Two Distinct Mechanisms of Cytotoxity Mediated by Herpes Simplex Virus-Specific CD4+Human Cytotoxic T Cell Clones

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the cytotoxicity of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-specific CDA4⁺human cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones, focusing on perforin and membrane-bound lymphotoxin (LT) (tumor necrosis factor-β). Two HSV-specific CDA4⁺CTL clones, which expressed both perforin and membrane-bound LT, exerted HSV-specific cytotoxicity and cytotoxicity against LT-sensitive L929 cells. These CDA4⁺CTL clones lysed HSV-infected cells directly in an HLA class II-restricted manner and did not exhibit "bystander killing." The culture supernatants of these clones stimulated with HSV antigen showed no cytotoxicity against HSV-infected cells or L929 cells, suggesting that adhesion to target cells is essentail to their antigen-specific and antigen-nonspecific cytotoxicities. The cytotoxicities of these clones against HSV-infected autologous cells were inhibited by an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody but not by an anti-LT antibody. Conversely, their cytotoxicities against L929 cells appeared to be partially inhibited by the anti-LT antibody but not by the anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. Furthermore, target cell DNA fragmentation induced by these CDA4⁺CTL clones was apparently observed in L929 cells but only faintly detected in HSV-infected autologous cells. L929 cell DNA fragmentation was also inhibited by adding the anti-LT antibody to CDA4⁺CTL cultures. these data suggest that some CDA4⁺CTL possess at least two cytolytic mediators, i.e., perforin and membrane-bound LT simultaneously, and can exert both antigen-specific and antigen-nonspecific cytotoxicity via two distinct mechanisms, necrosis and apoptosis.     

IL-12 as Well as IL-2 Upregulates CCR5 Expression on T Cell Receptor-Triggered Human CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells

The expression of chemokine receptors on leukocytes is related to their activation state. However, the exact mechanism underlying the induction of each chemokine receptor is poorly understood. Here, we investigated how CCR5, a chemokine receptor implicated in T cell trafficking and HIV infection, is induced in human T cells. CCR5 was marginally detected on a freshly prepared human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) population. Long-term (8-day) stimulation of PBMC with IL-2 resulted in high levels of CCR5 expression on T cells. IL-12 failed to induce CCR5 on T cells in such a directly stimulated PBMC population. Stimulation of PBMC T cells with anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 induced detectable albeit very low levels of CCR5 along with the induction of IL-12 receptor. However, these TCR-triggered T cells expressed much higher levels of CCR5 when stimulated with IL-12. Although IL-2 also induced CCR5 expression, CCR5 expression was more potent in IL-12 than IL-2 stimulation. These results indicate that, in addition to IL-2, IL-12 plays an important role in the induction of CCR5 expression on T cells, particularly TCR-triggered T cells.     

Transfer of CD8+ T Cells into SCID Mice and Activation of Memory Virus-Specific Cytotoxic T Cells

The requirements for the activation of naive and memory CD8⁺ cytotoxic T(Tc) cells into effector virus-specific Tc cells after transferring them into SCID mice were investigated. SCID mice reconstituted with splenocytes or purified CDS⁺ T cells from naive or influenza-immune syngeneic mice and immunized with influenza virus generated effector Tc cells specific for influenza virus-infected target cells in vitro. The kinetics of Ihe response varied between those two populations. The generation of effector Tc cells after transfer of memory CD8⁺ T cells indicates that there exists no absolute requirement for “help” in the activation of memory virus-immune Tc cells. However, under the conditions described here the in vitro immunogenic peptide NPP derived from influenza nucleoprotein is not sufficient to elicit a response in vivo.     

