bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alteration of pulmonary macrophage function by respiratory syncytial virus infection in vitro.
Authors: Franke-Ullmann G , Pförtner C , Walter P , Steinmüller C , Lohmann-Matthes M L , Kobzik L , Freihorst J 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Alveolar macrophages (AL) are the first line of defense against inhaled pathogens and are exposed to virus during the course of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Interference of virus with alveolar macrophage functions may contribute to the risk of acquiring secondary bacterial infections during or after respiratory tract infections with RSV or other viral agents. We studied whether murine AL get infected with RSV and whether they support viral replication in vitro. In addition, the effects of RSV on microbicidal and on immunoregulatory functions were examined. Only a subpopulation of AL expressed viral F proteins after exposure of these cells to RSV. Infected AL released only small amounts of infectious virus into the supernatant. The extent of virus replication in AL seemed to be dependent in part on the amount of IFN induced by the virus, as has been demonstrated by infection of lung tissue macrophages and AL in vitro. In general, RSV infection of pulmonary macrophages appeared to be abortive. Nevertheless, release of reactive oxygen intermediates, phagocytosis, and killing of protozoa were reduced in RSV-infected AL in comparison to noninfected AL. In contrast, RSV stimulated secretion of TNF-alpha, IL-1, and IL-6 in an infectious-dose dependent manner. Along with the increased cytokine release, accessory functions of AL were increased after RSV exposure. Thus, exposure of AL to RSV appeared to stimulate their immunoregulatory functions, whereas the microbicidal activity of these cells seemed to be severely diminished.
IgG immune complexes inhibit IFN-gamma-induced transcription of the Fc gamma RI gene in human monocytes by preventing the tyrosine phosphorylation of the p91 (Stat1) transcription factor.
Authors: Feldman G M , Chuang E J , Finbloom D S 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Immune complexes (IC) modulate Ag-driven immune responses in part by their ability to inhibit IFN-gamma-dependent MHC class II expression. Because many genes, including MHC class II Ags, transcriptionally activated by IFN-gamma require the tyrosine phosphorylation of the transcription factor p91 (Stat1), we examined whether IC could suppress IFN-gamma-induced expression of the Fc gamma receptor I gene (Fc gamma RI) in human monocytes and whether this occurred through inhibition of p91 phosphorylation. Preincubation of monocytes on gamma-globulin-coated dishes resulted in a 80% reduction in steady state levels of RNA for the Fc gamma RI gene. Nuclear run-on analysis confirmed that the inhibition was at the level of transcription. Treatment with IC resulted in no change in the IFN-gamma receptor number. In monocytes pretreated with IC, there was a 79% reduction in the formation of FcRF gamma, a p91-containing DNA binding protein complex that is rapidly activated by IFN-gamma, and which recognizes the gamma response region enhancer within the promoter of the Fc gamma RI gene. Furthermore, there was a marked reduction in the tyrosine phosphorylation of p91. Pretreatment with IC resulted in the inhibition of the tyrosine phosphorylation of the tyrosine kinases, Jak1 and Jak2, both of which are involved in IFN-gamma signal transduction. Therefore, culture of monocytes on IC inhibits IFN-gamma-induced expression of the Fc gamma RI gene by preventing tyrosine phosphorylation of p91, probably by the associated inhibition of the tyrosine kinases Jak1 and Jak2.
A peptide-based human T cell leukemia virus type I vaccine containing T and B cell epitopes that induces high titers of neutralizing antibodies.
