bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistent reduction in IL-6 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis after treatment with a monoclonal antibody to CD54 (ICAM-1)
Authors: Schulze-Koops H , Lipsky P E , Kavanaugh A F , Davis L S 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
There is persistent excessive production of a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A number of experimental therapies have been found to be effective in the treatment of RA, although the effects of these therapies on cytokine production have not been evaluated. One such experimental therapy involves administration of a MoAb to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) that has been shown to be clinically beneficial in approximately 60% of the patients, with some patients responding for up to 11 months. The current studies were carried out to determine whether the success of this therapy was associated with changes in mRNA levels for pro-inflammatory and other monocyte-derived cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Cytokine mRNA levels were assessed in freshly isolated unstimulated PBMC by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after minimal in vitro manipulation of the cells. Anti-ICAM-1 MoAb administration was followed by an increase in IL-1β, IL-8, and tumour-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mRNA detected at 2 or 24 h after the initial infusion in the clinical responders, but no persistent change in these cytokine mRNA levels were observed that correlated with clinical benefit. By contrast, IL-6 mRNA levels declined immediately after the first MoAb infusion and reached pretreatment values variably after the 5 day treatment course. IL-6 mRNA levels remained significantly reduced in patients responding to therapy 1 month after treatment. Fluctuations in monocyte numbers within the PBMC after treatment did not account for the observed changes in cytokine mRNA levels. The results suggest that a decline in IL-6 mRNA levels is a pharmacological action of the MoAb to ICAM-1. Moreover, persistently diminished IL-6 mRNA levels induced by anti-ICAM-1 MoAb might be associated with the long-term benefit of this therapy. In addition, monitoring the activation status of monocytes in circulating PBMC may be useful in predicting response to therapy and warrants further investigation in a larger study population.
The behaviour of human vitronectin in vivo: effects of complement activation, conformation and phosphorylation
Authors: Peake P W , Greenstein J D , Pussell B A , Charlesworth J A 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
We examined the behaviour in vivo of native, specifically phosphorylated, and multimeric vitronectin to determine the effects of these modifications on its turnover, distribution and molecular behaviour. In normal rabbits, the plasma half-life (T1/2) of antigenically detected vitronectin was 8.00 ± 1.26 h (mean ± s.d.), with a fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of 18.77 ± 1.57%/h and extravascular/intravascular ratio (EV/IV) of 1.00 (0.48–1.60, median and range). For vitronectin selectively phosphorylated by protein kinase A, T1/2 was 8.87 ± 0.48 h, with a significantly smaller FCR of 10.85 ± 0.71%/h (P&lt;0.005) and an EV/IV of 0.28 (0.15–0.36) (P&lt;0.05 compared with antigenically detected vitronectin). In vitro, phosphorylation had no effect on the affinity of vitronectin for heparin–Sepharose, while complement activation with cobra venom factor (CVF) led to a two-fold enrichment of 32P-vitronectin within the SC5b-9 complex. In vivo CVF caused a rapid decrease in the circulating levels of 32P-vitronectin and was accompanied by the prompt appearance of a high mol. wt species consistent with SC5b-9. Despite specific incorporation of 32P-vitronectin into SC5b-9, both forms of the molecule had similar inhibitory effects on C9-mediated haemolysis of EAC1-7 cells. Urea-activated vitronectin was rapidly cleared from circulation with less than 15% remaining after 1 h while protein-bound label accumulated in the spleen, lung and liver. These results demonstrate that vitronectin is a rapidly metabolized protein whose in vivo behaviour is markedly altered when phosphorylated or activated to form multimers and SC5b-9.
