Expression of heat-shock proteins hsp27, hsp70 and hsp90 in malignant epithelial tumour of the ovaries

Recently, considerable attention has been focused on the role of the small heat-shock protein group hsp27, hsp70 and hsp90 in the clinical outcome of several malignancies. However, conflicting data exist regarding the prognostic role of hsp27 expression in ovarian carcinoma, and the prognostic significance of hsp70 and hsp90 expression still remains unknown in these tumours. The purpose of this study was to investigate immunohistochemically whether hsp27, hsp70 and hsp90 expression was associated with clinicopathological parameters and survival in 52 epithelial ovarian carcinomas. Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Among clinicopathological parameters, hsp27, hsp70 and hsp90 expression was only correlated with FIGO stage; hsp70 and hsp90 positivity failed to detect survival. However, the overall survival rate of patients with hsp27 expression was 13%, which was significantly worse than that of patients without hsp27 expression (47%) (p<0.01). The prognosis was also adversely affected by FIGO stage (p<0.01) and presence of ascites (p<0.01). In multivariate analysis, hsp27 expression and FIGO stage were independent prognostic variables. Our results indicate that hsp70 and hsp90 expression had no prognostic relevance in epithelial ovarian carcinomas. However, hsp27 expression and FIGO stage in these tumours could be reliable indicators of prognosis.     

猪苓多糖刺激/诱导小鼠树突状细胞成熟

研究猪苓多糖对小鼠骨髓树突状细胞(DC)表型及功能成熟的影响。从小鼠骨髓中分离单个核细胞(MNC),用rmGM-CSF、IL-4培养5 d后,实验组加入猪苓多糖(50μg/ml),空白对照组加等量RPMI 1640,阳性对照组加LPS(1μg/ml),3组分别同时作用48 h。扫描电镜观察其体外培养过程中的形态特征,流式细胞仪(FACS)分析其表型特征,混合淋巴细胞反应(MLR)检测其功能。用猪苓多糖刺激的小鼠骨髓MNC具典型的DC形态;细胞表达I-A/I-E、CD11c和分泌IL-12能力比空白对照组增加,具有极强的激发MLR的能力,显示成熟DC的特征。猪苓多糖可以促进体外培养的小鼠骨髓DC的成熟,促进DC诱导的免疫应答启动。     

人外周血单核细胞来源树突状细胞的成熟诱导

目的：探讨诱导树突状细胞成熟的最优方法。方法：以细胞因子GM-CSF和IL-4体外诱导人单核细胞来源的树突状细胞，分别采用CD40L、LPS、TNF-α、细胞因子鸡尾酒法（TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1β、PGE2）诱导成熟，24小时后收获DCs以流式细胞仪检测其成熟表型CD80、CD83、CD86、HLA-DR和FITC-Dextran的内吞能力，ELISA法检测其IL-12的分泌，MTT法检测其刺激淋巴细胞增殖活性。结果：CD40L、LPS、TNF-α、鸡尾酒法均可诱导DCs的成熟，其中以鸡尾酒法诱导成熟的效果最优，CD83的表达率为66.91%（P〈0.05）；成熟DCsFITC-Dextran的内吞能力明显下降；成熟DCsIL-12分泌量明显高于未成熟DCs，其中鸡尾酒法诱导成熟的DCs的IL-12分泌量最高，成熟的DCs有较强的刺激淋巴细胞增殖能力。结论：细胞因子鸡尾酒法是诱导DCs成熟的最佳方法。     

The allergenic yeast Malassezia furfur induces maturation of human dendritic cells

BACKGROUND: The yeast Malassezia furfur (M. furfur), present in the normal microflora of human skin, can act as an allergen that incites specific IgE reactivity and T cell proliferation in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. The role of antigen presenting dendritic cells (DCs) in the onset and maintenance of AD is not well established. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to assess whether the interaction of M. furfur with human DCs will result in DC maturation, cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation. METHODS: Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) were generated from human peripheral blood. Immature MDDCs were cultured with or without M. furfur or plastic beads, and with or without CD40L stimulation. Interaction of yeast cells by MDDCs was studied by time-lapse photography and cytokines were detected in culture supernatants with ELISA. The ability of MDDCs pre-incubated with M. furfur to induce proliferation in autologous lymphocytes was measured by [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation. RESULTS: Time-lapse photography showed that the majority of immature MDDCs internalized whole M. furfur yeast cells within 1 h. The presence of M. furfur induced maturation (CD83 expression) of MDDCs, and up-regulation of the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. Production of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-18 by MDDCs increased significantly (P < 0.05 for TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, and P < 0.01 for IL-18) after the addition of M. furfur, while IL-10 and IL-12p70 levels remained unaltered. The CD40L-stimulated IL12p70 production by MDDCs was decreased in the presence of M. furfur (P < 0.05). Finally, immature MDDCs pre-incubated with M. furfur induced a proliferative response in autologous CD14-depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that immature MDDCs can internalize the opportunistic yeast M. furfur. This process was associated with MDDC maturation, production of pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines, which might favour induction of a Th2-type immune response, and a capacity to stimulate lymphocyte proliferation. This chain of events most likely contributes to the inflammatory reaction in AD.     

