A chemotactic peptide from laminin alpha 5 functions as a regulator of inflammatory immune responses via TNF alpha-mediated signaling

Tissue injury triggers inflammatory responses that may result in release of degradation products or exposure of cryptic domains of extracellular matrix components. Previously, we have shown that a cryptic peptide (AQARSAASKVKVSMKF) in the alpha-chain of laminin-10 (alpha5beta1gamma1), a prominent basement membrane component, is chemotactic for both neutrophils (PMNs) and macrophages (Mphis) and induces matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) production. To determine whether AQARSAASKVKVSMKF has additional effects on inflammatory cells, we performed microarray analysis of RNA from RAW264.7 Mphis stimulated with AQARSAASKVKVSMKF. Several cytokines and cytokine receptors were increased >3-fold in response to the laminin alpha5 peptide. Among these were TNF-alpha and one of its receptors, the p75 TNFR (TNFR-II), increasing 3.5- and 5.7-fold, respectively. However, the peptide had no effect on p55 TNFR (TNFR-I) expression. Corroborating the microarray data, the protein levels of TNF-alpha and TNFR-II were increased following stimulation of RAW264.7 cells with AQARSAASKVKVSMKF. In addition, we determined that the production of TNF-alpha and TNFR-II in response to AQARSAASKVKVSMKF preceded the production of MMP-9. Furthermore, using primary Mphis from mice deficient in TNFR-I, TNFR-II, or both TNF-alpha receptors (TNFRs), we determined that AQARSAASKVKVSMKF induces MMP-9 expression by Mphis through a pathway triggered by TNFR-II. However, TNF-alpha signaling is not required for AQARSAASKVKVSMKF-induced PMN release of MMP-9 or PMN emigration. These data suggest that interactions of inflammatory cells with basement membrane components may orchestrate immune responses by inducing expression of cytokines, recruitment of inflammatory cells, and release of proteinases.     

The effect of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) muteins on human neutrophils in vitro

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) has been implicated as an important inflammatory mediator. In vitro, TNF-alpha is reported to activate human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), inducing responses such as phagocytic activity, degranulation and oxidative metabolism. Biological responses to TNF-alpha are initiated by its binding to specific cell surface receptors, and various studies have shown that the major TNF receptor species on PMN is the 75 kDa receptor. To verify the suggestion that the receptor binding domain includes the region close to the N-terminus of the TNF-alpha molecule, four TNF-alpha derivatives termed muteins were constructed, using a synthetic cDNA fragment substituting the N-terminal 3-7 selected hydrophilic or hydrophobic amino acids in the original TNF-alpha genomic DNA. Binding of muteins to PMN was assessed using monoclonal antibodies recognizing either the 55 kDa (p55) or the 75 kDa (p75) TNF receptor subtypes. Blocking by muteins of anti-p75 antibody binding to PMN was as expected from their N-terminal amino acid composition and hydrophilic properties. Hydrophilic muteins competed well with anti-TNF receptor antibodies for binding to the p75 receptor. In contrast, hydrophobic muteins were unable to block anti-p75 binding. Similarly, degranulation, chemiluminescence or enhancement of the PMN response to specific stimuli by the muteins correlated with the hydrophilic properties of the muteins. The significance of these observations in relation to the molecular structure of TNF-alpha is discussed.     

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha mediates RANK ligand stimulation of osteoclast differentiation by an autocrine mechanism

Osteoblasts or bone marrow stromal cells are required as supporting cells for the in vitro differentiation of osteoclasts from their progenitor cells. Soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) in the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is capable of replacing the supporting cells in promoting osteoclastogenesis. In the present study, using Balb/c-derived cultures, osteoclast formation in both systems-osteoblast/bone-marrow cell co-cultures and in RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis-was inhibited by antibody to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and was enhanced by the addition of this cytokine. TNF-alpha itself promoted osteoclastogenesis in the presence of M-CSF. However, even at high concentrations of TNF-alpha the efficiency of this activity was much lower than the osteoclastogenic activity of RANKL. RANKL increased the level of TNF-alpha mRNA and induced TNF-alpha release from osteoclast progenitors. Furthermore, antibody to p55 TNF-alpha receptors (TNF receptors-1) (but not to p75 TNF-alpha receptors (TNF receptors-2) inhibited effectively RANKL- (and TNF-alpha() induced osteoclastogenesis. Anti-TNF receptors-1 antibody failed to inhibit osteoclastogenesis in C57BL/6-derived cultures. Taken together, our data support the hypothesis that in Balb/c, but not in C57BL/6 (strains known to differ in inflammatory responses and cytokine modulation), TNF-alpha is an autocrine factor in osteoclasts, promoting their differentiation, and mediates, at least in part, RANKL's induction of osteoclastogenesis.     

