Distribution of Laminin Variants and Their Integrin Receptors in Human Secondary Lymphoid Tissue: Colocalization suggests that the α6β4-integrin is a receptor for laminin-5 in lymphoid follicles

Laminins are a family of multifunctional basement membrane glycoproteins. Over the last years, many laminin isoforms have been characterized, which were shown to be composed of distinct combinations of variant α β and γ chains. Some of these isoforms show remark-able tissue specificity, which suggests functional involvement in local processes. In this study the previously described mAb 4C7. which recognize epithelial basement membranes as well as endothelial basement membranes in lymphoid follicles, was identified as an anti-laminin-5 antibody. Using a set of mAbs against various variant laminin chains we established that specifically the γ₂ chain of laminin-5 was confined to the endothelial basement membranes of vessels in lymphoid follicles, whereas other variant laminin chains were also expressed elsewhere in the lymphoid tissue. Additionally. the expression of the known integrin receptors of laminin-5 was also examined. The α6β4 integrin-receptor for laminin was found to be colocalized with the laminin-5 γ₂ chain on the abluminal surface of endothelial cells, whereas the α3 integrin chain could not be detected in lymphoid follicles. This finding suggests that the α6β4 integrin (and not the α3β1 integrin) serves as a laminin-5 receptor on endothelial cells in the follicular compartment of lymphoid tissue. Furthermore, α6β4 was also found in the same punctuated pattern on FDCs as laminin-5. The function of the laminin-α6β4 complex in this particular localisation is still obscure, but a role in the maintainance of the follicular compartment via hemidesmosome-like attachment sites is postulated.     

Stepping stones in the path of glucocorticoid-driven apoptosis of lymphoid cells

Cumulative work on glucocorticoid (GC) regulation of genes in lymphoid cell cultures has revealed that apoptotic sensitivity to GCs depends on sufficient active GC receptors in the cells. The actions of the ligand-driven GC receptor that lead to apoptosis depend on interactions with other major cell-signaling systems, including the MAPK pathways, the cAMP/PKA pathway, the hedgehog pathway, the mTOR system and the c- myc system. The balance between these systems determines whether a given cell responds to GCs by undergoing apoptosis. A central core of networked genes may be found under GC control in many types of malignant, GC-sensitive cells. The partial core list identified should be tested in clinical cell samples from hematologic malignancies.     

CD248/Endosialin is dynamically expressed on a subset of stromal cells during lymphoid tissue development, splenic remodeling and repair

Studies of stromal cell populations in lymphoid tissue (LT) have been hampered by a lack of selective markers. Here, we show that CD248 (Endosialin/TEM1) is a stromal marker that is differentially expressed on fibroblasts and pericytes in the thymus, lymph node and spleen. Expression is high during LT development but largely disappears in the adult. CD248 is re-expressed in a Salmonella-induced model of splenic enlargement; peak expression corresponding to the peak of splenic enlargement. These results suggest that CD248 expression helps define a subset of LT stromal cells which play a role in remodelling during tissue development, infection and repair.     

Human lymphoid cell lines: Models for immunological analysis

Summary Investigations with human long term lymphoid cell lines have amply demonstrated the versatility of these tissue culture systems for the detection, definition, and solution of current problems in cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, and immunology. These systems are contributing much to our understanding of the multiple functions of lymphoid cells in the immune response. Human lymphoid cell lines produce, in large quantities, the putative extracellular mediators of cell-mediated immunity, including migration inhibitory factor (MIF), lymphotoxin, interferon, and a specific, reversible inhibitor of lymphocyte biosynthetic activity. The MIF released by human lymphoid cell lines is similar to that produced by phytomitogen- or antigen-stimulated human peripheral lymphocytes. Human lymphoid cells from lines producing MIF mimic the capillary migration patterns of guinea pig peritoneal macrophages, and are more sensitive than the guinea pig cells to human MIFs. Studies with these migrating cells indicate that MIF is not solely a lymphoid cell product, but is synthesized by a wide variety of activated cell types. Extracts of cultured human lymphoid cells inhibit the synthesis of RNA, protein, and DNA by established lymphoid cell lines and by phytomitogen-stimulated human peripheral lymphocytes, but have no inhibitory effects on human nonlymphoid cells. The reversible inhibition is produced with physiological quantities of extract, suggesting a functional immunoregulatory activity for this material in lymphocyte-mediated immunological reactions. Initial findings indicate that these mediators are multiple and distinct molecular species. The remarkable proliferative and synthetic potential of human lymphoid cell systems provides a most useful resource for the purification and characterization of these immunological substances. This invited paper was presented at the Hematopoietic Systems Sessions in Depth section of the 24th Annual Meeting of the Tissue Culture Association, Inc., Boston, June 4, 1973. The work was supported by Grants RO1-AI10422 and TO1-AI00445 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and PO1-GM19443 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institute of Health, United States Public Health Service. Recipient of Research Career Development Award AI46371 from the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health.     

