Multiformic modulation of endotoxin effects by linomide

Linomide is a potent immunomodulator that either enhances or suppresses certain immunological processes. Of particular interest is this compound's capacity to inhibit a variety of organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Here, we report on the effects of linomide on several immunological reactions elicited by endotoxin (LPS), both in vivo and in vitro. In rats and mice linomide inhibited the elicitation of endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU), an acute inflammatory eye disease that develops within 24 h following footpad injection of LPS. Linomide also inhibited the production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 by LPS-stimulated rat and mouse macrophage monolayers. On the other hand, treatment with linomide significantly increased the levels of IL-1beta (mice and less in rats), IL-6 (rats), and TNF-alpha (mice) in serum samples collected 2 h following injection with LPS. The increased production of proinflammatory cytokines in linomide-treated mice was also indicated by the enhanced lethal effect of LPS in these mice. The finding of elevated levels of these cytokines in animals with suppressed EIU is also in line with previous observations of an inverse relationship between EIU severity and levels of TNF-alpha. Data recorded here underscore the unique capacity of linomide to both enhance and suppress the immune system.     

Immunomodulatory effects of the methanolic extract from Pouteria campechiana leaves in macrophage functions

The present study aimed to examine the immunomodulatory properties of the methanolic (MeOH) extract from Pouteria. campechiana leaves in peritoneal macrophages of Balb/c mice. Peritoneal macrophages isolated from mice and Vero cells were treated with the MeOH extract from leaves. Cell viability of the macrophages and Vero cells were evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide method. The phagocytic activity, as nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) production were evaluated on peritoneal macrophages. Results showed that the MeOH extract from leaves was able to stimulate the phagocytic activity and increase NO, H₂O₂ and cytokines production. The viability assays do not show cytotoxic effect on cell viability and cause a significative proliferative effect in the macrophages of a concentration-dependent manner. These results conclude that the MeOH extract from P. campechiana leaves possessed a stronger immunostimulatory effect in a concentration-dependent manner without affect the cell viability.     

他汀类药物对免疫细胞功能的调节作用及机制

他汀类药物是羟甲基戊二酸单酰辅酶A(HMG-CoA)还原酶的抑制剂,因其显著的降脂功能而广泛应用于治疗动脉粥样硬化和心血管疾病.近年来研究发现,他汀类药物在CD4+T细胞介导的多种自身免疫性疾病中显示了免疫调节功能,可有效预防和治疗这类疾病.本文将对他汀类药物的免疫调节功能及潜在机制进行初步的探讨.     

Ocular autoimmunity: the price of privilege?

Summary:  The eye is the prototypic immune-privileged organ. Its antigens were once believed to be expressed exclusively in the eye, which resides behind an efficient blood–organ barrier, and were believed to be unknown to the immune system. Self-tolerance to ocular components was therefore believed to be based not on immune tolerance but on immune ignorance. It is now known that the relationship between the immune system and the eye is much more complex. On the one hand, immune privilege is now known to involve not only sequestration but also active mechanisms that (i) inhibit innate and adaptive immune processes within the eye and (ii) shape the response that develops systemically to antigens released from the eye. On the other hand, retinal antigens are found in the thymus and have been shown to shape the eye-specific T-cell repertoire. However, thymic elimination of self-reactive T cells is incomplete, and such 'escapee' T cells are tolerized in the periphery as they recirculate through the body by encounter with self-antigen in healthy tissues. Due to the relative inaccessibility of the healthy eye to the immune system, peripheral tolerance mechanisms may not operate efficiently for ocular antigens, leaving a weak link in the homeostasis of tolerance. The case shall be made that although immune privilege protects vision by keeping the immune system at bay, a potential for developing destructive anti-retinal autoimmunity may be the price for the day-to-day protection afforded by immune privilege against inflammatory insults.     

Immunomodulatory functions of TRPM7 and its implications in autoimmune diseases

An autoimmune disease is an inappropriate response to one's tissues due to a break in immune tolerance and exposure to self-antigens. It often leads to structural and functional damage to organs and systemic disorders. To date, there are no effective interventions to prevent the progression of autoimmune diseases. Hence, there is an urgent need for new treatment targets. TRPM7 is an enzyme-coupled, transient receptor ion channel of the subfamily M that plays a vital role in pathologic and physiologic conditions. While TRPM7 is constitutively activated under certain conditions, it can regulate cell migration, polarization, proliferation and cytokine secretion. However, a growing body of evidence highlights the critical role of TRPM7 in autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. Herein, we present (a) a review of the channel kinase properties of TRPM7 and its pharmacological properties, (b) discuss the role of TRPM7 in immune cells (neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes and mast cells) and its upstream immunoreactive substances, and (c) highlight TRPM7 as a potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases.     

