bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analyses of TCRB Rearrangements Substantiate a Profound Deficit in Recombination Signal Sequence Joining in SCID Foals: Implications for the Role of DNA-Dependent Protein Kinase in V(D)J Recombination
Authors: Shin Euy Kyun , Rijkers Tonnie , Pastink Albert , Meek Katheryn 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We reported previously that the genetic SCID disease observed in Arabian foals is explained by a defect in V(D)J recombination that profoundly affects both coding and signal end joining. As in C.B-17 SCID mice, the molecular defect in SCID foals is in the catalytic subunit of the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKCS); however, in SCID mice, signal end resolution remains relatively intact. Moreover, recent reports indicate that mice that completely lack DNA-PKCS also generate signal joints at levels that are indistinguishable from those observed in C.B-17 SCID mice, eliminating the possibility that a partially active version of DNA-PKCS facilitates signal end resolution in SCID mice. We have analyzed TCRB rearrangements and find that signal joints are reduced by ∼4 logs in equine SCID thymocytes as compared with normal horse thymocytes. A potential explanation for the differences between SCID mice and foals is that the mutant DNA-PKCS allele in SCID foals inhibits signal end resolution. We tested this hypothesis using DNA-PKCS expression vectors; in sum, we find no evidence of a dominant-negative effect by the mutant protein. These and other recent data are consistent with an emerging consensus: that in normal cells, DNA-PKCS participates in both coding and signal end resolution, but in the absence of DNA-PKCS an undefined end joining pathway (which is variably expressed in different species and cell types) can facilitate imperfect signal and coding end joining.
Liver CD4−CD8− NK1.1+ TCRαβ Intermediate Cells Increase During Experimental Malaria Infection and Are Able to Exhibit Inhibitory Activity Against the Parasite Liver Stage In Vitro
Authors: Pied Sylviane , Roland Jacques , Louise Anne , Voegtle Danièle , Soulard Valérie , Mazier Dominique , Cazenave Pierre-André 
Published: April 2014

AbstractExperimental infection of C57BL/6 mice by Plasmodium yoelii sporozoites induced an increase of CD4−CD8− NK1.1+ TCRαβint cells and a down-regulation of CD4+ NK1.1+ TCRαβint cells in the liver during the acute phase of the infection. These cells showed an activated CD69+, CD122+, CD44high, and CD62Lhigh surface phenotype. Analysis of the expressed TCRVβ segment repertoire revealed that most of the expanded CD4−CD8− (double-negative) T cells presented a skewed TCRVβ repertoire and preferentially used Vβ2 and Vβ7 rather than Vβ8. To get an insight into the function of expanded NK1.1+ T cells, experiments were designed in vitro to study their activity against P. yoelii liver stage development. P. yoelii-primed CD3+ NK1.1+ intrahepatic lymphocytes inhibited parasite growth within the hepatocyte. The antiplasmodial effector function of the parasite-induced NK1.1+ liver T cells was almost totally reversed with an anti-CD3 Ab. Moreover, IFN-γ was in part involved in this antiparasite activity. These results suggest that up-regulation of CD4−CD8− NK1.1+ αβ T cells and down-regulation of CD4+ NK1.1+ TCRαβint cells may contribute to the early immune response induced by the Plasmodium during the prime infection.
Nitric Oxide Production by Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Competition for Arginine as Potential Determinants of Host Defense Against the Lumen-Dwelling Pathogen Giardia lamblia
Authors: Eckmann Lars , Laurent Fabrice , Langford T. Dianne , Hetsko Michael L. , Smith Jennifer R. , Kagnoff Martin F. , Gillin Frances D. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Giardia lamblia infection of the human small intestine is a common protozoan cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. Although infection is luminal and generally self-limiting, and secretory Abs are thought to be important in host defense, other defense mechanisms probably affect the duration of infection and the severity of symptoms. Because intestinal epithelial cells produce NO, and its stable end products, nitrite and nitrate, are detectable mainly on the apical side, we tested the hypothesis that NO production may constitute a host defense against G. lamblia. Several NO donors, but not their control compounds, inhibited giardial growth without affecting viability, suggesting that NO is cytostatic rather than cytotoxic for G. lamblia. NO donors also inhibited giardial differentiation induced by modeling crucial environmental factors, i.e., encystation induced by bile and alkaline pH, and excystation in response to gastric pH followed by alkaline pH and protease. Despite the potent antigiardial activity of NO, G. lamblia is not simply a passive target for host-produced NO, but has strategies to evade this potential host defense. Thus, in models of human intestinal epithelium, G. lamblia inhibited epithelial NO production by consuming arginine, the crucial substrate used by epithelial NO synthase to form NO. These studies define NO and arginine as central components in a novel cross-talk between a luminal pathogen and host intestinal epithelium.
