IFN-gamma production by Th1 cells generated from naive CD4+ T cells exposed to norepinephrine

During activation in vivo, naive CD4(+) T cells are exposed to various endogenous ligands, such as cytokines and the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE). To determine whether NE affects naive T cell differentiation, we used naive CD4(+) T cells sort-purified from either BALB/c or DO11.10 TCR-transgenic mouse spleens and activated these cells with either anti-CD3/anti-CD28 mAbs or APC and OVA(323-329) peptide, respectively, under Th1-promoting conditions. RT-PCR and functional assays using selective adrenergic receptor (AR) subtype antagonists showed that naive CD4(+) T cells expressed only the beta 2AR subtype to bind NE and that stimulation of this receptor generated Th1 cells that produced 2- to 4-fold more IFN-gamma. This increase was due to more IFN-gamma produced per cell upon restimulation instead of more IFN-gamma-secreting cells, as determined by IFN-gamma-specific immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunospot. In contrast, Th1 cell differentiation was unaffected when naive T cells were exposed to NE and activated either in the presence of a neutralizing anti-IL-12 mAb or by APC from IL-12-deficient mice. Moreover, the addition of IL-12 to the IL-12-deficient APC cultures restored the ability of NE to increase Th1 differentiation. Taken together, these results indicate that a possible link may exist between the signaling pathways used by NE and IL-12 to increase naive CD4(+) T cell differentiation to a Th1 cell.     

Role of TNF receptor-associated factor 2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation during 4-1BB-dependent immune response

4-1BB is a costimulatory member of the TNFR family, expressed on activated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Previous results showed that 4-1BB-mediated T cell costimulation is CD28-independent and involves recruitment of TNFR-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) and activation of the stress-activated protein kinase cascade. Here we describe a role for the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in 4-1BB signaling. Aggregation of 4-1BB alone induces p38 activation in a T cell hybridoma, whereas, in normal T cells, p38 MAPK is activated synergistically by immobilized anti-CD3 plus immobilized 4-1BB ligand. 4-1BB-induced p38 MAPK activation is inhibited by the p38-specific inhibitor SB203580 in both a T cell hybridoma and in murine T cells. T cells from TRAF2 dominant-negative mice are impaired in 4-1BB-mediated p38 MAPK activation. A link between TRAF2 and the p38 cascade is provided by the MAPK kinase kinase, apoptosis-signal-regulating kinase 1. A T cell hybrid transfected with a kinase-dead apoptosis-signal-regulating kinase 1 fails to activate p38 MAPK in response to 4-1BB signaling. To assess the role of p38 activation in an immune response, T cells were stimulated in an MLR in the presence of SB203580. In a primary MLR, SB203580 blocked IL-2, IFN-gamma, and IL-4 secretion whether the costimulatory signal was delivered via 4-1BB or CD28. In contrast, following differentiation into Th1 or Th2 cells, p38 inhibition blocked IL-2 and IFN-gamma without affecting IL-4 secretion. Nevertheless, IL-4 secretion by Th2 cells remained costimulation-dependent. Thus, critical T cell signaling events diverge following Th1 vs Th2 differentiation.     

Enhancement of T helper2 response in the absence of interleukin (IL-)6; an inhibition of IL-4-mediated T helper2 cell differentiation by IL-6

Functional roles of interleukin (IL-)6 in T cell response were investigated. Mice deficient in IL-6 and wild mice were immunized with antigens (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein or methylated BSA) and production of IL-4 and interferon (IFN)-gamma by regional lymph nodes was measured. IL-6 deficiency led to an enhancement of IL-4 and an inhibition of IFN-gamma production. Moreover, polyclonal stimulation of spleen T cells from unimmunized IL-6-deficient mice with anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 antibodies (Abs) demonstrated an enhancement of T helper (Th)(2)responses. The presence of IL-6, however, augmented IL-4 production but it inhibited IFN-gamma expression by spleen T cells in response to polyclonal stimulation and by antigen-primed spleen T cells in response to re-challenge with the antigen. In contrast, the induction of spleen CD4-positive T cells into Th(2)cells in vitro by the anti-CD3 plus IL-4 was completely suppressed by exogenously added IL-6, whereas Th(1)differentiation of T cells by the anti-CD3 plus IL-12 was not inhibited by the presence of IL-6. Thus, these results indicate that IL-6 physiologically could modulate qualitative T cell response and suggest that it augments Th(1)responses partly through its inhibitory capability of IL-4-induced Th(2)differentiation of naive T cells.     

