Immunological memory within the innate immune system

Immune memory has traditionally been the domain of the adaptive immune system, present only in antigen‐specific T and B cells. The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence for immunological memory in lower organisms (which are not thought to possess adaptive immunity) and within specific cell subsets of the innate immune system. A special focus will be given to recent findings in both mouse and humans for specificity and memory in natural killer (NK) cells, which have resided under the umbrella of innate immunity for decades. The surprising longevity and enhanced responses of previously primed NK cells will be discussed in the context of several immunization settings.     

模式识别受体介导的天然免疫反应调节获得性免疫的机理

模式识别受体（PRR）的发现推动了免疫学领域的迅速发展.在近15年时间里,揭示了PRR启动的天然免疫反应机制及信号转导途径,并对天然免疫反应调节获得性免疫产生的机制进行了广泛研究.本文综述该领域一些新的重要发现,集中讨论病原体激活抗原递呈细胞的天然免疫反应调节淋巴细胞介导的抗原特异性获得性免疫机理,以及不同天然免疫途径在宿主抵抗感染和修复组织损伤中的作用,并讨论该领域尚未解决的重要问题.     

Bacterial cell wall macroamphiphiles: Pathogen-/microbe-associated molecular patterns detected by mammalian innate immune system

Innate immune system is the first line of host defense against invading microorganisms. It relies on a limited number of germline-encoded pattern recognition receptors that recognize conserved molecular structures of microbes, referred to as pathogen-/microbe-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs/MAMPs). Bacterial cell wall macroamphiphiles, namely Gram-negative bacteria lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Gram-positive bacteria lipoteichoic acid (LTA), lipoproteins and mycobacterial lipoglycans, are important molecules for the physiology of bacteria and evidently meet PAMP/MAMP criteria. They are well suited to innate immune recognition and constitute non-self signatures detected by the innate immune system to signal the presence of an infective agent. They are notably recognized via their lipid anchor by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 4 or 2. Here, we review our current knowledge of the molecular bases of macroamphiphile recognition by TLRs, with a special emphasis on mycobacterial lipoglycan detection by TLR2.     

Postprandial lipoproteins and the molecular regulation of vascular homeostasis

Blood levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) increase postprandially, and a delay in their clearance results in postprandial hyperlipidemia, an important risk factor in atherosclerosis development. Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease, and its initiation involves endothelial dysfunction, invasion of the artery wall by leukocytes and subsequent formation of foam cells. TRL are implicated in several of these inflammatory processes, including the formation of damaging free radicals, leukocyte activation, endothelial dysfunction and foam cell formation. Recent studies have provided insights into the mechanisms of uptake and the signal transduction pathways mediating the interactions of TRL with leukocytes and vascular cells, and how they are modified by dietary lipids. Multiple receptor and non-receptor mediated pathways function in macrophage uptake of TRL. TRL also induce expression of adhesion molecules, cyclooxygenase-2 and heme-oxygenase-1 in endothelial cells, and activate intracellular signaling pathways involving mitogen-activated protein kinases, NF-κB and Nrf2. Many of these effects are strongly influenced by dietary components carried in TRL. There is extensive evidence indicating that raised postprandial TRL levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis, but the molecular mechanisms involved are only now becoming appreciated. Here, we review current understanding of the mechanisms by which TRL influence vascular cell function.     

Compartment diversity in innate immune reprogramming

Pathogens or endogenous molecules can reprogram innate immunity. This process can take the form of priming or tolerance depending on the activating signal, and favors enhanced resistance to infection and other insults, by modulating inflammation. Similarly to their organ-specific properties, reprogramming of macrophages and NK cells, is also compartmentalized.     

Memory in the innate and adaptive immune systems

Specific memory is a hallmark of the vertebrate adaptive immune system. However, recent experiments indicate that specific memory might also exist in the innate immune systems of invertebrates. At present, the underlying mechanisms are unknown; yet such phenomenological evidence is relevant for understanding the principles and evolution of immune defence.     

Macrophage receptors implicated in the “adaptive” form of innate immunity

The adaptive component of innate immunity occurs during the course of infection when antigen presenting cells alter expression of soluble or surface associated pattern recognition receptors. This results in increased recognition of a broad spectrum of pathogens, enhancement of effector functions and altered regulation of the inflammatory response.     

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.     

