bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Class I Transgene Reveals Regulatory Events on Chromosome 1 Marking Peripheral T Cell Differentiation and Memory
Authors: Sloma Cari Roark , Hansen Michael J. , MacDougall Audrey A. , Van Keulen Virginia P. , Jenkins Robert B. , Pease Larry R. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractT cells respond to external signals by altering patterns of gene expression. Our characterization of a transgenic mouse revealed a genetic locus that is specifically regulated in T cells. Elucidation of the factors controlling the expression of the marker transgene may reveal basic regulatory mechanisms used by T cells as they differentiate from naive to primed/memory T cells. Although endogenous MHC class I Kq expression is normal in these animals, expression of the Kb transgene differentiates naive from primed/memory T cells. KbHigh T cells bear the phenotypic and functional properties of primed/memory T cells, while KbLow T cells have naive phenotypes. The transition from KbLow to KbHigh appears to involve signals resulting from engagement of the TCR. We show that transgene integration has occurred on chromosome 1, between D1Mit365 and D1Mit191. The gene regulatory mechanisms directing expression of the locus marked by the transgene are distinct from those controlling other known T cell-related genes within this locus. Stimulation of KbHigh T cells results in the up-regulation of both the endogenous Kq gene and the Kb transgene. However, the same stimuli induce increased expression of only Kq on KbLow T cells. This indicates that even though the transcription factors necessary for class I expression are present in KbLow T cells, the Kb gene appears not to be accessible to these factors. These findings suggest a change in chromatin structure at the transgene integration site as cells progress from a naive to a primed/memory differentiation state.
CD27/CFSE-Based Ex Vivo Selection of Highly Suppressive Alloantigen-Specific Human Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Koenen Hans J. P. M. , Fasse Esther , Joosten Irma 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg) are crucial in immunoregulation and have great therapeutic potential for immunotherapy in the prevention of transplant rejection, allergy, and autoimmune diseases. The efficacy of Treg-based immunotherapy critically depends on the Ag specificity of the regulatory T cells. Moreover, the use of Ag-specific Treg as opposed to polyclonal expanded Treg will reduce the total number of Treg necessary for therapy. Hence, it is crucial to develop ex vivo selection procedures that allow selection and expansion of highly potent, Ag-specific Treg. In this study we describe an ex vivo CFSE cell sorter-based isolation method for human alloantigen-specific Treg. To this end, freshly isolated CD4+CD25+ Treg were labeled with CFSE and stimulated with (target) alloantigen and IL-2 plus IL-15 in short-term cultures. The alloantigen-reactive dividing Treg were characterized by low CFSE content and could be subdivided by virtue of CD27 expression. CD27/CFSE cell sorter-based selection of CD27+ and CD27− cells resulted in two highly suppressive Ag-specific Treg subsets. Each subset suppressed naive and Ag-experienced memory T cells, and importantly, CD27+ Treg also suppressed ongoing T cell responses. Summarizing, the described procedure enables induction, expansion, and especially selection of highly suppressive, Ag-specific Treg subsets, which are crucial in Ag-specific, Treg-based immunotherapy.
Tetrahydro-4-Aminobiopterin Attenuates Dendritic Cell-Induced T Cell Priming Independently from Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase
Authors: Thoeni Guntram , Stoitzner Patrizia , Brandacher Gerald , Romani Nikolaus , Heufler Christine , Werner-Felmayer Gabriele , Werner Ernst R. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Formation of NO by NO synthases (NOSs) strictly depends on tetrahydrobiopterin. Its structural analog, tetrahydro-4-aminobiopterin, is an inhibitor of all NOS isoenzymes, which prolongs allograft survival in acute murine cardiac rejection and prevents septic shock in the rat. In this study, we show that murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells treated with tetrahydro-4-aminobiopterin had a reduced capacity to prime alloreactive murine T cells in oxidative mitogenesis. Checking for a possible influence on LPS-induced dendritic cell maturation, we found that tetrahydro-4-aminobiopterin down-regulated MHC class II expression and counteracted LPS-induced down-regulation of ICOS ligand, while expression of CD40, CD86, CD80, B7-H1, and B7-DC remained unchanged. Tetrahydro-4-aminobiopterin also reduced activation of CD4+ T cells isolated from mice overexpressing an OVA-specific TCR by OVA-loaded murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells, thus indicating that its effect on MHC class II expression is involved in attenuating T cell activation. In line with affecting dendritic cell function and T cell activation, tetrahydro-4-aminobiopterin impaired production of proinflammatory cytokines and the Th1 response. With regard to cell survival, tetrahydro-4-aminobiopterin induced efficient apoptosis of murine T cells but not of murine dendritic cells. Experiments with cells from inducible NOS (iNOS) knockout mice and with N6-(1-iminoethyl)-l-lysine, a specific inhibitor of iNOS, ruled out participation of iNOS in any of the observed effects. These findings characterize attenuation of T cell stimulatory capacity of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells as an immunosuppressive mechanism of tetrahydro-4-aminobiopterin that is not related to its iNOS-inhibiting properties.