Activated STAT4 has an essential role in Th1 differentiation and proliferation that is independent of its role in the maintenance of IL-12R beta 2 chain expression and signaling

In this study we demonstrated that CD4(+) T cells from STAT4(-/-) mice exhibit reduced IL-12R expression and poor IL-12R signaling function. This raised the question of whether activated STAT4 participates in Th1 cell development mainly through its effects on IL-12 signaling. In a first approach to this question we determined the capacity of CD4(+) T cells from STAT4(-/-) bearing an IL-12Rbeta2 chain transgene (and thus capable of normal IL-12R expression and signaling) to undergo Th1 differentiation when stimulated by Con A and APCs. We found that such cells were still unable to exhibit IL-12-mediated IFN-gamma production. In a second approach to this question, we created Th2 cell lines (D10 cells) transfected with STAT4-expressing plasmids with various tyrosine-->phenylalanine mutations and CD4(+) T cell lines from IL-12beta2(-/-) mice infected with retroviruses expressing similarly STAT4 mutations that nevertheless express surface IL-12Rbeta2 chains. We then showed that constructs that were unable to support STAT4 tyrosine phosphorylation (in D10 cells) as a result of mutation were also incapable of supporting IL-12-induced IFN-gamma production (in IL-12Rbeta2(-/-) cells). Thus, by two complementary approaches we demonstrated that activated STAT4 has an essential downstream role in Th1 cell differentiation that is independent of its role in the support of IL-12Rbeta2 chain signaling. This implies that STAT4 is an essential element in the early events of Th1 differentiation.     

Molecular and functional characterization of mouse signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM): differential expression and responsiveness in Th1 and Th2 cells

Optimal T cell activation and expansion require engagement of the TCR plus costimulatory signals delivered through accessory molecules. SLAM (signaling lymphocytic activation molecule), a 70-kDa costimulatory molecule belonging to the Ig superfamily, was defined as a human cell surface molecule that mediated CD28-independent proliferation of human T cells and IFN-gamma production by human Th1 and Th2 clones. In this study, we describe the cloning of mouse SLAM and the production of mAb against it which reveal its expression on primary mouse T and B cells. Mouse SLAM is expressed on highly polarized Th1 and Th2 populations, and is maintained on Th1, but not on Th2 clones. Anti-mouse SLAM mAb augmented IFN-gamma production by Th1 cells and Th1 clones stimulated through the TCR, but did not induce IFN-gamma production by Th2 cells, nor their production of IL-4 or their proliferation. Mouse SLAM is a 75-kDa glycoprotein that upon tyrosine phosphorylation associates with the src homology 2-domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2, but not SHP-1. Mouse SLAM also associates with the recently described human SLAM-associated protein. These studies may provide new insights into the regulation of Th1 responses.     

Transduction of multiple effects of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) on T cell functions by the S1P1 G protein-coupled receptor

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) in blood, lymph, and immune tissues stimulates and regulates T cell migration through their S1P(1) (endothelial differentiation gene encoded receptor-1) G protein-coupled receptors. We show now that S1P(1)Rs also mediate suppression of T cell proliferation and cytokine production. Uptake of [(3)H]thymidine by mouse CD4 T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 mAbs plus either anti-CD28 or IL-7 was inhibited up to 50% by 10(-9)-10(-6) M S1P. Suppression by S1P required Ca(2+) signaling and was reduced by intracellular cAMP. S1P decreased CD4 T cell generation of IFN-gamma and IL-4, without affecting IL-2. A Th1 line from D011.10 TCR transgenic mice without detectable S1P(1) was refractory to S1P until introduction of S1P(1) by retroviral transduction. S1P then evoked chemotaxis, inhibited chemotaxis to CCL-5 and CCL-21, and suppressed Ag-stimulated proliferation and IFN-gamma production. Thus, S1P(1) signals multiple immune functions of T cells as well as migration and tissue distribution.     

Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 positively regulates B cell receptor-induced apoptosis by modulating association of B cell linker protein with Nck and activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase

Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) is a key mediator in lymphocyte differentiation, proliferation, and activation. We previously showed that B cell linker protein (BLNK) is a physiological substrate of SHP-1 and that B cell receptor (BCR)-induced activation of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) is significantly enhanced in cells expressing a form of SHP-1 lacking phosphatase activity (SHP-1-C/S). In this study, we confirmed that SHP-1 also exerts negative regulatory effects on JNK activation in splenic B cells. To further clarify the role of SHP-1 in B cells, we examined how dephosphorylation of BLNK by SHP-1 affects downstream signaling events. When a BLNK mutant (BLNK Delta N) lacking the NH(2)-terminal region, which contains four tyrosine residues, was introduced in SHP-1-C/S-expressing WEHI-231 cells, the enhanced JNK activation was inhibited. Among candidate proteins likely to regulate JNK activation through BLNK, Nck adaptor protein was found to associate with tyrosine-phosphorylated BLNK and this association was more pronounced in SHP-1-C/S-expressing cells. Furthermore, expression of dominant-negative forms of Nck inhibited BCR-induced JNK activation. Finally, BCR-induced apoptosis was suppressed in SHP-1-C/S-expressing cells and coexpression of Nck SH2 mutants or a dominant-negative form of SEK1 reversed this phenotype. Collectively, these results suggest that SHP-1 acts on BLNK, modulating its association with Nck, which in turn negatively regulates JNK activation but exerts a positive effect on apoptosis.     

Role of IFN-gamma in Th1 differentiation: IFN-gamma regulates IL-18R alpha expression by preventing the negative effects of IL-4 and by inducing/maintaining IL-12 receptor beta 2 expression

Two key events occur during the differentiation of IFN-gamma-secreting Th1 cells: up-regulation of IL-12Rbeta2 and IL-12-driven up-regulation of IL-18Ralpha. We previously demonstrated that IL-12-driven up-regulation of IL-18Ralpha expression is severely impaired in IFN-gamma(-/-) mice. However, it was unclear from these studies how IFN-gamma influenced IL-18Ralpha since IFN-gamma alone had no direct effect on IL-18Ralpha expression. In the absence of IL-4, IL-12-dependent up-regulation of IL-18Ralpha/IL-12Rbeta2 was independent of IFN-gamma. However, in the presence of IL-4, IFN-gamma functions to limit the negative effects of IL-4 on both IL-18Ralpha and IL-12Rbeta2. Neutralization of IL-4 restored IL-12-driven up-regulation of IL-18Ralpha/IL-12Rbeta2 in an IFN-gamma-independent fashion. In the absence of both IL-12 and IL-4, IFN-gamma up-regulates IL-12beta2 expression and primes IFN-gamma-producing Th1 cells. When T cells were primed in the presence of IL-4, no correlation was found between the levels of expression of the IL-18Ralpha or the IL-12Rbeta2 and the capacity of these cells to produce IFN-gamma, suggesting that IL-4 may also negatively affect IL-12-mediated signal transduction and thus Th1 differentiation. These data clarify the role of IFN-gamma in regulation of IL-18Ralpha/IL-12Rbeta2 during both IL-12-dependent and IL-12-independent Th1 differentiation.     

SHP-1 negatively regulates neuronal survival by functioning as a TrkA phosphatase

Nerve growth factor (NGF) mediates the survival and differentiation of neurons by stimulating the tyrosine kinase activity of the TrkA/NGF receptor. Here, we identify SHP-1 as a phosphotyrosine phosphatase that negatively regulates TrkA. SHP-1 formed complexes with TrkA at Y490, and dephosphorylated it at Y674/675. Expression of SHP-1 in sympathetic neurons induced apoptosis and TrkA dephosphorylation. Conversely, inhibition of endogenous SHP-1 with a dominant-inhibitory mutant stimulated basal tyrosine phosphorylation of TrkA, thereby promoting NGF-independent survival and causing sustained and elevated TrkA activation in the presence of NGF. Mice lacking SHP-1 had increased numbers of sympathetic neurons during the period of naturally occurring neuronal cell death, and when cultured, these neurons survived better than wild-type neurons in the absence of NGF. These data indicate that SHP-1 can function as a TrkA phosphatase, controlling both the basal and NGF-regulated level of TrkA activity in neurons, and suggest that SHP-1 regulates neuron number during the developmental cell death period by directly regulating TrkA activity.     

