Sample records for differentiated th2 cells

  1. RhoA orchestrates glycolysis for Th2 cell differentiation and allergic airway inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Jun-Qi; Kalim, Khalid W.; Li, Yuan; Zhang, Shuangmin; Hinge, Ashwini; Filippi, Marie-Dominique; Zheng, Yi; Guo, Fukun

    2015-01-01

    Background Mitochondrial metabolism is known to be important for T cell activation. However, its involvement in effector T cell differentiation has just begun to gain attention. Importantly, how metabolic pathways are integrated with T cell activation and effector cell differentiation and function remains largely unknown. Objective We sought to test our hypothesis that RhoA GTPase orchestrates glycolysis for Th2 cell differentiation and Th2-mediated allergic airway inflammation. Methods Conditional RhoA-deficient mice were generated by crossing RhoAflox/flox mice with CD2-Cre transgenic mice. Effects of RhoA on Th2 differentiation were evaluated by in vitro Th2-polarized culture conditions, and in vivo in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation. Cytokines were measured by intracellular staining and ELISA. T cell metabolism was measured by Seahorse XF24 Analyzer and flow cytometry. Results Disruption of RhoA inhibited T cell activation and Th2 differentiation in vitro and prevented the development of allergic airway inflammation in vivo, with no effect on Th1 cells. RhoA deficiency in activated T cells led to multiple defects in metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Importantly, RhoA couples glycolysis to Th2 cell differentiation and allergic airway inflammation via regulating IL-4 receptor mRNA expression and Th2-specific signaling events. Finally, inhibition of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), an immediate downstream effector of RhoA, blocked Th2 differentiation and allergic airway inflammation. Conclusion RhoA is a key component of the signaling cascades leading to Th2-differentiation and allergic airway inflammation, at least in part, through the control of T cell metabolism and via ROCK pathway. PMID:26100081

  2. Toll like Receptor 2 engagement on CD4+ T cells promotes TH9 differentiation and function.

    PubMed

    Karim, Ahmad Faisal; Reba, Scott M; Li, Qing; Boom, W Henry; Rojas, Roxana E

    2017-09-01

    We have recently demonstrated that mycobacterial ligands engage Toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) on CD4 + T cells and up-regulate T-cell receptor (TCR) triggered Th1 responses in vitro and in vivo. To better understand the role of T-cell expressed TLR2 on CD4 + T-cell differentiation and function, we conducted a gene expression analysis of murine naïve CD4 + T-cells stimulated in the presence or absence of TLR2 co-stimulation. Unexpectedly, naïve CD4 + T-cells co-stimulated via TLR2 showed a significant up-regulation of Il9 mRNA compared to cells co-stimulated via CD28. Under TH9 differentiation, we observed up-regulation of TH9 differentiation, evidenced by increases in both percent of IL-9 secreting cells and IL-9 in culture supernatants in the presence of TLR2 agonist both in polyclonal and Ag85B cognate peptide specific stimulations. Under non-polarizing conditions, TLR2 engagement on CD4 + T-cells had minimal effect on IL-9 secretion and TH9 differentiation, likely due to a prominent effect of TLR2 signaling on IFN-γ secretion and TH1 differentiation. We also report that, TLR2 signaling in CD4 + T cells increased expression of transcription factors BATF and PU.1, known to positively regulate TH9 differentiation. These results reveal a novel role of T-cell expressed TLR2 in enhancing the differentiation and function of TH9 T cells. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Epigenomic analysis of primary human T cells reveals enhancers associated with TH2 memory cell differentiation and asthma susceptibility

    PubMed Central

    Seumois, Grégory; Chavez, Lukas; Gerasimova, Anna; Lienhard, Matthias; Omran, Nada; Kalinke, Lukas; Vedanayagam, Maria; Ganesan, Asha Purnima V; Chawla, Ashu; Djukanović, Ratko; Ansel, K Mark; Peters, Bjoern; Rao, Anjana; Vijayanand, Pandurangan

    2014-01-01

    A characteristic feature of asthma is the aberrant accumulation, differentiation or function of memory CD4+ T cells that produce type 2 cytokines (TH2 cells). By mapping genome-wide histone modification profiles for subsets of T cells isolated from peripheral blood of healthy and asthmatic individuals, we identified enhancers with known and potential roles in the normal differentiation of human TH1 cells and TH2 cells. We discovered disease-specific enhancers in T cells that differ between healthy and asthmatic individuals. Enhancers that gained the histone H3 Lys4 dimethyl (H3K4me2) mark during TH2 cell development showed the highest enrichment for asthma-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which supported a pathogenic role for TH2 cells in asthma. In silico analysis of cell-specific enhancers revealed transcription factors, microRNAs and genes potentially linked to human TH2 cell differentiation. Our results establish the feasibility and utility of enhancer profiling in well-defined populations of specialized cell types involved in disease pathogenesis. PMID:24997565

  4. Epigenomic analysis of primary human T cells reveals enhancers associated with TH2 memory cell differentiation and asthma susceptibility.

    PubMed

    Seumois, Grégory; Chavez, Lukas; Gerasimova, Anna; Lienhard, Matthias; Omran, Nada; Kalinke, Lukas; Vedanayagam, Maria; Ganesan, Asha Purnima V; Chawla, Ashu; Djukanović, Ratko; Ansel, K Mark; Peters, Bjoern; Rao, Anjana; Vijayanand, Pandurangan

    2014-08-01

    A characteristic feature of asthma is the aberrant accumulation, differentiation or function of memory CD4(+) T cells that produce type 2 cytokines (TH2 cells). By mapping genome-wide histone modification profiles for subsets of T cells isolated from peripheral blood of healthy and asthmatic individuals, we identified enhancers with known and potential roles in the normal differentiation of human TH1 cells and TH2 cells. We discovered disease-specific enhancers in T cells that differ between healthy and asthmatic individuals. Enhancers that gained the histone H3 Lys4 dimethyl (H3K4me2) mark during TH2 cell development showed the highest enrichment for asthma-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which supported a pathogenic role for TH2 cells in asthma. In silico analysis of cell-specific enhancers revealed transcription factors, microRNAs and genes potentially linked to human TH2 cell differentiation. Our results establish the feasibility and utility of enhancer profiling in well-defined populations of specialized cell types involved in disease pathogenesis.

  5. Critical role of histone demethylase Jmjd3 in the regulation of CD4+ T cell differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Ding, Xilai; Chepelev, Iouri; Zhou, Xikun; Zhao, Wei; Wei, Gang; Cui, Jun; Zhao, Keji; Wang, Helen Y.; Wang, Rong-Fu

    2014-01-01

    Epigenetic factors have been implicated in the regulation of CD4+ T cell differentiation. Jmjd3 plays a role in many biological processes, but its in vivo function in T cell differentiation remains unknown. Here, we report that Jmjd3 ablation promotes CD4+ T cell differentiation into Th2 and Th17 cells in the small intestine and colon, and inhibits T cell differentiation into Th1 cells under different cytokine-polarizing conditions and in a Th1-dependent colitis model. Jmjd3 deficiency also restrains the plasticity of the conversion of Th2, Th17 or Treg cells to Th1 cells. The skewing of T cell differentiation is concomitant with changes in the expression of key transcription factors and cytokines. H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 levels in Jmjd3-deficient cells are correlated with altered gene expression through interactions with specific transcription factors. Our results identify Jmjd3 as an epigenetic factor in T cell differentiation via changes in histone methylation and target gene expression. PMID:25531312

  6. CD4+ T helper 2 cells – microbial triggers, differentiation requirements and effector functions

    PubMed Central

    Okoye, Isobel S; Wilson, Mark S

    2011-01-01

    Over the past 10 years we have made great strides in our understanding of T helper cell differentiation, expansion and effector functions. Within the context of T helper type 2 (Th2) cell development, novel innate-like cells with the capacity to secrete large amounts of interleukin-5 (IL-5), IL-13 and IL-9 as well as IL-4-producing and antigen-processing basophils have (re)-emerged onto the type 2 scene. To what extent these new players influence αβ+ CD4+ Th2 cell differentiation is discussed throughout this appraisal of the current literature. We highlight the unique features of Th2 cell development, highlighting the three necessary signals, T-cell receptor ligation, co-stimulation and cytokine receptor ligation. Finally, putting these into context, microbial and allergenic properties that trigger Th2 cell differentiation and how these influence Th2 effector function are discussed and questioned. PMID:22043920

  7. Stable T-bet(+)GATA-3(+) Th1/Th2 hybrid cells arise in vivo, can develop directly from naive precursors, and limit immunopathologic inflammation.

    PubMed

    Peine, Michael; Rausch, Sebastian; Helmstetter, Caroline; Fröhlich, Anja; Hegazy, Ahmed N; Kühl, Anja A; Grevelding, Christoph G; Höfer, Thomas; Hartmann, Susanne; Löhning, Max

    2013-01-01

    Differentiated T helper (Th) cell lineages are thought to emerge from alternative cell fate decisions. However, recent studies indicated that differentiated Th cells can adopt mixed phenotypes during secondary immunological challenges. Here we show that natural primary immune responses against parasites generate bifunctional Th1 and Th2 hybrid cells that co-express the lineage-specifying transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3 and co-produce Th1 and Th2 cytokines. The integration of Th1-promoting interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-12 signals together with Th2-favoring IL-4 signals commits naive Th cells directly and homogeneously to the hybrid Th1/2 phenotype. Specifically, IFN-γ signals are essential for T-bet(+)GATA-3(+) cells to develop in vitro and in vivo by breaking the dominance of IL-4 over IL-12 signals. The hybrid Th1/2 phenotype is stably maintained in memory cells in vivo for months. It resists reprogramming into classic Th1 or Th2 cells by Th1- or Th2-promoting stimuli, which rather induce quantitative modulations of the combined Th1 and Th2 programs without abolishing either. The hybrid phenotype is associated with intermediate manifestations of both Th1 and Th2 cell properties. Consistently, hybrid Th1/2 cells support inflammatory type-1 and type-2 immune responses but cause less immunopathology than Th1 and Th2 cells, respectively. Thus, we propose the self-limitation of effector T cells based on the stable cell-intrinsic balance of two opposing differentiation programs as a novel concept of how the immune system can prevent excessive inflammation.

  8. 3-bromopyruvate ameliorate autoimmune arthritis by modulating Th17/Treg cell differentiation and suppressing dendritic cell activation.

    PubMed

    Okano, Takaichi; Saegusa, Jun; Nishimura, Keisuke; Takahashi, Soshi; Sendo, Sho; Ueda, Yo; Morinobu, Akio

    2017-02-10

    Recent studies have shown that cellular metabolism plays an important role in regulating immune cell functions. In immune cell differentiation, both interleukin-17-producing T (Th17) cells and dendritic cells (DCs) exhibit increased glycolysis through the upregulation of glycolytic enzymes, such as hexokinase-2 (HK2). Blocking glycolysis with 2-deoxyglucose was recently shown to inhibit Th17 cell differentiation while promoting regulatory T (Treg) cell generation. However, 2-DG inhibits all isoforms of HK. Thus, it is unclear which isoform has a critical role in Th17 cell differentiation and in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. Here we demonstrated that 3-bromopyruvate (BrPA), a specific HK2 inhibitor, significantly decreased the arthritis scores and the histological scores in SKG mice, with a significant increase in Treg cells, decrease in Th17 cells, and decrease in activated DCs in the spleen. In vitro, BrPA facilitated the differentiation of Treg cells, suppressed Th17 cells, and inhibited the activation of DCs. These results suggested that BrPA may be a therapeutic target of murine arthritis. Although the role of IL-17 is not clarified in the treatment of RA, targeting cell metabolism to alter the immune cell functions might lead to a new therapeutic strategy for RA.

  9. ERK1 is important for Th2 differentiation and development of experimental asthma

    PubMed Central

    Goplen, Nicholas; Karim, Zunayet; Guo, Lei; Zhuang, Yonghua; Huang, Hua; Gorska, Magdalena M.; Gelfand, Erwin; Pagés, Gilles; Pouysségur, Jacques; Alam, Rafeul

    2012-01-01

    The ERK1/2 signaling pathway regulates a variety of T-cell functions. We observed dynamic changes in the expression of ERK1/2 during T-helper cell differentiation. Specifically, the expression of ERK1/2 was decreased and increased by IL-12 and IL-4, respectively. To address this subject further, we examined the specific role of ERK1 in Th2 differentiation and development of experimental asthma using ERK1−/− mice. ERK1−/− mice were unable to mount airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in two different models of asthma, acute and chronic. ERK1−/− mice had reduced expression of Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 but not IL-17A or IFN-γ. They had reduced levels of allergen-specific IgE and blood eosinophils. T cells from immunized ERK1−/− mice manifested reduced proliferation in response to the sensitizing allergen. ERK1−/− T cells had reduced and short-lived expression of JunB following TCR stimulation, which likely contributed to their impaired Th2 differentiation. Immunized ERK1−/− mice showed reduced numbers of CD44high CD4 T cells in the spleen. In vitro studies demonstrated that Th2 but not Th1 cells from ERK1−/− mice had reduced numbers of CD44high cells. Finally, CD4 T cells form ERK1−/− mice expressed higher levels of BIM under growth factor-deprived conditions and reduced Mcl-1 on stimulation. As a result, the survival of CD4 T cells, especially CD44high Th2 cells, was much reduced in ERK1−/− mice. We conclude that ERK1 plays a nonredundant role in Th2 differentiation and development of experimental asthma. ERK1 controls Th2 differentiation and survival through its effect on JunB and BIM, respectively.—Goplen, N., Karim, Z., Guo, L., Zhuang, Y., Huang, H., Gorska, M. M., Gelfand, E., Pagés, G., Pouysségur, J., Alam, R. ERK1 is important for Th2 differentiation and development of experimental asthma. PMID:22262639

  10. Rapamycin resistant murine th9 cells have a stable in vivo phenotype and inhibit graft-versus-host reactivity.

    PubMed

    Mangus, Courtney W; Massey, Paul R; Fowler, Daniel H; Amarnath, Shoba

    2013-01-01

    The cytokine micro-environment can direct murine CD4(+) T cells towards various differentiation lineages such as Th1, Th2 and Tregs even in the presence of rapamycin, which results in T cells that mediate increased in vivo effects. Recently, a new lineage of T cells known as Th9 cells that secrete increased IL-9 have been described. However, it is not known whether Th9 differentiation occurs in the presence of rapamycin or whether adoptively transferred donor Th9 cells would augment or restrict alloreactivity after experimental bone marrow transplantation. We found that CD4(+) T cells that were co-stimulated and polarized with TGF-β and IL-4 in the presence or absence of rapamycin each yielded effector cells of Th9 phenotype that secreted increased IL-9 and expressed a transcription factor profile characteristic of both Th9 and Th2 cells (high GATA-3/low T-bet). Augmentation of T cell replete allografts with manufactured rapamycin resistant Th9 cells markedly reduced both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell engraftment and strongly inhibited allo-specific T cell secretion of IFN-γ. The potency of Th9 cell inhibition of alloreactivity was similar to that of rapamycin resistant Th2 cells. Importantly, rapamycin resistant Th9 cells persisted and maintained their cytokine phenotype, thereby indicating limited differentiation plasticity of the Th9 subset. As such, Th9 differentiation proceeds in the presence of rapamycin to generate a cell therapy product that maintains high IL-9 expression in vivo while inhibiting IFN-γ driven alloreactivity.

  11. Trithorax complex component Menin controls differentiation and maintenance of T helper 17 cells

    PubMed Central

    Watanabe, Yukiko; Onodera, Atsushi; Kanai, Urara; Ichikawa, Tomomi; Obata-Ninomiya, Kazushige; Wada, Tomoko; Kiuchi, Masahiro; Iwamura, Chiaki; Tumes, Damon J.; Shinoda, Kenta; Yagi, Ryoji; Motohashi, Shinichiro; Hirahara, Kiyoshi; Nakayama, Toshinori

    2014-01-01

    Epigenetic modifications, such as posttranslational modifications of histones, play an important role in gene expression and regulation. These modifications are in part mediated by the Trithorax group (TrxG) complex and the Polycomb group (PcG) complex, which activate and repress transcription, respectively. We herein investigate the role of Menin, a component of the TrxG complex in T helper (Th) cell differentiation and show a critical role for Menin in differentiation and maintenance of Th17 cells. Menin−/− T cells do not efficiently differentiate into Th17 cells, leaving Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation intact in in vitro cultures. Menin deficiency resulted in the attenuation of Th17-induced airway inflammation. In differentiating Th17 cells, Menin directly bound to the Il17a gene locus and was required for the deposition of permissive histone modifications and recruitment of the RNA polymerase II transcriptional complex. Interestingly, although Menin bound to the Rorc locus, Menin was dispensable for the induction of Rorc expression and permissive histone modifications in differentiating Th17 cells. In contrast, Menin was required to maintain expression of Rorc in differentiated Th17 cells, indicating that Menin is essential to stabilize expression of the Rorc gene. Thus, Menin orchestrates Th17 cell differentiation and function by regulating both the induction and maintenance of target gene expression. PMID:25136117

  12. Interferons direct Th2 cell reprogramming to generate a stable GATA-3(+)T-bet(+) cell subset with combined Th2 and Th1 cell functions.

    PubMed

    Hegazy, Ahmed N; Peine, Michael; Helmstetter, Caroline; Panse, Isabel; Fröhlich, Anja; Bergthaler, Andreas; Flatz, Lukas; Pinschewer, Daniel D; Radbruch, Andreas; Löhning, Max

    2010-01-29

    Current T cell differentiation models invoke separate T helper 2 (Th2) and Th1 cell lineages governed by the lineage-specifying transcription factors GATA-3 and T-bet. However, knowledge on the plasticity of Th2 cell lineage commitment is limited. Here we show that infection with Th1 cell-promoting lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) reprogrammed otherwise stably committed GATA-3(+) Th2 cells to adopt a GATA-3(+)T-bet(+) and interleukin-4(+)interferon-gamma(+) "Th2+1" phenotype that was maintained in vivo for months. Th2 cell reprogramming required T cell receptor stimulation, concerted type I and type II interferon and interleukin-12 signals, and T-bet. LCMV-triggered T-bet induction in adoptively transferred virus-specific Th2 cells was crucial to prevent viral persistence and fatal immunopathology. Thus, functional reprogramming of unfavorably differentiated Th2 cells may facilitate the establishment of protective immune responses. Stable coexpression of GATA-3 and T-bet provides a molecular concept for the long-term coexistence of Th2 and Th1 cell lineage characteristics in single memory T cells. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Transcriptional Regulation of Th17 Cell Differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Ivanov, Ivaylo I.; Zhou, Liang; Littman, Dan R.

    2009-01-01

    The paradigm of effector T helper cell differentiation into either Th1 or Th2 lineages has been profoundly shaken by the discovery of T cells that secrete IL-17 and other inflammatory cytokines. This subset, referred to as Th17, is centrally involved in autoimmune disease and is important in host defense at mucosal surfaces. In mouse, a series of cytokines, including IL-6, IL-21, IL-23, and TGF-β, function sequentially or synergistically to induce the Th17 lineage. Other cytokines, including IL-2, IL-4, IFNγ, and IL-27, inhibit differentiation of this lineage. Here we review how the nuclear orphan receptor RORγt functions to coordinate the diverse cytokine-induced signals and thus control Th17 cell differentiation. PMID:18053739

  14. Arctigenin exerts anti-colitis efficacy through inhibiting the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells via an mTORC1-dependent pathway.

    PubMed

    Wu, Xin; Dou, Yannong; Yang, Yan; Bian, Difei; Luo, Jinque; Tong, Bei; Xia, Yufeng; Dai, Yue

    2015-08-15

    Arctigenin, the main effective constituent of Arctium lappa L. fruit, has previously been proven to dramatically attenuate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, a frequently used animal model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). As Th1 and Th17 cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IBD, the present study addressed whether and how arctigenin exerted anti-colitis efficacy by interfering with the differentiation and activation of Th1/Th17 cells. In vitro, arctigenin was shown to markedly inhibit the differentiation of Th17 cells from naïve T cells, and moderately inhibit the differentiation of Th1 cells, which was accompanied by lowered phosphorylation of STAT3 and STAT4, respectively. In contrast, arctigenin was lack of marked effect on the differentiation of either Th2 or regulatory T cells. Furthermore, arctigenin was shown to suppress the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway in T cells as demonstrated by down-regulated phosphorylation of the downstream target genes p70S6K and RPS6, and it functioned independent of two well-known upstream kinases PI3K/AKT and ERK. Arctigenin was also able to inhibit the activity of mTORC1 by dissociating raptor from mTOR. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect of arctigenin on T cell differentiation disappeared under a status of mTORC1 overactivation via knockdown of tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2, a negative regulator of mTORC1) or pretreatment of leucine (an agonist of mTOR). In DSS-induced mice, the inhibition of Th1/Th17 responses and anti-colitis effect of arctigenin were abrogated by leucine treatment. In conclusion, arctigenin ameliorates colitis through down-regulating the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells via mTORC1 pathway. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Airway epithelial SPDEF integrates goblet cell differentiation and pulmonary Th2 inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Rajavelu, Priya; Chen, Gang; Xu, Yan; Kitzmiller, Joseph A.; Korfhagen, Thomas R.; Whitsett, Jeffrey A.

    2015-01-01

    Epithelial cells that line the conducting airways provide the initial barrier and innate immune responses to the abundant particles, microbes, and allergens that are inhaled throughout life. The transcription factors SPDEF and FOXA3 are both selectively expressed in epithelial cells lining the conducting airways, where they regulate goblet cell differentiation and mucus production. Moreover, these transcription factors are upregulated in chronic lung disorders, including asthma. Here, we show that expression of SPDEF or FOXA3 in airway epithelial cells in neonatal mice caused goblet cell differentiation, spontaneous eosinophilic inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine. SPDEF expression promoted DC recruitment and activation in association with induction of Il33, Csf2, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (Tslp), and Ccl20 transcripts. Increased Il4, Il13, Ccl17, and Il25 expression was accompanied by recruitment of Th2 lymphocytes, group 2 innate lymphoid cells, and eosinophils to the lung. SPDEF was required for goblet cell differentiation and pulmonary Th2 inflammation in response to house dust mite (HDM) extract, as both were decreased in neonatal and adult Spdef–/– mice compared with control animals. Together, our results indicate that SPDEF causes goblet cell differentiation and Th2 inflammation during postnatal development and is required for goblet cell metaplasia and normal Th2 inflammatory responses to HDM aeroallergen. PMID:25866971

  16. NBR1 is a new PB1 signalling adapter in Th2 differentiation and allergic airway inflammation in vivo

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Jun-Qi; Liu, Hongzhu; Diaz-Meco, Maria T; Moscat, Jorge

    2010-01-01

    Allergic airway inflammation is a disease in which T helper 2 (Th2) cells have a critical function. The molecular mechanisms controlling Th2 differentiation and function are of paramount importance in biology and immunology. Recently, a network of PB1-containing adapters and kinases has been shown to be essential in this process owing to its function in regulating cell polarity and the activation of critical transcription factors. Here, we show in vivo data showing that T-cell-specific NBR1-deficient mice show impaired lung inflammation and have defective Th2 differentiation ex vivo with alterations in T-cell polarity and the selective inhibition of Gata3 and nuclear factor of activated T c1 activation. These results establish NBR1 as a novel PB1 adapter in Th2 differentiation and asthma. PMID:20808283

  17. c-Abl-Mediated Tyrosine Phosphorylation of the T-bet DNA-Binding Domain Regulates CD4+ T-Cell Differentiation and Allergic Lung Inflammation ▿

    PubMed Central

    Chen, An; Lee, Sang-Myeong; Gao, Beixue; Shannon, Stephen; Zhu, Zhou; Fang, Deyu

    2011-01-01

    The tyrosine kinase c-Abl is required for full activation of T cells, while its role in T-cell differentiation has not been characterized. We report that c-Abl deficiency skews CD4+ T cells to type 2 helper T cell (Th2) differentiation, and c-Abl−/− mice are more susceptible to allergic lung inflammation. c-Abl interacts with and phosphorylates T-bet, a Th1 lineage transcription factor. c-Abl-mediated phosphorylation enhances the transcriptional activation of T-bet. Interestingly, three tyrosine residues within the T-bet DNA-binding domain are the predominant sites of phosphorylation by c-Abl. Mutation of these tyrosine residues inhibits the promoter DNA-binding activity of T-bet. c-Abl regulates Th cell differentiation in a T-bet-dependent manner because genetic deletion of T-bet in CD4+ T cells abolishes c-Abl-deficiency-mediated enhancement of Th2 differentiation. Reintroduction of T-bet-null CD4+ T cells with wild-type T-bet, but not its tyrosine mutant, rescues gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production and inhibits Th2 cytokine production. Therefore, c-Abl catalyzes tyrosine phosphorylation of the DNA-binding domain of T-bet to regulate CD4+ T cell differentiation. PMID:21690296

  18. The kinases MEKK2 and MEKK3 regulate transforming growth factor-β-mediated helper T cell differentiation.

    PubMed

    Chang, Xing; Liu, Fang; Wang, Xiaofang; Lin, Aiping; Zhao, Hongyu; Su, Bing

    2011-02-25

    Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are key mediators of the T cell receptor (TCR) signals but their roles in T helper (Th) cell differentiation are unclear. Here we showed that the MAPK kinase kinases MEKK2 (encoded by Map3k2) and MEKK3 (encoded by Map3k3) negatively regulated transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-mediated Th cell differentiation. Map3k2(-/-)Map3k3(Lck-Cre/-) mice showed an abnormal accumulation of regulatory T (Treg) and Th17 cells in the periphery, consistent with Map3k2(-/-)Map3k3(Lck-Cre/-) naive CD4(+) T cells' differentiation into Treg and Th17 cells with a higher frequency than wild-type (WT) cells after TGF-β stimulation in vitro. In addition, Map3k2(-/-)Map3k3(Lck-Cre/-) mice developed more severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Map3k2(-/-)Map3k3(Lck-Cre/-) T cells exhibited impaired phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 proteins at their linker regions, which negatively regulated the TGF-β responses in T cells. Thus, the crosstalk between TCR-induced MAPK and the TGF-β signaling pathways is important in regulating Th cell differentiation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Preventative effect of an herbal preparation (HemoHIM) on development of airway inflammation in mice via modulation of Th1/2 cells differentiation.

    PubMed

    Kim, Jong-Jin; Cho, Hyun Wook; Park, Hae-Ran; Jung, Uhee; Jo, Sung-Kee; Yee, Sung-Tae

    2013-01-01

    HemoHIM, an herbal preparation of three edible herbs (Angelica gigas Nakai, Cnidium officinale Makino, Paeonia japonica Miyabe) is known to increase the Th1 immune response as well as reduce the allergic response in human mast cells. Here, our goal was to determine whether or not HemoHIM could induce Th1 cell differentiation as well as inhibit the development of airway inflammation. To study Th1/Th2 cell differentiation, naive CD4(+) T cells isolated from C57BL/6 mouse spleens were cultured with or without HemoHIM. To examine airway inflammation, C57BL/6 mice were fed HemoHIM for 4 weeks before sensitization and provocation with ovalbumin (OVA). In an in vitro experiment, naive CD4(+) T cells displayed increased Th1 (IFN-γ(+) cell) as well as decreased Th2 (IL-4(+) cell) differentiation in a HemoHIM concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, in an airway inflammation mice model, eosinophil numbers in BALF, serum levels of OVA-specific IgE and IgG1, and cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) levels in BALF and the supernatant of splenocytes all decreased upon HemoHIM (100 mg/kg body weight) pretreatment (4 weeks). These results show that HemoHIM attenuated allergic airway inflammation in the mouse model through regulation of the Th1/Th2 balance.

  20. T helper 2 (Th2) cell differentiation, type 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) development and regulation of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 production

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Jinfang

    2015-01-01

    Interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5 and IL-13, the signature cytokines that are produced during type 2 immune responses, are critical for protective immunity against infections of extracellular parasites and are responsible for asthma and many other allergic inflammatory diseases. Although many immune cell types within the myeloid lineage compartment including basophils, eosinophils and mast cells are capable of producing at least one of these cytokines, the production of these “type 2 immune response-related” cytokines by lymphoid lineages, CD4 T helper 2 (Th2) cells and type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in particular, are the central events during type 2 immune responses. In this review, I will focus on the signaling pathways and key molecules that determine the differentiation of naïve CD4 T cells into Th2 cells, and how the expression of Th2 cytokines, especially IL-4 and IL-13, is regulated in Th2 cells. The similarities and differences in the differentiation of Th2 cells, IL-4-producing T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and ILC2s as well as their relationships will also be discussed. PMID:26044597

  1. Glucosamine Modulates T Cell Differentiation through Down-regulating N-Linked Glycosylation of CD25*

    PubMed Central

    Chien, Ming-Wei; Lin, Ming-Hong; Huang, Shing-Hwa; Fu, Shin-Huei; Hsu, Chao-Yuan; Yen, B. Lin-Ju; Chen, Jiann-Torng; Chang, Deh-Ming; Sytwu, Huey-Kang

    2015-01-01

    Glucosamine has immunomodulatory effects on autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanism(s) through which glucosamine modulates different T cell subsets and diseases remain unclear. We demonstrate that glucosamine impedes Th1, Th2, and iTreg but promotes Th17 differentiation through down-regulating N-linked glycosylation of CD25 and subsequently inhibiting its downstream Stat5 signaling in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of glucosamine on T helper cell differentiation was similar to that induced by anti-IL-2 treatment, further supporting an IL-2 signaling-dependent modulation. Interestingly, excess glucose rescued this glucosamine-mediated regulation, suggesting a functional competition between glucose and glucosamine. High-dose glucosamine significantly decreased Glut1 N-glycosylation in Th1-polarized cells. This finding suggests that both down-regulated IL-2 signaling and Glut1-dependent glycolytic metabolism contribute to the inhibition of Th1 differentiation by glucosamine. Finally, glucosamine treatment inhibited Th1 cells in vivo, prolonged the survival of islet grafts in diabetic recipients, and exacerbated the severity of EAE. Taken together, our results indicate that glucosamine interferes with N-glycosylation of CD25, and thereby attenuates IL-2 downstream signaling. These effects suggest that glucosamine may be an important modulator of T cell differentiation and immune homeostasis. PMID:26468284

  2. Failure of itraconazole to prevent T-helper type 2 cell immune deviation: Implications for chronic rhinosinusitis.

    PubMed

    Kennedy, Joshua L; Steinke, John W; Liu, Lixia; Negri, Julie; Borish, Larry; Payne, Spencer C

    2016-11-01

    T-helper (Th) type 2 cell inflammation is the hallmark of several disease processes, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, and some forms of chronic rhinosinusitis. Itraconazole has been used as both an antifungal and an anti-inflammatory agent, with some success in many of these diseases, in part, by altering Th2 cytokine expression by T cells. It is not known whether this merely reflects inhibition of established Th2-like cells or the inhibition of differentiation of naive T cells into Th2-like cells. To evaluate the role of itraconazole in the differentiation of naive T cells during activation. Naive CD45RA+ T cells were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers. Th1 and Th2 type cells were differentiated in the presence of varying concentrations of itraconazole. After stimulation with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 beads, carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester dilution was performed to evaluate proliferation and intracellular cytokine staining for interleukin (IL) 4 and interferon (IFN) gamma within proliferating T cells was measured along with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for secreted IL-5, IL-13, and IFN gamma. Itraconazole had no effect on proliferation of unbiased, Th1, or Th2 cells. Similarly, there was no effect of itraconazole on either intracellular cytokine staining of IL-4 and IFN gamma or secreted cytokine expression of IFN gamma, IL-5, and IL-13 in any of the cell populations. Itraconazole did not alter the ability of naive T cells to proliferate or secrete cytokines under Th1 or Th2 deviating conditions in vitro. As such, reported inhibition of Th2-like lymphocyte function by itraconazole reflected action on mature effector cells and may have underscored why antifungal treatment failed in many clinical trials of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.

  3. The Adenylate Cyclase Toxins of Bacillus anthracis and Bordetella pertussis Promote Th2 Cell Development by Shaping T Cell Antigen Receptor Signaling

    PubMed Central

    Rossi Paccani, Silvia; Benagiano, Marisa; Capitani, Nagaja; Zornetta, Irene; Ladant, Daniel; Montecucco, Cesare; D'Elios, Mario M.; Baldari, Cosima T.

    2009-01-01

    The adjuvanticity of bacterial adenylate cyclase toxins has been ascribed to their capacity, largely mediated by cAMP, to modulate APC activation, resulting in the expression of Th2–driving cytokines. On the other hand, cAMP has been demonstrated to induce a Th2 bias when present during T cell priming, suggesting that bacterial cAMP elevating toxins may directly affect the Th1/Th2 balance. Here we have investigated the effects on human CD4+ T cell differentiation of two adenylate cyclase toxins, Bacillus anthracis edema toxin (ET) and Bordetella pertussis CyaA, which differ in structure, mode of cell entry, and subcellular localization. We show that low concentrations of ET and CyaA, but not of their genetically detoxified adenylate cyclase defective counterparts, potently promote Th2 cell differentiation by inducing expression of the master Th2 transcription factors, c-maf and GATA-3. We also present evidence that the Th2–polarizing concentrations of ET and CyaA selectively inhibit TCR–dependent activation of Akt1, which is required for Th1 cell differentiation, while enhancing the activation of two TCR–signaling mediators, Vav1 and p38, implicated in Th2 cell differentiation. This is at variance from the immunosuppressive toxin concentrations, which interfere with the earliest step in TCR signaling, activation of the tyrosine kinase Lck, resulting in impaired CD3ζ phosphorylation and inhibition of TCR coupling to ZAP-70 and Erk activation. These results demonstrate that, notwithstanding their differences in their intracellular localization, which result in focalized cAMP production, both toxins directly affect the Th1/Th2 balance by interfering with the same steps in TCR signaling, and suggest that their adjuvanticity is likely to result from their combined effects on APC and CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, our results strongly support the key role of cAMP in the adjuvanticity of these toxins. PMID:19266022

  4. Bcl11b is essential for licensing Th2 differentiation during helminth infection and allergic asthma

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Naïve CD4+ T-helper cells differentiate into Th2 effector cells during asthma and helminth (worm) infection. Here we report that mice lacking the transcription factor Bcl11b in mature CD4+ T-cells are incapable of mounting an effective Th2 response in asthma and worm infection with a major reductio...

  5. Mast cells have no impact on cutaneous leishmaniasis severity and related Th2 differentiation in resistant and susceptible mice.

    PubMed

    Paul, Christoph; Wolff, Svenja; Zapf, Thea; Raifer, Hartmann; Feyerabend, Thorsten B; Bollig, Nadine; Camara, Bärbel; Trier, Claudia; Schleicher, Ulrike; Rodewald, Hans-Reimer; Lohoff, Michael

    2016-01-01

    The genus leishmania comprises different protozoan parasites which are causative agents of muco-cutaneous and systemic, potentially lethal diseases. After infection with the species Leishmania major, resistant mice expand Th1 cells which stimulate macrophages for Leishmania destruction. In contrast, susceptible mice generate Th2 cells which deactivate macrophages, leading to systemic spread of the pathogens. Th-cell differentiation is determined within the first days, and Th2 cell differentiation requires IL-4, whereby the initial IL-4 source is often unknown. Mast cells are potential sources of IL-4, and hence their role in murine leishmaniasis has previously been studied in mast cell-deficient Kit mutant mice, although these mice display immunological phenotypes beyond mast cell deficiency. We therefore readdressed this question by infecting Kit-independent mast cell-deficient mice that are Th1 (C57BL/6 Cpa(Cre) ) or Th2 (BALB/c Cpa(Cre) ) prone with L. major. Using different parasite doses and intra- or subcutaneous infection routes, the results demonstrate no role of mast cells on lesion size development, parasite load, immune cell phenotypes expanding in draining lymph nodes, and cytokine production during murine cutaneous leishmaniasis. Thus, other cell types such as ILCs or T cells have to be considered as primary source of Th2-driving IL-4. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Prostaglandin E2 regulates Th17 cell differentiation and function through cyclic AMP and EP2/EP4 receptor signaling

    PubMed Central

    Boniface, Katia; Bak-Jensen, Kristian S.; Li, Ying; Blumenschein, Wendy M.; McGeachy, Mandy J.; McClanahan, Terrill K.; McKenzie, Brent S.; Kastelein, Robert A.; de Waal Malefyt, René

    2009-01-01

    Prostaglandins, particularly prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), play an important role during inflammation. This is exemplified by the clinical use of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors, which interfere with PGE2 synthesis, as effective antiinflammatory drugs. Here, we show that PGE2 directly promotes differentiation and proinflammatory functions of human and murine IL-17–producing T helper (Th17) cells. In human purified naive T cells, PGE2 acts via prostaglandin receptor EP2- and EP4-mediated signaling and cyclic AMP pathways to up-regulate IL-23 and IL-1 receptor expression. Furthermore, PGE2 synergizes with IL-1β and IL-23 to drive retinoic acid receptor–related orphan receptor (ROR)-γt, IL-17, IL-17F, CCL20, and CCR6 expression, which is consistent with the reported Th17 phenotype. While enhancing Th17 cytokine expression mainly through EP2, PGE2 differentially regulates interferon (IFN)-γ production and inhibits production of the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10 in Th17 cells predominantly through EP4. Furthermore, PGE2 is required for IL-17 production in the presence of antigen-presenting cells. Hence, the combination of inflammatory cytokines and noncytokine immunomodulators, such as PGE2, during differentiation and activation determines the ultimate phenotype of Th17 cells. These findings, together with the altered IL-12/IL-23 balance induced by PGE2 in dendritic cells, further highlight the crucial role of the inflammatory microenvironment in Th17 cell development and regulation. PMID:19273625

  7. Preventative Effect of an Herbal Preparation (HemoHIM) on Development of Airway Inflammation in Mice via Modulation of Th1/2 Cells Differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Jong-Jin; Cho, Hyun Wook; Park, Hae-Ran; Jung, Uhee; Jo, Sung-Kee; Yee, Sung-Tae

    2013-01-01

    HemoHIM, an herbal preparation of three edible herbs (Angelica gigas Nakai, Cnidium officinale Makino, Paeonia japonica Miyabe) is known to increase the Th1 immune response as well as reduce the allergic response in human mast cells. Here, our goal was to determine whether or not HemoHIM could induce Th1 cell differentiation as well as inhibit the development of airway inflammation. To study Th1/Th2 cell differentiation, naive CD4+ T cells isolated from C57BL/6 mouse spleens were cultured with or without HemoHIM. To examine airway inflammation, C57BL/6 mice were fed HemoHIM for 4 weeks before sensitization and provocation with ovalbumin (OVA). In an in vitro experiment, naive CD4+ T cells displayed increased Th1 (IFN-γ+ cell) as well as decreased Th2 (IL-4+ cell) differentiation in a HemoHIM concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, in an airway inflammation mice model, eosinophil numbers in BALF, serum levels of OVA-specific IgE and IgG1, and cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) levels in BALF and the supernatant of splenocytes all decreased upon HemoHIM (100 mg/kg body weight) pretreatment (4 weeks). These results show that HemoHIM attenuated allergic airway inflammation in the mouse model through regulation of the Th1/Th2 balance. PMID:23844220

  8. Transcription factor-dependent chromatin remodeling of Il18r1 during Th1 and Th2 differentiation 1

    PubMed Central

    Yu, Qing; Chang, Hua-Chen; Ahyi, Ayele-Nati N.; Kaplan, Mark H.

    2008-01-01

    The IL-18Rα chain is expressed on Th1 but not Th2 cells. We have recently shown that Stat4 is an important component of programming the Il18r1 locus (encoding IL-18Rα) for maximal expression in Th1 cells. Il18r1 is reciprocally repressed during Th2 development. In this report we demonstrate that the establishment of DNase hypersensitivity patterns that are distinct among undifferentiated CD4 T cells, Th1 and Th2 cells. Stat6 is required for the repression of Il18r1 expression and in Stat6-deficient Th2 cultures, mRNA levels, histone acetylation and H3K4 methylation levels are intermediate between levels observed in Th1 and Th2 cells. Despite the repressive effects of IL-4 during Th2 differentiation, we observed only modest binding of Stat6 to the Il18r1 locus. In contrast, we observed robust GATA-3 binding to a central region of the locus where DNase hypersensitivity sites overlapped with conserved non-coding sequences in Il18r1 introns. Ectopic expression of GATA-3 in differentiated Th1 cells repressed Il18r1 mRNA and surface expression of IL-18Rα. These data provide further mechanistic insight into transcription factor dependent establishment of Th subset-specific patterns of gene expression. PMID:18714006

  9. A novel antagonist of the prostaglandin E(2) EP(4) receptor inhibits Th1 differentiation and Th17 expansion and is orally active in arthritis models.

    PubMed

    Chen, Q; Muramoto, K; Masaaki, N; Ding, Y; Yang, H; Mackey, M; Li, W; Inoue, Y; Ackermann, K; Shirota, H; Matsumoto, I; Spyvee, M; Schiller, S; Sumida, T; Gusovsky, F; Lamphier, M

    2010-05-01

    Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder involving subsets of activated T cells, in particular T helper (Th) 1 and Th17 cells, which infiltrate and damage tissues and induce inflammation. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) enhances the Th17 response, exacerbates collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and promotes inflammatory pain. The current study investigated whether selective antagonism of the PGE(2) EP(4) receptor would suppress Th1/Th17 cell development and inflammatory arthritis in animal models of RA. Effects of PGE(2) and a novel EP(4) receptor antagonist ER-819762 on Th1 differentiation, interleukin-23 (IL-23) production by dendritic cells (DCs), and Th17 development were assessed in vitro. The effect of ER-819762 was evaluated in CIA and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI)-induced arthritis models. In addition, the effects of ER-819762 on pain were evaluated in a model of chronic inflammatory pain induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in the rat. Stimulation of the EP(4) receptor enhanced Th1 differentiation via phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase signalling, selectively promoted Th17 cell expansion, and induced IL-23 secretion by activated DCs, effects suppressed by ER-819762 or anti-PGE(2) antibody. Oral administration of ER-19762 suppressed Th1 and Th17 cytokine production, suppressed disease in collagen- and GPI-induced arthritis in mice, and suppressed CFA-induced inflammatory pain in rats. PGE(2) stimulates EP(4) receptors to promote Th1 differentiation and Th17 expansion and is critically involved in development of arthritis in two animal models. Selective suppression of EP(4) receptor signalling may have therapeutic value in RA both by modifying inflammatory arthritis and by relieving pain.

  10. Prostaglandin E2 inhibits Tr1 cell differentiation through suppression of c-Maf

    PubMed Central

    Hooper, Kirsten Mary; Kong, Weimin

    2017-01-01

    Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a major lipid mediator abundant at inflammatory sites, acts as a proinflammatory agent in models of inflammatory/autoimmune diseases by promoting CD4 Th1/Th17 differentiation. Regulatory T cells, including the IL-10 producing Tr1 cells counterbalance the proinflammatory activity of effector Th1/Th17 cells. Tr1 cell differentiation and function are induced by IL-27, and depend primarily on sustained expression of c-Maf in addition to AhR and Blimp-1. In agreement with the in vivo proinflammatory role of PGE2, here we report for the first time that PGE2 inhibits IL-27-induced differentiation and IL-10 production of murine CD4+CD49b+LAG-3+Foxp3- Tr1 cells. The inhibitory effect of PGE2 was mediated through EP4 receptors and induction of cAMP, leading to a significant reduction in c-Maf expression. Although PGE2 reduced IL-21 production in differentiating Tr1 cells, its inhibitory effect on Tr1 differentiation and c-Maf expression also occurred independent of IL-21 signaling. PGE2 did not affect STAT1/3 activation, AhR expression and only marginally reduced Egr-2/Blimp-1 expression. The effect of PGE2 on CD4+CD49b+LAG-3+ Tr1 differentiation was not associated with either induction of Foxp3 or IL-17 production, suggesting a lack of transdifferentiation into Foxp3+ Treg or effector Th17 cells. We recently reported that PGE2 inhibits the expression and production of IL-27 from activated conventional dendritic cells (cDC) in vivo and in vitro. The present study indicates that PGE2 also reduces murine Tr1 differentiation and function directly by acting on IL-27-differentiating Tr1 cells. Together, the ability of PGE2 to inhibit IL-27 production by cDC, and the direct inhibitory effect on Tr1 differentiation mediated through reduction in c-Maf expression, represent a new mechanistic perspective for the proinflammatory activity of PGE2. PMID:28604806

  11. Differentiation of Effector CD4 T Cell Populations*

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Jinfang; Yamane, Hidehiro; Paul, William E.

    2012-01-01

    CD4 T cells play critical roles in mediating adaptive immunity to a variety of pathogens. They are also involved in autoimmunity, asthma, and allergic responses as well as in tumor immunity. During TCR activation in a particular cytokine milieu, naive CD4 T cells may differentiate into one of several lineages of T helper (Th) cells, including Th1, Th2, Th17, and iTreg, as defined by their pattern of cytokine production and function. In this review, we summarize the discovery, functions, and relationships among Th cells; the cytokine and signaling requirements for their development; the networks of transcription factors involved in their differentiation; the epigenetic regulation of their key cytokines and transcription factors; and human diseases involving defective CD4 T cell differentiation. PMID:20192806

  12. Aberrant expression of IFN-γ in Th2 cells from Th2 LCR-deficient mice.

    PubMed

    Hwang, Soo Seok; Kim, Kiwan; Lee, Wonyong; Lee, Gap Ryol

    2012-08-03

    The Th2 locus control region (LCR) has been shown to be a crucial cis-acting element for Th2 cytokine expression and Th2 cell differentiation. To study the role of Th2 LCR in ifng locus regulation, we examined the expression of IFN-γ in Th2 cells from Th2 LCR-deficient mice. We found IFN-γ to be aberrantly up-regulated. In addition, histone 3(H3)-acetylation and histone 3 lysine 4 (H3-K4)-methylation greatly increased at the ifng locus of the Th2 cells. GATA-3 and STAT6 bound to the ifng promoter in Th2 cells from the wild type but not from the Th2 LCR-deficient mice, and they directly repressed ifng expression in transient reporter assay. Moreover, ectopic expression of GATA-3 and STAT6-VT repressed the aberrant expression of the ifng gene and restored repressive chromatin state at the ifng locus in Th2 cells from Th2 LCR-deficient mice. These results suggest that expression of the ifng gene and chromatin remodeling of the ifng locus are under the control of a Th2 LCR-mediated Th2 differentiation program. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. A guanidine-rich regulatory oligodeoxynucleotide improves type-2 diabetes in obese mice by blocking T-cell differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Cheng, Xiang; Wang, Jing; Xia, Ni; Yan, Xin-Xin; Tang, Ting-Ting; Chen, Han; Zhang, Hong-Jian; Liu, Juan; Kong, Wen; Sjöberg, Sara; Folco, Eduardo; Libby, Peter; Liao, Yu-Hua; Shi, Guo-Ping

    2012-01-01

    T lymphocytes exhibit pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory activities in obesity and diabetes, depending on their subtypes. Guanidine-rich immunosuppressive oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) effectively control Th1/Th2-cell counterbalance. This study reveals a non-toxic regulatory ODN (ODNR01) that inhibits Th1- and Th17-cell polarization by binding to STAT1/3/4 and blocking their phosphorylation without affecting Th2 and regulatory T cells. ODNR01 improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in both diet-induced obese (DIO) and genetically generated obese (ob/ob) mice. Mechanistic studies show that ODNR01 suppresses Th1- and Th17-cell differentiation in white adipose tissue, thereby reducing macrophage accumulation and M1 macrophage inflammatory molecule expression without affecting M2 macrophages. While ODNR01 shows no effect on diabetes in lymphocyte-free Rag1-deficient DIO mice, it enhances glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in CD4+ T-cell-reconstituted Rag1-deficient DIO mice, suggesting its beneficial effect on insulin resistance is T-cell-dependent. Therefore, regulatory ODNR01 reduces obesity-associated insulin resistance through modulation of T-cell differentiation. PMID:23027613

  14. Listeria arpJ gene modifies T helper type 2 subset differentiation.

    PubMed

    Kanoh, Makoto; Maruyama, Saho; Shen, Hua; Matsumoto, Akira; Shinomiya, Hiroto; Przybilla, Karin; Gouin, Edith; Cossart, Pascale; Goebel, Werner; Asano, Yoshihiro

    2015-07-15

    Although the T-cell subset differentiation pathway has been characterized extensively from the view of host gene regulation, the effects of genes of the pathogen on T-cell subset differentiation during infection have yet to be elucidated. Especially, the bacterial genes that are responsible for this shift have not yet been determined. Utilizing a single-gene-mutation Listeria panel, we investigated genes involved in the host-pathogen interaction that are required for the initiation of T-cell subset differentiation in the early phase of pathogen infection. We demonstrate that the induction of T helper types 1 and 2 (Th1 and Th2) subsets are separate phenomena and are mediated by distinct Listeria genes. We identified several candidate Listeria genes that appear to be involved in the host-Listeria interaction. Among them, arpJ is the strongest candidate gene for inhibiting Th2 subset induction. Furthermore, the analysis utilizing arpJ-deficient Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) revealed that the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily (Tnfsf) 9-TNF receptor superfamily (Tnfrsf) 9 interaction inhibits the Th2 response during Lm infection. arpJ is the candidate gene for inhibiting Th2 T-cell subset induction. The arpJ gene product influences the expression of Tnfsf/Tnfrsf on antigen-presenting cells and inhibits the Th2 T-cell subset differentiation during Listeria infection. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  15. Inhibition of T Helper Cell Type 2 Cell Differentiation and Immunoglobulin E Response by Ligand-Activated Vα14 Natural Killer T Cells

    PubMed Central

    Cui, Junqing; Watanabe, Naohiro; Kawano, Tetsu; Yamashita, Masakatsu; Kamata, Tohru; Shimizu, Chiori; Kimura, Motoko; Shimizu, Eiko; Koike, Jyunzo; Koseki, Haruhiko; Tanaka, Yujiro; Taniguchi, Masaru; Nakayama, Toshinori

    1999-01-01

    Murine Vα14 natural killer T (NKT) cells are thought to play a crucial role in various immune responses, including infectious, allergic, and autoimmune diseases. Because Vα14 NKT cells produce large amounts of both interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ upon in vivo stimulation with a specific ligand, α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), or after treatment with anti-CD3 antibody, a regulatory role on helper T (Th) cell differentiation has been proposed for these cells. However, the identity of the cytokine produced by Vα14 NKT cells that play a dominant role on the Th cell differentiation still remains controversial. Here, we demonstrate by using Vα14 NKT-deficient mice that Vα14 NKT cells are dispensable for the induction of antigen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E responses induced by ovalbumin immunization or Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection. However, upon in vivo activation with α-GalCer, Vα14 NKT cells are found to suppress antigen-specific IgE production. The suppression appeared to be IgE specific, and was not detected in either Vα14 NKT– or IFN-γ–deficient mice. Consistent with these results, we also found that ligand-activated Vα14 NKT cells inhibited Th2 cell differentiation in an in vitro induction culture system. Thus, it is likely that activated Vα14 NKT cells exert a potent inhibitory effect on Th2 cell differentiation and subsequent IgE production by producing a large amount of IFN-γ. In marked contrast, our studies have revealed that IL-4 produced by Vα14 NKT cells has only a minor effect on Th2 cell differentiation. PMID:10499917

  16. PKCλ/ι regulates Th17 differentiation and house dust mite-induced allergic airway inflammation.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yingying; Dong, Panpan; Zhao, Jing; Zhou, Wei; Zhou, Yonghua; Xu, Yongliang; Mei, Congjin; Guo, Fukun; Zheng, Yi; Yang, Jun-Qi

    2018-03-01

    Asthma is a chronic airway inflammation in which Th2 and Th17 cells play critical roles in its pathogenesis. We have reported that atypical protein kinase (PKC) λ/ι is a new regulator for Th2 differentiation and function. However, the role of PKCλ/ι for Th17 cells remains elusive. In this study, we explored the effect of PKCλ/ι on Th17 cells in the context of ex vivo cell culture systems and an in vivo murine model of allergic airway inflammation with the use of activated T cell-specific conditional PKCλ/ι-deficient mice. Our findings indicate that PKCλ/ι regulates Th17 cells. The secretion of Th17 effector cytokines, including IL-17, IL-21 and IL-22, were inhibited from PKCλ/ι-deficient T cells under non-skewing or Th17-skewing culture conditions. Moreover, the impaired Th17 differentiation and function by the PKCλ/ι-deficiency was associated with the downregulation of Stat3 and Rorγt, key Th17 transcription factors. We developed a model of Th17 and neutrophil-involved allergic airway inflammation by intratracheal inoculation of house dust mites. PKCλ/ι-deficiency significantly inhibited airway inflammations. The infiltrating cells in the lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids were significantly reduced in conditional PKCλ/ι-deficient mice. Th17 effector cytokines were reduced in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and lungs at protein and mRNA levels. Thus, PKCλ/ι emerges as a critical regulator of Th17 differentiation and allergic airway hyperresponsiveness. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Fate vs choice: the immune system reloaded.

    PubMed

    Murphy, Kenneth M

    2005-01-01

    Development can occur by either instructive or stochastic processes. My colleagues and I have studied the contributions of these processes to differentiation of naïve CD4+ T-cells to either a Th1 or Th2 phenotype. Our initial discovery that pathogens in our in vitro priming system led to the development of Th1 cells through the action of interleukin-12 was important evidence of a link between innate and adaptive immunity. Subsequent studies in our laboratory revealed an important role for GATA-3 autoactivation in Th2 development. Other interesting projects that have emerged as a result of our Th cell differentiation studies include understanding the role of the inhibitory immunoreceptor B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator in the immune response, as well as the role of the transcription factor ERM in both T-cells and spermatogenesis. We currently maintain our interests in the Th differentiation field by trying to understand the role of type 1 interferons in Th1 development and the role of alternate promoters for the GATA-3 gene, among other things, but are also actively embarking on studies related to the choice between divergent cell types during embryonic stem cell differentiation.

  18. Defective GATA-3 expression in Th2 LCR-deficient mice.

    PubMed

    Hwang, Soo Seok; Kim, Kiwan; Lee, Gap Ryol

    2011-07-15

    Th2 cell differentiation is critically influenced by transcription factor GATA-3 and by various cis-acting elements including enhancers, silencers and a locus control region (LCR) in the Th2 cytokine locus. Th2 LCR-deficient Th2 cells completely lost the expression of GATA-3 and the phosphorylation of STAT6. Histone 3 lysine 4 (H3-K4) was hypomethylated in the gata3 locus in these cells. GATA-3 and STAT6 bound several regulatory regions in the gata3 locus and transactivated the expression of the gata3 gene. These results suggest that Th2 differentiation program stimulates feed-forward regulation of gata3 gene expression. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Systems Modeling of Molecular Mechanisms Controlling Cytokine-driven CD4+ T Cell Differentiation and Phenotype Plasticity

    PubMed Central

    Carbo, Adria; Hontecillas, Raquel; Kronsteiner, Barbara; Viladomiu, Monica; Pedragosa, Mireia; Lu, Pinyi; Philipson, Casandra W.; Hoops, Stefan; Marathe, Madhav; Eubank, Stephen; Bisset, Keith; Wendelsdorf, Katherine; Jarrah, Abdul; Mei, Yongguo; Bassaganya-Riera, Josep

    2013-01-01

    Differentiation of CD4+ T cells into effector or regulatory phenotypes is tightly controlled by the cytokine milieu, complex intracellular signaling networks and numerous transcriptional regulators. We combined experimental approaches and computational modeling to investigate the mechanisms controlling differentiation and plasticity of CD4+ T cells in the gut of mice. Our computational model encompasses the major intracellular pathways involved in CD4+ T cell differentiation into T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17 and induced regulatory T cells (iTreg). Our modeling efforts predicted a critical role for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in modulating plasticity between Th17 and iTreg cells. PPARγ regulates differentiation, activation and cytokine production, thereby controlling the induction of effector and regulatory responses, and is a promising therapeutic target for dysregulated immune responses and inflammation. Our modeling efforts predict that following PPARγ activation, Th17 cells undergo phenotype switch and become iTreg cells. This prediction was validated by results of adoptive transfer studies showing an increase of colonic iTreg and a decrease of Th17 cells in the gut mucosa of mice with colitis following pharmacological activation of PPARγ. Deletion of PPARγ in CD4+ T cells impaired mucosal iTreg and enhanced colitogenic Th17 responses in mice with CD4+ T cell-induced colitis. Thus, for the first time we provide novel molecular evidence in vivo demonstrating that PPARγ in addition to regulating CD4+ T cell differentiation also plays a major role controlling Th17 and iTreg plasticity in the gut mucosa. PMID:23592971

  20. Primary Murine CD4+ T Cells Fail to Acquire the Ability to Produce Effector Cytokines When Active Ras Is Present during Th1/Th2 Differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Janardhan, Sujit V.; Marks, Reinhard; Gajewski, Thomas F.

    2014-01-01

    Constitutive Ras signaling has been shown to augment IL-2 production, reverse anergy, and functionally replace many aspects of CD28 co-stimulation in CD4+ T cells. These data raise the possibility that introduction of active Ras into primary T cells might result in improved functionality in pathologic situations of T cell dysfunction, such as cancer or chronic viral infection. To test the biologic effects of active Ras in primary T cells, CD4+ T cells from Coxsackie-Adenovirus Receptor Transgenic mice were transduced with an adenovirus encoding active Ras. As expected, active Ras augmented IL-2 production in naive CD4+ T cells. However, when cells were cultured for 4 days under conditions to promote effector cell differentiation, active Ras inhibited the ability of CD4+ T cells to acquire a Th1 or Th2 effector cytokine profile. This differentiation defect was not due to deficient STAT4 or STAT6 activation by IL-12 or IL-4, respectively, nor was it associated with deficient induction of T-bet and GATA-3 expression. Impaired effector cytokine production in active Ras-transduced cells was associated with deficient demethylation of the IL-4 gene locus. Our results indicate that, despite augmenting acute activation of naïve T cells, constitutive Ras signaling inhibits the ability of CD4+ T cells to properly differentiate into Th1/Th2 effector cytokine-producing cells, in part by interfering with epigenetic modification of effector gene loci. Alternative strategies to potentiate Ras pathway signaling in T cells in a more regulated fashion should be considered as a therapeutic approach to improve immune responses in vivo. PMID:25397617

  1. Notch regulates Th17 differentiation and controls trafficking of IL-17 and metabolic regulators within Th17 cells in a context-dependent manner

    PubMed Central

    Coutaz, Manuel; Hurrell, Benjamin P.; Auderset, Floriane; Wang, Haiping; Siegert, Stefanie; Eberl, Gerard; Ho, Ping-Chih; Radtke, Freddy; Tacchini-Cottier, Fabienne

    2016-01-01

    Th17 cells play critical roles in host defense and autoimmunity. Emerging data support a role for Notch signaling in Th17 cell differentiation but whether it is a positive or negative regulator remains unclear. We report here that T cell-specific deletion of Notch receptors enhances Th17 cell differentiation in the gut, with a corresponding increase in IL-17 secretion. An increase in Th17 cell frequency was similarly observed following immunization of T cell specific Notch mutant mice with OVA/CFA. However, in this setting, Th17 cytokine secretion was impaired, and increased intracellular retention of IL-17 was observed. Intracellular IL-17 co-localized with the CD71 iron transporter in the draining lymph node of both control and Notch-deficient Th17 cells. Immunization induced CD71 surface expression in control, but not in Notch-deficient Th17 cells, revealing defective CD71 intracellular transport in absence of Notch signaling. Moreover, Notch receptor deficient Th17 cells had impaired mTORC2 activity. These data reveal a context-dependent impact of Notch on vesicular transport during high metabolic demand suggesting a role for Notch signaling in the bridging of T cell metabolic demands and effector functions. Collectively, our findings indicate a prominent regulatory role for Notch signaling in the fine-tuning of Th17 cell differentiation and effector function. PMID:27974744

  2. Altered balance between self-reactive T helper (Th)17 cells and Th10 cells and between full-length forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) and FoxP3 splice variants in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

    PubMed

    Kristensen, B; Hegedüs, L; Madsen, H O; Smith, T J; Nielsen, C H

    2015-04-01

    T helper type 17 (Th17) cells play a pathogenic role in autoimmune disease, while interleukin (IL)-10-producing Th10 cells serve a protective role. The balance between the two subsets is regulated by the local cytokine milieu and by the relative expression of intact forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) compared to FoxP3Δ2, missing exon 2. Th17 and Th10 cell differentiation has usually been studied using polyclonal stimuli, and little is known about the ability of physiologically relevant self-antigens to induce Th17 or Th10 cell differentiation in autoimmune thyroid disease. We subjected mononuclear cells from healthy donors and patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) or Graves' disease (GD) to polyclonal stimulation, or stimulation with human thyroglobulin (TG), human thyroid peroxidase (TPO), or Esherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). TPO and LPS induced increased differentiation of naive CD4(+) CD45RA(+) CD45R0(-) T cells from HT patients into Th17 cells. Th10 cell proportions were decreased in HT after polyclonal stimulation, but were comparable to those of healthy donors after antigen-specific stimulation. Taken together, our data show that an increased Th17 : Th10 ratio was found in HT patients after stimulation with thyroid-specific self-antigens. We also observed an elevated baseline production of IL-6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and of mRNA encoding FoxP3Δ2 rather than intact FoxP3. This may contribute to the skewing towards Th17 cell responses in HT. © 2014 British Society for Immunology.

  3. The transcription factors Thpok and LRF are necessary and partly redundant for T helper cell differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Carpenter, Andrea C.; Grainger, John R.; Xiong, Yumei; Kanno, Yuka; Chu, H. Hamlet; Wang, Lie; Naik, Shruti; dos Santos, Liliane; Wei, Lai; Jenkins, Marc K.; O’Shea, John J.; Belkaid, Yasmine; Bosselut, Rémy

    2014-01-01

    Summary T helper (Th) cells are critical for defenses against infection and recognize peptides bound to Class II Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC-II) molecules. Although transcription factors have been identified that direct helper cells into specific effector fates, whether a ‘master’ regulator controls the developmental program common to all Th cells remains unclear. Here we showed that the two transcription factors Thpok and LRF share this function. Although disruption of both factors did not prevent the generation of MHC II-specific T cells, these cells failed to express Th cell genes or undergo Th cell differentiation in vivo. In contrast, T cells lacking Thpok only displayed LRF-dependent functions and contributed to multiple effector responses, both in vitro and in vivo, with the notable exception of Th2 cell responses that control extra-cellular parasites. These findings identify the Thpok-LRF pair as a core node of Th cell differentiation and function. PMID:23041065

  4. Modulation of Dendritic Cell Activation and Subsequent Th1 Cell Polarization by Lidocaine

    PubMed Central

    Chung, Yeonseok

    2015-01-01

    Dendritic cells play an essential role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity by recognizing cellular stress including pathogen- and damage-associated molecular patterns and by shaping the types of antigen-specific T cell immunity. Although lidocaine is widely used in clinical settings that trigger cellular stress, it remains unclear whether such treatment impacts the activation of innate immune cells and subsequent differentiation of T cells. Here we showed that lidocaine inhibited the production of IL–6, TNFα and IL–12 from dendritic cells in response to toll-like receptor ligands including lipopolysaccharide, poly(I:C) and R837 in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, the differentiation of Th1 cells was significantly suppressed by the addition of lidocaine while the same treatment had little effect on the differentiation of Th17, Th2 and regulatory T cells in vitro. Moreover, lidocaine suppressed the ovalbumin-specific Th1 cell responses in vivo induced by the adoptive transfer of ovalbumin-pulsed dendritic cells. These results demonstrate that lidocaine inhibits the activation of dendritic cells in response to toll-like receptor signals and subsequently suppresses the differentiation of Th1 cell responses. PMID:26445366

  5. Development of chronic allergic responses by dampening Bcl6-mediated suppressor activity in memory T helper 2 cells

    PubMed Central

    Ogasawara, Takashi; Hatano, Masahiko; Satake, Hisae; Ikari, Jun; Taniguchi, Toshibumi; Tsuruoka, Nobuhide; Watanabe-Takano, Haruko; Fujimura, Lisa; Sakamoto, Akemi; Hirata, Hirokuni; Sugiyama, Kumiya; Fukushima, Yasutsugu; Nakae, Susumu; Matsumoto, Kenji; Saito, Hirohisa; Fukuda, Takeshi; Kurasawa, Kazuhiro; Tatsumi, Koichiro; Tokuhisa, Takeshi

    2017-01-01

    Mice deficient in the transcriptional repressor B-cell CLL/lymphoma 6 (Bcl6) exhibit similar T helper 2 (TH2) immune responses as patients with allergic diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Bcl6-directed regulation of TH2 cytokine genes remain unclear. We identified multiple Bcl6/STAT binding sites (BSs) in TH2 cytokine gene loci. We found that Bcl6 is modestly associated with the BSs, and it had no significant effect on cytokine production in newly differentiated TH2 cells. Contrarily, in memory TH2 (mTH2) cells derived from adaptively transferred TH2 effectors, Bcl6 outcompeted STAT5 for binding to TH2 cytokine gene loci, particularly Interleukin4 (Il4) loci, and attenuated GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) binding to highly conserved intron enhancer regions in mTH2 cells. Bcl6 suppressed cytokine production epigenetically in mTH2 cells to negatively tune histone acetylation at TH2 cytokine gene loci, including Il4 loci. In addition, IL-33, a pro-TH2 cytokine, diminished Bcl6’s association with loci to which GATA3 recruitment was inversely augmented, resulting in altered IL-4, but not IL-5 and IL-13, production in mTH2 cells but no altered production in newly differentiated TH2 cells. Use of a murine asthma model that generates high levels of pro-TH2 cytokines, such as IL-33, suggested that the suppressive function of Bcl6 in mTH2 cells is abolished in severe asthma. These findings indicate a role of the interaction between TH2-promoting factors and Bcl6 in promoting appropriate IL-4 production in mTH2 cells and suggest that chronic allergic diseases involve the TH2-promoting factor-mediated functional breakdown of Bcl6, resulting in allergy exacerbation. PMID:28096407

  6. Identification of Baicalin as an Immunoregulatory Compound by Controlling TH17 Cell Differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Chu, Yiwei; Li, Ming

    2011-01-01

    TH17 cells have been implicated in a growing list of inflammatory disorders. Antagonism of TH17 cells can be used for the treatment of inflammatory injury. Currently, very little is known about the natural compound controlling the differentiation of TH17 cells. Here, we showed that Baicalin, a compound isolated from a Chinese herb, inhibited TH17 cell differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Baicalin might inhibit newly generated TH17 cells via reducing RORγt expression, and together with up-regulating Foxp3 expression to suppress RORγt-mediated IL-17 expression in established TH17 cells. In vivo treatment with Baicalin could inhibit TH17 cell differentiation, restrain TH17 cells infiltration into kidney, and protect MRL/lpr mice against nephritis. Our findings not only demonstrate that Baicalin could control TH17 cell differentiation but also suggest that Baicalin might be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of TH17 cells-mediated inflammatory diseases. PMID:21359178

  7. The role of transforming growth factor β in T helper 17 differentiation.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Song

    2018-04-23

    T helper 17 (Th17) cells play critical roles in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The lineage-specific transcription factor RORγt is the key regulator for Th17 cell fate commitment. A substantial number of studies have established the importance of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) -dependent pathways in inducing RORγt expression and Th17 differentiation. TGF-β superfamily members TGF-β 1 , TGF-β 3 or activin A, in concert with interleukin-6 or interleukin-21, differentiate naive T cells into Th17 cells. Alternatively, Th17 differentiation can occur through TGF-β-independent pathways. However, the mechanism of how TGF-β-dependent and TGF-β-independent pathways control Th17 differentiation remains controversial. This review focuses on the perplexing role of TGF-β in Th17 differentiation, depicts the requirement of TGF-β for Th17 development, and underscores the multiple mechanisms underlying TGF-β-promoted Th17 generation, pathogenicity and plasticity. With new insights and comprehension from recent findings, this review specifically tackles the involvement of the canonical TGF-β signalling components, SMAD2, SMAD3 and SMAD4, summarizes diverse SMAD-independent mechanisms, and highlights the importance of TGF-β signalling in balancing the reciprocal conversion of Th17 and regulatory T cells. Finally, this review includes discussions and perspectives and raises important mechanistic questions about the role of TGF-β in Th17 generation and function. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  8. Insights into the role of Bcl6 in follicular Th cells using a new conditional mutant mouse model.

    PubMed

    Hollister, Kristin; Kusam, Saritha; Wu, Hao; Clegg, Ninah; Mondal, Arpita; Sawant, Deepali V; Dent, Alexander L

    2013-10-01

    The transcriptional repressor Bcl6 controls development of the follicular Th cell (T(FH)) lineage, but the precise mechanisms by which Bcl6 regulates this process are unclear. A model has been proposed whereby Bcl6 represses the differentiation of T cells into alternative effector lineages, thus favoring T(FH) cell differentiation. Analysis of T cell differentiation using Bcl6-deficient mice has been complicated by the strong proinflammatory phenotype of Bcl6-deficient myeloid cells. In this study, we report data from a novel mouse model where Bcl6 is conditionally deleted in T cells (Bcl6(fl/fl)Cre(CD4) mice). After immunization, programmed death -1 (PD-1)(high) T(FH) cells in Bcl6(fl/fl)Cre(CD4) mice are decreased >90% compared with control mice, and Ag-specific IgG is sharply reduced. Residual PD-1(high)CXCR5(+) T(FH) cells in Bcl6(fl/fl)Cre(CD4) mice show a significantly higher rate of apoptosis than do PD-1(high)CXCR5(+) T(FH) cells in control mice. Immunization of Bcl6(fl/fl)Cre(CD4) mice did not reveal enhanced differentiation into Th1, Th2, or Th17 lineages, although IL-10 expression by CD4 T cells was markedly elevated. Thus, T cell-extrinsic factors appear to promote the increased Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses in germline Bcl6-deficient mice. Furthermore, IL-10 may be a key target gene for Bcl6 in CD4 T cells, which enables Bcl6 to promote the T(FH) cell phenotype. Finally, our data reveal a novel mechanism for the role of Bcl6 in promoting T(FH) cell survival.

  9. Role of diabetes- and obesity-related protein in the regulation of osteoblast differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Linares, Gabriel R.; Xing, Weirong; Burghardt, Hans; Baumgartner, Bernhard; Chen, Shin-Tai; Ricart, Wifredo; Fernández-Real, José Manuel; Zorzano, Antonio

    2011-01-01

    Although thyroid hormone (TH) is known to exert important effects on the skeleton, the nuclear factors constituting the TH receptor coactivator complex and the molecular pathways by which TH mediates its effects on target gene expression in osteoblasts remain poorly understood. A recent study demonstrated that the actions of TH on myoblast differentiation are dependent on diabetes- and obesity-related protein (DOR). However, the role of DOR in osteoblast differentiation is unknown. We found DOR expression increased during in vitro differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells into osteoblasts and also in MC3T3-E1 cells treated with TH. However, DOR expression decreased during cellular proliferation. To determine whether DOR acts as a modulator of TH action during osteoblast differentiation, we examined whether overexpression or knockdown of DOR in MC3T3-E1 cells affects the ability of TH to induce osteoblast differentiation by evaluating alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. ALP activity was markedly increased in DOR-overexpressing cells treated with TH. In contrast, loss of DOR dramatically reduced TH stimulation of ALP activity in MC3T3-E1 cells and primary calvaria osteoblasts transduced with lentiviral DOR shRNA. Consistent with reduced ALP activity, mRNA levels of osteocalcin, ALP, and Runx2 were decreased significantly in DOR shRNA cells. In addition, a common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), DOR1 found on the promoter of human DOR gene, was associated with circulating osteocalcin levels in nondiabetic subjects. Based on these data, we conclude that DOR plays an important role in TH-mediated osteoblast differentiation, and a DOR SNP associates with plasma osteocalcin in men. PMID:21467300

  10. TET1 and TET3 are essential in induction of Th2-type immunity partly through regulation of IL-4/13A expression in zebrafish model.

    PubMed

    Yang, Chao; Li, Zhuo; Kang, Wei; Tian, Yu; Yan, Yuzhu; Chen, Wei

    2016-10-10

    It has been considered that epigenetic modulation can affect a diverse array of cellular activities, in which ten eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenase family members refer to a group of fundamental components involved in catalyzation of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and modification of gene expression. Even though the function of TET proteins has been gradually revealed, their roles in immune regulation are still largely unknown. Recent studies provided clues that TET2 could regulate several innate immune-related inflammatory mediators in mammals. This study sought to explore the function of TET family members in potential T-helper (Th) cell differentiation involved in adaptive immunity by utilizing a zebrafish model. As shown by results, soluble antigens could induce expression of zebrafish IL-4/13A (i.e. a pivotal Th2-type cytokine essential in Th2 cell differentiation and functions), and further trigger the expression of Th1- and Th2-related genes. It is noteworthy that this response was accompanied by the up-regulation of two TET family members (TET1 and TET3) both in immune organs (spleen and kidney) and cells (peripheral lymphocytes). Knocking-down of TET1 and TET3 will give rise to the decreased responses of IL-4/13A induction against exogenous soluble antigen stimulation, and further restrain the expression of Th2-related genes, which indicates a restrained Th2 cell differentiation. Nonetheless, TET2 did not exhibit effect on the modification of Th1/Th2 related gene expression. Hence, these data showed that TET1 and TET3 might be two significant epigenetic regulators involved in Th2 differentiation through regulation of IL-4/13A expression. This is the first report to show that TET family members play indispensable roles in Th2-type immunity, indicating an epigenetic modulation manner involved in adaptive immune regulations and responses. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Novel function of Extracellular matrix protein 1 in suppressing Th17 cell development in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

    PubMed Central

    Su, Pan; Chen, Sheng; Zheng, Yu Han; Zhou, Hai Yan; Yan, Cheng Hua; Yu, Fang; Zhang, Ya Guang; He, Lan; Zhang, Yuan; Wang, Yanming; Wu, Lei; Wu, Xiaoai; Yu, Bingke; Ma, Li Yan; Yang, Zhiru; Wang, Jianhua; Zhao, Guixian; Zhu, Jinfang; Wu, Zhi-Ying; Sun, Bing

    2016-01-01

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the CNS characterized by demyelination and axonal damage. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a well-established animal model for human MS. While Th17 cells are important for the disease induction, Th2 cells are inhibitory in this process. Here, we report the effect of a Th2 cell product, extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1), on the differentiation of Th17 cells and the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Our results demonstrated that ECM1 administration from day 1 to day 7 following the EAE induction could ameliorate the Th17 cell responses and EAE development in vivo. Further mechanism study revealed that ECM1 could interact with αv integrin on DC cells and block the αv integrin-mediated activation of latent TGF-β, resulting in an inhibition of Th17 differentiation at early stage of EAE induction. Furthermore, overexpression of ECM1 in vivo significantly inhibited Th17 cell response and EAE induction in ECM1 transgenic mouse. Overall, our work has identified a novel function of ECM1 in inhibiting Th17 differentiation in the EAE model, suggesting that ECM1 may have a potential to be used in clinical applications for understanding the pathogenesis of MS and its diagnosis. PMID:27316685

  12. T cell exit from quiescence and differentiation into Th2 cells depend on Raptor-mTORC1-mediated metabolic programming

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Kai; Shrestha, Sharad; Zeng, Hu; Karmaus, Peer W.F.; Neale, Geoffrey; Vogel, Peter; Guertin, David A.; Lamb, Richard F.; Chi, Hongbo

    2014-01-01

    SUMMARY Naïve T cells respond to antigen stimulation by exiting from quiescence and initiating clonal expansion and functional differentiation, but the control mechanism is elusive. Here we describe that Raptor-mTORC1-dependent metabolic programming is a central determinant of this transitional process. Loss of Raptor abrogated T cell priming and Th2 cell differentiation, although Raptor function is less important for continuous proliferation of actively cycling cells. mTORC1 coordinated multiple metabolic programs in T cells including glycolysis, lipid synthesis and oxidative phosphorylation to mediate antigen-triggered exit from quiescence. mTORC1 further linked glucose metabolism to the initiation of Th2 cell differentiation by orchestrating cytokine receptor expression and cytokine responsiveness. Activation of Raptor-mTORC1 integrated T cell receptor and CD28 co-stimulatory signals in antigen-stimulated T cells. Our studies identify a Raptor-mTORC1-dependent pathway linking signal-dependent metabolic reprogramming to quiescence exit, and this in turn coordinates lymphocyte activation and fate decisions in adaptive immunity. PMID:24315998

  13. Defective IL-10 signaling in hyper-IgE syndrome results in impaired generation of tolerogenic dendritic cells and induced regulatory T cells

    PubMed Central

    Saito, Masako; Nagasawa, Masayuki; Takada, Hidetoshi; Hara, Toshiro; Tsuchiya, Shigeru; Agematsu, Kazunaga; Yamada, Masafumi; Kawamura, Nobuaki; Ariga, Tadashi; Tsuge, Ikuya; Nonoyama, Shigeaki; Karasuyama, Hajime

    2011-01-01

    Hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent staphylococcal infections and atopic dermatitis associated with elevated serum IgE levels. Although defective differentiation of IL-17–producing CD4+ T cells (Th17) partly accounts for the susceptibility to staphylococcal skin abscesses and pneumonia, the pathogenesis of atopic manifestations in HIES still remains an enigma. In this study, we examined the differentiation and function of Th1, Th2, regulatory T cells (Treg cells), and dendritic cells (DCs) in HIES patients carrying either STAT3 or TYK2 mutations. Although the in vitro differentiation of Th1 and Th2 cells and the number and function of Treg cells in the peripheral blood were normal in HIES patients with STAT3 mutations, primary and monocyte-derived DCs showed defective responses to IL-10 and thus failed to become tolerogenic. When treated with IL-10, patient DCs showed impaired up-regulation of inhibitory molecules on their surface, including PD-L1 and ILT-4, compared with control DCs. Moreover, IL-10–treated DCs from patients displayed impaired ability to induce the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells to FOXP3+ induced Treg cells (iTreg cells). These results suggest that the defective generation of IL-10–induced tolerogenic DCs and iTreg cells may contribute to inflammatory changes in HIES. PMID:21300911

  14. The morphological and functional differentiation of the alimentary canal of the pig during ontogeny. I. Development and differentiation of the fundic portion of the stomach.

    PubMed

    Georgieva, R; Gerov, K

    1975-01-01

    Several periods of intensive growth are observed in the development of the fundus of pig's stomach: at the end of the 2nd and the beginning of the 3rd month of embryogenesis, the periods shortly prior to and after birth, and between the 10th and 20th day following birth. The gastric pits are formed at about the 45th day of embriogenesis. At the beginning of the third month the fundic glands are formed. The parietal cells first differentiate and are found in 60-day old embryos. The mucous neck cells are differentiated at the beginning of the 3rd month but secretion of mucoid substance starts on about the 45th to 50th day of the prenatal development. With increasing age of the pigs the quantity of PAS-positive substances in the surface epithelium, as well as in the mucous neck cells gradually increases. The differentiation of the chief cells rich in RNA occurs approximately on the 90th day of the prenatal development.

  15. Seventeen-Year Journey Working With a Master.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Jinfang

    2018-01-01

    It had been a great honor for me to work with the late Dr. William E. Paul for 17 years in the Laboratory of Immunology (LI) from 1998 until his passing in 2015. He was such a master in the immunology field. Under his outstanding guidance, my research has been focusing on transcriptional regulation of T helper (Th) cell differentiation, especially, on the role of a master transcription factor GATA3 during Th2 cell differentiation. Just as enormous scientific contributions of Dr. Paul (we all call him Bill) to the immunology community are far beyond his serving as the Chief of the LI, GATA3 also plays important roles in different lymphocytes at various developmental stages besides its critical functions in Th2 cells. In this special review dedicated to the memory of Bill, I will summarize the research that I have carried out in Bill's lab working on GATA3 in the context of related studies by other groups in the field of T cell differentiation and innate lymphoid cell (ILC) development. These include the essential role of GATA3 in regulating Th2/ILC2 differentiation/development and their functions, the critical role of GATA3 during the development of T cells and innate lymphoid cells, and dynamic and quantitative expression of GATA3 in controlling lymphocyte homeostasis and functions.

  16. Reciprocal modulation of helper Th1 and Th17 cells by the β2-adrenergic receptor agonist drug terbutaline.

    PubMed

    Carvajal Gonczi, Catalina M; Tabatabaei Shafiei, Mahdieh; East, Ashley; Martire, Erika; Maurice-Ventouris, Meagane H I; Darlington, Peter J

    2017-09-01

    Catecholamine hormones are powerful regulators of the immune system produced by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). They regulate the adaptive immune system by altering T-cell differentiation into T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cell subsets, but the effect on Th17 cells is not known. Th17 cells, defined, in part, by chemokine receptor CCR6 and cytokine interleukin (IL)-17A, are crucial for mediating certain pathogen-specific responses and are linked with several autoimmune diseases. We demonstrated that a proportion of human Th17 cells express beta 2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR), a G protein-coupled receptor that responds to catecholamines. Activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which were obtained from venous blood drawn from healthy volunteers, with anti-cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3) and anti-CD28 and with a β2-agonist drug, terbutaline (TERB), augmented IL-17A levels (P < 0.01) in the majority of samples. TERB reduced interferon gamma (IFNγ) indicating that IL-17A and IFNγ are reciprocally regulated. Similar reciprocal regulation was observed with dbcAMP. Proliferation of Th cells was monitored by carboxyfluorescein diacetate N-succinimidyl ester labeling and flow cytometry with antibody staining for CD3 and CD4. TERB increased proliferation by a small but significant margin (P < 0.001). Next, Th17 cells (CD4 + CXCR3 - CCR6 + ) were purified using an immunomagnetic positive selection kit, which removes all other mononuclear cells. TERB increased IL-17A from purified Th17 cells, which argues that TERB acts directly on Th17 cells. Thus, hormone signals from the SNS maintain a balance of Th cells subtypes through the β2AR. © 2017 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

  17. Cellular and Molecular Dynamics of Th17 Differentiation and its Developmental Plasticity in the Intestinal Immune Response

    PubMed Central

    Bhaumik, Suniti; Basu, Rajatava

    2017-01-01

    After emerging from the thymus, naive CD4 T cells circulate through secondary lymphoid tissues, including gut-associated lymphoid tissue of the intestine. The activation of naïve CD4 T cells by antigen-presenting cells offering cognate antigen initiate differentiation programs that lead to the development of highly specialized T helper (Th) cell lineages. Although initially believed that developmental programing of effector T cells such as T helper 1 (Th1) or T helper 2 (Th2) resulted in irreversible commitment to a fixed fate, subsequent studies have demonstrated greater flexibility, or plasticity, in effector T cell stability than originally conceived. This is particularly so for the Th17 subset, differentiation of which is a highly dynamic process with overlapping developmental axes with inducible regulatory T (iTreg), T helper 22 (Th22), and Th1 cells. Accordingly, intermediary stages of Th17 cells are found in various tissues, which co-express lineage-specific transcription factor(s) or cytokine(s) of developmentally related CD4 T cell subsets. A highly specialized tissue like that of the intestine, which harbors the largest immune compartment of the body, adds several layers of complexity to the intricate process of Th differentiation. Due to constant exposure to millions of commensal microbes and periodic exposure to pathogens, the intestinal mucosa maintains a delicate balance between regulatory and effector T cells. It is becoming increasingly clear that equilibrium between tolerogenic and inflammatory axes is maintained in the intestine by shuttling the flexible genetic programming of a developing CD4 T cell along the developmental axis of iTreg, Th17, Th22, and Th1 subsets. Currently, Th17 plasticity remains an unresolved concern in the field of clinical research as targeting Th17 cells to cure immune-mediated disease might also target its related subsets. In this review, we discuss the expanding sphere of Th17 plasticity through its shared developmental axes with related cellular subsets such as Th22, Th1, and iTreg in the context of intestinal inflammation and also examine the molecular and epigenetic features of Th17 cells that mediate these overlapping developmental programs. PMID:28408906

  18. Impact of combined sodium chloride and saturated long-chain fatty acid challenge on the differentiation of T helper cells in neuroinflammation.

    PubMed

    Hammer, Anna; Schliep, Anne; Jörg, Stefanie; Haghikia, Aiden; Gold, Ralf; Kleinewietfeld, Markus; Müller, Dominik N; Linker, Ralf A

    2017-09-12

    There has been a marked increase in the incidence of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) in the last decades which is most likely driven by a change in environmental factors. Here, growing evidence suggests that ingredients of a Western diet like high intake of sodium chloride (NaCl) or saturated fatty acids may impact systemic immune responses, thus increasing disease susceptibility. Recently, we have shown that high dietary salt or long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) intake indeed aggravates T helper (Th) cell responses and neuroinflammation. Naïve CD4 + T cells were treated with an excess of 40 mM NaCl and/or 250 μM lauric acid (LA) in vitro to analyze effects on Th cell differentiation, cytokine secretion, and gene expression. We employed ex vivo analyses of the model disease murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) to investigate whether salt and LCFA may affect disease severity and T cell activation in vivo. LCFA, like LA, together with NaCl enhance the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells as well as pro-inflammatory cytokine and gene expression in vitro. In cell culture, we observed an additive effect of LA and hypertonic extracellular NaCl (NaCl + LA) in Th17 differentiation assays as well as on IL-17, GM-CSF, and IL-2 gene expression. In contrast, NaCl + LA reduced Th2 frequencies. We employed EAE as a model of Th1/Th17 cell-mediated autoimmunity and show that the combination of a NaCl- and LA-rich diet aggravated the disease course and increased T cell infiltration into the central nervous system (CNS) to the same extent as dietary NaCl. Our findings demonstrate a partially additive effect of NaCl and LA on Th cell polarization in vitro and on Th cell responses in autoimmune neuroinflammation. These data may help to better understand the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases such as MS.

  19. Bcl11b, a novel GATA3-interacting protein, suppresses Th1 while limiting Th2 cell differentiation.

    PubMed

    Fang, Difeng; Cui, Kairong; Hu, Gangqing; Gurram, Rama Krishna; Zhong, Chao; Oler, Andrew J; Yagi, Ryoji; Zhao, Ming; Sharma, Suveena; Liu, Pentao; Sun, Bing; Zhao, Keji; Zhu, Jinfang

    2018-05-07

    GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3) acts as the master transcription factor for type 2 T helper (Th2) cell differentiation and function. However, it is still elusive how GATA3 function is precisely regulated in Th2 cells. Here, we show that the transcription factor B cell lymphoma 11b (Bcl11b), a previously unknown component of GATA3 transcriptional complex, is involved in GATA3-mediated gene regulation. Bcl11b binds to GATA3 through protein-protein interaction, and they colocalize at many important cis-regulatory elements in Th2 cells. The expression of type 2 cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, is up-regulated in Bcl11b -deficient Th2 cells both in vitro and in vivo; such up-regulation is completely GATA3 dependent. Genome-wide analyses of Bcl11b- and GATA3-regulated genes (from RNA sequencing), cobinding patterns (from chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing), and Bcl11b-modulated epigenetic modification and gene accessibility suggest that GATA3/Bcl11b complex is involved in limiting Th2 gene expression, as well as in inhibiting non-Th2 gene expression. Thus, Bcl11b controls both GATA3-mediated gene activation and repression in Th2 cells. This is a work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States. Foreign copyrights may apply.

  20. Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 Released by Skin-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Is Critical for Inhibiting Th17 Cell Differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Ke, Fang; Zhang, Lingyun; Liu, Zhaoyuan; Yan, Sha; Xu, Zhenyao; Bai, Jing; Zhu, Huiyuan; Lou, Fangzhou; Cai, Wei; Sun, Yang; Gao, Yuanyuan; Wang, Hong

    2016-01-01

    T helper 17 (Th17) cells play an important role in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Th17 cell differentiation from naïve T cells can be induced in vitro by the cytokines transforming growth factor β1 and interleukin-6. However, it remains unclear whether other regulatory factors control the differentiation of Th17 cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising candidate for inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation and autoimmune diseases. Despite the fact that several molecules have been linked to the immunomodulatory function of MSCs, many other key MSC-secreted regulators that are involved in inhibiting Th17 cell polarization are ill-defined. In this study, we demonstrated that the intraperitoneal administration of skin-derived MSCs (S-MSCs) substantially ameliorated the development of EAE in mice. We found that the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a key mediator in the pathophysiology of MS and EAE, was capable of promoting Th17 cell differentiation. Moreover, under inflammatory conditions, we demonstrated that S-MSCs produced high amounts of soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNFR1), which binds TNF-α and antagonizes its function. Knockdown of sTNFR1 in S-MSCs decreased their inhibitory effect on Th17 cell differentiation ex vivo and in vivo. Thus, our data identified sTNFR1 and its target TNF-α as critical regulators for Th17 cell differentiation, suggesting a previously unrecognized mechanism for MSC therapy in Th17-mediated autoimmune diseases. Significance This study showed that administration of skin-derived mesenchymal stem cells (S-MSCs) was able to alleviate the clinical score of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by inhibiting the differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a critical cytokine for promoting Th17 cell differentiation. It was discovered that activated S-MSCs produced high amount of soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNFR1), which neutralized TNF-α and inhibited Th17 cell polarization. The data identified S-MSC-secreted sTNFR1 and its target TNF-α as essential regulators for Th17 cell differentiation and revealed a novel mechanism underlying MSC-mediated immunomodulatory function in autoimmunity. PMID:26819253

  1. Mesenchymal stem cells generate a CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cell population during the differentiation process of Th1 and Th17 cells.

    PubMed

    Luz-Crawford, Patricia; Kurte, Monica; Bravo-Alegría, Javiera; Contreras, Rafael; Nova-Lamperti, Estefania; Tejedor, Gautier; Noël, Danièle; Jorgensen, Christian; Figueroa, Fernando; Djouad, Farida; Carrión, Flavio

    2013-06-04

    Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult, multipotent, stem cells with immunomodulatory properties. The mechanisms involved in the capacity of MSCs to inhibit the proliferation of proinflammatory T lymphocytes, which appear responsible for causing autoimmune disease, have yet to be fully elucidated. One of the underlying mechanisms studied recently is the ability of MSCs to generate T regulatory (Treg) cells in vitro and in vivo from activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), T-CD4+ and also T-CD8(+) cells. In the present work we investigated the capacity of MSCs to generate Treg cells using T-CD4(+) cells induced to differentiate toward the proinflammatory Th1 and Th17 lineages. MSCs were obtained from mouse bone marrow and characterized according to their surface antigen expression and their multilineage differentiation potential. CD4(+) T cells isolated from mouse spleens were induced to differentiate into Th1 or Th17 cells and co-cultured with MSCs added at day 0, 2 or 4 of the differentiation processes. After six days, CD25, Foxp3, IL-17 and IFN-γ expression was assessed by flow cytometry and helios and neuropilin 1 mRNA levels were assessed by RT-qPCR. For the functional assays, the 'conditioned' subpopulation generated in the presence of MSCs was cultured with concanavalin A-activated CD4(+) T cells labeled with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester. Finally, we used the encephalomyelitis autoimmune diseases (EAE) mouse model, in which mice were injected with MSCs at day 18 and 30 after immunization. At day 50, the mice were euthanized and draining lymph nodes were extracted for Th1, Th17 and Treg detection by flow cytometry. MSCs were able to suppress the proliferation, activation and differentiation of CD4(+) T cells induced to differentiate into Th1 and Th17 cells. This substantial suppressive effect was associated with an increase of the percentage of functional induced CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells and IL-10 secretion. However, using mature Th1 or Th17 cells our results demonstrated that while MSCs suppress the proliferation and phenotype of mature Th1 and Th17 cells they did not generate Treg cells. Finally, we showed that the beneficial effect observed following MSC injection in an EAE mouse model was associated with the suppression of Th17 cells and an increase in the percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T lymphocytes when administrated at early stages of the disease. This study demonstrated that MSCs contribute to the generation of an immunosuppressive environment via the inhibition of proinflammatory T cells and the induction of T cells with a regulatory phenotype. Together, these results might have important clinical implications for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

  2. Invariant NKT cells inhibit development of the Th17 lineage

    PubMed Central

    Mars, Lennart T.; Araujo, Luiza; Kerschen, Philippe; Diem, Séverine; Bourgeois, Elvire; Van, Linh Pham; Carrié, Nadège; Dy, Michel; Liblau, Roland S.; Herbelin, André

    2009-01-01

    T cells differentiate into functionally distinct effector subsets in response to pathogen encounter. Cells of the innate immune system direct this process; CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, for example, can either promote or inhibit Th1 and Th2 responses. Recently, a new subset of CD4+ T helper cells, called Th17, was identified that is implicated in mucosal immunity and autoimmune disorders. To investigate the influence of iNKT cells on the differentiation of naïve T cells we used an adoptive transfer model of traceable antigen-specific CD4+ T cells. Transferred naïve CD25−CD62L+ CD4+ T cells were primed by antigen immunization of the recipient mice, permitting their expansion and Th17 differentiation. This study establishes that in vivo activation of iNKT cells during T-cell priming impedes the commitment of naïve T cells to the Th17 lineage. In vivo cytokine neutralization experiments revealed a role for IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ in the iNKT-cell-mediated regulation of T-cell lineage development. Moreover, by comparing IL-17 production by antigen-experienced T cells from unmanipulated wild-type mice and iNKT-cell-deficient mice, we demonstrate an enhanced Th17 response in mice lacking iNKT cells. This invigorated Th17 response reverts to physiological levels when iNKT cells are introduced into Jα18−/− mice by adoptive transfer, indicating that iNKT cells control the Th17 compartment at steady state. We conclude that iNKT cells play an important role in limiting development of the Th17 lineage and suggest that iNKT cells provide a natural barrier against Th17 responses. PMID:19325124

  3. Releasing Ski-Smad4 mediated suppression is essential to license Th17 differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Song; Takaku, Motoki; Zou, Liyun; Gu, Ai-di; Chou, Wei-chun; Zhang, Ge; Wu, Bing; Kong, Qing; Thomas, Seddon Y.; Serody, Jonathan S.; Chen, Xian; Xu, Xiaojiang; Wade, Paul A.; Cook, Donald N.; Ting, Jenny P.; Wan, Yisong Y.

    2017-01-01

    Th17 cells are critically involved in host defense, inflammation, and autoimmunity1–5. TGF-β is instrumental in Th17 differentiation by cooperating with IL-66,7. Yet, the mechanism of how TGF-β enables Th17 differentiation remains elusive. Here we reveal that TGF-β licenses Th17 differentiation by releasing Ski-Smad4-complex suppressed RORγt expression. We found serendipitously that, unlike wild-type T cells, Smad4-deficient T cells differentiated into Th17 cells in the absence of TGF-β signaling in a RORγt-dependent manner. Ectopic Smad4 expression suppressed the RORγt expression and Th17 differentiation of Smad4-deficient T cells. Unexpectedly however, TGF-β neutralized Smad4 mediated suppression without affecting Smad4 binding to Rorc locus. Proteomic analysis revealed that Smad4 interacted with Ski, a transcriptional repressor degraded upon TGF-β stimulation. Ski controlled the histone acetylation/de-acetylation of Rorc locus and Th17 differentiation via Smad4 because ectopic Ski expression inhibited H3K9Ac of Rorc locus, Rorc expression and Th17 differentiation in a Smad4-dependent manner. Therefore, TGF-β-induced disruption of Ski releases Ski-Smad4 complex imposed suppression of RORγt to license Th17 differentiation. This study reveals a critical mechanism by which TGF-β controls Th17 differentiation and uncovers Ski-Smad4 axis as a potential therapeutic target for treating Th17 related diseases. PMID:29072299

  4. STAT4 Deficiency Fails To Induce Lung Th2 or Th17 Immunity following Primary or Secondary Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Challenge but Enhances the Lung RSV-Specific CD8+ T Cell Immune Response to Secondary Challenge

    PubMed Central

    Dulek, Daniel E.; Newcomb, Dawn C.; Toki, Shinji; Goliniewska, Kasia; Cephus, Jacqueline; Reiss, Sara; Bates, John T.; Crowe, James E.; Boyd, Kelli L.; Moore, Martin L.; Zhou, Weisong

    2014-01-01

    ABSTRACT Immune-mediated lung injury is a hallmark of lower respiratory tract illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). STAT4 plays a critical role in CD4+ Th1 lineage differentiation and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) protein expression by CD4+ T cells. As CD4+ Th1 differentiation is associated with negative regulation of CD4+ Th2 and Th17 differentiation, we hypothesized that RSV infection of STAT4−/− mice would result in enhanced lung Th2 and Th17 inflammation and impaired lung Th1 inflammation compared to wild-type (WT) mice. We performed primary and secondary RSV challenges in WT and STAT4−/− mice and used STAT1−/− mice as a positive control for the development of RSV-specific lung Th2 and Th17 inflammation during primary challenge. Primary RSV challenge of STAT4−/− mice resulted in decreased T-bet and IFN-γ expression levels in CD4+ T cells compared to those of WT mice. Lung Th2 and Th17 inflammation did not develop in primary RSV-challenged STAT4−/− mice. Decreased IFN-γ expression by NK cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells was associated with attenuated weight loss and enhanced viral clearance with primary challenge in STAT4−/− mice compared to WT mice. Following secondary challenge, WT and STAT4−/− mice also did not develop lung Th2 or Th17 inflammation. In contrast to primary challenge, secondary RSV challenge of STAT4−/− mice resulted in enhanced weight loss, an increased lung IFN-γ expression level, and an increased lung RSV-specific CD8+ T cell response compared to those of WT mice. These data demonstrate that STAT4 regulates the RSV-specific CD8+ T cell response to secondary infection but does not independently regulate lung Th2 or Th17 immune responses to RSV challenge. IMPORTANCE STAT4 is a protein critical for both innate and adaptive immune responses to viral infection. Our results show that STAT4 regulates the immune response to primary and secondary challenge with RSV but does not restrain RSV-induced lung Th2 or Th17 immune responses. These findings suggest that STAT4 expression may influence lung immunity and severity of illness following primary and secondary RSV infections. PMID:24920804

  5. The expanding universe of T-cell subsets: Th1, Th2 and more.

    PubMed

    Mosmann, T R; Sad, S

    1996-03-01

    Since their discovery nearly ten years ago, T helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 subsets have been implicated in the regulation of many immune responses. In this article, Tim Mosmann and Subash Sad discuss the increasing number of T-cell subsets defined by cytokine patterns; the differentiation pathways of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells; the contribution of other cell types to these patterns; and the cytokine interactions during infection and pregnancy.

  6. Differential induction of CD94 and NKG2 in CD4 helper T cells. A consequence of influenza virus infection and interferon-γ?