Biased expression of T cell receptor Vβ genes in periodontitis patients
Authors: Yamazaki K , Nakajima T , Gemmell E , Kjeldsen M , Seymour G J , Hara K 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the hypothesis that there is selective activation and expansion of a limited repertoire of T cell receptor (TCR)-bearing T cells in periodontitis tissue. We studied TCR Vβ gene expression in gingival tissues of periodontitis lesions and compared these with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from the same patients using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification with 22 Vβ-specific sense primers in combination with a common antisense Cβ-specific primer. After initial therapy, gingival tissue specimens were obtained from 14 periodontitis patients at the time of periodontal surgery, and PBMC were also obtained from the same patients by density gradient centrifugation. Total RNA was extracted and analysed by reverse transcription PCR. The PCR products were electrophoresed on a 2% agarose gel and stained with ethidium bromide. For each product, gingival tissue and the respective peripheral blood were compared. The TCR repertoire identified in the PBMC in general overlapped with that of the gingival tissue. However, Vβ6 appeared to be over-expressed in the gingival tissues compared with the PBMC, but Vβ16 appeared to be under-expressed in the gingival tissues. Although it is not known whether this is due to antigen-specific activation or superantigen activation, the data suggest that there may be as yet uncharacterized T cell subsets in periodontal disease tissue.
The chemoattractant activity of rheumatoid synovial fluid for human lymphocytes is due to multiple cytokines
Authors: Al-Mughales J , Blyth T H , Hunter J A , Wilkinson PC 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The majority of synovial fluids from 29 rheumatoid arthritis patients were strongly attractive for normal blood lymphocytes judged by assays of polarization and collagen gel invasion. While rheumatoid synovial fluids contained IL-15, IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) at levels sufficient to attract lymphocytes, inhibition of the activity of any single cytokine using specific antibody did not abolish the activity of the fluid. However combinations of anti-cytokine antibodies used together (anti-IL-15+anti-MCP-1; anti-IL-8+anti-MCP-1 or +anti-MIP-1α) inhibited most of the activity, suggesting that attraction of lymphocytes by the fluids is due to a combination of attractants. Blood lymphocytes required activation by overnight culture to respond optimally, while rheumatoid synovial tissue lymphocytes responded to synovial fluids without a requirement for a period of culture. Lymphocytes derived from rheumatoid synovial fluids were poorly responsive to locomotor stimulants. Most of the responding cells from blood mononuclear cell fractions were T lymphocytes of the CD45RO isotype. Incubation in the presence of cyclosporin A or corticosteroids inhibited the response of lymphocytes to the fluids, but the presence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other agents used in therapy of the patients from whom the fluids were taken had no inhibitory effect.
Immune response and in vivo production of cytokines in patients with liver hydatidosis
Authors: Torcal J , Navarro-Zorraquino M , Lozano R , Larrad L , Salinas J C , Ferrer J , Roman J , Pastor C 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Cytokines play an important role in the human immunological response, but the exact role of cytokines in the human immune response against parasites, especially against Echinococcus granulosus, remains unclear. IL-1, IL-2, IL-4 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) levels in peripheral blood of 21 patients with liver hydatidosis were evaluated before surgical treatment, and the levels of IgA, IgM, IgG, IgE, specific IgE against E. granulosus, C3, C4 and BF complement fractions and CD20, CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD16 cell percentages were also determined, as was the relationship between these variables and cytokine levels. Data from hydatid patients were compared with data obtained from 21 healthy volunteers. Hydatid patients showed increases of IgG, IgE, IgEs and IL-2 (P &lt; 0.01), and decreases of IL-1 and TNF levels (P &lt; 0.001), but these variables (respectively) increased in patients showing cysts in the central area of the liver or with a wide opening of cysts in the biliary tract. The increase of IL-1, IL-2 and IL-4 showed a close relationship with the number, characteristics and above all the location of cysts within the liver itself. IgG and IL-4 levels and also IgG and IgE levels showed a significant correlation (P &lt; 0.05).
Ligation of CR1 (C3b receptor, CD35) on CD4+ T lymphocytes enhances viral replication in HIV-infected cells
Authors: Mouhoub A , Delibrias C C , Fischer E , Boyer V , Kazatchkine M D 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The present study provides evidence for a role of the C3b receptor, CR1 (CD35), in activation of HIV replication in CD4+ T lymphocytes. Ligation of CR1 with cross-linked anti-receptor MoAbs or with aggregated C3b enhanced transcription of viral genes and the release of p24 and RT activity from cultures of purified normal CD4+ T lymphocytes that had been infected with HIV-1 in vitro. No effect was observed upon ligation of CR2 (CD21), a C3 receptor that is also expressed on human CD4+ T cells. Cross-linking of CR1 also enhanced HIV replication in peripheral blood CD4+ lymphocytes isolated from HIV+ individuals. The enhancing effect of CR1 was not related to a mitogenic effect induced by stimulation of the receptor on T cells. The CR1 specificity of the enhancing effect was established by the observation that the addition of soluble recombinant CR1 to the cultures abolished the enhancement of p24 release induced by anti-CR1 MoAbs. Our results suggest that HIV replication may be triggered in resting HIV-infected CD4+ T lymphocytes through interaction with C3b-bearing immune complexes or particles.
