bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pronounced Eosinophilic Lung Inflammation and Th2 Cytokine Release in Human Lipocalin-Type Prostaglandin D Synthase Transgenic Mice
Authors: Fujitani Yasushi , Kanaoka Yoshihide , Aritake Kosuke , Uodome Nobuko , Okazaki-Hatake Kazue , Urade Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPGD2 is a major lipid mediator released from mast cells, but little is known about its role in the development of allergic reactions. We used transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing human lipocalin-type PGD synthase to examine the effect of overproduction of PGD2 in an OVA-induced murine asthma model. The sensitization of wild-type (WT) and TG mice was similar as judged by the content of OVA-specific IgE. After OVA challenge, PGD2, but not PGE2, substantially increased in the lungs of WT and TG mice with greater PGD2 increment in TG mice compared with WT mice. The numbers of eosinophils and lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were significantly greater in TG mice than in WT mice on days 1 and 3 post-OVA challenge, whereas the numbers of macrophages and neutrophils were the same in both WT and TG mice. The levels of IL-4, IL-5, and eotaxin in BAL fluid were also significantly higher in TG mice than in WT mice, although the level of IFN-γ in the BAL fluid of TG mice was decreased compared with that in WT mice. Furthermore, lymphocytes isolated from the lungs of TG mice secreted less IFN-γ than those from WT mice, whereas IL-4 production was unchanged between WT and TG mice. Thus, overproduction of PGD2 caused an increase in the levels of Th2 cytokines and a chemokine, accompanied by the enhanced accumulation of eosinophils and lymphocytes in the lung. These results indicate that PGD2 plays an important role in late phase allergic reactions in the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma.
Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Determines Severity of Joint Disease in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats
Authors: Yamashita Akihisa , Yonemitsu Yoshikazu , Okano Shinji , Nakagawa Kazunori , Nakashima Yutaka , Irisa Takahiko , Iwamoto Yukihide , Nagai Yoshiyuki , Hasegawa Mamoru , Sueishi Katsuo 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a systemic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, mainly affects synovial joints. Although angiogenic growth factors, including fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), may play a critical role in the development and progression of RA joint disease, little information is now available regarding their exact role in initiation and/or progression of RA. In this study, we show that both polypeptides were up-regulated in the rat joint synovial tissue of an adjuvant-induced model of arthritis (AIA), as well as human subjects with RA. FGF-2 overexpression via Sendai virus-mediated gene transfer significantly worsened clinical symptoms and signs of rat AIA, including hind paw swelling and radiological bone destruction, as well as histological findings based on inflammatory reaction, synovial angiogenesis, pannus formation, and osteocartilaginous destruction, associated with up-regulation of endogenous VEGF. FGF-2 gene transfer to non-AIA joints was without effect. These findings suggested that FGF-2 modulated disease progression, but did not affect initiation. Reverse experiments using anti-FGF-2-neutralizing rabbit IgG attenuated clinical symptoms and histopathological abnormalities of AIA joints. To our knowledge, this is the first report indicating direct in vivo evidence of disease-modulatory effects of FGF-2 in AIA, as probably associated with endogenous VEGF function. FGF-2 may prove to be a possible therapeutic target to treat subjects with RA.
Detection of Early Changes in Autoimmune T Cell Phenotype and Function Following Intravenous Administration of Type II Collagen in a TCR-Transgenic Model
Authors: Brand David D. , Myers Linda K. , Whittington Karen B. , Latham Kary A. , Stuart John M. , Kang Andrew H. , Rosloniec Edward F. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTo study the phenotypic and functional changes in naive type II collagen (CII)-specific autoimmune T cells following a tolerogenic signal, a TCR-transgenic (Tg) mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis was developed. These Tg mice express an I-Aq-restricted CII (260–267)-specific TCR that confers severe accelerated autoimmune arthritis following immunization with CII. Despite the fact that &gt;90% of the αβ T cells express the Tg, these mice can be rendered completely tolerant to the induction of arthritis by i.v. administration of 200 μg of CII. As early as 24 h after CII administration, CII-specific T cells demonstrated a decreased ability to proliferate in response to the CII immunodominant peptide and phenotypically altered the expression of L-selectin to CD62Llow and of phagocytic glycoprotein-1 to CD44high, expression levels consistent with the phenotype of memory T cells. In addition, they up-regulated the expression of the activation markers CD71 and CD69. Functionally, following tolerogenic stimulation, the CII-specific T cells produced similar levels of IL-2 in comparison to controls when challenged with CII peptide, however, by 48 h after exposure to tolerogen, IL-2 production dropped and was replaced by high levels of IL-10 and IL-4. Based on their production of Th2 cytokines, these data suggest that T regulatory cells expressing activation and memory markers are induced by the tolerogen and may exert their influence via cytokines to protect the animals from the induction of arthritis.
