IL-10 inhibits CD28 and ICOS costimulations of T cells via src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1

BACKGROUND: Specific T-cell activation requires T-cell receptor stimulation and the generation of costimulatory signals. Major costimulatory signals are delivered to T cells by the interaction of CD28 and inducible costimulator (ICOS). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular pathways involved in direct T-cell suppression by IL-10. METHODS: T-cell proliferation analysis, immunoprecipitations, and Western blots were performed after T-cell receptor and CD28 and ICOS stimulations in the absence or presence of IL-10. Dominant-negative src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) overexpression, small inhibitory RNA, and SHP-1-deficient and IL-10-deficient mice were used. RESULTS: IL-10 receptor-associated tyrosine kinase Tyk-2 acts as a constitutive reservoir for SHP-1 in resting T cells, and then tyrosine phosphorylates SHP-1 on IL-10 binding. SHP-1 rapidly binds to CD28 and ICOS costimulatory receptors and dephosphorylates them within minutes. In consequence, the binding of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase to either costimulatory receptor no longer occurs, and downstream signaling is inhibited. Accordingly, spleen cells from SHP-1-deficient mice showed increased proliferation with CD28 and ICOS stimulation in comparison with wild-type mice, which was not suppressed by IL-10. Generation of dominant-negative SHP-1-overexpressing T cells or silencing of the SHP-1 gene by small inhibitory RNA both altered SHP-1 functions and abolished the T-cell suppressive effect of IL-10. CONCLUSION: The rapid inhibition of the CD28 or ICOS costimulatory pathways by SHP-1 represents a novel mechanism for direct T-cell suppression by IL-10. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Molecular mechanisms of direct T-cell suppression by IL-10 may provide a novel target for therapy of allergy/asthma and autoimmune disease.     

WSX-1 over-expression in CD4(+) T cells leads to hyperproliferation and cytokine hyperproduction in response to TCR stimulation

WSX-1 is a component of the IL-27R. Analyses of WSX-1 knockout (WSX-1(-/-)) mice have shown that IL-27/WSX-1 signaling is essential for the proper development of T(h)1 responses and that WSX-1 can suppress cellular activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. We have generated transgenic mouse lines over-expressing the WSX-1 gene under the control of the T cell-specific CD2 promoter (WSX-1 Tg mice). Unexpectedly, like activated CD4(+) T cells from WSX-1(-/-) mice, activated CD4(+) T cells from WSX-1 Tg mice showed increased proliferation, augmented IL-2 production and up-regulated surface expression of activation markers. IL-27-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT1 was also enhanced in WSX-1 Tg CD4(+) T cells, but STAT3 activation was normal. Exogenous IL-27 supported the proliferation of wild-type CD4(+) T cells but suppressed that of WSX-1 Tg cells. WSX-1 over-expression increased IFN-gamma production in T(h)1-polarized CD4(+) T cells, but also promoted T(h)2 cytokine production under T(h)1-polarizing conditions. Importantly, WSX-1 over-expression failed to suppress T(h)2 cytokine production under T(h)2-polarizing conditions. Cytokine hyperproduction was also observed in vivo in WSX-1 Tg mice injected with Con A. Our data suggest that WSX-1 plays a pivotal role in regulating T cell responsiveness to TCR stimulation and that the correct balance of STAT1/STAT3 activation downstream of IL-27R engagement is crucial for the physiological function of IL-27.     

IL-10 directly acts on T cells by specifically altering the CD28 co-stimulation pathway

IL-10 induces T cell anergy in numerous mouse models and specific immunotherapy of allergy in humans. Here, we demonstrate that IL-10 directly acts on T cells which are stimulated via CD28 by efficiently blocking proliferation and cytokine production. T cells tolerized by IL-10 showed high viability and the unresponsive state was reversed by anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) stimulation and IL-2, but not by anti-CD28 mAb stimulation. Signal transduction via CD28 requires CD28 tyrosine phosphorylation and binding of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. IL-10 inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation of CD28; thus, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase binding to CD28 was blocked. Consequently, IL-10 inhibited the antigen-induced secretion of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines, including IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. Furthermore, neutralization of endogenously produced IL-10 significantly increased T cell proliferation and both Th1 and Th2 cytokine production in vitro. Using superantigen stimuli, T cell suppression by IL-10 was merely induced at low doses when co-stimulation by CD28 was essential. Together, these data demonstrate that IL-10 directly acts on the CD28 signaling pathway and this represents an important T cell suppression mechanism leading to anergy.     