Primary pulmonary hypertension: immunogenetic response to high-mobility group (HMG) proteins and histone
Authors: Morse J H , Barst R J , Fotino M , Zhang Y , Flaster E , Fritzler M J 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
HLA class II alleles (DNA typing) and antibodies to HMG-1,2,14,17 proteins and H1 histone were determined in three predominantly Caucasian groups of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PHT). Forty-four adults had primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), 42 children had PPH, and 41 children had PHT associated with anatomically large congenital pulmonary to systemic shunts (PHT+shunt). The HLA class II alleles in the Caucasian patients were compared with those of 51 healthy Caucasian controls. Eight (18%) of 44 sera from adults with PPH bound HMG-14 and 23 (52%) bound H1. None of 42 sera from children with PPH bound either HMG-14/17 or HMG-1/2, whereas four (10%) bound H1. In the PHT+shunt group of 41 children, two (5%) bound HMG-14, one (3%) bound HMG-17, four (10%) bound HMG-1 and/or HMG-2, and six (15%) bound H1. Among the 12 HMG antibody-positive patients, HLA-DQ6 was present in nine of 10 HLA typed patients (six PPH adults and three PHT+shunt children), seven of whom had antibodies to HMG-14 and one to HMG-17. The 100% frequency of HLA-DQ6 in seven Caucasian patients with antibodies to HMG-14/17 was statistically significant when compared with the 41% frequency of -DQ6 present in 51 healthy Caucasian controls (pc = 0.027, pc = Bonferroni correction, OR = 21.3). In contrast, when compared with controls, 25 patients with PPH and anti-H1 antibodies (21 adults and four children) had increased frequencies of HLA-DQ7 and -DR5 (60% versus 29%, P = 0.010, OR = 3.6 and 48% versus 22%, P = 0.018, OR = 3.4), which were not significant after correction. In essence, antibodies to HMG-14 and to H1 proteins were present predominantly in adults with PPH, suggesting that the pattern of response to HMG-14/17 was similar to that previously reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and drug-induced autoimmunity. This is the first report of an association between autoantibodies directed against HMG and H1 with immunogenetic markers. These data suggest that a subset of patients with PPH may have an autoimmune disease.
Different Gm allotype amounts in human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) preparations; survival of foreign Gm allotypes in immunodeficient patients
Authors: Oxelius V-A , Eibl M M 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
IVIG is used as standard replacement therapy in primary antibody deficiency. IVIG consists mainly of IgG. IVIG preparations were investigated with respect to Gm allotypes, which are characterized by various amino acid epitopes in the constant heavy chains of the IgG subclasses IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3. The alternative allelic Gm allotypes G1m(a) and G1m(f) of IgG1, G2m(n) and G2m(”) of IgG2 and G3m(g) and G3m(b) of IgG3 were measured by sensitive competitive ELISAs for G1m(a), G1m(f), G2m(n) and G3m(b). IgG subclass levels were quantified by radioimmunodiffusion (RID). Gm allotype quantities differed significantly in various IVIG products, with different products having half or double the amount of the different Gm allotypes. The results show the effect of the different manufacturing processes, but also indicate different physicochemical properties of Gm allotypes within the same IgG subclass. The different contents of Gm allotypes might be one reason for the variable levels of specific antibodies found in IVIG products. Immunodeficient patients with homozygous expression of Gm allotypes from IGHCG1, IGHCG2 and IGHCG3 were tested after infusion of foreign Gm allotypes. A prolonged survival was found for the G2m allotype, G2m(n), compared with G1m allotypes. Different half-lives were found for the alternative G1m(a) and G1m(f) allotypes, within the same IgG1 subclass.
