bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The MHC Class I Homolog of Human Cytomegalovirus Is Resistant to Down-Regulation Mediated by the Unique Short Region Protein (US)2, US3, US6, and US11 Gene Products
Authors: Park Boyoun , Oh Hokyung , Lee Sungwook , Song Yangsook , Shin Jinwook , Sung Young Chul , Hwang Sue-Yun , Ahn Kwangseog 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Human CMV encodes four unique short region proteins (US), US2, US3, US6, and US11, each independently sufficient for causing the down-regulation of MHC class I molecules on the cell surface. This down-regulation allows infected cells to evade recognition by cytotoxic T cells but leaves them susceptible to NK cells, which lyse cells that lack class I molecules. Another human CMV-encoded protein, unique long region protein 18 (UL18), is an MHC class I homolog that might provide a mechanism for inhibiting the NK cell response. The sequence similarities between MHC class I molecules and UL18 along with the ability of UL18 to form trimeric complexes with β2-microglobulin and peptides led to the hypothesis that if the US and UL18 gene products coexist temporally during infection, the US proteins might down-regulate UL18 molecules, similar to their action on MHC class I molecules. We show here that temporal expression of US and UL18 genes partially overlaps during infection. However, unlike MHC class I molecules, the MHC class I homolog, UL18, is fully resistant to the down-regulation associated with the US2, US3, US6, and US11 gene products. The specific effect of US proteins on MHC class I molecules, but not on UL18, represents another example of how viral proteins have evolved to evade immune surveillance, avoiding fratricide by specifically targeting host proteins.
Tumor Regression Induced by Intratumor Therapy with a Disabled Infectious Single Cycle (DISC) Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Vector, DISC/HSV/Murine Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor, Correlates with Antigen-Specific Adaptive Immunity
Authors: Ali Selman A. , Lynam June , McLean Cornelia S. , Entwisle Claire , Loudon Peter , Rojas José M. , McArdle Stephanie E. B. , Li Geng , Mian Shahid , Rees Robert C. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractDirect intratumor injection of a disabled infectious single cycle HSV-2 virus encoding the murine GM-CSF gene (DISC/mGM-CSF) into established murine colon carcinoma CT26 tumors induced a significant delay in tumor growth and complete tumor regression in up to 70% of animals. Pre-existing immunity to HSV did not reduce the therapeutic efficacy of DISC/mGM-CSF, and, when administered in combination with syngeneic dendritic cells, further decreased tumor growth and increased the incidence of complete tumor regression. Direct intratumor injection of DISC/mGM-CSF also inhibited the growth of CT26 tumor cells implanted on the contralateral flank or seeded into the lungs following i.v. injection of tumor cells (experimental lung metastasis). Proliferation of splenocytes in response to Con A was impaired in progressor and tumor-bearer, but not regressor, mice. A potent tumor-specific CTL response was generated from splenocytes of all mice with regressing, but not progressing tumors following in vitro peptide stimulation; this response was specific for the gp70 AH-1 peptide SPSYVYHQF and correlated with IFN-γ, but not IL-4 cytokine production. Depletion of CD8+ T cells from regressor splenocytes before in vitro stimulation with the relevant peptide abolished their cytolytic activity, while depletion of CD4+ T cells only partially inhibited CTL generation. Tumor regression induced by DISC/mGM-CSF virus immunotherapy provides a unique model for evaluating the immune mechanism(s) involved in tumor rejection, upon which tumor immunotherapy regimes may be based.
Soluble Fibrinogen Modulates Neutrophil Functionality Through the Activation of an Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Rubel Carolina , Fernández Gabriela C. , Rosa Fernanda Alves , Gómez Sonia , Bompadre Macarena Beigier , Coso Omar A. , Isturiz Martín A. , Palermo Marina S. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe integrin family not only mediates the recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) to sites of inflammation but also regulates several effector functions by binding to specific ligands. We have recently demonstrated that soluble fibrinogen (sFbg) is able to trigger an activating signal in PMN through an integrin-dependent mechanism. This activation results in degranulation, phagocytosis enhancement, and apoptosis delay. The aim of the present work was to further elucidate the molecular events that follow sFbg interaction with CD11b in human PMN, and the participation of this signaling pathway in the regulation of neutrophil functionality. We demonstrate that sFbg triggers a cascade of intracellular signals that lead to focal adhesion kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 tyrosine phosphorylation. The activation of this mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway plays a central role in the sFbg modulation of secondary granule degranulation, Ab-dependent phagocytosis, and apoptosis. However, fibrinogen-induced secretory vesicle degranulation occurs independently of the signaling transduction pathways investigated herein. In the context of an inflammatory process, the intracellular signal pathway activated by sFbg may be an early event influencing the functionality of PMN.
