Human T Cells (human t + cell)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Induction of Human T-Cell Tolerance to Pig Xenoantigens via Thymus Transplantation in Mice with an Established Human Immune System

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 6 2009
K. Habiro
Thymus xenotransplantation has been shown to induce tolerance to porcine xenografts in mice and to permit survival of ,1,3Gal-transferase knockout porcine kidney xenografts for months in nonhuman primates. We evaluated the ability of porcine thymus xenotransplantation to induce human T-cell tolerance using a humanized mouse (hu-mouse) model, where a human immune system is preestablished by implantation of fetal human thymus tissue under the kidney capsule and intravenous injection of CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Human T-cell depletion with an anti-CD2 mAb following surgical removal of human thymic grafts prevented the initial rejection of porcine thymic xenografts in hu-mice. In these hu-mice, porcine thymic grafts were capable of supporting human thymopoiesis and T-cell development, and inducing human T-cell tolerance to porcine xenoantigens. Human T cells from these mice responded strongly to third-party pig, but not to the thymic donor swine leukocyte antigen (SLA)-matched pig stimulators in a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay. Anti-pig xenoreactive antibodies declined in these hu-mice, whereas antibody levels increased in nontolerant animals that rejected porcine thymus grafts. These data show that porcine thymic xenotransplantation can induce donor-specific tolerance in immunocompetent hu-mice, supporting this approach for tolerance induction in clinical xenotransplantation. [source]


A novel T cell cytokine, secreted osteoclastogenic factor of activated T cells, induces osteoclast formation in a RANKL-independent manner

ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 11 2009
Leonard Rifas
Objective Chronic T cell activation is central to the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory autoimmune disease that leads to severe focal bone erosions and generalized systemic osteoporosis. Previous studies have shown novel cytokine-like activities in medium containing activated T cells, characterized by potent induction of the osteoblastic production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), an inflammatory cytokine and stimulator of osteoclastogenesis, as well as induction of an activity that directly stimulates osteoclast formation in a manner independent of the key osteoclastogenic cytokine RANKL. This study was undertaken to identify the factors secreted by T cells that are responsible for these activities. Methods Human T cells were activated using anti-human CD3 and anti-human CD28 antibodies for 72 hours in AIM V serum-free medium to obtain T cell,conditioned medium, followed by concentration and fractionation of the medium by fast-protein liquid chromatography. Biologically active fractions were resolved using sodium dodecyl sulfate,polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Major bands were analyzed by mass spectrometry, and a major candidate protein was identified. This novel cytokine was cloned, and its expression was analyzed using recombinant DNA technologies. Results A single novel cytokine that could induce both osteoblastic IL-6 production and functional osteoclast formation in the absence of osteoblasts or RANKL and that was insensitive to the effects of the RANKL inhibitor osteoprotegerin was identified in the activated T cell,conditioned medium; this cytokine was designated secreted osteoclastogenic factor of activated T cells (SOFAT). Further analysis of SOFAT revealed that it was derived from an unusual messenger RNA splice variant coded by the threonine synthase,like 2 gene homolog, which is a conserved gene remnant coding for threonine synthase, an enzyme that functions only in microorganisms and plants. Conclusion SOFAT may act to exacerbate inflammation and/or bone turnover under inflammatory conditions such as RA or periodontitis and in conditions of estrogen deficiency. [source]


Multiple functions of human T cells generated by experimental malaria challenge

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 11 2009
Stephen M. Todryk
Abstract Protective immunity generated following malaria infection may be comprised of Ab or T cells against malaria Ag of different stages; however, the short-lived immunity that is observed suggests deficiency in immune memory or regulatory activity. In this study, cellular immune responses were investigated in individuals receiving Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite challenge by the natural (mosquito bite) route as part of a malaria vaccine efficacy trial. Parasitemia, monitored by blood film microscopy and PCR, was subsequently cleared with drugs. All individuals demonstrated stable IFN-,, IL-2 and IL-4 ex vivo ELISPOT effector responses against P. falciparum -infected RBC (iRBC) Ag, 28 and 90,days after challenge. However, infected RBC-specific central memory responses, as measured by IFN-, cultured ELISPOT, were low and unstable over time, despite CD4+ T cells being highly proliferative by CFSE dilution, and showed an inverse relationship to parasite density. In support of the observation of poor memory, co-culture experiments showed reduced responses to common recall Ag, indicating malaria-specific regulatory activity. This activity could not be accounted for by the expression of IL-10, TGF-,, FOXP3 or CTLA-4, but proliferating T cells expressed high levels of CD95, indicating a pro-apoptotic phenotype. Lastly, there was an inverse relationship between FOXP3 expression, when measured 10 days after challenge, and ex vivo IFN-, measured more than 100 days later. This study shows that malaria infection elicits specific Th1 and Th2 effector cells, but concomitant weak central memory and regulatory activity, which may help to explain the short-lived immunity observed. [source]