Systemic inflammatory immune signatures in a patient with CRB1 linked retinal dystrophy

Background: In this report we describe, for the first time, the activation of the peripheral immune compartment in a patient with a CRB1 linked retinal degenerative disease, masquerading as intermediate uveitis.

Methods: To monitor the immune system during systemic immunosuppressive treatment, given for the initial diagnosis of intermediate uveitis, blood samples were taken before and during therapy, for analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cell-subsets and circulating immune mediators.

Results: The levels of various pro-inflammatory immune mediators (including MIF, TSLP, CCL2/MCP-1, CXCL9, CXCL10, IFN-β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23) were elevated in serum at the first time point, and decreased under immunosuppressive treatment. In parallel, the frequency of activated (CD86+) CD1c+ myeloid dendritic cells in blood was proportional to the central foveal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography.

Conclusions: These observations challenge the current view on the distinct pathophysiology of retinal degenerative and retinal inflammatory conditions in this patient.     

Immunomodulatory effects of estrogen and progesterone replacement in a nonhuman primate model

A novel postmenopausal nonhuman primate model consisting of healthy young and old ovariectomized rhesus macaques was used to assess the short-term immunomodulatory effects of transdermally administered estrogen and progesterone. Specifically, we determined estrogen- and progesterone-induced changes in absolute numbers of circulating lymphocytes (B lymphocytes, CD4⁺ lymphocytes, and CD8⁺ lymphocytes) as well as lymphocytes expressing the activation markers CD25 and CD69. In addition, we assessed B and T lymphocyte activity, i.e, immunoglobulin (Ig) and interferon- (IFN-) production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In general, treatment with estrogen or progesterone resulted in decreased lymphocyte numbers and in down-modulation of activation markers. In addition, hormone replacement resulted in a decreasing trend for PBMC IFN- production, whereas PBMC Ig production was minimally affected. Hormone treatment seemed to influence young and old animals differently, with the young animals appearing more susceptible to its immune system-related effects. These results indicate that, in our animal model exogenously administered hormones may dynamically interact with the immune system, resulting in in vivo modulation of lymphocyte numbers and activity.     

Immune regulatory effects of central nervous system antigens in culture

Evidence from several different experimental systems suggests that regulatory cells specific for self-antigens exist in the normal immune repertoire, and that these cells are necessary for maintenance of self-tolerance and prevention of autoimmune disease. We attempted to demonstrate the existence of regulatory cells specific for central nervous system (CNS) antigens in normal mice. We tested the effects of myelin basic protein (MBP), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and a mixture of soluble brain proteins (SBP) on cultured splenocytes. MBP at 50 microg/ml inhibited antigen-driven proliferation and this suppressive effect could be partially blocked by neutralizing antibodies to transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. MBP decreased expression of mRNA for the cytokines IL-2 and IFN-gamma, and slightly increased mRNA expression for TGF-beta. These effects did not appear to be mediated by regulatory cells specific for MBP, since MBP also suppressed proliferation in MBP-deficient shiverer mice and the suppressive effect could not be reproduced with selected MBP peptides. SBP at 250 microg/ml also inhibited antigen-driven proliferation, but this effect could not be blocked by neutralizing antibodies against IL-4, IL-10 or TGF-beta. SBP reduced expression of mRNA for IL-2, IL-10 and TGF-beta. These results are more consistent with the presence of a soluble inhibitory factor than with the action of SBP-specific regulatory cells. GFAP had no significant effect on proliferation. These results do not support the existence of regulatory cells specific for CNS antigens. Further investigation into non-antigen-specific mechanisms will be important in defining how autoimmune damage in the CNS is prevented.     