Necrotic but not apoptotic cell death releases heat shock proteins, which deliver a partial maturation signal to dendritic cells and activate the NF-kappa B pathway

Dendritic cells (DC) are key components of innate and adaptive immune responses. The identity of endogenous signals that activate DC is a crucial and unresolved question. We report here that heat shock proteins (HSP), the most abundant and conserved mammalian molecules, constitute such an internal signal. Necrotic but not apoptotic cell death leads to release of HSP gp96, calreticulin, hsp90 and hsp70. HSP stimulate macrophages to secrete cytokines, and induce expression of antigen-presenting and co-stimulatory molecules on the DC. The HSP gp96 and hsp70 act differentially, and each induces some but not all molecules. HSP interact with these antigen-presenting cells through the highly conserved NF-kappa B pathway. As HSP are intracellular, abundant and soluble, their presence in the extra-cellular milieu and the consequent activation of antigen-presenting cells (APC) constitutes an excellent mechanism for response to cell death. As HSP are conserved from bacteria to mammals, the ability of HSP to activate APC provides a unified mechanism for response to internal and external stimuli.     

Isolated lymphoid follicle maturation induces the development of follicular dendritic cells

Isolated lymphoid follicles (ILFs) are recently identified lymphoid structures in the small intestine with features similar to Peyer's patches (PPs). Using immunohistochemistry we characterized the composition of ILFs in the small intestines of immunocompetent mice and of mice that lacked PPs as a result of either genetic deficiency of lymphotoxin or temporary in utero lymphotoxin-beta receptor-signalling blockade. We showed that although both immature and mature ILFs were present in the intestines of immunocompetent mice, PP-deficiency induced a significantly greater number of mature ILFs. We found that in addition to B-lymphocyte-containing germinal centres, mature ILFs also possessed large networks of follicular dendritic cells (FDCs). These features were not detected within immature ILFs. Indeed, the presence of FDCs could be used to reliably distinguish ILF maturity. Further analysis revealed that the area occupied by the FDCs within mature ILFs was substantial. The total area occupied by FDCs in all the mature ILFs in mice lacking PPs was equivalent to the total area occupied by FDCs in all the PPs and the few mature ILFs in immunocompetent mice. Based on these data we reasoned that in the absence of PPs, mature ILFs are important inductive sites for intestinal immune responses. Indeed, in mice that lacked PPs, ILF maturation coincided with a restoration of faecal immunoglobulin A levels to values that were comparable to those found in immunocompetent mice. Taken together, these data imply that the induction of germinal centres and FDC networks within mature ILFs in response to PP deficiency provides an important compensatory mechanism.     

Defective maturation of dendritic cells in common variable immunodeficiency

Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MdDCs) from many patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) have been shown recently to have reduced expression of surface molecules associated with maturity. Using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, we now show that this is due to a partial failure to fix Class II DR molecules on the surface during procedures that induce full maturation in vitro in cells from normal subjects. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, CD86 and CD83 expression were expressed normally, but CD40 was reduced. These abnormalities are unlikely to be due to prior in vivo exposure of monocytes to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as addition of LPS to monocytes from normal subjects in vitro caused a different pattern of changes. CVID MdDCs retained Class II DR in the cytoplasm during maturation, showed increased internalization of cross-linked Class II DR surface molecules and were unable to polarize DR within a lipid raft at contact sites with autologous lymphocytes. These cells retained some features of monocytes, such as the ability to phagocytose large numbers of fixed yeast and fluorescent carboxylated microspheres and expression of surface CD14. These abnormalities, if reflected in vivo, could compromise antigen presentation and may be a fundamental defect in the mechanism of the antibody deficiency in a substantial subset of CVID patients.     