    PubMed Central

    Graham, Christine M; Christensen, Jillian R; Thomas, D Brian

    2007-01-01

    Influenza A virus causes worldwide epidemics and pandemics and the investigation of memory T helper (Th) cells that help maintain serological memory following infection is important for vaccine design. In this study we investigated CD94 and NKG2 gene expression in memory CD4 T-cell clones established from the spleens of C57BL/10 (H-2b) and BALB/c (H-2d) mice infected with influenza A virus (H3N2). CD94 and NKG2A/C/E proteins form heterodimeric membrane receptors that are involved in virus recognition. CD94 and NKG2 expression have been well characterized in natural killer (NK) and cytotoxic T cells. Despite CD94 being potentially an important marker for Th1 cells involved in virus infection, however, there has been little investigation of its expression or function in the CD4 T-cell lineage and no studies have looked at in-vivo-generated Th cells or memory cells. We show in this study that in-vivo-generated CD4 Th1 cells, but not Th2 cells, exhibited full-length CD94 and NKG2A gene expression following activation with viral peptide. For NKG2A, a novel ‘short’ (possibly redundant) truncated isoform was detectable in a Th2 cell clone. Another member of the NK receptor family, NKG2D, but not NKG2C or E, was also differentially expressed in Th1 cells. We show here that CD94 and NKG2A may exist as multiple isoforms with the potential to distinguish helper T-cell subsets. PMID:17462078

  7. Delayed Activation Kinetics of Th2- and Th17 Cells Compared to Th1 Cells.

    PubMed

    Duechting, Andrea; Przybyla, Anna; Kuerten, Stefanie; Lehmann, Paul V

    2017-09-12

    During immune responses, different classes of T cells arise: Th1, Th2, and Th17. Mobilizing the right class plays a critical role in successful host defense and therefore defining the ratios of Th1/Th2/Th17 cells within the antigen-specific T cell repertoire is critical for immune monitoring purposes. Antigen-specific Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells can be detected by challenging peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with antigen, and establishing the numbers of T cells producing the respective lead cytokine, IFN-γ and IL-2 for Th1 cells, IL-4 and IL-5 for Th2, and IL-17 for Th-17 cells, respectively. Traditionally, these cytokines are measured within 6 h in flow cytometry. We show here that 6 h of stimulation is sufficient to detect peptide-induced production of IFN-γ, but 24 h are required to reveal the full frequency of protein antigen-specific Th1 cells. Also the detection of IL-2 producing Th1 cells requires 24 h stimulation cultures. Measurements of IL-4 producing Th2 cells requires 48-h cultures and 96 h are required for frequency measurements of IL-5 and IL-17 secreting T cells. Therefore, accounting for the differential secretion kinetics of these cytokines is critical for the accurate determination of the frequencies and ratios of antigen-specific Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells.

  8. Profiling calcium signals of in vitro polarized human effector CD4+ T cells.

    PubMed

    Kircher, Sarah; Merino-Wong, Maylin; Niemeyer, Barbara A; Alansary, Dalia

    2018-06-01

    Differentiation of naïve CD4 + T cells into effector subtypes with distinct cytokine profiles and physiological roles is a tightly regulated process, the imbalance of which can lead to an inadequate immune response or autoimmune disease. The crucial role of Ca 2+ signals, mainly mediated by the store operated Ca 2+ entry (SOCE) in shaping the immune response is well described. However, it is unclear if human effector CD4 + T cell subsets show differential Ca 2+ signatures in response to different stimulation methods. Herein, we provide optimized in vitro culture conditions for polarization of human CD4 + effector T cells and characterize their SOCE following both pharmacological store depletion and direct T-cell receptor (TCR) activation. Moreover, we measured whole cell Ca 2+ release activated Ca 2+ currents (I CRAC ) and investigated whether the observed differences correlate to the expression of CRAC genes. Our results show that Ca 2+ profiles of helper CD4 + Th1, Th2 and Th17 are distinct and in part shaped by the intensity of stimulation. Regulatory T cells (Treg) are unique being the subtype with the most prominent SOCE response. Analysis of in vivo differentiated Treg unraveled the role of differential expression of ORAI2 in fine-tuning signals in Treg vs. conventional CD4 + T cells. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Expression of Master Regulators of T-cell, Helper T-cell and Follicular Helper T-cell Differentiation in Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma.

    PubMed

    Matsumoto, Yosuke; Nagoshi, Hisao; Yoshida, Mihoko; Kato, Seiichi; Kuroda, Junya; Shimura, Kazuho; Kaneko, Hiroto; Horiike, Shigeo; Nakamura, Shigeo; Taniwaki, Masafumi

    2017-11-01

    Objective It has been postulated that the normal counterpart of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is the follicular helper T-cell (TFH). Recent immunological studies have identified several transcription factors responsible for T-cell differentiation. The master regulators associated with T-cell, helper T-cell (Th), and TFH differentiation are reportedly BCL11B, Th-POK, and BCL6, respectively. We explored the postulated normal counterpart of AITL with respect to the expression of the master regulators of T-cell differentiation. Methods We performed an immunohistochemical analysis in 15 AITL patients to determine the expression of the master regulators and several surface markers associated with T-cell differentiation. Results BCL11B was detected in 10 patients (67%), and the surface marker of T-cells (CD3) was detected in all patients. Only 2 patients (13%) expressed the marker of naïve T-cells (CD45RA), but all patients expressed the marker of effector T-cells (CD45RO). Nine patients expressed Th-POK (60%), and 7 (47%) expressed a set of surface antigens of Th (CD4-positive and CD8-negative). In addition, BCL6 and the surface markers of TFH (CXCL13, PD-1, and SAP) were detected in 11 (73%), 8 (53%), 14 (93%), and all patients, respectively. Th-POK-positive/BCL6-negative patients showed a significantly shorter overall survival (OS) than the other patients (median OS: 33.0 months vs. 74.0 months, p=0.020; log-rank test). Conclusion Many of the AITL patients analyzed in this study expressed the master regulators of T-cell differentiation. The clarification of the diagnostic significance and pathophysiology based on the expression of these master regulators in AITL is expected in the future.

  10. Pro-inflammatory effects of the Th1 chemokine CXCL10 in acquired aplastic anaemia.

    PubMed

    Li, Junhong; Ge, Meili; Lu, Shihong; Shi, Jun; Li, Xingxin; Wang, Min; Huang, Jinbo; Shao, Yingqi; Huang, Zhendong; Zhang, Jing; Nie, Neng; Zheng, Yizhou

    2017-06-01

    CXCL10/IFN-γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10) and its corresponding receptor CXCR3 have long been considered to be involved in the pathophysiology of type 1 T (Th1) cell-orientated autoimmune diseases. However, the exact role of CXCL10 in the pathogenesis of aplastic anaemia (AA) has not been thoroughly studied. The aim of our study was to evaluate the plasma level of CXCL10 and its effects on CD4 + T cell differentiation in AA. In our study, we found that an elevated plasma level of CXCL10 was negatively correlated with platelet, absolute neutrophil and reticulocyte counts, while it was positively correlated with the proportion of lymphocytes in white blood cells in AA patients. To confirm the pro-inflammatory effects of CXCL10 in AA, we isolated CD4 + T cells and evaluated the function of CXCL10 in CD4 + T cell differentiation. In vitro stimulation experiments further revealed the pro-inflammatory role of CXCL10 in AA, partially by promoting the secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-17. In addition, CXCL10 significantly skewed CD4 + T cell differentiation to Th1 cells and T helper 17 (Th17) cells in AA patients, while it inhibited the differentiation of type 2 T (Th2) cells only in controls. The mRNA expression of transcription factors representative of T cell differentiation was detected by RT-PCR. Consistently, our results showed that after CXCL10 treatment, the expression of T-bet and RORγt was significantly enhanced, while the expression of GATA3 was inhibited. In conclusion, our results indicated that CXCL10, a pro-inflammatory chemokine, might be involved in the abnormal immune response in AA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. BJ-3105, a 6-Alkoxypyridin-3-ol Analog, Impairs T Cell Differentiation and Prevents Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Disease Progression

    PubMed Central

    Timilshina, Maheshwor; Kang, Youra; Dahal, Ishmit; You, Zhiwei; Nam, Tae-gyu; Kim, Keuk-Jun

    2017-01-01

    CD4+ T cells are essential in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) secreting T helper (Th1) and IL-17 secreting T helper (Th17) cells are critical for several autoimmune diseases. To assess the inhibitory effect of a given compound on autoimmune disease, we screened many compounds with an in vitro Th differentiation assay. BJ-3105, a 6-alkoxypyridin-3-ol analog, inhibited IFN-γ and IL-17 production from polyclonal CD4+ T cells and ovalbumin (OVA)-specific CD4+ T cells which were activated by T cell receptor (TCR) engagement. BJ-3105 ameliorated the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model by reducing Th1 and Th17 generation. Notably, Th cell differentiation was significantly suppressed by BJ-3105 treatment without inhibiting in vitro proliferation of T cells or inducing programmed cell death. Mechanistically, BJ-3105 inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK and its downstream signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) that is critical for Th differentiation. These results demonstrated that BJ-3105 inhibits the phosphorylation of STAT in response to cytokine signals and subsequently suppressed the differentiation of Th cell responses. PMID:28095433

  12. Cytokines and the regulation of fungus-specific CD4 T cell differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Espinosa, Vanessa; Rivera, Amariliz

    2011-01-01

    CD4 T cells play important and non-redundant roles in protection against infection with diverse fungi. Distinct CD4 T cell subsets can mediate protection against fungal disease where Th1 and Th17 CD4 T cell subsets have been found to promote fungal clearance and protective immunity against diverse fungal pathogens. The differentiation of naïve CD4 T cells into Th1 or Th17 cells is crucially controlled by their interaction with dendritic cells and instructed by cytokines. IL-12 and IFN-γ promote Th1 differentiation while TGF-β, IL-6, IL-1, IL-21 and IL-23 promote Th17 differentiation and maintenance. The production of these cytokines by DCs is in turn regulated by innate receptors triggered in response to fungal infection. In this review we will discuss the contributions of cytokines found to influence fungus-specific CD4 T cell differentiation and their role in defense against fungal disease. We will also highlight the contributions of innate receptors involved in recognition of fungi and how they shape cytokine secretion and CD4 T cell differentiation. PMID:22133343

  13. [Theories on the mode of action of desensitization].

    PubMed

    Klimek, L; Reske-Kunz, A B; Saloga, J

    1999-01-01

    Specific immunotherapy (SIT) has been practised successfully for about 80 years. In classic immunotherapy, an allergen-extract is repeatedly injected subcutaneously in increasing doses. A large number of clinically controlled studies have proved the efficacy of this kind of immunotherapy, while its mode of action is not precisely known yet. A successful SIT leads to an impairment of allergic symptoms (symptom score), and a concordant decrease in drug use. Furthermore, a reduced reactivity in specific dermal, nasal and bronchial provocation tests is induced as well as a diminished unspecific reagibility in the affected tissues. Several studies showed reduced values for allergen-specific IgE (serum) that followed an initial increase. A reduced immigration of eosinophils was found, both after provocation with allergen and during the pollen season, as well as diminished values of markers for the activity of eosinophils, e.g. eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). Also, a reduced allergen-induced histamine-liberation from mast cells and basophils has been reported. The underlying mechanism for these effects of SIT might be a reorientation of the allergen-induced lymphokine-production to a dominant TH1-cytokine-profile. Because the relation between the quantity of IL-4 and its regulator IFN-gamma controls the extent of IgE-synthesis by B-cells, the reorientation leads to a diminished production of IgE. IFN-gamma inhibits the differentiation of TH2-cells; by this less TH2-cells are present to help B-cells to produce IgE-antibodies, and to induce the differentiation of mast cells and basophils as well as immigration, differentiation and activation of eosinophils. Thus, the positive effects of SIT can be explained by the reorientation T-cell lymphokine profile. The mechanism under discussion for explaining this reorientation include: 1) an increased differentiation of allergen-specific CD4+ precursor-cells or a reorientation of established TH2-cells to the production of IFN-gamma, 2) the differentiation of IFN-gamma-producing CD8+ T-cells and of T-cells with receptors for T-cell-antigenes of the gamma, delta-type; and 3) the induction of an energy in TH2-cells.

  14. Resetting microbiota by Lactobacillus reuteri inhibits T reg deficiency–induced autoimmunity via adenosine A2A receptors

    PubMed Central

    Hoang, Thomas K.; Tian, Xiangjun; Luo, Meng; Zhou, Jain; Tatevian, Nina; Molina, Jose G.; Blackburn, Michael R.; Gomez, Thomas H.

    2017-01-01

    Regulatory T (T reg) cell deficiency causes lethal, CD4+ T cell–driven autoimmune diseases. Stem cell transplantation is used to treat these diseases, but this procedure is limited by the availability of a suitable donor. The intestinal microbiota drives host immune homeostasis by regulating the differentiation and expansion of T reg, Th1, and Th2 cells. It is currently unclear if T reg cell deficiency–mediated autoimmune disorders can be treated by targeting the enteric microbiota. Here, we demonstrate that Foxp3+ T reg cell deficiency results in gut microbial dysbiosis and autoimmunity over the lifespan of scurfy (SF) mouse. Remodeling microbiota with Lactobacillus reuteri prolonged survival and reduced multiorgan inflammation in SF mice. L. reuteri changed the metabolomic profile disrupted by T reg cell deficiency, and a major effect was to restore levels of the purine metabolite inosine. Feeding inosine itself prolonged life and inhibited multiorgan inflammation by reducing Th1/Th2 cells and their associated cytokines. Mechanistically, the inhibition of inosine on the differentiation of Th1 and Th2 cells in vitro depended on adenosine A2A receptors, which were also required for the efficacy of inosine and of L. reuteri in vivo. These results reveal that the microbiota–inosine–A2A receptor axis might represent a potential avenue for combatting autoimmune diseases mediated by T reg cell dysfunction. PMID:27994068

  15. CD147/basigin limits lupus nephritis and Th17 cell differentiation in mice by inhibiting the interleukin-6/STAT-3 pathway.

    PubMed

    Maeda, Kayaho; Kosugi, Tomoki; Sato, Waichi; Kojima, Hiroshi; Sato, Yuka; Kamimura, Daisuke; Kato, Noritoshi; Tsuboi, Naotake; Yuzawa, Yukio; Matsuo, Seiichi; Murakami, Masaaki; Maruyama, Shoichi; Kadomatsu, Kenji

    2015-05-01

    Interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing T cells (Th17 cells) play critical roles in the pathogenesis of immune-related diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus. However, the fundamental mechanism regulating Th17 cell differentiation is not fully understood. Recently, we demonstrated that plasma levels of CD147/basigin (Bsg) in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) were closely associated with disease activity. but the molecular mechanism involving Bsg has been elusive. Here, we addressed the role of Bsg in the pathogenesis of LN. Injections of pristane (2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane [TMPD]) were administered to Bsg(-/-) or Bsg(+/+) mice to induce LN. The mice were killed 6 months after being injected, for histologic and biochemical analyses of the kidneys and spleens. Pristane induced LN more strikingly in Bsg(-/-) mice than in Bsg(+/+) mice, even though humoral autoimmunity was similarly increased in both genotypes. The increased number of Th17, but not Th1, Treg cells, was augmented in Bsg(-/-) mice. The expression of IL-17 was also increased in the kidneys of Bsg(-/-) mice, in proportion to LN disease activity. Furthermore, treatment with anti-IL-17 antibody reduced LN disease activity in Bsg(-/-) mice. Complementary to these phenotypes of Bsg(-/-) mice, Bsg expression was enhanced in activated CD4+ T cells in vivo and in vitro. Bsg deficiency selectively augmented in vitro differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells to Th17 cells and STAT-3 phosphorylation during this differentiation. Moreover, STAT-3 phosphorylation was suppressed by crosslinking of Bsg with its antibody. Bsg plays an indispensable role in Th17 cell differentiation as a negative regulator by suppressing the IL-6/STAT-3 pathway. © 2015, American College of Rheumatology.

  16. Dectin-1 diversifies Aspergillus fumigatus–specific T cell responses by inhibiting T helper type 1 CD4 T cell differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Hohl, Tobias M.; Collins, Nichole; Leiner, Ingrid; Gallegos, Alena; Saijo, Shinobu; Coward, Jesse W.; Iwakura, Yoichiro

    2011-01-01

    Pulmonary infection of mice with Aspergillus fumigatus induces concurrent T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 responses that depend on Toll-like receptor/MyD88 and Dectin-1, respectively. However, the mechanisms balancing Th1 and Th17 CD4 T cell populations during infection remain incompletely defined. In this study, we show that Dectin-1 deficiency disproportionally increases Th1 responses and decreases Th17 differentiation after A. fumigatus infection. Dectin-1 signaling in A. fumigatus–infected wild-type mice reduces IFN-γ and IL-12p40 expression in the lung, thereby decreasing T-bet expression in responding CD4 T cells and enhancing Th17 responses. Absence of IFN-γ or IL-12p35 in infected mice or T-bet in responding CD4 T cells enhances Th17 differentiation, independent of Dectin-1 expression, in A. fumigatus–infected mice. Transient deletion of monocyte-derived dendritic cells also reduces Th1 and boosts Th17 differentiation of A. fumigatus–specific CD4 T cells. Our findings indicate that Dectin-1–mediated signals alter CD4 T cell responses to fungal infection by decreasing the production of IL-12 and IFN-γ in innate cells, thereby decreasing T-bet expression in A. fumigatus–specific CD4 T cells and enabling Th17 differentiation. PMID:21242294

  17. Thymic DCs derived IL-27 regulates the final maturation of CD4+ SP thymocytes

    PubMed Central

    Tang, Hui; Zhang, Jie; Sun, Xiuyuan; Qian, Xiaoping; Zhang, Yu; Jin, Rong

    2016-01-01

    IL-27, as a pleiotropic cytokine, promotes the differentiation of naïve T cells to Th1, while suppressing Th2 and Th17 differentiation in the periphery. However, the role of IL-27 in the thymocyte development remains unknown. Here we showed that IL-27 was highly expressed in thymic plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) while its receptor expression was mainly detected in CD4+ single-positive (SP) thymocytes. Deletion of the p28 subunit in DCs resulted in a reduction of the most mature Qa-2+ subsets of CD4+ SP T cells. This defect was rescued by intrathymic administration of exogenous IL-27. In vitro differentiation assay further demonstrated that IL-27 alone was able to drive the maturation of the newly generated 6C10+CD69+CD4+ SP cells into Qa-2+ cells. Collectively, this study has revealed an important role of thymic DCs-derived IL-27 in the regulation of the phenotypic maturation of CD4+ SP thymocytes. PMID:27469302

  18. Th17 cytokine differentiation and loss of plasticity after SOCS1 inactivation in a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

    PubMed

    Ehrentraut, Stefan; Schneider, Björn; Nagel, Stefan; Pommerenke, Claudia; Quentmeier, Hilmar; Geffers, Robert; Feist, Maren; Kaufmann, Maren; Meyer, Corinna; Kadin, Marshall E; Drexler, Hans G; MacLeod, Roderick A F

    2016-06-07

    We propose that deregulated T-helper-cell (Th) signaling underlies evolving Th17 cytokine expression seen during progression of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Accordingly, we developed a lymphoma progression model comprising cell lines established at indolent (MAC-1) and aggressive (MAC-2A) CTCL stages. We discovered activating JAK3 (V722I) mutations present at indolent disease, reinforced in aggressive disease by novel compound heterozygous SOCS1 (G78R/D105N) JAK-binding domain inactivating mutations. Though isogenic, indolent and aggressive-stage cell lines had diverged phenotypically, the latter expressing multiple Th17 related cytokines, the former a narrower profile. Importantly, indolent stage cells remained poised for Th17 cytokine expression, readily inducible by treatment with IL-2 - a cytokine which mitigates Th17 differentiation in mice. In indolent stage cells JAK3 expression was boosted by IL-2 treatment. Th17 conversion of MAC-1 cells by IL-2 was blocked by pharmacological inhibition of JAK3 or STAT5, implicating IL2RG - JAK3 - STAT5 signaling in plasticity responses. Like IL-2 treatment, SOCS1 knockdown drove indolent stage cells to mimic key aggressive stage properties, notably IL17F upregulation. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that SOCS1 mutations abolished JAK3 binding, revealing a key role for SOCS1 in regulating JAK3/STAT5 signaling. Collectively, our results show how JAK/STAT pathway mutations contribute to disease progression in CTCL cells by potentiating inflammatory cytokine signaling, widening the potential therapeutic target range for this intractable entity. MAC-1/2A cells also provide a candidate human Th17 laboratory model for identifying potentally actionable CTCL markers or targets and testing their druggability in vitro.

  19. Dendritic cell MST1 inhibits Th17 differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Li, Chunxiao; Bi, Yujing; Li, Yan; Yang, Hui; Yu, Qing; Wang, Jian; Wang, Yu; Su, Huilin; Jia, Anna; Hu, Ying; Han, Linian; Zhang, Jiangyuan; Li, Simin; Tao, Wufan; Liu, Guangwei

    2017-01-01

    Although the differentiation of CD4+T cells is widely studied, the mechanisms of antigen-presenting cell-dependent T-cell modulation are unclear. Here, we investigate the role of dendritic cell (DC)-dependent T-cell differentiation in autoimmune and antifungal inflammation and find that mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (MST1) signalling from DCs negatively regulates IL-17 producing-CD4+T helper cell (Th17) differentiation. MST1 deficiency in DCs increases IL-17 production by CD4+T cells, whereas ectopic MST1 expression in DCs inhibits it. Notably, MST1-mediated DC-dependent Th17 differentiation regulates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and antifungal immunity. Mechanistically, MST1-deficient DCs promote IL-6 secretion and regulate the activation of IL-6 receptor α/β and STAT3 in CD4+T cells in the course of inducing Th17 differentiation. Activation of the p38 MAPK signal is responsible for IL-6 production in MST1-deficient DCs. Thus, our results define the DC MST1–p38MAPK signalling pathway in directing Th17 differentiation. PMID:28145433

  20. Cutting edge: Th17 and regulatory T cell dynamics and the regulation by IL-2 in the tumor microenvironment.

    PubMed

    Kryczek, Ilona; Wei, Shuang; Zou, Linhua; Altuwaijri, Saleh; Szeliga, Wojciech; Kolls, Jay; Chang, Alfred; Zou, Weiping

    2007-06-01

    Th17 cells play an active role in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. However, the nature and regulation of Th17 in the context of tumor immunity remain unknown. In this study, we show that parallel to regulatory T (Treg) cells, IL-17(+) CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells are kinetically induced in multiple tumor microenvironments in mice and humans. Treg cells play a crucial role in tumor immune pathogenesis and temper immune therapeutic efficacy. IL-2 is crucial for the production and function of Treg cells. We now show that IL-2 reduces IL-17(+) T cell differentiation in the tumor microenvironment accompanied with an enhanced Treg cell compartment in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, our work demonstrates a dynamic differentiation of IL-17(+) T cells in the tumor microenvironment, reveals a novel role for IL-2 in controlling the balance between IL-17(+) and Treg cells, and provides new insight of IL-17(+) T cells in tumor immune pathology and therapy.

  1. Improved cell therapy protocol for Parkinson’s disease based on differentiation efficiency and safety of hESC-, hiPSC and non-human primate iPSC-derived DA neurons

    PubMed Central

    Maria, Sundberg; Helle, Bogetofte; Tristan, Lawson; Gaynor, Smith; Arnar, Astradsson; Michele, Moore; Teresia, Osborn; Oliver, Cooper; Roger, Spealman; Penelope, Hallett; Ole, Isacson

    2013-01-01

    The main motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are due to the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the ventral midbrain (VM). For the future treatment of Parkinson’s disease with cell transplantation it is important to develop efficient differentiation methods for production of human iPSCs and hESCs-derived midbrain-type DA neurons. Here we describe an efficient differentiation and sorting strategy for DA-neurons from both human ES/iPS cells and non-human primate iPSCs. The use of non-human primate iPSCs for neuronal differentiation and autologous transplantation is important for pre-clinical evaluation of safety and efficacy of stem cell-derived DA neurons. The aim of this study was to improve the safety of human- and non-human primate-iPSC (PiPSC)-derived DA neurons. According to our results, NCAM+/CD29low sorting enriched VM DA-neurons from pluripotent stem cell-derived neural cell populations. NCAM+/CD29low DA-neurons were positive for FOXA2/TH and EN1/TH and this cell population had increased expression levels of FOXA2, LMX1A, TH, GIRK2, PITX3, EN1, NURR1 mRNA compared to unsorted neural cell populations. PiPSC-derived NCAM+/CD29low DA-neurons were able to restore motor function of 6-OHDA lesioned rats 16 weeks after transplantation. The transplanted sorted cells also integrated in the rodent brain tissue, with robust TH+/hNCAM+ neuritic innervation of the host striatum. One year after autologous transplantation, the primate iPSC-derived neural cells survived in the striatum of one primate without any immunosuppression. These neural cell grafts contained FOXA2/TH-positive neurons in the graft site. This is an important proof of concept for the feasibility and safety of iPSC-derived cell transplantation therapies in the future. PMID:23666606

  2. Treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome with Bifidobacterium infantis through regulation of T helper cells subsets.

    PubMed

    Shi, Peng; Qu, Hongdang; Nian, Di; Chen, Yuhua; Liu, Xiaolin; Li, Qiang; Li, Qianqian; Wang, Chun; Ye, Ming; Ma, Bo

    2018-06-13

    Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare, autoimmune-mediated disease. The use of Bifidobacterium is reportedly effective in alleviating GBS since they act by regulating T helper (Th) cells. In this study, we explored the differentiation of T helper cell subsets in patients with GBS. We also evaluated the effect of GBS on Bifidobacterium levels in patients and the likely protective influence of this bacterium in alleviating the disease in an animal model. We used flow cytometry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the T cell subsets differentiation among 30 GBS patients and 20 healthy controls (HC). The concentration of Bifidobacterium was assayed by real-time PCR. Experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) animal model was established to support the protective role of Bifidobacterium in GBS. The expression of Th cells, Th2 and Th17 in the patients was significantly higher than that in the HC, while Treg cells decreased substantially. Moreover, the levels of Bifidobacterium in the GBS patients were considerably lower than those in the HC, the concentration of Bifidobacterium correlating with Th2 and Th17 subsets negatively. Treatment with Bifidobacterium significantly reduced the levels of Th2 and Th17 and promoted the levels of Treg cells. We concluded from this study that Bifidobacterium alleviated GBS by regulating Th cells, although in-depth studies might be required to fully understand the mechanism of action. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. A systems immunology approach identifies the collective impact of 5 miRs in Th2 inflammation.

    PubMed

    Kılıç, Ayşe; Santolini, Marc; Nakano, Taiji; Schiller, Matthias; Teranishi, Mizue; Gellert, Pascal; Ponomareva, Yuliya; Braun, Thomas; Uchida, Shizuka; Weiss, Scott T; Sharma, Amitabh; Renz, Harald

    2018-06-07

    Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease dominated by a CD4+ T helper 2 (Th2) cell signature. The immune response amplifies in self-enforcing loops, promoting Th2-driven cellular immunity and leaving the host unable to terminate inflammation. Posttranscriptional mechanisms, including microRNAs (miRs), are pivotal in maintaining immune homeostasis. Since an altered expression of various miRs has been associated with T cell-driven diseases, including asthma, we hypothesized that miRs control mechanisms ensuring Th2 stability and maintenance in the lung. We isolated murine CD4+ Th2 cells from allergic inflamed lungs and profiled gene and miR expression. Instead of focusing on the magnitude of miR differential expression, here we addressed the secondary consequences for the set of molecular interactions in the cell, the interactome. We developed the Impact of Differential Expression Across Layers, a network-based algorithm to prioritize disease-relevant miRs based on the central role of their targets in the molecular interactome. This method identified 5 Th2-related miRs (mir27b, mir206, mir106b, mir203, and mir23b) whose antagonization led to a sharp reduction of the Th2 phenotype. Overall, a systems biology tool was developed and validated, highlighting the role of miRs in Th2-driven immune response. This result offers potentially novel approaches for therapeutic interventions.

  4. Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Is an Early Determinant in the Differentiation of Pathogenic Th17 Cells

    PubMed Central

    Beurel, Eléonore; Yeh, Wen-I; Michalek, Suzanne M.; Harrington, Laurie E.; Jope, Richard S.

    2011-01-01

    CD4+ T cells are critical for host defense but are also major drivers of immune-mediated diseases. The classical view of Th1 and Th2 subtypes of CD4+ T cells was recently revised by the identification of the Th17 lineage of CD4+ T cells that produce IL-17, which have been found to be critical in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and other diseases. Mechanisms controlling the differentiation of Th17 cells have been well described, but few feasible targets for therapeutically reducing Th17 cells are known. The generation of Th17 cells requires IL-6 and activation of STAT3. During polarization of CD4+ T cells to Th17 cells, we found that inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) blocked IL-6 production, STAT3 activation, and polarization to Th17 cells. Polarization of CD4+ T cells to Th17 cells increased by 10-fold the expression of GSK3β protein levels in Th17 cells, whereas GSK3β was unaltered in regulatory T cells. Diminishing GSK3 activity either pharmacologically or molecularly blocked Th17 cell production, and increasing GSK3 activity promoted polarization to Th17 cells. In vivo inhibition of GSK3 in mice depleted constitutive Th17 cells in intestinal mucosa, blocked Th17 cell generation in the lung after Francisella tularensis infection, and inhibited the increase in spinal cord Th17 cells and disease symptoms in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model of multiple sclerosis. These findings identify GSK3 as a critical mediator of Th17 cell production and indicate that GSK3 inhibitors provide a potential therapeutic intervention to control Th17-mediated diseases. PMID:21191064

  5. A Distinct Inhibitory Function for miR-18a in Th17 Cell Differentiation.

    PubMed

    Montoya, Misty M; Maul, Julia; Singh, Priti B; Pua, Heather H; Dahlström, Frank; Wu, Nanyan; Huang, Xiaozhu; Ansel, K Mark; Baumjohann, Dirk

    2017-07-15

    Th17 cell responses orchestrate immunity against extracellular pathogens but also underlie autoimmune disease pathogenesis. In this study, we uncovered a distinct and critical role for miR-18a in limiting Th17 cell differentiation. miR-18a was the most dynamically upregulated microRNA of the miR-17-92 cluster in activated T cells. miR-18a deficiency enhanced CCR6 + RAR-related orphan receptor (ROR)γt + Th17 cell differentiation in vitro and increased the number of tissue Th17 cells expressing CCR6, RORγt, and IL-17A in airway inflammation models in vivo. Sequence-specific miR-18 inhibitors increased CCR6 and RORγt expression in mouse and human CD4 + T cells, revealing functional conservation. miR-18a directly targeted Smad4 , Hif1a , and Rora , all key transcription factors in the Th17 cell gene-expression program. These findings indicate that activating signals influence the outcome of Th cell differentiation via differential regulation of mature microRNAs within a common cluster. Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

  6. Selective Impairment of TH17-Differentiation and Protection against Autoimmune Arthritis after Overexpression of BCL2A1 in T Lymphocytes.

    PubMed

    Iglesias, Marcos; Augustin, Juan Jesús; Alvarez, Pilar; Santiuste, Inés; Postigo, Jorge; Merino, Jesús; Merino, Ramón

    2016-01-01

    The inhibition of apoptotic cell death in T cells through the dysregulated expression of BCL2 family members has been associated with the protection against the development of different autoimmune diseases. However, multiple mechanisms were proposed to be responsible for such protective effect. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of the T-cell overexpression of BCL2A1, an anti-apoptotic BCL2 family member without an effect on cell cycle progression, in the development of collagen-induced arthritis. Our results demonstrated an attenuated development of arthritis in these transgenic mice. The protective effect was unrelated to the suppressive activity of regulatory T cells but it was associated with a defective activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in CD4+ cells after in vitro TCR stimulation. In addition, the in vitro and in vivo TH17 differentiation were impaired in BCL2A1 transgenic mice. Taken together, we demonstrated here a previously unknown role for BCL2A1 controlling the activation of CD4+ cells and their differentiation into pathogenic proinflammatory TH17 cells and identified BCL2A1 as a potential target in the control of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases.

  7. The Effect of Recombinant Tyrosine Hydroxylase Expression on the Neurogenic Differentiation Potency of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

    PubMed Central

    Duruksu, Gokhan; Karaoz, Erdal

    2018-01-01

    Objective Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is a rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis, making the enhancement of its activity a target for ensuring sufficient dopamine levels. Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBM-MSCs) are known to synthesize TH after differentiating into neuronal cells through chemical induction, but the effect of its ectopic expression on these cells has not yet been determined. This study investigated the effects of ectopic recombinant TH expression on the stemness characteristics of rBM-MSCs. Methods After cloning, a cell line with stable TH expression was maintained, and the proliferation, the gene expression profile, and differentiation potential of rBM-MSCs were analyzed. Analysis of the cells showed an increment in the proliferation rate that could be reversed by the neutralization of TH. Results The constitutive expression of TH in rBM-MSCs was successfully implemented, without significantly affecting their osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential. TH expression improved the expression of other neuronal markers, such as glial fibrillary acidic protein, β-tubulin, nestin, and c-Fos, confirming the neurogenic differentiation capacity of the stem cells. The expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) significantly increased after the chemical induction of neurogenic differentiation. Conclusion In this study, the expression of recombinant TH improved the neuroprotective effect of MSCs by upregulating the expression of BDNF and CNTF. Although the neuronal markers were upregulated, the expression of recombinant TH alone in rBM-MSCs was not sufficient for MSCs to differentiate into neurogenic cell lines. PMID:29656620

  8. The transcription factor Th-POK negatively regulates Th17 differentiation in Vα14i NKT cells

    PubMed Central

    Engel, Isaac; Zhao, Meng; Kappes, Dietmar; Taniuchi, Ichiro

    2012-01-01

    The majority of mouse Vα14 invariant natural killer T (Vα14i NKT) cells produce several cytokines, including IFNγ and IL-4, very rapidly after activation. A subset of these cells, known as NKT17 cells, however, differentiates in the thymus to preferentially produce IL-17. Here, we show that the transcription factor—known as T helper, Poxviruses, and Zinc-finger and Krüppel family, (Th-POK)—represses the formation of NKT17 cells. Vα14i NKT cells from Th-POK–mutant helper deficient (hd/hd) mice have increased transcripts of genes normally expressed by Th17 and NKT17 cells, and even heterozygosity for this mutation leads to dramatically increased numbers of Vα14i NKT cells that are poised to express IL-17, especially in the thymus and lymph nodes. In addition, using gene reporter mice, we demonstrate that NKT17 cells from wild-type mice express lower amounts of Th-POK than the majority population of Vα14i NKT cells. We also show that retroviral transduction of Th-POK represses the expression of the Th17 master regulator RORγT in Vα14i NKT-cell lines. Our data suggest that NKT17-cell differentiation is intrinsically regulated by Th-POK activity, with only low levels of Th-POK permissive for the differentiation of NKT17 cells. PMID:23034280

  9. Nitric oxide enhances Th9 cell differentiation and airway inflammation.

    PubMed

    Niedbala, Wanda; Besnard, Anne-Gaelle; Nascimento, Daniele Carvalho; Donate, Paula Barbim; Sonego, Fabiane; Yip, Edwin; Guabiraba, Rodrigo; Chang, Hyun-Dong; Fukada, Sandra Y; Salmond, Robert J; Schmitt, Edgar; Bopp, Tobias; Ryffel, Bernhard; Liew, Foo Y

    2014-08-07

    Th9 cells protect hosts against helminthic infection but also mediate allergic disease. Here we show that nitric oxide (NO) promotes Th9 cell polarization of murine and human CD4(+) T cells. NO de-represses the tumour suppressor gene p53 via nitrosylation of Mdm2. NO also increases p53-mediated IL-2 production, STAT5 phosphorylation and IRF4 expression, all essential for Th9 polarization. NO also increases the expression of TGFβR and IL-4R, pivotal to Th9 polarization. OVA-sensitized mice treated with an NO donor developed more severe airway inflammation. Transferred Th9 cells induced airway inflammation, which was exacerbated by NO and blocked by anti-IL-9 antibody. Nos2(-/-) mice had less Th9 cells and developed attenuated eosinophilia during OVA-induced airway inflammation compared with wild-type mice. Our data demonstrate that NO is an important endogenous inducer of Th9 cells and provide a hitherto unrecognized mechanism for NO-mediated airway inflammation via the expansion of Th9 cells.

  10. Estrogen and progesterone decrease let-7f microRNA expression and increase IL-23/IL-23 receptor signaling and IL-17A production in patients with severe asthma.

    PubMed

    Newcomb, Dawn C; Cephus, Jacqueline Yvonne; Boswell, Madison G; Fahrenholz, John M; Langley, Emily W; Feldman, Amy S; Zhou, Weisong; Dulek, Daniel E; Goleniewska, Kasia; Woodward, Kimberly B; Sevin, Carla M; Hamilton, Robert G; Kolls, Jay K; Peebles, R Stokes

    2015-10-01

    Women have an increased prevalence of severe asthma compared with men. IL-17A is associated with severe asthma and requires IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) signaling, which is negatively regulated by let-7f microRNA. We sought to Determine the mechanism by which 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) increase IL-17A production. IL-17A production was determined by using flow cytometry in TH17 cells from women (n = 14) and men (n = 15) with severe asthma. Cytokine levels were measured by using ELISA, and IL-23R and let-7f expression was measured by using quantitative PCR in TH17-differentiated cells from healthy women (n = 13) and men (n = 14). In sham-operated or ovariectomized female mice, 17β-E2, P4, 17β-E2+P4, or vehicle pellets were administered for 3 weeks before ex vivo TH17 cell differentiation. Airway neutrophil infiltration and CXCL1 (KC) expression were also determined in ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged wild-type female recipient mice with an adoptive transfer of OVA-specific TH17 cells from female and male mice. In patients with severe asthma and healthy control subjects, IL-17A production was increased in TH17 cells from women compared with men. IL-23R expression was increased and let-7f expression was decreased in TH17-differentiated cells from women compared with men. In ovariectomized mice IL-17A and IL-23R expression was increased and Let-7f expression was decreased in TH17 cells from mice administered 17β-E2+P4 compared with those administered vehicle. Furthermore, transfer of female OVA-specific TH17 cells increased acute neutrophil infiltration in the lungs of OVA-challenged recipient mice compared with transfer of male OVA-specific TH17 cells. 17β-E2+P4 increased IL-17A production from TH17 cells, providing a potential mechanism for the increased prevalence of severe asthma in women compared with men. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Follicular helper T cell in immunity and autoimmunity.

    PubMed

    Mesquita, D; Cruvinel, W M; Resende, L S; Mesquita, F V; Silva, N P; Câmara, N O S; Andrade, L E C

    2016-01-01

    The traditional concept that effector T helper (Th) responses are mediated by Th1/Th2 cell subtypes has been broadened by the recent demonstration of two new effector T helper cells, the IL-17 producing cells (Th17) and the follicular helper T cells (Tfh). These new subsets have many features in common, such as the ability to produce IL-21 and to express the IL-23 receptor (IL23R), the inducible co-stimulatory molecule ICOS, and the transcription factor c-Maf, all of them essential for expansion and establishment of the final pool of both subsets. Tfh cells differ from Th17 by their ability to home to B cell areas in secondary lymphoid tissue through interactions mediated by the chemokine receptor CXCR5 and its ligand CXCL13. These CXCR5+ CD4+ T cells are considered an effector T cell type specialized in B cell help, with a transcriptional profile distinct from Th1 and Th2 cells. The role of Tfh cells and its primary product, IL-21, on B-cell activation and differentiation is essential for humoral immunity against infectious agents. However, when deregulated, Tfh cells could represent an important mechanism contributing to exacerbated humoral response and autoantibody production in autoimmune diseases. This review highlights the importance of Tfh cells by focusing on their biology and differentiation processes in the context of normal immune response to infectious microorganisms and their role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

  12. GM-CSF-Producing Th Cells in Rats Sensitive and Resistant to Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

    PubMed

    Stojić-Vukanić, Zorica; Pilipović, Ivan; Vujnović, Ivana; Nacka-Aleksić, Mirjana; Petrović, Raisa; Arsenović-Ranin, Nevena; Dimitrijević, Mirjana; Leposavić, Gordana

    2016-01-01

    Given that granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is identified as the key factor to endow auto-reactive Th cells with the potential to induce neuroinflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models, the frequency and phenotype of GM-CSF-producing (GM-CSF+) Th cells in draining lymph nodes (dLNs) and spinal cord (SC) of Albino Oxford (AO) and Dark Agouti (DA) rats immunized for EAE were examined. The generation of neuroantigen-specific GM-CSF+ Th lymphocytes was impaired in dLNs of AO rats (relatively resistant to EAE induction) compared with their DA counterparts (susceptible to EAE) reflecting impaired CD4+ lymphocyte proliferation and less supportive of GM-CSF+ Th cell differentiation dLN cytokine microenvironment. Immunophenotyping of GM-CSF+ Th cells showed their phenotypic heterogeneity in both strains and revealed lower frequency of IL-17+IFN-γ+, IL-17+IFN-γ-, and IL-17-IFN-γ+ cells accompanied by higher frequency of IL-17-IFN-γ- cells among them in AO than in DA rats. Compared with DA, in AO rats was also found (i) slightly lower surface density of CCR2 (drives accumulation of highly pathogenic GM-CSF+IFN-γ+ Th17 cells in SC) on GM-CSF+IFN-γ+ Th17 lymphocytes from dLNs, and (ii) diminished CCL2 mRNA expression in SC tissue, suggesting their impaired migration into the SC. Moreover, dLN and SC cytokine environments in AO rats were shown to be less supportive of GM-CSF+IFN-γ+ Th17 cell differentiation (judging by lower expression of mRNAs for IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-23/p19). In accordance with the (i) lower frequency of GM-CSF+ Th cells in dLNs and SC of AO rats and their lower GM-CSF production, and (ii) impaired CCL2 expression in the SC tissue, the proportion of proinflammatory monocytes among peripheral blood cells and their progeny (CD45hi cells) among the SC CD11b+ cells were reduced in AO compared with DA rats. Collectively, the results indicate that the strain specificities in efficacy of several mechanisms controlling (auto)reactive CD4+ lymphocyte expansion/differentiation into the cells with pathogenic phenotype and migration of the latter to the SC contribute to AO rat resistance to EAE.

  13. Gilz-Activin A as a Novel Signaling Axis Orchestrating Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Th17 Cell Interplay

    PubMed Central

    Luz-Crawford, Patricia; Espinosa-Carrasco, Gabriel; Ipseiz, Natacha; Contreras, Rafael; Tejedor, Gautier; Medina, Daniel A.; Vega-Letter, Ana-Maria; Ngo, Devi; Morand, Eric F.; Pène, Jérôme; Hernandez, Javier; Jorgensen, Christian; Djouad, Farida

    2018-01-01

    Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are highly immunosuppressive cells able to reduce chronic inflammation through the active release of mediators. Recently, we showed that glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (Gilz) expression by MSC is involved in their therapeutic effect by promoting the generation of regulatory T cells. However, the mechanisms underlying this pivotal role of Gilz remain elusive. Methods and Results In this study, we have uncovered evidence that Gilz modulates the phenotype and function of Th1 and Th17 cells likely by upregulating the level of Activin A and NO2 secreted by MSC. Adoptive transfer experiments sustained this Gilz-dependent suppressive effect of MSC on Th1 and Th17 cell functions. In immunoregulatory MSC, obtained by priming with IFN-γ and TNF-α, Gilz was translocated to the nucleus and bound to the promoters of inos and Activin βA to induce their expression. The increased expression of Activin A directly impacted on Th17 cells fate by repressing their differentiation program through the activation of Smad3/2 and enhancing IL-10 production. Conclusion Our results reveal how Gilz controls inos and Activin βA gene expression to ultimately assign immunoregulatory status to MSC able to repress the pathogenic Th17 cell differentiation program and uncover Activin A as a novel mediator of MSC in this process. PMID:29344311

  14. Gilz-Activin A as a Novel Signaling Axis Orchestrating Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Th17 Cell Interplay.

    PubMed

    Luz-Crawford, Patricia; Espinosa-Carrasco, Gabriel; Ipseiz, Natacha; Contreras, Rafael; Tejedor, Gautier; Medina, Daniel A; Vega-Letter, Ana-Maria; Ngo, Devi; Morand, Eric F; Pène, Jérôme; Hernandez, Javier; Jorgensen, Christian; Djouad, Farida

    2018-01-01

    Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are highly immunosuppressive cells able to reduce chronic inflammation through the active release of mediators. Recently, we showed that glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (Gilz) expression by MSC is involved in their therapeutic effect by promoting the generation of regulatory T cells. However, the mechanisms underlying this pivotal role of Gilz remain elusive. Methods and Results In this study, we have uncovered evidence that Gilz modulates the phenotype and function of Th1 and Th17 cells likely by upregulating the level of Activin A and NO 2 secreted by MSC. Adoptive transfer experiments sustained this Gilz-dependent suppressive effect of MSC on Th1 and Th17 cell functions. In immunoregulatory MSC, obtained by priming with IFN-γ and TNF-α, Gilz was translocated to the nucleus and bound to the promoters of inos and Activin βA to induce their expression. The increased expression of Activin A directly impacted on Th17 cells fate by repressing their differentiation program through the activation of Smad3/2 and enhancing IL-10 production. Conclusion Our results reveal how Gilz controls inos and Activin βA gene expression to ultimately assign immunoregulatory status to MSC able to repress the pathogenic Th17 cell differentiation program and uncover Activin A as a novel mediator of MSC in this process.

  15. Ghrelin Inhibits the Differentiation of T Helper 17 Cells through mTOR/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Yanhui; Li, Ziru; Yin, Yue; Lan, He; Wang, Jun; Zhao, Jing; Feng, Juan; Li, Yin; Zhang, Weizhen

    2015-01-01

    Enhanced activity of interleukin 17 (IL-17) producing T helper 17 (Th17) cells plays an important role in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Significant loss of body weight and appetite is associated with chronic inflammation and immune activation, suggesting the cross talk between immune and neuroendocrine systems. Ghrelin has been shown to regulate the organism immune function. However, the effects of ghrelin on the differentiation of Th17 cells remain elusive. In the present study, we observed the enhanced differentiation of Th17 cells in spleens of growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a)-/- mice. Treatment of ghrelin repressed Th17 cell differentiation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was increased in the spleens of GHSR1a-/- mice. Activation of mTOR signaling by injection of Cre-expressiong adenovirus into tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1) loxp/loxp mice increased the differentiation of Th17 cells in spleen, which was associated with an increment in the phosphorylation of STAT3. Activation of mTOR signaling by leucine or overexpression of p70 ribosome protein subunit 6 kinase 1 (S6K1) activated mTOR signaling in isolated T cells, while reversed the ghrelin-induced inhibition of iTh17 cell differentiation. In conclusion, mTOR mediates the inhibitory effect of ghrelin on the differentiation of Th17 cells by interacting with STAT3. PMID:25658305

  16. Chitin Recognition via Chitotriosidase Promotes Pathologic Type-2 Helper T Cell Responses to Cryptococcal Infection

    PubMed Central

    Wiesner, Darin L.; Specht, Charles A.; Lee, Chrono K.; Smith, Kyle D.; Mukaremera, Liliane; Lee, S. Thera; Lee, Chun G.; Elias, Jack A.; Nielsen, Judith N.; Boulware, David R.; Bohjanen, Paul R.; Jenkins, Marc K.; Levitz, Stuart M.; Nielsen, Kirsten

    2015-01-01

    Pulmonary mycoses are often associated with type-2 helper T (Th2) cell responses. However, mechanisms of Th2 cell accumulation are multifactorial and incompletely known. To investigate Th2 cell responses to pulmonary fungal infection, we developed a peptide-MHCII tetramer to track antigen-specific CD4+ T cells produced in response to infection with the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. We noted massive accruement of pathologic cryptococcal antigen-specific Th2 cells in the lungs following infection that was coordinated by lung-resident CD11b+ IRF4-dependent conventional dendritic cells. Other researchers have demonstrated that this dendritic cell subset is also capable of priming protective Th17 cell responses to another pulmonary fungal infection, Aspergillus fumigatus. Thus, higher order detection of specific features of fungal infection by these dendritic cells must direct Th2 cell lineage commitment. Since chitin-containing parasites commonly elicit Th2 responses, we hypothesized that recognition of fungal chitin is an important determinant of Th2 cell-mediated mycosis. Using C. neoformans mutants or purified chitin, we found that chitin abundance impacted Th2 cell accumulation and disease. Importantly, we determined Th2 cell induction depended on cleavage of chitin via the mammalian chitinase, chitotriosidase, an enzyme that was also prevalent in humans experiencing overt cryptococcosis. The data presented herein offers a new perspective on fungal disease susceptibility, whereby chitin recognition via chitotriosidase leads to the initiation of harmful Th2 cell differentiation by CD11b+ conventional dendritic cells in response to pulmonary fungal infection. PMID:25764512

  17. Chitin recognition via chitotriosidase promotes pathologic type-2 helper T cell responses to cryptococcal infection.

    PubMed

    Wiesner, Darin L; Specht, Charles A; Lee, Chrono K; Smith, Kyle D; Mukaremera, Liliane; Lee, S Thera; Lee, Chun G; Elias, Jack A; Nielsen, Judith N; Boulware, David R; Bohjanen, Paul R; Jenkins, Marc K; Levitz, Stuart M; Nielsen, Kirsten

    2015-03-01

    Pulmonary mycoses are often associated with type-2 helper T (Th2) cell responses. However, mechanisms of Th2 cell accumulation are multifactorial and incompletely known. To investigate Th2 cell responses to pulmonary fungal infection, we developed a peptide-MHCII tetramer to track antigen-specific CD4+ T cells produced in response to infection with the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. We noted massive accruement of pathologic cryptococcal antigen-specific Th2 cells in the lungs following infection that was coordinated by lung-resident CD11b+ IRF4-dependent conventional dendritic cells. Other researchers have demonstrated that this dendritic cell subset is also capable of priming protective Th17 cell responses to another pulmonary fungal infection, Aspergillus fumigatus. Thus, higher order detection of specific features of fungal infection by these dendritic cells must direct Th2 cell lineage commitment. Since chitin-containing parasites commonly elicit Th2 responses, we hypothesized that recognition of fungal chitin is an important determinant of Th2 cell-mediated mycosis. Using C. neoformans mutants or purified chitin, we found that chitin abundance impacted Th2 cell accumulation and disease. Importantly, we determined Th2 cell induction depended on cleavage of chitin via the mammalian chitinase, chitotriosidase, an enzyme that was also prevalent in humans experiencing overt cryptococcosis. The data presented herein offers a new perspective on fungal disease susceptibility, whereby chitin recognition via chitotriosidase leads to the initiation of harmful Th2 cell differentiation by CD11b+ conventional dendritic cells in response to pulmonary fungal infection.

  18. Dendritic Cells Induce a Subpopulation of IL-12Rβ2-Expressing Treg that Specifically Consumes IL-12 to Control Th1 Responses

    PubMed Central

    Sela, Uri; Park, Chae Gyu; Park, Andrew; Olds, Peter; Wang, Shu; Fischetti, Vincent A.

    2016-01-01

    Cytokines secreted from dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in the regulation of T helper (Th) cell differentiation and activation into effector cells. Therefore, controlling cytokine secretion from DCs may potentially regulate Th differentiation/activation. DCs also induce de-novo generation of regulatory T cells (Treg) that modulate the immune response. In the current study we used the mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) to investigate the effect of allospecific Treg on IL-12, TNFα and IL-6 secretion by DCs. Treg cells were found to markedly down-regulate IL-12 secretion from DCs following stimulation with TLR7/8 agonist. This down-regulation of IL-12 was neither due to a direct suppression of its production by the DCs nor a result of marked DC death. We found that IL-12 was rather actively consumed by Treg cells. IL-12 consumption was mediated by a subpopulation of IL-12Rβ2-expressing Treg cells and was dependent on MHC class-II expressed on dendritic cells. Furthermore, IL-12 consumption by Tregs increased their suppressive effect on T cell proliferation and Th1 activation. These results provide a new pathway of Th1 response regulation where IL-12 secreted by DCs is consumed by a sub-population of IL-12Rβ2-expressing Treg cells. Consumption of IL-12 by Tregs not only reduces the availability of IL-12 to Th effector cells but also enhances the Treg immunosuppressive effect. This DC-induced IL-12Rβ2-expressing Treg subpopulation may have a therapeutic advantage in suppressing Th1 mediated autoimmunity. PMID:26745371

  19. Nitric Oxide Modulates TGF-β–Directive Signals To Suppress Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cell Differentiation and Potentiate Th1 Development

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Seung-Woo; Choi, Heonsik; Eun, So-Young; Fukuyama, Satoshi; Croft, Michael

    2011-01-01

    TGF-β can induce Foxp3+ inducible regulatory T cells (Treg) and also synergize with IL-6 and IL-4 to induce Th17 and Th9 cells. We now report that NO modulates TGF-β activity away from Treg but toward the Th1 lineage. NO potentiated Th1 differentiation in the presence of TGF-β in both IL-12–independent and –dependent fashions by augmenting IFN-γ–activated STAT-1 and T-bet. Differentiation into Treg, Th1, and Th17 lineages could be modulated by NO competing with other cofactors, such as IL-6 and retinoic acid. NO antagonized IL-6 to block TGF-β–directed Th17 differentiation, and together with IL-6, NO suppressed Treg development induced by TGF-β and retinoic acid. Furthermore, we show that physiologically produced NO from TNF and inducible NO synthase-producing dendritic cells can contribute to Th1 development predominating over Treg development through a synergistic activity induced when these cells cocluster with conventional dendritic cells presenting Ag to naive Th cells. This illustrates that NO is another cofactor allowing TGF-β to participate in development of multiple Th lineages and suggests a new mechanism by which NO, which is associated with protection against intracellular pathogens, might maintain effective Th1 immunity. PMID:21555530

  20. Interleukin-4 production by Follicular Helper T cells requires the conserved Il4 enhancer HS V

    PubMed Central

    Vijayanand, Pandurangan; Seumois, Grégory; Simpson, Laura J.; Abdul-Wajid, Sarah; Baumjohann, Dirk; Panduro, Marisella; Huang, Xiaozhu; Interlandi, Jeneen; Djuretic, Ivana M.; Brown, Daniel R.; Sharpe, Arlene H.; Rao, Anjana; Ansel, K. Mark

    2012-01-01

    SUMMARY Follicular helper T cells (Tfh cells) are the major producers of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in secondary lymphoid organs where humoral immune responses develop. Il4 regulation in Tfh cells appears distinct from the classical T helper 2 (Th2) cell pathway, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. We found that HS V (also known as CNS2), a 3’ enhancer in the Il4 locus, is essential for IL-4 production by Tfh cells. Mice lacking HS V display marked defects in Th2 humoral immune responses, as evidenced by abrogated IgE and sharply reduced IgG1 production in vivo. In contrast, effector Th2 cells that are involved in tissue responses were far less dependent on HS V. HS V facilitated removal of repressive chromatin marks during Th2 and Tfh cell differentiation, and increased accessibility of the Il4 promoter. Thus Tfh and Th2 cells utilize distinct but overlapping molecular mechanisms to regulate Il4, a finding with important implications for understanding the molecular basis of Th2 mediated allergic diseases. PMID:22326582

  1. RORC2 is involved in T cell polarization through interaction with the FOXP3 promoter.

    PubMed

    Burgler, Simone; Mantel, Pierre-Yves; Bassin, Claudio; Ouaked, Nadia; Akdis, Cezmi A; Schmidt-Weber, Carsten B

    2010-06-01

    The process of Th cell differentiation toward polarized effector T cells tailors specific immunity against invading pathogens while allowing tolerance against commensal microorganisms, harmless allergens, or autologous Ags. Identification of the mechanisms underlying this polarization process is therefore central to understand how the immune system confers immunity and tolerance. The present study demonstrates that retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor C2 (RORC2), a key transcription factor in Th17 cell development, inhibits FOXP3 expression in human T cells. Although overexpression of RORC2 in naive T cells reduces levels of FOXP3, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of RORC2 enhances its expression. RORC2 mediates this inhibition at least partially by binding to two out of four ROR-responsive elements on the FOXP3 promoter. Knockdown of RORC2 promotes high FOXP3 levels and decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines beta form of pro-IL-1, IL-6, IL-17A, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha in differentiating naive T cells, suggesting that the role of RORC2 in Th17 cell development involves not only induction of Th17-characteristic genes, but also suppression of regulatory T cell-specific programs. Together, this study identifies RORC2 as a polarizing factor in transcriptional cross-regulation and provides novel viewpoints on the control of immune tolerance versus effector immune responses.

  2. Inorganic arsenic impairs differentiation and functions of human dendritic cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Macoch, Mélinda; Morzadec, Claudie; Fardel, Olivier

    2013-01-15

    Experimental studies have demonstrated that the antileukemic trivalent inorganic arsenic prevents the development of severe pro-inflammatory diseases mediated by excessive Th1 and Th17 cell responses. Differentiation of Th1 and Th17 subsets is mainly regulated by interleukins (ILs) secreted from dendritic cells (DCs) and the ability of inorganic arsenic to impair interferon-γ and IL-17 secretion by interfering with the physiology of DCs is unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that high concentrations of sodium arsenite (As(III), 1–2 μM) clinically achievable in plasma of arsenic-treated patients, block differentiation of human peripheral blood monocytes into immature DCs (iDCs) by inducing their necrosis.more » Differentiation of monocytes in the presence of non-cytotoxic concentrations of As(III) (0.1 to 0.5 μM) only slightly impacts endocytotic activity of iDCs or expression of co-stimulatory molecules in cells activated with lipopolysaccharide. However, this differentiation in the presence of As(III) strongly represses secretion of IL-12p70 and IL-23, two major regulators of Th1 and Th17 activities, from iDCs stimulated with different toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists in metalloid-free medium. Such As(III)-exposed DCs also exhibit reduced mRNA levels of IL12A and/or IL12B genes when activated with TLR agonists. Finally, differentiation of monocytes with non-cytotoxic concentrations of As(III) subsequently reduces the ability of activated DCs to stimulate the release of interferon-γ and IL-17 from Th cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that clinically relevant concentrations of inorganic arsenic markedly impair in vitro differentiation and functions of DCs, which may contribute to the putative beneficial effects of the metalloid towards inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Highlights: ► Inorganic arsenic impairs differentiation and functions of human dendritic cells (DCs) ► Arsenite (> 1 μM) blocks differentiation of dendritic cells by inducing necrosis ► Arsenite (0.1 to 0.5 μM) slightly reduces endocytotic activity of immature DCs ► Arsenite (0.1 to 0.5 μM) represses expression of IL-12p70 and IL-23 in activated DCs ► Arsenite (0.1 to 0.5 μM) reduces the ability of DCs to activate human T lymphocytes.« less

  3. T Follicular Helper Cell Plasticity Shapes Pathogenic T Helper 2 Cell-Mediated Immunity to Inhaled House Dust Mite.

    PubMed

    Ballesteros-Tato, André; Randall, Troy D; Lund, Frances E; Spolski, Rosanne; Leonard, Warren J; León, Beatriz

    2016-02-16

    Exposure to environmental antigens, such as house dust mite (HDM), often leads to T helper 2 (Th2) cell-driven allergic responses. However, the mechanisms underlying the development of these responses are incompletely understood. We found that the initial exposure to HDM did not lead to Th2 cell development but instead promoted the formation of interleukin-4 (IL-4)-committed T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Following challenge exposure to HDM, Tfh cells differentiated into IL-4 and IL-13 double-producing Th2 cells that accumulated in the lung and recruited eosinophils. B cells were required to expand IL-4-committed Tfh cells during the sensitization phase, but did not directly contribute to disease. Impairment of Tfh cell responses during the sensitization phase or Tfh cell depletion prevented Th2 cell-mediated responses following challenge. Thus, our data demonstrate that Tfh cells are precursors of HDM-specific Th2 cells and reveal an unexpected role of B cells and Tfh cells in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. The Absence of Interleukin 1 Receptor–Related T1/St2 Does Not Affect T Helper Cell Type 2 Development and Its Effector Function

    PubMed Central

    Hoshino, Katsuaki; Kashiwamura, Shin-ichiro; Kuribayashi, Kozo; Kodama, Taku; Tsujimura, Tohru; Nakanishi, Kenji; Matsuyama, Tomohiro; Takeda, Kiyoshi; Akira, Shizuo

    1999-01-01

    T1/ST2, an orphan receptor with homology with the interleukin (IL)-1 receptor family, is expressed constitutively and stably on the surface of T helper type 2 (Th2) cells, but not on Th1 cells. T1/ST2 is also expressed on mast cells, which are critical for Th2-mediated effector responses. To evaluate whether T1/ST2 is required for Th2 responses and mast cell function, we have generated T1/ST2-deficient (T1/ST2−/−) mice and examined the roles of T1/ST2. Naive CD4+ T cells isolated from T1/ST2−/− mice developed to Th2 cells in response to IL-4 in vitro. T1/ST2−/− mice showed normal Th2 responses after infection with the helminthic parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis as well as in the mouse model of allergen-induced airway inflammation. In addition, differentiation and function of bone marrow–derived cultured mast cells were unaffected. These findings demonstrate that T1/ST2 does not play an essential role in development and function of Th2 cells and mast cells. PMID:10562328

  5. Th9 cells: differentiation and disease

    PubMed Central

    Kaplan, Mark H.

    2014-01-01

    Summary CD4+ T-helper cells regulate immunity and inflammation through the acquisition of potential to secrete specific cytokines. The acquisition of cytokine-secreting potential, in a process termed T-helper cell differentiation, is a response to multiple environmental signals including the cytokine milieu. The most recently defined subset of T-helper cells are termed Th9 and are identified by the potent production of interleukin-9 (IL-9). Given the pleiotropic functions of IL-9, Th9 cells might be involved in pathogen immunity and immune-mediated disease. In this review, I focus on recent developments in understanding the signals that promote Th9 differentiation, the transcription factors that regulate IL-9 expression, and finally the potential roles for Th9 cells in immunity in vivo. PMID:23405898

  6. The Effects of TLR Activation on T-Cell Development and Differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Jin, Bo; Sun, Tao; Yu, Xiao-Hong; Yang, Ying-Xiang; Yeo, Anthony E. T.

    2012-01-01

    Invading pathogens have unique molecular signatures that are recognized by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) resulting in either activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and/or costimulation of T cells inducing both innate and adaptive immunity. TLRs are also involved in T-cell development and can reprogram Treg cells to become helper cells. T cells consist of various subsets, that is, Th1, Th2, Th17, T follicular helper (Tfh), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), regulatory T cells (Treg) and these originate from thymic progenitor thymocytes. T-cell receptor (TCR) activation in distinct T-cell subsets with different TLRs results in differing outcomes, for example, activation of TLR4 expressed in T cells promotes suppressive function of regulatory T cells (Treg), while activation of TLR6 expressed in T cells abrogates Treg function. The current state of knowledge of regarding TLR-mediated T-cell development and differentiation is reviewed. PMID:22737174

  7. Changes in markers associated with dendritic cells driving the differentiation of either TH2 cells or regulatory T cells correlate with clinical benefit during allergen immunotherapy.

    PubMed

    Gueguen, Claire; Bouley, Julien; Moussu, Hélène; Luce, Sonia; Duchateau, Magalie; Chamot-Rooke, Julia; Pallardy, Marc; Lombardi, Vincent; Nony, Emmanuel; Baron-Bodo, Véronique; Mascarell, Laurent; Moingeon, Philippe

    2016-02-01

    Regulatory dendritic cell (DC) markers, such as C1Q, are upregulated in PBMCs of patients with grass pollen allergy exhibiting clinical benefit during allergen immunotherapy (AIT). We sought to define markers differentially expressed in human monocyte-derived DCs differentiated toward a proallergic (DCs driving the differentiation of TH2 cells [DC2s]) phenotype and investigate whether changes in such markers in the blood correlate with AIT efficacy. Transcriptomes and proteomes of monocyte-derived DCs polarized toward DCs driving the differentiation of TH1 cells (DC1s), DC2s, or DCs driving the differentiation of regulatory T cells (DCreg cells) profiles were compared by using genome-wide cDNA microarrays and label-free quantitative proteomics, respectively. Markers differentially regulated in DC2s and DCreg cells were assessed by means of quantitative PCR in PBMCs from 80 patients with grass pollen allergy before and after 2 or 4 months of sublingual AIT in parallel with rhinoconjunctivitis symptom scores. We identified 20 and 26 new genes/proteins overexpressed in DC2s and DCreg cells, respectively. At an individual patient level, DC2-associated markers, such as CD141, GATA3, OX40 ligand, and receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 4 (RIPK4), were downregulated after a 4-month sublingual AIT course concomitantly with an upregulation of DCreg cell-associated markers, including complement C1q subcomponent subunit A (C1QA), FcγRIIIA, ferritin light chain (FTL), and solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 2B1 (SLCO2B1), in the blood of clinical responders as opposed to nonresponders. Changes in such markers were better correlated with clinical benefit than alterations of allergen-specific CD4(+) T-cell or IgG responses. A combination of 5 markers predominantly expressed by blood DCs (ie, C1Q and CD141) or shared with lymphoid cells (ie, FcγRIIIA, GATA3, and RIPK4) reflecting changes in the balance of regulatory/proallergic responses in peripheral blood can be used as early as after 2 months to monitor the early onset of AIT efficacy. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Nitric oxide enhances Th9 cell differentiation and airway inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Niedbala, Wanda; Besnard, Anne-Gaelle; Nascimento, Daniele Carvalho; Donate, Paula Barbim; Sonego, Fabiane; Yip, Edwin; Guabiraba, Rodrigo; Chang, Hyun-Dong; Fukada, Sandra Y.; Salmond, Robert J.; Schmitt, Edgar; Bopp, Tobias; Ryffel, Bernhard; Liew, Foo Y.

    2014-01-01

    Th9 cells protect hosts against helminthic infection but also mediate allergic disease. Here we show that nitric oxide (NO) promotes Th9 cell polarization of murine and human CD4+ T cells. NO de-represses the tumor suppressor gene p53 via nitrosylation of Mdm2. NO also increases p53-mediated IL-2 production, STAT5 phosphorylation and IRF4 expression, all essential for Th9 polarization. NO also increases the expression of TGFβR and IL-4R, pivotal to Th9 polarization. OVA-sensitized mice treated with an NO donor developed more severe airway inflammation. Transferred Th9 cells induced airway inflammation, which was exacerbated by NO and blocked by anti-IL-9 antibody. Nos2−/− mice had less Th9 cells and developed attenuated eosinophilia during OVA-induced airway inflammation compared to wild-type mice. Our data demonstrate that NO is an important endogenous inducer of Th9 cells and provide a hitherto unrecognized mechanism for NO-mediated airway inflammation via the expansion of Th9 cells. PMID:25099390

  9. Comparison of Utility of Histogram Apparent Diffusion Coefficient and R2* for Differentiation of Low-Grade From High-Grade Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yu-Dong; Wu, Chen-Jiang; Wang, Qing; Zhang, Jing; Wang, Xiao-Ning; Liu, Xi-Sheng; Shi, Hai-Bin

    2015-08-01

    The purpose of this study was to compare histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and R2* for differentiating low-grade from high-grade clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Forty-six patients with pathologically confirmed clear cell RCC underwent preoperative BOLD and DWI MRI of the kidneys. ADCs based on the entire tumor volume were calculated with b value combinations of 0 and 800 s/mm(2). ROI-based R2* was calculated with eight TE combinations of 6.7-22.8 milliseconds. Histogram analysis of tumor ADCs and R2* values was performed to obtain mean; median; width; and fifth, 10th, 90th, and 95th percentiles and histogram inhomogeneity, kurtosis, and skewness for all lesions. Thirty-three low-grade and 13 high-grade clear cell RCCs were found at pathologic examination. The TNM classification and tumor volume of clear cell RCC significantly correlated with histogram ADC and R2* (ρ = -0.317 to 0.506; p < 0.05). High-grade clear cell RCC had significantly lower mean, median, and 10th percentile ADCs but higher inhomogeneity and median R2* than low-grade clear cell RCC (all p < 0.05). Compared with other histogram ADC and R2* indexes, 10th percentile ADC had the highest accuracy (91.3%) in discriminating low- from high-grade clear cell RCC. R2* in discriminating hemorrhage was achieved with a threshold of 68.95 Hz. At this threshold, high-grade clear cell RCC had a significantly higher prevalence of intratumor hemorrhage (high-grade, 76.9%; low-grade, 45.4%; p < 0.05) and larger hemorrhagic area than low-grade clear cell RCC (high-grade, 34.9% ± 31.6%; low-grade, 8.9 ± 16.8%; p < 0.05). A close relation was found between MRI indexes and pathologic findings. Histogram analysis of ADC and R2* allows differentiation of low- from high-grade clear cell RCC with high accuracy.

  10. Fas Promotes T Helper 17 Cell Differentiation and Inhibits T Helper 1 Cell Development by Binding and Sequestering Transcription Factor STAT1.

    PubMed

    Meyer Zu Horste, Gerd; Przybylski, Dariusz; Schramm, Markus A; Wang, Chao; Schnell, Alexandra; Lee, Youjin; Sobel, Raymond; Regev, Aviv; Kuchroo, Vijay K

    2018-03-20

    The death receptor Fas removes activated lymphocytes through apoptosis. Previous transcriptional profiling predicted that Fas positively regulates interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Here, we demonstrate that Fas promoted the generation and stability of Th17 cells and prevented their differentiation into Th1 cells. Mice with T-cell- and Th17-cell-specific deletion of Fas were protected from induced autoimmunity, and Th17 cell differentiation and stability were impaired. Fas-deficient Th17 cells instead developed a Th1-cell-like transcriptional profile, which a new algorithm predicted to depend on STAT1. Experimentally, Fas indeed bound and sequestered STAT1, and Fas deficiency enhanced IL-6-induced STAT1 activation and nuclear translocation, whereas deficiency of STAT1 reversed the transcriptional changes induced by Fas deficiency. Thus, our computational and experimental approach identified Fas as a regulator of the Th17-to-Th1 cell balance by controlling the availability of opposing STAT1 and STAT3 to have a direct impact on autoimmunity. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  11. Dopaminergic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells--utilization of bioassay for tyrosine hydroxylase expression.

    PubMed

    Kan, Inna; Ben-Zur, Tali; Barhum, Yael; Levy, Yossef S; Burstein, Alex; Charlow, Tirza; Bulvik, Shlomo; Melamed, Eldad; Offen, Daniel

    2007-05-23

    Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, caused by a selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. In PD, the best therapeutic modalities cannot halt the degeneration. The selective hallmark pathology and the lack of effective treatment make PD an appropriate candidate for cell replacement therapy. Adult autologous bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated as candidates for cell replacement strategies. Several laboratories, including ours, have induced MSCs into neuron-like cells demonstrating a variety of neuronal markers including dopaminergic characteristics, such as the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). This project aimed to induce MSCs into mature dopamine secreting cells and to generate a bioassay to evaluate the induction. For that purpose, we created a reporter vector containing a promoter of TH, the rate-limiting enzyme in the dopamine synthesis and red fluorescent protein DsRed2. Transfection of human neuroblastoma, dopamine synthesizing, SH-SY5Y cells confirmed the reliability of the constructed reporter plasmid. Following dopaminergic differentiation of the transfected human MSCs cells, TH expressing cells were identified and quantified using flow cytometry. Further study revealed that not only did the differentiated cells activate TH promoter but they also expressed TH protein and secreted dopamine. The reported results indicate that MSCs may be primed in vitro towards a dopaminergic fate offering the promise of innovative therapy for currently incurable human disorders, including PD.

  12. Single-cell RNA-seq and computational analysis using temporal mixture modelling resolves Th1/Tfh fate bifurcation in malaria

    PubMed Central

    Lönnberg, Tapio; Svensson, Valentine; James, Kylie R.; Fernandez-Ruiz, Daniel; Sebina, Ismail; Montandon, Ruddy; Soon, Megan S. F.; Fogg, Lily G.; Nair, Arya Sheela; Liligeto, Urijah; Stubbington, Michael J. T.; Ly, Lam-Ha; Bagger, Frederik Otzen; Zwiessele, Max; Lawrence, Neil D.; Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes, Fernando; Bunn, Patrick T.; Engwerda, Christian R.; Heath, William R.; Billker, Oliver; Stegle, Oliver; Haque, Ashraful; Teichmann, Sarah A.

    2017-01-01

    Differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into functionally distinct T helper subsets is crucial for the orchestration of immune responses. Due to extensive heterogeneity and multiple overlapping transcriptional programs in differentiating T cell populations, this process has remained a challenge for systematic dissection in vivo. By using single-cell transcriptomics and computational analysis using a temporal mixtures of Gaussian processes model, termed GPfates, we reconstructed the developmental trajectories of Th1 and Tfh cells during blood-stage Plasmodium infection in mice. By tracking clonality using endogenous TCR sequences, we first demonstrated that Th1/Tfh bifurcation had occurred at both population and single-clone levels. Next, we identified genes whose expression was associated with Th1 or Tfh fates, and demonstrated a T-cell intrinsic role for Galectin-1 in supporting a Th1 differentiation. We also revealed the close molecular relationship between Th1 and IL-10-producing Tr1 cells in this infection. Th1 and Tfh fates emerged from a highly proliferative precursor that upregulated aerobic glycolysis and accelerated cell cycling as cytokine expression began. Dynamic gene expression of chemokine receptors around bifurcation predicted roles for cell-cell in driving Th1/Tfh fates. In particular, we found that precursor Th cells were coached towards a Th1 but not a Tfh fate by inflammatory monocytes. Thus, by integrating genomic and computational approaches, our study has provided two unique resources, a database www.PlasmoTH.org, which facilitates discovery of novel factors controlling Th1/Tfh fate commitment, and more generally, GPfates, a modelling framework for characterizing cell differentiation towards multiple fates. PMID:28345074

  13. Chronically inflamed human tissues are infiltrated by highly differentiated Th17 lymphocytes.

    PubMed

    Pène, Jérôme; Chevalier, Sylvie; Preisser, Laurence; Vénéreau, Emilie; Guilleux, Marie-Hélène; Ghannam, Soufiane; Molès, Jean-Pierre; Danger, Yannic; Ravon, Elisa; Lesaux, Sabine; Yssel, Hans; Gascan, Hugues

    2008-06-01

    Chronic inflammatory diseases are characterized by local tissue injury caused by immunocompetent cells, in particular CD4(+) T lymphocytes, that are involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders via the production of distinctive sets of cytokines. Here, we have characterized single CD4(+) T cells that infiltrate inflamed tissue taken from patients with psoriasis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or allergic asthma. Results from a cytokine production and gene profile analysis identified a population of in vivo differentiatedretinoid-related orphan receptor gamma-expressing T cells, producing high levels of IL-17, that can represent up to 30% of infiltrating T lymphocytes. Activated Th17 cells produced IL-26, TNF-alpha, lymphotoxin-beta, and IL-22. IL-17 and IL-22 concentrations secreted by tissue infiltrating Th17 cells could reach up to 100 nM and were inversely correlated with the production of Th1- and Th2-associated cytokines. In addition, tissue-infiltrating Th17 cells are also characterized by high cell surface expression of CCR6, a chemokine receptor that was not expressed by Th1 and Th2 cells, isolated from the same lesions, and by the production of CCL20/MIP3alpha, a CCR6 ligand, associated with tissue infiltration. Culture supernatants of activated Th17 cells, isolated from psoriatic lesions, induced the expression of gene products associated with inflammation and abnormal keratinocyte differentiation in an IL-17 and IL-22-dependent manner. These results show that tissue-infiltrating Th17 cells contribute to human chronic inflammatory disease via the production of several inflammatory cytokines and the creation of an environment contributing to their migration and sequestration at sites of inflammation.

  14. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase is differentially expressed by different white blood cell populations of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

    PubMed

    Lei, N; Wang, Y; Zhang, W-J; Duan, J-Z; Yang, G-B

    2013-08-01

    Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is involved in immune processes such as transplant and fetal rejection, autoimmunity, cancer, and infection; however, its expression in rhesus macaques has not been fully addressed. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase mRNA and protein in the white blood cells (WBCs) of Chinese rhesus macaques were examined by RT-PCR, western blotting, real-time RT-PCR, and flow cytometry. Both IDO protein and mRNA could be readily detected in WBCs or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of normal rhesus macaques. IDO+ cell frequency was the highest among CD14(+) mononuclear cells, followed by CD56(+) cells and DCs. No difference in the frequency of IDO+ cells between CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells; however, Th17 cells have higher frequency of IDO+ cells than Th1 cells, with Th2 cells the lowest. Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation significantly increased IDO protein level in CD14(+) , CD56(+) , CD1c(+) , CD11c(+) , and CD123(+) myeloid cells. Rhesus macaques express IDO differentially in their leukocyte subsets and are suitable for IDO-related pathophysiological studies. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  15. Viral RNA-Unprimed Rig-I Restrains Stat3 Activation in the Modulation of Regulatory T Cell/Th17 Cell Balance.

    PubMed

    Yang, Hui; Guo, He-Zhou; Li, Xian-Yang; Lin, Jian; Zhang, Wu; Zhao, Jun-Mei; Zhang, Hong-Xin; Chen, Sai-Juan; Chen, Zhu; Zhu, Jiang

    2017-07-01

    Innate immunity activation by viral RNA-primed retinoid acid inducible gene-I (Rig-I) in CD4 + T cells antagonizes TGFβ signaling to suppress the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, how viral RNA-unliganded Rig-I (apo-Rig-I) modulates Treg generation remains unclear. In this article, we show that, in the absence of viral infection, Treg differentiation of Rig-I -/- CD4 + T cells was compromised, in the presence of increased generation of Th17 cells and overactivation of Stat3, a critical regulator tilting the Treg/Th17 cell balance. Mechanistically, apo-Rig-I physically associates with Stat3, thereby inhibiting Jak1's association with Stat3 while facilitating Shp2's association to inhibit p-Stat3 levels. Interestingly, inhibition of Stat3 ameliorates the Treg/Th17 imbalance and the colitis observed in Rig-I -/- mice. Collectively, these results uncover an independent functional contribution of the apo-Rig-I/Stat3 interaction in the maintenance of Treg/Th17 cell balance. Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

  16. CCR6+ Th cell distribution differentiates systemic lupus erythematosus patients based on anti-dsDNA antibody status.

    PubMed

    Zhong, Wei; Jiang, Zhenyu; Wu, Jiang; Jiang, Yanfang; Zhao, Ling

    2018-01-01

    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease has been shown to be associated with the generation of multiple auto-antibodies. Among these, anti-dsDNA antibodies (anti-DNAs) are specific and play a pathogenic role in SLE. Indeed, anti-DNA + SLE patients display a worse disease course. The generation of these pathogenic anti-DNAs has been attributed to the interaction between aberrant T helper (Th) cells and autoimmune B cells. Thus, in this study we have investigated whether CCR6 + Th cells have the ability to differentiate SLE patients based on anti-DNA status, and if their distribution has any correlation with disease activity. We recruited 25 anti-DNA + and 25 anti-DNA - treatment-naive onset SLE patients, matched for various clinical characteristics in our nested matched case-control study. CCR6 + Th cells and their additional subsets were analyzed in each patient by flow cytometry. Anti-DNA + SLE patients specifically had a higher percentage of Th cells expressing CCR6 and CXCR3. Further analysis of CCR6 + Th cell subsets showed that anti-DNA + SLE patients had elevated proportions of Th9, Th17, Th17.1 and CCR4/CXCR3 double-negative (DN) cells. However, the proportions of CCR6 - Th subsets, including Th1 and Th2 cells, did not show any association with anti-DNA status. Finally, we identified a correlation between CCR6 + Th subsets and clinical indicators, specifically in anti-DNA + SLE patients. Our data indicated that CCR6 + Th cells and their subsets were elevated and correlated with disease activity in anti-DNA + SLE patients. We speculated that CCR6 + Th cells may contribute to distinct disease severity in anti-DNA + SLE patients.

  17. CCR6(+) Th cell populations distinguish ACPA positive from ACPA negative rheumatoid arthritis.

    PubMed

    Paulissen, Sandra M J; van Hamburg, Jan Piet; Davelaar, Nadine; Vroman, Heleen; Hazes, Johanna M W; de Jong, Pascal H P; Lubberts, Erik

    2015-11-30

    Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be separated into two major subpopulations based on the absence or presence of serum anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). The more severe disease course in ACPA(+) RA and differences in treatment outcome between these subpopulations suggest that ACPA(+) and ACPA(-) RA are different disease subsets. The identification of T-helper (Th) cells specifically recognizing citrullinated peptides, combined with the strong association between HLA-DRB1 and ACPA positivity, point toward a pathogenic role of Th cells in ACPA(+) RA. In this context we recently identified a potential pathogenic role for CCR6(+) Th cells in RA. Therefore, we examined whether Th cell population distributions differ by ACPA status. We performed a nested matched case-control study including 27 ACPA(+) and 27 ACPA(-) treatment-naive early RA patients matched for disease activity score in 44 joints, presence of rheumatoid factor, sex, age, duration of complaints and presence of erosions. CD4(+)CD45RO(+) (memory) Th cell distribution profiles from these patients were generated based on differential chemokine receptor expression and related with disease duration. ACPA status was not related to differences in total CD4(+) T cell or memory Th cell proportions. However, ACPA(+) patients had significantly higher proportions of Th cells expressing the chemokine receptors CCR6 and CXCR3. Similar proportions of CCR4(+) and CCR10(+) Th cells were found. Within the CCR6(+) cell population, four Th subpopulations were distinguished based on differential chemokine receptor expression: Th17 (CCR4(+)CCR10(-)), Th17.1 (CXCR3(+)), Th22 (CCR4(+)CCR10(+)) and CCR4/CXCR3 double-positive (DP) cells. In particular, higher proportions of Th22 (p = 0.02), Th17.1 (p = 0.03) and CCR4/CXCR3 DP (p = 0.01) cells were present in ACPA(+) patients. In contrast, ACPA status was not associated with differences in Th1 (CCR6(-)CXCR3(+); p = 0.90), Th2 (CCR6(-)CCR4(+); p = 0.27) and T-regulatory (CD25(hi)FOXP3(+); p = 0.06) cell proportions. Interestingly, CCR6(+) Th cells were inversely correlated with disease duration in ACPA(-) patients (R(2) = -0.35; p < 0.01) but not in ACPA(+) (R(2) < 0.01; p = 0.94) patients. These findings demonstrate that increased peripheral blood CCR6(+) Th cells proportions distinguish ACPA(+) RA from ACPA(-) RA. This suggests that CCR6(+) Th cells are involved in the differences in disease severity and treatment outcome between ACPA(+) and ACPA(-) RA.

  18. Cytokine production in peripheral blood cells of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer: elevated Th2/Th9 cytokine production before and reduced Th2 cytokine production after radioactive iodine therapy.

    PubMed

    Simonovic, Snezana Zivancevic; Mihaljevic, Olgica; Majstorovic, Ivana; Djurdjevic, Predrag; Kostic, Irena; Djordjevic, Olivera Milosevic; Teodorovic, Ljiljana Mijatovic

    2015-01-01

    Cytokines play a key role in the regulation of cells of the immune system and also have been implicated in the pathogenesis of malignant diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate cytokine profiles in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) before and 7 days after radioactive iodine (131-I) therapy. Cytokine levels were determined in supernatants obtained from phytohemagglutinin-stimulated whole blood cultures of 13 patients with DTC and 13 control subjects. The concentrations of selected cytokines: Th1-interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α); Th2-interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 5 (IL-5), interleukin 13 (IL-13) and interleukin 10 (IL-10); Th9-interleukin-9 (IL-9); and Th17-interleukin 17 (IL-17A) were measured using multiplex cytokine detection systems for Human Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17/Th22. We have shown that peripheral blood cells of DTC patients produce significantly higher concentrations of Th2/Th9 cytokines (IL-5, IL-13 and IL-9) than control subjects. The 131-I therapy led to reduced secretion of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13). Despite this, the calculated cytokine ratios (Th1/Th2) in DTC patients before and 7 days after 131-I therapy were not different from those in healthy subjects. DTC patients have significantly higher concentrations of Th2/Th9 cytokines (IL-5, IL-13 and IL-9) than control subjects. There is no influence of hypothyroidism or stage of disease on cytokine production in DTC patients before 131-I therapy. The radioactive 131-I therapy leads to reduced secretion of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13). Additional studies are needed to determine the significance of these findings.

  19. Utility of Phox2b immunohistochemical stain in neural crest tumours and non-neural crest tumours in paediatric patients.

    PubMed

    Warren, Mikako; Matsuno, Ryosuke; Tran, Henry; Shimada, Hiroyuki

    2018-03-01

    This study evaluated the utility of Phox2b in paediatric tumours. Previously, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was the most widely utilised sympathoadrenal marker specific for neural crest tumours with neuronal/neuroendocrine differentiation. However, its sensitivity is insufficient. Recently Phox2b has emerged as another specific marker for this entity. Phox2b immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on 159 paediatric tumours, including (group 1) 65 neural crest tumours with neuronal differentiation [peripheral neuroblastic tumours (pNT)]: 15 neuroblastoma undifferentiated (NB-UD), 10 NB poorly differentiated (NB-PD), 10 NB differentiating (NB-D), 10 ganglioneuroblastoma intermixed (GNBi), 10 GNB nodular (GNBn) and 10 ganglioneuroma (GN); (group 2) 23 neural crest tumours with neuroendocrine differentiation [pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PCC/PG)]; (group 3) 27 other neural crest tumours including one composite rhabdomyosarcoma/neuroblastoma; and (group 4) 44 non-neural crest tumours. TH IHC was performed on groups 1, 2 and 3. Phox2b was expressed diffusely in pNT (n = 65 of 65), strongly in NB-UD and NB-PD and with less intensity in NB-D, GNB and GN. Diffuse TH was seen in all NB-PD, NB-D, GNB and GN, but nine of 15 NB-UD and a nodule in GNBn did not express TH (n = 55 of 65). PCC/PG expressed diffuse Phox2b (n = 23 of 23) and diffuse TH, except for one tumour (n = 22 of 23). In composite rhabdomyosarcoma, TH was expressed only in neuroblastic cells and Phox2b was diffusely positive in neuroblastic cells and focally in rhabdomyosarcoma. All other tumours were negative for Phox2b (n = none of 44). Phox2b was a specific and sensitive marker for pNT and PCC/PG, especially useful for identifying NB-UD often lacking TH. Our study also presented a composite rhabdomyosarcoma/neuroblastoma of neural crest origin. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  20. Differential epigenome-wide DNA methylation patterns in childhood obesity-associated asthma

    PubMed Central

    Rastogi, Deepa; Suzuki, Masako; Greally, John M.

    2013-01-01

    While DNA methylation plays a role in T-helper (Th) cell maturation, its potential dysregulation in the non-atopic Th1-polarized systemic inflammation observed in obesity-associated asthma is unknown. We studied DNA methylation epigenome-wide in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 8 obese asthmatic pre-adolescent children and compared it to methylation in PBMCs from 8 children with asthma alone, obesity alone and healthy controls. Differentially methylated loci implicated certain biologically relevant molecules and pathways. PBMCs from obese asthmatic children had distinctive DNA methylation patterns, with decreased promoter methylation of CCL5, IL2RA and TBX21, genes encoding proteins linked with Th1 polarization, and increased promoter methylation of FCER2, a low-affinity receptor for IgE, and of TGFB1, inhibitor of Th cell activation. T-cell signaling and macrophage activation were the two primary pathways that were selectively hypomethylated in obese asthmatics. These findings suggest that dysregulated DNA methylation is associated with non-atopic inflammation observed in pediatric obesity-associated asthma. PMID:23857381

  1. Oligopeptides of Chorionic Gonadotropin β-Subunit in Induction of T Cell Differentiation into Treg and Th17.

    PubMed

    Zamorina, S A; Shirshev, S V

    2015-11-01

    The role of oligopeptides of chorionic gonadotropin β-subunit (LQGV, AQGV, and VLPALP) in induction of differentiation into T-regulatory lymphocytes (Treg) and IL-17-producing lymphocytes (Th17) was studied in an in vitro system. Chorionic gonadotropin and oligopeptides promoted CD4(+) cell differentiation into functionally active Treg (FOXP3(+)GITR(+) and FOXP3(+)CTLA-4(+)), while chorionic gonadotropin and AQGV additionally stimulated IL-10 production by these cells. In parallel, chorionic gonadotropin and oligopeptides prevented CD4(+) cell differentiation into Th17 lymphocytes (ROR-gt(+)IL-17A(+)) and suppressed IL-17A secretion. Hence, oligopeptides of chorionic gonadotropin β-subunit promoted differentiation of CD4(+) cells into Treg and, in parallel, suppress Th17 induction, thus virtually completely reproducing the effects of the hormone, which opens new vista for their use in clinical practice.

  2. Commensal oral bacteria antigens prime human dendritic cells to induce Th1, Th2 or Treg differentiation.

    PubMed

    Kopitar, A N; Ihan Hren, N; Ihan, A

    2006-02-01

    In various immunopathologic conditions, bacterial flora induce an immune response which results in inflammatory manifestations, e.g. periapical granuloma. Dendritic cells provide the main orchestration of specific immune responses. The aim of our study was to test the capacity of distinct oral bacterial antigens (prepared from Streptococcus mitis, Propionibacterium acnes, and Bacteroides spp.) to prime human dendritic cells for stimulation of the T-lymphocyte response. To assess the T-lymphocyte response, the expression of CD25, CD69, intracellular interferon gamma (cIFN-gamma), and intracellular interleukin 4 (cIL-4) was determined. Dendritic cells were prepared from leukocyte buffy coat from healthy blood donors. Monocytes were stimulated with IL-4 and GM-CSF and dendritic cells activated with bacterial lysates. Cell suspensions contained up to 90% dendritic cells, which represented 2-12% of the initial number of mononuclear cells. Lymphocyte subsets that developed in lymphocyte cultures after 1 week of stimulation were analyzed by flow cytometry. Dendritic cells, primed with antigens of Bacteroides fragilis have shown significantly higher activation and expression of intercellular IFN-gamma by T lymphocytes compared to negative controls. The dendritic cells primed with antigens of P. acnes had no effect on T-lymphocyte activation or cytokine production; instead they induced differentiation of T lymphocytes into CD25bright cells (regulatory T cells) with a potentially inhibitory effect on immune response. Dendritic cells primed with antigens of S. mitis induced increased expression of cIL-4. We conclude that commensal oral bacteria antigens prepared from B. fragilis, S. mitis, and P. acnes prime human dendritic cells to induce Th1, Th2, and T(reg) differentiation, respectively. This may advance our understanding of immunopathologic manifestations in the oral cavity and offer new possibilities for redirecting immune responses in mucosal vaccination.

  3. Transcription factor interplay in T helper cell differentiation.

    PubMed

    Evans, Catherine M; Jenner, Richard G

    2013-11-01

    The differentiation of CD4 helper T cells into specialized effector lineages has provided a powerful model for understanding immune cell differentiation. Distinct lineages have been defined by differential expression of signature cytokines and the lineage-specifying transcription factors necessary and sufficient for their production. The traditional paradigm of differentiation towards Th1 and Th2 subtypes driven by T-bet and GATA3, respectively, has been extended to incorporate additional T cell lineages and transcriptional regulators. Technological advances have expanded our view of these lineage-specifying transcription factors to the whole genome and revealed unexpected interplay between them. From these data, it is becoming clear that lineage specification is more complex and plastic than previous models might have suggested. Here, we present an overview of the different forms of transcription factor interplay that have been identified and how T cell phenotypes arise as a product of this interplay within complex regulatory networks. We also suggest experimental strategies that will provide further insight into the mechanisms that underlie T cell lineage specification and plasticity.

  4. Continuous time Bayesian networks identify Prdm1 as a negative regulator of TH17 cell differentiation in humans

    PubMed Central

    Acerbi, Enzo; Viganò, Elena; Poidinger, Michael; Mortellaro, Alessandra; Zelante, Teresa; Stella, Fabio

    2016-01-01

    T helper 17 (TH17) cells represent a pivotal adaptive cell subset involved in multiple immune disorders in mammalian species. Deciphering the molecular interactions regulating TH17 cell differentiation is particularly critical for novel drug target discovery designed to control maladaptive inflammatory conditions. Using continuous time Bayesian networks over a time-course gene expression dataset, we inferred the global regulatory network controlling TH17 differentiation. From the network, we identified the Prdm1 gene encoding the B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 as a crucial negative regulator of human TH17 cell differentiation. The results have been validated by perturbing Prdm1 expression on freshly isolated CD4+ naïve T cells: reduction of Prdm1 expression leads to augmentation of IL-17 release. These data unravel a possible novel target to control TH17 polarization in inflammatory disorders. Furthermore, this study represents the first in vitro validation of continuous time Bayesian networks as gene network reconstruction method and as hypothesis generation tool for wet-lab biological experiments. PMID:26976045

  5. Holistic systems biology approaches to molecular mechanisms of human helper T cell differentiation to functionally distinct subsets.

    PubMed

    Chen, Z; Lönnberg, T; Lahesmaa, R

    2013-08-01

    Current knowledge of helper T cell differentiation largely relies on data generated from mouse studies. To develop therapeutical strategies combating human diseases, understanding the molecular mechanisms how human naïve T cells differentiate to functionally distinct T helper (Th) subsets as well as studies on human differentiated Th cell subsets is particularly valuable. Systems biology approaches provide a holistic view of the processes of T helper differentiation, enable discovery of new factors and pathways involved and generation of new hypotheses to be tested to improve our understanding of human Th cell differentiation and immune-mediated diseases. Here, we summarize studies where high-throughput systems biology approaches have been exploited to human primary T cells. These studies reveal new factors and signalling pathways influencing T cell differentiation towards distinct subsets, important for immune regulation. Such information provides new insights into T cell biology and into targeting immune system for therapeutic interventions. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  6. Deficiency of β-arrestin1 ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis with impaired TH17 cell differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Li, Juan; Wei, Bin; Guo, Ao; Liu, Chang; Huang, Shichao; Du, Fang; Fan, Wei; Bao, Chunde; Pei, Gang

    2013-01-01

    Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease in which interleukin 17 (IL-17)-producing T helper 17 (TH17) cells have been critically involved. We show that in patients with RA, the expression of a multifunctional regulator β-arrestin1 was significantly up-regulated in peripheral and synovial CD4+ T cells, which correlated well with active phases of RA. In collagen-induced arthritis, deficiency of β-arrestin1 ameliorated disease with decreased TH17 cell differentiation, proinflammatory cytokine production, synovitis, and cartilage and bone destruction. Further mechanistic study reveals that β-arrestin1 promoted signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation required for TH17 cell differentiation through scaffolding the interaction of Janus kinase 1 and STAT3. These findings indicate a critical role for β-arrestin1 in the pathogenesis of collagen-induced arthritis and TH17 cell differentiation and suggest β-arrestin1 as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for RA. PMID:23589893

  7. Preferential susceptibility of Th9 and Th2 CD4+ T cells to X4-tropic HIV-1 infection.

    PubMed

    Orlova-Fink, Nina; Chowdhury, Fatema Z; Sun, Xiaoming; Harrington, Sean; Rosenberg, Eric S; Yu, Xu G; Lichterfeld, Mathias

    2017-10-23

    The functional polarization of CD4 T cells determines their antimicrobial effector profile, but may also impact the susceptibility to infection with HIV-1. Here, we analyzed the susceptibility of CD4 T cells with different functional polarization to infection with X4 and R5-tropic HIV-1. CD4 T cells with a Th1, Th2, Th17, and Th9 polarization were subjected to in-vitro infection assays with X4, R5, or vesicular stomatitis virus-G protein-pseudotyped HIV-1. In addition, we sorted differentially polarized CD4 T-cell subsets from individuals treated with antiretroviral therapy and analyzed the tropism of viral env sequences. Th9-polarized CD4 T cells and, to a lesser extent, Th2-polarized CD4 T cells expressed higher surface levels of CXCR4, and are more permissive to X4-tropic infection in vitro. In contrast, Th1 and Th17 CD4 T cells exhibited stronger surface expression of CCR5, and were more susceptible to infection with R5-tropic viruses. Correspondingly, the distribution of X4-tropic viral sequences in antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV-1-infected patients was biased toward Th9/Th2 cells, whereas R5-tropic sequences were more frequently observed in Th17 cells. CD4 T-cell polarization is associated with a distinct susceptibility to X4 and R5-tropic HIV-1 infection.

  8. Reversal of human allergen-specific CRTH2+ T(H)2 cells by IL-12 or the PS-DSP30 oligodeoxynucleotide.

    PubMed

    Annunziato, F; Cosmi, L; Manetti, R; Brugnolo, F; Parronchi, P; Maggi, E; Nagata, K; Romagnani, S

    2001-11-01

    The chemoattractant receptor homologous molecule expressed on T(H)2 cells (CRTH2) is a receptor for prostaglandin D(2), which among human T cells is selectively expressed by T(H)2 and type 2 cytotoxic effectors. Our purpose was to assess whether the cytokine production profile of T(H)2 effectors could be reversed by exploiting their selective expression of CRTH2. CRTH2(+) T cells were purified from the blood of allergic subjects, stimulated with the specific allergen in the absence or presence of IL-12, and assessed by flow cytometry at the single-cell level for their ability to produce IL-4 and/or IFN-gamma after antigen or polyclonal stimulation. Both IL-12 and the PS-DSP30 oligodeoxynucleotide enabled CRTH2(+) allergen-stimulated T(H)2 cells to produce IFN-gamma. This change in the profile of cytokine production by T(H)2 cells from allergic subjects was related to the upregulation of IL-12 receptor beta2 chain and was associated with the loss of CRTH2. These data demonstrate that the cytokine production pattern of fully differentiated T(H)2 effectors can be changed to a less polarized profile, thus providing the physiologic basis for new immunotherapeutic strategies in allergic disorders.

  9. Glatiramer Acetate administration does not reduce damage after cerebral ischemia in mice.

    PubMed

    Poittevin, Marine; Deroide, Nicolas; Azibani, Feriel; Delcayre, Claude; Giannesini, Claire; Levy, Bernard I; Pocard, Marc; Kubis, Nathalie

    2013-01-15

    Inflammation plays a key role in ischemic stroke pathophysiology: microglial/macrophage cells and type-1 helper cells (Th1) seem deleterious, while type-2 helper cells (Th2) and regulatory T cells (Treg) seem protective. CD4 Th0 differentiation is modulated by microglial cytokine secretion. Glatiramer Acetate (GA) is an immunomodulatory drug that has been approved for the treatment of human multiple sclerosis by means of a number of mechanisms: reduced microglial activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, Th0 differentiation shifting from Th2 to Th2 and Treg with anti-inflammatory cytokine production and increased neurogenesis. We induced permanent (pMCAo) or transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo) and GA (2 mg) or vehicle was injected subcutaneously immediately after cerebral ischemia. Mice were sacrificed at D3 to measure neurological deficit, infarct volume, microglial cell density and qPCR of TNFα and IL-1β (pro-inflammatory microglial cytokines), IFNγ (Th2 cytokine), IL-4 (Th2 cytokine), TGFβ and IL-10 (Treg cytokines), and at D7 to evaluate neurological deficit, infarct volume and neurogenesis assessment. We showed that in GA-treated pMCAo mice, infarct volume, microglial cell density and cytokine secretion were not significantly modified at D3, while neurogenesis was enhanced at D7 without significant infarct volume reduction. In GA-treated tMCAo mice, microglial pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNFα were significantly decreased without modification of microglial/macrophage cell density, cytokine secretion, neurological deficit or infarct volume at D3, or modification of neurological deficit, neurogenesis or infarct volume at D7. In conclusion, Glatiramer Acetate administered after cerebral ischemia does not reduce infarct volume or improve neurological deficit in mice despite a significant increase in neurogenesis in pMCAo and a microglial pro-inflammatory cytokine reduction in tMCAo. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Transversal inducing differentiation of human amniotic epithelial cells into hepatocyte-like cells.

