Abstract: Human heat shock protein 60 (hsp60) elicits a potent proinflammatory response in cells of the innate immune system and therefore has been proposed as a danger signal of stressed or damaged cells We report here that macrophages of C3H/HeJ mice, carrying a mutant Toll-like-receptor (Tlr) 4 are nonresponsive to hsp60 Both the induction of TNF-alpha and NO formation were found dependent on a functional Tlr4 whereas stimulation of macrophages by CpG DNA was Tlr4 independent We conclude that Tlr4 mediates hsp60 signaling This is the first report of a putative endogenous ligand of the Tlr4 complex

Abstract: We have generated a panel of mAbs that identify three presumably novel human dendritic cell Ags: BDCA-2, BDCA-3, and BDCA-4. In blood, BDCA-2 and BDCA-4 are expressed on CD11c− CD123bright plasmacytoid dendritic cells, whereas BDCA-3 is expressed on small population of CD11c+ CD123− dendritic cells. All three Ags are not detectable on a third blood dendritic cell population, which is CD1c+ CD11cbright CD123dim, or on any other cells in blood. BDCA-4 is also expressed on monocyte-derived and CD34+ cell-derived dendritic cells. Expression of all three Ags dramatically changes once blood dendritic cells undergo in vitro maturation. BDCA-2 is completely down-regulated on plasmacytoid CD11c− CD123bright dendritic cells, expression of BDCA-3 is up-regulated on both plasmacytoid CD11c− CD123bright dendritic cells and CD1c+ CD11cbright CD123dim dendritic cells, and expression of BDCA-4 is up-regulated on CD1c+ CD11cbright CD123dim dendritic cells. BDCA-2 is rapidly internalized at 37°C after mAb labeling. The three presumably novel Ags serve as specific markers for the respective subpopulations of blood dendritic cells in fresh blood and will be of great value for their further analysis and to evaluate their therapeutic potential.

Abstract: We have identified new activating receptors of the Ig superfamily expressed on human myeloid cells, called TREM (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells). TREM-1 is selectively expressed on blood neutrophils and a subset of monocytes and is up-regulated by bacterial LPS. Engagement of TREM-1 triggers secretion of IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and TNF-alpha and induces neutrophil degranulation. Intracellularly, TREM-1 induces Ca2+ mobilization and tyrosine phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase 1 (ERK1), ERK2 and phospholipase C-gamma. To mediate activation, TREM-1 associates with the transmembrane adapter molecule DAP12. Thus, TREM-1 mediates activation of neutrophil and monocytes, and may have a predominant role in inflammatory responses.

Abstract: 1 Alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), the active form of vitamin D3, is a potent immunomodulatory agent. Here we show that dendritic cells (DCs) are major targets of 1,25(OH)2D3-induced immunosuppressive activity. 1,25(OH)2D3 prevents the differentiation in immature DCs of human monocytes cultured with GM-CSF and IL-4. Addition of 1,25(OH)2D3 during LPS-induced maturation maintains the immature DC phenotype characterized by high mannose receptor and low CD83 expression and markedly inhibits up-regulation of the costimulatory molecules CD40, CD80, and CD86 and of class II MHC molecules. This is associated with a reduced capacity of DCs to activate alloreactive T cells, as determined by decreased proliferation and IFN-gamma secretion in mixed leukocyte cultures. 1, 25(OH)2D3 also affects maturing DCs, leading to inhibition of IL-12p75 and enhanced IL-10 secretion upon activation by CD40 ligation. In addition, 1,25(OH)2D3 promotes the spontaneous apoptosis of mature DCs. The modulation of phenotype and function of DCs matured in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3 induces cocultured alloreactive CD4+ cells to secrete less IFN-gamma upon restimulation, up-regulate CD152, and down-regulate CD154 molecules. The inhibition of DC differentiation and maturation as well as modulation of their activation and survival leading to T cell hyporesponsiveness may explain the immunosuppressive activity of 1, 25(OH)2D3.

