The spider acylpolyamine Mygalin is a potent modulator of innate immune responses

Mygalin is an antibacterial molecule isolated from the hemocytes of the spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana. It was identified as bis-acylpolyamine spermidine. We evaluated the modulator effects of synthetic Mygalin in the innate immune response. We demonstrate that Mygalin induces IFN-γ synthesis by splenocytes increasing the nitrite secretion by splenocytes and macrophages. A specific inhibitor of iNOS abrogated Mygalin-induced nitrite production in macrophages independent of IFN-γ activation. In addition, Mygalin-activated macrophages produced TNF-α but not IL-1β, demonstrating that Mygalin does not act directly on the inflammasome. Furthermore, this compound did not affect spontaneous or Concanavalin A-induced proliferative responses by murine splenocytes and did not induce IL-5 or apoptosis of splenocytes or bone marrow-derived macrophages. These data provide evidence that Mygalin modulates the innate immune response by inducing IFN-γ and NO synthesis. The combined immune regulatory and antibacterial qualities of Mygalin should be explored as a strategy to enhance immune responses in infection.     

The human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is a multifunctional modulator of innate immune responses

The role of LL-37, a human cationic antimicrobial peptide, in the immune system is not yet clearly understood. It is a widely expressed peptide that can be up-regulated during an immune response. In this report, we demonstrate that LL-37 is a potent antisepsis agent with the ability to inhibit macrophage stimulation by bacterial components such as LPS, lipoteichoic acid, and noncapped lipoarabinomannan. We also demonstrate that LL-37 protects mice against lethal endotoxemia. In addition to preventing macrophage activation by bacterial components, we hypothesized the LL-37 may also have direct effects on macrophage function. We therefore used gene expression profiling to identify macrophage functions that might be modulated by LL-37. These studies revealed that LL-37 directly up-regulates 29 genes and down-regulated another 20 genes. Among the genes predicted to be up-regulated by LL-37 were those encoding chemokines and chemokine receptors. Consistent with this, LL-37 up-regulated the expression of chemokines in macrophages and the mouse lung (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1), human A549 epithelial cells (IL-8), and whole human blood (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and IL-8), without stimulating the proinflammatory cytokine, TNFalpha. LL-37 also up-regulated the chemokine receptors CXCR-4, CCR2, and IL-8RB. These findings indicate that LL-37 may contribute to the immune response by limiting the damage caused by bacterial products and by recruiting immune cells to the site of infection so that they can clear the infection.     

Toll-like receptors are key participants in innate immune responses

During an infection, one of the principal challenges for the host is to detect the pathogen and activate a rapid defensive response. The Toll-like family of receptors (TLRs), among other pattern recognition receptors (PRR), performs this detection process in vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. These type I transmembrane receptors identify microbial conserved structures or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Recognition of microbial components by TLRs initiates signaling transduction pathways that induce gene expression. These gene products regulate innate immune responses and further develop an antigen-specific acquired immunity. TLR signaling pathways are regulated by intracellular adaptor molecules, such as MyD88, TIRAP/Mal, between others that provide specificity of individual TLR- mediated signaling pathways. TLR-mediated activation of innate immunity is involved not only in host defense against pathogens but also in immune disorders. The involvement of TLR-mediated pathways in auto-immune and inflammatory diseases is described in this review article.     

Bacterial-epithelial contact is a key determinant of host innate immune responses to enteropathogenic and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli

Background

Enteropathogenic (EPEC) and Enteroaggregative (EAEC) E. coli have similar, but distinct clinical symptoms and modes of pathogenesis. Nevertheless when they infect the gastrointestinal tract, it is thought that their flagellin causes IL-8 release leading to neutrophil recruitment and gastroenteritis. However, this may not be the whole story as the effect of bacterial adherence to IEC innate response(s) remains unclear. Therefore, we have characterized which bacterial motifs contribute to the innate epithelial response to EPEC and EAEC, using a range of EPEC and EAEC isogenic mutant strains.

Methodology

Caco-2 and HEp-2 cell lines were exposed to prototypical EPEC strain E2348/69 or EAEC strain O42, in addition to a range of isogenic mutant strains. E69 [LPS, non-motile, non-adherent, type three secretion system (TTSS) negative, signalling negative] or O42 [non-motile, non-adherent]. IL-8 and CCL20 protein secretion was measured. Bacterial surface structures were assessed by negative staining Transmission Electron Microscopy. The Fluorescent-actin staining test was carried out to determine bacterial adherence.

