Isoforms of human B7-H3 co-signalling molecule for T cell activation as potential immunoregulatory agents

B7 family molecules, which are expressed on antigen-presenting cells and display extracellular regions containing immunoglobulin (Ig) variable (V)- and constant (C)-like domains, are known to modulate T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated T cell activation by providing co-signals that are either stimulatory or inhibitory. One of the most recently identified members of this family is B7-H3 (B7 homologue 3). Here, evidence is presented that human B7-H3 exists as two isoforms: B7-H3 VC, which contains one IgV- and IgC-like domain, and B7-H3 VCVC, which contains two such domains. The latter represents the predominant B7-H3 molecule detectable in various human tissues. Both B7-H3 isoforms are shown to decrease the proliferation and cytokine production induced by TCR activation of human T cells in vitro. It is therefore claimed that B7-H3 molecules may provide tools to modulate immune responses for therapeutic purpose.     

In vitro analysis of immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cell- and tumor cell -derived exosomes on recall antigen-specific responses

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to evaluate in vitro effects of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or tumor cells on recall-antigen-specific immune responses.MethodsThe exosomes were isolated from the supernatant of the cultures of the adipose-derived MSCs, and 4T1 cell line. The splenocytes isolated from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice were utilized to evaluate the effects of exosomes on recall-antigen-specific responses. The expression of master regulators for T cell sub-types and the levels of their corresponding cytokines were evaluated.ResultsTreatment by disease-inducing peptide (MOG_35–55) combined with MSC-EXO or by MOG+TEX enhanced the expression of Foxp3 as the master regulator for Treg cells; by comparing with splenocytes which were treated by MOG. Nonetheless, the production of IL-10 and TGF-β were increased only in splenocytes treated by MOG+TEX. Additionally, treatments of splenocytes by MOG+TEX and MOG+MSC-EXO decreased the expression of Tbx21 and Gata3, as the master regulator for T helper (T_H)1 and T_H2 responses. However, the IFN-γ level did not decrease. The expression of Rorc and Elf4, which are the activator and inhibitor for differentiation of T_H17 respectively were increased after splenocytes was treated by MOG+TEX. However, a reduction in Rorc and Elf4 levels was observed when splenocytes were treated by MOG+MSC-EXO. Indeed, the concentration of IL-17 did not alter significantly following the treatment by MOG+exosomes.ConclusionIt was ultimately attained that TEX and MSC-EXO utilized various mechanisms to modulate the recall immune responses. TEX was more potent than MSC-EXO to induce regulatory responses by upregulating the production of Foxp3, IL-10, and TGF-β.     

IL-23: changing the verdict on IL-12 function in inflammation and autoimmunity

IL-12 and IL-23 are molecules mainly produced by activated accessory and antigen-presenting cells. The tools for studying the biology of IL-12 in man and laboratory rodents have greatly advanced our appreciation of the central role of this molecule in cell-mediated immunity and inflammation. In particular, IL-12 is thought to be the prime-regulator of T_H1 development. Targeting what was thought to be IL-12 function in vivo, resulted in drastic amelioration of inflammation and autoimmunity firmly linking T_H1 polarisation to autoimmune development. Upon discovery of IL-23 and the fact that the large subunit of IL-23 is shared by IL-12, the research community only begins to grasp that the features attributed to IL-12 and T_H1 development in inflammation are, in fact, dependent on IL-23 and not on IL-12. Hence, the perception of IL-12 biology is, to a large extent, based on a mistaken identity. In this review, the authors provide an overview of their current understanding of IL-12 and IL-23 biology in inflammation and autoimmunity, and how this viewpoint has been readjusted over the past 15 years.     

Caffeic amide derivatives inhibit allergen-induced bone marrow-derived dendritic cell maturation

Background

Caffeic amides are derivatives of caffeic acid, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and high in vivo stability. The therapeutic effect of caffeic amides on allergic diseases, and especially on the maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs), remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of caffeic amides on allergic diseases by evaluating the maturation of DCs and evaluated their potential in inducing the differentiation of T_H2 cells.

Nasal delivery of H5N1 avian influenza vaccine formulated with GenJet™ or in vivo-jetPEI® induces enhanced serological,cellular and protective immune responses

Avian influenza virus infection is a serious public health threat and preventive vaccination is the most cost-effective public health intervention strategy. Unfortunately, currently available unadjuvanted avian influenza vaccines are poorly immunogenic and alternative vaccine formulations and delivery strategies are in urgent need to reduce the high risk of avian influenza pandemics. Cationic polymers have been widely used as vectors for gene delivery in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we formulated H5N1 influenza vaccines with GenJet? or in vivo-jetPEI^®, and showed that these formulations significantly enhanced the immunogenicity of H5N1 vaccines and conferred protective immunity in a mouse model. Detailed analyses of adaptive immune responses revealed that both formulations induced mixed T_H1/T_H2 antigen-specific CD4 T-cell responses, antigen-specific cytotoxic CD8 T-cell and memory B-cell responses. Our findings suggest that cationic polymers merit future development as potential adjuvants for mucosal delivery of poorly immunogenic vaccines.     

