Differential effects of tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-12 on isopentenyl pyrophosphate-stimulated interferon-γ production by cord blood Vγ9 T cells

Lower numbers of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in cord blood (CB) than in adult peripheral blood (PB), as well as their impaired ability to produce interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in response to stimulation, are associated with functional deficiency in the immune system in newborns. In this study, we stimulated CB Vγ9 T cells with their T-cell receptor-specific ligand, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), plus exogenous costimulatory cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-12 and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which are known to play important roles in the activation of PB γδ T cells. Our data show that CB Vγ9 T cells are able to produce IFN-γ at levels comparable to PB Vγ9 T cells by the addition of TNF-α in the presence of IPP and IL-2; however, under the same culture conditions, IL-12 does not efficiently activate CB Vγ9 T cells to produce IFN-γ. The frequency of TNF-α receptor II-positive Vγ9T cells and the expression levels of TNF-α receptor II are similar in CB and PB; in contrast, the frequency of IL-12 receptor βI (IL-12RβI)-positive Vγ9T cells and expression levels of IL-12RβI are significantly lower in CB than PB. TNF-α but not IL-12 increases the expression of IL-2Rβ on CB Vγ9 T cells. These results provide new insights into the role of TNF-α in the activation of CB Vγ9 T cells.     

Binding to leukocytes and induction of TNFα production involve different sites within the lipid-A region of LPS-like molecules

The induction of TNFα synthesis in whole blood culture assay and isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells was investigated, using LPS from Klebsiella pneumoniae and two water-soluble 34 kDa derivatives designed as acylpolygalactoside (APG) and EFA-APG, an APG molecule bearing two additional ester-linked fatty acids. Both APG and EFA-APG bind to monocytes by specific ligand receptor interaction but only EFA-APG could induce TNFα synthesis. It is concluded that ester-linked fatty acids are not involved in LPS binding to the cell surface, but play a critical role in the triggering of cellular responses.     

Stimulation of TNFα expression by hyperosmotic stress

Hyperosmotic stress is known to induce apoptotic cell death, an effect previously attributed to seemingly ligand-independent clustering of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) receptors. An alternative explanation for the clustering of TNF alpha receptors may be stimulation of TNF alpha production, with subsequent autocrine or paracrine stimulation of the receptors. The present study was performed to test for an effect of exposure to hyperosmotic extracellular fluid on cellular TNF alpha production. In both the macrophage cell line U937 and the B lymphocyte cell line LCL721, an increase of extracellular osmolarity to 500 mosmol/l indeed increased TNF alpha expression, an effect reversed by the p38 kinase inhibitor SB203580. In both cell types hyperosmotic stress triggered apoptosis, which in U937 cells was significantly inhibited by neutralizing antibodies against TNF alpha and by SB203580 and was similarly elicited by exogenous addition of TNF alpha. In contrast, osmotically induced apoptosis of LCL721 cells was only slightly blunted by anti-TNF alpha antibodies and rather increased by SB203580. In conclusion, through activation of p38 kinase hyperosmotic stress stimulates the expression of TNF alpha which at least in U937 macrophages may participate in the triggering of subsequent apoptotic cell death. However, the observations in LCL721 cells point to other, TNF alpha-independent, mechanisms mediating apoptotic cell death following an excessive increase of extracellular osmolarity.     

TNFα receptor knockout in mice reduces adverse effects of magnesium deficiency on bone

Epidemiologic studies have linked low dietary magnesium (Mg) intake to osteoporosis. Dietary Mg restriction in animal models has demonstrated a decrease in bone mass and an increase in skeletal fragility. The exact mechanism for the decrease in bone mass is not clear but a decrease in osteoblast number and an increase in osteoclast number (Oc.No/B.Pm) suggests an uncoupling of bone formation and bone resorption favoring skeletal loss. Mg depletion results in an increase in inflammatory cytokines, which could explain the increase in bone resorption. We have previously demonstrated an increase in TNFα in bone from Mg deficient rodents. Here we report results of a 3 week study of a low magnesium (LM) diet and normal Mg diet in 35-day-old TNFα receptor knockout mice (TNF-r-KO) versus wild type (WT) control mice. Our results indicated that a LM diet resulted in a greater increase in Oc.No/B.Pm in the WT mice, with a trend toward greater eroded bone perimeter, as compared to TNF-r-KO. These findings suggest that TNFα may play a role in Mg deficiency-induced bone loss.     