C-C Chemokine Receptor 3 Antagonism by the β-Chemokine Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 4, a Property Strongly Enhanced by an Amino-Terminal Alanine-Methionine Swap
Authors: Nibbs Robert J. B. , Salcedo Theodora W. , Campbell John D. M. , Yao Xiao-Tao , Li Yuling , Nardelli Bernardetta , Olsen Henrik S. , Morris Tina S. , Proudfoot Amanda E. I. , Patel Vikram P. , Graham Gerard J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Allergic reactions are characterized by the infiltration of tissues by activated eosinophils, Th2 lymphocytes, and basophils. The β-chemokine receptor CCR3, which recognizes the ligands eotaxin, eotaxin-2, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP) 3, MCP4, and RANTES, plays a central role in this process, and antagonists to this receptor could have potential therapeutic use in the treatment of allergy. We describe here a potent and specific CCR3 antagonist, called Met-chemokine β 7 (Ckβ7), that prevents signaling through this receptor and, at concentrations as low as 1 nM, can block eosinophil chemotaxis induced by the most potent CCR3 ligands. Met-Ckβ7 is a more potent CCR3 antagonist than Met- and aminooxypentane (AOP)-RANTES and, unlike these proteins, exhibits no partial agonist activity and is highly specific for CCR3. Thus, this antagonist may be of use in ameliorating leukocyte infiltration associated with allergic inflammation. Met-Ckβ7 is a modified form of the β-chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP) 4 (alternatively called pulmonary and activation-regulated chemokine (PARC), alternative macrophage activation-associated C-C chemokine (AMAC) 1, or dendritic cell-derived C-C chemokine (DCCK) 1). Surprisingly, the unmodified MIP4 protein, which is known to act as a T cell chemoattractant, also exhibits this CCR3 antagonistic activity, although to a lesser extent than Met-Ckβ7, but to a level that may be of physiological relevance. MIP4 may therefore use chemokine receptor agonism and antagonism to control leukocyte movement in vivo. The enhanced activity of Met-Ckβ7 is due to the alteration of the extreme N-terminal residue from an alanine to a methionine.
A Soluble Recombinant Multimeric Anti-Rh(D) Single-Chain Fv/CR1 Molecule Restores the Immune Complex Binding Ability of CR1-Deficient Erythrocytes
Authors: Oudin S. , Libyh M. Tonye , Goossens D. , Dervillez X. , Philbert F. , Réveil B. , Bougy F. , Tabary T. , Rouger P. , Klatzmann D. , Cohen J. H. M. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
CR1 (CD35, the C3b/C4b receptor) is a widely distributed membrane glycoprotein with a unique cluster conformation on the surface of erythrocytes (E). CR1 on E is responsible for the transport of immune complexes (IC) to liver and spleen. As a cofactor of the C3b cleavage by factor I, CR1 is also a potent inhibitor of C activation and inflammation. In some diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, hemolytic anemia, AIDS, etc.) an acquired low level of CR1 on E has been observed, leading to an impaired clearance of IC. The aim of this study was to design a heterofunctional molecule that will bind to E and restore a normal or a supranormal CR1 density on E that could mimic the unique distribution pattern of CR1 on normal E. For that purpose a new multimerizing system based on the properties of the C-terminal part of the α-chain of the C4 binding protein (C4bp) was used. We first produced a multimeric soluble CR1 that proved to be a better inhibitor of in vitro C activation than the monomeric form of CR1, then a heteromultimeric molecule made of CR1 and single-chain Fv anti-Rh(D) valences able to attach E and providing E with as much as a 10-fold increase in CR1 density with the same CR1 distribution pattern as native E. CR1/single-chain Fv anti-Rh(D)-treated E were able in vitro to attach as many opsonized IC as native E. These data open the way for future use of multimeric and heteromultimeric forms of soluble recombinant CR1 as therapy of IC diseases.
