest that inflammation can have a beneficial impact on the regenerative capacity of the CNS.
B and T Cell Responses to the Spliceosomal Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoproteins A2 and B1 in Normal and Lupus Mice
Authors: Dumortier Hélène , Monneaux Fanny , Jahn-Schmid Beatrice , Briand Jean-Paul , Skriner Karl , Cohen Phil L. , Smolen Joseph S. , Steiner Guenter , Muller Sylviane 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Autoantibodies directed against spliceosomal heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are a typical feature of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and mixed-connective tissue disease. With the aim of investigating a potential pathogenic role of these Abs, we have studied the Ab response to A2/B1 hnRNPs in different murine models of lupus. The specificity of anti-A2/B1 Abs was tested with a series of 14 overlapping synthetic peptides covering the region 1–206 of A2 that contains most of the epitopes recognized by patients’ Abs. A major epitope recognized very early during the course of the disease by Abs from most of MRL lpr/lpr mice but not from other lupus mice and from mice of different MHC haplotypes immunized against B1 was identified in residues 50–70. This peptide contains a highly conserved sequence RGFGFVTF also present in other hnRNPs and small nuclear ribonucleoproteins. Abs reacting with a second A2 epitope identified in residues 35–55 were detectable several weeks later, suggesting an intramolecular B cell epitope spreading during the course of the disease. We identified several T cell epitopes within the region 35–175 that generated an effective Th cell response with IL-2 and IFN-γ secretion in nonautoimmune CBA/J mice sharing the same MHC haplotype H-2k as MRL/lpr mice. None of the peptides stimulated T cells primed in vivo with B1. Because Abs to peptide 50–70 were detected significantly earlier than Abs reacting with other A2 peptides and the protein itself, it is possible that within the protein, this segment contains residues playing an initiator role in the induction of the anti-A2/B1 and antispliceosome Ab response.
Cutting Edge: T Cell-Specific Adapter Protein Inhibits T Cell Activation by Modulating Lck Activity
Authors: Sundvold Vibeke , Torgersen Knut Martin , Post Nicholas H. , Marti Francesc , King Philip D. , Røttingen John Arne , Spurkland Anne , Lea Tor 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We previously reported the isolation of a cDNA encoding a T cell-specific adapter protein (TSAd). Its amino acid sequence contains an SH2 domain, tyrosines in protein binding motifs, and proline-rich regions. In this report we show that expression of TSAd is induced in normal peripheral blood T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 mAbs or anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 mAbs. Overexpression of TSAd in Jurkat T cells interfered with TCR-mediated signaling by down-modulating anti-CD3/PMA-induced IL-2 promoter activity and anti-CD3 induced Ca2+ mobilization. The TCR-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-γ1, SH2-domain-containing leukocyte-specific phosphoprotein of 76kDa, and linker for activation of T cells was also reduced. Furthermore, TSAd inhibited Zap-70 recruitment to the CD3ζ-chains in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with this, Lck kinase activity was reduced 3- to 4-fold in COS-7 cells transfected with both TSAd and Lck, indicating a regulatory effect of TSAd on Lck. In conclusion, our data strongly suggest an inhibitory role for TSAd in proximal T cell activation.
Coordinate Regulation of the IL-4, IL-13, and IL-5 Cytokine Cluster in Th2 Clones Revealed by Allelic Expression Patterns
Authors: Kelly Ben L. , Locksley Richard M. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The cytokines IL-4, IL-13, and IL-5 are markers for the Th2 subset of effector T cells and are often expressed together. These cytokine genes are organized within 140 kb of orthologous DNA in both mouse and human. Using IL-4-expressing CD4+ T cell clones derived from F1 mice, we identified allelic polymorphisms for each of these cytokines and assessed the parental identity of the cytokine mRNAs. Both monoallelic and biallelic expression occurred for each gene and for an additional gene, IL-3, that lies with GM-CSF over 450 kb telomeric on the same chromosome. When coexpressed in T cell clones, IL-4 was expressed from the same allele as IL-13 or IL-5 in 81% of instances. In contrast, there was only 52% concordance of these three cytokines at the allelic level among clones that expressed IL-3. Independent expression of the cytokine alleles occurs commonly in T cells, but the clustered locus encompassing IL-4, IL-13, and IL-5 is subject to coordinate regulation.