Abstract: Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 has recently been associated with cellular responses to numerous microbial products, including LPS and bacterial lipoproteins. However, many preparations of LPS contain low concentrations of highly bioactive contaminants described previously as “endotoxin protein,” suggesting that these contaminants could be responsible for the TLR2-mediated signaling observed upon LPS stimulation. To test this hypothesis, commercial preparations of LPS were subjected to a modified phenol re-extraction protocol to eliminate endotoxin protein. While it did not influence the ability to stimulate cells from wild-type mice, repurification eliminated the ability of LPS to activate cells from C3H/HeJ ( Lps d ) mice. Additionally, only cell lines transfected with human TLR4, but not human or murine TLR2, acquired responsiveness to both re-extracted LPS and to a protein-free, synthetic preparation of lipid A. These results suggest that neither human nor murine TLR2 plays a role in LPS signaling in the absence of contaminating endotoxin protein.

Abstract: Members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family probably play a fundamental role in pathogen recognition and activation of innate immunity. The present study used a systematic approach to analyze how different human leukocyte populations express specific transcripts for the first five characterized TLR family members. TLR1 was expressed in all leukocytes examined, including monocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, T and B cells, and NK cells. In contrast TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5 were expressed in myelomonocytic elements. Exposure to bacterial products, such as LPS or lipoarabinomannan, or to proinflammatory cytokines increased TLR4 expression in monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, whereas IL-10 blocked this effect. TLR3 was only expressed in human dendritic cells (DC) wherein maturation induced by bacterial products or cytokines was associated with reduced expression. TLR3 mRNA expression was detected by in situ hybridization in DC and lymph nodes. These results demonstrate that TLR1 through TLR5 mRNAs are differentially expressed and regulated in human leukocytes. In particular, expression of TLR3 transcripts is restricted to DC that are the only elements which express the full TLR repertoire. These data suggest that TLR can be classified based on expression pattern as ubiquitous (TLR1), restricted (TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5 in myelomonocytic cells), and specific (TLR3 in DC) molecules.

Abstract: Toll-like receptor (TLR) family acts as pattern recognition receptors for pathogen-specific molecular patterns. We previously showed that TLR2 recognizes Gram-positive bacterial components whereas TLR4 recognizes LPS, a component of Gram-negative bacteria. MyD88 is shown to be an adaptor molecule essential for TLR family signaling. To investigate the role of TLR family in host defense against Gram-positive bacteria, we infected TLR2- and MyD88-deficient mice with Staphylococcus aureus. Both TLR2- and MyD88-deficient mice were highly susceptible to S. aureus infection, with more enhanced susceptibility in MyD88-deficient mice. Peritoneal macrophages from MyD88-deficient mice did not produce any detectable levels of cytokines in response to S. aureus. In contrast, TLR2-deficient macrophages produced reduced, but significant, levels of the cytokines, and TLR4-deficient macrophages produced the same amounts as wild-type cells, indicating that S. aureus is recognized not only by TLR2, but also by other TLR family members except for TLR4.

Abstract: Resveratrol (trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene), a polyphenolic phytoalexin found in grapes, fruits, and root extracts of the weed Polygonum cuspidatum, exhibits anti-inflammatory, cell growth-modulatory, and anticarcinogenic effects. How this chemical produces these effects is not known, but it may work by suppressing NF-kappaB, a nuclear transcription factor that regulates the expression of various genes involved in inflammation, cytoprotection, and carcinogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effect of resveratrol on NF-kappaB activation induced by various inflammatory agents. Resveratrol blocked TNF-induced activation of NF-kappaB in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Resveratrol also suppressed TNF-induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB, and NF-kappaB-dependent reporter gene transcription. Suppression of TNF-induced NF-kappaB activation by resveratrol was not restricted to myeloid cells (U-937); it was also observed in lymphoid (Jurkat) and epithelial (HeLa and H4) cells. Resveratrol also blocked NF-kappaB activation induced by PMA, LPS, H2O2, okadaic acid, and ceramide. The suppression of NF-kappaB coincided with suppression of AP-1. Resveratrol also inhibited the TNF-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase and abrogated TNF-induced cytotoxicity and caspase activation. Both reactive oxygen intermediate generation and lipid peroxidation induced by TNF were suppressed by resveratrol. Resveratrol's anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and growth-modulatory effects may thus be partially ascribed to the inhibition of activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1 and the associated kinases.

