Injection Of Diphtheria Toxin Research Articles

Nephrotic Syndrome Clots Are Resistant to Fibrinolysis Despite Elevated Plasmin Generation

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome (NS) is characterized by massive proteinuria (secondary to podocyte injury), hypoalbuminemia, and edema. Importantly, NS is associated with a complex acquired hypercoagulopathy and a high prevalence (~25%) of life-threatening thrombotic complications. We have recently demonstrated that NS disease severity is directly proportional to hypercoagulability,in two well-established animal models of NS (puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) and Adriamycin (ADR) rats). Furthermore, thromboelastometry studies by our group and others have suggested a resistance to fibrinolysis in both rats and humans with NS. Increasing evidence suggests that myriad abnormalities of the hemostatic system may be implicated in the pathogenesis of altered fibrin clot formation during NS; however the relationship between hypofibrinolysis and NS disease severity requires further validation and the mechanisms underlying the hypofibrinolytic defect remain unknown. Thus, the aim of the present study was to delineate the relationship between disease severity (proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia) and hypofibrinolysis using two rodent models of NS: a transgenic rat expressing the human diphtheria toxin receptor (hDTR) in a podocyte-specific manner and the well-established PAN rat model. We hypothesized that hypofibrinolysis is directly proportional to NS disease severity.MethodsUsing the hDTR rat, we compared markers of global hemostasis (ROTEM) and fibrinolysis to disease severity. A range of severity was induced by a single I.P. injection of diphtheria toxin (0, 25, 50 & 75 ng/kg; n= 7-8/group). On day 10 post-injection, morning spot urines were collected and analyzed for protein:creatinine ratio. Rats were then anesthetized and venous blood (IVC) was collected into 0.32% NaCitrate/1.45 µM Corn Trypsin Inhibitor [final concentrations] and immediately analyzed with ROTEM (whole blood; intem) before being spun down to platelet poor plasma (PPP). Plasma clot lysis assay (CLA) was performed using urokinase (50 IU). Plasmin generation was measured using a fluorogenic substrate in plasma with addition of 10 nM tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).ResultsHypercoagulopathy in the hDTR NS model: Disease severity (proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia) was significantly correlated with endogenous thrombin potential, peak thrombin, and hypercoagulopathic ROTEM parameters (clot formation time, intermediate firmness (amplitude at 10 & 20 min), and maximum clot firmness).Hypofibrinolysis: The amount of lysis at 60 min (LI60) on ROTEM was significantly correlated with proteinuria in both the DTR and PAN models (R2=0.167; P=0.015 & R2=0.740; P<0.001, respectively), suggesting that NS thrombi are resistant to fibrinolysis in a manner that is proportional to disease severity. These findings were confirmed with the CLA, such that plasma clot lysis was significantly negatively correlated with proteinuria (R2=0.196; P=0.007 & R2=0.214; P=0.010) and significantly positively correlated with hypoalbuminemia (R2=0.310; P<0.001 & R2=0.240; P=0.006), in the DTR & PAN models, respectively.Plasmin Generation Assay: Plasmin generation increased with disease severity, such that it was highly correlated with proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia in both models (P<0.001; Figure). Interestingly, there was no correlation between plasmin generation and plasma clot lysis. (P=0.101 & P=0.126 in DTR & PAN rats, respectively).ConclusionsNS disease severity is directly proportional to hypercoagulability in a podocyte-specific rodent model of NS; thus confirming our previously published findings in a podocyte-specific experimental model of NS. Moreover, this hypercoagulopathy leads to formation of a clot that is resistant to fibrinolysis. Paradoxically, the increased plasmin generation implies that the fibrinolytic system is also hyperactive in NS. Thus, it must be concluded that the clot is resistant, even to this increased plasmin that is generated. Future studies will explore the mechanisms underlying and in vivo significance of this fibrinolytic resistance. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Foxp3+ regulatory T Cells Maintain Bone Marrow Microenvironment for B Cell Differentiation from Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Background: Foxp3+regulatory T cells (Treg) are a subpopulation of T cells, which regulate the immune system, maintain self-tolerance and enhance immune tolerance after transplantation. It was also reported that recipient derived Treg could provide immune privilege niche to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) after transplantation. However, the precise role of Treg in hematopoiesis has not been fully elucidated.Methods: We used Foxp3-DTR mice (B6, CD45.2) for in vivo depletion of Treg through diphtheria toxin (DT) injection and investigated whether Treg depletion would affect hematopoiesis derived from HSC. To investigate whether Treg depletion affects the function of the bone marrow microenvironment, we transplanted wild type bone marrow cells into lethally irradiated Foxp3-DTR mice after Treg depletion.Results: We found 1) a significant defect on B cell progenitors including mature B cells (IgM+B220+, P<0.001), pre-B cells (IgM-B220+CD19+cKit-, P<0.001) and pro-B cells (IgM-B220+CD19+cKit+, P<0.05), 2) LT-HSC population (CD34-/lowFlit3-cKit+Sca1+Lin-) was significantly expanded (p<0.01) and entered into cell cycle, 3) the residual Foxp3-CD4+ or CD8+ T cells in the bone marrow had an activated immune phenotype and clustered at sinusoids when bone marrow cells from Treg depleted mice were analyzed. Expanded LT-HSC from Treg depleted mice had reduced long-term reconstitution capacity when we performed competitive repopulation experiments using purified LT-HSC from Foxp3-DTR mice with or without Treg depletion (100 cells/mice, CD45.2), total bone marrow cells (2x10e5/mice, B6-F1, CD45.1/CD45.2) and congenic recipient mice (lethally irradiated B6, CD45.1). B cell reconstitution was also severely abrogated following transplantation using Treg depleted mice as recipients (p<0.01). In those mice, we observed a significant reduction of IL-7 production (p<0.01). Interestingly, we found that a subpopulation of CD45-TER119-CD31- ICAM1+ perivascular stromal cells are a major source of IL-7 in the bone marrow. ICAM1+ perivascular stromal cells also secrete SCF and CXCL12, which is crucial for the maintenance of LT-HSC. In Treg depleted BM cells, a significant reduction in IL-7 secretion from ICAM1+ perivascular stromal cells was observed, suggesting that this population is the target of activated T cells after Treg depletion.Conclusions: These data demonstrate that Treg play a key role in B cell differentiation from HSCs by maintaining the immunological homeostasis in the bone marrow microenvironment. These data provide new insights into Treg biology and function in normal and stress hematopoiesis. DisclosuresNegrin:Stanford University: Patents & Royalties.

