The heat shock protein Hsp70 enhances antigen-specific proliferation of human CD4+ memory T cells

Heat shock proteins (HSP) can interact with a wide variety of peptides and the resulting HSP:peptide complexes are known to be highly immunogenic. The ability of HSP:peptide complexes to elicit CD8+ T cell responses by cross-presentation of exogenous antigen via MHC class I is well known. In contrast, their role in the activation of CD4+ T cells is less clearly defined, although several recent studies in mice and T cell lines suggest an involvement of HSP in the presentation of antigenic peptides via MHC class II. In this study we have investigated the potential of antigenic peptides from tetanus toxin and influenza hemagglutinin complexed to the human stress-inducible Hsp70 to enhance activation and proliferation of human memory CD4+ T cells. Hsp70:peptide complexes were found to amplify the proliferation of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells as confirmed by HLA-DR tetramer staining. Complex formation of the antigenic peptide with Hsp70 was absolutely required to elicit an antigen-specific amplification. This effect was most pronounced at low doses of antigen and decreasing APC/CD4+ T cell ratios. Taken together, we show the potential of Hsp70 to enhance antigen-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation and to increase the immunogenicity of presented peptides in human CD4+ T cells.     

Reduced suppressive effect of CD4+CD25high regulatory T cells on the T cell immune response against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in patients with multiple sclerosis

Immunoregulatory T cells of (CD4+)CD25+ phenotype suppress T cell function and protect rodents from organ-specific autoimmune disease. The human counterpart of this subset of T cells expresses high levels of CD25 and its role in human autoimmune disorders is currently under intense investigation. In multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), the activation of circulating self-reactive T cells with specificity for myelin components is considered to be an important disease initiating event. Here, we investigated whether MS is associated with an altered ability of (CD4+)CD25high regulatory T cells (Treg) to confer suppression of myelin-specific immune responses. Whereas Treg frequencies were equally distributed in blood and cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients and did not differ compared to healthy controls, the suppressive potency of patient-derived (CD4+)CD25high T lymphocytes was impaired. Their inhibitory effect on antigen-specific T cell proliferation induced by human recombinant myelin oligodendrocyte protein as well as on immune responses elicited by polyclonal and allogeneic stimuli was significantly reduced compared to healthy individuals. The effect was persistent and not due to responder cell resistance or altered survival of Treg, suggesting that a defective immunoregulation of peripheral T cells mediated by (CD4+)CD25high T lymphocytes promotes CNS autoimmunity in MS.     

Regulatory T cells suppress autoreactive CD4+ T cell response to bladder epithelial antigen

AIM: To investigate the role of regulatory T (Treg) cells in CD4⁺ T cell-mediated bladder autoimmune inflammation. METHODS: Urothelium-ovalbumin (URO-OVA)/OT-II mice, a double transgenic line that expresses the membrane form of the model antigen (Ag) OVA as a self-Ag on the urothelium and the OVA-specific CD4⁺ T cell receptor specific for the I-A^b/OVA_323-339 epitope in the periphery, were developed to provide an autoimmune environment for investigation of the role of Treg cells in bladder autoimmune inflammation. To facilitate Treg cell analysis, we further developed URO-OVA^GFP-Foxp3/OT-II mice, a derived line of URO-OVA/OT-II mice that express the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-forkhead box protein P3 (Foxp3) fusion protein. RESULTS: URO-OVA/OT-II mice failed to develop bladder inflammation despite the presence of autoreactive CD4⁺ T cells. By monitoring GFP-positive cells, bladder infiltration of CD4⁺ Treg cells was observed in URO-OVA^GFP-Foxp3/OT-II mice. The infiltrating Treg cells were functionally active and expressed Treg cell effector molecule as well as marker mRNAs including transforming growth factor-β, interleukin (IL)-10, fibrinogen-like protein 2, and glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR). Studies further revealed that Treg cells from URO-OVA^GFP-Foxp3/OT-II mice were suppressive and inhibited autoreactive CD4⁺ T cell proliferation and interferon (IFN)-γ production in response to OVA Ag stimulation. Depletion of GITR-positive cells led to spontaneous development of bladder inflammation and expression of inflammatory factor mRNAs for IFN-γ, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and nerve growth factor in URO-OVA^GFP-Foxp3/OT-II mice. CONCLUSION: Treg cells specific for bladder epithelial Ag play an important role in immunological homeostasis and the control of CD4⁺ T cell-mediated bladder autoimmune inflammation.     