CD8+ T Cell Exhaustion During Persistent Viral Infection is Regulated Independently of the Virus-Specific T Cell Receptor

During chronic viral infections, responses by virus-specific CD8⁺ T cells become marginalized by the acquisition of functional defects and reduced cell numbers in a process defined as T cell exhaustion. Similarly, T cell tolerance to self-antigen is also characterized by impaired effector function and eventual deletion of self-reactive T cells. Induction of both tolerance and exhaustion involve many shared inhibitory mechanisms, thus similar therapeutic approaches have proven effective in these distinct environments. We previously demonstrated that tolerant self-reactive CD8⁺ T cells expressing dual-T cell receptors (i.e., dual-TCR) could be rescued by immunization through a second TCR specific for a foreign antigen. These data revealed that T cell tolerance was regulated at the level of the self-reactive TCR. Here, dual-TCR CD8⁺ T cells were used to examine if exhaustion during persistent viral infection could be rescued by an analogous strategy of immunization through a second TCR not involved in recognition of virus. In direct contrast to the rescue achievable in tolerant CD8⁺ T cells, exhausted T cells were equally impaired through both TCR. These findings suggest that exhaustion is maintained by defects downstream of the virus-specific TCR, and establish that exhaustion and tolerance are distinctly regulated states of T cell dysfunction.     

mTOR signaling promotes a robust and continuous production of IFN‐γ by human memory CD8+ T cells and their proliferation

Human CD8⁺ T cells are functionally heterogeneous and can be divided into phenotypically and functionally distinct subsets according to CCR7 and CD45RA expression levels. Among these, CCR7^lowCD45RA^low effector memory CD8⁺ T cells (Tem) and CCR7^lowCD45RA^high CD8⁺ T cells, which are designated as Temra and considered to be terminally differentiated cells, are Ag‐experienced T cells but show different functionalities. Here, we show that, while Tem proliferate vigorously and produce IFN‐γ persistently and robustly, Temra proliferate poorly and lose the ability to produce IFN‐γ over time after TCR stimulation. Temra showed impaired cell growth upon TCR stimulation, which was associated with defective activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Furthermore, rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR signaling, interfered with the robust and continuous proliferation of and IFN‐γ production by Tem at later time points after TCR stimulation. Thus, these data collectively indicate that activation of mTOR signaling is required for the robust functions of Tem cells in humans and suggest that defective mTOR signaling in Temra contributes to their functional impairment.     

Non‐eosinophilic Airway Hyper‐reactivity in Mice,Induced by IFN‐γ Producing CD4+ and CD8+ Lung T cells,is Responsive to Steroid Treatment

Non‐eosinophilic asthma is characterized by infiltration of neutrophils into the lung and variable responsiveness to glucocorticoids. The pathophysiological mechanisms have not been characterized in detail. Here, we present an experimental asthma model in mice associated with non‐eosinophilic airway inflammation and airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR). For this, BALB/c mice were sensitized by biolistic DNA immunization with a plasmid encoding the model antigen β‐galactosidase (pFascin‐βGal mice). For comparison, eosinophilic airway inflammation was induced by subcutaneous injection of βGal protein (βGal mice). Intranasal challenge of mice in both groups induced AHR to a comparable extent as well as recruitment of inflammatory cells into the airways. In contrast to βGal mice, which exhibited extensive eosinophilic infiltration in the lung, goblet cell hyperplasia and polarization of CD4⁺ T cells into Th2 and Th17 cells, pFascin‐βGal mice showed considerable neutrophilia, but no goblet cell hyperplasia and a predominance of Th1 and Tc1 cells in the airways. Depletion studies in pFascin‐βGal mice revealed that CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells cooperated to induce maximum inflammation, but that neutrophilic infiltration was not a prerequisite for AHR induction. Treatment of pFascin‐βGal mice with dexamethasone before intranasal challenge did not affect neutrophilic infiltration, but significantly reduced AHR, infiltration of monocytes and lymphocytes as well as content of IFN‐γ in the bronchoalveolar fluid. Our results suggest that non‐eosinophilic asthma associated predominantly with Th1/Tc1 cells is susceptible to glucocorticoid treatment. pFascin‐βGal mice might represent a mouse model to study pathophysiological mechanisms proceeding in the subgroup of asthmatics with non‐eosinophilic asthma that respond to inhaled steroids.     