Lysophosphatidic acid enhances interleukin-13 gene expression and promoter activity in T cells

Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC) are a source of inflammatory chemokines that may propagate airway inflammatory responses. We investigated the production of the CXC chemokine growth-related oncogene protein-alpha (GRO-alpha) from ASMC induced by cytokines and the role of MAPK and NF-kappaB pathways. ASMC were cultured from human airways, grown to confluence, and exposed to cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha after growth arrest. GRO-alpha release, measured by ELISA, was increased by >50-fold after IL-1beta (0.1 ng/ml) or 5-fold after TNF-alpha (1 ng/ml) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. GRO-alpha release was not affected by the T helper type 2 cytokines IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13. IL-1beta and TNF-alpha also induced GRO-alpha mRNA expression. Supernatants from IL-1beta-stimulated ASMC were chemotactic for neutrophils; this effect was inhibited by anti-GRO-alpha blocking antibody. AS-602868, an inhibitor of IKK-2, and PD-98059, an inhibitor of ERK, inhibited GRO-alpha release and mRNA expression, whereas SP-600125, an inhibitor of JNK, reduced GRO-alpha release without effect on mRNA expression. SB-203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, had no effect. AS-602868 but not PD-98059 or SP-600125 inhibited p65 DNA-binding induced by IL-1beta and TNF-alpha. By chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha enhanced p65 binding to the GRO-alpha promoter, which was inhibited by AS-602868. IL-1beta- and TNF-alpha-stimulated expression of GRO-alpha from ASMC is regulated by independent pathways involving NF-kappaB activation and ERK and JNK pathways. GRO-alpha released from ASMC participates in neutrophil chemotaxis.     

Activation of Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase pathway by tumor necrosis factor alpha leads to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic and acute inflammatory conditions. We have previously shown that mouse Sertoli cells respond to TNF-alpha by increasing interleukin-6 production and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression (1). In this cell type TNF-alpha activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways p42/p44 MAPK, JNK/SAPK, and p38, the last of which is responsible for interleukin-6 production (1). To determine which MAPK signaling pathway is required for TNF-alpha induction of ICAM-1 expression, we have utilized the protein kinase inhibitor dimethylaminopurine, demonstrating that treatment of Sertoli cells with such compound significantly reduced ICAM-1 expression and JNK/SAPK activation. Moreover, dimethylaminopurine treatment increased the expression of MAPK phosphatase-2, providing a possible mechanism of action of this compound. By using agonist antibodies to p55 and to p75 TNF-alpha receptors and both human and mouse TNF-alpha, we demonstrate that both TNF receptors are expressed and that only the p55 receptor is involved in ICAM-1 expression. The p55 receptor activates all of the three pathways, whereas p75 failed to activate any of the MAPKs. Altogether our results demonstrate that TNF-alpha up-regulates ICAM-1 expression through the activation of the JNK/SAPK transduction pathway mediated by the p55 receptor.     

TNF-Induced shedding of TNF receptors in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes: role of the 55-kDa TNF receptor and involvement of a membrane-bound and non-matrix metalloproteinase

A down-modulation of both the 55-kDa (TNF-R55) and the 75-kDa (TNF-R75) TNF receptors is observed in neutrophils exposed to a variety of stimuli. Proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular region of both receptors (shedding) and, with TNF, internalization of TNF-R55 and shedding of TNF-R75 are the proposed mechanisms. We have characterized the TNF-induced shedding of TNF receptors in neutrophils and determined the nature of the involved proteinase. Neutrophils exposed to TNF release both TNF receptors. A release of TNF receptors comparable to that observed with TNF was induced with TNF-R55-specific reagents (mAbs and a mutant of TNF) but not with the corresponding TNF-R75-specific reagents. A hydroxamic acid compound (KB8301) almost completely inhibited shedding of TNF-R55 and to a lesser degree shedding of TNF-R75. KB8301 also inhibited FMLP-induced shedding to a similar extent. Shedding was also inhibited by 1,10-phenanthroline, but this effect was considered nonspecific as the compound, at variance with KB8301, almost completely inhibited TNF and FMLP-induced PMN activation. Diisopropylfluorophosphate partially inhibited shedding of TNF-R75, suggesting the contribution of a serine proteinase to the release of this receptor. Shedding activity was not affected by matrix metalloproteinases inhibitors nor was it released in the supernatants of FMLP-stimulated neutrophils. These results suggest that TNF induces release of its receptors, that such a release is mediated via TNF-R55, and that a membrane-bound and non-matrix metalloproteinase is involved in the process. The possibility that ADAM-17, which we show to be expressed in neutrophils, might be the involved proteinase is discussed.     