Antigen clearance at the peak of the primary immune response induces experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Autoimmune demyelinating diseases can be induced by an immune response against myelin peptides; however, the exact mechanism underlying the development of such diseases remains unclear. In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, we found that the clearance of exogenous myelin antigen at the peak of the primary immune response is key to the pathogenesis of the disease. The generation of effector T cells requires continuous antigen stimulation, whereas redundant antigen traps and exhausts effector T cells in the periphery, which induces resistance to the disease. Moreover, insufficient antigenic stimulation fails to induce disease efficiently owing to insufficient numbers of effector T cells. When myelin antigen is entirely cleared, the number of effector T cells reaches a peak, which facilitates infiltration of more effector T cells into the central nervous system. The peripheral antigen clearance initiates the first wave of effector T cell entry into the central nervous system and induces chronic inflammation. The inflamed central nervous system recruits the second wave of effector T cells that worsen inflammation, resulting in loss of self-tolerance. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism underlying the development of autoimmune demyelinating diseases, which may potentially impact future treatments.     

热休克蛋白70的抗肿瘤免疫效应研究

目的 :研究HSP70诱导的抗肿瘤免疫效应 ,为应用其治疗人类恶性肿瘤提供实验依据。方法 :应用细胞培养、液相色谱法、电泳技术、Western blot法等获得高纯度肿瘤中的HSP70 ,将其应用于同源的 61 5系小鼠 ,观察其抗肿瘤免疫效应。结果 :HSP70免疫后的小鼠能够抵抗同种肿瘤细胞的攻击 ,其中 1 0 μg免疫后的小鼠 1 0 0 %获长期生存 (>90d) ,无一死于肿瘤 ,5μg免疫后的小鼠肿瘤进展受到抑制 (平均生存 2 8 2± 4 8d) ,但无一小鼠获长期生存 ,上述两组与对照组 (平均生存 1 8 3± 3 6d)相比差异均具有显著性 (P <0 0 1 )。HSP70对荷瘤小鼠的治疗研究证明 ,5μgHSP70有一定的治疗作用 ,荷瘤小鼠平均生存 31 3± 2 9d ,而 1 0 μgHSP70治疗组的小鼠生存期 >58 8± 33 7d ,其中 40 %的小鼠所接种肿瘤完全消退 ,获长期生存(>90d) ,与其他组相比 ,差异具有显著性 (P <0 0 1 )。结论 :HSP70可诱发强大的抗肿瘤免疫效应 ,并且有良好的治疗作用 ,对于研究利用HSP70治疗人类的恶性肿瘤有重要的参考意义。     

人幽门螺杆菌热休克蛋白A亚单位的基因克隆及序列分析

目的 获取人幽门螺杆菌（Ｈｐ）热休克蛋白Ａ亚单位（ＨｓｐＡ）的ＤＮＡ（ｈｓｐＡ）,并将它克隆到质粒ＰｉｎＰｏｉｎｔ＾ＴＭ Ｘａ－３中进行核苷酸序列分析。方法 利用ＰＣＲ技术扩增ＨｓｐＡ,并将其它向插入ＰｉｎＰｏｉｎｔ＾ＴＭ Ｘａ－３载体中通过４种荧光染料标记,激光检测的方法进行核苷酸序列分析。结果 ＤＮＡ序列分析表明,所克隆的ＨａｐＡ ＤＮＡ序列与ＧｅｎＢａｎｋ公布的一致。结论 本研究获得了序列正     