Abstract: The dendritic cells (DC) of mouse spleen and thymus were examined for expression of CD4 and CD8. Provided care was taken to avoid selective extraction or selective depletion of DC subpopulations, three main types of DC were detected in mouse spleen: a major new population of CD4+8− DEC-205low CD11bhigh DC, together with the previously described CD4−8− DEC-205low CD11bhigh DC and CD4−8αα+ DEC-205high CD11blow DC. The CD4 on the surface of the CD4+ splenic DC subpopulation was produced by the DC themselves, and CD4 RNA transcripts were present. Likewise, the CD8α on the surface of the splenic CD8+ DC was shown to be a product of the DC themselves, in agreement with earlier evidence. All three spleen DC types would be considered as mature, based on expression of CD80, CD86, and CD40 as well as on T cell stimulating function. Mouse thymuses appeared to contain two DC types; both were DEC-205highCD11blow, but they differed in the level of CD8αα expression. However, as well as this authenticated marker expression, immunofluorescent staining was also found to reflect a series of artifacts, due to the autofluorescence of contaminating cells and due to pickup of CD4 and CD8αβ. By constructing mice chimeric for the hemopoietic lineages using mixtures of wild-type bone marrow with CD4null or CD8αnull bone marrow, a marked pickup by thymic DC of Ags derived from thymocytes was demonstrated.

Abstract: Monocytes/macrophages exposed to LPS show reduced responses to second stimulation with LPS, which is termed LPS tolerance. In this study, we investigated molecular mechanism of LPS tolerance in macrophages. Mouse peritoneal macrophages pre-exposed to LPS exhibited reduced production of inflammatory cytokines in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Activation of neither IL-1 receptor-associated kinase nor NF-κB was observed in macrophages that became tolerant by LPS pretreatment, indicating that the proximal event in Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-MyD88-dependent signaling is affected in tolerant macrophages. Although TLR4 mRNA expression significantly decreased within a few hours of LPS pretreatment and returned to the original level at 24 h, the surface TLR4 expression began to decrease within 1 h, with a gradual decrease after that, and remained suppressed over 24 h. A decrease in inflammatory cytokine production in tolerant macrophages well correlates with down-regulation of the surface TLR4 expression, which may explain one of the mechanisms for LPS tolerance.

Abstract: LPS elicits several immediate proinflammatoy responses in peripheral blood leukocytes via a recently described pathway including CD14, Toll-like receptors (TLR), serine-threonine kinases, and NF-kappaB transcription factor. However, the functional responses of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) to stimulation with LPS are unknown. Expression of mRNA and protein for CD14 and TLRs were assessed by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry in mouse and human IEC lines. LPS-induced activation of signaling pathways (p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, p65, NF-kappaB) were assessed by immunoblotting and gel shifts. CD14 mRNA and protein expression were not detectable in IEC. However, human TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 mRNA were present in IEC. TLR4 protein was expressed in all cell lines; however, TLR2 protein was absent in HT29 cells. Immunofluorescent staining of T84 cells demonstrated the cell-surface presence of the TLRs. LPS-stimulation of IEC resulted in activation (>1.5-fold) of the three members of the MAPK family. In contrast, LPS did not significantly induce activation of JNK and p38 in CMT93 cells, p38 in T84 cells and MAPK and JNK in HT29 cells. Downstream, LPS activated NF-kappaB in IEC in a time-, dose-, and serum-dependent manner. IEC express TLRs that appear to mediate LPS stimulation of specific intracellular signal transduction pathways in IEC. Thus, IEC may play a frontline role in monitoring lumenal bacteria.

Abstract: Rituxan (Rituximab) is a chimeric mAb with human IgG1 constant domains used in the therapy of non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphomas. This Ab targets B cells by binding to the cell-surface receptor, CD20. In our investigation of the mechanism of B cell depletion mediated by Rituximab, we first constructed mutants of Rituximab defective in complement activation but with all other effector functions intact. Our results demonstrate that the previously described C1q binding motif in murine IgG2b constituting residues E318, K320, and K322 is not applicable to a human IgG1 when challenged with either human, rabbit, or guinea pig complement. Alanine substitution at positions E318 and K320 in Rituximab had little or no effect on C1q binding and complement activation, whereas alanine substitution at positions D270, K322, P329, and P331 significantly reduced the ability of Rituximab to bind C1q and activate complement. We have also observed that concentrations of complement approaching physiological levels are able to rescue >60% of the activity of these mutant Abs with low affinity for C1q. These data localize the C1q binding epicenter on human IgG1 and suggest that there are species-specific differences in the C1q binding site of Igs.

