bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
alpha-synuclein peptides presented on chimeric MHC class Ib molecules prevent loss of substantia nigra neurons in an animal model for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Wischhusen Jörg , Wu Jingjing , Ahsan Fadhil , Rhonda McFleder , Karl Ann-Kathrin , Jayaram Shriya Mamatha , Wecklein Heike , Nienaber Anna , Brünnert Daniela , Bruttel Valentin , Ip Chi Wang 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Aim
An accumulating body of evidence suggests the involvement of alpha-synuclein (aSyn) specific autoreactive T cells in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, we investigate whether novel antigen-specific tolerance-inducing biomolecules, that present peptide antigens on MHC class Ib-related molecules, can inhibit neurodegeneration and prevent PD in vivo.

Methods
The alpha3 domain of the human MHC class Ib molecule HLA-G inhibits T cells via the human ILT-2 or the murine PIRB receptor. We fused this HLA-G alpha3 domain to MHC class I alpha1-alpha2 antigen presenting domains, antigenic peptides and beta2-microglobulin. These single-chain AutoImmunity Modifying Biologicals (AIM Bios) induce antigen-specific tolerogenic CD8+ Treg cells in human cells in vitro and in mice in vivo. We used this platform to prevent autoimmune disease symptoms in mouse models for autoimmune diseases, including an aSynA53T-AAV driven model for PD.

Results
Single-chain model AIM Bios with MHC-derived antigen-presenting domains and antigenic peptides polarize cognate CD8+ T cells towards a CD8+ CD122+ IL-10 secreting Treg phenotype. Such antigen-specific Treg can also be induced in mice in vivo. Disease-associated aSyn CD8+ epitopes were identified in aSynA53T-AAV PD mice. Corresponding AIM Bios prevented mobility impairments. Post mortem histopathological assessment confirmed the induction a favorable in-situ immune cell composition and the rescue of substantia nigra neurons. The translational potential of this approach deserves further exploration.
Supported by grants from the IZKF Wuerzburg A421 and by Aeterna Zentaris Inc.
Chronic antigen in solid tumors drives a distinct program of T cell residence
Authors: Gavil Noah Veis , Scott Milcah , Weyu Eyob , O’flanagan Stephen , Wijeyesinghe Sathi , Smith Olivia , Masopust David 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Resident-memory T cells (TRM) permanently reside in tissues, surveying the local environment for cognate antigen. Surrogate markers (e.g. CD69, CD103) and transcriptional programs from infection models are used as correlates of residency. Across numerous solid tumor types, TRM-like phenotypes have been identified and correlated with improved prognosis and responsiveness to immunotherapy. However, the migration properties of CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have not been well described. In this study, we employed parabiosis migration assays in a mouse model of breast cancer and demonstrated that both virus-specific bystander and tumor-specific CD8+ TILs can be resident. Canonical markers of TRM, including CD69, failed to discriminate between resident cells and recent migrants. However, the expression of markers associated with chronic T cell stimulation (PD-1, CD39, Tim-3) identified a population of resident, tumor-specific cells. We further observed that after tumor entry, Tcf-1+ PD-1lo tumor-specific T cells progressively acquired the expression of inhibitory receptors, such as Tim-3, correlating with the phenotypes that represent tumor retention and residence. Thus, TRM exist within tumors, durable intratumoral residence was not informed by common markers associated with pathogen-specific TRM that have been described in healthy tissue, but tumor-specific T cells become resident upon tumor antigen recognition and the subsequent upregulation of CD39 and Tim-3.
N.G. is a student in the Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD) at the University of Minnesota and is currently supported through the National Cancer Institute (1F30CA253992-01) with past support from the Dr. Warren J. Warwick and Henrietta Holm Warwick Fellowship. Research supported by the National Cancer Institute (1R01CA238439-01A1, D.M.).
Robust and prototypical immune responses towards COVID-19 BNT162b2 vaccines in Indigenous people
Authors: Zhang Wuji , Kedzierski Lukasz , Chua Brendon Y , Wheatley Adam K , Rowntree Louise , Allen Lilith , Petersen Jan , Chaurasia Priyanka , Mettelman Robert , Miller Adrian , Thomas Paul G , Rossjohn Jamie , Subbarao Kanta , Kent Stephen J , Nelson Jane , Davies Jane , Nguyen Thi H O , Kedzierska Katherine 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has led to &gt;270 million infections and &gt;5 million deaths globally. Indigenous people are disproportionately affected by infectious diseases, therefore also more susceptible to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are an estimated 476 million indigenous people globally, including an estimated 798,365 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in Australia. With the high vulnerability to COVID-19, this knowledge is urgently needed to better protect indigenous populations.