Role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in a murine model of pulmonary inflammation

Early inflammatory events include cytokine release, activation, and rapid accumulation of neutrophils, with subsequent recruitment of mononuclear cells. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) intracellular signaling pathway plays a central role in regulating a wide range of inflammatory responses in many different cells. A murine model of mild LPS-induced lung inflammation was developed to investigate the role of the p38 MAPK pathway in the initiation of pulmonary inflammation. A novel p38 MAPK inhibitor, M39, was used to determine the functional consequences of p38 MAPK activation. In vitro exposure to M39 inhibited p38 MAPK activity in LPS-stimulated murine and human neutrophils and macrophages, blocked TNF-alpha and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) release, and eliminated migration of murine neutrophils toward the chemokines MIP-2 and KC. In contrast, alveolar macrophages required a 1000-fold greater concentration of M39 to block release of TNF-alpha and MIP-2. Systemic inhibition of p38 MAPK resulted in significant decreases in the release of TNF-alpha and neutrophil accumulation in the airspaces following intratracheal administration of LPS. Recovery of MIP-2 and KC from the airspaces was not affected by inhibition of p38 MAPK, and accumulation of mononuclear cells was not significantly reduced. When KC was instilled as a proinflammatory stimulus, neutrophil accumulation was significantly decreased by p38 MAPK inhibition independent of TNF-alpha or LPS. Together, these results demonstrate a much greater dependence on the p38 MAPK cascade in the neutrophil when compared with other leukocytes, and suggest a means of selectively studying and potentially modulating early inflammation in the lung.     

A low level of TNF-alpha mediates hemorrhage-induced acute lung injury via p55 TNF receptor

Acute lung injury after hemorrhagic shock (HS) is associated with the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in the lung. However, the role of TNF-alpha and its receptors in this pulmonary disorder remains obscure. This study examined the temporal relationship of pulmonary TNF-alpha production to neutrophil accumulation during HS and determined the role of TNF-alpha in neutrophil accumulation and lung leak. HS was induced in mice by removal of 30% of total blood volume. Lung TNF-alpha was measured by ELISA. Neutrophil accumulation was detected by immunofluorescent staining, and microvascular permeability was assessed using Evans blue dye. Although HS induced a slight and transient increase in lung TNF-alpha, neutrophil accumulation preceded the increase in TNF-alpha. However, lung neutrophil accumulation and lung leak were abrogated in TNF-alpha knockout mice, and both were restored by administration of recombinant TNF-alpha to TNF-alpha knockout mice before HS. Neutrophil accumulation and lung leak were abrogated in mice lacking the p55 TNF-alpha receptor, but neither was influenced by p75 TNF-alpha receptor knockout. This study demonstrates that a low level of pulmonary TNF-alpha is sufficient to mediate HS-induced acute lung injury during HS and that the p55 TNF-alpha receptor plays a dominant role in regulating the pulmonary inflammatory response to HS.     

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha induces differentiation of and bone resorption by osteoclasts

Osteoclast progenitors differentiate into mature osteoclasts in the presence of receptor activator of NF-kappaB (RANK) ligand on stromal or osteoblastic cells and monocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). The soluble RANK ligand induces the same differentiation in vitro without stromal cells. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a potent cytokine involved in the regulation of osteoclast activity, promotes bone resorption via a primary effect on osteoblasts; however, it remains unclear whether TNF-alpha can also directly induce the differentiation of osteoclast progenitors into mature osteoclasts. This study revealed that TNF-alpha directly induced the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells (MNCs), which produced resorption pits on bone in vitro in the presence of M-CSF. The bone resorption activity of TNF-alpha-induced MNCs was lower than that of soluble RANK ligand-induced MNCs; however, interleukin-1beta stimulated this activity of TNF-alpha-induced MNCs without an increase in the number of MNCs. In this case, interleukin-1beta did not induce TRAP-positive MNC formation. The osteoclast progenitors expressed TNF receptors, p55 and p75; and the induction of TRAP-positive MNCs by TNF-alpha was inhibited completely by an anti-p55 antibody and partially by an anti-p75 antibody. Our findings presented here are the first to indicate that TNF-alpha is a crucial differentiation factor for osteoclasts. Our results suggest that TNF-alpha and M-CSF play an important role in local osteolysis in chronic inflammatory diseases.     

