Role of double-negative regulatory T cells in long-term cardiac xenograft survival

A novel subset of CD3(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) (double negative; DN) regulatory T cells has recently been shown to induce donor-specific skin allograft acceptance following donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI). In this study, we investigated the effect of DLI on rat to mouse cardiac xenotransplant survival and the ability of DN T cells to regulate xenoreactive T cells. B6 mice were given either DLI from Lewis rats, a short course of depleting anti-CD4 mAb, both DLI and anti-CD4 treatment together, or left untreated. DLI alone did not prolong graft survival when compared with untreated controls. Although anti-CD4-depleting mAb alone significantly prolonged graft survival, grafts were eventually rejected by all recipients. However, the combination of DLI and anti-CD4 treatment induced permanent cardiac xenograft survival. We demonstrate that recipients given both DLI and anti-CD4 treatment had a significant increase in the total number of DN T cells in their spleens when compared with all other treatment groups. Furthermore, DN T cells harvested from the spleens of DLI plus anti-CD4-treated mice could dose-dependently inhibit the proliferation of syngeneic antidonor T cells. Suppression mediated by these DN T cells was specific for antidonor T cells as T cells stimulated by third-party Ags were not suppressed. These results demonstrate for the first time that a combination of pretransplant DLI and anti-CD4-depleting mAb can induce permanent survival of rat to mouse cardiac xenografts and that DN T regulatory cells play an important role in preventing long-term concordant xenograft rejection through the specific suppression of antidonor T cells.     

Donor lymphocyte infusion induces long-term donor-specific cardiac xenograft survival through activation of recipient double-negative regulatory T cells

Previous studies have shown that pretransplant donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) can enhance xenograft survival. However, the mechanism by which DLI induces xenograft survival remains obscure. Using T cell subset-deficient mice as recipients we show that CD4+, but not CD8+, T cells are necessary to mediate the rejection of concordant cardiac xenografts. Adoptive transfer of naive CD4+ T cells induces rejection of accepted cardiac xenografts in CD4-/- mice. This rejection can be prevented by pretransplant DLI in the absence of any other treatment. Furthermore, we demonstrate that DLI activates alphabeta-TCR+CD3+CD4-CD8- double-negative (DN) regulatory T (Treg) cells in xenograft recipients, and that DLI-activated DN Treg cells can inhibit the proliferation of donor-specific xenoreactive CD4+ T cells in vitro. More importantly, adoptive transfer of DLI-activated DN Treg cells from xenograft recipients can suppress the proliferation of xenoreactive CD4+ T cells and their ability to produce IL-2 and IFN-gamma in vivo. Adoptive transfer of DLI-activated DN Treg cells also prevents CD4+ T cell-mediated cardiac xenograft rejection in an Ag-specific fashion. These data provide direct evidence that DLI can activate recipient DN Treg cells, which can induce donor-specific long-term cardiac xenograft survival by suppressing the proliferation and function of donor-specific CD4+ T cells in vivo.     

Oxidative stress impairs intracellular events involved in antigen processing and presentation to T cells

For T cells to recognize foreign antigens, the latter must be processed into peptides and associated to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules by antigen-presenting cells (APC). APCs frequently operate under stress conditions induced by tissue damage, antigens, or inflammatory reactions. We analyze the effects of oxidative stress on intracellular processing using APC B cell lines. Before being tested for APC function, B cells (IIA1.6) were exposed for 2 hours to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a treatment that impairs their capacity to stimulate specific T cell clones. Because paraformaldehyde-fixed H2O2-treated B cells can still present extracellular peptides to T cell clones, the intracellular events of processing were investigated. Purified lysosomes from H2O2-treated B cells show increased proteolytic activity and increased generation of antigenic peptides. In addition, H2O2 treatment targets antigens to compartments that express low levels of MHC II and proteins (H-2M, H-2O) required for peptide loading onto this molecule. Finally, we suggest that impairment of antigen processing by oxidative stress reduces the induction of a T cell's response because H2O2 decreases the activation of naive T lymphocytes by dendritic cells. Together, these data indicate that oxidative stress inhibits the capacity of APCs to process antigens and to initiate a primary T cell response. The role of such modifications on the outcome of the specific immune response is discussed.     