We evaluated a breadth of immune responses in indigenous (n=57) and non-indigenous (n=49) individuals after COVID-19 vaccination. We tested RBD antibodies, spike/RBD-probe-specific B cells, peptide stimulations with activation-induced marker (AIM) assay and intracellular cytokine staining.
We found 22% and 34% seroconversion rates after 1st dose of BNT162b2 vaccine for Indigenous and non-indigenous individuals, respectively, which increased to 100% at 1-mth after 2nd dose for both groups. RBD-specific IgG levels in indigenous individuals at 1-mth after 2nd dose positively correlated with their body mass index. At 1-mth after the 2nd COVID-19 vaccination, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses via AIM expression and IFN-γ+ TNF+ production was comparable between indigenous and non-indigenous individuals. We are also going to assess the longevity of antibodies and T cells.
Therefore, COVID-19 vaccination induced similar immune responses in indigenous and non-indigenous individuals.
An inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine causes enhanced type 2 inflammation in mice during coronavirus challenge.
Authors: Dillard Jake , Taft-Benz Sharon , Knight Audrey C , Anderson Elizabeth J , Sarkar Sanjay , Loome Jennifer F , Pressey Katia D , Baxter Victoria K , Heise Mark T 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Inactivated vaccines administered with the adjuvant aluminum hydroxide (Alum) are currently the most widely used COVID-19 vaccines in the world and have been critical to responding to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Although these vaccines are efficacious against homologous virus infection in healthy young adults, the emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants has resulted in significant vaccine breakthrough. Pre-clinical studies with inactivated SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV vaccines have reported enhanced immunopathology upon breakthrough infection, characterized by pulmonary eosinophilia and upregulation of type 2 cytokines. These previous reports therefore raise the concern that inactivated COVID-19 vaccines may cause enhanced immunopathology upon vaccine breakthrough. To investigate this possibility, we vaccinated female BALB/c mice with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (iCoV2) prior to coronavirus challenge. Although iCoV2 protected mice from severe clinical disease and pulmonary pathology upon homologous challenge with pathogenic SARS-CoV-2, we observed increased pulmonary pathology and pulmonary eosinophilia upon challenge in mice vaccinated with iCoV2 and Alum (iCoV2 + Alum) compared to mice vaccinated with iCoV2 alone. Furthermore, to model vaccine breakthrough upon heterologous coronavirus infection, we challenged iCoV2-vaccinated mice with a zoonotic SARS-like coronavirus (SHC014). Upon SHC014 challenge, iCoV2 + Alum vaccination failed to control virus replication and caused enhanced pulmonary pathology, pulmonary eosinophilia and upregulation of pulmonary type 2 cytokines. Ongoing studies are investigating the mechanism of iCoV2-related immunopathology, including the role of specific iCoV2 antigens.
Supported by grants from NIH (K01 OD026529, U19 AI100625, U19 AI109680, and MSTP T32 GM008719), Infectious Disease Drug Discovery Program (ID3), Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative (READDI), NCTraCS and Emerging Challenges in Biomedical Research COVID Pilot Award, SOM Junior Investigator Development Award, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
A Novel CD135+ Subset of Mouse Monocytes with a Distinct Differentiation Pathway and Antigen-Presenting Properties
Authors: Kamio Naoka , Yokota Asumi , Tokuda Yuichi , Ogasawara Chie , Nakano Masakazu , Nagao Miki , Tashiro Kei , Maekawa Taira , Onai Nobuyuki , Hirai Hideyo 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), composed of monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), plays a critical role at the interface of the innate and adaptive immune systems. However, the simplicity of MPS has been challenged recently by discoveries of novel cellular components. In the current study, we identified the CD135+ subset of monocytes as a novel class of APCs in mice. CD135+ monocytes were readily found in the bone marrow, spleen, and peripheral blood at steady state, and they expressed markers specific to DCs, including MHC class II and CD209a, along with markers for monocytes/macrophages. In addition, this subset phagocytosed bacteria and activated naive T lymphocytes, fulfilling the criteria for APCs. CD135+ monocytes were derived directly from macrophage DC progenitors, not from common monocyte progenitors or other monocytes, suggesting that these are distinct from conventional monocytes. These findings facilitate our understanding of the MPS network that regulates immune responses for host defense.