Abstract: Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides within specific sequence contexts (CpG motifs) are detected, like bacterial or viral DNA, as a danger signal by the vertebrate immune system. CpG ODN synthesized with a nuclease-resistant phosphorothioate backbone have been shown to be potent Th1-directed adjuvants in mice, but these motifs have been relatively inactive on primate leukocytes in vitro. Moreover, in vitro assays that predict in vivo adjuvant activity for primates have not been reported. In the present study we tested a panel of CpG ODN for their in vitro and in vivo immune effects in mice and identified in vitro activation of B and NK cells as excellent predictors of in vivo adjuvant activity. Therefore, we tested >250 phosphorothioate ODN for their capacity to stimulate proliferation and CD86 expression of human B cells and to induce lytic activity and CD69 expression of human NK cells. These studies revealed that the sequence, number, and spacing of individual CpG motifs contribute to the immunostimulatory activity of a CpG phosphorothioate ODN. An ODN with a TpC dinucleotide at the 5' end followed by three 6 mer CpG motifs (5'-GTCGTT-3') separated by TpT dinucleotides consistently showed the highest activity for human, chimpanzee, and rhesus monkey leukocytes. Chimpanzees or monkeys vaccinated once against hepatitis B with this CpG ODN adjuvant developed 15 times higher anti-hepatitis B Ab titers than those receiving vaccine alone. In conclusion, we report an optimal human CpG motif for phosphorothioate ODN that is a candidate human vaccine adjuvant.

Abstract: Lipoxins (LX) are lipoxygenase-derived eicosanoids generated during inflammation. LX inhibit polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) chemotaxis and adhesion and are putative braking signals for PMN-mediated tissue injury. In this study, we report that LXA4 promotes another important step in the resolution phase of inflammation, namely, phagocytosis of apoptotic PMN by monocyte-derived macrophages (Mphi). LXA4 triggered rapid, concentration-dependent uptake of apoptotic PMN. This bioactivity was shared by stable synthetic LXA4 analogues (picomolar concentrations) but not by other eicosanoids tested. LXA4-triggered phagocytosis did not provoke IL-8 or monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 release. LXA4-induced phagocytosis was attenuated by anti-CD36, alphavbeta3, and CD18 mAbs. LXA4-triggered PMN uptake was inhibited by pertussis toxin and by 8-bromo-cAMP and was mimicked by Rp-cAMP, a protein kinase A inhibitor. LXA4 attenuated PGE2-stimulated protein kinase A activation in Mphi. These results suggest that LXA4 is an endogenous stimulus for PMN clearance during inflammation and provide a novel rationale for using stable synthetic analogues as anti-inflammatory compounds in vivo.

Abstract: The vertebrate immune system recognizes bacterial DNA based on the presence of unmethylated CpG-dinucleotides in particular base contexts ("CpG motifs"). In contrast to mice, knowledge about CpG-mediated effects on human B cells is poor. In the present study we identify and determine an optimal human CpG motif. A phosphodiester oligonucleotide containing this motif strongly stimulated CD86, CD40, CD54, and MHC class II expression, IL-6 synthesis, and proliferation of primary human B cells. These effects required internalization of the oligonucleotide and endosomal maturation. The molecular mechanism of action of this CpG motif was associated with the sustained induction of the NF-kappaB p50/p65 heterodimer and of the transcription-factor complex AP-1. Transcription-factor activation by CpG DNA was preceded by increased phosphorylation of the stress kinases c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38, and of activating transcription factor-2. In contrast to CpG, signaling through the B cell receptor led to activation of extracellular receptor kinase and to phosphorylation of a different isoform of c-Jun N-terminal kinase. These studies define the structure of a highly active human CpG motif and characterize its molecular mechanism of action in primary human B cells.

