Differential expression of CCL19 by DC-Lamp+ mature dendritic cells in human lymph node versus chronically inflamed skin

De novo formation of lymphoid tissue is one of the characteristic features of chronic inflammation. The formation of T cell–mature dendritic cell (DC) clusters has been previously demonstrated in chronically inflamed skin infected with Candida albicans. A functional similarity was also found between chronic inflammation and the T‐cell zone of lymph nodes (LNs), since a substantial fraction of phenotypically mature DCs in both tissues expressed CCL22 (macrophage‐derived chemokine; MDC) and were closely surrounded by memory‐type T cells expressing its receptor, CCR4. To analyse the nature of T cell–mature DC interactions further in chronically inflamed skin and LNs, the present study focuses on another chemokine system, namely CCL19 (EBI1 ligand chemokine; ELC), CCL21 (secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine; SLC) and their shared receptor, CCR7. RT‐PCR analysis revealed expression of CCL19, CCL21, and CCR7 at high levels in LNs and at low levels in inflamed skin. Using immunohistochemistry, the majority of DC‐Lamp⁺ mature DCs in the T‐cell area of LNs expressed CCL19 and were surrounded by CCR7⁺ naïve‐type lymphocytes, while CCL21 was expressed in reticular stromal cells and vascular endothelial cells. Very few mature DCs in LNs were found to express CCR7. In contrast, the majority of DC‐Lamp⁺ mature DCs in inflamed skin were totally negative for CCL19 and were surrounded by CCR7^? memory‐type T cells. Furthermore, CCL21 expression in the inflamed skin was detected in dermal lymphatic endothelial cells and rare CCR7⁺ mature DCs were mostly seen within the lymphatic vessels. In normal skin, on the other hand, no cells immunoreactive for CCL19, CCL21, or CCR7 were found. The present study thus reveals a striking difference in the function of mature DCs between LNs and chronically inflamed skin. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chemokines and other GPCR ligands synergize in receptor-mediated migration of monocyte-derived immature and mature dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen presenting cells, described as the initiators of adaptive immune responses. Immature monocyte-derived DCs (MDDC) showed decreased CD14 expression, increased cell surface markers DC-SIGN and CD1a and enhanced levels of receptors for the chemokines CCL3 (CCR1/CCR5) and CXCL8 (CXCR1/CXCR2) compared with human CD14⁺ monocytes. After further MDDC maturation by LPS, the markers CD80 and CD83 and the chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR7 were upregulated, whereas CCR1, CCR2 and CCR5 expression was reduced. CCL3 dose-dependently synergized with CXCL8 or CXCL12 in chemotaxis of immature MDDC. CXCL12 augmented the CCL3-induced ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in immature MDDC, although the synergy between CCL3 and CXCL12 in chemotaxis of immature MDDC was dependent on the Akt signaling pathway but not on ERK1/2 phosphorylation. CCL2 also synergized with CXCL12 in immature MDDC migration. Moreover, two CXC chemokines not sharing receptors (CXCL12 and CXCL8) cooperated in immature MDDC chemotaxis, whereas two CC chemokines (CCL3 and CCL7) sharing CCR1 did not. Further, the non-chemokine G protein-coupled receptor ligands chemerin and fMLP synergized with respectively CCL7 and CCL3 in immature MDDC signaling and migration. Finally, CXCL12 and CCL3 did not cooperate, but CXCL12 synergized with CCL21 in mature MDDC chemotaxis. Thus, chemokine synergy in immature and mature MDDC migration is dose-dependently regulated by chemokines via alterations in their chemokine receptor expression pattern according to their role in immune responses.     

Inhibitory effects of suplatast tosilate on the differentiation and function of monocyte-derived dendritic cells from patients with asthma