Cutting Edge: mTORC2 Regulates CD8+ Effector and Memory T Cell Differentiation through Serum and Glucocorticoid Kinase 1
Authors: Patel Chirag H , Heikamp Emily B , Xu Wei , Sun Im-Hong , Oh Min-Hee , Sun Im-Meng , Wen Jiayu , Tam Ada J , Blosser Richard L , Powell Jonathan D 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin is an essential regulator of T cell metabolism and differentiation. In this study, we demonstrate that serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1), a downstream node of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 signaling, represses memory CD8+ T cell differentiation. During acute infections, murine SGK1-deficient CD8+ T cells adopt an early memory precursor phenotype leading to more long-lived memory T cells. Thus, SGK1-deficient CD8+ T cells demonstrate an enhanced recall capacity in response to reinfection and can readily reject tumors. Mechanistically, activation of SGK1-deficient CD8+ T cells results in decreased Foxo1 phosphorylation and increased nuclear translocation of Foxo1 to promote early memory development. Overall, SGK1 might prove to be a powerful target for enhancing the efficacy of vaccines and tumor immunotherapy.
STAT6-IP–Dependent Disruption of IL-33–Mediated ILC2 Expansion and Type 2 Innate Immunity in the Murine Lung
Authors: Moarbes Vanessa , Gaudreault Véronique , Karkout Rami , Labrie Lydia , Zhao Hedi , Shan Jichuan , Fixman Elizabeth D 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Recent interest has focused on innate-type cytokines as promoters of type 2 immunity and targets for drug development in asthma. IL-33 induces production of IL-4 and/or IL-13, which is associated with STAT6-dependent responses in innate cells, including group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), macrophages, and eosinophils. Our published data show that STAT6-immunomodulatory peptide (STAT6-IP), an immunomodulatory peptide designed to inhibit the STAT6 transcription factor, reduces induction of Th2 adaptive immunity in respiratory syncytial virus infection and asthma models. Nevertheless, the mechanism of STAT6-IP–dependent inhibition has remained obscure. In this study, we demonstrate that STAT6-IP reduced IL-33–induced type 2 innate lung inflammation. Specifically, our data show that STAT6-IP reduced recruitment and activation of eosinophils as well as polarization of alternatively activated macrophages. Decreases in these cells correlated with reduced levels of IL-5 and IL-13 as well as several type 2 chemokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. STAT6-IP effectively inhibited expansion of ILC2s as well as the number of IL-5– and IL-13–producing ILC2s. Our data suggest that STAT6-IP effectively disrupts IL-13–dependent positive feedback loops, initiated by ILC2 activation, to suppress IL-33–induced type 2 innate immunity in the murine lung.
A Bcl6 Intronic Element Regulates T Follicular Helper Cell Differentiation
Authors: Lai Chen-Yen , Marcel Nimi , Yaldiko Allen W , Delpoux Arnaud , Hedrick Stephen M 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In response to an intracellular infectious agent, the immune system produces a specific cellular response as well as a T cell–dependent Ab response. Precursor T cells differentiate into effector T cells, including Th1 cells, and T follicular helper (TFH) cells. The latter cooperate with B cells to form germinal centers and induce the formation of Ab-forming plasmacytes. One major focal point for control of T cell differentiation is the transcription factor BCL6. In this study, we demonstrated that the Bcl6 gene is regulated by FOXO1-binding, cis-acting sequences located in a highly conserved region of the first Bcl6 intron. In both mouse and human T cells, deletion of the tandem FOXO1 binding sites increased the expression of BCL6 and enhanced the proportion of TFH cells. These results reveal a fundamental control point for cellular versus humoral immunity.
