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Cell Receptor (cell + receptor)
Kinds of Cell Receptor Terms modified by Cell Receptor Selected AbstractsSupported Membranes with Well-Defined Polymer Tethers,Incorporation of Cell ReceptorsCHEMPHYSCHEM, Issue 3 2004Oliver Purrucker Abstract We report the design of supported lipid membranes attached to the surface by tailored lipopolymer tethers. A series of well-defined lipopolymers were synthesized by means of living cationic polymerization of 2-methyl-2-oxazolines. The polymers were equipped with a silane coupling group on the proximal, and lipid anchors on the distal chain ends. The length of the intermediate hydrophilic polymer tether was varied (n=14, 18, 33) to change the distance between the membrane and the substrate. Supported membranes have been prepared in two-steps. First, a suitable lipopolymer/lipid mixture was deposited by Langmuir,Blodgett transfer, and annealed to establish the covalent coupling to the surface. On the dry lipopolymer/lipid monolayer, the upper leaflet was deposited by vesicle fusion. Optimization of both preparation steps resulted in the formation of stable and defect-free membranes. Impacts of the spacer length and the lipopolymer fraction upon the lateral diffusivity of the lipids were systematically compared by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). First experiments on the incorporation of a large transmembrane cell receptor (integrin ,IIb,3) into the polymer-tethered membrane suggested that the length of the polymer tether plays a crucial role in distribution of the proteins on the surface. [source] Induction of V(D)J-mediated recombination of an extrachromosomal substrate following exposure to DNA-damaging agentsENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 6 2007Robert L. Pinsonneault Abstract V(D)J recombinase normally mediates recombination signal sequence (RSS) directed rearrangements of variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) germline gene segments that lead to the generation of diversified T cell receptor or immunoglobulin proteins in lymphoid cells. Of significant clinical importance is that V(D)J-recombinase-mediated rearrangements at immune RSS and nonimmune cryptic RSS (cRSS) have been implicated in the genomic alterations observed in lymphoid malignancies. There is growing evidence that exposure to DNA-damaging agents can increase the frequency of V(D)J-recombinase-mediated rearrangements in vivo in humans. In this study, we investigated the frequency of V(D)J-recombinase-mediated rearrangements of an extrachromosomal V(D)J plasmid substrate following exposure to alkylating agents and ionizing radiation. We observed significant dose- and time-dependent increases in V(D)J recombination frequency (V(D)J RF) following exposure to ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) but not a nonreactive analogue, methylsulfone (MeSulf). We also observed a dose-dependent increase in V(D)J RF when cells were exposed to gamma radiation. The induction of V(D)J rearrangements following exposure to DNA-damaging agents was not associated with an increase in the expression of RAG 1/2 mRNA compared to unexposed controls or an increase in expression of the DNA repair Ku70, Ku80 or Artemis proteins of the nonhomologous end joining pathway. These studies demonstrate that genotoxic alkylating agents and ionizing radiation can induce V(D)J rearrangements through a cellular response that appears to be independent of differential expression of proteins involved with V(D)J recombination. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] MHC-restricted T cell receptor signaling is required for ,,,TCR replacement of the pre T cell receptorEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Andrew L. Croxford Abstract A developmental block is imposed on CD25+CD44, thymocytes at the ,-selection checkpoint in the absence of the pre T cell receptor (preTCR) ,-chain, pT,. Early surface expression of a transgenic ,,,TCR has been shown to partially circumvent this block, such that thymocytes progress to the CD4+CD8+ double-positive stage. We wanted to analyze whether a restricting MHC element is required for ,,,TCR-expressing double-negative (DN) thymocytes to overcome the developmental block in pT,-deficient animals. We used the HY-I knock-in model that endows thymocytes with ,,,TCR expression in the DN compartment but has the advantage of physiological expression levels, in contrast to conventional TCR transgenes. On a pT,-deficient background, this HY-I TCR transgene ,rescued' CD25+CD44, thymocytes from apoptosis and enabled progression to later differentiation stages. On a non-selecting MHC background, however, pT,-deficient HY-I mice presented a pronounced reduction in numbers of splenocytes and thymocytes when compared to animals of selecting MHC genotype, showing that MHC restriction is necessary to drive HY-TCR-mediated rescue of pT,-deficient thymocytes. [source] MSK regulate TCR-induced CREB phosphorylation but not immediate early gene transcriptionEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 9 2007Madlen Kaiser Abstract Stimulation of the T cell receptor activates the ERK1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. We demonstrate that TCR stimulation also activates the mitogen- and stress-activated kinases (MSK) downstream of ERK1/2 and p38 in both a T cell line and primary peripheral T cells. MSK1/2-knockout mice were found to have normal numbers of T cells in the thymus, and development of these cells appeared unaffected. Using naive T cells and T lymphoblasts from MSK1/2-knockout mice, it was found that MSK was the kinase responsible for phosphorylation of the transcription factor CREB in response to TCR stimulation. Phosphorylation of CREB by MSK has been linked to the transcription of nur77, nor1 and c-fos downstream of MAPK signalling in various cell types. In T cells, the TCR-dependent transcription of these genes was found to require a MAPK-dependent but MSK-independent signalling pathway. Nevertheless, the number of T cells present in the spleens of MSK1/2-knockout mice and the IL-2-induced proliferation of these cells was reduced compared to wild-type mice. This correlated to a reduction in the TCR-induced up-regulation of the IL-2 receptor CD25 and