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells are insufficient to activate T cells

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) have been reported to express MHC class II, CD80, CD86, and CD11c and effectively stimulate naive T cells. Because dendritic cells (DC) are known to possess these characteristics, we sought to directly compare the phenotype and function of murine LSEC and DC. Nonparenchymal cells from C57BL/6 mice were obtained by collagenase digestion of the liver followed by density gradient centrifugation. From the enriched nonparenchymal cell fraction, LSEC (CD45(-)) were then isolated to 99% purity using immunomagnetic beads. Flow cytometric analysis of LSEC demonstrated high expression of CD31, von Willebrand factor, and FcgammaRs. However, unlike DC, LSEC had low or absent expression of MHC class II, CD86, and CD11c. LSEC demonstrated a high capacity for Ag uptake in vitro and in vivo. Although acetylated low-density lipoprotein uptake has been purported to be a specific function of LSEC, we found DC captured acetylated low-density lipoprotein to a similar extent in vivo. Consistent with their phenotype, LSEC were poor stimulators of allogeneic T cells. Furthermore, in the absence of exogenous costimulation, LSEC induced negligible proliferation of CD4(+) or CD8(+) TCR-transgenic T cells. Thus, contrary to previous reports, our data indicate that LSEC alone are insufficient to activate naive T cells.     

IDO and regulatory T cell support are critical for cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated Ag-4 Ig-mediated long-term solid organ allograft survival

Costimulatory blockade of CD28-B7 interaction with CTLA4Ig is a well-established strategy to induce transplantation tolerance. Although previous in vitro studies suggest that CTLA4Ig upregulates expression of the immunoregulatory enzyme IDO in dendritic cells, the relationship of CTLA4Ig and IDO in in vivo organ transplantation remains unclear. In this study, we studied whether concerted immunomodulation in vivo by CTLA4Ig depends on IDO. C57BL/6 recipients receiving a fully MHC-mismatched BALB/c heart graft treated with CTLA4Ig + donor-specific transfusion showed indefinite graft survival (>100 d) without signs of chronic rejection or donor specific Ab formation. Recipients with long-term surviving grafts had significantly higher systemic IDO activity as compared with rejectors, which markedly correlated with intragraft IDO and Foxp3 levels. IDO inhibition with 1-methyl-dl-tryptophan, either at transplant or at postoperative day 50, abrogated CTLA4Ig + DST-induced long-term graft survival. Importantly, IDO1 knockout recipients experienced acute rejection and graft survival comparable to controls. In addition, αCD25 mAb-mediated depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) resulted in decreased IDO activity and again prevented CTLA4Ig + DST induced indefinite graft survival. Our results suggest that CTLA4Ig-induced tolerance to murine cardiac allografts is critically dependent on synergistic cross-linked interplay of IDO and Tregs. These results have important implications for the clinical development of this costimulatory blocker.     

Impaired survival of regulatory T cells in pulmonary sarcoidosis

Background

Impaired regulatory T cell (Treg) function is thought to contribute to ongoing inflammatory responses in sarcoidosis, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Moreover, it is not known if increased apoptotic susceptibility of Tregs may contribute to an impaired immunosuppressive function in sarcoidosis. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze proportions, phenotype, survival, and apoptotic susceptibility of Tregs in sarcoidosis.

Methods

Patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis (n = 58) were included at time of diagnosis. Tregs were analyzed in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid and peripheral blood of patients and healthy controls (HC).

Results

In sarcoidosis patients no evidence was found for a relative deficit of Tregs, neither locally nor systemically. Rather, increased proportions of circulating Tregs were observed, most prominently in patients developing chronic disease. Sarcoidosis circulating Tregs displayed adequate expression of FoxP3, CD25 and CTLA4. Remarkably, in sarcoidosis enhanced CD95 expression on circulating activated CD45RO⁺ Tregs was observed compared with HC, and proportions of these cells were significantly increased. Specifically sarcoidosis Tregs - but not Th cells - showed impaired survival compared with HC. Finally, CD95L-mediated apoptosis was enhanced in sarcoidosis Tregs.