Characterization of the antigenic determinants of the Leishmania infantum histone H3 recognized by antibodies elicited during canine visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Soto M , Requena J M , Quijada L , Gomez L C , Guzman F , Patarroyo M E , Alonso C 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
In the present study we show that sera from dogs naturally infected with the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum contain antibodies that specifically react with the parasite histone H3. Using synthetic peptides covering the complete sequence of the protein we located the linear antigenic determinants within the 40 amino-terminal amino acids of the molecule. In addition to the complete form of the protein (rLiH3), two regions of the Leishmania histone H3 were expressed as recombinant proteins: the rLiH3-Nt fragment containing the 39 amino-terminal amino acids and the rLiH3-Ct fragment containing the 90 carboxyl-terminal residues. Competition experiments using the protein fragment rLiH3-Nt as competitor confirmed that the antigenic determinants of histone H3 are confined to the amino-terminal domain. This domain, which is believed to be exposed on the nucleosome surface, is also the most evolutionarily divergent region of the L. infantum histone H3. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) sera do not react with mammalian histones, an indication that the anti-histone response elicited during Leishmania infection is triggered by the parasite histone. The results of the prevalence of anti-histone H3 antibodies in canine VL sera together with the sequence-specific characteristics of the amino-terminal region of L. infantum histone H3 indicate that the recombinant protein rLiH3-Nt may be of use for diagnosis of canine VL.
The CD7− T cell subset represents the majority of IL-5-secreting cells within CD4+CD45RA− T cells
Authors: Reinhold U , Liu L , Sesterhenn J , Schnautz S , Abken H 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Absence of CD7 is a stable phenotype in a subset of normal human T cells. Most circulating CD7− T cells express the CD4+CD45RO+CD45RA− memory phenotype. We analysed CD4+CD45RA− peripheral blood lymphocytes that were separated into CD7+ and CD7− for their in vitro cytokine secretion in response to different stimuli. The CD4+CD7− subpopulation was found to secrete significantly higher levels of IL-5 compared with the CD4+CD7+ subset upon stimulation with ionomycin/phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus anti-CD28 MoAbs. In contrast to IL-5 secretion, IL-4 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secretion was not significantly different in CD7+ and CD7− T cells upon stimulation in vitro. The data indicate that the CD4+CD7− T cell represents the majority of IL-5-secreting cells within the population of CD4+CD45RA− memory T cells. Since CD4+CD7− T cells were found to be enriched in various skin lesions associated with eosinophilic infiltration, the results of our study support the hypothesis that skin-infiltrating CD7− T cells are one of the major sources of IL-5 responsible for the development of eosinophilic inflammation in certain skin diseases.
A therapeutic human IgG4 monoclonal antibody that depletes target cells in humans
Authors: Isaacs J D , Wing M G , Greenwood J D , Hazleman B L , Hale G , Waldmann H 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
It is traditionally held that human IgG4 MoAbs should not deplete target cells in vivo, as this isotype is inactive in a number of in vitro assays that measure effector function. We have previously challenged this dogma, and the current study was designed to investigate the in vivo biological effects in humans of a MoAb of human IgG4 isotype. Nine patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fulfilling ARA criteria, and one with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) received a human IgG4 Campath-1 MoAb (with specificity against the pan-lymphocyte antigen CD52) as part of a two-stage therapeutic protocol. In stage 1, patients received a single dose of this MoAb. Stage 2, starting 48 h later, comprised a 5-day course of a human IgG1 Campath-1 MoAb with identical V-region (CAMPATH-1H), as previously used in the management of RA patients. The intervening 48 h provided a window of opportunity to monitor the biological effects of the IgG4 MoAb for comparison with the IgG1. The two MoAbs were also compared for in vitro biological activity. IgG4 depleted peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), albeit less efficiently than IgG1. It produced a first-dose reaction of similar intensity, although associated circulating tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were lower. TNF-α release from whole blood in vitro was also greater with the IgG1 MoAb. The study design did not permit conclusions to be drawn regarding therapeutic efficacy of the IgG4 MoAb. In summary, a human IgG4 Campath-1 MoAb depletes target cells in vivo. Importantly, this study demonstrates for the first time in humans that in vitro assays may not predict the in vivo effector function of therapeutic MoAbs.
