CD40/CD40 ligand interactions are critical for elicitation of autoimmune-mediated fibrosis in the lung

Pulmonary interstitial fibrosis (PIF), associated with persistent inflammation and increased collagen deposition in the interstitium, is often considered an autoimmune disease. Hapten immune PIF (HIPIF), a model for PIF, is elicited in the lung by a single intratracheal (i.t.) challenge in mice sensitized with hapten (2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid, TNBS). In this study, we characterized the role of CD40/CD40 ligand (CD40L) interactions in the elicitation of secondary cell-mediated immune responses that lead to development of fibrosis in the lung using an adoptive transfer model of HIPIF. The expression of CD40 was detected on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells 1-3 days after i.t. challenge with hapten in the HIPIF lung, but not lungs from the control mice. The CD40(bright) BAL cells morphologically resembled infiltrating monocytes. Furthermore, blocking CD40/CD40L interactions with blocking Ab decreased BAL production of Th1-mediators (IL-12 and TNF-alpha). Moreover, either blocking CD40/CD40L interactions with the Ab or using IL-12 knockout recipient mice prevented the increased collagen deposition (accumulation of hydroxyproline) in the lungs during HIPIF induction. We conclude that second signals (CD40/CD40L interactions) are required for elicitation of secondary immune responses that lead to PIF in vivo. The results support the notion that CD40/CD40L interactions are involved in the pathogenesis of an ongoing autoimmune disease.     

Characterization and genetic control of the immune response to synthetic polypeptide antigens of defined geometry.

Both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to the synthetic helical hapten-carrier conjugate poly-Glu-Tyr-Lys(TNP)-(Glu-Tyr-Ala)5 were found to be linked to the major histocompatibility locus in mice and guinea pigs. The responder mouse strains (H-2d haplotype) showed a primary IgM response with an IgG component appearing after the secondary immunization. The antibody response was accompanied by a positive DTH reaction in responder strains. Nonresponder mice (H-2b or H-2k haplotypes) showed neither IgM nor IgG antibodies and the DTH reaction was negative. Administration of the antigen as a complex with an immunogenic carrier was not effective in inducing a response in nonresponder mice. In guinea pig studies, it was found that strain 2 animals were able to mount an antibody response against the TNP-hapten and a DTH response against the polypeptide backbone. Strain 13 animals gave no anti-TNP antibodies at the lower dose levels and DTH activity was entirely negative for all doses of immunizing antigen. Replacement of the TNP hapten by the arsanilazo dipeptide derivative, BOC-gly-ARA-tyrosine, converted the nonresponder strain 13 guinea pigs into complete responders showing antibody and DTH reactions to both the hapten and the polypeptide backbone.     

Strain variation in BCG-induced chronic pulmonary inflammation in mice. I. Basic model and possible genetic control by non-H-2 genes.

C57BL/6 mice (haplotype H-2b) responded in a dose-dependent fashion to killed BCG by marked enlargement of the spleen and lung. Neither CBA nor C3H mice (haplotype H-2k) responded to such treatment. Pulmonary inflammation in responder B6 animals was characterized by a marked chronic interstitial and alveolar granulomatous process, and was accompanied by occasional granulomata, hyperemia, and loss of architecture in the spleen. Inflammation in non-responder CBA and C3H animals was minimal in both the lung and spleen. The response does not appear to be controlled by genes within the major histocompatibility complex, but is associated with a C57 background. B10.BR mice (responder background, H-2k) were responder animals and C3H.SW mice (nonresponder background, H-2b) were nonresponders. In addition, all animals tested with a C57 background were responders even though two of these strains were not H-2b (C57BL/Ks, H-2d and C57Br/cd, H-2k). The resolution of the mechanism of genetic control of this response in mice may provide information relevant to possible genetic control of chronic pulmonary inflammation in man.     

Genetic control of immune responses to the 18-kDa protein of Mycobacterium leprae. Different TH1 subsets may be involved in proliferative and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses.