TCR Engagement Increases Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Protein Synthesis via Rapamycin-Sensitive Pathway under Hypoxic Conditions in Human Peripheral T Cells
Authors: Nakamura Hiroshi , Makino Yuichi , Okamoto Kensaku , Poellinger Lorenz , Ohnuma Kei , Morimoto Chikao , Tanaka Hirotoshi 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Peripheral T cells encounter rapid decrease in oxygen tension because they are activated by Ag recognition and migrate into inflammatory sites or tumors. Activated T cells, therefore, are thought to have such machineries that enable them to adapt to hypoxic conditions and execute immune regulation in situ. We have recently shown that survival of CD3-engaged human peripheral blood T cells is prolonged under hypoxic conditions and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and its target gene product adrenomedullin play a critical role for the process. It is also shown that hypoxia alone is not sufficient, but TCR-mediated signal is required for accumulation of HIF-1α in human peripheral T cells. In the present study, we showed that TCR engagement does not influence hypoxia-dependent stabilization but stimulates protein synthesis of HIF-1α, most possibly via PI3K/mammalian target of rapamycin system, and that expression of HIF-1α and its target genes is blocked by treatment with rapamycin. Since some of those gene products, e.g., glucose transporters and phosphoglycerokinase, are considered to be essential for glycolysis and energy production under hypoxic conditions and adequate immune reaction in T cells, this TCR-mediated synthesis of HIF-1α may play a pivotal role in peripheral immune response. Taken together, our results may highlight a novel aspect of downstream signal from Ag recognition by TCR and a unique pharmacological role of rapamycin as well.
The Role of Host CD4 T Cells in the Pathogenesis of the Chronic Graft-versus-Host Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Choudhury Arpita , Maldonado Michael A. , Cohen Philip L. , Eisenberg Robert A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by production of autoantibodies and glomerulonephritis. The murine chronic graft-vs-host (cGVH) model of systemic lupus erythematosus is induced by allorecognition of foreign MHC class II determinants. Previous studies have shown that cGVH could not be induced in CD4 knockout (CD4KO) mice. We have further explored the role of host CD4 T cells in this model. Our studies now show that B cells in CD4KO mice have intrinsic defects that prevent them from responding to allohelp. In addition, B cells in CD4KO mice showed phenotypic differences compared with congeneic C57BL/6 B cells, indicating some degree of in vivo activation and increased numbers of cells bearing a marginal zone B cell phenotype. The transfer of syngeneic CD4 T cells at the time of initiation of cGVH did not correct these B cell abnormalities; however, if CD4 T cells were transferred during the development and maturation of B cells, then the B cells from CD4KO mice acquire the ability to respond in cGVH. These studies clearly indicate that B cells need to coexist with CD4 T cells early in their development to develop full susceptibility to alloactivation signals.
Recombinant p21 Protein Inhibits Lymphocyte Proliferation and Transcription Factors
Authors: Khanna Ashwani K. , Plummer Matthew , Nilakantan Vani , Pieper Galen M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCellular proliferation determines the events leading to the initiation and development of inflammation, immune activation, cancer, atherogenesis, and other disorders associated with aberrant cell proliferation. Cyclin inhibitor p21 plays a unique role in limiting cell cycle progression. However, its effectiveness can only be demonstrated with direct in vitro and in vivo delivery to control aberrant proliferation. We demonstrate that using a protein-transducing domain p21 protein a) localizes within the nuclear compartments of cells, b) interacts with transcription factors, NF-κB, and NFATs (NFATc and NFATp), and c) inhibits lymphocyte proliferation and expression of proinflammatory cytokines. This study using lymphocyte proliferation as a model suggests that the recombinant p21 protein can directly be delivered as a therapeutic protein to provide a novel, viable, and powerful strategy to limit proliferation, inflammation, alloimmune activation, cancer, and vascular proliferative disorders such as atherosclerosis.