Contribution of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor to Airway Hyperresponsiveness and Inflammation in a Murine Model of Toluene Diisocyanate-Induced Asthma
Authors: Lee Yong C. , Kwak Yong-Geun , Song Chang H. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Isocyanate chemicals, including toluene diisocyanate (TDI), are currently the most common causes of occupational asthma. Although considerable controversy remains regarding its pathogenesis, TDI-induced asthma is characterized by hyperresponsiveness and inflammation of the airways. One of the histological hallmarks of inflammation is angiogenesis, but the possible role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenic cytokine, in TDI-induced asthma is unknown. We developed a murine model to investigate TDI-induced asthma by performing two courses of sensitization with 3% TDI and one challenge with 1% TDI using ultrasonic nebulization to examine the potential involvement of VEGF in that disease. These mice develop the following typical pathophysiological features: airway hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, and increased VEGF levels in the airway. Administration of VEGFR inhibitors reduced all these pathophysiological symptoms. These results suggest that VEGF is one of the major determinants of TDI-induced asthma and that the inhibition of VEGF may be a good therapeutic strategy.
Transgenic Expression of a Soluble Complement Inhibitor Protects Against Renal Disease and Promotes Survival in MRL/lprMice
Authors: Bao Lihua , Haas Mark , Boackle Susan A. , Kraus Damian M. , Cunningham Patrick N. , Park Pierce , Alexander Jessy J. , Anderson Randall K. , Culhane Kristin , Holers V. Michael , Quigg Richard J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTo investigate the role of complement in lupus nephritis, we used MRL/lpr mice and a transgene overexpressing a soluble complement regulator, soluble CR1-related gene/protein y (sCrry), both systemically and in kidney. Production of sCrry in sera led to significant complement inhibition in Crry-transgenic mice relative to littermate transgene negative controls. This complement inhibition with sCrry conferred a survival advantage to MRL/lpr mice. In a total of 154 animals, 42.5% transgene-negative animals had impaired renal function (blood urea nitrogen &gt; 50 mg/dl) compared with 16.4% mice with the sCrry-producing transgene (p &lt; 0.001). In those animals that died spontaneously, MRL/lpr mice with the sCrry-producing transgene did not die of renal failure, while those without the transgene did (blood urea nitrogen values of 46.6 ± 9 and 122 ± 29 mg/dl in transgene-positive and transgene-negative animals, respectively; p &lt; 0.001). Albuminuria was reduced in those transgenic animals in which sCrry expression was maximally stimulated (urinary albumin/creatinine = 12.4 ± 4.3 and 36.9 ± 7.7 in transgene-positive and transgene-negative animals, respectively; p &lt; 0.001). As expected in the setting of chronic complement inhibition, there was less C3 deposition in glomeruli of sCrry-producing transgenic mice compared with transgene-negative animals. In contrast, there was no effect on glomerular IgG deposition, levels of anti-dsDNA Ab and rheumatoid factor, or spleen weights between the two groups. Thus, long-term complement inhibition reduces renal disease in MRL/lpr mice, which translates into improved survival. MRL/lpr mice in which complement is inhibited still have spontaneous mortality, yet this is not from renal disease.
A Peptide DNA Surrogate Accelerates Autoimmune Manifestations and Nephritis in Lupus-Prone Mice
Authors: Beger Erik , Deocharan Bisram , Edelman Morris , Erblich Bryna , Gu Yun , Putterman Chaim 
Published: April 2014

AbstractLupus-associated anti-DNA Abs display features of Ag selection, yet the triggering Ag in the disease is unknown. We previously demonstrated that the peptide DWEYSVWLSN is bound by a pathogenic anti-DNA Ab, and that immunization of nonautoimmune mice with this peptide induces autoantibodies and renal Ig deposition. To elucidate differences in the induced B cell responses in mice genetically predisposed to autoimmunity, young (NZB × NZW)F1 mice were immunized with this peptide DNA mimetope. DWEYSVWLSN-immunized mice had significantly increased IgG anti-dsDNA, anti-laminin, and anti-cardiolipin Ab titers compared with controls. In addition, glomerular histopathology in the form of endocapillary disease and crescent formation was markedly more severe in DWEYSVWLSN-immunized mice. Analysis of mAbs from DWEYSVWLSN-immunized mice revealed that anti-peptide Abs were often cross-reactive with DNA. Genetic elements used in the Ab response in immunized mice were homologous to those used in the spontaneous anti-DNA response in (NZB × NZW)F1 mice, as well as in other, experimentally induced anti-DNA Abs. Our results indicate that peptide immunization can induce a molecular genetic response common to a variety of stimuli that break tolerance to mammalian dsDNA. Based on the similarity between spontaneously arising anti-DNA Abs and several types of induced anti-DNA Abs, we suggest that there may be more than a single Ag that can trigger systemic lupus erythematosus.