In vitro and in vivo responses to the 18-kDa protein of Mycobacterium leprae have been analysed in different strains of mice. Lymphocytes from BALB/cJ (H-2d), BALB.B (H-2b), B10.BR (H-2k), and B10.M (H-2f) mice primed with 18-kDa protein yielded high T cell proliferative responses, while those from C57BL/10J (H-2b) mice yielded lower responses. Both H-2 and non-H-2 genes contributed to the magnitude of responsiveness. F1 mice from high and low responder strains showed high responsiveness to the 18-kDa protein. Supernatants from lymph node cell cultures prepared from 18-kDa protein-immunised BALB/cJ, B10.BR, and C57BL/10J mice contained IL-2 but no IL-4, indicating that activated T cells from both high and low responder mice were of a TH1 phenotype. Cell cultures from low responder C57BL/10J mice produced less IL-2 than those from high responders. The low responsiveness to the 18-kDa protein in proliferative assays might be due to a low frequency of antigen-specific T cells in the C57BL/10J mouse strain. BALB/cJ, C57BL/10J, and F1 (BALB/cJ x B10.BR) mouse strains were tested for in vivo DTH reactions to the 18-kDa protein. All strains, including C57BL/10J, were high DTH responders. Although DTH effector cells and 18-kDa protein-specific proliferative T cells belong to the TH1 subset, our data comparing high and low responder status indicate that distinct TH1 subpopulations are stimulated in response to the 18-kDa protein of M. leprae.     

Pivotal role of CCR1-positive leukocytes in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice

We have investigated the involvement of chemokine receptor CCR1-positive cells in bleomycin-induced lung injury, a model of pulmonary fibrosis. After bleomycin challenge in C57BL/6J mice, the expression of CCR1 mRNA increased and peaked at day 7, which paralleled to the expression of its ligands, macrophage-inflammatory protein-1 alpha and RANTES. Immunohistochemical study showed that CCR1-positive cells accumulated in the interstitial inflammatory site. Furthermore, the treatment of anti-CCR1 Ab significantly reduced the accumulation of inflammatory cells and collagen deposition, resulting in dramatic improvement of survival. These results suggest that CCR1-positive cells play significant roles in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis subsequent to bleomycin-induced lung injury, and that CCR1 could be a novel molecular target for intervention therapy against pulmonary fibrosis.     

Tolerogenic APC generate CD8+ T regulatory cells that modulate pulmonary interstitial fibrosis

Transforming growth factor-beta2-treated Ag-pulsed APC mimic APC from the immune privileged eye, and provide signals that generate regulatory T (Tr) cells and mediate peripheral tolerance. We postulated that TGF-beta2-treated Ag-pulsed APC (tolerogenic APC (tol-APC)) might also orchestrate regulation of immune mediated pathogenesis in nonimmune privileged tissues such as the lung. We used an adoptive transfer model of autoimmune pulmonary interstitial fibrosis called hapten immune pulmonary interstitial fibrosis (ADT-HIPIF) in this study. Mice that received 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-sensitized cells and challenged (intratracheally) with the hapten developed pulmonary interstitial fibrosis. However, transfer (i.v.) of TGF-beta2-treated 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-pulsed bone marrow-derived APC (tol-APC) to experimental mice 1 day after intratracheal challenge reduced the collagen deposition in the interstitium of the lung that usually follows challenge. Furthermore, ADT-HIPIF mice that received tol-APC developed Ag-specific efferent CD8+ Tr cells. Adoptive transfer of the Tr cells to another set of presensitized mice mediated suppression of the efferent phase of Th1 immune response and the subsequent immune dependent pulmonary interstitial fibrosis. Thus, tol-APC induced efferent CD8+ Tr cells in immune mice, and the regulation of the immune response limited the development of autoimmune pulmonary fibrosis in sensitized and pulmonary-challenged mice. Because ADT-HIPIF shares etiological and pathological characteristics with a variety of human immune inflammatory conditions in the lung that eventuate into interstitial fibrosis, these studies provide insight into potential therapy to alter the course of pulmonary fibrosis in humans.     