Circadian Oscillations of Clock Genes, Cytolytic Factors, and Cytokines in Rat NK Cells
Authors: Arjona Alvaro , Sarkar Dipak K. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
A growing body of knowledge is revealing the critical role of circadian physiology in the development of specific pathological entities such as cancer. NK cell function participates in the immune response against infection and malignancy. We have reported previously the existence of a physiological circadian rhythm of NK cell cytolytic activity in rats, suggesting the existence of circadian mechanisms subjacent to NK cell function. At the cellular level, circadian rhythms are originated by the sustained transcriptional-translational oscillation of clock genes that form the cellular clock apparatus. Our aim in this study was to investigate the presence of molecular clock mechanisms in NK cells as well as the circadian expression of critical factors involved in NK cell function. For that purpose, we measured the circadian changes in the expression of clock genes (Per1, Per2, Bmal1, Clock), Dbp (a clock-controlled output gene), CREB (involved in clock signaling), cytolytic factors (granzyme B and perforin), and cytokines (IFN-γ and TNF-α) in NK cells enriched from the rat spleen. The results obtained from this study demonstrate for the first time the existence of functional molecular clock mechanisms in NK cells. Moreover, the circadian expression of cytolytic factors and cytokines in NK cells reported in this study emphasizes the circadian nature of NK cell function.
Peptide-Specific CD8 T Regulatory Cells Use IFN-γ to Elaborate TGF-β-Based Suppression
Authors: Myers Lara , Croft Michael , Kwon Byoung S. , Mittler Robert S. , Vella Anthony T. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe identified a murine peptide-specific CD8 T regulatory cell population able to suppress responding CD4 T cells. Immunization with OVA, poly(I:C), and anti-4-1BB generated a population of SIINFEKL-specific CD8 T regulatory cells that profoundly inhibited peptide-responding CD4 T cells from cellular division. The mechanism of suppression required IFN-γ, but IFN-γ alone was not sufficient to suppress the responding CD4 T cells. The data show that CD8 T regulatory cells were unable to suppress unless they engaged IFN-γ. Furthermore, even in the absence of recall with peptide, the CD8 T regulatory cells suppressed CD4 responses as long as IFN-γ was present. To examine the effector mechanism of suppression, we showed that neutralizing TGF-β inhibited suppression because inclusion of anti-TGF-β rescued the proliferative capacity of the responding cells. TGF-β-based suppression was dependent completely upon the CD8 T regulatory cells being capable of binding IFN-γ. This was the case, although peptide recall of primed IFN-γ −/− or IFN-γR−/− CD8 T cells up-regulated pro-TGF-β protein as measured by surface latency-associated peptide expression but yet were unable to suppress. Finally, we asked whether the CD8 T regulatory cells were exposed to active TGF-β in vivo and showed that only wild-type CD8 T regulatory cells expressed the TGF-β-dependent biomarker CD103, suggesting that latency-associated peptide expression is not always congruent with elaboration of active TGF-β. These data define a novel mechanism whereby IFN-γ directly stimulates CD8 T regulatory cells to elaborate TGF-β-based suppression. Ultimately, this mechanism may permit regulation of pathogenic Th1 responses by CD8 T regulatory cells.