Pertussis toxin activates adult and neonatal naive human CD4+ T,lymphocytes

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 7 2006
Sandrine Tonon
Abstract Pertussis toxin (PTX) is known to be mitogenic for T,lymphocytes, but its direct action on naive human T cells has not been specified. Herein, we show that PTX induces the proliferation of purified adult CD45RA+CD4+ T cells independently of its ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. PTX directly induces TNF-, and IL-2 mRNA expression, modulates the level of several cell surface receptors and induces Forkhead box,p3 (Foxp3) protein accumulation in naive CD4+ T cells. Addition of autologous dendritic cells was found to be required for the production of high levels of IFN-, by PTX-stimulated naive T cells. These effects of PTX occurred in conjunction with activation of NF-,B and NFAT transcription factors. Overall, responses of neonatal CD4+ T cells to PTX were similar to those of adult CD45RA+CD4+ naive T cells except for their blunted CD40 ligand up-regulation. We suggest that the adjuvant properties of PTX during primary cell-mediated immune responses involve a direct action on naive T,lymphocytes in addition to activation of antigen-presenting cells. [source]


IFN-,-producing human T cells directly induce osteoclastogenesis from human monocytes via the expression of RANKL

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 11 2005
Shigeru Kotake
Abstract The current study explored our hypothesis that IFN-,-producing human T cells inhibit human osteoclast formation. Activated T cells derived from human PBMC were divided into IFN-,-producing T cells (IFN-,+ T cells) and IFN-,-non-producing T cells (IFN-,, T cells). IFN-,+ T cells were cultured with human monocytes in the presence of macrophage-CSF alone. The concentration of soluble receptor activator of NF-,B ligand (RANKL) and IFN-,, and the amount of membrane type RANKL expressed on T cells, were measured by ELISA. In the patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alone, CD4+ T cells expressing both IFN-, and RANKL were detected by flow cytometry. Surprisingly, IFN-,+ T cells, but not IFN-,, T cells, induced osteoclastogenesis from monocytes, which was completely inhibited by adding osteoprotegerin and increased by adding anti-IFN-, antibodies. The levels of both soluble and membrane type RANKL were elevated in IFN-,+ T cells. The ratio of CD4+ T cells expressing both IFN-, and RANKL in total CD4+ T cells from PBMC was elevated in RA patients. Contrary to our hypothesis, IFN-,+ human T cells induced osteoclastogenesis through the expression of RANKL, suggesting that Th1 cells play a direct role in bone resorption in Th1 dominant diseases such as RA. [source]


A recombinant bispecific single-chain antibody induces targeted, supra-agonistic CD28-stimulation and tumor cell killing

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2003
Ludger Grosse-Hovest
Abstract Endowing tumor cells with costimulatory signals for T cell activation has emerged as a promising strategy for tumor immunotherapy. Costimulatory molecules were either transfected into tumor cells to generate vaccines or were fused, e.g. to antibodies against tumor-associated antigens, to achieve targeted T cell costimulation in vivo. Here we report the production and purification of rM28, a recombinant bispecific single-chain antibody directed to a melanoma-associated proteoglycan and to the costimulatory CD28 molecule on human T cells. We found that a dimer of the recombinant molecule, bound to tumor target cells, induced pronounced T cell activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cell preparations without additional TCR/CD3 stimulation being required. Thelytic activity generated after 3,days of stimulation effectively prevented tumor cell growth. However, it was unspecific and predominantly mediated by non T cells. Our findings demonstrate that presentation of a CD28 antibody within a suitable recombinant, bispecific format may result in a "targeted supra-agonistic stimulation" of the CD28 molecule, which leads to effective tumor cell killing after induction of unspecifically lytic cells. [source]