Results

Previous studies have reported a balance between the host pro-inflammatory response and microbial suppression of this response. In our system an overall balance towards the host pro-inflammatory response is seen with the E69 WT and to a greater extent O42 WT, which is in fit with clinical symptoms. On removal of the external EPEC structures flagella, LPS, BFP, EspA and EspC; and EAEC flagella and AAF, the host inflammatory response is reduced. However, removal of E69 lymphostatin increases the host inflammatory response suggesting involvement in the bacterial mediated anti-inflammatory response.

Conclusion

Epithelial responses were due to combinations of bacterial agonists, with host-bacterial contact a key determinant of these innate responses. Host epithelial recognition was offset by the microbe''s ability to down-regulate the inflammatory response. Understanding the complexity of this host-microbial balance will contribute to improved vaccine design for infectious gastroenteritis.     

STAT4 is a critical mediator of early innate immune responses against pulmonary Klebsiella infection

Bacterial pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. An effective innate immune response is critical for the clearance of bacteria from the lungs. IL-12, a key T1 cytokine in innate immunity, signals through STAT4. Thus, understanding how STAT4 mediates pulmonary immune responses against bacterial pathogens will have important implications for the development of rational immunotherapy targeted at augmenting innate immunity. We intratracheally administered Klebsiella pneumoniae to wild-type BALB/c and STAT4 knockout (STAT4-/-) mice. Compared with wild-type controls, STAT4-/- mice had decreased survival following intratracheal Klebsiella administration, which was associated with a higher lung and blood bacterial burden. STAT4-/- animals also displayed impaired pulmonary IFN-gamma production and decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including the ELR- CXC chemokines IFN-gamma-inducible protein-10 and monokine induced by IFN-gamma. Although total lung leukocyte populations were similar between STAT4-/- and wild-type animals following infection, alveolar macrophages isolated from infected STAT4-/- mice had decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines, including IFN-gamma, compared with infected wild-type mice. The intrapulmonary overexpression of IFN-gamma concomitant with the systemic administration of IFN-gamma partially reversed the immune deficits observed in STAT4-/- mice, resulting in improved bacterial clearance from the blood. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that STAT4 is required for the generation of an effective innate host defense against bacterial pathogens of the lung.     

SHARPIN is a key regulator of immune and inflammatory responses

Mice with spontaneous mutations in the Sharpin gene develop chronic proliferative dermatitis that is characterized by eosinophilic inflammation of the skin and other organs with increased expression of type 2 cytokines and dysregulated development of lymphoid tissues. The mutant mice share phenotypic features with human hypereosinophilic syndromes. The biological function of SHARPIN and how its absence leads to such a complex inflammatory phenotype in mice are poorly understood. However, recent studies identified SHARPIN as a novel modulator of immune and inflammatory responses. The emerging mechanistic model suggests that SHARPIN functions as an important adaptor component of the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex that modulates activation of NF-κB signalling pathway, thereby regulating cell survival and apoptosis, cytokine production and development of lymphoid tissues. In this review, we will summarize the current understanding of the ubiquitin-dependent regulatory mechanisms involved in NF-κB signalling, and incorporate the recently obtained molecular insights of SHARPIN into this pathway. Recent studies identified SHARPIN as an inhibitor of β1-integrin activation and signalling, and this may be another mechanism by which SHARPIN regulates inflammation. Furthermore, the disrupted lymphoid organogenesis in SHARPIN-deficient mice suggests that SHARPIN-mediated NF-κB regulation is important for de novo development of lymphoid tissues.     

CCR1 and CC chemokine ligand 5 interactions exacerbate innate immune responses during sepsis

CCR1 has previously been shown to play important roles in leukocyte trafficking, pathogen clearance, and the type 1/type 2 cytokine balance, although very little is known about its role in the host response during sepsis. In a cecal ligation and puncture model of septic peritonitis, CCR1-deficient (CCR1(-/-)) mice were significantly protected from the lethal effects of sepsis when compared with wild-type (WT) controls. The peritoneal and systemic cytokine profile in CCR1(-/-) mice was characterized by a robust, but short-lived and regulated antibacterial response. CCR1 expression was not required for leukocyte recruitment, suggesting critical differences extant in the activation of WT and CCR1(-/-) resident or recruited peritoneal cells during sepsis. Peritoneal macrophages isolated from naive CCR1(-/-) mice clearly demonstrated enhanced cytokine/chemokine generation and antibacterial responses compared with similarly treated WT macrophages. CCR1 and CCL5 interactions markedly altered the inflammatory response in vivo and in vitro. Administration of CCL5 increased sepsis-induced lethality in WT mice, whereas neutralization of CCL5 improved survival. CCL5 acted in a CCR1-dependent manner to augment production of IFN-gamma and MIP-2 to damaging levels. These data illustrate that the interaction between CCR1 and CCL5 modulates the innate immune response during sepsis, and both represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention.     