Immunostimulatory DNA Sequences Influence the Course of Adjuvant Arthritis
Authors: Ronaghy Arash , Prakken Berent J. , Takabayashi Kenji , Firestein Gary S. , Boyle David , Zvailfler Nathan J. , Roord Sarah T. A. , Albani Salvatore , Carson Dennis A. , Raz Eyal 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBacterial DNA is enriched in unmethylated CpG motifs that have been shown to activate the innate immune system. These immunostimulatory DNA sequences (ISS) induce inflammation when injected directly into joints. However, the role of bacterial DNA in systemic arthritis is not known. The purpose of the present experiments was to determine whether ISS contributes to the development of adjuvant arthritis in Lewis rats after intradermal injection of heat-killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The results showed that Mtb DNA was necessary for maximal joint inflammation in adjuvant arthritis but could be replaced by synthetic ISS oligodeoxynucleotides. The arthritis-promoting effect of the Mtb DNA or of the ISS oligodeoxynucleotides correlated with an increased Th1 response to Mtb Ags, as measured by the production of IFN-γ and increased production of the osteoclast differentiation factor, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). The Mtb DNA did not enter the joints but dispersed to the bone marrow and spleen before the onset of systemic joint inflammation. Thus, adjuvant arthritis is a microbial DNA-dependent disease. In this model, we postulate that massive and prolonged activation of macrophages, dendritic cells, and osteoclast precursors in the bone marrow may prime the joints for the induction of inflammatory Th1 immune responses to Mtb Ags.
The Generation of Mature, Single-Positive Thymocytes In Vivo Is Dysregulated by CD69 Blockade or Overexpression
Authors: Nakayama Toshinori , Kasprowicz Deborah J. , Yamashita Masakatsu , Schubert Lisa A. , Gillard Geoffery , Kimura Motoko , Didierlaurent Arnaud , Koseki Haruhiko , Ziegler Steven F. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
During development in the thymus, mature CD4+ or CD8+ cells are derived from immature CD4+CD8+ cells through a series of selection events. One of the hallmarks of this maturation process is the expression of CD69, which first appears on thymocytes as they begin positive selection. We have used blockade and overexpression of CD69 to determine the role of CD69 in thymocyte development. Blockade of CD69 led to a reduction in single-positive cells and a concomitant increase in double-positive cells in the thymus. Overexpression of a CD69 transgene in the thymus resulted in a dramatic increase in both CD8SP and CD4SP cells. Coexpression with a TCR transgene demonstrated that both positive and negative selection were enhanced by the increased levels of CD69 on thymocytes. Finally, mice overexpressing CD69 displayed a sharp reduction in the number of T cells in the spleen and lymph node. Taken as a whole, these data suggest the involvement of CD69 in the process of selection and maturation during the trafficking of thymocytes to the medulla.
NK Cell Activation by Dendritic Cells Is Dependent on LFA-1-Mediated Induction of Calcium-Calmodulin Kinase II: Inhibition by HIV-1 Tat C-Terminal Domain
Authors: Poggi Alessandro , Carosio Roberta , Spaggiari Grazia Maria , Fortis Claudio , Tambussi Giuseppe , Dell’Antonio Giacomo , Dal Cin Elena , Rubartelli Anna , Zocchi M. Raffaella 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In this study, we show that binding to autologous dendritic cells (DC) induces a calcium influx in NK cells, followed by activation of the calcium-calmodulin kinase II (CAMKII), release of perforin and granzymes, and IFN-γ secretion. CAMKII is induced via LFA-1: indeed, oligomerization of LFA-1 leads to CAMKII induction in NK cells. Moreover, release of lytic enzymes and cytotoxic activity is strongly reduced by masking LFA-1 or by adding CAMKII inhibitors such as KN62 and KN93, at variance with the inactive compound KN92. NK cell-mediated lysis of DC and IFN-γ release by NK cells upon NK/DC contact are inhibited by exogenous HIV-1 Tat: the protein blocks calcium influx and impairs CAMKII activation elicited via LFA-1 in NK cells, eventually inhibiting degranulation. Experiments performed with synthetic, overlapping Tat-derived peptides showed that the C-terminal domain of the protein is responsible for inhibition. Finally, both KN62 and Tat reduced the extension of NK/DC contacts, possibly affecting NK cell granule polarization toward the target. These data provide evidence that exogenous Tat inhibits NK cell activation occurring upon contact with DC: this mechanism might contribute to the impairment of natural immunity in HIV-1 infection.