Age-related changes in the morphology and the distribution of IgA and IgG in the pharyngeal tonsils of yaks (Bos grunniens)

To evaluate age-related changes in the morphology as well as the expression and localization of IgA and IgG in yak pharyngeal tonsils, 20 healthy yaks were divided into four age groups [newborn (1–7 days old), juvenile (5–7 months old), adult (3–6 years old) and old (7–10 years old)]. Morphologic characteristics were observed by histological techniques. The expression and localization of IgA and IgG in pharyngeal tonsils were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The results showed that the epithelium of the pharyngeal tonsils included nonreticular epithelium with an intact basement membrane and reticular epithelium with a discontinuous basement membrane and nonepithelial cell infiltration. In newborn yaks, only primary lymphoid follicles were observed in pharyngeal tonsils. In other age groups, both primary and secondary lymphoid follicles were observed, but some of the lymphoid follicles in the old yaks were degenerated. The number of lymphoid follicles increased from the newborn to the adult group and peaked in the adult group, but the number decreased in the old group. In addition, the age-related trends of IgA and IgG protein expression were similar to those of the number of lymphoid follicles. The concentration of IgG was significantly higher than that of IgA in all age groups. Both IgA and IgG antibody secreting cells (ASCs) were distributed in the subepithelial region of the nonreticular epithelium, the reticular epithelium, the lymphoid follicles, the interfollicular areas and in between the salivary glands. The densities of IgA and IgG ASCs in pharyngeal tonsils were similar to the expression trend of both proteins in each age group. The results indicate that the morphology and amount of lymphoid follicles in yak pharyngeal tonsils vary with age. Pharyngeal tonsils produce more IgG than IgA, indicating that IgG could be significant component of mucosal immune responses in yaks.     

幽门螺杆菌与胃黏膜相关淋巴瘤相关性研究

目的研究幽门螺杆菌(H.pylori)与胃黏膜相关淋巴瘤相关性。方法通过胃镜和相关辅助检查,对24例胃黏膜相关淋巴瘤病人胃内幽门螺杆菌进行动态观察。结果24例胃黏膜相关淋巴瘤病人中,18例出现H.pylori感染(75%);治疗后H.pylori感染例数减少(6/24,25%);1年后H.pylori病人感染又增加(11/24,46%)。结论抗H.pylori及胃黏膜相关淋巴瘤常规治疗方法有效,但易反复,可考虑辅以微生态调节剂治疗。     

The role of lymphotoxin signaling in the development of autoimmune pancreatitis and associated secondary extra-pancreatic pathologies

The pathogenic mechanisms of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), an increasingly recognized, immune-mediated form of chronic pancreatitis, have so far remained elusive. Treatment options for AIP are currently limited and disease relapse is frequent. Still, AIP can be characterized by specific clinical and histologic features. It has turned out that as described in other autoimmune diseases the generation of tertiary lymphoid organs is also a hallmark of patients with AIP. We have recently demonstrated that pancreata derived from human AIP patients display overexpression of lymphotoxin (LT) α and β and LTβR-target genes expressed by immune cells but also by irradiation resistant cells of the pancreas (e.g. acinar cells). Expression of LT α and β on acinar cells in murine pancreata Tg(Ela1-Lta,b) mice led to chronic pancreatitis and sufficed to reproduce key features of human AIP including the development of autoimmunity and AIP associated secondary extra pancreatic pathologies. Here, we review how aberrant and ectopic expression of LT α and β can induce inflammation and autoimmune diseases in general and how this knowledge might specifically lead to an alternative treatment for patients suffering from autoimmune pancreatitis.     