Abstract: Naive Th cells can be directed in vitro to develop into Th1 or Th2 cells by IL-12 or IL-4, respectively. In vivo, chronic immune reactions lead to polarized Th cytokine patterns. We found earlier that Borrelia burgdorferi , the spirochaete that causes Lyme disease, induces Th1 development in αβ TCR-transgenic Th cells. Here, we used TCR-transgenic Th cells and oligonucleotide arrays to analyze the differences between Th1 cells induced by IL-12 vs those induced by B. burgdorferi . Transgenic Th cells primed with peptide in the presence of B. burgdorferi expressed several mRNAs, including the mRNA encoding IL-17, at significantly higher levels than Th cells primed with peptide and IL-12. Cytometric single-cell analysis of Th cell cytokine production revealed that IL-17 cannot be categorized as either Th1 or Th2 cytokine. Instead, almost all IL-17-producing Th cells simultaneously produced TNF-α and most IL-17 + Th cells also produced GM-CSF. This pattern was also observed in humans. Th cells from synovial fluid of patients with Lyme arthritis coexpressed IL-17 and TNF-α upon polyclonal stimulation. The induction of IL-17 production in Th cells is not restricted to B. burgdorferi . Priming of TCR-transgenic Th cells in the presence of mycobacterial lysates also induced IL-17/TNF-α coproduction. The physiological stimulus for IL-17 production was hitherto unknown. We show here for the first time that microbial stimuli induce the expression of IL-17 together with TNF-α in both murine and human T cells. Chronic IL-17 expression induced by microbes could be an important mediator of infection-induced immunopathology.

Abstract: In patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a marked B lymphocytopenia was identified that affected CD19(+)/CD27(-) naive B cells more than CD19(+)/CD27(+) memory B cells, leading to a relative predominance of CD27-expressing peripheral B cells CD27(high)/CD38(+)/CD19(dim)/surface Ig(low)/CD20(-)/CD138(+) plasma cells were found at high frequencies in active but not inactive SLE patients Upon immunosuppressive therapy, CD27(high) plasma cells and naive CD27(-) B cells were markedly decreased in the peripheral blood Mutational analysis of V gene rearrangements of individual B cells confirmed that CD27(+) B cells coexpressing IgD were memory B cells preferentially using V(H)3 family members with multiple somatic mutations CD27(high) plasma cells showed a similar degree of somatic hypermutation, but preferentially employed V(H)4 family members These results indicate that there are profound abnormalities in the various B cell compartments in SLE that respond differently to immunosuppressive therapy

Abstract: We studied the effects of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha, 25-(OH)2D3) on differentiation, maturation, and functions of dendritic cells (DC) differentiated from human monocytes in vitro in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4 for 7 days. Recovery and morphology were not affected by 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 up to 100 nM. DC differentiated in the presence of 10 nM 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 (D3-DC) showed a marked decrease in the expression of CD1a, while CD14 remained elevated. Mannose receptor and CD32 were significantly increased, and this correlated with an enhancement of endocytic activity. Costimulatory molecules such as CD40 and CD86 were slightly decreased or nonsignificantly affected (CD80 and MHC II). However, after induction of DC maturation with LPS or incubation with CD40 ligand-transfected cells, D3-DC showed marginal increases in MHC I, MHC II, CD80, CD86, CD40, and CD83. The accessory cell function of D3-DC in classical MLR was also inhibited. Moreover, allogeneic T cells stimulated with D3-DC were poor responders in a second MLR to untreated DC from the same or an unrelated donor, thus indicating the onset of a nonspecific hyporesponsivity. In conclusion, our data suggest that 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 may modulate the immune system, acting at the very first step of the immune response through the inhibition of DC differentiation and maturation into potent APC.

Abstract: Mycoplasmas and their membranes are potent activators of macrophages, the active principle being lipoproteins and lipopeptides. Two stereoisomers of the mycoplasmal lipopeptide macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2 (MALP-2) differing in the configuration of the lipid moiety were synthesized and compared in their macrophage-activating potential, the R-MALP being >100 times more active than the S-MALP in stimulating the release of cytokines, chemokines, and NO. To assess the role of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family in mycoplasmal lipopeptide signaling, the MALP-2-mediated responses were analyzed using macrophages from wild-type, TLR2-, TLR4-, and MyD88-deficient mice. TLR2- and MyD88-deficient cells showed severely impaired cytokine productions in response to R- and S-MALP. The MALP-induced activation of intracellular signaling molecules was fully dependent on both TLR2 and MyD88. There was a strong preference for the R-MALP in the recognition by its functional receptor, TLR2.