Bone Marrow Granulocytes Drive Vascular and Hematopoietic Regeneration

In addition to eliminating host hematopoietic cells myeloablation also disrupts the blood vessels that sustain hematopoiesis. Regeneration of the bone marrow (BM) vasculature is necessary for hematopoietic recovery and survival after transplantation (Cell Stem Cell. 2009 Mar 6;4(3):263-74) but the mechanisms that drive vascular regeneration are not clear.We found that, fourteen days after lethal irradiation and transplantation, mice transplanted with 20x106 bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNC) had ~6-fold more CD45-Ter119-CD31+CD105+ endothelial cells (6.9x103 vs 0.96x103 EC/femur, p<0.001), 2-fold more blood vessels (195 vs 87 blood vessels/sternum, p<0.05) and ~2-fold less vascular leakage (4.8 vs 9.3 ng of Evans Blue/ml of BM extracellular fluid, p<0.001) than mice transplanted with 105 BMNC. Transplant experiments using GFP+donor BMNC revealed that all endothelial cells after transplantation were host derived.Because hematopoietic progenitors inhibit vascular regeneration via angiopoietin 1 (Elife 2015 Mar 30;4:e05521) we hypothesized that mature hematopoietic cells mediated vascular recovery. To test this we adoptively transferred, B and T cells, monocytes and macrophages (MO), granulocytes and erythroid cells into lethally irradiated recipients previously transplanted with 105 donor BMNC. Only CD115-Gr1+ granulocytes promoted endothelial cell regeneration (2.5x103 for granulocyte treated mice vs 0.9x103 for PBS, 0.3x103 for B- and T-cell, 0.7 1x103 for MO and 0.3x103 EC/femur for erythroid cell-treated mice; p<0.01). Granulocyte transfer also promoted survival (granulocytes=100%, PBS=50% p<0.05), probably due to faster host platelets and red blood cells recovery (granulocytes= 4.5x107, PBS=2.1x107 platelets/ml of blood, p<0.001; granulocytes=4x109, PBS=6.2x109 RBC/ml of blood, p<0.01). Importantly, competitive BM transplants showed that granulocytes did not exhaust donor HSC. These demonstrate that granulocyte transfer is sufficient to promote survival and drive vascular and hematopoietic recovery after transplantation. We then generated Mrp8-cre:iDTR mice which allowed us to specifically ablate BM granulocytes via diphtheria toxin (DT) injection. We transplanted lethally irradiated WT recipients with 106 BMNC purified from C67BL/6 WT or Mrp8-cre:iDTR mice followed by DT treatment for 7 days. This led to granulocyte depletion (1.6x106 vs 0.4x106 p<0.001) and impaired endothelial cell recovery (5.7x103 vs 2.4.x103 p<0.05) in mice transplanted with Mrp8-cre:iDTR BMNC. These results demonstrate that donor granulocytes are necessary for vascular regeneration.We found that granulocytes produced high levels of the angiogenic cytokine TNFα. This cytokine signals via Tnfrsf1aand Tnfrsf1b. Tnfrsf1a was upregulated specifically in BM endothelial cells. After myeloablation with 5-fluorouracil Tnfa-/- mice have reduced survival (Tnfa-/-= 13% vs WT= 93%; p<0.001) and reduced endothelial cell numbers (WT=9x103, Tnfa-/-=4.1x103 EC/femur; p<0.05) indicating that TNFα is necessary for survival and vascular regeneration after myeloablation. To test whether granulocytes promoted vascular regeneration via TNFα we lethally irradiated and transplanted C57BL/6 recipients followed by treatment with PBS or adoptive transfer of 106 WT or Tnfa-/- granulocytes. Only WT granulocytes induced vascular recovery as demonstrated by quantification of endothelial cells (PBS=0.9 x103, WT granulocytes=5.24x103 and Tnfa-/- granulocytes=3.0x103 cells/femur, p<0.05) and blood vessel numbers (PBS=126, WT granulocytes=186 and Tnfa-/- granulocytes=84 vessels per sternum BM; p<0.05). Further, adoptive transfer of WT granulocytes promoted survival and vascular regeneration (WT+PBS=1.4x103 vs WT+granulocytes=2.6x103, p<0.05; Tnfrsf1a-/-:Tnfrsf1b-/- +PBS=0.8x103 vs Tnfrsf1a-/-:Tnfrsf1b-/-+granulocytes=0.7x103 EC/femur p=0.83) in WT but not Tnfrsf1a-/-:Tnfrsf1b-/-recipients after transplantation. These experiments demonstrate that granulocytes crosstalk directly with stromal cells (likely endothelial cells) via TNFα to drive vascular regeneration.We have identified a new type of cellular crosstalk in the microenvironment that drives regeneration. Our research also provides proof of principle for studies targeting BM granulocytes to enhance vascular recovery and survival after transplantation in patients. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

A Critical Role for Monocytes/Macrophages During Intestinal Inflammation-associated Lymphangiogenesis.