A NK1.1+ Thymocyte-Derived TCR β-Chain Transgene Promotes Positive Selection of Thymic NK1.1+ αβ T Cells
Authors: Viret Christophe , Lantz Olivier , He Xin , Bendelac Albert , Janeway Charles A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAs a consequence of the peptide specificity of intrathymic positive selection, mice transgenic for a rearranged TCR β-chain derived from conventional αβ T lymphocytes frequently carry mature T cells with significant skewing in the repertoire of the companion α-chain. To assess the generality of such an influence, we generated transgenic (Tg) mice expressing a β-chain derived from nonclassical, NK1.1+ αβ T cells, the thymus-derived, CD1.1-specific DN32H6 T cell hybridoma. Results of the sequence analysis of genomic DNA from developing DN32H6 β Tg thymocytes revealed that the frequency of the parental α-chain sequence, in this instance the Vα14-Jα281 canonical α-chain, is specifically and in a CD1.1-dependent manner, increased in the postselection thymocyte population. In accordance, we found phenotypic and functional evidence for an increased frequency of thymic, but interestingly not peripheral, NK1.1+ αβ T cells in DN32H6 β Tg mice, possibly indicating a thymic determinant-dependent maintenance. Thus, in vivo expression of the rearranged TCR β-chain from a thymus-derived NK1.1+ Vα14+ T cell hybridoma promotes positive selection of thymic NK1.1+ αβ T cells. These observations indicate that the strong influence of productive β-chain rearrangements on the TCR sequence and specificity of developing thymocytes, which operates through positive selection on self-determinants, applies to both classical and nonclassical αβ T cells and therefore represents a general phenomenon in intrathymic αβ T lymphocyte development.
CD152 Ligation by CD80 on T Cells Is Required for the Induction of Unresponsiveness by Costimulation-Deficient Antigen Presentation
Authors: Chai Jian-Guo , Vendetti Silvia , Amofah Eunice , Dyson Julian , Lechler Robert 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTwo apparently contradictory observations have been made concerning peripheral T cell tolerance; costimulation-deficient Ag presentation leads to unresponsiveness, and CTLA4 (CD152) ligation is required for unresponsiveness to be induced. This issue was addressed using a CD80− CD86low B cell line to present Ag to DO.11.10 naive CD4+ T cells. Proliferation was substantially enhanced by anti-CD80 or anti-CD152, but was inhibited by anti-CD86. Furthermore, anti-CD80 partially, and anti-CD152 totally protected cloned DO.11.10 T cells from the induction of unresponsiveness following culture with peptide and Chinese hamster ovary H2-Ad+ CD80− CD86− cells. Fab of anti-CD80 caused similar enhancement, and coimmobilized anti-CD80 failed to costimulate the anti-CD3 response of purified T cells, indicating that direct signaling by anti-CD80 was not responsible for these effects. The possibility that anti-CD80 liberated CD28 molecules that were sequestered by the T cell-expressed CD80, enabling them to coaggregate with TCR:CD3 complexes was excluded by finding that anti-CD80 and anti-CD152 individually caused maximal enhancement, rather than having additive effects. These data suggest that T cell-expressed CD80 has a regulatory function and plays a key role in the induction of unresponsiveness due to costimulation-deficient Ag presentation by the ligation of CD152 on neighboring, or even the same, T cell.
Either B7 Costimulation or IL-2 Can Elicit Generation of Primary Alloreactive CTL
Authors: McAdam Alexander J. , Gewurz Benjamin E. , Farkash Evan A. , Sharpe Arlene H. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
B7-1 and B7-2 are important costimulatory molecules in the activation of T cell immunity. We have used mice made genetically deficient in either or both B7 molecules to determine the role of B7 molecules in activation of primary alloreactive CTL. The absence of either B7-1 or B7-2 did not alter generation of CTL from unfractionated lymphocytes, but the absence of B7-2 greatly decreased CTL generation from purified CD8+ responder cells. However, if B7-1 was induced on the stimulating cells then CTL generation was restored to wild-type levels. Absence of both B7-1 and B7-2 from MLR using whole splenocytes resulted in a profound reduction in generation of CTL. This could completely be reversed by the addition of IL-2. B7 molecules could directly costimulate CD8+ cells, as purified CD8+ cells developed into mature CTL when stimulated with wild-type APC, but not with B7-deficient APC. Again, IL-2 could drive CTL generation from purified CD8+ cells, even in the absence of B7 molecules. Taken together, these results demonstrate an important role for B7 costimulation in CTL generation.
IL-18 Directs Autoreactive T Cells and Promotes Autodestruction in the Central Nervous System Via Induction of IFN-γ by NK Cells
Authors: Shi Fu-Dong , Takeda Kiyoshi , Akira Shizuo , Sarvetnick Nora , Ljunggren Hans-Gustaf 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIL-18 promotes NK cell and Th1 cell activity and may bridge innate and adaptive immune responses. Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is a myelin component of the CNS and is a candidate autoantigen in multiple sclerosis. In the present study we show that IL-18-deficient (IL-18−/−) mice are defective in mounting autoreactive Th1 and autoantibody responses and are resistant to MOG35–55 peptide-induced autoimmune encephalomyelitis. IL-18 administration enhances the disease severity in wild-type mice and restores the ability to generate Th1 response in the IL-18−/− mice. This restoration was abrogated in NK cell-depleted mice, indicating that the action of IL-18 in promoting the generation of MOG-specific Th cells was dependent on NK cells. Furthermore, transfer of NK cells from recombinase-activating gene 1−/− mice, but not from recombinase-activating gene 1/IFN-γ−/− mice, rescued the defective Th1 responses in IL-18−/− mice and rendered IL-18−/− mice susceptible to the induction of autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Thus, IL-18 can direct autoreactive T cells and promote autodestruction in the CNS at least in part via induction of IFN-γ by NK cells.