Conclusion

In untreated patients with active pulmonary sarcoidosis, Tregs show impaired survival and enhanced apoptotic susceptibility towards CD95L. Increased apoptosis likely contributes to the insufficient immunosuppressive function of sarcoidosis Tregs. Further research into this field will help determine whether improvement of Treg survival holds a promising new therapeutic approach for chronic sarcoidosis patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12931-015-0265-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Expression profiling of murine double-negative regulatory T cells suggest mechanisms for prolonged cardiac allograft survival

Recent studies have demonstrated that both mouse and human alpha beta TCR(+)CD3(+)NK1.1(-)CD4(-)CD8- double-negative regulatory T (DN Treg) cells can suppress Ag-specific immune responses mediated by CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. To identify molecules involved in DN Treg cell function, we generated a panel of murine DN Treg clones, which specifically kill activated syngeneic CD8+ T cells. Through serial cultivation of DN Treg clones, mutant clones arose that lost regulatory capacity in vitro and in vivo. Although all allogeneic cardiac grafts in animals preinfused with tolerant CD4/CD8 negative 12 DN Treg clones survived over 100 days, allograft survival is unchanged following infusion of mutant clones (19.5 +/- 11.1 days) compared with untreated controls (22.8 +/- 10.5 days; p < 0.001). Global gene expression differences between functional DN Treg cells and nonfunctional mutants were compared. We found 1099 differentially expressed genes (q < 0.025%), suggesting increased cell proliferation and survival, immune regulation, and chemotaxis, together with decreased expression of genes for Ag presentation, apoptosis, and protein phosphatases involved in signal transduction. Expression of 33 overexpressed and 24 underexpressed genes were confirmed using quantitative real-time PCR. Protein expression of several genes, including Fc epsilon RI gamma subunit and CXCR5, which are >50-fold higher, was also confirmed using FACS. These findings shed light on the mechanisms by which DN Treg cells down-regulate immune responses and prolong cardiac allograft survival.     

Fascin is involved in the antigen presentation activity of mature dendritic cells

Maturation of dendritic cells (DC) is critical to their development into potent APCs. Upon maturation, DC up-regulate the expression of MHC class II as well as costimulatory and adhesion molecules, all of which are important in Ag presentation. In addition, they undergo structural changes characterized by the expression of numerous long dendrites. Fascin is an actin-bundling protein that has been reported to be important for the development of dendrites. In this study, we evaluated fascin expression and function during DC maturation into potent APC. In vitro, treatment of bone marrow-derived DC (BM-DC) with GM-CSF resulted in increased levels of fascin expression. This increase correlated directly with an increase in MHC class II and B7-2 expression. Fascin expression was decreased by the addition of TGF-ss and increased by the addition TNF-alpha to the culture. These cytokines suppress or enhance DC maturation, respectively. Increased levels of fascin expression were found to correlate with increased APC activity in a one-way MLR. Specific inhibition of fascin expression, using antisense oligonucleotides, markedly reduced this APC allostimulatory activity. These data demonstrate that fascin expression correlates with DC maturation into APC, and it plays a significant role in the ability of DC to function as APC. This observation is the first evidence linking fascin-mediated dendrite formation with the APC activity of DC.     

Transplantation survival is maintained by granzyme B+ regulatory cells and adaptive regulatory T cells

Granzyme B (GZB) has been implicated as an effector mechanism in regulatory T cells (T(reg)) suppression. In a model of T(reg)-dependent graft tolerance, it is shown that GZB- deficient mice are unable to establish long-term tolerance. Moreover, mice overexpressing the inhibitor of GZB, serine protease inhibitor 6, are also resistant to tolerization to alloantigen. Graft survival was shorter in bone marrow-mixed chimeras reconstituted with GZB-deficient T(reg) as compared with wild-type T(reg). Whereas there was no difference in graft survival in mixed chimeras reconstituted with wild-type, perforin-deficient, or Fas ligand-deficient T(reg). Finally, data also show that if alloreactive effectors cannot express FoxP3 and be induced to convert in the presence of competent T(reg), then graft tolerance is lost. Our data are the first in vivo data to implicate GZB expression by T(reg) in sustaining long-lived graft survival.     

Beta-catenin stabilization extends regulatory T cell survival and induces anergy in nonregulatory T cells

Beta-catenin is a central molecule in the Wnt pathway. Expression of a stable form of beta-catenin on CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (T(reg)) cells resulted in a marked enhancement of survival of these cells in vitro. Furthermore, stable beta-catenin-expressing CD4+CD25+ T(reg) cells outcompeted control T(reg) cells in vivo, and the number of T(reg) cells necessary for protection against inflammatory bowel disease could be substantially reduced when stable beta-catenin-expressing CD4+CD25+ T(reg) cells were used instead of control T(reg) cells. Expression of stable beta-catenin on potentially pathogenic CD4+CD25- T cells rendered these cells anergic, and the beta-catenin-mediated induction of anergy occurred even in Foxp3-deficient T cells. Thus, through enhanced survival of existing regulatory T cells, and through induction of unresponsiveness in precursors of T effector cells, beta-catenin stabilization has a powerful effect on the prevention of inflammatory disease.     

