Human T lymphoblasts and activated dendritic cells in the allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction are susceptible to NK cell-mediated anti-CD83-dependent cytotoxicity

CD83 is a marker of dendritic cell (DC) differentiation/activation and its expression in the mouse thymus contributes to CD4(+) T lymphocyte development. Its extrathymic role remains unclear despite the functional effects observed with CD83 fusion proteins or CD83 antibody and recent reports of potential ligands. We investigated the previously observed and presumed functional blockade of the allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) with rabbit polyclonal anti-CD83 (RA83). RA83 inhibition of T lymphocyte proliferation stimulated with allogeneic immature monocyte-derived DC (iMoDC) was confirmed. However, we found it was due to antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by NK cells in the responder T cell preparation. The likely targets of the ADCC were MoDC that had up-regulated CD83 during the MLR. Using a (51)Cr-release assay, we confirmed that CD83(+) MoDC, but not CD83(-) MoDC, are lysed by NK cells in the presence of RA83. However, prior fixation of the stimulator MoDC in the allogeneic MLR did not abrogate RA83 inhibition, indicating that cells from the responder T lymphocyte preparation, involved in the MLR proliferative response, also expressed CD83. We found, after 3-4 days of culture with allogeneic MoDC, a subset of CD3(+) cells had up-regulated CD83 and CD25. These were blasting T cells and, when isolated from the MLR, were found to be lysed by autologous NK cells in the presence of RA83. Thus, CD83 is expressed by responding T cells as well as by stimulating cells in the MLR and both are susceptible to anti-CD83-mediated ADCC.     

Human plasmacytoid dendritic cells induce CD8⁺ LAG-3⁺ Foxp3⁺ CTLA-4⁺ regulatory T cells that suppress allo-reactive memory T cells

Allo-reactive memory T cells are a major barrier for induction of immunological tolerance to allografts in humans. Here, we report that stimulation of unfractionated human T cells with TLR-stimulated allogeneic plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) induces CD8(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) that inhibit T-cell allo-responses, including those of memory T cells. CD3(+) T cells were primed for 7 days with allogeneic pDCs that had been pre-stimulated with TLR-7 or TLR-9 ligands. While the T cells proliferated and produced cytokines during the priming culture, they were profoundly hypo-responsive to re-stimulation with the same allo-antigen in a second culture. Moreover, T cells primed by pDCs exerted donor-specific suppression on allo-responses of both unfractionated and memory CD3(+) T cells. The regulatory capacity of pDC-primed T cells was confined to CD8(+) LAG-3(+) Foxp3(+) CTLA-4(+) T cells, which suppressed allogeneic T-cell responses through a CTLA-4-dependent mechanism. Induction of CD8(+) Tregs by pDCs could be partially prevented by 1-methyl tryptophan, an inhibitor of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. In conclusion, stimulation of human T cells by TLR-stimulated allogeneic pDCs induces CD8(+) Tregs that inhibit allogeneic T-cell responses, including memory T cells. Donor-derived pDCs may be considered as an immunotherapeutic tool to prevent activation of the recipient allo-reactive (memory) T-cell repertoire after allogeneic transplantation.     

阻断型CD154抗体和CD80抗体生物学作用的研究

为比较阻断型抗人CD154单克隆抗体(1B1)和抗人CD80单克隆抗体(3H8)的单独及联合应用在调节CD4+T细胞对同种抗原的初次和再次免疫应答中的作用。采用免疫磁珠阴性选择法分离获得人外周血CD4+T细胞、将纯化的CD4+T细胞与刺激细胞体外共培养,通过检测培养上清IL-2、IFN-γ水平以及CD4+T细胞的增殖来评价1B1和3H8的生物学作用。结果显示,1B1和3H8单独或联合应用能不同程度地抑制混合淋巴细胞反应中CD4+T细胞对同种抗原刺激的增殖,下调CD4+T细胞分泌IL-2和IFN-γ,并且在再次反应中能有效诱导CD4+T细胞对同种抗原的免疫低反应性。因此,1B1和3H8的单独及联合应用在移植排斥的免疫干预及同种抗原免疫耐受的诱导中具有潜在的应用前景。     