The oncogene product Vav is a crucial regulator of primary cytotoxic T cell responses but has no apparent role in CD28-mediated co-stimulation.

The guanine nucleotide-exchange factor Vav is a regulator of antigen-mediated cytoskeletal reorganization required for receptor clustering, proliferation and thymic selection. Moreover, Vav has been identified as a major substrate in the CD28 signal transduction pathway and overexpression of Vav enhances TCR-mediated IL-2 secretion in T cells. Here we show that CD3- plus CD28-mediated proliferation and IL-2 production were reduced in vav gene-deficient T cells. However, Vav had no apparent role in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-plus CD28-mediated proliferation and IL-2 production, suggesting that Vav acts downstream of the TCR/CD3 complex. In vivo, Vav expression was crucial to generate primary vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-specific cytotoxic T cell responses. In contrast, vav-/- mice exhibited a reduced but significant footpad swelling after lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infections and mounted a measurable primary cytotoxic T cell response to LCMV. Upon in vitro restimulation, cytotoxic T cell responses of both VSV- and LCMV-infected mice reached near normal levels. Our data provide the first genetic evidence that Vav is an important effector molecule that relays antigen receptor signaling to IL-2 production and activation of cytotoxic T cells.     

CD46 engagement on human CD4+ T cells produces T regulatory type 1-like regulation of antimycobacterial T cell responses

Understanding the regulation of human immune responses is critical for vaccine development and treating infectious diseases. We have previously shown that simultaneous engagement of the T cell receptor (TCR) and complement regulator CD46 on human CD4(+) T cells in the presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2) induces potent secretion of the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-10. These T cells mediate IL-10-dependent suppression of bystander CD4(+) T cells activated in vitro with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 costimulation, reflecting a T regulatory type 1 (Tr1)-like phenotype. However, CD46-mediated negative regulation of pathogen-specific T cells has not been described. Therefore, we studied the ability of CD46-activated human CD4(+) T cells to suppress T cell responses to Mycobacterium bovis BCG, the live vaccine that provides infants protection against the major human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Our results demonstrate that soluble factors secreted by CD46-activated human CD4(+) T cells suppress mycobacterium-specific CD4(+), CD8(+), and γ(9)δ(2) TCR(+) T cells. Dendritic cell functions were not downregulated in our experiments, indicating that CD46-triggered factors directly suppress pathogen-specific T cells. Interestingly, IL-10 appeared to play a less pronounced role in our system, especially in the suppression of γ(9)δ(2) TCR(+) T cells, suggesting the presence of additional undiscovered soluble immunoregulatory factors. Blocking endogenous CD46 signaling 3 days after mycobacterial infection enhanced BCG-specific T cell responses in a subset of volunteers. Taken together, these results indicate that CD46-dependent negative regulatory mechanisms can impair T cell responses vital for immune defense against mycobacteria. Therefore, modulating CD46-induced immune regulation could be integral to the development of improved tuberculosis therapeutics or vaccines.     

The role of interleukin-10 in the generation of CD4+ and CD8+ memory T cells (expressing a CD44+, CD62L- phenotype) and their contribution to the regulation of immunoglobulin E antibody formation