Responsiveness of human polymorphonuclear cells (PMNL) to stimulation by a mannoprotein fraction (MP-F2) of Candida albicans; enhanced production of IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by MP-F2-stimulated PMNL from HIV-infected subjects
Authors: TOROSANTUCCI A , CHIANI P , QUINTI I , AUSIELLO C M , MEZZAROMA I , CASSONE A 
Published: November 2003

SUMMARY
IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α production by PMNL from 21 HIV-infected (HIV+), including 11 full-blown AIDS, and 20 HIV-uninfected (HIV−) subjects (matched for age and sex to HIV+ ones) was studied by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and ELISA. PMNL from both categories of subjects were strongly stimulated in their actual cytokine production by a mannoprotein fraction (MP-F2) of Candida albicans, as well as by the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These stimulatory effects were apparently due to increased cytokine gene expression and were substantially reversed by the physiological inhibitor IL-10. However, PMNL from HIV+ subjects showed increased IL-6 and TNF-α gene expression and produced more IL-6 and TNF-α than PMNL from HIV− controls, under similar stimulation conditions. This difference could not be attributed to a given stage of HIV infection, any associated medication, or to a generalized increase of gene expression, as quantitatively similar β-actin and IL-1β transcripts were detected. Moreover, no significant difference in IL-8 production by the PMNL from HIV+ and HIV− subjects was observed. Our studies suggest that PMNL from HIV+ subjects might add to other cellular sources of IL-6 and TNF-α (e.g. monocytes-macrophages) in contributing to the cytokine-dysregulated pattern typical of the HIV+ patient.
T cell responses to natural human proteins in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: JONES D E J , PALMER J M , YEAMAN S J , BASSENDINE M F , DIAMOND A G 
Published: November 2003

SUMMARY
The study of T cell responses to autoantigens in human autoimmunity has been hampered by difficulties, firstly in identifying significant autoantigens, and secondly in the purification of authentic human proteins in sufficient quantities to allow characterization of antigen-specific T cell responses. In this study we have purified a human autoantigen, pyruvate dehydrogenase, retaining its enzymatic activity, and characterized autoreactive T cell responses to it in a human autoimmune disease, primary biliary cirrhosis. T cell responses to a mixture of the E2 and protein X subunits of human pyruvate dehydrogenase complex are seen in most affected patients, but in only a small minority of normal and chronic liver disease controls. By contrast, responses to whole pyruvate dehydrogenase complex occur with equal frequency in both groups. This suggests that responses to the E2 component/protein X of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex play a role in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cirrhosis. The availability of significant quantities of the human autoantigen in primary biliary cirrhosis makes this condition an interesting model in which to study true autoreactive human T cell responses.
Cytokine production in synovial tissue of mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA)
Authors: MÜSSENER Å , LITTON M J , LINDROOS E , KLARESKOG L 
Published: November 2003

SUMMARY
The kinetics of cytokine production in arthritic limbs of mice with CIA was determined by using modified immunohistochemical techniques. Tissue cryostat sections of undecalcified whole paws were analysed for the presence of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2) and TGF-β3. Locally produced TNF-α, IL-6 and TGF-β2 were observed within the lining layer, sublining and pannus at all stages of disease. The staining of TNF-α was particularly intense at the cartilage–pannus junction. In contrast to the monokines, IFN-γ and TGF-β3 were only expressed in scattered cells within the deeper layers of the synovia. Interestingly, IFN-γ was not present in the late phase of CIA, despite the continued presence of TNF-α and IL-6 in the pannus. Production of IL-2, IL-4 or IL-5 was not detected in any joint. The observed pattern of a relative paucity of T cell-derived cytokines and an abundance of monokines during the late phase of T cell-dependent CIA indicates that the synovial cytokine pattern previously described in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is fully compatible with a pathogenic role of T cells. The temporal as well as spatial dissociation between expression of T cell-derived cytokines and monokines indicates that T cell-independent mechanisms may also be of importance in the triggering of monokine production during arthritis.