Lymphoid cell line identification and the detection of cross contamination

Summary Four lymphoid cell lines, presumably recent derivatives from non-neoplastic human tonsils, were identified in actuality as established Burkitt, lymphoma and lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) when tested by chromosome banding and typing for HLA antigens. Additionally, the morphology, growth characteristics, tumorigenicity, expression of Epstein-Barr virus antigens and surface membrane immunoglobulins (SmIg) of the four lymphoid cell lines confirmed the correct identifications. In determining the possiblity of cross contamination, the most reliable criteria for the identification of lymphoid cell lines were found to be HLA antigenic profile, karyotype, cellular morphology, and growth characteristics. This work was supported by Contract N01 CP-53516 from the Virus Cancer Program of the National Cancer Institute, NIH, and by NIH Grants AI 13154, CA 16069, and CA 16071. Dr. Ferrone is a recipient of an American Heart Association Established Investigatorship Award. Dr. Pellegrino is a recipient of a Research Career Development Award. Dr. Glaser is the recipient of a Leukemia Society of America Scholar Award. This is publication 1786 from Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation.     

Isolation of a melibiose-binding protein from human spleen

A melibiose-binding protein was isolated from human spleen by serial affinity chromatography on lactose-, mannose-, and melibiose-Sepharose. The purified protein agglutinated rabbit erythrocytes and re-bound to melibiose, but did not bind to murine nor human laminin. The protein was composed of 58 kDA, 32 kDa and 26 kDa polypeptides. The polypeptides were detected in buffy coat cell extracts and they were synthesizedin vitro by B lymphoblastoid cells. The polypeptides did not react with anti-galaptin, anti-C-reactive protein, anti-amyloid P, anti-keratin, and anti-rat lung lectin 29 sera. The 58 kDa polypeptide reacted very weakly with anti-core-specific lectin serum and reacted with anti-IgG serum. The data suggest that the major protein isolated is an anti-Gall 6 immunoglobulin.Abbreviations ME mercaptoethanol - PMSF phenylmethylsufonyl fluoride - HEPES 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazine ethanosulfonate - PBS 0.01m PO₄, 0.12m NaCl, pH 7.3 - TBS 0.1m NaCl, 0.05m Tris, 0.05% NaN₃, 0.01m CaCl₂, 0.001m MgCl₂, pH 7.3 - BSA bovine serum albumin - GSI Griffonia simplicifolia I - SDS-PAGE sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis     

The development of the immune tissues in marsupial pouch young

Current knowledge of the development of the marsupial immune system, particularly in the context of lymphoid tissue development and the appearance of lymphocytes, has been examined and limitations identified. While primary lymphoid tissues like the thymus have been extensively studied, secondary lymphoid tissues such as the spleen and lymph nodes have been examined to a lesser extent, partly due to the difficulty of macroscopically identifying these structures, particularly in very small neonates. In addition, little research has been conducted on the mucosal‐associated lymphoid tissues; tissues that directly trap antigens and play an important role in the maturity of adaptive immune responses. Research on the development of the marsupial immune tissues to date serves as a solid foundation for further research, particularly on the mechanisms behind the development of the immune system of marsupials. With the recent sequencing and annotation of whole marsupial genomes, the current wealth of sequence data will be essential in the development of marsupial specific reagents, including antibodies, that are required to widen our specific knowledge of the complex marsupial immune system and its development. J. Morphol. 275:822–839, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Effect of microwaves (2450-MHz) on the immune system in mice: studies of nucleic acid and protein synthesis

CBA/J adult male mice were given single or triple exposures to 2450-mHz microwaves in an environmentally controlled wave guide facility. The average absorbed dose rate for a single exposure varied from 12 to 15 mW/g. Sham-exposed mice served as controls. Lymphoid cells were collected and tested for metabolic activity on days 3, 6, and 9 following a single exposure, and on days 9, 12, and 16 following triple exposures on days 0, 3, and 6. Cells were cultured in vitro for four hours to seven days before their metabolic rates were assayed. Under these conditions, microwaves failed to produce any detectable change in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and protein synthesis, as measured by the incorporation of methyl(3H)-thymidine (3H-TDR) (DNA substrate), 3H-uridine (3H-UR) (RNA substrate), and 3H-leucine (protein substrate) by spleen, bone marrow, and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in vitro. These data suggest that microwave-induced increases in the frequency of complement-receptor (CR)- or surface-immunoglobulin (sIg)-bearing cells were not associated with a concomitant increase in cell proliferation and/or protein synthesis, and favor the concept that microwaves under these conditions stimulate already existing B-cell precursors for maturation.     