T cell costimulation by the hepatitis C virus envelope protein E2 binding to CD81 is mediated by Lck

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2003
Elisabetta Soldaini
Abstract Binding of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope protein E2 to CD81 provides a costimulatory signal for human T cells. This phenomenon may play a role in liver damage and autoimmune manifestations associated with HCV infection. Here we show that cross-linking of CD81 by HCV E2 induced a calcium flux in T cells that depends on Lck since it was blocked by PP1 and absent in Lck-deficient Jurkat T cells. In wild-type Jurkat cells, Lck was activated by CD81 cross-linking, and CD81, like Lck, was found in lipid rafts. Indeed, the integrity of the raft compartment was required for the induction of a calcium flux by E2, since methyl-,-cyclodextrin abolished this response. A requirement for TCR/CD3 expression was indicated by the absence of a calcium flux following E2 stimulation of TCR/CD3-deficient Jurkat cells. CD81 cross-linking increased and prolonged the anti-CD3-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of TCR, and of other proteins, indicating that the CD81-mediated signal converges with the TCR/CD3 signaling cascade at its most upstream step. In conclusion, we propose that the costimulatory effects of HCV E2 on T cells depend on CD81 cross-linking that activates Lck through raft aggregation and thus leads to enhanced TCR signaling. [source]


Interleukin-7 promotes the survival of human CD4+ effector/memory T cells by up-regulating Bcl-2 proteins and activating the JAK/STAT signalling pathway

IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Nizar Chetoui
Summary Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a crucial cytokine involved in T-cell survival and development but its signalling in human T cells, particularly in effector/memory T cells, is poorly documented. In this study, we found that IL-7 protects human CD4+ effector/memory T cells from apoptosis induced upon the absence of stimulation and cytokines. We show that IL-7 up-regulates not only Bcl-2 but also Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 as well. Interleukin-7-induced activation of the janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signalling pathway is sufficient for cell survival and up-regulation of Bcl-2 proteins. In contrast to previous studies with naive T cells, we found that IL-7 is a weak activator of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT (also referred as protein kinase B) pathway and IL-7-mediated cell survival occurs independently from the PI3K/AKT pathway as well as from activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway. Considering the contribution of both IL-7 and CD4+ effector/memory T cells to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and colitis, our study suggests that IL-7 can contribute to these diseases by promoting cell survival. A further understanding of the mechanisms of IL-7 signalling in effector/memory T cells associated with autoimmune inflammatory diseases may lead to potential new therapeutic avenues. [source]


Effects of human interleukin-18 and interleukin-12 treatment on human lymphocyte engraftment in NOD-scid mouse

IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2002
Hidenobu Senpuku
Summary NOD/LtSz- prkdcscid/prkdcscid (non-obese diabetic-severe combine immunodeficiency; NOD-scid) mice grafted with human peripheral blood lymphoid cells have been used as an in vivo humanized mouse model in various studies. However, cytotoxic human T cells are induced in this model during immune responses, which gives misleading results. To assist in grafting of human lymphocytes without the induction of cytotoxic human T cells, we investigated the effects of T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines on human lymphocyte grafting and migration, as well as the production of immunoglobulin deposited in glomeruli and human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection using NOD-scid mice. Administration of interleukin-18 (IL-18) and IL-12 enhanced the grafting of human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the mice, whereas co-administration prevented grafting due to interferon-,-dependent apoptosis. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposits were observed in mice treated with IL-18 alone, but not in those given phosphate-buffered saline, IL-12 alone, or IL-18 + IL-12. A high rate of HIV infection was also observed in the IL-18-treated group. Together, these results indicate that IL-18 may be effective for the grafting and migration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, except for the induction of apoptosis and regulation of class-switching IgA. IL-18-administered NOD-scid mice provide a useful small humanized model for the study of HIV infection and IgA nephropathy. [source]


Telomerase upregulation is a postcrisis event during senescence bypass and immortalization of two Nijmegen breakage syndrome T cell cultures