Evolution of Vaccinia Virus-Specific CD8+ Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Responses in Primary Vaccinees and Revaccinees

Determination of successful vaccination with vaccinia virus is based on visual confirmation of a dermal response (take). Some revaccinees do not manifest a take, which may be due to a preexisting immunity rather than to poor technique or inadequate virus. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response appears to be the most important immune defense in limiting response to vaccination. We evaluated vaccinia virus-specific CTL responses in revaccinees. Subjects with and without takes displayed comparable CTL responses. Vaccinia virus-specific CD8⁺ CTL responses may be useful in interpreting the response to vaccination, particularly in individuals who are revaccinated and have difficult-to-interpret visual takes.     

Novel CD8+ Treg suppress EAE by TGF‐β‐ and IFN‐γ‐dependent mechanisms

Although CD8⁺ Treg‐mediated suppression has been described, CD8⁺ Treg remain poorly characterized. Here we identify a novel subset of CD8⁺ Treg that express latency‐associated peptide (LAP) on their cell surface (CD8⁺LAP⁺ cells) and exhibit regulatory activity in vitro and in vivo. Only a small fraction of CD8⁺LAP⁺ cells express Foxp3 or CD25, although the expression levels of Foxp3 for these cells are higher than their LAP^? counterparts. In addition to TGF‐β, CD8⁺LAP⁺ cells produce IFN‐γ, and these cells suppress EAE that is dependent on both TGF‐β and IFN‐γ. In an adoptive co‐transfer model, CD8⁺LAP⁺ cells suppress myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)‐specific immune responses by inducing or expanding Foxp3⁺ cells and by inhibiting proliferation and IFN‐γ production in vivo. Furthermore, in vivo neutralization of IFN‐γ and studies with IFN‐γ‐deficient mice demonstrate an important role for IFN‐γ production in the function of CD8⁺LAP⁺ cells. Our findings identify the underlying mechanisms that account for the immunoregulatory activity of CD8⁺ T cells and suggest that induction or amplification of CD8⁺LAP⁺ cells may be a therapeutic strategy to help control autoimmune processes.     

Inhibition of Human γδ T Cell Proliferation and Effector Functions by Neutrophil Serine Proteases

Human peripheral blood γδ T cells expressing the Vγ9Vδ2 T cell receptor are activated by microbial or endogenous pyrophosphate antigens and indirectly by nitrogen‐containing bisphosphonates. Apart from proliferation, such phosphoantigens induce proinflammatory cytokine production including TNF‐α and IFN‐γ and trigger cytotoxic effector function. Neutrophil granulocytes are known to modulate T cell activation. The neutrophil serine proteases proteinase 3, elastase and cathepsin G have multiple potential targets and promote microbial killing. In this study, we investigated the effect of the three serine proteases on the in vitro proliferation and effector functions of γδ T cells cultured in serum‐free medium. All three proteases inhibited the proliferative activity, suppressed the cytokine production and decreased the cytotoxicity of γδ T cells. Further studies indicated that proteolytic cleavage of IL‐2 and modulation of butyrophilin 3A1 (CD277) expression might contribute to the overall inhibition.     

IL-7 decreases IL-7 receptor alpha (CD127) expression and induces the shedding of CD127 by human CD8+ T cells

IL-7 receptor alpha (CD127) signaling is essential for T-cell development and regulation of naive and memory T-cell homeostasis. Fewer CD8(+) T cells from HIV-infected patients express CD127 compared with healthy individuals, suggesting that specific host and/or viral factors regulate IL-7 receptor expression. Factors relevant to HIV infection that could potentially decrease CD127 expression on human CD8(+) T cells and the mechanisms by which this occurs were therefore evaluated. IL-7, but not HIV gp120, IL-1-beta, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, transforming growth factor-beta or tumor necrosis factor-alpha, reduced CD127-surface expression and did so without altering CD127 mRNA expression. Furthermore, IL-7 did not increase the amount of cytoplasmic CD127 in CD8(+) T cells. Interestingly, IL-7 induced the shedding of CD127 from CD8(+) T cells, suggesting a mechanism that may contribute to the increased concentration of CD127 in the plasma of HIV(+) individuals, a novel finding reported here. Naive CD8(+) T cells are more sensitive to IL-7 that mediated the down-regulation of CD127, suggesting that these effects may have particular significance early in T-cell life cycle. Since CD127 down-regulation may be an important contributor to HIV-associated T-cell dysfunction, determining the mechanism thereof may prove to be of considerable significance.     