Inflammation-associated lymphangiogenesis (IAL) is frequently observed in inflammatory bowel diseases. IAL is believed to limit inflammation by enhancing fluid and immune cell clearance. Although monocytes/macrophages (MΦ) are known to contribute to intestinal pathology in inflammatory bowel disease, their role in intestinal IAL has never been studied mechanistically. We investigated contributions of monocytes/MΦ to the development of intestinal inflammation and IAL. Because inflammatory monocytes express CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), we used CCR2 diphtheria toxin receptor transgenic (CCR2.DTR) mice, in which monocytes can be depleted by diphtheria toxin injection, and CCR2 mice, which have reduced circulating monocytes. Acute or chronic colitis was induced by dextran sodium sulfate or adoptive transfer of CD4CD45RB T cells, respectively. Intestinal inflammation was assessed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, disease activity, and histopathology, whereas IAL was assessed by lymphatic vessel morphology and density. We demonstrated that intestinal MΦ expressed vascular endothelial growth factor-C/D. In acute colitis, monocyte-depleted mice were protected from intestinal injury and showed reduced IAL, which was reversed after transfer of wild-type monocytes into CCR2 mice. In chronic colitis, CCR2 deficiency did not attenuate inflammation but reduced IAL. We propose a dual role of MΦ in (1) promoting acute inflammation and (2) contributing to IAL. Our data suggest that intestinal inflammation and IAL could occur independently, because IAL was reduced in the absence of monocytes/MΦ, even when inflammation was present. Future inflammatory bowel disease therapies might exploit promotion of IAL and suppression of MΦ independently, to restore lymphatic clearance and reduce inflammation.

Identification of Biological and Pharmaceutical Mast Cell‐ and Basophil‐Related Targets

Identification of Biological and Pharmaceutical Mast Cell‐ and Basophil‐Related Targets

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Drive Bleomycin‐Induced Lung Fibrosis by Regulating TGFβ1‐Dependent Interactions of Platelets and Macrophages

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are extracellular histones and DNA expelled from polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). NETs are released during inflammation as an innate immune defense mechanism. NETs not only exert bactericidal activities but are toxic for host cells and thus promote tissue injury. In the past, many reports have defined the important roles of NETs during acute infections and acute inflammatory diseases. On the other hand, our current knowledge on the contribution of NETs during chronic inflammation, adaptive immunity and fibrotic diseases leaves much to be desired.In this report, we uncover the immunologic networks initiated by NETs during the natural course of bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis in mice. First, we designed a model of inducible transient genetic depletion of Ly6G+ PMNs by injection of diphtheria toxin in Ly6G‐Cre × iDTR mice. Depletion of Ly6G+ PMNs simultaneously with intra‐tracheal administration of bleomycin was sufficient to decrease the build‐up of extracellular matrix, T cells and cytokines (e.g. TGFβ1) in lungs after 4 weeks. Bleomycin mediated the release of citrullinated extracellular histones in broncho‐alveolar lavage fluids in dependency of PMNs with a surge after 2 days. Neutralization of extracellular histones by monoclonal anti‐histone H4 antibodies significantly reduced the expression and accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins and TGFβ1 during lung fibrosis. Platelets represented a major source (≥70%) of plasma TGFβ1 and purified extracellular histones activated platelets to release TGFβ1. Accordingly, bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis was ameliorated in mice with platelet‐specific genetic deletion of TGFβ1 (PF4‐Cre × TGFb1flox/flox mice). TGFβ1 signaling required TGFβ receptor II and multiple down‐stream signaling pathways in macrophages. Mice with specific genetic ablation of the TGFβ receptor II in LysM+ macrophages (LysM‐Cre × TbRIIflox/flox mice) were also protected in bleomycin‐induced fibrosis. Finally, we found that histone‐induced TGFβ1 from platelets modulated the T cell tropic cytokine production in macrophages.Our data suggest that NETs are an important factor for the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis. NETs may coordinate subsequent cytokine‐dependent interactions of platelets with innate and adaptive immune cells. In the future, pharmacologic blockade of NETs may be further evaluated as a potential treatment for chronic fibrotic diseases.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF 01EO1503) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (BO3482/3‐1). The authors are responsible for the contents of this publication.

In Vivo Ablation of a Dendritic Cell Subset Expressing the Chemokine Receptor XCR1.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are one of the key populations controlling immune responses. To establish a cell depletion system in vivo, human diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor (DTR) is transduced to the mice in which DTR is expressed under the control of a specific promoter. In these mice, DTR-expressing cells are inducibly depleted after DT injection. Using this system, analysis of mouse models in which DTR was expressed under the CD11c promoter has contributed to our knowledge of DC biology by depleting CD11c(+) cells. Other mouse models to inducibly eliminate specific DC subsets upon DT treatment have been also generated. Here, we describe a new mouse model in which the XCR1(+) DC subset is inducibly and transiently depleted in vivo.