AGING CELL, Issue 2 2010
Sofie Degerman
Summary Our knowledge on immortalization and telomere biology is mainly based on genetically manipulated cells analyzed before and many population doublings post growth crisis. The general view is that growth crisis is telomere length (TL) dependent and that escape from crisis is coupled to increased expression of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene, telomerase activity upregulation and TL stabilization. Here we have analyzed the process of spontaneous immortalization of human T cells, regarding pathways involved in senescence and telomerase regulation. Two Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) T cell cultures (S3R and S4) showed gradual telomere attrition until a period of growth crisis followed by the outgrowth of immortalized cells. Whole genome expression analysis indicated differences between pre-, early post- and late postcrisis cells. Early postcrisis cells demonstrated a logarithmic growth curve, very short telomeres and, notably, no increase in hTERT or telomerase activity despite downregulation of several negative hTERT regulators (e.g. FOS, JUN D, SMAD3, RUNX2, TNF-, and TGF,-R2). Thereafter, cMYC mRNA increased in parallel with increased hTERT expression, telomerase activity and elongation of short telomeres, indicating a step-wise activation of hTERT transcription involving reduction of negative regulators followed by activation of positive regulator(s). Gene expression analysis indicated that cells escaped growth crisis by deregulated DNA damage response and senescence controlling genes, including downregulation of ATM, CDKN1B (p27), CDKN2D (p19) and ASF1A and upregulation of CDK4, TWIST1, TP73L (p63) and SYK. Telomerase upregulation was thus found to be uncoupled to escape of growth crisis but rather a later event in the immortalization process of NBS T cell cultures. [source]


Differential in vitro CD4+/CD8+ T-cell response to live vs. killed Leishmania major

PARASITE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2010
M. NATEGHI ROSTAMI
Summary Clinical trials of killed Leishmania vaccines showed a limited efficacy compared with leishmanization (LZ). The reason for this difference in protection against cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is not known and in vivo studies on T-cell function may provide valuable information. Nevertheless, there are limited studies on the nature of the stimulatory effects of live vs. killed parasites on human T cells in vitro. A total of nine Leishmanin Skin Test+ volunteers with a history of self-healing CL (HCL) and seven healthy volunteers were included in this study. 5,6-carboxyfluroescein diacetate succinimidyl ester-labelled CD4+/CD8+ lymphocytes were cultured with killed Leishmania Lysate (Killed LL) or live Leishmania major (Live LM) and analysed for proliferation using flow cytometry. Culture supernatants were used for cytokine titration. In HCL volunteers, upon stimulation with killed LL, the number of proliferated CD4+/CD8+ cells was significantly more than that of unstimulated (P < 0·001) or live LM stimulated (P < 0·05) cells, or cells from controls (CD4+/CD8+: P < 0·05/P < 0·001). Stimulation of CD4+ cells with Live LM (P < 0·001) or Killed LL (P < 0·05) induced a significantly higher IFN-, production compared with that of controls, but Live LM induced significantly (P < 0·05) more IFN-, than Killed LL. A significantly (P < 0·05) higher IFN-, production was observed when CD8+ cells were stimulated with Live LM. Cells from HCL volunteers showed significantly more IL-10 production to Live LM stimulation compared with that of controls (CD4+: P < 0·05 /CD8+: P < 0·001) or cells stimulated with Killed LL (CD4+/CD8+: P < 0·001/P < 0·0005). Whereas Killed LL induced more proliferation response in purified T cells, Live LM induced cytokine production without significant induction of proliferation. The results from healed CL volunteers in this study could be implicated in further studies on T-cell response in vaccinated individuals. [source]


Genetic engineering of cytolytic T lymphocytes for adoptive T-cell therapy of neuroblastoma

THE JOURNAL OF GENE MEDICINE, Issue 6 2004
Sergio Gonzalez
Abstract Background Disease relapse is the leading cause of mortality for children diagnosed with disseminated neuroblastoma. The adoptive transfer of tumor-specific T cells is an attractive approach to target minimal residual disease following conventional therapies. We describe here the genetic engineering of human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) to express a chimeric immunoreceptor for re-directed HLA-independent recognition of neuroblastoma. Methods The CE7R chimeric immunoreceptor was constructed by PCR splice overlap extension and is composed of a single-chain antibody extracellular domain (scFv) derived from the L1-CAM-specific murine CE7 hybridoma fused to human IgG1 hinge-Fc, the transmembrane portion of human CD4, and the cytoplasmic tail of huCD3-, chain (scFvFc:,). Primary human T cells were genetically modified by naked DNA electrotransfer of plasmid expression vector CE7R-pMG then analyzed by Western blotting, flow cytometry for CE7R expression and cell surface trafficking, 4-h chromium release assay for re-directed neuroblastoma lysis, and ELISA for tumor-specific activation of cytokine production. Results CE7R is expressed as an intact chimeric protein that trafficks to the cell surface as a type I transmembrane protein. Primary human CE7R-expressing CD8+ CTL clones specifically recognize human neuroblastoma tumor cells and are activated for tumor cell lysis and Tc1 cytokine production. Conclusions These data demonstrate the utility of CE7R for re-directing the effector function of CTL to neuroblastoma and have provided the rationale to initiate a FDA-authorized (BB-IND#9149) pilot clinical trial to establish the feasibility and safety of adoptive transfer of autologous CE7R+CD8+ CTL clones to children with recurrent/refractory neuroblastoma. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Generation of NO by Bystander Human CD8 T Cells Augments Allogeneic Responses by Inhibiting Cytokine Deprivation-Induced Cell Death