TLR2 engagement on memory CD8+ T cells improves their cytokine‐mediated proliferation and IFN‐γ secretion in the absence of Ag

Persistence of memory CD8⁺ T cells is known to be largely controlled by common gamma chain cytokines, such as IL‐2, IL‐7 and IL‐15. However, other molecules may be involved in this phenomenon. We show here that TLR2^?/? mice have a decreased frequency of memory phenotype CD8⁺ T cells when compared with WT mice. This prompted us to investigate the role of TLR2 in the homeostasis of memory CD8⁺ T cells. We describe here a new TLR2‐dependent mechanism which, in the absence of specific antigen, directly controls memory CD8⁺ T‐cell proliferation and IFN‐γ secretion. We demonstrate that TLR2 engagement on memory CD8⁺ T cells increases their proliferation and expansion induced by IL‐7 both in vitro and in vivo. We also show that TLR2 ligands act in synergy with IL‐2 to induce IFN‐γ secretion in vitro. Both conclusions are obtained with spontaneously arising memory phenotype and antigen‐specific memory CD8⁺ T cells. Altogether, our data support the idea that continuous TLR2 signaling in response to microbial stimuli or endogenous danger signals might directly contribute to the maintenance of the diversity memory CD8⁺ T cells in the organism.     

Definition of an Epitope on NS3 Recognized by Human CD4Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Clones Cross-Reactive for Dengue Virus Types 2, 3, and 4

The role of dengue virus-specific serotype-cross-reactive T lymphocytes in recovery from and pathogenesis of dengue virus infections is not known. In the present paper, we have defined a dengue serotype-cross-reactive epitope recognized by two CD4⁺CD8⁻cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones, JK36 and JK46. These T cell clones were established from the peripheral blood T lymphocytes of a dengue-3-immune donor, using a limiting dilution method. JK36 and JK46 were cross-reactive for dengue virus types 2, 3, and 4, but not for type 1, and recognized the NS3 protein. The smallest synthetic peptide recognized by JK36 was an 8-amino acid peptide that contains amino acids (aa) 226 to 233 (VVAAEMEE) of NS3. The smallest peptide recognized by JK46 was an 11-amino acid peptide that contains aa 224 to 234 (TRVVAAEMEEA). HLA-DR15 was the restriction allele for recognition of these peptides by both JK36 and JK46. This is the first epitope to be defined that is recognized by human CD4⁺CTL cross-reactive for dengue virus types 2, 3, and 4.     

Co-expression of CD8α in CD4+ T cell receptor αβ+ T cells migrating into the murine small intestine epithelial layer