Inhibition of NF-κB and Oxidative Pathways in Human Dendritic Cells by Antioxidative Vitamins Generates Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Tan Peng H. , Sagoo Pervinder , Chan Cliburn , Yates John B. , Campbell Jamie , Beutelspacher Sven C. , Foxwell Brian M. J. , Lombardi Giovanna , George Andrew J. T. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are central to T cell immunity, and many strategies have been used to manipulate DCs to modify immune responses. We investigated the effects of antioxidants ascorbate (vitamin C) and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) on DC phenotype and function. Vitamins C and E are both antioxidants, and concurrent use results in a nonadditive activity. We have demonstrated that DC treated with these antioxidants are resistant to phenotypic and functional changes following stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines. Following treatment, the levels of intracellular oxygen radical species were reduced, and the protein kinase RNA-regulated, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α, NF-κB, protein kinase C, and p38 MAPK pathways could not be activated following inflammatory agent stimulation. We went on to show that allogeneic T cells (including CD4+CD45RO, CD4+CD45RA, and CD4+CD25− subsets) were anergized following exposure to vitamin-treated DCs, and secreted higher levels of Th2 cytokines and IL-10 than cells incubated with control DCs. These anergic T cells act as regulatory T cells in a contact-dependent manner that is not dependent on IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, and TGF-β. These data indicate that vitamin C- and E-treated DC might be useful for the induction of tolerance to allo- or autoantigens.
IL-4 Modulation of CD4+CD25+ T Regulatory Cell-Mediated Suppression
Authors: Pace Luigia , Pioli Claudio , Doria Gino 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Murine CD4+CD25+ T regulatory (Treg) cells were cocultured with CD4+CD25− Th cells and APCs or purified B cells and stimulated by anti-CD3 mAb. Replacement of APCs by B cells did not significantly affect the suppression of CD4+CD25− Th cells. When IL-4 was added to separate cell populations, this cytokine promoted CD4+CD25− Th and CD4+CD25+ Treg cell proliferation, whereas the suppressive competence of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells was preserved. Conversely, IL-4 added to coculture of APCs, CD4+CD25− Th cells, and CD4+CD25+ Treg cells inhibited the suppression of CD4+CD25− Th cells by favoring their survival through the induction of Bcl-2 expression. At variance, suppression was not affected by addition of IL-13, although this cytokine shares with IL-4 a receptor chain. When naive CD4+CD25− Th cells were replaced by Th1 and Th2 cells, cell proliferation of both subsets was equally suppressed, but suppression was less pronounced compared with that of CD4+CD25− Th cells. IL-4 production by Th2 cells was also inhibited. These results indicate that although CD4+CD25+ Treg cells inhibit IL-4 production, the addition of IL-4 counteracts CD4+CD25+ Treg cell-mediated suppression by promoting CD4+CD25− Th cell survival and proliferation.
CD8 Cell Division Maintaining Cytotoxic Memory Occurs Predominantly in the Bone Marrow
Authors: Parretta Elisabetta , Cassese Giuliana , Barba Pasquale , Santoni Angela , Guardiola John , Di Rosa Francesca 
Published: April 2014

AbstractLong-term persistence of Ag-experienced CD8 cells, a class of T lymphocytes with cytotoxic function, contributes to immunological memory against intracellular pathogens. After Ag clearance, memory CD8 cells are maintained over time by a slow proliferation, primarily cytokine driven. In this article, we show that the bone marrow (BM) is the crucial organ where such basal division of memory CD8 cells occurs. BM memory CD8 cells contain a higher percentage of proliferating cells than their corresponding cells in either spleen or lymph nodes from C57BL/6 mice. This occurs both in the case of memory-phenotype CD44high CD8 cells and in the case of Ag-specific memory CD8 cells. Importantly, the absolute number of Ag-specific memory CD8 cells dividing in the BM largely exceeds that in spleen, lymph nodes, liver, and lung taken together. In the BM, Ag-specific memory CD8 cells express lower levels of CD127, i.e., the α-chain of IL-7R, than in either spleen or lymph nodes. We interpret these results as indirect evidence that Ag-specific memory CD8 cells receive proliferative signals by IL-7 and/or IL-15 in the BM and propose that the BM acts as a saturable “niche” for the Ag-independent proliferation of memory CD8 cells. Taken together, our novel findings indicate that the BM plays a relevant role in the maintenance of cytotoxic T cell memory, in addition to its previously described involvement in long-term Ab responses.