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha: the role of this multifunctional cytokine in asthma

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is recognized as an important mediator in many cytokine- dependent inflammatory events. It is known that TNF-alpha is released in allergic responses from both mast cells and macrophages via IgE-dependent mechanisms, and elevated levels have been demonstrated in the bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) of asthmatic subjects undergoing allergen challenge. Inhaled TNF-alpha increases airway responsiveness to methacholine in normal and asthmatic subjects associated with a sputum neutrophilia. Additional data indicate that TNF-alpha can upregulate adhesion molecules, facilitate the immigration of inflammatory cells into the airway wall and activate pro-fibrotic mechanisms in the subepithelium. These data suggest that TNF-alpha plays a role in the initiation of allergic asthmatic airway inflammation and the generation of airway hyper-reactivity. In addition, polymorphisms of the TNF-alpha gene 5' untranslated region, particularly at -308 bp, have been described as being associated with asthma. This polymorphism is associated with increased levels of TNF-alpha, but as yet, no asthma studies have demonstrated a phenotypic difference between those individuals with the polymorphism and those with the wild type gene. The TNF receptors (TNF-R p55 and p75), also known as CD120a and b, have also been shown to be present in the lung, but their functional importance is only just emerging. In asthma, TNF may function as a pro-inflammatory cytokine that causes the recruitment of neutrophils and eosinophils. Treatment directed specifically at a reduction in TNF-alpha activity may conceivably be useful as a glucocorticosteroid-sparing asthma therapy.     

TNF-alpha induces phosphorylation of p47(phox) in human neutrophils: partial phosphorylation of p47phox is a common event of priming of human neutrophils by TNF-alpha and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor

Phosphorylation of p47(phox) is a key event in NADPH oxidase activation. We examined the ability of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNFalpha, IL-1, and G-CSF to induce this process compared with GM-CSF. Only TNF-alpha and GM-CSF induced a clear p47(phox) phosphorylation. This phosphorylation was time dependent and reached its maximum at 20 min. Two-dimensional phosphopeptide mapping of p47(phox) phosphorylated in neutrophils primed with TNF-alpha revealed partial phosphorylation of p47(phox) on the same peptide as for GM-CSF. Neutrophil incubation with TNF-alpha and subsequent addition of the chemotactic peptide fMLP resulted in more intense phosphorylation of p47(phox) sites than with each reagent alone. A neutralizing Ab against the p55 TNF receptor, contrary to a neutralizing Ab against the p75 TNF receptor, inhibited TNF-alpha-induced p47(phox) phosphorylation. Neutrophil treatment with both TNF-alpha and GM-CSF resulted in more intense phosphorylation of the same p47(phox) peptide observed with each cytokine alone, suggesting that they engaged pathways converging on common serines. This additive effect was also obtained on the priming of NADPH oxidase activity. The use of protein kinase inhibitors pointed to the involvement of a protein tyrosine kinase, but not protein kinase C. These findings show that TNF-alpha, via its p55 receptor, induces a protein tyrosine kinase-dependent selective phosphorylation of p47(phox) on specific serines. The ability of TNF-alpha and GM-CSF, two different cytokines with two different receptors to induce this specific p47(phox) phosphorylation, suggests that this event could be a common element of the priming of neutrophils by TNF-alpha and GM-CSF.     

The p55 TNF-alpha receptor plays a critical role in T cell alloreactivity

TNF-alpha is known to be an important mediator of tissue damage during allograft rejection and graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), but its role in supporting T cell responses to allogeneic Ags is unclear. We have studied this question by comparing normal mice with those lacking the p55 (p55 TNFR-/-) or p75 (p75 TNFR-/-) TNF-alpha receptors as donors in well-defined bone marrow transplant (BMT) models. Recipients of p55 TNFR-/- cells had significantly reduced mortality and morbidity from GVHD compared with the other two sources of T cells. In vitro, T cells lacking the p55 (but not the p75) TNF-alpha receptor exhibited decreased proliferation and production of Th1 cytokines in MLC. This defect was only partially restored by exogenous IL-2 and affected both CD4+ and CD8+ populations. CD8+ p55 TNFR-/- proliferation was impaired independently of IL-2 whereas CTL effector function was impaired in an IL-2-dependent fashion. Inhibition of TNF-alpha with TNFR:Fc in primary MLC also impaired the proliferation and Th1 differentiation of wild-type T cells. BMT mixing experiments demonstrated that the reduced ability of p55 TNFR-/- donor cells to induce GVHD was due to the absence of the p55 TNFR on T cells rather than bone marrow cells. These data highlight the importance of TNF-alpha in alloreactive T cell responses and suggest that inhibition of the T cell p55 TNF-alpha receptor may provide an additional useful therapeutic maneuver to inhibit alloreactive T cell responses following bone marrow and solid organ transplantation.     