Triggering CD101 molecule on human cutaneous dendritic cells inhibits T cell proliferation via IL-10 production

Since the CD101 molecule is expressed on a major subpopulation of HLA-DR(+), CD1a(+), CD1c(+) cutaneous dendritic cells (DC), we studied the functional role of CD101 on cutaneous DC. Anti-CD101 monoclonal antibody (mAb) inhibited the proliferation of T cells induced by cutaneous DC. There was a synergistic inhibition between anti-CD101 mAb and anti-CD86/anti-CD80 mAb. Anti-CD101 mAb exerted its inhibitory effect when binding to the CD101 expressed on cutaneous DC. No positive role of CD101 putative ligand expressed by T cells in T cell proliferation was demonstrated, as T cells proliferated in response to soluble anti-CD3 mAb in the presence of CD86-transfected cells but not in the presence of CD101-transfected cells. Of major significance is the fact that IL-10 was produced by cutaneous DC after CD101 triggering with anti-CD101 mAb, while IL-10 secretion was up-regulated in mixed cutaneous DC-T cell cultures after CD101 triggering. Furthermore, IL-10-neutralizing mAb could reverse the inhibition induced by anti-CD101 mAb. Our results demonstrate that the CD101 triggering on cutaneous DC inhibits T cell proliferation via IL-10 production, suggesting an important regulatory role played by the CD101 molecule on DC during T cell activation.     

Identification of a novel dendritic cell-like subset of CD64(+) / CD16(+) blood monocytes

Human monocytes (Mo) consist of a major subset of Fcgamma-receptor I (CD64)-positive typical low accessory phagocytes, and a minor CD64(-) DC-like subset with high T cell-accessory and IFN-alpha-releasing activity. Both populations also differentially express CD16 (Fcgamma-receptor III). Double labeling with anti-CD64 and anti-CD16 mAb, as performed here, identified four different subsets. The CD64(-) subset consists of CD64(-) / 16(+) cells with high antigen-presenting cell (APC) function and macrophage-like phenotype, and a CD64(-) / 16(-) subset of less active APC but which exhibits a higher mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) stimulating and IFN-alpha-producing capacity, possibly resembling plasmacytoid dendritic cell type II (DC2) blood precursors. As well as the majority of CD64(+) cells that appeared CD64(+) / 16(-) and represent typical low-accessory, CD14(high) Mo, we could identify and describe a novel minor subset of CD64(+) / 16(+) cells which is unique in combining typical DC and Mo characteristics in the same cell. These are high IL-12 production, high accessory capacity for antigen- or allogen-activated lymphocytes, and high expression of HLA-DR, CD86, and CD11c.     

Reduced graft-versus-host disease in C3-deficient mice is associated with decreased donor Th1/Th17 differentiation

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is mediated by the activation of recipient dendritic cells and subsequent proliferation of donor T cells. The complement system was recently shown to modulate adaptive immunity through an interaction of the complement system and lymphocytes. Complement proteins participate in the activation of dendritic cells, antigen presentation to T cells, and proliferation of T cells. Our studies with a murine model of bone marrow transplantation demonstrate that complement system regulates alloimmune responses in GVHD. Mice deficient in the central component of the complement system (C3(-/-)) had significantly lower GVHD-related mortality and morbidity compared with wild-type recipient mice. The numbers of donor-derived T cells, including IFN-γ(+), IL-17(+), and IL-17(+)IFN-γ(+) subsets, were decreased in secondary lymphoid organs of C3(-/-) recipients. Furthermore, the number of recipient CD8α(+)CD11c(+) cells in lymphoid organs was reduced. We conclude that C3 regulates Th1/17 differentiation in bone marrow transplantation, and define a novel function of the complement system in GVHD.     

