Targeted overexpression of OGFr in epithelium of transgenic mice suppresses cell proliferation and impairs full-thickness wound closure

The opioid growth factor (OGF) and its receptor, OGFr, play a regulatory role in cell proliferation, and maintain homeostasis through a tonically active negative feedback mechanism. To directly evaluate the repercussion of increased OGFr expression and consequent gain-of-function in epithelium, bovine keratin 5 promoter elements were used to direct the expression of OGFr to skin in a tetracycline-regulated manner. Three founder lines overexpressing OGFr (OGFrTG/K5-tTA) were established. Evidence for increased OGFr in the epithelium included a three-fold increase in OGFr binding activity, as well as significant increases in OGFr protein, as monitored by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry. DNA synthesis in target epithelium, including cornea, tongue, and skin of transgenic mice was decreased 41% to 80% from wild-type littermates; the liver, a nonepithelial organ, was not altered. Decreased DNA synthesis in corneal epithelium induced by transgenic expression of OGFr was further reduced by treatment with exogenous OGF but reversed by exposure to the opioid antagonist, naloxone. The number of cell layers in both epidermis and cornea of OGFrTG/K5-tTA animals was reduced nearly 45% from wild-type mice. Full-thickness wounds in mice overexpressing OGFr healed 37% to 75% slower than wild-type littermates. These data demonstrate for the first time that stable genetic amplification of OGFr downregulates homeostatic cell proliferation, as well as pathophysiological processes with respect to wound repair. These mice also can serve as a valuable model to dissect the mechanism of OGF-OGFr action and may be important in understanding the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of epithelium-related diseases.     

The immune response modifiers imiquimod and R-848 are potent activators of B lymphocytes

Imiquimod and R-848 are members of a family of immune response modifiers that stimulate cytokine production in monocyte/macrophages and dendritic cell cultures. This study evaluated the effects of the imidazoquinolines, imiquimod and R-848, on B lymphocyte activation. Both agents induced proliferation of murine T-cell-depleted and highly purified splenic B cell preparations as well as purified human B cells. Resting and activated B cells responded to these agents, with activated cells responding more efficiently. B cells from the LPS-hyporesponsive C3H/HeJ mice and guanosine-hyporesponsive SJL mice proliferated in response to imiquimod and R-848, indicating a different mechanism of action than lipopolysaccharide and guanine nucleosides. B cells were also stimulated by imiquimod and R-848 to produce increased immunoglobulin levels. Increased expression of a number of B cell activation markers were seen following imiquimod or R-848 stimulation. Finally, R-848 was shown to act as a vaccine adjuvant enhancing OVA-specific IgG2a levels while suppressing total IgE. These results indicate that R-848 and imiquimod are potent activators of B lymphocytes and are capable of augmenting antigen-specific immunoglobulin production.     

The OGF-OGFr axis utilizes the p16INK4a and p21WAF1/CIP1 pathways to restrict normal cell proliferation

Opioid growth factor (OGF) is an endogenous opioid peptide ([Met⁵]enkephalin) that interacts with the OGF receptor (OGFr) and serves as a tonically active negative growth factor in cell proliferation of normal cells. To clarify the mechanism by which OGF inhibits cell replication in normal cells, we investigated the effect of the OGF–OGFr axis on cell cycle activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). OGF markedly depressed cell proliferation of both cell lines by up to 40% of sterile water controls. Peptide treatment induced cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CKI) p16^INK4a protein expression and p21^WAF1/CIP1 protein expression in HUVECs and NHEKs, but had no effect on p15, p18, p19, or p27 protein expression in either cell type. Inhibition of either p16^INK4a or p21^WAF1/CIP1 activation by specific siRNAs blocked OGF inhibitory action. Human dermal fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells also showed a similar dependence of OGF action on p16^INK4a and p21^WAF1/CIP1. Collectively, these results indicate that both p16^INK4a and p21^WAF1/CIP1 are required for the OGF–OGFr axis to inhibit cell proliferation in normal cells.     