Diphtheria Toxin- and GFP-Based Mouse Models of Acquired Hypoparathyroidism and Treatment With a Long-Acting Parathyroid Hormone Analog.

Hypoparathyroidism (HP) arises most commonly from parathyroid (PT) gland damage associated with neck surgery, and is typically treated with oral calcium and active vitamin D. Such treatment effectively increases levels of serum calcium (sCa), but also brings risk of hypercalciuria and renal damage. There is thus considerable interest in using PTH or PTH analogs to treat HP. To facilitate study of this disease and the assessment of new treatment options, we developed two mouse models of acquired HP, and used them to assess efficacy of PTH(1-34) as well as a long-acting PTH analog (LA-PTH) in regulating blood calcium levels. In one model, we used PTHcre-iDTR mice in which the diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor (DTR) is selectively expressed in PT glands, such that systemic DT administration selectively ablates parathyroid cells. For the second model, we generated GFP-PT mice in which green fluorescent protein (GFP) is selectively expressed in PT cells, such that parathyroidectomy (PTX) is facilitated by green fluorescence of the PT glands. In the PTHcre-iDTR mice, DT injection (2 × 5 μg/kg, i.p.) resulted in moderate yet consistent reductions in serum PTH and sCa levels. The more severe hypoparathyroid phenotype was observed in GFP-PT mice following GFP-guided PTX surgery. In each model, a single subcutaneous injection of LA-PTH increased sCa levels more effectively and for a longer duration (>24 hours) than did a 10-fold higher dose of PTH(1-34), without causing excessive urinary calcium excretion. These new mouse models thus faithfully replicate two degrees of acquired HP, moderate and severe, and may be useful for assessing potential new modes of therapy. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Proteinuria Severity Is Directly Correlated with Markers of Hypofibrinolysis in a Podocyte Specific Experimental Model of Nephrotic Syndrome

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome (NS) is characterized by massive proteinuria (secondary to podocyte injury or dysfunction), hypoalbuminemia, and edema, and is associated with a complex acquired hypercoagulopathy and a high prevalence (~25%) of life-threatening thrombotic complications. However, anticoagulation is associated with a substantial risk for adverse bleeding events. Recently published epidemiology studies suggest that proteinuria severity is directly correlated with thrombotic risk. However, further validation of this candidate biomarker for thrombotic risk requires appropriate validation and adequate pathophysiologic explanation. We have recently demonstrated that proteinuria severity is directly proportional to hypercoagulability (as assessed by ex vivo and in vivo markers of thrombotic capacity),in two well-established animal models of NS (puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) and Adriamycin (ADR) rats). Thromboelastometry studies also suggested a resistance to fibrinolysis during rat NS. Thus, the aim of the present study was to further delineate the relationship between proteinuria severity and hypofibrinolysis using a podocyte-specific rat model of NS. We hypothesized that hypofibrinolysis is directly proportional to severity of proteinuria.MethodsUsing a transgenic rat which expresses the human diphtheria toxin receptor (hDTR) on a podocyte specific promoter (podocin), we compared markers of global hemostasis (ROTEM) and fibrinolysis to proteinuria severity. A range of proteinuria severity was induced by a single I.P. injection of diphtheria toxin (0, 25, 50 & 75 ng/kg; n= 7-8/group). On Day 10 post-injection, morning spot urines were collected and analyzed for protein:creatinine ratio. Rats were then anesthetized and venous blood (IVC) was collected into 0.32% NaCitrate/1.45 µM Corn Trypsin Inhibitor [final concentrations] and immediately analyzed with ROTEM (whole blood; intem) before being spun down to platelet poor plasma (PPP). Plasma clot lysis assay (CLA) was performed using urokinase (50 IU). Thrombin and plasmin generation assays are currently being performed.ResultsThere were significant differences (P<0.005) between the highest proteinuria hDTR rat group and controls, in both hypercoagulopathic (clot formation time, maximum clot firmness, and clot size (amplitude at 10 & 20 min)), and hypofibrinolytic (amount of lysis at 60 min; LI60) ROTEM parameters. Importantly, there was a significant negative correlation between proteinuria severity and LI60 (R2 =0.362, P=0.02), suggesting that hypofibrinolysis is directly proportional to podocyte injury and therefore disease severity during NS. Preliminary results from the CLA (n=2 control & 2 high proteinuria) also suggest a marked impairment (~50% difference) in plasma clot lysis time in proteinuria rats.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that proteinuria severity is directly proportional to both hypercoagulability and hypofibrinolytic capacity in a podocyte-specific rodent model of NS, thus confirming our recent findings in two other well-established animal models of NS in a third, more specific, experimental model of glomerular disease. Importantly, these data also strongly suggest a marked impairment in fibrinolysis during NS, which is directly correlated with proteinuria severity. Therefore it appears that severe proteinuria is associated with both hypercoagulopathic and hypofibrinolytic defects in the coagulation system. Future studies will delve into the molecular mechanisms involved in these defects. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Characterization of the Role of Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) in Inducing Progression of Multiple Myeloma