Authors: Baba E , Nakamura M , Ohkuma K , Kira J , Tanaka Y , Nakano S , Niho Y 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
We have recently identified the principal linear neutralizing B cell epitopes of human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) on the envelope protein gp46, amino acids (aa) 187-199, by using a number of human mAbs. We therefore propose that this region would be a good candidate for a peptide-based HTLV-I vaccine. To develop a peptide-based vaccine that can induce a high titer of neutralizing Abs against HTLV-I, we first synthesized peptides of various lengths containing aa187-199. Because the addition of gp46 aa181-186 or aa200-210 to either the N-terminus or C-terminus of SP187-199 did not alter the antigenicity of the principal neutralizing determinant, we prepared two peptide-based vaccines, MAP181-203 and MAP181-210, by conjugating SP181-203 and SP181-210 with a branched polylysine oligomer. In rabbits, X4 to X8 and X8 to X64 titers of the neutralizing Abs were induced by immunization with MAP181-203 and MAP181-210, respectively. Furthermore, high titers of neutralizing Abs (X40 to X320) were elicited in five different strains of rats by immunization with MAP181-210. We also identified the major T cell epitope on gp46 aa194-210 in various strains of rats immunized with MAP181-210. Furthermore, the peripheral T lymphocytes obtained from the majority of HTLV-I-infected patients including HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma, and healthy carriers, proliferated in response to the peptides containing aa194-210. These results indicated that MAP181-210 contains a T cell helper epitope on aa194-210 not only in rats and rabbits, but also in humans with various HLA haplotypes. It is therefore possible that MAP181-210 could become one of the candidates for a peptide-based HTLV-I vaccine for human use.
In vivo depletion of Thy-1-positive cells originating from normal bone marrow abrogates the suppression of gld disease in normal-gld mixed bone marrow chimeras.
Authors: MacDonald G C , Kakkanaiah V N , Sobel E S , Cohen P L , Eisenberg R A 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Mice homozygous for gld develop an autoimmune syndrome characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, massive accumulation of abnormal T cells and the production of autoantibodies. Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that reconstitution of lethally irradiated B6/gld recipients with a mixture of normal and gld bone marrow (BM) suppresses the gld-induced syndrome. In this report we extend this observation by demonstrating that the depletion of normal Thy-1+ cells, but not normal B cells, restores gld disease in mixed BM chimeras congenic for Thy-1 and IgH alleles. These results strongly suggest that normal T cells suppress the development of gld-related abnormalities. It is probable that the mechanism by which normal Thy-1+ cells mediate the suppression is Fas ligand dependent.
Naive CD28-deficient T cells can initiate but not sustain an in vitro antigen-specific immune response.
Authors: Lucas P J , Negishi I , Nakayama K , Fields L E , Loh D Y 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Naive T cells require an Ag-specific signal, as well as a costimulatory signal to mount a primary Ag-specific response. Because of their low precursor frequency, it has been difficult to study costimulatory requirements of these Ag-specific T cells. We have generated a CD28-deficient mouse that has been bred to a TCR transgenic (Tg) mouse to better study the function of CD28 during CD4+ T cell responses to Ag. In the absence of CD28, naive TCR Tg T cells responded vigorously to peptide, but responded poorly to mitogen activation. Comparison of activation-induced cell-surface molecules, including CD25, CD44, CD69, and CD71, showed no significant differences between CD28+ and CD28- TCR Tg T cells during the first 24 to 48 h after Ag stimulation. Despite relatively normal surface phenotype and normal proliferative response to Ag, CD28- T cells produced little IL-2, had a decreased sensitivity to lower Ag concentrations, and were unable to maintain their proliferative response. These results suggest that naive T cells are able to utilize other costimulatory signals to initiate a primary Ag-specific response, but require CD28 for optimal, sustained proliferation.
Mapping of genes controlling quantitative antibody production in Biozzi mice.
Authors: Puel A , Groot P C , Lathrop M G , Demant P , Mouton D 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
An extensive search for in vivo immunomodulatory genes (Im genes) was made, using highly polymorphic DNA markers (microsatellites), in F2 hybrids between the two lines of mice selected for high (H) or low (L) Ab production (Biozzi mice). H and L mice have extreme phenotypes resulting from the accumulation, during selective breeding, of genes endowed with, respectively, upward or downward additive effects on Ab production. A total genome screening with 90 microsatellite markers (polymorphic between H and L mice) was conducted in 60 F2 hybrids sorted out for their extreme phenotypes from an immunized population of 240 individuals. A difference in parental marker frequency between these two groups (measured by a chi2 test) reveals the presence of an Im gene close to the marker. Significant chi2 scores were indeed found in two regions corresponding to the MHC and Igh loci, already identified as partly contributing to the H/L phenotypic difference. A notable finding was the demonstration that a gene(s), located on the proximal part of chromosome 6, was linked with Ab responsiveness. Other markers at distinct chromosomal regions also give increased chi2 scores, the two regions most clearly pointed out being on chromosomes 4 and 8.