Expression and function of 4-1BB and 4-1BB ligand on murine dendritic cells

4-1BB (CDw137) and its ligand (4-1BBL) have been implicated in cellular immune responses. To further characterize the expression and function of 4-1BBL, we newly generated an anti-mouse 4-1BBL mAb (TKS-1), which can inhibit the interaction of 4-1BBL with 4-1BB. Flow cytometric analyses using TKS-1 and an anti-mouse 4-1BB mAb indicated that 4-1BB was inducible on both CD4(+) and CD8(+) splenic T cells by stimulation with immobilized anti-CD3 mAb, but 4-1BBL was not expressed on resting or activated T cells. 4-1BBL expression was inducible on splenic B cells by stimulation with anti-IgM antibody plus anti-CD40 mAb, on peritoneal macrophages by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and on splenic dendritic cells (DC) by stimulation with anti-CD40 mAb or LPS. Interestingly, splenic DC expressed 4-1BB constitutively, which was down-regulated by anti-CD40 stimulation. Co-culture of splenic DC with 4-1BBL-transfected cells or 4-1BBL-expressing tumor cell lines led to cytokine (IL-6 and IL-12) production and co-stimulatory molecule up-regulation by splenic DC, indicating that 4-1BBL can directly activate DC. Moreover, IL-12 production by anti-CD40-stimulated DC was partially inhibited by TKS-1. These results suggest that 4-1BB expressed on DC may be involved in DC activation through DC--tumor interaction and DC--DC interaction.     

CD40 ligation releases immature dendritic cells from the control of regulatory CD4+CD25+ T cells

We report that disruption of CD154 in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice abrogates the helper function of CD4+CD25- T cells without impairing the regulatory activity of CD4+CD25+ T cells. Whereas CD4+ T cells from NOD mice enhanced a diabetogenic CD8+ T cell response in monoclonal TCR-transgenic NOD mice, CD4+ T cells from NOD.CD154(-/-) mice actively suppressed it. Suppression was mediated by regulatory CD4+CD25+ T cells capable of inhibiting CD8+ T cell responses induced by peptide-pulsed dendritic cells (DCs), but not peptide/MHC monomers. It involved inhibition of DC maturation, did not occur in the presence of CD154+ T-helper cells, and could be inhibited by activation of DCs with LPS, CpG DNA, or an agonistic anti-CD40 mAb. Thus, in at least some genetic backgrounds, CD154-CD40 interactions and innate stimuli release immature DCs from suppression by CD4+CD25+ T cells.     

Natural killer cells prime the responsiveness of autologous CD4+ T cells to CTLA4-Ig and interleukin-10 mediated inhibition in an allogeneic dendritic cell-mixed lymphocyte reaction

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 immunoglobulin (CTLA4-Ig) and interleukin (IL)-10 are immunomodulatory molecules which target CD28 costimulation by acting either directly or indirectly on the CD80/86 receptors on dendritic cells (DCs). This study examined the effect of combined treatment with CTLA4-Ig and IL-10 on T-cell responsiveness in a dendritic cell-mixed lymphocyte reaction (DC-MLR). T cells derived from nylon wool enrichment (NWT cells) demonstrated 15% (P = 0.006) and 10% (P = 0.0015) inhibition of proliferation with suboptimal doses of IL-10 (5 ng/ml) and CTLA4-Ig (20 ng/ml), respectively. Combined treatment with both agents resulted in 38% inhibition (P = 0.004) of the MLR response compared with untreated controls. In contrast to NWT cells, which consisted of CD4+, CD8+ and CD56+ (NK) cells, purified CD4+ T cells were less responsive to immunomodulation by CTLA4-Ig and IL-10. Repletion of the CD4+ T cells with NK cells restored IL-10 and CTLA4-Ig mediated immunomodulation, suggesting a role for NK cells in the regulation of DC-T-cell interactions. The specific effect of NK cells on DC activation was demonstrated by CD80 up-regulation on DCs in the absence of T cells. However, in the absence of DCs, NK cells augmented the proliferation of autologous CD4+ T cells stimulated by anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb), which was blocked by CTLA4-Ig. It is proposed that, in the MLR, immunomodulation by suboptimal CTLA4-Ig and IL-10 is influenced by cellular interactions of NK cells with DCs and T cells involving DC lysis and costimulation. Thus, NK cells prime both DCs and T cells to low doses of CTLA4-Ig and IL-10 during alloimmune responses, providing evidence for the potential interaction between innate and adaptive immunity.     