Toll-like receptor ligands modulate dendritic cells to augment cytomegalovirus- and HIV-1-specific T cell responses

Optimal Ag targeting and activation of APCs, especially dendritic cells (DCs), are important in vaccine development. In this study, we report the effects of different Toll-like receptor (TLR)-binding compounds to enhance immune responses induced by human APCs, including CD123(+) plasmacytoid DCs (PDCs), CD11c(+) myeloid DCs (MDCs), monocytes, and B cells. PDCs, which express TLR7 and TLR9, responded to imidazoquinolines (imiquimod and R-848) and to CpG oligodeoxynucleotides stimulation, resulting in enhancement in expression of costimulatory molecules and induction of IFN-alpha and IL-12p70. In contrast, MDCs, which express TLR3, TLR4, and TLR7, responded to poly(I:C), LPS, and imidazoquinolines with phenotypic maturation and high production of IL-12 p70 without producing detectable IFN-alpha. Optimally TLR ligand-stimulated PDCs or MDCs exposed to CMV or HIV-1 Ags enhanced autologous CMV- and HIV-1-specific memory T cell responses as measured by effector cytokine production compared with TLR ligand-activated monocytes and B cells or unstimulated PDCs and MDCs. Together, these data show that targeting specific DC subsets using TLR ligands can enhance their ability to activate virus-specific T cells, providing information for the rational design of TLR ligands as adjuvants for vaccines or immune modulating therapy.     

Prevention of immunosuppression in stressed mice by neurotropin(NSP)

It is well known that the immune function can be compromised by stress. To investigate immune function in mice stressed by experimental restraint or unavoidable and opioid dependent stress, we evaluated the changes in total body weight and in organ weights (liver, spleen and thymus) of these animals, as well as the phagocytic activity of macrophages, the cytotoxicity of T cells and inhibitory effects on tumor growth and changes in T cell subset populations. At the same time we evaluated the effects of Neurotropin (NSP), a substance extracted from the inflamed skin of rabbits inoculated with the vaccinia virus and which appears to possess neuroimmunomodulating activity. The experimentally stressed group exhibited a reduction of phagocytic activity of macrophages, cytotoxicity of T cells and inhibitory effects on tumor growth. In addition there were changes in the population of T cell subsets. In those animals pretreated with NSP, the immunosuppression induced by stress was ameliorated. As compared with several agents which influence phagocytosis, neurotropin exhibited effects similar to that of agents that blocked the adrenaline receptor and an opioid antagonist rather than tranquilizer (diazepam) and a cholinergic receptor blocker. The pharmacologic effects of neurotropin support a relationship between the actions of the central nervous system and the immune system.     

Identification of an IL-2 binding protein in the saliva of the Lyme disease vector tick, Ixodes scapularis

A potent inhibitor of mitogen-stimulated T cell proliferation exists in the saliva of several species of hard ticks, including the Lyme disease vector tick, Ixodes scapularis. Our characterization of this phenomenon has led to the identification of a possible mechanism for the T cell inhibitory activity of I. scapularis saliva. The T cell inhibitor can overcome stimulation of mouse spleen cells with anti-CD3 mAb; however, a direct and avid interaction with T cells does not appear to be necessary. Tick saliva inhibits a mouse IL-2 capture ELISA, suggesting that a soluble IL-2 binding factor is present in the saliva. This hypothesis was verified by using a direct binding assay in which plate-immobilized tick saliva was shown to bind both mouse and human IL-2. Elimination of the IL-2 binding capacity of saliva in the in vitro assays by trypsin digestion demonstrated that the IL-2 binding factor is a protein. These experiments comprise the first demonstration of the existence of such a secreted IL-2 binding protein from any parasite or pathogen. This arthropod salivary IL-2 binding capacity provides a simple mechanism for the suppression of T cell proliferation as well as for the activity of other immune effector cells that are responsive to IL-2 stimulation. Relevance of the tick T cell inhibitory activity to the human immune system is demonstrated by the ability of tick saliva to inhibit proliferation of human T cells and CTLL-2 cells grown in the presence of human IL-2.     

Regulation of tumor infiltrated innate immune cells by adenosine

Cancer has the ability to escape the immune system using different molecular actors. Adenosine is known to be involved in mechanisms which control inflammatory reactions and prevent excessive immune response. This purine nucleoside can be translocated from the cell or produced in the extracellular space by 5′-ectonucleotidases. Once bound to its receptors on the surface of immune effector cells, adenosine activates various molecular pathways, which lead to functional inhibition of the cell or its death. Some tumors are infiltrated by the different cells of immune system but are able to use adenosine as an immunosuppressive molecule and thus inhibit immune anticancer response. This mechanism is well described on adaptive cells, but much less on innate cells. This review outlines major effects of adenosine on innate immune cells, its consequences on cancer progression, and possible ways to block the adenosine-dependent immunosuppressive effect.