Background Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen‐presenting cells that efficiently activate T cells. Objective We examined the effects of suplatast tosilate, which prevents T‐helper type 2 responses, on the differentiation and function of monocyte‐derived DCs (moDCs). Methods DCs were differentiated in vitro from peripheral monocytes from patients with asthma by the addition of granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and IL‐4 in the presence or absence of suplatast tosilate. Cell surface molecules (CD1a, CD14, CD80, CD83, CD86, HLA‐DR) on immature and mature DCs were analysed with flow cytometry, and the secretion of CC chemokine ligand (CCL)17 (thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine), IL‐12p70, IL‐12p40, and IL‐10 was measured with an ELISA. We also studied the proliferative responses of allogeneic CD4⁺ T cells from healthy subjects to DCs differentiated in the presence of suplatast tosilate. In addition, the production of IFN‐γ and IL‐5 by CD4⁺ T cells after coculture with untreated DCs or suplatast tosilate‐treated DCs was measured with ELISA. Results Suplatast tosilate significantly inhibited the expression of CD1a, CD80, and CD86 on immature DCs and of CD1a, CD80, CD83, and CD86 on mature DCs. Suplatast tosilate also significantly inhibited the secretion of CCL17, IL‐12p70, and IL‐12p40; however, the secretion of IL‐10 was not affected. The proliferative responses of allogeneic CD4⁺ T cells to suplatast tosilate‐treated DCs were suppressed. Moreover, suplatast tosilate‐treated DCs had an impaired capacity to stimulate CD4⁺ T cells to produce IFN‐γ and IL‐5. Conclusion Suplatast tosilate inhibits the differentiation, maturation, and function of moDCs.     

Sphingosine kinase inhibitor suppresses dendritic cell migration by regulating chemokine receptor expression and impairing p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase

The migration of dendritic cells (DCs) to secondary lymphoid organs plays a crucial role in the initiation of adaptive immune responses. Although lipopolysaccharide enhances chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) expression on DCs, the second signal for the migration of DCs toward the chemokine CCL19 remains unknown. In this study, we show that sphingosine kinase inhibitor (SKI) inhibits the migration of DCs toward CCL19 through the down-regulation of CCR7. Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation by SKI may be responsible for the SKI-mediated effects on the regulation of chemokine receptor expression. Impairment of DC migration by the inhibition of p38 MAPK and down-regulation of CCR7 expression may contribute to the protective effects of SKI in DC-related disorders. These results suggest that sphingosine kinase-mediated signalling plays a role in the innate and adaptive immune responses by altering DC migration.     

Chemokine Receptor Profiles of T Cells in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PurposeTo evaluate the expression of multiple chemokine receptors in peripheral blood T cells from patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Materials and MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells and/or aqueous humor were obtained from 24 AMD patients and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Chemokine receptor expression on T cells from peripheral blood was determined by multicolor flow cytometry. The levels of chemokines and cytokines in the aqueous humor from 12 AMD patients and six healthy controls were assessed.ResultsAMD patients had increased expressions of CCR4 in CD4⁺ T cells (p=0.007) and CRTh2 in CD8⁺ T cells (p=0.002), and decreased expressions of CXCR3 in CD4⁺ T cells (p=0.029) and CXCR3, CCR5, and CX₃CR1 in CD8⁺ T cells (p=0.005, 0.019, and 0.007, respectively). Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels were increased in the aqueous humor from AMD patients (p=0.018), while the levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-22 were significantly decreased compared to controls (p=0.018 and 0.041, respectively).ConclusionThe chemokine receptor profiles of T cells are altered in AMD patients compared to healthy controls without noticeable associations with chemokine levels in the aqueous humor. Further evaluation is needed to clarify the role of these alterations in AMD pathogenesis.     

n-Nonanoyl-CCL14 (NNY-CCL14), a novel inhibitor of allergic airway inflammation is a partial agonist of human CCR2

Background: Modulation of leukocyte recruitment through blocking of chemokine receptors has been proposed as an attractive therapeutic strategy. We have previously demonstrated that n‐Nonanoyl‐CC chemokine ligand 14 (NNY‐CCL14), a modified analog of the naturally occurring chemokine CCL14(9‐74) internalizes and desensitizes human CCR3 resulting in the inactivation of eosinophils. However, inhibitory effects of NNY‐CCL14 in murine models of allergic airway inflammation are assigned to its interaction with CCR1 and CCR5. Aim of the study: As CCL2 and its receptor CCR2 have been shown to play important roles in the development of Th2 inflammation, we further evaluated the effects of NNY‐CCL14 treatment on CCL2‐mediated activation of CCR2. Methods: Effects of NNY‐CCL14 treatment were studied on cell lines transfected with human CCR2 and primary leukocytes. Functional effects were assessed by calcium efflux assays, flow cytometry and chemotaxis. Results: Prestimulation with NNY‐CCL14 desensitized CCR2‐mediated responses to further stimulation with its selective ligand CCL2. No significant internalization of CCR2 was observed when the cells were stimulated with NNY‐CCL14, even at concentrations eliciting maximal [Ca²⁺]i mobilization. Above all, NNY‐CCL14 pretreatment blocked CCL2‐induced chemotaxis of monocytes. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that NNY‐CCL14 is a partial agonist of CCR2, inhibiting responses of monocytes to the CCR2‐selective ligand CCL2. NNY‐CCL14 attenuates CCR2‐mediated responses by rapidly desensitizing the receptor and preventing chemotaxis, although it is able to induce calcium mobilization but does not lead to CCR2 internalization. Hence this study provides further insights into the possible mechanisms of action of NNY‐CCL14, which interacts with multiple chemokine receptors inhibiting the migration and activation of different cell populations involved, thus acting as a potential therapeutic compound to alleviate allergic inflammation.     