CCL17 Promotes Colitis-Associated Tumorigenesis Dependent on the Microbiota
Authors: Metzger Rebecca , Winter Lis , Bouznad Nassim , Garzetti Debora , von Armansperg Benedikt , Rokavec Matjaz , Lutz Konstantin , Schäfer Yvonne , Krebs Sabrina , Winheim Elena , Friedrich Verena , Matzek Dana , Öllinger Rupert , Rad Roland , Stecher Bärbel , Hermeking Heiko , Brocker Thomas , Krug Anne B 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers and a major cause of mortality. Proinflammatory and antitumor immune responses play critical roles in colitis-associated colon cancer. CCL17, a chemokine of the C-C family and ligand for CCR4, is expressed by intestinal dendritic cells in the steady state and is upregulated during colitis in mouse models and inflammatory bowel disease patients. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern and functional relevance of CCL17 for colitis-associated colon tumor development using CCL17–enhanced GFP-knockin mice. CCL17 was highly expressed by dendritic cells but also upregulated in macrophages and intermediary monocytes in colon tumors induced by exposure to azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate. Despite a similar degree of inflammation in the colon, CCL17-deficient mice developed fewer tumors than did CCL17-competent mice. This protective effect was abrogated by cohousing, indicating a dependency on the microbiota. Changes in microbiota diversity and composition were detected in separately housed CCL17-deficient mice, and these mice were more susceptible to azoxymethane-induced early apoptosis in the colon affecting tumor initiation. Immune cell infiltration in colitis-induced colon tumors was not affected by the lack of CCL17. Taken together, our results indicate that CCL17 promotes colitis-associated tumorigenesis by influencing the composition of the intestinal microbiome and reducing apoptosis during tumor initiation.
IL-6 Signaling Attenuates TNF-α Production by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Papadaki Garyfalia , Goutakoli Panagiota , Tiniakou Ioanna , Grün Joachim R , Grützkau Andreas , Pavlopoulos Georgios A , Iliopoulos Ioannis , Bertsias George , Boumpas Dimitrios , Ospelt Caroline , Reizis Boris , Sidiropoulos Prodromos , Verginis Panayotis 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by autoimmune joint destruction with debilitating consequences. Despite treatment advancements with biologic therapies, a significant proportion of RA patients show an inadequate clinical response, and restoration of immune self-tolerance represents an unmet therapeutic need. We have previously described a tolerogenic phenotype of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in RA patients responding to anti–TNF-α agents. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in tolerogenic reprogramming of pDCs in RA remain elusive. In this study, guided by transcriptomic analysis of CD303+CD123+ pDCs from RA patients in remission, we revealed enhanced expression of IL-6R and its downstream signaling compared with healthy pDCs. Functional assessment demonstrated that IL-6R engagement resulted in marked reduction of TNF-α secretion by pDCs whereas intracellular TNF-α was significantly increased. Accordingly, pharmacologic inhibition of IL-6R signaling restored TNF-α secretion levels by pDCs. Mechanistic analysis demonstrated impaired activity and decreased lysosomal degradation of ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17) sheddase in pDCs, which is essential for TNF-α cleavage. Importantly, reduction of TNF-α secretion by IL-6–treated pDCs attenuated the inflammatory potential of RA patient–derived synovial fibroblasts. Collectively, these findings position pDCs as an important source of TNF-α in RA pathogenesis and unravel an anti-inflammatory mechanism of IL-6 by limiting the pDC-derived TNF-α secretion.
Affinity-Driven Site-Specific High Mannose Modification Determines the Structural Polymerization and Function of Tetrameric IgM in a Primitive Vertebrate
Authors: Yin Xiaoxue , Li Xiaoyu , Mu Liangliang , Bai Hao , Yang Yanjian , Chen Nuo , Wu Liting , Fu Shengli , Li Jun , Ying Wantao , Ye Jianmin 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Teleost tetramer IgM is the predominant Ig in the immune system and plays essential roles in host defense against microbial infection. Due to variable disulfide polymerization of the monomeric subunits, tetrameric IgM possesses considerable structural diversity. Previous work indicated that the teleost IgM H chain was fully occupied with complex-type N-glycans. However, after challenge with trinitrophenyl (TNP) Ag, the complex N-glycans in the Asn-509 site of Oreochromis niloticus IgM H chain transformed into high mannose. This study, therefore, was conducted to examine the functional roles of the affinity-related high-mannose modification in tilapia IgM. The TNP-specific IgM Ab affinity maturation was revealed in tilapia over the response. A positive correlation between TNP-specific IgM affinity and its disulfide polymerization level of isomeric structure was demonstrated. Mass spectrometric analysis indicated that the relationship between IgM affinity and disulfide polymerization was associated with the Asn-509 site-specific high-mannose modification. Furthermore, the increase of high mannose content promoted the combination of IgM and mannose receptor (MR) on the surface of phagocytes. Moreover, the increased interaction of IgM and MR amplified the phagocytic ability of phagocytes to Streptococcus agalactiae. To our knowledge, this study demonstrates that site-specific high-mannose modification associates with IgM Ab affinity and its structural disulfide polymerization and amplifies the phagocytosis of phagocytes by the combination of IgM and MR. The present study provides evidence for understanding the association of IgM structure and function during the evolution of the immune system.