Studies on antigen-induced arthritis in mice. II. Immunologic correlates of arthritis susceptibility in mice.

Antigen-induced arthritis was developed in mice as a model of human rheumatoid arthritis by using methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) as antigen. It was found that most strains were susceptible, whereas CBA mice were resistant. We therefore investigated the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to mBSA in resistant mice (CBA) and susceptible mice (exemplified by C57BL) to determine whether these were associated with susceptibility to arthritis. The resistant strain (CBA) differed from the suceptible strains in the following respects. First, there was a lower humoral immune response to mBSA as measured by passive hemagglutination, but this could be overcome by a larger immunogenic dose. Secondly, there were differences in response to low doses of DNP-mBSA after mBSA carrier preimmunization. Thirdly, there were striking differences in delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to mBSA as determined by a radioisotopic assay in vivo; the response of CBA mice occurred early, at 5 days, declined quickly, and was weaker, whereas that of C57BL mice developed later and was long sustained. Genetic studies of the DTH response with hybrids and backcrosses showed an oligogenic control of immune responsiveness, with one gene being linked to the H-2b allele of the susceptible C57BL mice, and another being independent of the H-2 complex. Our findings indicate that in mice, susceptibility to antigen-induced arthritis with mBSA correlates with a higher responder state to this antigen, and that T cells are the major if not the only determinant of the high responder state.     

A mouse model of airway disease: oncostatin M-induced pulmonary eosinophilia, goblet cell hyperplasia, and airway hyperresponsiveness are STAT6 dependent, and interstitial pulmonary fibrosis is STAT6 independent

Oncostatin M (OSM), a pleiotropic cytokine of the gp130 cytokine family, has been implicated in chronic allergic inflammatory and fibrotic disease states associated with tissue eosinophilia. Mouse (m)OSM induces airway eosinophilic inflammation and interstitial pulmonary fibrosis in vivo and regulates STAT6 activation in vitro. To determine the requirement of STAT6 in OSM-induced effects in vivo, we examined wild-type (WT) and STAT6-knockout (STAT6(-/-)) C57BL/6 mouse lung responses to transient ectopic overexpression of mOSM using an adenoviral vector (AdmOSM). Intratracheal AdmOSM elicited persistent eosinophilic lung inflammation that was abolished in STAT6(-/-) mice. AdmOSM also induced pronounced pulmonary remodeling characterized by goblet cell hyperplasia and parenchymal interstitial fibrosis. Goblet cell hyperplasia was STAT6 dependent; however, parenchymal interstitial fibrosis was not. OSM also induced airway hyperresponsiveness in WT mice that was abolished in STAT6(-/-) mice. OSM stimulated an inflammatory signature in the lungs of WT mice that demonstrated STAT6-dependent regulation of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-13), chemokines (eotaxin-1/2, MCP-1, keratinocyte chemoattractant), and extracellular matrix modulators (tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1, matrix metalloproteinase-13), but STAT6-independent regulation of IL-4Rα, total lung collagen, collagen-1A1, -1A2 mRNA, and parenchymal collagen and α smooth muscle actin accumulation. Thus, overexpression of mOSM induces STAT6-dependent pulmonary eosinophilia, mucous/goblet cell hyperplasia, and airway hyperresponsiveness but STAT6-independent mechanisms of lung tissue extracellular matrix accumulation. These results also suggest that eosinophil or neutrophil accumulation in mouse lungs is not required for OSM-induced lung parenchymal collagen deposition and that OSM may have unique roles in the pathogenesis of allergic and fibrotic lung disease.     