Selective suppression of neutrophil accumulation in ongoing pulmonary inflammation by systemic inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase

The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway regulates a wide range of inflammatory responses in many different cells. Inhibition of p38 MAPK before exposing a cell to stress stimuli has profound anti-inflammatory effects, but little is known about the effects of p38 MAPK inhibition on ongoing inflammatory responses. LPS-induced activation of p38 MAPK in human neutrophils was inhibited by poststimulation exposure to a p38 MAPK inhibitor (M39). Release of TNF-alpha, macrophage-inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 (MIP-1beta), and IL-8 by LPS-stimulated neutrophils was also reduced by poststimulation p38 MAPK inhibition. In contrast, release of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was found to be p38 MAPK independent. Ongoing chemotaxis toward IL-8 was eliminated by p38 MAPK inhibition, although the rate of nondirectional movement was not reduced. A murine model of acute LPS-induced lung inflammation was used to study the effect of p38 MAPK inhibition in ongoing pulmonary inflammation. Initial pulmonary cell responses occur within 4 h of stimulation in this model, so M39 was administered 4 h or 12 h after exposure of the animals to aerosolized LPS to avoid inhibition of cytokine release. Quantities of TNF-alpha, MIP-2, KC, or monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 recovered from bronchial alveolar lavage or serum were not changed. Recruitment of neutrophils, but not other leukocytes, to the airspaces was significantly reduced. Together, these data demonstrate the selective reduction of LPS-induced neutrophil recruitment to the airspaces, independent of suppression of other inflammatory responses. These findings support the feasibility of p38 MAPK inhibition as a selective intervention to reduce neutrophilic inflammation.     

Dissociation of TNF-alpha cytotoxic and proinflammatory activities by p55 receptor- and p75 receptor-selective TNF-alpha mutants.

Human tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a pleiotropic cytokine capable of killing mammalian tumour cells in vitro and in vivo, and of enhancing the proinflammatory activity of leucocytes and endothelium, the latter effects limiting its usage as an antitumour agent in humans. Using TNF-alpha mutants with a selective capacity to bind to the TNF p55 receptor (TNFR55) or to the p75 receptor (TNFR75) we show here that these two major activities of TNF-alpha can be dissociated. The TNFR55-selective mutants (R32W, E146K and R32W-S86T) which bind poorly to TNFR75 displayed similar potency to wild-type TNF in causing cytotoxicity of a human laryngeal carcinoma-derived cell line (HEp-2) and cytostasis in a human leukaemic cell line (U937). However, these TNFR55-selective mutants exhibited lower proinflammatory activity than wild-type TNF. Specifically, TNF-alpha's priming of human neutrophils for superoxide production and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, platelet-activating factor synthesis and adhesion to endothelium were reduced by up to 170-fold. Activation of human endothelial cell functions represented by human umbilical venular endothelial cell (HUVEC) adhesiveness for neutrophils, E-selectin expression, neutrophil transmigration and IL-8 secretion were also reduced by up to 280-fold. On the other hand, D143F, a TNFR75-selective mutant tested either alone or in combination with TNFR55-selective mutants, did not stimulate these activities despite being able to cause cytokine production in TNFR75-transfected PC60 cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Involvement of the 55- and 75-kDa tumor necrosis factor receptors in the generation of lymphokine-activated killer cell activity and proliferation of natural killer cells.

In this study we investigated the expression of the 55 kDa (p55) and the 75 kDa (p75) TNF receptors in CD56+ NK cells and their role in NK and lymphokine-activated killer cells cell functions. By using mAb against the p55 and p75 TNF-R, NK cells were found to express both p55 and p75 upon activation, and both receptors were involved in the generation of lymphokine-activated killer cells activity. Proliferative activity of IL-2 stimulated NK cells was inhibited by anti-TNF-alpha mAb, indicating that endogenously produced TNF-alpha is important for optimal proliferation of NK cells. Furthermore, addition of rTNF-alpha increased the IL-2-induced proliferation of NK cells. mAb to p55 and p75 inhibited the IL-2-induced proliferation indicating that both TNF-R are involved in mediating this effect.     