Regulation of group 2 innate lymphoid cells

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) exert critical roles in type 2 immune responses, epithelial repair at mucosal tissues and metabolic homeostasis. ILC2 rapidly provide large amounts of type 2 signature cytokines, thereby driving type 2 immune responses such as the defense against helminths. However, if deregulated, ILC2 facilitate tissue fibrosis and trigger unwanted type 2 immunopathologies such as allergies, asthma and atopic dermatitis. Therefore, ILC2 need to be tightly regulated and we are just beginning to understand which mediators activate or inhibit this rare but important cell population. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about positive and negative regulation of ILC2 and discuss its immunological consequences.     

The innate immune system in the intestine

The innate immune system provides the first line of host defense against invading pathogens. Innate immune responses are initiated by germline-encoded PRR, which recognize specific structures expressed by microorganisms. TLR are a family of PRR which sense a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. TLR are also expressed in the intestine and are critical for intestinal homeostasis. Recently, cytoplasmic PRR, such as NLR and RLR, have been shown to detect pathogens that have invaded the cytosol. One of the NLR, NOD2, is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. This review focuses on the innate immune responses triggered by PRR in the intestine.     

Novel paradigms of innate immune sensing of viral infections

According to the existing paradigm, cellular recognition of viral infection is mediated by molecular patterns within the virus particle or produced during virus replication. However, there are various physical cellular changes indicative of infection that could also trigger innate antiviral responses. The type-I interferon response is rapidly engaged to limit viral infection and a number of studies have shown that the interferon response, or components of it, are induced by general perturbations to cellular processes. Virus entry requires membrane and cytoskeletal perturbation, and both membrane fusion or actin depolymerising agents alone are able to activate antiviral genes. Viruses cause cellular stress and change the cellular environment, and oxidative stress or endoplasmic reticulum stress will amplify antiviral signaling. Many of these responses converge on interferon regulatory factor 3, suggesting that it plays a crucial role in determining the degree to which the cell responds. This review highlights novel paradigms of viral recognition and speculates that viral infection is sensed as a danger signal.     

Toll样受体（TLR）介导的天然免疫间的相互调节

模式识别受体（PRR）在宿主细胞识别与抵御微生物病原体中起到了重要作用。Toll样受体（TLR）是研究比较清楚的一类PRR,可以识别多种病原体成份,启动天然免疫反应。此外,近来发现了几类其他模式识别受体,如C型凝集素受体（CLR）,核苷酸寡聚结合域（NOD）样受体（NLR）和视黄酸诱导基因I（RIG—I）样受体（RLR）,表明机体的天然免疫反应受到多种机制的精密调控。本文着重综述TLR与其他PRR在识别病原体和介导天然免疫信号通路间的相互关系。     

Epigenetic memory of coronavirus infection in innate immune cells and their progenitors

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Siderocalins: siderophore-binding proteins of the innate immune system

Recent studies have revealed that the mammalian immune system directly interferes with siderophore-mediated iron acquisition through siderophore-binding proteins and that the association of certain siderophores, or siderophore modifications, with virulence is a direct response of pathogens to evade these defenses.     

Dynamic regulation of innate immunity by ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins

Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) are central to the host innate immune regulations. Dynamically, PTMs fine-tune the spatial and temporary responses of immune- and non-immune-cells, in accordance with extracellular and intracellular stresses. Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) are emerging as the important multi-functional signals, controlling the activation, stability, affinity and location of many signaling proteins. Recent investigations, at the molecular-cellular-animal models, have shed new light on the versatility of the ubiquitin, SUMO and ISG15, for shaping the strength and duration of the innate immune responses. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the functions and regulatory mechanisms of the ubiquitin and Ubls in the innate immunity, the first line of host defense against microbial infection.     

Resistance and augmentation of innate immunity in mice exposed to starvation

Mice were exposed to starvation for 3 days. Body temperature and various parameters were examined. By starvation, body temperature, blood glucose and ACTH decreased, especially on days 2 and 3. The level of corticosterone increased at this time. On the other hand, the number of lymphocytes yielded by the liver, spleen and thymus decreased from day 1 to 3. The change of the distribution of lymphocyte subsets was unique because NK, NKT and extrathymic T cells were stress-resistant in the liver. Conventional T and B cells were stress-sensitive. Reflecting the increased proportion of NK and NKT cells, NK and NKT activities were augmented. The increased proportion of NKT cells produced both IFNγ and IL-4 (Th0-type profile). The proportion and some functions of granulocytes and macrophages increased on Day 1 after starvation. These results suggest that starvation has a potential to increase the functions of unconventional lymphocytes and myeloid cells.     