Activation of gamma delta T cells for production of IFN-gamma is mediated by bacteria via macrophage-derived cytokines IL-1 and IL-12.
Authors: Skeen M J , Ziegler H K 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Gamma delta T cells are found at sites of microbial infection and have been reported to proliferate in response to bacterial Ags. We show here that although the response by Listeria-elicited peritoneal gamma delta T cells to heat-killed bacteria in the presence of macrophage accessory cells may be partially mediated via the TCR, it is predominantly mediated via cytokines produced by the macrophages. Macrophage cytokines IL-12 and IL-1 synergize to induce some proliferation and considerable IFN-gamma production by peritoneal gamma delta T cells. This cytokine synergy pattern differs from that reported for NK cells, in which IL-12 in combination with either IL-2 or TNF-alpha induces NK cells to produce IFN-gamma. The combination of IL-12 and IL-1 provides a strong stimulus for IFN-gamma production by gamma delta T cells, but a relatively weak signal for proliferation. This is in contrast to the strong proliferative signal from the combination of IL-7 and IL-1 and the relatively weak stimulation of IFN-gamma production by the IL-7/IL-1 combination. Thus, there is differential regulation of NK and gamma delta T cells by cytokines and differential regulation of activation functions within the gamma delta T cell population by combinations of cytokines. These data provide evidence for a potentially important pathway for augmentation of IFN-gamma secretion at sites of infection where gamma delta T cells are found in abundance and where IFN-gamma may play a major role in the control of the infection.
Down-regulating effects of IL-4 and IL-10 on the IFN-gamma response in atopic dermatitis.
Authors: Lester M R , Hofer M F , Gately M , Trumble A , Leung D Y 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic allergic disease associated with toxin (superantigen)-producing Staphylococcus aureus skin infections, impaired delayed hypersensitivity responses, and the expansion of IL-4-secreting Th2 cells, as well as diminished IFN-gamma synthesis. IL-12 is known to induce IFN-gamma synthesis and to augment Th1 responses. In this study, therefore, we examined the potential role of IL-12 in the immunopathogenesis of AD. We show that, after stimulation with staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) or IL-12, PBMC from patients with AD are deficient in their ability to produce IFN-gamma. PBMC from AD patients, however, produced normal quantities of IL-12 and expressed normal levels of IL-12R. Induction of IFN-gamma by TSST-1 was decreased by neutralizing anti-IL-12 Ab in normal donors, but not in AD patients. The latter observation is consistent with a defective response to IL-12 in AD PBMC. Because AD is associated with increased production of IL-4 and IL-10, we examined the effect of IL-4 on IL-12- or TSST-1-induced IFN-gamma production in normal donors. IL-4 inhibited IL-12-induced IFN-gamma production. Furthermore, Ab neutralization of IL-4 caused increased production of IFN-gamma in AD PBMC. However, neutralization of IL-10 activity caused an even greater augmentation of IFN-gamma production. Our data suggest that despite normal levels of IL-12 production and IL-12R expression, PBMC from AD patients are unable to generate normal IL-12-induced IFN-gamma responses. This defective response may be due to the excess production of IL-4 and IL-10 in this common allergic condition.
IFN-alpha treatment suppresses the development of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis.
Authors: Shenoy M , Baron S , Wu B , Goluszko E , Christadoss P 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an Ab-mediated autoimmune neuromuscular disease and is linked to MHC class II beta-chain polymorphism. Corticosteroids and azathioprine are the primary immunosuppressive drugs used in the treatment of MG. These drugs have significant side effects and have limited efficacy. Therefore, drugs with fewer side effects and greater efficacy are being sought. IFN-alpha is a potent immunomodulator and has been shown to down-regulate MHC class II expression on lymphoid cells. MHC class II expression is critical for the development of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). Because of the immunomodulating effects of IFN-alpha and its effect on the MHC class II expression, we tested the therapeutic efficacy of IFN-alpha on EAMG induced by immunization with acetylcholine receptor (AChR) in CFA. IFN-alpha (10(5) IU three times weekly for 5 wk) treatment started 1 wk after the second immunization with AChR in CFA, when autoimmunity to AChR is well established, reduced the incidence of clinical EAMG by more than 50% in two separate experiments (p = 0.04 and 0.008). Therefore, IFN-alpha could be a potential agent for the control of MG, and other Ab-mediated autoimmune diseases.