Interleukin-18 induces interferon-gamma production through NF-kappaB and NFAT activation in murine T helper type 1 cells.

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) combined with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) induced interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production by T helper type 1 (Th1) cells. Neither IL-18 nor anti-CD3 mAb alone induced production of IFN-gamma. Although treatment with IL-18 alone induced full activation of NF-kappaB in Th1 cells, it was not sufficient for the production of IFN-gamma. To examine the importance of NF-kappaB activation in IFN-gamma production, we established Th1 cells which expressed a transdominant IkappaBalpha mutant. In these cells, activation of NF-kappaB and production of IFN-gamma by IL-18 were suppressed. On the other hand, we examined the T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3-mediated signaling pathway. FK506, an inhibitor of NFAT activation, inhibited IFN-gamma production by IL-18 without any effect on the NF-kappaB activation. We conclude that dual signaling consisting of IL-18-induced NF-kappaB activation and TCR/CD3-mediated NFAT activation is crucial for IFN-gamma production by IL-18 in murine Th1 cells.     

N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (Mgat5)-mediated N-glycosylation negatively regulates Th1 cytokine production by T cells

The differentiation of naive CD4(+) T cells into either proinflammatory Th1 or proallergic Th2 cells strongly influences autoimmunity, allergy, and tumor immune surveillance. We previously demonstrated that beta1,6GlcNAc-branched complex-type (N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (Mgat5)) N-glycans on TCR are bound to galectins, an interaction that reduces TCR signaling by opposing agonist-induced TCR clustering at the immune synapse. Mgat5(-/-) mice display late-onset spontaneous autoimmune disease and enhanced resistance to tumor progression and metastasis. In this study we examined the role of beta1,6GlcNAc N-glycan expression in Th1/Th2 cytokine production and differentiation. beta1,6GlcNAc N-glycan expression is enhanced by TCR stimulation independent of cell division and declines at the end of the stimulation cycle. Anti-CD3-activated splenocytes and naive T cells from Mgat5(-/-) mice produce more IFN-gamma and less IL-4 compared with wild-type cells, the latter resulting in the loss of IL-4-dependent down-regulation of IL-4Ralpha. Swainsonine, an inhibitor of Golgi alpha-mannosidase II, blocked beta1,6GlcNAc N-glycan expression and caused a similar increase in IFN-gamma production by T cells from humans and mice, but no additional enhancement in Mgat5(-/-) T cells. Mgat5 deficiency did not alter IFN-gamma/IL-4 production by polarized Th1 cells, but caused an approximately 10-fold increase in IFN-gamma production by polarized Th2 cells. These data indicate that negative regulation of TCR signaling by beta1,6GlcNAc N-glycans promotes development of Th2 over Th1 responses, enhances polarization of Th2 cells, and suggests a mechanism for the increased autoimmune disease susceptibility observed in Mgat5(-/-) mice.     

The biology of IL-12: coordinating innate and adaptive immune responses

Cytokines play critical roles in regulating all aspects of immune responses, including lymphoid development, homeostasis, differentiation, tolerance and memory. Interleukin (IL)-12 is especially important because its expression during infection regulates innate responses and determines the type and duration of adaptive immune response. IL-12 induces interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production by NK, T cells, dendritic cells (DC), and macrophages. IL-12 also promotes the differentiation of na?ve CD4+ T cells into T helper 1 (Th1) cells that produce IFN-gamma and aid in cell-mediated immunity. As IL-12 is induced by microbial products and regulates the development of adaptive immune cells, IL-12 plays a central role in coordinating innate and adaptive immunity. IL-12 and the recently identified cytokines, IL-23 and IL-27, define a family of related cytokines that induce IFN-gamma production and promote T cell expansion and proliferation.     