a requirement for MSK in IL-2-induced CREB phosphorylation. [source] Germ-line and rearranged Tcrd transcription distinguish bona fide NK cells and NK-like ,,,T cellsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Charles Abstract NK cells and ,,,T cells are distinct subsets of lymphocytes that contextually share multiple phenotypic and functional characteristics. However, the acquisition and the extent of these similarities remain poorly understood. Here, using T cell receptor ,,locus-histone,2B-enhanced GFP (Tcrd-H2BEGFP) reporter mice, we show that germ-line transcription of Tcrd occurs in all maturing NK cells. We also describe a population of mouse NK-like cells that are indistinguishable from "bona fide" NK cells using standard protocols. Requirements for V(D)J recombination and a functional thymus, along with very low-level expression of surface TCR,, but high intracellular CD3, define these cells as ,,,T cells. "NK-like ,,,T cells" are CD127+, have a memory-activated phenotype, express multiple NK cell receptors and readily produce interferon-, in response to IL-12/IL-18 stimulation. The close phenotypic resemblance between NK cells and NK-like ,,,T cells is a source of experimental ambiguity in studies bridging NK and T cell biology, such as those on thymic NK cell development. Instead, it ascribes chronic TCR,, engagement as a means of acquiring NK-like function. See accompanying commentary: at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200737418 [source] Enhanced immunogenicity of CTL antigens through mutation of the CD8 binding MHC class,I invariant regionEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2007Linda Wooldridge Abstract CD8+ cytotoxic T,lymphocytes (CTL) are key determinants of immunity to intracellular pathogens and neoplastic cells. Recognition of specific antigens in the form of peptide-MHC class,I complexes (pMHCI) presented on the target cell surface is mediated by T cell receptor (TCR) engagement. The CD8 coreceptor binds to invariant domains of pMHCI and facilitates antigen recognition. Here, we investigate the biological effects of a Q115E substitution in the ,2,domain of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*0201 that enhances CD8 binding by,,50% without altering TCR/pMHCI interactions. Soluble and cell surface-expressed forms of Q115E HLA-A*0201 exhibit enhanced recognition by CTL without loss of specificity. These CD8-enhanced antigens induce greater CD3 ,,chain phosphorylation in cognate CTL leading to substantial increases in cytokine production, proliferation and priming of naive T cells. This effect provides a fundamental new mechanism with which to enhance cellular immunity to specific T cell antigens. [source] Expression of the NKG2D ligand UL16 binding protein-1 (ULBP-1) on dendritic cellsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2006David Schrama Abstract Innate and adaptive immunity have not evolved separately. In this regard, the NKG2D molecule first identified on NK cells and classified as an activating NK cell receptor is also an important receptor for CD8+ T,cells. Functional analyses of human NKG2D and its ligands, i.e. UL16 binding proteins (ULBP) and MHC class I chain-related (MIC), have so far focused on immune cell-target cell situations because of the expression of NKG2D ligands on infected, stressed or transformed cells. Here, however, we address a possible function of NKG2D/ULBP-1 during the initiation of T cell responses. ULBP-1 can be detected on mature dendritic cells both in situ in the T cell areas of lymph nodes as well as in vitro after artificial maturation. FCM analysis further demonstrated that although NKG2D is expressed to some degree on all analyzed T cell subsets from peripheral blood, in vitro stimulation of T cells results in up-regulation of NKG2D on proliferating T cells. Using the sentinel lymph nodes of primary melanoma as a model for induction of defined T cell responses in vivo, we were able to demonstrate the expression of NKG2D on melanoma-associated antigen-specific T cells. Thus, our results suggest a role for NGK2D-ULBP-1 in the induction or reactivation of T cell responses. [source] Copolymer effects on microglia and T,cells in the central nervous system of humanized miceEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 12 2005Zsolt Illes The random amino acid copolymers FYAK and VWAK ameliorate EAE in a humanized mouse model expressing both a human transgenic myelin basic protein (MBP)85,99-specific T,cell receptor and HLA-DR2. Here we show that microglia isolated from the central nervous system (CNS) of humanized mice with EAE induced by MBP85,99 and treated with these copolymers had reduced expression of HLA-DR, and thus reduced capacity to present MBP85,99 and activate transgenic T,cells. In vitro microglia up-regulated empty HLA-DR2 upon activation with GM-CSF with or without LPS or IFN-,, but not with IL-4 or IL-10. Correspondingly, gene chip arrays showed that the CNS of untreated and YFAK-treated mice differentially expressed pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules during MBP85,99-induced EAE. Interestingly, microglia expressed the full-length ,,,and ,,,subunits of the tetrameric adaptor protein complexes AP-1 and AP-2 respectively, but after treatment with GM-CSF these complexes were cleaved, as had been found in immature dendritic cells derived from bone marrow. Strikingly, in vivo the perivascular lymphocyte infiltration seen in untreated mice immunized with MBP85,99 was composed of equal numbers of hV,2+ MPB85,99-specific transgenic and hV,2, endogenous T,cells, while the much smaller infiltration seen after treatment with YFAK was composed predominantly of hV,2, endogenous T,cells. [source] Recruitment and selection of marginal zone B,cells is independent of exogenous antigensEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 7 2005Peter Abstract Marginal zone B (MZ-B) cells of the spleen contribute significantly to the immunity against invasive infections with polysaccharide-encapsulated bacteria. Recent evidence indicates that recruitment and selection of MZ-B,cells occurs on the basis of positive selection constraints that likely operate via B,cell receptor (BCR) signaling. Previous studies have shown that MZ-B,cells carry relatively shorter immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy (H) chain complementarity-determining region,3 (H-CDR3) sequences and express BCR which are thought to be polyreactive. In this scenario, MZ-B,cell selection proceeds via engagement of the BCR with exogenous (i.e. microbial gut flora-derived) and/or endogenous (self) antigens. Here, we studied the influence of exogenous antigens on the selection process of MZ-B,cells using non-genetically manipulated adult germ-free and conventionally reared infant rats. This study was carried out by H-CDR3 spectratype analysis of VH(PC7183)-encoded Ig VHDJH -, transcripts expressed by purified splenic MZ-B,cells and other B,cell subsets. We show that MZ-B,cells in both adult germ-free and conventionally reared infant (14-day-old) rats are H-CDR3-selected cells, providing strong evidence that recruitment and selection of MZ-B,cells is driven by self antigens. [source] Intra- and inter-allelic ordering of T cell receptor , chain gene assemblyEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2005Bernard Khor Abstract Allelic exclusion at the TCR, locus mandates that gene assembly be regulated in a manner that permits feedback inhibition of further complete TCR, rearrangements upon pre-TCR expression. Here we show that assembly of TCR, chain genes from V,, D, and J, gene segments is intra-allelically ordered, proceeding primarily through DJ,, and not VD,, intermediates. This ensures that V, to DJ, rearrangement, which can be feedback inhibited, is the final step in the assembly process. A newly assembled VDJ, rearrangement must be tested to determine if it is in-frame before V, to DJ, rearrangement is permitted on the alternate allele. This inter-allelic ordering may occur through a general inefficiency of V, to DJ, rearrangement and/or through static differences in accessibility of the two TCR, alleles. However, we find that within the regulatory context of allelic exclusion, V, to DJ, rearrangement proceeds to completion on both alleles. Furthermore, all possible VDJ, rearrangements are not completed on one allele before V, to DJ, rearrangement is initiated on the alternate allele. Together, these data support a dynamic model of inter-allelic accessibility that permits the ordered and efficient assembly of complete variable region genes on both TCR, alleles during T cell development. [source] Fc,RII expression on follicular dendritic cells and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif signaling in B,cellsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2004Yüksel Aydar Abstract Immune complexes (IC) initiate immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM) signaling and inhibit B,cell activation by coligating B,cell receptor for antigen (BCR) and Fc,RII. Nevertheless, IC on follicular dendritic cells (FDC) stimulate rapid germinal center (GC) B,cell proliferation suggesting that interactions between IC and FDC render IC capable of B,cell activation. Tounderstand this, we studied the kinetics of FDC Fc,RII and complement receptors,1 and,2 (CR1&2) expressions during the GC reaction and determined whether FDC Fc,RII could bind Fc in IC and block ITIM signaling. Mice were immunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBC), and CR1&2 and Fc,RII levels in FDC reticula were monitored. The role of FDC Fc,RII was studied using anti-BCR-stimulated A20 cells. Levels of FDC Fc,RII in spleens of SRBC-injected mice increased within 24,h and were dramatically increased (,50-fold) on days,3 and,5. In contrast, CR1&2 levels increased less than twofold. Addition of normal FDC, but not FDC lacking Fc,RII, reduced and reversed anti-BCR-induced SH2 domain-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP)-1 phosphorylation in A20 cells. FDC wereable to induce normal recall responses even after overnight incubation of the lymphocytes with IC to stimulate ITIM signaling. Engagement of Ig Fc with numerous Fc,RII on FDC appears to minimize IC-induced ITIM signaling. Thus, rapid up-regulation of FDC Fc,RII may explain why poorly immunogenic IC are rendered highly immunogenic when presented by FDC in GC. [source] The VpreB1 enhancer drives developmental stage-specific gene expression in vivoEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2003Steve Licence Abstract In adult mice, the VpreB genes are expressed in bone marrow progenitor (pro-) and precursor (pre-) B,cells. As part of the pre-B,cell receptor, the proteins are crucial for the proliferation of these cells and consequently normal B,lymphocyte development. Using cell lines, we identified a lineage- and developmental-stage-specific VpreB1 enhancer. Here, we analyze its specificity in vivo by generating transgenic mice in which expression of a reporter gene (human CD122) is regulated by the VpreB1 enhancer in the context of its own promoter. All transgenic lines expressed thereporter gene in the bone marrow in a copy number-independent manner, whereas expression levels were integration site-dependent. While the enhancer is not tissue specific, within the B,cell lineage the expression pattern of human CD122 mimicked that of endogenous VpreB1. Thus, low levels were detected in pro-B,cells, high levels in pre-BI and slightly lower levels in pre-BII cells; no expression was detected in immature/mature B,cells. Furthermore, when in vitro cultured transgenic pre-B,cells differentiated into immature B,cells there was concomitant down-regulation of human CD122 andendogenous VpreB1. Thus the VpreB1 enhancer is sufficient to ensure developmental stage-specific expression of a reporter gene in B,lymphocytes in vivo. [source] Deficient translocation of c-Rel is associated with impaired Th1 cytokine production in T cells from atopic dermatitis patientsEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2005Karsten Dieckhoff Abstract:, Decreased production of T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines, such as interferon-, (IFN-,) or interleukin-2 (IL-2), is a hallmark of atopic diseases. While accessory signals from antigen-presenting cells may be missing, T cells themselves may be suppressed in their ability to produce substantial amounts of Th1 cytokines. We show, in this study, that T cell receptor (TCR)-activated T cells from atopic dermatitis (AD) patients proliferate less than control T