Genetic control of the immune response to collagen. III. Coordinate restriction of cellular cooperation and antigen responsiveness by thymus-directed maturation

The H-2 restriction of T helper cells from thymus-reconstituted nude mice was examined. Hybrid athymic mice were bred from BALB/c.nu and C57BL/6.nu parental strains and reconstituted with fetal thymus tissue from either parental strain. T helper cells from these mice, immunized to SRBC, were restricted to cooperation with B cells of the thymic H-2 haplotype. These T helper cells were shown to have originated from the F1 host by functional sensitivity to antisera and complement. The H-2 restriction of thymus-reconstituted F1 nude mice was further investigated by examining expression of the Ir-collagen phenotype. Results showed that the level of antibody produced in response to type I calf collagen in thymus chimeras correlates with the H-2 haplotype (high responder or low responder) of the reconstituting thymus. These experiments indicate that the thymus environment of T cell maturation influences both the H-2 restriction and Ir-phenotype of a responding immune system.     

A role for mast cells and the vasoactive amine serotonin in T cell-dependent immunity to tumors

The involvement of mast cells in anti-tumor resistance was studied by employing 2 strains of mast cell deficient but otherwise immunocompetent mice on a C57BL/6 (H-2b) background (W/Wv and Sl/Sld) and their respective normal +/+ littermate controls. Sensitization of control mice with irradiated semisyngeneic B16 melanoma cells (H-2b) resulted in protection against subsequent challenge with viable B16 cells, in contrast to sensitization of either W/Wv or Sl/Sld mice. The involvement of serotonin in antitumor resistance was studied by employing 2 serotonin active drugs: reserpine, that depletes mast cells of serotonin; and methysergide, a serotonin antagonist. Sensitization of BDF1 mice with irradiated B16 cells and sensitization of DBA/2 mice (H-2d) with irradiated SL2 cells (H-2d) resulted in protection against subsequent challenge with viable B16 cells and viable SL2 cells, respectively. Treatment with either reserpine or methysergide resulted in a decreased protection. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) footpad responses to allogeneic L5178Y (H-2d) tumor cells in C57BL/6 mice showed a biphasic reaction pattern, similar to that found in DTH responses to simple reactive haptens, such as picryl chloride. Moreover, the early swelling responses were also dependent on T cells and on mast cells. BDF1 mice carrying a semisyngeneic L5178Y tumor on the chest showed an early swelling response after footpad challenge but no late response, possibly indicating that selective down regulation of the late component of DTH was associated with progressive tumor growth in these animals. The biphasic patterns of DTH to both tumor cells and picryl chloride and the T cell and mast cell dependence of both antitumor resistance and DTH to tumor cells suggest that T cell-dependent activation of mast cells to allow entry of mononuclear leukocytes into sites of tumor growth is similar to the mechanism that occurs in DTH.     

Regulatory role of gammadelta T cells in the recruitment of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to lung and subsequent pulmonary fibrosis

The mechanisms by which T cells accumulate in the lungs of patients with pulmonary fibrosis are poorly understood. Because the lung is continually exposed to microbial agents from the environment, we repeatedly exposed C57BL/6 mice to the ubiquitous microorganism, Bacillus subtilis, to determine whether chronic exposure to an inhaled microorganism could lead to T cell accumulation in the lungs and subsequent pulmonary fibrosis. C57BL/6 mice repeatedly treated with B. subtilis for 4 consecutive weeks developed a 33-fold increase in the number of CD4+ T cells and a 354-fold increase in gammadelta T cells in the lung. The gammadelta T cells consisted almost entirely of Vgamma6/Vdelta1+ cells, a murine subset bearing an invariant TCR the function of which is still unknown. Treatment of C57BL/6 mice with heat-killed vs live B. subtilis resulted in a 2-fold increase in the number of CD4+ T cells in the lung but no expansion of gammadelta T cells indicating that gammadelta cells accumulate in response to live microorganisms. In addition, mice treated with heat-killed B. subtilis developed significantly increased pulmonary fibrosis compared with mice treated with the live microorganism. Mice deficient in Vgamma6/Vdelta1+ T cells when treated with B. subtilis had a 231-fold increase in lung CD4+ T cells and significantly increased collagen deposition compared with wild-type C57BL/6 mice, consistent with an immunoregulatory role for the Vgamma6/Vdelta1 T cell subset. These findings indicate that chronic inhalation of B. subtilis can result in T cell accumulation in the lung and fibrosis, constituting a new model of immune-mediated pulmonary fibrosis.     