Transplant tolerance modifying antibody to CD200 receptor, but not CD200, alters cytokine production profile from stimulated macrophages

Increased C57BL/6 allograft survival following donor-specific dendritic cell (DC) portal vein (pv) pre-transplant immunization of C3H mice is associated with increased expression of the molecule CD200 on DC, delivery of suppressive signals by CD200(r+) macrophages, and polarization in cytokine production towards type-2 cytokines. Infusion of anti-mouse CD200 monoclonal antibody abolishes these effects. We have used whole Ig, and F(ab')(2) fragments, of anti-CD200 and anti-CD200(r) mAb to explore the relative signaling role of CD200(+) versus CD200(r+) cells in suppression of type-1 cytokine production in mixed leukocyte cultures (MLC), and enhanced graft survival in vivo. Simple neutralization of CD200 [even by F(ab')(2) antibody] reversed CD200-mediated suppression. However, only whole anti-CD200(r) antibody was effective in stimulating suppression from CD200(r+) cells. Suppression of cytokine induction following cross-linking of CD200(r+) cells in vitro was attenuated by anti-IL-6 mAb. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that CD200(r) itself delivers the crucial intracellular signal leading to immunosuppression, a feature likely of importance in autoimmunity and transplantation.     

Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor is an anti-apoptotic cytokine for thymic dendritic cells and a significant modulator of their accessory function

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a growth-promoting factor for myeloid-derived dendritic cells (DC) but not for lymphoid DC. The data about its effect on thymic DC (TDC), which are both of lymphoid and myeloid origin, are very scarce. Using an in vitro model, we demonstrated in this work that GM-CSF significantly increased the survival of rat TDC in culture by inhibiting their apoptosis and the effect correlated with up-regulation of Bcl-2 expression. GM-CSF also stimulated differentiation and maturation of TDC as judged by higher expression of MHC class I and II molecules, CD54, CD80 and CD86. These changes correlated with stronger stimulatory activity of GM-CSF-pulsed TDC in syngeneic thymocyte proliferation assay and MLR. The stimulatory potential of TDC was further increased when thymocytes were cultivated with an anti-alphabeta TCR (R73) monoclonal antibody (mAb). The influence of unstimulated TDC on proliferation of thymocytes was inhibited by anti-CD86 but not anti-CD80 mAb, whereas in cultures with GM-CSF-treated TDC both mAbs exerted an additive blocking effect. After separation of TDC on CD11b(+) and CD11b(-) we demonstrated that GM-CSF inhibited apoptosis and potentiated accessory activity of both TDC subsets independently of the myeloid marker expression. Cummulatively, our results suggest that GM-CSF is one of the regulatory cytokine involved in survival, maturation, differentiation and accessory function of TDC.     

Prevention of acute and chronic allograft rejection by combinations of tolerogenic dendritic cells

It is well known that adoptive transfer of donor-derived tolerogenic dendritic cells (DC) helps to reduce acute allograft rejection. However, this method cannot effectively prevent grafts from infiltration of inflammatory cells and fibrosis, and thus has minimal effect on chronic allograft rejection. In this study, we used mitomycin C (MMC) to generate tolerogenic DC and demonstrated that donor (Balb/c)-derived MMC-DC could induce hyporesponsiveness of recipient (C57BL/6) T cells in vitro, potentially by inducing T-cell apoptosis, decreasing IL-2 and IL-12 secretion, and increasing regulatory T-cell numbers and IL-10 secretion. Furthermore, anti-CD154 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment combined with donor-derived MMC-DC prolonged the survival of the allografts in vivo. The mechanisms were similar to those in vitro. Impressively, both acute and chronic rejection were prevented when donor and F1 generation (Balb/c × C57BL/6) derived MMC-DC were injected together with anti-CD154 mAb into recipients before heart allotransplantation. In summary, we showed that donor and F1-derived tolerogenic DC have a synergistic effect on induction and maintenance of T-cell regulation and the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines. Moreover, adoptive transfer of these two types of DC could inhibit both acute and chronic transplant rejection in mice.     