     

CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞与人类获得性免疫缺陷病毒感染

CD4 CD25 是调节性T细胞中功能最重要的一类.它是一类具有特殊免疫调节功能的T细胞亚群.它能够抑制自身免疫病的发生和发展,参与肿瘤免疫的调节,同时在感染和移植免疫中也发挥着极其重要的作用.T细胞的这一亚群具有免疫调节和免疫抑制的特性,新近发现它亦与爱滋病的发生、发展关系密切.HIV进入人体后,CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞抑制了机体的免疫效应但它也同时被感染,最终由于细胞毒的作用而死亡.由于调节性T细胞数量的减少不能有效的发挥其抑制作用,HIV持续的过度活化使得T细胞逐渐耗竭说明在HIV发生、发展的不同阶段Treg细胞可能都发挥了免疫抑制作用,但是却对HIV感染与爱滋病发病的进程产生了不同的效应.此外,CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞还与HIV病毒的持续存在密切相关.本文就CD4 CD25 调节性T细胞与人类获得性免疫缺陷病毒(HIV)感染之间关系进行初步的探讨.     

Mechanism of endosomal TLR inhibition by antimalarial drugs and imidazoquinolines

Endosomal TLRs play an important role in innate immune response as well as in autoimmune processes. In the therapy of systemic lupus erythematosus, antimalarial drugs chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and quinacrine have been used for a long time. Their suppression of endosomal TLR activation has been attributed to the inhibition of endosomal acidification, which is a prerequisite for the activation of these receptors. We discovered that chloroquine inhibits only activation of endosomal TLRs by nucleic acids, whereas it augments activation of TLR8 by a small synthetic compound, R848. We detected direct binding of antimalarials to nucleic acids by spectroscopic experiments and determined their cellular colocalization. Further analysis revealed that other nucleic acid-binding compounds, such as propidium iodide, also inhibited activation of endosomal TLRs and colocalized with nucleic acids to endosomes. We found that imidazoquinolines, which are TLR7/8 agonists, inhibit TLR9 and TLR3 even in the absence of TLR7 or TLR8, and their mechanism of inhibition is similar to the antimalarials. In contrast to bafilomycin, none of the tested antimalarials and imidazoquinolines inhibited endosomal proteolysis or increased the endosomal pH, confirming that inhibition of pH acidification is not the underlying cause of inhibition. We conclude that the direct binding of inhibitors to nucleic acids mask their TLR-binding epitope and may explain the efficiency of those compounds in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.     

Adjuvant activities of immune response modifier R-848: comparison with CpG ODN

R-848 and imiquimod belong to a class of immune response modifiers that are potent inducers of cytokines, including IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha, IL-12, and IFN-gamma. Many of these cytokines can affect the acquired immune response. This study examines the effects of R-848 on aspects of acquired immunity, including immunoglobulin secretion, in vivo cytokine production, and Ag-specific T cell cytokine production. Results are compared with those of Th1 CpG ODN. R-848 and CpG ODN are effective at skewing immunity in the presence of Alum toward a Th1 Ab response (IgG2a) and away from a Th2 Ab response (IgE). R-848 and CpG ODN are also capable of initiating an immune response in the absence of additional adjuvant by specifically enhancing IgG2a levels. Both R-848 and imiquimod showed activity when given subcutaneously or orally, indicating that the compound mechanism was not through generation of a depot effect. Although CpG ODN behaves similarly to R-848, CpG ODN has a distinct cytokine profile, is more effective than R-848 when given with Alum in the priming dose, and is active only when given by the same route as the Ag. The mechanism of R-848's adjuvant activity is linked to cytokine production, where increases in IgG2a levels are associated with IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha, IL-12, and IFN-gamma induction, and decreases in IgE levels are associated with IFN-alpha and TNF-alpha. Imiquimod also enhances IgG2a production when given with Ag. The above results suggest that the imidazoquinolines R-848 and imiquimod may be attractive compounds for use as vaccine adjuvants and in inhibiting pathological responses mediated by Th2 cytokines.     

CD94/NKG2A inhibits NK cell activation by disrupting the actin network at the immunological synapse