Both Wnt and mTOR signaling pathways are involved in insulin-stimulated proto-oncogene expression in intestinal cells

Subjects with Type II diabetes mellitus are more vulnerable in developing colorectal tumors, suggesting that hyperinsulinemia may stimulate proto-oncogene expression, and the existence of crosstalk between insulin signaling and pathways that are involved in colorectal tumor formation. We show here that insulin stimulates cell proliferation and c-Myc expression in colon cancer cell lines HT29 and Caco-2, intestinal non-cancer cell line IEC-6, and primary fetal rat intestinal cell (FRIC) cultures. The effect of insulin was blocked by phosphoinositide-3 Kinase (PI3K) inhibition, but only partially attenuated by inhibition of Protein kinase B (PKB), indicating the existence of both PKB-dependent and -independent mechanisms. The PKB-dependent mechanism of insulin-stimulated c-Myc expression in HT29 cells was shown to involve the activation of mTOR in c-Myc translation. In the investigation of the PKB-independent mechanism, we found that insulin-induced nuclear translocation of beta-catenin (beta-cat), an effector of Wnt signaling. Furthermore, insulin stimulated the expression of TopFlash, a Wnt-responsive reporter gene. Finally, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) detected significant increases in the binding of beta-cat to two TCF binding sites of the human c-Myc promoter following insulin treatment. Our observations support the existence of crosstalk between insulin and Wnt signaling pathways, and suggest that the crosstalk involves a PKB-independent mechanism.     

T cells cause acute immunopathology and are required for long-term survival in mouse adenovirus type 1-induced encephalomyelitis

Infection of adult C57BL/6 (B6) mice with mouse adenovirus type 1 (MAV-1) results in dose-dependent encephalomyelitis. Utilizing immunodeficient mice, we analyzed the roles of T cells, T-cell subsets, and T-cell-related functions in MAV-1-induced encephalomyelitis. T cells, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, and perforin contributed to acute disease signs at 8 days postinfection (p.i.). Acute MAV-1-induced encephalomyelitis was absent in mice lacking T cells and in mice lacking perforin. Mice lacking alpha/beta T cells had higher levels of infectious MAV-1 at 8 days, 21 days, and 12 weeks p.i., and these mice succumbed to MAV-1-induced encephalomyelitis at 9 to 16 weeks p.i. Thus, alpha/beta T cells were required for clearance of MAV-1. MAV-1 was cleared in mice lacking perforin, MHC class I or II, CD4+ T cells, or CD8+ T cells. Our results are consistent with a model in which either CD8+ or CD4+ T cells are sufficient for clearance of MAV-1. Furthermore, perforin contributed to MAV-1 disease but not viral clearance. We have established two critical roles for T cells in MAV-1-induced encephalomyelitis. T cells caused acute immunopathology and were required for long-term host survival of MAV-1 infection.     

Distinct sequences in the cytoplasmic domain of complement receptor 2 are involved in antigen internalization and presentation

B cells express randomly rearranged surface Ig that forms part of a multiprotein complex known as the B cell receptor (BCR). Recognition of Ag via this receptor results in its capture, internalization, proteolysis and presentation to CD4+ T cells. The recognition of Ag by CD4+ T cells is critical for the selection of individual B cells, leading to the eventual secretion of a high affinity version of the BCR as an effective circulating Ab. B cells also express other receptors that recognize Ags associated with components of innate immunity. One of these receptors, CR2, binds Ags coated with activated complement components. Studies have shown that cross-linking CR2 and the BCR with complement-tagged Ags leads to enhanced Ag presentation by B cells. In addition, Ags targeted to B cell CR2 in the absence of BCR coligation are also efficiently presented to T cells. In this report, we identify several distinct sequences within the cytoplasmic domain of mouse CR2 (mCR2) that are essential for mCR2-mediated Ag presentation in both the presence and the absence of BCR cross-linking. The finding that distinct sequences in the cytoplasmic domain of mCR2 are essential for BCR-independent Ag presentation leads us to propose a novel role for CR2.     