Introduction. Growing evidence suggests that immune cells that reside within the tumor microenvironment are dysregulated and functionally impaired, leading to defective anti-tumor immunity of the host. One of the major immunosuppressive mechanisms during tumor progression is expansion of regulatory immune cells. Here, we analyzed the immune cells within the bone marrow (BM) and the peripheral blood (PB) of 2 immunocompetent multiple myeloma (MM) mouse models. We next studied the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in MM pathogenesis.Materials and methods. To study the immune cell populations of the BM and PB, we used two immuncompetent mouse models and transplanted VK*MYC cells or 5TGM1 cells into C57BL/6 and C57BL/Kalwrij mice respectively. The immune cell populations and checkpoint receptor expressions were analyzed by CyTOF mass cytometer or flow-cytometry. Treg induction assay was performed in vitro to study the mechanism of Treg increase in the BM of myeloma injected mice. CD4+ CD25- cells were obtained from C57BL/Kalwrij mice and were co-cultured with 5TGM1 cells or B cells from C57BL/Kalwrij mice in vitro. Treg induction was compared by flow-cytometry.Transplantable VK*MYC cells were injected into "depletion of regulatory T cell" (DEREG) mice, which expresses a simian diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor-enhanced GFP fusion protein under the control of the FOXP3 gene locus, or their wild type littermates. DT injection into these mice leads to depletion of Tregs as previously described (J Exp Med. 2007; 204: 57-63). DT was given once every week for a total 3 times i.p to the DEREG mice or the littermate controls to specifically deplete Tregs and to study the role of Tregs during MM progression. Tregs (CD4+ FOXP3-GFP+ cells) were sorted from VK*MYC injected mice or non-injected DEREG mice BM using FACSAria cell sorter. Cells isolated were subjected to RNA sequencing. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to define differences in molecular signatures between MM-associated and normal Tregs.Results. The Treg proportion was significantly increased within the CD4+ T cells in the BM of myeloma cell injected mice from the early stage of disease compared to control mice, while in the PB, the increase was observed only at the late stages of disease progression. The effector T cell (Teff)/Treg ratio was significantly decreased in the BM at the end-stage myeloma bearing mice (P<0.01). Checkpoint related molecules (PD-1, LAG-3 and Tim-3) on Tregs and Teffs were up-regulated at the protein level in the BM of myeloma injected mice compared to control (P<0.01). These data indicate the activation of Tregs and decrease of Teff activity, leading to suppression of anti-myeloma T cell activity in the MM BM. Under in vitro co-culture conditions, 5TGM1 cells induced a significant increase in the number of Tregs from non-Treg CD4+ T cells compared to controls (P<0.01). 5TGM1 cell-induced Tregs presented with enhanced ki-67 expression, thus suggesting the ability of MM cells to induce Treg proliferation. Additionally, the trans-well co-culture experiment showed that the major mechanism for Treg induction by 5TGM1 was by direct contact with T cells rather than secreting factors. Significant increase in survival was observed in the VK*MYC injected DEREG mice under Treg depletion compared to the DEREG mice without Treg depletion and wild type littermates under DT treatment (P<0.001). The Treg depleted DEREG mice were accompanied with an increase of Teffs (P<0.01), indicating recovery of anti-myeloma T cell activity. RNA sequencing of BM Tregs from VK*MYC injected mice showed increased expression of immune checkpoint related molecules and increased Treg effector molecules (IL-10, Granzyme B) compared to BM Tregs from control mice, indicating a more functionally active phenotype of VK*MYC associated Tregs. GSEA showed an enrichment of genes involved in type-1 interferon signaling in VK*MYC associated Tregs.Conclusions. We used 2 immunocompetent MM mouse models to study the characterization and significance of Tregs in MM progression. CyTOF analysis and RNA sequencing data indicated Treg activation in the MM BM microenvironment. The Treg in vivo depletion experiment showed that Tregs have a significant role in MM progression. These data indicate that immunotherapy targeting Tregs may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for MM. Studies are ongoing to understand the roles of Tregs in human MM patients. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Novel In Vivo Model of Multiple Myeloma Bone Disease Using ß-Tricalcium Phosphate Artificial Bone Grafts

Abstract Model systems to study Multiple Myeloma (MM) related bone disease exist but have a number of limitations. Disseminated MM models have variable cell homing and do not precisely recapitulate the human microenvironment interactions with myeloma cells. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice engrafted with human fetal bone (SCID-hu) have been used by us, and are able to recapitulate the human bone marrow microenvironment. The fetal bone chips are however difficult to obtain, and vary in size and shape, complicating inter-sample comparison. Similarly, the poly-ε-caprolactone polymeric scaffold, previously used to seed murine or human stromal compartment, may not correctly reproduce bone destruction and inhibition of osteogenesis by MM as seen in patients, making this model difficult to test therapies targeting the MM niche. β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is a biocompatible and biodegradable bone graft substitute that is uniform in structure and easily available, and may be a viable alternative to overcome SCID-hu difficulties in modeling MM bone disease. Here, we utilized β-TCP bone graft substitute to develop a novel in vivo MM model where β-TCP permits the development of the bone microenvironment, supports MM development, and is technically feasible and highly reproducible. Using this model, we aim to better understand the biology of the niche in MM by genetically modifying its components and by testing new niche-targeting therapies. Our initial results show that osteogenesis takes place in the β-TCP bone graft, and the implant is supportive of MM tumor growth. Inter-scapular subcutaneous implantation of β-TCP alone, or co-implantation with human-derived stromal cell line HS27A in immunocompromised recipients resulted in the expression of osteogenic markers Runx2, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Col1A1, and Osteocalcin (OCN), as well as a marker of bone resorption. Further, implants supported the growth of human-derived MM1.S and murine 5TGM1 cells, as visualized directly in vivo by serial luciferase bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and by immunohistochemistry. Modifying the niche compartment in Cre/iDTR animals with MM disease is an exciting novel strategy to understand which niche component in vivo may be targeted to suppress MM development. Mouse strains with promoter-specific Cre recombinase that induces the expression of the diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor (iDTR) can be utilized to selectively ablate a cell population of interest in vivo, via intraperitoneal DT injection. Here, we first utilized OCN-Cre/iDTR mice to test the deletion of mature osteoblasts in β-TCP artificial bone graft post-implantation. Our data show a dose-dependent reduction in osteoblastic markers OCN, ALP, Runx2, Sclerostin, Osteoprotegerin and RANKL. Importantly, DT ablation of osteoblasts in the β-TCP implant resulted in a significantly increased 5TGM1 tumor growth, as judged by BLI and tumor weight. Our data show that the mature osteocalcin-positive niche population is protective against MM disease. Ongoing studies of the β-TCP mouse model will address the relative contribution of various osteogenic populations to the course of MM development in vivo, and test the efficacy of novel MM drugs. Disclosures Raje: BMS: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Millenium: Consultancy; Eli Lilly: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Acetylon: Research Funding; Millenium: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Acetylon: Research Funding.

