Infection of human primary hepatocytes with dengue virus serotype 2

While the impact of the dengue viruses on liver function is prominent as shown by hepatomegaly, liver enzyme abnormality, occasional fulminant hepatic failure and histological changes including hepatocellular necrosis, significant debate exists as to the possible involvement of the predominant cell type in the liver, hepatocytes, in the disease process. To address this issue purified human primary hepatocytes were exposed to dengue virus serotype 2 and the production of de novo viral progeny was established by standard plaque assay, RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. To investigate the response of the primary hepatocytes to infection, the expression of a panel of 9 cytokine genes (IFN-beta, TRAIL, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-1beta, IL-8, MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, and RANTES) was semi-quantitatively investigated by RT-PCR and up-regulation of TRAIL, MIP-1alpha, IFN-beta, MIP-1beta, IL-8, and RANTES was observed in response to infection. The induction of IL-8 in response to infection was accompanied by the secretion of IL-8 as verified by ELISA assay. The ability of hepatocytes to be infected with dengue virus serotype 2 in vitro support evidence implicating human hepatocytes as a target cell in cases of dengue virus infection, and provide the first experimental evidence to support the large number of clinical studies that implicate the liver as a critical target organ in severe cases of dengue infection.     

Double-stranded RNA induces the synthesis of specific chemokines by bronchial epithelial cells

Virus-induced secretion of proinflammatory chemokines (e.g., regulated on activation, normal T cells expressed and secreted [RANTES], interleukin [IL]-8) by airway epithelial cells helps to initiate antiviral responses and airway inflammation by enhancing inflammatory cell recruitment. To define mechanisms for virus-induced chemokine secretion, monolayers of nontransformed bronchial epithelial cells were transfected or incubated with polydeoxyinosinic-deoxycytidylic acid (synthetic double-stranded [ds] RNA), rhinovirus dsRNA, or single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), and the secretion of selected chemokines was determined. Transfection or incubation with dsRNA, but not ssRNA, significantly enhanced secretion of RANTES and IL-8, but not eotaxin or macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha. Mechanistically, dsRNA induced and activated dsRNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR), and activated nuclear factor-kappaB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Furthermore, the PKR inhibitor 2-aminopurine significantly blocked dsRNA-induced RANTES and IL-8 secretion, whereas the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor SB203580 suppressed dsRNA-induced IL-8, but not RANTES. These findings indicate that dsRNA selectively induce the secretion of chemokines such as IL-8 and RANTES, and implicate dsRNA-sensitive signaling proteins in this process. Moreover, these data suggest that this may be an important mechanism for the selective secretion of chemokines by viruses (e.g., rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza) that synthesize dsRNA during replication.     

Interleukin-25-induced chemokines and interleukin-6 release from eosinophils is mediated by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and nuclear factor-kappaB

Interleukin (IL)-25, a novel Th2 cytokine, is capable of amplifying allergic inflammation. We investigated the modulation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways in IL-25-activated eosinophils, the principal effector cells of allergic inflammation, for the in vitro release of chemokines including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), IL-8, and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, and inflammatory cytokine IL-6. Gene expression of chemokines and IL-6 was evaluated by RT-PCR, and concentrations of chemokines and cytokine were measured by cytokine protein array, cytometric bead array, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NF-kappaB, c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAPK activities in eosinophils were assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and Western blot. IL-25 was found to upregulate the gene expression of chemokines MCP-1, MIP-1alpha, and IL-8, and cytokine IL-6, in eosinophils, and to significantly increase the release of the above chemokines and IL-6 from eosinophils. IL-25 could also activate the JNK, p38 MAPK, and NF-kappaB activities of eosinophils, while inhibitor of IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation (BAY11-7082), JNK (SP600125), and p38 MAPK (SB203580) could suppress the release of IL-8, MIP-1alpha, MCP-1, and IL-6. Together, the above results showed that the induction of MCP-1, MIP-1alpha, IL-8, and IL-6 in IL-25-activated eosinophils are regulated by JNK, p38 MAPK, and NF-kappaB pathways.     