Extracellular heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) levels in children with septic shock

Objective and design: Recent data suggest that extracellular Hsp60 modulates the host innate immune response. We analyzed plasma Hsp60 levels in children admitted to a level III tertiary care PICU with septic shock. Materials and subjects: Blood samples were obtained from children meeting criteria for septic shock (n = 63), critically ill children without septic shock (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 24). Treatment: Not applicable. Methods: Hsp60 levels were measured in the plasma using a commercially available ELISA. Differences between groups were analyzed with a Kruskal-Wallis one way ANOVA due to the non-parametric nature of the data. A p value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Extracellular Hsp60 levels were significantly higher in children with septic shock (median, 16.7 ng/mL) compared to both critically ill children without septic shock (median, 0 ng/mL) and healthy controls (median, 0 ng/mL, p <0.001). Conclusions: Extracellular Hsp60 levels are significantly elevated in children with septic shock compared with both healthy controls and critically ill children without sepsis. Extracellular Hsp60 may play a role in the pathogenesis of sepsis in children. Received 3 July 2006; returned for revision 18 October 2006; accepted by K. Visvanathan 6 December 2006     

Induction of heat shock protein 72 synthesis by endogenous tumor necrosis factor via enhancement of the heat shock element-binding activity of heat shock factor 1

Endogenous tumor necrosis factor (enTNF) acts as a resistance factor against cytotoxicity caused by heat by inducing manganous superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), thereby scavenging reactive oxygen free radicals. On the other hand, it is also well known that heat shock proteins (HSP) which are induced by heat stress behave as cytoprotective factor against this stress. However, the relationship of these two resistance factors is not elucidated yet. In the present study, we therefore proposed the possibility that enTNF enhances HSP72 expression. Heat-sensitive L-M (mouse tumorigenic fibroblast) cells, which normally do not express enTNF, were transfected with a nonsecretory-type human TNF-α expression vector to produce enTNF. Stable transfectants showed resistance to heat treatment and an increase of HSP72 expression. Conversely, when HeLa (human uterine cervical cancer) cells, which normally produce an appreciable amount of enTNF, were transfected with an antisense TNF-α mRNA expression vector to inhibit enTNF synthesis, their heat sensitivity was enhanced and HSP72 expression was reduced by half. Although enTNF caused no difference in the level of heat shock factor (HSF) 1 in these cells, enTNF expression correlated well with the binding activity of HSF-1 to a ³²P-labeled synthetic oligonucleotide containing the human heat shock element (HSE). These results indicate that enTNF participates not only in intrinsic resistance against heat via induction of MnSOD but also via enhancement of the HSE-binding activity of HSF 1 followed by augmentation of HSP72 expression.     

HLA-DR-restricted presentation of purified myelin basic protein is independent of intracellular processing

Antigen presentation to CD4⁺ T cells involves intracellular antigen processing and loading of peptides onto newly synthesized major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-class II molecules. Some antigens, such as the lipid-bound, native form of myelin basic protein (LB-MBP) can also be presented by recycling of cell surface MHC class II molecules. The data reported here demonstrate that a preparation of highly purified, delipidated MBP (HP-MBP) follows yet another presentation pathway. Similar to LB-MBP, presentation of HP-MBP to HLA-DR1-restricted T cells was independent of HLA-DM, of newly synthesized proteins, and of invariant chain expression. However, in contrast to LB-MBP, presentation of HP-MBP was also independent of internalization of surface HLA-DR molecules. The different requirements for the presentation of the two molecular forms of MBP were further confirmed by use of the protease inhibitor E64: presentation of LB-MBP but not of HP-MBP was inhibited after treatment of target cells with E64. Furthermore, intact HP-MPB bound to isolated HLA-DR molecules in vitro with an association rate that was considerably faster than that of short peptides. These results show that presentation of HP-MBP is independent of intracellular processing and suggest that it may be presented to T cells by direct binding to surface HLA-DR molecules.     