    PubMed

    Luo, Hongwu; Huang, Xiangjun; Huang, Feizhou; Liu, Xunyang

    2011-06-01

    To evaluate the in vitro differentiation of human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs ) into hepatocyte-like cells. Combined approach of dexamethasone, HGF, IGF and other cytokines were used to induce the differentiation of hAECs into hepatocyte-like cells. The induction lasted 2 weeks. During the induction, the expression of albumin ALB, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, IGFR, c-met and key functional genes related to liver cells as well as transcription factors HNF3, HNF4 and C/EBPa were monitored by RT-PCR. Time dependent changes of the surface marker colony ALB, AFP and CK18 were analyzed by cell flow cytometry. After the 2 week induction, the expressions of liver hepatocyte-like cell functional genes such as albumin, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, c-met, and transcription factors such as HNF3, HNF4, C/EBPa and HNF1 were observed. Six days after the induction, hAECs mainly were stained AFP+, and the positive rate was (15.1 ± 2.1)%. While 10 days after the induction, part of the hAECs showed AFP+/ALB+ (6.5 ± 1.4)%; and on 14th day, hAECs only showed ALB+, and the rate was (13.9 ± 2.3)%. ALB+ cell increase indicated a gradual functional maturation from the hAECs to hepatocyte-like cells. Similaritly, the number of CK18+ cells in the whole population was also increased: On 10th day, the rate was (16.1 ± 1.2)%; on 14th day, that was (21.3 ± 4.6)%, which proved the above hypothesis of the trandifferentiation. By extending the induction time, the expression of functional genes increased gradually, and a maturing process of hAECs was detected by cell surface markers. The differentiation of hAECs induced in vitro has the characteristics of hepatocyte-like cells.

  11. Metabolism of murine TH 17 cells: Impact on cell fate and function.

    PubMed

    Wang, Ran; Solt, Laura A

    2016-04-01

    An effective adaptive immune response relies on the ability of lymphocytes to rapidly act upon a variety of insults. In T lymphocytes, this response includes cell growth, clonal expansion, differentiation, and cytokine production, all of which place a significant energy burden on the cell. Recent evidence shows that T-cell metabolic reprogramming is an essential component of the adaptive immune response and specific metabolic pathways dictate T-cell fate decisions, including the development of TH 17 versus T regulatory (Treg) cells. TH 17 cells have garnered significant attention due to their roles in the pathology of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Attempts to characterize TH 17 cells have demonstrated that they are highly dynamic, adjusting their function to environmental cues, which dictate their metabolic program. In this review, we highlight recent data demonstrating the impact of cellular metabolism on the TH 17/Treg balance and present factors that mediate TH 17-cell metabolism. Some examples of these include the differential impact of the mTOR signaling complexes on T-helper-cell differentiation, hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) promotion of glycolysis to favor TH 17-cell development, and ACC1-dependent de novo fatty acid synthesis favoring TH 17-cell development over Treg cells. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic options and the implications of modulating TH 17-cell metabolism for the treatment of TH 17-mediated diseases. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  12. Protein kinase CK2 enables regulatory T cells to suppress excessive TH2 responses in vivo.

    PubMed

    Ulges, Alexander; Klein, Matthias; Reuter, Sebastian; Gerlitzki, Bastian; Hoffmann, Markus; Grebe, Nadine; Staudt, Valérie; Stergiou, Natascha; Bohn, Toszka; Brühl, Till-Julius; Muth, Sabine; Yurugi, Hajime; Rajalingam, Krishnaraj; Bellinghausen, Iris; Tuettenberg, Andrea; Hahn, Susanne; Reißig, Sonja; Haben, Irma; Zipp, Frauke; Waisman, Ari; Probst, Hans-Christian; Beilhack, Andreas; Buchou, Thierry; Filhol-Cochet, Odile; Boldyreff, Brigitte; Breloer, Minka; Jonuleit, Helmut; Schild, Hansjörg; Schmitt, Edgar; Bopp, Tobias

    2015-03-01

    The quality of the adaptive immune response depends on the differentiation of distinct CD4(+) helper T cell subsets, and the magnitude of an immune response is controlled by CD4(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg cells). However, how a tissue- and cell type-specific suppressor program of Treg cells is mechanistically orchestrated has remained largely unexplored. Through the use of Treg cell-specific gene targeting, we found that the suppression of allergic immune responses in the lungs mediated by T helper type 2 (TH2) cells was dependent on the activity of the protein kinase CK2. Genetic ablation of the β-subunit of CK2 specifically in Treg cells resulted in the proliferation of a hitherto-unexplored ILT3(+) Treg cell subpopulation that was unable to control the maturation of IRF4(+)PD-L2(+) dendritic cells required for the development of TH2 responses in vivo.

  13. Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate TNBS-induced colitis by modulating inflammatory and autoimmune responses

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Qian-Qian; Yan, Li; Wang, Chang-Zheng; Wang, Wei-Hua; Shi, Hui; Su, Bin-Bin; Zeng, Qing-Huan; Du, Hai-Tao; Wan, Jun

    2013-01-01

    AIM: To investigate the potential therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we transplanted MSCs into an experimental model of IBD. METHODS: A rectal enema of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) (100 mg/kg body weight) was administered to female BALB/c mice. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were derived from male green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice and were transplanted intravenously into the experimental animals after disease onset. Clinical activity scores and histological changes were evaluated. GFP and Sex determining region Y gene (SRY) expression were used for cell tracking. Ki67 positive cells and Lgr5-expressing cells were determined to measure proliferative activity. Inflammatory response was determined by measuring the levels of different inflammatory mediators in the colon and serum. The inflammatory cytokines included tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-6, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF-β). Master regulators of Th1 cells (T-box expressed in T cells, T-bet), Th17 cells (retinoid related orphan receptor gamma(t), RORγt), Th2 cells (GATA family of transcription factors 3, GATA3) and regulatory T cells (forkhead box P3, Foxp3) were also determined. RESULTS: Systemic infusion of GFP-BMSCs ameliorated the clinical and histopathologic severity of colitis, including body weight loss, diarrhea and inflammation, and increased survival (P < 0.05). The cell tracking study showed that MSCs homed to the injured colon. MSCs promoted proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells and differentiation of intestinal stem cells (P < 0.01). This therapeutic effect was mainly mediated by down-regulation of both Th1-Th17-driven autoimmune and inflammatory responses (IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ, T-bet; IL-6, IL-17, RORγt), and by up-regulation of Th2 activities (IL-4, IL-10, GATA-3) (P < 0.05). MSCs also induced activated CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (TGF-β, IL-10, Foxp3) with a suppressive capacity on Th1-Th17 effecter responses and promoted Th2 differentiation in vivo (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MSCs are key regulators of immune and inflammatory responses and may be an attractive candidate for cell-based therapy of IBD. PMID:23922467

  14. Rebamipide suppresses collagen-induced arthritis through reciprocal regulation of th17/treg cell differentiation and heme oxygenase 1 induction.

    PubMed

    Moon, Su-Jin; Park, Jin-Sil; Woo, Yun-Ju; Lim, Mi-Ae; Kim, Sung-Min; Lee, Seon-Yeong; Kim, Eun-Kyung; Lee, Hee Jin; Lee, Weon Sun; Park, Sang-Hi; Jeong, Jeong-Hee; Park, Sung-Hwan; Kim, Ho-Youn; Cho, Mi-La; Min, Jun-Ki

    2014-04-01

    Rebamipide, a gastroprotective agent, has the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen radicals. Increased oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We undertook this study to investigate the impact of rebamipide on the development of arthritis and the pathophysiologic mechanisms by which rebamipide attenuates arthritis severity in a murine model of RA. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was induced in DBA/1J mice. Anti-type II collagen antibody titers and interleukin-17 (IL-17) levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of transcription factors was analyzed by immunostaining and Western blotting. Frequencies of IL-17-producing CD4+ T cells (Th17 cells) and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Rebamipide reduced the clinical arthritis score and severity of histologic inflammation and cartilage destruction in a dose-dependent manner. The joints isolated from rebamipide-treated mice with CIA showed decreased expression of nitrotyrosine, an oxidative stress marker. Rebamipide-treated mice showed lower circulating levels of type II collagen-specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a. Whereas the number of Th17 cells in spleens was decreased in rebamipide-treated mice with CIA, a significant increase in the number of Treg cells in spleens was observed. In vitro, rebamipide inhibited Th17 cell differentiation through STAT-3/retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor γt and reciprocally induced Treg cell differentiation through FoxP3. Rebamipide increased Nrf2 nuclear activities in murine CD4+ T cells and LBRM-33 murine T lymphoma cells. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression in the spleens was markedly increased in rebamipide-treated mice. The inhibitory effects of rebamipide on joint inflammation are associated with recovery from an imbalance between Th17 cells and Treg cells and with activation of an Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway. Copyright © 2014 by the American College of Rheumatology.

  15. Th17 cells and IL-17 in protective immunity to vaginal candidiasis.

    PubMed

    Pietrella, Donatella; Rachini, Anna; Pines, Mark; Pandey, Neelam; Mosci, Paolo; Bistoni, Francesco; d'Enfert, Cristophe; Vecchiarelli, Anna

    2011-01-01

    Th17 cells play a major role in coordinating the host defence in oropharyngeal candidiasis. In this study we investigated the involvement of the Th17 response in an animal model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). To monitor the course of infection we exploited a new in vivo imaging technique. i) The progression of VVC leads to a strong influx of neutrophils in the vagina soon after the challenge which persisted despite the resolution of infection; ii) IL-17, produced by vaginal cells, particularly CD4 T cells, was detected in the vaginal wash during the infection, reaching a maximum 14 days after the challenge; iii) The amount and kinetics of IL-23 in vaginal fluids were comparable to those in vaginal cells; iv) The inhibition of Th17 differentiation led to significant inhibition of IL-17 production with consequent exacerbation of infection; v) An increased production of βdefensin 2 was manifested in cells of infected mice. This production was strongly reduced when Th17 differentiation was inhibited and was increased by rIL-17 treatment. These results imply that IL-17 and Th17, along with innate antimicrobial factors, have a role in the immune response to vaginal candidiasis.

  16. Mangiferin corrects the imbalance of Th17/Treg cells in mice with TNBS-induced colitis.

    PubMed

    Lim, Su-Min; Jeong, Jin-Ju; Choi, Hyun Sik; Chang, Hwan Bong; Kim, Dong-Hyun

    2016-05-01

    In the previous study, 80% ethanol extract of the rhizome mixture of Anemarrhena asphodeloides and Coptidis chinensis (AC) and its main constituent mangiferin improved TNBS-induced colitis in mice by inhibiting macrophage activation related to the innate immunity. In the preliminary study, we found that AC could inhibit Th17 cell differentiation in mice with TNBS-induced colitis. Therefore, we investigated whether AC and it main constituent mangiferin are capable of inhibiting inflammation by regulating T cell differentiation related to the adaptive immunity in vitro and in vivo. AC and mangiferin potently suppressed colon shortening and myeloperoxidase activity in mice with TNBS-induced colitis. They also suppressed TNBS-induced Th17 cell differentiation and IL-17 expression, but increased TNBS-suppressed Treg cell differentiation and IL-10 expression. Moreover, AC and mangiferin strongly inhibited the expression of TNF-α and IL-17, as well as the activation of NF-κB. Furthermore, mangiferin potently inhibited the differentiation of splenocytes into Th7 cells and increased the differentiation into Treg cells in vitro. Mangiferin also inhibited RORγt and IL-17 expression and STAT3 activation in splenocytes and induced Foxp3 and IL-10 expression and STAT5 activation. Based on these findings, mangiferin may ameliorate colitis by the restoration of disturbed Th17/Treg cells and inhibition of macrophage activation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Comprehensive intestinal T helper cell profiling reveals specific accumulation of IFN-γ+IL-17+coproducing CD4+ T cells in active inflammatory bowel disease.

    PubMed

    Globig, Anna-Maria; Hennecke, Nadine; Martin, Bianca; Seidl, Maximilian; Ruf, Günther; Hasselblatt, Peter; Thimme, Robert; Bengsch, Bertram

    2014-12-01

    Skewed T helper (TH) cell responses and specific functions of TH1, TH2, TH17, and Treg cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that led to the establishment of the pathogenic TH1/TH2 and TH17/Treg cell imbalance paradigms. However, the relevant TH cell population driving mucosal inflammation is still unknown. We performed a comprehensive TH cell profiling of circulating and intestinal lymphocytes isolated from patients with Crohn's disease (CD; n = 69) and ulcerative colitis (UC; n = 41) undergoing endoscopy or surgical resection and compared them with healthy controls (n = 45). Mucosal inflammation was assessed endoscopically and histologically. TH cells were analyzed by flow cytometric evaluation of cytokine production and differentiation marker expression. Specialized TH cell populations were enriched in the intestinal mucosa compared with peripheral blood. Specifically, we observed a concomitant upregulation of TH17 cells and Tregs in active inflammatory lesions in patients with both CD and UC compared with quiescent/mildly inflamed lesions and healthy tissue. Of note, interferon γ+ interleukin (IL)-17+coproducing CD4+ T cells with high expression of T-bet, CD26, and IL-22 resembling recently described pathogenic TH17 cells were specifically enriched in the inflamed mucosal tissue. Our results argue against the controversial TH1/TH2 or TH17/Treg paradigms. In contrast, they suggest that a subpopulation of TH17 cells sharing a TH1 signature may be specifically involved in intestinal inflammation in CD and UC. These findings provide a better understanding of IBD pathogenesis and may help explain the efficacy of anti-IL-12p40/IL-23 and failure of anti-IL-17A therapies despite the enrichment of TH17 cells.

  18. Asthma: T-bet--a master controller?

    PubMed

    Robinson, Douglas S; Lloyd, Clare M

    2002-04-30

    The transcription factors T-bet and GATA3 are important reciprocal determinants of Th1 and Th2 T helper cell differentiation. Recent evidence suggests that these factors may affect airway immunopathology in asthma.

  19. Role of Th17 Cell in Tubercle Bacillus Infection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Dandan

    2018-01-01

    Tuberculosis is mainly a kind of lung disease. Normal immune cell expression can inhibit proliferation of tubercle bacillus in the lungs, but this may also lead to chronic inflammation and pathological lesion. Th17 cell is a newly discovered CD4 + effector T cell subsets, whose differentiation and roles are influenced by various cytokines in the surrounding environment. Th17 cell plays an important role in resisting tubercle bacillus infection, but also it may cause pathological damage through the inflammatory response. Therefore, to balance two kinds of roles of Th17 cells in tubercle bacillus infection can effectively protect the body. This paper intends to do a summary on differentiation, regulation, and biological functions of Th17 cell.

  20. The excretory-secretory products of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces directly regulate the differentiation of B10, B17 and Th17 cells.

    PubMed

    Pan, Wei; Hao, Wen-Ting; Shen, Yu-Juan; Li, Xiang-Yang; Wang, Yan-Juan; Sun, Fen-Fen; Yin, Jian-Hai; Zhang, Jing; Tang, Ren-Xian; Cao, Jian-Ping; Zheng, Kui-Yang

    2017-07-21

    Excretory-secretory products (ESPs) released by helminths are well-known to regulate T cell responses in the host. However, their direct influence in the differentiation of naïve T cells, and especially B cells, remains largely unknown. This study investigated the effects of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces ESPs (EgPSC-ESPs) on the differentiation of IL-10-producing B cells (B10), IL-17A-producing B cells (B17) and Th17 cells. BALB/c mice injected with EgPSC were used to evaluate the in vivo profiles of B10, B17 and Th17 cells. In vitro purified CD19 + B and naïve CD4 + T cells were cultured in the presence of native, heat-inactivated or periodate-treated EgPSC-ESPs, and the differentiation of these cell subsets were compared. In contrast to the control group, infected mice showed higher frequencies of B10, B17 and Th17 cells, and higher levels of IL-10 and IL-17A in the sera. Interestingly, B17 cells were first identified to express CD19 + CD1d high . In vitro, B cells cultured with native ESPs exhibited a higher percentage of B10 cells but lower percentage of B17 and Th17 cells compared to the PBS group. Moreover, the relative expression of IL-10 and IL-17A mRNA were consistent with the altered frequencies. However, ESPs subjected to heat-inactivation or periodate treatment exhibited an inverse effect on the induction of these cell subsets. Our findings indicate that ESPs released by EgPSC can directly regulate the differentiation of B10, B17 and Th17 cells, which appear to be heat-labile and carbohydrate-dependent.

  1. Regulatory T cells inhibit acute IFN-γ synthesis without blocking T-helper cell type 1 (Th1) differentiation via a compartmentalized requirement for IL-10

    PubMed Central

    Sojka, Dorothy K.; Fowell, Deborah J.

    2011-01-01

    CD4+CD25+Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) control immune responses to self and foreign antigens in secondary lymphoid organs and at tissue sites of inflammation. Tregs can modify the function of many immune cells and have been proposed to block early proliferation, differentiation, and effector function. Acute ablation of Tregs has revealed rapid cytokine production immediately after Treg removal, suggesting that Tregs may regulate effector function acutely rather than regulating the programming for immune function. We developed in vitro and in vivo models that enabled the direct test of Treg regulation of T-helper cell type 1 (Th1) differentiation. CD28 signaling is known to abrogate Treg suppression of IL-2 secretion and proliferation, but our studies show that Treg suppression of IFN-γ during Th1 priming proceeds despite enhanced CD28 signaling. Importantly, during Th1 differentiation, Tregs inhibited early IFN-γ transcription without disrupting expression of Th1-specific T-box transcription factor (Tbet) and Th1 programming. Acute shutoff of effector cytokine production by Tregs was selective for IFN-γ but not TNF-α and was independent of TGF-β and Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3. In vivo, Tregs potently controlled CD4 IFN-γ and CD4 effector cell expansion in the lymph node (four- to fivefold reduction) but not Th1 programming, independent of IL-10. Tregs additionally reduced CD4 IFN-γ in the inflamed dermis (twofold reduction) dependent on their production of IL-10. We propose a model for Treg inhibition of effector function based on acute cytokine regulation. Interestingly, Tregs used different regulatory mechanisms to regulate IFN-γ (IL-10–dependent or –independent) subject to the target T-cell stage of activation and its tissue location. PMID:22025707

  2. The ThPOK transcription factor differentially affects the development and function of self-specific CD8(+) T cells and regulatory CD4(+) T cells.

    PubMed

    Twu, Yuh-Ching; Teh, Hung-Sia

    2014-03-01

    The zinc finger transcription factor ThPOK plays a crucial role in CD4 T-cell development and CD4/CD8 lineage decision. In ThPOK-deficient mice, developing T cells expressing MHC class II-restricted T-cell receptors are redirected into the CD8 T-cell lineage. In this study, we investigated whether the ThPOK transgene affected the development and function of two additional types of T cells, namely self-specific CD8 T cells and CD4(+) FoxP3(+) T regulatory cells. Self-specific CD8 T cells are characterized by high expression of CD44, CD122, Ly6C, 1B11 and proliferation in response to either IL-2 or IL-15. The ThPOK transgene converted these self-specific CD8 T cells into CD4 T cells. The converted CD4(+) T cells are no longer self-reactive, lose the characteristics of self-specific CD8 T cells, acquire the properties of conventional CD4 T cells and survive poorly in peripheral lymphoid organs. By contrast, the ThPOK transgene promoted the development of CD4(+) FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells resulting in an increased recovery of CD4(+) FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells that expressed higher transforming growth factor-β-dependent suppressor activity. These studies indicate that the ThPOK transcription factor differentially affects the development and function of self-specific CD8 T cells and CD4(+) FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  3. Hyperforin-loaded gold nanoparticle alleviates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by suppressing Th1 and Th17 cells and upregulating regulatory T cells.

    PubMed

    Nosratabadi, Reza; Rastin, Maryam; Sankian, Mojtaba; Haghmorad, Dariush; Mahmoudi, Mahmoud

    2016-10-01

    Hyperforin an herbal compound, is commonly used in traditional medicine due to its anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to use a hyperforin loaded gold nanoparticle (Hyp-GNP) in the treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Hyp-GNP and hyperforin significantly reduced clinical severity of EAE, which was accompanied by a decrease in the number of inflammatory cell infiltration in the spinal cord. Additionally, treatment with Hyp-GNP significantly inhibited disease-associated cytokines as well as an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokines in comparison to all groups including the free-hyp group. Furthermore, hyperforin and Hyp-GNP inhibited the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells while promoting Treg and Th2 cell differentiation via regulating their master transcription factors. The current study demonstrated the although, free-hyp improved clinical and laboratory data Hyp-GNP is significantly more efficient than free hyperforin in the treatment of EAE. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Defining characteristics of classical Hodgkin lymphoma microenvironment T-helper cells

    PubMed Central

    Clear, Andrew; Owen, Andrew; Iqbal, Sameena; Lee, Abigail; Matthews, Janet; Wilson, Andrew; Calaminici, Maria; Gribben, John G.

    2013-01-01

    CD4+ T-helper cells (THs) dominate the classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) microenvironment, but their role is poorly understood. Advances in flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry permit more detailed investigation of this aspect of CHL pathophysiology. To address the hypothesis that the TH-infiltrate, rather than being TH2-enriched, senescent and hypofunctional, is TH1 and activation marker-rich, cytokine-secretory and proliferative, we applied comprehensive flow cytometric immunophenotyping and functional assays of cytokine secretion/proliferation to TH cells from 18 CHL-derived single-cell suspensions (SCSs) compared to reactive lymph nodes (RLNs). CHL-derived TH cells express TH1-associated CXCR3/CCR5 and TNFα/IFNγ/interleukin-2 (IL-2) and less TH2-associated CCR3/CCR4, with no IL-4/IL-13. They lack exhaustion-/suppression-associated PD1, CD57 and terminally differentiated effector memory cells, with more central memory cells, activation-associated partners of Hodgkin Reed Sternberg (HRS) cell-expressed CD30/OX40-L/ICOS-L, and other activation markers. TH cell lines established from CHL and RLN-derived SCSs remain cytokine-secretory. We confirmed and extended these studies using tissue microarray immunohistochemistry (TMA-IHC) from a large CHL tissue bank (n = 122) and demonstrate TH1-associated TBET is abundant in CHL, and TH2-associated CMAF/GATA3 and exhaustion-associated PD1 expressed at significantly lower levels. These molecular insights into the CHL-associated TH offer potential diagnostic, prognostic and pharmacologically modifiable therapeutic targets and do not support the established view of a TH2-enriched, senescent/exhausted, hypofunctional, hypoproliferative infiltrate. PMID:24004665

  5. Defining characteristics of classical Hodgkin lymphoma microenvironment T-helper cells.

    PubMed

    Greaves, Paul; Clear, Andrew; Owen, Andrew; Iqbal, Sameena; Lee, Abigail; Matthews, Janet; Wilson, Andrew; Calaminici, Maria; Gribben, John G

    2013-10-17

    CD4(+) T-helper cells (THs) dominate the classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) microenvironment, but their role is poorly understood. Advances in flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry permit more detailed investigation of this aspect of CHL pathophysiology. To address the hypothesis that the TH-infiltrate, rather than being TH2-enriched, senescent and hypofunctional, is TH1 and activation marker-rich, cytokine-secretory and proliferative, we applied comprehensive flow cytometric immunophenotyping and functional assays of cytokine secretion/proliferation to TH cells from 18 CHL-derived single-cell suspensions (SCSs) compared to reactive lymph nodes (RLNs). CHL-derived TH cells express TH1-associated CXCR3/CCR5 and TNFα/IFNγ/interleukin-2 (IL-2) and less TH2-associated CCR3/CCR4, with no IL-4/IL-13. They lack exhaustion-/suppression-associated PD1, CD57 and terminally differentiated effector memory cells, with more central memory cells, activation-associated partners of Hodgkin Reed Sternberg (HRS) cell-expressed CD30/OX40-L/ICOS-L, and other activation markers. TH cell lines established from CHL and RLN-derived SCSs remain cytokine-secretory. We confirmed and extended these studies using tissue microarray immunohistochemistry (TMA-IHC) from a large CHL tissue bank (n = 122) and demonstrate TH1-associated TBET is abundant in CHL, and TH2-associated CMAF/GATA3 and exhaustion-associated PD1 expressed at significantly lower levels. These molecular insights into the CHL-associated TH offer potential diagnostic, prognostic and pharmacologically modifiable therapeutic targets and do not support the established view of a TH2-enriched, senescent/exhausted, hypofunctional, hypoproliferative infiltrate.

  6. A novel subset of helper T cells promotes immune responses by secreting GM-CSF

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, J; Roberts, A I; Liu, C; Ren, G; Xu, G; Zhang, L; Devadas, S; Shi, Yufang

    2013-01-01

    Helper T cells are crucial for maintaining proper immune responses. Yet, they have an undefined relationship with one of the most potent immune stimulatory cytokines, granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). By depleting major cytokines during the differentiation of CD4+ T cells in vitro, we derived cells that were found to produce large amounts of GM-CSF, but little of the cytokines produced by other helper T subsets. By their secretion of GM-CSF, this novel subset of helper T cells (which we have termed ThGM cells) promoted the production of cytokines by other T-cell subtypes, including type 1 helper T cell (Th1), type 2 helper T cell (Th2), type 1 cytotoxic T cell (Tc1), type 2 cytotoxic T cell (Tc2), and naive T cells, as evidenced by the fact that antibody neutralization of GM-CSF abolished this effect. ThGM cells were found to be highly prone to activation-induced cell death (AICD). Inhibitors of TRAIL or granzymes could not block AICD in ThGM cells, whereas inhibition of FasL/Fas interaction partially rescued ThGM cells from AICD. Thus, ThGM cells are a novel subpopulation of T helper cells that produce abundant GM-CSF, exhibit exquisite susceptibility to apoptosis, and therefore play a pivotal role in the regulation of the early stages of immune responses. PMID:24076588

  7. Dysregulated MicroRNA Involvement in Multiple Sclerosis by Induction of T Helper 17 Cell Differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Chen; Zhou, Yifan; Wang, Jingqi; Yan, Yaping; Peng, Lisheng; Qiu, Wei

    2018-01-01

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Growing evidence has proven that T helper 17 (Th17) cells are one of the regulators of neuroinflammation mechanisms in MS disease. Researchers have demonstrated that some microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with disease activity and duration, even with different MS patterns. miRNAs regulate CD4+ T cells to differentiate toward various T cell subtypes including Th17 cells. In this review, we discuss the possible mechanisms of miRNAs in MS pathophysiology by regulating CD4+ T cell differentiation into Th17 cells, and potential miRNA targets for current disease-modifying treatments.

  8. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: Differential Contribution to T Helper 17 and T Cytotoxic 17 Cell Development

    PubMed Central

    Hayes, Mark D.; Ovcinnikovs, Vitalijs; Smith, Andrew G.; Kimber, Ian; Dearman, Rebecca J.

    2014-01-01

    The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has been shown to be required for optimal Thelper (Th) 17 cell activation. Th17 cells provide immunity against extracellular pathogens and are implicated in autoimmune diseases. Herein, the role of the AhR in cytokine production by Th17, and by the analogous population of T cytotoxic (Tc)17 cells, has been examined. Lymph node Tc (CD8+) and Th (CD4+) cells were isolated by negative selection from naive AhR+/− and AhR−/− mice and polarised to Tc1/Th1 or Tc17/Th17 phenotypes with appropriate cytokines. Cell differentiation was assessed as a function of mRNA and protein (ELISA and flow cytometry) expression for interferon (IFN)-γ and for key Th17 cytokines. In AhR+/− mice, Th17 cells displayed an exclusive IL-17 profile, which was markedly inhibited by a selective AhR antagonist to levels observed in AhR knockout mice. Addition of the natural AhR agonist 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) markedly enhanced Th17 cell activity in the heterozygotes. In contrast, Tc17 cells polarised into 3 distinct subsets: producing either IL-17 or IFN-γ alone, or both cytokines. Blocking AhR was also detrimental to Tc17 development, with reduced responses recorded in AhR−/− mice and antagonist-mediated reduction of IL-17 expression in the heterozygotes. However, Tc17 cells were largely refractory to exogenous FICZ, presumably because Tc17 cells express baseline AhR mRNA, but unlike Th17 cells, there is no marked up-regulation during polarisation. Thus, Th17 cell development is more dependent upon AhR activation than is Tc17 cell development, suggesting that endogenous AhR ligands play a much greater role in driving Th17 cell responses. PMID:25203682

  9. A dominant role for the methyl-CpG-binding protein Mbd2 in controlling Th2 induction by dendritic cells.

    PubMed

    Cook, Peter C; Owen, Heather; Deaton, Aimée M; Borger, Jessica G; Brown, Sheila L; Clouaire, Thomas; Jones, Gareth-Rhys; Jones, Lucy H; Lundie, Rachel J; Marley, Angela K; Morrison, Vicky L; Phythian-Adams, Alexander T; Wachter, Elisabeth; Webb, Lauren M; Sutherland, Tara E; Thomas, Graham D; Grainger, John R; Selfridge, Jim; McKenzie, Andrew N J; Allen, Judith E; Fagerholm, Susanna C; Maizels, Rick M; Ivens, Alasdair C; Bird, Adrian; MacDonald, Andrew S

    2015-04-24

    Dendritic cells (DCs) direct CD4(+) T-cell differentiation into diverse helper (Th) subsets that are required for protection against varied infections. However, the mechanisms used by DCs to promote Th2 responses, which are important both for immunity to helminth infection and in allergic disease, are currently poorly understood. We demonstrate a key role for the protein methyl-CpG-binding domain-2 (Mbd2), which links DNA methylation to repressive chromatin structure, in regulating expression of a range of genes that are associated with optimal DC activation and function. In the absence of Mbd2, DCs display reduced phenotypic activation and a markedly impaired capacity to initiate Th2 immunity against helminths or allergens. These data identify an epigenetic mechanism that is central to the activation of CD4(+) T-cell responses by DCs, particularly in Th2 settings, and reveal methyl-CpG-binding proteins and the genes under their control as possible therapeutic targets for type-2 inflammation.

  10. Alkaline Cytosolic pH and High Sodium Hydrogen Exchanger 1 (NHE1) Activity in Th9 Cells.

    PubMed

    Singh, Yogesh; Zhou, Yuetao; Shi, Xiaolong; Zhang, Shaqiu; Umbach, Anja T; Salker, Madhuri S; Lang, Karl S; Lang, Florian

    2016-11-04

    CD4 + T helper 9 (Th9) cells are a newly discovered Th cell subset that produce the pleiotropic cytokine IL-9. Th9 cells can protect against tumors and provide resistance against helminth infections. Given their pivotal role in the adaptive immune system, understanding Th9 cell development and the regulation of IL-9 production could open novel immunotherapeutic opportunities. The Na + /H + exchanger 1 (NHE1; gene name Slc9α1)) is critically important for regulating intracellular pH (pH i ), cell volume, migration, and cell survival. The pH i influences cytokine secretion, activities of membrane-associated enzymes, ion transport, and other effector signaling molecules such as ATP and Ca 2+ levels. However, whether NHE1 regulates Th9 cell development or IL-9 secretion has not yet been defined. The present study explored the role of NHE1 in Th9 cell development and function. Th cell subsets were characterized by flow cytometry and pH i was measured using 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein-acetoxymethyl ester (BCECF-AM) dye. NHE1 functional activity was estimated from the rate of realkalinization following an ammonium pulse. Surprisingly, in Th9 cells pH i and NHE1 activity were significantly higher than in all other Th cell subsets (Th1/Th2/Th17 and induced regulatory T cells (iTregs)). NHE1 transcript levels and protein abundance were significantly higher in Th9 cells than in other Th cell subsets. Inhibition of NHE1 by siRNA-NHE1 or with cariporide in Th9 cells down-regulated IL-9 and ATP production. NHE1 activity, Th9 cell development, and IL-9 production were further blunted by pharmacological inhibition of protein kinase Akt1/Akt2. Our findings reveal that Akt1/Akt2 control of NHE1 could be an important physiological regulator of Th9 cell differentiation, IL-9 secretion, and ATP production. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  11. Differential Expression of Serum MicroRNAs Supports CD4+ T Cell Differentiation into Th2/Th17 Cells in Severe Equine Asthma

    PubMed Central

    Kraft, Matthias F.; Gerber, Vincent

    2017-01-01

    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate post-transcriptional gene expression and may be exported from cells via exosomes or in partnership with RNA-binding proteins. MiRNAs in body fluids can act in a hormone-like manner and play important roles in disease initiation and progression. Hence, miRNAs are promising candidates as biomarkers. To identify serum miRNA biomarkers in the equine model of asthma we investigated small RNA derived from the serum of 34 control and 37 asthmatic horses. These samples were used for next generation sequencing, novel miRNA identification and differential miRNA expression analysis. We identified 11 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs between case and control horses: eca-miR-128, eca-miR-744, eca-miR-197, eca-miR-103, eca-miR-107a, eca-miR-30d, eca-miR-140-3p, eca-miR-7, eca-miR-361-3p, eca-miR-148b-3p and eca-miR-215. Pathway enrichment using experimentally validated target genes of the human homologous miRNAs showed a significant enrichment in the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (key player in airway remodeling in asthma) and the phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-triphosphate (PIP3) signaling pathway (modulator of CD4+ T cell maturation and function). Downregulated miR-128 and miR-744 supports a Th2/Th17 type immune response in severe equine asthma. PMID:29231896

  12. Absence of the common gamma chain (γ(c)), a critical component of the Type I IL-4 receptor, increases the severity of allergic lung inflammation.

    PubMed

    Dasgupta, Preeta; Qi, Xiulan; Smith, Elizabeth P; Keegan, Achsah D

    2013-01-01

    The T(H)2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13, play critical roles in inducing allergic lung inflammation and drive the alternative activation of macrophages (AAM). Although both cytokines share receptor subunits, IL-4 and IL-13 have differential roles in asthma pathogenesis: IL-4 regulates T(H)2 cell differentiation, while IL-13 regulates airway hyperreactivity and mucus production. Aside from controlling T(H)2 differentiation, the unique contribution of IL-4 signaling via the Type I receptor in airway inflammation remains unclear. Therefore, we analyzed responses in mice deficient in gamma c (γ(c)) to elucidate the role of the Type I IL-4 receptor. OVA primed CD4⁺ OT-II T cells were adoptively transferred into RAG2⁻/⁻ and γ(c)⁻/⁻ mice and allergic lung disease was induced. Both γ(c)⁻/⁻ and γcxRAG2⁻/⁻ mice developed increased pulmonary inflammation and eosinophilia upon OVA challenge, compared to RAG2⁻/⁻ mice. Characteristic AAM proteins FIZZ1 and YM1 were expressed in lung epithelial cells in both mouse strains, but greater numbers of FIZZ1+ or YM1+ airways were present in γ(c)⁻/⁻ mice. Absence of γc in macrophages, however, resulted in reduced YM1 expression. We observed higher T(H)2 cytokine levels in the BAL and an altered DC phenotype in the γ(c)⁻/⁻ recipient mice suggesting the potential for dysregulated T cell and dendritic cell (DC) activation in the γ(c)-deficient environment. These results demonstrate that in absence of the Type I IL-4R, the Type II R can mediate allergic responses in the presence of T(H)2 effectors. However, the Type I R regulates AAM protein expression in macrophages.

  13. Transcription factor interplay in T helper cell differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Evans, Catherine M.

    2013-01-01

    The differentiation of CD4 helper T cells into specialized effector lineages has provided a powerful model for understanding immune cell differentiation. Distinct lineages have been defined by differential expression of signature cytokines and the lineage-specifying transcription factors necessary and sufficient for their production. The traditional paradigm of differentiation towards Th1 and Th2 subtypes driven by T-bet and GATA3, respectively, has been extended to incorporate additional T cell lineages and transcriptional regulators. Technological advances have expanded our view of these lineage-specifying transcription factors to the whole genome and revealed unexpected interplay between them. From these data, it is becoming clear that lineage specification is more complex and plastic than previous models might have suggested. Here, we present an overview of the different forms of transcription factor interplay that have been identified and how T cell phenotypes arise as a product of this interplay within complex regulatory networks. We also suggest experimental strategies that will provide further insight into the mechanisms that underlie T cell lineage specification and plasticity. PMID:23878131

  14. The kinase DYRK1A reciprocally regulates the differentiation of Th17 and regulatory T cells

    PubMed Central

    Khor, Bernard; Gagnon, John D; Goel, Gautam; Roche, Marly I; Conway, Kara L; Tran, Khoa; Aldrich, Leslie N; Sundberg, Thomas B; Paterson, Alison M; Mordecai, Scott; Dombkowski, David; Schirmer, Melanie; Tan, Pauline H; Bhan, Atul K; Roychoudhuri, Rahul; Restifo, Nicholas P; O'Shea, John J; Medoff, Benjamin D; Shamji, Alykhan F; Schreiber, Stuart L; Sharpe, Arlene H; Shaw, Stanley Y; Xavier, Ramnik J

    2015-01-01

    The balance between Th17 and T regulatory (Treg) cells critically modulates immune homeostasis, with an inadequate Treg response contributing to inflammatory disease. Using an unbiased chemical biology approach, we identified a novel role for the dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase DYRK1A in regulating this balance. Inhibition of DYRK1A enhances Treg differentiation and impairs Th17 differentiation without affecting known pathways of Treg/Th17 differentiation. Thus, DYRK1A represents a novel mechanistic node at the branch point between commitment to either Treg or Th17 lineages. Importantly, both Treg cells generated using the DYRK1A inhibitor harmine and direct administration of harmine itself potently attenuate inflammation in multiple experimental models of systemic autoimmunity and mucosal inflammation. Our results identify DYRK1A as a physiologically relevant regulator of Treg cell differentiation and suggest a broader role for other DYRK family members in immune homeostasis. These results are discussed in the context of human diseases associated with dysregulated DYRK activity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.05920.001 PMID:25998054

  15. Small RNA Transfection in Primary Human Th17 Cells by Next Generation Electroporation.

    PubMed

    Montoya, Misty M; Ansel, K Mark

    2017-04-13

    CD4 + T cells can differentiate into several subsets of effector T helper cells depending on the surrounding cytokine milieu. Th17 cells can be generated from naïve CD4 + T cells in vitro by activating them in the presence of the polarizing cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-23, and TGFβ. Th17 cells orchestrate immunity against extracellular bacteria and fungi, but their aberrant activity has also been associated with several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Th17 cells are identified by the chemokine receptor CCR6 and defined by their master transcription factor, RORγt, and characteristic effector cytokine, IL-17A. Optimized culture conditions for Th17 cell differentiation facilitate mechanistic studies of human T cell biology in a controlled environment. They also provide a setting for studying the importance of specific genes and gene expression programs through RNA interference or the introduction of microRNA (miRNA) mimics or inhibitors. This protocol provides an easy to use, reproducible, and highly efficient method for transient transfection of differentiating primary human Th17 cells with small RNAs using a next generation electroporation device.

  16. Enhanced proliferation and dopaminergic differentiation of ventral mesencephalic precursor cells by synergistic effect of FGF2 and reduced oxygen tension

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jensen, Pia; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern; Gramsbergen, Jan-Bert

    Effective numerical expansion of dopaminergic precursors might overcome the limited availability of transplantable cells in replacement strategies for Parkinson's disease. Here we investigated the effect of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) and FGF8 on expansion and dopaminergic differentiation of rat embryonic ventral mesencephalic neuroblasts cultured at high (20%) and low (3%) oxygen tension. More cells incorporated bromodeoxyuridine in cultures expanded at low as compared to high oxygen tension, and after 6 days of differentiation there were significantly more neuronal cells in low than in high oxygen cultures. Low oxygen during FGF2-mediated expansion resulted also in a significant increase in tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactivemore » (TH-ir) dopaminergic neurons as compared to high oxygen tension, but no corresponding effect was observed for dopamine release into the culture medium. However, switching FGF2-expanded cultures from low to high oxygen tension during the last two days of differentiation significantly enhanced dopamine release and intracellular dopamine levels as compared to all other treatment groups. In addition, the short-term exposure to high oxygen enhanced in situ assessed TH enzyme activity, which may explain the elevated dopamine levels. Our findings demonstrate that modulation of oxygen tension is a recognizable factor for in vitro expansion and dopaminergic differentiation of rat embryonic midbrain precursor cells.« less

  17. Candida albicans morphology and dendritic cell subsets determine T helper cell differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Gerami-Nejad, Maryam; Kumamoto, Yosuke; Mohammed, Javed A.; Jarrett, Elizabeth; Drummond, Rebecca A.; Zurawski, Sandra M.; Zurawski, Gerard; Berman, Judith; Iwasaki, Akiko; Brown, Gordon D.; Kaplan, Daniel H.

    2015-01-01

    Summary Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus responsible for chronic mucocutaneous and systemic infections. Mucocutaneous immunity to C. albicans requires T helper-17 (Th17) cell differentiation that is thought to depend on recognition of filamentous C. albicans. Systemic immunity is considered T cell independent. Using a murine skin infection model, we compared T helper cell responses to yeast and filamentous C. albicans, We found that only yeast induced Th17 cell responses through a mechanism that required Dectin-1 mediated expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) by Langerhans cells. Filamentous forms induced Th1 without Th17 cell responses due to the absence of Dectin-1 ligation. Notably, Th17 cell responses provided protection against cutaneous infection while Th1 cell responses provided protection against systemic infection. Thus, C. albicans morphology drives distinct T helper cell responses that provide tissue specific protection. These findings provide insight into compartmentalization of Th responses, C. albicans pathogenesis and have critical implications for vaccine strategies. PMID:25680275

  18. Diverse functions of miR-17-92 cluster microRNAs in T helper cells.

    PubMed

    Baumjohann, Dirk

    2018-06-01

    T helper (Th) cells are critically involved in adaptive immune responses against various pathogens. In contrast, dysregulated T helper cell responses are associated with a variety of diseases, including autoimmunity, allergies, and cancer. Differentiation of naïve CD4 + T cells into effector T helper cell subsets, including Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, and T follicular helper (Tfh), requires precise dosing of signaling molecules and transcription factors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are small endogenously expressed RNAs that regulate gene expression, play important roles in these processes. The miR-17-92 cluster, a miRNA polycistron also known as oncomiR-1, has emerged as a central integrator of gene expression events that govern T helper cell differentiation pathways. The complexity of miR-17-92-mediated gene regulation lies in the nature of this miRNA cluster, which consists of six different miRNAs. Individual miR-17-92 miRNAs, albeit initially transcribed as one transcript, can have cooperative or opposing effects on biological processes. Therefore, a better understanding of the molecular regulation of miR-17-92 and its downstream networks will provide important insights into T helper cell differentiation and diversity that may be harnessed for the design of advanced T cell-targeting therapies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Negative regulation of NKG2D expression by IL-4 in memory CD8 T cells.

    PubMed

    Ventre, Erwan; Brinza, Lilia; Schicklin, Stephane; Mafille, Julien; Coupet, Charles-Antoine; Marçais, Antoine; Djebali, Sophia; Jubin, Virginie; Walzer, Thierry; Marvel, Jacqueline

    2012-10-01

    IL-4 is one of the main cytokines produced during Th2-inducing pathologies. This cytokine has been shown to affect a number of immune processes such as Th differentiation and innate immune responses. However, the impact of IL-4 on CD8 T cell responses remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the effects of IL-4 on global gene expression profiles of Ag-induced memory CD8 T cells in the mouse. Gene ontology analysis of this signature revealed that IL-4 regulated most importantly genes associated with immune responses. Moreover, this IL-4 signature overlapped with the set of genes preferentially expressed by memory CD8 T cells over naive CD8 T cells. In particular, IL-4 downregulated in vitro and in vivo in a STAT6-dependent manner the memory-specific expression of NKG2D, thereby increasing the activation threshold of memory CD8 T cells. Furthermore, IL-4 impaired activation of memory cells as well as their differentiation into effector cells. This phenomenon could have an important clinical relevance as patients affected by Th2 pathologies such as parasitic infections or atopic dermatitis often suffer from viral-induced complications possibly linked to inefficient CD8 T cell responses.

  20. CD147 modulates the differentiation of T-helper 17 cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

    PubMed

    Yang, Hui; Wang, Jian; Li, Yu; Yin, Zhen-Jie; Lv, Ting-Ting; Zhu, Ping; Zhang, Yan

    2017-01-01

    The role of CD147 in regulation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cell-to-cell contact of activated CD14 + monocytes with CD4 + T cells, and the modulatory role of CD147 on T-helper 17 (Th17) cells differentiation in patients with RA. Twenty confirmed active RA patients and twenty normal controls were enrolled. CD4 + T cells and CD14 + monocytes were purified by magnetic beads cell sorting. Cells were cultured under different conditions in CD4 + T cells alone, direct cell-to-cell contact co-culture of CD4 + and CD14 + cells, or indirect transwell co-culture of CD4 + /CD14 + cells in response to LPS and anti-CD3 stimulation with or without anti-CD147 antibody pretreatments. The proportion of IL-17-producing CD4 + T cells (defined as Th17 cells) was determined by flow cytometry. The levels of interleukin (IL)-17, IL-6, and IL-1β in the supernatants of cultured cells were measured by ELISA. The optimal condition for in vitro induction of Th17 cells differentiation was co-stimulation with 0.1 μg/mL of LPS and 100 ng/mL of anti-CD3 for 3 days under direct cell-to-cell contact co-culture of CD4 + and CD14 + cells. Anti-CD147 antibody reduced the proportion of Th17 cells, and also inhibited the productions of IL-17, IL-6, and IL-1β in PBMC culture from RA patients. The current results revealed that Th17 differentiation required cell-to-cell contact with activated monocytes. CD147 promoted the differentiation of Th17 cells by regulation of cytokine production, which provided the evidence for pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets for RA. © 2016 APMIS. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  1. IL-10 Producing B Cells Ability to Induce Regulatory T Cells Is Maintained in Rheumatoid Arthritis

    PubMed Central

    Mielle, Julie; Audo, Rachel; Hahne, Michael; Macia, Laurence; Combe, Bernard; Morel, Jacques; Daien, Claire

    2018-01-01

    Despite growing evidence highlighting the relevance of increasing IL-10-producing B cells (B10+cells) in autoimmune diseases, their functions in patients are still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functions of CpG-induced B10+ cells isolated from healthy controls (HC) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, on naïve T cell differentiation. We demonstrated that CpG-induced B10+ cells from HC drove naïve T cell differentiation toward regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and IL-10-producing T cells (Tr1) through IL-10 secretion and cellular contacts. B10+ cells from HC did not decrease T helper 1 (Th1) nor and tumor necrosis factor α producing T cell (TNFα+ T cell) differentiation. We showed that in RA, B10+ cells could also induce Treg cells and Tr1 from naïve T cells. Contrary to HC, B10+ cells from RA patients increased naïve T cell conversion into Th1. Interestingly, PD-L2, a programmed death-1 (PD-1) ligand that inhibits PD-L1 and promotes Th1 differentiation, was overexpressed on RA B10+ cells compared to HC B10+ cells. Together, our findings showed that CpG-induced B10+ cells may be used to increase Treg cells in patients with RA. However, CpG may not be the most adequate stimuli as CpG-induced B10+ cells also increased inflammatory T cells in those patients. PMID:29774031

  2. Pasteurella multocida Toxin Manipulates T Cell Differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Hildebrand, Dagmar; Heeg, Klaus; Kubatzky, Katharina F.

    2015-01-01

    Pasteurella multocida causes various diseases in a broad range of wild and domestic animals. Toxigenic strains of the serotypes A and D produce an AB protein toxin named Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT). PMT constitutively activates the heterotrimeric G protein subunits Gαq, Gα13, and Gαi through deamidation of a glutamine residue, which results in cytoskeletal rearrangements as well as increased proliferation and survival of the host cell. In human monocytes, PMT alters the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation toward a phenotype that suppresses T cell activation. Here we describe that the toxin also modulates CD4-positive T helper (Th) cells directly. PMT amplifies the expansion of Th cells through enhanced cell cycle progression and suppression of apoptosis and manipulates the differentiation of Th subclasses through activation of Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STAT) family members and induction of subtype-specific master transcription factors. A large population of toxin-treated T cells is double-positive for Foxp3 and RORγt, the transcription factors expressed by Treg and Th17 cells, respectively. This suggests that these cells could have the potential to turn into Th17 cells or suppressive Treg cells. However, in terms of function, the PMT-differentiated cells behave as inflammatory Th17 cells that produce IL-17 and trigger T cell proliferation. PMID:26635744

  3. Parkinson disease-associated LRRK2 G2019S transgene disrupts marrow myelopoiesis and peripheral Th17 response.

    PubMed

    Park, Jeongho; Lee, Jang-Won; Cooper, Scott C; Broxmeyer, Hal E; Cannon, Jason R; Kim, Chang H

    2017-10-01

    Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease, whereas Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. Interestingly, polymorphisms in the LRRK2 gene have been identified as risk factors for both diseases. LRRK2 G2019S is the most prevalent mutation found in PD. To gain insights into the role of the LRRK2 G2019S gene on the development and activation of the immune system in the brain-gut axis, we investigated the effect of LRRK2 G2019S on bone marrow myeloid progenitors and myeloid cell function in the periphery. We used bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic rats harboring the human LRRK2 G2019S gene. LRRK2 G2019S transgene decreased the numbers of monocytic and granulocytic progenitors in the bone marrow. However, the numbers of peripheral, immature myeloid cells with suppressive activity were increased in the gut and blood circulation of LRRK2 G2019S compared with control rats in various acute and chronic inflammatory responses. In inflammatory conditions, Th17 cell activity was suppressed, but tissue-associated phylum Bacteroidetes was abnormally increased in the intestine of LRRK2 G2019S rats. The abnormally expanded myeloid cells because of the LRRK2 G2019S gene were highly suppressive on Th17 cell differentiation. Moreover, we found that inhibition of LRRK2 kinase affects myeloid progenitors and myeloid cell differentiation. Taken together, the results indicate that abnormal LRRK2 activity can alter bone marrow myelopoiesis, peripheral myeloid cell differentiation, and intestinal immune homeostasis. These findings may have ramifications in immune and inflammatory responses in patients with LRRK2 abnormalities. © Society for Leukocyte Biology.

  4. Thyroid Hormone Acts Locally to Increase Neurogenesis, Neuronal Differentiation, and Dendritic Arbor Elaboration in the Tadpole Visual System

    PubMed Central

    Thompson, Christopher K.

    2016-01-01

    Thyroid hormone (TH) regulates many cellular events underlying perinatal brain development in vertebrates. Whether and how TH regulates brain development when neural circuits are first forming is less clear. Furthermore, although the molecular mechanisms that impose spatiotemporal constraints on TH action in the brain have been described, the effects of local TH signaling are poorly understood. We determined the effects of manipulating TH signaling on development of the optic tectum in stage 46–49 Xenopus laevis tadpoles. Global TH treatment caused large-scale morphological effects in tadpoles, including changes in brain morphology and increased tectal cell proliferation. Either increasing or decreasing endogenous TH signaling in tectum, by combining targeted DIO3 knockdown and methimazole, led to corresponding changes in tectal cell proliferation. Local increases in TH, accomplished by injecting suspensions of tri-iodothyronine (T3) in coconut oil into the midbrain ventricle or into the eye, selectively increased tectal or retinal cell proliferation, respectively. In vivo time-lapse imaging demonstrated that local TH first increased tectal progenitor cell proliferation, expanding the progenitor pool, and subsequently increased neuronal differentiation. Local T3 also dramatically increased dendritic arbor growth in neurons that had already reached a growth plateau. The time-lapse data indicate that the same cells are differentially sensitive to T3 at different time points. Finally, TH increased expression of genes pertaining to proliferation and neuronal differentiation. These experiments indicate that endogenous TH locally regulates neurogenesis at developmental stages relevant to circuit assembly by affecting cell proliferation and differentiation and by acting on neurons to increase dendritic arbor elaboration. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Thyroid hormone (TH) is a critical regulator of perinatal brain development in vertebrates. Abnormal TH signaling in early pregnancy is associated with significant cognitive deficits in humans; however, it is difficult to probe the function of TH in early brain development in mammals because of the inaccessibility of the fetal brain in the uterine environment and the challenge of disambiguating maternal versus fetal contributions of TH. The external development of tadpoles allows manipulation and direct observation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying TH's effects on brain development in ways not possible in mammals. We find that endogenous TH locally regulates neurogenesis at developmental stages relevant to circuit assembly by affecting neural progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation and by acting on neurons to enhance dendritic arbor elaboration. PMID:27707971

  5. Differential TCR signals for T helper cell programming.

    PubMed

    Morel, Penelope A

    2018-05-02

    Upon encounter with their cognate antigen naïve CD4 T cells become activated and are induced to differentiate into several possible T helper (Th) cell subsets. This differentiation depends on a number of factors including antigen presenting cells, cytokines and costimulatory molecules. The strength of the T cell receptor (TCR) signal, related to the affinity of TCR for antigen and antigen dose, has emerged as a dominant factor in determining Th cell fate. Recent studies have revealed that TCR signals of high or low strength do not simply induce quantitatively different signals in the T cells, but rather qualitatively distinct pathways can be induced based on TCR signal strength. This review examines the recent literature in this area and highlights important new developments in our understanding of Th cell differentiation and TCR signal strength. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  6. Control of regulatory T cell and Th17 cell differentiation by inhibitory helix-loop-helix protein Id3

    PubMed Central

    Maruyama, Takashi; Li, Jun; Vaque, Jose P.; Konkel, Joanne E.; Wang, Weifeng; Zhang, Baojun; Zhang, Pin; Zamarron, Brian; Yu, Dongyang; Wu, Yuntao; Zhuang, Yuan; Gutkind, J. Silvio; Chen, WanJun

    2010-01-01

    The molecular mechanisms directing Foxp3 gene transcription in CD4+ T cells remain ill defined. We show that deletion of the inhibitory helix-loop-helix (HLH) protein Id3 results in defective Foxp3+ Treg cell generation. We identified two transforming grothw factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-dependent mechanisms that are vital for activation of Foxp3 gene transcription, and are defective in Id3−/− CD4+ T cells. Enhanced binding of the HLH protein E2A to the Foxp3 promoter promoted Foxp3 gene transcription. Id3 was required to relieve inhibition by GATA-3 at the Foxp3 promoter. Further, Id3−/− T cells increased differentiation of Th17 cells in vitro and in a mouse asthma model. A network of factors therefore act in a TGF-β-dependent manner to control Foxp3 expression and inhibit Th17 cell development. PMID:21131965

  7. Th1 differentiation drives the accumulation of intravascular, non-protective CD4 T cells during tuberculosis

    PubMed Central

    Sallin, Michelle A.; Sakai, Shunsuke; Kauffman, Keith D.; Young, Howard A.; Zhu, Jinfang; Barber, Daniel L.

    2017-01-01

    SUMMARY Recent data indicate that the differentiation state of Th1 cells determines their protective capacity against tuberculosis. Therefore, we examined the role of Th1 polarizing factors in the generation of protective and non-protective subsets of Mtb-specific Th1 cells. We find IL-12/23p40 promotes Th1 cell expansion and maturation beyond the CD73+CXCR3+T-betdim stage, and T-bet prevents deviation of Th1 cells into Th17 cells. Nevertheless, IL-12/23p40 and T-bet are also essential for the production of a prominent subset of intravascular CX3CR1+KLRG1+ Th1 cells that persists poorly and can neither migrate into the lung parenchyma nor control Mtb growth. Furthermore, T-bet suppresses development of CD69+CD103+ tissue resident phenotype effectors in lung. In contrast, Th1 cell-derived IFNγ inhibits the accumulation of intravascular CX3CR1+KLRG1+ Th1 cells. Thus, although IL-12 and T-bet are essential host survival factors, they simultaneously oppose lung CD4 T cell responses at several levels, demonstrating the dual nature of Th1 polarization in tuberculosis. PMID:28355562

  8. Th17 Cells and IL-17 in Protective Immunity to Vaginal Candidiasis

    PubMed Central

    Pietrella, Donatella; Rachini, Anna; Pines, Mark; Pandey, Neelam; Mosci, Paolo; Bistoni, Francesco; d'Enfert, Cristophe; Vecchiarelli, Anna

    2011-01-01

    Background Th17 cells play a major role in coordinating the host defence in oropharyngeal candidiasis. In this study we investigated the involvement of the Th17 response in an animal model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Methods To monitor the course of infection we exploited a new in vivo imaging technique. Results i) The progression of VVC leads to a strong influx of neutrophils in the vagina soon after the challenge which persisted despite the resolution of infection; ii) IL-17, produced by vaginal cells, particularly CD4 T cells, was detected in the vaginal wash during the infection, reaching a maximum 14 days after the challenge; iii) The amount and kinetics of IL-23 in vaginal fluids were comparable to those in vaginal cells; iv) The inhibition of Th17 differentiation led to significant inhibition of IL-17 production with consequent exacerbation of infection; v) An increased production of βdefensin 2 was manifested in cells of infected mice. This production was strongly reduced when Th17 differentiation was inhibited and was increased by rIL-17 treatment. Conclusions These results imply that IL-17 and Th17, along with innate antimicrobial factors, have a role in the immune response to vaginal candidiasis. PMID:21818387

  9. Intervention of PKC-θ as an immunosuppressive regimen

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Zuoming

    2012-01-01

    PKC-θ is selectively enriched in T cells and specifically translocates to immunological synapse where it mediates critical T cell receptor signals required for T cell activation, differentiation, and survival. T cells deficient in PKC-θ are defective in their ability to differentiate into inflammatory effector cells that mediate actual immune responses whereas, their differentiation into regulatory T cells (Treg) that inhibits the inflammatory T cells is enhanced. Therefore, the manipulation of PKC-θ activity can shift the ratio between inflammatory effector T cells and inhibitory Tregs, to control T cell-mediated immune responses that are responsible for autoimmunity and allograft rejection. Indeed, PKC-θ-deficient mice are resistant to the development of several Th2 and Th17-dependent autoimmune diseases and are defective in mounting alloimmune responses required for rejection of transplanted allografts and graft-versus-host disease. Selective inhibition of PKC-θ is therefore considered as a potential treatment for prevention of autoimmune diseases and allograft rejection. PMID:22876242

  10. Methylmercury causes epigenetic suppression of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene in an in vitro neuronal differentiation model.

    PubMed

    Go, Suzuna; Kurita, Hisaka; Matsumoto, Kana; Hatano, Manami; Inden, Masatoshi; Hozumi, Isao

    2018-08-25

    Methylmercury (MeHg) is the causative substance of Minamata disease, which is associated with various neurological disorders such as sensory disturbance and ataxia. It has been suggested low-level dietary intake of MeHg from MeHg-containing fish during gestation adversely affects the fetus. In our study, we investigated the toxicological effects of MeHg exposure on neuronal differentiation focusing on epigenetics. We used human fetal brain-derived immortalized cells (LUHMES cells) as a human neuronal differentiation model. Cell viability, neuronal, and catecholamine markers in LUHMES cells were assessed after exposure to MeHg (0-1000 nM) for 6 days (from day 2 to day 8 of neuronal differentiation). Cell viability on day 8 was not affected by exposure to 1 nM MeHg for 6 days. mRNA levels of AADC, DBH, TUJ1, and SYN1 also were unaffected by MeHg exposure. In contrast, levels of TH, the rate-limiting enzyme for dopamine synthesis, were significantly decreased after MeHg exposure. Acetylated histone H3, acetylated histone H3 lysine 9, and tri-methyl histone H3 lysine 9 levels at the TH gene promoter were not altered by MeHg exposure. However, tri-methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 levels, related to transcriptional repression, were significantly increased at the TH gene promotor after MeHg exposure. In summary, MeHg exposure during neuronal differentiation led to epigenetic changes that repressed TH gene expression. This study provides useful insights into the toxicological mechanisms underlying the effects of developmental MeHg exposure during neuronal differentiation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Down-regulation of Notch signaling pathway reverses the Th1/Th2 imbalance in tuberculosis patients.

    PubMed

    Li, Qifeng; Zhang, Hui; Yu, Liang; Wu, Chao; Luo, Xinhui; Sun, He; Ding, Jianbing

    2018-01-01

    Th1/Th2 imbalance to Th2 is of significance in the peripheral immune responses in Tuberculosis (TB) development. However, the mechanisms for Th1/Th2 imbalance are still not well determined. Notch signaling pathway is involved in the peripheral T cell activation and effector cell differentiation. However, whether it affects Th1/Th2 imbalance in TB patients is still not known. Here, we used γ-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) to treat the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy people or individuals with latent or active TB infection in vitro, respectively. Then, the Th1/Th2 ratios were determined by flow cytometry, and cytokines of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 in the culture supernatant were measured by CBA method. The Notch signal pathway associated proteins Hes1, GATA3 and T-bet were quantitated by real-time PCR or immunoblotting. Our results showed that DAPT effectively inhibited the protein level of Hes1. In TB patients, the Th2 ratio increased in the PBMCs, alone with the high expression of GATA3 and IL-4, resulting in the high ratios of Th2/Th1 and GATA3/T-bet in TB patients. However, Th2 cells ratio decreased after blocking the Notch signaling pathway by DAPT and the Th2/Th1 ratio in TB patients were DAPT dose-dependent, accompanied by the decrease of IL-4 and GATA3. But, its influence on Th1 ratio and Th1 related T-bet and IFN-γ levels were not significant. In conclusion, our results suggest that blocking Notch signaling by DAPT could inhibit Th2 responses and restore Th1/Th2 imbalance in TB patients. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  12. Polarization of T-helper lymphocytes toward the Th2 phenotype in uremic patients.

    PubMed

    Libetta, C; Rampino, T; Dal Canton, A

    2001-08-01

    T-helper (Th) lymphocytes consist of Th1 and Th2 subsets. Th1 cells are effectors of cell-mediated immunity and secrete interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), which recruits new Th1 cells in cooperation with interleukin-12 (IL-12; produced by monocytes) and inhibits Th2 differentiation. Th2 cells produce IL-4 and IL-10, which inhibit IFN-gamma secretion and cell immunity. We investigated whether the impaired immune response in uremia is associated with an altered balance of Th1/Th2. Peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) on conservative treatment (CRF patients), patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on regular hemodialysis therapy (ESRD-HD patients), and healthy controls (CON). CD4(+) cells were isolated from PBMCs by negative selection using a magnetic labeling system. PBMCs and purified CD4(+) cells were cultured in Iscove's medium and Iscove's medium plus mitogens (phytohemagglutinin and lipopolysaccharide). IFN-gamma, IL-12, IL-4, and IL-10 were measured in supernatant. The constitutive release of IL-4 and IL-10 by PBMCs and CD4(+) cells of CRF and ESRD-HD patients was increased by five to eight times in comparison with CON (P < 0.001). Constitutive IFN-gamma release by PBMCs of ESRD-HD patients was undetectable, although they secreted an increased amount of IL-12. Mitogen-stimulated release of IFN-gamma by PBMCs and CD4(+) cells of CRF and ESRD-HD patients was blunted (average PBMCs: CON, 115.8 pg/2 x10(6) cells; CRF, 81.8 pg/2 x10(6) cells; ESRD-HD, 9.3 pg/2 x10(6) cells; CD4(+) cells: CON, 358.0 pg/5 x 10(5) cells; CRF, 165.4 pg/5 x 10(5) cells; ESRD-HD, 43.5 pg/5 x 10(5) cells). The ability of PBMCs of ESRD-HD patients to secrete IFN-gamma was recovered after IL-4 and IL-10 neutralization. Uremia is associated with a prevalence of Th1 over Th2 cells and a configuration of cytokine network that depresses cell-mediated immunity.

  13. T-bet expression by Th cells promotes type 1 inflammation but is dispensable for colitis.

    PubMed

    Zimmermann, J; Kühl, A A; Weber, M; Grün, J R; Löffler, J; Haftmann, C; Riedel, R; Maschmeyer, P; Lehmann, K; Westendorf, K; Mashreghi, M-F; Löhning, M; Mack, M; Radbruch, A; Chang, H D

    2016-11-01

    The transcription factor T-bet is highly expressed by Th cells isolated from the inflamed intestine of Crohn's disease patients, and has been regarded a critical driver of murine T cell-induced colitis. However, we show here that T-bet expression by Th cells is not required for the manifestation of T-cell-induced colitis in the presence of segmented filamentous bacteria and Helicobacter hepaticus. T-bet expression by Th cells controls their survival and localization, their repertoire of chemokine and chemokine receptor expression, the accumulation of monocytes and macrophages in the inflamed colon, and their differentiation to the M1 type, i.e., type 1 inflammation. Nevertheless, T-bet-deficient Th cells efficiently induce colitis, as reflected by weight loss, diarrhea, and colon histopathology. T-bet-deficient Th cells differentiate into Th1/17 cells, able to express IFN-γ and IL-17A upon restimulation. While neutralization of IL-17A exacerbated colitis induced by wild-type or T-bet-deficient Th cells, neutralization of IFN-γ completely abolished colitis.

  14. Obesity Drives Th17 Cell Differentiation by Inducing the Lipid Metabolic Kinase, ACC1.

    PubMed

    Endo, Yusuke; Asou, Hikari K; Matsugae, Nao; Hirahara, Kiyoshi; Shinoda, Kenta; Tumes, Damon J; Tokuyama, Hirotake; Yokote, Koutaro; Nakayama, Toshinori

    2015-08-11

    Chronic inflammation due to obesity contributes to the development of metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Reciprocal interactions between metabolic systems and immune cells have pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated diseases, although the mechanisms regulating obesity-associated inflammatory diseases are still unclear. In the present study, we performed transcriptional profiling of memory phenotype CD4 T cells in high-fat-fed mice and identified acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1, the gene product of Acaca) as an essential regulator of Th17 cell differentiation in vitro and of the pathogenicity of Th17 cells in vivo. ACC1 modulates the DNA binding of RORγt to target genes in differentiating Th17 cells. In addition, we found a strong correlation between IL-17A-producing CD45RO(+)CD4 T cells and the expression of ACACA in obese subjects. Thus, ACC1 confers the appropriate function of RORγt through fatty acid synthesis and regulates the obesity-related pathology of Th17 cells. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP induces differentiation of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells into a noradrenergic phenotype.

    PubMed

    Kume, Toshiaki; Kawato, Yuka; Osakada, Fumitaka; Izumi, Yasuhiko; Katsuki, Hiroshi; Nakagawa, Takayuki; Kaneko, Shuji; Niidome, Tetsuhiro; Takada-Takatori, Yuki; Akaike, Akinori

    2008-10-10

    Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) and retinoic acid (RA) have been demonstrated to be the inducers of morphological differentiation in SH-SY5Y cells, a human catecholaminergic neuroblastoma cell line. However, it remains unclear whether morphologically differentiated SH-SY5Y cells by these compounds acquire catecholaminergic properties. We focused on the alteration of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression and intracellular content of noradrenaline (NA) as the indicators of functional differentiation. Three days treatment with dbcAMP (1mM) and RA (10microM) induced morphological changes and an increase of TH-positive cells using immunocytochemical analysis in SH-SY5Y cells. The percentage of TH-expressing cells in dbcAMP (1mM) treatment was larger than that in RA (10microM) treatment. In addition, dbcAMP increased intracellular NA content, whereas RA did not. The dbcAMP-induced increase in TH-expressing cells is partially inhibited by KT5720, a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. We also investigated the effect of butyrate on SH-SY5Y cells, because dbcAMP is enzymatically degraded by intracellular esterase, thereby resulting in the formation of butyrate. Butyrate induced the increase of NA content at lower concentrations than dbcAMP, although the increase in TH-expressing cells by butyrate was smaller than that by dbcAMP. The dbcAMP (1mM)- and butyrate (0.3mM)-induced increase in NA content was completely suppressed by alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (1mM), an inhibitor of TH. These results suggest that dbcAMP induces differentiation into the noradrenergic phenotype through both PKA activation and butyrate.

  16. STATs shape the active enhancer landscape of T cell populations.

    PubMed

    Vahedi, Golnaz; Takahashi, Hayato; Nakayamada, Shingo; Sun, Hong-Wei; Sartorelli, Vittorio; Kanno, Yuka; O'Shea, John J

    2012-11-21

    Signaling pathways are intimately involved in cellular differentiation, allowing cells to respond to their environment by regulating gene expression. Although enhancers are recognized as key elements that regulate selective gene expression, the interplay between signaling pathways and actively used enhancer elements is not clear. Here, we use CD4(+) T cells as a model of differentiation, mapping the activity of cell-type-specific enhancer elements in T helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 cells. Our data establish that STAT proteins have a major impact on the activation of lineage-specific enhancers and the suppression of enhancers associated with alternative cell fates. Transcriptome analysis further supports a functional role for enhancers regulated by STATs. Importantly, expression of lineage-defining master regulators in STAT-deficient cells fails to fully recover the chromatin signature of STAT-dependent enhancers. Thus, these findings point to a critical role of STATs as environmental sensors in dynamically molding the specialized enhancer architecture of differentiating cells. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. STATs Shape the Active Enhancer Landscape of T Cell Populations

    PubMed Central

    Vahedi, Golnaz; Takahashi, Hayato; Nakayamada, Shingo; Sun, Hong-wei; Sartorelli, Vittorio; Kanno, Yuka; O’Shea, John J.

    2012-01-01

    SUMMARY Signaling pathways are intimately involved in cellular differentiation, allowing cells to respond to their environment by regulating gene expression. While enhancers are recognized as key elements that regulate selective gene expression, the interplay between signaling pathways and actively used enhancer elements is not clear. Here, we use CD4+ T cells as a model of differentiation, mapping the acquisition of cell-type-specific enhancer elements in T-helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 cells. Our data establish that STAT proteins have a major impact on the acquisition of lineage-specific enhancers and the suppression of enhancers associated with alternative cell fates. Transcriptome analysis further supports a functional role for enhancers regulated by STATs. Importantly, expression of lineage-defining master regulators in STAT-deficient cells fails to fully recover the chromatin signature of STAT-dependent enhancers. Thus, these findings point to a critical role of STATs as environmental sensors in dynamically molding the specialized enhancer architecture of differentiating cells. PMID:23178119

  18. An aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand acts on dendritic cells and T cells to suppress the Th17 response in allergic rhinitis patients.

    PubMed

    Wei, Ping; Hu, Guo-Hua; Kang, Hou-Yong; Yao, Hong-Bing; Kou, Wei; Liu, Hong; Zhang, Cheng; Hong, Su-Ling

    2014-05-01

    A predominant Th17 population is a marker of allergic rhinitis (AR). The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) exhibits strong immunomodulation potential via regulation of the differentiation of T lymphocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) after activation by its ligand, such as 2-(1'H-indole-3'-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE). The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of AhR on Th17 differentiation by investigating the action of ITE on DCs and CD4(+) T cells from patients with AR. In all, 26 AR patients and 12 healthy controls were included in this study. The expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17 in the culture supernatant and the presence of Th17 cells in CD4(+) T cells and DC-CD4(+) T-cell co-culture system were measured before and after treatment with ITE. We show that ITE significantly induced cell secretion of IL-10 and inhibited IL-1β and IL-6 production in DCs, and promoted IL-10 production and suppressed IL-17 expression in CD4(+) T cells in vitro. It also suppressed the expansion of Th17 cells in vitro. Our work demonstrates that ITE acts on DCs and CD4(+) T cells to inhibit the Th17 response that suppresses AR; the AhR-DC-Th17 axis may be an important pathway in the treatment of AR. ITE, a nontoxic AhR ligand, attenuated the Th17 response; thus, it appears to be a promising therapeutic candidate for suppressing the inflammatory responses associated with AR.

  19. Synovial CD4+ T-cell-derived GM-CSF supports the differentiation of an inflammatory dendritic cell population in rheumatoid arthritis

    PubMed Central

    Reynolds, G; Gibbon, J R; Pratt, A G; Wood, M J; Coady, D; Raftery, G; Lorenzi, A R; Gray, A; Filer, A; Buckley, C D; Haniffa, M A; Isaacs, J D; Hilkens, C M U

    2016-01-01

    Objective A population of synovial inflammatory dendritic cells (infDCs) has recently been identified in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is thought to be monocyte-derived. Here, we investigated the role and source of granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in the differentiation of synovial infDC in RA. Methods Production of GM-CSF by peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) CD4+ T cells was assessed by ELISA and flow cytometry. In vitro CD4+ T-cell polarisation experiments were performed with T-cell activating CD2/CD3/CD28-coated beads in the absence or presence of pro-Th1 or pro-Th17 cytokines. CD1c+ DC and CD16+ macrophage subsets were flow-sorted and analysed morphologically and functionally (T-cell stimulatory/polarising capacity). Results RA-SF CD4+ T cells produced abundant GM-CSF upon stimulation and significantly more than RA-SF mononuclear cells depleted of CD4+ T cells. GM-CSF-producing T cells were significantly increased in RA-SF compared with non-RA inflammatory arthritis SF, active RA PB and healthy donor PB. GM-CSF-producing CD4+ T cells were expanded by Th1-promoting but not Th17-promoting conditions. Following coculture with RA-SF CD4+ T cells, but not healthy donor PB CD4+ T cells, a subpopulation of monocytes differentiated into CD1c+ infDC; a process dependent on GM-CSF. These infDC displayed potent alloproliferative capacity and enhanced GM-CSF, interleukin-17 and interferon-γ production by CD4+ T cells. InfDC with an identical phenotype to in vitro generated cells were significantly enriched in RA-SF compared with non-RA-SF/tissue/PB. Conclusions We demonstrate a therapeutically tractable feedback loop of GM-CSF secreted by RA synovial CD4+ T cells promoting the differentiation of infDC with potent capacity to induce GM-CSF-producing CD4+ T cells. PMID:25923217

  20. Bach2 repression mediates Th17 cell induced inflammation and associates with clinical features of advanced disease in chronic pancreatitis

    PubMed Central

    Sasikala, M; Ravikanth, VV; Murali Manohar, K; Deshpande, Neha; Singh, Sandhya; Pavan Kumar, P; Talukdar, R; Ghosh, Sudip; Aslam, Mohsin; Rao, GV; Pradeep, R; Reddy, D Nageshwar

    2018-01-01

    Objectives Altered immune homeostasis and involvement of T cells has been reported in chronic pancreatitis (CP). We evaluated the role of Bach2 (BTB and CNC homology basic leucine zipper transcription factor 2), a key regulator of immune homeostasis in the chronicity of CP. Methods Expression of Bach2 and T-cell transcription factors, enumeration of BACH2+/CD4+ T-lymphocytes were performed by qRT-PCR and flow cytometry respectively. Bach2silenced human CD4+ T-lymphocytes were exposed to CP tissue extract to assess T-cell lineage commitment. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) and Deubiquitinase enzyme A (DUBA/OTUD5gene) were evaluated as markers of persistent Th17 cell differentiation. Bach2 gene (exons) was sequenced to identify risk variants and functionally validated. Results Decrease in Bach2 (p < 0.0001) and increase (p < 0.001) in TBX21, RORC, Ahr, PRDM1, IL23R mRNA were noted in pancreatic tissues, while BACH2+/CD4+ T-lymphocytes were decreased (p < 0.01) in circulation and tissues. Exposure of Bach2 silenced CD4+ T-lymphocytes to CP tissue extract showed increased Ahr, decreased OTUD5, and enhanced Th17 cell differentiation. Sequencing of Bach2 gene revealed association of novel variant (rs9111 in 5′-UTR) with advanced disease and luciferase assay confirmed its role in Bach2 repression. Conclusion Bach2 repression mediates Th17 cell induced inflammation and rs9111-TT in individuals with primary genetic susceptibility to CP is associated with clinical features of advanced disease. PMID:29511557

  1. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Deficiency in T Cells Accelerates Chronic Rejection by Influencing the Differentiation of CD4+ T Cells and Alternatively Activated Macrophages

    PubMed Central

    Ye, Ping; Cheng, Chao; Wu, Jie; Wang, Sihua; Sun, Yuan; Liu, Zheng; Xie, Aini; Xia, Jiahong

    2014-01-01

    Background In a previous study, activation of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) inhibited chronic cardiac rejection. However, because of the complexity of chronic rejection and the fact that PPARγ is widely expressed in immune cells, the mechanism of the PPARγ - induced protective effect was unclear. Materials and Methods A chronic rejection model was established using B6.C-H-2bm12KhEg (H-2bm12) mice as donors, and MHC II-mismatched T-cell-specific PPARγ knockout mice or wild type (WT) littermates as recipients. The allograft lesion was assessed by histology and immunohistochemistry. T cells infiltrates in the allograft were isolated, and cytokines and subpopulations were detected using cytokine arrays and flow cytometry. Transcription levels in the allograft were measured by RT-PCR. In vitro, the T cell subset differentiation was investigated after culture in various polarizing conditions. PPARγ-deficient regularory T cells (Treg) were cocultured with monocytes to test their ability to induce alternatively activated macrophages (AAM). Results T cell-specific PPARγ knockout recipients displayed reduced cardiac allograft survival and an increased degree of pathology compared with WT littermates. T cell-specific PPARγ knockout resulted in more CD4+ T cells infiltrating into the allograft and altered the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg ratios. The polarization of AAM was also reduced by PPARγ deficiency in T cells through the action of Th2 and Treg. PPARγ-deficient T cells eliminated the pioglitazone-induced polarization of AAM and reduced allograft survival. Conclusions PPARγ-deficient T cells influenced the T cell subset and AAM polarization in chronic allograft rejection. The mechanism of PPARγ activation in transplantation tolerance could yield a novel treatment without side effects. PMID:25383620

  2. Paradigm Shift in Thyroid Hormone Mechanism of Action | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Thyroid hormone (TH) is one of the primary endocrine regulators of human metabolism and homeostasis. Acting through three forms of the thyroid hormone receptor (THR; alpha-1, beta-1, and beta-2), TH regulates target gene expression in nearly every cell in the body, modulating fundamental processes, such as basal metabolic rate, long bone growth, and neural maturation. TH is also essential for proper development and differentiation of all cells of the human body.

  3. Cigarette smoke differentially affects IL-13-induced gene expression in human airway epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Mertens, Tinne C J; van der Does, Anne M; Kistemaker, Loes E; Ninaber, Dennis K; Taube, Christian; Hiemstra, Pieter S

    2017-07-01

    Allergic airways inflammation in asthma is characterized by an airway epithelial gene signature composed of POSTN , CLCA1 , and SERPINB2 This Th2 gene signature is proposed as a tool to classify patients with asthma into Th2-high and Th2-low phenotypes. However, many asthmatics smoke and the effects of cigarette smoke exposure on the epithelial Th2 gene signature are largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the combined effect of IL-13 and whole cigarette smoke (CS) on the Th2 gene signature and the mucin-related genes MUC5AC and SPDEF in air-liquid interface differentiated human bronchial (ALI-PBEC) and tracheal epithelial cells (ALI-PTEC). Cultures were exposed to IL-13 for 14 days followed by 5 days of IL-13 with CS exposure. Alternatively, cultures were exposed once daily to CS for 14 days, followed by 5 days CS with IL-13. POSTN , SERPINB2 , and CLCA1 expression were measured 24 h after the last exposure to CS and IL-13. In both models POSTN , SERPINB2 , and CLCA1 expression were increased by IL-13. CS markedly affected the IL-13-induced Th2 gene signature as indicated by a reduced POSTN , CLCA1 , and MUC5AC expression in both models. In contrast, IL-13-induced SERPINB2 expression remained unaffected by CS, whereas SPDEF expression was additively increased. Importantly, cessation of CS exposure failed to restore IL-13-induced POSTN and CLCA1 expression. We show for the first time that CS differentially affects the IL-13-induced gene signature for Th2-high asthma. These findings provide novel insights into the interaction between Th2 inflammation and cigarette smoke that is important for asthma pathogenesis and biomarker-guided therapy in asthma. © 2017 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.

  4. Transcriptional profiling reveals molecular signatures associated with HIV permissiveness in Th1Th17 cells and identifies Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma as an intrinsic negative regulator of viral replication

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background We previously demonstrated that primary Th1Th17 cells are highly permissive to HIV-1, whereas Th1 cells are relatively resistant. Molecular mechanisms underlying these differences remain unknown. Results Exposure to replication competent and single-round VSV-G pseudotyped HIV strains provide evidence that superior HIV replication in Th1Th17 vs. Th1 cells was regulated by mechanisms located at entry and post-entry levels. Genome-wide transcriptional profiling identified transcripts upregulated (n = 264) and downregulated (n = 235) in Th1Th17 vs. Th1 cells (p-value < 0.05; fold change cut-off 1.3). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed pathways enriched in Th1Th17 (nuclear receptors, trafficking, p38/MAPK, NF-κB, p53/Ras, IL-23) vs. Th1 cells (proteasome, interferon α/β). Differentially expressed genes were classified into biological categories using Gene Ontology. Th1Th17 cells expressed typical Th17 markers (IL-17A/F, IL-22, CCL20, RORC, IL-26, IL-23R, CCR6) and transcripts functionally linked to regulating cell trafficking (CEACAM1, MCAM), activation (CD28, CD40LG, TNFSF13B, TNFSF25, PTPN13, MAP3K4, LTB, CTSH), transcription (PPARγ, RUNX1, ATF5, ARNTL), apoptosis (FASLG), and HIV infection (CXCR6, FURIN). Differential expression of CXCR6, PPARγ, ARNTL, PTPN13, MAP3K4, CTSH, SERPINB6, PTK2, and ISG20 was validated by RT-PCR, flow cytometry and/or confocal microscopy. The nuclear receptor PPARγ was preferentially expressed by Th1Th17 cells. PPARγ RNA interference significantly increased HIV replication at levels post-entry and prior HIV-DNA integration. Finally, the activation of PPARγ pathway via the agonist Rosiglitazone induced the nuclear translocation of PPARγ and a robust inhibition of viral replication. Conclusions Thus, transcriptional profiling in Th1Th17 vs. Th1 cells demonstrated that HIV permissiveness is associated with a superior state of cellular activation and limited antiviral properties and identified PPARγ as an intrinsic negative regulator of viral replication. Therefore, triggering PPARγ pathway via non-toxic agonists may contribute to limiting covert HIV replication and disease progression during antiretroviral treatment. PMID:24359430

  5. The Mixture of Anemarrhena asphodeloides and Coptis chinensis Attenuates High-Fat Diet-Induced Colitis in Mice.

    PubMed

    Lim, Su-Min; Choi, Hyun-Sik; Kim, Dong-Hyun

    2017-01-01

    Anemarrhena asphodeloides (AA, family Liliaceae) inhibits macrophage activation by inhibiting IRAK1 phosphorylation and helper T (Th)17 differentiation. Coptis chinensis (CC, family Ranunculaceae), which inhibits macrophage activation by inhibiting the binding of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on toll-like receptor 4 and inducing regulatory T (Treg) cell differentiation. The mixture of AA and CC (AC-mix) synergistically attenuates 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid or dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice by inhibiting NF-[Formula: see text]B activation and regulating Th17/Treg balance. In the present study, we examined the effect of AC-mix on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced colitis in mice, which induced NF-[Formula: see text]B activation and disturbed Th17/Treg balance. Long-term feeding of HFD in mice caused colitis, including increased macroscopic score and myeloperoxidase activity. Oral administration of AC-mix (20[Formula: see text]mg/kg) suppressed HFD-induced myeloperoxidase activity by 68% ([Formula: see text]). Furthermore, treatment with the AC-mix (20[Formula: see text]mg/kg) inhibited HFD-induced activation of NF-[Formula: see text]B and expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible NO synthase, interleukin (IL)-17, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha but increased HFD- suppressed expression of IL-10. AC-mix suppressed HFD-induced differentiation into Th17 cells by 46% ([Formula: see text]) and increased HFD-induced differentiation into regulatory T cells 2.2-fold ([Formula: see text]). AC-mix also suppressed the HFD-induced Proteobacteria/Bacteroidetes ratio on the gut microbiota by 48% ([Formula: see text]). These findings suggest that AC-mix can ameliorate HFD-induced colitis by regulating innate and adaptive immunities and correcting the disturbance of gut microbiota.

  6. [Regulation effects of liuwei dihuang pill, jingui shenqi pill, jiangu erxian pill containing serums on adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation-related genes expressions in the differentiation process of preadipocytes to osteoblasts].

    PubMed

    Cheng, Zhi-An; Han, Ling; Wei, Jian-An; Sun, Jing; Duan, Xiao-Dong

    2013-02-01

    To study the effects of Chinese medical recipes for invigorating Shen on rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived preadipocytes' differentiation to osteoblasts. The BMSCs were cultured using whole bone marrow adherence wall method. The BMSCs were induced to preadipocytes by classic chemical method. The osteogenic differentiation process of preadipocytes was intervened by Liuwei Dihuang Pill (LDP), Jingui Shenqi Pill (JSP), or Jiangu Erxian Pill (JEP)-containing serums (with the concentRation of 10%, on behalf of tonifying Shen yin, tonifying Shen yang, and tonifying Shen essence). Reverse transcription-real time fluorescent quantitative-PCR (RT real time qPCR) was used to detect RUNX2, ALP, BGP, BMP2, BMP4, SPP1, and IGF1 mRNA expressions of osteogenic differentiation-related genes, mRNA expressions of LPL, FABP4, and PPARgamma of adipogenic differentiation-related genes on the 6th, the 12th, and the 18th day. As for the osteogenic differentiation-related gene, when compared with the control group, there was no statistical difference in the gene expression level in the experimental groups on the 6th day (2.0 > Ratio > 0.5). On the 12th day, the mRNA expressions of IGF1 and Runx2 increased more significantly in the JSP group, with their relative quantification (Ratio) being 2.97 and 1.81 respectively. On the 18th day the IGF1 mRNA expression significantly increased, being the Ratio value of 3.74, 12.60, and 8.35, respectively, in the LDP group, the JSP group, and the JEP group. The SPP1 mRNA expression also significantly increased, with the Ratio value of 2.94, 3.18, and 2.62, respectively, in the LDP group, the JSP group, and the JEP group. As for adipogenic differentiation-related genes, on the 6th day, when compared with the control group, FABP4 mRNA expression significantly decreased in the LDP group and the JSP group (with the Ratio value of 0.47 and 0.40 respectively). The expression levels of other genes were all down-regulated, but not significantly. On the 12th day and 18th day, there was no statistical change in the adipogenic differentiation-related genes expressions (2.0 > Ratio > 0.5). Up-regulation of osteogenic differentiation-related genes expression occurred in later time, while down-regulation of adipogenic differentiation-related genes expression occurred in earlier time after treatment by Chinese medical recipes for invigorating Shen. In general, above data indicated that tonifying Shen yang was more effective in promoting osteogenic differentiation and inhibiting adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs.

  7. Differential Activation of Airway Eosinophils Induces IL-13 Mediated Allergic Th2 Pulmonary Responses in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Jacobsen, EA; Doyle, AD; Colbert, DC; Zellner, KR; Protheroe, CA; LeSuer, WE; Lee, NA.; Lee, JJ

    2015-01-01

    Background Eosinophils are hallmark cells of allergic Th2 respiratory inflammation. However, the relative importance of eosinophil activation and the induction of effector functions such as the expression of IL-13 to allergic Th2 pulmonary disease remain to be defined. Methods Wild type or cytokine deficient (IL-13−/− or IL-4−/−) eosinophils treated with cytokines (GM-CSF, IL-4, IL-33) were adoptively transferred into eosinophil-deficient recipient mice subjected to allergen provocation using established models of respiratory inflammation. Allergen-induced pulmonary changes were assessed. Results In contrast to the transfer of untreated blood eosinophils to the lungs of recipient eosinophildeficient mice, which induced no immune/inflammatory changes either in the lung or lung draining lymph nodes (LDLNs), pretreatment of blood eosinophils with GM-CSF prior to transfer elicited trafficking of these eosinophils to LDLNs. In turn, these LDLN eosinophils elicited the accumulation of dendritic cells and CD4+ T cells to these same LDLNs without inducing pulmonary inflammation. However, exposure of eosinophils to GM-CSF, IL-4 and IL-33 prior to transfer induced not only immune events in the LDLN, but also allergen-mediated increases in airway Th2 cytokine/chemokine levels, the subsequent accumulation of CD4+ T cells as well as alternatively activated (M2) macrophages, and the induction of pulmonary histopathologies. Significantly, this allergic respiratory inflammation was dependent on eosinophil-derived IL-13 whereas IL-4 expression by eosinophils had no significant role. Conclusion The data demonstrate the differential activation of eosinophils as a function of cytokine exposure and suggest that eosinophil-specific IL-13 expression by activated cells is a necessary component of the subsequent allergic Th2 pulmonary pathologies. PMID:26009788

  8. Differential activation of airway eosinophils induces IL-13-mediated allergic Th2 pulmonary responses in mice.

    PubMed

    Jacobsen, E A; Doyle, A D; Colbert, D C; Zellner, K R; Protheroe, C A; LeSuer, W E; Lee, N A; Lee, J J

    2015-09-01

    Eosinophils are hallmark cells of allergic Th2 respiratory inflammation. However, the relative importance of eosinophil activation and the induction of effector functions such as the expression of IL-13 to allergic Th2 pulmonary disease remain to be defined. Wild-type or cytokine-deficient (IL-13(-/-) or IL-4(-/-) ) eosinophils treated with cytokines (GM-CSF, IL-4, IL-33) were adoptively transferred into eosinophil-deficient recipient mice subjected to allergen provocation using established models of respiratory inflammation. Allergen-induced pulmonary changes were assessed. In contrast to the transfer of untreated blood eosinophils to the lungs of recipient eosinophil deficient mice, which induced no immune/inflammatory changes either in the lung or in the lung draining lymph nodes (LDLN), pretreatment of blood eosinophils with GM-CSF prior to transfer elicited trafficking of these eosinophils to LDLN. In turn, these LDLN eosinophils elicited the accumulation of dendritic cells and CD4(+) T cells to these same LDLNs without inducing pulmonary inflammation. However, exposure of eosinophils to GM-CSF, IL-4, and IL-33 prior to transfer induced not only immune events in the LDLN, but also allergen-mediated increases in airway Th2 cytokine/chemokine levels, the subsequent accumulation of CD4(+) T cells as well as alternatively activated (M2) macrophages, and the induction of pulmonary histopathologies. Significantly, this allergic respiratory inflammation was dependent on eosinophil-derived IL-13, whereas IL-4 expression by eosinophils had no significant role. The data demonstrate the differential activation of eosinophils as a function of cytokine exposure and suggest that eosinophil-specific IL-13 expression by activated cells is a necessary component of the subsequent allergic Th2 pulmonary pathologies. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  9. Modulation of IL-33/ST2-TIR and TLR signalling pathway by fingolimod and analogues in immune cells.

    PubMed

    Rüger, K; Ottenlinger, F; Schröder, M; Zivković, A; Stark, H; Pfeilschifter, J M; Radeke, H H

    2014-12-01

    For the immune modulatory drug fingolimod (FTY720), lymphocyte sequestration has been extensively studied and accepted as mode of action. Further, direct effects on immune cell signalling are incompletely understood. Herein, we used the parent drug and newly synthesized analogues to investigate their effects on dendritic cell (DC) calcium signalling and on Th1, Th2 and Th17 responses. DC calcium signalling was determined with a single cell-based confocal assay and IL-33/ST2-TIR Th2-like response with ST2-transduced EL4-6.1 thymoma cells. The Th1/Th17 responses were examined with a LPS/TLR-enhanced antigen presentation assay with OVA-TCRtg CD4 and CD8 spleen cells. Our results revealed a comparable influence of fingolimod and S1P on intracellular calcium level in DC, while an oxy-derivative of fingolimod exhibited an EC50 of 3.3 nm, being 14 times more potent than FTY720-P. The IL-33/ST2-TIR Th2-like response in ST2-EL4 cells was inhibited by fingolimod and analogues at varying degrees. Using the OVA-TCRtg LPS/TLR-enhanced spleen cell assay, we found that fingolimod inhibited both IL-17 and IFN-γ production. In contrast, fingolimod phosphate failed to decrease Th1 cytokines. Interestingly, the effects of the parent compound fingolimod were modulated by the PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid, thus suggesting PP2A as relevant intracellular target. These studies describe detailed immune-modulating properties of fingolimod, including interference with a prototypical Th2 response via IL-33/ST2-TIR. Moreover, differential effects of fingolimod versus its phosphorylated derivative on TLR-activated and antigen-dependent Th1 activation suggest PP2A as an additional target of fingolimod immune therapy. Together with the analogues tested, these data may guide the development of more specific fingolimod derivatives. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  10. The CD4+ T cell regulatory network mediates inflammatory responses during acute hyperinsulinemia: a simulation study.

    PubMed

    Martinez-Sanchez, Mariana E; Hiriart, Marcia; Alvarez-Buylla, Elena R

    2017-06-26

    Obesity is frequently linked to insulin resistance, high insulin levels, chronic inflammation, and alterations in the behaviour of CD4+ T cells. Despite the biomedical importance of this condition, the system-level mechanisms that alter CD4+ T cell differentiation and plasticity are not well understood. We model how hyperinsulinemia alters the dynamics of the CD4+ T regulatory network, and this, in turn, modulates cell differentiation and plasticity. Different polarizing microenvironments are simulated under basal and high levels of insulin to assess impacts on cell-fate attainment and robustness in response to transient perturbations. In the presence of high levels of insulin Th1 and Th17 become more stable to transient perturbations, and their basin sizes are augmented, Tr1 cells become less stable or disappear, while TGFβ producing cells remain unaltered. Hence, the model provides a dynamic system-level framework and explanation to further understand the documented and apparently paradoxical role of TGFβ in both inflammation and regulation of immune responses, as well as the emergence of the adipose Treg phenotype. Furthermore, our simulations provide new predictions on the impact of the microenvironment in the coexistence of the different cell types, suggesting that in pro-Th1, pro-Th2 and pro-Th17 environments effector and regulatory cells can coexist, but that high levels of insulin severely diminish regulatory cells, especially in a pro-Th17 environment. This work provides a first step towards a system-level formal and dynamic framework to integrate further experimental data in the study of complex inflammatory diseases.

  11. Mast cells counteract regulatory T-cell suppression through interleukin-6 and OX40/OX40L axis toward Th17-cell differentiation.

    PubMed

    Piconese, Silvia; Gri, Giorgia; Tripodo, Claudio; Musio, Silvia; Gorzanelli, Andrea; Frossi, Barbara; Pedotti, Rosetta; Pucillo, Carlo E; Colombo, Mario P

    2009-09-24

    The development of inflammatory diseases implies inactivation of regulatory T (Treg) cells through mechanisms that still are largely unknown. Here we showed that mast cells (MCs), an early source of inflammatory mediators, are able to counteract Treg inhibition over effector T cells. To gain insight into the molecules involved in their interplay, we set up an in vitro system in which all 3 cellular components were put in contact. Reversal of Treg suppression required T cell-derived interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the OX40/OX40L axis. In the presence of activated MCs, concomitant abundance of IL-6 and paucity of Th1/Th2 cytokines skewed Tregs and effector T cells into IL-17-producing T cells (Th17). In vivo analysis of lymph nodes hosting T-cell priming in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis revealed activated MCs, Tregs, and Th17 cells displaying tight spatial interactions, further supporting the occurrence of an MC-mediated inhibition of Treg suppression in the establishment of Th17-mediated inflammatory responses.

  12. Tailored immune responses: novel effector helper T cell subsets in protective immunity.

    PubMed

    Kara, Ervin E; Comerford, Iain; Fenix, Kevin A; Bastow, Cameron R; Gregor, Carly E; McKenzie, Duncan R; McColl, Shaun R

    2014-02-01

    Differentiation of naïve CD4⁺ cells into functionally distinct effector helper T cell subsets, characterised by distinct "cytokine signatures," is a cardinal strategy employed by the mammalian immune system to efficiently deal with the rapidly evolving array of pathogenic microorganisms encountered by the host. Since the T(H)1/T(H)2 paradigm was first described by Mosmann and Coffman, research in the field of helper T cell biology has grown exponentially with seven functionally unique subsets having now been described. In this review, recent insights into the molecular mechanisms that govern differentiation and function of effector helper T cell subsets will be discussed in the context of microbial infections, with a focus on how these different helper T cell subsets orchestrate immune responses tailored to combat the nature of the pathogenic threat encountered.

  13. Evaluation of accessory cell heterogeneity. I. Differential accessory cell requirement for T helper cell activation and for T-B cooperation.

    PubMed

    Ramila, G; Studer, S; Kennedy, M; Sklenar, I; Erb, P

    1985-01-01

    Several Ia+ tumor cell lines and peritoneal exudate macrophages were tested as accessory cells (AC) for the activation of antigen-specific T cells and for T-B cooperation. The macrophages and all the Ia+ tumor lines tested induced the release of lymphokines from T cells in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted fashion and reconstituted the antibody responses of AC-depleted spleen cells or of purified T and B cells. However, only the normal macrophages but none of the tumor lines induced carrier-specific T helper (Th) cells which help B cells for specific antihapten antibody responses by linked recognition. For T-B cooperation accessory cells were also required, but in contrast to Th cell activation any type of Ia+ AC (e.g. macrophage or tumor line) was effective. Strong MHC-restriction between the lymphocytes and the AC was seen if antigen-pulsed AC were added into the AC-depleted T-B cooperation cultures. If the AC and antigen were concomitantly added to the AC-depleted T-B cultures, MHC-restriction was less obvious. Concanavalin A supernatant reconstituted the response of AC-depleted T-B cultures provided antigen-specific Th cells and the hapten-carrier conjugate were present. If, however, tumor line-activated T cells were added instead of macrophage-induced Th cells, no cooperation with B cells took place even in the presence of Con A supernatant. The results obtained demonstrate a differential AC requirement for the induction of Th cells depending on the differentiation stage of the Th cells.

  14. Increased T-helper 17 cell differentiation mediated by exosome-mediated microRNA-451 redistribution in gastric cancer infiltrated T cells.

    PubMed

    Liu, Feng; Bu, Zhouyan; Zhao, Feng; Xiao, Daping

    2018-01-01

    MicroRNA (miR)-451 is a cell metabolism-related miRNA that can mediate cell energy-consuming models by several targets. As miR-451 can promote mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity, and increased mTOR activity is related to increased differentiation of T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, we sought to investigate whether miR-451 can redistribute from cancer cells to infiltrated T cells and enhance the distribution of Th17 cells through mTOR. Real-time PCR was used for detecting expression of miR-451 in gastric cancer, tumor infiltrated T cells and exosomes, and distribution of Th17 was evaluated by both flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Immunofluorescence staining was used in monitoring the exosome-enveloped miR-451 from cancer cells to T cells with different treatments, and signaling pathway change was analyzed by western blot. miR-451 decreased significantly in gastric cancer (GC) tissues but increased in infiltrated T cells and exosomes; tumor miR-451 was negatively related to infiltrated T cells and exosome miR-451. Exosome miR-451 can not only serve as an indicator for poor prognosis of post-operation GC patients but is also related to increased Th17 distribution in gastric cancer. miR-451 can redistribute from cancer cells to T cells with low glucose treatment. Decreased 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and increased mTOR activity was investigated in miR-451 redistributed T cells and the Th17 polarized differentiation of these T cells were also increased. Exosome miR-451 derived from tumor tissues can serve as an indicator for poor prognosis and redistribution of miR-451 from cancer cells to infiltrated T cells in low glucose treatment can enhance Th17 differentiation by enhancing mTOR activity. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer Science published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Cancer Association.