Differential Regulation of IL-8 by IL-1β and TNFα in Hyaline Membrane Disease

Mechanisms that regulate cytokine-mediated inflammation in the lungs of preterm infants, including factors which regulate production of the chemokine IL-8, remain poorly defined. Sequential bronchoalveolar lavage samples were obtained from preterm newborns with hyaline membrane disease over a 28-day period. Bronchoalveolar lavage cell cytokine relationships were evaluated and the differential regulation of IL-8 by IL-1 and TNF was studied in a short-term culture system. In vivo, IL-8 and IL-l protein levels correlated closely with each other and with macrophage counts. In cell culture, exogenous anti-IL-1 antibody led to a 40% maximum inhibition (approximately) of IL-8 production by lipopolysaccharide stimulated lung inflammatory cells. Comparable amounts of exogenous anti-TNF antibodies achieved a 15% maximum inhibition (approximately) of IL-8 production. Anti-IL-1 and anti-TNF antibodies in combination did not inhibit IL-8 production beyond that achieved by anti-IL-l antibody alone. These results, in preterm newborns, support the concept of lung inflammation mediated in part by a macrophage, IL-1, and IL-8 cell cytokine pathway. The results also suggest that factors other than IL-1 and TNF regulate IL-8 expression in the lungs of preterm infants.     

The effect of prenatal diazepam exposure on TNF-α production by rat splenocytes

Prenatal exposure to diazepam and other benzodiazepines (BDZ) has been found to result in a marked reduction of T-lymphocyte proliferation during postnatal development of rats. In search for pathogenic changes underlying this effect, we investigated the mitogen lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and concanavalin A (ConA) stimulated release of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)- by mixed splenocytes of male offspring from Long Evans rats treated with 1.25 mg/kg per day diazepam from gestational day 14 to 20. In response to LPS, TNF- release was found to be significantly lower in mixed splenocytes of two- and four-week-old treated than in control offspring. However, at eight weeks of age, prenatally diazepam-treated animals showed a significantly higher LPS-induced TNF- release than control rats. Since monocytes/macrophages represent a major source of TNF-, additional experiments were performed on purified spleen macrophages and lymphocytes stimulated with LPS. TNF- release was only detectable in supernatants of adherent spleen macrophages and not in supernatants of lymphocytes. Thus, our data indicate that a disturbance in TNF- release from macrophages is involved in the deficient immune response of prenatally diazepam-exposed rats.     

Oxygen tension modulates the effects of TNFα in compressed chondrocytes

Objective and design

Oxygen tension and biomechanical signals are factors that regulate inflammatory mechanisms in chondrocytes. We examined whether low oxygen tension influenced the cells response to TNFα and dynamic compression.

Materials and methods

Chondrocyte/agarose constructs were treated with varying concentrations of TNFα (0.1–100 ng/ml) and cultured at 5 and 21 % oxygen tension for 48 h. In separate experiments, constructs were subjected to dynamic compression (15 %) and treated with TNFα (10 ng/ml) and/or L-NIO (1 mM) at 5 and 21 % oxygen tension using an ex vivo bioreactor for 48 h. Markers for catabolic activity (NO, PGE₂) and tissue remodelling (GAG, MMPs) were quantified by biochemical assay. ADAMTS-5 and MMP-13 expression were examined by real-time qPCR. 2-way ANOVA and a post hoc Bonferroni-corrected t test were used to analyse data.

Results

TNFα dose-dependently increased NO, PGE₂ and MMP activity (all p < 0.001) and induced MMP-13 (p < 0.05) and ADAMTS-5 gene expression (pp < 0.01) with values greater at 5 % oxygen tension than 21 %. The induction of catabolic mediators by TNFα was reduced by dynamic compression and/or L-NIO (all p < 0.001), with a greater inhibition observed at 5% than 21 %. The stimulation of GAG synthesis by dynamic compression was greater at 21 % than 5 % oxygen tension and this response was reduced with TNFα or reversed with L-NIO.

Conclusions

The present findings revealed that TNFα increased production of NO, PGE₂ and MMP activity at 5 % oxygen tension. The effects induced by TNFα were reduced by dynamic compression and/or the NOS inhibitor, linking both types of stimuli to reparative activities. Future therapeutics should develop oxygen-sensitive antagonists which are directed to interfering with the TNFα-induced pathways.