Evidence for Common Autoimmune Disease Genes Controlling Onset, Severity, and Chronicity Based on Experimental Models for Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bergsteinsdottir Kristin , Yang Hai-Tao , Pettersson Ulf , Holmdahl Rikard 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The pathogenicity of multiple sclerosis is still poorly understood, but identification of susceptibility genes using the animal model experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) could provide leads. Certain genes may be shared between different autoimmune diseases, and identification of such genes is of obvious importance. To locate gene regions involved in the control of EAE and to compare the findings with the susceptibility loci recently identified in a model for rheumatoid arthritis (pristane-induced arthritis), we made crosses between the encephalomyelitis- and arthritis-susceptible rat strain DA and the resistant E3 strain. Genetic analysis of animals produced in a F2 intercross identified 11 loci associated with specific EAE-associated traits. Interestingly, five of these loci were situated at the same position as major loci controlling pristane-induced arthritis and showed similarities in inheritance pattern and subphenotype associations. Our results show that different phases of EAE are controlled by different sets of genes and that common genes are likely to be involved in different autoimmune diseases.
Viral IL-10 and Soluble TNF Receptor Act Synergistically to Inhibit Collagen-Induced Arthritis Following Adenovirus- Mediated Gene Transfer
Authors: Kim Kwang-Nam , Watanabe Shohei , Ma Yuhe , Thornton Sherry , Giannini Edward H. , Hirsch Raphael 
Published: April 2014

AbstractViral IL-10 (vIL-10) and soluble TNF receptor (sTNFR) are anti-inflammatory proteins that can suppress collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). These and related proteins have shown efficacy in the treatment of human rheumatoid arthritis; however, neither alone is able to completely suppress disease. Furthermore, they have short half-lives, necessitating frequent administration. To determine the ability of these proteins to act synergistically following gene transfer, arthritis was induced in DBA/1 male mice by immunization with type II collagen on days 0 and 21. Mice were injected i.v. either before disease onset (day 20) or after disease onset (day 28) with 1010 particles of adenovirus encoding vIL-10, a soluble TNF receptor-IgG1 fusion protein (sTNFR-Ig), a combination of both vectors, or a control vector lacking a transgene. Significant synergism was observed with the combination of vIL-10 and sTNFR-Ig, with a substantial reduction in both the incidence and severity of disease as well as inhibition of progression of established disease. sTNFR-Ig alone had no effect on CIA. vIL-10 alone inhibited disease when given before disease onset, but had minimal effect on established disease. Both proteins inhibited spleen cell proliferation and IFN-γ secretion in response to stimulation with type II collagen, but only vIL-10 reduced the synovial mRNA levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. These findings demonstrate that vIL-10 and sTNFR-Ig act synergistically in suppressing CIA and suggest that gene transfer offers a potential therapeutic modality for the treatment of arthritis.
HIV-1-Specific Mucosal CD8+ Lymphocyte Responses in the Cervix of HIV-1-Resistant Prostitutes in Nairobi
Authors: Kaul Rupert , Plummer Francis A. , Kimani Joshua , Dong Tao , Kiama Peter , Rostron Timothy , Njagi Ephantus , MacDonald Kelly S. , Bwayo Job J. , McMichael Andrew J. , Rowland-Jones Sarah L. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Understanding how individuals with a high degree of HIV exposure avoid persistent infection is paramount to HIV vaccine design. Evidence suggests that mucosal immunity, particularly virus-specific CTL, could be critically important in protection against sexually acquired HIV infection. Therefore, we have looked for the presence of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells in cervical mononuclear cells from a subgroup of highly HIV-exposed but persistently seronegative female sex workers in Nairobi. An enzyme-linked immunospot assay was used to measure IFN-γ release in response to known class I HLA-restricted CTL epitope peptides using effector cells from the blood and cervix of HIV-1-resistant and -infected sex workers and from lower-risk uninfected controls. Eleven of 16 resistant sex workers had HIV-specific CD8+ T cells in the cervix, and a similar number had detectable responses in blood. Where both blood and cervical responses were detected in the same individual, the specificity of the responses was similar. Neither cervical nor blood responses were detected in lower-risk control donors. HIV-specific CD8+ T cell frequencies in the cervix of HIV-resistant sex workers were slightly higher than in blood, while in HIV-infected donor cervical response frequencies were markedly lower than blood, so that there was relative enrichment of cervical responses in HIV-resistant compared with HIV-infected donors. HIV-specific CD8+ T cell responses in the absence of detectable HIV infection in the genital mucosa of HIV-1-resistant sex workers may be playing an important part in protective immunity against heterosexual HIV-1 transmission.