CD8- dendritic cells preferentially cross-present Saccharomyces cerevisiae antigens

Mouse splenic dendritic cell (DC) subsets possess distinct antigen-presentation abilities. CD8(+) DC are specialized in cross-presentation of antigens to CD8(+) T cells, whereas CD8(-) DC are more efficient in antigen presentation to CD4(+) T cells. In this study, we examined the capacity of CD8(+) and CD8(-) DC subsets to present fungal antigens in MHC class I and II molecules to CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells, respectively. We used ovalbumin-expressing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast-OVA) as a fungal model system. Both CD8(+) and CD8(-) DC subsets phagocytosed yeast in equal amounts and uptake was mediated via dectin-1. In addition, both DC subsets induced similar OVA-specific CD4(+) T cell proliferation after incubation with yeast-OVA. However, the induction of OVA-specific CD8(+) T cell activation was largely restricted to the CD8(-) DC subset. Furthermore, only CD8(-) DC produced cytokines such as IL-10 and TNF-alpha and increased IL-23p19 and IL-23p40 mRNA levels in response to yeast. Our results strongly suggest that DC subsets have different functions in the elicitation of adaptive immune responses in vivo.     

协同刺激分子4-1BB和CD28对人外周血不同T细胞亚群的激活作用

目的 :探讨 4 1BB/ 4 1BBL协同刺激信号在CD4 和CD8 T细胞活化、增殖中的作用 ,并与CD2 8/B7信号作比较。方法 :用抗CD3单抗 (mAb)刺激人外周血单个核细胞 (PBMC)。用阻断型抗 4 1BBLmAb和抗CD80mAb ,分别阻断 4 1BB/ 4 1BBL和CD2 8/B7 1协同刺激信号。利用流式细胞术 (FCM)检测CD4 T细胞、CD8 T细胞的增殖率、CD8/CD4T细胞的比值变化和细胞分泌IFN γ的情况。结果 :用抗 4 1BBLmAb和抗CD80mAb阻断相应的协同刺激途径后 ,CD4 和CD8 T细胞的增殖和细胞分泌IFN γ的水平均明显下降。培养 8d,抗CD3mAb单独刺激组CD8/CD4T细胞的比值为 1.98± 0 .0 6 ;抗 4 1BBLmAb阻断组CD8/CD4T细胞的比值下降为 0 .96±0 .0 3;而在抗CD80mAb阻断组 ,其比值上升为 2 .6 9± 0 .16。结论 :4 1BB分子可在CD4 T细胞和CD8 T细胞的活化、增殖中提供协同刺激信号。 4 1BB分子所介导的协同刺激信号 ,在CD8 T细胞活化及增殖中发挥了更为重要的作用 ;而CD2 8分子所介导的协同刺激信号则更有利于CD4 T细胞的活化     

CD40 engagement induces monocyte procoagulant activity through an interleukin-10 resistant pathway

Interactions between membrane-bound molecules were previously shown to be involved in the induction of tissue factor-dependent monocyte procoagulant activity (PCA) by activated T cells. To investigate the potential role of the CD40/CD40 ligand (CD40L) pathway in this process, we first determined the effects of blocking anti-CD40 or anti-CD40L monoclonal antibodies (mAb) on the development of monocyte PCA during mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) between allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The strong inhibitory effect exerted by both mAb (mean percentages of inhibition: 88 and 91% for anti-CD40 and anti-CD40L mAb, respectively) indicates that CD40/CD40L interactions are required for the induction of PCA in MLR. These data led us to measure monocyte PCA after incubation of PBMC or purified monocytes with a stimulating anti-CD40 mAb (BL-C4) or with 3T6 fibroblasts transfected with the gene encoding CD40L. In both systems, we found that CD40 engagement strongly induced monocyte PCA which was related to tissue factor expression as shown by flow cytometric analysis. Finally, we observed that recombinant interleukin (IL)-10, which inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced PCA, did not significantly influence CD40-dependent PCA. We conclude that CD40 engagement on monocytes induces tissue factor-dependent PCA through an IL-10-resistant pathway. These findings have implications for the control of coagulation events triggered by interactions between T cells and monocytes.     