IL-18 enhances IFN-gamma-induced production of CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 in human keratinocytes

IL-18 is involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and allergic contact dermatitis. CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 recruit type 1 T cells, and the production of these chemokines by keratinocytes is enhanced in these dermatoses. We examined the in vitro effects of IL-18 on IFN-gamma-induced CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 production in human keratinocytes. IL-18 enhanced the IFN-gamma-induced secretion and mRNA expression of CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 in parallel to the activation of NF-kappaB, STAT1, and IFN-regulatory factor (IRF)-1. Antisense oligonucleotides against NF-kappaB p50, p65, or STAT1 suppressed CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 production, and antisense IRF-1 suppressed CXCL11 production. Inhibitors of PI3 K, p38 MAPK, and MEK suppressed IL-18 plus IFN-gamma-induced CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 production and NF-kappaB, STAT1, and IRF-1 activities. IL-18 induced phosphorylation of ERK and Akt, while IFN-gamma induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. These results suggest that IL-18 may potentiate IFN-gamma-induced CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 production in keratinocytes by activating NF-kappaB, STAT1, or IRF-1 through PI3 K/Akt and MEK/ERK pathways. These effects of IL-18 may promote the infiltration of type 1 T cells into lesions with inflammatory dermatoses and amplify the skin inflammation. IL-18 may act as a pro-inflammatory cytokine in these dermatoses and thus is a candidate therapeutic target.     

Differential induction of the toll-like receptor 4-MyD88-dependent and -independent signaling pathways by endotoxins

The biological response to endotoxin mediated through the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-MD-2 receptor complex is directly related to lipid A structure or configuration. Endotoxin structure may also influence activation of the MyD88-dependent and -independent signaling pathways of TLR4. To address this possibility, human macrophage-like cell lines (THP-1, U937, and MM6) or murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with picomolar concentrations of highly purified endotoxins. Harvested supernatants from previously stimulated cells were also used to stimulate RAW 264.7 or 23ScCr (TLR4-deficient) macrophages (i.e., indirect induction). Neisseria meningitidis lipooligosaccharide (LOS) was a potent direct inducer of the MyD88-dependent pathway molecules tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein 3alpha (MIP-3alpha), and the MyD88-independent molecules beta interferon (IFN-beta), nitric oxide, and IFN-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10). Escherichia coli 55:B5 and Vibrio cholerae lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) at the same pmole/ml lipid A concentrations induced comparable levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and MIP-3alpha, but significantly less IFN-beta, nitric oxide, and IP-10. In contrast, LPS from Salmonella enterica serovars Minnesota and Typhimurium induced amounts of IFN-beta, nitric oxide, and IP-10 similar to meningococcal LOS but much less TNF-alpha and MIP-3alpha in time course and dose-response experiments. No MyD88-dependent or -independent response to endotoxin was seen in TLR4-deficient cell lines (C3H/HeJ and 23ScCr) and response was restored in TLR4-MD-2-transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Blocking the MyD88-dependent pathway by DNMyD88 resulted in significant reduction of TNF-alpha release but did not influence nitric oxide release. IFN-beta polyclonal antibody and IFN-alpha/beta receptor 1 antibody significantly reduced nitric oxide release. N. meningitidis endotoxin was a potent agonist of both the MyD88-dependent and -independent signaling pathways of the TLR4 receptor complex of human macrophages. E. coli 55:B5 and Vibrio cholerae LPS, at the same picomolar lipid A concentrations, selectively induced the MyD88-dependent pathway, while Salmonella LPS activated the MyD88-independent pathway.     

Porin of Shigella dysenteriae activates mouse peritoneal macrophage through Toll-like receptors 2 and 6 to induce polarized type I response

Porin of Shigella dysenteriae type 1 coexpressed Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR6 on peritoneal cavity (PerC) macrophages (MPhi) of C57BL/6 mice implicating that both the TLRs are essential as a combinatorial repertoire to recognize the protein. Besides TLRs, mRNA for MyD88 and TRAF6, and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB were enhanced that indicate their involvement in tandem in the activity of porin. The protein selectively up-regulated CD80 on the activated MPhi together with MHC class II molecule and CD40, and had no effect on CD86 expression. The porin-induced profile of MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta and RANTES showed strong bias for chemokines correlated with M1 polarization. Intracellular expression and release of TNF-alpha and IL-12 in presence of porin was found to be TLR2 and NF-kappaB dependent. Induction of TNF-alpha and IL-12 along with the chemokine profile suggests type I polarization of the MPhi that would influence Th1-type response.     