Requirement for a beta 2-microglobulin-associated Fc receptor for acquisition of maternal IgG by fetal and neonatal mice.
Authors: Israel E J , Patel V K , Taylor S F , Marshak-Rothstein A , Simister N E 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
There is considerable evidence to suggest that an FcR similar in structure to class I MHC Ags, neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), transports IgG across the intestinal epithelium of suckling mice. However, this has not previously been shown definitively, nor has it been shown whether FcRn is the only, or even the major, IgG transporter in the neonatal mouse gut. We report here that neonatal mice homozygous for a targeted disruption of the beta 2microglobulin (beta 2m) gene, which encodes one subunit of FcRn, had reduced FcRn alpha-chain at the lumenal plasma membrane of intestinal cells. These mice had strikingly lower serum IgG levels during the first month after birth than littermates that possessed functional FcRn. Furthermore, we found by fostering mice on mothers with a different IgG allotype that all of the IgG in sera of beta 2m-/- mice was endogenous, and that none was obtained from milk. We conclude that FcRn is the only transporter of IgG from mother to young in the mouse. The onset of IgG synthesis in mice that received no milk IgG lagged behind that in siblings with normal IgG transport, suggesting that maternal IgG stimulates Ab production in the neonate. We noted no difference between the IgG concentrations in the milk of beta 2m-/- and beta 2m+/- mice, indicating that FcRn is not involved in the secretion of IgG into milk.
Characterization of a rabbit germ-line VH gene that is a candidate donor for VH gene conversion in mutant Alicia rabbits.
Authors: Chen H T , Alexander C B , Mage R G 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Normal rabbits preferentially rearrange the 3'-most VH gene, VH1, to encode Igs with VHa allotypes, which constitute the majority of rabbit serum Igs. A gene conversion-like mechanism is employed to diversify the primary Ab repertoire. In mutant Alicia rabbits that derived from a rabbit with VHa2 allotype, the VH1 gene was deleted. Our previous studies showed that the first functional gene (VH4) or VH4-like genes were rearranged in 2- to 8-wk-old homozygous Alicia. The VH1a2-like sequences that were found in splenic mRNA from 6-wk and older Alicia rabbits still had some residues that were typical of VH4. The appearances of sequences resembling that of VH1a2 may have been caused by gene conversions that altered the sequences of the rearranged VH or there may have been rearrangement of upstream VH1a2-like genes later in development. To investigate this further, we constructed a cosmid library and isolated a VH1a2-like gene, VH12-1-6, with a sequence almost identical to VH1a2. This gene had a deleted base in the heptamer of its recombination signal sequence. However, even if this defect diminished or eliminated its ability to rearrange, the a2-like gene could have acted as a donor for gene-conversion-like alteration of rearranged VH genes. Sequence comparisons suggested that this gene or a gene like it could have acted as a donor for gene conversion in mutant Alicia and in normal rabbits.
Abnormal regulation of the IL-2 promoter in lpr CD4-CD8- T lymphocytes results in constitutive expression of a novel nuclear factor of activated T cells-binding factor.
Authors: Clements J L , Cooper S M , Budd R C 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The inert quality of MRL-Ipr/Ipr (Ipr) peripheral CD4-CD8- (CD4-8-) T cells manifests primarily as an inability to proliferate or produce IL-2 in response to TCR or mitogenic stimulation. Yet these same cells do initiate early TCR-mediated signaling events, such as generation of inositol phosphates and increased intracellular calcium. They also display constitutively high levels of p59fyn and CD3 zeta tyrosine phosphorylation. The generation of second messengers in T cells normally leads to downstream signaling that results in transcriptional activation of the IL-2 gene. We, therefore, compared the activation state of the IL-2 gene promoter region in freshly isolated and stimulated Ipr CD4-8- T cells with that of normal T lymphocytes. Levels of the octamer, NF-kappa B (p50-p65 heterodimer), and AP-1 transcriptional factors are constitutively elevated in freshly isolated Ipr CD4-8- T cells, consistent with the activated phenotype of these cells. Upon stimulation with mitogens, formation of the transactivating complex, nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF-AT), occurs with normal kinetics in Ipr CD4-8- T cells. Yet, the levels of the activating NF-AT complex never reach those observed in similarly stimulated normal T cells. Furthermore, nuclear extracts from Ipr CD4-8- T cells display high levels of a novel specific binding activity at the NF-AT site, which is present at much lower levels in freshly isolated normal T lymphocytes. Upon mitogenic stimulation, the binding activity of the novel NF-AT-binding factor is rapidly down-regulated in normal T cells, but persists at high levels in Ipr CD4-8- T cells. These two abnormalities at the NF-AT site provide a potential mechanism to account for the defect in IL-2 production from Ipr CD4-8- T cells.