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and regulatory dendritic cells contribute to the allograft protection induced by infusion of donor-specific splenic stromal cells

It has been reported that splenic stromal cells (SSCs) are capable of directly supporting the development of CD11c(lo)CD45RB(+ )IL-10-producing dendritic cells (DCs) from lineage-negative c-kit(+) progenitor cells in the absence of exogenous cytokines. In vitro, DCs that differentiate on stromal cells suppress mixed leukocyte reaction responses and induce primary alloreactive CD4(+) T cells to differentiate into IL-10-producing Tr1 cells. However, the precise mechanisms by which these SSCs exert their regulatory functions in vivo remain undefined. Furthermore, their possible contribution to the development of allograft transplantation tolerance has yet to be examined. Here, we have used both murine skin and cardiac allograft transplantation models to explore whether in vivo alloresponses can be regulated by infusion with donor-derived SSCs and to investigate the possible mechanisms by which SSCs exert regulatory effects to prevent allograft rejection. We show that intravenous SSC infusion prolonged murine skin allograft survival. The prolonged graft survival is associated with augmentation of the generation of regulatory DC subsets and CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs), as well as upregulation of the production of suppressive cytokines IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Moreover, we found that indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and SSC-derived regulatory DCs contribute to allograft protection by infusion of donor-specific SSCs. Our data suggest that donor-derived SSCs could be used as a therapeutic target to promote transplantation tolerance.     

Acquisition of regulatory function by human CD8(+) T cells treated with anti-CD3 antibody requires TNF

Anti-CD3 mAb can modulate graft rejection and attenuate autoimmune diseases but their mechanism(s) of action remain unclear. CD8(+) T cells with regulatory function are induced in vitro by Teplizumab, a humanized anti-CD3 antibody and inhibit responses of autologous and allogeneic T cells. They inhibit CD4(+) T-cell proliferation by mechanisms involving TNF and CCL4, and by blocking target cell entry into G2/M phase of cell cycle but neither kill them, nor compete for IL-2. CD8(+) Treg can be isolated from peripheral blood following treatment of patients with Type 1 diabetes with Teplizumab, but not from untreated patients. The induction of CD8(+) Treg by anti-CD3 mAb requires TNF and signaling through the NF-κB cascade. The CD8(+) Treg express CD25, glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor family, CTLA-4, Foxp3, and TNFR2, and the combined expression of TNFR2 and CD25 identifies a potent subpopulation of CD8(+) Treg. These studies have identified a novel mechanism of immune regulation by anti-CD3 mAb and markers that may be used to track inducible CD8(+) Treg in settings such as chronic inflammation or immune therapy.     

Anti-ICAM-1 antibody and CTLA-4Ig synergistically enhance immature dendritic cells to induce donor-specific immune tolerance in vivo

Immature dendritic cells (DC) have been demonstrated to induce T-cell hyporesponsiveness in vitro and immune tolerance in vivo. However, immature DC (iDC) may become mature once infused in vivo, thus limiting the prolongation of the allograft survival. Considering that mature DC express high level of B7, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and T-cell activation needs costimulation signals provided by DC, we selected anti-ICAM-1 mAb and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4Ig fusion protein (CTLA-4Ig) for in vivo administration to block costimulation pathways in order to further improve the efficacy of iDC to induce immune tolerance. Seven days before allogeneic cardiac transplantations, the recipients were intravenously (i.v.) pretreated of donor-derived iDC with or without simultaneous injections of anti-ICAM-1 mAb and CTLA-4Ig. CTLA-4Ig or anti-ICAM-1 mAb administration alone resulted in significant prolongation of cardiac allograft survival induced by iDC. When used simultaneously, CTLA-4Ig and anti-ICAM-1 mAb induced permanent allografts acceptance even in 90% recipients. The recipients could keep the skin alive for a longer time in the donor-specific second transplantation, but no effect was observed on the skin from C3H third-party mice. The efficient induction of donor-specific tolerance observed above may be related to the more potent inhibition of donor-specific T-cell responses including cytotoxicity activity, Th1 cytokines production, and alloantibody production by the combined use of anti-ICAM-1 mAb and CTLA-4Ig. Our data suggest that anti-ICAM-1 antibody and CTLA-4Ig can synergistically enhance iDC to induce donor-specific immune tolerance in vivo.     