     

Effects of pyridinyl imidazole compounds on murine TNF-α production

The effects of SK&F 86002 and other pyridinyl imidazole compounds on murine cytokine production were investigated.In vitro, SK&F 86002 inhibited LPS stimulated TNF-α production by the RAW 264.7 cell line and by oil elicited peritoneal macrophages with an IC₅₀ of 5μM. In general, the activity was reflective of previous results obtained with human monocytes as SK&F 86002 and its analogs demonstrated identical rank order potency for TNF-α inhibition in both species. These compounds also inhibited TNF-αin vivo in a murine model of endotoxin shock. Following oral administration, SK&F 86002 and its analogs reduced serum TNF-α levels by >80% and afforded 100% protection from lethality. In contrast, tenidap, a novel anti-inflammatory drug, had minimal to no effect on murine TNF-α production in the same assays. These data further extend the pharmacological profile of the pyridinyl imidazoles by demonstrating that these compounds potently inhibit murine TNF-α production bothin vitro andin vivo.     

Inhibition of LPS-induced TNFα production in human monocytes by adenosine (A2) receptor selective agonists

We examined the effects of adenosine A₁ and A₂ receptor agonists on LPS-stimulated TNFα production by human monocytes isolated from peripheral blood. We have demonstrated that CGS-21680, a highly selective A₂ agonist inhibited production of TNFα at the protein level by 75% whereas the A₁ selective agonist N₆ reduced TNFα production by only 25%. The action of CGS-21680 was mediated via the A₂ receptors since its effect on TNF production was blocked by 3,7-dimethyl-l-propargylxanthine (DMPX) but not by xanthine amine cogener (XAC), antagonists selective for the A₂ and A₁ receptors, respectively. Thus intervention with A₂-selective agonists or compounds that can elevate endogenously released adenosine may be beneficial in TNFα-mediated diseases.     

Effects of pyridinyl imidazole compounds on murine TNF-α production

The effects of SK&F 86002 and other pyridinyl imidazole compounds on murine cytokine production were investigated.In vitro, SK&F 86002 inhibited LPS stimulated TNF- production by the RAW 264.7 cell line and by oil elicited peritoneal macrophages with an IC₅₀ of 5M. In general, the activity was reflective of previous results obtained with human monocytes as SK&F 86002 and its analogs demonstrated identical rank order potency for TNF- inhibition in both species. These compounds also inhibited TNF-in vivo in a murine model of endotoxin shock. Following oral administration, SK&F 86002 and its analogs reduced serum TNF- levels by >80% and afforded 100% protection from lethality. In contrast, tenidap, a novel anti-inflammatory drug, had minimal to no effect on murine TNF- production in the same assays. These data further extend the pharmacological profile of the pyridinyl imidazoles by demonstrating that these compounds potently inhibit murine TNF- production bothin vitro andin vivo.     

Alternation of interleukin-1α production and interleukin-1α binding sites in mouse brain during rabies infection

Summary We have evaluated the effect of rabies virus infection on interleukin-1(IL-1) production and its receptors in mouse brain. Study of virus dissemination in the central nervous system (CNS) showed a massive infection of main brain structures from day 4 post infection (p.i.) up to the agony stage on day 6 p.i. At the same time, IL-1 concentrations increased in cortical and hippocampal homogenates, whereas no change was detected in serum. In non-infected mice, IL-1 binding sites were observed in the dentate gyrus, the cortex, the choroid plexus, the meninges and the anterior pituitary. During rabies virus infection, a striking decrease in IL-1 binding sites was observed on day 4 p.i. with a complete disappearance on day 6 p.i., except in the pituitary gland where they remained at control level. In conclusion, concomitantly with the early rabid pathological signs, brain IL-1 production and IL-1 binding sites are specifically and significantly altered by brain viral proliferation. These results indicate that IL-1 could be involved in the brain response to viral infection as a mediator and could participate in the genesis of the rabies pathogeny.     

Remarkable improvement of the hip joint lesion in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis by the treatment with anti-TNF-α agents

22-year old woman who was previously diagnosed as having juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was treated with anti-TNF-α agents. Her disease activity was assessed as Stage IV and Class III by Steinbrocker's classification and resistant to steroids and methotrexate. Initially clinical findings responded well to infliximab (IFX), but polyarthritis recurred 15 months after the start of the treatment, and IFX was switched to etanercept (ETN) with good response. On the other hand, effects on the osteoarticular lesions were continuously observed through the period of the treatment with these two biologics. It was thought very rare that weight-bearing joint like the hip joint was restored as was seen in this case, while its mechanism is unknown. Because mechanism for inhibition of inflammation or joint destruction might be independent, we should investigate further the relationship between inflammation and joint destruction in the future.     