  15. Regulation of Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation and amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by natural product compound berberine.

    PubMed

    Qin, Xia; Guo, Bingshi T; Wan, Bing; Fang, Lei; Lu, Limin; Wu, Lili; Zang, Ying Qin; Zhang, Jingwu Z

    2010-08-01

    Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid derived from plants, is widely used as an anti-inflammatory remedy in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we showed that BBR was efficacious in the amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) through novel regulatory mechanisms involving pathogenic Th1 and Th17 cells. BBR inhibited differentiation of Th17 cells and, to a lesser degree, Th1 cells through direct actions on the JAK/STAT pathway, whereas it had no effect on the relative number of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells. In addition, BBR indirectly influenced Th17 and Th1 cell functions through its effect on the expression and function of costimulatory molecules and the production of IL-6, which was attributable to the inhibition of NF-kappaB activity in CD11b(+) APCs. BBR treatment completely abolished the encephalitogenicity of MOG(35-55)-reactive Th17 cells in an adoptive transfer EAE model, and the same treatment significantly inhibited the ability of MOG(35-55)-reactive Th1 cells to induce EAE. This study provides new evidence that natural compounds, such as BBR, are of great value in the search for novel anti-inflammatory agents and therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases.

  16. The effect of three-monthly albendazole treatment on Th2 responses: Differential effects on IgE and IL-5.

    PubMed

    de Ruiter, K; Tahapary, D L; Wammes, L J; Wiria, A E; Hamid, F; van Lieshout, L; Smit, J W A; Houwing-Duistermaat, J J; Sartono, E; Supali, T; Yazdanbakhsh, M

    2017-06-01

    Helminth parasites induce a strong Th2 response, characterized by high levels of IgE and elevated signature cytokines such as IL-5. As many global deworming programmes are underway, there is concern that this might lead to emergence of Th1-mediated pathologies when the counterbalancing helminth-induced Th2 response is absent. Therefore, we assessed the effect of deworming on Th2-mediated responses in a household-clustered randomized controlled trial in Indonesia. Total plasma IgE and whole-blood IL-5 responses to mitogen phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) were measured in 1494 and 682 subjects, respectively, at baseline, 9 and 21 months after three-monthly single-dose treatment with albendazole or placebo. Anthelmintic treatment did not result in complete removal of helminth infections in the community. However, treatment significantly decreased IgE levels in albendazole- compared to placebo-treated subjects. IL-5 responses to PHA were not significantly affected by anthelmintic treatment and tended to increase in albendazole-treated subjects, indicating that intensive treatment of helminth parasites has different outcomes on B-cell (IgE levels) and T-cell (IL-5) responses. The data shows that 2 years of deworming can have differential effects on responses typified as Th2-mediated, which needs to be taken into account when examining the impact of helminths on noncommunicable diseases. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  17. Arctigenin functions as a selective agonist of estrogen receptor β to restrict mTORC1 activation and consequent Th17 differentiation.

    PubMed

    Wu, Xin; Tong, Bei; Yang, Yan; Luo, Jinque; Yuan, Xusheng; Wei, Zhifeng; Yue, Mengfan; Xia, Yufeng; Dai, Yue

    2016-12-20

    Arctigenin was previously proven to inhibit Th17 cell differentiation and thereby attenuate colitis in mice by down-regulating the activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). The present study was performed to address its underlying mechanism in view of estrogen receptor (ER). The specific antagonist PHTPP or siRNA of ERβ largely diminished the inhibitory effect of arctigenin on the mTORC1 activation in T cell lines and primary CD4+ T cells under Th17-polarization condition, suggesting that arctigenin functioned in an ERβ-dependent manner. Moreover, arctigenin was recognized to be an agonist of ERβ, which could bind to ERβ with a moderate affinity, promote dissociation of ERβ/HSP90 complex and nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of ERβ, and increase the transcription activity. Following activation of ERβ, arctigenin inhibited the activity of mTORC1 by disruption of ERβ-raptor-mTOR complex assembly. Deficiency of ERβ markedly abolished arctigenin-mediated inhibition of Th17 cell differentiation. In colitis mice, the activation of ERβ, inhibition of mTORC1 activation and Th17 response by arctigenin were abolished by PHTPP treatment. In conclusion, ERβ might be the target protein of arctigenin responsible for inhibition of mTORC1 activation and resultant prevention of Th17 cell differentiation and colitis development.

  18. Arctigenin functions as a selective agonist of estrogen receptor β to restrict mTORC1 activation and consequent Th17 differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Xin; Tong, Bei; Yang, Yan; Luo, Jinque; Yuan, Xusheng; Wei, Zhifeng; Yue, Mengfan; Xia, Yufeng; Dai, Yue

    2016-01-01

    Arctigenin was previously proven to inhibit Th17 cell differentiation and thereby attenuate colitis in mice by down-regulating the activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). The present study was performed to address its underlying mechanism in view of estrogen receptor (ER). The specific antagonist PHTPP or siRNA of ERβ largely diminished the inhibitory effect of arctigenin on the mTORC1 activation in T cell lines and primary CD4+ T cells under Th17-polarization condition, suggesting that arctigenin functioned in an ERβ-dependent manner. Moreover, arctigenin was recognized to be an agonist of ERβ, which could bind to ERβ with a moderate affinity, promote dissociation of ERβ/HSP90 complex and nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of ERβ, and increase the transcription activity. Following activation of ERβ, arctigenin inhibited the activity of mTORC1 by disruption of ERβ-raptor-mTOR complex assembly. Deficiency of ERβ markedly abolished arctigenin-mediated inhibition of Th17 cell differentiation. In colitis mice, the activation of ERβ, inhibition of mTORC1 activation and Th17 response by arctigenin were abolished by PHTPP treatment. In conclusion, ERβ might be the target protein of arctigenin responsible for inhibition of mTORC1 activation and resultant prevention of Th17 cell differentiation and colitis development. PMID:27863380

  19. Modulation of mycobacterial-specific Th1 and Th17 cells in latent tuberculosis by coincident hookworm infection

    PubMed Central

    George, Parakkal Jovvian; Anuradha, Rajamanickam; Kumaran, Paramasivam Paul; Chandrasekaran, Vedachalam; Nutman, Thomas B.; Babu, Subash

    2013-01-01

    Hookworm infections and tuberculosis are co-endemic in many parts of the world. It has been suggested that infection with helminth parasites could suppress the predominant Th1 (IFN-γ-mediated) response needed to control Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection and enhance susceptibility to infection and/or disease. To determine the role of coincident hookworm infection on responses at steady state and on Mtb – specific immune responses in latent tuberculosis (TB), we examined the cellular responses in individuals with latent TB with or without concomitant hookworm infection. By analyzing the expression of Th1, Th2 and Th17 subsets of CD4+ T cells, we were able to demonstrate that the presence of coincident hookworm infection significantly diminished both spontaneously expressed and Mtb – specific mono – and dual – functional Th1 and Th17 cells. Hookworm infection, in contrast, was associated with expanded frequencies of mono – and dual – functional Th2 cells at both steady state and upon antigen – stimulation. This differential induction of CD4+ T cell subsets was abrogated upon mitogen stimulation. In addition, coincident hookworm infection was associated with increased adaptive T regulatory (aTreg) cells but not natural regulatory T cells (nTregs) in latent TB. Finally, the CD4+ T cell cytokine expression pattern was also associated with alterations in the systemic levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Thus, coincident hookworm infection exerts a profound inhibitory effect on protective Th1 and Th17 responses in latent tuberculosis and may predispose toward the development of active tuberculosis in humans. PMID:23576678

  20. The active contribution of Toll-like receptors to allergic airway inflammation.

    PubMed

    Chen, Keqiang; Xiang, Yi; Yao, Xiaohong; Liu, Ying; Gong, Wanghua; Yoshimura, Teizo; Wang, Ji Ming

    2011-10-01

    Epithelia lining the respiratory tract represent a major portal of entry for microorganisms and allergens and are equipped with innate and adaptive immune signaling receptors for host protection. These include Toll-like receptors (TLRs) that recognize microbial components and evoke diverse responses in cells of the respiratory system. TLR stimulation by microorganism-derived molecules activates antigen presenting cells, control T helper (Th) 1, Th2, and Th17 immune cell differentiation, cytokine production by mast cells, and activation of eosinophils. It is clear that TLR are involved in the pathophysiology of allergic airway diseases such as asthma. Dendritic cells (DCs), a kind of antigen presenting cells, which play a key role in the induction of allergic airway inflammation, are privileged targets for pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). During the allergic responses, engagement of TLRs on DCs determines the Th2 polarization of the T cells. TLR signaling in mast cells increases the release of IL-5, and TLR activation of airway epithelial cells forces the generation of proallergic Th2 type of cytokines. Although these responses aim to protect the host, they may also result in inflammatory tissue damage in the airway. Under certain conditions, stimulation of TLRs, in particular, TLR9, may reduce Th2-dependent allergic inflammation by induction of Th1 responses. Therefore, understanding the complex regulatory roles of TLRs in the pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation should facilitate the development of preventive and therapeutic measures for asthmatic patients. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. T Helper 17 Cells Interplay with CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ Tregs in Regulation of Inflammations and Autoimmune Diseases

    PubMed Central

    Mai, Jietang; Wang, Hong; Yang#, Xiao-Feng

    2010-01-01

    Interleukin-17 (IL-17)-secreting T helper 17 cells (Th17) are a recently identified CD4+ T helper subset that has been implicated in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Th17, along with CD4+CD25high Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and other newly emergent T helper subsets, Th9 and Tfh, have expanded the Th1-Th2 paradigm. Although this newly proposed six-subset paradigm significantly improved our understanding on the differentiation of CD4+ T helper cell subsets and the regulation of T helper cells in inflammation and autoimmunity, many questions remain to be answered. In this overview, we will briefly review the following issues: a) Old Th1-Th2 paradigm versus new multi-subset paradigm; b) Structural features of IL-17 family cytokines; c) Th17 cells; d) Effects of IL-17 on various cell types and tissues; e) IL-17 receptor and signaling pathways; f) Th17-mediated inflammations; and g) Protective mechanisms of IL-17 in infections. Lastly, we will look into the interaction of Th17 and Treg in autoimmune diseases and inflammation: Th17 cells interplay with Tregs. Regulation of autoimmunity and inflammation lies in the interplays of the different T helper subsets, therefore, better understanding of these subsets’ interactions with one another would greatly improve our approaches in developing therapy to combat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. PMID:20515737

  2. Melatonin as potential inducer of Th17 cell differentiation.

    PubMed

    Kuklina, Elena M

    2014-09-01

    The subset of T lymphocytes producing IL-17 (Th17) plays a key role in the immune system. It has been implicated in host defense, inflammatory diseases, tumorigenesis, autoimmune diseases, and transplant rejection. Careful analysis of the data available holds that Th17 cell subpopulation should be under the direct control of pineal hormone melatonin: the key Th17 differentiation factor RORα serves in the meantime as a high-affinity melatonin receptor. Since the levels of melatonin have diurnal and seasonal variation, as well as substantial deviations in some physiological or pathological conditions, melatonin-dependent regulation of Th17 cells should implicate multiform manifestation, such as influencing the outcome of infectious challenge or determining predisposition, etiology and progression of immune-related morbidities. Another important reason to raise a point of the new melatonin effects is current considering the possibilities of its clinical trials. Especially, the differentiation of Th17 upon melatonin treatment must aggravate the current recession in autoimmune diseases or induce serious complications in pregnancy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. GS143, an I{kappa}B ubiquitination inhibitor, inhibits allergic airway inflammation in mice

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hirose, Koichi; Wakashin, Hidefumi; Oki, Mie

    2008-09-26

    Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation with intense eosinophil infiltration and mucus hyper-production, in which antigen-specific Th2 cells play critical roles. Nuclear factor-{kappa}B (NF-{kappa}B) pathway has been demonstrated to be essential for the production of Th2 cytokines and chemokines in the airways in murine asthma models. In the present study, we examined the effect of GS143, a novel small-molecule inhibitor of I{kappa}B ubiquitination, on antigen-induced airway inflammation and Th2 cytokine production in mice. Intranasal administration of GS143 prior to antigen challenge suppressed antigen-induced NF-{kappa}B activation in the lung of sensitized mice. Intranasal administration of GS143 also inhibited antigen-induced eosinophil andmore » lymphocyte recruitment into the airways as well as the expression of Th2 cytokines and eotaxin in the airways. Moreover, GS143 inhibited antigen-induced differentiation of Th2 cells but not of Th1 cells in vitro. Taken together, these results suggest that I{kappa}B ubiquitination inhibitor may have therapeutic potential against asthma.« less

  4. The transcription factor Etv5 controls TH17 cell development and allergic airway inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Pham, Duy; Sehra, Sarita; Sun, Xin; Kaplan, Mark H.

    2014-01-01

    Background The differentiation of TH17 cells, which promote pulmonary inflammation, requires the cooperation of a network of transcription factors. Objectives We sought to define the role of Etv5, an Ets-family transcription factor, in TH17 cell development and function. Methods TH17 development was examined in primary mouse T cells wherein Etv5 expression was altered by retroviral transduction, small interfering RNA targeting a specific gene, and mice with a conditional deletion of Etv5 in T cells. The direct function of Etv5 on the Il17 locus was tested with chromatin immunoprecipitation and reporter assays. The house dust mite–induced allergic inflammation model was used to test the requirement for Etv5-dependent TH17 functions in vivo. Results We identify Etv5 as a signal transducer and activator of transcription 3–induced positive regulator of TH17 development. Etv5 controls TH17 differentiation by directly promoting 0a and Il17f expression. Etv5 recruits histone-modifying enzymes to the Il17a–Il17f locus, resulting in increased active histone marks and decreased repressive histone marks. In a model of allergic airway inflammation, mice with Etv5-deficient T cells have reduced airway inflammation and IL-17A/F production in the lung and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared with wild-type mice, without changes in TH2 cytokine production. Conclusions These data define signal transducer and activator of transcription 3–dependent feed-forward control of TH17 cytokine production and a novel role for Etv5 in promoting T cell–dependent airway inflammation. PMID:24486067

  5. Th cells promote CTL survival and memory via acquired pMHC-I and endogenous IL-2 and CD40L signaling and by modulating apoptosis-controlling pathways.

    PubMed

    Umeshappa, Channakeshava Sokke; Xie, Yufeng; Xu, Shulin; Nanjundappa, Roopa Hebbandi; Freywald, Andrew; Deng, Yulin; Ma, Hong; Xiang, Jim

    2013-01-01

    Involvement of CD4(+) helper T (Th) cells is crucial for CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated immunity. However, CD4(+) Th's signals that govern CTL survival and functional memory are still not completely understood. In this study, we assessed the role of CD4(+) Th cells with acquired antigen-presenting machineries in determining CTL fates. We utilized an adoptive co-transfer into CD4(+) T cell-sufficient or -deficient mice of OTI CTLs and OTII Th cells or Th cells with various gene deficiencies pre-stimulated in vitro by ovalbumin (OVA)-pulsed dendritic cell (DCova). CTL survival was kinetically assessed in these mice using FITC-anti-CD8 and PE-H-2K(b)/OVA257-264 tetramer staining by flow cytometry. We show that by acting via endogenous CD40L and IL-2, and acquired peptide-MHC-I (pMHC-I) complex signaling, CD4(+) Th cells enhance survival of transferred effector CTLs and their differentiation into the functional memory CTLs capable of protecting against highly-metastasizing tumor challenge. Moreover, RT-PCR, flow cytometry and Western blot analysis demonstrate that increased survival of CD4(+) Th cell-helped CTLs is matched with enhanced Akt1/NF-κB activation, down-regulation of TRAIL, and altered expression profiles with up-regulation of prosurvival (Bcl-2) and down-regulation of proapoptotic (Bcl-10, Casp-3, Casp-4, Casp-7) molecules. Taken together, our results reveal a previously unexplored mechanistic role for CD4(+) Th cells in programming CTL survival and memory recall responses. This knowledge could also aid in the development of efficient adoptive CTL cancer therapy.

  6. Modulation of tyrosine hydroxylase expression by melatonin in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.

    PubMed

    McMillan, Catherine R; Sharma, Rohita; Ottenhof, Tom; Niles, Lennard P

    2007-06-04

    We have previously reported in vivo preservation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis, following treatment with physiological doses of melatonin, in a 6-hydroxydopamine model of Parkinson's disease. Based on these findings, we postulated that melatonin would similarly modulate the expression of TH in vitro. Therefore, using human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells which can differentiate into dopaminergic neurons following treatment with retinoic acid, we first examined whether these cells express melatonin receptors. Subsequently, the physiological dose-dependent effects of melatonin on TH expression were examined in both undifferentiated and differentiated cells. The novel detection of the G protein-coupled melatonin MT(1) receptor in SH-SY5Y cells by RT-PCR was confirmed by sequencing and Western blotting. In addition, following treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with melatonin (0.1-100 nM) for 24h, Western analysis revealed a significant increase in TH protein levels. A biphasic response, with significant increases in TH protein at 0.5 and 1 nM melatonin and a reversal at higher doses was seen in undifferentiated cells; whereas in differentiated cells, melatonin was effective at doses of 1 and 100 nM. These findings suggest a physiological role for melatonin in modulating TH expression, possibly via the MT(1) receptor.

  7. BDE-99 impairs differentiation of human and mouse NPCs into the oligodendroglial lineage by species-specific modes of action

    PubMed Central

    Dach, Katharina; Bendt, Farina; Huebenthal, Ulrike; Giersiefer, Susanne; Lein, Pamela J.; Heuer, Heike; Fritsche, Ellen

    2017-01-01

    Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are bioaccumulating flame retardants causing developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) in humans and rodents. Their DNT effects are suspected to involve thyroid hormone (TH) signaling disruption. Here, we tested the hypothesis whether disturbance of neural progenitor cell (NPC) differentiation into the oligodendrocyte lineage (O4+ cells) by BDE-99 involves disruption of TH action in human and mouse (h,m)NPCs. Therefore, we quantified differentiation of NPCs into O4+ cells and measured their maturation via expression of myelin-associated genes (hMBP, mMog) in presence and absence of TH and/or BDE-99. T3 promoted O4+ cell differentiation in mouse, but not hNPCs, and induced hMBP/mMog gene expression in both species. BDE-99 reduced generation of human and mouse O4+ cells, but there is no indication for BDE-99 interfering with cellular TH signaling during O4+ cell formation. BDE-99 reduced hMBP expression due to oligodendrocyte reduction, but concentrations that did not affect the number of mouse O4+ cells inhibited TH-induced mMog transcription by a yet unknown mechanism. In addition, ascorbic acid antagonized only the BDE-99-dependent loss of human, not mouse, O4+ cells by a mechanism probably independent of reactive oxygen species. These data point to species-specific modes of action of BDE-99 on h/mNPC development into the oligodendrocyte lineage. PMID:28317842

  8. BDE-99 impairs differentiation of human and mouse NPCs into the oligodendroglial lineage by species-specific modes of action.

    PubMed

    Dach, Katharina; Bendt, Farina; Huebenthal, Ulrike; Giersiefer, Susanne; Lein, Pamela J; Heuer, Heike; Fritsche, Ellen

    2017-03-20

    Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are bioaccumulating flame retardants causing developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) in humans and rodents. Their DNT effects are suspected to involve thyroid hormone (TH) signaling disruption. Here, we tested the hypothesis whether disturbance of neural progenitor cell (NPC) differentiation into the oligodendrocyte lineage (O4 + cells) by BDE-99 involves disruption of TH action in human and mouse (h,m)NPCs. Therefore, we quantified differentiation of NPCs into O4 + cells and measured their maturation via expression of myelin-associated genes (hMBP, mMog) in presence and absence of TH and/or BDE-99. T3 promoted O4 + cell differentiation in mouse, but not hNPCs, and induced hMBP/mMog gene expression in both species. BDE-99 reduced generation of human and mouse O4 + cells, but there is no indication for BDE-99 interfering with cellular TH signaling during O4 + cell formation. BDE-99 reduced hMBP expression due to oligodendrocyte reduction, but concentrations that did not affect the number of mouse O4 + cells inhibited TH-induced mMog transcription by a yet unknown mechanism. In addition, ascorbic acid antagonized only the BDE-99-dependent loss of human, not mouse, O4 + cells by a mechanism probably independent of reactive oxygen species. These data point to species-specific modes of action of BDE-99 on h/mNPC development into the oligodendrocyte lineage.

  9. Subtype Differentiation of Small (≤ 4 cm) Solid Renal Mass Using Volumetric Histogram Analysis of DWI at 3-T MRI.

    PubMed

    Li, Anqin; Xing, Wei; Li, Haojie; Hu, Yao; Hu, Daoyu; Li, Zhen; Kamel, Ihab R

    2018-05-29

    The purpose of this article is to evaluate the utility of volumetric histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) derived from reduced-FOV DWI for small (≤ 4 cm) solid renal mass subtypes at 3-T MRI. This retrospective study included 38 clear cell renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), 16 papillary RCCs, 18 chromophobe RCCs, 13 minimal fat angiomyolipomas (AMLs), and seven oncocytomas evaluated with preoperative MRI. Volumetric ADC maps were generated using all slices of the reduced-FOV DW images to obtain histogram parameters, including mean, median, 10th percentile, 25th percentile, 75th percentile, 90th percentile, and SD ADC values, as well as skewness, kurtosis, and entropy. Comparisons of these parameters were made by one-way ANOVA, t test, and ROC curves analysis. ADC histogram parameters differentiated eight of 10 pairs of renal tumors. Three subtype pairs (clear cell RCC vs papillary RCC, clear cell RCC vs chromophobe RCC, and clear cell RCC vs minimal fat AML) were differentiated by mean ADC. However, five other subtype pairs (clear cell RCC vs oncocytoma, papillary RCC vs minimal fat AML, papillary RCC vs oncocytoma, chromophobe RCC vs minimal fat AML, and chromophobe RCC vs oncocytoma) were differentiated by histogram distribution parameters exclusively (all p < 0.05). Mean ADC, median ADC, 75th and 90th percentile ADC, SD ADC, and entropy of malignant tumors were significantly higher than those of benign tumors (all p < 0.05). Combination of mean ADC with histogram parameters yielded the highest AUC (0.851; sensitivity, 80.0%; specificity, 86.1%). Quantitative volumetric ADC histogram analysis may help differentiate various subtypes of small solid renal tumors, including benign and malignant lesions.

  10. New insights into Blimp-1 in T lymphocytes: a divergent regulator of cell destiny and effector function.

    PubMed

    Fu, Shin-Huei; Yeh, Li-Tzu; Chu, Chin-Chen; Yen, B Lin-Ju; Sytwu, Huey-Kang

    2017-07-21

    B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1) serves as a master regulator of the development and function of antibody-producing B cells. Given that its function in T lymphocytes has been identified within the past decade, we review recent findings with emphasis on its role in coordinated control of gene expression during the development, differentiation, and function of T cells. Expression of Blimp-1 is mainly confined to activated T cells and is essential for the production of interleukin (IL)-10 by a subset of forkhead box (Fox)p3 + regulatory T cells with an effector phenotype. Blimp-1 is also required to induce cell elimination in the thymus and critically modulates peripheral T cell activation and proliferation. In addition, Blimp-1 promotes T helper (Th) 2 lineage commitment and limits Th1, Th17 and follicular helper T cell differentiation. Furthermore, Blimp-1 coordinates with other transcription factors to regulate expression of IL-2, IL-21 and IL-10 in effector T lymphocytes. In CD8 + T cells, Blimp-1 expression is distinct in heterogeneous populations at the stages of clonal expansion, differentiation, contraction and memory formation when they encounter antigens. Moreover, Blimp-1 plays a fundamental role in coordinating cytokine receptor signaling networks and transcriptional programs to regulate diverse aspects of the formation and function of effector and memory CD8 + T cells and their exhaustion. Blimp-1 also functions as a gatekeeper of T cell activation and suppression to prevent or dampen autoimmune disease, antiviral responses and antitumor immunity. In this review, we discuss the emerging roles of Blimp-1 in the complex regulation of gene networks that regulate the destiny and effector function of T cells and provide a Blimp-1-dominated transcriptional framework for T lymphocyte homeostasis.

  11. Preferential induction of Th17 cells in vitro and in vivo by Fucogalactan from Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi).

    PubMed

    Yoshida, Hideyuki; Suzuki, Mayu; Sakaguchi, Ryota; Tani, Ito; Kotani, Hitoshi; Shudo, Norimasa; Yoshimura, Akihiko

    2012-05-25

    The mushroom known as Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used as an herbal medicine for tumor treatment and immune system activation. Because its effects on the differentiation of effector T helper cells have not yet been fully understood, we investigated the effects of Reishi and those of its principal ingredient, β-glucan, on the activation of dendritic cells and the differentiation of Th17 cells. Reishi extracts as well as purified β-glucan (Curdran) activated DCs and caused them to produce large amounts of IL-23. β-glucan also enhanced and sustained the transcription of IL-23p19. The MEK-ERK signaling pathway positively regulates IL-23p19 transcription in β-glucan-stimulated DCs. In a mixed leukocyte reaction, Reishi-stimulated DCs preferentially induced Th17 cells. Furthermore, orally-administrated Reishi increased the percentages of Th17 cells and the transcription levels of antimicrobial peptides. Our results show that Reishi and β-glucan activate DCs to produce large amounts of IL-23, which induces Th17 differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Desmoglein 3-specific T regulatory 1 cells consist of two subpopulations with differential expression of the transcription factor Foxp3

    PubMed Central

    Veldman, Christian; Pahl, Andreas; Hertl, Michael

    2009-01-01

    Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune bullous skin disorder associated with autoantibodies against desmoglein (Dsg) 3. An imbalance of type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells and T helper type 2 (Th2) cells specific for Dsg3 may be critical for the loss of tolerance against Dsg3 in PV. Within the population of Dsg3-responsive, interleukin (IL)-10-secreting Tr1 cell clones, two major subpopulations were identified and sorted by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) based on their size and granularity. Upon in vitro culture, the larger subpopulation differentiated back into the two former subpopulations of the Tr1 cell clones, while the smaller subpopulation died within 2 weeks. The smaller subpopulation of the Tr1 cell clones was characterized by the expression of Foxp3, the secretion of IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and IL-5 upon stimulation with Dsg3, a proliferative response to IL-2 but not to Dsg3 or mitogenic stimuli, and an inhibitory effect on the proliferative response of Dsg3-responsive Th clones in a Dsg3-specific manner. In contrast, the larger subpopulation showed a Th-like phenotype, lacking Foxp3, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) and glucocorticoid-induced tumour necrosis factor receptor (GITR) expression and IL-2 secretion, and did not mount a proliferative response to Dsg3 and mitogenic stimuli. The two Tr1 subpopulations showed expression of identical T-cell receptor (TCR) Vβ chains which varied among the PV patients studied. Upon inhibition of Foxp3, the smaller Tr1 subpopulation developed a proliferate response to Dsg3 and mitogenic stimuli, no longer suppressed Dsg3-specific Th cells, lost expression of GITR and CTLA4 and secreted IL-2. Thus, our observations suggest a distinct relationship between Dsg3-specific Tr1 and Th-like cells which may be critical for the continuous generation and survival of Dsg3-specific Tr1 cells. PMID:18800988

  13. Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase mediates inhibition of Th17 differentiation via catabolism of endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands.

    PubMed

    Stephens, Geoffrey L; Wang, Qun; Swerdlow, Bonnie; Bhat, Geetha; Kolbeck, Roland; Fung, Michael

    2013-07-01

    The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a key transcriptional regulator of Th17-cell differentiation. Although endogenous ligands have yet to be identified, evidence suggests that tryptophan metabolites can act as agonists for the AhR. Tryptophan metabolites are abundant in circulation, so we hypothesized that cell intrinsic factors might exist to regulate the exposure of Th17 cells to AhR-dependent activities. Here, we find that Th17 cells preferentially express kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), which is an enzyme involved in catabolism of the tryptophan metabolite kynurenine. KMO inhibition, either with a specific inhibitor or via siRNA-mediated silencing, markedly increased IL-17 production in vitro, whereas IFN-γ production by Th1 cells was unaffected. Inhibition of KMO significantly exacerbated disease in a Th17-driven model of autoimmune gastritis, suggesting that expression of KMO by Th17 cells serves to limit their continuous exposure to physiological levels of endogenous AhR ligands in vivo. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  14. Role of distinct CD4(+) T helper subset in pathogenesis of oral lichen planus.

    PubMed

    Wang, Hui; Zhang, Dunfang; Han, Qi; Zhao, Xin; Zeng, Xin; Xu, Yi; Sun, Zheng; Chen, Qianming

    2016-07-01

    Oral lichen planus (OLP) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory oral mucosal diseases with T-cell-mediated immune pathogenesis. In subepithelial and lamina propria of OLP local lesions, the presence of CD4(+) T helper (CD4(+) Th) cells appeared as the major lymphocytes. These CD4(+) T lymphocytes can differentiate into distinct Th cell types such as Th1, Th2, Treg, Th17, Th22, Th9, and Tfh within the context of certain cytokines environment. Growing evidence indicated that Th1/Th2 imbalance may greatly participate into the cytokine network of OLP immunopathology. In addition, Th1/Th2 imbalance can be regulated by the Treg subset and also greatly influenced by the emerging novel CD4(+) Th subset Th17. Furthermore, the presence of novel subsets Th22, Th9 and Tfh in OLP patients is yet to be clarified. All these Th subsets and their specific cytokines may play a critical role in determining the character, extent and duration of immune responses in OLP pathogenesis. Therefore, we review the roles of distinct CD4(+) Th subsets and their signature cytokines in determining disease severity and susceptibility of OLP and also reveal the novel therapeutic strategies based on T lymphocytes subsets in OLP treatment. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  15. Ambient particulate matter activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in dendritic cells and enhances Th17 polarization.

    PubMed

    Castañeda, Alejandro R; Pinkerton, Kent E; Bein, Keith J; Magaña-Méndez, Alfonso; Yang, Houa T; Ashwood, Paul; Vogel, Christoph F A

    2018-08-01

    The objective of this study was to explore the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in ambient particulate matter (PM)-mediated activation of dendritic cells (DCs) and Th17-immune responses in vitro. To assess the potential role of the AhR in PM-mediated activation of DCs, co-stimulation, and cytokine expression, bone marrow (BM)-derived macrophages and DCs from C57BL/6 wildtype or AhR knockout (AhR -/- ) mice were treated with PM. Th17 differentiation was assessed via co-cultures of wildtype or AhR -/- BMDCs with autologous naive T cells. PM 2.5 significantly induced AhR DNA binding activity to dioxin responsive elements (DRE) and expression of the AhR repressor (AhRR), cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1, and CYP1B1, indicating activation of the AhR. In activated (OVA sensitized) BMDCs, PM 2.5 induced interleukin (IL)-1β, CD80, CD86, and MHC class II, suggesting enhanced DC activation, co-stimulation, and antigen presentation; responses that were abolished in AhR deficient DCs. DC-T cell co-cultures treated with PM and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) led to elevated IL-17A and IL-22 expression at the mRNA level, which is mediated by the AhR. PM-treated DCs were essential in endowing T cells with a Th17-phenotype, which was associated with enhanced expression of MHC class II and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. In conclusion, PM enhances DC activation that primes naive T cell differentiation towards a Th17-like phenotype in an AhR-dependent manner. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. CCL20 and β-defensin-2 induce arrest of human Th17 cells on inflamed endothelium in vitro under flow conditions.

    PubMed

    Ghannam, Soufiane; Dejou, Cécile; Pedretti, Nathalie; Giot, Jean-Philipe; Dorgham, Karim; Boukhaddaoui, Hassan; Deleuze, Virginie; Bernard, François-Xavier; Jorgensen, Christian; Yssel, Hans; Pène, Jérôme

    2011-02-01

    CCR6 is a chemokine receptor that is expressed at the cell surface of Th17 cells, an IL-17- and IL-22-secreting population of CD4(+) T cells with antipathogenic, as well as inflammatory, properties. In the current study, we have determined the involvement of CCR6 in human Th17 lymphocyte migration toward inflamed tissue by analyzing the capacity of its ligands to induce arrest of these cells onto inflamed endothelium in vitro under flow conditions. We show that polarized, in situ-differentiated, skin-derived Th17 clones activated via the TCR-CD3 complex produce CCL20 in addition to IL-17 and IL-22. The latter cytokines induce, in a synergic fashion, the production of human β-defensin (hBD)-2, but neither hBD-1 nor hBD-3, by epidermal keratinocytes. Both CCL20 and hBD-2 are capable of inducing the arrest of Th17 cells, but not Th1 or Th2 cells, on HUVEC in an CD54-dependent manner that is CCR6 specific and independent from the expression of CXCR4, reported to be an alternative receptor for hBD-2. In addition, Ag-specific activation induces a transient loss of CCR6 expression, both at the transcriptional and protein level, which occurs with slow kinetics and is not due to endogenous CCL20-mediated internalization of CCR6. Together, these results indicate that Ag-specific activation will initially contribute to CCR6-mediated Th17 cell trafficking toward and sequestration in inflamed tissue, but that it eventually results in a transitory state of nonresponsiveness to further stimulation of these cells with CCR6 ligands, thus permitting their subsequent migration out of the inflamed site.

  17. PKCε promotes human Th17 differentiation: Implications in the pathophysiology of psoriasis.

    PubMed

    Martini, Silvia; Pozzi, Giulia; Carubbi, Cecilia; Masselli, Elena; Galli, Daniela; Di Nuzzo, Sergio; Banchini, Antonio; Gobbi, Giuliana; Vitale, Marco; Mirandola, Prisco

    2018-04-01

    PKCε is implicated in T cell activation and proliferation and is overexpressed in CD4 + -T cells from patients with autoimmune Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Although this might induce the suspicion that PKCε takes part in autoimmunity, its role in the molecular pathophysiology of immune-mediated disorders is still largely unknown. We studied PKCε expression in circulating CD4 + -T cells from patients with psoriasis, a skin disorder characterized by an increased amount of Th17 cells, a CD4 + subset that is critical in the development of autoimmunity. Although the mechanisms that underlie Th17 differentiation in humans are still unclear, we here show that: (i) PKCε is overexpressed in CD4 + -T cells from psoriatic patients, and its expression positively correlates with the severity of the disease, being reduced by effective phototherapy; (ii) PKCε interacts with Stat3 during Th17 differentiation and its overexpression results in an enhanced expression of Stat3 and pStat3(Ser727); iii) conversely, when PKCε is forcibly downregulated, CD4 + -T cells show lower levels of pStat3(Ser727) expression and defective in vitro expansion into the Th17-lineage. These data provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanisms of Th17 cell polarization that is known to play a crucial role in autoimmunity, pinpointing PKCε as a potential target in Th17-mediated diseases. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  18. Reciprocal patterns of allergen-induced GATA-3 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from atopics vs. non-atopics.

    PubMed

    Macaubas, C; Lee, P T; Smallacombe, T B; Holt, B J; Wee, C; Sly, P D; Holt, P G

    2002-01-01

    T helper (Th)2 cytokines are considered to play a central role in the induction and expression of allergic disease. However, the relative importance of individual cytokines is unclear, and overall disease pathogenesis appears to involve the coordinate activities of a range of Th2 cytokines acting in sequence or in parallel. The present study examines an alternative approach to the study of cytokine gene function in atopy, focusing instead upon T cell transcription factors (TFs) which play a role in the regulation of multiple cytokine genes. To investigate the allergen-induced expression of the TF GATA-3 and c-Maf in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in cytokine-driven Th polarization. PBMC from house dust mite (HDM)-atopic and non-atopics were stimulated in vitro with allergen or anti-CD3/IL-2. TF expression was analysed by semiquantitative RT-PCR and major findings were validated by real-time PCR. Cell separations were performed to analyse the contribution of CD45RO+ cells. CD4+ cord blood cells were Th1 or Th2 polarized in vitro by exogenous cytokines and TF expression analysed by Northern blot and real-time PCR. Results We demonstrate for the first time that during differentiation of CD4+ CD45RA+ naïve human T cells towards Th2 commitment, and during allergen-specific reactivation of peripheral CD4+ CD45RO+ Th2 memory cells in established atopics, expression of the Th2-associated TF GATA-3 is rapidly up-regulated, whereas T cells from non-atopics display equally rapid GATA-3 down-regulation under identical conditions of allergen stimulation. These findings identify Th2-associated TFs as key determinants of the atopic phenotype, suggesting their unique potential as therapeutic targets for disease control.

  19. Cathepsin S Is Involved in Th17 Differentiation Through the Upregulation of IL-6 by Activating PAR-2 after Systemic Exposure to Lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis.

    PubMed

    Dekita, Masato; Wu, Zhou; Ni, Junjun; Zhang, Xinwen; Liu, Yicong; Yan, Xu; Nakanishi, Hiroshi; Takahashi, Ichiro

    2017-01-01

    Positive links have been found between periodontitis and numerous diseases in humans via persistent inflammation throughout the body. However, the main factors responsible for maintaining this pro-inflammatory condition are poorly understood. The spleen, the largest secondary immune organ, is a central hub regulating the immune response/inflammation due to the dendritic cell (DC) response to CD4 + T cell subtype differentiation, and lysosomal proteinase cathepsin S (CatS) is known to be involved in DC functions. In the present study, we found that CatS-induced IL-6 production by splenic DCs subsequently promotes Th17 differentiation, in response to systemic exposure to lipopolysaccharide derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis (PgLPS). The population of CD11c + DCs was significantly increased in the splenic marginal zone (MZ) locally of wild-type (DBA/2) mice with splenomegaly but not in that of CatS deficient ( CatS -/- ) mice after systemic exposure to PgLPS for 7 consecutive days (5 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal). Similarly, the population of Th17 + CD4 + T cells was also significantly increased in the splenic MZ of wild-type mice but not in that of CatS -/- mice after PgLPS exposure. Furthermore, the increase in the Th17 + CD4 + T cell population paralleled increases in the levels of CatS and IL-6 in CD11c + cells in the splenic MZ. In isolated primary splenic CD11c + cells, the mRNA expression and the production of IL-6 was dramatically increased in wild-type mice but not in CatS - /- mice after direct stimulation with PgLPS (1 μg/ml), and this PgLPS-induced increase in the IL-6 expression was completely abolished by pre-treatment with Z-Phe-Leu-COCHO (Z-FL), the specific inhibitor of CatS. The PgLPS activated protease-activated receptor (PAR) 2 in the isolated splenic CD11c + cells was also significantly inhibited by CatS deficiently. In addition, the PgLPS - induced increase in the IL-6 production by splenic CD11c + cells was completely abolished by pre-treatment with FSLLRY-NH 2 , a PAR2 antagonist, as well as Akti, a specific inhibitor of Akt. These findings indicate that CatS plays a critical role in driving splenic DC-dependent Th17 differentiation through the upregulation of IL-6 by activating PAR2 after exposure to components of periodontal bacteria. Therefore, CatS-specific inhibitors may be effective in alleviating periodontitis-related immune/inflammation.

  20. Toll-like receptor-2 agonist-allergen coupling efficiently redirects Th2 cell responses and inhibits allergic airway eosinophilia.

    PubMed

    Krishnaswamy, Jayendra Kumar; Jirmo, Adan Chari; Baru, Abdul Mannan; Ebensen, Thomas; Guzmán, Carlos A; Sparwasser, Tim; Behrens, Georg M N

    2012-12-01

    Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists beneficially modulate allergic airway inflammation. However, the efficiency of TLR agonists varies considerably, and their exact cellular mechanisms (especially of TLR 2/6 agonists) are incompletely understood. We investigated at a cellular level whether the administration of the pharmacologically improved TLR2/6 agonist S-[2,3-bispalmitoyiloxy-(2R)-propyl]-R-cysteinyl-amido-monomethoxy polyethylene glycol (BPP) conjugated to antigenic peptide (BPP-OVA) could divert an existing Th2 response and influence airway eosinophilia. The effects of BPP-OVA on airway inflammation were assessed in a classic murine sensitization/challenge model and an adoptive transfer model, which involved the adoptive transfer of in vitro differentiated ovalbumin (OVA)-specific Th2 cells. Functional T-cell stimulation by lung dendritic cells (DCs) was determined both in vitro and in vivo, combined with a cytokine secretion analysis. A single mucosal application of BPP-OVA efficiently delivered antigen, led to TLR2-mediated DC activation, and resulted in OVA-specific T-cell proliferation via lung DCs in vivo. In alternative models of allergic airway disease, a single administration of BPP-OVA before OVA challenge (but not BPP alone) significantly reduced airway eosinophilia, most likely through altered antigen-specific T-cell stimulation via DCs. Analyses of adoptively transferred Th2-biased cells after BPP-OVA administration in vivo suggested that BPP-OVA guides antigen-specific Th2 cells to produce significantly higher amounts of IFN-γ upon allergen challenge. In conclusion, our data show for the first time that a single mucosal administration of a TLR 2/6 agonist-allergen conjugate can provoke IFN-γ responses in Th2-biased cells and alleviate allergic airway inflammation.

  1. Dietary Indoles Suppress Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity by Inducing a Switch from Pro-inflammatory Th17 cells to Anti-inflammatory Tregs through Regulation of microRNA

    PubMed Central

    Singh, Narendra P.; Singh, Udai P.; Rouse, Michael; Zhang, Jiajia; Chatterjee, Saurabh; Nagarkatti, Prakash S.; Nagarkatti, Mitzi

    2015-01-01

    Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has been shown to have profound influence on T cell differentiation and use of distinct AhR ligands has shown that while some ligands induce Tregs, others induce Th17 cells. In the current study, we tested the ability of dietary AhR ligands (indole-3-carbinol; I3C and 3,3'-diindolylmethane; DIM), and an endogenous AhR ligand, 6-Formylindolo(3,2-b)carbazole (FICZ), on the differentiation and functions of Tregs and Th17 cells. Treatment of C57BL/6 mice with indoles (I3C or DIM), attenuated DTH response to mBSA and generation of Th17 cells while promoting Tregs. In contrast, FICZ exacerbated the DTH response and promoted Th17 cells. Indoles decreased the induction of IL-17 while promoted IL-10 and FoxP3 expression. Also, indoles caused reciprocal induction of Tregs and Th17 cells only in wild-type (AhR+/+) but not in AhR knockout (AhR−/−) mice. Upon analysis of microRNA (miR) profile in draining lymph nodes of mice with DTH, treatment with I3C and DIM decreased the expression of several miRs (miR-31, miR-219, and miR-490) that targeted FoxP3, while increasing the expression of miR-495 and miR-1192 that were specific to IL-17. Interestingly, treatment with FICZ had precisely the opposite effects on these miRs. Transfection studies using mature miR mimics of miR-490 and miR-1192 that target FoxP3 and IL-17 respectively or scrambled miR (mock) or inhibitors confirmed that these miRs specifically targeted FoxP3 and IL-17 genes. Our studies demonstrate for the first time that the ability of AhR ligands to regulate the differentiation of Tregs versus Th17 cells may depend on miR signature profile. PMID:26712945

  2. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of TSLP Function in Human Allergic Disorders - TSLP Programs the “Th2 code” in Dendritic Cells

    PubMed Central

    Ito, Tomoki; Liu, Yong-Jun; Arima, Kazuhiko

    2013-01-01

    Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) has been recently implicated as a key molecule for initiating allergic inflammation at the epithelial cell-dendritic cell (DC) interface. In humans, aberrant TSLP expression is observed in allergic tissues, such as lesional skins of atopic dermatitis, lungs of asthmatics, nasal mucosa of atopic rhinitis and nasal polyps, and ocular surface of allergic keratoconjunctivitis. TSLP is produced predominantly by damaged epithelial cells and stimulates myeloid DCs (mDCs). TSLP-activated mDCs can promote the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into a Th2 phenotype and the expansion of CD4+ Th2 memory cells in a unique manner dependent on OX40L, one of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily members with Th2-promoting function, and lack of production of IL-12. From a genetic point of view, multiple genome-wide association studies have repeatedly identified the TSLP gene as one of the loci associated with susceptibility to allergic diseases. Thus, TSLP is a rational therapeutic target for the treatment of allergic disorders. Elucidating the mechanisms that regulate TSLP expression and the effects of TSLP on orchestrating the immune response toward a Th2 phenotype is essential for developing anti-TSLP therapy. PMID:22189594

  3. Estradiol Enhances CD4+ T-Cell Anti-Viral Immunity by Priming Vaginal DCs to Induce Th17 Responses via an IL-1-Dependent Pathway

    PubMed Central

    Anipindi, Varun C.; Dizzell, Sara E.; Nguyen, Philip V.; Shaler, Christopher R.; Chu, Derek K.; Jiménez-Saiz, Rodrigo; Liang, Hong; Swift, Stephanie; Nazli, Aisha; Kafka, Jessica K.; Bramson, Jonathan; Xing, Zhou; Jordana, Manel; Wan, Yonghong; Snider, Denis P.; Stampfli, Martin R.; Kaushic, Charu

    2016-01-01

    Clinical and experimental studies have shown that estradiol (E2) confers protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Here, we investigated the underlying mechanism. Better protection in E2-treated mice, immunized against genital HSV-2, coincided with earlier recruitment and higher proportions of Th1 and Th17 effector cells in the vagina post-challenge, compared to placebo-treated controls. Vaginal APCs isolated from E2-treated mice induced 10-fold higher Th17 and Th1 responses, compared to APCs from progesterone-treated, placebo-treated, and estradiol-receptor knockout mice in APC-T cell co-cultures. CD11c+ DCs in the vagina were the predominant APC population responsible for priming these Th17 responses, and a potent source of IL-6 and IL-1β, important factors for Th17 differentiation. Th17 responses were abrogated in APC-T cell co-cultures containing IL-1β KO, but not IL-6 KO vaginal DCs, showing that IL-1β is a critical factor for Th17 induction in the genital tract. E2 treatment in vivo directly induced high expression of IL-1β in vaginal DCs, and addition of IL-1β restored Th17 induction by IL-1β KO APCs in co-cultures. Finally, we examined the role of IL-17 in anti-HSV-2 memory T cell responses. IL-17 KO mice were more susceptible to intravaginal HSV-2 challenge, compared to WT controls, and vaginal DCs from these mice were defective at priming efficient Th1 responses in vitro, indicating that IL-17 is important for the generation of efficient anti-viral memory responses. We conclude that the genital mucosa has a unique microenvironment whereby E2 enhances CD4+ T cell anti-viral immunity by priming vaginal DCs to induce Th17 responses through an IL-1-dependent pathway. PMID:27148737

  4. Th Cells Promote CTL Survival and Memory via Acquired pMHC-I and Endogenous IL-2 and CD40L Signaling and by Modulating Apoptosis-Controlling Pathways

    PubMed Central

    Umeshappa, Channakeshava Sokke; Xie, Yufeng; Xu, Shulin; Nanjundappa, Roopa Hebbandi; Freywald, Andrew; Deng, Yulin; Ma, Hong; Xiang, Jim

    2013-01-01

    Involvement of CD4+ helper T (Th) cells is crucial for CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated immunity. However, CD4+ Th’s signals that govern CTL survival and functional memory are still not completely understood. In this study, we assessed the role of CD4+ Th cells with acquired antigen-presenting machineries in determining CTL fates. We utilized an adoptive co-transfer into CD4+ T cell-sufficient or -deficient mice of OTI CTLs and OTII Th cells or Th cells with various gene deficiencies pre-stimulated in vitro by ovalbumin (OVA)-pulsed dendritic cell (DCova). CTL survival was kinetically assessed in these mice using FITC-anti-CD8 and PE-H-2Kb/OVA257-264 tetramer staining by flow cytometry. We show that by acting via endogenous CD40L and IL-2, and acquired peptide-MHC-I (pMHC-I) complex signaling, CD4+ Th cells enhance survival of transferred effector CTLs and their differentiation into the functional memory CTLs capable of protecting against highly-metastasizing tumor challenge. Moreover, RT-PCR, flow cytometry and Western blot analysis demonstrate that increased survival of CD4+ Th cell-helped CTLs is matched with enhanced Akt1/NF-κB activation, down-regulation of TRAIL, and altered expression profiles with up-regulation of prosurvival (Bcl-2) and down-regulation of proapoptotic (Bcl-10, Casp-3, Casp-4, Casp-7) molecules. Taken together, our results reveal a previously unexplored mechanistic role for CD4+ Th cells in programming CTL survival and memory recall responses. This knowledge could also aid in the development of efficient adoptive CTL cancer therapy. PMID:23785406

  5. Comparison of Th1- and Th2-associated immune reactivities stimulated by single versus multiple vaccination of mice with irradiated Schistosoma mansoni cercariae

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Caulada-Benedetti, Z.; Al-Zamel, F.; Sher, A.

    1991-03-01

    Mice immunized against Schistosoma mansoni by a single percutaneous exposure to radiation-attenuated parasite larvae demonstrate partial resistance to challenge infection that has been shown to correlate with development of cell-mediated immunity, whereas mice hyperimmunized by multiple exposure to attenuated larvae produce antibodies capable of transferring partial protection to naive recipients. Measurement of Ag-specific lymphokine responses in these animals suggested that the difference in resistance mechanisms may be due to the differential induction of Th subset response by the two immunization protocols. Thus, upon Ag stimulation, singly immunized mice predominantly demonstrated responses associated with Th1 reactivity, including IL-2 and IFN-gamma production,more » whereas multiply immunized animals showed increased IL-5, IL-4, and IgG1 antibody production associated with enhanced Th2 response. These responses demonstrated some degree of organ compartmentalization, with splenocytes demonstrating higher Th1-related lymphokine production and cells from draining lymph nodes showing stronger proliferation and Th2 type reactivity. However, hyperimmunized mice also continued to demonstrate substantial Th1-associated immune reactivity. Moreover, in vivo Ag challenge elicited activated larvacidal macrophages in hyperimmunized animals. These observations indicate that protective cell-mediated mechanisms associated with induction of CD4+ Th1 cell reactivity predominate in singly vaccinated mice. Further vaccination stimulates Th2 responses, such as enhanced IgG1 production, that may also contribute to protective immunity.« less

  6. Parasite-Antigen Driven Expansion of IL-5− and IL-5+ Th2 Human Subpopulations in Lymphatic Filariasis and Their Differential Dependence on IL-10 and TGFβ

    PubMed Central

    Anuradha, Rajamanickam; George, Parakkal Jovvian; Hanna, Luke E.; Chandrasekaran, Vedachalam; Kumaran, P. Paul; Nutman, Thomas B.; Babu, Subash

    2014-01-01

    Background Two different Th2 subsets have been defined recently on the basis of IL-5 expression – an IL-5+Th2 subset and an IL-5−Th2 subset in the setting of allergy. However, the role of these newly described CD4+ T cells subpopulations has not been explored in other contexts. Methods To study the role of the Th2 subpopulation in a chronic, tissue invasive parasitic infection (lymphatic filariasis), we examined the frequency of IL-5+IL-4+IL-13+ CD4+ T cells and IL-5−IL-4 IL-13+ CD4+ T cells in asymptomatic, infected individuals (INF) and compared them to frequencies (Fo) in filarial-uninfected (UN) individuals and to those with filarial lymphedema (CP). Results INF individuals exhibited a significant increase in the spontaneously expressed and antigen-induced Fo of both Th2 subpopulations compared to the UN and CP. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between the Fo of IL-5+Th2 cells and the absolute eosinophil and neutrophil counts; in addition there was a positive correlation between the frequency of the CD4+IL-5−Th2 subpopulation and the levels of parasite antigen – specific IgE and IgG4 in INF individuals. Moreover, blockade of IL-10 and/or TGFβ demonstrated that each of these 2 regulatory cytokines exert opposite effects on the different Th2 subsets. Finally, in those INF individuals cured of infection by anti-filarial therapy, there was a significantly decreased Fo of both Th2 subsets. Conclusions Our findings suggest that both IL-5+ and IL-5−Th2 cells play an important role in the regulation of immune responses in filarial infection and that these two Th2 subpopulations may be regulated by different cytokine-receptor mediated processes. PMID:24498448

  7. Differentiation and Transmigration of CD4 T Cells in Neuroinflammation and Autoimmunity.

    PubMed

    Sonar, Sandip Ashok; Lal, Girdhari

    2017-01-01

    CD4 + T cells play a central role in orchestrating protective immunity and autoimmunity. The activation and differentiation of myelin-reactive CD4 + T cells into effector (Th1 and Th17) and regulatory (Tregs) subsets at the peripheral tissues, and their subsequent transmigration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) into the central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma are decisive events in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. How the Th1, Th17, and regulatory Tregs transmigrate across the BBB into the CNS and cause CNS inflammation is not clearly understood. Studies with transgenic and gene knockout mice have unraveled that Th1, Th17, and Tregs play a critical role in the induction and resolution of neuroinflammation. However, the plasticity of these lineages and functional dichotomy of their cytokine products makes it difficult to understand what role CD4 + T cells in the peripheral lymphoid organs, endothelial BBB, and the CNS parenchyma play in the CNS autoimmune response. In this review, we describe some of the recent findings that shed light on the mechanisms behind the differentiation and transmigration of CD4 + T cells across the BBB into the CNS parenchyma and also highlight how these two processes are interconnected, which is crucial for the outcome of CNS inflammation and autoimmunity.

  8. Differentiation and Transmigration of CD4 T Cells in Neuroinflammation and Autoimmunity

    PubMed Central

    Sonar, Sandip Ashok; Lal, Girdhari

    2017-01-01

    CD4+ T cells play a central role in orchestrating protective immunity and autoimmunity. The activation and differentiation of myelin-reactive CD4+ T cells into effector (Th1 and Th17) and regulatory (Tregs) subsets at the peripheral tissues, and their subsequent transmigration across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) into the central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma are decisive events in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. How the Th1, Th17, and regulatory Tregs transmigrate across the BBB into the CNS and cause CNS inflammation is not clearly understood. Studies with transgenic and gene knockout mice have unraveled that Th1, Th17, and Tregs play a critical role in the induction and resolution of neuroinflammation. However, the plasticity of these lineages and functional dichotomy of their cytokine products makes it difficult to understand what role CD4+ T cells in the peripheral lymphoid organs, endothelial BBB, and the CNS parenchyma play in the CNS autoimmune response. In this review, we describe some of the recent findings that shed light on the mechanisms behind the differentiation and transmigration of CD4+ T cells across the BBB into the CNS parenchyma and also highlight how these two processes are interconnected, which is crucial for the outcome of CNS inflammation and autoimmunity. PMID:29238350

  9. Leptin receptor signaling in T cells is required for Th17 differentiation.

    PubMed

    Reis, Bernardo S; Lee, Kihyun; Fanok, Melania H; Mascaraque, Cristina; Amoury, Manal; Cohn, Lillian B; Rogoz, Aneta; Dallner, Olof S; Moraes-Vieira, Pedro M; Domingos, Ana I; Mucida, Daniel

    2015-06-01

    The hormone leptin plays a key role in energy homeostasis, and the absence of either leptin or its receptor (LepR) leads to severe obesity and metabolic disorders. To avoid indirect effects and to address the cell-intrinsic role of leptin signaling in the immune system, we conditionally targeted LepR in T cells. In contrast with pleiotropic immune disorders reported in obese mice with leptin or LepR deficiency, we found that LepR deficiency in CD4(+) T cells resulted in a selective defect in both autoimmune and protective Th17 responses. Reduced capacity for differentiation toward a Th17 phenotype by lepr-deficient T cells was attributed to reduced activation of the STAT3 and its downstream targets. This study establishes cell-intrinsic roles for LepR signaling in the immune system and suggests that leptin signaling during T cell differentiation plays a crucial role in T cell peripheral effector function. Copyright © 2015 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

  10. Induced miR-99a expression represses Mtor cooperatively with miR-150 to promote regulatory T-cell differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Warth, Sebastian C; Hoefig, Kai P; Hiekel, Anian; Schallenberg, Sonja; Jovanovic, Ksenija; Klein, Ludger; Kretschmer, Karsten; Ansel, K Mark; Heissmeyer, Vigo

    2015-01-01

    Peripheral induction of regulatory T (Treg) cells provides essential protection from inappropriate immune responses. CD4+ T cells that lack endogenous miRNAs are impaired to differentiate into Treg cells, but the relevant miRNAs are unknown. We performed an overexpression screen with T-cell-expressed miRNAs in naive mouse CD4+ T cells undergoing Treg differentiation. Among 130 candidates, the screen identified 29 miRNAs with a negative and 10 miRNAs with a positive effect. Testing reciprocal Th17 differentiation revealed specific functions for miR-100, miR-99a and miR-10b, since all of these promoted the Treg and inhibited the Th17 program without impacting on viability, proliferation and activation. miR-99a cooperated with miR-150 to repress the expression of the Th17-promoting factor mTOR. The comparably low expression of miR-99a was strongly increased by the Treg cell inducer “retinoic acid”, and the abundantly expressed miR-150 could only repress Mtor in the presence of miR-99a. Our data suggest that induction of Treg cell differentiation is regulated by a miRNA network, which involves cooperation of constitutively expressed as well as inducible miRNAs. PMID:25712478

  11. Proresolving lipid mediators resolvin D1, resolvin D2, and maresin 1 are critical in modulating T cell responses.

    PubMed

    Chiurchiù, Valerio; Leuti, Alessandro; Dalli, Jesmond; Jacobsson, Anders; Battistini, Luca; Maccarrone, Mauro; Serhan, Charles N

    2016-08-24

    Resolution of inflammation is a finely regulated process mediated by specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPMs), including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-derived resolvins and maresins. The immunomodulatory role of SPMs in adaptive immune cells is of interest. We report that D-series resolvins (resolvin D1 and resolvin D2) and maresin 1 modulate adaptive immune responses in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. These lipid mediators reduce cytokine production by activated CD8(+) T cells and CD4(+) T helper 1 (TH1) and TH17 cells but do not modulate T cell inhibitory receptors or abrogate their capacity to proliferate. Moreover, these SPMs prevented naïve CD4(+) T cell differentiation into TH1 and TH17 by down-regulating their signature transcription factors, T-bet and Rorc, in a mechanism mediated by the GPR32 and ALX/FPR2 receptors; they concomitantly enhanced de novo generation and function of Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells via the GPR32 receptor. These results were also supported in vivo in a mouse deficient for DHA synthesis (Elovl2(-/-)) that showed an increase in TH1/TH17 cells and a decrease in Treg cells compared to wild-type mice. Additionally, either DHA supplementation in Elovl2(-/-) mice or in vivo administration of resolvin D1 significantly reduced cytokine production upon specific stimulation of T cells. These findings demonstrate actions of specific SPMs on adaptive immunity and provide a new avenue for SPM-based approaches to modulate chronic inflammation. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

  12. Pathogenesis of thyroid autoimmune disease: the role of cellular mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Ramos-Leví, Ana Maria; Marazuela, Mónica

    2016-10-01

    Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD) are two very common organ-specific autoimmune diseases which are characterized by circulating antibodies and lymphocyte infiltration. Although humoral and cellular mechanisms have been classically considered separately in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), recent research suggests a close reciprocal relationship between these two immune pathways. Several B- and T-cell activation pathways through antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and cytokine production lead to specific differentiation of T helper (Th) and T regulatory (Treg) cells. This review will focus on the cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of AITD. Specifically, it will provide reasons for discarding the traditional simplistic dichotomous view of the T helper type 1 and 2 pathways (Th1/Th2) and will focus on the role of the recently characterized T cells, Treg and Th17 lymphocytes, as well as B lymphocytes and APCs, especially dendritic cells (DCs). Copyright © 2016 SEEN. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  13. The IL23R R381Q Gene Variant Protects against Immune-Mediated Diseases by Impairing IL-23-Induced Th17 Effector Response in Humans

    PubMed Central

    Di Meglio, Paola; Di Cesare, Antonella; Laggner, Ute; Chu, Chung-Ching; Napolitano, Luca; Villanova, Federica; Tosi, Isabella; Capon, Francesca; Trembath, Richard C.; Peris, Ketty; Nestle, Frank O.

    2011-01-01

    IL-23 and Th17 cells are key players in tissue immunosurveillance and are implicated in human immune-mediated diseases. Genome-wide association studies have shown that the IL23R R381Q gene variant protects against psoriasis, Crohn's disease and ankylosing spondylitis. We investigated the immunological consequences of the protective IL23R R381Q gene variant in healthy donors. The IL23R R381Q gene variant had no major effect on Th17 cell differentiation as the frequency of circulating Th17 cells was similar in carriers of the IL23R protective (A) and common (G) allele. Accordingly, Th17 cells generated from A and G donors produced similar amounts of Th17 cytokines. However, IL-23-mediated Th17 cell effector function was impaired, as Th17 cells from A allele carriers had significantly reduced IL-23-induced IL-17A production and STAT3 phosphorylation compared to G allele carriers. Our functional analysis of a human disease-associated gene variant demonstrates that IL23R R381Q exerts its protective effects through selective attenuation of IL-23-induced Th17 cell effector function without interfering with Th17 differentiation, and highlights its importance in the protection against IL-23-induced tissue pathologies. PMID:21364948

  14. The IL23R R381Q gene variant protects against immune-mediated diseases by impairing IL-23-induced Th17 effector response in humans.

    PubMed

    Di Meglio, Paola; Di Cesare, Antonella; Laggner, Ute; Chu, Chung-Ching; Napolitano, Luca; Villanova, Federica; Tosi, Isabella; Capon, Francesca; Trembath, Richard C; Peris, Ketty; Nestle, Frank O

    2011-02-22

    IL-23 and Th17 cells are key players in tissue immunosurveillance and are implicated in human immune-mediated diseases. Genome-wide association studies have shown that the IL23R R381Q gene variant protects against psoriasis, Crohn's disease and ankylosing spondylitis. We investigated the immunological consequences of the protective IL23R R381Q gene variant in healthy donors. The IL23R R381Q gene variant had no major effect on Th17 cell differentiation as the frequency of circulating Th17 cells was similar in carriers of the IL23R protective (A) and common (G) allele. Accordingly, Th17 cells generated from A and G donors produced similar amounts of Th17 cytokines. However, IL-23-mediated Th17 cell effector function was impaired, as Th17 cells from A allele carriers had significantly reduced IL-23-induced IL-17A production and STAT3 phosphorylation compared to G allele carriers. Our functional analysis of a human disease-associated gene variant demonstrates that IL23R R381Q exerts its protective effects through selective attenuation of IL-23-induced Th17 cell effector function without interfering with Th17 differentiation, and highlights its importance in the protection against IL-23-induced tissue pathologies.

  15. Sitagliptin inhibit human lymphocytes proliferation and Th1/Th17 differentiation in vitro.

    PubMed

    Pinheiro, Marcelo Maia; Stoppa, Caroline Lais; Valduga, Claudete Justina; Okuyama, Cristina Eunice; Gorjão, Renata; Pereira, Regina Mara Silva; Diniz, Susana Nogueira

    2017-03-30

    Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a new class of anti-diabetic agents that are widely used in clinical practice to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. DPP-4 is also known as lymphocyte cell surface protein, CD26, and plays an important role in T-cell immunity. Recent studies suggest that DPP-4 inhibitors improve beta-cell function and attenuate autoimmunity in type 1 diabetic mouse models. To investigate the direct effect of DPP4 in immune response, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy volunteers were obtained by Ficoll gradient and cultivated in the absence (control) or presence of phytohemagglutinin (PHA), or stimulated with PHA and treated with sitagliptin. The immune modulation mechanisms analyzed were: cell proliferation, by MTT assay; cytokine quantification by ELISA or cytometric bead array (CBA), Th1/Th2/Th17 phenotyping by flow cytometric analysis and CD26 gene expression by real time PCR. The results showed that sitagliptin treatment inhibited the proliferation of PBMC-PHA stimulated cells in a dose dependent manner and decreased CD26 expression by these cells, suggesting that sitagliptin may interfere in CD26 expression, dimerization and cell signaling. Sitagliptin treatment not only inhibited IL-10 (p<0.05) and IFN-gamma (p=0.07) cytokines, but also completely abolish IL-6 expression by PBMCs (p<0.001). On the other hand, IL-4 were secreted in culture supernatants from sitagliptin treated cells. A statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in the ratio of TGF-beta/proliferation index after sitagliptin treatment (2627.97±1351.65), when comparing to untreated cells (646.28±376.94), was also demonstrated, indicating higher TGF-beta1 production by viable cells in cultures. Sitagliptin treatment induced a significantly (p<0.05) decrease in IL-17 and IFN-gamma intracellular expression compared with PHA alone. Also, the percentage of T CD4 + IL-17 + , T CD4 + IFNgamma + and T CD4 + IL-4 + cells were significantly reduced (p<0.05) by sitagliptin. Our data demonstrated an immunosuppressive effect of sitagliptin on Th1, Th17 and Th2 lymphocytes differentiation that leads to the generation of regulatory TGF-beta1 secreting cells with low CD26 gene expression that may influence the state of pancreatic beta-cells and controlling DM1 patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Bupleurum chinense extract ameliorates an OVA-induced murine allergic asthma through the reduction of the Th2 and Th17 cytokines production by inactivation of NFκB pathway.

    PubMed

    Bui, Thi Tho; Piao, Chun Hua; Song, Chang Ho; Shin, Hee Soon; Chai, Ok Hee

    2017-07-01

    Bupleurum chinense belongs to the Bupleurum spp. family that has been used in traditional herbal medicine for over thousand years. It has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, hepato-protective, antipyretic, analgesic, anti-fibrotic and immunomodulatory effect. However, the effect of B. Chinense on allergic asthma remains unclear. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of B. Chinense extracts (BCE) on airway inflammation in asthmatic mice model. In the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma model, we evaluated the number of total cells, differential inflammatory cells and the production of proinflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung homogenate as well as histological structure. The levels of NFκB p65, IκBα, p-NFκB p65, p-IκBα and the total immunoglobulin (Ig) E, anti-OVA IgE, anti-OVA IgG were also examined. The oral administration of 200mg/kg BCE inhibited the accumulation of inflammatory cells especially eosinophils in BALF. Also, BCE regulated the imbalance of Th1, Th2 and Th17-related production, with attenuated the expression of GATA3, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, TNF-α and RORγt, IL-17A in BALF and lung homogenate, meanwhile, up-regulated the secretion of INF-γ in lung homogenate. The levels of IgE, anti-OVA IgE, anti-OVA IgG1 and anti-OVA IgG2a were also suppressed by BCE treatment in serum. Futhermore, BCE inhibited the proinflammatory cytokines via inactivation of NFκB p65 phosphorylation and IκBα degradation in cytoplasm. The histological analysis showed that the infiltration of inflammatory cells, mucus hypersecretion and collagen fiber deposits were ameliorated in BCE treated mice. In addition, BCE induced the functional differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells forward to Th1 and Tr1 through producing INF-γ and IL-10. These results suggest that BCE may have therapeutic potential for treating allergic asthma through inhibiting Th2/Th17 cytokines production by inactivation of NFκB pathway. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  17. Enhancement of CD147 on M1 macrophages induces differentiation of Th17 cells in the lung interstitial fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Geng, Jie-jie; Zhang, Kui; Chen, Li-na; Miao, Jin-lin; Yao, Meng; Ren, Ying; Fu, Zhi-guang; Chen, Zhi-nan; Zhu, Ping

    2014-09-01

    Lung interstitial fibrosis is a chronic lung disease, and few effective therapies are available to halt or reverse the progression of the disease. In murine and human lung fibrosis, the expression of CD147 is increased. However, the role of CD147 in lung fibrosis has not been identified, and it remains to be determined whether lung fibrosis would be improved by decreasing the expression of CD147. A murine bleomycin-induced lung interstitial fibrosis model was used in the experiments, and HAb18 mAbs and CsA were administered during the induction of lung fibrosis. In our study, we found that the HAb18 mAbs markedly reduced the collagen score and down-regulated M1 macrophages and Th17 cells. In vitro, flow cytometry analysis showed that M1 macrophages induced higher Th17 differentiation than M2 macrophages. After treatment with HAb18 mAbs or after reducing the expression of CD147 by lentivirus interference in M1 macrophages, the level of Th17 cells were significantly inhibited. In conclusion, HAb18 mAbs or CsA treatment ameliorates lung interstitial fibrosis. CD147 promoted M1 macrophage and induced the differentiation of Th17 cells in lung interstitial fibrosis, perhaps by regulating some cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12 and IL-23. These results indicated that CD147 may play an important role in the development of lung interstitial fibrosis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Interleukin-18: a regulator of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

    PubMed

    Esmailbeig, Maryam; Ghaderi, Abbas

    2017-11-01

    Interleukin (IL)-18, structurally similar to IL-1β, is a member of IL-1 superfamily of cytokines. This cytokine, which is expressed by many human lymphoid and nonlymphoid cells, has an important role in inflammatory processes. The main function of IL-18 is mediated through induction of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) secretion from T helper (Th1) cells. This cytokine synergistically with IL-12 contributes to Th1 differentiation and, therefore, is important in host defense mechanisms against intracellular bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Recent evidences showing the involvement of IL-18 in Th2 differentiation and ultimately IgE production from B cells have shed a new insight on the dual effects of IL-18 on Th1 and Th2 inflammatory responses. IL-18 in combination with IL-12 can activate cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), as well as natural killer (NK) cells, to produce IFN-γ and, therefore, may contribute to tumor immunity. The biological activity of IL-18 is not limited to these cells, but it also plays a role in development of Th17 cell responses. IL-18 synergistically with IL-23 can induce IL-17 secretion from Th17 cells. The diverse biological activity of IL-18 on T-cell subsets and other immune cells has made this cytokine a good target for investigating its role in various inflammatory-based diseases. Lately, the discovery of IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), a physiological inhibitor of IL-18 and a hallmark of IL-18 biology, made this cytokine an attractive target for studying its pros and cons in the treatment of various diseases. In recent years, the biology, genetics, and pathological role of IL-18 have been studied in a number of diseases. In this article, we aimed to present an updated review on these aspects regarding the contribution of IL-18 to important diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, and inflammatory-mediated conditions including allergic diseases, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis. Emerging data indicating prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic features of IL-18 and its related molecules will also be discussed.

  19. Role of Melatonin in the Regulation of Differentiation of T Cells Producing Interleukin-17 (Th17).

    PubMed

    Kuklina, E M; Glebezdina, N S; Nekrasova, I V

    2016-03-01

    We studied the ability of melatonin in physiological and pharmacological concentrations to induce and/or regulate differentiation of T cells producing IL-17 (Th17). This hormone produced the opposite effect on CD4+T cells, which depended on their activation status. Melatonin induced the synthesis of IL-17A by intact T cells, but had little effect on activated cells. Melatonin in high (pharmacological) concentration decreased the intracellular expression of this cytokine under conditions of polyclonal activation. Melatonin had a dose-depended effect. Taking into the fact that Th17 cells play an important role in the immune defense, it can be suggested that the regulation of their activity by melatonin contributes to this process.

  20. Aging-dependent DNA hypermethylation and gene expression of GSTM1 involved in T cell differentiation.

    PubMed

    Yeh, Shu-Hui; Liu, Cheng-Ling; Chang, Ren-Chieh; Wu, Chih-Chiang; Lin, Chia-Hsueh; Yang, Kuender D

    2017-07-25

    This study investigated whether aging was associated with epigenetic changes of DNA hypermethylation on immune gene expression and lymphocyte differentiation. We screened CG sites of methylation in blood leukocytes from different age populations, picked up genes with age-related increase of CG methylation content more than 15%, and validated immune related genes with CG hypermethylation involved in lymphocyte differentiation in the aged population. We found that 12 genes (EXHX1、 IL-10、 TSP50、 GSTM1、SLC5A5、SPI1、F2R、LMO2、PTPN6、FGFR2、MMP9、MET) were associated with promoter or exon one DNA hypermethylation in the aged group. Two immune related genes, GSTM1 and LMO2, were chosen to validate its aging-related CG hypermethylation in different leukocytes. We are the first to validate that GSTM1_P266 and LMO2_E128 CG methylation contents in T lymphocytes but not polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) or mononuclear cells (MNCs) were significantly increased in the aged population. The GSTM1 mRNA expression in T lymphocytes but not PMNs or MNCs was inversely associated with the GSTM1 CG hypermethylation levels in the aged population studied. Further studies showed that lower GSTM1 CG methylation content led to the higher GSTM1 mRNA expression in T cells and knockdown of GSTM1 mRNA expression decreased type 1 T helper cell (Th1) differentiation in Jurkat T cells and normal adult CD4 T cells. The GSTM1_P266 hypermethylation in the aged population associated with lower GSTM1 mRNA expression was involved in Th1 differentiation, highlighting that modulation of aging-associated GSTM1 methylation may be able to enhance T helper cell immunity in the elders.

  1. Ubiquitin Ligases and Deubiquitinating Enzymes in CD4+ T Cell Effector Fate Choice and Function.

    PubMed

    Layman, Awo A K; Oliver, Paula M

    2016-05-15

    The human body is exposed to potentially pathogenic microorganisms at barrier sites such as the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. To mount an effective response against these pathogens, the immune system must recruit the right cells with effector responses that are appropriate for the task at hand. Several types of CD4(+) T cells can be recruited, including Th cells (Th1, Th2, and Th17), T follicular helper cells, and regulatory T cells. These cells help to maintain normal immune homeostasis in the face of constantly changing microbes in the environment. Because these cells differentiate from a common progenitor, the composition of their intracellular milieu of proteins changes to appropriately guide their effector function. One underappreciated process that impacts the levels and functions of effector fate-determining factors is ubiquitylation. This review details our current understanding of how ubiquitylation regulates CD4(+) T cell effector identity and function. Copyright © 2016 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

  2. Regnase-1 and Roquin Nonredundantly Regulate Th1 Differentiation Causing Cardiac Inflammation and Fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Cui, Xiaotong; Mino, Takashi; Yoshinaga, Masanori; Nakatsuka, Yoshinari; Hia, Fabian; Yamasoba, Daichi; Tsujimura, Tohru; Tomonaga, Keizo; Suzuki, Yutaka; Uehata, Takuya; Takeuchi, Osamu

    2017-12-15

    Regnase-1 and Roquin are RNA binding proteins that are essential for degradation of inflammatory mRNAs and maintenance of immune homeostasis. Although deficiency of either of the proteins leads to enhanced T cell activation, their functional relationship in T cells has yet to be clarified because of lethality upon mutation of both Regnase-1 and Roquin. By using a Regnase-1 conditional allele, we show that mutations of both Regnase-1 and Roquin in T cells leads to massive lymphocyte activation. In contrast, mutation of either Regnase-1 or Roquin affected T cell activation to a lesser extent than the double mutation, indicating that Regnase-1 and Roquin function nonredundantly in T cells. Interestingly, Regnase-1 and Roquin double-mutant mice suffered from severe inflammation and early formation of fibrosis, especially in the heart, along with the increased expression of Ifng , but not Il4 or Il17a Consistently, mutation of both Regnase-1 and Roquin leads to a huge increase in the Th1, but not the Th2 or Th17, population in spleens compared with T cells with a single Regnase-1 or Roquin deficiency. Regnase-1 and Roquin are capable of repressing the expression of a group of mRNAs encoding factors involved in Th1 differentiation, such as Furin and Il12rb1 , via their 3' untranslated regions. Moreover, Regnase-1 is capable of repressing Roquin mRNA. This cross-regulation may contribute to the synergistic control of T cell activation/polarization. Collectively, our results demonstrate that Regnase-1 and Roquin maintain T cell immune homeostasis and regulate Th1 polarization synergistically. Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

  3. RORγt antagonist suppresses M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-induced Sjögren's syndrome-like sialadenitis.

    PubMed

    Tahara, M; Tsuboi, H; Segawa, S; Asashima, H; Iizuka-Koga, M; Hirota, T; Takahashi, H; Kondo, Y; Matsui, M; Matsumoto, I; Sumida, T

    2017-02-01

    We showed recently that M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3R)-reactive CD3 + T cells play a pathogenic role in the development of murine autoimmune sialadenitis (MIS), which mimics Sjögren's syndrome (SS). The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness and mechanism of action of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-gamma t (RORγt) antagonist (A213) in MIS. Splenocytes from M3R knockout (M3R -/- ) mice immunized with murine M3R peptide mixture were inoculated into recombination-activating gene 1 knockout (Rag-1 -/- ) mice (M3R -/- →Rag-1 -/- ) with MIS. Immunized M3R -/- mice (pretransfer treatment) and M3R -/- →Rag-1 -/- mice (post-transfer treatment) were treated with A213 every 3 days. Salivary volume, severity of sialadenitis and cytokine production from M3R peptide-stimulated splenocytes and lymph node cells were examined. Effects of A213 on cytokine production were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and on T helper type 1 (Th1), Th17 and Th2 differentiation from CD4 + T cells by flow cytometry. Pretransfer A213 treatment maintained salivary volume, improved MIS and reduced interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-17 production significantly compared with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (P < 0·05). These suppressive effects involved CD4 + T cells rather than CD11c + cells. Post-transfer treatment with A213 increased salivary volume (P < 0·05), suppressed MIS (P < 0·005) and reduced IFN-γ and IL-17 production (P < 0·05). In vitro, A213 suppressed IFN-γ and IL-17 production from M3R-stimulated splenocytes and CD4 + T cells of immunized M3R -/- mice (P < 0·05). In contrast with M3R specific responses, A213 suppressed only IL-17 production from Th17 differentiated CD4 + T cells without any effect on Th1 and Th2 differentiation in vitro. Our findings suggested that RORγt antagonism is potentially suitable treatment strategy for SS-like sialadenitis through suppression of IL-17 and IFN-γ production by M3R-specific T cells. © 2016 British Society for Immunology.

  4. Utility of Th1-cell immune responses for distinguishing active tuberculosis from non-active tuberculosis: A case-control study

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Lifan; Cheng, Xinhe; Bian, Sainan; Song, Yanhua; Li, Qiang; Gao, Mengqiu; Zhang, Yueqiu; Shi, Xiaochun

    2017-01-01

    Currently available Interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) cannot reliably differentiate active TB (ATB) from non-active TB (non-ATB). A study was performed to evaluate the value of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) specific Th1 cell immune responses which test IFN-γ and IL-2 simultaneous for differentiating ATB from non-ATB. Forty-nine newly diagnosed inpatients with ATB (26 pulmonary TB and 23 extrapulmonary TB) were enrolled as the ATB group. Forty-five volunteers with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and twenty with evidence of previous TB were enrolled during the same period as the non-ATB group. Clinical examination and MTB specific Th1 cell immune responses were performed for all participants. After being stimulated with ESAT-6 and CFP-10, the median frequencies of single IL-2-, single IFN-γ-, and dual IFN-γ/IL-2-secreting T-cells were all higher in the ATB group than in the non-ATB group (20(8–45) vs. 7(3–13), P<0.001;131(44–308) vs. 10(6–27), P<0.001;25(9–74) vs. 7(3–23), P = 0.001, respectively). Evaluation of the diagnostic performance of detecting single IFN-γ-secreting T cells for pulmonary TB employed a cutoff value of 35 iSFCs/250,000 PBMC. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were 92.3%, 80.0%, 64.9%, 96.3%, 4.62, and 0.10, respectively. For extrapulmonary TB, using a cutoff value of 23 iSFCs/ 250,000 PBMC, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, PLR, and NLR were 91.3%, 76.9%, 58.3%, 96.2%, 3.96, and 0.11, respectively. When combining frequencies and proportion of single IFN-γ-secreting T cells, the test sensitivity was 100% in parallel tests and the specificity was 87.7% in serial tests for pulmonary TB. MTB specific Th1 cell immune responses (FluoroSpot) had value for the differentiation of ATB and non-ATB. Further confirmatory studies are indicated. PMID:28531231

  5. MicroR-146 blocks the activation of M1 macrophage by targeting signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 in hepatic schistosomiasis.

    PubMed

    He, Xing; Tang, Rui; Sun, Yue; Wang, Yan-Ge; Zhen, Kui-Yang; Zhang, Dong-Mei; Pan, Wei-Qing

    2016-11-01

    Schistosomiasis is a chronic disease caused by the parasite of the Schistosoma genus and is characterized by egg-induced hepatic granulomas and fibrosis. Macrophages play a central role in schistosomiasis with several studies highlighting their differentiation into M2 cells involved in the survival of infected mice through limitation of immunopathology. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms of regulating macrophage differentiation. Here, we showed that the early stage of infection by Schistosoma japonicum induced expression of type 1T-helper-cell (Th1) cytokine, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), leading to increase in M1 cells. However, the presence of liver-trapped eggs induced the expression of Th2 cytokines including interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-10, and IL-13 that upregulated the transcription of miR-146b by activating signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/6 (STAT3/6) that bind to the promoter of the pre-miR-146b gene. We found that the miR-146a/b was significantly upregulated in macrophages during the progression of hepatic schistosomiasis. The elevated miR-146a/b inhibited the IFN-γ-induced differentiation of macrophages to M1 cells through targeting STAT1. Our data indicate the protective roles of miR-146a/b in hepatic schistosomiasis through regulating the differentiation of macrophages into M2 cells. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Curcumin attenuates the scurfy-induced immune disorder, a model of IPEX syndrome, with inhibiting Th1/Th2/Th17 responses in mice.

    PubMed

    Lee, Gihyun; Chung, Hwan-Suck; Lee, Kyeseok; Lee, Hyeonhoon; Kim, Minhwan; Bae, Hyunsu

    2017-09-15

    Immunodysregulation polyendocrinopathy enteropathy X-linked syndrome (IPEX) is a lethal autoimmune disease caused by mutations in the Foxp3 gene scurfin (scurfy). Immunosuppressive therapy for IPEX patients has been generally ineffective and has caused severe side effects, however curcumin has shown immune regulation properties for inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel diseases without side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether curcumin would attenuate symptoms of IPEX in mouse model and would prolong its survival period. C57BL/6 mice were separated into scurfy or wild-type litter mate groups by genotyping, and each group subsequently was separated into 2 subgroups that were fed a 1% curcumin containing or normal diet from the last day of breast-feeding. After weaning, pups were fed either a 1% curcumin containing or normal diet until all scurfy mice die for survival data. To elucidate immune cell proportions in spleen and lymph nodes, cells were analyzed by flowcytometry. Cellular cytokine production was accessed to investigate the effects of curcumin in T cell differentiation in vitro. Scurfy mice fed a 1% curcumin diet survived 4.0-fold longer compared to scurfy (92.5 days) mice fed a normal diet (23 days). A curcumin diet decreased all of the Th1/Th2/Th17 cell populations and attenuated diverse symptoms such as splenomegaly in scurfy mice. In vitro experiments showed that curcumin treatment directly decreased the Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine production of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17A in CD4 + T cells. Curcumin diet attenuated the scurfy-induced immune disorder, a model of IPEX syndrome, by inhibiting Th1/Th2/Th17 responses in mice. These results have implications for improving clinical therapy for patients with IPEX and other T cell related autoimmune diseases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  7. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zheng, Xiaodan; School of Medicine and Life Science, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Science, Jinan; Guo, Yuqi

    Purpose: Inefficient T-cell reconstitution from x-ray–induced immune damage reduces antitumor response. To understand the profile of T-cell reconstitution after irradiation will overcome the barrier of antitumor immunity. This study aimed to identify the recovery profile of T-cell subsets following x-ray irradiation and to highlight the role of cinnamon on efficient T-cell restoration postexposure in the antitumor response. Methods and Materials: CD3{sup +}, CD8{sup +}, and CD4{sup +} T cells and Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cells were evaluated at different time points after single low-dose total body irradiation (SLTBI) with or without cinnamon treatments. T-bet, GATA3, RORγt, and Foxp3more » signaling specific for Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg were also analyzed by RT-PCR assay. The effects of cinnamon on efficient T-cell subset reconstitution was confirmed in a lung melanoma model in irradiated mice. Results: Reconstitution of CD4{sup +} T cells was delayed more than that of CD8{sup +} T cells in T-cell restoration after SLTBI. The production of IFNγ by Th1 or Tc1 cells was sharply decreased and was accompanied by reduced T-bet mRNA, even when total T-cell numbers had recovered; the frequencies of Th17 and Treg cells and their specific transcription factors (RORγt and Foxp3, respectively) were obviously increased. Irradiation-induced inefficient T-cell reconstitution impaired the antitumor capacities in the lung melanoma model. Pretreatment with cinnamon in irradiated mice accelerated the generation of Th1 and reduced the differentiation of Treg cells by activating T-bet and limiting transcriptions of Foxp3. Improvement resulting from cinnamon pretreatment on the efficient T-cell recovery profile from SLTBI promoted antitumor immunity in the lung melanoma model. Conclusions: T-cell reconstitution from SLTBI was characterized by impaired Th1 and elevated Th17 and Treg cells. Cinnamon effectively improved the imbalance of T-cell subsets by promoting the proliferation of Th1 and by suppressing expansions of Th17 and Tregs. The role of cinnamon in efficient T-cell reconstitution from SLTBI is effective in antitumor immunity.« less

  8. Cholinergic and dopaminergic neuronal differentiation of human adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells.

    PubMed

    Marei, Hany El Sayed; El-Gamal, Aya; Althani, Asma; Afifi, Nahla; Abd-Elmaksoud, Ahmed; Farag, Amany; Cenciarelli, Carlo; Thomas, Caceci; Anwarul, Hasan

    2018-02-01

    Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that can differentiate into various cell types such as cartilage, bone, and fat cells. Recent studies have shown that induction of MSCs in vitro by growth factors including epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) causes them to differentiate into neural like cells. These cultures also express ChAT, a cholinergic marker; and TH, a dopaminergic marker for neural cells. To establish a protocol with maximum differentiation potential, we examined MSCs under three experimental culture conditions using neural induction media containing FGF2, EGF, BMP-9, retinoic acid, and heparin. Adipose-derived MSCs were extracted and expanded in vitro for 3 passages after reaching >80% confluency, for a total duration of 9 days. Cells were then characterized by flow cytometry for CD markers as CD44 positive and CD45 negative. MSCs were then treated with neural induction media and were characterized by morphological changes and Q-PCR. Differentiated MSCs expressed markers for immature and mature neurons; β Tubulin III (TUBB3) and MAP2, respectively, showing the neural potential of these cells to differentiate into functional neurons. Improved protocols for MSCs induction will facilitate and ensure the reproducibility and standard production of MSCs for therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. Interaction of RNA-binding protein HuR and miR-466i regulates GM-CSF expression.

    PubMed

    Chen, Jing; Adamiak, William; Huang, Ganlei; Atasoy, Ulus; Rostami, Abdolmohamad; Yu, Shiguang

    2017-12-08

    Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) produced by T helper 17 (Th17) cells plays an essential role in autoimmune diseases. Transcriptional regulation of Th17 cell differentiation has been extensively studied, but post-transcriptional regulation of Th17 cell differentiation has remained less well characterized. The RNA-binding protein HuR functions to promote the stability of target mRNAs via binding the AU-rich elements of the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-4, IL-13, IL-17 and TNF-α. However, whether HuR regulates GM-CSF expression in Th17 cells has not been fully investigated. Here we showed that HuR conditional knockout (KO) Th17 cells have decreased GM-CSF mRNA in comparison with wild-type (WT) Th17 cells, and that HuR binds directly to GM-CSF mRNA 3'UTR. Interestingly, HuR deficiency increased the levels of certain microRNA expression in Th17 cells; for example, miR-466i functioned to mediate GM-CSF and IL-17 mRNA decay, which was confirmed by in vitro luciferase assay. Furthermore, we found that HuR promoted Mxi1 expression to inhibit certain miRNA expression. Taken together, these findings indicate that interaction of HuR and miR-466i orchestrates GM-CSF expression in Th17 cells.

  10. TCR Signal Strength Regulates Akt Substrate Specificity To Induce Alternate Murine Th and T Regulatory Cell Differentiation Programs.

    PubMed

    Hawse, William F; Boggess, William C; Morel, Penelope A

    2017-07-15

    The Akt/mTOR pathway is a key driver of murine CD4 + T cell differentiation, and induction of regulatory T (Treg) cells results from low TCR signal strength and low Akt/mTOR signaling. However, strong TCR signals induce high Akt activity that promotes Th cell induction. Yet, it is unclear how Akt controls alternate T cell fate decisions. We find that the strength of the TCR signal results in differential Akt enzymatic activity. Surprisingly, the Akt substrate networks associated with T cell fate decisions are qualitatively different. Proteomic profiling of Akt signaling networks during Treg versus Th induction demonstrates that Akt differentially regulates RNA processing and splicing factors to drive T cell differentiation. Interestingly, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) L or hnRNP A1 are Akt substrates during Treg induction and have known roles in regulating the stability and splicing of key mRNAs that code for proteins in the canonical TCR signaling pathway, including CD3ζ and CD45. Functionally, inhibition of Akt enzymatic activity results in the dysregulation of splicing during T cell differentiation, and knockdown of hnRNP L or hnRNP A1 results in the lower induction of Treg cells. Together, this work suggests that a switch in substrate specificity coupled to the phosphorylation status of Akt may lead to alternative cell fates and demonstrates that proteins involved with alternative splicing are important factors in T cell fate decisions. Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

  11. Different competitive capacities of Stat4- and Stat6-deficient CD4+ T cells during lymphophenia-driven proliferation.

    PubMed

    Sanchez-Guajardo, Vanesa; Borghans, José A M; Marquez, Maria-Elena; Garcia, Sylvie; Freitas, Antonio A

    2005-02-01

    The outcome of an immune response relies on the competitive capacities acquired through differentiation of CD4(+) T cells into Th1 or Th2 effector cells. Because Stat4 and Stat6 proteins are implicated in the Th1 vs Th2 generation and maintenance, respectively, we compare in this study the kinetics of Stat4(-/-) and Stat6(-/-) CD4(+) T cells during competitive bone marrow reconstitution and lymphopenia-driven proliferation. After bone marrow transplantation, both populations reconstitute the peripheral T cell pools equally well. After transfer into lymphopenic hosts, wild-type and Stat6(-/-) CD4(+) T cells show a proliferation advantage, which is early associated with the expression of an active phospho-Stat4 and the down-regulation of Stat6. Despite these differences, Stat4- and Stat6-deficient T cells reach similar steady state numbers. However, when both Stat4(-/-) and Stat6(-/-) CD4(+) T cells are coinjected into the same hosts, the Stat6(-/-) cells become dominant and out-compete Stat4(-/-) cells. These findings suggest that cell activation, through the Stat4 pathway and the down-regulation of Stat6, confers to pro-Th1 T cells a slight proliferation advantage that in a competitive situation has major late repercussions, because it modifies the final homeostatic equilibrium of the populations and favors the establishment of Th1 CD4(+) T cell dominance.

  12. Relative Contributions of B Cells and Dendritic Cells from Lupus-Prone Mice to CD4+ T Cell Polarization.

    PubMed

    Choi, Seung-Chul; Xu, Zhiwei; Li, Wei; Yang, Hong; Roopenian, Derry C; Morse, Herbert C; Morel, Laurence

    2018-05-01

    Mouse models of lupus have shown that multiple immune cell types contribute to autoimmune disease. This study sought to investigate the involvement of B cells and dendritic cells in supporting the expansion of inflammatory and regulatory CD4 + T cells that are critical for lupus pathogenesis. We used lupus-prone B6.NZM2410.Sle1.Sle2.Sle3 (TC) and congenic C57BL/6J (B6) control mice to investigate how the genetic predisposition of these two cell types controls the activity of normal B6 T cells. Using an allogeneic in vitro assay, we showed that TC B1-a and conventional B cells expanded Th17 cells significantly more than their B6 counterparts. This expansion was dependent on CD86 and IL-6 expression and mapped to the Sle1 lupus-susceptibility locus. In vivo, TC B cells promoted greater differentiation of CD4 + T cells into Th1 and follicular helper T cells than did B6 B cells, but they limited the expansion of Foxp3 regulatory CD4 + T cells to a greater extent than did B6 B cells. Finally, when normal B6 CD4 + T cells were introduced into Rag1 -/- mice, TC myeloid/stromal cells caused their heightened activation, decreased Foxp3 regulatory CD4 + T cell differentiation, and increased renal infiltration of Th1 and Th17 cells in comparison with B6 myeloid/stromal cells. The results show that B cells from lupus mice amplify inflammatory CD4 + T cells in a nonredundant manner with myeloid/stromal cells. Copyright © 2018 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

  13. T cells and cytokines in the pathogenesis of acquired myasthenia gravis.

    PubMed

    Milani, Monica; Ostlie, Norma; Wang, Wei; Conti-Fine, Bianca M

    2003-09-01

    Although the symptoms of myasthenia gravis (MG) and experimental MG (EAMG) are caused by autoantibodies, CD4(+) T cells specific for the target antigen, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, and the cytokines they secrete, have an important role in these diseases. CD4(+) T cells have a pathogenic role, by permitting and facilitating the synthesis of high-affinity anti-AChR antibodies. Th1 CD4(+) cells are especially important because they drive the synthesis of anti-AChR complement-fixing IgG subclasses. Binding of those antibodies to the muscle AChR at the neuromuscular junction will trigger the complement-mediated destruction of the postsynaptic membrane. Thus, IL-12, a crucial cytokine for differentiation of Th1 cells, is necessary for development of EAMG. Th2 cells secrete different cytokines, with different effects on the pathogenesis of EAMG. Among them, IL-10, which is a potent growth and differentiation factor for B cells, facilitates the development of EAMG. In contrast, IL-4 appears to be involved in the differentiation of AChR-specific regulatory CD4(+) T cells, which can prevent the development of EAMG and its progression to a self-maintaining, chronic autoimmune disease. Studies on the AChR-specific CD4(+) cells commonly present in the blood of MG patients support a crucial role of CD4(+) T cells in the development of MG. Circumstantial evidence supports a pathogenic role of IL-10 also in human MG. On the other hand, there is no direct or circumstantial evidence yet indicating a role of IL-4 in the modulatory or immunosuppressive circuits in MG.

  14. Oral Treatment with Extract of Agaricus blazei Murill Enhanced Th1 Response through Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Suppressed OVA-Sensitized Allergy in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Bouike, Go; Nishitani, Yosuke; Shiomi, Hideyuki; Yoshida, Masaru; Azuma, Takeshi; Hashimoto, Takashi; Kanazawa, Kazuki; Mizuno, Masashi

    2011-01-01

    To clarify the mechanism of the antiallergic activity of Agaricus blazei Murill extract (ABME), the present paper used an in vivo allergy model and an in vitro intestinal gut model. During OVA sensitization, the serum IgE levels decreased significantly in ABME group. Interleukin (IL)-4 and -5 produced from OVA-restimulated splenocytes was significantly decreased, and anti-CD3ε/CD28 antibody treatment also reduced IL-10, -4, and -5 production and increased IFN-γ production in ABME group. These results suggest that oral administration of ABME improves Th1/Th2 balance. Moreover, a coculture system constructed of Caco-2 cells and splenocytes from OT-II mice or RAW 264.7 cells indicated that the significant increases in IFN-γ production by ABME treatment. Therefore, it was concluded that the antiallergic activity of ABME was due to the activation of macrophages by epithelial cells and the promotion of the differentiation of naïve T cells into Th1 cells in the immune. PMID:20953432

  15. Programmed cell death 1 inhibits inflammatory helper T-cell development through controlling the innate immune response

    PubMed Central

    Rui, Yuxiang; Honjo, Tasuku; Chikuma, Shunsuke

    2013-01-01

    Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) is an inhibitory coreceptor on immune cells and is essential for self-tolerance because mice genetically lacking PD-1 (PD-1−/−) develop spontaneous autoimmune diseases. PD-1−/− mice are also susceptible to severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), characterized by a massive production of effector/memory T cells against myelin autoantigen, the mechanism of which is not fully understood. We found that an increased primary response of PD-1−/− mice to heat-killed mycobacteria (HKMTB), an adjuvant for EAE, contributed to the enhanced production of T-helper 17 (Th17) cells. Splenocytes from HKMTB-immunized, lymphocyte-deficient PD-1−/− recombination activating gene (RAG)2−/− mice were found to drive antigen-specific Th17 cell differentiation more efficiently than splenocytes from HKMTB-immunized PD-1+/+ RAG2−/− mice. This result suggested PD-1’s involvement in the regulation of innate immune responses. Mice reconstituted with PD-1−/− RAG2−/− bone marrow and PD-1+/+ CD4+ T cells developed more severe EAE compared with the ones reconstituted with PD-1+/+ RAG2−/− bone marrow and PD-1+/+ CD4+ T cells. We found that upon recognition of HKMTB, CD11b+ macrophages from PD-1−/− mice produced very high levels of IL-6, which helped promote naive CD4+ T-cell differentiation into IL-17–producing cells. We propose a model in which PD-1 negatively regulates antimycobacterial responses by suppressing innate immune cells, which in turn prevents autoreactive T-cell priming and differentiation to inflammatory effector T cells. PMID:24043779

  16. Thyroid hormone negatively regulates CDX2 and SOAT2 mRNA expression via induction of miRNA-181d in hepatic cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yap, Chui Sun; Sinha, Rohit Anthony; Ota, Sho

    2013-11-01

    Highlights: •Thyroid hormone induces miR-181d expression in human hepatic cells and mouse livers. •Thyroid hormone downregulates CDX2 and SOAT2 (or ACAT2) via miR-181d. •miR-181d reduces cholesterol output from human hepatic cells. -- Abstract: Thyroid hormones (THs) regulate transcription of many metabolic genes in the liver through its nuclear receptors (TRs). Although the molecular mechanisms for positive regulation of hepatic genes by TH are well understood, much less is known about TH-mediated negative regulation. Recently, several nuclear hormone receptors were shown to downregulate gene expression via miRNAs. To further examine the potential role of miRNAs in TH-mediated negative regulation, we usedmore » a miRNA microarray to identify miRNAs that were directly regulated by TH in a human hepatic cell line. In our screen, we discovered that miRNA-181d is a novel hepatic miRNA that was regulated by TH in hepatic cell culture and in vivo. Furthermore, we identified and characterized two novel TH-regulated target genes that were downstream of miR-181d signaling: caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2) and sterol O-acyltransferase 2 (SOAT2 or ACAT2). CDX2, a known positive regulator of hepatocyte differentiation, was regulated by miR-181d and directly activated SOAT2 gene expression. Since SOAT2 is an enzyme that generates cholesteryl esters that are packaged into lipoproteins, our results suggest miR-181d plays a significant role in the negative regulation of key metabolic genes by TH in the liver.« less

  17. Role of IL-22– and TNF-α–Producing Th22 Cells in Uveitis Patients with Behçet’s Disease

    PubMed Central

    Kawazoe, Yuko; Imai, Ayano; Kawaguchi, Tatsushi; Horie, Shintaro; Keino, Hiroshi; Takahashi, Masayo; Mochizuki, Manabu

    2013-01-01

    Behçet’s disease is a systemic inflammatory disorder with recurrent episodes of oral ulceration, skin lesions, genital ulceration, and intraocular inflammation (uveitis). The intraocular inflammation is strictly associated with Th effector cells. IL-22 is a member of the IL-10 cytokine family that is involved in inflammatory processes. Recently, Th22 cells were identified as a Th cell population that produces IL-22 and TNF-α and are distinct from Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells. In this study, we established Th22-type T cell clones from ocular samples taken from Behçet’s disease patients with active uveitis. These clones produced large amounts of IL-22 and TNF-α but not the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ and the Th17 cytokine IL-17. CD4+ T cells from the peripheral blood of Behçet’s disease patients differentiated into Th22 cells in the presence of IL-6 and TNF-α in vitro. The polarized Th22 cell lines produced large amounts of IL-22, and the polarized Th1 and Th17 cells also produced IL-22. In the presence of anti–TNF-α– and anti–IL-6–blocking Abs, Behçet’s disease Th22-type T cells failed to produce IL-22. In addition, infliximab-pretreated Th22 cells and Th22-type ocular T cells produced less IL-22 and TNF-α. Moreover, IL-22–producing T cells were isolated from mice with experimental autoimmune uveitis, an animal model of Behçet’s disease, and the intraocular T cells from uveitis models produced large amounts of IL-22 in the presence of retinal Ags. Our results suggest that inflammatory cytokines IL-22 and TNF-α may play a key role in the ocular immune response in Behçet’s disease. PMID:23630362

  18. [Pathogenic Mechanism and Diagnostic Testing for Drug Allergies].