Investigation of bipotent differentiation of hepatoblasts using inducible diphtheria toxin receptor-transgenic mice.

Hepatic progenitor cells, called hepatoblasts, are highly proliferative and exhibit bipotential differentiation into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes in the fetal liver. Thus, they are the ideal source for transplantation therapy. Although several studies have been performed in vitro, the molecular mechanisms regulating hepatoblast differentiation in vivo following transplantation remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate an in vivo model to analyze hepatoblast bipotency and proliferative ability. Hepatic transplantation model using Cre-inducible diphtheria toxin receptor-transgenic mice (iDTR), and albafpCre mice expressing Cre under the control of albumin and α-fetoprotein (AFP) regulatory elements were established. Fresh hepatoblasts were transplanted into diphtheria toxin (DT)-injected iDTRalbafpCre mice and we analyzed their differentiation and proliferation abilities by immunostaining and gene expression profiles. Fresh hepatoblasts transplanted into DT-injected iDTRalbafpCre mice engrafted and differentiated into both hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Additionally, the number of engrafted hepatoblast-derived hepatocytes increased following partial hepatectomy and serial DT injections. Expression levels of hepatic functional genes in transplanted hepatoblast-derived hepatocytes were similar to that of normal hepatocytes. In our iDTRalbafpCre transplantation model, fresh hepatoblasts could differentiate into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. In addition, these donor cells were induced to proliferate by the following liver injury stimulation. This result suggests that this model is valuable for investigating hepatoblast differentiation pathways in vivo.

Abstract 18821: Dysfunctional Regulatory T-Lymphocytes Promote Inflammation and Adverse Cardiac Remodeling in Chronic Ischemic Heart Failure

The functional role of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in chronic heart failure (HF) is unknown. Using flow cytometry, we assessed Tregs during the progression of ischemic HF in male C57Bl/6 mice after coronary ligation and myocardial infarction (MI). At 7 d post-MI, circulating Tregs (% CD4+ T-cells) were comparable to sham-operated mice. Thereafter, blood Tregs significantly (p &lt; 0.05 vs sham) increased ~1.5 fold at 2, 4, 6, and 8 w, and exhibited increased levels of pro-inflammatory intracellular IFNγ (40.5 ± 5.9 vs 28.4 ± 5.1%) and TNFα (34.6 ± 8.8 vs 21.7 ± 6.9%). Moreover, at 8 w post-MI, Tregs were increased in the spleen (24.1 ± 3.9 vs 18.3 ± 1.4%) and failing heart (0.95 ± 0.42 vs 0.33 ± 0.23%) as compared with sham mice. In contrast to splenic Tregs from sham mice, Tregs isolated from HF mice (8 w post-MI) failed to suppress effector T-cell proliferation, and were robustly antiangiogenic as indexed by mouse coronary endothelial cell tube formation assays. Transgenic mice expressing diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor (DTR) under control of the Foxp3 promoter underwent coronary ligation and DT-induced selective Treg ablation starting at 4 w post-MI (PBS control). Echocardiography before and after (8 w post-MI) PBS or DT injection revealed that in contrast to progressive LV dysfunction and remodeling after PBS, DT-mediated Treg ablation and subsequent reconstitution reversed pathological LV remodeling (decreased EDV and ESV, and increased EF). As compared with PBS injection, DT-induced Treg ablation also significantly (p &lt; 0.05) reduced LV hypertrophy; enhanced circulating CD34+Flk1+ cells, cardiac CCR5 gene expression, and myocardial capillary density; reduced border zone fibrosis; and decreased pro-inflammatory (IL-17, IL-2 and IL-6) and pro-fibrotic (IL-4 and IL-10) serum cytokines. Similar results were obtained upon Treg depletion with anti-CD25 antibody in HF. We conclude that Tregs in chronic HF acquire pathological pro-inflammatory, profibrotic, and antiangiogenic properties, and lose their immunosuppressive capacity. Dysfunctional Tregs promote inflammation and adverse LV remodeling in HF; depletion of dysfunctional Tregs and subsequent restoration to a normal Treg phenotype may represent a novel approach to therapeutic immunomodulation in HF.