BACKGROUND: Immunization of mice with low doses of protein antigens like keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) results in high immunoglobulin (Ig) E Ab titers in the sera of those mice while the application of high doses leads to the production of only marginal amounts of IgE but high levels of IgG2a and IgG1 antibodies. The aim of these studies is to elucidate the role of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the generation of memory T cells and their contribution to the production of IgE Ab. METHODS: Both IL-10-deficient mice and control mice were immunized repeatedly with KLH. Serum levels of KLH-specific Ab were measured. The frequencies of memory T cells were determined by flow cytometry and the role of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was evaluated. RESULTS: IL-10-deficient mice show an augmented production of IgE in vivo. They exhibit enhanced ratios of CD4+:CD8+ memory T cells with a CD44+, CD62L- phenotype with a significantly raised generation of CD4+ memory T cells. On the other hand, the development of CD8+ memory T cells is reduced moderately in IL-10-deficient mice, which is an interesting fact since it has been shown that primed CD8+ T cells suppress IgE Ab production at least in vitro. The ratios of total CD4+:CD8+ T cells are augmented in IL-10-deficient mice compared to wild-type mice and in K01 mice compared to K100 mice in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: The elevated ratios of CD4+:CD8+ T cells indicate a higher capacity to provide B cell help, which results in a strongly elevated IgE response in IL-10-deficient mice. These altered ratios are furthermore interesting in view of the regulatory role of CD8+ T cells which provide a suppressive potential regarding IgE Ab production as shown in vitro. The capacity of IL-10 to suppress IgE Ab production by reduction of the CD4+:CD8+ memory T cell ratio opens new possibilities in the interference with allergic disorders.     

SHP-1: a regulator of neutrophil apoptosis

The Src homology domain 2 (SH2)-containing tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) has been implicated in the regulation of differentiation, proliferation, and activation of hematopoietic cells. In this review, we discuss the potential role of SHP-1 in modulating apoptosis pathways in neutrophils. Low enzymatic SHP-1 was associated with increased neutrophil survival in vitro and SHP-1-deficient mice were reported to develop severe neutrophilic inflammatory responses. In contrast, high expression of this phosphatase was observed in neutropenic patients. Moreover, when neutrophils were exposed to Fas ligand, TNF-alpha, or TRAIL, the anti-apoptotic effects of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), or IFN-gamma were blocked, most likely by SHP-1-mediated inactivation of anti-apoptotic signaling molecules. In summary, the current available data point to an important role of SHP-1 in the regulation of neutrophil apoptosis.     

DUSP4 deficiency enhances CD25 expression and CD4+ T-cell proliferation without impeding T-cell development

The differentiation and activation of T cells are critically modulated by MAP kinases, which are in turn feed-back regulated by dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) to determine the duration and magnitude of MAP kinase activation. DUSP4 (also known as MKP2) is a MAP kinase-induced DUSP member that is dynamically expressed during thymocyte differentiation. We generated DUSP4-deficient mice to study the function of DUSP4 in T-cell development and activation. Our results show that thymocyte differentiation and activation-induced MAP kinase phosphorylation were comparable between DUSP4-deficient and WT mice. Interestingly, activated DUSP4(-/-) CD4(+) T cells were hyperproliferative while DUSP4(-/-) CD8(+) T cells proliferated normally. Further mechanistic studies suggested that the hyperproliferation of DUSP4(-/-) CD4(+) T cells resulted from enhanced CD25 expression and IL-2 signaling through increased STAT5 phosphorylation. Immunization of DUSP4(-/-) mice recapitulated the T-cell hyperproliferation phenotype in antigen recall responses, while the profile of Th1/Th2-polarized antibody production was not altered. Overall, these results suggest that other DUSPs may compensate for DUSP4 deficiency in T-cell development, MAP kinase regulation, and Th1/Th2-mediated antibody responses. More importantly, our data indicate that DUSP4 suppresses CD4(+) T-cell proliferation through novel regulations in STAT5 phosphorylation and IL-2 signaling.     

Requirement for CD28 co-stimulation is lower in SHP-1-deficient T cells.

This study provides biochemical and functional evidence pertaining to the role of the intracellular protein tyrosine phosphatase, SHP-1, in influencing thresholds for TCR activation. Although the loss of SHP-1 in thymocytes from motheaten mice had minimal effects on the initial rise of cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration following TCR triggering, the post-stimulation equilibrium levels of Ca(2+) were consistently elevated. In keeping with a SHP-1 effect on PLCgamma function, IP3 generation was increased in SHP-1 deficient thymocytes. Importantly, we demonstrate that loss of SHP-1 results in a relaxation of the normally stringent co-stimulatory requirements for IL-2 production. SHP-1 deficient single-positive CD4(+) thymocytes revealed a significantly enhanced capacity to produce IL-2 in response to anti-CD3 stimulation alone. In contrast, the simultaneous triggering of CD3 and CD28 was required for equivalent IL-2 production in control single-positive CD4(+) thymocytes. Furthermore, SHP-1 deficient thymocytes generated an increased and prolonged proliferative response to anti-CD3 stimulation alone. In addition, the simultaneous triggering of CD28 and CD3 resulted in equivalent proliferative responses in SHP-1-deficient and control thymocytes, suggesting that a strong co-stimulatory signal is able to override the effect of SHP-1 loss on TCR hyperresponsiveness. Collectively, these results suggest that SHP-1, rather than acting directly on TCR signaling, may indirectly raise thresholds for TCR triggering by modulating co-stimulatory signals.     