The natural human IgG anti-F(ab')2 antibody recognizes a conformational IgG1 hinge epitope.
Authors: Terness P , Kohl I , Hübener G , Battistutta R , Moroder L , Welschof M , Dufter C , Finger M , Hain C , Jung M 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Natural IgG anti-F(ab')2 Abs are part of the physiologic immune repertoire and have important immunoregulatory functions. Although previous work suggested that some of these Abs recognize epitopes located in the constant region of the F(ab')2 molecule, an exact epitope mapping has not been performed. We found that the anti-F(ab')2 Ab binds strongly to F(ab')2 but only weakly to Fab fragments. Fab fragments are lacking the core and lower hinge region. In our experiments, we show that the IgG anti-F(ab')2 Ab binds strongly to a synthetic double chain peptide (225-237/225'-237') comprising the core and lower hinge region of the human IgG1 molecule. In contrast, it binds only weakly to the same peptide in monomeric form (225-237) or to a short double chain hinge peptide (225-232/225'-232'). The double chain peptides comprise a cyclic region between the two cystine bridges and an exocyclic region. Previous nuclear magnetic resonance analyses showed that the cyclic portion of the short double chain hinge peptide adopts the same conformation as that found in the intact IgG1 molecule. The dichroic properties of the short and long double chain hinge peptides indicate that they have identical conformations in their cyclic regions, but have different conformations in their exocyclic regions. The conformational differences in the exocyclic regions explain the binding of the Ab to the long double chain hinge peptide and the lack of binding to the short one. The circular dichroism spectrum of the monomeric hinge peptide, which is not recognized by the Ab, is consistent with the absence of an ordered peptide structure. These findings lead us to conclude that the IgG anti-F(ab')2 Ab recognizes a conformational IgG1 hinge epitope.
Effective eradication of established murine tumors with IL-12 gene therapy using a polycistronic retroviral vector.
Authors: Tahara H , Zitvogel L , Storkus W J , Zeh H J , McKinney T G , Schreiber R D , Gubler U , Robbins P D , Lotze M T 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Our recent studies using IL-12 protein or fibroblasts genetically engineered to secrete IL-12 have demonstrated profound antitumor effects of IL-12 in murine models. The antitumor effects of local, high level IL-12 expression were examined using a retroviral vector, which can express both IL-12 subunits (p35 and p40) and the neomycin phosphotransferase (Neo)-marker gene from a polycistronic message utilizing internal ribosome entry site sequences. All animals intradermally (i.d.) receiving MCA207 murine sarcoma cell line nontransfected or Neo-transfected had progressively growing tumor, whereas all animals injected with MCA207 transfected with IL-12 were tumor free and were subsequently determined to be immune to a rechallenge of nontransfected MCA207 i.d. Similar results were obtained in experiments using the poorly immunogenic MCA102 murine sarcoma cell line. The inoculation of live MCA207-IL-12 tumor cells also caused the regression of contralateral nontransfected MCA207 inoculated either at the same time (80% protection) or up to 3 days before (33% protection) to the therapeutic tumor inoculation. In vivo depletion studies suggest that NK cells and IFN-gamma play important roles in the development of the early phase of the antitumor response, but that T cells (both CD4+ and CD8+) play the major role in the subsequent events, leading to long-term immunity. The potent antitumor effects observed for paracrine gene-delivered administration of IL-12 have thus been confirmed for multiple tumor cell types and in multiple murine strains. We believe that these results support the feasibility of IL-12 gene therapy for the treatment of human cancer.