Abstract: Heat shock proteins (HSP), highly conserved across species, are generally viewed as intracellular proteins thought to serve protective functions against infection and cellular stress. Recently, we have reported the surprising finding that human and chlamydial HSP60, both present in human atheroma, can activate vascular cells and macrophages. However, the transmembrane signaling pathways by which extracellular HSP60 may activate cells remains unclear. CD14, the monocyte receptor for LPS, binds numerous microbial products and can mediate activation of monocytes/macrophages and endothelial cells, thus promoting the innate immune response. We show here that human HSP60 activates human PBMC and monocyte-derived macrophages through CD14 signaling and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, sharing this pathway with bacterial LPS. These findings provide further insight into the molecular mechanisms by which extracellular HSP may participate in atherosclerosis and other inflammatory disorders by activating the innate immune system.

Abstract: We have previously shown that members of the ELR(+) CXC chemokine family, including IL-8; growth-related oncogenes alpha, beta, and gamma; granulocyte chemotactic protein 2; and epithelial neutrophil-activating protein-78, can mediate angiogenesis in the absence of preceding inflammation. To date, the receptor on endothelial cells responsible for chemotaxis and neovascularization mediated by these ELR(+) CXC chemokines has not been determined. Because all ELR(+) CXC chemokines bind to CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2), we hypothesized that CXCR2 is the putative receptor for ELR(+) CXC chemokine-mediated angiogenesis. To test this postulate, we first determined whether cultured human microvascular endothelial cells expressed CXCR2. CXCR2 was detected in human microvascular endothelial cells at the protein level by both Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry using polyclonal Abs specific for human CXCR2. To determine whether CXCR2 played a functional role in angiogenesis, we determined whether this receptor was involved in endothelial cell chemotaxis. We found that microvascular endothelial cell chemotaxis in response to ELR(+) CXC chemokines was inhibited by anti-CXCR2 Abs. In addition, endothelial cell chemotaxis in response to ELR(+) CXC chemokines was sensitive to pertussis toxin, suggesting a role for G protein-linked receptor mechanisms in this biological response. The importance of CXCR2 in mediating ELR(+) CXC chemokine-induced angiogenesis in vivo was also demonstrated by the lack of angiogenic activity induced by ELR(+) CXC chemokines in the presence of neutralizing Abs to CXCR2 in the rat corneal micropocket assay, or in the corneas of CXCR2(-/-) mice. We thus conclude that CXCR2 is the receptor responsible for ELR(+) CXC chemokine-mediated angiogenesis.

Abstract: Autoimmunity plays a key role in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis; however, little is known about the recruitment of pathogenic cells to skin lesions. We report here that the CC chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein-3 alpha, recently renamed CCL20, and its receptor CCR6 are markedly up-regulated in psoriasis. CCL20-expressing keratinocytes colocalize with skin-infiltrating T cells in lesional psoriatic skin. PBMCs derived from psoriatic patients show significantly increased CCR6 mRNA levels. Moreover, skin-homing CLA+ memory T cells express high levels of surface CCR6. Furthermore, the expression of CCR6 mRNA is 100- to 1000-fold higher on sorted CLA+ memory T cells than other chemokine receptors, including CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3, CCR2, CCR3, and CCR5. In vitro, CCL20 attracted skin-homing CLA+ T cells of both normal and psoriatic donors; however, psoriatic lymphocytes responded to lower concentrations of chemokine and showed higher chemotactic responses. Using ELISA as well as real-time quantitative PCR, we show that cultured primary keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and dermal microvascular endothelial and dendritic cells are major sources of CCL20, and that the expression of this chemokine can be induced by proinflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha/IL-1 beta, CD40 ligand, IFN-gamma, or IL-17. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that CCL20/CCR6 may play a role in the recruitment of T cells to lesional psoriatic skin.