A Dual Role for Corneal Dendritic Cells in Herpes Simplex Keratitis: Local Suppression of Corneal Damage and Promotion of Systemic Viral Dissemination.

The cornea is the shield to the foreign world and thus, a primary site for peripheral infections. However, transparency and vision are incompatible with inflammation and scarring that may result from infections. Thus, the cornea is required to perform a delicate balance between fighting infections and preserving vision. To date, little is known about the specific role of antigen-presenting cells in viral keratitis. In this study, utilizing an established murine model of primary acute herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 keratitis, we demonstrate that primary HSV keratitis results in increased conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) and macrophages within 24 hours after infection. Local depletion of cDCs in CD11c-DTR mice by subconjuntival diphtheria toxin injections, led to increased viral proliferation, and influx of inflammatory cells, resulting in increased scarring and clinical keratitis. In addition, while HSV infection resulted in significant corneal nerve destruction, local depletion of cDCs resulted in a much more severe loss of corneal nerves. Further, local cDC depletion resulted in decreased corneal nerve infection, and subsequently decreased and delayed systemic viral transmission in the trigeminal ganglion and draining lymph node, resulting in decreased mortality of mice. In contrast, sham depletion or depletion of macrophages through local injection of clodronate liposomes had neither a significant impact on the cornea, nor an effect on systemic viral transmission. In conclusion, we demonstrate that corneal cDCs may play a primary role in local corneal defense during viral keratitis and preserve vision, at the cost of inducing systemic viral dissemination, leading to increased mortality.

Following specific podocyte injury captopril protects against progressive long term renal damage

Background: Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) reduce proteinuria and preserve kidney function in proteinuric renal diseases. Their nephroprotective effect exceeds that attributable to lowering of blood pressure alone. This study examines the potential of ACEi to protect from progression of injury after a highly specific injury to podocytes in a mouse model.Methods: We created transgenic (Podo-DTR) mice in which graded specific podocyte injury could be induced by a single injection of diphtheria toxin. Transgenic and wild-type mice were given the ACEi captopril in drinking water, or water alone, commencing 24h after toxin injection. Kidneys were examined histologically at 8 weeks and injury assessed by observers blinded to experimental group.Results: After toxin injection, Podo-DTR mice developed acute proteinuria, and at higher doses transient renal impairment, which subsided within 3 weeks to be followed by a slow glomerular scarring process. Captopril treatment in Podo-DTR line 57 after toxin injection at 5ng/g body weight reduced proteinuria and ameliorated glomerular scarring, matrix accumulation and glomerulosclerosis almost to baseline (toxin: 17%; toxin + ACEi 10%, p<0.04; control 7% glomerular scarring). Podocyte counts were reduced after toxin treatment and showed no recovery irrespective of captopril treatment (7.1 and 7.3 podocytes per glomerular cross section in water and captopril-treated animals compared with 8.2 of wild-type controls, p<0.05).Conclusions: Observations in Podo-DTR mice support the hypothesis that continuing podocyte dysfunction is a key abnormality in proteinuric disease. Our model is ideal for studying strategies to protect the kidney from progressive injury following podocyte depletion. Demonstrable protective effects from captopril occur, despite indiscernible preservation or restoration of podocyte counts, at least after this degree of relatively mild injury.

Following specific podocyte injury captopril protects against progressive long term renal damage.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) reduce proteinuria and preserve kidney function in proteinuric renal diseases. Their nephroprotective effect exceeds that attributable to lowering of blood pressure alone. This study examines the potential of ACEi to protect from progression of injury after a highly specific injury to podocytes in a mouse model. We created transgenic (Podo-DTR) mice in which graded specific podocyte injury could be induced by a single injection of diphtheria toxin. Transgenic and wild-type mice were given the ACEi captopril in drinking water, or water alone, commencing 24h after toxin injection. Kidneys were examined histologically at 8 weeks and injury assessed by observers blinded to experimental group. After toxin injection, Podo-DTR mice developed acute proteinuria, and at higher doses transient renal impairment, which subsided within 3 weeks to be followed by a slow glomerular scarring process. Captopril treatment in Podo-DTR line 57 after toxin injection at 5ng/g body weight reduced proteinuria and ameliorated glomerular scarring, matrix accumulation and glomerulosclerosis almost to baseline (toxin: 17%; toxin + ACEi 10%, p<0.04; control 7% glomerular scarring). Podocyte counts were reduced after toxin treatment and showed no recovery irrespective of captopril treatment (7.1 and 7.3 podocytes per glomerular cross section in water and captopril-treated animals compared with 8.2 of wild-type controls, p<0.05). Observations in Podo-DTR mice support the hypothesis that continuing podocyte dysfunction is a key abnormality in proteinuric disease. Our model is ideal for studying strategies to protect the kidney from progressive injury following podocyte depletion. Demonstrable protective effects from captopril occur, despite indiscernible preservation or restoration of podocyte counts, at least after this degree of relatively mild injury.

Selective deletion of cochlear hair cells causes rapid age-dependent changes in spiral ganglion and cochlear nucleus neurons.

