Polyomavirus EGFP-pseudocapsids: analysis of model particles for introduction of proteins and peptides into mammalian cells

A vector for preparation of mouse polyomavirus capsid-like particles for transfer of foreign peptides or proteins into cells was constructed. Model pseudocapsids carrying EGFP fused with the C-terminal part of the VP3 minor protein (EGFP-VLPs) have been prepared and analysed for their ability to be internalised and processed by mouse cells and to activate mouse and human dendritic cells (DC) in vitro. EGFP-VLPs entered mouse epithelial cells, fibroblasts and human and mouse DC efficiently and were processed by both, lysosomes and proteasomes. Surprisingly, they did not induce upregulation of DC co-stimulation molecules or maturation markers in vitro; however, they did induce interleukin 12 secretion.     

IL-6 and IFN-α from dsRNA-stimulated dendritic cells control expansion of regulatory T cells

Foxp3⁺CD4⁺ regulatory T cells (Treg) control not only autoimmunity but also the effective immune response against RNA virus infections, which produces virus-derived double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). To induce effective anti-viral immunity, it is a key issue to learn how Treg respond to dsRNA in vitro and in vivo. We here showed that synthetic dsRNA, polyI:C, caused peripheral expansion of functional Treg in a TICAM-1- and IL-6-dependent manner in vivo. PolyI:C did not expand Treg directly, but promoted the expansion of naturally occurring Treg indirectly through IL-6 produced from dendritic cells (DCs). In addition, the expansion of Treg by IL-6 was inhibited by IFN-α from polyI:C-stimulated DCs. These data suggest that the balance of IL-6 and IFN-α in the region of RNA virus infection may determine the number of peripheral Treg, which affects the effective immune responses against viruses.     

Hepal-6 RNA脉冲BMDCs瘤苗抗小鼠HCC免疫效应的研究

目的观察Hepal-6RNA脉冲BMDCs瘤苗能否激发有效的机体抗肿瘤免疫反应。方法用Hepal-6RNA脉冲骨髓分离培养5d的BMDCs,瘤苗的抗肿瘤效应通过C57BL/6J小鼠肝细胞癌(HCC)模型验证,即C57BL/6J小鼠皮下接种Hepal-6细胞8d后,成瘤小鼠分为2组:对照组(注射无血清RPMI-1640)和实验组(足垫部注射Hepal-6RNA脉冲BMDCs瘤苗),30d后处死小鼠并取淋巴结、脾和瘤体冰冻切片,进行CD4、CD8、CD25和Foxp3免疫组织化学染色。结果免疫组织化学检测显示,淋巴结、脾、肿瘤内有大量CD4+T细胞、CD8+T细胞、CD25+T细胞和Foxp3+Tregs细胞浸润。与对照组小鼠比较,足垫部注射Hepal-6RNA脉冲BMDCs瘤苗的实验组小鼠淋巴结、脾、瘤内CD4+T细胞和CD8+T细胞浸润显著增加,CD25+T细胞和Foxp3+Tregs浸润明显减少。结论 Hepal-6RNA脉冲BMDCs瘤苗能下调小鼠HCC瘤内CD25+T细胞和Foxp3+Tregs浸润,促进CD4+T细胞和CD8+T细胞的增殖和活化,增强D4+T细胞、CD8+T细胞归巢至淋巴结和脾,具有抗瘤免疫效应。     

Cytolytic CD4 cells: Direct mediators in infectious disease and malignancy

CD4 T cells have traditionally been regarded as helpers and regulators of adaptive immune responses; however, a novel role for CD4 T cells as direct mediators of protection against viral infections has emerged. CD4 T cells with cytolytic potential have been described for almost 40 years, but their role in host protection against infectious disease is only beginning to be realized. In this review, we describe the current literature identifying these cells in patients with various infections, mouse models of viral infection and our own work investigating the development of cytolytic CD4 cells in vivo and in vitro. CD4 CTL are no longer considered an artefact of cell culture and may play a physiological role in viral infections such as EBV, CMV, HIV and influenza. Therefore, vaccine strategies aimed at targeting CD4 CTL should be developed in conjunction with vaccines incorporating B cell and CD8 CTL epitopes.     

Bone marrow contribution to skeletal muscle: a physiological response to stress

Adult bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMDC) have been shown to contribute to numerous tissues after transplantation into a new host. However, whether the participation of these cells is part of the normal response to injury remains a matter of debate. Using parabiotically joined pairs of genetically labeled and wildtype mice, we show here that irradiation-induced damage of the target tissue, injection of bone marrow into the circulation, and immunological perturbation that are consequences of bone marrow transplantation are not necessary for bone marrow contribution to myofibers. Moreover, severe toxin-induced damage is not a prerequisite, as BMDC contribution to muscle is enhanced in response to increased muscle activity resulting from muscle overloading or forced exercise. Indeed, these two forms of muscle stress result in much more rapid contribution (within 1 month) than voluntary running (6 months). These results indicate that BMDC contribute to myofibers in response to physiologic stresses encountered by healthy organisms throughout life.