Cytokine‐dependent regulation of dendritic cell differentiation in the splenic microenvironment

The DC‐derived chemokine CCL17, a ligand of CCR4, has been shown to promote various inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis, atherosclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Under steady‐state conditions, and even after systemic stimulation with LPS, CCL17 is not expressed in resident splenic DCs as opposed to CD8α^?CD11b⁺ LN DCs, which produce large amounts of CCL17 in particular after maturation. Upon systemic NKT cell activation through α‐galactosylceramide stimulation however, CCL17 can be upregulated in both CD8α^? and CD8α⁺ splenic DC subsets and enhances cross‐presentation of exogenous antigens. Based on genome‐wide expression profiling, we now show that splenic CD11b⁺ DCs are susceptible to IFN‐γ‐mediated suppression of CCL17, whereas LN CD11b⁺CCL17⁺ DCs downregulate the IFN‐γR and are much less responsive to IFN‐γ. Under inflammatory conditions, particularly in the absence of IFN‐γ signaling in IFN‐γRKO mice, CCL17 expression is strongly induced in a major proportion of splenic DCs by the action of GM‐CSF in concert with IL‐4. Our findings demonstrate that the local cytokine milieu and differential cytokine responsiveness of DC subsets regulate lymphoid organ specific immune responses at the level of chemokine expression.     

Human and mouse perforin are processed in part through cleavage by the lysosomal cysteine proteinase cathepsin L

Summary Infection of mice with the gastrointestinal nematode Trichuris muris represents a valuable tool to investigate and dissect intestinal immune responses. Resistant mouse strains respond to T. muris infection by mounting a T helper type 2 response. Previous results have shown that CD4⁺ T cells play a critical role in protective immunity, and that CD4⁺ T cells localize to the infected large intestinal mucosa to confer protection. Further, transfer of CD4⁺ T cells from immune mice to immunodeficient SCID mice can prevent the development of a chronic infection. In the current study, we characterize the protective CD4⁺ T cells, describe their chemokine receptor expression and explore the functional significance of these receptors in recruitment to the large intestinal mucosa post‐T. muris infection. We show that the ability to mediate expulsion resides within a subpopulation of CD4⁺ T cells marked by down‐regulation of CD62L. These cells can be isolated from intestine‐draining mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) from day 14 post‐infection, but are rare or absent in MLN before this and in spleen at all times post‐infection. Among CD4⁺ CD62L^low MLN cells, the two most abundantly expressed chemokine receptors were CCR6 and CXCR3. We demonstrate for the first time that CD4⁺ CD62L^low T‐cell migration to the large intestinal mucosa is dependent on the family of Gα_i‐coupled receptors, to which chemokine receptors belong. CCR6 and CXCR3 were however dispensable for this process because neutralization of CCR6 and CXCR3 did not prevent CD4⁺ CD62L^low cell migration to the large intestinal mucosa during T. muris infection.     