cells and produce lower amounts of IFN-, and IL-2, but comparable amounts of IL-4. Because mice lacking the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-,B) transcription factors , p65 or c-Rel , show reduced Th1, but undisturbed Th2 responses, we investigated the role of c-Rel and p65 for Th1 cytokine production in T cells from healthy and severe AD patients. TCR-activated primary T cells from healthy donors treated with c-Rel antisense oligonucleotides produced lower levels of IL-2 and IFN-, and proliferated less efficiently than the corresponding control T cells. Moreover, transfection of primary T cells with c-Rel or p65 enhanced proliferation and production of IL-2 and IFN-,. Nuclear extracts of activated primary T cells from AD donors bound weakly to NF-,B-specific oligonucleotides, compared to extracts from healthy control T cells. Western blotting studies revealed that nuclear, but not cytosolic, extracts from T cells of AD patients lacked significant amounts of c-Rel and p65. T cell clones derived from AD patients failed to sufficiently translocate c-Rel and p65 into the nucleus following activation. Thus, impaired nuclear translocation of c-Rel and p65 may determine an impaired Th1 cytokine response in AD. [source] ERK5 is involved in TCR-induced apoptosis through the modification of Nur77GENES TO CELLS, Issue 5 2008Yasushi Fujii Nur77 is a nuclear orphan steroid receptor that has been implicated in negative selection when immature T cells are strongly activated through interaction with self peptide-MHC complexes. The expression of Nur77 in thymocytes and T cell lines leads to apoptosis in a manner dependent on its transcriptional activity. It is well established that Nur77 function is negatively regulated by post-translational modification. Here we demonstrate that the MAPK-induced phosphorylation of Nur77 during T cell activation plays a critical role in the induction of apoptosis. Upon T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, ERK5 (also known as big MAP kinase 1, BMK1), a member of the MAPK family, phosphorylates Nur77, leading to its transcriptional activation. In contrast, the activation of the ERK2 signaling pathway failed to activate Nur77 although ERK2 is also able to phosphorylate Nur77. Furthermore, the blockade of ERK5 signaling pathway suppressed TCR-induced cell death. These results indicate that ERK5 regulates Nur77 function through its phosphorylation. [source] Mechanism of T cell tolerance induction by murine hepatic Kupffer cells,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Qiang You The liver is known to favor the induction of immunological tolerance rather than immunity. Although Kupffer cells (KC) have been indicated to play a role in liver tolerance to allografts and soluble antigens, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. We hypothesized that KCs could promote immune tolerance by acting as incompetent antigen-presenting cells (APC), as well as actively suppressing T cell activation induced by other potent APCs. The expression of antigen presentation-related molecules by KCs was phenotyped by flow cytometry. The abilities of KCs to act as APCs and to suppress T cell activation induced by splenic dendritic cells (DC) were examined by in vitro proliferation assays using CD4+ OVA-TCR (ovalbumin T cell receptor) transgenic T cells. We found that, compared with DCs, KCs expressed significantly lower levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II, B7-1, B7-2, and CD40. This result is consistent with our observation that KCs were not as potent as DCs in eliciting OVA-specific T cell proliferation. However, KCs isolated from polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid,treated mice expressed significantly higher levels of MHC II and costimulatory molecules than did naïve KCs and could stimulate stronger T cell responses. More importantly, we found that KCs could inhibit DC-induced OVA-specific T cell activation. Further investigation of the underlying mechanism revealed that prostaglandins produced by KCs played an important role. The results ruled out the possible involvement of interleukin-10, nitric oxide, 2,3-dioxygenase, and transforming growth factor , in KC-mediated T cell suppression. Conclusion: Our data indicate that KCs are a tolerogenic APC population within the liver. These findings suggest that KCs may play a critical role in regulating immune reactions within the liver and contributing to liver-mediated systemic immune tolerance. (HEPATOLOGY 2008.) [source] The PI-3 kinase/Akt pathway and T cell activation: pleiotropic pathways downstream of PIP3IMMUNOLOGICAL REVIEWS, Issue 1 2003Lawrence P. Kane Summary Ligation of the T cell receptor for antigen (TCR) and/or costimulatory receptor CD28 results in rapid activation of phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI-3 kinase). It remains unclear, however, precisely how this activation occurs and also how the newly generated phospholipid products trigger the various events associated with T cell activation. Here we discuss the current understanding of how PI-3 kinase is activated by the TCR and CD28 and what roles its products play in T cell activation. We also review recent advances in understanding the function of Akt in particular, especially its role in CD28 costimulation. Several functional targets of Akt are discussed in this regard: inducible transcription, cell survival, glucose metabolism, and the cellular translational machinery. These pathways have been associated with TCR/CD28 costimulation, and they have also been implicated as targets of Akt. [source] Initiation of TCR signaling: regulation within CD3 dimersIMMUNOLOGICAL REVIEWS, Issue 1 2003Balbino Alarcón Summary: The number of possible T cell activation outcomes resulting from T cell receptor (TCR) engagement suggests that the TCR is able to differentially activate a myriad of signaling pathways depending on the nature of the stimulus. The complex structural organization of the TCR itself could underlie this diversity of responses. Assembly and stoichiometric studies have helped us to shed some light on the initiation of TCR signaling. The TCR is composed of TCR and CD3 dimers. Changes in the interaction between CD3 subunits within the CD3 dimers and in the interaction of these dimers