Immunological importance of the second gut segment of carp.

Lymphocytes, plasma cells, granulocytes (three to four types), macrophages and monocyte-like cells were ultrastructurally distinguished in the intestinal mucosa of carp. Neutrophilic granulocytes and lymphoid cells were present in and under the epithelium throughout the gut. In contrast to macrophages which dominated in the epithelium of the second segment, basophilic and eosinophilic granulocytes (and their intermediates) were mainly found in the connective tissue of the first segment. Applying monoclonal antibodies against serum immunoglobulin (Ig) in an immunogold technique, only a minority of lymphoid cells appeared to be Ig-immunoreactive at their external membrane, suggesting the presence of many more T than B cells in the intestinal mucosa. Except for cells which resembled immature plasma cells, plasma cells did not show, or hardly showed, Ig at their surface. In contrast with the head kidney, plasma cells with an Ig-immunoreactive cytoplasm were scarce in the intestinal mucosa. As mucosa plasma cells were regularly found with the electron microscope, they possibly contain another class of Ig. Macrophages and monocyte-like cells were also found to be Ig-immunoreactive, suggesting the presence of immune complexes at their external membrane. The immunological significance of B- and T-like lymphocytes next to immune complex-binding and antigen-presenting macrophages in the second gut segment is discussed.     

Proteome Profiles of Head Kidney and Spleen of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss)

The head kidney and spleen are major lymphoid organs of the teleost fish. The authors identify proteome profiles of head kidney and spleen of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) using a shotgun proteomic approach. Gene ontology annotation of proteins is predicted using bioinformatic tools. This study represents detailed proteome profiles of head kidney and spleen of rainbow trout, with a total of 3241 and 2542 proteins identified, respectively. It is found that lymphoid organs are equipped with a variety of functional proteins related to defense, receptor, signal transduction, antioxidant, cytoskeleton, transport, binding, and metabolic processes. The identified proteome profiles will serve as a template for understanding lymphoid organ functions in salmonids and will increase the amount of spectra information of rainbow trout proteins in the public data repository PRIDE. This data can be accessed via ProteomeXchange with identifiers PXD008473 and PXD008478.     

LEF-1表达与肿瘤进程研究进展

淋巴增强因子-1(lymphoid enhancer factor-1,LEF-1)属于高迁移组分(HMG)家族,它与TCRα的增强子相互作用形成特定的构象,从而与其它因子结合共同调节基因的表达。LEF-1作为核内的转录因子介导Wnt信号通路,对细胞的增殖、分化和凋亡起重要作用。近年来,研究显示许多肿瘤的发生与Wnt信号通路的异常有关,而LEF-1在肿瘤的发生发展侵润过程中起重要作用。同时,LEF-1是一个多启动子基因,编码产生致瘤的全长形式的LEF-1和对Wnt信号通路起负向调控作用的截短形式的LEF-1。研究结果表明,肿瘤的发生发展与LEF/TCF各亚型的比例有关。因此,研究LEF-1的结构、功能以及其在细胞增殖、细胞存活、肿瘤的发生发展过程中的作用意义重大。该文就LEF-1的表达以及与肿瘤的关系作一综述。     

Dialyzable lymphoid extract (DLE) from mice resistant to STZ-induced diabetogenesis can interrupt the progress of diabetes in STZ-treated CD-1 mice