Targeting CD44 in mast cell regulation

Importance of the field: Accumulating evidence suggests that mast cells are involved in a wide variety of immune responses including chronic inflammation, immune tolerance and tumor immunity. Mast cells originate from hematopoietic stem cells and undergo terminal differentiation in the tissues, in which they are ultimately resident. Heterogeneity of tissue mast cells is, therefore, one of the key concepts for a better understanding of various immune responses.

Areas covered in this review: This review describes the candidate genes involved in regulation of cutaneous mast cell differentiation, with a particular attention to CD44, which is the primary receptor for hyaluronan.

What the reader will gain: CD44 is involved in various aspects of cutaneous inflammation. Regarding mast cells, CD44 is upregulated upon differentiation and maturation of mast cells, and plays a critical role in regulation of cutaneous mast cell number. Since both degradation and decrease of hyaluronan are often observed upon chronic inflammation, CD44 might be involved in modulation of local immune responses through regulation of cutaneous mast cell functions.

Take home message: Understanding of cutaneous immune responses should require clarification of local mast cell functions, a part of which is regulated by extracellular matrix components and their membrane receptors.     

EFFECTS OF HISTAMINE BOLUS INJECTIONS AND CONTINUOUS INFUSIONS ON THE H1- AND H2-RECEPTORS IN THE HINDLIMB VESSELS OF THE RABBIT

1. Hindlimb vascular resistance (HVR) was continuously measured after pharmacological block of the autonomic effectors in unanaesthetized rabbits with previously implanted Doppler ultrasonic flowmeters. 2. Histamine bolus injections caused a dose-related short lived fall in HVR followed by a more sustained rise. The fall was due to H₂-receptor stimulation (blocked by burimamide or metiamide) and the rise to H₁-receptor stimulation (blocked by mepyramine). At the doses of histamine tested the magnitude of the H₁-mediated vasocoiistriction had a larger peak effect than the H₂-mediated vasodilatation. 3. Histamine infusions up to 200 μg kg^?1 min^?1 did not alter HVR significantly but both increases and decreases in HVR were observed after giving H₂- or H₁-antagonists, respectively. 4. From the double reciprocal plots of 1/peak HVR change and 1/dose of histamine the magnitude of the predicted H₁- and H₂-mediated peak HVR effects at large doses were the same. This suggested that the number of H₁-_- and H₂-receptors were similar in the hindlimb vascular bed, in agreement with the infusion data.     

T细胞免疫球蛋白域和黏液素样域-1表达的研究

目的探讨人辅助性T细胞(Th细胞)表达T细胞免疫球蛋白域和黏液素样域-1(TIM-1)在变应性鼻炎(AR)中的作用。TIM-1基因被认为是一种特应性疾病易感基因。方法密度梯度离心分离25名健康人和25例AR患者外周血单个核细胞(PBMC),免疫磁珠分选CD4+T细胞(Th细胞),CD4+CD45RA+T细胞(初始T细胞),免疫荧光和流式细胞仪检测TIM-1阳性细胞。对比植物血凝素(PHA,20μg/ml)非特异性刺激上述细胞后表达TIM-1阳性细胞的差异。结果AR患者组CD4+T细胞中TIM-1阳性CD4+T细胞(9.5±1.5)%,高于健康组(3.1±0.3)%(P<0.05);PHA刺激后两组表达TIM-1的CD4+T细胞均高于刺激前(P均<0.05)。结论AR患者中表达TIM-1的辅助性T细胞高于健康者,提示TIM-1的蛋白表达与驱动辅助性T细胞分化有关,从而影响变应性鼻炎免疫机制发生。     

Inhibitory effects of kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside on HMGB1-mediated proinflammatory responses

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is secreted by activated cells of the innate immune system and/or released by injured tissues and necrotic cells; HMGB1 up-regulates proinflammatory cytokines in several inflammatory diseases. Kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside (KP) was isolated from the leaves of cultivated mountain ginseng. KP has antitumor, antioxidative, antiallergic and antidiabetic activities, but the effects of KP on HMGB1-mediated proinflammatory responses have not been studied. In this study, we monitored the effect of KP on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated release of HMGB1 and the HMGB1-mediated modulation of proinflammatory responses in human endothelial cells. We found that KP potently inhibited the release of HMGB1 by LPS and inhibited LPS- or HMGB1-mediated barrier permeability and expression of cell adhesion molecules. Further studies revealed that KP inhibited cell surface receptor of HMGB1, toll-like receptor (TLR) 2/4, but not the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Collectively, these results suggest that KP possesses anti-inflammatory responses against HMGB1-mediated proinflammatory responses, thereby endorsing its usefulness as a therapy for vascular inflammatory diseases.     