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 10 2009
J. C. Choy
Nitric oxide (NO), generated by inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in bystander human CD8 T cells, augments the accumulation of allogeneically activated human CD8 T cells in vitro and in vivo. Here, we report that iNOS-derived NO does not affect T-cell proliferation but rather inhibits cell death of activated human CD8 T cells after activation by allogeneic endothelial cells in culture. Exogenous NO did not affect activation-induced cell death of human CD8 T cells but specifically reduced death of activated T cells due to cytokine deprivation. NO-mediated inhibition of T-cell death did not involve cGMP signaling, and NO did not affect the expression of Bcl-2-related proteins known to regulate cytokine deprivation-induced cell death. However, NO inhibited the activity of caspases activated as a consequence of cytokine deprivation in activated T cells. This protective effect correlated with S-nitrosylation of caspases and was phenocopied by z-VAD.fmk and z-LEHD.fmk, pharmacological inhibitors of caspases. In summary, our findings indicate that NO augments the accumulation of activated human T cells principally by inhibiting cytokine deprivation-induced cell death through S-nitrosylation of caspases. [source]


Reversing interleukin-2 inhibition mediated by anti,double-stranded DNA autoantibody ameliorates glomerulonephritis in MRL- lpr/lpr mice

ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 8 2010
Ying-Chyi Song
Objective Our previous study demonstrated that anti,double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies involved in lupus nephritis down-regulate the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) in T cells, which in turn, contributes to the defective production of cytotoxic cells and to activation-induced cell death in vitro. To reveal novel molecular targets for lupus therapy, the molecular mechanisms of IL-2 down-regulation by anti-dsDNA were studied. Methods Anti-dsDNA monoclonal antibody (mAb) 9D7 was used to study the molecular mechanisms of IL-2 production in vitro. Treatment with arginine-rich peptide, a penetration inhibitor, was used to verify the effect of internalization of anti-dsDNA on the production of IL-2. The signaling pathway for IL-2 expression induced by anti-dsDNA was analyzed by using kinase inhibitors. The therapeutic effects of these inhibitors were evaluated in MRL- lpr/lpr mice. Results Inhibition of IL-2 production in activated Jurkat cells and human T cells pretreated with mAb 9D7 was reversed by treatment with the arginine-rich peptide. Levels of pAkt and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3 (pGSK-3) were reduced in activated Jurkat cells that had been pretreated with mAb 9D7. The inhibition of IL-2 production by mAb 9D7 was counteracted by pretreating the cells with LiCl (a GSK-3 inhibitor). However, IL-2 reduction was not recovered in the cells pretreated with ERK and JNK inhibitors. Furthermore, MRL- lpr/lpr mice injected with LiCl or with arginine-rich peptide restored the IL-2 production and reduced the manifestations of lupus. Conclusion These findings suggest that penetration of T cells by anti-dsDNA may inhibit IL-2 production by activating GSK-3. Moreover, blocking GSK-3 activation as well as inhibiting anti-dsDNA penetration is a potential therapeutic approach for lupus. [source]


Antitumor activity of chimeric immunoreceptor gene-modified Tc1 and Th1 cells against autologous carcinoembryonic antigen-expressing colon cancer cells