Mature monocyte-derived dendritic cells respond more strongly to CCL19 than to CXCL12: consequences for directional migration

The chemokine receptor CCR7 is crucial for migration of mature dendritic cells (DC) directed toward secondary lymphoid organs; however, there is little knowledge about the function of the homeostatic chemokine receptor CXCR4 in DC and its contribution to directional migration of DC during inflammation. By comparing the impact of chemokine receptor engagement on mature DC we found that the CCR7 ligand CCL19 holds a stronger chemotactic potency than the CXCR4 ligand CXCL12. Moreover, CCL19 elicited rapid, steep and long-lasting mobilization of intracellular calcium in individual cells and induced intense phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and protein kinase B, while the intracellular signals elicited by CXCL12 were in part distinct and significantly weaker. Analysis of chemokine receptor expression revealed that although CCR7 and CXCR4 were expressed by a similar percentage of DC, the mean fluorescence intensity of CCR7 was up to six times higher, suggesting a higher receptor density. Based on these correlations we propose that the type of chemokine signal in conjunction with the expression and functional activity of the respective chemokine receptor is also determining the migration rate and potency of a chemotactic response in mature DC. In conclusion, our data support the fundamental role of CCR7 for rapidly guiding DC toward secondary lymphoid organs at an extra- and intracellular molecular level and on the contrary render CXCR4 a weaker contributor to directional migration of DC during inflammation.     

Decreased circulating CXCR3 + CCR9+T helper cells are associated with elevated levels of their ligands CXCL10 and CCL25 in the salivary gland of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome to facilitate their concerted migration

CCR9 + T helper (Th) cells can induce Sjögren-like symptoms in mice and both CCR9 + Th cells and their ligand CCL25 are increased in the salivary glands of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients. Increased circulating CCR9 + Th cells are present in pSS patients. CCR9 + Th cells are hyperresponsive to IL-7, secrete high levels of IFN-γ, IL-21, IL-17 and IL-4 and potently stimulate B cells in both patients and healthy individuals. Our aim was to study co-expression of chemokine receptors on CCR9 + Th cells and whether in pSS this might differentially affect CCR9 + Th cell frequencies. Frequencies of circulating CCR9 + and CCR9- Th cells co-expressing CXCR3, CCR4, CCR6 and CCR10 were studied in pSS patients and healthy controls. CCL25, CXCL10, CCL17, CCL20 and CCL27 mRNA and protein expression of salivary gland tissue of pSS and non-Sjögren's sicca (non-SS) patients was assessed. Chemotaxis assays were performed to study migration induced by CXCL10 and CCL25. Higher expression of CXCR3, CCR4 and CCR6 but not CCR10 was observed on CCR9 + Th cells as compared to cells lacking CCR9. Decreased frequencies of circulating memory CCR9 + CXCR3+ Th cells were found in pSS patients, which was most pronounced in the effector memory subset. Increased salivary gland CCL25 and CXCL10 expression significantly correlated and both ligands functioned synergistically based on in vitro induced chemotaxis. Decreased memory CXCR3 + CCR9+ Th cells in blood of pSS patients may be due to a concerted action of overexpressed ligands at the site of inflammation in the salivary glands facilitating their preferential migration and positioning in the lymphocytic infiltrates.     

Expression of chemokine receptors CXCR4, CXCR5 and CCR7 on B and T lymphocytes from patients with primary antibody deficiency

The interaction of chemokines and their receptors directs lymphocyte migration, and is involved in the distribution and organization of lymphocytes within lymphoid tissues. We reasoned that abnormal chemokine receptor expression might give rise to defects of lymphocyte migration into and within lymphoid tissues, and consequently be associated with defective antibody production in primary antibody deficiencies. In this study, we have investigated the expression of chemokine receptors CXCR4, CXCR5 and CCR7 on lymphocyte subpopulations (naive and memory B cells; CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells) in a cohort of patients with primary antibody deficiency (n = 23), and compared these with a group of healthy controls (n = 19). We show that there were significant differences in both the proportions of lymphocytes expressing, and the levels of expression of, specific chemokine receptors on individual lymphocyte subpopulations between patients and controls. Furthermore, these changes appeared more pronounced in patients with more severe antibody deficiency. These data support the hypothesis that abnormal lymphocyte trafficking may be involved in the pathogenesis of primary antibody deficiencies.     