Mitochondria in innate immune responses

The innate immune system has a key role in the mammalian immune response. Recent research has demonstrated that mitochondria participate in a broad range of innate immune pathways, functioning as signalling platforms and contributing to effector responses. In addition to regulating antiviral signalling, mounting evidence suggests that mitochondria facilitate antibacterial immunity by generating reactive oxygen species and contribute to innate immune activation following cellular damage and stress. Therefore, in addition to their well-appreciated roles in cellular metabolism and programmed cell death, mitochondria appear to function as centrally positioned hubs in the innate immune system. Here, we review the emerging knowledge about the roles of mitochondria in innate immunity.     

Chitin modulates innate immune responses of keratinocytes

Background

Chitin, after cellulose the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature, is an essential component of exoskeletons of crabs, shrimps and insects and protects these organisms from harsh conditions in their environment. Unexpectedly, chitin has been found to activate innate immune cells and to elicit murine airway inflammation. The skin represents the outer barrier of the human host defense and is in frequent contact with chitin-bearing organisms, such as house-dust mites or flies. The effects of chitin on keratinocytes, however, are poorly understood.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We hypothesized that chitin stimulates keratinocytes and thereby modulates the innate immune response of the skin. Here we show that chitin is bioactive on primary and immortalized keratinocytes by triggering production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Chitin stimulation further induced the expression of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) TLR4 on keratinocytes at mRNA and protein level. Chitin-induced effects were mainly abrogated when TLR2 was blocked, suggesting that TLR2 senses chitin on keratinocytes.

Conclusions/Significance

We speculate that chitin-bearing organisms modulate the innate immune response towards pathogens by upregulating secretion of cytokines and chemokines and expression of MyD88-associated TLRs, two major components of innate immunity. The clinical relevance of this mechanism remains to be defined.     

Legionella secreted effectors and innate immune responses

Legionella pneumophila is a facultative intracellular pathogen capable of replicating in a wide spectrum of cells. Successful infection by Legionella requires the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system, which translocates a large number of effector proteins into infected cells. By co-opting numerous host cellular processes, these proteins function to establish a specialized organelle that allows bacterial survival and proliferation. Even within the vacuole, L. pneumophila triggers robust immune responses. Recent studies reveal that a subset of Legionella effectors directly target some basic components of the host innate immunity systems such as phagosome maturation. Others play essential roles in engaging the host innate immune surveillance system. This review will highlight recent progress in our understanding of these interactions and discuss implications for the study of the immune detection mechanisms.     

Adaptive immune cells temper initial innate responses

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize conserved microbial structures called pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Signaling from TLRs leads to upregulation of co-stimulatory molecules for better priming of T cells and secretion of inflammatory cytokines by innate immune cells. Lymphocyte-deficient hosts often die of acute infection, presumably owing to their lack of an adaptive immune response to effectively clear pathogens. However, we show here that an unleashed innate immune response due to the absence of residential T cells can also be a direct cause of death. Viral infection or administration of poly(I:C), a ligand for TLR3, led to cytokine storm in T-cell- or lymphocyte-deficient mice in a fashion dependent on NK cells and tumor necrosis factor. We have further shown, through the depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in wild-type mice and the transfer of T lymphocytes into Rag-1-deficient mice, respectively, that T cells are both necessary and sufficient to temper the early innate response. In addition to the effects of natural regulatory T cells, close contact of resting CD4+CD25-Foxp3- or CD8+ T cells with innate cells could also suppress the cytokine surge by various innate cells in an antigen-independent fashion. Therefore, adaptive immune cells have an unexpected role in tempering initial innate responses.     

Leukotrienes: underappreciated mediators of innate immune responses

Leukotrienes are bronchoconstrictor and vasoactive lipid mediators that are targets in the treatment of asthma. Although they are increasingly recognized to exert broad proinflammatory effects, their role in innate immune responses is less well appreciated. These molecules are indeed synthesized by resident and recruited leukocytes during infection. Acting via cell surface G protein-coupled receptors and subsequent intracellular signaling events, they enhance leukocyte accumulation, phagocyte capacity for microbial ingestion and killing, and generation of other proinflammatory mediators. Interestingly, a variety of acquired states of immunodeficiency, such as HIV infection and malnutrition, are characterized by a relative deficiency of leukotriene synthesis. The data reviewed herein point to leukotrienes as underappreciated yet highly relevant mediators of innate immunity.     