Functional pharmacology of H1 histamine receptors expressed in mouse preoptic/anterior hypothalamic neurons

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Histamine H₁ receptors are highly expressed in hypothalamic neurons and mediate histaminergic modulation of several brain-controlled physiological functions, such as sleep, feeding and thermoregulation. In spite of the fact that the mouse is used as an experimental model for studying histaminergic signalling, the pharmacological characteristics of mouse H₁ receptors have not been studied. In particular, selective and potent H₁ receptor agonists have not been identified.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Ca²⁺ imaging using fura-2 fluorescence signals and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were carried out in mouse preoptic/anterior hypothalamic neurons in culture.

KEY RESULTS

The H₁ receptor antagonists mepyramine and trans-triprolidine potently antagonized the activation by histamine of these receptors with IC₅₀ values of 0.02 and 0.2 μM respectively. All H₁ receptor agonists studied had relatively low potency at the H₁ receptors expressed by these neurons. Methylhistaprodifen and 2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)histamine had full-agonist activity with potencies similar to that of histamine. In contrast, 2-pyridylethylamine and betahistine showed only partial agonist activity and lower potency than histamine. The histamine receptor agonist, 6-[2-(4-imidazolyl)ethylamino]-N-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)heptanecarboxamide (HTMT) had no agonist activity at the H₁ receptors H1 receptors expressed by mouse preoptic/anterior hypothalamic neurons but displayed antagonist activity.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Methylhistaprodifen and 2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)histamine were identified as full agonists of mouse H₁ receptors. These results also indicated that histamine H₁ receptors in mice exhibited a pharmacological profile in terms of agonism, significantly different from those of H₁ receptors expressed in other species.     

A nuclear magnetic relaxation study of bound water in solutions of disodium cromoglycate

The amount of water bound to disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) in frozen aqueous solutions was determined from the amplitude of the n.m.r. free induction decay. The hydration number was found to be 15 molecules H₂O/molecule DSCG of which 6 H₂O molecules were less strongly bound than the rest. Proton T₁ and T₂ relaxation times in non-frozen solutions implied a value of 10^?8 s for the correlation time of the bound water at 291 K. This is consistent with the mobility of DSCG molecules in a smectic mesophase.     

The role of histamine H4 receptor in immune and inflammatory disorders

Since its discovery at the beginning of the 20th century, histamine has been established to play a pathophysiological regulatory role in cellular events through binding to four types of G-protein-coupled histamine receptors that are differentially expressed in various cell types. The discovery, at the turn of the millennium, that the histamine H₄ receptor is largely expressed in haemopoietic cells as well as its chemotactic properties designate its regulatory role in the immune system. H₄ receptors modulate eosinophil migration and selective recruitment of mast cells leading to amplification of histamine-mediated immune responses and eventually to chronic inflammation. H₄ receptor involvement in dendritic cell activation and T cell differentiation documents its immunomodulatory function. The characterization of the H₄ as the immune system histamine receptor directed growing attention towards its therapeutic exploitation in inflammatory disorders, such as allergy, asthma, chronic pruritus and autoimmune diseases. The efficacy of a number of H₄ receptor ligands has been evaluated in in vivo and in vitro animal models of disease and in human biological samples. However, before reaching decisive conclusions on H₄ receptor pathophysiological functions and therapeutic exploitation, identification of genetic polymorphisms and interspecies differences in its relative actions and pharmacological profile need to be addressed and taken into consideration. Despite certain variations in the reported findings, the available data strongly point to the H₄ receptor as a novel target for the pharmacological modulation of histamine-transferred immune signals and offer an optimistic perspective for the therapeutic exploitation of this promising new drug target in inflammatory disorders.     