Anatomy of T cell autoimmunity to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG): prime role of MOG44F in selection and control of MOG-reactive T cells in H-2b mice

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is an important myelin target antigen, and MOG-induced EAE is now a widely used model for multiple sclerosis. Clonal dissection revealed that MOG-induced EAE in H-2(b) mice is associated with activation of an unexpectedly large number of T cell clones reactive against the encephalitogenic epitope MOG35-55. These clones expressed extremely diverse TCR with no obvious CDR3alpha/CDR3beta motif(s). Despite extensive TCR diversity, the cells required MOG40-48 as their common core epitope and shared MOG44F as their major TCR contact. Fine epitope-specificity analysis with progressively truncated peptides suggested that the extensive TCR heterogeneity is mostly related to differential recognition of multiple overlapping epitopes nested within MOG37-52, each comprised of a MOG40-48 core flanked at the N- and/or the C-terminus by a variable number of residues important for interaction with different TCR. Abrogation of both the encephalitogenic potential of MOG and T cell reactivity against MOG by a single mutation (MOG44F/MOG44A), together with effective down-regulation of MOG-induced EAE by MOG37-44A-52, confirmed in vivo the primary role for MOG44F in the selection/activation of MOG-reactive T cells. We suggest that such a highly focused T cell autoreactivity could be a selective force that offsets the extensive TCR diversity to facilitate a more "centralized control" of pathogenic MOG-related T cell autoimmunity.     

Promoter of the heat shock testis-specific Hsp70.2/Hst70 gene is active in nervous system during embryonic development of mice

The Hsp70.2/Hst70 gene is a unique member of the 70 kDa heat shock proteins multigene family whose activity is regulated developmentally; in adult mice and rats its expression is restricted mostly to meiotic and postmeiotic male germ cells. In aim to analyze activity of the Hsp70.2/Hst70 promoter in developing embryos we have constructed transgenic mice expressing EGFP reporter gene under control of the rat Hst70 promoter. The appearance of EGFP fluorescence coincides with series of major developmental events, such as extra-embryonic membranes formation, axial rotation, formation of neural tube and the primordium of central nervous system, formation of differentiated somites, extensive remodeling of the heart, development of fingers and toes, and sensory organs formation. Activity of the Hst70 promoter localizes mostly inside nervous system indicating the role of Hsp70.2/Hst70 gene in development of this system.     

Alteration of a model antigen by Au(III) leads to T cell sensitization to cryptic peptides

Certain metal ions are known to be potent sensitizers, but the self proteins modified by metal ions and the self peptides recognized by ‘metal-specific’ T cells are unknown. In humans and mice treatment with gold anti-rheumatic drugs, containing Au(I), may lead to allergic and autoimmune side effects. Human and murine T cells do not react to Au(I), however, but to the reactive metabolite Au(III). Here we show that alteration by Au(III) of a model antigen, bovine ribonuclease (RNase) A, results in T cell sensitization to cryptic peptides of this protein. Upon immunization of mice with Au(III)-pretreated RNase [RNase/Au(III)], CD4⁺ T cell hybridomas specific for RNase/Au(III) were obtained in addition to those recognizing the immunodominant peptide RNase 74–88; the latter also were obtained after immunization with native RNase. RNase/Au(III)-specific T cell hybridomas reacted against RNase/Au(III) and RNase denatured by S-sulfonation of cysteine residues, but not against native RNase, or RNase pretreated with Au(I), Al(III), Cu(II), Fe(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), Mn(II), or Zn(II). Using a panel of overlapping, synthetic RNase peptides which were devoid of gold or gold-induced modifications, epitope mapping revealed that RNase/Au(III)-specific T cell hybridomas recognized the cryptic peptides 7–21 and 94–108, respectively. Comparison of the proliferative response of bulk CD4⁺ T cells, prepared from splenocytes after immunization with either RNase/Au(III) or native RNase, revealed that Au(III) pretreatment of RNase led to a markedly enhanced response to the two cryptic peptides while it did not influence the response to the immunodominant peptide. The cryptic peptides were also presented after preincubation of bone marrow-derived macrophages with RNase and Au(I), but not with RNase alone, suggesting that oxidation of Au(I) to Au(III) and subsequent protein alteration by Au(III) can happen in mononuclear phagocytes. We conclude that Au(III) alteration of proteins alters antigen processing and, thus, leads to presentation of cryptic peptides. This mechanism may shed light on the development of allergic and autoimmune side effects of Au(I) anti-rheumatic drugs. In addition, it might provide a general mechanism of how metal ions act as T cell sensitizers.     