with the TCR heterodimer could be the triggering mechanism that initiates the first activation events. One of the hallmarks of these early changes in TCR conformation is the induced recruitment of the adapter protein Nck to a proline-rich sequence of the cytoplasmic tail of CD3,, but there may be others. According to our most recent observations, the TCR is organized in pre-existing clusters within plasma membrane microdomains, exhibiting a complexity above and beyond that of dimer composition complexity. How the presence of TCR in clusters influences TCR avidity and propagation of TCR signals is something that has yet to be investigated. [source] Non-natural CBP2 binding peptides and peptomers modulate carcinoma cell adhesion and invasionJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2001Carla Hebert Abstract A combinatorial approach that utilized a repertoire of bacteriophage-peptides has identified a number of non-natural CBP2 binding peptides. Moreover, co-localization of some of these peptides with CBP2 in a number of tumor cell lines demonstrated that the peptides were directed to an intracellular location spatially coincident with the normal distribution of CBP2 [Sauk et al., 2000]. From among these sequences WHYPWFQNWAMA and LDSRYSLQAAMY were the most effective CBP2 binding peptides and best fulfilled the combinatorial motif containing deep hydrophobic pockets. When the hydropathic profiles of collagen ,1(IV) and ,2 (IV) were compared with these dodecapeptides, the hydropathic profiles of WHYPWFQNWAMA and LDSRYSLQAAMY closely matched those of ,1(IV) 414,452 and ,1(IV)531,543. These peptides were shown to be functional peptidomimics and possessed the ability to alter cell adhesion and invasion of human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Peptomers were formed of these non-natural peptides to explore the role that a repetitive peptide may have on cell adhesion. The enhanced cell adhesion observed with the peptomers required both CBP2 antibodies and integrin antibodies for inhibition. The enhanced adhesion observed even in the face of combined antibody inhibition was consistent with such complexes possessing correspondingly slower dissociation rates. Thus, suggesting that peptomers may function in a like manner to multimeric peptide MHC complexes (tetramers) binding more than one cell receptor on a specific cell. These findings evoke both peptidomimics of native ligands and their peptomers as potential reagents by which to target tumor cells for chemotherapy, imaging, or retargeting viral vectors for gene therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 82: 145,154, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] CD247 can bind SHC1, no matter if CD247 is phosphorylatedJOURNAL OF MOLECULAR RECOGNITION, Issue 3 2009Tao Liu Abstract On T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, src homology 2 domain-containing transforming protein C1 (SHC1) had been found to bind the tyrosine-phosphorylated CD247 chain of the receptor via its src homology 2 (SH2) domain, delivering signals that control T cell development and activation. However, how the phosphorylation of CD247 led to the instant binding has not been characterized clearly. To study the binding process in detail, we simulated and compared the interaction processes of the SH2 domain with CD247 and phosphorylated CD247, respectively. Unexpectedly, the simulation revealed that SHC1 can also bind the nonphosphorylated CD247 peptide, which was further validated to be a weak binding by affinity pull-down experiment. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulation also revealed that the CD247 peptide formed a folding conformation with its Leu209 inserted into the hydrophobic binding pocket in SHC1. And on phosphorylation, it was the electrostatic attraction between the CD247 Tyr(P)206 and the SHC1 Tyr(P)-binding pocket that destroyed the folding conformation of the nonphosphorylated CD247 and, aided by the electrostatic attraction between SHC1 and the Asp203 of CD247, led to the extended conformation of the phosphorylated CD247 binding to SHC1 strongly. The results suggest that nonphosphorylated CD247 can recruit SHC1 in advance to prepare for the instant needs for SHC1 on TCR stimulation. In view of the ubiquity of phosphorylation in protein interaction regulation, we think this study also exemplified the usefulness of MD in more interactome research involving phosphorylation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Lower antibody response to Porphyromonas gingivalis associated with immunoglobulin G Fc, receptor IIB polymorphismJOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2008Y. Honma Background and Objective:, Human Fc,RIIB is one of the receptors for immunoglobulin G (IgG) and suppresses the activation of B lymphocytes through cross-linking with the B cell receptor via immune complexes. This function of Fc,RIIB is essential for the negative regulation of antibody production. Our previous study has demonstrated the gene polymorphism Fc,RIIB-I232T to be associated with periodontitis. The polymorphism Fc,RIIB-232T has been reported to inhibit B-cell antigen receptor signaling more effectively compared to Fc,RIIB-232I, while other groups concluded that Fc,RIIB-232T had no ability to inhibit activatory receptors. In this study, we examined whether Fc,RIIB-I232T polymorphism would change the IgG antibody response to the periodontopathic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis. Material and Methods:, Forty-seven patients with periodontitis were genotyped with the direct sequencing of genome DNA. Serum IgG and specific IgG subclass levels for the sonicate of P. gingivalis and the recombinant 40 kDa outer membrane protein (OMP) were determined. Results:, No significant difference in the total IgG level and IgG response to P. gingivalis sonicate were observed between sera from Fc,RIIB-232T carriers and non-carriers. The Fc,RIIB-232T carriers revealed a significantly lower IgG2 response to P. gingivalis 40 kDa OMP compared to non-carriers (p = 0.04, Mann,Whitney U -test). Lower responses of Fc,RIIB-232T carriers were also observed in specific IgG and IgG1 levels. The Fc,RIIB-232T carriers revealed a low level of IgG2 response to P. gingivalis 40 kDa OMP, even with a high average probing