NK Cell Receptors of the Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus): A Pivotal Species for Tracking the Coevolution of Killer Cell Ig-Like Receptors with MHC-C
Authors: Guethlein Lisbeth A. , Flodin Laura R. , Adams Erin J. , Parham Peter 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
CD94, NKG2, Ly49, and killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) expressed by orangutan peripheral blood cells were examined by cloning and sequencing cDNA from a panel of individuals. Orthologs of human CD94, NKG2A, D, and F were defined. NKG2C and E are represented by one gene, Popy-NKG2CE, that is equidistant from the two human genes. Several Popy-CD94, NKG2A, and NKG2CE alleles were defined. Popy-Ly49L is expressed in cultured NK cells and has a sequence consistent with it encoding a functional receptor. Orangutan KIR corresponding to the three KIR lineages expressed in humans and chimpanzees were defined. Popy-KIR2DL4 of lineage I is the only ortholog of a human or chimpanzee KIR, but in all individuals examined, the transcripts of this gene produced premature termination, either in the D2 domain or at the beginning of the cytoplasmic domain. Ten Popy-KIR3DL and one Popy-KIR3DS of lineage II are all closely related, but represent the products of at least two genes. The two Popy-KIR2DL and four Popy-KIR2DS of lineage III also represent two genes, both being more related to KIR2DS4 than to other human and chimpanzee KIR of lineage III. The Popy-KIR2D include ones predicted to be specific for the C1 epitope of MHC-C, but none specific for C2. This correlates with the observation that all orangutan MHC-C allotypes examined have the C1 motif.
Genetic Control of Human NK Cell Repertoire
Authors: Shilling Heather G. , Young Neil , Guethlein Lisbeth A. , Cheng Nathalie W. , Gardiner Clair M. , Tyan Dolly , Parham Peter 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Through differential killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) and CD94:NKG2 gene expression, human NK cells generate diverse repertoires, each cell having an inhibitory receptor for autologous HLA class I. Using a new method for measuring repertoire difference that integrates multiple flow cytometry parameters, we found individual repertoire stability, but population variability. Correlating repertoire differences with KIR and HLA genotype for 85 sibling pairs reveals the dominant influence of KIR genotype; HLA genotype having a subtle, modulating effect on relative KIR expression frequencies. HLA and/or KIR genotype also influences CD94:NKG2A expression. After HLA-matched stem cell transplantation, KIR repertoires either recapitulated that of the donor or were generally depressed for KIR expression. Human NK cell repertoires are defined by combinations of variable KIR and HLA class I genes and conserved CD94:NKG2 genes.
Phenotype and Regulation of Persistent Intracerebral T Cells in Murine Toxoplasma Encephalitis
Authors: Schlüter Dirk , Meyer Timothy , Kwok Lai-Yu , Montesinos-Rongen Manuel , Lütjen Sonja , Strack Andreas , Schmitz M. Lienhard , Deckert Martina 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite causing asymptomatic, persistent encephalitis. Protective CD4 and CD8 T cells are recruited to and accumulate in the brain in acute Toxoplasma encephalitis (TE), with slowly decreasing numbers in chronic TE. It is unclear how the size of the intracerebral T cell pool is regulated. Conceivably, permanent recruitment, proliferation, and apoptosis may be involved. We observed that in murine TE recruitment of T cells to the brain was terminated in chronic TE. In vivo 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation and in vitro T cell proliferation experiments revealed that intracerebral T cells did not proliferate, which was explained by the expression of the cell cycle inhibitors p21Waf/cip1 and p27Kip1 and the inhibitory activity of intracerebral F4/80+ cells. TUNEL staining detected apoptotic T cells at low frequency corresponding to an increased expression of the anti-apoptotic molecules Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL and a reduced expression of the pro-apoptotic molecules Bad, Bax, and Fas ligand in CD4 and CD8 T cells. During progression from acute to chronic TE, both CD4 and CD8 T cells down-regulated CD45RB expression and expressed a differential pattern of cytokines. From these experiments it is concluded that the number of intracerebral T cells increases by recruitment of T cells during acute infection, whereas proliferation of intracerebral T cells does not play a role. In chronic TE, T cell recruitment is terminated, the phenotype of intracerebral T cells changes, and their number is gradually downsized by low level apoptosis, which, however, does not completely resolve the T cell infiltrates.