T cells in mice expressing a transgenic human TCR beta chain get positively selected but cannot be activated in the periphery by signaling through TCR

TCR-CD3 complex-mediated signaling is crucial for both developmental selection and antigenic activation of T cells. We report that mice expressing a recombined human TCRbeta chain (Tg), which have normal development of T cells, mounted very weak responses to immunization with protein antigens as well as the HA307-319 peptide recognized by the human T cell clone HA1.7 from which the transgene is derived. An anti-CD3epsilon mAb triggered equivalent proliferation from Tg and non-Tg T cells, but an anti-human TCRbeta mAb induced proliferation poorly in Tg T cells in contrast to human T cells or HA1.7. In Tg mice, T cells expressing endogenous TCR were CD44(high), whereas most transgene-expressing T cells remained CD44(low), suggesting that transgene-expressing cells are not activated in the periphery to participate in immune responses. However, anti-human TCRbeta could induce some activation markers on T cells and cross-linking of the Tg TCR by plate-coated anti-human TCRbeta efficiently induced T cell proliferation. Human TCRbeta-mediated Tg T cell activation could be rescued by exogenous IL-2, as well as by the calcium ionophore A23187, but not by phorbol esters. Thus, this human TCRbeta chain functions efficiently for positive selection of mouse T cells, but not for their peripheral activation, probably because of a lack of oligomerization leading to defects in signaling for calcium flux and IL-2 induction. The data thus suggest an early point of separation of signaling pathways between positive selection and peripheral activation of T cells.     

T regulatory cells maintain intestinal homeostasis by suppressing γδ T cells

Immune tolerance against enteric commensal bacteria is important for preventing intestinal inflammation. Deletion of phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (Pdk1) in T?cells via Cd4-Cre induced chronic inflammation of the intestine despite the importance of PDK1 in T?cell activation. Analysis of colonic intraepithelial lymphocytes of PDK1-deficient mice revealed markedly increased CD8α(+) T?cell receptor (TCR)γδ(+) T?cells, including an interleukin-17 (IL-17)-expressing population. TCRγδ(+) T?cells were responsible for the inflammatory colitis as shown by the fact that deletion of Tcrd abolished spontaneous colitis in the PDK1-deficient mice. This dysregulation of intestinal TCRγδ(+) T?cells was attributable to a reduction in the number and functional capacity of PDK1-deficient T regulatory (Treg) cells. Adoptive transfer of wild-type Treg cells abrogated the spontaneous activation and proliferation of intestinal TCRγδ(+) T?cells observed in PDK1-deficient mice and prevented the development of colitis. Therefore, suppression of intestinal TCRγδ(+) T?cells by Treg cells maintains enteric immune tolerance.     

CD44 mobilization in allogeneic dendritic cell-T cell immunological synapse plays a key role in T cell activation

CD44 is involved in several biological processes owing to its dual role as a cell adhesion and signaling molecule. In an allogeneic dendritic cell (DC)-T cell interaction model, we show here that CD44 gets clustered at the contact between T cells with mature but not immature DCs. Also, CD44 colocalized with lipid rafts at the immunological synapse (IS). Using DCs or T cells derived from CD44-deficient mice, we observed that the presence of CD44 on DCs and T cells is important for the formation of DC-T cell tight conjugates. However, deficiency of CD44 on DCs but not T cells affected the functional IS, as indicated by decreased phosphotyrosine and protein kinase C-theta enrichment at the synapse. Also, CD44-deficient DCs induced significantly decreased proliferation as well as IL-2 and IFN-gamma production from allogeneic T cells. The polarization of CD44 at the synapse was also noted in an antigen (OVA)-specific, syngeneic DC-T cell interaction using OVA-specific T cells derived from OT-II mice. It was believed that large molecules such as CD44 were excluded from the IS. Results presented here show for the first time that CD44 is recruited to the IS during allogeneic DC and T cell interactions and plays an important role in subsequent T cell activation.     