Augmentation of the antibody response by hapten help: I. Dominant genetic control

The objective of the present work was to characterize those genetic factors that determine susceptibility to “hapten help,” i.e., the augmentation of B-cell responses by hapten-reactive T cells. After mice had been sensitized to the hapten azobenzenearsonate (ABA), one of two approaches was used to assay hapten help. In the first, circumvention of tolerance to low doses of bovine γ-globulin (BGG) was augmented in CBA but not in C57BL/6 mice, as measured by serum anti-BGG antibody after challenge with ABA-BGG. Second, similar strain differences but on a larger scale were demonstrated in the anti-BGG plaque-forming cell (PFC) response of spleen cells from hapten-primed nontolerized mice after challenge with ABA-BGG. Results with the F1-hybrid of a cross between a high responder and a low responder for hapten help demonstrated that high responsiveness is dominant. Experiments with recombinant inbred mice from high- and low-responder progenitor strains suggested that hapten help is associated not with the major histocompatibility complex (H-2) so much as with minor histocompatibility antigens such as H-22 and/or H-24, both of which are on chromosome 7.     

Murine responses to (Tyr-Glu-Ala-Gly)n: II. H-2 and non-H-2 gene effects

Mice of the H-2^b haplotype responded to the sequential polymer poly(Tyr-Glu-Ala-Gly) in the in vitro T-cell proliferative assay, irrespective of whether they were homozygous or heterozygous at the H-2^b locus. The antibody responses of the H-2^b congenic mice to this polymer were variable, with A.BY and BALB.B showing responses better than those of C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 strains. The antibody responses of the F₁ progeny of (responder × nonresponder) strains of mice to this polymer are generally lower than the responder parents. F₁ mice with C57BL/10 background were the poorest responders. Studies with F₂ mice and backcross progenies of selective breeding of high and low antibody responder (C57BL/6 × BALB/c) F₁ to high responder C57BL/6 mice indicated that both non-H-2 genes and H-2 gene dosage effects influenced the magnitude of the humoral antibody responses. Animals having low responder non-H-2 background and only half the dosage of the responder immune response genes has greatly diminished antibody responses.     

Degree of proliferative response to concanavalin A of spleen cells of mice of different strains and production of interleukin-2

Differences in the lymphoproliferative response to Con A of spleen cells allowed one to distinguish a high responder (BALB/c and DBA/2) and low responder (C57BL/6 and CC57BR) mice. BALB/c and DBA/2 mice (H-2d haplotype) produced interleukin 2 better, than C57BL/6 and CC57BR mice (H-2b haplotype). However acceptance of interleukin 2 was better in BALB/c and C57BL/6, than in DBA/2 and CC57BR mice. Summarizing these facts the authors suppose that the differences in interleukin 2 production and acceptance play an important role in the height of lymphoproliferative response.     