Oral tolerance in a murine model of relapsing experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU): induction of protective tolerance in primed animals

Oral administration of uveitogenic retinal antigens suppresses the expression of EAU induced by a subsequent immunization with these antigens. Effectiveness and mechanisms of oral tolerance in EAU have mainly been studied in the acute, monophasic model in Lewis rats by feeding antigen prior to induction of disease. In this study we investigated the effect of oral tolerance induction in the acute as well as the chronic-relapsing models in the B10.A mouse. In acute murine EAU we could effectively suppress disease by induction of oral tolerance prior to immunization. In the chronic-relapsing EAU, antigen feeding was started only after the animals had recovered from their first attack of uveitis. Under these experimental conditions the subsequent relapse was largely prevented. These experiments demonstrate that oral tolerance may have practical clinical implications in uveitis, which is predominantly a chronic-relapsing condition in humans.     

Immunomodulatory and antioxidant effect of Leptadenia reticulata leaf extract in rodents: possible modulation of cell and humoral immune response

Context: Leptadenia reticulata Linn. (Asclpiadaceae) commonly known as “dodi,” is an Indian medicinal plant which is known to have ethno-medical uses such as stimulant, tonic, immunostimulant and is one of the ingredient in ayurvedic formulation called as “Chawanprash,” which is widely used in India to increase the strength of immune system.

Objective: The aim of present study is to evaluate immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of L. reticulata L. leaves in rodents.

Methods: Haemagglutinating antibody (HA) titre, haematological profile (Hb, WBC, RBC), lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) response, neutrophil adhesion test and carbon clearance assay were determined by in vivo experiments.

Results: The evaluation of immunomodulatory potential of L. reticulata (100, 200 mg/kg, p.o.) evoked a significant dose-dependent increase in antibody titre values; DTH reaction induced by SRBC and potentiated percentage neutrophil adhesion to nylon fibers as well as phagocytosis in carbon clearance assay. Also it caused significant increase in haematological profile, GSH, SOD, CAT activity and significantly decreased LPO levels in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed rats.

Conclusion: The results obtained in this study indicate that L. reticulata possesses potential immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity and can play a major role in reducing the risk to develop immunodeficiency disorders.     

Immunomodulatory effects of the HIV-1 gp120 protein on antigen presenting cells: implications for AIDS pathogenesis

Antigen presenting cell (APC) function is central to the development of an effective anti-viral immune response. Among APC, monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells (DC) form the principal non-T cell compartment involved in in vivo HIV infection, and these cells play important and well-established roles in multiple aspects of viral pathogenesis. HIV infection may result in APC defects, which could ultimately contribute to the loss of CD4+ T cell responses observed early in HIV infection, when the CD4+ T cell number is still within the normal range. Extensive in vitro studies have demonstrated that the envelope glycoproteins of HIV-1 exert profound influences on various cell populations of the immune system, including hematopoietic progenitors, T and B lymphocytes, monocytes/ macrophages and DC, as well as on neuronal cells. The demonstration of the presence of envelope proteins both free in the circulation and bound to the surface of CD4+ cells suggests that gp120 interactions with non-infected cells can influence cellular functions in vivo, thus contributing to the immunopathogenesis of AIDS. This paper provides an overview of the present knowledge on gp120 binding, signal transduction triggering and interference with macrophage and DC functions and it highlights the importance of this interaction in the pathogenesis of AIDS.     

Regulation of experimental autoimmune uveitis in rats--separation of MHC and non-MHC gene effects.

Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease and has served as a model of certain ocular inflammatory conditions in man. The present study was aimed at separating the effects of MHC and non-MHC genes on the development of EAU in the rat. EAU-susceptible LEW (RT1l), EAU-resistant WKAH (RT1k), and WKAH.1L (RT1l) MHC congenic strain of WKAH background rats were immunized with retinal soluble antigen (S-Ag) in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). LEW rats showed typical EAU, while neither WKAH nor WKAH.1L congenic rats developed EAU. However, when an additional i.v. injection of Bordetella pertussis was given, all rat strains developed EAU. Furthermore, when immunized with peptide M, an 18-mer synthetic peptide, which corresponds to amino acid positions 303-320 of bovine S-Ag, and given an additional i.v. injection of B. pertussis, LEW and WKAH.1L rats developed EAU, whereas WKAH did not. When ACI (RT1avl), BUF (RT1b), LEJ (RT1j), W (RT1k), F344 (RT1lvl), BN (RT1n), NIG-III (RT1q), TO (RT1t), and SDJ (RT1u) rats were immunized with peptide M or S-Ag and then B. pertussis, all strains developed EAU by immunization with S-Ag plus B. pertussis, but only F344 and NIG-III developed EAU by immunization with peptide M. These findings suggest that susceptibility to EAU in rats is controlled by both MHC and non-MHC genes; and that in the absence of B. pertussis adjuvant, the form of disease induced by native S-Ag in FCA is governed by non-MHC gene(s). However, this effect of non-MHC gene(s) could no longer be observed when the rats were also injected with B. pertussis adjuvant at sensitization.     