Study on the relationship of hypotestosteronemia and IL-1,TNFα in infertility rabbits with vasovasotomy

Study on the relationship of hypotestosteronemia and IL-1,TNFα in infertility rabbits with vasovasotomy     

Dysfunction of microvascular endothelial cells induced by TNFαand its molecular mechanism

Dysfunction of microvascular endothelial cells induced by TNFαand its molecular mechanism     

Inhibition of microglial inflammatory responses by norepinephrine: effects on nitric oxide and interleukin-1β production

Background

Under pathological conditions, microglia produce proinflammatory mediators which contribute to neurologic damage, and whose levels can be modulated by endogenous factors including neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine (NE). We investigated the ability of NE to suppress microglial activation, in particular its effects on induction and activity of the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) and the possible role that IL-1β plays in that response.

Methods

Rat cortical microglia were stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce NOS2 expression (assessed by nitrite and nitrate accumulation, NO production, and NOS2 mRNA levels) and IL-1β release (assessed by ELISA). Effects of NE were examined by co-incubating cells with different concentrations of NE, adrenergic receptor agonists and antagonists, cAMP analogs, and protein kinase (PK) A and adenylate cyclase (AC) inhibitors. Effects on the NFκB:IκB pathway were examined by using selective a NFκB inhibitor and measuring IκBα protein levels by western blots. A role for IL-1β in NOS2 induction was tested by examining effects of caspase-1 inhibitors and using caspase-1 deficient cells.

Results

LPS caused a time-dependent increase in NOS2 mRNA levels and NO production; which was blocked by a selective NFκB inhibitor. NE dose-dependently reduced NOS2 expression and NO generation, via activation of β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-ARs), and reduced loss of inhibitory IkBα protein. NE effects were replicated by dibutyryl-cyclic AMP. However, co-incubation with either PKA or AC inhibitors did not reverse suppressive effects of NE, but instead reduced nitrite production. A role for IL-1β was suggested since NE potently blocked microglial IL-1β production. However, incubation with a caspase-1 inhibitor, which reduced IL-1β levels, had no effect on NO production; incubation with IL-receptor antagonist had biphasic effects on nitrite production; and NE inhibited nitrite production in caspase-1 deficient microglia.

Conclusions

NE reduces microglial NOS2 expression and IL-1β production, however IL-1β does not play a critical role in NOS2 induction nor in mediating NE suppressive effects. Changes in magnitude or kinetics of cAMP may modulate NOS2 induction as well as suppression by NE. These results suggest that dysregulation of the central cathecolaminergic system may contribute to detrimental inflammatory responses and brain damage in neurological disease or trauma.     

Stimulation of macrophages with IFNγ or TNFα shuts off the suppressive effect played by PGE2

PGE₂ has been shown to be able to interfere with various lymphocyte and macrophage functions, but its effects on macrophage activation are still unclear. In this study, carried out on peritoneal macrophages obtained from healthy, tumour-bearing and Corynebacterium parvum-treated mice, we demonstrated that PGE₂ is involved in the down-regulation of macrophage activation, but it cannot exert its inhibiting effect when macrophages are further stimulated with activating cytokines, such as IFNγ and TNFα. Our findings provide new insight into how macrophage tumoricidal activity may be induced and maintained even in presence of significant levels of PGE₂.     

Differential secretion of TNF-α and IFN-γ by human peripheral blood-derived NK subsets and association with functional maturation

Natural killer cells can be separated into three major subsets (free, binder, and killer) based on their ability to bind and kill sensitive target cells. The nonbinder, nonkiller free cells are the most immature and can be activated to become binders and killers. Natural killer (NK) cells synthesize and secrete several cytokines that are intimately involved in NK activation. This study investigated the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-) and interferon-gamma (IFN-) by purified NK cells and NK subsets following activation by various stimuli. K562 target cells stimulated secretion of both TNF- and IFN- by both the binder and the killer subsets but not by the free subset. IFN- activated the secretion of IFN- only, whereas IL-2 activated the secretion of both TNF- and IFN- by the binder and killer subsets and secretion was augmented by the addition of K562 to the cultures. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and ionophore stimulated TNF- and IFN- secretion in both the binder and the killer subsets, though IFN- secretion was more pronounced in the binder subset. Activation of TNF- and IFN- secretion was dependent on de novo protein synthesis. Analysis at the single-cell level demonstrated that the binder subset had the highest frequency of cells secreting IFN-. These results demonstrate that both the binder and the killer subsets can be activated to secrete TNF- and IFN-, whereas the free NK subset secretes little or no TNF- and IFN- following activation. These data suggest that the ability of NK cells to secrete TNF- and IFN- following activation correlates with the functional stage of maturation of NK cells.