    PubMed

    Uno, Katsuji

    2018-01-01

     Three stages of the pathogenic mechanism of drug allergies can be considered: antigen formation, immune reaction and inflammation/disorder reaction. Drugs are thought to form 4 types of antigens: drug only, polymers, drug-carrier conjugates, and metabolite-carrier complexes. Antigens are recognized by B cell receptors and T cell receptors. Helper T cells (Th) are differentiated into four subsets, namely, Th1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory T cells (Treg). Th1 produces interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ, and activates macrophages and cytotoxic T cells (Tc). Macrophages induce type IV allergies, and Tc lead to serious type IV allergies. On the other hand, Th2 produces IL-4, IL-5, and IL-6, etc., and activates B cells. B cells produce IgE antibodies, and the IgE antibody affects mast cells and induces type I allergies. Activated eosinophil leads to the chronic state of type I allergy. Diagnostic testing for allergenic drugs is necessary for patients with drug allergies. Because in vivo diagnostic tests for allergenic drugs are associated with a risk and burden to the patient, in vitro allergy tests are recommended to identify allergenic drugs. In allergy tests performed in vitro, cytological tests are more effective than serological tests, and the leukocyte migration test (LMT) presently has the highest efficacy. An LMT-chamber is better than LMT-agarose in terms of usability and sensitivity, and it can detect about 80% of allergenic drugs.

  19. The Concerted Action of Type 2 and Type 3 Deiodinases Regulates the Cell Cycle and Survival of Basal Cell Carcinoma Cells.

    PubMed

    Miro, Caterina; Ambrosio, Raffaele; De Stefano, Maria Angela; Di Girolamo, Daniela; Di Cicco, Emery; Cicatiello, Annunziata Gaetana; Mancino, Giuseppina; Porcelli, Tommaso; Raia, Maddalena; Del Vecchio, Luigi; Salvatore, Domenico; Dentice, Monica

    2017-04-01

    Thyroid hormones (THs) mediate pleiotropic cellular processes involved in metabolism, cellular proliferation, and differentiation. The intracellular hormonal environment can be tailored by the type 1 and 2 deiodinase enzymes D2 and D3, which catalyze TH activation and inactivation respectively. In many cellular systems, THs exert well-documented stimulatory or inhibitory effects on cell proliferation; however, the molecular mechanisms by which they control rates of cell cycle progression have not yet been entirely clarified. We previously showed that D3 depletion or TH treatment influences the proliferation and survival of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cells. Surprisingly, we also found that BCC cells express not only sustained levels of D3 but also robust levels of D2. The aim of the present study was to dissect the contribution of D2 to TH metabolism in the BCC context, and to identify the molecular changes associated with cell proliferation and survival induced by TH and mediated by D2 and D3. We used the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to genetically deplete D2 and D3 in BCC cells and studied the consequences of depletion on cell cycle progression and on cell death. Cell cycle progression was analyzed by fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis of synchronized cells, and the apoptosis rate by annexin V incorporation. Mechanistic investigations revealed that D2 inactivation accelerates cell cycle progression thereby enhancing the proportion of S-phase cells and cyclin D1 expression. Conversely, D3 mutagenesis drastically suppressed cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis of BCC cells. Furthermore, the basal apoptotic rate was oppositely regulated in D2- and D3-depleted cells. Our results indicate that BCC cells constitute an example in which the TH signal is finely tuned by the concerted expression of opposite-acting deiodinases. The dual regulation of D2 and D3 expression plays a critical role in cell cycle progression and cell death by influencing cyclin D1-mediated entry into the G1-S phase. These findings reinforce the concept that TH is a potential therapeutic target in human BCC.

  20. Retinoic Acid Is Essential for Th1 Cell Lineage Stability and Prevents Transition to a Th17 Cell Program

    PubMed Central

    Brown, Chrysothemis C.; Esterhazy, Daria; Sarde, Aurelien; London, Mariya; Pullabhatla, Venu; Osma-Garcia, Ines; al-Bader, Raya; Ortiz, Carla; Elgueta, Raul; Arno, Matthew; de Rinaldis, Emanuele; Mucida, Daniel; Lord, Graham M.; Noelle, Randolph J.

    2015-01-01

    Summary CD4+ T cells differentiate into phenotypically distinct T helper cells upon antigenic stimulation. Regulation of plasticity between these CD4+ T-cell lineages is critical for immune homeostasis and prevention of autoimmune disease. However, the factors that regulate lineage stability are largely unknown. Here we investigate a role for retinoic acid (RA) in the regulation of lineage stability using T helper 1 (Th1) cells, traditionally considered the most phenotypically stable Th subset. We found that RA, through its receptor RARα, sustains stable expression of Th1 lineage specifying genes, as well as repressing genes that instruct Th17-cell fate. RA signaling is essential for limiting Th1-cell conversion into Th17 effectors and for preventing pathogenic Th17 responses in vivo. Our study identifies RA-RARα as a key component of the regulatory network governing maintenance and plasticity of Th1-cell fate and defines an additional pathway for the development of Th17 cells. PMID:25769610

  1. IL-6-mediated environmental conditioning of defective Th1 differentiation dampens antitumour immune responses in old age.

    PubMed

    Tsukamoto, Hirotake; Senju, Satoru; Matsumura, Keiko; Swain, Susan L; Nishimura, Yasuharu

    2015-04-07

    Decline in immune function and inflammation concomitantly develop with ageing. Here we focus on the impact of this inflammatory environment on T cells, and demonstrate that in contrast to successful tumour elimination in young mice, replenishment of tumour-specific CD4(+) T cells fails to induce tumour regression in aged hosts. The impaired antitumour effect of CD4(+) T cells with their defective Th1 differentiation in an aged environment is restored by interleukin (IL)-6 blockade or IL-6 deficiency. IL-6 blockade also restores the impaired ability of CD4(+) T cells to promote CD8(+) T-cell-dependent tumour elimination in aged mice, which requires IFN-γ. Furthermore, IL-6-stimulated production of IL-4/IL-21 through c-Maf induction is responsible for impaired Th1 differentiation. IL-6 also contributes to IL-10 production from CD4(+) T cells in aged mice, causing attenuated responses of CD8(+) T cells. These findings suggest that IL-6 serves as an extrinsic factor counteracting CD4(+) T-cell-mediated immunity against tumour in old age.

  2. Transforming growth factor-beta controls T helper type 1 cell development through regulation of natural killer cell interferon-gamma.

    PubMed

    Laouar, Yasmina; Sutterwala, Fayyaz S; Gorelik, Leonid; Flavell, Richard A

    2005-06-01

    Interferon-gamma and interleukin 12 produced by the innate arm of the immune system are important regulators of T helper type 1 (T(H)1) cell development, but signals that negatively regulate their expression remain controversial. Here we show that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) controlled T(H)1 differentiation through the regulation of interferon-gamma produced by natural killer (NK) cells. Blockade of TGF-beta signaling in NK cells caused the accumulation of a large pool of NK cells secreting copious interferon-gamma, responsible for T(H)1 differentiation and protection from leishmania infection. In contrast, blockade of TGF-beta signaling in dendritic cells did not affect dendritic cell homeostasis or interleukin 12 production, thus indicating a previously undescribed demarcation of the function of TGF-beta in NK cells versus dendritic cells.

  3. 1α,25(OH)2-Vitamin D3 Inhibits C2C12 Cell Differentiation by Activating c-Src and ERK1/2.

    PubMed

    Wang, Zhonghua; Jiang, Aijun; Mei, Jingwei; Zhang, Xinyan

    2018-05-01

    The steroid hormone 1α,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1,25-D3) induced some biological responses through activation of MAPK cascades in various cell types. It seems that 1,25-D3 plays different roles at different stages of proliferating, differentiating, and differentiated C2C12 cells. We wanted to detect the effect of 1,25-D3 on myogenic differentiation and the role of ERK1/2 in differentiating stage induced by 2% horse serum with 1,25-D3. In this study, cells were induced to differentiate with 2% horse serum until the 7th day (with addition of 1,25-D3 every two days). The protein level of MHC (myosin heavy chain) and phosphorylation level of Src and ERK1/2 were determined with western blot. U0126 (MEK inhibitor) and PP2 (Src specific inhibitor) were used to confirm the relationship between 1,25-D3, MHC, Src, and ERK1/2. 1,25-D3 inhibited differentiation of C2C12 cells and fusion of myotubes by phosphorylating and activating Src and ERK1/2. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was inhibited, not only by U0126 but also by PP2 (a Src specific inhibitor) which led to the promotion of differentiation of C2C12 cells; however, U0126 did not inhibit Src phosphorylation. These results suggested that 1,25-D3 possibly inhibited C2C12 differentiation through Src and ERK1/2, and Src played an upstream role in this signaling pathway.

  4. Bacterially activated B-cells drive T cell differentiation towards Tr1 through PD-1/PD-L1 expression.

    PubMed

    Said, Sawsan Sudqi; Barut, Guliz Tuba; Mansur, Nesteren; Korkmaz, Asli; Sayi-Yazgan, Ayca

    2018-04-01

    Regulatory B cells (Bregs) play a crucial role in immunological tolerance primarily through the production of IL-10 in many diseases including autoimmune disorders, allergy, infectious diseases, and cancer. To date, various Breg subsets with overlapping phenotypes have been identified. However, the roles of Bregs in Helicobacter infection are largely unknown. In the present study, we investigate the phenotype and function of Helicobacter -stimulated B cells. Our results demonstrate that Helicobacter felis -stimulated IL-10- producing B cells (Hf stim - IL-10 + B) are composed of B10 and Transitional 2 Marginal Zone Precursor (T2-MZP) cells with expression of CD9, Tim-1, and programmed death 1 (PD-1). On the other hand, Helicobacter felis -stimulated IL-10- nonproducing B (Hf stim - IL-10 - B) cells are mainly marginal zone (MZ) B cells that express PD-L1 and secrete TGF-β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and IgM and IgG2b. Furthermore, we show that both Hf stim - IL-10 + B cells and Hf stim - IL-10 - B cells induce CD49b + LAG-3 + Tr1 cells. Here, we describe a novel mechanism for PD-1/PD-L1- driven B cell-dependent Tr1 cell differentiation. Finally, we explore the capability of Hf stim - IL-10 - B cells to induce Th17 cell differentiation, which we find to be dependent on TGF-β. Taken together, the current study demonstrates that Hf stim - B cells induce Tr1 cells through the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and Th17 cells by secreting TGF-β. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Effect of oxygen levels on the physiology of dendritic cells: implications for adoptive cell therapy.

    PubMed

    Futalan, Diahnn; Huang, Chien-Tze; Schmidt-Wolf, Ingo G H; Larsson, Marie; Messmer, Davorka

    2011-01-01

    Dendritic cell (DC)-based adoptive tumor immunotherapy approaches have shown promising results, but the incidence of tumor regression is low and there is an evident call for identifying culture conditions that produce DCs with a more potent Th1 potential. Routinely, DCs are differentiated in CO(2) incubators under atmospheric oxygen conditions (21% O(2)), which differ from physiological oxygen levels of only 3-5% in tissue, where most DCs reside. We investigated whether differentiation and maturation of DCs under physiological oxygen levels could produce more potent T-cell stimulatory DCs for use in adoptive immunotherapy. We found that immature DCs differentiated under physiological oxygen levels showed a small but significant reduction in their endocytic capacity. The different oxygen levels did not influence their stimuli-induced upregulation of cluster of differentiation 54 (CD54), CD40, CD83, CD86, C-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR or the secretion of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-10 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or a cytokine cocktail. However, DCs differentiated under physiological oxygen level secreted higher levels of IL-12(p70) after exposure to LPS or CD40 ligand. Immature DCs differentiated at physiological oxygen levels caused increased T-cell proliferation, but no differences were observed for mature DCs with regard to T-cell activation. In conclusion, we show that although DCs generated under atmospheric or physiological oxygen conditions are mostly similar in function and phenotype, DCs differentiated under physiological oxygen secrete larger amounts of IL-12(p70). This result could have implications for the use of ex vivo-generated DCs for clinical studies, since DCs differentiated at physiological oxygen could induce increased Th1 responses in vivo.

  6. Platelets Play Differential Role During the Initiation and Progression of Autoimmune Neuroinflammation

    PubMed Central

    Starossom, Sarah C.; Veremeyko, Tatyana; Yung, Amanda W. Y.; Dukhinova, Marina; Au, Cheryl; Lau, Alexander Y.; Weiner, Howard L.; Ponomarev, Eugene D.

    2015-01-01

    Rationale Platelets are known to participate in vascular pathologies; however, their role in neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiples sclerosis (MS) is unknown. Autoimmune CD4 T cells have been the main focus of studies of MS, although the factors that regulate T cell differentiation towards pathogenic Th1/Th17 phenotypes are not completely understood. Objectives We investigated the role of platelets in the modulation of CD4 T cell functions in MS patients and in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE), an animal model for MS. Methods and Results We found that early in MS and EAE platelets degranulated and produced a number of soluble factors serotonin (5HT), PF4 and PAF, which specifically stimulated differentiation of T cells towards pathogenic Th1, Th17 and IFN-γ/IL-17-producing CD4 T cells. At the later stages of MS and EAE platelets became exhausted in their ability to produce proinflammatory factors and stimulate CD4 T cells, but substantially increased their ability to form aggregates with CD4 T cells. Formation of platelet-CD4 T cell aggregates involved interaction of CD62P on activated platelets with adhesion molecule CD166 on activated CD4 T cells, contributing to downmodulation of CD4 T cell activation, proliferation and production of IFN-γ. Blocking of formation of platelet-CD4 T cell aggregates during progression of EAE substantially enhanced proliferation of CD4 T cell in the CNS and the periphery leading to exacerbation of the disease. Conclusion Our study indicates differential roles for platelets in the regulation of functions of pathogenic CD4 T cells during initiation and progression of CNS autoimmune inflammation. PMID:26294656

  7. Yellow fever vaccine YF-17D activates multiple dendritic cell subsets via TLR2, 7, 8, and 9 to stimulate polyvalent immunity.

    PubMed

    Querec, Troy; Bennouna, Soumaya; Alkan, Sefik; Laouar, Yasmina; Gorden, Keith; Flavell, Richard; Akira, Shizuo; Ahmed, Rafi; Pulendran, Bali

    2006-02-20

    The live attenuated yellow fever vaccine 17D (YF-17D) is one of the most effective vaccines available, with a 65-yr history of use in >400 million people globally. Despite this efficacy, there is presently no information about the immunological mechanisms by which YF-17D acts. Here, we present data that suggest that YF-17D activates multiple Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on dendritic cells (DCs) to elicit a broad spectrum of innate and adaptive immune responses. Specifically, YF-17D activates multiple DC subsets via TLRs 2, 7, 8, and 9 to elicit the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-12p40, IL-6, and interferon-alpha. Interestingly, the resulting adaptive immune responses are characterized by a mixed T helper cell (Th)1/Th2 cytokine profile and antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, distinct TLRs appear to differentially control the Th1/Th2 balance; thus, whilst MyD88-deficient mice show a profound impairment of Th1 cytokines, TLR2-deficient mice show greatly enhanced Th1 and Tc1 responses to YF-17D. Together, these data enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanism of action of YF-17D, and highlight the potential of vaccination strategies that use combinations of different TLR ligands to stimulate polyvalent immune responses.

  8. Influence of Oxygen Tension on Dopaminergic Differentiation of Human Fetal Stem Cells of Midbrain and Forebrain Origin

    PubMed Central

    Krabbe, Christina; Bak, Sara Thornby; Jensen, Pia; von Linstow, Christian; Martínez Serrano, Alberto; Hansen, Claus; Meyer, Morten

    2014-01-01

    Neural stem cells (NSCs) constitute a promising source of cells for transplantation in Parkinson's disease (PD), but protocols for controlled dopaminergic differentiation are not yet available. Here we investigated the influence of oxygen on dopaminergic differentiation of human fetal NSCs derived from the midbrain and forebrain. Cells were differentiated for 10 days in vitro at low, physiological (3%) versus high, atmospheric (20%) oxygen tension. Low oxygen resulted in upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor and increased the proportion of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-ir) cells in both types of cultures (midbrain: 9.1±0.5 and 17.1±0.4 (P<0.001); forebrain: 1.9±0.4 and 3.9±0.6 (P<0.01) percent of total cells). Regardless of oxygen levels, the content of TH-ir cells with mature neuronal morphologies was higher for midbrain as compared to forebrain cultures. Proliferative Ki67-ir cells were found in both types of cultures, but the relative proportion of these cells was significantly higher for forebrain NSCs cultured at low, as compared to high, oxygen tension. No such difference was detected for midbrain-derived cells. Western blot analysis revealed that low oxygen enhanced β-tubulin III and GFAP expression in both cultures. Up-regulation of β-tubulin III was most pronounced for midbrain cells, whereas GFAP expression was higher in forebrain as compared to midbrain cells. NSCs from both brain regions displayed less cell death when cultured at low oxygen tension. Following mictrotransplantation into mouse striatal slice cultures predifferentiated midbrain NSCs were found to proliferate and differentiate into substantial numbers of TH-ir neurons with mature neuronal morphologies, particularly at low oxygen. In contrast, predifferentiated forebrain NSCs microtransplanted using identical conditions displayed little proliferation and contained few TH-ir cells, all of which had an immature appearance. Our data may reflect differences in dopaminergic differentiation capacity and region-specific requirements of NSCs, with the dopamine-depleted striatum cultured at low oxygen offering an attractive micro-environment for midbrain NSCs. PMID:24788190

  9. Inactive Gingipains from P. gingivalis Selectively Skews T Cells toward a Th17 Phenotype in an IL-6 Dependent Manner.

    PubMed

    Glowczyk, Izabela; Wong, Alicia; Potempa, Barbara; Babyak, Olena; Lech, Maciej; Lamont, Richard J; Potempa, Jan; Koziel, Joanna

    2017-01-01

    Gingipain cysteine proteases are considered key virulence factors of Porphyromonas gingivalis . They significantly influence antibacterial and homeostatic functions of macrophages, neutrophils, the complement system, and cytokine networks. Recent data indicate the role of P. gingivalis in T cell differentiation; however, the involvement of gingipains in this process remains elusive. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of danger signals triggered by the gingipains on the generation of Th17 cells, which play a key role in protection against bacterial diseases but may cause chronic inflammation and bone resorption. To this end we compared the effects of the wild-type strain of P. gingivalis (W83) with its isogenic mutant devoid of gingipain activity (ΔKΔRAB), and bacterial cells pretreated with a highly-specific inhibitor of gingipains activity (KYTs). Antigen presenting cells (APCs), both professional (dendritic cells), and non-professional (gingival keratinocytes), exposed to viable bacteria expressed high amounts of cytokines (IL-6, IL-21, IL-23). These cytokines are reported to either stimulate or balance the Th17-dependent immune response. Surprisingly, cells infected with P. gingivalis devoid of gingipain activity showed increased levels of all tested cytokines compared to bacteria with fully active enzymes. The effect was dependent on both the reduction of cytokine proteolysis and the lack of cross-talk with other bacterial virulence factors, including LPS and fimbriae that induce de novo synthesis of cytokines. The profile of lymphocyte T differentiation from naive T cells showed enhanced generation of Th17 in response to bacteria with inactive gingipains. Moreover, we found that gingipain-dependent induction of Th17 cells was highly specific, since other T cell-subsets remained unchanged. Finally, inhibition of IL-6 signaling in dendritic cells led to a significant depletion of the Th17 population. Cumulatively, this study revealed a previously undisclosed role of gingipain activity in the process of Th17 differentiation reliant on blocking signaling through IL-6. Since inactivation of gingipains accelerates the skewing of T cells toward Th17 cells, which are detrimental in periodontitis, IL-6 signaling may serve as an attractive target for treatment of the disease.

  10. Effects of Feeder Cells on Dopaminergic Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Zhenqiang; Ma, Yanlin; Chen, Zhibin; Liu, Qian; Li, Qi; Kong, Deyan; Yuan, Kunxiong; Hu, Lan; Wang, Tan; Chen, Xiaowu; Peng, Yanan; Jiang, Weimin; Yu, Yanhong; Liu, Xinfeng

    2016-01-01

    Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) are used for the culture of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). MEFs and HFFs differed in their capacity to support the proliferation and pluripotency of hESCs and could affect cardiac differentiation potential of hESCs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of MEFs and HFFs feeders on dopaminergic differentiation of hESCs lines. To minimize the impact of culture condition variation, two hESCs lines were cultured on mixed feeder cells (MFCs, MEFs: HFFs = 1:1) and HFFs feeder, respectively, and then were differentiated into dopaminergic (DA) neurons under the identical protocol. Dopaminergic differentiation was evaluated by immunocytochemistry, quantitative fluorescent real-time PCR, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and patch clamp. Our results demonstrated that these hESCs-derived neurons were genuine and functional DA neurons. However, compared to hESCs line on MFCs feeder, hESCs line on HFFs feeder had a higher proportion of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive cells and expressed higher levels of FOXA2, PITX3, NURR1, and TH genes. In addition, the values of threshold intensity and threshold membrane potential of DA neurons from hESCs line on HFFs feeder were lower than those of DA neurons from hESCs line on the MFCs feeder. In conclusion, HFFs feeder not only facilitated the differentiation of hESCs cells into dopaminergic neurons, but also induced hESCs-derived DA neurons to express higher electrophysiological excitability. Therefore, feeder cells could affect not only dopaminergic differentiation potential of different hESCs lines, but also electrophysiological properties of hESCs-derived DA neurons. PMID:28066186

  11. Intrinsic atopic dermatitis (AD) shows similar Th2 and higher Th17 immune activation compared to extrinsic AD

    PubMed Central

    Suárez-Fariñas, M; Dhingra, N; Gittler, J; Shemer, A; Cardinale, I; de Guzman Strong, C; Krueger, JG; Guttman-Yassky, E

    2013-01-01

    Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is classified as extrinsic (ADe) and intrinsic (ADi), representing approximately 80% and 20% of patients, respectively. While sharing a similar clinical phenotype, only ADe is characterized by high serum IgE. Since most AD patients exhibit high IgE, an “allergic”/IgE-mediated disease pathogenesis was hypothesized. However, current models associate AD with T-cell activation, particularly Th2/Th22 polarization, and epidermal barrier defects. Objective To define if both variants share a common pathogenesis. Methods We stratified 51 severe AD patients as ADe (42) and ADi (9) (with similar mean disease activity/SCORAD), and analyzed the molecular and cellular skin pathology of lesional and non-lesional ADi and ADe using gene-expression (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Results A significant correlation between IgE levels and SCORAD (r=0.76, p<10−5) was found only in ADe. Marked infiltrates of T-cells and dendritic cells and corresponding epidermal alterations (K16, Mki67, S100A7/A8/A9) defined lesional skin of both variants. However, higher activation of all inflammatory axes (including Th2) was detected in ADi, particularly Th17 and Th22-cytokines. Positive correlations between Th17-related molecules and SCORAD were only found in ADi, while only ADe showed positive correlations between SCORAD and Th2-cytokines (IL-4, IL-5), and negative correlations with differentiation products (loricrin, periplakin). Conclusions Although differences in Th17 and Th22 activation exist between ADi and ADe, we identified common disease-defining features of T-cell activation, production of polarized cytokines, and keratinocyte responses to immune products. Our data indicate that a Th2 bias is not the sole cause of high IgE in ADe, with important implications for similar therapeutic interventions. Clinical Implications Both extrinsic and intrinsic AD variants might be treated with T-cell targeted therapeutics or agents that modify keratinocyte responses. PMID:23777851

  12. Serum levels of soluble CD30 are increased in ulcerative colitis (UC) but not in Crohn's disease (CD)

    PubMed Central

    Giacomelli, R; Passacantando, A; Parzanese, I; Vernia, P; Klidara, N; Cucinelli, F; Lattanzio, R; Santori, E; Cipriani, P; Caprilli, R; Tonietti, G

    1998-01-01

    Imbalance in Th1 and Th2 subsets and their derived cytokines seems to be involved in the immune abnormalities underlying UC and CD. CD30 is a member of the tumour necrosis factor/nerve growth receptor superfamily expressed on T cells producing Th2 cytokines and released as a soluble form. In this study high levels of soluble CD30 were found in sera of UC patients independently of disease activity. Furthermore, increased titres of soluble CD30 molecule were shown, in the same patients, by mitogen-stimulated cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Our data seem to indicate that an activation of Th2 immune response is involved in the pathogenesis of UC, but not of CD. Furthermore, this finding indicates that serum soluble CD30 measurement may be helpful for differentiating these two forms of inflammatory bowel disease. PMID:9528894

  13. Human Th17 Cells Lack HIV-Inhibitory RNases and Are Highly Permissive to Productive HIV Infection

    PubMed Central

    Christensen-Quick, Aaron; Lafferty, Mark; Sun, Lingling; Marchionni, Luigi; DeVico, Anthony

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects and depletes CD4+ T cells, but subsets of CD4+ T cells vary in their susceptibility and permissiveness to infection. For example, HIV preferentially depletes interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing T helper 17 (Th17) cells and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. The preferential loss of Th17 cells during the acute phase of infection impairs the integrity of the gut mucosal barrier, which drives chronic immune activation—a key determinant of disease progression. The preferential loss of Th17 cells has been attributed to high CD4, CCR5, and CXCR4 expression. Here, we show that Th17 cells also exhibit heightened permissiveness to productive HIV infection. Primary human CD4+ T cells were sorted, activated under Th17- or Th0-polarizing conditions and infected, and then analyzed by flow cytometry. Th17-polarizing cytokines increased HIV infection, and HIV infection was disproportionately higher among Th17 cells than among IL-17− or gamma interferon-positive (IFN-γ+) cells, even upon infection with a replication-defective HIV vector with a pseudotype envelope. Further, Th17-polarized cells produced more viral capsid protein. Our data also reveal that Th17-polarized cells have diminished expression of RNase A superfamily proteins, and we report for the first time that RNase 6 inhibits HIV. Thus, our findings link Th17 polarization to increased HIV replication. IMPORTANCE Our study compares the intracellular replicative capacities of several different HIV isolates among different T cell subsets, providing a link between the differentiation of Th17 cells and HIV replication. Th17 cells are of key importance in mucosal integrity and in the immune response to certain pathogens. Based on our findings and the work of others, we propose a model in which HIV replication is favored by the intracellular environment of two CD4+ T cell subsets that share several requirements for their differentiation: Th17 and Tfh cells. Characterizing cells that support high levels of viral replication (rather than becoming latently infected or undergoing cell death) informs the search for new therapeutics aimed at manipulating intracellular signaling pathways and/or transcriptional factors that affect HIV replication. PMID:27334595

  14. Inhibition of type 1 diabetes correlated to a Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2-mediated Th17 bias.

    PubMed

    Lau, Kenneth; Benitez, Patrick; Ardissone, Alexandria; Wilson, Tenisha D; Collins, Erin L; Lorca, Graciela; Li, Nan; Sankar, Dhyana; Wasserfall, Clive; Neu, Josef; Atkinson, Mark A; Shatz, Desmond; Triplett, Eric W; Larkin, Joseph

    2011-03-15

    Although it is known that resident gut flora contribute to immune system function and homeostasis, their role in the progression of the autoimmune disease type 1 diabetes (T1D) is poorly understood. Comparison of stool samples isolated from Bio-Breeding rats, a classic model of T1D, shows that distinct bacterial populations reside in spontaneous Bio-Breeding diabetes-prone (BBDP) and Bio-Breeding diabetes-resistant animals. We have previously shown that the oral transfer of Lactobacillus johnsonii strain N6.2 (LjN6.2) from Bio-Breeding diabetes-resistant to BBDP rodents conferred T1D resistance to BBDP rodents, whereas Lactobacillus reuteri strain TD1 did not. In this study, we show that diabetes resistance in LjN6.2-fed BBDP rodents was correlated to a Th17 cell bias within the mesenteric lymph nodes. The Th17 bias was not observed in the non-gut-draining axillary lymph nodes, suggesting that the Th17 bias was because of immune system interactions with LjN6.2 within the mesenteric lymph node. LjN6.2 interactions with the immune system were observed in the spleens of diabetes-resistant, LjN6.2-fed BBDP rats, as they also possessed a Th17 bias in comparison with control or Lactobacillus reuteri strain TD1-fed rats. Using C57BL/6 mouse in vitro assays, we show that LjN6.2 directly mediated enhanced Th17 differentiation of lymphocytes in the presence of TCR stimulation, which required APCs. Finally, we show that footpad vaccination of NOD mice with LjN6.2-pulsed dendritic cells was sufficient to mediate a Th17 bias in vivo. Together, these data suggest an interesting paradigm whereby T1D induction can be circumvented by gut flora-mediated Th17 differentiation.

  15. Expression of GRIM-19 in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion and possible pathogenesis.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yang; Cheng, Laiyang; Deng, Xiaohui; Yu, Hongling; Chao, Lan

    2018-05-08

    Is aberrant expression of gene associated with retinoid-interferon-induced mortality-19 (GRIM-19) associated with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA)? GRIM-19 deficiency may regulate regulatory T cell/ T helper 17 cell (Treg/Th17) balance partly through reactive oxygen species (ROS) - mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling axis in URSA. Immunological disorders may cause impaired maternal immune tolerance to the fetus and result in fetal rejection. The differentiation of Treg and Th17 cells is controlled by phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. GRIM-19 participates in the immune response, but its role in URSA is largely unknown. The current study included 28 URSA patients and 30 non-pregnant healthy women. The proportion of Treg and Th17 cells in peripheral blood of URSA patients and control subjects were assessed with flow cytometry. The expression of GRIM-19 in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) was measured with quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Furthermore, the ROS level in the PBLs of URSA patients and control subjects were assessed by 2'-7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining. Then, Akt/mTOR expression in the PBLs was measured. Downregulation of GRIM-19 in Jurkat cells was performed by specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). Then, intracellular ROS production and the expression of p-mTOR, which is known to enhance Th17 differentiation and decrease Treg cell differentiation, were detected. Finally, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was used to decrease the intracellular ROS level, and the expression of p-mTOR was measured. The proportion of Treg cells was reduced in URSA patients, whereas the proportion of Th17 cells was increased. The expression of GRIM-19 was significantly lower in PBLs of URSA patients. Furthermore, there is a considerable increase in intracellular ROS production and a high level of p-Akt and p-mTOR expression in the PBLs of URSA patients compared with the control subjects. In parallel to this, downregulation of GRIM-19 in the Jurkat cells by siRNA results in an increased ROS production and an increased expression of p-mTOR. Importantly, the upregulation of p-mTOR resulting from GRIM-19 loss was significantly reversed in the cells treatment with ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), indicating that ROS was indeed required for GRIM-19 depletion induced p-mTOR expression. None. A large number of researches have confirmed that the differentiation of Treg and Th17 cells is controlled by PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. We have not shown the regulatory role of ROS and PI3K/Akt/mTOR in Treg and Th17 differentiation in this study. Our study has demonstrated that GRIM-19 deficiency may play a role in regulating Treg/Th17 balance partly through ROS - mTOR signaling axis in URSA. The present study offers a new perspective to the roles of GRIM-19 in immunoregulation. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant numbers 81571511, 81701528, 81370711 and 30901603), the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation (grant number ZR2017PH052 and ZR2013HM090) and the Science Foundation of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Fundamental Research Funds of Shandong University (grant numbers 2015QLQN50 and 2015QLMS24). The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could prejudice the impartiality of the present research.

  16. Tacrolimus potently inhibits human osteoclastogenesis induced by IL-17 from human monocytes alone and suppresses human Th17 differentiation.

    PubMed

    Yago, Toru; Nanke, Yuki; Kawamoto, Manabu; Yamanaka, Hisashi; Kotake, Shigeru

    2012-08-01

    Tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf®) is an orally available, T cell specific and anti-inflammatory agent that has been proposed as a therapeutic drug in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. It has been known that T cells have a critical role in the pathogenesis of RA. Recent studies suggest that Th17 cells, which mainly produce IL-17, are involved in many autoimmune inflammatory disease including RA. The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of tacrolimus on IL-17-induced human osteoclastogenesis and human Th17 differentiation. Human CD14(+) monocytes were cultured in the presence of macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and IL-17. From day 4, tacrolimus was added to these cultures. Osteoclasts were immunohistologically stained for vitronectin receptor 10days later. IL-17 production from activated T cells stimulated with IL-23 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Th17 differentiation from naïve T cells was assayed by flow cytometry. Tacrolimus potently inhibited IL-17-induced osteoclastogenesis from human monocytes and osteoclast activation. Addition of tacrolimus also reduced production of IL-17 in human activated T cells stimulated with IL-23. Interestingly, the population of human IL-17(+)IFN-γ(-) CD4 T cells or IL-17(+)TNF-α(+) CD4 T cells were decreased by adding of tacrolimus. The present study demonstrates that the inhibitory effect of tacrolimus on IL-17-induced osteoclastogenesis from human monocytes. Tacrolimus also inhibited expression of IL-17 or TNF-α by reducing the proportion of Th17, suggesting that therapeutic effect on Th17-associated disease such as RA, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, or allograft rejection. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Triggering through NOD-2 Differentiates Bone Marrow Precursors to Dendritic Cells with Potent Bactericidal activity

    PubMed Central

    Khan, Nargis; Aqdas, Mohammad; Vidyarthi, Aurobind; Negi, Shikha; Pahari, Susanta; Agnihotri, Tapan; Agrewala, Javed N.

    2016-01-01

    Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity by activating naïve T cells. The role of pattern recognition receptors like Toll-Like Receptors and Nod-Like Receptors expressed on DCs is well-defined in the recognition of the pathogens. However, nothing is precisely studied regarding the impact of NOD-2 signaling during the differentiation of DCs. Consequently, we explored the role of NOD-2 signaling in the differentiation of DCs and therefore their capability to activate innate and adaptive immunity. Intriguingly, we observed that NOD-2 stimulated DCs (nDCs) acquired highly activated and matured phenotype and exhibited substantially greater bactericidal activity by robust production of nitric oxide. The mechanism involved in improving the functionality of nDCs was dependent on IFN-αβ signaling, leading to the activation of STAT pathways. Furthermore, we also observed that STAT-1 and STAT-4 dependent maturation and activation of DCs was under the feedback mechanism of SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 proteins. nDCs acquired enhanced potential to activate chiefly Th1 and Th17 immunity. Taken together, these results suggest that nDCs can be exploited as an immunotherapeutic agent in bolstering host immunity and imparting protection against the pathogens. PMID:27265209

  18. Reprogramming tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells for CD103+ CD8+ mucosal T-cell differentiation and breast cancer rejection.

    PubMed

    Wu, Te-Chia; Xu, Kangling; Banchereau, Romain; Marches, Florentina; Yu, Chun I; Martinek, Jan; Anguiano, Esperanza; Pedroza-Gonzalez, Alexander; Snipes, G Jackson; O'Shaughnessy, Joyce; Nishimura, Stephen; Liu, Yong-Jun; Pascual, Virginia; Banchereau, Jacques; Oh, Sangkon; Palucka, Karolina

    2014-05-01

    Our studies showed that tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells (DC) in breast cancer drive inflammatory Th2 (iTh2) cells and protumor inflammation. Here, we show that intratumoral delivery of the β-glucan curdlan, a ligand of dectin-1, blocks the generation of iTh2 cells and prevents breast cancer progression in vivo. Curdlan reprograms tumor-infiltrating DCs via the ligation of dectin-1, enabling the DCs to become resistant to cancer-derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), to produce IL-12p70, and to favor the generation of Th1 cells. DCs activated via dectin-1, but not those activated with TLR-7/8 ligand or poly I:C, induce CD8+ T cells to express CD103 (αE integrin), a ligand for cancer cells, E-cadherin. Generation of these mucosal CD8+ T cells is regulated by DC-derived integrin αvβ8 and TGF-β activation in a dectin-1-dependent fashion. These CD103+ CD8+ mucosal T cells accumulate in the tumors, thereby increasing cancer necrosis and inhibiting cancer progression in vivo in a humanized mouse model of breast cancer. Importantly, CD103+ CD8+ mucosal T cells elicited by reprogrammed DCs can reject established cancer. Thus, reprogramming tumor-infiltrating DCs represents a new strategy for cancer rejection.

  19. Reduced immunomodulation potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells induced CCR4+CCR6+ Th/Treg cell subset imbalance in ankylosing spondylitis

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Introduction Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune disease, and the precise pathogenesis is largely unknown at present. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory potential and Th17/Treg cells with a reciprocal relationship regulated by BMSCs have been reported to be involved in some autoimmune disorders. Here we studied the biological and immunological characteristics of BMSCs, the frequency and phenotype of CCR4+CCR6+ Th/Treg cells and their interaction in vitro in AS. Methods The biological and immunomodulation characteristics of BMSCs were examined by induced multiple-differentiation and two-way mixed peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) reactions or after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin, respectively. The interactions of BMSCs and PBMCs were detected with a direct-contact co-culturing system. CCR4+CCR6+ Th/Treg cells and surface markers of BMSCs were assayed using flow cytometry. Results The AS-BMSCs at active stage showed normal proliferation, cell viability, surface markers and multiple differentiation characteristics, but significantly reduced immunomodulation potential (decreased 68 ± 14%); the frequencies of Treg and Fox-P3+ cells in AS-PBMCs decreased, while CCR4+CCR6+ Th cells increased, compared with healthy donors. Moreover, the AS-BMSCs induced imbalance in the ratio of CCR4+CCR6+ Th/Treg cells by reducing Treg/PBMCs and increasing CCR4+CCR6+ Th/PBMCs, and also reduced Fox-P3+ cells when co-cultured with PBMCs. Correlation analysis showed that the immunomodulation potential of BMSCs has significant negative correlations with the ratio of CCR4+CCR6+ Th to Treg cells in peripheral blood. Conclusions The immunomodulation potential of BMSCs is reduced and the ratio of CCR4+CCR6+ Th/Treg cells is imbalanced in AS. The BMSCs with reduced immunomodulation potential may play a novel role in AS pathogenesis by inducing CCR4+CCR6+ Th/Treg cell imbalance. PMID:21338515

  20. TGF-β converts apoptotic stimuli into the signal for Th9 differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Takami, Mariko; Love, Robert B.; Iwashima, Makio

    2012-01-01

    Naturally arising CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (nTregs) play an essential role in maintenance of immune homeostasis and peripheral tolerance. Previously, we reported that conventional CD4+ and CD8+ T cells undergo p53-induced CD28-dependent apoptosis (PICA) when stimulated with a combination of immobilized anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies while nTregs expand robustly under the same conditions, suggesting that there is a differential survival mechanism against PICA between conventional T cells and nTregs. Here, we demonstrate that TGF-β signaling is required for nTregs to survive PICA. Conversely, when an active form of exogenous TGF-β is present, conventional T cells become resistant to PICA and undergo robust expansion instead of apoptosis, with reduction of the pro-apoptotic protein Bim and FoxO3a. A substantial fraction of PICA-resisted T cells expressed IL-9 (TH9 cells). Moreover, the presence of IL-6 along with TGF-β led to generation of TH17 cells from conventional T cells. Together, the data demonstrate a novel role for TGF-β in the homeostasis of Tregs and effector T cell differentiation/ expansion. PMID:22461692

  1. Ibrutinib-A double-edge sword in cancer and autoimmune disorders.

    PubMed

    Kokhaei, Parviz; Jadidi-Niaragh, Farhad; Sotoodeh Jahromi, Abdolreza; Osterborg, Anders; Mellstedt, Håkan; Hojjat-Farsangi, Mohammad

    2016-01-01

    Targeted therapies have appeared as new treatment options for several disease types, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. Of several targets, tyrosine kinases (TKs) are among the most promising. Overexpression of TKs provides a target for novel therapeutic agents, including small molecule inhibitors of tyrosine kinases (TKI). Ibrutinib (PCI-32765) is a TKI of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), a key kinase of the B-cell receptor signaling pathway that plays a significant role in the proliferation, differentiation and survival of B cells. In addition to inhibitory effects, recent studies have shown that ibrutinib has multiple immunomodulatory effects. It binds covalently to IL-2 inducible tyrosine kinase (Itk) in T lymphocytes and suppresses the survival of T-helper (Th) 2 cells. This changes the balance of Th1/Th2 cells toward Th1 subset, which are the main immune cells targeting tumor cells. The dual activity of ibrutinib has paid a great attention and several studies are evaluating the anti-tumor and immunomodulatory effects in cancer, autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases. In this article we review the inhibitory and immunomodulatory effects of ibrutinib in B-cell malignancies, autoimmune diseases and infections, as well as the communication between the Ror1 receptor tyrosine kinase and BCR and effects of ibrutinib on this crosstalk.

  2. Exosomes from heat-stressed tumour cells inhibit tumour growth by converting regulatory T cells to Th17 cells via IL-6.

    PubMed

    Guo, Danfeng; Chen, Yinghu; Wang, Shoujie; Yu, Lei; Shen, Yingying; Zhong, Haijun; Yang, Yunshan

    2018-05-01

    Exosomes derived from heat-stressed tumour cells (HS-TEXs), which contain abundant heat shock protein (HSP) 70, strongly induce antitumour immune responses. HSP70-induced interleukin (IL)-6 promotes IL-17 expression and causes rejection of established prostate tumours. However, it remains unclear whether HS-TEXs exhibit antitumour effects by converting regulatory T cells (T regs ) into T helper type 17 (Th17) cells. In this study, we found that compared with TEXs, HS-TEXs were more potent in stimulating secretion of IL-6 from dendritic cells. In vitro, IL-6 blocked tumour cell-derived transforming growth factor beta 1-induced T reg differentiation and promoted Th17 cell differentiation. HS-TEXs exerted strong antitumour effects, converting T regs into Th17 cells with high efficiency, a process that was entirely dependent upon IL-6. Neutralization of IL-17 completely abolished the antitumour effect of TEXs, but only partially inhibited that of HS-TEXs. In addition, we found higher levels of IL-6 and IL-17 in serum from tumour patients treated with hyperthermia, and an increase in Th17 cells and a decrease in T regs was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from these patients after hyperthermia. Therefore, our results demonstrate that HS-TEXs possess a powerful capacity to convert immunosuppressive T regs into Th17 cells via IL-6, which contributes to their potent antitumour effect. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  3. The RNA-binding protein xCIRP2 is involved in apoptotic tail regression during metamorphosis in Xenopus laevis tadpoles.

    PubMed

    Eto, Ko; Iwama, Tomoyuki; Tajima, Tatsuya; Abe, Shin-ichi

    2012-10-01

    Frog metamorphosis induced by thyroid hormone (TH) involves not only cell proliferation and differentiation in reconstituted organs such as limbs, but also apoptotic cell death in degenerated organs such as tails. However, the molecular mechanisms directing the TH-dependent cell fate determination remain unclear. We have previously identified from newts an RNA-binding protein (nRBP) acting as the regulator governing survival and death in germ cells during spermatogenesis. To investigate the molecular events leading the tail resorption during metamorphosis, we analyzed the expression, the functional role in apoptosis, and the regulation of xCIRP2, a frog homolog of nRBP, in tails of Xenopus laevis tadpoles. At the prometamorphic stage, xCIRP2 protein is expressed in fibroblast, epidermal, nerve, and muscular cells and localized in their cytoplasm. When spontaneous metamorphosis progressed, the level of xCIRP2 mRNA remained unchanged but the amount of the protein decreased. In organ cultures of tails at the prometamorphic stage, xCIRP2 protein decreased before their lengths shortened during TH-dependent metamorphosis. The inhibition of calpain or proteasome attenuated the TH-induced decrease of xCIRP2 protein in tails, impairing their regression. These results suggest that xCIRP2 protein is downregulated through calpain- and proteasome-mediated proteolysis in response to TH at the onset of metamorphosis, inducing apoptosis in tails and thereby degenerating them. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Decreased Vδ2 γδ T cells associated with liver damage by regulation of Th17 response in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

    PubMed

    Wu, Xiaoli; Zhang, Ji-Yuan; Huang, Ang; Li, Yuan-Yuan; Zhang, Song; Wei, Jun; Xia, Siyuan; Wan, Yajuan; Chen, Weiwei; Zhang, Zheng; Li, Yangguang; Wen, Ti; Chen, Yan; Tanaka, Yoshimasa; Cao, Youjia; Wang, Puyue; Zhao, Liqing; Wu, Zhenzhou; Wang, Fu-Sheng; Yin, Zhinan

    2013-10-15

     γδ T cells comprise a small subset of T cells and play a protective role against cancer and viral infections; however, their precise role in patients with chronic hepatitis B remains unclear.  Flow cytometry and immunofunctional assays were performed to analyze the impact of Vδ2 γδ (Vδ2) T cells in 64 immune-activated patients, 22 immune-tolerant carriers, and 30 healthy controls.  The frequencies of peripheral and hepatic Vδ2 T cells decreased with disease progression from immune tolerant to immune activated. In the latter group of patients, the decreases in peripheral and intrahepatic frequencies of Vδ2 T cells reversely correlated with alanine aminotransferase levels and histological activity index. These activated terminally differentiated memory phenotypic Vδ2 T cells exhibited impaired abilities in proliferation and chemotaxis, while maintained a relative intact interferon (IFN) γ production. Importantly, Vδ2 T cells, in vitro, significantly suppressed the production of cytokines associated with interleukin 17-producing CD4+ T (Th17) cells through both cell contact-dependent and IFN-γ-dependent mechanisms.  Inflammatory microenvironment in IA patients result in decreased numbers of Vδ2 T cells, which play a novel role by regulating the pathogenic Th17 response to protect the liver in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

  5. NLRP3 signaling drives macrophage-induced adaptive immune suppression in pancreatic carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Daley, Donnele; Mani, Vishnu R.; Mohan, Navyatha; Akkad, Neha; Savadkar, Shivraj; Lee, Ki Buom; Torres-Hernandez, Alejandro; Aykut, Berk; Diskin, Brian; Wang, Wei; Farooq, Mohammad S.; Mahmud, Arif I.; Werba, Gregor; Morales, Eduardo J.; Lall, Sarah; Rubin, Amanda G.; Berman, Matthew E.; Hundeyin, Mautin

    2017-01-01

    The tumor microenvironment (TME) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is characterized by immune tolerance, which enables disease to progress unabated by adaptive immunity. However, the drivers of this tolerogenic program are incompletely defined. In this study, we found that NLRP3 promotes expansion of immune-suppressive macrophages in PDA. NLRP3 signaling in macrophages drives the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into tumor-promoting T helper type 2 cell (Th2 cell), Th17 cell, and regulatory T cell populations while suppressing Th1 cell polarization and cytotoxic CD8+ T cell activation. The suppressive effects of NLRP3 signaling were IL-10 dependent. Pharmacological inhibition or deletion of NLRP3, ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD complex), or caspase-1 protected against PDA and was associated with immunogenic reprogramming of innate and adaptive immunity within the TME. Similarly, transfer of PDA-entrained macrophages or T cells from NLRP3−/− hosts was protective. These data suggest that targeting NLRP3 holds the promise for the immunotherapy of PDA. PMID:28442553

  6. Different roles of TGF-β in the multi-lineage differentiation of stem cells

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Ming-Ke; Sun, Hui-Qin; Xiang, Ying-Chun; Jiang, Fan; Su, Yong-Ping; Zou, Zhong-Min

    2012-01-01

    Stem cells are a population of cells that has infinite or long-term self-renewal ability and can produce various kinds of descendent cells. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family is a superfamily of growth factors, including TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3, bone morphogenetic proteins, activin/inhibin, and some other cytokines such as nodal, which plays very important roles in regulating a wide variety of biological processes, such as cell growth, differentiation, cell death. TGF-β, a pleiotropic cytokine, has been proved to be differentially involved in the regulation of multi-lineage differentiation of stem cells, through the Smad pathway, non-Smad pathways including mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT pathways and Rho-like GTPase signaling pathways, and their cross-talks. For instance, it is generally known that TGF-β promotes the differentiation of stem cells into smooth muscle cells, immature cardiomyocytes, chondrocytes, neurocytes, hepatic stellate cells, Th17 cells, and dendritic cells. However, TGF-β inhibits the differentiation of stem cells into myotubes, adipocytes, endothelial cells, and natural killer cells. Additionally, TGF-β can provide competence for early stages of osteoblastic differentiation, but at late stages TGF-β acts as an inhibitor. The three mammalian isoforms (TGF-β1, 2 and 3) have distinct but overlapping effects on hematopoiesis. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the regulatory effect of TGF-β in the stem cell multi-lineage differentiation is of importance in stem cell biology, and will facilitate both basic research and clinical applications of stem cells. In this article, we discuss the current status and progress in our understanding of different mechanisms by which TGF-β controls multi-lineage differentiation of stem cells. PMID:22993659

  7. Modulation of PC12 cell viability by forskolin-induced cyclic AMP levels through ERK and JNK pathways: an implication for L-DOPA-induced cytotoxicity in nigrostriatal dopamine neurons.

    PubMed

    Park, Keun Hong; Park, Hyun Jin; Shin, Keon Sung; Choi, Hyun Sook; Kai, Masaaki; Lee, Myung Koo

    2012-07-01

    The intracellular levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) increase in response to cytotoxic concentrations of L-DOPA in PC12 cells, and forskolin that induces intracellular cAMP levels either protects PC12 cells from L-DOPA-induced cytotoxicity or enhances cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner. This study investigated the effects of cAMP induced by forskolin on cell viability of PC12 cells, relevant to L-DOPA-induced cytotoxicity in Parkinson's disease therapy. The low levels of forskolin (0.01 and 0.1 μM)-induced cAMP increased dopamine biosynthesis and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) phosphorylation, and induced transient phosphorylation of ERK1/2 within 1 h. However, at the high levels of forskolin (1.0 and 10 μM)-induced cAMP, dopamine biosynthesis and TH phosphorylation did not increase, but rapid differentiation in neurite-like formation was observed with a steady state. The high levels of forskolin-induced cAMP also induced sustained increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation within 0.25-6 h and then led to apoptosis, which was apparently mediated by JNK1/2 and caspase-3 activation. Multiple treatment of PC12 cells with nontoxic L-DOPA (20 μM) for 4-6 days induced neurite-like formation and decreased intracellular dopamine levels by reducing TH phosphorylation. These results suggest that the low levels of forskolin-induced cAMP increased dopamine biosynthesis in cell survival via transient ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In contrast, the high levels of forskolin-induced cAMP induced differentiation via sustained ERK1/2 phosphorylation and then led to apoptosis. Taken together, the intracellular levels of cAMP play a dual role in cell survival and death through the ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 pathways in PC12 cells.

  8. Inhibition of the K+ channel KCa3.1 ameliorates T cell-mediated colitis.

    PubMed

    Di, Lie; Srivastava, Shekhar; Zhdanova, Olga; Ding, Yi; Li, Zhai; Wulff, Heike; Lafaille, Maria; Skolnik, Edward Y

    2010-01-26

    The calcium-activated K(+) channel KCa3.1 plays an important role in T lymphocyte Ca(2+) signaling by helping to maintain a negative membrane potential, which provides an electrochemical gradient to drive Ca(2+) influx. To assess the role of KCa3.1 channels in lymphocyte activation in vivo, we studied T cell function in KCa3.1(-/-) mice. CD4 T helper (i.e., Th0) cells isolated from KCa3.1(-/-) mice lacked KCa3.1 channel activity, which resulted in decreased T cell receptor-stimulated Ca(2+) influx and IL-2 production. Although loss of KCa3.1 did not interfere with CD4 T cell differentiation, both Ca(2+) influx and cytokine production were impaired in KCa3.1(-/-) Th1 and Th2 CD4 T cells, whereas T-regulatory and Th17 function were normal. We found that inhibition of KCa3.1(-/-) protected mice from developing severe colitis in two mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease, which were induced by (i) the adoptive transfer of mouse naïve CD4 T cells into rag2(-/-) recipients and (ii) trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Pharmacologic inhibitors of KCa3.1 have already been shown to be safe in humans. Thus, if these preclinical studies continue to show efficacy, it may be possible to rapidly test whether KCa3.1 inhibitors are efficacious in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

  9. Th9 Cells: Probable players in ulcerative colitis pathogenesis.

    PubMed

    Shohan, Mojtaba; Elahi, Shokrollah; Shirzad, Hedayatollah; Rafieian-Kopaei, Mahmoud; Bagheri, Nader; Soltani, Emad

    2018-04-19

    T lymphocytes represent an important part of adaptive immune system undertaking different functions to regulate immune responses. CD4+ T cells are the most important activator cells in inflammatory conditions. Depending on the type of induced cells and inflamed sites, expression and activity of different subtypes of helper T cells are changed. Recent studies have confirmed the existence of a new subset of helper T lymphocytes called Th9. Naive T cells can differentiate into Th9 subtypes if they are exposed simultaneously by interleukin (IL) 4 and transforming growth factor β and also secondary activation of a complicated network of transcription factors such as interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) and Smads which are essential for adequate induction of this phenotype. Th9 cells specifically produce interleukin 9 and their probable roles in promoting intestinal inflammation are being investigated in human subjects and experimental models of ulcerative colitis (UC). Recently, infiltration of Th9 cells, overexpression of IL-9, and certain genes associated with Th9 differentiation have been demonstrated in inflammatory microenvironment of UC. Intestinal oversecretion of IL-9 protein is likely to break down epithelial barriers and compromise tolerance to certain commensal microorganisms which leads to inflammation. Th9 pathogenicity has not yet been adequately explored in UC and they are far from being considered as inflammatory cells in this milieu, therefore precise understanding the role of these newly identified cells in particular their potential role in gut pathogenesis may enable us to develop novel therapeutic approaches for inflammatory bowel disease. So, this article tries to discuss the latest knowledge on the above-mentioned field.

  10. Short exposure of maturing, bone marrow-derived dendritic cells to norepinephrine: impact on kinetics of cytokine production and Th development.

    PubMed

    Maestroni, Georges J M

    2002-08-01

    The information gathered by dendritic cells (DC) during the innate immune response to a pathogen is determinant for the type of adaptive response. Here we show that short-term (3 h) exposure of bone marrow-derived DC to norepinephrine (NE), at the beginning of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) stimulation hampers IL-12 production and increases IL-10 release. The NE effect was mediated by both beta- and alpha2-adrenergic receptors. The capacity of NE-exposed DC to produce IL-12 upon CD40 cross-linking as well as to stimulate allogeneic T-helper (Th) lymphocytes was reduced. Adoptive transfer of NE-exposed DC induced a Th2 slanted response in vivo. Thus, a brief NE exposure of antigen-stimulated DC seems to limit their Th1 polarizing properties. Noteworthy, the ganglionic blocker pentolinium administered in mice before skin sensitization with fluoroscein isothiocyanate (FITC) could increase the Th1-type response in the draining lymph nodes. Our results suggest that the extent of Th differentiation in the response to an antigen might be influenced by the local sympathetic nervous activity in the early phase of dendritic cell stimulation.

  11. The Role of TNF Family Molecules Light in Cellular Interaction Between Airway Smooth Muscle Cells and T Cells During Chronic Allergic Inflammation.

    PubMed

    Shi, Fei; Xiong, Yi; Zhang, Yarui; Qiu, Chen; Li, Manhui; Shan, Aijun; Yang, Ying; Li, Binbin

    2018-06-01

    Interaction between T cells and airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells has been identified as an important factor in the development of asthma. LIGHT (known as TNFSF14) -mediated signaling likely contributes to various inflammatory disorders and airway remodeling. The objective of this study was to investigate the roles of LIGHT-mediated pathways in the interaction between ASM cells and T cells during chronic allergic inflammation. Mice were sensitized and challenged by ovalbumin (OVA) to induce chronic airway allergic inflammation. The control group received PBS only. The histological features and LIGHT expressions in lungs were assessed in vivo. Furthermore, T cells and ASM cells derived from the model mice were co-cultured both in the presence and absence of anti-LIGHT Ab for 72 h. The effects of LIGHT blockade on expressions of downstream signaling molecules, proliferation, and apoptosis of ASM cells, differentiation of T cells, and inflammatory cytokines release were evaluated. We demonstrated that LIGHT blockade strikingly inhibited the mRNA and protein expressions of HVEM, c-JUN, and NFκB. Additionally, LIGHT blockade resulted in decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of ASM cells. Moreover, depletion of LIGHT dramatically reduced the differentiation of CD4 + T cells into Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, as well as inhibited inflammatory cytokines release including IL-13, TGF-β, and IFN-γ, which are associated with CD4 + T cell differentiation and ASM cell proliferation. LIGHT plays an important role in the interaction between T cells and ASM cells in chronic allergic asthma. Blockade of LIGHT markedly suppressed ASM hyperplasia and inflammatory responses, which might be modulated through HVEM-NFκB or c-JUN pathways. Therefore, targeting LIGHT is a promising therapeutic strategy for airway inflammation and remodeling in chronic allergic asthma.

  12. IL-27 triggers IL-10 production in Th17 cells via a c-Maf/RORγt/Blimp-1 signal to promote the progression of endometriosis

    PubMed Central

    Chang, Kai-Kai; Liu, Li-Bing; Jin, Li-Ping; Zhang, Bing; Mei, Jie; Li, Hui; Wei, Chun-Yan; Zhou, Wen-Jie; Zhu, Xiao-Yong; Shao, Jun; Li, Da-Jin; Li, Ming-Qing

    2017-01-01

    Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease. The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 is also increased in endometriosis. IL-10 production by Th17 cells is critical for limiting autoimmunity and inflammatory responses. However, the mechanism of inducing IL-10-producing Th17 cells is still largely unknown. The present study investigated the differentiation mechanism and role of IL-10-producing Th17 cells in endometriosis. Here, we report that IL-10+Th17 cells are significantly increased in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis, along with an elevation of IL-27, IL-6 and TGF-β. Compared with peripheral CD4+ T cells, endometrial CD4+ T cells highly expressed IL-27 receptors, especially the ectopic endometrium. Under external (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, TCDD) and local (estrogen, IL-6 and TGF-β) environmental regulation, IL-27 from macrophages and endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) induces IL-10 production in Th17 cells in vitro and in vivo. This process may be mediated through the interaction between c-musculoaponeurotic fibrosarconna (c-Maf) and retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt), and associated with the upregulation of downstream B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1). IL-10+Th17 cells, in turn, stimulate the proliferation and implantation of ectopic lesions and accelerate the progression of endometriosis. These results suggest that IL-27 is a pivotal regulator in endometriotic immune tolerance by triggering Th17 cells to produce IL-10 and promoting the rapid growth and implantation of ectopic lesions. This finding provides a scientific basis for potential therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing the development of endometriosis, especially for patients with high levels of IL-10+Th17 cells. PMID:28300844

  13. Panax Notoginseng Saponin Controls IL-17 Expression in Helper T Cells

    PubMed Central

    Wei, Jia-Ru; Wen, Xiaofeng; Bible, Paul W.; Li, Zhiyu; Nussenblatt, Robert B.

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Purpose: Panax Notoginseng, a traditional Chinese medicine, is known as an anti-inflammatory herb. However, the molecular mechanism by which it controls helper T cell mediated immune responses is largely unknown. Methods: Naive CD4+ T cells isolated from healthy donors, patients with Behcet's disease, and C57BL/6 mice were polarized into Th1, Th17, and Treg cells. Proliferation and cytokine expression were measured in these cells with the presence or absence of Panax Notoginseng saponins (PNS). Genomewide expression profiles of Th1, Th17, and Treg cells were assessed using Affymetrix microarray analysis. Results: We found that PNS control the proliferation and differentiation of Th17 cells by globally downregulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines and cell cycle genes. Conclusions: These findings demonstrated that PNS function as an anti-inflammatory agent through directly targeting Th17 cell mediated immune response. PMID:28051353

  14. Inactive Gingipains from P. gingivalis Selectively Skews T Cells toward a Th17 Phenotype in an IL-6 Dependent Manner

    PubMed Central

    Glowczyk, Izabela; Wong, Alicia; Potempa, Barbara; Babyak, Olena; Lech, Maciej; Lamont, Richard J.; Potempa, Jan; Koziel, Joanna

    2017-01-01

    Gingipain cysteine proteases are considered key virulence factors of Porphyromonas gingivalis. They significantly influence antibacterial and homeostatic functions of macrophages, neutrophils, the complement system, and cytokine networks. Recent data indicate the role of P. gingivalis in T cell differentiation; however, the involvement of gingipains in this process remains elusive. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of danger signals triggered by the gingipains on the generation of Th17 cells, which play a key role in protection against bacterial diseases but may cause chronic inflammation and bone resorption. To this end we compared the effects of the wild-type strain of P. gingivalis (W83) with its isogenic mutant devoid of gingipain activity (ΔKΔRAB), and bacterial cells pretreated with a highly-specific inhibitor of gingipains activity (KYTs). Antigen presenting cells (APCs), both professional (dendritic cells), and non-professional (gingival keratinocytes), exposed to viable bacteria expressed high amounts of cytokines (IL-6, IL-21, IL-23). These cytokines are reported to either stimulate or balance the Th17-dependent immune response. Surprisingly, cells infected with P. gingivalis devoid of gingipain activity showed increased levels of all tested cytokines compared to bacteria with fully active enzymes. The effect was dependent on both the reduction of cytokine proteolysis and the lack of cross-talk with other bacterial virulence factors, including LPS and fimbriae that induce de novo synthesis of cytokines. The profile of lymphocyte T differentiation from naive T cells showed enhanced generation of Th17 in response to bacteria with inactive gingipains. Moreover, we found that gingipain-dependent induction of Th17 cells was highly specific, since other T cell-subsets remained unchanged. Finally, inhibition of IL-6 signaling in dendritic cells led to a significant depletion of the Th17 population. Cumulatively, this study revealed a previously undisclosed role of gingipain activity in the process of Th17 differentiation reliant on blocking signaling through IL-6. Since inactivation of gingipains accelerates the skewing of T cells toward Th17 cells, which are detrimental in periodontitis, IL-6 signaling may serve as an attractive target for treatment of the disease. PMID:28497028

  15. Rebamipide attenuates autoimmune arthritis severity in SKG mice via regulation of B cell and antibody production

    PubMed Central

    Byun, J-K; Moon, S-J; Jhun, J-Y; Kim, E-K; Park, J-S; Youn, J; Min, J-K; Park, S-H; Kim, H-Y; Cho, M-L

    2014-01-01

    Oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the therapeutic potential of rebamipide, a gastroprotective agent with a property of reactive oxygen species scavenger, on the development of inflammatory polyarthritis and the pathophysiological mechanisms by which rebamipide might confer anti-arthritic effects in SKG mice, an animal model of RA. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of rebamipide attenuated the severity of clinical and histological arthritis. Rebampide treatment reduced the number of T helper type 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17, inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS)+ follicular helper T (Tfh) transitional type (T2) and mature B cells in the spleen, but increased the number of regulatory T (Treg), CD19+ CD1dhigh CD5high, CD19+ CD25high forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ regulatory B (Breg) cells, memory B cells, and transitional type 1 (T1) B cells. In addition, flow cytometric analysis revealed significantly decreased populations of FAS+GL-7+ germinal centre B cells and B220− CD138+ plasma cells in the spleens of rebamipide-treated SKG mice compared to controls. Rebamipide decreased germinal centre B cells and reciprocally induced Breg cells in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Rebamipide-induced Breg cells had more suppressive capacity in relation to T cell proliferation and also inhibited Th17 differentiation from murine CD4+ T cells. Together, these data show that i.p. administration of rebamipide suppresses arthritis severity by inducing Breg and Treg cells and suppressing Tfh and Th17 cells in a murine model of RA. PMID:24749771

  16. The NZM2410-derived lupus susceptibility locus Sle2c1 increases TH17 polarization and induces nephritis in Fas-deficient mice

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Zhiwei; Cuda, Carla M.; Croker, Byron P.; Morel, Laurence

    2010-01-01

    Objective Sle2 is a lupus susceptibility locus that has been linked toglomerulonephritis in the NZM2410mouse. Byitself, Sle2 does not induce any autoimmune pathology, but results into the accumulation of B1a cells. This study was designed to assess the contribution of Sle2 to autoimmune pathogenesis. Methods Sle2 or its sub-congenic intervals (Sle2a, Sle2b and Sle2c) were bred to Fas-deficient B6.lpr mice. Lymphoid phenotypes, focused on T cells, were assessed by flow cytometry, and histopathology was compared between cohorts of B6.Sle2.lpr congenics and B6.lpr mice aged up to 6 mo old. Results Sle2 synergized with lpr, resulting in a greatly accelerated lymphadenopathy that largely targeted T cells, and mapped to the Sle2c1 locus. This locus has been identified as the main contributor to B1a cell expansion. Further analyses showed that Sle2c1 expression skewed the differentiation and polarization of Fas-deficient T cells, with a reduction of the CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cell subset and an expansion of the TH17 cells. This was associated with a high level of T cell infiltrates that promoted severe nephritis and dermatitis in the B6.Sle2c1.lpr mice. Conclusion These results show that Sle2c1 contributes to lupus pathogenesis by affecting T cell differentiation in combination with other susceptibility loci such as lpr. The significance of the co-segregation of this phenotype and B1a cell expansion in Sle2c1-expressing mice for lupus pathogenesis is discussed. PMID:21360506

  17. In vivo cartilage formation using chondrogenic-differentiated human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells mixed with fibrin glue.

    PubMed

    Jung, Sung-No; Rhie, Jong Won; Kwon, Ho; Jun, Young Joon; Seo, Je-Won; Yoo, Gyeol; Oh, Deuk Young; Ahn, Sang Tae; Woo, Jihyoun; Oh, Jieun

    2010-03-01

    Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were differentiated into chondrogenic MSCs, and fibrin glue was used together to explore the feasibility of whether cartilages can be generated in vivo by injecting the differentiated cells. Mesenchymal stem cells extracted from human adipose were differentiated into chondrogenic MSCs, and such differentiated cells mixed with fibrin glue were injected subcutaneously into the back of the nude mouse. In addition to visual evaluation of the tissues formed after 4, 8, and 12 weeks, hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, measurement of glycosaminoglycan concentration using dimethylmethylene blue, agreecan through reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, type II collagen, and expression of SOX-9 were verified. Moreover, the results were compared with 2 groups of controls: 1 control group that received only injection of chondrogenic-differentiated MSC and the supporting control group that received only fibrin glue injection. For the experimental group, cartilage-like tissues were formed after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Formation of cartilage tissues was not observed in any of 4, 8, and 12 weeks of the control group. The supporting control group had only a small structure formation after 4 weeks, but the formed structure was completely decomposed by the 8th and 12th weeks. The range of staining dramatically increased with time at 4, 8, and 12 weeks in Masson trichrome staining. The concentration of glycosaminoglycan also increased with time. The increased level was statistically significant with more than 3 times more after 8 weeks compared with 4 weeks and more than 2 times more after 12 weeks compared with 8 weeks. Also, in reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, all results expressed a cartilage-specific gene called aggrecan, type II collagen, and SOX-9. The study verified that the chondrogenic-differentiated MSCs derived from human adipose tissues with fibrin glue can proliferate and form new cartilage. Our findings suggest that formation of cartilages in vivo is possible.

  18. Th17 involvement in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

    PubMed

    Chackelevicius, Carla Melisa; Gambaro, Sabrina Eliana; Tiribelli, Claudio; Rosso, Natalia

    2016-11-07

    The nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. NAFLD encompasses a wide histological spectrum ranging from benign simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Sustained inflammation in the liver is critical in this process. Hepatic macrophages, including liver resident macropaghes (Kupffer cells), monocytes infiltrating the injured liver, as well as specific lymphocytes subsets play a pivotal role in the initiation and perpetuation of the inflammatory response, with a major deleterious impact on the progression of fatty liver to fibrosis. During the last years, Th17 cells have been involved in the development of inflammation not only in liver but also in other organs, such as adipose tissue or lung. Differentiation of a naïve T cell into a Th17 cell leads to pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production with subsequent myeloid cell recruitment to the inflamed tissue. Th17 response can be mitigated by T regulatory cells that secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines. Both T cell subsets need TGF-β for their differentiation and a characteristic plasticity in their phenotype may render them new therapeutic targets. In this review, we discuss the role of the Th17 pathway in NAFLD progression to NASH and to liver fibrosis analyzing different animal models of liver injury and human studies.

  19. Induction of appropriate Th-cell phenotypes: cellular decision-making in heterogeneous environments.

    PubMed

    van den Ham, H-J; Andeweg, A C; de Boer, R J

    2013-11-01

    Helper T (Th)-cell differentiation is a key event in the development of the adaptive immune response. By the production of a range of cytokines, Th cells determine the type of immune response that is raised against an invading pathogen. Th cells can adopt many different phenotypes, and Th-cell phenotype decision-making is crucial in mounting effective host responses. This review discusses the different Th-cell phenotypes that have been identified and how Th cells adopt a particular phenotype. The regulation of Th-cell phenotypes has been studied extensively using mathematical models, which have explored the role of regulatory mechanisms such as autocrine cytokine signalling and cross-inhibition between self-activating transcription factors. At the single cell level, Th responses tend to be heterogeneous, but corrections can be made soon after T-cell activation. Although pathogens and the innate immune system provide signals that direct the induction of Th-cell phenotypes, these instructive mechanisms could be easily subverted by pathogens. We discuss that a model of success-driven feedback would select the most appropriate phenotype for clearing a pathogen. Given the heterogeneity in the induction phase of the Th response, such a success-driven feedback loop would allow the selection of effective Th-cell phenotypes while terminating incorrect responses. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  20. Nuclear matrix protein SMAR1 control regulatory T-cell fate during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

    PubMed Central

    Mirlekar, B; Ghorai, S; Khetmalas, M; Bopanna, R; Chattopadhyay, S

    2015-01-01

    Regulatory T (Treg) cells are essential for self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. Transcription factor Foxp3, a positive regulator of Treg cell differentiation, has been studied to some extent. Signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3) is known to negatively regulate Foxp3. It is not clear how STAT3 is regulated during Treg differentiation. We show that SMAR1, a known transcription factor and tumor suppressor, is directly involved in maintaining Treg cell fate decision. T-cell-specific conditional knockdown of SMAR1 exhibits increased susceptibility towards inflammatory disorders, such as colitis. The suppressive function of Treg cells is compromised in the absence of SMAR1 leading to increased T helper type 17 (Th17) differentiation and inflammation. Compared with wild-type, the SMAR1−/− Treg cells showed increased susceptibility of inflammatory bowel disease in Rag1−/− mice, indicating the role of SMAR1 in compromising Treg cell differentiation resulting in severe colitis. We show that SMAR1 negatively regulate STAT3 expression favoring Foxp3 expression and Treg cell differentiation. SMAR1 binds to the MAR element of STAT3 promoter, present adjacent to interleukin-6 response elements. Thus Foxp3, a major driver of Treg cell differentiation, is regulated by SMAR1 via STAT3 and a fine-tune balance between Treg and Th17 phenotype is maintained. PMID:25993445

  1. Environmental and T cell-intrinsic factors limit the expansion of neonatal follicular T helper cells but may be circumvented by specific adjuvants.

    PubMed

    Mastelic, Béatris; Kamath, Arun T; Fontannaz, Paola; Tougne, Chantal; Rochat, Anne-Françoise; Belnoue, Elodie; Combescure, Christophe; Auderset, Floriane; Lambert, Paul-Henri; Tacchini-Cottier, Fabienne; Siegrist, Claire-Anne

    2012-12-15

    Follicular Th (T(FH)) cells have emerged as a new Th subset providing help to B cells and supporting their differentiation into long-lived plasma cells or memory B cells. Their differentiation had not yet been investigated following neonatal immunization, which elicits delayed and limited germinal center (GC) responses. We demonstrate that neonatal immunization induces CXCR5(high)PD-1(high) CD4(+) T(FH) cells that exhibit T(FH) features (including Batf, Bcl6, c-Maf, ICOS, and IL-21 expression) and are able to migrate into the GCs. However, neonatal T(FH) cells fail to expand and to acquire a full-blown GC T(FH) phenotype, as reflected by a higher ratio of GC T(FH)/non-GC CD4(+) T cells in immunized adults than neonates (3.8 × 10(-3) versus 2.2 × 10(-3), p = 0.01). Following the adoptive transfer of naive adult OT-II CD4(+) T cells, OT-II T(FH) cells expand in the vaccine-draining lymph nodes of immunized adult but not infant recipients, whereas naive 2-wk-old CD4(+) OT-II cells failed to expand in adult hosts, reflecting the influence of both environmental and T cell-intrinsic factors. Postponing immunization to later in life increases the number of T(FH) cells in a stepwise manner, in direct correlation with the numbers of GC B cells and plasma cells elicited. Remarkably, adjuvantation with CpG oligonucleotides markedly increased GC T(FH) and GC B cell neonatal responses, up to adult levels. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that the T(FH) cell development limits early life GC responses and that adjuvants/delivery systems supporting T(FH) differentiation may restore adultlike early life GC B cell responses.

  2. Innate and adaptive immunity in experimental glomerulonephritis: a pathfinder tale.

    PubMed

    Artinger, Katharina; Kirsch, Alexander H; Aringer, Ida; Moschovaki-Filippidou, Foteini; Eller, Philipp; Rosenkranz, Alexander R; Eller, Kathrin

    2017-06-01

    The role of innate and adaptive immune cells in the experimental model of nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NTS) has been rigorously studied in recent years. The model is dependent on kidney-infiltrating T helper (TH) 17 and TH1 cells, which recruit neutrophils and macrophages, respectively, and cause sustained kidney inflammation. In a later phase of disease, regulatory T cells (Tregs) infiltrate the kidney in an attempt to limit disease activity. In the early stage of NTS, lymph node drainage plays an important role in disease initiation since dendritic cells present the antigen to T cells in the T cell zones of the draining lymph nodes. This results in the differentiation and proliferation of TH17 and TH1 cells. In this setting, immune regulatory cells (Tregs), namely, CCR7-expressing Tregs and mast cells (MCs), which are recruited by Tregs via the production of interleukin-9, exert their immunosuppressive capacity. Together, these two cell populations inhibit T cell differentiation and proliferation, thereby limiting disease activity by as yet unknown mechanisms. In contrast, the spleen plays no role in immune activation in NTS, but constitutes a place of extramedullary haematopoiesis. The complex interactions of immune cells in NTS are still under investigation and might ultimately lead to targeted therapies in glomerulonephritis.

  3. PPAR-γ in innate and adaptive lung immunity.

    PubMed

    Nobs, Samuel Philip; Kopf, Manfred

    2018-05-16

    The transcription factor PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ) is a key regulator of lung immunity exhibiting multiple cell type specific roles in controlling development and function of the lung immune system. It is strictly required for the generation of alveolar macrophages by controlling differentiation of fetal lung monocyte precursors. Furthermore, it plays an important role in lung allergic inflammation by licensing lung dendritic cell t helper 2 (Th2) priming capacity as well as acting as a master transcription factor for pathogenic Th2 cells. Due to this plethora of functions and its involvement in multiple pulmonary diseases including asthma and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, understanding the role of PPAR-γ in lung immunity is an important subject of ongoing research. ©2018 Society for Leukocyte Biology.

  4. Expression pattern and phosphorylation status of Smad2/3 in different subtypes of human first trimester trophoblast.

    PubMed

    Haider, S; Kunihs, V; Fiala, C; Pollheimer, J; Knöfler, M

    2017-09-01

    TGF-β superfamily members are thought to play a pivotal role in placental development and differentiation. However, their downstream effectors, the Smad transcription factors, have been poorly investigated in human trophoblasts. Expression and localisation of the canonical TGF-β targets Smad2/3 and their regulators (Smad4 and Smad7) were investigated in first trimester placenta and purified cytotrophoblast (CTB) subtypes using immunofluorescence, western blotting and qPCR. Canonical and non-canonical activation was analysed in nuclear/cytoplasmic extracts of trophoblast subtypes as well as in tissue sections using antibodies against Smad2/3, phosphorylated either at the C-terminus (pSmad2C/3C) or in their linker regions (pSmad2L/3L). Smad phosphorylation was also examined in differentiating extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) in the absence or presence of decidual stromal cell (DSC)-conditioned medium. Smad2, Smad4 and Smad7 protein were uniformly expressed between 6th and 12th week placentae and the different isolated CTB subtypes. Activated pSmad2L was mainly detected in nuclei and cytoplasm of villous CTBs, whereas pSmad2C was absent from these cells. In contrast, pSmad2C could be detected in the cytoplasm of cell column trophoblasts and in the cytoplasm/nuclei of EVTs. Smad3 and its phosphorylated forms pSmad3C and pSmad3L specifically localised to EVT nuclei. During EVT differentiation autocrine activation of pSmad2C/3C and pSmad3L was observed. DSC-conditioned medium further increased Smad2/3 phosphorylation in EVTs. The lack of pSmad2C in villous CTBs suggests that other mitogens than TGF-β could promote Smad2 linker phosphorylation under homeostatic conditions. Whereas autocrine signalling activates Smad2/3 in differentiating EVTs, paracrine factors contribute to Smad phosphorylation in these cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Aging of mesenchymal stem cell in vitro

    PubMed Central

    Bonab, Mandana Mohyeddin; Alimoghaddam, Kamran; Talebian, Fatemeh; Ghaffari, Syed Hamid; Ghavamzadeh, Ardeshir; Nikbin, Behrouz

    2006-01-01

    Background A hot new topic in medical treatment is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in therapy. The low frequency of this subpopulation of stem cells in bone marrow (BM) necessitates their in vitro expansion prior to clinical use. We evaluated the effect of long term culture on the senescence of these cells. Results The mean long term culture was 118 days and the mean passage number was 9. The average number of PD decreased from 7.7 to 1.2 in the 10th passage. The mean telomere length decreased from 9.19 Kbp to 8.7 kbp in the 9th passage. Differentiation potential dropped from the 6th passage on. The culture's morphological abnormalities were typical of the Hayflick model of cellular aging. Conclusion We believe that MSC enter senescence almost undetectably from the moment of in vitro culturing. Simultaneously these cells are losing their stem cell characteristics. Therefore, it is much better to consider them for cell and gene therapy early on. PMID:16529651

  6. Regulation of the expression of GARP/latent-TGF-β1 complexes on mouse T cells and their role in Regulatory T Cell and Th17 differentiation1

    PubMed Central

    Edwards, Justin P.; Fujii, Hodaka; Zhou, Angela X.; Creemers, John; Unutmaz, Derya; Shevach, Ethan M.

    2013-01-01

    GARP/LRRC32 has previously been defined as a marker of activated human regulatory T-cells (Tregs) that is responsible for surface localization of latent TGF-β1. We find that GARP and latent TGF-β1 are also found on mouse Tregs activated via TCR stimulation, but in contrast to human Tregs, GARP is also expressed at a low level on resting Tregs. The expression of GARP can be upregulated on mouse Tregs by IL-2 or IL-4 exposure in the absence of TCR signaling. GARP is expressed at a low level on Tregs within the thymus and Treg precursors from the thymus concomitantly express GARP and Foxp3 upon exposure to IL-2. The expression of GARP is independent of TGF-β1 and TGF-β1 loading into GARP and is independent of furin-mediated processing of pro-TGF-β1 to latent TGF-β1. Specific deletion of GARP in CD4+ T cells results in lack of expression of latent-TGF-β1 on activated Tregs. GARP-deficient Tregs develop normally, are present in normal numbers in peripheral tissues, and are fully competent suppressors of the activation of T conventional cells in vitro. Activated Tregs expressing GARP/latent-TGF-β1 complexes are potent inducers of Th17 differentiation in the presence of exogenous IL-6 and inducers of Treg in the presence of IL-2. Induction of both Th17 producing cells and Treg is preferentially induced by Tregs expressing the latent-TGF-β1/GARP complex on their cell surface rather than by secreted latent-TGF-β1. PMID:23645881

  7. Regulation of the expression of GARP/latent TGF-β1 complexes on mouse T cells and their role in regulatory T cell and Th17 differentiation.

    PubMed

    Edwards, Justin P; Fujii, Hodaka; Zhou, Angela X; Creemers, John; Unutmaz, Derya; Shevach, Ethan M

    2013-06-01

    GARP/LRRC32 was defined as a marker of activated human regulatory T cells (Tregs) that is responsible for surface localization of latent TGF-β1. We find that GARP and latent TGF-β1 are also found on mouse Tregs activated via TCR stimulation; however, in contrast to human Tregs, GARP is also expressed at a low level on resting Tregs. The expression of GARP can be upregulated on mouse Tregs by IL-2 or IL-4 exposure in the absence of TCR signaling. GARP is expressed at a low level on Tregs within the thymus, and Treg precursors from the thymus concomitantly express GARP and Foxp3 upon exposure to IL-2. The expression of GARP is independent of TGF-β1 and TGF-β1 loading into GARP and is independent of furin-mediated processing of pro-TGF-β1 to latent TGF-β1. Specific deletion of GARP in CD4(+) T cells results in lack of expression of latent TGF-β1 on activated Tregs. GARP-deficient Tregs develop normally, are present in normal numbers in peripheral tissues, and are fully competent suppressors of the activation of conventional T cells in vitro. Activated Tregs expressing GARP/latent TGF-β1 complexes are potent inducers of Th17 differentiation in the presence of exogenous IL-6 and inducers of Treg in the presence of IL-2. Induction of both Th17-producing cells and Tregs is caused preferentially by Tregs expressing the latent TGF-β1/GARP complex on their cell surface rather than by secreted latent TGF-β1.

  8. Shifted T Helper Cell Polarization in a Murine Staphylococcus aureus Mastitis Model.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yanqing; Zhou, Ming; Gao, Yang; Liu, Heyuan; Yang, Wenyu; Yue, Jinhua; Chen, Dekun

    2015-01-01

    Mastitis, one of the most costly diseases in dairy ruminants, is an inflammation of the mammary gland caused by pathogenic infection. The mechanisms of adaptive immunity against pathogens in mastitis have not been fully elucidated. To investigate T helper cell-mediated adaptive immune responses, we established a mastitis model by challenge with an inoculum of 4 × 106 colony-forming units of Staphylococcus aureus in the mammary gland of lactating mice, followed by quantification of bacterial burden and histological analysis. The development of mastitis was accompanied by a significant increase in both Th17 and Th1 cells in the mammary gland. Moreover, the relative expression of genes encoding cytokines and transcription factors involved in the differentiation and function of these T helper cells, including Il17, Rorc, Tgfb, Il1b, Il23, Ifng, Tbx21, and Il12, was greatly elevated in the infected mammary gland. IL-17 is essential for neutrophil recruitment to infected mammary gland via CXC chemokines, whereas the excessive IL-17 production contributes to tissue damage in mastitis. In addition, a shift in T helper cell polarization toward Th2 and Treg cells was observed 5 days post-infection, and the mRNA expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine Il10 was markedly increased at day 7 post-infection. These results indicate that immune clearance of Staphylococcus aureus in mastitis is facilitated by the enrichment of Th17, Th1 and Th2 cells in the mammary gland mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokine production, which is tightly regulated by Treg cells and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

  9. Shifted T Helper Cell Polarization in a Murine Staphylococcus aureus Mastitis Model

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Yanqing; Zhou, Ming; Gao, Yang; Liu, Heyuan; Yang, Wenyu; Yue, Jinhua; Chen, Dekun

    2015-01-01

    Mastitis, one of the most costly diseases in dairy ruminants, is an inflammation of the mammary gland caused by pathogenic infection. The mechanisms of adaptive immunity against pathogens in mastitis have not been fully elucidated. To investigate T helper cell-mediated adaptive immune responses, we established a mastitis model by challenge with an inoculum of 4 × 106 colony-forming units of Staphylococcus aureus in the mammary gland of lactating mice, followed by quantification of bacterial burden and histological analysis. The development of mastitis was accompanied by a significant increase in both Th17 and Th1 cells in the mammary gland. Moreover, the relative expression of genes encoding cytokines and transcription factors involved in the differentiation and function of these T helper cells, including Il17, Rorc, Tgfb, Il1b, Il23, Ifng, Tbx21, and Il12, was greatly elevated in the infected mammary gland. IL-17 is essential for neutrophil recruitment to infected mammary gland via CXC chemokines, whereas the excessive IL-17 production contributes to tissue damage in mastitis. In addition, a shift in T helper cell polarization toward Th2 and Treg cells was observed 5 days post-infection, and the mRNA expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine Il10 was markedly increased at day 7 post-infection. These results indicate that immune clearance of Staphylococcus aureus in mastitis is facilitated by the enrichment of Th17, Th1 and Th2 cells in the mammary gland mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokine production, which is tightly regulated by Treg cells and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. PMID:26230498

  10. The natural dual cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor flavocoxid is protective in EAE through effects on Th1/Th17 differentiation and macrophage/microglia activation.

    PubMed

    Kong, Weimin; Hooper, Kirsten M; Ganea, Doina

    2016-03-01

    Prostaglandins and leukotrienes, bioactive mediators generated by cyclooxygenases (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) from arachidonic acid, play an essential role in neuroinflammation. High levels of LTB4 and PGE2 and increased expression of COX and 5-LO, as well as high expression of PGE2 receptors were reported in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Prostaglandins and leukotrienes have an interdependent and compensatory role in EAE, which led to the concept of therapy using dual COX/5-LO inhibitors. The plant derived flavocoxid, a dual COX/5-LO inhibitor with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, manufactured as a prescription pharmaconutrient, was reported to be neuroprotective in models of transient ischemic stroke and brain injury. The present study is the first report on prophylactic and therapeutic effects of flavocoxid in EAE. The beneficial effects correlate with reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokines and of COX2 and 5-LO in spinal cords and spleens of EAE mice. The protective mechanisms include: 1. reduction in expression of MHCII/costimulatory molecules and production of proinflammatory cytokines; 2. promotion of the M2 phenotype including IL-10 expression and release by macrophages and microglia; 3. inhibition of Th1 and Th17 differentiation through direct effects on T cells. The direct inhibitory effect on Th1/Th17 differentiation, and promoting the development of M2 macrophages and microglia, represent novel mechanisms for the flavocoxid anti-inflammatory activity. As a dual COX/5-LO inhibitor with antioxidant properties, flavocoxid might be useful as a potential therapeutic medical food agent in MS patients. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  11. Cellular intrinsic factors involved in the resistance of squamous cell carcinoma to photodynamic therapy.

    PubMed

    Gilaberte, Yolanda; Milla, Laura; Salazar, Nerea; Vera-Alvarez, Jesús; Kourani, Omar; Damian, Alejandra; Rivarola, Viviana; Roca, Maria José; Espada, Jesús; González, Salvador; Juarranz, Angeles

    2014-09-01

    Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is widely used to treat non-melanoma skin cancer. However, some patients affected with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) do not respond adequately to PDT with methyl-δ-aminolevulinic acid (MAL-PDT) and the tumors acquire an infiltrative phenotype and became histologically more aggressive, less differentiated, and more fibroblastic. To search for potential factors implicated in SCC resistance to PDT, we have used the SCC-13 cell line (parental) and resistant SCC-13 cells obtained by repeated MAL-PDT treatments (5th and 10th PDT-resistant generations). Xenografts assays in immunodeficient mice showed that the tumors generated by resistant cells were bigger than those induced by parental cells. Comparative genomic hybridization array (aCGH) showed that the three cell types presented amplicons in 3p12.1 CADM2, 7p11.2 EFGR, and 11q13.3 CCND1 genes. The 5th and 10th PDT-resistant cells showed an amplicon in 5q11.2 MAP3K1, which was not present in parental cells. The changes detected by aCGH on CCND1, EFGR, and MAP3K1 were confirmed in extracts of SCC-13 cells by reverse-transcriptase PCR and by western blot, and by immunohistochemistry in human biopsies from persistent tumors after MAL-PDT. Our data suggest that genomic imbalances related to CCND1, EFGR, and particularly MAP3K1 seem to be involved in the development of the resistance of SCC to PDT.

  12. A Novel Epitope from CD22 Regulates Th1 and Th17 Cell Function in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Xiao; Zhang, Li-Hua; Song, You; Cheng, Xiang; Zhou, Zi-Hua; Wang, Min; Guo, He-Ping; Du, Rong; Liao, Yu-Hua

    2013-01-01

    The published antibodies (Abs) against CD22 on B cells including Epratuzumab could inhibit B cell activation mainly through binding to C2-set Ig domain of CD22, but they are rarely reported to modulate the pathogenic CD4+ T cell function in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recently, it was proved that the extracellular amino-terminal V-set Ig domain of CD22 might mediate the interaction of B and T cells, but for now the exact effect of this domain on CD4+ T cell biology have not been identified. Thus, in this study, we screened out a peptide termed B2285 from this V-set Ig domain, developed the novel specific anti-B2285 Abs in rabbits, and investigated their effects in MRL/lpr mice with spontaneous SLE. The results showed that anti-B2285 Abs could ameliorate the disease severity obviously in spontaneous SLE mice with the decreased differentiations of Th1 and Th17 cells and no changes of Th2 and Treg cells. In co-cultured B cells and CD4+ T cells, this specific anti-CD22 Abs was observed to inhibit the anti-dsDNA Abs production, CD4+ T cells proliferation, the protein levels of T-bet and RORγt, and the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-17 in CD4+ T cells. Moreover, the expression of CD45RO on CD4+ T cells could be also apparently diminished by this novel Abs. The data suggested that anti-B2285 Abs could slow SLE progression significantly by regulating Th1 and Th17 cells function via B-T cell interaction and the cytokine network regulation. The treatment against V-set Ig domain of CD22 would be a valuable therapeutic method for SLE and other autoimmune diseases. PMID:23704998

  13. A novel epitope from CD22 regulates Th1 and Th17 cell function in systemic lupus erythematosus.

    PubMed

    Yuan, Jing; Yu, Miao; Cao, Ai-Lin; Chen, Xiao; Zhang, Li-Hua; Song, You; Cheng, Xiang; Zhou, Zi-Hua; Wang, Min; Guo, He-Ping; Du, Rong; Liao, Yu-Hua

    2013-01-01

    The published antibodies (Abs) against CD22 on B cells including Epratuzumab could inhibit B cell activation mainly through binding to C2-set Ig domain of CD22, but they are rarely reported to modulate the pathogenic CD4(+) T cell function in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recently, it was proved that the extracellular amino-terminal V-set Ig domain of CD22 might mediate the interaction of B and T cells, but for now the exact effect of this domain on CD4(+) T cell biology have not been identified. Thus, in this study, we screened out a peptide termed B2285 from this V-set Ig domain, developed the novel specific anti-B2285 Abs in rabbits, and investigated their effects in MRL/lpr mice with spontaneous SLE. The results showed that anti-B2285 Abs could ameliorate the disease severity obviously in spontaneous SLE mice with the decreased differentiations of Th1 and Th17 cells and no changes of Th2 and Treg cells. In co-cultured B cells and CD4(+) T cells, this specific anti-CD22 Abs was observed to inhibit the anti-dsDNA Abs production, CD4(+) T cells proliferation, the protein levels of T-bet and RORγt, and the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-17 in CD4(+) T cells. Moreover, the expression of CD45RO on CD4(+) T cells could be also apparently diminished by this novel Abs. The data suggested that anti-B2285 Abs could slow SLE progression significantly by regulating Th1 and Th17 cells function via B-T cell interaction and the cytokine network regulation. The treatment against V-set Ig domain of CD22 would be a valuable therapeutic method for SLE and other autoimmune diseases.

  14. Role of IL-4 receptor α-positive CD4(+) T cells in chronic airway hyperresponsiveness.

    PubMed

    Kirstein, Frank; Nieuwenhuizen, Natalie E; Jayakumar, Jaisubash; Horsnell, William G C; Brombacher, Frank

    2016-06-01

    TH2 cells and their cytokines are associated with allergic asthma in human subjects and with mouse models of allergic airway disease. IL-4 signaling through the IL-4 receptor α (IL-4Rα) chain on CD4(+) T cells leads to TH2 cell differentiation in vitro, implying that IL-4Rα-responsive CD4(+) T cells are critical for the induction of allergic asthma. However, mechanisms regulating acute and chronic allergen-specific TH2 responses in vivo remain incompletely understood. This study defines the requirements for IL-4Rα-responsive CD4(+) T cells and the IL-4Rα ligands IL-4 and IL-13 in the development of allergen-specific TH2 responses during the onset and chronic phase of experimental allergic airway disease. Development of acute and chronic ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma was assessed weekly in CD4(+) T cell-specific IL-4Rα-deficient BALB/c mice (Lck(cre)IL-4Rα(-/lox)) and respective control mice in the presence or absence of IL-4 or IL-13. During acute allergic airway disease, IL-4 deficiency did not prevent the onset of TH2 immune responses and OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness or goblet cell hyperplasia, irrespective of the presence or absence of IL-4Rα-responsive CD4(+) T cells. In contrast, deficiency of IL-13 prevented allergic asthma, irrespective of the presence or absence of IL-4Rα-responsive CD4(+) T cells. Importantly, chronic allergic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness were dependent on IL-4Rα-responsive CD4(+) T cells. Deficiency in IL-4Rα-responsive CD4(+) T cells resulted in increased numbers of IL-17-producing T cells and, consequently, increased airway neutrophilia. IL-4-responsive T helper cells are dispensable for acute OVA-induced airway disease but crucial in maintaining chronic asthmatic pathology. Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Cutting Edge: TCR Revision Affects Predominantly Foxp3− Cells and Skews Them toward the Th17 Lineage1

    PubMed Central

    Zehn, Dietmar; Bevan, Michael J.; Fink, Pamela J.

    2009-01-01

    CD4+ T cells respond to peripheral endogenous superantigen stimulation by undergoing deletion or TCR revision. The latter involves RAG re-expression, TCR gene rearrangement, and expression of a novel TCR. TCR-revised T cells are functional and express a diverse TCR repertoire. Because TCR revision harbors the potential to create self-reactivity, it is important to explore whether T cells known to be self-reactive (regulatory T cells) or those involved in autoimmunity (Th17 cells) arise from TCR revision. Interestingly, we observed that Foxp3+ cells are excluded from revising their TCR and that only a small fraction of postrevision cells expresses Foxp3. In contrast, Th17 cells are 20 times more frequent among revised than among C57BL/6 CD4+ T cells, indicating that postrevision cells are biased toward the Th17 lineage. The link between Th17 differentiation and TCR revision might be highly relevant to the role of Th17 cells in promoting autoimmunity. PMID:17947636

  16. Cyr61 induces IL-6 production by fibroblast-like synoviocytes promoting Th17 differentiation in rheumatoid arthritis.

    PubMed

    Lin, Jinpiao; Zhou, Zhou; Huo, Rongfen; Xiao, Lianbo; Ouyang, Guilin; Wang, Li; Sun, Yue; Shen, Baihua; Li, Dangsheng; Li, Ningli

    2012-06-01

    Cysteine-rich protein 61 (Cyr61)/CCN1 is a product of an immediate early gene and functions in mediating cell adhesion and inducing cell migration. We previously showed that increased production of Cyr61 by fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) promotes FLS proliferation and participates in RA pathogenesis with the IL-17-dependent pathway. However, whether Cyr61 in turn regulates Th17 cell differentiation and further enhances inflammation of RA remained unknown. In the current study, we explored the potential role of Cyr61 as a proinflammatory factor in RA pathogenesis. We found that Cyr61 treatment dramatically induced IL-6 production in FLS isolated from RA patients. Moreover, IL-6 production was attenuated by Cyr61 knockdown in FLS. Mechanistically, we showed that Cyr61 activated IL-6 production via the αvβ5/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. Further, using a coculture system consisting of purified CD4(+) T cells and RA FLS, we found that RA FLS stimulated Th17 differentiation, and the pro-Th17 differentiation effect of RA FLS can be attenuated or stimulated by Cyr61 RNA interference or addition of exogenous Cyr61, respectively. Finally, using the collagen-induced arthritis animal model, we showed that treatment with the anti-Cyr61 mAb led to reduction of IL-6 levels, decrease of Th17 response, and attenuation of inflammation and disease progression in vivo. Taken together, our results reveal a novel role of Cyr61 in promoting Th17 development in RA via upregulation of IL-6 production by FLS, thus adding a new layer into the functional interplay between FLS and Th17 in RA pathogenesis. Our study also suggests that targeting of Cyr61 may represent a novel strategy in RA treatment.

  17. MicroRNA profiling of the murine hematopoietic system

    PubMed Central

    Monticelli, Silvia; Ansel, K Mark; Xiao, Changchun; Socci, Nicholas D; Krichevsky, Anna M; Thai, To-Ha; Rajewsky, Nikolaus; Marks, Debora S; Sander, Chris; Rajewsky, Klaus; Rao, Anjana; Kosik, Kenneth S

    2005-01-01

    Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of recently discovered noncoding RNA genes that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. It is becoming clear that miRNAs play an important role in the regulation of gene expression during development. However, in mammals, expression data are principally based on whole tissue analysis and are still very incomplete. Results We used oligonucleotide arrays to analyze miRNA expression in the murine hematopoietic system. Complementary oligonucleotides capable of hybridizing to 181 miRNAs were immobilized on a membrane and probed with radiolabeled RNA derived from low molecular weight fractions of total RNA from several different hematopoietic and neuronal cells. This method allowed us to analyze cell type-specific patterns of miRNA expression and to identify miRNAs that might be important for cell lineage specification and/or cell effector functions. Conclusion This is the first report of systematic miRNA gene profiling in cells of the hematopoietic system. As expected, miRNA expression patterns were very different between hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells, with further subtle differences observed within the hematopoietic group. Interestingly, the most pronounced similarities were observed among fully differentiated effector cells (Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes and mast cells) and precursors at comparable stages of differentiation (double negative thymocytes and pro-B cells), suggesting that in addition to regulating the process of commitment to particular cellular lineages, miRNAs might have an important general role in the mechanism of cell differentiation and maintenance of cell identity. PMID:16086853

  18. Differentiation potential of STRO-1+ dental pulp stem cells changes during cell passaging.

    PubMed

    Yu, Jinhua; He, Huixia; Tang, Chunbo; Zhang, Guangdong; Li, Yuanfei; Wang, Ruoning; Shi, Junnan; Jin, Yan

    2010-05-08

    Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can be driven into odontoblast, osteoblast, and chondrocyte lineages in different inductive media. However, the differentiation potential of naive DPSCs after serial passaging in the routine culture system has not been fully elucidated. DPSCs were isolated from human/rat dental pulps by the magnetic activated cell sorting based on STRO-1 expression, cultured and passaged in the conventional culture media. The biological features of STRO-1+ DPSCs at the 1st and 9th passages were investigated. During the long-term passage, the proliferation ability of human STRO-1+ DPSCs was downregulated as indicated by the growth kinetics. When compared with STRO-1+ DPSCs at the 1st passage (DPSC-P1), the expression of mature osteoblast-specific genes/proteins (alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, osterix, and osteopontin), odontoblast-specific gene/protein (dentin sialophosphoprotein and dentin sialoprotein), and chondrocyte-specific gene/protein (type II collagen) was significantly upregulated in human STRO-1+ DPSCs at the 9th passage (DPSC-P9). Furthermore, human DPSC-P9 cells in the mineralization-inducing media presented higher levels of alkaline phosphatase at day 3 and day 7 respectively, and produced more mineralized matrix than DPSC-P9 cells at day 14. In vivo transplantation results showed that rat DPSC-P1 cell pellets developed into dentin, bone and cartilage structures respectively, while DPSC-P9 cells can only generate bone tissues. These findings suggest that STRO-1+ DPSCs consist of several interrelated subpopulations which can spontaneously differentiate into odontoblasts, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. The differentiation capacity of these DPSCs changes during cell passaging, and DPSCs at the 9th passage restrict their differentiation potential to the osteoblast lineage in vivo.