钙离子载体诱导HL-60细胞分化成树突状细胞的实验研究

目的 :探讨一种钙离子载体 (calciumionophore,CI)A2 3187,能否诱导早幼粒白血病细胞株HL 6 0分化成具有活性的树突状细胞 (dendriticcells,DCs)。方法 :将生长状态良好的HL 6 0细胞分别加在普通培养液中 ,或在含不同浓度 (2 5～ 16 0 0 μg/L)的A2 3187及 10 0 μg/L重组人粒 /单集落刺激因子 (rhGM CSF)的普通培养液中培养。 2 4～ 96h后 ,在光镜及电镜下观察细胞的形态 ;用流式细胞仪检测细胞的表面标志 ,MTT比色法检测其刺激同种异体T细胞增殖的作用。结果 :HL 6 0细胞以适量 (2 0 0 μg/L)的A2 3187诱导 2 4h ,DC的特征性表面标志CD83分子的表达最高 ,72h可出现典型的树突状突起 ,96h细胞表面CD80 (B7.1)、CD86 (B7.2 )、MHC II分子及细胞间黏附分子CD5 4的表达最高 ,且能明显激活同种异体T细胞。结论 :钙离子载体A2 3187可将HL 6 0细胞诱导成具有活性的DC样细胞。     

Maturation of dendritic cells by necrotic thyrocytes facilitates induction of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis

Dendritic cell (DC) maturation is required for efficient presentation of autoantigens leading to autoimmunity. In this report, we have examined whether release of tissue antigens from necrotic thyroid epithelial cells can trigger DC maturation and initiation of a primary anti-self response. DC were cocultured with either viable (VT/DC) or necrotic (NT/DC) thyrocytes, and their phenotypic and functional maturation as well as immunopathogenic potential were assessed. Significant up-regulation of surface MHC class II and costimulatory molecule expression was observed in NT/DC but not in VT/DC. This was correlated with a functional maturation of NT/DC, determined by IL-12 secretion. Challenge of CBA/J mice with NT/DC, but not with VT/DC, elicited thyroglobulin (Tg)-specific IgG as well as Tg-specific CD4(+) T-cell responses and led to development of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis. These results support the view that thyroid epithelial cell necrosis may cause autoimmune thyroiditis via maturation of intrathyroidal DC.     

Defining a standard and weighted mathematical index for maturation of dendritic cells

The concept of dendritic cell (DC) maturation generally refers to the changes in morphology and function of DCs. Conventionally, DC maturity is based on three criteria: loss of endocytic ability, gain of high‐level capacity to present antigens and induce proliferation of T cells, and mobility of DCs toward high concentrations of CCL19. Impairment of DC maturation has been suggested as the main reason for infectivity or chronicity of several infectious agents. In the case of hepatitis C virus, this has been a matter of controversy for the last two decades. However, insufficient attention has been paid to the method of ex vivo maturation as the possible source of such controversies. We previously reported striking differences between DCs matured with different methods, so we propose the use of a standard quantitative index to determine the level of maturity in DCs as an approach to compare results from different studies. We designed and formulated a mathematically calculated index to numerically define the level of maturity based on experimental data from ex vivo assays. This introduces a standard maturation index (SMI) and weighted maturation index (WMI) based on strictly standardized mean differences between different methods of generating mature DCs. By calculating an SMI and a WMI, numerical values were assigned to the level of maturity achieved by DCs matured with different methods. SMI and WMI could be used as a standard tool to compare diversely generated mature DCs and so better interpret outcomes of ex vivo and in vivo studies with mature DCs.     

microRNA-27a对树突状细胞表型及功能的影响

目的:研究microRNA-27a(miR-27a)对脂多糖(Lipopolysaccharide,LPS)刺激的小鼠树突状细胞(Dendritic cell,DC)的成熟和细胞因子分泌的影响。方法:小鼠骨髓来源的未成熟树突状细胞(immature dendritic cell,im DC)转染miR-27a的模拟物(miR-27a mimics)后,用LPS刺激24 h,采用流式细胞仪检测其表面共刺激分子CD80、CD86及MHCⅡ表达,ELISA方法检测其上清中的IL-12p70及IL-10蛋白水平,RT-PCR方法检测其细胞内IL-12p40及IL-10 mRNA水平,混合淋巴细胞反应(MLR)检测其刺激T细胞增殖能力。结果:与未处理的im DC比较,LPS刺激24 h后的DC表面的共刺激分子CD80、CD86及MHCⅡ表达均显著增高(均P0.001);LPS刺激24 h后,与对照组比较,转染miR-27a mimics细胞的共刺激分子CD80、CD86及MHCⅡ表达均显著降低(均P0.001),且显著抑制IL-12分泌(P0.01)、促进IL-10分泌(P0.05),并显著减弱LPS刺激的DC促CD4+T细胞增殖的能力(P0.01)。结论:miR-27a影响小鼠树突状细胞的成熟以及细胞因子的分泌。     