Multifunctional polymeric micelle-based chemo-immunotherapy with immune checkpoint blockade for efficient treatment of orthotopic and metastatic breast cancer

Immunotherapy has become a highly promising paradigm for cancer treatment. Herein, a chemo-immunotherapy was developed by encapsulating chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) and Toll-like receptor 7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ) in low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)-d-α-tocopheryl succinate (TOS) micelles (LT). In this process, LMWH and TOS were conjugated by ester bond and they were not only served as the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments of the carrier, but also exhibited strong anti-metastasis effect. The direct killing of tumor cells mediated by DOX-loaded micelles (LT-DOX) generated tumor-associated antigens, initiating tumor-specific immune responses in combination with IMQ-loaded micelles (LT-IMQ). Furthermore, the blockade of immune checkpoint with programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody further elevated the immune responses by up-regulating the maturation of DCs as well as the ratios of CD8⁺ CTLs/T_reg and CD4⁺ T_eff/T_reg. Therefore, such a multifunctional strategy exhibited great potential for inhibiting the growth of orthotopic and metastatic breast cancer.     

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids alleviate hydrogen sulfide-induced blood-testis barrier disruption in the testes of adult mice

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a gaseous intracellular signal transducer, participates in multiple physiological and pathological conditions, including reproductive conditions, and disrupts spermatogenesis. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) plays a vital role in spermatogenesis. However, the effect of H₂S on the BTB and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Herein, we examined the effect of H₂S and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) on the BTB and testicular functions. ICR male mice were randomly divided into the following groups: control, H₂S exposure, and H₂S exposure with ω-3 PUFAs intervention. The sperm parameters (sperm concentration and sperm motility) declined in the H₂S group and improved in the ω-3 intervention group. BTB integrity was severely disrupted by H₂S, and the BTB-related gene levels (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin 11) decreased; ω-3 supplementation could alleviate BTB disruption by upregulating BTB-related genes, and TM4 Sertoli cells had a similar trend in vitro. p38 MAPK phosphorylation was upregulated in the Na₂S treatment group and downregulated after ω-3 cotreatment. These findings suggest that H₂S can impair the BTB and that ω-3 PUFAs supplementation can attenuate H₂S toxicity in the male reproductive system. Our study elucidated the relationship between a gasotransmitter (H₂S) and the BTB and identified the potential therapeutic effect of ω-3 PUFAs.     

TNF-α modulates the immunosuppressive effects of MSCs on dendritic cells and T cells

Mesenchymal stem cells are progenitor cells that have capabilities to differentiate different cell types. Also, MSCs possess immune suppressive effects on DC differentiation and T cell activation through a wide range of soluble factors and receptors. The properties of MSCs change through activation of cytokines particularly IFN-γ and TNF-α. The DC phenotypes and functions including the expression of co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules and capabilities of DCs to induce allogeneic activation of CFSE-labeled splenocytes as well as cytokine production when they were differentiated in the presence of MSCs, TNF-α activated MSCs, IFN-γ activated MSCs and IFN-γ & TNF-α activated MSCs were analyzed. Treg population and T cell polarization were investigated using flowcytometry and real-time PCR respectively. Here, we showed that IFN-γ slightly enhances immunosuppressive effects of MSCs on immune system through induction tolerogenic DCs with elevated expression of IDO and increasing Treg population. Conversely, TNF-α decreases immunomodulation properties of MSCs on immune cells through the enhancement of co-stimulatory molecules such as ICOSL and HLA-DR, reduction of PDL-1 and PDL-2 expression and decrease of TGF-β and IL-10 in DCs as well as inhibition of T cell polarization into T_H2 and Treg. Taken together, these data showed crucial effects of microenvironments on MSC behaviors indicating that functions of MSCs differentially altered in the presence of different cytokines.     

Methionine 286 in transmembrane domain 3 of the GABAA receptor β subunit controls a binding cavity for propofol and other alkylphenol general anesthetics

γ-Aminobutyric acid type A (GABA_A) receptors are an important target for general anesthetics in the central nervous system. Site-directed mutagenesis techniques have identified amino acid residues that are important for the positive modulation of GABA_A receptors by general anesthetics. In the present study, we investigate the role of an amino acid residue in transmembrane (TM) domain 3 of the GABA_A receptor β₂ subunit for modulation by the general anesthetic 2,6-diisopropylphenol (propofol). Mutation of methionine 286 to tryptophan (M286W) in the β₂ subunit abolished potentiation of GABA responses by propofol but did not affect direct receptor activation by propofol in the absence of GABA. In contrast, substitution of methionine 286 by alanine, cysteine, glutamate, lysine, phenylalanine, serine, or tyrosine was permissive for potentiation of GABA responses and direct activation by propofol. Using propofol analogs of varying molecular size, we show that the β₂(M286W) mutation resulted in a decrease in the ‘cut-off’ volume for propofol analog molecules to enhance GABA responses at GABA_A α₁β₂γ_2s receptors. This suggests that mutation of M286 in the GABA_A β₂ subunit alters the dimensions of a ‘binding pocket’ for propofol and related alkylphenol general anesthetics.