Potential role of CARMA1 in CD40-induced splenic B cell proliferation and marginal zone B cell maturation

NF-kappaB activation through B cell receptor (BCR) ligation is critical for B cell development, survival and antigen-mediated activation of B cells. CARD domain and MAGUK-domain containing protein-1 (CARMA1), recently identified adaptor molecule, has been shown to play an essential role in BCR-induced NF-kappaB activation. CARMA1-deficient B cells fail to proliferate upon BCR stimulation, leading to defective humoral responses. Surprisingly, CARMA1-deficient B cells are also defective in CD40-induced proliferation. The mechanisms responsible for CD40-induced proliferation defect have not yet been characterized. In this study, we show that signaling cascades activated by CD40 stimulation are largely unaffected in CARMA1-deficient B cells. Instead, we have found that the defective proliferation of CARMA1-deficient B cells is due to two events. First, CARMA1-deficient B cells show defective cell-cycle progression. Secondly, the numbers of marginal zone (MZ) B cells, which are the main responders upon CD40 stimulation, are greatly diminished in CARMA1-deficient mice. Since B cell maturation requires basal signaling through BCR and NF-kappaB activation, we propose that impaired BCR signaling in CARMA1-deficient mice leads to defective maturation of MZ B cell population, which in turn, contributes to impaired proliferation upon CD40 stimulation.     

Impaired T cell activation and increased Th2 lineage commitment in Annexin-1-deficient T cells

Annexin-1 is a well-known endogenous anti-inflammatory protein that modulates the activation of cells of the innate immune system such as neutrophils and macrophages. We have recently reported a positive role for the exogenous protein on T cell differentiation, however, whether such a role holds true for the endogenous protein has yet to be determined. This aspect has been investigated here finding that Annexin-1-deficient T cells display an impaired activation and proliferation in response to anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 stimulation. Furthermore, differentiation of T cells from Annexin-1-deficient mice in Th0/Th1/Th2 or Th17 skewing conditions demonstrated an increased Th2 phenotype compared to cells from control littermates. Similar results were obtained when we analyzed the Th1/Th2 profile of lymph node cells obtained from mice immunized with keyhole limpet hemocyanin or the inflammatory infiltrate in mouse model of allergic inflammation. These results demonstrate a novel modulatory role of endogenous Annexin-1 in TCR signaling and T cell differentiation and suggest this protein might play a dual and complementary role in the innate and adaptive immune response.     

Exogenous interleukin-2 can rescue in-vitro T cell activation and proliferation in patients with a novel capping protein regulator and myosin 1 linker 2 mutation

Capping protein regulator and myosin 1 linker 2 (CARMIL2) deficiency is characterized by impaired T cell activation, which is attributed to defective CD28-mediated co-signaling. Herein, we aimed to analyze the effect of exogenous interleukin (IL)-2 on in-vitro T cell activation and proliferation in a family with CARMIL2 deficiency. This study included four children (one male and three females; aged 2·5–10 years at presentation). The patients presented with inflammatory bowel disease and recurrent viral infections. Genetic analysis revealed a novel homozygous 25-base pairs deletion in CARMIL2. Immunoblotting demonstrated the absence of CARMIL2 protein in all four patients and confirmed the diagnosis of CARMIL2 deficiency. T cells were activated in-vitro with the addition of IL-2 in different concentrations. CD25 and interferon (IFN)-γ levels were measured after 48 h and 5 days of activation. CD25 surface expression on activated CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells was significantly diminished in all patients compared to healthy controls. Additionally, CD8⁺ T cells from all patients demonstrated significantly reduced IFN-γ production. When cells derived from CARMIL2-deficient patients were treated with IL-2, CD25 and IFN-γ production increased in a dose-dependent manner. T cell proliferation, as measured by Cell Trace Violet, was impaired in one patient and it was also rescued with IL-2. In conclusion, we found that IL-2 rescued T cell activation and proliferation in CARMIL2-deficient patients. Thus, IL-2 should be further studied as a potential therapeutic modality for these patients.