Linear PADRE T Helper Epitope and Carbohydrate B Cell Epitope Conjugates Induce Specific High Titer IgG Antibody Responses
Authors: Alexander Jeff , del Guercio Marie-France , Maewal Ajesh , Qiao Lei , Fikes John , Chesnut Robert W. , Paulson James , Bundle David R. , DeFrees Shawn , Sette Alessandro 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Linear carbohydrate-peptide constructs based on the 13 amino acid nonnatural pan DR epitope (PADRE) and carbohydrate B cell epitopes are demonstrated to be potent immunogens. These data support our belief that PADRE should be considered as an alternative to more complex carriers for use in prophylaxis and therapeutic vaccines. Two model carbohydrate-PADRE glycoconjugates were used to demonstrate that PADRE could effectively provide T cell help for carbohydrate-specific Ab responses. Conjugates of PADRE covalently linked to the human milk oligosaccharide, lacto-N-fucopentose II or a dodecasaccharide derived from Salmonella typhimurium O-Ag induced high titer IgG Ab responses in mice, which were comparable to glycoconjugates employing human serum albumin (HSA) as the carrier protein. Different adjuvants, in combination with PADRE conjugates, allowed for the modulation of the isotype profile with alum supporting an IgG1 profile; QS-21 an IgG2a, 2b profile, while an alum/QS-21 mixture generated a balanced IgG1/IgG2b isotype profile. As defined by binding to synthetic glycoconjugates, dodecasaccharide-specific Abs exhibited fine specificity similar to protective polyclonal Ab responses previously reported for dodecasaccharide-protein conjugates. The same Abs bound to intact S. typhimurium cells, suggesting that biologically relevant specificities were produced. The affinity of the dodecasaccharide-specific Abs was further shown to be comparable to that of a well-characterized, high affinity monoclonal anti-carbohydrate Ab recognizing the same epitope.
Cutting Edge: Lipoxin (LX) A4 and Aspirin-Triggered 15-Epi-LXA4 Block Allergen-Induced Eosinophil Trafficking
Authors: Bandeira-Melo Christianne , Bozza Patricia T. , Diaz Bruno L. , Cordeiro Renato S. B. , Jose Peter J. , Martins Marco A. , Serhan Charles N. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTissue eosinophilia prevention represents one of the primary targets to new anti-allergic therapies. As lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and aspirin-triggered 15-epi-LXA4 (ATL) are emerging as endogenous “stop signals” produced in distinct pathologies including some eosinophil-related pulmonary disorders, we evaluated the impact of in situ LXA4/ATL metabolically stable analogues on allergen-induced eosinophilic pleurisy in sensitized rats. LXA4/ATL analogues dramatically blocked allergic pleural eosinophil influx, while concurrently increasing circulating eosinophilia, inhibiting the earlier edema and neutrophilia associated with allergic reaction. The mechanisms underlying this LXA4/ATL-driven allergic eosinophilia blockade was independent of mast cell degranulation and involved LXA4/ATL inhibition of both IL-5 and eotaxin generation, as well as platelet activating factor action. These findings reveal LXA4/ATL as a novel class of endogenous anti-allergic mediators, capable of preventing local eosinophilia.
TGF-β1 Reciprocally Controls Chemotaxis of Human Peripheral Blood Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Via Chemokine Receptors
Authors: Sato Katsuaki , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Nagayama Hitomi , Enomoto Makoto , Morimoto Chikao , Tadokoro Kenji , Juji Takeo , Takahashi Tsuneo A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe examined the effect of TGF-β1 on the chemotactic migratory ability of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). Treatment of immature DCs with TGF-β1 resulted in increased expressions of CCR-1, CCR-3, CCR-5, CCR-6, and CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR-4), which were concomitant with enhanced chemotactic migratory responses to their ligands, RANTES (for CCR-1, CCR-3, and CCR-5), macrophage-inflammatory protein-3α (MIP-3α) (for CCR-6), or stromal cell-derived growth factor-1α (for CXCR-4). Ligation by TNF-α resulted in down-modulation of cell surface expressions of CCR-1, CCR-3, CCR-5, CCR-6, and CXCR-4, and the chemotaxis for RANTES, MIP-3α, and stromal cell-derived growth factor-1α, whereas this stimulation up-regulated the expression of CCR-7 and the chemotactic ability for MIP-3β. Stimulation of mature DCs with TGF-β1 also enhanced TNF-α-induced down-regulation of the expressions of CCR-1, CCR-3, CCR-5, CCR-6, and CXCR-4, and chemotaxis to their respective ligands, while this stimulation suppressed TNF-α-induced expression of CCR-7 and chemotactic migratory ability to MIP-3β. Our findings suggest that TGF-β1 reversibly regulates chemotaxis of DCs via regulation of chemokine receptor expression.