Chemokine and chemokine receptor analysis reveals elevated interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP)-10/CXCL10 levels and increased number of CCR5+ and CXCR3+ CD4 T cells in synovial fluid of patients with enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA)

Chemokines and chemokine receptors play a major role in homing of cells to the site of inflammation. Enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis and no data are available on chemokines and their receptors in ERA. Blood (20) and synovial fluid (SF) (11) was collected from patients with ERA, and peripheral blood (PB) was collected from 12 patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), nine patients with systemic onset and 18 healthy controls. Chemokines [interleukin (IL)-10/CXCL10, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)/CCL17 and regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES)/CCL5] were measured in serum and SF. Chemokine receptor expression was measured by flow cytometry. There was no difference in blood CD4(+) T cells bearing CCR5, CCR4 and CXCR3 in ERA and healthy controls. In paired samples the median frequency of CCR5(+) CD4(+) T cells was higher in SF compared to PB (15.8 versus 3.9%, P < 0.005), as was the frequency of CXCR3(+) T cells (21.61% versus 12.46%, P < 0.05). Median serum interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10)/CXCL10 levels were higher in patients with ERA compared to controls (139 versus 93 pg/ml; P < 0.05). Further median SF IP-10/CXCL10 levels were higher than the serum levels (2300 pg/ml versus 139 pg/ml; P < 0.01). Serum levels of RANTES/CCL5 were higher in patients (150 ng/ml) compared to control (99 ng/ml; P < 0.01). The SF levels were significantly lower compared to serum (P < 0.05). TARC/CCL17 levels in SF were lower than serum. There is increased homing of CCR5 and CXCR3(+) CD4 cells to the SF. Increased SF levels of IP-10/CXCL10 may be responsible for this migration in patients with ERA.     

Depletion of Host CCR7+ Dendritic Cells Prevented Donor T Cell Tissue Tropism in Anti-CD3–Conditioned Recipients

We reported previously that anti-CD3 mAb treatment before hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) prevented graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and preserved graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects in mice. These effects were associated with downregulated donor T cell expression of tissue-specific homing and chemokine receptors, marked reduction of donor T cell migration into GVHD target tissues, and deletion of CD103⁺ dendritic cells (DCs) in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). MLN CD103⁺ DCs and peripheral lymph node (PLN) DCs include CCR7⁺ and CCR7⁻ subsets, but the role of these DC subsets in regulating donor T cell expression of homing and chemokine receptors remain unclear. Here, we show that recipient CCR7⁺, but not CCR7⁻, DCs in MLN induced donor T cell expression of gut-specific homing and chemokine receptors in a retinoid acid-dependent manner. CCR7 regulated activated DC migration from tissue to draining lymph node, but it was not required for the ability of DCs to induce donor T cell expression of tissue-specific homing and chemokine receptors. Finally, anti-CD3 treatment depleted CCR7⁺ but not CCR7⁻ DCs by inducing sequential expansion and apoptosis of CCR7⁺ DCs in MLN and PLN. Apoptosis of CCR7⁺ DCs was associated with DC upregulation of Fas expression and natural killer cell but not T, B, or dendritic cell upregulation of FasL expression in the lymph nodes. These results suggest that depletion of CCR7⁺ host-type DCs, with subsequent inhibition of donor T cell migration into GVHD target tissues, can be an effective approach in prevention of acute GVHD and preservation of GVL effects.     

CCR9 signaling in dendritic cells drives the differentiation of Foxp3+ Tregs and suppresses the allergic IgE response in the gut

The chemokine receptor CCR9 and its only known ligand CCL25 play an important role in gut inflammation and autoimmune colitis. The function of CCR9-CCL25 in the migration of immune cells is well characterized. However, its role in the immune cell differentiation is mostly not known. Using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced gut inflammation model, we showed that CCR9⁺ dendritic cells (DCs) specifically CD11b⁻CD103⁺ DCs were significantly increased in the gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) compared to control mice. These CCR9⁺ DCs express lower MHC II and CD86 molecules and had regulatory surface markers (FasL and latency-associated peptide, LAP) in the GALT. In the presence of CCL25, CCR9⁺ DCs promoted in vitro differentiation of Foxp3⁺ regulatory CD4⁺ T cells (Tregs). CCL25-induced differentiation of Tregs was due to intrinsic signaling in the DCs but not through CD4⁺ T cells, which was driven by the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and not IL-10. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of CCR9⁺ DCs in C57BL/6 mice promoted Tregs but reduced the Th17 cells in the GALT, and also suppressed the OVA-specific gut-allergic response. Our results suggest CCR9⁺ DCs have a regulatory function and may provide a new cellular therapeutic strategy to control gut inflammation and allergic immune reaction.     