CANCER SCIENCE, Issue 9 2006
Takeshi Sasaki
To generate tumor-specific and interferon (IFN)-,-producing Tc1 and Th1 cells applicable for many cancer patients, we previously developed a protocol for generating carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-specific Tc1 and Th1 cells from healthy human T cells by transduction with a lentivirus containing a chimeric immunoglobulin T-cell receptor (cIgTCR) gene composed of single-chain variable fragments from an anti-CEA-specific monoclonal antibody fused to an intracellular signaling domain of CD28 and CD3,. These cells, designated Tc1-T and Th1-T bodies, respectively, showed strong antitumor activity against CEA-expressing tumor cells in RAG2,/, mice when both of them were transferred. However, it remains unclear whether it is possible to generate Tc1-T and Th1-T bodies from cancer patients with defective T-cell function because of significant immunosuppression. Here, we prepared Tc1-T and Th1-T bodies from T cells of a colon cancer patient, and asked whether these T bodies can exert effective T-cell function against autologous tumor cells. These T bodies showed high cytotoxicity and produced IFN-, in response to CEA-expressing autologous tumor cells, even in the presence of soluble CEA. It was also demonstrated that Th1-T bodies supported the survival of Tc1-T bodies through cell-to-cell interactions. Furthermore, our protocol utilized retrovirus for cIgTCR transduction to achieve better induction efficiency compared to lentivirus-mediated transduction. Taken together, our findings here indicate that retrovirally transduced Tc1-T and Th1-T bodies will become a promising strategy for adoptive immunotherapy of human cancer. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 920,927) [source]


Regulatory T cells and asthma

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 9 2009
D. S. Robinson
Airway inflammation in asthma is characterized by activation of T helper type-2 (Th2) T cells, IgE production and eosinophilia. In many cases, this process is related to an inappropriate T cell response to environmental allergens, and other T cell-dependent pathways may also be involved (such as Th17). Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are T cells that suppress potentially harmful immune responses. Two major subsets of Treg are CD25hi, Foxp3+Tregs and IL-10-producing Tregs. There is evidence that the numbers or function of both subsets may be deficient in patients with atopic allergic disease. Recent work has extended these findings into the airway in asthma where Foxp3 expression was reduced and CD25hi Treg-suppressive function was deficient. In animal models of allergic airways disease, Tregs can suppress established airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness, and protocols to enhance the development, recruitment and function of Tregs have been described. Together with studies of patients and in vitro studies of human T cells, these investigations are defining potential interventions to enhance Treg function in the airway in asthma. Existing therapies including corticosteroids and allergen immunotherapy act on Tregs, in part to increase IL-10 production, while vitamin D3 and long-acting ,-agonists enhance IL-10 Treg function. Other possibilities may be enhancement of Treg function via histamine or prostanoid receptors, or by blocking pro-inflammatory pathways that prevent suppression by Tregs (activation of Toll-like receptors, or production of cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-,). As Tregs can also suppress the potentially beneficial immune response important for controlling infections and cancer, a therapeutic intervention should target allergen- or site-specific regulation. [source]


Effect of H1 -receptor antagonists on proliferative response, cytokine production, and cellular migration of human T cells and macrophages

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY REVIEWS, Issue 2 2008
S. Iwata
Summary Cytokine imbalance and cellular migration to inflammatory sites are critical components of allergic diseases. Redirecting cytokine imbalance and inhibiting cell migration therefore represent important therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these disorders. We studied the in vitro effect of the non-sedating H1 -receptor antagonists ebastine, carebastine, epinastine, cetirizine, and ketotifen on cytokine secretion by human T cells under various co-stimulatory conditions and the migratory activity of activated T cells as well as production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by macrophages. Ebastine and carebastine inhibited T cell proliferation and production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and TNF-, by T cells under co-stimulation with CD28 plus CD3, CD26 plus CD3, and CD3 plus phorbol myristate acetate, whereas these drugs had no effect on the production of IL-2 and IFN-,. Ebastine and carebastine also inhibited T cell migration and production of TNF-, and IL-6 by macrophages. Epinastine inhibited T cell proliferation and production of IL-2, IFN-,, IL-4, and IL-5, whereas it elicited no effect on the production of IL-6 and TNF-, by T cells and macrophages as well as T cell migration. Cetirizine and ketotifen had no effects on cytokine production and T cell migration. Our results suggest that certain H1 -receptor antagonists, most notably ebastine and carebastine, can influence T cell migration and cytokine production in addition to antagonizing the H1 receptor. These drugs therefore might be useful against T cell-mediated allergic inflammatory disorders such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. [source]