Ectopic Expression of the Murine Chemokines CCL21a and CCL21b Induces the Formation of Lymph Node-Like Structures in Pancreas, But Not Skin, of Transgenic Mice
Authors: Chen Shu-Cheng , Vassileva Galya , Kinsley David , Holzmann Sandra , Manfra Denise , Wiekowski Maria T. , Romani Nikolaus , Lira Sergio A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe CC chemokine CCL21 is a potent chemoattractant for lymphocytes and dendritic cells in vitro. In the murine genome there are multiple copies of CCL21 encoding two CCL21 proteins that differ from each other by one amino acid at position 65 (either a serine or leucine residue). In this report, we examine the expression pattern and biological activities of both forms of CCL21. We found that although both serine and leucine forms are expressed in most tissues examined, the former was the predominant form in lymphoid organs while the latter was predominantly expressed in nonlymphoid organs. When expressed in transgenic pancreas, both forms of CCL21 were capable of inducing the formation of lymph node-like structures composed primarily of T and B cells and a few dendritic cells. Induction of lymph node-like structures by these CCL21 proteins, however, could not be reproduced in every tissue. For instance, no lymphocyte recruitment or accumulation was observed when CCL21 was overexpressed in the skin. We conclude that both forms of CCL21 protein are biologically equivalent in promoting lymphocyte recruitment to the pancreas, and that their ability to induce the formation of lymph node-like structures is dependent on the tissues in which they are expressed.
Central Nervous System Inflammation and Neurological Disease in Transgenic Mice Expressing the CC Chemokine CCL21 in Oligodendrocytes
Authors: Chen Shu-Cheng , Leach Michael W. , Chen Yuetian , Cai Xiao-Yan , Sullivan Lee , Wiekowski Maria , Dovey-Hartman B. J. , Zlotnik Albert , Lira Sergio A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTo study the biological role of the chemokine ligands CCL19 and CCL21, we generated transgenic mice expressing either gene in oligodendrocytes of the CNS. While all transgenic mice expressing CCL19 in the CNS developed normally, most (18 of 26) of the CCL21 founder mice developed a neurological disease that was characterized by loss of landing reflex, tremor, and ataxia. These neurological signs were observed as early as postnatal day 9 and were associated with weight loss and death during the first 4 wk of life. Microscopic examination of the brain and spinal cord of CCL21 transgenic mice revealed scattered leukocytic infiltrates that consisted primarily of neutrophils and eosinophils. Additional findings included hypomyelination, spongiform myelinopathy with evidence of myelin breakdown, and reactive gliosis. Thus, ectopic expression of the CC chemokine CCL21, but not CCL19, induced a significant inflammatory response in the CNS. However, neither chemokine was sufficient to recruit lymphocytes into the CNS. These observations are in striking contrast to the reported activities of these molecules in vitro and may indicate specific requirements for their biological activity in vivo.
CD4 T Cells Selected by Antigen Under Th2 Polarizing Conditions Favor an Elongated TCRα Chain Complementarity-Determining Region 3
Authors: Boyton Rosemary J. , Zaccai Nathan , Jones E. Yvonne , Altmann Daniel M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe affinity of the MHC/peptide/TCR interaction is thought to be one factor determining the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th1 or Th2 phenotypes. To study whether CD4+ cells generated under conditions favoring Th1 or Th2 responses select structurally different TCRs, Th1 and Th2 clones and lines were generated from nonobese diabetic and nonobese diabetic H2-E transgenic mice against the peptides proteolipoprotein 56–70, glutamic acid decarboxylase65 524–543, and heat shock protein-60 peptides 168–186 and 248–264. Th1/Th2 polarization allowed the generation of clones and lines with fixed peptide specificity and class II restriction but differing in Th1/Th2 phenotype in which the impact on TCR selection and structure could be studied. The Th2 clones tended to use longer TCR complementarity-determining region (CDR)3α loops than their Th1 counterparts. This trend was confirmed by analyzing TCRα transcripts from Th1 and Th2 polarized, bulk populations. Molecular modeling of Th1- and Th2-derived TCRs demonstrated that Th2 CDR3α comprised larger side chain residues than Th1 TCRs. The elongated, bulky Th2 CDR3α loops may be accommodated at the expense of less optimal interactions between the MHC class II/peptide and other CDR loops of the TCR. We propose that CD4+ T cells selected from the available repertoire under Th2 polarizing conditions tend to have elongated TCR CDR3α loops predicted to alter TCR binding, reducing contact at other interfaces and potentially leading to impeded TCR triggering.