  19. Analysis of transcription factors, microRNAs and cytokines involved in T lymphocyte differentiation in patients with tuberculosis after directly observed treatment short-course.

    PubMed

    Corral-Fernández, Nancy Elizabeth; Cortes-García, Juan Diego; Bruno, Rivas-Santiago; Romano-Moreno, Silvia; Medellín-Garibay, Susanna E; Magaña-Aquino, Martín; Salazar-González, Raúl A; González-Amaro, Roberto; Portales-Pérez, Diana Patricia

    2017-07-01

    Tuberculosis (Tb) is an infectious disease in which the immune system plays an important role. MicroRNAs are involved in the development and maintenance of CD4 + T lymphocyte subpopulations. miR-326 regulates the differentiation to Th17 cells and miR-29 correlates with the Th1 response. The aim of this study was to determine the role of microRNAs, Transcription Factors, and cytokines in Th differentiation before and after the directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and serum from Tb patients were collected at times 0 (before therapy), 2 (after the intensive phase), and 6 months (after the holding phase). The cells were cultivated in presence or absence of ESAT-6 (10 μg/ml) and CFP-10 (10 μg/ml). Transcription Factor and microRNA expressions were analyzed by qPCR and cytokine production in both serum and culture supernatant using ELISA. A decrease in Th1 response with a diminishing in the relative expression of TBET and miR-29a at 2 and 6 months after the anti-Tb therapy (p < 0.01) were found. The miR-326 levels decreased after the intensive phase of the DOTS scheme. However, subdivision of the Tb patients according to gender, showed increased levels of miR-29a and miR-155 in females after the intensive phase of the therapeutic treatment when compared to time 0 and similar increased levels of miR-326 at time 6 versus time 0. In contrast, we observed a decrease in miR-326 levels in males at 6 months when compared to before therapy (time 0). In addition, high production of IL-17 in the culture supernatant was found at 2 and 6 months (p < 0.05) while in serum IL-17 was decreased. A positive correlation between IL-17 and RORC2 at time 6 was detected (p = 0.0202, r = 0.7880). In conclusion, these data suggest a reduction in Th1 and an induction of Th17 response after the anti-Tb therapy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Gastric cancer tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells impact peripheral blood mononuclear cells via disruption of Treg/Th17 balance to promote gastric cancer progression.

    PubMed

    Wang, Mei; Chen, Bin; Sun, Xiao-Xian; Zhao, Xiang-Dong; Zhao, Yuan-Yuan; Sun, Li; Xu, Chang-Gen; Shen, Bo; Su, Zhao-Liang; Xu, Wen-Rong; Zhu, Wei

    2017-12-01

    Gastric cancer tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GC-MSCs) are important resident stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and have been shown to play a key role in gastric cancer progression. Whether GC-MSCs exert a tumor-promoting function by affecting anti-tumor immunity is still unclear. In this study, we used GC-MSC conditioned medium (GC-MSC-CM) to pretreat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors. We found that GC-MSC-CM pretreatment markedly reversed the inhibitory effect of PBMCs on gastric cancer growth in vivo, but did not affect functions of PBMCs on gastric cancer cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis in vitro. PBMCs pretreated with GC-MSC-CM significantly promoted gastric cancer migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro and liver metastases in vivo. Flow cytometry analysis showed that GC-MSC-CM pretreatment increased the proportion of Treg cells and reduced that of Th17 cells in PBMCs. CFSE labeling and naïve CD4 + T cells differentiation analysis revealed that GC-MSC-CM disrupted the Treg/Th17 balance in PBMCs by suppressing Th17 cell proliferation and inducing differentiation of Treg cells. Overall, our collective results indicate that GC-MSCs impair the anti-tumor immune response of PBMCs through disruption of Treg/Th17 balance, thus providing new evidence that gastric cancer tissue-derived MSCs contribute to the immunosuppressive TME. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Enteric pathogens and gut function: Role of cytokines and STATs.

    PubMed

    Shea-Donohue, Terez; Fasano, Alessio; Smith, Allen; Zhao, Aiping

    2010-09-01

    The gut harbors the largest immune system in the body. The mucosa is considered to be the initial site of interaction with commensal and pathogenic organisms; therefore, it is the first line of defense against the pathogens. In response to the invasion of various pathogens, naïve CD4(+) cells differentiate into subsets of T helper (Th) cells that are characterized by different cytokine profiles. Cytokines bind to cell surface receptors on both immune and non-immune cells leading to activation of JAK-STAT signaling pathway and influence gut function by upregulating the expression of specific target genes. This review considers the roles of cytokines and receptor-mediated activation of STATs on pathogen-induced changes in gut function. The focus on STAT4 and STAT6 is because of their requirement for the full development of Th1 and Th2 cytokine profiles.

  2. Enteric pathogens and gut function: Role of cytokines and STATs

    PubMed Central

    Fasano, Alessio; Smith, Allen; Zhao, Aiping

    2010-01-01

    The gut harbors the largest immune system in the body. The mucosa is considered to be the initial site of interaction with commensal and pathogenic organisms; therefore, it is the first line of defense against the pathogens. In response to the invasion of various pathogens, naïve CD4+ cells differentiate into subsets of T helper (Th) cells that are characterized by different cytokine profiles. Cytokines bind to cell surface receptors on both immune and non-immune cells leading to activation of JAK-STAT signaling pathway and influence gut function by upregulating the expression of specific target genes. This review considers the roles of cytokines and receptor-mediated activation of STATs on pathogen-induced changes in gut function. The focus on STAT4 and STAT6 is because of their requirement for the full development of Th1 and Th2 cytokine profiles. PMID:21327040

  3. Immunological modes of pregnancy loss: inflammation, immune effectors, and stress.

    PubMed

    Kwak-Kim, Joanne; Bao, Shihua; Lee, Sung Ki; Kim, Joon Woo; Gilman-Sachs, Alice

    2014-08-01

    Inflammatory immune response plays a key role in reproductive failures such as multiple implantation failures (MIF), early pregnancy loss, and recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL). Cellular immune responses particularly mediated by natural killer (NK), and T cells are often dysregulated in these conditions. Excessive or inappropriate recruitment of peripheral blood NK cells to the uterus may lead to cytotoxic environment in utero, in which proliferation and differentiation of trophoblast is hampered. In addition, inadequate angiogenesis by uterine NK cells often leads to abnormal vascular development and blood flow patterns, which, in turn, leads to increased oxidative stress or ischemic changes in the invading trophoblast. T-cell abnormalities with increased Th1 and Th17 immunity, and decreased Th2 and T regulatory immune responses may play important roles in RPL and MIF. A possible role of stress in inflammatory immune response is also reviewed. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  4. Magnolol Attenuates Concanavalin A-induced Hepatic Fibrosis, Inhibits CD4+ T Helper 17 (Th17) Cell Differentiation and Suppresses Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation: Blockade of Smad3/Smad4 Signalling.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hongjun; Ju, Baoling; Zhang, Xiaoli; Zhu, Yanfei; Nie, Ying; Xu, Yuanhong; Lei, Qiuxia

    2017-06-01

    Magnolol is a pharmacological biphenolic compound extracted from Chinese herb Magnolia officinalis, which displays anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study was aimed at exploring the potential effect of magnolol on immune-related liver fibrosis. Herein, BALB/c mice were injected with concanavalin A (ConA, 8 mg/kg/week) up to 6 weeks to establish hepatic fibrosis, and magnolol (10, 20, 30 mg/kg/day) was given to these mice orally throughout the whole experiment. We found that magnolol preserved liver function and attenuated liver fibrotic injury in vivo. In response to ConA stimulation, the CD4 + T cells preferred to polarizing towards CD4 + T helper 17 (Th17) cells in liver. Magnolol was observed to inhibit Th17 cell differentiation in ConA-treated liver in addition to suppressing interleukin (IL)-17A generation. Hepatic stellate cells were activated in fibrotic liver as demonstrated by increased alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and desmin. More transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and activin A were secreted into the serum. Magnolol suppressed this abnormal HSC activation. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of Smad3 in its linker area (Thr179, Ser 204/208/213) was inhibited by magnolol. In vitro, the recombinant IL-17A plus TGF-β1 or activin A induced activation of human LX2 HSCs and promoted their collagen production. Smad3/Smad4 signalling pathway was activated in LX2 cells exposed to the fibrotic stimuli, as illustrated by the up-regulated phospho-Smad3 and the enhanced interaction between Smad3 and Smad4. These alterations were suppressed by magnolol. Collectively, our study reveals a novel antifibrotic effect of magnolol on Th17 cell-mediated fibrosis. © 2017 Nordic Association for the Publication of BCPT (former Nordic Pharmacological Society).

  5. Cutting Edge: Differential Regulation of PTEN by TCR, Akt, and FoxO1 Controls CD4+ T Cell Fate Decisions.

    PubMed

    Hawse, William F; Sheehan, Robert P; Miskov-Zivanov, Natasa; Menk, Ashley V; Kane, Lawrence P; Faeder, James R; Morel, Penelope A

    2015-05-15

    Signaling via the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway influences CD4(+) T cell differentiation; low levels favor regulatory T cell induction and high levels favor Th induction. Although the lipid phosphatase phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) suppresses Akt activity, the control of PTEN activity is poorly studied in T cells. In this study, we identify multiple mechanisms that regulate PTEN expression. During Th induction, PTEN function is suppressed via lower mRNA levels, lower protein levels, and an increase in C-terminal phosphorylation. Conversely, during regulatory T cell induction, PTEN function is maintained through the stabilization of PTEN mRNA transcription and sustained protein levels. We demonstrate that differential Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling regulates PTEN transcription via the FoxO1 transcription factor. A mathematical model that includes multiple modes of PTEN regulation recapitulates our experimental findings and demonstrates how several feedback loops determine differentiation outcomes. Collectively, this work provides novel mechanistic insights into how differential regulation of PTEN controls alternate CD4(+) T cell fate outcomes. Copyright © 2015 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

  6. The Role of Proteasome Inhibitor MG132 in 2,4-Dinitrofluorobenzene-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice.

    PubMed

    Ohkusu-Tsukada, Kozo; Ito, Daiki; Takahashi, Kimimasa

    2018-01-01

    Although immunosuppressants for therapy of atopic dermatitis (AD) are still being sought, proteasome inhibitors are also potential candidates for the treatment of AD. Proteasome inhibitors exert various effects by blocking proteasomal degradation and help regulate processes such as apoptosis induction via caspase-9, cell cycle progression via cyclins, NF-κB inactivation via IκB, and downregulation of antigen cross-presentation. The cells targeted by proteasome inhibitors are therefore activated cells undergoing proliferation or differentiation, and antigen-presenting cells carrying out protein degradation. This study investigated the therapeutic effects and side effects of a proteasome inhibitor, MG132, on the treatment of AD. AD-like disease in NC/Nga mice housed under specific pathogen-free conditions was induced by repeated application of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). Disease progression was evaluated by inflammation score, histopathology, and serum IgE level, and the effects of systemic MG132 administration were investigated. The percentages and absolute numbers for each population of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells in the axillary lymph nodes were analyzed by flow cytometry. DNFB application increased the expression of a unique major histocompatibility complex class I mutant molecule D/Ldm7 in dendritic cells (DCs), and increased Th1 and Th17 cells in NC/Nga mice. In vivo MG132 administration to NC/Nga mice with DNFB-induced dermatitis reduced Th17 cells but maintained the level of Th1 cells, resulting in the alleviation of dermatitis lesions by decreasing both serum IgE hyperproduction and mast cell migration. To understand the mechanisms maintaining Th1 cell levels following in vivo MG132-administration, we focused on the role of proteasomes regulating D/Ldm7 expression. Interestingly, 20S proteasome activity was higher in NC/Nga DCs than in BALB/c DCs. In vitro MG132 administration partially increased D/Ldm7 expression in a dose-dependent manner during DC maturation, and induced IFN-γ production from autoreactive CD8+ T cells but not from CD4+ T cells following coculturing with D/Ldm7-upregulated DCs. Although MG132 administration temporarily alleviated AD pathogenesis in NC/Nga mice, prolonged MG132 treatment may result in immunopathogenesis leading to chronic AD due to its side effect of maintaining Th1 levels via autoreactive CD8+ T cells. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  7. Thymic self-reactivity selects natural interleukin 17-producing T cells that can regulate peripheral inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Marks, Benjamin R.; Nowyhed, Heba N.; Choi, Jin-Young; Poholek, Amanda C.; Odegard, Jared M.; Flavell, Richard A.; Craft, Joe

    2009-01-01

    Interleukin 17 (IL-17)-producing CD4+ T (TH-17) cells share a developmental relationship with FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells. Here we show that a TH-17 population differentiates within the thymus in a manner influenced by self-antigen recognition, and by the cytokines IL-6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Like previously described TH-17 cells, TH-17 cells that develop in the thymus expressed the orphan nuclear receptor RORγt and the IL-23 receptor. These cells also expressed α4β1 integrins and the chemokine receptor CCR6, and were recruited to the lung, gut, and liver. In the liver these cells secreted IL-22 in response to self-antigen and mediated host protection during inflammation. Thus, TH-17 cells, like Treg cells, can be selected by self-antigens in the thymus. PMID:19734905

  8. MiR-9-5p and miR-106a-5p dysregulated in CD4+ T-cells of multiple sclerosis patients and targeted essential factors of T helper17/regulatory T-cells differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Majd, Maryam; Hosseini, Aref; Ghaedi, Kamran; Kiani-Esfahani, Abbas; Tanhaei, Somayeh; Shiralian-Esfahani, Hanieh; Rahnamaee, Seyed Yahya; Mowla, Seyed Javad; Nasr-Esfahani, Mohammad Hossein

    2018-01-01

    Objective(s): Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered as a chronic type of an inflammatory disease characterized by loss of myelin of CNS. Recent evidence indicates that Interleukin 17 (IL-17)-producing T helper cells (Th17 cells) population are increased and regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are decreased in MS. Despite extensive research in understanding the mechanism of Th17 and Treg differentiation, the role of microRNAs in MS is not completely understood. Thereby, as a step closer, we analyzed the expression profile of miR-9-5p and miR-106a-5p, and protein level of retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-related orphan receptor C (RORC; Th17 master transcription factor) as direct target of miR-106a-5p and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3; Treg master transcription factor) as indirect target of miR-9-5p in CD4+ T cells in two groups of relapsing and remitting in our relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) patients. Materials and Methods: Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was utilized to assess the expression of miRNAs and mRNAs, in 40 RR-MS patients and 11 healthy individuals. Thus, FOXP3 and RAR-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) was assessed in CD4+T-cells by flow cytometry. We also investigated the role of these miRNAs in Th17/Treg differentiation pathway through bioinformatics tools. Results: An up-regulation of miR-9-5p and down-regulation of miR-106a-5p in relapsing phase of MS patients were observed compared to healthy controls. RORC and FOXP3 were up-regulated in relapsing and remitting phases of MS, respectively. Conclusion: Expression pattern of miR-9-5p and miR-106a-5p and their targets suggest a possible inducing role of miR-9-5p and suppressing role of miR-106a-5p in differentiation pathway of Th17 cells during MS pathogenesis. PMID:29511494

  9. Rebamipide prevents peripheral arthritis and intestinal inflammation by reciprocally regulating Th17/Treg cell imbalance in mice with curdlan-induced spondyloarthritis.

    PubMed

    Min, Hong-Ki; Kim, Jae-Kyung; Lee, Seon-Yeong; Kim, Eun-Kyung; Lee, Seung Hoon; Lee, Jennifer; Kwok, Seung-Ki; Cho, Mi-La; Park, Sung-Hwan

    2016-06-27

    Spondyloarthritis (SpA) usually manifests as arthritis of the axial and peripheral joints but can also result in extra-articular manifestations such as inflammatory bowel disease. Proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of SpA. Rebamipide inhibits signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 that controls IL-17 production and Th17 cell differentiation. This study examined the effect of rebamipide on SpA development. SKG ZAP-70(W163C) mice were immunized with curdlan to induce SpA features. The mice were then intraperitoneally injected with rebamipide or vehicle 3 times a week for 14 weeks and their clinical scores were evaluated. Histological scores of the paw and spine and the length of the gut were measured at sacrifice. Immunohistochemical staining of IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was performed using tissue samples isolated from the axial joints, peripheral joints, and gut. Spleen tissue samples were isolated from both rebamipide- or vehicle-treated mice with SpA at 14 weeks after curdlan injection to determine the effect of rebamipide on Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cell differentiation. Rebamipide decreased the clinical and histological scores of the peripheral joints. The total length of the gut was preserved in rebamipide-treated mice. IL-17 and TNF-α expression in the spine, peripheral joints, and gut was lower in rebamipide-treated mice than in control mice. Th17 cell differentiation was suppressed whereas Treg cell differentiation was upregulated in the spleen of rebamipide-treated mice. Rebamipide exerted beneficial effects in mice with SpA by preventing peripheral arthritis and intestinal inflammation and by regulating Th17/Treg cell imbalance, suggesting that it can be used as a potential therapeutic agent for treating arthritis to SpA patients.

  10. Nocardia rubra cell-wall skeleton promotes CD4+ T cell activation and drives Th1 immune response.

    PubMed

    Wang, Guangchuan; Wu, Jie; Miao, Miao; Dou, Heng; Nan, Ning; Shi, Mingsheng; Yu, Guang; Shan, Fengping

    2017-08-01

    Several lines of evidences have shown that Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton (Nr-CWS) has immunoregulatory and anti-tumor activities. However, there is no information about the effect of Nr-CWS on CD4 + T cells. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of Nr-CWS on the phenotype and function of CD4 + T cells. Our results of in vitro experiments showed that Nr-CWS could significantly up-regulate the expression of CD69 and CD25 on CD4 + T cells, promote the proliferation of CD4 + T cells, increase the production of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2 in the supernatants, but has no significant effect on the apoptosis and death of CD4 + T cells. Results of in vivo experiments showed that Nr-CWS could promote the proliferation of CD4 + T cells, and increase the production of IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF-α (Th1 type cytokines). These data suggest that Nr-CWS can enhance the activation of CD4 + T cells, promote the proliferation of CD4 + T cells and the differentiation of CD4 + T cells to Th1 cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Rebamipide attenuates autoimmune arthritis severity in SKG mice via regulation of B cell and antibody production.

    PubMed

    Byun, J-K; Moon, S-J; Jhun, J-Y; Kim, E-K; Park, J-S; Youn, J; Min, J-K; Park, S-H; Kim, H-Y; Cho, M-L

    2014-10-01

    Oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the therapeutic potential of rebamipide, a gastroprotective agent with a property of reactive oxygen species scavenger, on the development of inflammatory polyarthritis and the pathophysiological mechanisms by which rebamipide might confer anti-arthritic effects in SKG mice, an animal model of RA. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of rebamipide attenuated the severity of clinical and histological arthritis. Rebampide treatment reduced the number of T helper type 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17, inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS)(+) follicular helper T (Tfh) transitional type (T2) and mature B cells in the spleen, but increased the number of regulatory T (Treg ), CD19(+) CD1d(high) CD5(high) , CD19(+) CD25(high) forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)(+) regulatory B (Breg ) cells, memory B cells, and transitional type 1 (T1) B cells. In addition, flow cytometric analysis revealed significantly decreased populations of FAS(+) GL-7(+) germinal centre B cells and B220(-) CD138(+) plasma cells in the spleens of rebamipide-treated SKG mice compared to controls. Rebamipide decreased germinal centre B cells and reciprocally induced Breg cells in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Rebamipide-induced Breg cells had more suppressive capacity in relation to T cell proliferation and also inhibited Th17 differentiation from murine CD4(+) T cells. Together, these data show that i.p. administration of rebamipide suppresses arthritis severity by inducing Breg and Treg cells and suppressing Tfh and Th17 cells in a murine model of RA. © 2014 British Society for Immunology.

  12. T-bet Down-Modulation in Tolerized Th1 Effector CD4 Cells Confers a TCR-Distal Signaling Defect That Selectively Impairs IFN-γ Expression1

    PubMed Central

    Long, Meixiao; Slaiby, Aaron M.; Hagymasi, Adam T.; Mihalyo, Marianne A.; Lichtler, Alexander C.; Reiner, Steven L.; Adler, Adam J.

    2010-01-01

    When Th1 effector CD4 cells encounter tolerizing Ag in vivo, their capacity to express the effector cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α is lost more rapidly than noneffector functions such as IL-2 production and proliferation. To localize the relevant intracellular signaling defects, cytokine expression was compared following restimulation with Ag vs agents that bypass TCR-proximal signaling. IFN-γ and TNF-α expression were both partially rescued when TCR-proximal signaling was bypassed, indicating that both TCR-proximal and -distal signaling defects impair the expression of these two effector cytokines. In contrast, bypassing TCR-proximal signaling fully rescued IL-2 expression. T-bet, a transcription and chromatin remodeling factor that is required to direct the differentiation of naive CD4 cells into IFN-γ -expressing Th1 effectors, was partially down-modulated in tolerized Th1 effectors. Enforcing T-bet expression during tolerization selectively rescued the ability to express IFN-γ, but not TNF-α. Conversely, expression of a dominant-negative T-bet in Th1 effectors selectively impaired the ability to express IFN-γ, but not TNF-α. Analysis of histone acetylation at the IFN-γ promoter further suggested that down-modulation of T-bet expression during Th1 effector CD4 cell tolerization does not impair IFN-γ expression potential through alterations in chromatin structure. PMID:16393991

  13. Phosphorylation status determines the opposing functions of Smad2/Smad3 as STAT3 cofactors in TH17 differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Yoon, Jeong-Hwan; Sudo, Katsuko; Kuroda, Masahiko; Kato, Mitsuyasu; Lee, In-Kyu; Han, Jin Soo; Nakae, Susumu; Imamura, Takeshi; Kim, Juryun; Ju, Ji Hyeon; Kim, Dae-Kee; Matsuzaki, Koichi; Weinstein, Michael; Matsumoto, Isao; Sumida, Takayuki; Mamura, Mizuko

    2015-01-01

    Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are the pivotal cytokines to induce IL-17-producing CD4+ T helper cells (TH17); yet their signalling network remains largely unknown. Here we show that the highly homologous TGF-β receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads): Smad2 and Smad3 oppositely modify STAT3-induced transcription of IL-17A and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor, RORγt encoded by Rorc, by acting as a co-activator and co-repressor of STAT3, respectively. Smad2 linker phosphorylated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) at the serine 255 residue interacts with STAT3 and p300 to transactivate, whereas carboxy-terminal unphosphorylated Smad3 interacts with STAT3 and protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3) to repress the Rorc and Il17a genes. Our work uncovers carboxy-terminal phosphorylation-independent noncanonical R-Smad–STAT3 signalling network in TH17 differentiation. PMID:26194464

  14. Phosphorylation status determines the opposing functions of Smad2/Smad3 as STAT3 cofactors in TH17 differentiation.

    PubMed

    Yoon, Jeong-Hwan; Sudo, Katsuko; Kuroda, Masahiko; Kato, Mitsuyasu; Lee, In-Kyu; Han, Jin Soo; Nakae, Susumu; Imamura, Takeshi; Kim, Juryun; Ju, Ji Hyeon; Kim, Dae-Kee; Matsuzaki, Koichi; Weinstein, Michael; Matsumoto, Isao; Sumida, Takayuki; Mamura, Mizuko

    2015-07-21

    Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are the pivotal cytokines to induce IL-17-producing CD4(+) T helper cells (TH17); yet their signalling network remains largely unknown. Here we show that the highly homologous TGF-β receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads): Smad2 and Smad3 oppositely modify STAT3-induced transcription of IL-17A and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor, RORγt encoded by Rorc, by acting as a co-activator and co-repressor of STAT3, respectively. Smad2 linker phosphorylated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) at the serine 255 residue interacts with STAT3 and p300 to transactivate, whereas carboxy-terminal unphosphorylated Smad3 interacts with STAT3 and protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3) to repress the Rorc and Il17a genes. Our work uncovers carboxy-terminal phosphorylation-independent noncanonical R-Smad-STAT3 signalling network in TH17 differentiation.

  15. Tangeretin has anti-asthmatic effects via regulating PI3K and Notch signaling and modulating Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine balance in neonatal asthmatic mice.

    PubMed

    Liu, L-L; Li, F-H; Zhang, Y; Zhang, X-F; Yang, J

    2017-07-20

    Asthma is a chronic allergic disease characterized by airway inflammation, airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), and mucus hypersecretion. T-lymphocytes are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma, mediating airway inflammatory reactions by secreting cytokines. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Notch signaling pathways are associated with T cell signaling, proliferation, and differentiation, and are important in the progression of asthma. Thus, compounds that can modulate T cell proliferation and function may be of clinical value. Here, we assessed the effects of tangeretin, a plant-derived flavonoid, in experimental asthma. BALB/c mice at postnatal day (P) 12 were challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Separate groups of mice (n=18/group) were administered tangeretin at 25 or 50 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage. Dexamethasone was used as a positive control. Tangeretin treatment reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and also restored the normal histology of lung tissues. OVA-specific IgE levels in serum and BALF were reduced. AHR, as determined by airway resistance and lung compliance, was normalized. Flow cytometry analyses revealed a reduced Th17 cell population. Tangeretin reduced the levels of Th2 and Th17 cytokines and raised IFN-γ levels. PI3K signaling was inhibited. The expressions of the Notch 1 receptor and its ligands Jagged 1 and 2 were downregulated by tangeretin. Our findings support the possible use of tangeretin for treating allergic asthma.

  16. Leptin Directly Promotes T Cell Glycolytic Metabolism to Drive Effector T cell Differentiation in Autoimmunity

    PubMed Central

    Gerriets, Valerie A.; Danzaki, Keiko; Kishton, Rigel J.; Eisner, William; Nichols, Amanda G.; Saucillo, Donte C.; Shinohara, Mari L.; MacIver, Nancie J.

    2016-01-01

    Upon activation, T cells require energy for growth, proliferation and function. Effector T cells (Teff), such as Th1 and Th17, utilize high levels of glucose uptake and glycolysis to fuel proliferation and function. In contrast, Treg instead require oxidative metabolism to fuel suppressive function. It remains unknown how Teff/Treg metabolism is altered in settings of malnutrition, when nutrients are limited and circulating leptin levels are low. We therefore examined the role of malnutrition and associated hypoleptinemia on Teff versus Treg. We found that both malnutrition-associated hypoleptinemia and T cell-specific leptin receptor knockout suppressed Teff number, function, and glucose metabolism, but did not alter Treg metabolism or suppressive function. Using the autoimmune model EAE, we confirmed that fasting-induced hypoleptinemia altered Teff, but not Treg, glucose metabolism and function in vivo, leading to decreased disease severity. To explore potential mechanisms, we examined HIF-1α, a key regulator of Th17 differentiation and Teff glucose metabolism, and found HIF-1α expression was decreased in T cell-specific leptin receptor knockout Th17 cells, and in Teff cells from fasted EAE mice, but was unchanged in Treg. Altogether, these data demonstrate a selective, cell-intrinsic requirement for leptin to upregulate glucose metabolism and maintain function in Teff, but not Treg. PMID:27222115

  17. T cell-intrinsic requirement for NF-kappa B induction in postdifferentiation IFN-gamma production and clonal expansion in a Th1 response.

    PubMed

    Corn, Radiah A; Aronica, Mark A; Zhang, Fuping; Tong, Yingkai; Stanley, Sarah A; Kim, Se Ryoung Agnes; Stephenson, Linda; Enerson, Ben; McCarthy, Susan; Mora, Ana; Boothby, Mark

    2003-08-15

    NF-kappaB/Rel transcription factors are linked to innate immune responses and APC activation. Whether and how the induction of NF-kappaB signaling in normal CD4(+) T cells regulates effector function are not well-understood. The liberation of NF-kappaB dimers from inhibitors of kappaB (IkappaBs) constitutes a central checkpoint for physiologic regulation of most forms of NF-kappaB. To investigate the role of NF-kappaB induction in effector T cell responses, we targeted inhibition of the NF-kappaB/Rel pathway specifically to T cells. The Th1 response in vivo is dramatically weakened when T cells defective in their NF-kappaB induction (referred to as IkappaBalpha(DeltaN) transgenic cells) are activated by a normal APC population. Analyses in vivo, and IL-12-supplemented T cell cultures in vitro, reveal that the mechanism underlying this T cell-intrinsic requirement for NF-kappaB involves activation of the IFN-gamma gene in addition to clonal expansion efficiency. The role of NF-kappaB in IFN-gamma gene expression includes a modest decrease in Stat4 activation, T box expressed in T cell levels, and differentiation efficiency along with a more prominent postdifferentiation step. Further, induced expression of Bcl-3, a trans-activating IkappaB-like protein, is decreased in T cells as a consequence of NF-kappaB inhibition. Together, these findings indicate that NF-kappaB induction in T cells regulates efficient clonal expansion, Th1 differentiation, and IFN-gamma production by Th1 lymphocytes at a control point downstream from differentiation.

  18. Tolerogenic CX3CR1+ B cells suppress food allergy-induced intestinal inflammation in mice.

    PubMed

    Liu, Z Q; Wu, Y; Song, J P; Liu, X; Liu, Z; Zheng, P Y; Yang, P C

    2013-10-01

    B lymphocytes are an important cell population of the immune regulation; their role in the regulation of food allergy has not been fully understood yet. This study aims to investigate the role of a subpopulation of tolerogenic B cells (TolBC) in the generation of regulatory T cells (Treg) and in the suppression of food allergy-induced intestinal inflammation in mice. The intestinal mucosa-derived CD5+ CD19+ CX3CR1+ TolBCs were characterized by flow cytometry; a mouse model of intestinal T helper (Th)2 inflammation was established to assess the immune regulatory role of this subpopulation of TolBCs. A subpopulation of CD5+ CD19+ CX3CR1+ B cells was detected in the mouse intestinal mucosa. The cells also expressed transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and carried integrin alpha v beta 6 (αvβ6). Exposure to recombinant αvβ6 and anti-IgM antibody induced naive B cells to differentiate into the TGF-β-producing TolBCs. Coculturing this subpopulation of TolBCs with Th0 cells generated CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Tregs. Adoptive transfer with the TolBCs markedly suppressed the food allergy-induced intestinal Th2 pattern inflammation in mice. CD5+ CD19+ CX3CR1+ TolBCs are capable of inducing Tregs in the intestine and suppress food allergy-related Th2 pattern inflammation in mice. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  19. Prevention of allergic rhinitis by ginger and the molecular basis of immunosuppression by 6-gingerol through T cell inactivation.

    PubMed

    Kawamoto, Yoshiyuki; Ueno, Yuki; Nakahashi, Emiko; Obayashi, Momoko; Sugihara, Kento; Qiao, Shanlou; Iida, Machiko; Kumasaka, Mayuko Y; Yajima, Ichiro; Goto, Yuji; Ohgami, Nobutaka; Kato, Masashi; Takeda, Kozue

    2016-01-01

    The incidence of allergies has recently been increasing worldwide. Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity is central to the pathogenesis of asthma, hay fever and other allergic diseases. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and its extracts have been valued for their medical properties including antinausea, antiinflammation, antipyresis and analgesia properties. In this study, we investigated the antiallergic effects of ginger and 6-gingerol, a major compound of ginger, using a mouse allergy model and primary/cell line culture system. In mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis, oral administration of 2% ginger diet reduced the severity of sneezing and nasal rubbing by nasal sensitization of OVA and suppressed infiltration of mast cells in nasal mucosa and secretion of OVA-specific IgE in serum. 6-Gingerol inhibited the expression of not only Th2 cytokines but also Th1 cytokines in OVA-sensitized spleen cells. Accordingly, 6-gingerol suppressed in vitro differentiation of both Th1 cells and Th2 cells from naïve T cells. In addition, 6-gingerol suppressed both superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)- and anti-CD3-induced T cell proliferation. 6-Gingerol also abrogated PMA plus ionomycin- and SEB-induced IL-2 production in T cells, suggesting that 6-gingerol affected T cell receptor-mediated signal transduction rather than the antigen-presentation process. Indeed, 6-gingerol inhibited the phosphorylation of MAP kinases, calcium release and nuclear localization of c-fos and NF-κB by PMA and ionomycin stimulation. Thus, our results demonstrate that 6-gingerol suppresses cytokine production for T cell activation and proliferation, thereby not causing B cell and mast cell activation and resulting in prevention or alleviation of allergic rhinitis symptoms. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Whole Genome Gene Expression Meta-Analysis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Colon Mucosa Demonstrates Lack of Major Differences between Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

    PubMed Central

    Østvik, Ann E.; Drozdov, Ignat; Gustafsson, Bjørn I.; Kidd, Mark; Beisvag, Vidar; Torp, Sverre H.; Waldum, Helge L.; Martinsen, Tom Christian; Damås, Jan Kristian; Espevik, Terje; Sandvik, Arne K.

    2013-01-01

    Background In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), genetic susceptibility together with environmental factors disturbs gut homeostasis producing chronic inflammation. The two main IBD subtypes are Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). We present the to-date largest microarray gene expression study on IBD encompassing both inflamed and un-inflamed colonic tissue. A meta-analysis including all available, comparable data was used to explore important aspects of IBD inflammation, thereby validating consistent gene expression patterns. Methods Colon pinch biopsies from IBD patients were analysed using Illumina whole genome gene expression technology. Differential expression (DE) was identified using LIMMA linear model in the R statistical computing environment. Results were enriched for gene ontology (GO) categories. Sets of genes encoding antimicrobial proteins (AMP) and proteins involved in T helper (Th) cell differentiation were used in the interpretation of the results. All available data sets were analysed using the same methods, and results were compared on a global and focused level as t-scores. Results Gene expression in inflamed mucosa from UC and CD are remarkably similar. The meta-analysis confirmed this. The patterns of AMP and Th cell-related gene expression were also very similar, except for IL23A which was consistently higher expressed in UC than in CD. Un-inflamed tissue from patients demonstrated minimal differences from healthy controls. Conclusions There is no difference in the Th subgroup involvement between UC and CD. Th1/Th17 related expression, with little Th2 differentiation, dominated both diseases. The different IL23A expression between UC and CD suggests an IBD subtype specific role. AMPs, previously little studied, are strongly overexpressed in IBD. The presented meta-analysis provides a sound background for further research on IBD pathobiology. PMID:23468882

  1. Whole genome gene expression meta-analysis of inflammatory bowel disease colon mucosa demonstrates lack of major differences between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

    PubMed

    Granlund, Atle van Beelen; Flatberg, Arnar; Østvik, Ann E; Drozdov, Ignat; Gustafsson, Bjørn I; Kidd, Mark; Beisvag, Vidar; Torp, Sverre H; Waldum, Helge L; Martinsen, Tom Christian; Damås, Jan Kristian; Espevik, Terje; Sandvik, Arne K

    2013-01-01

    In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), genetic susceptibility together with environmental factors disturbs gut homeostasis producing chronic inflammation. The two main IBD subtypes are Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). We present the to-date largest microarray gene expression study on IBD encompassing both inflamed and un-inflamed colonic tissue. A meta-analysis including all available, comparable data was used to explore important aspects of IBD inflammation, thereby validating consistent gene expression patterns. Colon pinch biopsies from IBD patients were analysed using Illumina whole genome gene expression technology. Differential expression (DE) was identified using LIMMA linear model in the R statistical computing environment. Results were enriched for gene ontology (GO) categories. Sets of genes encoding antimicrobial proteins (AMP) and proteins involved in T helper (Th) cell differentiation were used in the interpretation of the results. All available data sets were analysed using the same methods, and results were compared on a global and focused level as t-scores. Gene expression in inflamed mucosa from UC and CD are remarkably similar. The meta-analysis confirmed this. The patterns of AMP and Th cell-related gene expression were also very similar, except for IL23A which was consistently higher expressed in UC than in CD. Un-inflamed tissue from patients demonstrated minimal differences from healthy controls. There is no difference in the Th subgroup involvement between UC and CD. Th1/Th17 related expression, with little Th2 differentiation, dominated both diseases. The different IL23A expression between UC and CD suggests an IBD subtype specific role. AMPs, previously little studied, are strongly overexpressed in IBD. The presented meta-analysis provides a sound background for further research on IBD pathobiology.

  2. Effects of iodine-131 radiotherapy on Th17/Tc17 and Treg/Th17 cells of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Lixia; Chen, Jinyan; Xu, Caiyun; Qi, Lili; Ren, Yan

    2018-03-01

    T helper 17 (Th17), T cytotoxic 17 (Tc17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells serve important roles in a number of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The aim of the present study was to examine the distribution of Th17, Tc17 and Treg cells in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) prior to as well as 7, 30 and 90 days following radioactive iodine-131 ( 131 I) therapy, and to elucidate the probable effects of 131 I therapy on Th17/Tc17 and Treg/Th17 cells in patients with DTC. A total of 40 patients with DTC (26 female; 14 male) between the ages of 24 and 72 years, as well as 13 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were included in this study. The number of Th17, Tc17 and Treg cells in the peripheral blood of patients with DTC and of healthy Controls were assessed by flow cytometry. Th17 and Tc17 cells were counted as percentages of the number of CD3 + T cells; Treg cells were counted as a percentage of the number of CD4 + T cells. In addition, the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23, IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were examined by ELISA. The frequencies of Th17, Tc17 and Treg cells, as well as the serum levels of IL-17, IL-23, IL-10 and TGF-β1 were significantly elevated in patients with DTC compared with healthy Controls, whereas 131 I therapy significantly decreased them. In addition, elevated Th17/Tc17 ratio and reduced Treg/Th17 ratio were observed in patients with DTC at day 0, however, these ratios returned to normal levels following 131 I therapy for 90 days as compared with healthy Controls. Notably, Th17/Tc17 and Treg/Th17 ratios varied following 131 I therapy for 7 and 30 days. In addition, a strong positive correlation between Th17 and Tc17 cells was observed in the healthy Controls and patients with DTC that received 131 I treatment for 90 days, whereas a weak positive correlation between Th17 and Treg cell levels was identified in the healthy Controls and no obvious correlation between Th17 and Treg cells was observed in all patients with DTC pre- and post- 131 I therapy during the entire treatment period. These data suggested a significant involvement of Th17, Tc17 and Treg cells in the pathology of DTC. Restoring the balance of these cells may contribute to the recovery of patients with DTC following 131 I therapy.

  3. dNP2-ctCTLA-4 inhibits German cockroach extract-induced allergic airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness via inhibition of Th2 responses

    PubMed Central

    Lim, Sangho; Ho Sohn, Jung; Koo, Ja-Hyun; Park, Jung-Won; Choi, Je-Min

    2017-01-01

    German cockroaches are major household allergens that can trigger allergic airway inflammatory diseases with sensitive T-cell responses. Although the use of immune modulatory biologics, such as antibodies, to mediate allergic responses has recently been examined, only systemic administration is available because of the size limitations on intranasal administration. Here we utilized a cell-permeable peptide, dNP2, to deliver the cytoplasmic domain of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (ctCTLA-4) through the airway epithelium to modulate Th2 responses in a German cockroach extract (GCE)-induced allergic airway inflammation model. The intranasal delivery efficiency of the dNP2-dTomato protein to the lungs was higher in GCE-induced asthmatic lung parenchymal cells compared to the sham cells. Intranasal administration of the dNP2-ctCTLA-4 protein inhibited airway hyper-responsiveness and reduced airway inflammation and remodeling, including goblet cell metaplasia and collagen deposition around the bronchi. The number of infiltrated cells, including eosinophils, and the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-γ in the lungs were significantly reduced, presumably owing to inhibition of Th2 differentiation. However, intranasal administration of CTLA4-Ig did not inhibit airway inflammation. These results collectively suggest that dNP2-ctCTLA-4 is an efficient intranasally applicable candidate biologic for treating allergic asthma. PMID:28775364

  4. dNP2-ctCTLA-4 inhibits German cockroach extract-induced allergic airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness via inhibition of Th2 responses.

    PubMed

    Lim, Sangho; Ho Sohn, Jung; Koo, Ja-Hyun; Park, Jung-Won; Choi, Je-Min

    2017-08-04

    German cockroaches are major household allergens that can trigger allergic airway inflammatory diseases with sensitive T-cell responses. Although the use of immune modulatory biologics, such as antibodies, to mediate allergic responses has recently been examined, only systemic administration is available because of the size limitations on intranasal administration. Here we utilized a cell-permeable peptide, dNP2, to deliver the cytoplasmic domain of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (ctCTLA-4) through the airway epithelium to modulate Th2 responses in a German cockroach extract (GCE)-induced allergic airway inflammation model. The intranasal delivery efficiency of the dNP2-dTomato protein to the lungs was higher in GCE-induced asthmatic lung parenchymal cells compared to the sham cells. Intranasal administration of the dNP2-ctCTLA-4 protein inhibited airway hyper-responsiveness and reduced airway inflammation and remodeling, including goblet cell metaplasia and collagen deposition around the bronchi. The number of infiltrated cells, including eosinophils, and the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-γ in the lungs were significantly reduced, presumably owing to inhibition of Th2 differentiation. However, intranasal administration of CTLA4-Ig did not inhibit airway inflammation. These results collectively suggest that dNP2-ctCTLA-4 is an efficient intranasally applicable candidate biologic for treating allergic asthma.

  5. Dendritic cells pulsed with Pythium insidiosum (1,3)(1,6)-β-glucan, Heat-inactivated zoospores and immunotherapy prime naïve T cells to Th1 differentiation in vitro.

    PubMed

    Ledur, Pauline C; Tondolo, Juliana S M; Jesus, Francielli P K; Verdi, Camila M; Loreto, Érico S; Alves, Sydney H; Santurio, Janio M

    2018-03-01

    Pythiosis is a life-threatening disease caused by the fungus-like microorganism Pythium insidiosum that can lead to death if not treated. Since P. insidiosum has particular cell wall characteristics, pythiosis is difficult to treat, as it does not respond well to traditional antifungal drugs. In our study, we investigated a new immunotherapeutic approach with potential use in treatment and in the acquisition of immunity against pythiosis. Dendritic cells from both human and mouse, pulsed with P. insidiosum heat-inactivated zoospore, (1,3)(1,6)-β-glucan and the immunotherapeutic PitiumVac ® efficiently induced naïve T cell differentiation in a Th1 phenotype by the activation of specific Th1 cytokine production in vitro. Heat-inactivated zoospores showed the greatest Th1 response among the tested groups, with a significant increase in IL-6 and IFN-γ production in human cells. In mice cells, we also observed a Th17 pathway induction, with an increase on the IL-17A levels in lymphocytes cultured with β-glucan pulsed DCs. These results suggest a potential use of DCs pulsed with P. insidiosum antigens as a new therapeutic strategy in the treatment and acquisition of immunity against pythiosis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  6. Regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression during differentiation of neuroblastoma cells.

    PubMed

    Summerhill, E M; Wood, K; Fishman, M C

    1987-07-01

    Differentiation of N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells into neuron-like cells, with extension of neurites and acquisition of excitable membranes, can be induced by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). We have found this differentiation to be accompanied by an increase in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA, an increase disproportionate to changes in mRNAs for other measured, non-neuron-specific genes. The mRNA increases slowly over several days and falls gradually after removal of DMSO. Nuclear run-on studies suggest that a change in the rate of transcription cannot explain the increase in steady-state mRNA levels. TH mRNA half-life does, however, increase. This suggests that regulation is exerted in this case not at the level of transcription but rather at that of mRNA stability.

  7. Myocardial Gene Expression of T-bet, GATA-3, Ror-γt, FoxP3, and Hallmark Cytokines in Chronic Chagas Disease Cardiomyopathy: An Essentially Unopposed TH1-Type Response

    PubMed Central

    Nogueira, Luciana Gabriel; Santos, Ronaldo Honorato Barros; Fiorelli, Alfredo Inácio; Mairena, Eliane Conti; Benvenuti, Luiz Alberto; Bocchi, Edimar Alcides; Stolf, Noedir Antonio; Kalil, Jorge; Cunha-Neto, Edecio

    2014-01-01

    Background. Chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy (CCC), a late consequence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is an inflammatory cardiomyopathy with prognosis worse than those of noninflammatory etiology (NIC). Although the T cell-rich myocarditis is known to play a pathogenetic role, the relative contribution of each of the functional T cell subsets has never been thoroughly investigated. We therefore assessed gene expression of cytokines and transcription factors involved in differentiation and effector function of each functional T cell subset (TH1/TH2/TH17/Treg) in CCC, NIC, and heart donor myocardial samples. Methods and Results. Quantitative PCR showed markedly upregulated expression of IFN-γ and transcription factor T-bet, and minor increases of GATA-3; FoxP3 and CTLA-4; IL-17 and IL-18 in CCC as compared with NIC samples. Conversely, cytokines expressed by TH2 cells (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) or associated with Treg (TGF-β and IL-10) were not upregulated in CCC myocardium. Expression of TH1-related genes such as T-bet, IFN-γ, and IL-18 correlated with ventricular dilation, FoxP3, and CTLA-4. Conclusions. Results are consistent with a strong local TH1-mediated response in most samples, possibly associated with pathological myocardial remodeling, and a proportionally smaller FoxP3+CTLA4+ Treg cell population, which is unable to completely curb IFN-γ production in CCC myocardium, therefore fueling inflammation. PMID:25152568

  8. Thyroid Hormone Role and Economy in the Developing Testis.

    PubMed

    Hernandez, Arturo

    2018-01-01

    Thyroid hormones (TH) exhibit pleiotropic regulatory effects on growth, development, and metabolism, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that the developing testis is an important target for them. Testicular development is highly dependent on TH status. Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism affect testis size and the proliferation and differentiation of Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cells, with consequences for steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and male fertility. These observations suggest that an appropriate content of TH and by implication TH action in the testis, whether the result of systemic hormonal levels or regulatory mechanisms at the local level, is critical for normal testicular and reproductive function. The available evidence indicates the presence in the developing testis of a number of transporters, deiodinases and receptors that could play a role in the timely delivery of TH action on testicular cells. These include the thyroid hormone receptor alpha (THRA), the MCT8 transporter, the TH-activating deiodinase DIO2, and the TH-inactivating deiodinase DIO3, all of which appear to modulate testicular TH economy and testis outcomes. © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Proceedings of the Midwinter Conference of Immunologists (28th) Held in Pacific Grove, California on 28-31 January 1989 (Lymphocyte Differentiation)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-02-24

    N. Witte Sf-ak-r’." OWEN N. WITTE University of California, Los Angeles, CA "Oncogene Interactions with Primitive Lymphoid Cells" DAVID BALTIMORE The...as Schwann cells, myotubes and astroglial cells. Neurons use different receptors to interact with different cell types. Different neu-ons also differ...controlled by a clock in the progenitor cell that is driven by platelet- derived growth factor (PDGF) secreted by type-i astrocytes. Type-2 astrocyte

  10. Leptin directly promotes T-cell glycolytic metabolism to drive effector T-cell differentiation in a mouse model of autoimmunity.

    PubMed

    Gerriets, Valerie A; Danzaki, Keiko; Kishton, Rigel J; Eisner, William; Nichols, Amanda G; Saucillo, Donte C; Shinohara, Mari L; MacIver, Nancie J

    2016-08-01

    Upon activation, T cells require energy for growth, proliferation, and function. Effector T (Teff) cells, such as Th1 and Th17 cells, utilize high levels of glycolytic metabolism to fuel proliferation and function. In contrast, Treg cells require oxidative metabolism to fuel suppressive function. It remains unknown how Teff/Treg-cell metabolism is altered when nutrients are limited and leptin levels are low. We therefore examined the role of malnutrition and associated hypoleptinemia on Teff versus Treg cells. We found that both malnutrition-associated hypoleptinemia and T cell-specific leptin receptor knockout suppressed Teff-cell number, function, and glucose metabolism, but did not alter Treg-cell metabolism or suppressive function. Using the autoimmune mouse model EAE, we confirmed that fasting-induced hypoleptinemia altered Teff-cell, but not Treg-cell, glucose metabolism, and function in vivo, leading to decreased disease severity. To explore potential mechanisms, we examined HIF-1α, a key regulator of Th17 differentiation and Teff-cell glucose metabolism, and found HIF-1α expression was decreased in T cell-specific leptin receptor knockout Th17 cells, and in Teff cells from fasted EAE mice, but was unchanged in Treg cells. Altogether, these data demonstrate a selective, cell-intrinsic requirement for leptin to upregulate glucose metabolism and maintain function in Teff, but not Treg cells. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. BALB/c mice display more enhanced BCG vaccine induced Th1 and Th17 response than C57BL/6 mice but have equivalent protection.

    PubMed

    Garcia-Pelayo, M Carmen; Bachy, Véronique S; Kaveh, Daryan A; Hogarth, Philip J

    2015-01-01

    It is generally assumed that the inbred mouse strains BALB/c (H-2(d)) and C57BL/6 (H-2(b)) respond to mycobacterial infection with distinct polarisation of T helper responses, with C57BL/6 predisposed to Th1 and BALB/c to Th2. We investigated this in a BCG-immunisation, Mycobacterium bovis challenge model. Following immunisation, lung and spleen cell cytokine responses to in vitro re-stimulation with a cocktail of seven secreted, immunogenic, recombinant mycobacterial proteins were determined. In both lung and spleen, BALB/c cells produced at least 2-fold more IFN-γ, and up to 7-fold more IL-2 and IL-17 than C57BL/6 cells, whereas IL-10 production was reciprocally increased in C57BL/6 mice. These data suggest that, contrary to reports in the literature, specific mycobacterial antigens are able to induce strong Th1 and Th17 responses in BALB/c mice following BCG vaccination, whilst in C57BL/6 mice, the Th1 response is partly counterbalanced by IL-10. After subsequent M. bovis low dose challenge, protection, as measured in the lungs and dissemination to the spleen, was equivalent in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, indicating that BCG-induced immunity was equivalent in both strains. Thus, the differential immune responses do not appear to have a role in protection, but further, as yet unidentified, specific immune responses play a significant role. Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Reprogramming tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells for CD103+CD8+ mucosal T cell differentiation and breast cancer rejection

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Te-Chia; Xu, Kangling; Banchereau, Romain; Marches, Florentina; Yu, Chun I; Martinek, Jan; Anguiano, Esperanza; Pedroza-Gonzalez, Alexander; Snipes, G. Jackson; O’Shaughnessy, Joyce; Nishimura, Stephen; Liu, Yong-Jun; Pascual, Virginia; Banchereau, Jacques; Oh, Sangkon; Palucka, Karolina

    2014-01-01

    Our studies showed that tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells (DC) in breast cancer drive inflammatory T helper 2 (iTh2) cells and protumor inflammation. Here we show that intratumoral delivery of the β-glucan curdlan, a ligand of dectin-1, blocks the generation of iTh2 cells, and prevents breast cancer progression in vivo. Curdlan reprograms tumor-infiltrating DC via the ligation of dectin-1, enabling the DC to become resistant to cancer-derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), to produce IL12p70, and to favor the generation of T helper 1 (Th1) cells. DC activated via dectin-1, but not those activated with TLR-7/8 ligand or poly IC, induce CD8+ T cells to express CD103 (αE integrin), a ligand for cancer cells E-cadherin. Generation of these mucosal CD8+ T cells is regulated by DC-derived integrin αvβ8 and TGF-β activation in a dectin-1-dependent fashion. These CD103+CD8+ mucosal T cells accumulate in the tumors thereby increasing cancer necrosis and inhibiting cancer progression in vivo in a humanized mouse model of breast cancer. Importantly, CD103+CD8+ mucosal T cells elicited by reprogrammed DC can reject established cancer. Thus, reprogramming tumor-infiltrating DC represents a new strategy for cancer rejection. PMID:24795361

  13. Eight color immunophenotyping of T-, B- and NK-cell subpopulations for characterization of chronic immunodeficiencies.

    PubMed

    A, Boldt; S, Borte; S, Fricke; K, Kentouche; F, Emmrich; M, Borte; F, Kahlenberg; U, Sack

    2014-01-16

    Background: The heterogeneity of primary and secondary immunodeficiencies demands for the development of a comprehensive flow cytometric screening system, based on reference values that support a standardized immunophenotypic characterization of most lymphocyte subpopulations. Methods: Peripheral blood samples from healthy adult volunteers (n=25) were collected and split into eight panel fractions (100µl each). Subsequently, pre-mixed 8-color antibody cocktails were incubated per specific panel of whole blood to detect and differentiate cell subsets of: (i) a general lymphocyte overviews, (ii) B-cell subpopulations, (iii) CD4+ subpopulations, (iv) CD8+ subpopulations, (v) regulatory T-cells, (vi) recent thymic emigrants, (vii) NK-cell subpopulations, (viii) NK-cell activation markers. All samples were lysed, washed and measured by flow cytometry. FACS DIVA software was used for data analysis and calculation of quadrant statistics (mean values, standard error of mean, percentile ranges). Results: Whole blood staining of lymphocytes provided the analysis of: (i) CD3+, 4+, 8+, 19+, 16/56+, and activated CD4/8 cells; (ii) immature, naïve, non-switched/switched, memory, (activated) CD21 low , transitional B-cells, plasmablasts/plasmacells; (iii and iv) naïve, central memory, effector, effector memory, TH1/TH2/TH17-like and CCR5+CD8-cells; (v) CD25+, regulatory T-cells (naïve/memory, HLA-DR+); (vi) α/β- and γ/δ-T-cells, recent thymic emigrants in CD4/CD8 cells; (vii) immature/mature CD56 bright , CD94/NKG2D+ NK-cells; and (viii) Nkp30, 44, 46 and CD57+NK-cells. Clinical examples and quadrant statistics are provided. Conclusion: The present study represents a practical approach to standardize the immunophenotyping of most T-, B- and NK-cell subpopulations. That allows differentiating, whether abnormalities or developmental shifts observed in lymphocyte subpopulations originates either from primary or secondary immunological disturbance. © 2014 Clinical Cytometry Society. Copyright © 2014 Clinical Cytometry Society.

  14. Mn complex-mediated enhancement of antitumor response through modulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells in drug-resistant tumor.

    PubMed

    Das, Satyajit; Banerjee, Kaushik; Roy, Susmita; Majumder, Saikat; Chatterjee, Mitali; Majumdar, Subrata; Choudhuri, Soumitra Kumar

    2014-01-01

    The tumor microenvironment (TME) renders tumor cells more resistant to chemotherapy. However, effective immunomodulators for cancer therapy are still elusive. We hypothesized that Mn-N-(2-hydroxyacetophenone) glycinate (MnNG), reported to be an antitumor agent, can modulate the TME. Immunomodulatory effects of MnNG were performed through assessing Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs), Interferon-γ (Ifnγ)- and Interleukin-4 (Il4)-secreting Cluster of Differentiation 4 (Cd4)(+) T-cells by annexin V-binding assay in drug-resistant TME and T-cell proliferation following in vitro co-culture assay by flow cytometry. MnNG induced infiltration of Ifnγ-secreting Cd4(+) T-cells and reduces MDSC numbers in vivo. Furthermore, it modulated differentiation of MDSCs towards dendritic cells with up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules and reversed the suppressive function of MDSC's that enhances T-helper cell 1 (Th1) response. MnNG treatment resulted in reduced expression of IL4, but enhanced expression of Ifnγ when Cd4(+) T-cells were co-cultured with MDSCs. MnNG modulates MDSCs differentiaton towards dendritic cells and enhances Th1 response in drug-resistant TME, leading to immunomodulatory efficacy. Copyright © 2014 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

  15. Acute arsenic exposure induces inflammatory responses and CD4+ T cell subpopulations differentiation in spleen and thymus with the involvement of MAPK, NF-kB, and Nrf2.

    PubMed

    Duan, Xiaoxu; Gao, Shuang; Li, Jinlong; Wu, Liuzhong; Zhang, Yang; Li, Wei; Zhao, Lu; Chen, Jinli; Yang, Shan; Sun, Guifan; Li, Bing

    2017-01-01

    Increasing lines of evidence indicate that arsenic may be associated with immune related problems, but its detailed effects on immune organs are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to explore inflammatory responses and T cell differentiation of arsenic exposure in spleen and thymus. Female C57BL/6 mice were used as a model to systemically administration 2.5, 5 and 10mg/kg NaAsO 2 intra-gastrically for 24h. We found that arsenic significantly decreased the spleen and thymus weights and indices, and flow cytometry revealed that arsenic decreased the relative frequency of CD4 + T cell subpopulation and the ratios of CD4/CD8 in spleen. In contrast, serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-1β and IL-6 as well as the mRNA of key inflammatory mediators in spleen and thymus, including transforming growth factor β (Tgf-β), Tnf-α, Il-12, Il-1β and Il-6 were significantly increased in arsenic-treated mice compared to the control as assayed by ELISA and real time PCR, respectively. In addition, arsenic increased the expression of T helper cell 1 (Th1), Th2 and regulatory T cell (Treg) -associated transcription factors and cytokines as well as decreased Th17-associated transcription factors and cytokines. Moreover, arsenic enhanced oxidative stress and induced the activation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and p38 and their downstream transcription factors nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which comprise important mechanistic pathways involved in immune-inflammatory manifestations. Together, these results provide a novel strategy to block the arsenic-dependent impairments in immune responses. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Intrinsic atopic dermatitis shows similar TH2 and higher TH17 immune activation compared with extrinsic atopic dermatitis.

    PubMed

    Suárez-Fariñas, Mayte; Dhingra, Nikhil; Gittler, Julia; Shemer, Avner; Cardinale, Irma; de Guzman Strong, Cristina; Krueger, James G; Guttman-Yassky, Emma

    2013-08-01

    Atopic dermatitis (AD) is classified as extrinsic and intrinsic, representing approximately 80% and 20% of patients with the disease, respectively. Although sharing a similar clinical phenotype, only extrinsic AD is characterized by high serum IgE levels. Because most patients with AD exhibit high IgE levels, an "allergic"/IgE-mediated disease pathogenesis was hypothesized. However, current models associate AD with T-cell activation, particularly TH2/TH22 polarization, and epidermal barrier defects. We sought to define whether both variants share a common pathogenesis. We stratified 51 patients with severe AD into extrinsic AD (n = 42) and intrinsic AD (n = 9) groups (with similar mean disease activity/SCORAD scores) and analyzed the molecular and cellular skin pathology of lesional and nonlesional intrinsic AD and extrinsic AD by using gene expression (real-time PCR) and immunohistochemistry. A significant correlation between IgE levels and SCORAD scores (r = 0.76, P < 10(-5)) was found only in patients with extrinsic AD. Marked infiltrates of T cells and dendritic cells and corresponding epidermal alterations (keratin 16, Mki67, and S100A7/A8/A9) defined lesional skin of patients with both variants. However, higher activation of all inflammatory axes (including TH2) was detected in patients with intrinsic AD, particularly TH17 and TH22 cytokines. Positive correlations between TH17-related molecules and SCORAD scores were only found in patients with intrinsic AD, whereas only patients with extrinsic AD showed positive correlations between SCORAD scores and TH2 cytokine (IL-4 and IL-5) levels and negative correlations with differentiation products (loricrin and periplakin). Although differences in TH17 and TH22 activation exist between patients with intrinsic AD and those with extrinsic AD, we identified common disease-defining features of T-cell activation, production of polarized cytokines, and keratinocyte responses to immune products. Our data indicate that a TH2 bias is not the sole cause of high IgE levels in patients with extrinsic AD, with important implications for similar therapeutic interventions. Copyright © 2013 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Modulation of gut-specific mechanisms by chronic δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol administration in male rhesus macaques infected with simian immunodeficiency virus: a systems biology analysis.

    PubMed

    Molina, Patricia E; Amedee, Angela M; LeCapitaine, Nicole J; Zabaleta, Jovanny; Mohan, Mahesh; Winsauer, Peter J; Vande Stouwe, Curtis; McGoey, Robin R; Auten, Matthew W; LaMotte, Lynn; Chandra, Lawrance C; Birke, Leslie L

    2014-06-01

    Our studies have demonstrated that chronic Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration results in a generalized attenuation of viral load and tissue inflammation in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected male rhesus macaques. Gut-associated lymphoid tissue is an important site for HIV replication and inflammation that can impact disease progression. We used a systems approach to examine the duodenal immune environment in 4- to 6-year-old male rhesus monkeys inoculated intravenously with SIVMAC251 after 17 months of chronic THC administration (0.18-0.32 mg/kg, intramuscularly, twice daily). Duodenal tissue samples excised from chronic THC- (N=4) and vehicle (VEH)-treated (N=4) subjects at ∼5 months postinoculation showed lower viral load, increased duodenal integrin beta 7(+)(β7) CD4(+) and CD8(+) central memory T cells, and a significant preferential increase in Th2 cytokine expression. Gene array analysis identified six genes that were differentially expressed in intestinal samples of the THC/SIV animals when compared to those differentially expressed between VEH/SIV and uninfected controls. These genes were identified as having significant participation in (1) apoptosis, (2) cell survival, proliferation, and morphogenesis, and (3) energy and substrate metabolic processes. Additional analysis comparing the duodenal gene expression in THC/SIV vs. VEH/SIV animals identified 93 differentially expressed genes that participate in processes involved in muscle contraction, protein folding, cytoskeleton remodeling, cell adhesion, and cell signaling. Immunohistochemical staining showed attenuated apoptosis in epithelial crypt cells of THC/SIV subjects. Our results indicate that chronic THC administration modulated duodenal T cell populations, favored a pro-Th2 cytokine balance, and decreased intestinal apoptosis. These findings reveal novel mechanisms that may potentially contribute to cannabinoid-mediated disease modulation.

  18. Differential Effects of Naja naja atra Venom on Immune Activity

    PubMed Central

    Kou, Jian-Qun; Han, Rong; Xu, Yin-Li; Ding, Xiao-Lan; Wang, Shu-Zhi; Chen, Cao-Xin; Ji, Hong-Zhang; Ding, Zhi-Hui; Qin, Zheng-Hong

    2014-01-01

    Previous studies reported that Naja naja atra venom (NNAV) inhibited inflammation and adjuvant arthritis. Here we investigated the role of NNAV in regulation of immune responses in mice. Oral administration of NNAV to normal mice showed significant increase in natural killer cell activity, B lymphocyte proliferation stimulated by lipopolysaccharides, and antibody production in response to sheep red blood cells. Meanwhile, NNAV markedly decreased T lymphocyte proliferation stimulated by concanavalin A, arrested the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase, and suppressed CD4 and CD8 T cell divisions. Furthermore, NNAV inhibited the dinitrofluorobenzene-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. This modulation of immune responses may be partly attributed to the selective increase in Th1 and Th2 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4) secretion and inhibition of Th17 cytokine (IL-17) production. In dexamethasone-induced immunosuppressed mice, NNAV restored the concentration of serum IgG and IgM, while decreasing the percentage of CD4 and CD8 T-cell subsets. These results indicate that NNAV enhances the innate and humoral immune responses while inhibiting CD4 Th17 and CD8 T cell actions, suggesting that NNAV could be a potential therapeutic agent for autoimmune diseases. PMID:25024726

  19. Effector and regulatory dendritic cells display distinct patterns of miRNA expression

    PubMed Central

    Luce, Sonia; Moussu, Hélène; Morizur, Lise; Gueguen, Claire; Neukirch, Catherine; Chollet‐Martin, Sylvie; Mascarell, Laurent; Aubier, Michel; Baron‐Bodo, Véronique; Moingeon, Philippe

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Introduction MicroRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to the regulation of dendritic cell (DC) polarization, thereby influencing the balance of adaptive immune responses. Herein, we studied the expression of miRNAs in polarized DCs and analyzed whether expression of these miRNAs could be associated with allergic rhinitis and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) outcome. Method Using specific culture conditions, we differentiated immature human monocyte‐derived DCs into DC1, DC2, and DCreg subsets (supporting the differentiation of TH1, TH2 or regulatory T cells, respectively). Profiling of miRNA expression was performed in these DC subpopulations using microarrays. Levels of miRNAs specific for polarized DCs were then evaluated in a cohort of 58 patients with allergic rhinitis and 25 non‐allergic controls, as well as in samples from 30 subjects treated with sublingual grass pollen tablets or placebo for four months. Results We successfully identified 16 miRNAs differentially regulated between immature DCs, DC1, DC2, and DCreg cells. In allergic rhinoconjunctivitis patients, the expression of two of those miRNAs (miR‐132 and miR‐155), was down‐regulated compared to non‐allergic individuals. However, the levels of these miRNAs were not significantly modified following four months of grass pollen immunotherapy. Conclusions Studying polarized DCs and clinical samples from subjects with or without allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, we demonstrated that the expression of two miRNAs linked to effector DCs (i.e., DC1 and/or DC2 cells), was reduced in the blood of patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Nevertheless, these miRNAs did not represent relevant biomarkers to predict or follow‐up AIT efficacy. PMID:28497578

  20. Immunopathology of inflammatory bowel disease

    PubMed Central

    Wallace, Kori L; Zheng, Li-Bo; Kanazawa, Yoshitake; Shih, David Q

    2014-01-01

    Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results from a complex series of interactions between susceptibility genes, the environment, and the immune system. The host microbiome, as well as viruses and fungi, play important roles in the development of IBD either by causing inflammation directly or indirectly through an altered immune system. New technologies have allowed researchers to be able to quantify the various components of the microbiome, which will allow for future developments in the etiology of IBD. Various components of the mucosal immune system are implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD and include intestinal epithelial cells, innate lymphoid cells, cells of the innate (macrophages/monocytes, neutrophils, and dendritic cells) and adaptive (T-cells and B-cells) immune system, and their secreted mediators (cytokines and chemokines). Either a mucosal susceptibility or defect in sampling of gut luminal antigen, possibly through the process of autophagy, leads to activation of innate immune response that may be mediated by enhanced toll-like receptor activity. The antigen presenting cells then mediate the differentiation of naïve T-cells into effector T helper (Th) cells, including Th1, Th2, and Th17, which alter gut homeostasis and lead to IBD. In this review, the effects of these components in the immunopathogenesis of IBD will be discussed. PMID:24415853

  1. Immunopathology of inflammatory bowel disease.

    PubMed

    Wallace, Kori L; Zheng, Li-Bo; Kanazawa, Yoshitake; Shih, David Q

    2014-01-07

    Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results from a complex series of interactions between susceptibility genes, the environment, and the immune system. The host microbiome, as well as viruses and fungi, play important roles in the development of IBD either by causing inflammation directly or indirectly through an altered immune system. New technologies have allowed researchers to be able to quantify the various components of the microbiome, which will allow for future developments in the etiology of IBD. Various components of the mucosal immune system are implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD and include intestinal epithelial cells, innate lymphoid cells, cells of the innate (macrophages/monocytes, neutrophils, and dendritic cells) and adaptive (T-cells and B-cells) immune system, and their secreted mediators (cytokines and chemokines). Either a mucosal susceptibility or defect in sampling of gut luminal antigen, possibly through the process of autophagy, leads to activation of innate immune response that may be mediated by enhanced toll-like receptor activity. The antigen presenting cells then mediate the differentiation of naïve T-cells into effector T helper (Th) cells, including Th1, Th2, and Th17, which alter gut homeostasis and lead to IBD. In this review, the effects of these components in the immunopathogenesis of IBD will be discussed.

  2. Neural metabolite changes in corpus striatum after rat multipotent mesenchymal stem cells transplanted in hemiparkinsonian rats by magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Fu, Wenyu; Zheng, Zhijuan; Zhuang, Wenxin; Chen, Dandan; Wang, Xiaocui; Sun, Xihe; Wang, Xin

    2013-12-01

    To investigate the biochemical changes in striatum after rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were transplanted into hemiparkinsonian rats and to further confirm the therapeutic effects of rat MSCs for Parkinson's disease (PD). 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled MSCs were transplanted into the corpus striatum of the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-injected side of six PD model rats. Before and 8 weeks after MSC transplantation, ethological changes in PD rats were assessed. The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in substantia nigra (SN) and striatum were measured using immunohistochemical methods. The differentiation of MSCs was detected by double immunofluorescence techniques. The concentrations of neural metabolites of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho) and creatine (Cr) were measured by ¹H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Relative concentrations of NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr were calculated. The behavior of PD rats in rotarod tests improved, and there were statistical differences in TH-positive cells in SN and TH-positive terminals in striatum after the transplantation of BrdU-labeled MSCs. Transplanted MSCs differentiated into MAP-2-positive neurons. Especially compared with pre-MSC transplantation, the neural metabolite NAA/Cr ratio of the 6-OHDA-injected side of the striatum increased (P < 0.05) and the Cho/Cr ratio decreased (P < 0.05). MSCs transplantation apparently improves neuronal function in the striatum of PD rats.

  3. Detection of IFN-γ+IL-17+ cells in salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome and Mikulicz's disease: Potential role of Th17•Th1 in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

    PubMed

    Nanke, Yuki; Kobashigawa, Tsuyoshi; Yago, Toru; Kawamoto, Manabu; Yamanaka, Hisashi; Kotake, Shigeru

    2016-01-01

      Objective: Th17 cells, which mainly produce interleukin (IL)-17, have been suggested to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The plasticity of Th17 cells, in which these cells shift to a Th1 phenotype in the presence of IL-12, has recently been reported. However, the role of IL-17 in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and Mikulicz's disease (MD) currently remains unknown. The submandibular salivary gland and lymph node of a MD patient and the salivary glands of 15 SS patients were collected. IFN-γ+ cells, IL-17+ cells, and IFN-γ+IL-17+ cells were detected by immunohistochemical staining. IFN-γ+ cells, IL-17+ cells, and IFN-γ+IL-17+ cells were detected in the submandibular salivary gland and lymph node of the MD patient and salivary glands of the 15 SS patients. IFN-γ+IL-17+cells in the salivary glands of patients were speculated to be Th1/Th17 cells in the present study. Th1/Th17 cells are known to be derived from Th17 cells and differentiate into Th1 cells, and IL-17-derived Th1 cells have been suggested to induce the deterioration of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Thus, Th1/Th17 cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SS and MD. IFN-γ+, IFN-γ+IL-17+, and IL-17+ cells were detected in the submandibular salivary gland and lymph node of a MD patient and the salivary glands of 15 SS patients.

  4. Heterogeneity of Human CD4(+) T Cells Against Microbes.

    PubMed

    Sallusto, Federica

    2016-05-20

    CD4(+) T helper (Th) cells play a central role in the adaptive immune response by providing help to B cells and cytotoxic T cells and by releasing different types of cytokines in tissues to mediate protection against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. These functions are performed by different types of Th cells endowed with distinct migratory capacities and effector functions. Here we discuss how studies of the human T cell response to microbes have advanced our understanding of Th cell functional heterogeneity, in particular with the discovery of a distinct Th1 subset involved in the response to Mycobacteria and the characterization of two types of Th17 cells specific for extracellular bacteria or fungi. We also review new approaches to dissect at the clonal level the human CD4(+) T cell response induced by pathogens or vaccines that have revealed an unexpected degree of intraclonal diversification and propose a progressive and selective model of CD4(+) T cell differentiation.

  5. T cell post-transcriptional miRNA-mRNA interaction networks identify targets associated with susceptibility/resistance to collagen-induced arthritis.

    PubMed

    Donate, Paula B; Fornari, Thais A; Macedo, Claudia; Cunha, Thiago M; Nascimento, Daniele C B; Sakamoto-Hojo, Elza T; Donadi, Eduardo A; Cunha, Fernando Q; Passos, Geraldo A

    2013-01-01

    Due to recent studies indicating that the deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in T cells contributes to increased severity of rheumatoid arthritis, we hypothesized that deregulated miRNAs may interact with key mRNA targets controlling the function or differentiation of these cells in this disease. To test our hypothesis, we used microarrays to survey, for the first time, the expression of all known mouse miRNAs in parallel with genome-wide mRNAs in thymocytes and naïve and activated peripheral CD3(+) T cells from two mouse strains the DBA-1/J strain (MHC-H2q), which is susceptible to collagen induced arthritis (CIA), and the DBA-2/J strain (MHC-H2d), which is resistant. Hierarchical clustering of data showed the several T cell miRNAs and mRNAs differentially expressed between the mouse strains in different stages of immunization with collagen. Bayesian statistics using the GenMir(++) algorithm allowed reconstruction of post-transcriptional miRNA-mRNA interaction networks for target prediction. We revealed the participation of miR-500, miR-202-3p and miR-30b*, which established interactions with at least one of the following mRNAs: Rorc, Fas, Fasl, Il-10 and Foxo3. Among the interactions that were validated by calculating the minimal free-energy of base pairing between the miRNA and the 3'UTR of the mRNA target and luciferase assay, we highlight the interaction of miR-30b*-Rorc mRNA because the mRNA encodes a protein implicated in pro-inflammatory Th17 cell differentiation (Rorγt). FACS analysis revealed that Rorγt protein levels and Th17 cell counts were comparatively reduced in the DBA-2/J strain. This result showed that the miRNAs and mRNAs identified in this study represent new candidates regulating T cell function and controlling susceptibility and resistance to CIA.

  6. Ber-H2 (CD30) Immunohistochemical Staining of Human Fetal Tissues

    PubMed Central

    2005-01-01

    OBJECTIVE: CD30 antigen has long been considered to be restricted to the tumour cells of Hodgkin's disease and of anaplastic large cell lymphoma as well as to T and B activated lymphocytes. It is now apparent that the range of normal and neoplastic cells, which may express CD30 antigen, is much wider than was at first thought. In order to gain insight into the physiological function of CD30 antigen, we studied the distribution of its expression in the tissues of fetuses from week 8th to week 16th. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of CD30 antigen in paraffin-embedded tissue samples representing all systems from 30 fetuses after therapeutic abortion at 8th to 10th and 12th to 16th week of gestation, respectively, using the monoclonal antibody Ber-H2. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that CD30 is expressed early in human fetal development (8th to 10th week of gestation) in several fetal tissues derived from all three germ layers (gastrointestinal tract, special glands of the postpharyngeal foregut, urinary, musculoskeletal, reproductive, nervous, endocrine systems), with the exception of the skin and hematolymphoid system (thymus), in which the antigen is expressed later on (10th week onwards). Expression of CD30 was restricted to the hematolymphoid system in the 12-16 weeks of gestation. No expression of the marker was observed in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems during the entire period examined. CONCLUSIONS: CD30 antigen is of importance in cell development, and proliferation. It is also pathway-related to terminal differentiation in many fetal tissues and organs. PMID:16244703

  7. Coenzyme A contained in mothers' milk is associated with the potential to induce atopic dermatitis.

    PubMed

    Higashi, Takehiro; Shimojo, Naoki; Suzuki, Shuichi; Nakaya, Mayuko; Takagi, Rie; Hashimoto, Kumiko; Nakagome, Kazuyuki; Nakamura, Koichiro; Kohno, Yoichi; Matsushita, Sho

    2011-12-01

    T(h)2 adjuvant activity can be qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated using a mixed lymphocyte reaction and by changes in the intracellular cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate concentration, using human dendritic cells in vitro. The current study shows that mothers, whose children (n = 55) developed atopic dermatitis (AD) within 6 months after birth, often demonstrate a higher T(h)2 adjuvant activity in their milk, in comparison to those whose children did not develop such symptoms. Such an activity was recovered in a liquid phase of mothers' milk and was eluted as a single fraction by reversed-phase HPLC. Further analysis of this fraction by mass spectrometry showed that signals originating from a factor with a molecular weight of 767.53 are observed, exclusively in milk with a high T(h)2 adjuvant activity. The mass is exactly that of Coenzyme A (CoA), and indeed, a low concentration of CoA exhibited T(h)2 adjuvant activity both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, mesenteric lymph node non-T cells obtained from mice that were orally treated with CoA led allogeneic naive CD4(+) T cells to differentiate into T(h)2. Furthermore, the oral administration of CoA induced rough skin, hyperplasia of the epidermis, hypergranulosis in the spinous layer and the thickening of the stratum in mice. These data collectively indicate that some of the patients with AD were exposed to mothers' milk carrying high T(h)2 adjuvant activity right after birth, which may be attributable to presence of CoA contained in the milk.

  8. Targeting the RhoA-ROCK Pathway to Reverse T Cell Dysfunction in SLE

    PubMed Central

    Rozo, Cristina; Chinenov, Yurii; Maharaj, Reena Khianey; Gupta, Sanjay; Leuenberger, Laura; Kirou, Kyriakos A.; Bykerk, Vivian P.; Goodman, Susan M.; Salmon, Jane E.; Pernis, Alessandra B.

    2018-01-01

    Objectives Deregulated production of IL-17 and IL-21 contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders like SLE and RA. Production of IL-17 and IL-21 can be regulated by ROCK2, one of the two Rho kinases. Increased ROCK activation was previously observed in an SLE cohort. Here, we evaluated ROCK activity in a new SLE cohort, an RA cohort, and assessed the ability of distinct inhibitors of the ROCK pathway to suppress production of IL-17 and IL-21 by SLE T cells or human Th17 cells. Methods ROCK activity in PBMCs from 29 SLE patients, 31 RA patients, and 28 healthy controls was determined by ELISA. SLE T cells or in vitro-differentiated Th17 cells were treated with Y27632 (a pan-ROCK inhibitor), KD025 (a selective ROCK2 inhibitor), or simvastatin (which inhibits RhoA, a major ROCK activator). ROCK activity, IL-17, and IL-21 production were assessed. The transcriptional profile altered by ROCK inhibitors was evaluated by NanoString technology. Results ROCK activity levels were significantly higher in SLE and RA patients than healthy controls. Th17 cells exhibited high ROCK activity that was inhibited by Y276327, KD025, or simvastatin; each also decreased IL-17 and IL-21 production by purified SLE T cells or Th17 cells. Immune profiling revealed both overlapping and distinct effects of the different ROCK inhibitors. Conclusions ROCK activity is elevated in PBMCs from SLE and RA patients. Production of IL-17 and IL-21 by SLE T cells or Th17 cells can furthermore be inhibited by targeting the RhoA-ROCK pathway via both non-selective and selective approaches. PMID:28283529

  9. LASSIM-A network inference toolbox for genome-wide mechanistic modeling.

    PubMed

    Magnusson, Rasmus; Mariotti, Guido Pio; Köpsén, Mattias; Lövfors, William; Gawel, Danuta R; Jörnsten, Rebecka; Linde, Jörg; Nordling, Torbjörn E M; Nyman, Elin; Schulze, Sylvie; Nestor, Colm E; Zhang, Huan; Cedersund, Gunnar; Benson, Mikael; Tjärnberg, Andreas; Gustafsson, Mika

    2017-06-01

    Recent technological advancements have made time-resolved, quantitative, multi-omics data available for many model systems, which could be integrated for systems pharmacokinetic use. Here, we present large-scale simulation modeling (LASSIM), which is a novel mathematical tool for performing large-scale inference using mechanistically defined ordinary differential equations (ODE) for gene regulatory networks (GRNs). LASSIM integrates structural knowledge about regulatory interactions and non-linear equations with multiple steady state and dynamic response expression datasets. The rationale behind LASSIM is that biological GRNs can be simplified using a limited subset of core genes that are assumed to regulate all other gene transcription events in the network. The LASSIM method is implemented as a general-purpose toolbox using the PyGMO Python package to make the most of multicore computers and high performance clusters, and is available at https://gitlab.com/Gustafsson-lab/lassim. As a method, LASSIM works in two steps, where it first infers a non-linear ODE system of the pre-specified core gene expression. Second, LASSIM in parallel optimizes the parameters that model the regulation of peripheral genes by core system genes. We showed the usefulness of this method by applying LASSIM to infer a large-scale non-linear model of naïve Th2 cell differentiation, made possible by integrating Th2 specific bindings, time-series together with six public and six novel siRNA-mediated knock-down experiments. ChIP-seq showed significant overlap for all tested transcription factors. Next, we performed novel time-series measurements of total T-cells during differentiation towards Th2 and verified that our LASSIM model could monitor those data significantly better than comparable models that used the same Th2 bindings. In summary, the LASSIM toolbox opens the door to a new type of model-based data analysis that combines the strengths of reliable mechanistic models with truly systems-level data. We demonstrate the power of this approach by inferring a mechanistically motivated, genome-wide model of the Th2 transcription regulatory system, which plays an important role in several immune related diseases.

  10. Live Attenuated Leishmania donovani Centrin Gene-Deleted Parasites Induce IL-23-Dependent IL-17-Protective Immune Response against Visceral Leishmaniasis in a Murine Model.

    PubMed

    Banerjee, Antara; Bhattacharya, Parna; Dagur, Pradeep K; Karmakar, Subir; Ismail, Nevien; Joshi, Amritanshu B; Akue, Adovi D; KuKuruga, Mark; McCoy, John Philip; Dey, Ranadhir; Nakhasi, Hira L

    2018-01-01

    No vaccine exists against visceral leishmaniasis. To develop effective vaccines, we have previously reported protective role of live attenuated centrin gene-deleted Leishmania donovani ( LdCen -/- ) parasites through induction of Th1 type immune response in mice, hamsters, and dogs. In this study, we specifically explored the role of Th17 cells in LdCen -/- -induced host protection in mice. Our results showed that compared with wild-type L. donovani infection, LdCen -/- parasites induce significantly higher expression of Th17 differentiation cytokines in splenic dendritic cells. There was also induction of IL-17 and its promoting cytokines in total splenocytes and in both CD4 and CD8 T cells following immunization with LdCen -/- Upon challenge with wild-type parasites, IL-17 and its differentiating cytokines were significantly higher in LdCen -/- -immunized mice compared with nonimmunized mice that resulted in parasite control. Alongside IL-17 induction, we observed induction of IFN-γ-producing Th1 cells as reported earlier. However, Th17 cells are generated before Th1 cells. Neutralization of either IL-17 or IFN-γ abrogated LdCen -/- -induced host protection further confirming the essential role of Th17 along with Th1 cytokines in host protection. Treatment with recombinant IL-23, which is required for stabilization and maintenance of IL-17, heightened Th17, and Tc17 responses in immunized mice splenocytes. In contrast, Th17 response was absent in immunized IL-23R -/- mice that failed to induce protection upon virulent Leishmania challenge suggesting that IL-23 plays an essential role in IL-17-mediated protection by LdCen -/- parasites. This study unveiled the role of IL-23-dependent IL-17 induction in LdCen -/- parasite-induced immunity and subsequent protection against visceral leishmaniasis.

  11. Anti-inflammatory effects of interleukin-23 receptor cytokine-binding homology region rebalance T cell distribution in rodent collagen-induced arthritis

    PubMed Central

    Guo, Wei; Yu, Dongmei; Wang, Xin; Luo, Cheng; Chen, Yucong; Lei, Wen; Wang, Chen; Ge, Yaoyao; Xue, Wenyao; Tian, Qiqi; Gao, Xiangdong; Yao, Wenbing

    2016-01-01

    IL-23 is an important cytokine to regulate Th17 cell differentiation and promote the proliferation of inflammatory cells in Th17-mediated autoimmune diseases. The collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rat is a model of rheumatoid arthritis characterized by pronounced inflammatory auto-responses from B and T cells, especially Th17 cells in lesions. In the present study, we used rhIL23R-CHR to block the IL-23 signaling pathway to probe the importance of IL-23 in misbalancing the ratio of Th17/Th9/Treg cells in CIA rats. After treatments with rhIL23R-CHR, the CIA rats showed a significant decrease of secretions of IL-17 and IL-9, whereas FoxP3 was activated in the process, indicating that IL-23 can manipulate the balance of Th17/Th9/Treg cells. Similar to the animal model, IL-23 also possessed remarkable proinflammatory effects on human fibroblast-like synoviocyte cells (HFLS), showing synergetic outcomes with TNF-α. Together, IL-23 could act as a modulator to imbalance the ratio of Th17/Th9/Treg cells, and rhIL23R-CHR could serve as a potential therapeutic agent for RA patients. PMID:27177334

  12. Th-POK regulates mammary gland lactation through mTOR-SREBP pathway.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Rui; Ma, Huimin; Gao, Yuan; Wu, Yanjun; Qiao, Yuemei; Geng, Ajun; Cai, Cheguo; Han, Yingying; Zeng, Yi Arial; Liu, Xiaolong; Ge, Gaoxiang

    2018-02-01

    The Th-inducing POK (Th-POK, also known as ZBTB7B or cKrox) transcription factor is a key regulator of lineage commitment of immature T cell precursors. It is yet unclear the physiological functions of Th-POK besides helper T cell differentiation. Here we show that Th-POK is restrictedly expressed in the luminal epithelial cells in the mammary glands that is upregulated at late pregnancy and lactation. Lineage restrictedly expressed Th-POK exerts distinct biological functions in the mammary epithelial cells and T cells in a tissue-specific manner. Th-POK is not required for mammary epithelial cell fate determination. Mammary gland morphogenesis in puberty and alveologenesis in pregnancy are phenotypically normal in the Th-POK-deficient mice. However, Th-POK-deficient mice are defective in triggering the onset of lactation upon parturition with large cellular lipid droplets retained within alveolar epithelial cells. As a result, Th-POK knockout mice are unable to efficiently secret milk lipid and to nurse the offspring. Such defect is mainly attributed to the malfunctioned mammary epithelial cells, but not the tissue microenvironment in the Th-POK deficient mice. Th-POK directly regulates expression of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and insulin-induced Akt-mTOR-SREBP signaling. Th-POK deficiency compromises IRS-1 expression and Akt-mTOR-SREBP signaling in the lactating mammary glands. Conversely, insulin induces Th-POK expression. Thus, Th-POK functions as an important feed-forward regulator of insulin signaling in mammary gland lactation.

  13. Th-POK regulates mammary gland lactation through mTOR-SREBP pathway

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Yanjun; Qiao, Yuemei; Geng, Ajun; Cai, Cheguo; Han, Yingying; Zeng, Yi Arial

    2018-01-01

    The Th-inducing POK (Th-POK, also known as ZBTB7B or cKrox) transcription factor is a key regulator of lineage commitment of immature T cell precursors. It is yet unclear the physiological functions of Th-POK besides helper T cell differentiation. Here we show that Th-POK is restrictedly expressed in the luminal epithelial cells in the mammary glands that is upregulated at late pregnancy and lactation. Lineage restrictedly expressed Th-POK exerts distinct biological functions in the mammary epithelial cells and T cells in a tissue-specific manner. Th-POK is not required for mammary epithelial cell fate determination. Mammary gland morphogenesis in puberty and alveologenesis in pregnancy are phenotypically normal in the Th-POK-deficient mice. However, Th-POK-deficient mice are defective in triggering the onset of lactation upon parturition with large cellular lipid droplets retained within alveolar epithelial cells. As a result, Th-POK knockout mice are unable to efficiently secret milk lipid and to nurse the offspring. Such defect is mainly attributed to the malfunctioned mammary epithelial cells, but not the tissue microenvironment in the Th-POK deficient mice. Th-POK directly regulates expression of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and insulin-induced Akt-mTOR-SREBP signaling. Th-POK deficiency compromises IRS-1 expression and Akt-mTOR-SREBP signaling in the lactating mammary glands. Conversely, insulin induces Th-POK expression. Thus, Th-POK functions as an important feed-forward regulator of insulin signaling in mammary gland lactation. PMID:29420538

  14. Defective IL-17- and IL-22-dependent mucosal host response to Candida albicans determines susceptibility to oral candidiasis in mice expressing the HIV-1 transgene.

    PubMed

    Goupil, Mathieu; Cousineau-Côté, Vincent; Aumont, Francine; Sénéchal, Serge; Gaboury, Louis; Hanna, Zaher; Jolicoeur, Paul; de Repentigny, Louis

    2014-10-26

    The tissue-signaling cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 are critical to host defense against oral Candida albicans infection, by their induction of oral antimicrobial peptide expression and recruitment of neutrophils. Mucosal Th17 cells which produce these cytokines are preferentially depleted in HIV-infected patients. Here, we tested the hypothesis that defective IL-17- and IL-22-dependent host responses to C. albicans determine the phenotype of susceptibility to oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) in transgenic (Tg) mice expressing HIV-1. Naïve CD4+ T-cells and the differentiated Th1, Th2, Th17, Th1Th17 and Treg lineages were all profoundly depleted in cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) of these Tg mice. However, naive CD4+ cells from Tg mice maintained the capacity to differentiate into these lineages in response to polarizing cytokines in vitro. Expression of Il17, Il22, S100a8 and Ccl20 was enhanced in oral mucosal tissue of non-Tg, but not of Tg mice, after oral infection with C. albicans. Treatment of infected Tg mice with the combination of IL-17 and IL-22, but not IL-17 or Il-22 alone, significantly reduced oral burdens of C. albicans and abundance of Candida hyphae in the epithelium of tongues of infected Tg mice, and restored the ability of the Tg mice to up-regulate expression of S100a8 and Ccl20 in response to C. albicans infection. These findings demonstrate that defective IL-17- and IL-22-dependent induction of innate mucosal immunity to C. albicans is central to the phenotype of susceptibility to OPC in these HIV transgenic mice.

  15. Expanding Diversity in Molecular Structures and Functions of the IL-6/IL-12 Heterodimeric Cytokine Family

    PubMed Central

    Hasegawa, Hideaki; Mizoguchi, Izuru; Chiba, Yukino; Ohashi, Mio; Xu, Mingli; Yoshimoto, Takayuki

    2016-01-01

    The interleukin (IL)-6/IL-12 family cytokines have pleiotropic functions and play critical roles in multiple immune responses. This cytokine family has very unique characteristics in that they comprise two distinct subunits forming a heterodimer and each cytokine and receptor subunit shares with each other. The members of this cytokine family are increasing; currently, there are more than six cytokines, including the tentatively named cytokines IL-Y (p28/p40), IL-12 (p35/p40), IL-23 (p19/p40), IL-27 [p28/Epstein–Barr virus-induced protein 3 (EBI3)], IL-35 (p35/EBI3), and IL-39 (p19/EBI3). This family of cytokines covers a very broad range of immune responses, including pro-inflammatory responses, such as helper T (Th)1, Th2, and Th17, to anti-inflammatory responses, such as regulatory T (Treg) cells and IL-10-producing Treg cells. IL-12 is the first member of this family, and IL-12, IL-23, and IL-27 are mainly produced by activated antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells and macrophages. IL-12 plays a critical role in the promotion of Th1 immune responses by inducing interferon-γ production to combat pathogens and malignant tumors. IL-23 induces IL-17 production and is necessary to maintain pathogenic Th17 cells that cause inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. IL-27 was initially reported to play a critical role in promotion of Th1 differentiation; however, subsequent studies revealed that IL-27 has broader stimulatory and inhibitory roles by inducing IL-10-producing Treg cells. IL-35 is produced by forkhead box P3+ Treg cells and activated B cells and has immunosuppressive functions to maintain immune tolerance. The most recently identified cytokine, IL-39, is produced by activated B cells and has pro-inflammatory functions. The cytokine tentatively named IL-Y seems to have anti-inflammatory functions by inhibiting Th1 and Th17 differentiation. In addition, individual cytokine subunits were also shown to have self-standing activities. Thus, promiscuity within the IL-6/IL-12 family cytokines complicates structural and functional clarification and assignment of individual cytokines. A better understanding of the recent advances and expanding diversity in molecular structures and functions of the IL-6/IL-12 family cytokines could allow the creation of novel therapeutic strategies by using them as tools and targeted molecules. PMID:27867385

  16. Mechanisms Underlying Helper T cell Plasticity: Implications for Immune-mediated Disease

    PubMed Central

    Hirahara, Kiyoshi; Poholek, Amanda; Vahedi, Golnaz; Laurence, Arian; Kanno, Yuka; Milner, Joshua D.; O’Shea, John J.

    2013-01-01

    CD4 helper T cells are critical for proper immune cell homeostasis and host defense, but are also major contributes to immune and inflammatory disease. Arising from a simple, biphasic model of differentiation, Th1 and Th2 cells, a bewildering number of fates seem to possible for helper T cells. To what extent different helper cell subsets maintain their characteristic gene expression profiles or exhibit functional plasticity is a hotly debated topic. In this review, we will discuss how the expression of “signature cytokines” and “master regulator” transcription factors do not neatly conform to a simple T helper paradigm. While this may seem confusing, the good news is that the newly recognized complexity fits better with our understanding of immunopathogenesis. Finally, we will discuss factors include epigenetic regulation and metabolic alterations that contribute to helper cell specific and plasticity. PMID:23622118

  17. Interaction between allergic asthma and atherosclerosis

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Conglin; Zhang, Jingying; Shi, Guo-Ping

    2015-01-01

    Prior studies have established an essential role of mast cells in allergic asthma and atherosclerosis. Mast cell deficiency or inactivation protects mice from allergen-induced airway hyper-responsiveness and diet-induced atherosclerosis, suggesting that mast cells share pathologic activities in both diseases. Allergic asthma and atherosclerosis are inflammatory diseases that contain similar sets of elevated numbers of inflammatory cells in addition to mast cells in the airway and arterial wall, such as macrophages, monocytes, T cells, eosinophils, and smooth muscle cells. Emerging evidence from experimental models and human studies points to a potential interaction between the two seemingly unrelated diseases. Patients or mice with allergic asthma have a high risk of developing atherosclerosis or vice versa, despite the fact that asthma is a Th2-oriented disease, whereas Th1 immunity promotes atherosclerosis. In addition to the preferred Th1/Th2 responses that may differentiate the two diseases, mast cells and many other inflammatory cells also contribute to their pathogenesis by much more than just T cell immunity. Here we summarize the different roles of airway and arterial wall inflammatory cells and vascular cells in asthma and atherosclerosis, and propose an interaction between the two diseases, although limited investigations are available to delineate the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which one disease increases the risk of the other. Results from mouse allergic asthma and atherosclerosis models and from human population studies lead to the hypothesis that patients with atherosclerosis may benefit from anti-asthmatic medications, or that the therapeutic regimens targeting atherosclerosis may also alleviate allergic asthma. PMID:26608212

  18. All-Trans-Retinoic Acid Stimulates Overexpression of Tumor Protein D52 (TPD52, Isoform 3) and Neuronal Differentiation of IMR-32 Cells.

    PubMed

    Kotapalli, Sudha Sravanti; Dasari, Chandrashekhar; Duscharla, Divya; Kami Reddy, Karthik Reddy; Kasula, Manjula; Ummanni, Ramesh

    2017-12-01

    Tumor protein D52 (TPD52), a proto-oncogene is overexpressed in a variety of epithelial carcinomas and plays an important role in cell proliferation, migration, and cell death. In the present study we found that the treatment of IMR-32 neuroblastoma (NB) cells with retinoic acid (RA) stimulates an increase in expression of TPD52. TPD52 expression is detectable after 72 h, can be maintained till differentiation of NB cells suggesting that TPD52 is involved in differentiation. Here, we demonstrate that TPD52 is essential for RA to promote differentiation of NB cells. Our results show that exogenous expression of EGFP-TPD52 in IMR-32 cells resulted cell differentiation even without RA. RA by itself and with overexpression of TPD52 can increase the ability of NB cells differentiation. Interestingly, transfection of IMR-32 cells with a specific small hairpin RNA for efficient knockdown of TPD52 attenuated RA induced NB cells differentiation. Transcriptional and translational level expression of neurotropic (BDNF, NGF, Nestin) and differentiation (β III tubulin, NSE, TH) factors in NB cells with altered TPD52 expression and/or RA treatment confirmed essential function of TPD52 in cellular differentiation. Furthermore, we show that TPD52 protects cells from apoptosis and arrest cell proliferation by varying expression of p27Kip1, activation of Akt and ERK1/2 thus promoting cell differentiation. Additionally, inhibition of STAT3 activation by its specific inhibitor arrested NB cells differentiation by EGFP-TPD52 overexpression with or without RA. Taken together, our data reveal that TPD52 act through activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway to undertake NB cells differentiation induced by RA. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4358-4369, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. The Calcineurin-NFAT Axis Controls Allograft Immunity in Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells through Reprogramming T Cell Differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Xiao; Bi, Yujing; Xue, Lixiang; Liao, Jiongbo; Chen, Xi; Lu, Yun; Zhang, Zhengguo; Wang, Jian; Liu, Huanrong; Yang, Hui

    2014-01-01

    While cyclosporine (CsA) inhibits calcineurin and is highly effective in prolonging rejection for transplantation patients, the immunological mechanisms remain unknown. Herein, the role of calcineurin signaling was investigated in a mouse allogeneic skin transplantation model. The calcineurin inhibitor CsA significantly ameliorated allograft rejection. In CsA-treated allograft recipient mice, CD11b+ Gr1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were functional suppressive immune modulators that resulted in fewer gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells (TH1 T helper cells) and more interleukin 4 (IL-4)-producing CD4+ T cells (TH2) and prolonged allogeneic skin graft survival. Importantly, the expression of NFATc1 is significantly diminished in the CsA-induced MDSCs. Blocking NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) with VIVIT phenocopied the CsA effects in MDSCs and increased the suppressive activities and recruitment of CD11b+ Gr1+ MDSCs in allograft recipient mice. Mechanistically, CsA treatment enhanced the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and the suppressive activities of MDSCs in allograft recipients. Inhibition of IDO nearly completely recovered the increased MDSC suppressive activities and the effects on T cell differentiation. The results of this study indicate that MDSCs are an essential component in controlling allograft survival following CsA or VIVIT treatment, validating the calcineurin-NFAT-IDO signaling axis as a potential therapeutic target in transplantation. PMID:25452304

  20. Defects along the T(H)17 differentiation pathway underlie genetically distinct forms of the hyper IgE syndrome.

    PubMed

    Al Khatib, Shadi; Keles, Sevgi; Garcia-Lloret, Maria; Karakoc-Aydiner, Elif; Reisli, Ismail; Artac, Hasibe; Camcioglu, Yildiz; Cokugras, Haluk; Somer, Ayper; Kutukculer, Necil; Yilmaz, Mustafa; Ikinciogullari, Aydan; Yegin, Olcay; Yüksek, Mutlu; Genel, Ferah; Kucukosmanoglu, Ercan; Baki, Ali; Bahceciler, Nerin N; Rambhatla, Anupama; Nickerson, Derek W; McGhee, Sean; Barlan, Isil B; Chatila, Talal

    2009-08-01

    The hyper IgE syndrome (HIES) is characterized by abscesses, eczema, recurrent infections, skeletal and connective tissue abnormalities, elevated serum IgE, and diminished inflammatory responses. It exists as autosomal-dominant and autosomal-recessive forms that manifest common and distinguishing clinical features. A majority of those with autosomal-dominant HIES have heterozygous mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 and impaired T(H)17 differentiation. To elucidate mechanisms underlying different forms of HIES. A cohort of 25 Turkish children diagnosed with HIES were examined for STAT3 mutations by DNA sequencing. Activation of STAT3 by IL-6 and IL-21 and STAT1 by IFN-alpha was assessed by intracellular staining with anti-phospho (p)STAT3 and -pSTAT1 antibodies. T(H)17 and T(H)1 cell differentiation was assessed by measuring the production of IL-17 and IFN-gamma, respectively. Six subjects had STAT3 mutations affecting the DNA binding, Src homology 2, and transactivation domains, including 3 novel ones. Mutation-positive but not mutation-negative subjects with HIES exhibited reduced phosphorylation of STAT3 in response to cytokine stimulation, whereas pSTAT1 activation was unaffected. Both patient groups exhibited impaired T(H)17 responses, but whereas STAT3 mutations abrogated early steps in T(H)17 differentiation, the defects in patients with HIES with normal STAT3 affected more distal steps. In this cohort of Turkish children with HIES, a majority had normal STAT3, implicating other targets in disease pathogenesis. Impaired T(H)17 responses were evident irrespective of the STAT3 mutation status, indicating that different genetic forms of HIES share a common functional outcome.