MIP-3alpha, MIP-3beta and fractalkine induce the locomotion and the mobilization of intracellular calcium, and activate the heterotrimeric G proteins in human natural killer cells.

We demonstrate here that the CC chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein-3alpha (MIP-3alpha), macrophage inflammatory protein-3beta (MIP-3beta) and the CX3C chemokine fractalkine induce the chemotaxis of interleukin-2 (IL-2)-activated natural killer (IANK) cells. In addition, these chemokines enhance the binding of [gamma-35S]guanine triphosphate ([gamma-35S]GTP) to IANK cell membranes, suggesting that receptors for these chemokines are G protein-coupled. Our results show that MIP-3alpha receptors are coupled to Go, Gq and Gz, MIP-3beta receptors are coupled to Gi, Gq and Gs, whereas fractalkine receptors are coupled to Gi, and Gz. All three chemokines induced a robust calcium response flux in IANK cells. Cross-desensitization experiments show that MIP-3alpha, MIP-3beta or fractalkine use receptors not shared by each other or by the CC chemokine regulated on activation, normal, T-cell expressed, and secreted (RANTES), the CXC chemokines stromal-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha) and interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), or the C chemokine lymphotactin.     

Concordant and discordant interleukin-1-mediated signaling in lung fibroblast thy-1 subpopulations

Following lung injury or inflammation, fibroblasts mediate either restorative repair or disordered remodeling. Interleukin (IL)-1beta is a key mediator in the transition from injury/inflammation to tissue remodeling, in part through its regulation of platelet-derived growth factor alpha receptor (PDGFalphaR). Based on prior demonstration of differential PDGFalphaR expression, we hypothesized that subpopulations of fibroblasts would have heterogeneous responses to IL-1. We report that IL-1beta significantly increases expression of PDGFalphaR in Thy-1-, but not Thy-1+ fibroblasts. Higher baseline expression of PDGFalphaR in Thy-1- fibroblasts is partially abrogated by IL-1 receptor antagonist. There are no differences in IL-1beta binding, as determined by flow cytometry, or in the presence of the type I IL-1 receptor (IL-1RtI) or its associated protein (IL-1RacP) by immunoblotting. IL-1beta induces DNA binding of both nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) and CAATT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP), and activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in both subpopulations. However, IL-1beta-induced proliferation and expression of IL-6 are significantly higher in Thy-1- fibroblasts. Heterogeneous responses to IL-1beta despite equivalent presence of both proximal and distal signaling components indicates that parallel signaling pathways are activated selectively in Thy-1- cells, suggesting a prominent role for this subset in the transition from inflammation to lung remodeling.     

Induction of interleukins IL-6 and IL-8 by siRNA

The HIV-1 co-receptor CCR5 has been thought a relevant target for small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapeutics. However, recent findings suggest that siRNA can stimulate innate cytokine responses in mammals. All siRNA agents tested were able to down-regulate the expression of CCR5, albeit with different efficiency (51-74% down-regulation), block HIV-induced syncytia formation between HIV-1 BaL-infected and uninfected CD4(+) cells or block single-round HIV-1 infection as measured by a luciferase reporter assay (46-83% inhibition). Conversely, siRNA directed against CCR5 did not affect replication of a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) pseudotyped virus, suggesting that inhibition of HIV replication was specific to CCR5 down-regulation. However, two of four siRNA tested were able to induce the production of interleukin (IL) IL-6 (sixfold induction) and IL-8 (ninefold induction) but no interferon (IFN)-alpha, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, MIP-1beta, RANTES, IL-1beta, IL-10 or IL-12p70 cytokine induction was noted. In the absence of detectable IFN-alpha, IL-6 or IL-8 may represent markers of non-specific effects triggered by siRNA.     