Abstract: Human alveolar macrophages (AMphi) undergo apoptosis following infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro. Apoptosis of cells infected with intracellular pathogens may benefit the host by eliminating a supportive environment for bacterial growth. The present study compared AMphi apoptosis following infection by M. tuberculosis complex strains of differing virulence and by Mycobacterium kansasii. Avirulent or attenuated bacilli (M. tuberculosis H37Ra, Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin, and M. kansasii) induced significantly more AMphi apoptosis than virulent strains (M. tuberculosis H37Rv, Erdman, M. tuberculosis clinical isolate BMC 96.1, and M. bovis wild type). Increased apoptosis was not due to greater intracellular bacterial replication because virulent strains grew more rapidly in AMphi than attenuated strains despite causing less apoptosis. These findings suggest the existence of mycobacterial virulence determinants that modulate the apoptotic response of AMphi to intracellular infection and support the hypothesis that macrophage apoptosis contributes to innate host defense in tuberculosis.

Abstract: The transcription factor NF-kappa B stimulates the transcription of proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-alpha. LPS (endotoxin) and hypoxia both induce NF-kappa B activation and TNF-alpha gene transcription. Furthermore, hypoxia augments LPS induction of TNF-alpha mRNA. Previous reports have indicated that antioxidants abolish NF-kappa B activation in response to LPS or hypoxia, which suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in NF-kappa B activation. This study tested whether mitochondrial ROS are required for both NF-kappaB activation and the increase in TNF-alpha mRNA levels during hypoxia and LPS. Our results indicate that hypoxia (1.5% O2) stimulates NF-kappa B and TNF-alpha gene transcription and increases ROS generation as measured by the oxidant sensitive dye 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate in murine macrophage J774.1 cells. The antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and pyrrolidinedithiocarbamic acid abolished the hypoxic activation of NF-kappa B, TNF-alpha gene transcription, and increases in ROS levels. Rotenone, an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I, abolished the increase in ROS signal, the activation of NF-kappa B, and TNF-alpha gene transcription during hypoxia. LPS stimulated NF-kappa B and TNF-alpha gene transcription but not ROS generation in J774.1 cells. Rotenone, pyrrolidinedithiocarbamic acid, and N-acetylcysteine had no effect on the LPS stimulation of NF-kappa B and TNF-alpha gene transcription, indicating that LPS activates NF-kappa B and TNF-alpha gene transcription through a ROS-independent mechanism. These results indicate that mitochondrial ROS are required for the hypoxic activation of NF-kappa B and TNF-alpha gene transcription, but not for the LPS activation of NF-kappa B.

Abstract: Galectin-3 is a beta-galactoside-binding protein implicated in diverse biological processes. We found that galectin-3 induced human monocyte migration in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, and it was chemotactic at high concentrations (1.0 microM) but chemokinetic at low concentrations (10-100 nM). Galectin-3-induced monocyte migration was inhibited by its specific mAb and was blocked by lactose and a C-terminal domain fragment of the protein, indicating that both the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of galectin-3 are involved in this activity. Pertussis toxin (PTX) almost completely blocked monocyte migration induced by high concentrations of galectin-3. Galectin-3 caused a Ca2+ influx in monocytes at high, but not low, concentrations, and both lactose and PTX inhibited this response. There was no cross-desensitization between galectin-3 and any of the monocyte-reactive chemokines examined, including monocyte chemotactic protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha, and stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha. Cultured human macrophages and alveolar macrophages also migrated toward galectin-3, but not monocyte chemotactic protein-1. Finally, galectin-3 was found to cause monocyte accumulation in vivo in mouse air pouches. These results indicate that galectin-3 is a novel chemoattractant for monocytes and macrophages and suggest that the effect is mediated at least in part through a PTX-sensitive (G protein-coupled) pathway.