An adequate immune response is the result of the fine balance between activation and inhibitory signals. The exact means by which inhibitory signals obviate activation signals in immune cells are not totally elucidated. Human CD94/NKG2A is an ITIM-containing inhibitory receptor expressed by NK cells and some CD8+ T cells that recognize HLA-E. We show that the engagement of this receptor prevents NK cell activation by disruption of the actin network and exclusion of lipid rafts at the point of contact with its ligand (inhibitory NK cell immunological synapse, iNKIS). CD94/NKG2A engagement leads to recruitment and activation of src homology 2 domain-bearing tyrosine phosphatase 1. This likely explains the observed dephosphorylation of guanine nucleotide exchange factor and regulator of actin, Vav1, as well as ezrin-radixin-moesin proteins that connect actin filaments to membrane structures. In contrast, NK cell activation by NKG2D induced Vav1 and ezrin-radixin-moesin phosphorylation. Thus, CD94/NKG2A prevents actin-dependent recruitment of raft-associated activation receptors complexes to the activating synapse. This was further substantiated by showing that inhibition of actin polymerization abolished lipid rafts exclusion at the iNKIS, whereas cholesterol depletion had no effect on actin disruption at the iNKIS. These data indicate that the lipid rafts exclusion at the iNKIS is an active process which requires an intact cytoskeleton to maintain lipid rafts outside the inhibitory synapse. The net effect is to maintain an inhibitory state in the proximity of the iNKIS, while allowing the formation of activation synapse at distal points within the same NK cell.     

蛋氨酸脑啡肽抑制人胃癌细胞BGC823增殖作用及免疫调节机制

采用不同浓度梯度的蛋氨酸脑啡肽(methionine enkephalin,MENK)体外作用于人胃癌细胞BGC823后,探讨对其增殖影响及其作用机制,为胃癌的免疫治疗提供理论依据。体外培养人胃癌细胞株BGC823,PCR检测阿片受体OGFr的表达;用不同浓度(0、1、2、3、4 mg/mL)的MENK体外作用于BGC823细胞24、48、72、96 h后,MTS检测MENK对其增殖影响;流式细胞术和Annexin V-FITC/PI双染法检测4 mg/mL MENK体外处理48、72 h后BGC823细胞凋亡变化。结果显示,人胃癌BGC823细胞有阿片受体OGFr的表达;MENK可抑制BGC823细胞增殖,且随着剂量的增加和时间的延长,其抑制作用逐渐增强(P0.05);4 mg/mL MENK48 h处理组与空白组相比细胞凋亡率增加,72 h处理组与48 h处理组结果一致(P0.05)。结果表明,MENK可抑制BGC823细胞增殖,具有显著的剂量依赖性和时间依赖性,且可通过诱导细胞凋亡抑制BGC823细胞的增殖。     

Murine neonatal spleen contains natural T and non-T suppressor cells capable of inhibiting adult alloreactive and newborn autoreactive T-cell proliferation

The spleen of neonatal mice is known to be a rich source of cells capable of suppressing a variety of immune functions of adult lymphocytes in vitro. From such observations has emerged the concept that the gradual development in ability to express immune functions after birth is due in part to the parallel normal physiological decay of naturally occurring regulatory suppressor cells. There is, however, some confusion in the literature as to the exact nature of the newborn of the newborn inhibitory cell type(s). In contrast to most previous reports which detect only a single type of neonatal suppressor cell, usually a T cell, we show here that newborn spleen harbors both T and non-T inhibitory cells. Both types of suppressor cells could be shown to suppress the proliferative response of adult spleen to alloantigens as well as newborn T cells reacting against self-Ia antigen in the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (AMLR). Newborn suppressor T cells were characterized as being non-adherent to Ig-anti-Ig affinity columns, soybean agglutinin receptor negative (SBA-), and susceptible to lysis by anti-T-cell specific antiserum plus complement. Non-T suppressor cells were identified as non-phagocytic, SBA receptor positive (SBA+), and resistant to cytotoxic treatment with anti-T-cell antibodies and complement. The apparent controversy surrounding previous reports as to the T versus non-T nature of newborn suppressor cells can be reconciled by the present observation that both types of inhibitory cells coexist in the spleen. Furthermore, the demonstration that newborn suppressor cells can effectively regulate T-cell proliferative activity mediated by other newborn cells provides more direct support for the contention that such inhibitory cells play a physiological role in controlling immune responsiveness during early ontogeny.     

Inhibition of antigen-specific T cell proliferation and cytokine production by protein kinase A type I

cAMP inhibits biochemical events leading to T cell activation by triggering of an inhibitory protein kinase A (PKA)-C-terminal Src kinase pathway assembled in lipid rafts. In this study, we demonstrate that activation of PKA type I by Sp-8-bromo-cAMPS (a cAMP agonist) has profound inhibitory effects on Ag-specific immune responses in peripheral effector T cells. Activation of PKA type I inhibits both cytokine production and proliferative responses in both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The observed effects of cAMP appeared to occur endogenously in T cells and were not dependent on APC. The inhibition of responses was not due to apoptosis of specific T cells and was reversible by a PKA type I-selective cAMP antagonist. This supports the notion of PKA type I as a key enzyme in the negative regulation of immune responses and a potential target for inhibiting autoreactive T cells.     