Enalapril protects mice from pulmonary hypertension by inhibiting TNF-mediated activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of treatment with the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril in a mouse model of pulmonary hypertension induced by bleomycin. Bleomycin-induced lung injury in mice is mediated by enhanced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) expression in the lung, which determines the murine strain sensitivity to bleomycin, and murine strains are sensitive (C57BL/6) or resistant (BALB/c). Bleomycin induced significant pulmonary hypertension in C57BL/6, but not in BALB/c, mice; average pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) was 26.4 +/- 2.5 mmHg (P < 0.05) vs. 15.2 +/- 3 mmHg, respectively. Bleomycin treatment induced activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and activator protein (AP)-1 and enhanced collagen and TNF mRNA expression in the lung of C57BL/6 but not in BALB/c mice. Double TNF receptor-deficient mice (in a C57BL/6 background) that do not activate NF-kappaB or AP-1 in response to bleomycin did not develop bleomycin-induced pulmonary hypertension (PAP 14 +/- 3 mmHg). Treatment of C57BL/6 mice with enalapril significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the development of pulmonary hypertension after bleomycin exposure. Enalapril treatment inhibited NF-kappaB and AP-1 activation, the enhanced TNF and collagen mRNA expression, and the deposition of collagen in bleomycin-exposed C57BL/6 mice. These results suggest that ACE inhibitor treatment decreases lung injury and the development of pulmonary hypertension in bleomycin-treated mice.     

Suppressive effects of soluble histocompatibility antigens on the in vitro generation of cytotoxic T cells to D-end alloantigens

Murine histocompatibility antigens were solubilized from the spleens and lungs of C57BL/6 (H-2b) animals with hypertonic salt (3 M KC1). Aggregate-free soluble antigens were incubated with nonadherent lymph node cells from BALB/c (H-2d) mice for 18 hr prior to their use as responder cells in the mixed-lymphocyte reaction (MLR). It was found that the generation of cytotoxic cells was suppressed while the proliferative response was not affected. The observed suppression was not due to a shift in the kinetics of the generation of cytotoxicity as determined throughout a 10-day culture period. The suppression was specific in that the response in MLR to unrelated H-2f stimulator cells and the subsequent generation of cytotoxic cells were unchanged. Using various H-2 recombinant strains as target cells in the assay of cell-mediated lympholysis, suppression of cytotoxicity was observed when the D end, but not the K end, was shared with the C57BL/6 strain from which the antigens were derived.     

Anti-bacterial immunity to Listeria monocytogenes in allogeneic bone marrow chimera in mice

Protection and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to the facultative intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes (L.m.) were studied in allogeneic and syngeneic bone marrow chimeras. Lethally irradiated AKR (H-2k) mice were successfully reconstituted with marrow cells from C57BL/10 (B10) (H-2b), B10 H-2-recombinant strains or syngeneic mice. Irradiated AKR mice reconstituted with marrow cells from H-2-compatible B10.BR mice, [BR----AKR], as well as syngeneic marrow cells, [AKR----AKR], showed a normal level of responsiveness to the challenge stimulation with the listeria antigens when DTH was evaluated by footpad reactions. These mice also showed vigorous activities in acquired resistance to the L.m. By contrast, chimeric mice that had total or partial histoincompatibility at the H-2 determinants between donor and recipient, [B10----AKR], [B10.AQR----AKR], [B10.A(4R)----AKR], or [B10.A(5R)----AKR], were almost completely unresponsive in DTH and antibacterial immunity. However, when [B10----AKR] H-2-incompatible chimeras had been immunized with killed L.m. before challenge with live L.m., these mice manifested considerable DTH and resistance to L.m. These observations suggest that compatibility at the entire MHC between donor and recipient is required for bone marrow chimeras to be able to manifest DTH and protection against L.m. after a short-term immunization schedule. However, this requirement is overcome by a preceding or more prolonged period of immunization with L.m. antigens. These antigens, together with marrow-derived antigen-presenting cells, can then stimulate and expand cell populations that are restricted to the MHC (H-2) products of the donor type.     