Complement C4 Is Protective for Lupus Disease Independent of C3
Authors: Einav Shirit , Pozdnyakova Olga O. , Ma Minghe , Carroll Michael C. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe role of complement C3 in mediating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was examined using a double-knockout C3nullC4null Fas (CD95)-deficient mouse model. Results from this study reveal significant lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, elevated titers of anti-nuclear Abs and anti-dsDNA Abs, an increased number of anti-dsDNA-producing cells in ELISPOT assay, as well as severe glomerulonephritis in the double-deficient mice. Based on these clinical, serological, and histological parameters, we find that autoimmune disease in the double-knockout group is similar in severity to that in C4null lpr mice, but not to that in C3null lpr mice. The development of severe SLE in the absence of both classical and alternative complement pathways suggests that it is the absence of C4, and not the presence of C3, that is critical in SLE pathogenesis. Thus, complement C4 provides an important protective role against the development of SLE.
Regulatory T Cells Overexpress a Subset of Th2 Gene Transcripts
Authors: Zelenika Diana , Adams Elizabeth , Humm Sue , Graca Luis , Thompson Sara , Cobbold Stephen P. , Waldmann Herman 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThere is now compelling evidence for subpopulations of CD4+ T cells whose role is to prevent immune pathology in both autoimmunity and transplantation. We have cloned CD4+ T cells against a male transplantation Ag that, unlike Th1 or Th2 clones, suppresses the rejection of male skin grafts and are therefore considered examples of regulatory T cells. We have identified, using serial analysis of gene expression, transcripts that are overexpressed in regulatory T cells compared with Th1 and Th2 clones. Some of these transcripts are increased in tolerated rather than rejecting skin grafts and in addition are expressed by the natural regulatory CD4+CD25+ subpopulation of naive mice. These genes include prepro-enkephalin, GM2 ganglioside activator protein, glucocorticoid-induced TNFR superfamily member 18, and integrin αEβ7. They seem to represent a subset of transcripts shared with Th2 cells, suggesting that transplantation tolerance and normal immunoregulation may represent a unique form of Th2-like differentiation.
CD25+CD4+ Regulatory T Cells Prevent Graft Rejection: CTLA-4- and IL-10-Dependent Immunoregulation of Alloresponses
Authors: Kingsley Cherry I. , Karim Mahzuz , Bushell Andrew R. , Wood Kathryn J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractSpecific and selective immunological unresponsiveness to donor alloantigens can be induced in vivo. We have shown previously that CD25+CD4+ T cells from mice exhibiting long-term operational tolerance to donor alloantigens can regulate rejection of allogeneic skin grafts mediated by CD45RBhighCD4+ T cells. In this study, we wished to determine whether donor-specific regulatory cells can be generated during the induction phase of unresponsiveness, i.e., before transplantation. We provide evidence that pretreatment with anti-CD4 Ab plus a donor-specific transfusion generates donor-specific regulatory CD25+CD4+ T cells that can suppress rejection of skin grafts mediated by naive CD45RBhighCD4+ T cells. Regulatory cells were contained only in the CD25+ fraction, as equivalent numbers of CD25−CD4+ T cells were unable to regulate rejection. This pretreatment strategy led to increased expression of CD122 by the CD25+CD4+ T cells. Blockade of both the IL-10 and CTLA-4 pathways abrogated immunoregulation mediated by CD25+ T cells, suggesting that IL-10 and CTLA-4 are required for the functional activity of this population of immunoregulatory T cells. In clinical transplantation, the generation of regulatory T cells that could provide dynamic control of rejection responses is a possible route to permanent graft survival without the need for long-term immunosuppression.