Skewing of the NK cell repertoire by MHC class I via quantitatively controlled enrichment and contraction of specific Ly49 subsets

A major task for the immune system is to secure powerful immune reactions while preserving self-tolerance. This process is particularly challenging for NK cells, for which tolerizing inhibitory receptors for self-MHC class I is both cross-reactive and expressed in an overlapping fashion between NK cells. We show in this study that during an education process, self-MHC class I molecules enrich for potentially useful and contract potentially dangerous NK cell subsets. These processes were quantitatively controlled by the expression level of the educating MHC class I allele, correlated with susceptibility to IL-15 and sensitivity to apoptosis in relevant NK cell subsets, and were linked to their functional education. Controlling the size of NK cell subsets with unique compositions of inhibitory receptors may represent one mechanism by which self-MHC class I molecules generate a population of tolerant NK cells optimally suited for efficient missing self-recognition.     

Identification of a novel human granzyme B inhibitor secreted by cultured sertoli cells

Sertoli cells have long since been recognized for their ability to suppress the immune system and protect themselves as well as other cell types from harmful immune reaction. However, the exact mechanism or product produced by Sertoli cells that affords this immunoprotection has never been fully elucidated. We examined the effect of mouse Sertoli cell-conditioned medium on human granzyme B-mediated killing and found that there was an inhibitory effect. We subsequently found that a factor secreted by Sertoli cells inhibited killing through the inhibition of granzyme B enzymatic activity. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that this factor formed an SDS-insoluble complex with granzyme B. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectroscopic analysis of the complex identified a proteinase inhibitor, serpina3n, as a novel inhibitor of human granzyme B. We cloned serpina3n cDNA, expressed it in Jurkat cells, and confirmed its inhibitory action on granzyme B activity. Our studies have led to the discovery of a new inhibitor of granzyme B and have uncovered a new mechanism used by Sertoli cells for immunoprotection.     

Glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor, a costimulatory receptor on naive and activated T cells, uses TNF receptor-associated factor 2 in a novel fashion as an inhibitor of NF-kappa B activation

Glucocorticoid-induced TNFR (GITR) has been implicated as an essential regulator of immune responses to self tissues and pathogens. We have recently shown that GITR-induced cellular events promote survival of naive T cells, but are insufficient to protect against activation-induced cell death. However, the molecular mechanisms of GITR-induced signal transduction that influence physiologic and pathologic immune responses are not well understood. TNFR-associated factors (TRAFs) are pivotal adapter proteins involved in signal transduction pathways of TNFR-related proteins. Yeast two-hybrid assays and studies in HEK293 cells and primary lymphocytes indicated interactions between TRAF2 and GITR mediated by acidic residues in the cytoplasmic domain of the receptor. GITR-induced activation of NF-kappaB is blocked by A20, an NF-kappaB-inducible protein that interacts with TRAFs and functions in a negative feedback mechanism downstream of other TNFRs. Interestingly, in contrast with its effects on signaling triggered by other TNFRs, our functional studies revealed that TRAF2 plays a novel inhibitory role in GITR-triggered NF-kappaB activation.     

Human Amnion Mesenchymal Cells Negative Co-stimulatory Molecules PD-L1 Expression and Its Capacity of Modulating Microglial Activation of CNS

The objective of this study is to investigate the negative immunomodulatory capacity of human amniotic mesenchymal cells (AMSCs) and their possible intrinsic mechanism, by which we can confirm that they modulate microglial activation of central nervous system from multiple perspectives at the molecular level. The identification of the immune phenotype of AMSCs and microglial cells was executed by immunohistochemical methods and flow cytometry. Meanwhile, the influence and mechanism of amniotic mesenchymal cells in vitro on proliferation, cell cycle, and cytokine release of activated microglia (MI) would be detected by ELISA, β-liquid scintillation counting method, and flow cytometry. Human amnion mesenchymal cells highly expressed negative co-stimulatory molecules PD-L1, while its ligand PD1 was expressed with high level by activated MI. When adding the PD-L1mAb to the mixed culture system composed of AMSCs and activated MI, the proliferation inhibitory effect and the cycle-blocking effect produced by the former on the latter would be partially reversed; at the same time, the impact of the latter cytokine secretion would be adjusted. As a conclusion, AMSCs play inhibitory effects on microglial activation, proliferation, and immune effects partially through the PD-L1–PD1 signaling pathways.