Immunoregulatory pathways in adult responder mice. II. Regulation of delayed-type hypersensitivity responses by GAT-specific suppressor factors present in GAT-tolerant adult responder mice

We studied the effects of T cell extracts from adult responder BALB/c mice tolerized with poly(Glu60Ala30Tyr10) (GAT)-coupled syngeneic spleen cells (GAT-SP) on delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), T cell-proliferative (Tprlf), and plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses. Adult responder mice injected i.v. with GAT-SP develop Lyt-1-2+ suppressor T cells (Ts), which suppress the induction of GAT-specific DTH and PFC, but not Tprlf responses. Sonicates from these Ts contain an afferent-acting, soluble factor(s) (GAT-TsFdh) that specifically suppresses the same responses as the intact Ts (i.e., DTH and PFC, but not Tprlf). Immunosorbent chromatography studies were employed to determine the molecular nature of the suppressive material active on both cellular and humoral responses. In both assay systems, GAT-TsFdh was found to bear determinants encoded by the I subregion of the H-2 complex and a receptor(s) for GAT. BALB/c-derived GAT-TsFdh suppressed the induction of GAT DTH in syngeneic BALB/c and H-2-compatible B10.D2, but not in allogeneic C57BL/6 or CBA/Cum, suggesting a possible H-2 restriction in the suppression. It was also shown that one target of functional regulation by GAT-TsFdh is the T helper cell for DTH responses (DTH-Th). The results suggest that similar Ts and TsF regulate humoral and cell-mediated responses, perhaps by affecting a target common to both pathways (e.g., the T helper cell). The resistance of Tprlf responses to suppression by GAT-TsFdh indicates that the effector DTH-Th target is not a major component of the proliferative response. These data are discussed with respect to GAT-specific TsF-regulating PFC responses, which have been identified in nonresponders and in responders tolerized as neonates with GAT.     

Interleukin 1beta (IL1B) signaling is a critical component of radiation-induced skin fibrosis

Interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine, is directly up-regulated by radiation and is known to regulate other inflammation-related molecules, such as the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors (TIMPs). However, the nature of the interaction of IL1B with MMPs and TIMPs in radiation-induced skin fibrosis is unknown. We examined the response of primary dermal keratinocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells to single-fraction radiation (10 Gy) and compared the results to a temporal sequence of histology from irradiated C57BL/6 and IL1R1 knockout mice. These studies showed that keratinocytes are the major IL1-producing cells in vitro and that radiation induces an immediate and chronic elevation in the expression of IL1B mRNA in the skin of C57BL/6 mice. This elevation was principally early and was less pronounced in the IL1R1 knockout strain, which also demonstrated reduced late radiation fibrosis. Radiation also increased expression of MMP mRNA in C57BL/6 mice. Finally, exogenous IL1B protein induced robust endogenous IL1B mRNA expression, along with a brisk increase in MMPs and collagen III, but only in the C57BL/6 mice. In conclusion, these data suggest that IL1B plays a critical role in radiation-induced fibrosis and that the increased MMPs fail to block the IL1-related collagen accumulation.     

Genes of the H-2 complex regulate the antibody response to murine leukemia virus

The influence of the major histocompatibility complex of the mouse (H-2 complex) on the antibody response against murine leukemia virus (MuLV) was investigated after 3 different ways of virus presentation (milk transmission of virus, spontaneous virus activation, and immunization with inactivated virus). The antibody response against MuLV was measured in the sera of H-2 congenic C57BL V+ sublines (V+ denotes positive for milk-transmitted MuLV), (B10.AV+ X C57BL)F1 mice, (C57BL X AKR)F1 mice and of C57BL animals after immunization with inactivated AKR virus. The pattern of immune responsiveness of the different C57BL strains to MuLV was independent of virus replication and was similar for the 3 ways of virus presentation. Serum antibody levels were controlled by 2 genes within the H-2 complex. The first gene (Ir-MuLV-1) was located in the I-A region and was complemented by a second gene (Ir-MuLV-2), which was situated in the regions to the right of the I-B region. Presence of 2 responder alleles (Ir-MuLV-1+,2+) led to an optimal antibody response (H-2b haplotype). Animals that only expressed a responder allele in the I-A region (Ir-MuLV-1+,2-) were intermediate responders. Animals lacking a responder allele in the I-A region (Ir-MuLV-1-,2+ or Ir-MuLV-1-,2-) were low responders.