Human Mast Cells Express Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) Receptors and CRH Leads to Selective Secretion of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Cao Jing , Papadopoulou Nikoletta , Kempuraj Duraisamy , Boucher William S. , Sugimoto Koreaki , Cetrulo Curtis L. , Theoharides Theoharis C. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Mast cells are critical for allergic reactions, but also for innate or acquired immunity and inflammatory conditions that worsen by stress. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis under stress, also has proinflammatory peripheral effects possibly through mast cells. We investigated the expression of CRH receptors and the effects of CRH in the human leukemic mast cell (HMC-1) line and human umbilical cord blood-derived mast cells. We detected mRNA for CRH-R1α, 1β, 1c, 1e, 1f isoforms, as well as CRH-R1 protein in both cell types. CRH-R2α (but not R2β or R2γ) mRNA and protein were present only in human cord blood-derived mast cells. CRH increased cAMP and induced secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) without tryptase, histamine, IL-6, IL-8, or TNF-α release. The effects were blocked by the CRH-R1 antagonist antalarmin, but not the CRH-R2 antagonist astressin 2B. CRH-stimulated VEGF production was mediated through activation of adenylate cyclase and increased cAMP, as evidenced by the fact that the effect of CRH was mimicked by the direct adenylate cyclase activator forskolin and the cell-permeable cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP, whereas it was abolished by the adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536. This is the first evidence that mast cells express functional CRH receptors and that CRH can induce VEGF secretion selectively. CRH-induced mast cell-derived VEGF could, therefore, be involved in chronic inflammatory conditions associated with increased VEGF, such as arthritis or psoriasis, both of which worsen by stress.
Immunization with HIV-1 Gag Protein Conjugated to a TLR7/8 Agonist Results in the Generation of HIV-1 Gag-Specific Th1 and CD8+ T Cell Responses
Authors: Wille-Reece Ulrike , Wu Chang-you , Flynn Barbara J. , Kedl Ross M. , Seder Robert A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
One strategy to induce optimal cellular and humoral immune responses following immunization is to use vaccines or adjuvants that target dendritic cells and B cells. Activation of both cell types can be achieved using specific TLR ligands or agonists directed against their cognate receptor. In this study, we compared the ability of the TLR7/8 agonist R-848, which signals only via TLR7 in mice, with CpG oligodeoxynucleotides for their capacity to induce HIV-1 Gag-specific T cell and Ab responses when used as vaccine adjuvants with HIV-1 Gag protein in mice. Injection of R-848 and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides alone enhanced the innate immune responses in vivo as demonstrated by high serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-12p70 and IFN-α, and increased expression of CD80, CD86, and CD40 on CD11c+ dendritic cells. By contrast, R-848 was a relatively poor adjuvant for inducing primary Th1 or CD8+ T cell responses when administered with HIV-1 Gag protein. However, when a TLR7/8 agonist structurally and functionally similar to R-848 was conjugated to HIV-1 Gag protein both Th1 and CD8+ T cells responses were elicited as determined by intracellular cytokine and tetramer staining. Moreover, within the population of HIV-1 Gag-specific CD8+ CD62low cells, ∼50% of cells expressed CD127, a marker shown to correlate with the capacity to develop into long-term memory cells. Overall, these data provide evidence that TLR7/8 agonists can be effective vaccine adjuvants for eliciting strong primary immune responses with a viral protein in vivo, provided vaccine delivery is optimized.
Positive and Negative Regulation of the IL-27 Receptor during Lymphoid Cell Activation
Authors: Villarino Alejandro V. , Larkin Joseph , Saris Christiaan J. M. , Caton Andrew J. , Lucas Sophie , Wong Terence , de Sauvage Frederic J. , Hunter Christopher A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Previous reports have focused on the ability of IL-27 to promote naive T cell responses but the present study reveals that surface expression of WSX-1, the ligand-specific component of the IL-27R, is low on these cells and that highest levels are found on effector and memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Accordingly, during infection with Toxoplasma gondii, in vivo T cell activation is associated with enhanced expression of WSX-1, and, in vitro, TCR ligation can induce expression of WSX-1 regardless of the polarizing (Th1/Th2) environment present at the time of priming. However, while these data establish that mitogenic stimulation promotes expression of WSX-1 by T cells, activation of NK cells and NKT cells prompts a reduction in WSX-1 levels during acute toxoplasmosis. Together, with the finding that IL-2 can suppress expression of WSX-1 by activated CD4+ T cells, these studies indicate that surface levels of the IL-27R can be regulated by positive and negative signals associated with lymphoid cell activation. Additionally, since high levels of WSX-1 are evident on resting NK cells, resting NKT cells, effector T cells, regulatory T cells, and memory T cells, the current work demonstrates that IL-27 can influence multiple effector cells of innate and adaptive immunity.