Selective Expression of Type I IFN Genes in Human Dendritic Cells Infected withMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Remoli Maria Elena , Giacomini Elena , Lutfalla Georges , Dondi Elisabetta , Orefici Graziella , Battistini Angela , Uzé Gilles , Pellegrini Sandra , Coccia Eliana M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractType I IFN regulates different aspects of the immune response, inducing a cell-mediated immunity. We have recently shown that the infection of dendritic cells (DC) with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) induces IFN-α. In this work we have monitored a rapid induction of IFN-β followed by the delayed production of the IFN-α1 and/or -α13 subtypes. The Mtb infection rapidly activates the NF-κB complex and stimulates the phosphorylation of IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-3, events known to induce IFN-β expression in viral infection. In turn, the autocrine production of IFN-β induces the IFN-stimulated genes that contain binding sites for activated STATs in their promoters. Among the IFN-stimulated genes induced in DC through STAT activation are IRF-1 and IRF-7. The expression of IRF-1 appears to be dependent on the sequential activation of NF-κB and STAT-1. Once expressed, IRF-1 may further stimulate the transcription of IFN-β. Induction of IRF-7 is also regulated at the transcriptional level through the binding of phosphorylated STAT-1 and STAT-2, forming the IFN-stimulated gene factor-3 complex. In turn, the IRF-1 and IRF-7 expression appears to be required for the delayed induction of the IFN-α1/13 genes. Although correlative, our results strongly support the existence of a cascade of molecular events in Mtb-infected DC. Upon infection, constitutively expressed NF-κB and IRF-3 are activated and likely contribute to the rapid IFN-β expression. In turn, IFN-β-induced IRF-1 and IRF-7 may cooperate toward induction of IFN-α1/13 if infection persists and these factors are activated.
Anti-IL-10 Therapeutic Strategy Using the Immunomodulator AS101 in Protecting Mice from Sepsis-Induced Death: Dependence on Timing of Immunomodulating Intervention
Authors: Kalechman Yona , Gafter Uzi , Gal Rivka , Rushkin Galit , Yan Donghong , Albeck Michael , Sredni Benjamin 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The role of IL-10 in experimental sepsis is controversial. The nontoxic immunomodulator, ammonium trichloro(dioxoethylene-o,o′)tellurate (AS101) has been previously shown to inhibit IL-10 expression at the transcriptional level. In this study, we show that in mice subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), treatment with AS101 12 h after, but not before, CLP significantly increased survival of septic mice. This was associated with a significant decrease in serum IL-10 and in IL-10 secretion by peritoneal macrophages 24–48 h after CLP. At that time, the ability of these cells to secrete TNF-α and IL-1β was restored in AS101-treated mice. The increased survival of AS101-treated mice was due to the inhibition of IL-10, since cotreatment with murine rIL-10 abolished the protective activity of AS101. AS101 increased class II Ag expression on peritoneal macrophages, severely depressed in control mice, while it did not affect the expression of class I Ags. This was accompanied by a significant elevation in the level of IFN-γ secreted by splenocytes. Moreover, AS101 ameliorated bacterial clearance in the peritoneum and blood and decreased severe multiple organ damage, as indicated by clinical chemistry. Furthermore, myeloperoxidase levels in the liver and lung of AS101-treated mice, an indirect means of determining the recruitment of neutrophils, were significantly decreased. We suggest that nontoxic agents such as AS101, with the capacity to inhibit IL-10 and stimulate macrophage functions, may have clinical potential in the treatment of sepsis, provided they are administered during the phase of sepsis characterized by immune suppression.