Human β defensin‐3 induces chemokines from monocytes and macrophages: diminished activity in cells from HIV‐infected persons

Human β defensin‐3 (hBD‐3) is an antimicrobial peptide with diverse functionality. We investigated the capacity of hBD‐3 and, for comparison, Pam3CSK4 and LL‐37 to induce co‐stimulatory molecules and chemokine expression in monocytes. These stimuli differentially induced CD80 and CD86 on the surface of monocytes and each stimulant induced a variety of chemokines including monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1), Gro‐α, macrophage‐derived chemokine (MDC) and macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP1β), while only hBD‐3 and Pam3CSK4 significantly induced the angiogenesis factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Human BD‐3 induced similar chemokines in monocyte‐derived macrophages and additionally induced expression of Regulated upon activation normal T‐cell expressed and presumably secreted (RANTES) in these cells. Comparison of monocytes from HIV⁺ and HIV^– donors indicated that monocytes from HIV⁺ donors were more likely to spontaneously express certain chemokines (MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β and MCP‐1) and less able to increase expression of other molecules in response to hBD‐3 (MDC, Gro‐α and VEGF). Chemokine receptor expression (CCR5, CCR2 and CXCR2) was relatively normal in monocytes from HIV⁺ donors compared with cells from HIV^– donors with the exception of diminished expression of the receptor for MDC, CCR4, which was reduced in the patrolling monocyte subset (CD14⁺ CD16⁺⁺) of HIV⁺ donors. These observations implicate chemokine induction by hBD‐3 as a potentially important mechanism for orchestrating cell migration into inflamed tissues. Alterations in chemokine production or their receptors in monocytes of HIV‐infected persons could influence cell migration and modify the effects of hBD‐3 at sites of inflammation.     

Chemokine programming dendritic cell antigen response: part II – programming antigen presentation to T lymphocytes by partially maintaining immature dendritic cell phenotype

In a companion article to this study,¹ the successful programming of a JAWSII dendritic cell (DC) line's antigen uptake and processing was demonstrated based on pre‐treatment of DCs with a specific ‘cocktail’ of select chemokines. Chemokine pre‐treatment modulated cytokine production before and after DC maturation [by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)]. After DC maturation, it induced an antigen uptake and processing capacity at levels 36% and 82% higher than in immature DCs, respectively. Such programming proffers a potential new approach to enhance vaccine efficiency. Unfortunately, simply enhancing antigen uptake does not guarantee the desired activation and proliferation of lymphocytes, e.g. CD4⁺ T cells. In this study, phenotype changes and antigen presentation capacity of chemokine pre‐treated murine bone marrow‐derived DCs were examined in long‐term co‐culture with antigen‐specific CD4⁺ T cells to quantify how chemokine pre‐treatment may impact the adaptive immune response. When a model antigen, ovalbumin (OVA), was added after intentional LPS maturation of chemokine‐treated DCs, OVA‐biased CD4⁺T‐cell proliferation was initiated from ~ 100% more undivided naive T cells as compared to DCs treated only with LPS. Secretion of the cytokines interferon‐γ, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐2 and interleukin‐10 in the CD4⁺ T cell : DC co‐culture (with or without chemokine pre‐treatment) were essentially the same. Chemokine programming of DCs with a 7 : 3 ratio of CCL3 : CCL19 followed by LPS treatment maintained partial immature phenotypes of DCs, as indicated by surface marker (CD80 and CD86) expression over time. Results here and in our companion paper suggest that chemokine programming of DCs may provide a novel immunotherapy strategy to obviate the natural endocytosis limit of DC antigen uptake, thus potentially increasing DC‐based vaccine efficiency.     

A role for the CCR5–CCL5 interaction in the preferential migration of HSV-2-specific effector cells to the vaginal mucosa upon nasal immunization

Our current study focused on elucidating the role of specific chemokine–receptor interactions in antigen (Ag)-specific immune cell migration from nasal to genital mucosal tissues. This cellular migration is critical to induce effective Ag-specific immune responses against sexually transmitted genital infections. In this study, nasal immunization with live attenuated HSV-2 TK⁻ induced the upregulation of CCR5 expression in effector immune cells, including CD4⁺ T cells, in Ag-priming sites and vaginal tissue. The CCR5 ligands CCL3, CCL4, and CCL5 all showed upregulated expression in vaginal tissue; in particular, CCL5 expression was highly enhanced in the stromal cells of vaginal tissue after nasal immunization. Intravaginal blockade of CCL5 by using neutralizing antibody diminished the number of HSV-2-specific effector cells in the vagina. Furthermore, loss of CCR5, a receptor for CCL5, impaired the migration of nasally primed Ag-specific effector cells from the airway to vagina. Effector cells adoptively transferred from CCR5-deficient mice failed to migrate into vaginal tissue, consequently increasing recipient mice's susceptibility to HSV-2 vaginal infection. These results indicate that the CCR5–CCL5 chemokine pathway is required for the migration and retention of nasally primed Ag-specific effector cells in vagina for providing protective immunity against HSV-2 infection.     