Cepharanthine induces apoptosis through the mitochondria/caspase pathway in murine dendritic cells

Context: Cepharanthine (CEP) is a biscoclaurine amphipathic alkaloid isolated from the plant Stephania cepharantha Hayata. Although the effects of CEP on several types of cells have been investigated, those on dendritic cells (DCs) are poorly understood.

Objective: To investigate the effect of CEP on the induction of apoptosis in murine DCs.

Materials and methods: The induction of Annexin V/propidium iodide-positive cells and permeability of mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated in DCs treated with CEP. Cell-associated caspase activity and DNA fragmentation were analyzed by Dual Sensor: MitoCasp? and agarose gel electrophoresis, respectively.

Results: The number of dead cells was increased by CEP treatment at concentrations more than 10?μg/ml. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the cell death was found to be apoptosis, CEP treatment reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and upregulated the level of cleaved caspases, including caspase-9 and caspase-3/7, in a dose-dependent fashion. Furthermore, DNA fragmentation was observed in CEP-treated DCs.

Conclusion: CEP is capable of inducing apoptosis and may be a potential agent against DC-mediated and allergic diseases.     

The role of heat shock protein (hsp70) in dendritic cell maturation: hsp70 induces the maturation of immature dendritic cells but reduces DC differentiation from monocyte precursors

Members of the heat shock protein (hsp70) family are either constitutively expressed (hsc70) or can be induced by hyperthermic stress (hsp70). Recombinant hsp70 (rhsp70) stimulates cytokine production from monocytes and enhances NK cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. Here we demonstrate that rhsp70 binds to immature dendritic cells (DC) derived from monocyte precursors and induces their maturation as evidenced by an increase in CD40, CD86 and CD83 expression. Immature DC stimulated to mature with rhsp70 show an enhanced ability to present tyrosinase peptide to specific CTL. Mature DC did not bind rhsp70, suggesting a down-regulation in the expression of its receptor. When rhsp70 was added to monocyte precursors at the same time as GM-CSF and IL-4 it reduced the differentiation of monocytes into DC as shown by a decrease in the level of CD40, CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR expression and an increase in CD14 expression. The constitutively expressed hsc70 had neither a stimulatory effect on the maturation of immature DC nor did it reduce the differentiation of monocytes into DC. These findings demonstrate the specific ability of rhsp70 to induce the maturation of immature DC. Therefore rhsp70 may be useful for its adjuvant like properties in DC based immunotherapy of certain tumors.     

Vitamin D immunoregulation through dendritic cells

Vitamin D (VD3) has been linked to immunological processes, and its supplementation may have a role in treatment or prevention of diseases with underlying autoimmune or pro‐inflammatory states. As initiators of the immune responses, dendritic cells (DC) are a potential target of VD3 to dampen autoimmunity and inflammation, but the role of DC in VD3‐mediated immunomodulation in vivo is not understood. In addition to being targets of VD3, DC can provide a local source of bioactive VD3 for regulation of T‐cell responses. Here we review existing studies that describe the tolerogenic potential of VD3 on DC, and discuss them in the context of current understanding of DC development and function. We speculate on mechanisms that might account for the potent but poorly understood tolerogenic activities of VD3 and the role of DC as both targets and sources of this hormone.     

Origin and differentiation of dendritic cells

Despite extensive, recent research on the development of dendritic cells (DCs), their origin is a controversial issue in immunology, with important implications regarding their use in cancer immunotherapy. Although, under defined experimental conditions, DCs can be generated from myeloid or lymphoid precursors, the differentiation pathways that generate DCs in vivo remain unknown largely. Indeed, experimental results suggest that the in vivo differentiation of a particular DC subpopulation could be unrelated to its possible experimental generation. Nevertheless, the analysis of DC differentiation by in vivo and in vitro experimental systems could provide important insights into the control of the physiological development of DCs and constitutes the basis of a model of common DC differentiation that we propose.     