Pazopanib Is a Potential Treatment for Coronavirus-Induced Lung Injuries
Authors: Luan Yi , Yuan Qianying , Wang Qijun , Compton Susan , Wu Dianqing , Tang Wenwen 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, responsible for the severe acute respiratory syndrome known as COVID-19, has rapidly spread in almost every country and devastated the global economy and health care system. Lung injury is an early disease manifestation believed to be a major contributor to short- and long-term pathological consequences of COVID-19, and thus drug discovery aiming to ameliorate lung injury could be a potential strategy to treat COVID-19 patients. By inducing a severe acute respiratory syndrome–like pulmonary disease model through infecting A/J mice with murine hepatitis virus strain 1 (MHV-1), we show that i.v. administration of pazopanib ameliorates acute lung injuries without affecting MHV-1 replication. Pazopanib reduces cell apoptosis in MHV-1–infected lungs. Furthermore, we also identified that pazopanib has to be given no later than 48 h after the virus infection without compromising the therapeutic effect. Our study provides a potential treatment for coronavirus-induced lung injuries and support for further evaluation of pazopanib in COVID-19 patients.
Zebrafish sirt5 Negatively Regulates Antiviral Innate Immunity by Attenuating Phosphorylation and Ubiquitination of mavs
Authors: Chen Xiaoyun , Fan Sijia , Zhu Chunchun , Liao Qian , Tang Jinhua , Yu Guangqing , Cai Xiaolian , Ouyang Gang , Xiao Wuhan , Liu Xing 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The signaling adaptor MAVS is a critical determinant in retinoic acid–inducible gene 1–like receptor signaling, and its activation is tightly controlled by multiple mechanisms in response to viral infection, including phosphorylation and ubiquitination. In this article, we demonstrate that zebrafish sirt5, one of the sirtuin family proteins, negatively regulates mavs-mediated antiviral innate immunity. Sirt5 is induced by spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) infection and binds to mavs, resulting in attenuating phosphorylation and ubiquitination of mavs. Disruption of sirt5 in zebrafish promotes survival ratio after challenge with SVCV. Consistently, the antiviral responsive genes are enhanced, and the replication of SVCV is diminished in sirt5-dificient zebrafish. Therefore, we reveal a function of zebrafish sirt5 in the negative regulation of antiviral innate immunity by targeting mavs.
Insights into the Antibacterial Properties of Complement Peptides C3a, C4a, and C5a across Vertebrates
Authors: Zhang Xu-Jie , Zhong Ya-Qin , Ma Zi-You , Hu Ya-Zhen , Su Jian-Guo , Zhang Yong-An 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Complement peptides C3a, C4a, and C5a are important components of innate immunity in vertebrates. Although they diverged from a common ancestor, only C3a and C4a can act as antibacterial peptides in Homo sapiens, suggesting that C5a has evolved into a purely chemotactic molecule; however, the antibacterial properties of C3a, C4a, and C5a across vertebrates still require elucidation. In this article, we show that, unlike those in H. sapiens, Mus musculus C3a, C4a, and C5a all possess antibacterial activities, implying that the antibacterial properties of C3a, C4a, and C5a have evolved divergently in vertebrates. The extremely different net charge, a key factor determining the antibacterial activities of cationic antimicrobial peptides, of vertebrate C3a, C4a, and C5a supports this speculation. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of overlapping peptides covering vertebrate C3a, C4a, and C5a further strongly supports the speculation, because their activity is positively correlated with the net charge of source molecules. Notably, the structures of C3a, C4a, and C5a are conserved in vertebrates, and the inactive overlapping peptides can become antibacterial peptides if mutated to possess enough net positive charges, indicating that net charge is the only factor determining the antibacterial properties of vertebrate C3a, C4a, and C5a. More importantly, many vertebrate C3a-, C4a-, and C5a-derived peptides possess high antibacterial activities yet exhibit no hemolytic activities, suggesting the application potential in anti-infective therapy. Taken together, our findings reveal that vertebrate C3a, C4a, and C5a are all sources of antibacterial peptides that will facilitate the design of excellent peptide antibiotics.