The caspase-1 inflammasome: a pilot of innate immune responses

The inflammasome is a large multiprotein complex whose assembly leads to the activation of caspase-1, which promotes the maturation of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-18. Proteins encoded by the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat (NLR) containing gene family form the central components of inflammasomes and act as intracellular sensors to detect cytosolic microbial components and "danger" signals (such as ATP and toxins). The inflammasome not only plays a pivotal role in innate immune responses toward pathogens but also mediates the activity of aluminum adjuvants. Thus, the inflammasome and associated signaling pathways are attractive targets for new therapeutics and vaccines.     

Role of Toll-like receptor 4 in innate immune responses in a mouse model of acute otitis media

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is considered a major pathogen underlying middle ear infection. This study characterized the role of Toll-like receptor 4 in the innate immune responses to acute otitis media induced by NTHi in mice. We used C3H/HeJ mice, which have nonfunctional Toll-like receptor 4, and normal wild-type C3H/HeN mice. NTHi were injected into the tympanic bulla, and middle ear effusions and tissues were collected. In C3H/HeN mice, the severity of acute otitis media decreased promptly with a significant reduction in bacterial recovery from middle ear effusions 48 h after injection. In contrast, all C3H/HeJ mice had otitis media at all time points examined, and increasing bacterial counts from middle ear effusions were detected in C3H/HeJ mice 72 h after injection. Expression of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 by the middle ear mucosa paralleled the number of polymorphonuclear cells in the middle ear in both strains. The findings of transmission electron microscopy revealed that phagocytosis and phagosome maturation of polymorphonuclear cells was impaired in C3H/HeJ mice. Our findings indicate that Toll-like receptor 4 plays a part in the early accumulation and functional promotion of polymorphonuclear cells in the middle ear for eradicating NTHi infection.     

Vaccines expressing the innate immune modulator EAT-2 elicit potent effector memory T lymphocyte responses despite pre-existing vaccine immunity

The mixed results from recent vaccine clinical trials targeting HIV-1 justify the need to enhance the potency of HIV-1 vaccine platforms in general. Use of first-generation recombinant adenovirus serotype 5 (rAd5) platforms failed to protect vaccinees from HIV-1 infection. One hypothesis is that the rAd5-based vaccine failed due to the presence of pre-existing Ad5 immunity in many vaccines. We recently confirmed that EAT-2-expressing rAd5 vectors uniquely activate the innate immune system and improve cellular immune responses against rAd5-expressed Ags, inclusive of HIV/Gag. In this study, we report that use of the rAd5-EAT-2 vaccine can also induce potent cellular immune responses to HIV-1 Ags despite the presence of Ad5-specific immunity. Compared to controls expressing a mutant SH2 domain form of EAT-2, Ad5 immune mice vaccinated with an rAd5-wild-type EAT-2 HIV/Gag-specific vaccine formulation significantly facilitated the induction of several arms of the innate immune system. These responses positively correlated with an improved ability of the vaccine to induce stronger effector memory T cell-biased, cellular immune responses to a coexpressed Ag despite pre-existing anti-Ad5 immunity. Moreover, inclusion of EAT-2 in the vaccine mixture improves the generation of polyfunctional cytolytic CD8(+) T cell responses as characterized by enhanced production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, cytotoxic degranulation, and increased in vivo cytolytic activity. These data suggest a new approach whereby inclusion of EAT-2 expression in stringent human vaccination applications can provide a more effective vaccine against HIV-1 specifically in Ad5 immune subjects.     

Investigating the functions of the RIN4 protein complex during plant innate immune responses

Pathogen recognition by the plant innate immune system invokes a sophisticated signal transduction network that culminates in disease resistance. The Arabidopsis protein RIN4 is a well-known regulator of plant immunity. However, the molecular mechanisms by which RIN4 controls multiple immune responses have remained elusive. in our recently published study, we purified components of the RIN4 protein complex from A. thaliana and identified several novel RIN4-associated proteins.¹ we found that one class of RIN4-associated proteins, the plasma membrane H⁺-ATPases AHA1 and AHA2, play a crucial role in resisting pathogen invasion. Plants use RIN4 to regulate H⁺-ATPase activity during immune responses, thereby controlling stomatal apertures during pathogen attack. Stomata were previously identified as active regulators of plant immune responses during pathogen invasion, but how the plant innate immune system coordinates this response was unknown.^2,3 Our investigations have revealed a novel function of rin4 during pathogenesis. Here, we discuss the rin4-AHA1/2 interaction and highlight additional RIN4-associated proteins (RAPs) as well as speculate on their potential roles in plant innate immunity.Key words: RIN4, PAMP-triggered immunity, effector-triggered immunity, protein complex, innate immunity