Dendritic cell-derived IL-12 promotes B cell induction of Th2 differentiation: a feedback regulation of Th1 development.

B cells convert what are normally conditions for Th1 differentiation into an environment suitable for Th2 development. This capacity is dependent on CD40 as B cells from CD40-/- mice do not elicit Th2 differentiation. To elucidate the basis of this effect, we surveyed cytokine RNA made by naive B cells after activation with anti-Ig and anti-CD40. Resting B cells make TGF-beta message only, however, 4 days after activation, RNA encoding IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha was found. The expression of these messages was accelerated by 2 days in the presence of IL-12. The relevance of these observations to T cell differentiation was investigated: addition of OVA peptide to splenic cells from DO.11.10 transgenic mice causes most T cells to make IFN-gamma. Coactivation of B cells in these cultures reduces the number of IFN-gamma-producing T cells and increases the number synthesizing IL-4. Abs to IL-6 and IL-10 block the IL-4 enhancement. Dissection of the component APC demonstrated that interaction of B cells with IL-12-producing dendritic cells is crucial for B cell-mediated IL-4 enhancement: Thus, B cells preactivated in the presence of dendritic cells from IL-12-/- mice show little IL-4-inducing activity when used to activate T cells. This immune regulation is initiated by IL-12 and therefore represents a feedback loop to temper its own dominant effect (IFN-gamma induction).     

Expression of functional selectin ligands on Th cells is differentially regulated by IL-12 and IL-4

Immune responses may be qualitatively distinct depending on whether Th1 or Th2 cells predominate at the site of Ag exposure. T cell subset-specific expression of ligands for vascular selectins may underlie the distinct patterns of recruitment of Th1 or Th2 cells to peripheral inflammatory sites. Here we examine the regulation of selectin ligand expression during murine T helper cell differentiation. Large numbers of Th1 cells interacted with E- and P-selectin under defined flow conditions, while few Th2 and no naive T cells interacted. Th1 cells also expressed more fucosyltransferase VII mRNA than naive or Th2 cells. IL-12 induced expression of P-selectin ligands on Ag-activated naive T cells, even in the presence of IL-4, and on established Th2 cells restimulated in the presence of IL-12 and IFN-gamma. In contrast, Ag stimulation alone induced only E-selectin ligand. Interestingly, restimulation of established Th2 cells in the presence of IL-12 and IFN-gamma induced expression of P-selectin ligands but not E-selectin ligands; IFN-gamma alone did not enhance expression of either selectin ligand. In summary, functional P- and E-selectin ligands are expressed on most Th1 cells, few Th2 cells, but not naive T cells. Furthermore, selectin ligand expression is regulated by the cytokine milieu during T cell differentiation. IL-12 induces P-selectin ligand, while IL-4 plays a dominant role in down-regulating E-selectin ligand.     

Oxidative stress promotes polarization of human T cell differentiation toward a T helper 2 phenotype

These studies were conducted to determine the effects of oxidative stress on human T cell differentiation and polarization into Th1 or Th2 phenotypes. Highly purified naive CD4+ T cells were isolated from PBMC of healthy, nonatopic donors. CD4+ T cells were stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 mAb in the presence or absence of oxidative stress as supplied by 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (DMNQ), which generates a low level of superoxide anion. Increases in cellular superoxide were observed by exposure to DMNQ. Exposure of unpolarized CD4+ T cells to IL-12 or IL-4 resulted in a Th1 or Th2 phenotype, respectively. T cells stimulated in the absence of polarizing cytokines secreted modest amounts of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. Cells stimulated in the continuous presence of 5 microM DMNQ, displayed a marked up-regulation in Th2 cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, but not the Th1 cytokine IFN-gamma. Th2 responses were blunted by concomitant exposure to thiol antioxidants. Long-term exposure of T cells to DMNQ resulted in growth of cells expressing CCR4, and a decrease in cells expressing CXCR3, indicating phenotypic conversion to Th2 cells. These results suggest that oxidative stress favors a Th2-polarizing condition.