Regulatory conversation between antigen presenting cells and regulatory T cells enhance immune suppression

Regulatory T cells (Treg) were originally described by their suppressive function exerted on effector T cells, but recent evidence also reveals interactions with antigen presenting cells (APCs). In general, all major subpopulations of APCs, i.e., dendritic cells (DC), B cells and monocytes/macrophages (Mvarphi), respond to exposure to Treg by down regulation of their antigen presenting function, upregulation of immunosuppressive molecules and secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines. Thus, Treg gain influence on the innate immune system and are able to augment their immunosuppressive capacities by blocking the effective priming of T effector cells by APCs. Conversely, APCs have an important role in nurturing peripheral Treg populations, since it has been shown that immature DC, as well as alternatively activated Mvarphi, are able to induce Treg de novo. These properties are dependent on the expression of surface molecules (CTLA-4, F4/80) and the production of soluble factors such as IL-10 and Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase by the APC subpopulations. On the whole, the mutual interaction of Treg and APCs enables Treg to sustain their immunosuppressive functions which, in healthy individuals, may be crucial for the maintenance of peripheral tolerance.     

Hypoxia-inducible factor regulates survival of antigen receptor-driven T cells

Peripheral T lymphocytes undergo activation by antigenic stimulation and function in hypoxic areas of inflammation. We demonstrated in CD3-positive human T cells accumulating in inflammatory tissue expression of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), indicating a role of hypoxia-mediated signals in regulation of T cell function. Surprisingly, accumulation of HIF-1alpha in human T cells required not only hypoxia but also TCR/CD3-mediated activation. Moreover, hypoxia repressed activation-induced cell death (AICD) by TCR/CD3 stimulation, resulting in an increased survival of the cells. Microarray analysis suggested the involvement of HIF-1 target gene product adrenomedullin (AM) in this process. Indeed, AM receptor antagonist abrogated hypoxia-mediated repression of AICD. Moreover, synthetic AM peptides repressed AICD even in normoxia. Taken together, we propose that hypoxia is a critical determinant of survival of the activated T cells via the HIF-1alpha-AM cascade, defining a previously unknown mode of regulation of peripheral immunity.     

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells are inefficient in activation of human regulatory T cells

Background

Dendritic cells (DC) play a key role in initiation and regulation of immune responses. Plasmacytoid DC (pDC), a small subset of DC, characterized as type-I interferon producing cells, are critically involved in anti-viral immune responses, but also mediate tolerance by induction of regulatory T cells (Treg). In this study, we compared the capacity of human pDC and conventional DC (cDC) to modulate T cell activity in presence of Foxp3⁺ Treg.

Principal Findings

In coculture of T effector cells (Teff) and Treg, activated cDC overcome Treg anergy, abrogate their suppressive function and induce Teff proliferation. In contrast, pDC do not break Treg anergy but induce Teff proliferation even in coculture with Treg. Lack of Treg-mediated suppression is independent of proinflammatory cytokines like IFN-α, IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α. Phenotyping of pDC-stimulated Treg reveals a reduced expression of Treg activation markers GARP and CTLA-4. Additional stimulation by anti-CD3 antibodies enhances surface expression of GARP and CTLA-4 on Treg and consequently reconstitutes their suppressive function, while increased costimulation with anti-CD28 antibodies is ineffective.

Conclusions/Significance

Our data show that activated pDC induce Teff proliferation, but are insufficient for functional Treg activation and, therefore, allow expansion of Teff also in presence of Treg.     

Reactive oxygen species are essential mediators in antigen presentation by Kupffer cells

Kupffer cells (KC) act as APC in the liver and play a major role in the clearance of gut-derived antigens and pathogens entering the liver with portal venous blood. Antigen presentation by KC has been implicated in regulation of the local and systemic immune responses. In this study, modulation of KC antigen presentation by antioxidants and the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as essential mediators of antigen presentation in KC were investigated. Co-culture of KC with ovalbumin (OVA) antigens resulted in upstream intracellular endogenous ROS generation and increased expression of MHC class II and costimulator molecules, and consequent OVA-specific CD4(+) T-cell proliferation in response to antigen presentation by KC. Scavenging of KC ROS by antioxidants, or blocking of KC ROS generation by specific inhibitors of NADPH oxidase and/or xanthine oxidase, or by specific inhibitors of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, significantly decreased OVA-specific T-cell proliferation in response to antigen presentation by KC. Increased expression of MHC class II and costimulatory molecules in KC pulsed with OVA antigens was blocked by inhibiting ROS generation enzymatically. Intracellular endogenous ROS generation during antigen processing may therefore provide essential secondary signalling for KC antigen presentation.