IFN-α2b Reduces IL-2 Production and IL-2 Receptor Function in Primary CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Zella Davide , Romerio Fabio , Curreli Sabrina , Secchiero Paola , Cicala Claudia , Zagury Daniel , Gallo Robert C. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Initially described as an antiviral cytokine, IFN-α has been subsequently shown to affect several cellular functions, including cellular differentiation and proliferation. For these reasons, IFN-α is currently used in clinical practice for the treatment of viral infections and malignancies. In this manuscript, we show two novel mechanisms concomitantly responsible for the antiproliferative effect of IFN-α. First, long-term treatment with IFN-α of primary CD4+ T cells reduced surface expression of CD3 and CD28. These events resulted in decreased phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated activating kinase and its substrate extracellular signal-regulated kinase, leading to diminished production of IL-2. Second, IFN-α treatment of primary CD4+ T cells reduced proliferative response to stimulation in the presence of exogenous IL-2 by markedly decreasing mRNA synthesis and surface expression of CD25 (α-chain), a critical component of the IL-2R complex. These results may be relevant for the antitumor effects of IFN-α and may help us to better understand its detrimental role in the inhibition of proliferation of the bulk of CD4+ T cells (uninfected cells) in HIV-infected persons, who are known to overproduce IFN-α.
Stat6 Regulation of In Vivo IL-4 Responses
Authors: Finkelman Fred D. , Morris Suzanne C. , Orekhova Tatyana , Mori Masaaki , Donaldson Debra , Reiner Steven L. , Reilly Nancy L. , Schopf Lisa , Urban Joseph F. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Although in vitro development of a Th2 response from naive CD4+ T cells is Stat6 dependent, mice immunized with a goat Ab to mouse IgD have been reported to produce a normal primary IL-4 response in Stat6-deficient mice. Experiments have now been performed with mice immunized with more conventional Ags or inoculated with nematode parasites to account for this apparent discrepancy. The ability of an immunogen to induce a primary in vivo IL-4 response in Stat6-deficient mice was found to vary directly with its ability to induce a strong type 2 cytokine-biased response in normal mice. Even immunogens, however, that induce strong primary IL-4 responses in Stat6-deficient mice induce poor memory IL-4 responses in these mice. Consistent with this, Stat6-deficient CD4+ T cells make relatively normal IL-4 responses when stimulated in vitro for 3 days with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28, but poor IL-4 responses if they are later restimulated with anti-CD3. Thus, Stat6 signaling enhances primary IL-4 responses that are made as part of a type 0 cytokine response (mixed type 1 and type 2) and is required for normal development or survival of Th2 memory cells.
4-1BB Costimulation Is Required for Protective Anti-Viral Immunity After Peptide Vaccination
Authors: Tan Joyce T. , Whitmire Jason K. , Murali-Krishna Kaja , Ahmed Rafi , Altman John D. , Mittler Robert S. , Sette Alessandro , Pearson Thomas C. , Larsen Christian P. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPeptide vaccination induces T cell activation and cytotoxic T cell development. In an effort to understand what factors can improve immune responses to peptide vaccination, the role of 4-1BB (CD137) costimulation was examined, since 4-1BB has been shown to promote T cell responses in other systems. 4-1BBL-deficient (−/−) and wild-type (+/+) mice were immunized with a lipidated lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) peptide NP396–404. Analysis of peptide-specific responses early after immunization by CTL assay, intracellular IFN-γ staining, and IFN-γ enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT) indicated that CD8 T cell responses were reduced 3- to 10-fold in the absence of 4-1BB costimulation. Moreover, when agonistic anti-4-1BB Ab was given, CD8 T cell responses in 4-1BBL−/− mice were augmented to levels similar to those in 4-1BBL+/+ mice. Two months after immunization, 4-1BBL+/+ mice still had epitope-specific cells and were protected against viral challenge, demonstrating that peptide vaccination can induce long-term protection. In fact, 70% of CD8 T cells were specific for the immunizing peptide after viral challenge, demonstrating that strong, epitope-specific CD8 T cell responses are generated after peptide vaccination. In contrast, peptide-immunized 4-1BBL−/− mice had fewer epitope-specific cells and were impaired in their ability to resolve the infection. These results show that immunization with a single LCMV peptide provides long term protection against LCMV infection and point to costimulatory molecules such as 4-1BB as important components for generating protective immunity after vaccination.