血清热休克蛋白70与妊娠的相关性研究

目的探讨妊娠期间母体与血清热休克蛋白之间的关系。方法用双抗体夹心ELISA法检测114例孕妇血清热休克蛋白含量,按孕3、5、7、8个月和足月共分五组,与非孕对照组比较。结果孕3-8个月组血清HSP70蛋白的含量与非孕对照组比较无差异（P〉0.05）,足月孕妇组血清HSP70含量明显升高,与非孕对照组比较有非常显著性差异（P〈0.001）;重度妊高征患者血清热休克蛋白70含量明显高于同孕龄正常孕妇组（P〈0.001）。结论了解不同孕月健康孕妇血清HSP70含量,可为妊娠期间某些疾病引起的血清HSP70升高,提供参考依据。     

Soluble CD4 suppress the antigen driven proliferative response of certain T cell clones specific for mycobacteria and for peptides by mycobacterial heat shock proteins.

We have investigated the effect of soluble recombinant CD4 (sCD4) on the antigen specific (BCG, peptides of mycobacterial 65 kDa hsp) responses of T cell lines of T cell clones. The majority of the antigen specific clones could be suppressed in their antigen driven response by the addition of sCD4, while others, including the parental polyclonal T cell line, were not. The suppression of the specific T cell response was reversed by the addition of anti-CD3, did not affect the proliferative response to IL-2, and was independent of the amount of antigen. A decreased capacity to produce IFN-gamma in response to the antigen by the addition of sCD4 was seen only with those clones that were also inhibited in their specific proliferative response. This model may be used to delineate further the interaction between T cells and the antigen presenting cell, and the finding may limit the possible in vivo use of sCD4 in the therapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections.     

负载HSP60树突状细胞对小鼠动脉粥样斑块影响研究

目的： 探讨负载热休克蛋白60(HSP60)树突状细胞(DC)接种对ApoE-null小鼠粥样硬化斑块的影响。 方法：小鼠髓源性DC体外培养成熟，分别用磷酸缓冲液（PBS）、卵清蛋白（OVA）和HSP60处理，体外检测各组DC的功能；同系小鼠予以高脂饮食16周形成斑块，各组DC用荧光物质标记后，分别经皮接种3次，48 h 后取主动脉HE染色及荧光观察，测血清IL-10、IFN-γ浓度。 结果：体外HSP60及OVA可促进DC表达CD86，而PBS则无此效应。接种小鼠后，HSP60-DC和OVA-DC组血清IFN-γ较PBS-DC组高；而IL-10无明显差别；IFN-γ/IL-10 比值增高。HSP60-DC促使主动脉粥样斑块炎性细胞浸润明显增加，斑块趋于不稳定；OVA-DC则对斑块无显著效应。 结论：HSP60负载的DC可以特异性刺激主动脉粥样斑块炎性反应，诱导炎性细胞因子释放，引起免疫偏移。     

A restricted T cell response to myelin basic protein (MBP) is stable in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients

The close resemblance of MS to the animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) has provided compelling data sustaining a pathogenic role of circulating T cells reactive against MBP. T cell antigen receptor (TCR) usage in EAE is commonly considered restricted; nevertheless, dynamic changes of TCR usage correlate with the course of EAE, resulting in a limited repertoire during early stages of disease activity followed by the recruitment of other T cells reactive against new determinants. Although a broader TCR repertoire mediates the response to MBP in humans, a restricted intra-individual heterogeneity may occur in some MS patients. In the present study we characterize the response to MBP in MS subjects with relapsing remitting disease from two sampling time points 12 months apart. MBP-specific T cell lines (TCL) were first generated from eight MS individuals and two healthy subjects. New TCL were obtained after 12 months from one control and three MS patients whose response, at the first time point, was directed against a single epitope. Interestingly, these three subjects had a stable and mild disease. Few TCL obtained at two time points from the MS individuals recognized the same immunodominant epitope and shared identical TCR Vβ sequences. In the control we could not detect a restriction of the repertoire. These findings suggest that in some MS patients with benign disease a predominant T cell response to a single determinant may be detectable at different moments and is mediated by clonally expanded populations.     

连续性血液净化治疗对全身炎症反应综合征及脓毒症患者细胞免疫功能的影响

目的探讨连续性血液净化(CBP)治疗对全身炎症反应综合征(SIRS)及脓毒症(SEPSIS)患者细胞免疫功能的影响。方法 38例行CBP治疗的患者分为SEPSIS组和SIRS组,均行连续血液净化,分别于治疗0、5、10、15、20 h留取EDTA抗凝血标本,用流式细胞分析法测定CD3+、CD4+、CD8+、CD4+CD25+T细胞亚群频率,并用ELISA方法测定血清中IL-2、IL-10的浓度。同时于0、10和20对患者行APACHE II评分。结果 CBP治疗后SIRS组与SEPSIS组CD3+淋巴细胞及CD4+T细胞亚群均逐渐升高,但SIRS组在治疗后5 h即出现明显升高,而SEPSIS组直至治疗后20 h才出现显著升高。CD4+CD25+亚群在两组均表现逐渐升高,治疗20 h时与0 h相比差异有统计学意义。SIRS组血清中IL-2和IL-10分别于CBP治疗后5 h和10 h开始出现显著降低,而这2种细胞因子在SEPSIS组于治疗前后均未出现明显变化。SEPSIS组患者在治疗之前其APACHE II评分明显高于SIRS组,治疗后两组均呈现APACHE II评分在治疗10 h后开始显著降低。结论 CBP治疗对于高水平的炎症因子有较好的清除作用;还可双向调节T淋巴细胞亚群,改善SIRS患者的免疫系统,促进SEPSIS患者免疫系统的活化及重建,从而达到调节免疫平衡的作用。     

Defects in antigen-driven lymphocyte responses in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) are due to a reduction in the number of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells.

T cells from patients with CVID have defects that may relate to the failure in vivo of B cell production of antibodies. Antigen-driven responses of T cells from CVID patients and normal subjects have been assessed by measuring DNA synthesis in vitro. Low density cells enriched for antigen-presenting dendritic cells were pulsed with purified protein derivative (PPD) and cultured with autologous T cells. Overall, T cells from CVID patients showed a significantly low mean response to PPD, although non-specific DNA synthesis induced in CVID T cells by IL-2 was within the normal range. However, mean PPD-specific T cell responses in CVID were not restored by IL-2 irrespective of the presence of monocytes. Depletion of CD8+ cells also failed to restore the mean PPD response of CVID CD4+ T cells. Limiting dilution analysis showed that in CVID there was a reduced frequency of antigen-specific cells within the T cell preparations. The mean frequency of the PPD-specific T cells in cultures from patients vaccinated with bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) was reduced to 1 in 109,000 T cells compared with 1 in 18,600 T cells in BCG-vaccinated normal donors. These data show that the reduced PPD-specific response in CVID is due to a partial peripheral loss of antigen-specific cells.