  1. A potential reservoir of immature dopaminergic replacement neurons in the adult mammalian olfactory bulb.

    PubMed

    Pignatelli, Angela; Ackman, James B; Vigetti, Davide; Beltrami, Antonio P; Zucchini, Silvia; Belluzzi, Ottorino

    2009-02-01

    A significant fraction of the interneurons added in adulthood to the glomerular layer (GL) of the olfactory bulb (OB) are dopaminergic (DA). In the OB, DA neurons are restricted to the GL, but using transgenic mice expressing eGFP under the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) promoter, we also detected the presence of TH-GFP+ cells in the mitral and external plexiform layers. We hypothesized that these could be adult-generated neurons committed to become DA but not yet entirely differentiated. Accordingly, TH-GFP+ cells outside the GL exhibit functional properties (appearance of pacemaker currents, synaptic connection with the olfactory nerve, intracellular chloride concentration, and other) marking a gradient of maturity toward the dopaminergic phenotype along the mitral-glomerular axis. Finally, we propose that the establishment of a synaptic contact with the olfactory nerve is the key event allowing these cells to complete their differentiation toward the DA phenotype and to reach their final destination.

  2. The dual nature of retinoic acid in pemphigus and its therapeutic potential: Special focus on all-trans Retinoic Acid.

    PubMed

    Tavakolpour, Soheil; Daneshpazhooh, Maryam; Mahmoudi, Hamid Reza; Balighi, Kamran

    2016-07-01

    The efficient treatment of pemphigus with no certain side effect remained a controversial issue. Although there are various options for controlling disease severity, the majority of them may cause serious side effects. Retinoic acid (RA), an active metabolite converted from vitamin A, plays an active role in immune functions. Effects of RA, especially all-trans-Retinoic Acid (ATRA) on different types of cells involved in immune responses were analyzed in vitro and in vivo. RAs could affect the differentiation of T helper (Th) cells, B cells responses, stabilization of both natural regulatory T cells (nTregs) and regulatory B cells (Bregs) populations, and regulating the expression of critical genes in immune responses. The role of RA, based on major immune cells involved in pemphigus has not been addressed so far. In this study, we sought to determine the possible effects of RA, with a special focus on ATRA in pemphigus. All the evidences of ATRA effects on the immune system were collected and their association with the pemphigus was analyzed. According to the previous results, ATRA causes a decline in Th17 populations; increase in CD4+ induced regulatory T cells (iTregs), stabilization of nTregs, and promotion of suppressive B cells, which are critical in the improvement of pemphigus. Nevertheless, it also causes shifting of the Th1:Th2 balance toward Th2 cells, which is not favorable for pemphigus patients. In conclusion, ATRA acts via different ways in pemphigus. Due to increase in the suppressive function via iTregs, nTregs, and Bregs, it is suggested that patients with pemphigus may benefit from systemic ATRA therapy. To clarify this issue, further studies, such as clinical trials are needed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Evaluation of in vitro spermatogenesis system effectiveness to study genes behavior: monitoring the expression of the testis specific 10 (Tsga10) gene as a model.

    PubMed

    Miryounesi, Mohammad; Nayernia, Karim; Mobasheri, Maryam Beigom; Dianatpour, Mahdi; Oko, Richard; Savad, Shahram; Modarressi, Mohammad Hossein

    2014-10-01

    In vitro generation of germ cells introduces a novel approach to male infertility and provides an effective system in gene tracking studies, however many aspects of this process have remained unclear. We aimed to promote mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) differentiation into germ cells and evaluate its effectiveness with tracking the expression of the Tsga10 during this process. mESCs were differentiated into germ cells in the presence of Retinoic Acid. Based on developmental schedule of the postnatal testis, samples were taken on the 7th, 12th, and 25th days of the culture and were subjected to expression analysis of a panel of germ cell specific genes. Expression of Tsga10 in RNA and protein levels was then analyzed. Transition from mitosis to meiosis occurred between 7th and 12th days of mESC culture and post-meiotic gene expression did not occur until the 25th day of the culture. Results showed low level of Tsga10expression in undifferentiated stem cells. During transition from meiotic to post-meiotic phase, Tsga10 expression increased in 6.6 folds. This finding is in concordance with in vivo changes during transition from pre-pubertal to pubertal stage. Localization of processed and unprocessed forms of the related protein was similar to those in vivo as well. Expression pattern of Tsga10, as a gene with critical function in spermatogenesis, is similar during in vitro and in vivo germ cell generation. The results suggest that in vitro derived germ cells could be a trusted model to study genes behavior during spermatogenesis.

  4. Human mesenchymal stromal cell-secreted lactate induces M2-macrophage differentiation by metabolic reprogramming

    PubMed Central

    Civini, Sara; Pacelli, Consiglia; Dieng, Mame Massar; Lemieux, William; Jin, Ping; Bazin, Renée; Patey, Natacha; Marincola, Francesco M.; Moldovan, Florina; Zaouter, Charlotte; Trudeau, Louis-Eric; Benabdhalla, Basma; Louis, Isabelle; Beauséjour, Christian; Stroncek, David; Le Deist, Françoise; Haddad, Elie

    2016-01-01

    Human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have been shown to dampen immune response and promote tissue repair, but the underlying mechanisms are still under investigation. Herein, we demonstrate that umbilical cord-derived MSC (UC-MSC) alter the phenotype and function of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) through lactate-mediated metabolic reprogramming. UC-MSC can secrete large quantities of lactate and, when present during monocyte-to-DC differentiation, induce instead the acquisition of M2-macrophage features in terms of morphology, surface markers, migratory properties and antigen presentation capacity. Microarray expression profiling indicates that UC-MSC modify the expression of metabolic-related genes and induce a M2-macrophage expression signature. Importantly, monocyte-derived DC obtained in presence of UC-MSC, polarize naïve allogeneic CD4+ T-cells into Th2 cells. Treatment of UC-MSC with an inhibitor of lactate dehydrogenase strongly decreases lactate concentration in culture supernatant and abrogates the effect on monocyte-to-DC differentiation. Metabolic analysis further revealed that UC-MSC decrease oxidative phosphorylation in differentiating monocytes while strongly increasing the spare respiratory capacity proportional to the amount of secreted lactate. Because both MSC and monocytes are recruited in vivo at the site of tissue damage and inflammation, we propose the local increase of lactate concentration induced by UC-MSC and the consequent enrichment in M2-macrophage generation as a mechanism to achieve immunomodulation. PMID:27070086

  5. Differentiation and Characterization of Dopaminergic Neurons From Baboon Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.

    PubMed

    Grow, Douglas A; Simmons, DeNard V; Gomez, Jorge A; Wanat, Matthew J; McCarrey, John R; Paladini, Carlos A; Navara, Christopher S

    2016-09-01

    : The progressive death of dopamine producing neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta is the principal cause of symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Stem cells have potential therapeutic use in replacing these cells and restoring function. To facilitate development of this approach, we sought to establish a preclinical model based on a large nonhuman primate for testing the efficacy and safety of stem cell-based transplantation. To this end, we differentiated baboon fibroblast-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (biPSCs) into dopaminergic neurons with the application of specific morphogens and growth factors. We confirmed that biPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons resemble those found in the human midbrain based on cell type-specific expression of dopamine markers TH and GIRK2. Using the reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we also showed that biPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons express PAX6, FOXA2, LMX1A, NURR1, and TH genes characteristic of this cell type in vivo. We used perforated patch-clamp electrophysiology to demonstrate that biPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons fired spontaneous rhythmic action potentials and high-frequency action potentials with spike frequency adaption upon injection of depolarizing current. Finally, we showed that biPSC-derived neurons released catecholamines in response to electrical stimulation. These results demonstrate the utility of the baboon model for testing and optimizing the efficacy and safety of stem cell-based therapeutic approaches for the treatment of PD. Functional dopamine neurons were produced from baboon induced pluripotent stem cells, and their properties were compared to baboon midbrain cells in vivo. The baboon has advantages as a clinically relevant model in which to optimize the efficacy and safety of stem cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease. Baboons possess crucial neuroanatomical and immunological similarities to humans, and baboon pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into functional neurons that mimic those in the human brain, thus laying the foundation for the utility of the baboon model for evaluating stem cell therapies. ©AlphaMed Press.

  6. Tangeretin Inhibits IL-12 Expression and NF-κB Activation in Dendritic Cells and Attenuates Colitis in Mice.

    PubMed

    Eun, Su-Hyeon; Woo, Je-Te; Kim, Dong-Hyun

    2017-04-01

    In the preliminary study, tangeretin (5,6,7,8,4'-pentamethoxy flavone), a major constituent of the pericarp of Citrus sp., inhibited TNF- α , IL-12, and IL-23 expression and nuclear factor kappa-B activation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated dendritic cells; however, it did not affect IL-10 expression. Furthermore, tangeretin (5, 10, and 20 µM) suppressed the activation and translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (p65) into the nuclei in vitro by inhibiting the binding of lipopolysaccharide on dendritic cells. Oral administration of tangeretin (10 and 20 mg/kg) suppressed the inflammatory responses, such as nuclear factor kappa-B and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and myeloperoxidase activity, in the colon of mice with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis. Tangeretin increased 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-suppressed expression of tight junction proteins occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1. Tangeretin also inhibited 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells as well as the expression of T-bet, ROR γ t, interferon- γ , IL-12, IL-17, and TNF- α . However, tangeretin increased 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-suppressed differentiation of regulatory T cells as well as the expression of Foxp3 and IL-10. These results suggest that oral administration of tangeretin may attenuate colitis by suppressing IL-12 and TNF- α expression and nuclear factor kappa-B activation through the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide binding on immune cells such as dendritic cells. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  7. Differential effects of HIV transmission from monocyte-derived dendritic cells vs. monocytes to IL-17+CD4+ T cells

    PubMed Central

    Mitsuki, Yu-ya; Tuen, Michael; Hioe, Catarina E.

    2017-01-01

    HIV infection leads to CD4 helper T cell (Th) loss, but not all Th cells are equally depleted. The contribution of other immune cells in the Th depletion also remains unclear. This study investigates HIV transmission from monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) vs. monocytes to Th17 and Th1 cells using an allogeneic coculture model. The addition of HIV to MDDCs increased the expression of the negative regulatory molecule PD-L1 and decreased the expression of the activation markers HLA-DR and CD86, whereas the virus up-regulated HLA-DR and CD86, but not PD-L1, on monocytes. Coculturing of CD4+ T cells with MDDCs pretreated with HIV led to the decline of Th17, but not Th1, responses. In contrast, pretreatment of monocytes with HIV increased Th17 without affecting Th1 responses. The enhanced Th17 responses in the cocultures with HIV-treated monocytes were also accompanied by high numbers of virus-infected CD4+ T cells. The Th17 expansion arose from memory CD4+ T cells with minimal contribution from naïve CD4+ T cells. The Th17-enhancing activity was mediated by the HIV envelope and did not require productive virus infection. Comparison of MDDCs and monocytes further showed that, although HIV-treated MDDCs reduced Th proliferation and increased the activation of the apoptosis mediator caspase-3, HIV-treated monocytes enhanced Th proliferation without increasing the active caspase-3 levels. This study indicates the potential role of distinct myeloid cell populations in shaping Th17 responses during HIV infection. PMID:27531931

  8. Vitamin E-loaded dialyzer resets PBMC-operated cytokine network in dialysis patients.

    PubMed

    Libetta, Carmelo; Zucchi, Manuela; Gori, Elena; Sepe, Vincenzo; Galli, Francesco; Meloni, Federica; Milanesi, Fabio; Dal Canton, Antonio

    2004-04-01

    In hemodialysis patients the activity of stimulated Th1 lymphocytes is depressed, while Th2 cells are constitutively primed. Such phenomena may depend on monocyte activation and altered release of interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-18, which regulate Th cell differentiation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) activate monocytes; therefore, a hemodialyzer with antioxidant activity would contrast ROS, prevent monocyte activation, reset IL-12 and IL-18 release, and restore Th1/Th2 balance. Ten patients on regular dialysis treatment (RDT) with cellulosic membrane (CM) were shifted to vitamin E-coated dialyzer (VE). During treatment with CM and after 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment with VE, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and purified CD4+ cells were isolated, and cultured, resting, mitogen-stimulated, and interferon gamma (IFNgamma), IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-18 release was measured. Vitamin E and A plasma levels and the effects of a single dialysis session on peripheral blood NO levels were assayed. The constitutive release of IL-4 and IL-10 by CD4+ cells was abated significantly by treatment with VE (nadir -77.8% and -55.3%, respectively, at 12 months). INFgamma release by mitogen-stimulated CD4+ recovered with VE (zenith +501% at 12 months). PBMC constitutive production of IL-12 and IL-18 was significantly reduced by VE (nadir at 12 months -64.7% and -51.3%, respectively). VE increased plasma levels of vitamins E and A. NO plasma levels fell after a single dialysis treatment with VE (-17%, P < 0.05) in contrast with CU (+27.1%, P < 0.05). The network of cytokines released by monocytes and Th cells is reset toward normality by treatment with vitamin E-coated dialyzer.

  9. Differential chemokine, chemokine receptor and cytokine expression in Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative diseases.

    PubMed

    Ohshima, Koichi; Karube, Kennosuke; Hamasaki, Makoto; Tutiya, Takeshi; Yamaguchi, Takahiro; Suefuji, Hiroaki; Suzuki, Keiko; Suzumiya, Junji; Ohga, Shouichi; Kikuchi, Masahiro

    2003-08-01

    T cell immunity plays an important role in the clinicopathology of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated diseases. Acute EBV-induced infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a common self-limiting disease, however, other EBV-associated diseases, including chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV), NK cell lymphoma (NKL), and Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), exhibit distinct clinical features. Chemokines are members of a family of small-secreted proteins. The relationships between chemokines and the chemokine receptor (R) are thought to be important for selectivity of local immunity. Some chemokines, chemokine R and cytokines closely associate with the T cell subtypes, Th1 and Th2 T cells and cytotoxic cells. To clarify the role of T cell immunity in EBV-associated diseases, we conducted gene expression profiling, using chemokine, chemokine R and cytokine DNA chips. Compared to EBV negative non-specific lymphadenitis, CAEBV and NKL exhibited diffuse down- and up-regulation, respectively, of these gene profiles. IM had a predominantly Th1-type profile, whereas HL had a mixed Th1/Th2-type profile. Reduction of the Th1-type cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) in CAEBV was confirmed by Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, whereas IFN-gamma expression was markedly enhanced in NKL, and moderately enhanced in IM. Compared to IM, CAEBV showed slight elevation of "regulated upon activation, normal T expressed and secreted" (RANTES), but almost all other genes assayed were down-regulated. NKL exhibited elevated expression of numerous genes, particularly IFN-gamma-inducible-10 (IP-10) and monokine induced by IFN-gamma (MIG). HL showed variable elevated and reduced expression of various genes, with increased expression of IL-13 receptor and MIG. Our study demonstrated the enormous potential of gene expression profiling for clarifying the pathogenesis of EBV-associated diseases.

  10. Generation of TCR-Expressing Innate Lymphoid-like Helper Cells that Induce Cytotoxic T Cell-Mediated Anti-leukemic Cell Response.

    PubMed

    Ueda, Norihiro; Uemura, Yasushi; Zhang, Rong; Kitayama, Shuichi; Iriguchi, Shoichi; Kawai, Yohei; Yasui, Yutaka; Tatsumi, Minako; Ueda, Tatsuki; Liu, Tian-Yi; Mizoro, Yasutaka; Okada, Chihiro; Watanabe, Akira; Nakanishi, Mahito; Senju, Satoru; Nishimura, Yasuharu; Kuzushima, Kiyotaka; Kiyoi, Hitoshi; Naoe, Tomoki; Kaneko, Shin

    2018-06-05

    CD4 + T helper (Th) cell activation is essential for inducing cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses against malignancy. We reprogrammed a Th clone specific for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)-derived b3a2 peptide to pluripotency and re-differentiated the cells into original TCR-expressing T-lineage cells (iPS-T cells) with gene expression patterns resembling those of group 1 innate lymphoid cells. CD4 gene transduction into iPS-T cells enhanced b3a2 peptide-specific responses via b3a2 peptide-specific TCR. iPS-T cells upregulated CD40 ligand (CD40L) expression in response to interleukin-2 and interleukin-15. In the presence of Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) peptide, antigen-specific dendritic cells (DCs) conditioned by CD4-modified CD40L high iPS-T cells stimulated WT1-specific CTL priming, which eliminated WT1 peptide-expressing CML cells in vitro and in vivo. Thus, CD4 modification of CD40L high iPS-T cells generates innate lymphoid helper-like cells inducing bcr-abl-specific TCR signaling that mediates effectiveanti-leukemic CTL responses via DC maturation, showing potential for adjuvant immunotherapy against leukemia. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Blockade of CD40 ligand suppresses chronic experimental myasthenia gravis by down-regulation of Th1 differentiation and up-regulation of CTLA-4.

    PubMed

    Im, S H; Barchan, D; Maiti, P K; Fuchs, S; Souroujon, M C

    2001-06-01

    Myasthenia gravis (MG) and experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG) are T cell-dependent Ab-mediated autoimmune disorders, in which the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) is the major autoantigen. Th1-type cells and costimulatory factors such as CD40 ligand (CD40L) contribute to disease pathogenesis by producing proinflammatory cytokines and by activating autoreactive B cells. In this study we demonstrate the capacity of CD40L blockade to modulate EAMG, and analyze the mechanism underlying this disease suppression. Anti-CD40L Abs given to rats at the chronic stage of EAMG suppress the clinical progression of the autoimmune process and lead to a decrease in the AChR-specific humoral response and delayed-type hypersensitivity. The cytokine profile of treated rats suggests that the underlying mechanism involves down-regulation of AChR-specific Th1-regulated responses with no significant effect on Th2- and Th3-regulated AChR-specific responses. EAMG suppression is also accompanied by a significant up-regulation of CTLA-4, whereas a series of costimulatory factors remain unchanged. Adoptive transfer of splenocytes from anti-CD40L-treated rats does not protect recipient rats against subsequently induced EAMG. Thus it seems that the suppressed progression of chronic EAMG by anti-CD40L treatment does not induce a switch from Th1 to Th2/Th3 regulation of the AChR-specific immune response and does not induce generation of regulatory cells. The ability of anti-CD40L treatment to suppress ongoing chronic EAMG suggests that blockade of CD40L may serve as a potential approach for the immunotherapy of MG and other Ab-mediated autoimmune diseases.

  12. SUMOylation-disrupting WAS mutation converts WASp from a transcriptional activator to a repressor of NF-κB response genes in T cells.

    PubMed

    Sarkar, Koustav; Sadhukhan, Sanjoy; Han, Seong-Su; Vyas, Yatin M

    2015-10-01

    In Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS), immunodeficiency and autoimmunity often comanifest, yet how WAS mutations misregulate chromatin-signaling in Thelper (TH) cells favoring development of auto-inflammation over protective immunity is unclear. Previously, we identified an essential promoter-specific, coactivator role of nuclear-WASp in TH1 gene transcription. Here we identify small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO)ylation as a novel posttranslational modification of WASp, impairment of which converts nuclear-WASp from a transcriptional coactivator to a corepressor of nuclear factor (NF)-κB response genes in human (TH)1-differentiating cells. V75M, one of many disease-causing mutations occurring in SUMO*motif (72-ψψψψKDxxxxSY-83) of WASp, compromises WASp-SUMOylation, associates with COMMD1 to attenuate NF-κB signaling, and recruits histone deacetylases-6 (HDAC6) to p300-marked promoters of NF-κB response genes that pattern immunity but not inflammation. Consequently, proteins mediating adaptive immunity (IFNG, STAT1, TLR1) are deficient, whereas those mediating auto-inflammation (GM-CSF, TNFAIP2, IL-1β) are paradoxically increased in TH1 cells expressing SUMOylation-deficient WASp. Moreover, SUMOylation-deficient WASp favors ectopic development of the TH17-like phenotype (↑IL17A, IL21, IL22, IL23R, RORC, and CSF2) under TH1-skewing conditions, suggesting a role for WASp in modulating TH1/TH17 plasticity. Notably, pan-histone deacetylase inhibitors lift promoter-specific repression imposed by SUMOylation-deficient WASp and restore misregulated gene expression. Our findings uncovering a SUMOylation-based mechanism controlling WASp's dichotomous roles in transcription may have implications for personalized therapy for patients carrying mutations that perturb WASp-SUMOylation. © 2015 by The American Society of Hematology.

  13. Activation‐Induced Killer Cell Immunoglobulin‐like Receptor 3DL2 Binding to HLA–B27 Licenses Pathogenic T Cell Differentiation in Spondyloarthritis

    PubMed Central

    Ridley, Anna; Hatano, Hiroko; Wong‐Baeza, Isabel; Shaw, Jacqueline; Matthews, Katherine K.; Al‐Mossawi, Hussein; Ladell, Kristin; Price, David A.; Bowness, Paul

    2016-01-01

    Objective In the spondyloarthritides (SpA), increased numbers of CD4+ T cells express killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor 3DL2 (KIR‐3DL2). The aim of this study was to determine the factors that induce KIR‐3DL2 expression, and to characterize the relationship between HLA–B27 and the phenotype and function of KIR‐3DL2–expressing CD4+ T cells in SpA. Methods In total, 34 B27+ patients with SpA, 28 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (20 B27− and 8 B27+), and 9 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were studied. KIR-3DL2 expression and other phenotypic characteristics of peripheral blood and synovial fluid CD4+ T cells were studied by flow cytometry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. T cell receptor clonality was determined by template‐switch anchored reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analysis. Cytokines were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results Cellular activation induced KIR‐3DL2 expression on both naive and effector CD4+ T cells. KIR‐3DL2 binding to B27+ cells promoted expression of KIR‐3DL2, the Th17‐specific transcription factor retinoic acid receptor–related orphan nuclear receptor γt, and the antiapoptotic factor B cell lymphoma 2. KIR‐3DL2+CD4+ T cells in patients with ankylosing spondylitis were oligoclonal and enriched for markers of T cell activation and for the gut homing receptor CCR9. In the presence of B27+ antigen‐presenting cells, KIR‐3DL2+CD4+ T cells produced less interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) but more IL‐17. This effect was blocked by HC10, an antibody that inhibits the binding of KIR‐3DL2 to B27 heavy chains. Conclusion KIR‐3DL2 binding to HLA–B27 licenses Th17 cell differentiation in SpA. These findings raise the therapeutic potential of targeting HLA–B27–KIR‐3DL2 interactions for the treatment of B27+ patients with SpA. PMID:26841353

  14. Elevated α-synuclein caused by SNCA gene triplication impairs neuronal differentiation and maturation in Parkinson's patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells

    PubMed Central

    Oliveira, L M A; Falomir-Lockhart, L J; Botelho, M G; Lin, K-H; Wales, P; Koch, J C; Gerhardt, E; Taschenberger, H; Outeiro, T F; Lingor, P; Schüle, B; Arndt-Jovin, D J; Jovin, T M

    2015-01-01

    We have assessed the impact of α-synuclein overexpression on the differentiation potential and phenotypic signatures of two neural-committed induced pluripotent stem cell lines derived from a Parkinson's disease patient with a triplication of the human SNCA genomic locus. In parallel, comparative studies were performed on two control lines derived from healthy individuals and lines generated from the patient iPS-derived neuroprogenitor lines infected with a lentivirus incorporating a small hairpin RNA to knock down the SNCA mRNA. The SNCA triplication lines exhibited a reduced capacity to differentiate into dopaminergic or GABAergic neurons and decreased neurite outgrowth and lower neuronal activity compared with control cultures. This delayed maturation phenotype was confirmed by gene expression profiling, which revealed a significant reduction in mRNA for genes implicated in neuronal differentiation such as delta-like homolog 1 (DLK1), gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptor subunit 2 (GABABR2), nuclear receptor related 1 protein (NURR1), G-protein-regulated inward-rectifier potassium channel 2 (GIRK-2) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The differentiated patient cells also demonstrated increased autophagic flux when stressed with chloroquine. We conclude that a two-fold overexpression of α-synuclein caused by a triplication of the SNCA gene is sufficient to impair the differentiation of neuronal progenitor cells, a finding with implications for adult neurogenesis and Parkinson's disease progression, particularly in the context of bioenergetic dysfunction. PMID:26610207

  15. Cellular basis for neonatally induced T-suppressor activity. Primary B cell maturation is blocked by suppressor-helper interactions restricted by loci on chromosome 12

    PubMed Central

    1985-01-01

    The cellular mechanism and genetic restriction of neonatally induced HA- specific suppressor T (Ts) cells have been examined. The in vivo effect of these Ts cells on antibody production, primary B cell proliferation, B cell surface marker changes, and helper T (Th) cell priming during primary responses to HA have been determined. The results indicate that, although antigen-induced B cell proliferative responses and surface marker changes occur in the presence of Ts cells, differentiation to Ig secretion, and long-lived memory B cell production are prevented. Further, antigen-specific Th cell priming is completely ablated by Ts cells, suggesting that Ts act by preventing the delivery of Th signals required for both the later stages of primary B cell maturation, and the formation of memory B cell populations. Finally, in vivo cell mixing experiments using congenic mice indicate that this Ts-Th interaction is restricted by loci on mouse chromosome 12. PMID:2580040

  16. A malaria protein factor induces IL-4 production by dendritic cells via PI3K-Akt-NF-κB signaling independent of MyD88/TRIF and promotes Th2 response.

    PubMed

    Wu, Xianzhu; Gowda, Nagaraj M; Kawasawa, Yuka I; Gowda, D Channe

    2018-04-17

    Dendritic cells (DC) and cytokines produced by DC play crucial roles in inducing and regulating pro-/anti-inflammatory and Th1/Th2 responses. DC are known to produce Th1-promoting cytokine, IL-12, in response to malaria and other pathogenic infections, but it is thought that DC do not produce Th2-promoting cytokine, IL-4. Here, we show that a protein factor of malaria parasites induces IL-4 responses by CD11c hi MHCII hi CD3ε - CD49b - CD19 - FcεRI - DC via PI3K-Akt-NF-κB signaling independent of TLR-MyD88/TRIF. Malaria parasite-activated DC induced IL-4 responses by T cells both in vitro and in vivo , favoring Th2, and il-4 deficient DC were unable to induce IL-4 expression by T cell.  Interestingly, lethal parasites, Plasmodium falciparum and P. berghei ANKA, induced IL-4 response primarily by CD8a - DC, whereas nonlethal P. yoelii induced IL-4 by both CD8α + and CD8α - DC. In both P. berghei ANKA- and P. yoelii -infected mice, IL-4-expressing CD8α - DC did not express IL-12, but a distinct CD8α - DC subset expressed IL-12. In P. berghei ANKA infection, CD8α + DC expressed IL-12 but not IL-4, whereas in P. yoelii infection CD8α + DC expressed IL-4 but not IL-12. This differential IL-4 and IL-12 responses by DC subsets may contribute to different Th1/Th2 development and clinical outcomes in lethal and nonlethal malaria. Our results for the first time demonstrate that a malaria protein factor induces IL-4 production by DC via PI3K-Akt-NF-κB signaling, revealing signaling and molecular mechanisms that initiate and promote Th2 development. Published under license by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  17. Distinct CD4+-T-cell responses to live and heat-inactivated Aspergillus fumigatus conidia.

    PubMed

    Rivera, Amariliz; Van Epps, Heather L; Hohl, Tobias M; Rizzuto, Gabrielle; Pamer, Eric G

    2005-11-01

    Aspergillus fumigatus is an important fungal pathogen that causes invasive pulmonary disease in immunocompromised hosts. Respiratory exposure to A. fumigatus spores also causes allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, a Th2 CD4+-T-cell-mediated disease that accompanies asthma. The microbial factors that influence the differentiation of A. fumigatus-specific CD4+ T lymphocytes into Th1 versus Th2 cells remain incompletely defined. We therefore examined CD4+-T-cell responses of immunologically intact mice to intratracheal challenge with live or heat-inactivated A. fumigatus spores. Live but not heat-inactivated fungal spores resulted in recruitment of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-producing, fungus-specific CD4+ T cells to lung airways, achieving A. fumigatus-specific frequencies exceeding 5% of total CD4+ T cells. While heat-inactivated spores did not induce detectable levels of IFN-gamma-producing, A. fumigatus-specific CD4+ T cells in the airways, they did prime CD4+ T-cell responses in draining lymph nodes that produced greater amounts of interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-13 than T cells responding to live conidia. While immunization with live fungal spores induced antibody responses, we found a marked decrease in isotype-switched, A. fumigatus-specific antibodies in sera of mice following immunization with heat-inactivated spores. Our studies demonstrate that robust Th1 T-cell and humoral responses are restricted to challenge with fungal spores that have the potential to germinate and cause invasive infection. How the adaptive immune system distinguishes between metabolically active and inactive fungal spores remains an important question.

  18. Berberine Attenuates Inflammation Associated with Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity via Suppressing Th1 Response and Inhibiting Apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Wang, Zhigang; Chen, Zhe; Chen, Tao; Yi, Tao; Zheng, Zhou; Fan, Hong; Chen, Zebin

    2017-02-01

    Berberine, one of the active alkaloids from Rhizoma Coptidis, has been indicated to have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. The aim of this study was to determine the role of berberine on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and its potential mechanisms. Berberine treatment significantly reduced footpad swelling, inflammatory cells infiltration, anti-OVA IgG levels, IgE concentration in serum, and the tetramer + CD8 + cells. In homogenized footpad tissue, the production of Th1-mediated cytokines including IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 were suppressed following the administration of berberine. Detailed studies revealed that berberine prevented differentiation into Th1 cells in the OVA-primed lymphocytes, resulting from suppressing the expression of T-bet and secretion of IFN-γ but not IL-4. Concanavalin A stimulation assay and MTT assay also indicated inhibiting effect of berberine treatment on IFN-γ production and decreased cytotoxicity in lymphocytes proliferation, respectively. Additionally, berberine obviously decreased the cell apoptosis and enzymatic activity of caspase-3, which was further confirmed by the facts that berberine clearly lowered Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and expression of cleaved caspase-3 protein. On correlation analysis, the percentage of apoptotic cells showed a significant positive relationship with IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio of supernatant from footpad tissue in berberine-treated DTH mice. These results demonstrated that berberine attenuated Th1-mediated inflammation in OVA-induced DTH by curbing Th1 response and inhibiting cell apoptosis, suggesting a therapeutic potential for berberine for the treatment of type IV hypersensitivity.

  19. Evidence of Immunosuppressive and Th2 Immune Polarizing Effects of Antidiabetic Momordica charantia Fruit Juice.

    PubMed

    Fachinan, Rufine; Fagninou, Adnette; Nekoua, Magloire Pandoua; Amoussa, Abdou Madjid; Adjagba, Marius; Lagnika, Latifou; Lalèyè, Anatole; Moutairou, Kabirou; Yessoufou, Akadiri

    2017-01-01

    The mechanism of action of the antidiabetic capacity of Momordica charantia is still under investigation. Here, we assessed phytochemical compositions, antioxidant activity, and effects of total and filtered fruit and leafy stem juices of Momordica charantia on human T cell proliferation and differentiation through quantification of Th1/Th2 cytokines. In the absence of stimulation, total fruit and leafy stem juices induced significant T cell proliferation. Under PHA stimulation, both juices potentiated plant-induced T cell proliferation. However, the filtered fruit and leafy stem juices significantly inhibited PHA-stimulated T cell proliferation, while neither juice influenced T cell proliferation. Moreover, total and filtered fruit juice increased IL-4 secretion, while total and filtered leafy stem juice enhanced IFN- γ production. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, anthocyans, steroids, and triterpenoids in both juices. Alkaloids, quinone derivatives, cardenolides, and cyanogenic derivatives were undetectable. The saponins present in total juices were undetectable after filtration. Moreover, both juices had appreciable antioxidant capacity. Our study supports the type 1 antidiabetic effect of filtered fruit juice of M. charantia which may be related to its immunosuppressive and T-helper 2 cell inducing capacities. Due to their immune-stimulatory activities and their ability to increase T-helper 1 cell cytokines, total fruit and leafy stem juices may serve in the treatment of immunodeficiency and certain infections.

  20. Evidence of Immunosuppressive and Th2 Immune Polarizing Effects of Antidiabetic Momordica charantia Fruit Juice

    PubMed Central

    Amoussa, Abdou Madjid; Adjagba, Marius; Lagnika, Latifou; Lalèyè, Anatole

    2017-01-01

    The mechanism of action of the antidiabetic capacity of Momordica charantia is still under investigation. Here, we assessed phytochemical compositions, antioxidant activity, and effects of total and filtered fruit and leafy stem juices of Momordica charantia on human T cell proliferation and differentiation through quantification of Th1/Th2 cytokines. In the absence of stimulation, total fruit and leafy stem juices induced significant T cell proliferation. Under PHA stimulation, both juices potentiated plant-induced T cell proliferation. However, the filtered fruit and leafy stem juices significantly inhibited PHA-stimulated T cell proliferation, while neither juice influenced T cell proliferation. Moreover, total and filtered fruit juice increased IL-4 secretion, while total and filtered leafy stem juice enhanced IFN-γ production. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, anthocyans, steroids, and triterpenoids in both juices. Alkaloids, quinone derivatives, cardenolides, and cyanogenic derivatives were undetectable. The saponins present in total juices were undetectable after filtration. Moreover, both juices had appreciable antioxidant capacity. Our study supports the type 1 antidiabetic effect of filtered fruit juice of M. charantia which may be related to its immunosuppressive and T-helper 2 cell inducing capacities. Due to their immune-stimulatory activities and their ability to increase T-helper 1 cell cytokines, total fruit and leafy stem juices may serve in the treatment of immunodeficiency and certain infections. PMID:28812026

  1. Interleukin-25: a cytokine linking eosinophils and adaptive immunity in Churg-Strauss syndrome.

    PubMed

    Terrier, Benjamin; Bièche, Ivan; Maisonobe, Thierry; Laurendeau, Ingrid; Rosenzwajg, Michèlle; Kahn, Jean-Emmanuel; Diemert, Marie-Claude; Musset, Lucile; Vidaud, Michel; Sène, Damien; Costedoat-Chalumeau, Nathalie; Le Thi-Huong, Du; Amoura, Zahir; Klatzmann, David; Cacoub, Patrice; Saadoun, David

    2010-11-25

    Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is characterized by systemic vasculitis and blood and tissue eosinophilia. Blood eosinophilia correlates with disease activity, and activated T cells from CSS patients are predominantly T helper 2 (Th2). Interleukin (IL)-25 has been shown to link innate and adaptive immunity by enhancing Th2 cytokine production. We sought to determine the involvement of IL-25 and its receptor IL-17RB in the pathogenesis of CSS. We found increased levels of IL-25 in the serum of active CSS patients (952 ± 697 vs 75 ± 49 pg/mL in inactive patients and 47 ± 6 pg/mL in healthy donors). IL-25 was correlated with disease activity and eosinophil level. Eosinophils were the main source of IL-25, whereas activated CD4(+) memory T cells were the IL-17RB-expressing cells in CSS. IL-25 enhanced the production of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 by activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. IL-25 and IL-17RB were observed within the vasculitic lesions of patients with CSS, and IL-17RB colocalized with T cells. Increased expression of IL-17RB, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6, and JunB in vasculitic lesions of CSS underscored the IL-25-mediated activation, whereas up-regulation of GATA3 and IL-10 supported Th2 differentiation. Our findings suggest that eosinophils, through the production of IL-25, exert a critical role in promoting Th2 responses in target tissues of CSS.

  2. Transcription factor activating protein 2 beta (TFAP2B) mediates noradrenergic neuronal differentiation in neuroblastoma.

    PubMed

    Ikram, Fakhera; Ackermann, Sandra; Kahlert, Yvonne; Volland, Ruth; Roels, Frederik; Engesser, Anne; Hertwig, Falk; Kocak, Hayriye; Hero, Barbara; Dreidax, Daniel; Henrich, Kai-Oliver; Berthold, Frank; Nürnberg, Peter; Westermann, Frank; Fischer, Matthias

    2016-02-01

    Neuroblastoma is an embryonal pediatric tumor that originates from the developing sympathetic nervous system and shows a broad range of clinical behavior, ranging from fatal progression to differentiation into benign ganglioneuroma. In experimental neuroblastoma systems, retinoic acid (RA) effectively induces neuronal differentiation, and RA treatment has been therefore integrated in current therapies. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying differentiation are still poorly understood. We here investigated the role of transcription factor activating protein 2 beta (TFAP2B), a key factor in sympathetic nervous system development, in neuroblastoma pathogenesis and differentiation. Microarray analyses of primary neuroblastomas (n = 649) demonstrated that low TFAP2B expression was significantly associated with unfavorable prognostic markers as well as adverse patient outcome. We also found that low TFAP2B expression was strongly associated with CpG methylation of the TFAP2B locus in primary neuroblastomas (n = 105) and demethylation with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine resulted in induction of TFAP2B expression in vitro, suggesting that TFAP2B is silenced by genomic methylation. Tetracycline inducible re-expression of TFAP2B in IMR-32 and SH-EP neuroblastoma cells significantly impaired proliferation and cell cycle progression. In IMR-32 cells, TFAP2B induced neuronal differentiation, which was accompanied by up-regulation of the catecholamine biosynthesizing enzyme genes DBH and TH, and down-regulation of MYCN and REST, a master repressor of neuronal genes. By contrast, knockdown of TFAP2B by lentiviral transduction of shRNAs abrogated RA-induced neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y and SK-N-BE(2)c neuroblastoma cells almost completely. Taken together, our results suggest that TFAP2B is playing a vital role in retaining RA responsiveness and mediating noradrenergic neuronal differentiation in neuroblastoma. Copyright © 2015 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Role of T-bet, the master regulator of Th1 cells, in the cytotoxicity of murine CD4+ T cells.

    PubMed

    Eshima, Koji; Misawa, Kana; Ohashi, Chihiro; Iwabuchi, Kazuya

    2018-05-01

    Although CD4 + T cells are generally regarded as helper T cells, some activated CD4 + T cells have cytotoxic properties. Given that CD4 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) often secrete IFN-γ, CTL activity among CD4 + T cells may be attributable to Th1 cells, where a T-box family molecule, T-bet serves as the "master regulator". However, although the essential contribution of T-bet to expression of IFN-γ has been well-documented, it remains unclear whether T-bet is involved in CD4 + T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In this study, to investigate the ability of T-bet to confer cytolytic activity on CD4 + T cells, the T-bet gene (Tbx21) was introduced into non-cytocidal CD4 + T cell lines and their cytolytic function analyzed. Up-regulation of FasL (CD178), which provided the transfectant with cytotoxicity, was observed in Tbx21transfected CD4 + T cells but not in untransfected parental cells. In one cell line, T-bet transduction also induced perforin gene (Prf1) expression and Tbx21 transfectants efficiently killed Fas - target cells. Although T-bet was found to repress up-regulation of CD40L (CD154), which controls FasL-mediated cytolysis, the extent of CD40L up-regulation on in vitro-differentiated Th1 cells was similar to that on Th2 cells, suggesting the existence of a compensatory mechanism. These results collectively indicate that T-bet may be involved in the expression of genes, such as FasL and Prf1, which confer cytotoxicity on Th1 cells. © 2018 The Societies and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

  4. A mechanism for the induction of type 2 immune responses by a protease allergen in the genital tract.

    PubMed

    Oh, Ji Eun; Oh, Dong Sun; Jung, Hi Eun; Lee, Heung Kyu

    2017-02-14

    The genital mucosa is a barrier that is constantly exposed to a variety of pathogens, allergens, and external stimuli. Although both allergen exposure and parasite infections frequently occur in the genital area, the mechanism by which immune responses-particularly type 2 immunity-are induced has rarely been studied in the genital mucosa. Here, we demonstrate the induction of T helper type 2 (Th2) immunity in the genital mucosa in response to a model allergen, the protease papain. Intravaginal papain immunization induced type 2 immunity in a manner that was dependent on protease activity and the estrous phase of the mice. In addition, IL-33 was released from the vaginal epithelia after intravaginal papain immunization, leading to the activation of type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). Moreover, the IL-33-MyD88 (myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88) signaling pathway was critical for the induction of type 2 immunity. We also found that Th2 differentiation in response to intravaginal papain treatment requires a specific dendritic cell (DC) subset that is controlled by interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4). These findings suggest that type 2 immunity is induced by a unique mechanism in the genital tract, which is an important, but often overlooked, barrier surface.

  5. Concomitant Exposure to Ovalbumin and Endotoxin Augments Airway Inflammation but Not Airway Hyperresponsiveness in a Murine Model of Asthma

    PubMed Central

    Mac Sharry, John; Shalaby, Karim H.; Marchica, Cinzia; Farahnak, Soroor; Chieh-Li, Tien; Lapthorne, Susan; Qureshi, Salman T.; Shanahan, Fergus; Martin, James G.

    2014-01-01

    Varying concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in ovalbumin (OVA) may influence the airway response to allergic sensitization and challenge. We assessed the contribution of LPS to allergic airway inflammatory responses following challenge with LPS-rich and LPS-free commercial OVA. BALB/c mice were sensitized with LPS-rich OVA and alum and then underwent challenge with the same OVA (10 µg intranasally) or an LPS-free OVA. Following challenge, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), airway responsiveness to methacholine and the lung regulatory T cell population (Treg) were assessed. Both OVA preparations induced BAL eosinophilia but LPS-rich OVA also evoked BAL neutrophilia. LPS-free OVA increased interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4 and IL-5 whereas LPS-rich OVA additionally increased IL-1β, IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α and KC. Both OVA-challenged groups developed airway hyperresponsiveness. TLR4-deficient mice challenged with either OVA preparation showed eosinophilia but not neutrophilia and had increased IL-5. Only LPS-rich OVA challenged mice had increased lung Tregs and LPS-rich OVA also induced in vitro Treg differentiation. LPS-rich OVA also induced a Th1 cytokine response in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.We conclude that LPS-rich OVA evokes mixed Th1, Th2 and innate immune responses through the TLR-4 pathway, whereas LPS-free OVA evokes only a Th2 response. Contaminating LPS is not required for induction of airway hyperresponsiveness but amplifies the Th2 inflammatory response and is a critical mediator of the neutrophil, Th1 and T regulatory cell responses to OVA. PMID:24968337

  6. MTORC1 EXPANDS TH17 AND IL-4+ DN T CELLS AND CONTRACTS TREGS IN SLE

    PubMed Central

    Kato, Hiroshi; Perl, Andras

    2014-01-01

    The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is activated in CD4−CD8− double-negative (DN) T cells and its blockade is therapeutic in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Murine studies showed the involvement of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2) in the differentiation of Th1/Th17 cells and Th2 cells, respectively. Here, we investigated the roles of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in T-cell lineage development in SLE and matched healthy control (HC) subjects. mTORC1 activity was increased while mTORC2 was reduced as assessed by phosphorylation of their substrates pS6K or pS6RP and pAkt, respectively. Rapamycin inhibited mTORC1 and enhanced mTORC2. IL-4 expression was increased in freshly isolated CD8+ lupus T cells (SLE: 8.09±1.93%, HC: 3.61±0.49%; p=0.01). DN T cells had greater IL-4 expression than CD4+ or CD8+ T cells of SLE patients after 3 day in vitro stimulation, which was suppressed by rapamycin (control: 9.26±1.48%, rapamycin: 5.03±0.66%; p<0.001). GATA-3 expression was increased in CD8+ lupus T cells (p<0.01) and insensitive to rapamycin treatment. IFN-γ expression was reduced in all lupus T cell subsets (p=1.0×10−5) and also resisted rapamycin. IL-17 expression was increased in CD4+ lupus T cells (SLE: 3.62±0.66%, HC: 2.29±0.27%; p=0.019), which was suppressed by rapamycin (control: 3.91±0.79%, rapamycin: 2.22±0.60%; p<0.001). Frequency of Tregs was reduced in SLE (SLE: 1.83±0.25%, HC: 2.97±0.27%; p=0.0012). Rapamycin inhibited mTORC1 in Tregs and promoted their expansion. Neutralization of IL-17 but not IL-4 also expanded Tregs in SLE and HC subjects. These results indicate that mTORC1 expands IL-4+ DN T and Th17 cells and contracts Tregs in SLE. PMID:24683191

  7. Allergen-specific Th1 cells counteract efferent Th2 cell-dependent bronchial hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilic inflammation partly via IFN-gamma.

    PubMed

    Huang, T J; MacAry, P A; Eynott, P; Moussavi, A; Daniel, K C; Askenase, P W; Kemeny, D M; Chung, K F

    2001-01-01

    Th2 T cell immune-driven inflammation plays an important role in allergic asthma. We studied the effect of counterbalancing Th1 T cells in an asthma model in Brown Norway rats that favors Th2 responses. Rats received i.v. transfers of syngeneic allergen-specific Th1 or Th2 cells, 24 h before aerosol exposure to allergen, and were studied 18-24 h later. Adoptive transfer of OVA-specific Th2 cells, but not Th1 cells, and OVA, but not BSA exposure, induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to acetylcholine and eosinophilia in a cell number-dependent manner. Importantly, cotransfer of OVA-specific Th1 cells dose-dependently reversed BHR and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) eosinophilia, but not mucosal eosinophilia. OVA-specific Th1 cells transferred alone induced mucosal eosinophilia, but neither BHR nor BAL eosinophilia. Th1 suppression of BHR and BAL eosinophilia was allergen specific, since cotransfer of BSA-specific Th1 cells with the OVA-specific Th2 cells was not inhibitory when OVA aerosol alone was used, but was suppressive with OVA and BSA challenge. Furthermore, recipients of Th1 cells alone had increased gene expression for IFN-gamma in the lungs, while those receiving Th2 cells alone showed increased IL-4 mRNA. Importantly, induction of these Th2 cytokines was inhibited in recipients of combined Th1 and Th2 cells. Anti-IFN-gamma treatment attenuated the down-regulatory effect of Th1 cells. Allergen-specific Th1 cells down-regulate efferent Th2 cytokine-dependent BHR and BAL eosinophilia in an asthma model via mechanisms that depend on IFN-gamma. Therapy designed to control the efferent phase of established asthma by augmenting down-regulatory Th1 counterbalancing mechanisms should be effective.

  8. Immunome differences between porcine ileal and jejunal Peyer's patches revealed by global transcriptome sequencing of gut-associated lymphoid tissues.

    PubMed

    Maroilley, T; Berri, M; Lemonnier, G; Esquerré, D; Chevaleyre, C; Mélo, S; Meurens, F; Coville, J L; Leplat, J J; Rau, A; Bed'hom, B; Vincent-Naulleau, S; Mercat, M J; Billon, Y; Lepage, P; Rogel-Gaillard, C; Estellé, J

    2018-06-13

    The epithelium of the intestinal mucosa and the gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) constitute an essential physical and immunological barrier against pathogens. In order to study the specificities of the GALT transcriptome in pigs, we compared the transcriptome profiles of jejunal and ileal Peyer's patches (PPs), mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and peripheral blood (PB) of four male piglets by RNA-Seq. We identified 1,103 differentially expressed (DE) genes between ileal PPs (IPPs) and jejunal PPs (JPPs), and six times more DE genes between PPs and MLNs. The master regulator genes FOXP3, GATA3, STAT4, TBX21 and RORC were less expressed in IPPs compared to JPPs, whereas the transcription factor BCL6 was found more expressed in IPPs. In comparison between IPPs and JPPs, our analyses revealed predominant differential expression related to the differentiation of T cells into Th1, Th2, Th17 and iTreg in JPPs. Our results were consistent with previous reports regarding a higher T/B cells ratio in JPPs compared to IPPs. We found antisense transcription for respectively 24%, 22% and 14% of the transcripts detected in MLNs, PPs and PB, and significant positive correlations between PB and GALT transcriptomes. Allele-specific expression analyses revealed both shared and tissue-specific cis-genetic control of gene expression.

  9. The Role of Th17 in Neuroimmune Disorders: Target for CAM Therapy. Part I.

    PubMed

    Vojdani, Aristo; Lambert, Jama

    2011-01-01

    CD4(+) effector cells, based on cytokine production, nuclear receptors and signaling pathways, have been categorized into four subsets. T-helper-1 cells produce IFN-γ, TNF-β, lymphotoxin and IL-10; T-helper-2 cells produce IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-21 and IL-31; T-helper-3, or regulatory T-cells, produce IL-10, TGF-β and IL-35; and the recently discovered T-helper-17 cell produces IL-17, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-26 and CCL20. By producing IL-17 and other signaling molecules, Th17 contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune diseases including allergic inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. In this article, we review the differential regulation of inflammation in different tissues with a major emphasis on enhancement of neuroinflammation by local production of IL-17 in the brain. By understanding the role of pathogenic factors in the induction of autoimmune diseases by Th17 cells, CAM practitioners will be able to design CAM therapies targeting Th17 and associated cytokine activities and signaling pathways to repair the intestinal and blood-brain barriers for their patients with autoimmunities, in particular, those with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

  10. Technical and clinical performance of a new assay to detect squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels for the differential diagnosis of cervical, lung, and head and neck cancer.

    PubMed

    Holdenrieder, Stefan; Molina, Rafael; Qiu, Ling; Zhi, Xiuyi; Rutz, Sandra; Engel, Christine; Kasper-Sauer, Pia; Dayyani, Farshid; Korse, Catharina M

    2018-04-01

    In squamous cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels are often elevated. This multi-center study evaluated the technical performance of a new Elecsys ® squamous cell carcinoma assay, which measures serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen 1 and 2 levels in an equimolar manner, and investigated the potential of squamous cell carcinoma antigen for differential diagnosis of cervical, lung, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.Assay precision and method comparison experiments were performed across three European sites. Reference ranges for reportedly healthy individuals were determined using samples from banked European and Chinese populations. Differential diagnosis experiments determined whether cervical, lung, or head and neck cancer could be differentiated from apparently healthy, benign, or other malignant cohorts using squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels alone. Squamous cell carcinoma antigen cut-off levels were calculated based on squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels at 95% specificity. Repeatability coefficients of variation across nine analyte concentrations were ≤5.3%, and intermediate precision coefficients of variation were ≤10.3%. Method comparisons showed good correlations with Architect and Kryptor systems (slopes of 1.1 and 1.5, respectively). Reference ranges for 95th percentiles for apparently healthy individuals were 2.3 ng/mL (95% confidence interval: 1.9-3.8; European cohort, n = 153) and 2.7 ng/mL (95% confidence interval: 2.2-3.3; Chinese cohort, n = 146). Strongest differential diagnosis results were observed for cervical squamous cell carcinoma: receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels (2.9 ng/mL cut-off) differentiate cervical squamous cell carcinoma (n = 127) from apparently healthy females (n = 286; area under the curve: 86.2%; 95% confidence interval: 81.8-90.6; sensitivity: 61.4%; specificity: 95.6%), benign diseases (n = 187; area under the curve: 86.3%; 95% confidence interval: 81.2-91.3; sensitivity: 61.4%; specificity: 95.0%), and other cervical cancers (n = 157; area under the curve: 78.9%; 95% confidence interval: 70.8-87.1; sensitivity: 61.4%; specificity: 86.7%). Squamous cell carcinoma may also aid in the differential diagnosis of lung cancer. The Elecsys squamous cell carcinoma assay exhibited good technical performance and is suitable for differential diagnosis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma in clinical practice.

  11. Airway responses of healthy farmers and nonfarmers to exposure in a swine confinement building.

    PubMed

    Palmberg, Lena; Larssson, Brit-Marie; Malmberg, Per; Larsson, Kjell

    2002-08-01

    The objective of the study was to determine whether swine farmers continuously exposed to the farming environment react differently to acute exposure than previously unexposed nonfarmers. Nine healthy nonfarmers, not previously exposed to a farming environment, and eight swine farmers were exposed in a swine confinement building for 3 hours while weighing pigs. Lung function measurements, methacholine challenge tests, and nasal lavages were performed before and after the exposure. Blood samples were drawn repeatedly during the exposure day. Differential cell counts and cytokine levels were analyzed in the nasal lavage fluid and blood. The exposure levels were the same in both groups. Bronchial responsiveness to methacholine increased by a median of 4.0 (25th-75th percentiles 2.2-10.1 among the nonfarmers) and 0.7 (25th-75th percentiles 0.01-3.5 among the farmers) doubled concentration steps. The median serum levels of interleukin-6 increased from 3.8 (25th-75th percentiles <3-5.8) ng/l to 23.7 (25th-75th percentiles 11.6-41.6) ng/l among the nonfarmers and from <3 to 3.8 (25th-75th percentiles 3.1-11.6) ng/l among the swine farmers after the exposure. Swine dust exposure induced a ninefold increase in the total cell counts in the nasal lavage fluid of the nonfarmers, but no significant increase among the swine farmers. The exposure altered lung function and bronchial responsiveness, as well as cell number and cytokines in blood and nasal lavage fluid in previously unexposed nonfarming subjects, whereas only minor alterations were found in the farmers. This finding suggests possible adaptation mechanisms in chronically exposed swine farmers.

  12. Expression of IL-22 in the Skin Causes Th2-Biased Immunity, Epidermal Barrier Dysfunction and Pruritus via Stimulating Epithelial Th2 Cytokines and the GRP Pathway

    PubMed Central

    Lou, Hongfei; Lu, Jingning; Choi, Eun Byul; Oh, Min Hee; Jeong, Mingeum; Barmettler, Sara; Zhu, Zhou; Zheng, Tao

    2017-01-01

    Increased expression of Th22 cytokine IL-22 is a characteristic finding in atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the specific role of IL-22 in the pathogenesis of AD in vivo has yet to be elucidated. Consistent with observations in human AD, IL-22 was significantly increased in the AD skin of mice after epicutaneous sensitization to house dust mite allergen. Utilizing a skin-specific inducible transgenic system, we show here that expression of IL-22 in the skin of mice caused an AD-like phenotype characterized by chronic pruritic dermatitis associated with Th2-biased local and systemic immune responses, down-regulation of Epidermal Differentiation Complex genes and enhanced dermatitis upon epicutaneous allergen exposure. IL-22 potently induced the expression of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), a neuropeptide pruritogen, in dermal immune cells and sensory afferents and in their skin-innervating sensory neurons. IL-22 also differentially up-regulated the expression of GRP receptor (GRPR) on keratinocytes of AD skin. The number of GRP+ cells in the skin correlated with the AD severity and the intensity of pruritus. IL-22 directly upregulated the expression of epithelial-derived type 2 cytokines (TSLP and IL-33) and GRP in primary keratinocytes. Furthermore, GRP not only strongly induced TSLP but also increased the expression IL-33 and GRPR synergistically with IL-22. Importantly, we found that the expression of GRP was strikingly increased in the skin of patients with AD. These results indicate that IL-22 plays important pathogenic roles in the initiation and development of AD, in part through inducing keratinocyte production of type 2 cytokines and activation of the GRP/GRPR pathway. PMID:28228560

  13. Transcription factor RBP-J-mediated signalling regulates basophil immunoregulatory function in mouse asthma model.

    PubMed

    Qu, Shuo-Yao; He, Ya-Long; Zhang, Jian; Wu, Chang-Gui

    2017-09-01

    Basophils (BA) play an important role in the promotion of aberrant T helper type 2 (Th2) immune responses in asthma. It is not only the effective cell, but also modulates the initiation of Th2 immune responses. We earlier demonstrated that Notch signalling regulates the biological function of BAin vitro. However, whether this pathway plays the same role in vivo is not clear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of Notch signalling on BA function in the regulation of allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma. Bone marrow BA were prepared by bone marrow cell culture in the presence of recombinant interleukin-3 (rIL-3; 300 pg/ml) for 7 days, followed by isolation of the CD49b + microbeads. The recombination signal binding protein J (RBP-J -/- ) BA were co-cultured with T cells, and the supernatant and the T-cell subtypes were examined. The results indicated disruption of the capacity of BA for antigen presentation alongside an up-regulation of the immunoregulatory function. This was possibly due to the low expression of OX40L in the RBP-J -/- BA. Basophils were adoptively transferred to ovalbumin-sensitized recipient mice, to establish an asthma model. Lung pathology, cytokine profiles of brobchoalveolar fluid, airway hyperactivity and the absolute number of Th1/Th2 cells in lungs were determined. Overall, our results indicate that the RBP-J-mediated Notch signalling is critical for BA-dependent immunoregulation. Deficiency of RBP-J influences the immunoregulatory functions of BA, which include activation of T cells and their differentiation into T helper cell subtypes. The Notch signalling pathway is a potential therapeutic target for BA-based immunotherapy against asthma. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  14. Interleukin-2 and other cytokines in candidiasis: expression, clinical significance, and future therapeutic targets.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez-Cerdeira, Carmen; Carnero-Gregorio, Miguel; López-Barcenas, Adriana; Fabbrocini, Gabriella; Sanchez-Blanco, Elena; Alba-Menendez, Alfonso; Guzmán, Roberto Arenas

    2018-06-01

    Susceptibility to Candida spp. infection is largely determined by the status of host immunity, whether immunocompromised/immunodeficient or immunocompetent. Interleukin-2 (IL-2), a potent lymphoid cell growth factor, is a four-α-helix bundle cytokine induced by activated T cells with two important roles: the activation and maintenance of immune responses, and lymphocyte production and differentiation. We reviewed the roles of cytokines as immune stimulators and suppressors of Candida spp. infections as an update on this continuously evolving field. We performed a comprehensive search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline (PubMed), and Embase databases for articles published from March 2010 to March 2016 using the following search terms: interleukins, interleukin-2, Candida spp., and immunosuppression. Data from our own studies were also reviewed. Here, we provide an overview focusing on the ability of IL-2 to induce a large panel of trafficking receptors in skin inflammation and control T helper (Th)2 cytokine production in response to contact with Candida spp. Immunocompromised patients have reduced capacity to secrete Th1-related cytokines such as IL-2. The ability to secrete the Th1-related cytokine IL-2 is low in immunocompromised patients. This prevents an efficient Th1 immune response to Candida spp. antigens, making immunocompromised patients more susceptible to candidal infections.

  15. Enhanced Chemokine Receptor Expression on Leukocytes of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.

    PubMed

    Goldeck, David; Larbi, Anis; Pellicanó, Mariavaleria; Alam, Iftikhar; Zerr, Inga; Schmidt, Christian; Fulop, Tamas; Pawelec, Graham

    2013-01-01

    Although primarily a neurological complaint, systemic inflammation is present in Alzheimer's Disease, with higher than normal levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the periphery as well as the brain. A gradient of these factors may enhance recruitment of activated immune cells into the brain via chemotaxis. Here, we investigated the phenotypes of circulating immune cells in AD patients with multi-colour flow cytometry to determine whether their expression of chemokine receptors is consistent with this hypothesis. In this study, we confirmed our previously reported data on the shift of early- to late-differentiated CD4+ T-cells in AD patients. The percentage of cells expressing CD25, a marker of acute T-cell activation, was higher in patients than in age-matched controls, and percentages of CCR6+ cells were elevated. This chemokine receptor is primarily expressed on pro-inflammatory memory cells and Th17 cells. The proportion of cells expressing CCR4 (expressed on Th2 cells) and CCR5 (Th1 cells and dendritic cells) was also greater in patients, and was more pronounced on CD4+ than CD8+ T-cells. These findings allow a more detailed insight into the systemic immune status of patients with Alzheimer's disease and suggest possible novel targets for immune therapy.

  16. Myelin basic protein-specific T helper 2 (Th2) cells cause experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in immunodeficient hosts rather than protect them from the disease.

    PubMed

    Lafaille, J J; Keere, F V; Hsu, A L; Baron, J L; Haas, W; Raine, C S; Tonegawa, S

    1997-07-21

    Chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis are caused by CD4(+) Th1 cells. Because Th2 cells antagonize Th1 cell functions in several ways, it is believed that immune deviation towards Th2 can prevent or cure autoimmune diseases. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a demyelinating disease used as a model for multiple sclerosis. Using an adoptive transfer system we assessed the role of Th1 and Th2 cells in EAE. In vitro generated Th1 and Th2 cells from myelin basic protein (MBP)-specific TCR transgenic mice were transferred into normal and immunodeficient mice. Th1 cells caused EAE in all recipients after a brief preclinical phase. Surprisingly, Th2 cells also caused EAE in RAG-1 KO mice and in alphabeta T cell-deficient mice, albeit after a longer preclinical phase. Normal or gammadelta T cell-deficient mice were resistant to EAE induced by Th2 cells. The histopathological features of this disease resembled those of an allergic process. In addition, disease induction by Th1 cells was not altered by coadmininstration of Th2 cells in any of the recipients. These findings indicate that MBP-specific Th2 cells have the potential to induce EAE and that the disease induced by previously activated Th1 cells cannot be prevented by normal lymphocytes nor by previously activated Th2 cells.

  17. Healthy human T-Cell Responses to Aspergillus fumigatus antigens.

    PubMed

    Chaudhary, Neelkamal; Staab, Janet F; Marr, Kieren A

    2010-02-17

    Aspergillus fumigatus is associated with both invasive and allergic pulmonary diseases, in different hosts. The organism is inhaled as a spore, which, if not cleared from the airway, germinates into hyphal morphotypes that are responsible for tissue invasion and resultant inflammation. Hyphae secrete multiple products that function as antigens, evoking both a protective (T(H)1-T(H)17) and destructive allergic (T(H)2) immunity. How Aspergillus allergens (Asp f proteins) participate in the development of allergic sensitization is unknown. To determine whether Asp f proteins are strictly associated with T(H)2 responses, or represent soluble hyphal products recognized by healthy hosts, human T cell responses to crude and recombinant products were characterized by ELISPOT. While responses (number of spots producing IFN-gamma, IL-4 or IL-17) to crude hyphal antigen preparations were weak, responses to recombinant Asp f proteins were higher. Recombinant allergens stimulated cells to produce IFN-gamma more so than IL-4 or IL-17. Volunteers exhibited a diverse CD4+ and CD8+ T cell antigen recognition profile, with prominent CD4 T(H)1-responses to Asp f3 (a putative peroxismal membrane protein), Asp f9/16 (cell wall glucanase), Asp f11 (cyclophilin type peptidyl-prolyl isomerase) and Asp f22 (enolase). Strong IFN-gamma responses were reproduced in most subjects tested over 6 month intervals. Products secreted after conidial germination into hyphae are differentially recognized by protective T cells in healthy, non-atopic individuals. Defining the specificity of the human T cell repertoire, and identifying factors that govern early responses may allow for development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics for both invasive and allergic Aspergillus diseases.

  18. Armc5 deletion causes developmental defects and compromises T-cell immune responses

    PubMed Central

    Hu, Yan; Lao, Linjiang; Mao, Jianning; Jin, Wei; Luo, Hongyu; Charpentier, Tania; Qi, Shijie; Peng, Junzheng; Hu, Bing; Marcinkiewicz, Mieczyslaw Martin; Lamarre, Alain; Wu, Jiangping

    2017-01-01

    Armadillo repeat containing 5 (ARMC5) is a cytosolic protein with no enzymatic activities. Little is known about its function and mechanisms of action, except that gene mutations are associated with risks of primary macronodular adrenal gland hyperplasia. Here we map Armc5 expression by in situ hybridization, and generate Armc5 knockout mice, which are small in body size. Armc5 knockout mice have compromised T-cell proliferation and differentiation into Th1 and Th17 cells, increased T-cell apoptosis, reduced severity of experimental autoimmune encephalitis, and defective immune responses to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection. These mice also develop adrenal gland hyperplasia in old age. Yeast 2-hybrid assays identify 16 ARMC5-binding partners. Together these data indicate that ARMC5 is crucial in fetal development, T-cell function and adrenal gland growth homeostasis, and that the functions of ARMC5 probably depend on interaction with multiple signalling pathways. PMID:28169274

  19. PS80 interferes with the antiallergic effect of Cry-consensus peptide, a novel recombinant peptide for immunotherapy of Japanese cedar pollinosis, at very low concentration through modulation of Th1/Th2 balance.

    PubMed

    Kozutsumi, Daisuke; Tsunematsu, Masako; Yamaji, Taketo; Murakami, Rika; Yokoyama, Minehiko; Kino, Kohsuke

    2006-07-01

    Polysorbate 80 (PS80 or Tween-80) is often used as an additive to promote the rapid solubilization of pharmaceuticals in aqueous solutions. We investigated whether coinjection of a minimal amount of PS80 had a modulatory effect on the immunotherapeutic effects of Cry (Cryptomeria)-consensus peptide, a novel peptide developed for the therapeutic management of Japanese cedar pollinosis, using a Cry j 1-sensitized mouse model with experimental allergic rhinitis. Subcutaneous challenge with Cry-consensus peptide plus 50 microg/ml of PS80 did not affect the antigen-specific proliferation of splenocytes, but decreased the potency of Cry-consensus peptide to inhibit antigen-specific interleukin (IL)-5 production by the cells significantly in comparison with challenge with Cry-consensus peptide alone. However, there was no significant difference between the effect of Cry-consensus peptide administration on interferon (IFN)-gamma production in the presence and absence of PS80, indicating that PS80 interfered with the T helper 1 (Th1)-dominant T helper balance induced by Cry-consensus peptide challenge. Moreover, the increase in the level of antigen-specific immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) induced by Cry-consensus peptide challenge was inhibited slightly but unambiguously by PS80 coinjection. These in vitro experiments indicated that PS80 induces Th2-type differentiation of T helper cells through preferential inhibition of IFN-gamma expression relative to IL-5 expression in splenocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. In naïve mice, sensitization by Cry-consensus peptide with PS80 induced antigen-specific IL-5 production more potently than sensitization by Cry-consensus peptide alone, and when PS80 was added to bone marrow-derived dendritic cells, the endocytosis of fluorescence-labelled Cry-consensus peptide was dramatically inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. Therefore, we conclude that PS80 has an immunomodulatory effect on the antigen-specific response resulting in a shift towards Th2 predominance with respect to the antigen recognition stage. Taken together, our findings suggest that PS80 might decrease the efficacy of Cry-consensus peptide through modulation of the efficiency of antigen endocytosis and/or of the direction of successive T helper cell differentiation.

  20. Allergen-specific Th1 cells fail to counterbalance Th2 cell-induced airway hyperreactivity but cause severe airway inflammation.

    PubMed

    Hansen, G; Berry, G; DeKruyff, R H; Umetsu, D T

    1999-01-01

    Allergic asthma, which is present in as many as 10% of individuals in industrialized nations, is characterized by chronic airway inflammation and hyperreactivity induced by allergen-specific Th2 cells secreting interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5. Because Th1 cells antagonize Th2 cell functions, it has been proposed that immune deviation toward Th1 can protect against asthma and allergies. Using an adoptive transfer system, we assessed the roles of Th1, Th2, and Th0 cells in a mouse model of asthma and examined the capacity of Th1 cells to counterbalance the proasthmatic effects of Th2 cells. Th1, Th2, and Th0 lines were generated from ovalbumin (OVA)-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice and transferred into lymphocyte-deficient, OVA-treated severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. OVA-specific Th2 and Th0 cells induced significant airway hyperreactivity and inflammation. Surprisingly, Th1 cells did not attenuate Th2 cell-induced airway hyperreactivity and inflammation in either SCID mice or in OVA-immunized immunocompetent BALB/c mice, but rather caused severe airway inflammation. These results indicate that antigen-specific Th1 cells may not protect or prevent Th2-mediated allergic disease, but rather may cause acute lung pathology. These findings have significant implications with regard to current therapeutic goals in asthma and allergy and suggest that conversion of Th2-dominated allergic inflammatory responses into Th1-dominated responses may lead to further problems.

  1. IL-17/Th17 Pathway Is Activated in Acne Lesions

    PubMed Central

    Kelhälä, Hanna-Leena; Palatsi, Riitta; Fyhrquist, Nanna; Lehtimäki, Sari; Väyrynen, Juha P.; Kallioinen, Matti; Kubin, Minna E.; Greco, Dario; Tasanen, Kaisa; Alenius, Harri; Bertino, Beatrice; Carlavan, Isabelle; Mehul, Bruno; Déret, Sophie; Reiniche, Pascale; Martel, Philippe; Marty, Carine; Blume-Peytavi, Ulrike; Voegel, Johannes J.; Lauerma, Antti

    2014-01-01

    The mechanisms of inflammation in acne are currently subject of intense investigation. This study focused on the activation of adaptive and innate immunity in clinically early visible inflamed acne lesions and was performed in two independent patient populations. Biopsies were collected from lesional and non-lesional skin of acne patients. Using Affymetrix Genechips, we observed significant elevation of the signature cytokines of the Th17 lineage in acne lesions compared to non-lesional skin. The increased expression of IL-17 was confirmed at the RNA and also protein level with real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and Luminex technology. Cytokines involved in Th17 lineage differentiation (IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β, IL23p19) were remarkably induced at the RNA level. In addition, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (TNF-α, IL-8, CSF2 and CCL20), Th1 markers (IL12p40, CXCR3, T-bet, IFN-γ), T regulatory cell markers (Foxp3, IL-10, TGF-β) and IL-17 related antimicrobial peptides (S100A7, S100A9, lipocalin, hBD2, hBD3, hCAP18) were induced. Importantly, immunohistochemistry revealed significantly increased numbers of IL-17A positive T cells and CD83 dendritic cells in the acne lesions. In summary our results demonstrate the presence of IL-17A positive T cells and the activation of Th17-related cytokines in acne lesions, indicating that the Th17 pathway is activated and may play a pivotal role in the disease process, possibly offering new targets of therapy. PMID:25153527

  2. Soluble GARP has potent antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory impact on human CD4⁺ T cells.

    PubMed

    Hahn, Susanne A; Stahl, Heiko F; Becker, Christian; Correll, Anita; Schneider, Franz-Joseph; Tuettenberg, Andrea; Jonuleit, Helmut

    2013-08-15

    Glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) is expressed on the surface of activated human regulatory T cells (Treg) and regulates the bioavailability of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). GARP has been assumed to require membrane anchoring. To investigate the function of GARP in more detail, we generated a soluble GARP protein (sGARP) and analyzed its impact on differentiation and activation of human CD4⁺ T cells. We demonstrate that sGARP efficiently represses proliferation and differentiation of naïve CD4⁺ T cells into T effector cells. Exposure to sGARP induces Foxp3, decreases proliferation and represses interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon-γ production, resulting in differentiation of naïve T cells into induced Treg. This is associated with Smad2/3 phosphorylation and partially inhibited by blockade of TGF-β signaling. Furthermore, in the presence of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-23, sGARP facilitates the differentiation of naïve T cells into Th17 cells. More important, in a preclinical humanized mouse model of xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), sGARP prevents T cell-mediated destructive inflammation by enhancing Treg and inhibiting T effector cell activity. These results demonstrate a crucial role of sGARP in modulation of peripheral tolerance and T effector cell function, opening the possibility to use sGARP as a potent immunomodulator of inflammatory diseases including transplant rejection, autoimmunity, and allergy.

  3. Rheumatoid arthritis patients exhibit impaired Candida albicans-specific Th17 responses.

    PubMed

    Bishu, Shrinivas; Su, Ee Wern; Wilkerson, Erich R; Reckley, Kelly A; Jones, Donald M; McGeachy, Mandy J; Gaffen, Sarah L; Levesque, Marc C

    2014-02-11

    Accumulating data implicate the CD4+ T cell subset (Th17 cells) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). IL-17 is an inflammatory cytokine that induces tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, IL-1β and IL-6, all of which are targets of biologic therapies used to treat RA. RA patients are well documented to experience more infections than age-matched controls, and biologic therapies further increase the risk of infection. The Th17/IL-17 axis is vital for immunity to fungi, especially the commensal fungus Candida albicans. Therefore, we were prompted to examine the relationship between RA and susceptibility to C. albicans because of the increasing interest in Th17 cells and IL-17 in driving autoimmunity, and the advent of new biologics that target this pathway. We analyzed peripheral blood and saliva from 48 RA and 33 healthy control subjects. To assess C. albicans-specific Th17 responses, PBMCs were co-cultured with heat-killed C. albicans extract, and IL-17A levels in conditioned supernatants were measured by ELISA. The frequency of Th17 and Th1 cells was determined by flow cytometry. As a measure of IL-17A-mediated effector responses, we evaluated C. albicans colonization rates in the oral cavity, salivary fungicidal activity and levels of the antimicrobial peptide β-defensin 2 (BD2) in saliva. Compared to controls, PBMCs from RA subjects exhibited elevated baseline production of IL-17A (P = 0.004), although they had similar capacity to produce IL-17A in response to Th17 cell differentiating cytokines (P = 0.91). However RA PBMCs secreted less IL-17A in response to C. albicans antigens (P = 0.006). Significantly more RA patients were colonized with C. albicans in the oral cavity than healthy subjects (P = 0.02). Concomitantly, RA saliva had reduced concentrations of salivary BD2 (P = 0.02). Nonetheless, salivary fungicidal activity was preserved in RA subjects (P = 0.70). RA subjects exhibit detectable impairments in oral immune responses to C. albicans, a strongly Th17-dependent opportunistic pathogen, despite an overall elevated baseline production of IL-17A.

  4. Th17 and IL-17 Cause Acceleration of Inflammation and Fat Loss by Inducing α2-Glycoprotein 1 (AZGP1) in Rheumatoid Arthritis with High-Fat Diet.

    PubMed

    Na, Hyun Sik; Kwon, Jeong-Eun; Lee, Seung Hoon; Jhun, JooYeon; Kim, Sung-Min; Kim, Se-Young; Kim, Eun-Kyung; Jung, KyungAh; Park, Sung-Hwan; Cho, Mi-La

    2017-05-01

    Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the joints. High-fat diet (HFD) is a risk factor for RA and is related to inflammation but responds minimally to medication. Given the association between HFD and inflammation, it is important to understand the function of inflammation-related T cells in RA with HFD. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), a model of RA, was induced in HFD mice by injection of collagen II, and metabolic markers and T cells were analyzed. The metabolic index and IgG assay results were higher in HFD-CIA mice than in nonfat diet-CIA mice. Numbers of inflammation-related T cells and macrophages, such as Th1 and Th17 cells and M1 macrophages, were higher in spleens of HFD-CIA mice. HFD-CIA mice had a high level of α 2 -glycoprotein 1 (Azgp1), a soluble protein that stimulates lipolysis. To examine the association between Azgp1 and Th17 cells, the reciprocal effects of Azgp1 and IL-17 on Th17 differentiation and lipid metabolism were measured. Interestingly, Azgp1 increased the Th17 population of splenocytes. Taken together, our data suggest that the acceleration of fat loss caused by Azgp1 in RA with metabolic syndrome is related to the increase of IL-17. Mice injected with the Azgp1-overexpression vector exhibited more severe CIA compared with the mock vector-injected mice. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Small intestinal eosinophils regulate Th17 cells by producing IL-1 receptor antagonist.

    PubMed

    Sugawara, Reiko; Lee, Eun-Jung; Jang, Min Seong; Jeun, Eun-Ji; Hong, Chun-Pyo; Kim, Jung-Hwan; Park, Areum; Yun, Chang Ho; Hong, Sung-Wook; Kim, You-Me; Seoh, Ju-Young; Jung, YunJae; Surh, Charles D; Miyasaka, Masayuki; Yang, Bo-Gie; Jang, Myoung Ho

    2016-04-04

    Eosinophils play proinflammatory roles in helminth infections and allergic diseases. Under steady-state conditions, eosinophils are abundantly found in the small intestinal lamina propria, but their physiological function is largely unexplored. In this study, we found that small intestinal eosinophils down-regulate Th17 cells. Th17 cells in the small intestine were markedly increased in the ΔdblGATA-1 mice lacking eosinophils, and an inverse correlation was observed between the number of eosinophils and that of Th17 cells in the small intestine of wild-type mice. In addition, small intestinal eosinophils suppressed the in vitro differentiation of Th17 cells, as well as IL-17 production by small intestinal CD4(+)T cells. Unlike other small intestinal immune cells or circulating eosinophils, we found that small intestinal eosinophils have a unique ability to constitutively secrete high levels of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), a natural inhibitor of IL-1β. Moreover, small intestinal eosinophils isolated from IL-1Ra-deficient mice failed to suppress Th17 cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate that small intestinal eosinophils play a pivotal role in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis by regulating Th17 cells via production of IL-1Ra. © 2016 Sugawara et al.

  6. Small intestinal eosinophils regulate Th17 cells by producing IL-1 receptor antagonist

    PubMed Central

    Sugawara, Reiko; Lee, Eun-Jung; Jang, Min Seong; Jeun, Eun-Ji; Hong, Chun-Pyo; Kim, Jung-Hwan; Park, Areum; Yun, Chang Ho; Hong, Sung-Wook; Kim, You-Me; Seoh, Ju-Young; Jung, YunJae; Surh, Charles D.; Miyasaka, Masayuki

    2016-01-01

    Eosinophils play proinflammatory roles in helminth infections and allergic diseases. Under steady-state conditions, eosinophils are abundantly found in the small intestinal lamina propria, but their physiological function is largely unexplored. In this study, we found that small intestinal eosinophils down-regulate Th17 cells. Th17 cells in the small intestine were markedly increased in the ΔdblGATA-1 mice lacking eosinophils, and an inverse correlation was observed between the number of eosinophils and that of Th17 cells in the small intestine of wild-type mice. In addition, small intestinal eosinophils suppressed the in vitro differentiation of Th17 cells, as well as IL-17 production by small intestinal CD4+ T cells. Unlike other small intestinal immune cells or circulating eosinophils, we found that small intestinal eosinophils have a unique ability to constitutively secrete high levels of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), a natural inhibitor of IL-1β. Moreover, small intestinal eosinophils isolated from IL-1Ra−deficient mice failed to suppress Th17 cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate that small intestinal eosinophils play a pivotal role in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis by regulating Th17 cells via production of IL-1Ra. PMID:26951334

  7. Quantitative analysis of peripheral blood Th0, Th1, Th2 and the Th1:Th2 cell ratio during normal human pregnancy and preeclampsia

    PubMed Central

    Saito, S; Sakai, M; Sasaki, Y; Tanebe, K; Tsuda, H; Michimata, T

    1999-01-01

    We calculated the percentage of Th1, Th2, Th0 cells and the Th1:Th2 cell ratio of peripheral blood from normal pregnant subjects and preeclampsia patients using flow cytometry which can analyse both the surface marker, CD4, and intracellular cytokines, interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ. In normal pregnancy, the percentage of Th1 cells was significantly lower in the third trimester, and the ratios of Th1:Th2 were significantly lower in the second and third trimester than in nonpregnant subjects. In contrast, the percentage of Th1 cells and the ratios of Th1:Th2 in preeclampsia were significantly higher than in normal third trimester pregnant subjects. The percentage of Th2 cells in preeclampsia was significantly lower than in third trimester of normal pregnancy. Additionally, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from these subjects and patients were cultured with phytohemagglutinin stimulation, and IL-4 and IFN-γ concentrations were determined in the supernatant by enzymed linked immunosorbent assays. The percentage of Th1 and Th2, and the ratios of Th1:Th2 were correlated with cytokine (IFN-γ and IL-4) secretion level. These results demonstrated that Th2 cells were predominant in the second and third trimesters of normal pregnancy, but Th1 cells predominated in preeclamptic patients. PMID:10469061

  8. Reference values for maternal total and differential leukocyte counts in different trimesters of pregnancy and the initial postpartum period in western Turkey.

    PubMed

    Sanci, Muzaffer; Töz, Emrah; Ince, Onur; Özcan, Aykut; Polater, Kevser; Inan, Abdurrahman Hamdi; Beyan, Emrah; Akkaya, Emrah

    2017-07-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in the leukocyte and differential leukocyte counts in different trimesters of pregnancy and the initial postpartum period. The study population consisted of 40,325 pregnant women. A full blood count and automated differential leukocyte count were performed and all the haemogram results in the different trimesters of pregnancy were recorded. Percentiles were calculated using statistical software. A total of 82,786 complete blood count evaluations were performed in 40,325 subjects from the 6th to 41st week of pregnancy and in the initial postpartum period. The leukocyte counts increased from the 1st to the 3rd trimester and peaked in the initial postpartum period. Our reference values for the total and differential leukocyte counts may assist clinicians in distinguishing between leukocytosis and pathological elevation of the white blood cell count during pregnancy and the initial postpartum period. Impact statement Pregnancy requires profound adaptation by multiple systems to accommodate the demands of the developing foetus. Similar to all other systems, many haematological changes occur during pregnancy. Studies of normal variation in leukocyte counts were insufficient to distinguish normal from abnormal leukocyte counts during pregnancy and in the initial postpartum period, due to small numbers of patients and a lack of differential leukocyte counts. Without reference leukocyte levels, infections may be more difficult to assess during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. In this study, we report the 3rd, 5th, 10th, 50th, 95th and 99th percentile values for the total and differential leukocyte counts according to trimester in normal pregnancy and the initial postpartum period. Our reference values for the total and differential leukocyte counts in each trimester and the initial postpartum period may assist clinicians in distinguishing between normal leukocytosis and pathological elevation of the white blood cell count during pregnancy and the initial postpartum period. Our results may prevent misdiagnosis of physiological elevated leukocytes as bacterial infection that leads to unnecessary medication use that may compromise the foetus.

  9. Thyroid Hormone-Induced Activation of Notch Signaling is Required for Adult Intestinal Stem Cell Development During Xenopus Laevis Metamorphosis.

    PubMed

    Hasebe, Takashi; Fujimoto, Kenta; Kajita, Mitsuko; Fu, Liezhen; Shi, Yun-Bo; Ishizuya-Oka, Atsuko

    2017-04-01

    In Xenopus laevis intestine during metamorphosis, the larval epithelial cells are removed by apoptosis, and the adult epithelial stem (AE) cells appear concomitantly. They proliferate and differentiate to form the adult epithelium (Ep). Thyroid hormone (TH) is well established to trigger this remodeling by regulating the expression of various genes including Notch receptor. To study the role of Notch signaling, we have analyzed the expression of its components, including the ligands (DLL and Jag), receptor (Notch), and targets (Hairy), in the metamorphosing intestine by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry. We show that they are up-regulated during both natural and TH-induced metamorphosis in a tissue-specific manner. Particularly, Hairy1 is specifically expressed in the AE cells. Moreover, up-regulation of Hairy1 and Hairy2b by TH was prevented by treating tadpoles with a γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI), which inhibits Notch signaling. More importantly, TH-induced up-regulation of LGR5, an adult intestinal stem cell marker, was suppressed by GSI treatment. Our results suggest that Notch signaling plays a role in stem cell development by regulating the expression of Hairy genes during intestinal remodeling. Furthermore, we show with organ culture experiments that prolonged exposure of tadpole intestine to TH plus GSI leads to hyperplasia of secretory cells and reduction of absorptive cells. Our findings here thus provide evidence for evolutionarily conserved role of Notch signaling in intestinal cell fate determination but more importantly reveal, for the first time, an important role of Notch pathway in the formation of adult intestinal stem cells during vertebrate development. Stem Cells 2017;35:1028-1039. © 2016 The Authors STEM CELLS published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of AlphaMed Press.

  10. Inflammasome and Fas-Mediated IL-1β Contributes to Th17/Th1 Cell Induction in Pathogenic Bacterial Infection In Vivo.

    PubMed

    Uchiyama, Ryosuke; Yonehara, Shin; Taniguchi, Shun'ichiro; Ishido, Satoshi; Ishii, Ken J; Tsutsui, Hiroko

    2017-08-01

    CD4 + Th cells play crucial roles in orchestrating immune responses against pathogenic microbes, after differentiating into effector subsets. Recent research has revealed the importance of IFN-γ and IL-17 double-producing CD4 + Th cells, termed Th17/Th1 cells, in the induction of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In addition, Th17/Th1 cells are involved in the regulation of infection caused by the intracellular bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis in humans. However, the precise mechanism of Th17/Th1 induction during pathogen infection is unclear. In this study, we showed that the inflammasome and Fas-dependent IL-1β induces Th17/Th1 cells in mice, in response to infection with the pathogenic intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes In the spleens of infected wild-type mice, Th17/Th1 cells were induced, and expressed T-bet and Rorγt. In Pycard -/- mice, which lack the adaptor molecule of the inflammasome (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain), Th17/Th1 induction was abolished. In addition, the Fas-mediated IL-1β production was required for Th17/Th1 induction during bacterial infection: Th17/Th1 induction was abolished in Fas -/- mice, whereas supplementation with recombinant IL-1β restored Th17/Th1 induction via IL-1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1), and rescued the mortality of Fas -/- mice infected with Listeria IL-1R1, but not apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain or Fas on T cells, was required for Th17/Th1 induction, indicating that IL-1β stimulates IL-1R1 on T cells for Th17/Th1 induction. These results indicate that IL-1β, produced by the inflammasome and Fas-dependent mechanisms, contributes cooperatively to the Th17/Th1 induction during bacterial infection. This study provides a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Th17/Th1 induction during pathogenic microbial infections in vivo. Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

  11. Activation of mixed glia by Abeta-specific Th1 and Th17 cells and its regulation by Th2 cells.

    PubMed

    McQuillan, K; Lynch, Marina A; Mills, Kingston H G

    2010-05-01

    Microglia are innate immune cells of the CNS, that act as antigen-presenting cells (APC) for antigen-specific T cells and respond to inflammatory stimuli, such as amyloid-beta (Abeta), resulting in the release of neurotoxic factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Astrocytes can also act as APC and modulate the function of microglia. However, the role of distinct T cell subtypes, in particular Th17 cells, in glial activation and subsequent modulatory effects of Th2 cells are poorly understood. Here, we generated Abeta-specific Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells and examined their role in modulating Abeta-induced activation of microglia in a mixed glial culture, a preparation which mimics the complex APC types in the brain. We demonstrated that mixed glia acted as an effective APC for Abeta-specific Th1 and Th17 cells. Addition of Abeta-specific Th2 cells suppressed the Abeta-induced IFN-gamma production by Th1 cells and IL-17 production by Th17 cells with glia as the APC. Co-culture of Abeta-specific Th1 or Th17 cells with glia markedly enhanced Abeta-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production and expression of MHC class II and co-stimulatory molecules on the microglia. Addition of Abeta-specific Th2 cells inhibited Th17 cell-induced IL-1beta and IL-6 production by mixed glia and attenuated Th1 cell-induced CD86 and CD40 expression on microglia. The modest enhancement of MHC class II and CD86 expression on astrocytes by Abeta-specific Th1 and Th17 was not attenuated by Th2 cells. These data indicate that Abeta-specific Th1 and Th17 cells induce inflammatory activation of glia, and that this is in part regulated by Th2 cells. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Targeting the RhoA-ROCK pathway to reverse T-cell dysfunction in SLE.

    PubMed

    Rozo, Cristina; Chinenov, Yurii; Maharaj, Reena Khianey; Gupta, Sanjay; Leuenberger, Laura; Kirou, Kyriakos A; Bykerk, Vivian P; Goodman, Susan M; Salmon, Jane E; Pernis, Alessandra B

    2017-04-01

    Deregulated production of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-21 contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Production of IL-17 and IL-21 can be regulated by ROCK2, one of the two Rho kinases. Increased ROCK activation was previously observed in an SLE cohort. Here, we evaluated ROCK activity in a new SLE cohort, and an RA cohort, and assessed the ability of distinct inhibitors of the ROCK pathway to suppress production of IL-17 and IL-21 by SLE T cells or human Th17 cells. ROCK activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 29 patients with SLE, 31 patients with RA and 28 healthy controls was determined by ELISA. SLE T cells or in vitro-differentiated Th17 cells were treated with Y27632 (a pan-ROCK inhibitor), KD025 (a selective ROCK2 inhibitor) or simvastatin (which inhibits RhoA, a major ROCK activator). ROCK activity and IL-17 and IL-21 production were assessed. The transcriptional profile altered by ROCK inhibitors was evaluated by NanoString technology. ROCK activity levels were significantly higher in patients with SLE and RA than healthy controls. Th17 cells exhibited high ROCK activity that was inhibited by Y27632, KD025 or simvastatin; each also decreased IL-17 and IL-21 production by purified SLE T cells or Th17 cells. Immune profiling revealed both overlapping and distinct effects of the different ROCK inhibitors. ROCK activity is elevated in PBMCs from patients with SLE and RA. Production of IL-17 and IL-21 by SLE T cells or Th17 cells can furthermore be inhibited by targeting the RhoA-ROCK pathway via both non-selective and selective approaches. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

  13. Interleukin 4 promotes the development of ex-Foxp3 Th2 cells during immunity to intestinal helminths.

    PubMed

    Pelly, Victoria S; Coomes, Stephanie M; Kannan, Yashaswini; Gialitakis, Manolis; Entwistle, Lewis J; Perez-Lloret, Jimena; Czieso, Stephanie; Okoye, Isobel S; Rückerl, Dominik; Allen, Judith E; Brombacher, Frank; Wilson, Mark S

    2017-06-05

    Immunity to intestinal helminth infections requires the rapid activation of T helper 2 cells (Th2 cells). However, simultaneous expansion of CD4 + Foxp3 + regulatory T cells (T reg cells) impedes protective responses, resulting in chronic infections. The ratio between T reg and effector T cells can therefore determine the outcome of infection. The redifferentiation of T reg cells into Th cells has been identified in hyperinflammatory diseases. In this study, we asked whether ex-T reg Th2 cells develop and contribute to type-2 immunity. Using multigene reporter and fate-reporter systems, we demonstrate that a significant proportion of Th2 cells derive from Foxp3 + cells after Heligmosomoides polygyrus infection and airway allergy. Ex-Foxp3 Th2 cells exhibit characteristic Th2 effector functions and provide immunity to H. polygyrus Through selective deletion of Il4ra on Foxp3 + cells, we further demonstrate IL-4 is required for the development of ex-Foxp3 Th2 cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that converting T reg cells into Th2 cells could concomitantly enhance Th2 cells and limit T reg cell-mediated suppression. © 2017 Pelly et al.

  14. Adoptive Cell Therapy of Induced Regulatory T Cells Expanded by Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells on Murine Autoimmune Arthritis.

    PubMed

    Yang, Jie; Liu, Lidong; Yang, Yiming; Kong, Ning; Jiang, Xueyu; Sun, Juan; Xie, Rufeng

    2017-01-01

    Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs) can expand TGF- β -induced regulatory T cells (iTregs); however, the therapeutic utility of these expanded iTregs in autoimmune diseases remains unknown. We sought to determine the properties of iTregs expanded by mature tolerogenic dendritic cells (iTreg mtDC ) in vitro and explore their potential to ameliorate collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in a mouse model. After induction by TGF- β and expansion by mature tDCs (mtDCs), the phenotype and proliferation of iTreg mtDC were assessed by flow cytometry. The ability of iTregs and iTreg mtDC to inhibit CD4 + T cell proliferation and suppress Th17 cell differentiation was compared. Following adoptive transfer of iTregs and iTreg mtDC to mice with CIA, the clinical and histopathologic scores, serum levels of IFN- γ , TNF- α , IL-17, IL-6, IL-10, TGF- β and anti-CII antibodies, and the distribution of the CD4 + Th subset were assessed. Compared with iTregs, iTreg mtDC expressed higher levels of Foxp3 and suppressed CD4 + T cell proliferation and Th17 cell differentiation to a greater extent. In vivo, iTreg mtDC reduced the severity and progression of CIA more significantly than iTregs, which was associated with a modulated inflammatory cytokine profile, reduced anti-CII IgG levels, and polarized Treg/Th17 balance. This study highlights the potential therapeutic utility of iTreg mtDC in autoimmune arthritis and should facilitate the future design of iTreg immunotherapeutic strategies.

  15. Adoptive Cell Therapy of Induced Regulatory T Cells Expanded by Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells on Murine Autoimmune Arthritis

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Lidong; Kong, Ning; Jiang, Xueyu; Sun, Juan; Xie, Rufeng

    2017-01-01

    Objective Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs) can expand TGF-β-induced regulatory T cells (iTregs); however, the therapeutic utility of these expanded iTregs in autoimmune diseases remains unknown. We sought to determine the properties of iTregs expanded by mature tolerogenic dendritic cells (iTregmtDC) in vitro and explore their potential to ameliorate collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in a mouse model. Methods After induction by TGF-β and expansion by mature tDCs (mtDCs), the phenotype and proliferation of iTregmtDC were assessed by flow cytometry. The ability of iTregs and iTregmtDC to inhibit CD4+ T cell proliferation and suppress Th17 cell differentiation was compared. Following adoptive transfer of iTregs and iTregmtDC to mice with CIA, the clinical and histopathologic scores, serum levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β and anti-CII antibodies, and the distribution of the CD4+ Th subset were assessed. Results Compared with iTregs, iTregmtDC expressed higher levels of Foxp3 and suppressed CD4+ T cell proliferation and Th17 cell differentiation to a greater extent. In vivo, iTregmtDC reduced the severity and progression of CIA more significantly than iTregs, which was associated with a modulated inflammatory cytokine profile, reduced anti-CII IgG levels, and polarized Treg/Th17 balance. Conclusion This study highlights the potential therapeutic utility of iTregmtDC in autoimmune arthritis and should facilitate the future design of iTreg immunotherapeutic strategies. PMID:28702462

  16. Interleukin 4 promotes the development of ex-Foxp3 Th2 cells during immunity to intestinal helminths

    PubMed Central

    Coomes, Stephanie M.; Kannan, Yashaswini; Entwistle, Lewis J.; Perez-Lloret, Jimena; Czieso, Stephanie

    2017-01-01

    Immunity to intestinal helminth infections requires the rapid activation of T helper 2 cells (Th2 cells). However, simultaneous expansion of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (T reg cells) impedes protective responses, resulting in chronic infections. The ratio between T reg and effector T cells can therefore determine the outcome of infection. The redifferentiation of T reg cells into Th cells has been identified in hyperinflammatory diseases. In this study, we asked whether ex–T reg Th2 cells develop and contribute to type-2 immunity. Using multigene reporter and fate-reporter systems, we demonstrate that a significant proportion of Th2 cells derive from Foxp3+ cells after Heligmosomoides polygyrus infection and airway allergy. Ex-Foxp3 Th2 cells exhibit characteristic Th2 effector functions and provide immunity to H. polygyrus. Through selective deletion of Il4ra on Foxp3+ cells, we further demonstrate IL-4 is required for the development of ex-Foxp3 Th2 cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that converting T reg cells into Th2 cells could concomitantly enhance Th2 cells and limit T reg cell–mediated suppression. PMID:28507062

  17. Adoptive Transfer of Tumor-Specific Th2 Cells Eradicates Tumors by Triggering an In Situ Inflammatory Immune Response.

    PubMed

    Lorvik, Kristina Berg; Hammarström, Clara; Fauskanger, Marte; Haabeth, Ole Audun Werner; Zangani, Michael; Haraldsen, Guttorm; Bogen, Bjarne; Corthay, Alexandre

    2016-12-01

    Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) trials to date have focused on transfer of autologous tumor-specific cytotoxic CD8 + T cells; however, the potential of CD4 + T helper (Th) cells for ACT is gaining interest. While encouraging results have been reported with IFNγ-producing Th1 cells, tumor-specific Th2 cells have been largely neglected for ACT due to their reported tumor-promoting properties. In this study, we tested the efficacy of idiotype-specific Th2 cells for the treatment of mice with MHC class II-negative myeloma. Th2 ACT efficiently eradicated subcutaneous myeloma in an antigen-specific fashion. Transferred Th2 cells persisted in vivo and conferred long-lasting immunity. Cancer eradication mediated by tumor-specific Th2 cells did not require B cells, natural killer T cells, CD8 + T cells, or IFNγ. Th2 ACT was also curative against B-cell lymphoma. Upon transfer, Th2 cells induced a type II inflammation at the tumor site with massive infiltration of M2-type macrophages producing arginase. In vivo blockade of arginase strongly inhibited Th2 ACT, consistent with a key role of arginase and M2 macrophages in myeloma elimination by Th2 cells. These results illustrate that cancer eradication may be achieved by induction of a tumor-specific Th2 inflammatory immune response at the tumor site. Thus, ACT with tumor-specific Th2 cells may represent a highly efficient immunotherapy protocol against cancer. Cancer Res; 76(23); 6864-76. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

  18. The HDAC6/8/10 inhibitor TH34 induces DNA damage-mediated cell death in human high-grade neuroblastoma cell lines.

    PubMed

    Kolbinger, Fiona R; Koeneke, Emily; Ridinger, Johannes; Heimburg, Tino; Müller, Michael; Bayer, Theresa; Sippl, Wolfgang; Jung, Manfred; Gunkel, Nikolas; Miller, Aubry K; Westermann, Frank; Witt, Olaf; Oehme, Ina

    2018-06-09

    High histone deacetylase (HDAC) 8 and HDAC10 expression levels have been identified as predictors of exceptionally poor outcomes in neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood. HDAC8 inhibition synergizes with retinoic acid treatment to induce neuroblast maturation in vitro and to inhibit neuroblastoma xenograft growth in vivo. HDAC10 inhibition increases intracellular accumulation of chemotherapeutics through interference with lysosomal homeostasis, ultimately leading to cell death in cultured neuroblastoma cells. So far, no HDAC inhibitor covering HDAC8 and HDAC10 at micromolar concentrations without inhibiting HDACs 1, 2 and 3 has been described. Here, we introduce TH34 (3-(N-benzylamino)-4-methylbenzhydroxamic acid), a novel HDAC6/8/10 inhibitor for neuroblastoma therapy. TH34 is well-tolerated by non-transformed human skin fibroblasts at concentrations up to 25 µM and modestly impairs colony growth in medulloblastoma cell lines, but specifically induces caspase-dependent programmed cell death in a concentration-dependent manner in several human neuroblastoma cell lines. In addition to the induction of DNA double-strand breaks, HDAC6/8/10 inhibition also leads to mitotic aberrations and cell-cycle arrest. Neuroblastoma cells display elevated levels of neuronal differentiation markers, mirrored by formation of neurite-like outgrowths under maintained TH34 treatment. Eventually, after long-term treatment, all neuroblastoma cells undergo cell death. The combination of TH34 with plasma-achievable concentrations of retinoic acid, a drug applied in neuroblastoma therapy, synergistically inhibits colony growth (combination index (CI) < 0.1 for 10 µM of each). In summary, our study supports using selective HDAC inhibitors as targeted antineoplastic agents and underlines the therapeutic potential of selective HDAC6/8/10 inhibition in high-grade neuroblastoma.