We investigated the surface phenotype of CD3⁺CD4⁺ T cell receptor (TCR) αβ⁺ T cells repopulating the intestinal lymphoid tissues of C.B-17 scidlscid (severe-combined immunodeficient; scid) (H-2^d, L^d+) mice. CD4⁺ CD8^? T cells were cell sorter-purified from various secondary and tertiary lymphoid organs of congenic C.B-17 +/+ (H-2^d, L^d+) or semi-syngeneic dm2 (H-2^d, L^d?) immunocompetent donor mice. After transfer of 10⁵ cells into young scid mice, a mucosa-homing, memory CD44^hi CD45RB^lo CD4⁺ T cell population was selectively engrafted. Large numbers of single-positive (SP) CD3⁺ CD2⁺ CD28⁺ CD4⁺ CD^8? T cells that expressed the α₄ integrin chain CD49d were found in the spleen, the mesenteric lymph nodes, the peritoneal cavity and the gut lamina propria of transplanted scid mice. Unexpectedly, large populations of donor-type doublepositive (DP) CD4⁺ CD8α⁺ CD8β^? T cells with high expression of the CD3/TCR complex appeared in the epithelial layer of the small intestine of transplanted scid mice. In contrast to SP CD4⁺ T cells, the intraepithelial DP T cells showed low expression of the CD2 and the CD28 co-stimulator molecules, and of the α₄ integrin chain CD49d, but expressed high levels of the α_IEL integrin chain CD103. The TCR-Vβ repertoire of DP but not SP intraepithelial CD4⁺ T cells was biased towards usage of the Vβ6 and Vβ8 viable domains. Highly purified populations of SP and DP CD4⁺ T cell populations from the small intestine epithelial layer of transplanted scid mice had different abilities to repopulate secondary scid recipient mice: SP CD4⁺ T cells repopulated various lymphoid tissues of the immunodeficient host, while intraepithelial DP CD4⁺ T cells did not. Hence, a subset of CD3⁺ CD4⁺ TCRαβ⁺ T cells apparently undergoes striking phenotypic changes when it enters the microenvironment of the small intestine epithelial layer.     

IL-7对PHA-抗CD3 LAK细胞抑制效应的研究

文章将IL 7与IL 2 ,PHA及αCD3联用诱生PHA αCD3LAK细胞 ,应用活细胞计数、MTT和APAAP等方法测定了细胞增殖活性、mIL 2R的表达、外源性IL 2的消耗、细胞毒活性和效应细胞表型等指标 ,并分析比较了IL 7的加入对以上指标的影响。结果表明IL 7的加入使PHA αCD3LAK细胞消耗IL 2的量、mIL 2R表达的量和细胞的增殖能力降低 ,细胞毒活性减弱 ,并伴有CD8+ 细胞百分率的下降。这一结果呈现出的IL 7的抑制作用尚未见报道 ,有进一步研究的价值。     

Immunomodulation of the Anti-Islet CD8 T Cell Response by B7-2

The absence of diabetes in NOD mice devoid of B7-2 signifies a critical role played by B7-2 in promoting autoimmunity. We asked whether the CD8 T cell compartment is impacted by the absence of B7-2. We found significantly lower expansion of anti-islet CD8 T cells in B7-2KO mice, although their survival and activation states remained unchanged in the pancreatic lymph nodes (PLNs). CD8 T cells from B7-2KO mice exhibited significantly diminished effector function compared to NOD mice. Adoptive transfer experiments using in vitro activated anti-islet CD8 T cells showed that B7-2 does not control the effector phase of the autoreactive CD8 T cell response. Our data indicate that B7-2 promotes pancreatic autoimmunity by controlling CD8 T cell expansion and effector function, but is dispensable for CD8 T cell activation, survival, and the effector phase of anti-islet CD8 T cell response.     

Micro‐RNA‐155 inhibits IFN‐γ signaling in CD4+ T cells

Micro‐RNA (miR) are increasingly recognized as critical regulators of tissue‐specific patterns of gene expression. CD4⁺ T cells lacking miR‐155, for example, exhibit bias towards Th2 differentiation, indicating that the absence of individual miR could alter CD4⁺ T‐cell differentiation. We now show that miR‐155 is induced upon T‐cell activation and that it promotes Th1 differentiation when over‐expressed in activated CD4⁺ T cells. Antagonism of miR‐155 leads to induction of IFN‐γ receptor α‐chain (IFN‐γRα, and a functional miR‐155 target site is identified within the 3′ untranslated region of IFN‐γRα. These results identify IFN‐γRα as a second miR‐155 target in T cells and suggest that miR‐155 contributes to Th1 differentiation in CD4⁺ T cells by inhibiting IFN‐γ signaling.