雷公藤内酯醇对浆细胞样树突状细胞功能及成熟的影响

目的 通过体外试验研究雷公藤内酯醇(triptolide)对浆细胞样树突状细胞(plasmacytoid dendritic cell,pDC)功能及成熟的影响,为进一步阐明雷公藤内酯醇的免疫学活性提供依据.方法 从健康志愿者外周血分离单个核细胞,流式细胞仪分选pDC,加入0、5、10、30 μg/L的雷公藤内酯醇共孵育,24 h后收集上清液,ELISA检测pDC分泌的IFN-α、IL-6、TNF-α量,5 d后收集细胞,流式细胞仪检测树突状细胞表型CD11c、CD80、CD86阳性率,光镜观察DC的形态,扫描电镜观察DC的超微结构.结果 雷公藤内酯醇显著降低pDC分泌的IFN-α、IL-6、TNF-α,并呈雷公藤内酯醇浓度依赖性(P＜0.05);雷公藤内酯醇可抑制pDC向DC的分化和成熟,并呈雷公藤内酯醇浓度依赖性(P＜0.05).结论 雷公藤内酯醇能够降低pDC的功能,并抑制其向DC的分化和成熟.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the mechanism of immunomodulatory activity of triptolide on healthy volunteers peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)-derived plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Methods Healthy volunteers-derived pDCs were sorted by flow cytometry, then incubated with triptolide (0, 5, 10, 30 μg/L). After 24 hours, we detected the concentration of IFN-α, IL-6, TNF-α using ELISA. After 5 days, the cultrural cells were collected and analyzed by flow cytometry, light microscope and electron microscope scanning. Results Triptolide-treated pDCs secreted lower level of IFN-α,IL-6 ,TNF-α, triptolide could inhibit pDCs differentiation to DCs which displayed more immature morphology and immunophenotypes than untreated-pDCs. Conclusion Triptolide could decrease the immune function of pDCs, inhibit differentiation and maturation of pDCs.     

Purification of splenic dendritic cells induces maturation and capacity to stimulate Th1 response in vivo

Dendritic cell (DC) maturation state is a key parameter for the issue of DC-T cell cognate interaction, which determines the outcome of T cell activation. Indeed, immature DCs induce tolerance while fully mature DCs generate immunity. Here we show that, in the absence of any deliberate activation signal, DCs freshly isolated from mouse spleen spontaneously produce IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha and up-regulate co-stimulation molecules, even when directly re-injected into their natural environment. Furthermore, after their isolation, these cells acquire the capacity to induce specific T(h)1 responses in vivo. These results demonstrate that the sole isolation of spleen DCs leads to the full maturation of these cells, which therefore cannot be considered as immature DCs. Moreover, we also show that the kinetics of DC activation do not influence the polarization of T(h) response in vivo challenging the idea that exhausted DCs induce preferentially T(h)2 response. Altogether, these observations should be taken into account in all experiments based on the transfer of ex vivo purified DCs.     

Bacterial DNA and immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides trigger maturation and activation of murine dendritic cells

Bacterial DNA and immunostimulatory (i.s.) synthetic CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) act as adjuvants for Th1 responses and cytotoxic T cell responses to proteinaceous antigens. Dendritic cells (DC) can be referred to as “nature's adjuvant” since they display the unique capacity to sensitize naive T cells. Here, we demonstrate that bacterial DNA or i.s. CpG-ODN cause simultaneous maturation of immature DC and activation of mature DC to produce cytokines. These events are associated with the acquisition of professional antigen-presenting cell (APC) function. Unfractionated murine bone marrow-derived DC and FACS^®-fractionated MHC class II^low (termed immature DC) or MHC class II^high populations (termed mature DC) were stimulated with bacterial DNA or i.s. CpG-ODN. Similar to lipopolysaccharide, i.s. CpG-ODN caused up-regulation of MHC class II, CD40 and CD86, but not CD80 on immature and mature DC. In parallel both DC subsets were activated to produce large amounts of IL-12, IL-6 and TNF-α. CpG-ODN-activated DC displayed professional APC function in allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction and in staphylococcal enterotoxin B-driven naive T cell responses. We interpret these findings to mean that bacterial DNA and i.s. CpG-ODN cause maturation (first step) and activation (second step) of DC to bring about conversion of immature DC into professional APC.