pocket depth. Conclusion:, These results suggest that association of the Fc,RIIB-232T allele with periodontitis might be related to the lower levels of antibody response to P. gingivalis. [source] Getting down to malarial nuts and bolts: the interaction between Plasmodium vivax merozoites and their host erythrocytesMOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2005Julian Rayner Summary Of the four Plasmodium species that routinely cause malaria in humans, Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the majority of malaria mortality and consequently gets most of the headlines. Outside Africa, however, more malaria cases are caused by its distant cousin Plasmodium vivax, resulting in a daunting morbidity and economic burden for countries across Asia and the Americas. Plasmodium life cycles are complex, but the symptoms and pathology of malaria occur during the blood phase, when merozoites recognize and invade erythrocytes, initiating a developmental programme that culminates in lysis of the erythrocyte and release of multiple daughter merozoites. P. vivax merozoites are dependent on a single host cell receptor for erythrocyte invasion, the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines, and humans that do not express this receptor on the surface of their erythrocytes are immune to P. vivax infection. This essential receptor,ligand interaction is addressed from both the host and parasite side in two papers in this issue of Molecular Microbiology, with important implications for plans to develop a P. vivax vaccine. [source] Diabetes mellitus and cystic fibrosis: Comparison of clinical parameters in patients treated with insulin versus oral glucose-lowering agentsPEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 5 2001Joseph Rosenecker MD Abstract The prevalence of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes melltitus (CFRD) is increasing as patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) live longer. Because patients with CFRD are insulin-deficient, the standard medical treatment is exogenous insulin. Sulfonylureas enhance insulin secretion by acting on a specific islet beta cell receptor. No data are available about the outcome of sulfonylurea treatment vs. insulin treatment. In this retrospective study, data from 45 patients with CFRD were analyzed regarding their clinical outcome as it related to the treatment protocol. The duration of DM treatment was 7.6,±,4.6 years in the insulin-treated group and 3.5,±,2.0 years in the sulfonylurea group (n.s.). The age of CFRD diagnosis was significantly earlier in patients treated with insulin (n,=,34) than in the patients treated with sulfonylurea (n,=,11) (16.4,±,3.6 vs. 24.2,±,4.8 years, P,<,0.001). No statistical differences were found between the two groups in the time of CF diagnosis, the most recent forced expired volume in 1 sec, forced vital capacity, Shwachman score, hemoglobin A1C levels, or weight for height index at the end of the study. Our data suggest that a subgroup of CFRD patients can be managed for a number of years with sulfonylurea, and that the clinical outcome was not different in this group compared with the insulin-treated patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2001; 32:351,355. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A patient with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, T cell large granular lymphocyte clonal expansion, and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significanceAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 11 2006Jon S. Fukumoto Abstract Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) has been described in association separately with T cell large granular lymphocyte (LGL) clonal expansions and plasma cell dyscrasias. We describe a patient with anemia related to hemolytic PNH, with concurrent T cell LGL oligoclonal expansion and IgG , monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Peripheral blood flow cytometry revealed decreased expression of CD55 and CD59 on erythrocytes and decreased expression of CD55 and CD66 on neutrophils. An LGL population was present in the peripheral blood and was characterized as oligoclonal by polymerase chain reaction-based analysis of the T cell receptor ,-chain variable region. Serum protein electrophoresis with immunofixation showed a low level IgG , monoclonal protein. We describe the diagnostic evaluation of this patient and provide a brief review of the reported associations among PNH, LGL clonal expansion, and monoclonal gammopathy. Am. J. Hematol., 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Down-regulation of ATM protein in HRS cells of nodular sclerosis Hodgkin's lymphoma in children occurs in the absence of ATM gene inactivation,THE JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2007S Bose Abstract The tumour component of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL), Hodgkin Reed,Sternberg (HRS) cells, are believed to be derived from germinal centre (GC) B cells but intriguingly display a characteristic loss of B cell receptor (BCR) expression. The precise mechanisms by which BCR-negative HRS cell progenitors survive negative selection during the GC reaction remain obscure. Individuals with ataxia telangiectasia, caused by biallelic inactivation of the DNA damage response gene, ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), have a higher risk of cHL development. Here we show that, in contrast to normal GC B cells that expressed low but detectable ATM protein, ATM protein was not detected in HRS cells of 17/18 cases of paediatric cHL, all but one with nodular sclerosis (NS) subtype. A comprehensive analysis of the ATM gene in microdissected HRS cells of nine representative tumours showed no evidence of either loss of heterozygosity or consistent pathogenic mutations. Furthermore, bisulphite sequencing of the ATM promoter from HRS cells of five tumours also revealed the absence of hypermethylation. Since our microarray data suggested significantly reduced ATM transcription in HRS cells compared to GC B cells, we conclude that loss of ATM expression could be the result of alterations in upstream regulators of ATM transcription. Importantly, ATM loss in paediatric cHLs has clinical implications and could be potentially exploited to guide future, less toxic, tumour-specific treatments. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Impaired activation-induced cell death promotes spontaneous arthritis in antigen (cartilage proteoglycan),specific T cell receptor,transgenic miceARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 10 2010Ferenc Boldizsar Objective To investigate whether genetic preponderance of a T cell receptor (TCR) recognizing an arthritogenic peptide of human cartilage proteoglycan (PG) is sufficient for development of arthritis. Methods We performed a longitudinal study using BALB/c mice expressing a TCR that recognizes the arthritogenic ATEGRVRVNSAYQDK peptide of human cartilage PG. PG-specific TCR,transgenic (PG-TCR,Tg) mice were inspected weekly for peripheral arthritis until 12 months of age. Peripheral joints were examined histologically, and T cell responses, T cell activation markers, serum cytokines, and autoantibodies were measured. Apoptosis and signaling studies were performed in vitro on T cells from aged PG-TCR,Tg mice. Results Spontaneous arthritis developed as early as 5,6 months of age, and the incidence increased to 40,50% by 12 months of age. Progressive inflammation began with cartilage and bone erosions in the interphalangeal joints, and later expanded to the proximal joints of the front and hind paws. Spontaneous arthritis was associated with a high proportion of activated CD4+ T cells, enhanced interferon-, and interleukin-17 (IL-17) production, and elevated levels of serum autoantibodies. PG-TCR,Tg mice lacking IL-4 developed arthritis earlier and at a higher incidence than IL-4,sufficient mice. Antigen-specific activation,induced cell death was diminished in vitro in CD4+ T cells of PG-TCR,Tg mice with spontaneous arthritis, especially in those lacking IL-4. Conclusion The presence of CD4+ T cells expressing a TCR specific for an arthritogenic PG epitope is sufficient to trigger spontaneous autoimmune inflammation in the joints of BALB/c mice. IL-4 appears to be a negative regulator of this disease, through attenuation of activation-induced cell death. [source] Interferon-,,dependent inhibition of B cell activation by bone marrow,derived mesenchymal stem cells in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosusARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 9 2010Francesca Schena Objective Bone marrow,derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are multipotent cells characterized by immunomodulatory properties and are therefore considered a promising tool for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. This study was undertaken to assess the influence of murine BM-MSCs on the activation of B cells in (NZB × NZW)F1 mice as an animal model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods We evaluated the in vitro effects of BM-MSCs on the proliferation and differentiation to plasma cells of splenic mature B cell subsets, namely follicular and marginal zone B cells isolated from (NZB × NZW)F1 mice. Lupus mice were also treated with BM-MSCs, and serum autoantibodies, proteinuria, histologic changes in the kidney, and survival rates were monitored. Results BM-MSCs inhibited antigen-dependent proliferation and differentiation to plasma cells of follicular and marginal zone B cells in vitro. This inhibitory effect was dependent on interferon-, (IFN,) and was mediated by cell-to-cell contact, involving the programmed death 1 (PD-1)/PD ligand pathway. In vivo treatment with BM-MSCs did not affect the levels of anti,double-stranded DNA antibodies or proteinuria. However, a reduction in glomerular immune complex deposition, lymphocytic infiltration, and glomerular proliferation was observed. Conclusion Our findings indicate that BM-MSCs affect B cell receptor,dependent activation of both follicular and marginal zone B cells from lupus mice. This inhibitory effect is IFN,-dependent and cell contact,dependent. MSCs in vivo do not affect the production of autoantibodies, the level of proteinuria, or the mortality rates. Nonetheless, the significant improvement in histologic findings in the kidney supports the potential role of MSCs in the prevention of glomerular damage. [source] Gamma/delta T cells are the predominant source of interleukin-17 in affected joints in collagen-induced arthritis, but not in rheumatoid arthritisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 8 2009Yoshinaga Ito Objective Although interleukin-17 (IL-17),producing ,/, T cells were reported to play pathogenic roles in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), their characteristics remain unknown. The aim of this study was to clarify whether ,/, T cells or CD4+ T cells are the predominant IL-17,producing cells, and to determine what stimulates ,/, T cells to secret IL-17 in mice with CIA. The involvement of IL-17,producing ,/, T cells in SKG mice with autoimmune arthritis and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was also investigated. Methods IL-17,producing cells in the affected joints of mice with CIA were counted by intracellular cytokine staining during 6 distinct disease phases, and these cells were stimulated with various combinations of cytokines or specific antigens to determine the signaling requirements. Similar studies were performed using SKG mice with arthritis and patients with RA. Results Gamma/delta T cells were the predominant population in IL-17,producing cells in the swollen joints of mice with CIA, and the absolute numbers of these cells increased in parallel with disease activity. IL-17,producing ,/, T cells expressed CC chemokine receptor 6, were maintained by IL-23 but not by type II collagen in vitro, and were induced antigen independently in vivo. Furthermore, IL-17 production by ,/, T cells was induced by IL-1, plus IL-23 independently of T cell receptor. In contrast to what was observed in mice with CIA, IL-17,producing ,/, T cells were nearly absent in the affected joints of SKG mice and patients with RA, and Th1 cells were predominant in the joints of patients with RA. Conclusion Gamma/delta T cells were antigen independently stimulated by inflammation at affected joints and produced enhanced amounts of IL-17 to exacerbate arthritis in mice with CIA but not in SKG mice with arthritis or patients with RA. [source] Alterations of the