Efficacy of immunotherapy with mesenchymal stem cells in man: a systematic review

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are widely studied for their immunomodulatory properties. Data from in vitro and pre-clinical models demonstrate that MSC suppress activated immune cells and ameliorate the severity of experimental immune disease. In complex human studies, the immunomodulatory efficacy of MSC therapy is not well established. We conducted a systematic review of clinical studies which used MSC with the purpose of immunomodulation and included at least 10 patients to investigate the efficacy of MSC therapy. Sixty-two studies comprising 10 different immune disorders were included in the analysis, of which 18 studies represented controlled trials. Although several of the studies reported an amelioration of disease severity, other studies failed to observe a beneficial effect of MSC. The low number of randomized controlled trials, small number of studies per disease category and limited immunological readout parameters made it difficult to draw a definitive conclusion on the efficacy of MSC immune therapy.     

UVEOGENE: An SNP database for investigations on genetic factors associated with uveitis and their relationship with other systemic autoimmune diseases

Uveitis is an intraocular inflammatory disease which can lead to serious visual impairment. Genetic factors have been shown to be involved in its development. However, few databases have focused on the information of associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and uveitis. To discover the exact genetic background of uveitis, we developed an SNP database specific for uveitis, “UVEOGENE,” which includes 370 genes and 918 SNPs covering 14 uveitis entities and 40 populations from 286 PubMed English‐language papers. Stratification analyses by gender, HLA status, and different clinical features were also extracted from the publications. As a result, 371 associations were judged as “statistically significant.” These associations were also shared with Global Variome shared Leiden Open Variation Database (LOVD) ( https://databases.lovd.nl/shared/genes ). Based on these associations, we investigated the genetic relationship among three widely studied uveitis entities including Behcet's disease (BD), Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease, and acute anterior uveitis (AAU). Furthermore, “UVEOGENE” can be used as a reliable and informative resource to identify similarities as well as differences in the genetic susceptibility among uveitis and other autoimmune diseases. UVEOGENE is freely accessible at http://www.uvogene.com .     

一种新术式对肝包虫患者围手术期体液免疫的影响

目的　探讨新术式“外膜内外囊切除术”对肝包虫病患者围手术期体液免疫功能的影响。方法　将 99例肝包虫病患者分 2组 ,A组 :6 7例 ,行外膜内外囊切除术 ;B组 :32例 ,行传统外囊切除术。检测术前、术后 2 4和 4 8h静脉血清白细胞介素 6 (IL 6 )、白细胞介素 8(IL 8)、免疫球蛋白IgG、IgA、IgM、C3、C反应蛋白 (CRP)水平。结果　A组血清IL 6、IL 8、CRP、IgG、IgA、IgM含量手术前后均无显著变化 (P >0 .0 5 )。B组术后 2 4和 4 8h血清IL 6、CRP含量与术后 2 4h血清IL 8、IgM含量均明显高于术前 (P均 <0 .0 5 ) ,而术后 2 4和 4 8h血清IgG含量均明显低于术前 (P <0 .0 1)。 2组术后 2 4h血清C3含量均显著高于术前 (P <0 .0 5 )。结论　“外膜内外囊切除术”创伤较轻 ,对机体体液免疫影响较小     

BSA免疫动物过程中抗原抗体亲和动力学特性的研究

目的 本课题使用牛血清白蛋白(BSA)作为抗原,通过对小鼠和家兔进行连续多次免疫和间隔长久免疫,探讨不同免疫周期下抗体产生及亲和力成熟的动力学变化规律.方法 采用ELISA和毛细管电泳测定抗体抗原的亲和常数.结果 伴随免疫次数的增加,特异性抗体效价持续增强.抗体亲和力水平在二次免疫应答时存在一个明显的突变过程,小鼠的抗体亲和常数从1.6×108 L/mol上升到6.9×108 L/mol.随后免疫次数虽然继续增加,但亲和力变化趋于稳定,最终稳定于7.2×108 L/mol,而B细胞对抗原的亲和力会持续增强.结论 抗体抗原亲和力随免疫次数的增加趋向饱和,BSA的线性表位为优势表位,随免疫次数的增加比重逐渐增强.     