Regulation of dendritic cell trafficking: a process that involves the participation of selective chemokines.

DC function as sentinels of the immune system. They traffic from the blood to the tissues where, while immature, they capture antigens. They then leave the tissues and move to the draining lymphoid organs where, converted into mature DC, they prime naive T cells. This suggestive link between DC traffic pattern and functions led to the investigation of the chemokine responsiveness of DC during their development and maturation. These studies have shown that immature and mature DC are not recruited by the same chemokines. Immature DC respond to many CC- and CXC-chemokines (MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, MIP-5, MCP-3, MCP-4, RANTES, TECK, and SDF-1) and in particular to MIP-3alpha/LARC, which acts through CCR6, a receptor mainly expressed in DC and lymphocytes. Like most other chemokines acting on immature DC, MIP-3alpha is inducible on inflammatory stimuli. In contrast, mature DC have lost their responsiveness to most of these chemokines through receptor down-regulation or desensitization, but acquired responsiveness to MIP-3beta/ELC and 6Ckine/SLC as a consequence of CCR7 up-regulation. MIP-3alpha mRNA is only detected within inflamed epithelial crypts of tonsils, the site of antigen entry known to be infiltrated by immature DC, whereas MIP-3alpha and 6Ckine are specifically expressed in the T cell-rich areas where mature IDC home. These observations suggest a role for chemokines induced on inflammation such as MIP-3alpha in recruitment of immature DC at the site of injury and a role for MIP-3beta/6Ckine in accumulation of antigen-loaded mature DC in T cell-rich areas of the draining lymph node. A better understanding of the regulation of DC trafficking might offer new opportunities of therapeutic interventions to suppress or stimulate the immune response.     

MIP-1alpha[CCL3] acting on the CCR1 receptor mediates neutrophil migration in immune inflammation via sequential release of TNF-alpha and LTB4

In the present study, we investigated the involvement of macrophage-inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha)[CC chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3)], MIP-1beta[CCL4], regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted (RANTES)[CCL5], and CC chemokine receptors (CCRs) on neutrophil migration in murine immune inflammation. Previously, we showed that ovalbumin (OVA)-triggered neutrophil migration in immunized mice depends on the sequential release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and leukotriene B(4)(LTB(4)). Herein, we show increased mRNA expression for MIP-1alpha[CCL3], MIP-1beta[CCL4], RANTES[CCL5], and CCR1 in peritoneal cells harvested from OVA-challenged, immunized mice, as well as MIP-1alpha[CCL3] and RANTES[CCL5] but not MIP-1beta[CCL4] proteins in the peritoneal exudates. OVA-induced neutrophil migration response was muted in immunized MIP-1alpha[CCL3](-/-) mice, but it was not inhibited by treatment with antibodies against RANTES[CCL5] or MIP-1beta[CCL4]. MIP-1alpha[CCL3] mediated neutrophil migration in immunized mice through induction of TNF-alpha and LTB(4) synthesis, as these mediators were detected in the exudates harvested from OVA-challenged immunized wild-type but not MIP-1alpha[CCL3](-/-) mice; administration of MIP-1alpha[CCL3] induced a dose-dependent neutrophil migration, which was inhibited by treatment with an anti-TNF-alpha antibody in TNF receptor 1 (p55(-/-))-deficient mice or by MK 886 (a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor); and MIP-1alpha[CCL3] failed to induce LTB(4) production in p55(-/-) mice. MIP-1alpha[CCL3] used CCR1 to promote neutrophil recruitment, as OVA or MIP-1alpha[CCL3] failed to induce neutrophil migration in CCR1(-/-) mice, in contrast to CCR5(-/-) mice. In summary, we have demonstrated that neutrophil migration observed in this model of immune inflammation is mediated by MIP-1alpha[CCL3], which via CCR1, induces the sequential release of TNF-alpha and LTB(4). Therefore, whether a similar pathway mediates neutrophil migration in human immune-inflammatory diseases, the development of specific CCR1 antagonists might have a therapeutic potential.