Direct and Indirect Inhibition of Th1 Development by Progesterone and Glucocorticoids
Authors: Miyaura Hideki , Iwata Makoto 
Published: April 2014

AbstractProgesterone may contribute to the maternal suppression of immunity to the fetus by modulating the Th1/Th2 balance. To clarify whether progesterone directly or indirectly affects T cell differentiation, we used two experimental systems with isolated T cells in vitro. In one system, isolated CD4+CD8+ thymocytes differentiated into Th1 and Th2 by two pulse stimulations with defined combinations of ionomycin and PMA followed by the treatment with IL-12, IL-4, and IL-2. In the second system, functional differentiation was induced in purified naive CD4 T cells with cytokines and Abs to CD3 and CD28. In both systems, progesterone added with cytokines suppressed Th1 development at concentrations associated with pregnancy, but enhanced the development of IL-10-producing Th2 cells. Because IL-10 is known to inhibit APC production of IL-12, Th1 development may be also suppressed indirectly by progesterone. However, progesterone failed to enhance IL-10 production in the absence of IL-12. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580 inhibited Th1 development and enhanced Th2 development, as did progesterone, indicating that p38 MAPK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways are involved in Th1 development. However, the progesterone effects may not be simply due to a modulation of MAPK activities, because the inhibitor did not significantly affect the development of IL-10-producing cells in the presence or absence of progesterone. Glucocorticoids exerted effects similar to those of progesterone on Th1/Th2 development even at lower concentrations. These results suggest that progesterone as well as glucocorticoids directly inhibit Th1 development and enhance Th2 development.
Peripheral Tolerance to a Nuclear Autoantigen: Dendritic Cells Expressing a Nuclear Autoantigen Lead to Persistent Anergic State of CD4+ Autoreactive T Cells After Proliferation
Authors: Kawahata Kimito , Misaki Yoshikata , Yamauchi Michiko , Tsunekawa Shinji , Setoguchi Keigo , Miyazaki Jun-ichi , Yamamoto Kazuhiko 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIt remains unknown why the T cell tolerance to nuclear autoantigens is impaired in systemic autoimmune diseases. To clarify this, we generated transgenic mice expressing OVA mainly in the nuclei (Ld-nOVA mice). When CD4+ T cells from DO11.10 mice expressing a TCR specific for OVA323–339 were transferred into Ld-nOVA mice, they were rendered anergic, but persisted in vivo for at least 3 mo. These cells expressed CD44high, CD45RBlow, and were generated after multiple cell divisions, suggesting that anergy is not the result of insufficient proliferative stimuli. Whereas dendritic cells (DCs) from Ld-nOVA (DCs derived from transgenic mice (TgDCs)), which present rather low amount of the self-peptide, efficiently induced proliferation of DO11.10 T cells, divided T cells stimulated in vivo by TgDCs exhibited a lower memory response than T cells stimulated in vitro by peptide-pulsed DCs. Furthermore, we found that repeated transfer of either TgDCs or DCs derived from wild-type mice pulsed with a lower concentration of OVA323–339 induced a lower response of DO11.10 T cells in Ag-free wild-type recipients than DCs derived from wild-type mice. These results suggest that peripheral tolerance to a nuclear autoantigen is achieved by continuous presentation of the self-peptide by DCs, and that the low expression level of the peptide might also be involved in the induction of hyporesponsiveness.
The Role of the IL-2 Pathway in Costimulation Blockade-Resistant Rejection of Allografts
Authors: Jones Thomas R. , Ha Jongwon , Williams Matthew A. , Adams Andrew B. , Durham Megan M. , Rees Phyllis A. , Cowan Shannon R. , Pearson Thomas C. , Larsen Christian P. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBlockade of the CD40 and CD28 costimulatory pathways significantly prolongs allograft survival; however, certain strains of mice (i.e., C57BL/6) are relatively resistant to the effects of combined CD40/CD28 blockade. We have previously shown that the costimulation blockade-resistant phenotype can be attributed to a subset of CD8+ T cells and is independent of CD4+ T cell-mediated help. Here we explore the role of the IL-2 pathway in this process using mAbs against the high affinity IL-2R, CD25, and IL-2 in prolonging skin allograft survival in mice receiving combined CD40/CD28 blockade. We have also investigated the effects of treatment on effector function by assessment of cytotoxicity and the generation of IFN-γ-producing cells in response to allogeneic stimulators as well as proliferation in an in vivo graft-vs-host disease model. We find that additional blockade of either CD25 or IL-2 significantly extends allograft survival beyond that in mice receiving costimulation blockade alone. This correlates with diminished frequencies of IFN-γ-producing allospecific T cells and reduced CTL activity. Anti-CD25 therapy also synergizes with CD40/CD28 blockade in suppressing proliferative responses. Interestingly, depletion of CD4+ T cells, but not CD8+ cells, prevents prolongation in allograft survival, suggesting an IL-2-independent role for regulation in extended survival.