CXCR3‐deficiency protects influenza‐infected CCR5‐deficient mice from mortality

Mice lacking the chemokine receptor CCR5 are susceptible to mortality from a normally non‐lethal influenza infection. Here we found that CXCR3‐deficiency rescued CCR5‐deficient (CCR5^?/?) mice from influenza‐induced mortality. The number of mononuclear phagocytes in the airways was transiently increased in CCR5^?/? mice but not in CXCR3‐CCR5 double‐deficient mice. Antigen‐specific CXCR3‐CCR5 double‐deficient CD8 effector cells were less efficient at entering the airways compared with WT or CCR5^?/? CD8 effector cells. The decrease in inflammatory cell infiltrates in CXCR3‐CCR5 double‐deficient‐infected mice correlated with a decrease in CCL2 and IFN‐γ production in the airways. Finally, CXCR3‐CCR5 double‐deficient mice that survived the primary viral challenge were protected from a lethal secondary challenge, indicating that T‐cell‐mediated protective memory was not compromised in mice lacking these chemokine receptors. In conclusion, CXCR3‐deficiency attenuated the lethal cellular immune response in CCR5^?/? influenza‐infected mice without hindering viral clearance or long‐term immunity.     

Mapping urinary chemokines in human lupus nephritis: Potentially redundant pathways recruit CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and macrophages

Renal infiltration of inflammatory cells contributes to the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN). Current knowledge on the recruitment mechanisms relies mainly on findings in rodent models. Here, we assess various chemokine pathways in human LN by comparing urinary chemokine concentrations (in 25 patients with acute LN and in 78 lupus patients without active LN) with the expression of corresponding chemokine receptors on urinary leukocytes (in ten acute LN patients). Nine urinary chemokines were significantly elevated in LN patients and correlated with renal disease activity and urinary cell counts; however, their concentrations displayed considerable interindividual heterogeneity. Analysis of the corresponding receptors revealed abundance of urinary CD8⁺ T cells for CCR5 and CXCR3, while CD4⁺ T cells were additionally enriched for CCR1, CCR6 and CXCR6. Urinary Treg showed similar CCR expression, and urinary CD14⁺ macrophages were enriched for CCR5 expressing cells. In conclusion, cell specific recruitment patterns seem to involve CCR5 and CXCR3 in all cells studied, while CD4⁺ T‐cell subset recruitment is probably much more varied. However, urinary chemokine abundance in active LN is individually variable in our cohort and does not offer a singular chemokine usable as universal biomarker or potential future treatment target.     

Klebsiella pneumoniae‐triggered DC recruit human NK cells in a CCR5‐dependent manner leading to increased CCL19‐responsiveness and activation of NK cells

Besides their role in destruction of altered self‐cells, NK cells have been shown to potentiate T‐cell responses by interacting with DC. To take advantage of NK–DC crosstalk in therapeutic DC‐based vaccination for infectious diseases and cancer, it is essential to understand the biology of this crosstalk. We aimed to elucidate the in vitro mechanisms responsible for NK‐cell recruitment and activation by DC during infection. To mimic bacterial infection, DC were exposed to a membrane fraction of Klebsiella pneumoniae, which triggers TLR2/4. DC matured with these bacterial fragments can actively recruit NK cells in a CCR5‐dependent manner. An additional mechanism of DC‐induced NK‐cell recruitment is characterized by the induction of CCR7 expression on CD56^dimCD16⁺ NK cells after physical contact with membrane fraction of K. pneumoniae‐matured DC, resulting in an enhanced migratory responsiveness to the lymph node‐associated chemokine CCL19. Bacterial fragment‐matured DC do not only mediate NK‐cell migration but also meet the prerequisites needed for augmentation of NK‐cell cytotoxicity and IFN‐γ production, the latter of which contributes to Th1 polarization.