Cellular immune response of patients with uveitis to peptide M,a retinal S-antigen fragment

Peptide M, an 18-amino acid fragment from position 303 to position 320 of retinal S-antigen, produces experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), similar to that produced by native S-antigen, in several vertebrate species including nonhuman primates. It was observed that 12 of the 39 (30.7%) patients with uveitis, 1 of the 29 (3.4%) patients with systemic connective tissue disorders (CTD) without eye involvement, 2 of the 7 (5.8%) patients of CTD with uveitis, 1 of the 17 (5.8%) patients with diabetic retinopathy, and none of the 19 normal healthy controls showed a significant lymphoproliferative response to peptide M (stimulation index of 3 or more). Yeast histone H3 peptide gave a positive response in 1 (2.5%), 2 (6.8%), 1 (14.2%), 2 (11.7%), and 2 (10.5%) individuals, respectively, in the different groups studied. In a few cases a positive response to yeast histone H3 peptide was observed without significant stimulation to peptide M. These findings indicate that peptide M could also be an immunogenic epitope of S-antigen in humans and be aetiopathologically related to uveitis in a subset of patients with this disease. However, unlike experimental animals, the responses to peptide M and yeast histone H3 were nonconcordant, necessitating further studies.     

耻垢分枝杆菌作为免疫调节剂的研究

目的 探讨耻垢分枝杆菌制剂对不同免疫状态动物的免疫调节作用.方法 注射环磷酰胺建立免疫功能低下的动物模型,以结核分枝杆菌感染（早期）或猪血清致敏建立免疫功能亢进的动物模型,然后将耻垢分枝杆菌制剂分别注射于正常、免疫功能低下和免疫功能亢进的动物,研究耻垢分枝杆菌制剂对不同模型动物T淋巴细胞增殖反应、迟发型超敏反应或速发型超敏反应的影响.结果 耻垢分枝杆菌制剂可增强正常动物的T淋巴细胞增殖反应和迟发型超敏反应,促进免疫功能低下小鼠T淋巴细胞增殖功能的恢复,抑制免疫功能亢进豚鼠的迟发型超敏反应和猪血清致敏小鼠的速发型超敏反应.结论 耻垢分枝杆菌制剂具有双向免疫调节作用.     

Production of different antibodies after simultaneous immunization of animals with two antigens

We propose a method of simultaneous immunization with two different antigens for isolation of two types of antibodies from the same antiserum. Bacterial proteins (Bacillus stearothermophilus glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and Escherichia coli GroEL chaperonin) served as the antigens. Affinity purification of antibodies was carried out using two columns: with covalently immobilized glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase or GroEL chaperonin. During stage I, the antiserum was applied onto the column with immobilized glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, after which antibodies to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase were eluted. During the next stage, the antiserum without antibodies to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was passed through the column with immobilized GroEL and antibodies to chaperonin were isolated. Antibodies to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and to GroEL had high titers and exhibited no cross-reaction. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 143, No. 6, pp. 718–720, June, 2007     

Detection of antibody formation in mice, rats and rabbits immunized with different Pneumocystis carinii antigens

Antibody formation to P. carinii of human origin was determined by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA) after immunization of mice, rats and rabbits with pronase-treated whole cysts and soluble antigen in order to obtain more detailed data about the production of polyclonal antibodies. Antibody titre profiles over defined periods have shown that noticeable differences between the immunoreactions to whole cysts and soluble antigen occur. The soluble antigen produced an earlier and stronger titre rise (peak titres of up to 1:2560 2 to 4 weeks after immunization). In contrast to this, whole cysts produced equally high, although retarded, antibody titre peaks only in normal mice and rats and when the dose had been doubled. Nu/nu mice failed to demonstrate any reaction to these P. carinii immunogens. Cross-reactivity of the antibodies with P. carinii antigen from rat lungs was demonstrated. Possible reasons for different immunoreactions to these antigens, the importance of proteolytic digestion for the results obtained and the potential applicability of these polyclonal antibodies to a histochemical demonstration of the parasite are discussed.