Cross-regulation of CD86 by CD80 differentially regulates T helper responses from Mycobacterium tuberculosis secretory antigen-activated dendritic cell subsets

We report that stimulation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis secretory antigen- and tumor necrosis factor alpha-matured BALB/c mouse bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs) with anti-CD80 monoclonal antibody up-regulated CD86 levels on the cell surface. Coculture of these BMDCs with na?ve, allogeneic T cells now down-regulated T helper cell type 1 (Th1) responses and up-regulated suppressor responses. Similar results were obtained with splenic CD11c(+)/CD8a(-) DCs but not to the same extent with CD11c(+)/CD8a(+) DCs. Following coculture with T cells, only BMDCs and CD11c(+)/CD8a(-) DCs and not CD11c(+)/CD8a(+) DCs displayed increased levels of surface CD86, and further, coculturing these DCs with a fresh set of T cells attenuated Th1 responses and increased suppressor responses. Not only na?ve but even antigen-specific recall responses of the Th1-committed cells were modulated by DCs expressing up-regulated surface CD86. Further analyses showed that stimulation with anti-CD80 increased interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor-beta-1 levels with a concomitant reduction in IL-12p40 and interferon-gamma levels from BMDCs and CD11c(+)/CD8a(-) DCs and to a lesser extent, from CD11c(+)/CD8a(+) DCs. These results suggest that cross-talk between costimulatory molecules differentially regulates their relative surface densities leading to modulation of Th responses initiated from some DC subsets, and Th1-committed DCs such as CD11c(+)/CD8a(+) DCs may not allow for such modulation. Cognate antigen-presenting cell (APC):T cell interactions then impart a level of polarization on APCs mediated via cross-regulation of costimulatory molecules, which govern the nature of subsequent Th responses.     

Apoptotic donor leukocytes limit mixed-chimerism induced by CD40-CD154 blockade in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

"Mini" allogeneic bone marrow transplants using non-myeloablative conditioning have reduced early treatment-related mortalities, but graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft rejection remain clinical problems. Our preliminary studies indicated that low-dose busulfan conditioning and costimulatory blockade using anti-CD154 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in combination with a pretransplantation "tolerating" dose of bone marrow (BM) cells were sufficient to establish stable mixed-chimerism without GVHD when transplanting moderate doses of T cell depleted (TCD)-BM from major histocompatibility complex (MHC) fully-mismatched donors (Adams AB, Durham MM, Kean L, et al. J Immunol. 2001;167:1103-1111). In this study, donor splenocytes were administered before transplantation as a tolerating cell infusion with a conditioning regimen consisting of low-dose busulfan and anti-CD154 mAb. We compared the ability of viable and apoptotic donor cells of different ex vivo treatments and purified different donor cell populations (CD3(+), CD3(-), CD11b(+), and CD11b(-) splenocytes) to induce tolerance and enhance donor chimerism in a MHC mismatched model of murine bone marrow transplantation. We found that mixed chimerism without GVHD was enhanced by pretransplantation administration of viable allogeneic splenocytes and diminished in mice with prior exposure to apoptotic/necrotic donor splenocytes. CD11b(+)-enriched splenocytes more potently enhanced donor chimerism compared to unfractionated splenocytes or other splenocyte subsets. Mixed lymphocyte cultures demonstrated that apoptotic stimulators overcame the immune-tolerating activity of anti-CD154 mAb and led to increased interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha synthesis, increased proliferation of responder T cells, and decreased production of interleukin-10. In conclusion, viable donor splenocytes administered before transplantation in combination with costimulatory blockade induced tolerance and enhanced donor chimerism, whereas pretransplantation administration of apoptotic/necrotic donor cells led to host T cell activation and decreased overall donor engraftment.