  19. VLA-4 integrin concentrates at the peripheral supramolecular activation complex of the immune synapse and drives T helper 1 responses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mittelbrunn, María; Molina, Ana; Escribese, María M.; Yáñez-Mó, María; Escudero, Ester; Ursa, Ángeles; Tejedor, Reyes; Mampaso, Francisco; Sánchez-Madrid, Francisco

    2004-07-01

    The integrin 41 (VLA-4) not only mediates the adhesion and transendothelial migration of leukocytes, but also provides costimulatory signals that contribute to the activation of T lymphocytes. However, the behavior of 41 during the formation of the immune synapse is currently unknown. Here, we show that 41 is recruited to both human and murine antigen-dependent immune synapses, when the antigen-presenting cell is a B lymphocyte or a dendritic cell, colocalizing with LFA-1 at the peripheral supramolecular activation complex. However, when conjugates are formed in the presence of anti-4 antibodies, VLA-4 colocalizes with the CD3- chain at the center of the synapse. In addition, antibody engagement of 4 integrin promotes polarization toward a T helper 1 (Th1) response in human in vitro models of CD4+ T cell differentiation and naïve T cell priming by dendritic cells. The in vivo administration of anti-4 integrin antibodies also induces an immune deviation to Th1 response that dampens a Th2-driven autoimmune nephritis in Brown Norway rats. These data reveal a regulatory role of 4 integrins on T lymphocyte-antigen presenting cell cognate immune interactions.

  20. Native cellulose nanofibrills induce immune tolerance in vitro by acting on dendritic cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tomić, Sergej; Kokol, Vanja; Mihajlović, Dušan; Mirčić, Aleksandar; Čolić, Miodrag

    2016-08-01

    Cellulose nanofibrills (CNFs) are attractive biocompatible, natural nanomaterials for wide biomedical applications. However, the immunological mechanisms of CNFs have been poorly investigated. Considering that dendritic cells (DCs) are the key immune regulatory cells in response to nanomaterials, our aim was to investigate the immunological mechanisms of CNFs in a model of DC-mediated immune response. We found that non-toxic concentrations of CNFs impaired the differentiation, and subsequent maturation of human monocyte-derived (mo)-DCs. In a co-culture with CD4+T cells, CNF-treated mo-DCs possessed a weaker allostimulatory and T helper (Th)1 and Th17 polarizing capacity, but a stronger capacity to induce Th2 cells and CD4+CD25hiFoxP3hi regulatory T cells. This correlated with an increased immunoglobulin-like transcript-4 and indolamine dioxygenase-1 expression by CNF-treated mo-DCs, following the partial internalization of CNFs and the accumulation of CD209 and actin bundles at the place of contacts with CNFs. Cumulatively, we showed that CNFs are able to induce an active immune tolerance by inducing tolerogenic DCs, which could be beneficial for the application of CNFs in wound healing and chronic inflammation therapies.

  1. The immunomodulator AS101 suppresses production of inflammatory cytokines and ameliorates the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

    PubMed

    Xie, Li; Chen, Jing; McMickle, Anthony; Awar, Nadia; Nady, Soad; Sredni, Benjamin; Drew, Paul D; Yu, Shiguang

    2014-08-15

    We reported that AS101 (organotellurium compound, trichloro(dioxoethylene-O,O') tellurate) inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells and reduced the production of IL-17 and GM-CSF. In addition, AS101 promoted the production of IL-2 in activated T cells. Flow cytometric analysis showed that AS101 inhibited Th17 cell proliferation. AS101 blocked the activation of transcriptional factor NFAT, Stat3, and RORγt, and increased activation of Erk1/2, suggesting a mechanism of action of AS101. We further demonstrated that AS101 was effective in amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Finally, by real-time PCR analysis we showed that AS101 reduces the IL-17, IFN-γ, GM-CSF, and IL-6 mRNA expression in inflammatory cells of spinal cords. Additionally, flow cytometry analysis also indicated that the CD4+ T cells and IL-17 and GM-CSF-producing cells were reduced in the spinal cords of AS101 treated mice compared to those treated with PBS. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. The immunomodulator AS101suppresses production of inflammatory cytokines and ameliorates the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

    PubMed Central

    Xie, Li; Chen, Jing; McMickle, Anthony; Awar, Nadia; Nady, Soad; Sredni, Benjamin; Drew, Paul D.; Yu, Shiguang

    2014-01-01

    We reported that AS101 (organotellurium compound, trichloro(dioxoethylene-O,O′) tellurate) inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells and reduced the production of IL-17 and GM-CSF. In addition, AS101 promoted the production of IL-2 in activated T cells. Flow cytometric analysis showed that AS101 inhibited Th17 cell proliferation. AS101 blocked the activation of transcriptional factor NFAT, Stat3, and RORγt, and increased activation of Erk1/2, suggesting a mechanism of action of AS101. We further demonstrated that AS101 was effective in amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Finally, by real-time PCR analysis we showed that AS101 reduces the IL-17, IFN-γ, GM-CSF, and IL-6 mRNA expression in inflammatory cells of spinal cords. Additionally, flow cytometry analysis also indicated that the CD4+ T cells and IL-17 and GM-CSF-producing cells were reduced in the spinal cords of AS101 treated mice compared to those treated with PBS. PMID:24975323

  3. T Cell Post-Transcriptional miRNA-mRNA Interaction Networks Identify Targets Associated with Susceptibility/Resistance to Collagen-induced Arthritis

    PubMed Central

    Macedo, Claudia; Cunha, Thiago M.; Nascimento, Daniele C. B.; Sakamoto-Hojo, Elza T.; Donadi, Eduardo A.; Cunha, Fernando Q.; Passos, Geraldo A.

    2013-01-01

    Background Due to recent studies indicating that the deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in T cells contributes to increased severity of rheumatoid arthritis, we hypothesized that deregulated miRNAs may interact with key mRNA targets controlling the function or differentiation of these cells in this disease. Methodology/Principal Findings To test our hypothesis, we used microarrays to survey, for the first time, the expression of all known mouse miRNAs in parallel with genome-wide mRNAs in thymocytes and naïve and activated peripheral CD3+ T cells from two mouse strains the DBA-1/J strain (MHC-H2q), which is susceptible to collagen induced arthritis (CIA), and the DBA-2/J strain (MHC-H2d), which is resistant. Hierarchical clustering of data showed the several T cell miRNAs and mRNAs differentially expressed between the mouse strains in different stages of immunization with collagen. Bayesian statistics using the GenMir++ algorithm allowed reconstruction of post-transcriptional miRNA-mRNA interaction networks for target prediction. We revealed the participation of miR-500, miR-202-3p and miR-30b*, which established interactions with at least one of the following mRNAs: Rorc, Fas, Fasl, Il-10 and Foxo3. Among the interactions that were validated by calculating the minimal free-energy of base pairing between the miRNA and the 3′UTR of the mRNA target and luciferase assay, we highlight the interaction of miR-30b*-Rorc mRNA because the mRNA encodes a protein implicated in pro-inflammatory Th17 cell differentiation (Rorγt). FACS analysis revealed that Rorγt protein levels and Th17 cell counts were comparatively reduced in the DBA-2/J strain. Conclusions/Significance This result showed that the miRNAs and mRNAs identified in this study represent new candidates regulating T cell function and controlling susceptibility and resistance to CIA. PMID:23359619

  4. Opposing effect of mesenchymal stem cells on Th1 and Th17 cell polarization according to the state of CD4+ T cell activation.

    PubMed

    Carrión, Flavio; Nova, Estefania; Luz, Patricia; Apablaza, Felipe; Figueroa, Fernando

    2011-03-30

    Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitors with broad immunosuppressive properties. However, their therapeutic use in autoimmune disease models has shown dissimilar effects when applied at different stages of disease. We therefore investigated the effect of the addition of MSCs on the differentiation of Th1, Treg and Th17 cells in vitro, at different states of CD4(+) T cell activation. CD4(+) T lymphocytes purified by negative selection from mouse C57BL/6 splenocytes were cultured under Th1, Th17 and Treg inducing conditions with IL-12, TGF-β+IL-6 or TGF-β, respectively. C57BL/6 bone marrow derived MSCs were added to CD4(+) T cell cultures at day 0 or after 3 days of T cell polarizing activation. Intracellular cytokines for Th1, Th17 and Treg cells were quantitated at day 6 by flow cytometry. While early addition (day 0) of MSCs suppressed all CD4(+) T cell lineages, addition at day 3 only decreased IFN-γ production by Th1 polarized cells by 64% (p<0.05) while markedly increased IL-17 production by Th17 polarized cells by 50% (p<0.05) and left IL-10 production by Treg polarized cells unchanged. MSCs exhibit their typical suppressive phenotype when added early to cell cultures in the presence of CD4(+) T cell polarizing stimuli. However, once T cell activation has occurred, MSCs show an opposite stimulating effect on Th17 cells, while leaving Treg IL-10 producing cells unchanged. These results suggest that the therapeutic use of MSCs in vivo might exert opposing effects on disease activity, according to the time of therapeutic application and the level of effector T cell activation. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. An investigation into IgE-facilitated allergen recognition and presentation by human dendritic cells

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Allergen recognition by dendritic cells (DCs) is a key event in the allergic cascade leading to production of IgE antibodies. C-type lectins, such as the mannose receptor and DC-SIGN, were recently shown to play an important role in the uptake of the house dust mite glycoallergen Der p 1 by DCs. In addition to mannose receptor (MR) and DC-SIGN the high and low affinity IgE receptors, namely FcϵRI and FcϵRII (CD23), respectively, have been shown to be involved in allergen uptake and presentation by DCs. Objectives This study aims at understanding the extent to which IgE- and IgG-facilitated Der p 1 uptake by DCs influence T cell polarisation and in particular potential bias in favour of Th2. We have addressed this issue by using two chimaeric monoclonal antibodies produced in our laboratory and directed against a previously defined epitope on Der p 1, namely human IgE 2C7 and IgG1 2C7. Results Flow cytometry was used to establish the expression patterns of IgE (FcϵRI and FcϵRII) and IgG (FcγRI) receptors in relation to MR on DCs. The impact of FcϵRI, FcϵRII, FcγRI and mannose receptor mediated allergen uptake on Th1/Th2 cell differentiation was investigated using DC/T cell co-culture experiments. Myeloid DCs showed high levels of FcϵRI and FcγRI expression, but low levels of CD23 and MR, and this has therefore enabled us to assess the role of IgE and IgG-facilitated allergen presentation in T cell polarisation with minimal interference by CD23 and MR. Our data demonstrate that DCs that have taken up Der p 1 via surface IgE support a Th2 response. However, no such effect was demonstrable via surface IgG. Conclusions IgE bound to its high affinity receptor plays an important role in Der p 1 uptake and processing by peripheral blood DCs and in Th2 polarisation of T cells. PMID:24330349

  6. An investigation into IgE-facilitated allergen recognition and presentation by human dendritic cells.

    PubMed

    Sharquie, Inas K; Al-Ghouleh, Abeer; Fitton, Patricia; Clark, Mike R; Armour, Kathryn L; Sewell, Herb F; Shakib, Farouk; Ghaemmaghami, Amir M

    2013-12-13

    Allergen recognition by dendritic cells (DCs) is a key event in the allergic cascade leading to production of IgE antibodies. C-type lectins, such as the mannose receptor and DC-SIGN, were recently shown to play an important role in the uptake of the house dust mite glycoallergen Der p 1 by DCs. In addition to mannose receptor (MR) and DC-SIGN the high and low affinity IgE receptors, namely FcεRI and FcεRII (CD23), respectively, have been shown to be involved in allergen uptake and presentation by DCs. This study aims at understanding the extent to which IgE- and IgG-facilitated Der p 1 uptake by DCs influence T cell polarisation and in particular potential bias in favour of Th2. We have addressed this issue by using two chimaeric monoclonal antibodies produced in our laboratory and directed against a previously defined epitope on Der p 1, namely human IgE 2C7 and IgG1 2C7. Flow cytometry was used to establish the expression patterns of IgE (FcεRI and FcεRII) and IgG (FcγRI) receptors in relation to MR on DCs. The impact of FcεRI, FcεRII, FcγRI and mannose receptor mediated allergen uptake on Th1/Th2 cell differentiation was investigated using DC/T cell co-culture experiments. Myeloid DCs showed high levels of FcεRI and FcγRI expression, but low levels of CD23 and MR, and this has therefore enabled us to assess the role of IgE and IgG-facilitated allergen presentation in T cell polarisation with minimal interference by CD23 and MR. Our data demonstrate that DCs that have taken up Der p 1 via surface IgE support a Th2 response. However, no such effect was demonstrable via surface IgG. IgE bound to its high affinity receptor plays an important role in Der p 1 uptake and processing by peripheral blood DCs and in Th2 polarisation of T cells.

  7. Interleukin 9 and its receptor: an overview of structure and function.

    PubMed

    Demoulin, J B; Renauld, J C

    1998-01-01

    Interleukin-9 (IL-9) is a multifunctional cytokine produced by activated TH2 clones in vitro and during TH2-like T cell responses in vivo. Although IL-9 was initially described as a T cell growth factor, its role in T cell responses is still unclear. While freshly isolated normal T cells do not respond to IL-9, this cytokine induces the proliferation of murine T cell lymphomas in vitro, and in vivo overexpression of IL-9 results in the development of thymic lymphomas. In the human, the existence of an IL-9 mediated autocrine loop has been suggested for some malignancies such as Hodgkin's disease. Various observations indicate that IL-9 is actively involved in mast cells responses by inducing the proliferation and differentiation of these cells. Other potential biological targets for IL-9 include B lymphocytes, and hematopoietic progenitors, for which higher responses were observed with foetal or transformed cells as compared to normal adult progenitors. The IL-9 receptor is a member of the hemopoietin receptor superfamily and interacts with the gamma chain of the IL-2 receptor for signaling. Signal transduction studies have stressed the role of the Jak-STAT pathway in various IL-9 bioactivities, whereas the 4PS/IRS2 adaptor protein might also play a significant role in IL-9 signaling.

  8. Correlation of genetic risk and messenger RNA expression in a Th17/IL23 pathway analysis in inflammatory bowel disease.

    PubMed

    Fransen, Karin; van Sommeren, Suzanne; Westra, Harm-Jan; Veenstra, Monique; Lamberts, Letitia E; Modderman, Rutger; Dijkstra, Gerard; Fu, Jingyuan; Wijmenga, Cisca; Franke, Lude; Weersma, Rinse K; van Diemen, Cleo C

    2014-05-01

    The Th17/IL23 pathway has both genetically and biologically been implicated in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. So far, it is unknown whether and how associated risk variants affect expression of the genes encoding for Th17/IL23 pathway proteins. Ten IBD-associated SNPs residing near Th17/IL23 genes were used to construct a genetic risk model in 753 Dutch IBD cases and 1045 controls. In an independent cohort of 40 Crohn's disease, 40 ulcerative colitis, and 40 controls, the genetic risk load and presence of IBD were correlated to quantitative PCR-generated messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of 9 representative Th17/IL23 genes in both unstimulated and PMA/CaLo stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In 1240 individuals with various immunological diseases with whole genome genotype and mRNA-expression data, we also assessed correlation between genetic risk load and differential mRNA expression and sought for SNPs affecting expression of all currently known Th17/IL23 pathway genes (cis-expression quantitative trait locus). The presence of IBD, but not the genetic risk load, was correlated to differential mRNA expression for IL6 in unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and to IL23A and RORC in response to stimulation. The cis-expression quantitative trait locus analysis showed little evidence for correlation between genetic risk load and mRNA expression of Th17/IL23 genes, because we identified for only 2 of 22 Th17/IL23 genes a cis-expression quantitative trait locus single nucleotide polymorphism that is also associated to IBD (STAT3 and CCR6). Our results suggest that only the presence of IBD and not the genetic risk load alters mRNA expression levels of IBD-associated Th17/IL23 genes.

  9. Serine protease allergen favours Th2 responses via PAR-2 and STAT3 activation in murine model.

    PubMed

    Agrawal, K; Arora, N

    2018-03-01

    Protease activity of Per a 10 favours Th2 responses by differential regulation of IL-12p70 and IL-23 cytokine subunits. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of differential regulation of IL-12p70 and IL-23. PAR-2 activation was blocked in murine model by administering SAM11 before each sensitization. CD11c + p-STAT3 + cells were measured in lungs by flow cytometry. BMDCs were pretreated with SAM11 or isotype control or stattic and stimulated with Per a 10. p-STAT3 levels were measured using Western blot. Transcript levels of IL-12p35, IL-12/23p40 and IL-23p19 were measured using RT-PCR. Cytokine levels were analysed using ELISA. Protease activity of Per a 10 increased p-STAT3 levels in mouse lungs, which was reduced upon PAR-2 blockage. Percentage of p-STAT3 + CD11c + cells was higher in Per a 10-administered mice and was reduced upon PAR-2 blockage. IL-12p35 and IL-12p70 levels were higher, and IL-23p19 and IL-23 levels were lower in both SAM11-treated mice and BMDCs indicating a role of PAR-2-mediated signalling. IL-4, TSLP, IL-17A, EPO activity, total cell count and specific IgE and IgG1 levels were lower in SAM11-administered mice. Inhibiting STAT3 activation via stattic also leads to lower levels of IL-23p19 and IL-23 and higher levels of IL-12p35. Per a 10 leads to PAR-2 activation on BMDCs resulting in downstream activation of STAT3 to regulate the balance between IL-12/IL-23 subunits causing a cytokine milieu rich in IL-23 to favour Th2 polarization. © 2017 EAACI and John Wiley and Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd.

  10. Plasma Levels of Eicosapentaenoic Acid Are Associated with Anti-TNF Responsiveness in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inhibit the Etanercept-driven Rise in Th17 Cell Differentiation in Vitro.

    PubMed

    Jeffery, Louisa; Fisk, Helena L; Calder, Philip C; Filer, Andrew; Raza, Karim; Buckley, Christopher D; McInnes, Iain; Taylor, Peter C; Fisher, Benjamin A

    2017-06-01

    To determine whether levels of plasma n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with response to antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and whether this putative effect may have its basis in altering anti-TNF-driven Th17 cell differentiation. Plasma was collected at baseline and after 3 months of anti-TNF treatment in 22 patients with established RA, and fatty acid composition of the phosphatidylcholine (PC) component was measured. CD4+CD25- T cells and monocytes were purified from the blood of healthy donors and cocultured in the presence of anti-CD3, with or without etanercept (ETN), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or the control fatty acid, linoleic acid (LA). Expression of interleukin 17 and interferon-γ was measured by intracellular staining and flow cytometry. Plasma PC EPA levels and the EPA/arachidonic acid ratio correlated inversely with change in the Disease Activity Score at 28 joints (DAS28) at 3 months (-0.51, p = 0.007 and -0.48, p = 0.01, respectively), indicating that higher plasma EPA was associated with a greater reduction in DAS28. Plasma PC EPA was positively associated with European League Against Rheumatism response (p = 0.02). An increase in Th17 cells post-therapy has been associated with nonresponse to anti-TNF. ETN increased Th17 frequencies in vitro . Physiological concentrations of EPA, but not LA, prevented this. EPA status was associated with clinical improvements to anti-TNF therapy in vivo and prevented the effect of ETN on Th17 cells in vitro . EPA supplementation might be a simple way to improve anti-TNF outcomes in patients with RA by suppressing Th17 frequencies.

  11. Rho-associated kinase is a therapeutic target in neuroblastoma.

    PubMed

    Dyberg, Cecilia; Fransson, Susanne; Andonova, Teodora; Sveinbjörnsson, Baldur; Lännerholm-Palm, Jessika; Olsen, Thale K; Forsberg, David; Herlenius, Eric; Martinsson, Tommy; Brodin, Bertha; Kogner, Per; Johnsen, John Inge; Wickström, Malin

    2017-08-08

    Neuroblastoma is a peripheral neural system tumor that originates from the neural crest and is the most common and deadly tumor of infancy. Here we show that neuroblastoma harbors frequent mutations of genes controlling the Rac/Rho signaling cascade important for proper migration and differentiation of neural crest cells during neuritogenesis. RhoA is activated in tumors from neuroblastoma patients, and elevated expression of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)2 is associated with poor patient survival. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of ROCK1 and 2, key molecules in Rho signaling, resulted in neuroblastoma cell differentiation and inhibition of neuroblastoma cell growth, migration, and invasion. Molecularly, ROCK inhibition induced glycogen synthase kinase 3β-dependent phosphorylation and degradation of MYCN protein. Small-molecule inhibition of ROCK suppressed MYCN -driven neuroblastoma growth in TH- MYCN homozygous transgenic mice and MYCN gene-amplified neuroblastoma xenograft growth in nude mice. Interference with Rho/Rac signaling might offer therapeutic perspectives for high-risk neuroblastoma.

  12. Mesenchymal stem cells inhibit RANK-RANKL interactions between osteoclasts and Th17 cells via osteoprotegerin activity

    PubMed Central

    Cho, Kyung-Ah; Park, Minhwa; Kim, Yu-Hee; Ryu, Kyung-Ha; Woo, So-Youn

    2017-01-01

    Th17 cells play a critical role in several autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with systemic inflammation and comorbidities, such as PsA. PsA develops in nearly 70% of patients with psoriasis, and osteoclasts associated bone erosion is a hallmark of the disease. Thus far, the effect of Th17 cells on osteoclastogenesis via direct cell-to-cell interactions is less understood. In this study, we observed that Th17 cells directly promote osteoclast differentiation and maturation via expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ β ligand (RANKL) in vitro. We investigated the impact of conditioned medium obtained from human palatine tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (T-CM) on the interactions between osteoclasts and Th17 cells. T-CM effectively blunted the RANK-RANKL interaction between the osteoclast precursor cell line RAW 264.7 and Th17 cells via osteoprotegerin (OPG) activity. The frequency of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells in the bone marrow of an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis mouse model was decreased following T-CM injection. Therefore, our data provide novel insight into the therapeutic potential of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cell-mediated therapy (via OPG production) for the treatment of pathophysiologic processes induced by osteoclasts under chronic inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis. PMID:29137353

  13. Activation-Induced Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor 3DL2 Binding to HLA-B27 Licenses Pathogenic T Cell Differentiation in Spondyloarthritis.

    PubMed

    Ridley, Anna; Hatano, Hiroko; Wong-Baeza, Isabel; Shaw, Jacqueline; Matthews, Katherine K; Al-Mossawi, Hussein; Ladell, Kristin; Price, David A; Bowness, Paul; Kollnberger, Simon

    2016-04-01

    In the spondyloarthritides (SpA), increased numbers of CD4+ T cells express killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 3DL2 (KIR-3DL2). The aim of this study was to determine the factors that induce KIR-3DL2 expression, and to characterize the relationship between HLA-B27 and the phenotype and function of KIR-3DL2-expressing CD4+ T cells in SpA. In total, 34 B27+ patients with SpA, 28 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (20 B27- and 8 B27+), and 9 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were studied. KIR-3DL2 expression and other phenotypic characteristics of peripheral blood and synovial fluid CD4+ T cells were studied by flow cytometry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. T cell receptor clonality was determined by template-switch anchored reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analysis. Cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cellular activation induced KIR-3DL2 expression on both naive and effector CD4+ T cells. KIR-3DL2 binding to B27+ cells promoted expression of KIR-3DL2, the Th17-specific transcription factor retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor γt, and the antiapoptotic factor B cell lymphoma 2. KIR-3DL2+CD4+ T cells in patients with ankylosing spondylitis were oligoclonal and enriched for markers of T cell activation and for the gut homing receptor CCR9. In the presence of B27+ antigen-presenting cells, KIR-3DL2+CD4+ T cells produced less interleukin-2 (IL-2) but more IL-17. This effect was blocked by HC10, an antibody that inhibits the binding of KIR-3DL2 to B27 heavy chains. KIR-3DL2 binding to HLA-B27 licenses Th17 cell differentiation in SpA. These findings raise the therapeutic potential of targeting HLA-B27-KIR-3DL2 interactions for the treatment of B27+ patients with SpA. © 2016 The Authors. Arthritis & Rheumatology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology.

  14. Gene expression profiles associated with depression in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH-C)

    PubMed Central

    Birerdinc, Aybike; Afendy, Arian; Stepanova, Maria; Younossi, Issah; Baranova, Ancha; Younossi, Zobair M

    2012-01-01

    The standard treatment for CH-C, pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin (PEG-IFN + RBV), is associated with depression. Recent studies have proposed a new role for cytokines in the pathogenesis of depression. We aimed to assess differential gene expression related to depression in CH-C patients treated with PEG-IFN + RBV. We included 67 CH-C patients being treated with PEG-IFN+RBV. Of the entire study cohort, 22% had pre-existing depression, while another 37% developed new depression in course of the treatment. Pretreatment blood samples were collected into PAXgene™ RNA tubes, the RNAs extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were used for one step RT-PCR to profile 160 mRNAs. Differentially expressed genes were separated into up- and down-regulated genes according to presence or absence of depression at baseline (pre-existing depression) or following the initiation of treatment (treatment-related depression). The mRNA expression profile associated with any depression and with treatment-related depression included four and six genes, respectively. Our data demonstrate a significant down-regulation of TGF-β1 and the shift of Th1-Th2 cytokine balance in the depression associated with IFN-based treatment of HCV infection. We propose that TGF-β1 plays an important role in the imbalance of Th1/Th2 in patients with CH-C and depression. With further validation, TGF-β1 and other components of Th1/Th2 regulation pathway may provide a future marker for CH-C patients predisposed to depression. PMID:23139898

  15. Gene expression profiles associated with depression in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH-C).

    PubMed

    Birerdinc, Aybike; Afendy, Arian; Stepanova, Maria; Younossi, Issah; Baranova, Ancha; Younossi, Zobair M

    2012-09-01

    The standard treatment for CH-C, pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin (PEG-IFN + RBV), is associated with depression. Recent studies have proposed a new role for cytokines in the pathogenesis of depression. We aimed to assess differential gene expression related to depression in CH-C patients treated with PEG-IFN + RBV. We included 67 CH-C patients being treated with PEG-IFN+RBV. Of the entire study cohort, 22% had pre-existing depression, while another 37% developed new depression in course of the treatment. Pretreatment blood samples were collected into PAXgene™ RNA tubes, the RNAs extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were used for one step RT-PCR to profile 160 mRNAs. Differentially expressed genes were separated into up- and down-regulated genes according to presence or absence of depression at baseline (pre-existing depression) or following the initiation of treatment (treatment-related depression). The mRNA expression profile associated with any depression and with treatment-related depression included four and six genes, respectively. Our data demonstrate a significant down-regulation of TGF-β1 and the shift of Th1-Th2 cytokine balance in the depression associated with IFN-based treatment of HCV infection. We propose that TGF-β1 plays an important role in the imbalance of Th1/Th2 in patients with CH-C and depression. With further validation, TGF-β1 and other components of Th1/Th2 regulation pathway may provide a future marker for CH-C patients predisposed to depression.

  16. Th1/Th2 balance: the hypothesis, its limitations, and implications for health and disease.

    PubMed

    Kidd, Parris

    2003-08-01

    One theory of immune regulation involves homeostasis between T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 2 (Th2) activity. The Th1/Th2 hypothesis arose from 1986 research suggesting mouse T-helper cells expressed differing cytokine patterns. This hypothesis was adapted to human immunity, with Th1- and Th2-helper cells directing different immune response pathways. Th1 cells drive the type-1 pathway ("cellular immunity") to fight viruses and other intracellular pathogens, eliminate cancerous cells, and stimulate delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin reactions. Th2 cells drive the type-2 pathway ("humoral immunity") and up-regulate antibody production to fight extracellular organisms; type 2 dominance is credited with tolerance of xenografts and of the fetus during pregnancy. Overactivation of either pattern can cause disease, and either pathway can down-regulate the other. But the hypothesis has major inconsistencies; human cytokine activities rarely fall into exclusive pro-Th1 or -Th2 patterns. The non-helper regulatory T cells, or the antigen-presenting cells (APC), likely influence immunity in a manner comparable to Th1 and Th2 cells. Many diseases previously classified as Th1 or Th2 dominant fail to meet the set criteria. Experimentally, Th1 polarization is readily transformed to Th2 dominance through depletion of intracellular glutathione, and vice versa. Mercury depletes glutathione and polarizes toward Th2 dominance. Several nutrients and hormones measurably influence Th1/Th2 balance, including plant sterols/sterolins, melatonin, probiotics, progesterone, and the minerals selenium and zinc. The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) significantly benefit diverse inflammatory and autoimmune conditions without any specific Th1/Th2 effect. Th1/Th2-based immunotherapies, e.g., T-cell receptor (TCR) peptides and interleukin-4 (IL-4) injections, have produced mixed results to date.

  17. Long-Term Heart Transplant Survival by Targeting the Ionotropic Purinergic Receptor P2X7

    PubMed Central

    Vergani, Andrea; Tezza, Sara; D’Addio, Francesca; Fotino, Carmen; Liu, Kaifeng; Niewczas, Monika; Bassi, Roberto; Molano, R. Damaris; Kleffel, Sonja; Petrelli, Alessandra; Soleti, Antonio; Ammirati, Enrico; Frigerio, Maria; Visner, Gary; Grassi, Fabio; Ferrero, Maria E.; Corradi, Domenico; Abdi, Reza; Ricordi, Camillo; Sayegh, Mohamed H.; Pileggi, Antonello; Fiorina, Paolo

    2013-01-01

    Background Heart transplantation is a lifesaving procedure for patients with end-stage heart failure. Despite much effort and advances in the field, current immunosuppressive regimens are still associated with poor long-term cardiac allograft outcomes as well as with the development of complications including infections and malignancies. The development of a novel, short-term and effective immunomodulatory protocol will thus be an important achievement. The purine adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), released during cell damage/activation, is sensed by the ionotropic purinergic receptor P2X7 (P2X7R) on lymphocytes and regulates T cell activation. Novel clinical-grade P2X7R inhibitors are available, rendering the targeting of P2X7R a potential therapy in cardiac transplantation. Methods and Results We analyzed P2X7R expression in patients and mice and P2X7R targeting in murine recipients in the context of cardiac transplantation. Our data demonstrate that P2X7R is specifically upregulated in graft-infiltrating lymphocytes in cardiac-transplanted humans and mice. Short-term P2X7R targeting with periodate-oxidized ATP (oATP) promotes long-term cardiac transplant survival in 80% of murine recipients of a fully mismatched allograft. Long-term survival of cardiac transplants was associated with reduced T cell activation, Th1/Th17 differentiation and inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation in T cells, thus leading to a reduced transplant infiltrate and coronaropathy. In vitro genetic upregulation of the P2X7R pathway was also shown to stimulate Th1/Th17 cell generation. Finally, P2X7R targeting halted the progression of coronaropathy in a murine model of chronic rejection as well. Conclusions P2X7R targeting is a novel clinically relevant strategy to prolong cardiac transplant survival. PMID:23250993

  18. T helper 1 immunity requires complement-driven NLRP3 inflammasome activity in CD4⁺ T cells.

    PubMed

    Arbore, Giuseppina; West, Erin E; Spolski, Rosanne; Robertson, Avril A B; Klos, Andreas; Rheinheimer, Claudia; Dutow, Pavel; Woodruff, Trent M; Yu, Zu Xi; O'Neill, Luke A; Coll, Rebecca C; Sher, Alan; Leonard, Warren J; Köhl, Jörg; Monk, Pete; Cooper, Matthew A; Arno, Matthew; Afzali, Behdad; Lachmann, Helen J; Cope, Andrew P; Mayer-Barber, Katrin D; Kemper, Claudia

    2016-06-17

    The NLRP3 inflammasome controls interleukin-1β maturation in antigen-presenting cells, but a direct role for NLRP3 in human adaptive immune cells has not been described. We found that the NLRP3 inflammasome assembles in human CD4(+) T cells and initiates caspase-1-dependent interleukin-1β secretion, thereby promoting interferon-γ production and T helper 1 (T(H)1) differentiation in an autocrine fashion. NLRP3 assembly requires intracellular C5 activation and stimulation of C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1), which is negatively regulated by surface-expressed C5aR2. Aberrant NLRP3 activity in T cells affects inflammatory responses in human autoinflammatory disease and in mouse models of inflammation and infection. Our results demonstrate that NLRP3 inflammasome activity is not confined to "innate immune cells" but is an integral component of normal adaptive T(H)1 responses. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

  19. Epigenetic Control of Cytokine Gene Expression: Regulation of the TNF/LT Locus and T Helper Cell Differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Falvo, James V.; Jasenosky, Luke D.; Kruidenier, Laurens; Goldfeld, Anne E.

    2014-01-01

    Epigenetics encompasses transient and heritable modifications to DNA and nucleosomes in the native chromatin context. For example, enzymatic addition of chemical moieties to the N-terminal “tails” of histones, particularly acetylation and methylation of lysine residues in the histone tails of H3 and H4, plays a key role in regulation of gene transcription. The modified histones, which are physically associated with gene regulatory regions that typically occur within conserved noncoding sequences, play a functional role in active, poised, or repressed gene transcription. The “histone code” defined by these modifications, along with the chromatin-binding acetylases, deacetylases, methylases, demethylases, and other enzymes that direct modifications resulting in specific patterns of histone modification, shows considerable evolutionary conservation from yeast to humans. Direct modifications at the DNA level, such as cytosine methylation at CpG motifs that represses promoter activity, are another highly conserved epigenetic mechanism of gene regulation. Furthermore, epigenetic modifications at the nucleosome or DNA level can also be coupled with higher-order intra- or interchromosomal interactions that influence the location of regulatory elements and that can place them in an environment of specific nucleoprotein complexes associated with transcription. In the mammalian immune system, epigenetic gene regulation is a crucial mechanism for a range of physiological processes, including the innate host immune response to pathogens and T cell differentiation driven by specific patterns of cytokine gene expression. Here, we will review current findings regarding epigenetic regulation of cytokine genes important in innate and/or adaptive immune responses, with a special focus upon the tumor necrosis factor/lymphotoxin locus and cytokine-driven CD4+ T cell differentiation into the Th1, Th2, and Th17 lineages. PMID:23683942

  20. Inorganic arsenic represses interleukin-17A expression in human activated Th17 lymphocytes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Morzadec, Claudie; Macoch, Mélinda; Robineau, Marc

    2012-08-01

    Trivalent inorganic arsenic [As(III)] is an efficient anticancer agent used to treat patients suffering from acute promyelocytic leukemia. Recently, experimental studies have clearly demonstrated that this metalloid can also cure lymphoproliferative and/or pro-inflammatory syndromes in different murine models of chronic immune-mediated diseases. T helper (Th) 1 and Th17 lymphocytes play a central role in development of these diseases, in mice and humans, especially by secreting the potent pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon-γ and IL-17A, respectively. As(III) impairs basic functions of human T cells but its ability to modulate secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by differentiated Th lymphocytes is unknown. In the present study,more » we demonstrate that As(III), used at concentrations clinically achievable in plasma of patients, has no effect on the secretion of interferon-γ from Th1 cells but almost totally blocks the expression and the release of IL-17A from human Th17 lymphocytes co-stimulated for five days with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies, in the presence of differentiating cytokines. In addition, As(III) specifically reduces mRNA levels of the retinoic-related orphan receptor (ROR)C gene which encodes RORγt, a key transcription factor controlling optimal IL-17 expression in fully differentiated Th17 cells. The metalloid also blocks initial expression of IL-17 gene induced by the co-stimulation, probably in part by impairing activation of the JNK/c-Jun pathway. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that As(III) represses expression of the major pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17A produced by human Th17 lymphocytes, thus strengthening the idea that As(III) may be useful to treat inflammatory immune-mediated diseases in humans. -- Highlights: ► Arsenic inhibits secretion of IL-17A from human naïve and memory Th17 lymphocytes. ► Arsenic represses early expression of IL-17A gene in human activated T lymphocytes. ► Arsenic interferes with activation of the JNK/c-Jun pathway in human T lymphocytes.« less

  1. Differential regulation of monocarboxylate transporter 8 expression in thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism.

    PubMed

    Badziong, Julia; Ting, Saskia; Synoracki, Sarah; Tiedje, Vera; Brix, Klaudia; Brabant, Georg; Moeller, Lars Christian; Schmid, Kurt Werner; Fuhrer, Dagmar; Zwanziger, Denise

    2017-09-01

    Thyroid hormone (TH) transporters are expressed in thyrocytes and most play a role in TH release. We asked whether expression of the monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) and the L-type amino acid transporters LAT2 and LAT4 is changed with thyrocyte dedifferentiation and in hyperfunctioning thyroid tissues. Protein expression and localization of transporters was determined by immunohistochemistry in human thyroid specimen including normal thyroid tissue (NT, n  = 19), follicular adenoma (FA, n  = 44), follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC, n  = 45), papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC, n  = 40), anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC, n  = 40) and Graves' disease (GD, n  = 50) by calculating the 'hybrid' (H) score. Regulation of transporter expression was investigated in the rat follicular thyroid cell line PCCL3 under basal and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) conditions. MCT8 and LAT4 were localized at the plasma membrane, while LAT2 transporter showed cytoplasmic localization. MCT8 expression was downregulated in benign and malignant thyroid tumours as compared to NT. In contrast, significant upregulation of MCT8, LAT2 and LAT4 was found in GD. Furthermore, a stronger expression of MCT8 was demonstrated in PCCL3 cells after TSH stimulation. Downregulation of MCT8 in thyroid cancers qualifies MCT8 as a marker of thyroid differentiation. The more variable expression of LATs in distinct thyroid malignancies may be linked with other transporter properties relevant to altered metabolism in cancer cells, i.e. amino acid transport. Consistent upregulation of MCT8 in GD is in line with increased TH release in hyperthyroidism, an assumption supported by our in vitro results showing TSH-dependent upregulation of MCT8. © 2017 European Society of Endocrinology.

  2. Multiparameter fluorescence imaging for quantification of TH-1 and TH-2 cytokines at the single-cell level

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fekkar, Hakim; Benbernou, N.; Esnault, S.; Shin, H. C.; Guenounou, Moncef

    1998-04-01

    Immune responses are strongly influenced by the cytokines following antigenic stimulation. Distinct cytokine-producing T cell subsets are well known to play a major role in immune responses and to be differentially regulated during immunological disorders, although the characterization and quantification of the TH-1/TH-2 cytokine pattern in T cells remained not clearly defined. Expression of cytokines by T lymphocytes is a highly balanced process, involving stimulatory and inhibitory intracellular signaling pathways. The aim of this study was (1) to quantify the cytokine expression in T cells at the single cell level using optical imaging, (2) and to analyze the influence of cyclic AMP- dependent signal transduction pathway in the balance between the TH-1 and TH-2 cytokine profile. We attempted to study several cytokines (IL-2, IFN-(gamma) , IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Cells were prestimulated in vitro using phytohemagglutinin and phorbol ester for 36h, and then further cultured for 8h in the presence of monensin. Cells were permeabilized and then simple-, double- or triple-labeled with the corresponding specific fluorescent monoclonal antibodies. The cell phenotype was also determined by analyzing the expression of each of CD4, CD8, CD45RO and CD45RA with the cytokine expression. Conventional images of cells were recorded with a Peltier- cooled CCD camera (B/W C5985, Hamamatsu photonics) through an inverted microscope equipped with epi-fluorescence (Diaphot 300, Nikon). Images were digitalized using an acquisition video interface (Oculus TCX Coreco) in 762 by 570 pixels coded in 8 bits (256 gray levels), and analyzed thereafter in an IBM PC computer based on an intel pentium processor with an adequate software (Visilog 4, Noesis). The first image processing step is the extraction of cell areas using an edge detection and a binary thresholding method. In order to reduce the background noise of fluorescence, we performed an opening procedure of the original image using a structuring element. The opened image was therefore subtracted from the original one, and the gray intensities were subsequently measured. Fluorescence intensities are mapped in MD representation using Matlab software. Consequently, quantitative comparative expression of intracellular cytokines and cell membrane markers was achieved. Using this technique, we showed that CD4+ and CD8+T lymphocytes expressed a large panel of cytokines, and that protein kinase A (PKA) activation pathway induced a polarization of activated human T cells to the TH-2 type profile. Data also showed different sensitivities of CD45 RO/CD45RA lymphocytes to the activation of PKA, thus suggesting the implication of memory CD4+- and CD8+-T cells in the T cell specific immune and inflammatory processes and their control by PKA activation pathway. Finally, this method represents a powerful tool for the detection and quantification of intracellular cytokine expression and the analysis of the functional properties of T lymphocytes during immune responses.

  3. Phase I clinical trial of costimulated, IL-4 polarized donor CD4+ T cells as augmentation of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

    PubMed

    Fowler, Daniel H; Odom, Jeanne; Steinberg, Seth M; Chow, Catherine K; Foley, Jason; Kogan, Yelena; Hou, Jeannie; Gea-Banacloche, Juan; Sportes, Claude; Pavletic, Steven; Leitman, Susan; Read, Elizabeth J; Carter, Charles; Kolstad, Arne; Fox, Rebecca; Beatty, Gregory L; Vonderheide, Robert H; Levine, Bruce L; June, Carl H; Gress, Ronald E; Bishop, Michael R

    2006-11-01

    The primary objective of this clinical trial was to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and biologic effects of administering costimulated, interleukin (IL)-4 polarized donor CD4(+) T cells in the setting of HLA-matched sibling, T cell-replete allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Forty-seven subjects with hematologic malignancy received granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-mobilized allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants and cyclosporine graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis after reduced intensity conditioning. Initial subjects received no additional cells (n = 19); subsequent subjects received additional donor CD4(+) T cells generated ex vivo by CD3/CD28 costimulation in medium containing IL-4 and IL-2 (administered day 1 after HCT at 5, 25, or 125 x 10(6) cells/kg). Studies after HCT included measurement of monocyte IL-1alpha and tumor necrosis factor alpha, detection of T cells with antitumor specificity, and characterization of T cell cytokine phenotype. The culture method generated donor CD4(+) T cells that secreted increased T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines and decreased T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines. Such Th2-like cells were administered without infusional or dose-limiting toxicity. The Th2 cohort had accelerated lymphocyte reconstitution; both cohorts had rapid hematopoietic recovery and alloengraftment. Acute GVHD and overall survival were similar in the Th2 and non-Th2 cohorts. Th2 cell recipients tended to have increased monocyte IL-1alpha and had increased tumor necrosis factor alpha secretion. CD8(+) T cells with antitumor specificity were observed in Th2 and non-Th2 cohorts. Post-transplantation T cells from Th2 cell recipients secreted IL-4 and IL-10 (Th2 cytokines) and IL-2 and interferon gamma (Th1 cytokines). Allograft augmentation with costimulated, IL-4-polarized donor CD4(+) T cells resulted in activated Th1, Th2, and inflammatory cytokine pathways without an apparent increase in GVHD.

  4. Excessive expression of miR-27 impairs Treg-mediated immunological tolerance

    PubMed Central

    Cruz, Leilani O.; Hashemifar, Somaye Sadat; Wu, Cheng-Jang; Cho, Sunglim; Nguyen, Duc T.; Lin, Ling-Li; Khan, Aly Azeem

    2017-01-01

    MicroRNAs (miRs) are tightly regulated in the immune system, and aberrant expression of miRs often results in hematopoietic malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Previously, it was suggested that elevated levels of miR-27 in T cells isolated from patients with multiple sclerosis facilitate disease progression by inhibiting Th2 immunity and promoting pathogenic Th1 responses. Here we have demonstrated that, although mice with T cell–specific overexpression of miR-27 harbor dysregulated Th1 responses and develop autoimmune pathology, these disease phenotypes are not driven by miR-27 in effector T cells in a cell-autonomous manner. Rather, dysregulation of Th1 responses and autoimmunity resulted from a perturbed Treg compartment. Excessive miR-27 expression in murine T cells severely impaired Treg differentiation. Moreover, Tregs with exaggerated miR-27–mediated gene regulation exhibited diminished homeostasis and suppressor function in vivo. Mechanistically, we determined that miR-27 represses several known as well as previously uncharacterized targets that play critical roles in controlling multiple aspects of Treg biology. Collectively, our data show that miR-27 functions as a key regulator in Treg development and function and suggest that proper regulation of miR-27 is pivotal to safeguarding Treg-mediated immunological tolerance. PMID:28067667

  5. The Role of Dendritic Cell Maturation in the Induction of Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus.

    PubMed

    Mbongue, Jacques C; Nieves, Hector A; Torrez, Timothy W; Langridge, William H R

    2017-01-01

    Dendritic cells (DCs) are the dominant class of antigen-presenting cells in humans and are largely responsible for the initiation and guidance of innate and adaptive immune responses involved in maintenance of immunological homeostasis. Immature dendritic cells (iDCs) phagocytize pathogens and toxic proteins and in endosomal vesicles degrade them into small fragments for presentation on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II receptor molecules to naïve cognate T cells (Th0). In addition to their role in stimulation of immunity, DCs are involved in the induction and maintenance of immune tolerance toward self-antigens. During activation, the iDCs become mature. Maturation begins when the DCs cease taking up antigens and begin to migrate from their location in peripheral tissues to adjacent lymph nodes or the spleen where during their continued maturation the DCs present stored antigens on surface MHCII receptor molecules to naive Th0 cells. During antigen presentation, the DCs upregulate the biosynthesis of costimulatory receptor molecules CD86, CD80, CD83, and CD40 on their plasma membrane. These activated DC receptor molecules bind cognate CD28 receptors presented on the Th0 cell membrane, which triggers DC secretion of IL-12 or IL-10 cytokines resulting in T cell differentiation into pro- or anti-inflammatory T cell subsets. Although basic concepts involved in the process of iDC activation and guidance of Th0 cell differentiation have been previously documented, they are poorly defined. In this review, we detail what is known about the process of DC maturation and its role in the induction of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus autoimmunity.

  6. From the cradle to the grave: activities of GATA-3 throughout T cell development and differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Hosoya, Tomonori; Maillard, Ivan; Engel, James Douglas

    2010-01-01

    Summary GATA family transcription factors play multiple vital roles in hematopoiesis in many cell lineages, and in particular, T cells require GATA-3 for execution of several developmental steps. Transcriptional activation of the Gata3 gene is observed throughout T-cell development and differentiation in stage-specific fashion. GATA-3 has been described as a master regulator of T-helper 2 (Th2) cell differentiation in mature CD4+ T cells. During T-cell development in the thymus, its roles in the CD4 vs. CD8 lineage choice and at the β-selection checkpoint are the best characterized. In contrast, its importance prior to β-selection has been obscured both by the developmental heterogeneity of double negative (DN) 1 thymocytes and the paucity of early T-lineage progenitors (ETPs), a subpopulation of DN1 cells that contains the most immature thymic progenitors that retain potent T-lineage developmental potential. By examining multiple lines of in vivo evidence procured through the analysis of Gata3 mutant mice, we have recently demonstrated that GATA-3 is additionally required at the earliest stage of thymopoiesis for the development of the ETP population. Here, we review the characterized functions of GATA-3 at each stage of T-cell development and discuss hypothetical molecular pathways that mediate these functions. PMID:20969588

  7. Inhibition of Th1 and Th17 Cells by Medicinal Plants and Their Derivatives: A Systematic Review.

    PubMed

    Asadi-Samani, Majid; Bagheri, Nader; Rafieian-Kopaei, Mahmoud; Shirzad, Hedayatollah

    2017-08-01

    Searching for new natural drugs that are capable of targeting Th1 and Th17 may lead to development of more effective treatments for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Most of the natural drugs can be derived from plants that are used in traditional medicine and folk medicine. The aim of this systematic review is to identify and introduce plants or plant derivatives that are effective on inflammatory diseases by inhibiting Th1 and Th17 responses. To achieve this purpose, the search terms herb, herbal medicine, herbal drug, medicinal plant, phytochemical, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, natural compound, inflammation, inflammatory diseases, Th1, Th17, T helper 1 or T helper 17 were used separately in Title/Keywords/Abstract in Web of Science and PubMed databases. In articles investigating the effect of the medicinal plants and their derivatives in inhibiting Th1 and Th17 cells, the effects of eight extracts of the medicinal plants, 21 plant-based compounds and some of their derivatives, and eight drugs derived from the medicinal plants' compounds in inhibiting Th1 and Th17 cells were reviewed. The results showed that medicinal plants and their derivates are able to suppress Th17 and Th1 T cell functions as well as cytokine secretion and differentiation. The results can be used to produce herbal drugs that suppress Th, especially Th17, responses. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  8. Combinatorial programming of human neuronal progenitors using magnetically-guided stoichiometric mRNA delivery.

    PubMed

    Azimi, Sayyed M; Sheridan, Steven D; Ghannad-Rezaie, Mostafa; Eimon, Peter M; Yanik, Mehmet Fatih

    2018-05-01

    Identification of optimal transcription-factor expression patterns to direct cellular differentiation along a desired pathway presents significant challenges. We demonstrate massively combinatorial screening of temporally-varying mRNA transcription factors to direct differentiation of neural progenitor cells using a dynamically-reconfigurable magnetically-guided spotting technology for localizing mRNA, enabling experiments on millimetre size spots. In addition, we present a time-interleaved delivery method that dramatically reduces fluctuations in the delivered transcription-factor copy-numbers per cell. We screened combinatorial and temporal delivery of a pool of midbrain-specific transcription factors to augment the generation of dopaminergic neurons. We show that the combinatorial delivery of LMX1A, FOXA2 and PITX3 is highly effective in generating dopaminergic neurons from midbrain progenitors. We show that LMX1A significantly increases TH -expression levels when delivered to neural progenitor cells either during proliferation or after induction of neural differentiation, while FOXA2 and PITX3 increase expression only when delivered prior to induction, demonstrating temporal dependence of factor addition. © 2018, Azimi et al.

  9. CXCL4 is a novel inducer of human Th17 cells and correlates with IL‐17 and IL‐22 in psoriatic arthritis

    PubMed Central

    Affandi, Alsya J.; Silva‐Cardoso, Sandra C.; Garcia, Samuel; Leijten, Emmerik F. A.; van Kempen, Tessa S.; Marut, Wioleta; van Roon, Joel A. G.

    2018-01-01

    Abstract CXCL4 regulates multiple facets of the immune response and is highly upregulated in various Th17‐associated rheumatic diseases. However, whether CXCL4 plays a direct role in the induction of IL‐17 production by human CD4+ T cells is currently unclear. Here, we demonstrated that CXCL4 induced human CD4+ T cells to secrete IL‐17 that co‐expressed IFN‐γ and IL‐22, and differentiated naïve CD4+ T cells to become Th17‐cytokine producing cells. In a co‐culture system of human CD4+ T cells with monocytes or myeloid dendritic cells, CXCL4 induced IL‐17 production upon triggering by superantigen. Moreover, when monocyte‐derived dendritic cells were differentiated in the presence of CXCL4, they orchestrated increased levels of IL‐17, IFN‐γ, and proliferation by CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, the CXCL4 levels in synovial fluid from psoriatic arthritis patients strongly correlated with IL‐17 and IL‐22 levels. A similar response to CXCL4 of enhanced IL‐17 production by CD4+ T cells was also observed in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Altogether, we demonstrate that CXCL4 boosts pro‐inflammatory cytokine production especially IL‐17 by human CD4+ T cells, either by acting directly or indirectly via myeloid antigen presenting cells, implicating a role for CXCL4 in PsA pathology. PMID:29193036

  10. Effectiveness of Antihyperglycemic Effect of Momordica charantia: Implication of T-Cell Cytokines

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Background/Objective We investigate the effect of antidiabetic Momordica charantia fruit juice on T cells' differentiation, through plasmatic cytokine quantification in type 1 diabetic rats (T1D). Methods Male Wistar rats were rendered diabetic by the injection of five low doses of streptozotocin. Then, animals were treated with Momordica charantia fruit juice for 28 consecutive days. Plasmatic levels of Th1 interleukin- (IL-) 02 and interferon- (IFN-) γ, Th2 (IL-4), and regulatory (IL-10) cytokines were determined in rats. Results We observed that fruit juice induced a significant decrease in blood glucose of T1D rats. Besides, the concentrations of IL-2 and IFN-γ significantly increased while those of IL-4 and IL-10 diminished in diabetic rats compared to control animals. Interestingly, after treatment with Momordica charantia fruit juice, IL-4 and IL-10 levels significantly increased in diabetic rats, while IL-2 and IFN-γ concentrations decreased, suggesting a Th2 phenotype in these animals. Phytochemical analysis of the fruit juice revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, and coumarins, compounds which possess antioxidant activity. Conclusion This study shows that Momordica charantia fruit juice, by lowering the hyperglycemia, induced a shift of proinflammatory Th1 phenotype in T1D rats towards a favorable anti-inflammatory Th2 status. These effects might be due to the presence of antioxidant compounds in the juice and confirms the use of this plant in the treatment of autoimmune type 1 diabetes. PMID:29317893

  11. Effectiveness of Antihyperglycemic Effect of Momordica charantia: Implication of T-Cell Cytokines.

    PubMed

    Fachinan, Rufine; Yessoufou, Akadiri; Nekoua, Magloire Pandoua; Moutairou, Kabirou

    2017-01-01

    We investigate the effect of antidiabetic Momordica charantia fruit juice on T cells' differentiation, through plasmatic cytokine quantification in type 1 diabetic rats (T1D). Male Wistar rats were rendered diabetic by the injection of five low doses of streptozotocin. Then, animals were treated with Momordica charantia fruit juice for 28 consecutive days. Plasmatic levels of Th1 interleukin- (IL-) 02 and interferon- (IFN-) γ , Th2 (IL-4), and regulatory (IL-10) cytokines were determined in rats. We observed that fruit juice induced a significant decrease in blood glucose of T1D rats. Besides, the concentrations of IL-2 and IFN- γ significantly increased while those of IL-4 and IL-10 diminished in diabetic rats compared to control animals. Interestingly, after treatment with Momordica charantia fruit juice, IL-4 and IL-10 levels significantly increased in diabetic rats, while IL-2 and IFN- γ concentrations decreased, suggesting a Th2 phenotype in these animals. Phytochemical analysis of the fruit juice revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, and coumarins, compounds which possess antioxidant activity. This study shows that Momordica charantia fruit juice, by lowering the hyperglycemia, induced a shift of proinflammatory Th1 phenotype in T1D rats towards a favorable anti-inflammatory Th2 status. These effects might be due to the presence of antioxidant compounds in the juice and confirms the use of this plant in the treatment of autoimmune type 1 diabetes.

  12. Thyroid Hormone Transporters MCT8 and OATP1C1 Control Skeletal Muscle Regeneration.

    PubMed

    Mayerl, Steffen; Schmidt, Manuel; Doycheva, Denica; Darras, Veerle M; Hüttner, Sören S; Boelen, Anita; Visser, Theo J; Kaether, Christoph; Heuer, Heike; von Maltzahn, Julia

    2018-06-05

    Thyroid hormone (TH) transporters are required for the transmembrane passage of TH in target cells. In humans, inactivating mutations in the TH transporter MCT8 cause the Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome, characterized by severe neuromuscular symptoms and an abnormal TH serum profile, which is fully replicated in Mct8 knockout mice and Mct8/Oatp1c1 double-knockout (M/O DKO) mice. Analysis of tissue TH content and expression of TH-regulated genes indicate a thyrotoxic state in Mct8-deficient skeletal muscles. Both TH transporters are upregulated in activated satellite cells (SCs). In M/O DKO mice, we observed a strongly reduced number of differentiated SCs, suggesting an impaired stem cell function. Moreover, M/O DKO mice and mice lacking both transporters exclusively in SCs showed impaired skeletal muscle regeneration. Our data provide solid evidence for a unique gate-keeper function of MCT8 and OATP1C1 in SC activation, underscoring the importance of a finely tuned TH signaling during myogenesis. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Stepwise differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into osteoblasts using four small molecules under serum-free and feeder-free conditions.

    PubMed

    Kanke, Kosuke; Masaki, Hideki; Saito, Taku; Komiyama, Yuske; Hojo, Hironori; Nakauchi, Hiromitsu; Lichtler, Alexander C; Takato, Tsuyoshi; Chung, Ung-Il; Ohba, Shinsuke

    2014-06-03

    Pluripotent stem cells are a promising tool for mechanistic studies of tissue development, drug screening, and cell-based therapies. Here, we report an effective and mass-producing strategy for the stepwise differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and mouse and human induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs and hiPSCs, respectively) into osteoblasts using four small molecules (CHIR99021 [CHIR], cyclopamine [Cyc], smoothened agonist [SAG], and a helioxanthin-derivative 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)pyrido[4',3':4,5]thieno[2,3-b]pyridine-2-carboxamide [TH]) under serum-free and feeder-free conditions. The strategy, which consists of mesoderm induction, osteoblast induction, and osteoblast maturation phases, significantly induced expressions of osteoblast-related genes and proteins in mESCs, miPSCs, and hiPSCs. In addition, when mESCs defective in runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), a master regulator of osteogenesis, were cultured by the strategy, they molecularly recapitulated osteoblast phenotypes of Runx2 null mice. The present strategy will be a platform for biological and pathological studies of osteoblast development, screening of bone-augmentation drugs, and skeletal regeneration.

  14. Overcoming dendritic cell tardiness to triumph over IL-13 receptor: a strategy for the development of effective pediatric vaccines.

    PubMed

    Hoeman, Christine; Dhakal, Mermagya; Zaghouani, Habib

    2010-06-01

    Neonatal exposure to antigen gives rise to a primary response comprising both T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) lymphocytes. However, re-encounter with the same antigen yields an indubitably biased response with minimal Th1 but excessive Th2 cells. Since Th1 cells combat microbes while Th2 cells react to allergens, the neonate faces susceptibility to both microbial infections and allergic reactions. The Th1/Th2 imbalance of neonatal immunity stems from a delayed maturation of dendritic cells that yields limited IL-12 cytokine during the neonatal stage. Th1 cells developing under these circumstances up-regulate the IL-13Ralpha1 chain that physically associates with the IL-4Ralpha chain, forming a potentially hazardous heteroreceptor. During re-challenge with antigen, IL-4 from Th2 cells utilizes the heteroreceptor to signal the death of Th1 cells, leading to the Th2 bias of neonatal immunity. Our view to overcome Th1 deficiency is to supplement neonatal immunizations with toll-like receptor ligands that could stimulate maturation of dendritic cells and augment IL-12 production to counter IL-13Ralpha1 up-regulation. This regimen would yield Th1 cells devoid of the heteroreceptor and resistant to IL-4-induced apoptosis. Accordingly, the neonate would have balanced Th1/Th2 immunity and withstand both microbes and allergens. Such approaches could open new avenues for better pediatric vaccines and allergy therapies.

  15. Histone methylation mediates plasticity of human FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells by modulating signature gene expressions.

    PubMed

    He, Haiqi; Ni, Bing; Tian, Yi; Tian, Zhiqiang; Chen, Yanke; Liu, Zhengwen; Yang, Xiaomei; Lv, Yi; Zhang, Yong

    2014-03-01

    CD4(+) FOXP3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells constitute a heterogeneous and plastic T-cell lineage that plays a pivotal role in maintaining immune homeostasis and immune tolerance. However, the fate of human Treg cells after loss of FOXP3 expression and the epigenetic mechanisms contributing to such a phenotype switch remain to be fully elucidated. In the current study, we demonstrate that human CD4(+) CD25(high) CD127(low/-) Treg cells convert to two subpopulations with distinctive FOXP3(+) and FOXP3(-) phenotypes following in vitro culture with anti-CD3/CD28 and interleukin-2. Digital gene expression analysis showed that upon in vitro expansion, human Treg cells down-regulated Treg cell signature genes, such as FOXP3, CTLA4, ICOS, IKZF2 and LRRC32, but up-regulated a set of T helper lineage-associated genes, especially T helper type 2 (Th2)-associated, such as GATA3, GFI1 and IL13. Subsequent chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing of these subpopulations yielded genome-wide maps of their H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 profiles. Surprisingly, reprogramming of Treg cells was associated with differential histone modifications, as evidenced by decreased abundance of permissive H3K4me3 within the down-regulated Treg cell signature genes, such as FOXP3, CTLA4 and LRRC32 loci, and increased abundance of H3K4me3 within the Th2-associated genes, such as IL4 and IL5; however, the H3K27me3 modification profile was not significantly different between the two subpopulations. In conclusion, this study revealed that loss of FOXP3 expression from human Treg cells during in vitro expansion can induce reprogramming to a T helper cell phenotype with a gene expression signature dominated by Th2 lineage-associated genes, and that this cell type conversion may be mediated by histone methylation events. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  16. The Female Lower Genital Tract Is a Privileged Compartment with IL-10 Producing Dendritic Cells and Poor Th1 Immunity following Chlamydia trachomatis Infection

    PubMed Central

    Marks, Ellen; Tam, Miguel A.; Lycke, Nils Y.

    2010-01-01

    While a primary genital tract infection with C. trachomatis stimulates partial-protection against re-infection, it may also result in severe inflammation and tissue destruction. Here we have dissected whether functional compartments exist in the genital tract that restrict Th1-mediated protective immunity. Apart from the Th1-subset, little is known about the role of other CD4+ T cell subsets in response to a genital tract chlamydial infection. Therefore, we investigated CD4+ T cell subset differentiation in the genital tract using RT-PCR for expression of critical transcription factors and cytokines in the upper (UGT) and lower genital tract (LGT) of female C57BL/6 mice in response to C. trachomatis serovar D infection. We found that the Th1 subset dominated the UGT, as IFN-γ and T-bet mRNA expression were high, while GATA-3 was low following genital infection with C. trachomatis serovar D. By contrast, IL-10 and GATA-3 mRNA dominated the LGT, suggesting the presence of Th2 cells. These functional compartments also attracted regulatory T cells (Tregs) differently as increased FoxP3 mRNA expression was seen primarily in the UGT. Although IL-17A mRNA was somewhat up-regulated in the LGT, no significant change in RORγ-t mRNA expression was observed, suggesting no involvement of Th17 cells. The dichotomy between the LGT and UGT was maintained during infection by IL-10 because in IL-10-deficient mice the distinction between the two compartments was completely lost and a dramatic shift to the predominance of Th1 cells in the LGT occurred. Unexpectedly, the major source of IL-10 was CD11c+ CD11b+ DC, probably creating an anti-inflammatory privileged site in the LGT. PMID:21079691

  17. Antigen-Specific Th17 Cells Are Primed by Distinct and Complementary Dendritic Cell Subsets in Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

    PubMed Central

    Kirchner, Florian R.; Becattini, Simone; Rülicke, Thomas; Sallusto, Federica; LeibundGut-Landmann, Salomé

    2015-01-01

    Candida spp. can cause severe and chronic mucocutaneous and systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals. Protection from mucocutaneous candidiasis depends on T helper cells, in particular those secreting IL-17. The events regulating T cell activation and differentiation toward effector fates in response to fungal invasion in different tissues are poorly understood. Here we generated a Candida-specific TCR transgenic mouse reactive to a novel endogenous antigen that is conserved in multiple distant species of Candida, including the clinically highly relevant C. albicans and C. glabrata. Using TCR transgenic T cells in combination with an experimental model of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) we investigated antigen presentation and Th17 priming by different subsets of dendritic cells (DCs) present in the infected oral mucosa. Candida-derived endogenous antigen accesses the draining lymph nodes and is directly presented by migratory DCs. Tissue-resident Flt3L-dependent DCs and CCR2-dependent monocyte-derived DCs collaborate in antigen presentation and T cell priming during OPC. In contrast, Langerhans cells, which are also present in the oral mucosa and have been shown to prime Th17 cells in the skin, are not required for induction of the Candida-specific T cell response upon oral challenge. This highlights the functional compartmentalization of specific DC subsets in different tissues. These data provide important new insights to our understanding of tissue-specific antifungal immunity. PMID:26431538

  18. Capsiate Inhibits DNFB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice through Mast Cell and CD4+ T-Cell Inactivation.

    PubMed

    Lee, Ji H; Lee, Yun S; Lee, Eun-Jung; Lee, Ji H; Kim, Tae-Yoon

    2015-08-01

    Capsaicin has many biological effects, such as antioxidant, anticancer, and antiangiogenic effects, but it is rarely used because of its high pungency. Capsiate, a nonpungent capsaicin analog, also has multiple biological effects, similar to those of capsaicin, but does not cause irritation. However, the effect of capsiate on allergic responses and immune cells has not been well studied. In this study, we investigated the effect of capsiate on atopic dermatitis, mouse CD4+ T cells, and mast cell activation. Capsiate inhibited DNFB-induced atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice. Topical treatment with capsiate suppressed serum IgE levels and cytokine and chemokine expression in the skin of DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice. In addition, it suppressed the activation of CD4+ T cells and mast cells, which are implicated in allergic diseases. Capsiate inhibited the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into T helper type 1 (Th1), Th2, and Th17 cells. Treatment with capsiate inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and degranulation from activated bone marrow-derived mast cells through the inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase signal pathways. Consistent with these results, treatment with capsiate inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. Taken together, our results suggest that capsiate might be a good candidate molecule for the treatment of allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis.

  19. A well-refined in vitro model derived from human embryonic stem cell for screening phytochemicals with midbrain dopaminergic differentiation-boosting potential for improving Parkinson's disease.

    PubMed

    Hsieh, Wen-Ting; Chiang, Been-Huang

    2014-07-09

    Stimulation of endogenous neurogenesis is a potential approach to compensate for loss of dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra compacta nigra (SNpc) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This objective was to establish an in vitro model by differentiating pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons for screening phytochemicals with mDA neurogenesis-boosting potentials. Consequently, a five-stage differentiation process was developed. The derived cells expressed many mDA markers including tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), β-III tubulin, and dopamine transporter (DAT). The voltage-gated ion channels and dopamine release were also examined for verifying neuron function, and the dopamine receptor agonists bromocriptine and 7-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin (7-OH-DPAT) were used to validate our model. Then, several potential phytochemicals including green tea catechins and ginsenosides were tested using the model. Finally, ginsenoside Rb1 was identified as the most potent phytochemical which is capable of upregulating neurotrophin expression and inducing mDA differentiation.

  20. T helper 1 immunity requires complement-driven NLRP3 inflammasome activity in CD4+ T cells

    PubMed Central

    Spolski, Rosanne; Robertson, Avril A. B.; Klos, Andreas; Rheinheimer, Claudia; Dutow, Pavel; Woodruff, Trent M.; Yu, Zu Xi; O'Neill, Luke A.; Coll, Rebecca C.; Sher, Alan; Leonard, Warren J.; Köhl, Jörg; Monk, Pete; Cooper, Matthew A.; Arno, Matthew; Afzali, Behdad; Lachmann, Helen J.; Cope, Andrew P.; Mayer-Barber, Katrin D.; Kemper, Claudia

    2016-01-01

    The NLRP3 inflammasome controls interleukin-1β maturation in antigen-presenting cells, but a direct role for NLRP3 in human adaptive immune cells has not been described. We found that the NLRP3 inflammasome assembles in human CD4+ T cells and initiates caspase-1–dependent interleukin-1β secretion, thereby promoting interferon-γ production and T helper 1 (TH1) differentiation in an autocrine fashion. NLRP3 assembly requires intracellular C5 activation and stimulation of C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1), which is negatively regulated by surface-expressed C5aR2. Aberrant NLRP3 activity in T cells affects inflammatory responses in human autoinflammatory disease and in mouse models of inflammation and infection. Our results demonstrate that NLRP3 inflammasome activity is not confined to “innate immune cells” but is an integral component of normal adaptive TH1 responses. PMID:27313051

  1. In vitro generated Th17 cells support the expansion and phenotypic stability of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells in vivo.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Qiong; Hu, Ya; Howard, O M Zack; Oppenheim, Joost J; Chen, Xin

    2014-01-01

    CD4(+) T cells stimulate immune responses through distinct patterns of cytokine produced by Th1, Th2 or Th17 cells, or inhibit immune responses through Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs). Paradoxically, effector T cells were recently shown to activate Tregs, however, it remains unclear which Th subset is responsible for this effect. In this study, we found that Th17 cells expressed the highest levels of TNF among in vitro generated Th subsets, and most potently promoted expansion and stabilized Foxp3 expression by Tregs when co-transferred into Rag1(-/-) mice. Both TNF and IL-2 produced by Th17 cells contributed to this effect. The stimulatory effect of Th17 cells on Tregs was largely abolished when co-transferred with TNFR2-deficient Tregs. Furthermore, Tregs deficient in TNFR2 also supported a much lower production of IL-17A and TNF expression by co-transferred Th17 cells. Thus, our data indicate that the TNF-TNFR2 pathway plays a crucial role in the reciprocal stimulatory effect of Th17 cells and Tregs. This bidirectional interaction should be taken into account when designing therapy targeting Th17 cells, Tregs, TNF and TNFR2. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Synthetic RORγt Agonists Enhance Protective Immunity

    PubMed Central

    Chang, Mi Ra; Dharmarajan, Venkatasubramanian; Doebelin, Christelle; Garcia-Ordonez, Ruben D.; Novick, Scott J.; Kuruvilla, Dana S.; Kamenecka, Theodore M.; Griffin, Patrick R.

    2016-01-01

    The T cell specific RORγ isoform RORγt has been shown to be the key lineage-defining transcription factor to initiate the differentiation program of TH17 and Tc17 cells, cells that have demonstrated anti-tumor efficacy. RORγt controls gene networks that enhance immunity including increased IL17 production and decreased immune suppression. Both synthetic and putative endogenous agonists of RORγt have been shown to increase the basal activity of RORγt enhancing TH17 cell proliferation. Here we show that activation of RORγt using synthetic agonists drives proliferation of TH17 cells while decreasing levels of the immune checkpoint protein PD-1, a mechanism that should enhance anti-tumor immunity while blunting tumor associated adaptive immune resistance. Interestingly, putative endogenous agonists drive proliferation of TH17 cells but do not repress PD-1. These findings suggest that synthetic agonists of RORγt should activate TC17/TH17 cells (with concomitant reduction in the Tregs population), repress PD-1, and produce IL17 in situ (a factor associated with good prognosis in cancer). Enhanced immunity and blockage of immune checkpoints has transformed cancer treatment, thus such a molecule would provide a unique approach for the treatment of cancer. PMID:26785144

  3. Effects of a Spirulina-based dietary supplement on cytokine production from allergic rhinitis patients.

    PubMed

    Mao, T K; Van de Water, J; Gershwin, M E

    2005-01-01

    Spirulina represents a blue-green alga that is widely produced and commercialized as a dietary supplement for modulating immune functions, as well as ameliorating a variety of diseases. We have previously shown that the in vitro culture of Spirulina with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) modulated the production of cytokines. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of a Spirulina-based dietary supplement (Earthrise Nutritionals, Inc., Irvine, CA) on patients with allergic rhinitis by assessing the production of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-4, interferon (IFN)-gamma, and IL-2] critical in regulating immunoglobulin E-mediated allergy. In a randomized double-blinded crossover study versus placebo, allergic individuals were fed daily with either placebo or Spirulina, at 1,000 mg or 2,000 mg, for 12 weeks. PBMCs isolated before and after the Spirulina feeding were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) prior to determining the levels of cytokine from cell culture supernatants. Although Spirulina seemed to be ineffective at modulating the secretion of Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma and IL-2), we discovered that Spirulina, administered at 2,000 mg/day, significantly reduced IL-4 levels by 32% from PHA-stimulated cells. These results indicate that Spirulina can modulate the Th profile in patients with allergic rhinitis by suppressing the differentiation of Th2 cells mediated, in part, by inhibiting the production of IL-4. To our knowledge, this is the first human feeding study that demonstrates the protective effects of Spirulina towards allergic rhinitis.

  4. GATA-3 function in innate and adaptive immunity.

    PubMed

    Tindemans, Irma; Serafini, Nicolas; Di Santo, James P; Hendriks, Rudi W

    2014-08-21

    The zinc-finger transcription factor GATA-3 has received much attention as a master regulator of T helper 2 (Th2) cell differentiation, during which it controls interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-13 expression. More recently, GATA-3 was shown to contribute to type 2 immunity through regulation of group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) development and function. Furthermore, during thymopoiesis, GATA-3 represses B cell potential in early T cell precursors, activates TCR signaling in pre-T cells, and promotes the CD4(+) T cell lineage after positive selection. GATA-3 also functions outside the thymus in hematopoietic stem cells, regulatory T cells, CD8(+) T cells, thymic natural killer cells, and ILC precursors. Here we discuss the varied functions of GATA-3 in innate and adaptive immune cells, with emphasis on its activity in T cells and ILCs, and examine the mechanistic basis for the dose-dependent, developmental-stage- and cell-lineage-specific activity of this transcription factor. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. A Nonsecosteroidal Vitamin D Receptor Modulator Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis without Causing Hypercalcemia

    PubMed Central

    Na, Songqing; Ma, Yanfei; Zhao, Jingyong; Schmidt, Clint; Zeng, Qing Q.; Chandrasekhar, Srinivasan; Chin, William W.; Nagpal, Sunil

    2011-01-01

    Vitamin D receptor (VDR) agonists are currently the agents of choice for the treatment of psoriasis, a skin inflammatory indication that is believed to involve an autoimmune component. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3], the biologically active metabolite of vitamin D, has shown efficacy in animal autoimmune disease models of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and type I diabetes. However, the side effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and its synthetic secosteroidal analogs is hypercalcemia, which is a major impediment in their clinical development for autoimmune diseases. Hypercalcemia develops as a result of the action of VDR agonists on the intestine. Here, we describe the identification of a VDR modulator (VDRM) compound A that was transcriptionally less active in intestinal cells and as a result exhibited less calcemic activity in vivo than 1,25-(OH)2D3. Cytokine analysis indicated that the VDRM not only modulated the T-helper cell balance from Th1 to Th2 effector function but also inhibited Th17 differentiation. Finally, we demonstrate that the oral administration of compound A inhibited the induction and progress of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice without causing hypercalcemia. PMID:21318047

  6. Regulatory role of NKG2D+ NK cells in intestinal lamina propria by secreting double-edged Th1 cytokines in ulcerative colitis

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Xue; Chang, Ying; Liu, Jing; Zhou, Rui; Nie, Jia-Yan; Dong, Wei-Guo; Zhao, Qiu; Li, Jin

    2017-01-01

    The role of intestinal lamina propria (LP) NKG2D+ NK cells is unclear in regulating Th1/Th2 balance in ulcerative colitis (UC). In this study, we investigated the frequency of LP NKG2D+ NK cells in DSS-induced colitis model and intestinal mucosal samples of UC patients, as well as the secretion of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in NK cell lines after MICA stimulation. The role of Th1 cytokines in UC was validated by bioinformatics analysis. We found that DSS-induced colitis in mice was characterized by a Th2-mediated process. In acute phrase, the frequency of LP NKG2D+ lymphocytes increased significantly and decreased in remission, while the frequency of LP NKG2D+ NK cells decreased significantly in acute phase and increased in remission. No obvious change was found in the frequency of total LP NK cells. Similarly, severe UC patients had a higher expression of mucosal NKG2D and a lower number of NKG2D+ NK cells than mild to moderate UC. In NK cell lines, the MICA stimulation could induce a predominant secretion of Th1 cytokines (TNF, IFN-γ). Furthermore, in bioinformatics analysis, mucosal Th1 cytokine of TNF, showed a double-edged role in UC when compared to the Th1-mediated disease of Crohn's colitis. In conclusion, LP NKG2D+ NK cells partially played a regulatory role in UC through secreting Th1 cytokines to regulate the Th2-predominant Th1/Th2 imbalance, despite of the concomitant pro-inflammatory effects of Th1 cytokines. PMID:29228739

  7. Arctigenin Suppress Th17 Cells and Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Through AMPK and PPAR-γ/ROR-γt Signaling.

    PubMed

    Li, Wen; Zhang, Zhihui; Zhang, Kai; Xue, Zhenyi; Li, Yan; Zhang, Zimu; Zhang, Lijuan; Gu, Chao; Zhang, Qi; Hao, Junwei; Da, Yurong; Yao, Zhi; Kong, Ying; Zhang, Rongxin

    2016-10-01

    Arctigenin is a herb compound extract from Arctium lappa and is reported to exhibit pharmacological properties, including neuronal protection and antidiabetic, antitumor, and antioxidant properties. However, the effects of arctigenin on autoimmune inflammatory diseases of the CNS, multiple sclerosis (MS), and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) are still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that arctigenin-treated mice are resistant to EAE; the clinical scores of arctigenin-treated mice are significantly reduced. Histochemical assays of spinal cord sections also showed that arctigenin reduces inflammation and demyelination in mice with EAE. Furthermore, the Th1 and Th17 cells in peripheral immune organs are inhibited by arctigenin in vivo. In addition, the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ and transcription factor T-bet, as well as the Th17 cytokines IL-17A, IL-17F, and transcription factor ROR-γt are significantly suppressed upon arctigenin treatment in vitro and in vivo. Interestedly, Th17 cells are obviously inhibited in CNS of mice with EAE, while Th1 cells do not significantly change. Besides, arctigenin significantly restrains the differentiation of Th17 cells. We further demonstrate that arctigenin activates AMPK and inhibits phosphorylated p38, in addition, upregulates PPAR-γ, and finally suppresses ROR-γt. These findings suggest that arctigenin may have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties via inhibiting Th17 cells, indicating that it could be a potential therapeutic drug for multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune inflammatory diseases.

  8. Complex Immune Evasion Strategies in Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma.

    PubMed

    Wein, Frederik; Weniger, Marc A; Höing, Benedikt; Arnolds, Judith; Hüttmann, Andreas; Hansmann, Martin-Leo; Hartmann, Sylvia; Küppers, Ralf

    2017-12-01

    The cellular microenvironment in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is dominated by a mixed infiltrate of inflammatory cells with typically only about 1% Hodgkin and Reed/Sternberg (HRS) tumor cells. T cells are usually the largest population of cells in the cHL microenvironment, encompassing T helper (Th) cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and cytotoxic T cells. Th cells and Tregs presumably provide essential survival signals for HRS cells. Tregs are also involved in rescuing HRS cells from antitumor immune responses. An understanding of the immune evasion strategies of HRS cells is not only relevant for a characterization of the pathophysiology of cHL but is also clinically relevant, given the current treatment approaches targeting checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we characterized the cHL-specific CD4 + T-cell infiltrate regarding its role in immune evasion. Global gene expression analysis of CD4 + Th cells and Tregs isolated from cHL lymph nodes and reactive tonsils revealed that Treg signatures were enriched in CD4 + Th cells of cHL. Hence, HRS cells may induce Treg differentiation in Th cells, a conclusion supported by in vitro studies with Th cells and cHL cell lines. We also found evidence for immune-suppressive purinergic signaling and a role of the inhibitory receptor-ligand pairs B- and T-cell lymphocyte attenuator-herpesvirus entry mediator and CD200R-CD200 in promoting immune evasion. Taken together, this study highlights the relevance of Treg induction and reveals new immune checkpoint-driven immune evasion strategies in cHL. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(12); 1122-32. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

  9. Early-shared Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin sub-strains induce Th1 cytokine production in vivo.

    PubMed

    Taniguchi, Keiichi; Miyatake, Yuuji; Hayashi, Daisuke; Takami, Atsuro; Itoh, Saotomo; Yamamoto, Saburo; Hida, Shigeaki; Onozaki, Kikuo; Takii, Takemasa

    2015-11-01

    Interleukin-12 is one of the cytokines that induce acquired immunity by progressing the differentiation of T cells. When antigens are presented by APCs, including macrophages and DCs, T cells are activated and produce the Th1 cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ. We have previously reported greater IL-12 production from macrophages infected with early-shared BCG sub-strains (ex. BCG-Japan, -Sweden) than from those infected with late-shared BCG (ex. BCG-Pasteur and -Connaught) . In this study, we investigated the Th1 cytokine-inducing activity of splenocytes co-cultured with BCG-infected DCs. Early-shared BCG-infected DCs produced IL-12 and TNF-α⋅ Furthermore, when they were co-cultured with purified protein derivative-stimulated DCs, the splenocytes of mice immunized with BCG-Tokyo/Japan produced more Th1 cytokine than did those of mice immunized with BCG-Connaught. In conclusion, early-shared BCG sub-strains more strongly induce Th1 cytokine production in vivo. This study provides basic information to inform the selection of candidates for primary vaccination. © 2015 The Societies and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

  10. IL-10 suppresses Th17 cells and promotes regulatory T cells in the CD4+ T cell population of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

    PubMed

    Heo, Yu-Jung; Joo, Young-Bin; Oh, Hye-Jwa; Park, Mi-Kyung; Heo, Yang-Mi; Cho, Mi-La; Kwok, Seung-Ki; Ju, Ji-Hyeon; Park, Kyung-Su; Cho, Seok Goo; Park, Sung-Hwan; Kim, Ho-Youn; Min, Jun-Ki

    2010-01-04

    Interleukin-17-producing CD4(+) T cells (Th17 cells) are the dominant pathogenic cellular component in autoimmune inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune arthritis. IL-10 promotes the generation of Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells via the IL-10 receptor signal. The objective of this study was to examine whether IL-10, which acts as an anti-inflammatory cytokine, has a suppressive effect on the activation of human Th17 cells. Expression of IL-17 and IL-10 was examined immunohistochemically in tissue obtained from rheumatoid arthritis patients. Human peripheral blood CD4(+) T cells were isolated and cultured under various stimulatory conditions. Th17 cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells were detected by flow cytometry. The gene expression of related cytokines and transcription factors were assessed by ELISA and RT-PCR. IL-17 was overexpressed in rheumatoid arthritis patients. IL-10 treatment significantly decreased the numbers of IL-17-producing and RORc-expressing cells among human CD4(+) T cells that had been activated in vitro by Th17-differentiating conditions in autoimmune arthritis patients. IL-10 induced Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells in the human CD4(+) T cell population. Our results demonstrate that IL-17 is overexpressed in autoimmune disease patients and that IL-10 suppresses IL-17 expression. IL-10 may be useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

  11. Food and Natural Materials Target Mechanisms to Effectively Regulate Allergic Responses.

    PubMed

    Shin, Hee Soon; Shon, Dong-Hwa

    2015-01-01

    An immune hypersensitivity disorder called allergy is caused by diverse allergens entering the body via skin contact, injection, ingestion, and/or inhalation. These allergic responses may develop into allergic disorders, including inflammations such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, anaphylaxis, food allergies, and allergic rhinitis. Several drugs have been developed to treat these allergic disorders; however, long-term intake of these drugs could have adverse effects. As an alternative to these medicines, food and natural materials that ameliorate allergic disorder symptoms without producing any side effects can be consumed. Food and natural materials can effectively regulate successive allergic responses in an allergic chain-reaction mechanism in the following ways: [1] Inhibition of allergen permeation via paracellular diffusion into epithelial cells, [2] suppression of type 2 T-helper (Th) cell-related cytokine production by regulating Th1/Th2 balance, [3] inhibition of pathogenic effector CD4(+) T cell differentiation by inducing regulatory T cells (Treg), and [4] inhibition of degranulation in mast cells. The immunomodulatory effects of food and natural materials on each target mechanism were scientifically verified and shown to alleviate allergic disorder symptoms. Furthermore, consumption of certain food and natural materials such as fenugreek, skullcap, chitin/chitosan, and cheonggukjang as anti-allergics have merits such as safety (no adverse side effects), multiple suppressive effects (as a mixture would contain various components that are active against allergic responses), and ease of consumption when required. These merits and anti-allergic properties of food and natural materials help control various allergic disorders.

  12. Atopic dermatitis induces the expansion of thymus-derived regulatory T cells exhibiting a Th2-like phenotype in mice.

    PubMed

    Moosbrugger-Martinz, Verena; Tripp, Christoph H; Clausen, Björn E; Schmuth, Matthias; Dubrac, Sandrine

    2016-05-01

    Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a widespread inflammatory skin disease with an early onset, characterized by pruritus, eczematous lesions and skin dryness. This chronic relapsing disease is believed to be primarily a result of a defective epidermal barrier function associated with genetic susceptibility, immune hyper-responsiveness of the skin and environmental factors. Although the important role of abnormal immune reactivity in the pathogenesis of AD is widely accepted, the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) remains elusive. We found that the Treg population is expanded in a mouse model of AD, i.e. mice topically treated with vitamin D3 (VitD). Moreover, mice with AD-like symptoms exhibit increased inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS)-, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4)- and Glycoprotein-A repetitions predominant receptor (GARP)-expressing Tregs in skin-draining lymph nodes. Importantly, the differentiation of Tregs into thymus-derived Tregs is favoured in our mouse model of AD. Emigrated skin-derived dendritic cells are required for Treg induction and Langerhans cells are responsible for the biased expansion of thymus-derived Tregs . Intriguingly, thymus-derived Tregs isolated from mice with AD-like symptoms exhibit a Th2 cytokine profile. Thus, AD might favour the expansion of pathogenic Tregs able to produce Th2 cytokines and to promote the disease instead of alleviating symptoms. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

  13. Histopathological Comparison between Bone Marrow- and Periodontium-derived Stem Cells for Bone Regeneration in Rabbit Calvaria.

    PubMed

    Kadkhoda, Z; Safarpour, A; Azmoodeh, F; Adibi, S; Khoshzaban, A; Bahrami, N

    2016-01-01

    Periodontitis is an important oral disease. Stem cell therapy has found its way in treatment of many diseases. To evaluate the regenerative potential of periodontal ligament-derived stem cells (PDLSCs) and osteoblast differentiated from PDLSC in comparison with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and pre-osteoblasts in calvarial defects. After proving the existence of surface markers by flow cytometry, BM-MSCs were differentiated into osteoblasts. 5 defects were made on rabbit calvaria. 3 of them were first covered with collagen membrane and then with BM-MSCs, PDLSCs, and pre-osteoblasts. The 4(th) defect was filled with collagen membrane and the 5(th) one was served as control. After 4 weeks, histological (quantitative) and histomorphological (qualitative) surveys were performed. Both cell lineages were positive for CD-90 cell marker, which was specifically related to stem cells. Alizarin red staining was done for showing mineral material. RT-PCR set up for the expression of Cbfa1 gene, BMP4 gene, and PGLAP gene, confirmed osteoblast differentiation. The findings indicated that although PDLSCs and pre-osteoblasts could be used for bone regeneration, the rate of regeneration in BM-MSCs-treated cavities was more significant (p<0.0001). The obtained results are probably attributable to the effective micro-environmental signals caused by different bone types and the rate of cell maturation.

  14. Helminth-conditioned dendritic cells prime CD4+ T cells to IL-4 production in vivo.

    PubMed

    Connor, Lisa M; Tang, Shiau-Choot; Camberis, Mali; Le Gros, Graham; Ronchese, Franca

    2014-09-15

    Dendritic cells (DC) are critical for the initiation of immune responses; however, their role in priming IL-4-producing Th2 cells in vivo is not fully understood. We used a model of intradermal injection with fluorescent-labeled, nonviable larvae from the helminth parasite nonviable Nippostrongylus brasiliensis L3 larvae (Nb), a strong inducer of Th2 responses, together with IL-4-GFP reporter mice that enable a sensitive detection of IL-4 production to examine the contribution of DC to the priming of IL-4-producing CD4(+) T cells in vivo. We found that parasite material is taken up by two distinct DC populations in draining lymph nodes: a mostly CD11c(int)MHC class II (MHCII)(hi)CD11b(+)Ly6C(-) dermal DC population and a CD11c(hi)MHCII(int)CD11b(+)Ly6C(+) monocyte-derived DC population. After Nb treatment, these two DC populations appeared in the draining lymph nodes in comparable numbers and with similar kinetics; however, treatment with pertussis toxin blocked the migration of dermal DC and the priming of IL-4-producing T cells, but only partially affected monocyte-derived DC numbers. In line with this observation, transfer of OVA-loaded CD11c(int)MHCII(hi) DC from Nb-treated mice into naive hosts could sensitize OVA-specific CD4(+) T cells to IL-4 production, whereas transfer of CD11c(int)MHCII(hi) DC from naive mice, or CD11c(hi)MHCII(int) DC from Nb-treated or naive mice, induced CD4(+) T cell expansion but no IL-4 production. Phenotypic analysis of Nb-loaded CD11c(int)MHCII(hi) DC revealed expression of programmed death ligand 2, CD301b, IFN regulatory factor 4, and moderate upregulation of OX40 ligand. However, thymic stromal lymphopoietin and OX40 ligand were not required for Th2 priming. Thus, our data suggest that appropriate stimuli can induce DC to express the unique signals sufficient to direct CD4(+) T cells to Th2 differentiation. Copyright © 2014 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

  15. Intranuclear delivery of the transcription modulation domain of Tbet-improved lupus nephritis in (NZB/NZW) F1 lupus-prone mice.

    PubMed

    Moon, Jae-Seung; Mun, Chin Hee; Kim, Jung-Ho; Cho, Jen-Young; Park, Sung-Dong; Park, Tae-Yoon; Shin, Jin-Su; Ho, Chun-Chang; Park, Yong-Beom; Ghosh, Sankar; Bothwell, Alfred L M; Lee, Sang-Won; Lee, Sang-Kyou

    2018-05-01

    Excessive expression of Tbet and IFNγ is evidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in lupus patients. In this study, the nucleus-transducible form of Transcription Modulation Domain (TMD) of Tbet (ntTbet-TMD), which is a fusion protein between Protein Transduction Domain Hph-1 (Hph-1-PTD) and the TMD of Tbet comprising DNA binding domain and isotype-specific domain, was generated to inhibit Tbet-mediated transcription in the interactomic manner. ntTbet-TMD was effectively delivered into the nucleus of the cells and specifically inhibited Tbet-mediated transcription without influencing the differentiation of other T cell subsets and signaling events for T cell activation. The severity of nephritis was significantly reduced by ntTbet-TMD as effectively as methylprednisolone in lupus-prone mice. The number of Th1, Th2 or Th17 cells and the secretion of their cytokines substantially decreased in the spleen and kidney of lupus-prone mice by ntTbet-TMD treatment. In contrast to methylprednisolone, the marked increase of Treg cells and the secretion of their immunosuppressive cytokine were detected in the spleen of (NZB/NZW) F1 mice treated with ntTbet-TMD. Thus, ntTbet-TMD can improve nephritis in lupus-prone mice by modulating the overall proinflammatory microenvironment and rebalancing T cell subsets, leading to new immune therapeutics for Th1-mediated autoimmune diseases. Copyright © 2017 International Society of Nephrology. All rights reserved.

  16. Tumor necrosis factor alpha blockade exacerbates murine psoriasis-like disease by enhancing Th17 function and decreasing expansion of Treg cells.

    PubMed

    Ma, Hak-Ling; Napierata, Lee; Stedman, Nancy; Benoit, Stephen; Collins, Mary; Nickerson-Nutter, Cheryl; Young, Deborah A

    2010-02-01

    Patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis respond well to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) blockers in general; however, there is now mounting evidence that a small cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who receive TNFalpha blockers develop psoriasis. This study was undertaken to explore the mechanisms underlying TNFalpha blockade-induced exacerbation of skin inflammation in murine psoriasis-like skin disease. Skin inflammation was induced in BALB/c scid/scid mice after they received CD4+CD45RB(high)CD25- (naive CD4) T cells from donor mice. These mice were treated with either anti-interleukin-12 (anti-IL-12)/23p40 antibody or murine TNFRII-Fc fusion protein and were examined for signs of disease, including histologic features, various cytokine levels in the serum, and cytokine or FoxP3 transcripts in the affected skin and draining lymph node (LN) cells. In a separate study, naive CD4+ T cells were differentiated into Th1 or Th17 lineages with anti-CD3/28 magnetic beads and appropriate cytokines in the presence or absence of TNFalpha. Cytokine gene expression from these differentiated cells was also determined. Neutralization of TNFalpha exacerbated skin inflammation and markedly enhanced the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-17, IL-21, and IL-22 but suppressed FoxP3 expression in the skin and reduced the number of FoxP3-positive Treg cells in the draining LNs. TNFalpha also demonstrated a divergent role during priming and reactivation of naive T cells. These results reveal a novel immunoregulatory role of TNFalpha on Th17 and Treg cells in some individuals, which may account for the exacerbation of skin inflammation in some patients who receive anti-TNF treatments.

  17. Small-molecule RORγt antagonists inhibit T helper 17 cell transcriptional network by divergent mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Sheng; Yosef, Nir; Yang, Jianfei; Wang, Yonghui; Zhou, Ling; Zhu, Chen; Wu, Chuan; Baloglu, Erkan; Schmidt, Darby; Ramesh, Radha; Lobera, Mercedes; Sundrud, Mark S; Tsai, Pei-Yun; Xiang, Zhijun; Wang, Jinsong; Xu, Yan; Lin, Xichen; Kretschmer, Karsten; Rahl, Peter B; Young, Richard A; Zhong, Zhong; Hafler, David A; Regev, Aviv; Ghosh, Shomir; Marson, Alexander; Kuchroo, Vijay K

    2014-04-17

    We identified three retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt)-specific inhibitors that suppress T helper 17 (Th17) cell responses, including Th17-cell-mediated autoimmune disease. We systemically characterized RORγt binding in the presence and absence of drugs with corresponding whole-genome transcriptome sequencing. RORγt acts as a direct activator of Th17 cell signature genes and a direct repressor of signature genes from other T cell lineages; its strongest transcriptional effects are on cis-regulatory sites containing the RORα binding motif. RORγt is central in a densely interconnected regulatory network that shapes the balance of T cell differentiation. Here, the three inhibitors modulated the RORγt-dependent transcriptional network to varying extents and through distinct mechanisms. Whereas one inhibitor displaced RORγt from its target loci, the other two inhibitors affected transcription predominantly without removing DNA binding. Our work illustrates the power of a system-scale analysis of transcriptional regulation to characterize potential therapeutic compounds that inhibit pathogenic Th17 cells and suppress autoimmunity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Efficient generation of hPSC-derived midbrain dopaminergic neurons in a fully defined, scalable, 3D biomaterial platform

    PubMed Central

    Adil, Maroof M.; Rodrigues, Gonçalo M. C.; Kulkarni, Rishikesh U.; Rao, Antara T.; Chernavsky, Nicole E.; Miller, Evan W.; Schaffer, David V.

    2017-01-01

    Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have major potential as an unlimited source of functional cells for many biomedical applications; however, the development of cell manufacturing systems to enable this promise faces many challenges. For example, there have been major recent advances in the generation of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons from stem cells for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) therapy; however, production of these cells typically involves undefined components and difficult to scale 2D culture formats. Here, we used a fully defined, 3D, thermoresponsive biomaterial platform to rapidly generate large numbers of action-potential firing mDA neurons after 25 days of differentiation (~40% tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive, maturing into 25% cells exhibiting mDA neuron-like spiking behavior). Importantly, mDA neurons generated in 3D exhibited a 30-fold increase in viability upon implantation into rat striatum compared to neurons generated on 2D, consistent with the elevated expression of survival markers FOXA2 and EN1 in 3D. A defined, scalable, and resource-efficient cell culture platform can thus rapidly generate high quality differentiated cells, both neurons and potentially other cell types, with strong potential to accelerate both basic and translational research. PMID:28091566

  19. The imbalance of Th17/Treg in patients with uterine cervical cancer.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yan; Ma, Daoxin; Zhang, Yong; Tian, Yongju; Wang, Xuping; Qiao, Yunbo; Cui, Baoxia

    2011-05-12

    Th17/Treg was reported to play critical roles in immunoregulation, and its imbalance may lead to autoimmune diseases and allergic reactions. Information on Th17/Treg in cancer bearing hosts is still limited. We examined the expression of IL-17, Foxp3 and IL-10 in uterine cervical cancer (UCC) patients, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) patients and healthy controls by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Interleukin (IL)-17-producing CD4+ cells as Th17 and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells as Treg were expressed as a percentage of the total CD4+ cells. Compared with controls, patients with UCC or CIN had a higher proportion of Th17 cells. UCC patients also revealed a significant increase in Treg number and IL-17 and IL-10 concentrations in plasma, while CIN patients did not. Notably, in UCC patients, the increased Th17 prevalence was associated with clinical stage, lymph node metastases and vasoinvasion, while the increased Treg frequency was associated with tumor differentiation. Remarkably, an attractive imbalance of Th17/Treg was observed in UUC and CIN patients. Furthermore, in UCC patients with lymph node metastases or vasoinvasion, the ratio of Th17/Treg was significantly higher than that in negative patients respectively. Our results indicated a possible role of Th17 in UCC patients correlated to Treg cells, and the imbalance of Th17/Treg may be involved in the development and progression of UCC. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Effector and central memory T helper 2 cells respond differently to peptide immunotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Mackenzie, Karen J.; Nowakowska, Dominika J.; Leech, Melanie D.; McFarlane, Amanda J.; Wilson, Claire; Fitch, Paul M.; O’Connor, Richard A.; Howie, Sarah E. M.; Schwarze, Jürgen; Anderton, Stephen M.

    2014-01-01

    Peptide immunotherapy (PIT) offers realistic prospects for the treatment of allergic diseases, including allergic asthma. Much is understood of the behavior of naive T cells in response to PIT. However, treatment of patients with ongoing allergic disease requires detailed understanding of the responses of allergen-experienced T cells. CD62L expression by allergen-experienced T cells corresponds to effector/effector memory (CD62Llo) and central memory (CD62Lhi) subsets, which vary with allergen exposure (e.g., during, or out with, pollen season). The efficacy of PIT on different T helper 2 (Th2) cell memory populations is unknown. We developed a murine model of PIT in allergic airway inflammation (AAI) driven by adoptively transferred, traceable ovalbumin-experienced Th2 cells. PIT effectively suppressed AAI driven by unfractionated Th2 cells. Selective transfer of CD62Lhi and CD62Llo Th2 cells revealed that these two populations behaved differently from one another and from previously characterized (early deletional) responses of naive CD4+ T cells to PIT. Most notably, allergen-reactive CD62Llo Th2 cells were long-lived within the lung after PIT, before allergen challenge, in contrast to CD62Lhi Th2 cells. Despite this, PIT was most potent against CD62Llo Th2 cells in protecting from AAI, impairing their ability to produce Th2 cytokines, whereas this capacity was heightened in PIT-treated CD62Lhi Th2 cells. We conclude that Th2 cells do not undergo an early deletional form of tolerance after PIT. Moreover, memory Th2 subsets respond differently to PIT. These findings have implications for the clinical translation of PIT in different allergic scenarios. PMID:24516158

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