昆虫天然免疫反应分子机制研究进展

昆虫体内缺乏高等脊椎动物所具有的获得性免疫系统, 只能依赖发达的天然免疫系统抵抗细菌、 真菌、 病毒等外源病原物的侵染。本文概括了昆虫天然免疫反应发生和作用的分子机制相关进展, 重点阐述了重要免疫相关因子在昆虫天然免疫反应中的功能和作用机制。昆虫天然免疫反应分为体液免疫和细胞免疫两种, 二者共同作用完成对病原物的吞噬 (phagocytosis)、 集结 (nodulation)、 包囊 (encapsulation)、 凝结 (coagulation)和黑化（melanization）等。当昆虫受到外界病原物的侵染时, 首先通过体内的模式识别蛋白（pattern recognition proteins/receptor, PRPs）识别并结合病原物表面特有的模式分子（pathogen-associated molecular pattern, PAMPs）, 继而一系列包括丝氨酸蛋白酶和丝氨酸蛋白酶抑制剂在内的级联激活反应被激活和调控, 产生抗菌肽、 黑色素等免疫效应分子, 清除或杀灭外源物。抗菌肽是一类小分子量的阳离子肽, 具有广谱抗菌活性, 针对不同类型的病原物, 抗菌肽的产生机制也不尽相同。昆虫体内存在着两种信号转导途径调节抗菌肽的产生： 一是由真菌和大部分革兰氏阳性菌激活的Toll途径; 二是由革兰氏阴性菌激活的Imd途径（immune deficiency pathway）。这两个途径通过激活不同转录因子调控不同抗菌肽基因的表达参与昆虫体内的天然免疫反应。     

Effects of dexamethasone on host innate and adaptive immune responses and parasite development in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss infected with Loma salmonae

The effects of dexamethasone (dex) treatment on infections with the microsporidian parasite, Loma salmonae and the effects of dex on initiation of the adaptive immune response were investigated in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss experimentally infected with the parasite. Dex treatment resulted in significantly higher infections with the parasite in the gills and other internal organs, suggesting that dex inhibits aspects of the innate immune response to L. salmonae; the heavier infections in the gills and organs of rainbow trout resembled infections seen in Chinook salmon. Mean xenoma counts per microscope field in the gills of fish infected with L. salmonae treated with dex or left untreated were 169 and 30, respectively. Although higher numbers of xenomas were observed in dex treated fish, the xenomas were generally smaller in size than in infected control fish. The xenomas in dex treated fish showed morphological signs of degeneration including loss and degeneration of early parasite stages, accumulation of amorphous material in xenomas, and infiltration with phagocytic cells containing degenerated parasites. The xenomas in infected untreated fish had larger xenomas with a more uniform size and contained identifiable parasite stages in the cytoplasm. According to this study, once fish have developed an adaptive immune response to the parasite by previous exposure, then fish have 100% protection to reinfection even when treated with heavy doses of dex. L. salmonae immune fish treated or untreated with dex during reinfection with the parasite developed no xenomas in the gills 6 weeks post reinfection. These results indicate that once the cellular response is primed to L. salmonae, then dex related immunosuppression does not reduce the effectiveness of the adaptive immune response.     

病毒感染调控巨噬细胞极化分子机制的研究进展

固有免疫是机体抵御病原微生物入侵的第一道防线。巨噬细胞(macrophages, Mφ)在机体中分布广泛并具有十分活跃的生物学功能,在宿主抗病毒固有免疫应答过程中发挥重要作用。既往研究集中于Mφ的吞噬功能及抗原提呈作用,而近年来研究发现,不同活化模式的Mφ对病毒感染后机体的炎症反应具有双重调控作用,Mφ的极化状态与病毒感染性疾病的发生和转归关系密切。病毒感染急性期,Mφ向M1方向极化,M1型Mφ可促进炎症反应,辅助机体清除病原体,但其过度活化可引起细胞因子风暴,加重组织的免疫病理损伤;随着病毒感染相关疾病的进展,Mφ向M2方向极化,M2型Mφ可通过分泌多种抑炎因子发挥免疫调控作用,参与组织修复,亦与感染慢性化密切相关。不同种类的病毒感染机体后可以诱导Mφ向不同方向极化,但其具体调控机制目前尚不清楚。现就Mφ极化在病毒感染过程中的作用及其调控机制作一概述,为相关疾病的发病机制研究奠定理论基础,并为治疗策略的研发提供新的思路。