Rabies virus ocular disease: T-cell-dependent protection is under the control of signaling by the p55 tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor, p55TNFR

Following brain infection, the Challenge Virus Standard strain of rabies virus infects the retina. Rabies virus ocular infection induces the infiltration of neutrophils and predominantly T cells into the eye. The role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)-lymphotoxin signaling in the control of rabies virus ocular infection and inflammatory cell infiltration was assessed using mice lacking the p55 TNF-alpha receptor (p55TNFR(-/-) mice). The incidence of ocular disease and the intensity of retinal infection were greater in p55TNFR(-/-) mice than in C57BL/6 mice: the aggravation correlated with less neutrophil and T-cell infiltration. This indicates that cellular infiltration is under the control of the p55 TNF-alpha receptor and suggests that inflammatory cells may protect the eye against rabies virus ocular infection. The role of T cells following rabies virus ocular disease was assessed by comparison of rabies virus infection in nude mice with their normal counterparts. Indeed, the incidence and severity of the rabies virus ocular disease were higher in athymic nude mice than in BALB/c mice, indicating that T lymphocytes are protective during rabies virus ocular infection. Moreover, few T cells and neutrophils underwent apoptosis in rabies virus-infected retina. Altogether, these data suggest that T lymphocytes and neutrophils are able to enter the eye, escape the immune privilege status, and limit rabies virus ocular disease. In conclusion, rabies virus-mediated eye disease provides a new model for studying mechanisms regulating immune privilege during viral infection.     

Requirement for the p75 TNF-alpha receptor 2 in the regulation of airway hyperresponsiveness by gamma delta T cells

In a recent study, we found that TNF-alpha negatively regulates airway responsiveness through the activation of gammadelta T cells. The biological activities of TNF-alpha are mediated by two structurally related but functionally distinct receptors, p55 (TNFR1) and p75 (TNFR2), which are independently expressed on the cell surface. However, the relative importance of either TNFR in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is unknown. To investigate the importance of these TNFRs in the development of allergen-induced AHR, p55-deficient and p75-deficient mice were sensitized to OVA by i.p. injection and subsequently challenged with OVA via the airways; airway responsiveness to inhaled methacholine was monitored. p75-deficient mice developed AHR to a similar degree as control mice. In contrast, p55-deficient mice, which were sensitized and challenged with OVA, failed to develop AHR. In p55-deficient mice, both the numbers of eosinophils and levels of IL-5 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly lower than in sensitized/challenged control mice (p < 0.05). However, depletion of gammadelta T cells resulted in significant increases in AHR in the p55-deficient mice, whereas no significant effect of gammadelta T cell depletion was evident in the p75-deficient mice. These data indicate that, in the absence of TNFR1 (p55), where TNF-alpha uses the p75 pathway exclusively, the development of AHR is regulated by gammadelta T cells.     

Extracellular ATP triggers tumor necrosis factor-alpha release from rat microglia

Brain microglia are a major source of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which have been implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, microglia were revealed to be highly responsive to ATP, which is released from nerve terminals, activated immune cells, or damaged cells. It is not clear, however, whether released ATP can regulate TNF-alpha secretion from microglia. Here we demonstrate that ATP potently stimulates TNF-alpha release, resulting from TNF-alpha mRNA expression in rat cultured brain microglia. The TNF-alpha release was maximally elicited by 1 mM ATP and also induced by a P2X(7) receptor-selective agonist, 2'- and 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine 5'-triphosphate, suggesting the involvement of P2X(7) receptor. ATP-induced TNF-alpha release was Ca(2+)-dependent, and a sustained Ca(2+) influx correlated with the TNF-alpha release in ATP-stimulated microglia. ATP-induced TNF-alpha release was inhibited by PD 098059, an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) kinase 1 (MEK1), which activates ERK, and also by SB 203580, an inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. ATP rapidly activated both ERK and p38 even in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+). These results indicate that extracellular ATP triggers TNF-alpha release in rat microglia via a P2 receptor, likely to be the P2X(7) subtype, by a mechanism that is dependent on both the sustained Ca(2+) influx and ERK/p38 cascade, regulated independently of Ca(2+) influx.