DLE was prepared from the minority of euglycemic CD-1 mice, previously injected with STZ, and was administered to hyperglycemic CD-1 male mice 1, 2 and 3 weeks after completion of multidose STZ. Mice treated with DLE derived from 2 × 10⁷ (1X) or 10⁸ lymphocyte equivalents (lymph.equ.) were significantly less hyperglycemic than the saline treated controls (P<0.001). The effects of DLE remained evident for more than 10 weeks after the final DLE treatment. Mice treated with DLE prepared from diabetic mice (hg DLE) developed a somewhat more rapid onset of hyperglycemia than the STZ treated control animals, although this effect did not achieve statistical significance (P=0.1). This DLE was absorbed on a rat insulinoma cell line (RIN), which contains interspecies cross-reacting islet antigens, and compared to the unabsorbed DLE. Mice treated with hg DLE preabsorbed on RIN cells, showed a slower onset of hyperglycemia. DLE prepared from euglycemia mice and the RIN- absorbed fraction were equally capable of preventing hyperglycemia (P<0.05). In order to determine whether the DLE effects were genetically restricted, DLE was prepared from BALB/c mice, normally resistant to the diabetogenic effects of multidose STZ, both before and after STZ treatment. STZ primed CD-1 mice treated with 3 weekly doses of 2 × 10⁷ lymph. equ. of untreated BALB/c derived DLE, STZ treated BALB/c derived DLE, and STZ treated CD-1 DLE were all less hyperglycemic than the control mice, who received saline (P<0.001). However, mice treated with CD-1 DLE were less hyperglycemic than the mice given BALB/c derived DLE (P<0.05). These effects were relatively long-lived. Mice that were given the >3,500 Dalton fraction of CD-1 DLE were significantly less hyperglycemic than either the control mice or those treated with the <3,500 Dalton fraction of CD-1 DLE (P<0.05). Effects remained evident for more than 3 months after the last dose of DLE. Pancreatic tissue from the mice treated with the >3,500 Dalton fraction of CD-1 derived DLE revealed slightly more islets of a slightly greater size with less surrounding inflammation than either control mice or mice treated with the <3,500 Dalton fraction of DLE.     

Transfer of immunity against Trichuris muris in the mouse by serum and cells

Transfer of immunity against Trichuris muris in the mouse by serum and cells. Internationaljournal for Parasitology 3: 717–722. A protective immunity against the nematode Trichuris muris was transferred with antiserum and cells taken from immunized mice. Immunity was transferred most reliably by cells, especially mesenteric lymph node cells, but most effectively by serum. The protective capacity of serum and cells taken from the same mice was not always related. Multiple immunization of the donors did not markedly increase protection in the recipients.     

Immunohistochemical distribution of leucocyte antigens in lymphoid tissues of cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

Crossreactivity of antibodies to human leucocyte antigens with lymphoid tissues of cynomolgus monkeys was studied by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Of a total of 54 clusters of differentiation (CD) antigens, 39 were expressed essentially with the same immunostaining patterns in the monkey as in human lymphoid tissues. By immunoblotting L26 (CD20) detected a 35 Kd molecule in the monkey lymph node. Our observations indicated that most of the CD antigens are expressed and can be studied in lymphoid tissues of cynomolgus monkeys.     

Autogenous growth factor production by reticuloendotheliosis virus-transformed hematopoietic cells

Reticuloendotheliosis virus strain T (REV-T)-transformed cells gave rise spontaneously to variants which secrete a factor that forms a distinct visible ring of precipitation (halo) surrounding colonies grown in soft agar. An Mr 15,000 protein was produced at higher levels by halo variants than by nonhalo-producing cells. An assay designed to detect the formation of precipitates enabled purification of an Mr 15,000 protein, p15, from serum-free medium conditioned by the growth of REV-T-transformed hematopoietic cells. Fractions enriched in p15 permitted the growth of REV-T-transformed cells under conditions where they normally failed to proliferate.     

Molecular characteristics and possible functions of innate lymphoid cells in the uterus and gut

With the discovery of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which are especially enriched in barrier surfaces, the family of innate lymphocytes has grown. A unique characterization of these cells can provide a phenotypical definition of ILCs and their specific functions in different tissue environments. Although ILCs are part of the innate immune system, they are derived from lymphoid lineages lacking rearranged antigen-specific and pattern-recognition receptors. The International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) favors the notion that ILCs can be generally divided into five main groups, namely, NK cells, ILC1s, ILC2s, ILC3s and LTi cells. These cells can be specifically stimulated by environmental and pathogen-derived signals. Upon stimulation, ILCs can rapidly secrete a wide range of soluble cytokines that can modulate the functions of effector cells. Over the last decade, ILCs, especially helper ILCs, which do not include NK cells, have been recognized to be a crucial cell type involved in integrating diverse host immune responses. Recently, emerging research has shown that helper ILCs also play a critical role in promoting tissue restoration and immune responses at barrier surfaces. Notably, helper ILCs act as a double-edged sword, being involved in the inflammatory and reparative responses during homeostasis and disease. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the current findings regarding the molecular characteristics and tissue-specific effector functions of helper ILCs in the uterus during physiological and pathological pregnancy and in the intestine during homeostasis and inflammation.