111Indium-labelled human gut-derived T cells from healthy subjects with strong in vitro adhesion to MAdCAM-1 show no detectable homing to the gut in vivo

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2004
J. KELSEN
SUMMARY Integrin ,4,,7 is the principal gut-homing receptor, and it is assumed that expression of this specific integrin directs lymphocytes to the gut in vivo. Adoptive cellular immunotherapy against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may depend on the expression of integrin ,4,,7 to accomplish local delivery of intravenously injected regulatory T cells in inflamed gut mucosa. The present study aimed to investigate whether in vitro expanded human T cells from the colonic mucosa maintain integrin expression, show in vitro adhesion and retain in vivo gut-homing properties during cultivation. Whole colonic biopsies from healthy subjects were cultured in the presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-4. The integrin expression of the cultured T cells was determined by flow cytometry and in vitro adhesion was assessed in a mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1) adhesion assay. We studied the homing pattern after autologous infusion of 3 × 108 111Indium (111In)-labelled T cells in five healthy subjects using scintigraphic imaging. The cultured CD4+CD45RO+ gut-derived T cells express higher levels of integrin ,4,,7 than peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and show strong adhesion to MAdCAM-1 in vitro, even after 111In-labelling. Scintigraphic imaging, however, showed no gut-homing in vivo. After prolonged transit through the lungs, the T cells migrated preferentially to the spleen, liver and bone marrow. In conclusion, it is feasible to infuse autologous T cells cultured from the gut mucosa, which may be of interest in adoptive immunotherapy. Despite high expression of the gut-homing integrin ,4,,7 and adhesion to MAdCAM-1 in vitro, evaluation by 111In-scintigraphy demonstrated no gut-homing in healthy individuals. [source]


Differential effect of cholera toxin on CD45RA+ and CD45RO+ T cells: specific inhibition of cytokine production but not proliferation of human naive T cells

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2000
K. Eriksson
We have studied how cholera toxin (CT) and its non-toxic cell-binding B-subunit (CTB) affect the activation of pure human T cells in an anti-CD3-driven system. CT, as opposed to CTB, strongly suppressed the proliferative responses as well as cytokine production in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CT however, had a differential effect on naive and activated/memory T cell subsets. Costimulation through exogenous IL-2 or through CD28 cross-linking rescued the proliferation of CT-treated naive CD45RA+ T cells, but not of activated/memory CD45RO+ cells. IL-2 production and IL-2 receptor expression were markedly reduced by CT in all T cell fractions, i.e. also in CD45RA+ cells which had maintained proliferative responses. However, the proliferative responses of CT-treated CD45RA+ T cells were IL-2-dependent, as shown by blocking experiments using anti-IL-2 antibodies. These results indicate (i) that CTB has no cytostatic effect on human T cells, (ii) that CT affects proliferation and cytokine production by two different signal pathways, and (iii) that CT might interact with a signal pathway generated through or influenced by CD45. [source]


Differences in regulatory pathways identify subgroups of T cell-derived Th2 cytokines

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2000
K. Rafiq
We analysed regulatory mechanisms involved in the production of Th2 cytokines by freshly isolated human T cells. We used an in vitro culture system in which the primary signal was provided by a cross-linking anti-CD3 MoAb presented on the Fc receptors of P815 cells. Both CD80 and CD86, expressed on transfected P815 cells, were able to provide efficient costimulation for the production of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. IL-2 was also highly important for induction of all three Th2 cytokines. However, differences between IL-4 on the one hand and IL-5 and IL-13 on the other hand were observed when sensitivity to cyclosporin A (CsA) was studied. CsA (an inhibitor of calcineurin phosphatase activity) strongly inhibited IL-4 production, but it did either not affect or even increased IL-5 and IL-13 production. In accordance with this, CD80 and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) (without anti-CD3 or calcium ionophore) were sufficient to induce production of IL-5 and IL-13, but not of IL-4. The subgrouping of Th2 cytokines was further confirmed at another level on the basis of differences in cell sources: IL-4 was predominantly produced by CD4+ T cells, while IL-5 and IL-13 were produced by both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Thus, differences in cell sources and in the requirement of the calcium/calcineurin-signalling pathway allowed us to identify two subgroups (IL-4 and IL-5/IL-13) among human Th2-type T cell cytokines. [source]