Abstract: As a result of identifying the regulatory proteins of thioredoxin (TRX), a murine homologue for human vitamin D3 up-regulated protein 1 (VDUP1) was identified from a yeast two-hybrid screen. Cotransfection into 293 cells and precipitation assays confirmed that mouse VDUP1 (mVDUP1) bound to TRX, but it failed to bind to a Cys32 and Cys35 mutant TRX, suggesting the redox-active site is critical for binding. mVDUP1 was ubiquitously expressed in various tissues and located in the cytoplasm. Biochemical analysis showed that mVDUP1 inhibited the insulin-reducing activity of TRX. When cells were treated with various stress stimuli such as H2O2 and heat shock, mVDUP1 was significantly induced. TRX is known to interact with other proteins such as proliferation-associated gene and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1. Coexpression of mVDUP1 interfered with the interaction between TRX and proliferation-associated gene or TRX and ASK-1, suggesting its roles in cell proliferation and oxidative stress. To investigate the roles of mVDUP1 in oxidative stress, mVDUP1 was overexpressed in NIH 3T3 cells. When cells were exposed to stress, cell proliferation was declined with elevated apoptotic cell death compared with control cells. In addition, c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation and IL-6 expression were elevated. Taken together, these results demonstrate that mVDUP1 functions as an oxidative stress mediator by inhibiting TRX activity.

Abstract: Dendritic cells (DC) are key initiators of primary immune responses. Myeloid DC can secrete IL-12, a potent Th1-driving factor, and are often viewed as Th1-promoting APC. Here we show that neither a Th1- nor a Th2-inducing function is an intrinsic attribute of human myeloid DC, but both depend on environmental instruction. Uncommitted immature DC require exposure to IFN-gamma, at the moment of induction of their maturation or shortly thereafter, to develop the capacity to produce high levels of IL-12p70 upon subsequent contact with naive Th cells. This effect is specific for IFN-gamma and is not shared by other IL-12-inducing factors. Type 1-polarized effector DC, matured in the presence of IFN-gamma, induce Th1 responses, in contrast to type 2-polarized DC matured in the presence of PGE2 that induce Th2 responses. Type 1-polarized effector DC are resistant to further modulation, which may facilitate their potential use in immunotherapy.

Abstract: To dissect the controversial roles of type 1 and type 2 cytokines to the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis, we generated IL-10/IL-4- and IL-10/IL-12-deficient mice that develop highly polarized type 1 and type 2 cytokine responses, respectively. Interestingly, the Th1-polarized IL-10/IL-4-deficient mice rapidly lost weight at the onset of egg-laying and displayed 100% mortality by wk 9 postinfection. This acute mortality was linked to overexpression of the proinflammatory mediators IFN-γ, TNF-α, and inducible NO and the formation of nonfibrotic granulomas. Elevated serum aspartate transaminase levels confirmed that mortality was in part attributable to acute hepatotoxicity. In contrast, the Th2-polarized IL-10/IL-12-deficient mice developed a progressive wasting disease that correlated with increased hepatic fibrosis, formation of large eosinophil-rich granulomas, a 10-fold increase in IL-4 and IL-13, and significant mortality during the chronic stages of infection. Surprisingly, IL-10-deficient mice displayed pathological features that were characteristic of both extremes, while wild-type mice developed relatively successful long term chronic infections. These data demonstrate that IL-10 significantly suppresses type 1 and type 2 cytokine development in IL-4- and IL-12-deficient mice, respectively, thereby impeding the development of severe egg-induced pathology in the single cytokine-deficient animals. Together, these findings reveal the central regulatory role of IL-10 in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis and illustrate that excessive type 1 and type 2 cytokine responses trigger distinct, but equally detrimental, forms of pathology following infection.

Abstract: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the enzyme at the rate-limiting step of prostanoid production, has been found to be overexpressed in human lung cancer. To evaluate lung tumor COX-2 modulation of antitumor immunity, we studied the antitumor effect of specific genetic or pharmacological inhibition of COX-2 in a murine Lewis lung carcinoma (3LL) model. Inhibition of COX-2 led to marked lymphocytic infiltration of the tumor and reduced tumor growth. Treatment of mice with anti-PGE2 mAb replicated the growth reduction seen in tumor-bearing mice treated with COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 inhibition was accompanied by a significant decrement in IL-10 and a concomitant restoration of IL-12 production by APCs. Because the COX-2 metabolite PGE2 is a potent inducer of IL-10, it was hypothesized that COX-2 inhibition led to antitumor responses by down-regulating production of this potent immunosuppressive cytokine. In support of this concept, transfer of IL-10 transgenic T lymphocytes that overexpress IL-10 under control of the IL-2 promoter reversed the COX-2 inhibitor-induced antitumor response. We conclude that abrogation of COX-2 expression promotes antitumor reactivity by restoring the balance of IL-10 and IL-12 in vivo.