Memory Functions and Death Proneness in Three CD4+CD45RO+ Human T Cell Subsets
Authors: Ohara Takaaki , Koyama Kazuaki , Kusunoki Yoichiro , Hayashi Tomonori , Tsuyama Naohiro , Kubo Yoshiko , Kyoizumi Seishi 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We propose a classification of human CD4+CD45RO+ memory T cells into three new subsets based on cell surface expression levels of CD43. The first subset consists of cells whose CD43 expression is relatively high; this subset also contains the highest proportion of recall Ag-reactive precursors, and its constituent cells respond far more strongly than cells in either of the other subsets to immobilized CD3 Ab in addition to secreting substantially more IFN-γ and IL-4. Cells of the second subset express similar levels of CD43 to naive cells, and they also respond weakly to TCR-mediated stimuli as judged by either their ability to proliferate or capacity for cytokine production. The third subsets consists of cells whose CD43 expression levels are clearly down-regulated; its cells appear to be anergic to TCR-mediated stimuli, and when examined ex vivo many of them appear to be undergoing either spontaneous apoptosis via a caspase-independent pathway or Fas-mediated apoptosis via a caspase-dependent pathway, even in the resting state. An analysis of telomere lengths revealed that the typical telomere of a cell in the second subset was significantly longer than the typical telomere in the first or third subset. Taken together, these results appear to indicate that CD4+CD45RO+ T cells fall into three functionally differing subsets, one being a subset of cells with fully matured memory phenotype, a second being a less mature subset of cells that retain longer telomeres and whose memory functionality is marginal, and a third consisting of anergic cells that give every appearance of being death-prone and/or in the process of dying.
New IL-17 Family Members Promote Th1 or Th2 Responses in the Lung: In Vivo Function of the Novel Cytokine IL-25
Authors: Hurst Stephen D. , Muchamuel Tony , Gorman Daniel M. , Gilbert Jonathan M. , Clifford Theresa , Kwan Sylvia , Menon Satish , Seymour Brian , Jackson Craig , Kung Ted T. , Brieland Joan K. , Zurawski Sandra M. , Chapman Richard W. , Zurawski Gerard , Coffman Robert L. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We have biologically characterized two new members of the IL-17 cytokine family: IL-17F and IL-25. In contrast to conventional in vitro screening approaches, we have characterized the activity of these new molecules by direct in vivo analysis and have compared their function to that of other IL-17 family members. Intranasal administration of adenovirus expressing IL-17, IL-17C, or IL-17F resulted in bronchoalveolar lavage neutrophilia and inflammatory gene expression in the lung. In contrast, intranasal administration of IL-25-expressing adenovirus or IL-25 protein resulted in the production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin mRNA in the lung and marked eosinophilia in the bronchoalveolar lavage and lung tissue. Mice given intranasal IL-25 also developed epithelial cell hyperplasia, increased mucus secretion, and airway hyperreactivity. IL-25 gene expression was detected following Aspergillus and Nippostrongylus infection in the lung and gut, respectively. IL-25-induced eosinophilia required IL-5 and IL-13, but not IL-4 or T cells. Following IL-25 administration, the IL-5+ staining cells were CD45R/B220+, Thy-1+/−, but were NK1.1-, Ly-6G(GR-1)-, CD4-, CD3-, and c-kit-negative. γ-common knockout mice did not develop eosinophilia in response to IL-25, nor were IL-5+ cells detected. These findings suggest the existence of a previously unrecognized cell population that may initiate Th2-like responses by responding to IL-25 in vivo. Further, these data demonstrate the heterogeneity of function within the IL-17 cytokine family and suggest that IL-25 may be an important mediator of allergic disease via production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin.
Complement Deficiency Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice
Authors: Hietala Max Albert , Jonsson Ing-Marie , Tarkowski Andrej , Kleinau Sandra , Pekna Marcela 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCollagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is an experimental animal model of human rheumatoid arthritis being characterized by synovitis and progressive destruction of cartilage and bone. CIA is induced by injection of heterologous or homologous collagen type II in a susceptible murine strain. DBA/1J mice deficient of complement factors C3 (C3−/−) and factor B (FB−/−) were generated to elucidate the role of the complement system in CIA. When immunized with bovine collagen type II emulsified in CFA, control mice developed severe arthritis and high CII-specific IgG Ab titers. In contrast, the C3−/− and FB−/− were highly resistant to CIA and displayed decreased CII-specific IgG Ab response. A repeated bovine collagen type II exposure 3 wk after the initial immunization led to an increase in the Ab response in all mice and triggered arthritis also in the complement-deficient mice. Although the arthritic score of the C3−/− mice was low, the arthritis in FB−/− mice ranked intermediate with regard to C3−/− and control mice. We conclude that complement activation by both the classical and the alternative pathway plays a deleterious role in CIA.