synovial T cell repertoire in anti,citrullinated protein antibody,positive rheumatoid arthritis,ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 7 2009Tineke Cantaert Objective The association of HLA,DRB1 alleles with anti,citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suggests the potential involvement of T lymphocytes in ACPA-seropositive disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate this hypothesis by systematic histologic and molecular analyses of synovial T cells in ACPA+ versus ACPA, RA patients. Methods Synovial biopsy samples were obtained from 158 RA patients. Inflammation was determined histologically and immunohistochemically. RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and synovial tissues obtained from 11 ACPA+ RA patients, 7 ACPA, RA patients, and 10 spondylarthritis (SpA) patients (arthritis controls). T lymphocyte clonality was studied by combined quantitative and qualitative T cell receptor CDR3 length distribution (LD) analysis and direct sequencing analysis. Results ACPA+ and ACPA, RA patients were similar at both the clinical and histologic levels. At the molecular level, however, patients with ACPA+ synovitis displayed a marked elevation of qualitative CDR3 LD alterations as compared with those with ACPA, synovitis and with the SpA controls. These differences in CDR3 LD were not observed in the peripheral blood, indicating a selective recruitment and/or local expansion of T cells in the synovial compartment. The CDR3 LD alterations reflected true monoclonal or oligoclonal expansions, as confirmed by direct sequencing of the T cell receptor. The CDR3 LD alterations in RA synovium did not correlate with B cell clonal expansions but were inversely associated with synovial lymphoid neogenesis. Conclusion The T cell repertoire is specifically restricted in RA patients with ACPA+ synovitis. Whereas the origin and role of these clonal alterations remain to be determined, our data suggest the preferential involvement of T lymphocytes in ACPA-seropositive RA. [source] A role for ,/, T cells in a mouse model of fracture healingARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 6 2009Nona T. Colburn Objective Fractures can initiate an immune response that disturbs osteoblastic and osteoclastic cellular homeostasis through cytokine production and release. The aim of our study was to investigate ,/, T cells, innate lymphocytes known to be involved in tissue repair, as potential cellular components of the osteoimmune system's response to an in vivo model of bone injury. The absence of such cells or their effector cytokines influences the fate of other responder cells in proliferation, differentiation, matrix production, and ultimate callus formation. Methods Tibia fractures were created in 60 ,/, T cell,deficient mice (also called , T cell receptor [TCR],knockout mice) and 60 control C57BL/6 mice. Analysis included radiographs, basic histology, mechanical testing, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemical localization of ,/, TCR,positive subsets from control animals and of CD44 expression from both groups, as well as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the effector cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-, (IFN,), and IL-6. Results Animals deficient in ,/, T cells demonstrated more mature histologic elements and quantitative increases in the expression of major bone (bone sialoprotein) and cartilage (type II collagen) matrix proteins and in the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 at a critical reparative phase. Moreover, only ,/, T cell,deficient animals had a decrease in the osteoprogenitor antiproliferative cytokines IL-6 and IFN, at the reparative phase. The result was improved stability at the repair site and an overall superior biomechanical strength in ,/, T cell,deficient mice compared with controls. Conclusion The evidence for a role of ,/, T cells in the context of skeletal injury demonstrates the importance of the immune system's effect on bone biology, which is relevant to the field of osteoimmunology, and offers a potential molecular platform from which to develop essential therapeutic strategies. [source] Prolactin alters the mechanisms of B cell tolerance inductionARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 6 2009Subhrajit Saha Objective Autoimmune diseases predominantly affect women, suggesting that female sex hormones may play a role in the pathogenesis of such diseases. We have previously shown that persistent mild-to-moderate elevations in serum prolactin levels induce a break in self tolerance in mice with a BALB/c genetic background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hyperprolactinemia on the mechanisms of B cell tolerance induction. Methods Effects of prolactin on splenic B cell subsets were studied in female BALB/c mice. B cell receptor (BCR),mediated apoptosis and proliferation of transitional B cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Expression of apoptotic genes was examined by microarrays and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. B cells coexpressing ,/, light chains were assessed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Activation status of transitional type 3 (T3) B cells was evaluated by BCR-induced calcium influx studies. Results BCR-mediated apoptosis of the T1 B cell subset, a major checkpoint for negative selection of autoreactive specificities, was decreased in prolactin-treated mice. Microarray studies indicated that this event may be mediated by the prolactin-induced up-regulation of the antiapoptotic gene interferon-, receptor type II and down-regulation of the proapoptotic gene Trp63. Prolactin treatment also altered the amount of receptor editing, as indicated by the increased number of transitional B cells coexpressing ,/, light chains. Additionally, hyperprolactinemia modified the level of B cell anergy by increasing the degree of BCR-induced calcium influx in the T3 B cells. Conclusion Persistently elevated serum prolactin levels interfere with B cell tolerance induction by impairing BCR-mediated clonal deletion, deregulating receptor editing, and decreasing the threshold for activation of anergic B cells, thereby promoting autoreactivity. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||