During nervous system development, critical periods are usually defined as early periods during which manipulations dramatically change neuronal structure or function, whereas the same manipulations in mature animals have little or no effect on the same property. Neurons in the ventral cochlear nucleus (CN) are dependent on excitatory afferent input for survival during a critical period of development. Cochlear removal in young mammals and birds results in rapid death of target neurons in the CN. Cochlear removal in older animals results in little or no neuron death. However, the extent to which hair-cell-specific afferent activity prevents neuronal death in the neonatal brain is unknown. We further explore this phenomenon using a new mouse model that allows temporal control of cochlear hair cell deletion. Hair cells express the human diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor behind the Pou4f3 promoter. Injections of DT resulted in nearly complete loss of organ of Corti hair cells within 1 week of injection regardless of the age of injection. Injection of DT did not influence surrounding supporting cells directly in the sensory epithelium or spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Loss of hair cells in neonates resulted in rapid and profound neuronal loss in the ventral CN, but not when hair cells were eliminated at a more mature age. In addition, normal survival of SGNs was dependent on hair cell integrity early in development and less so in mature animals. This defines a previously undocumented critical period for SGN survival.

Activity-dependent regulation of prestin expression in mouse outer hair cells.

Prestin is a membrane protein necessary for outer hair cell (OHC) electromotility and normal hearing. Its regulatory mechanisms are unknown. Several mouse models of hearing loss demonstrate increased prestin, inspiring us to investigate how hearing loss might feedback onto OHCs. To test whether centrally mediated feedback regulates prestin, we developed a novel model of inner hair cell loss. Injection of diphtheria toxin (DT) into adult CBA mice produced significant loss of inner hair cells without affecting OHCs. Thus, DT-injected mice were deaf because they had no afferent auditory input despite OHCs continuing to receive normal auditory mechanical stimulation and having normal function. Patch-clamp experiments demonstrated no change in OHC prestin, indicating that loss of information transfer centrally did not alter prestin expression. To test whether local mechanical feedback regulates prestin, we used Tecta(C1509G) mice, where the tectorial membrane is malformed and only some OHCs are stimulated. OHCs connected to the tectorial membrane had normal prestin levels, whereas OHCs not connected to the tectorial membrane had elevated prestin levels, supporting an activity-dependent model. To test whether the endocochlear potential was necessary for prestin regulation, we studied Tecta(C1509G) mice at different developmental ages. OHCs not connected to the tectorial membrane had lower than normal prestin levels before the onset of the endocochlear potential and higher than normal prestin levels after the onset of the endocochlear potential. Taken together, these data indicate that OHC prestin levels are regulated through local feedback that requires mechanoelectrical transduction currents. This adaptation may serve to compensate for variations in the local mechanical environment.

Cornea-infiltrating and lymph node dendritic cells contribute to CD4+ T cell expansion after herpes simplex virus-1 ocular infection.

After HSV type 1 corneal infection, CD4(+) T cells are expanded in the draining lymph nodes (DLNs) and restimulated in the infected cornea to regulate the destructive inflammatory disease herpes stromal keratitis (HSK). The contribution of cornea resident, cornea-infiltrating, and DLN resident dendritic cells (DC) to CD4(+) T cell expansion in DLNs and restimulation in corneas is unknown. Cornea resident and cornea-infiltrating DCs were selectively depleted by timed local (subconjunctival) injection of diphtheria toxin (DT) into mice that express high-affinity DT receptors from the CD11c promoter. Corneal and DLN DCs were depleted by systemic (i.p.) DT treatment. We found that: 1) DCs that were resident in the cornea and DLNs at the time of infection or that migrate into the tissues during the first 24 h postinfection were not required for CD4(+) T cell expansion; 2) DCs that infiltrated the cornea >24 h postinfection were responsible for most of the CD4(+) T cell expansion measured in the DLNs at 3 and 7 d postinfection (dpi); 3) non-cornea-derived DCs that infiltrate the DLNs >24 h postinfection made a modest contribution to CD4(+) T cell expansion at 3 dpi but did not contribute at 7 dpi; and 4) surprisingly, HSK development between 7 and 21 dpi did not require corneal DCs. DC-independent HSK development appears to reflect close interactions of CD4(+) T cells with MHC class II(+) corneal epithelial cells and macrophages in infected DC-depleted corneas.

Determination of the presence of diphtheria toxin in the myocardial tissue of rabbits and a female subject by using an immunofluorescent antibody method.

BackgroundClinical diagnosis of diphtheria is often difficult, in particular in countries where the disease is rarely observed, such as Turkey. In 2011, after 12 years of no recorded diphtheria cases in Turkey, a 34-year-old woman was diagnosed with diphtheria; she later died of myocarditis. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the diagnostic potential of an immunofluorescent antibody method to determine the presence of diphtheria toxin (DT) in the myocardial cells of DT-injected rabbits and the female subject.MethodsWe randomly divided rabbits into two groups: a control group and a DT-injected group. Diphtheria intoxication was simulated in the rabbits by intravenous injection of DT. The myocardium of the rabbits and the female subject were harvested for histopathologic and immunofluorescence examination. A mouse monoclonal anti-DT antibody was used for the immunofluorescent antibody method.ResultsThe presence of DT in the myocardial cells of both the rabbits and the female subject was visualized using the immunofluorescent method.ConclusionsLaboratory diagnosis of diphtheria is challenging because of non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae strains and/or the dysfunction of DT. However, visualizing the presence of DT in the myocardial tissue may act as an indicator of biologically active DT. We validated that an immunofluorescent method, which utilizes a monoclonal anti-DT (A-subunit specific) antibody, is a useful diagnostic tool to determine the presence of DT in the myocardium of rabbits and human.