Elevated Levels Of Interferon-gamma Research Articles

Impact of senescence cell signature in patients with non-small cell carcinoma and melanoma receiving PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors

Tumor cell senescence plays a crucial role in tumor immunity. We investigated whether the senescent cell signature (SCS) could predict prognosis in non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC) and melanoma datasets treated with PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors. Patients with high SCS expression exhibited elevated levels of interferon-gamma and T cell-inflamed signatures in three lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD), two squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and three melanoma datasets. The high SCS group was associated with PD-L1-related pathways such as IL6/JAK/STAT3 and TNF-alpha signaling via NF-kB in LUAD, LUSC, and melanoma datasets. A positive correlation was observed between several immune checkpoint markers and the SCS, indicating an immunosuppressive state in LUAD, LUSC and melanoma datasets. In patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, a higher SCS was associated with a better prognosis, and a positive correlation between SCS and PD-L1 was observed in six independent NSCLC and three independent melanoma datasets. We used the LASSO Cox regression model to build a risk model focusing on the SCS genes that particularly predict prognosis. We confirmed that the model accurately predicts prognosis. However, the senescent immunohistochemical markers p16 and p21 could predict the response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in patients with LUSC and melanoma but not in patients with LUAD. SCS could serve as a valuable biomarker to complement PD-L1 expression in patients receiving PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors.

Changes in neuroinflammatory markers and microglial density in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the C58/J mouse model of autism.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a diverse group of neurodevelopmental conditions with complex origins. Individuals with ASD present various neurobiological abnormalities, including an altered immune response in the central nervous system and other tissues. Animal models like the C58/J inbred mouse strain are used to study biological characteristics of ASD. This strain is considered an idiopathic autism model because of its demonstrated reduced social preference and repetitive behaviours. Notably, C58/J mice exhibit alterations in dendritic arbour complexity, density and dendritic spines maturation in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC), but inflammatory-related changes have not been explored in these mice. In this study, we investigated proinflammatory markers in the hippocampus and PFC of adult male C58/J mice. We discovered elevated levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in the hippocampus, suggesting increased inflammation, alongside a reduction in the anti-inflammatory enzyme arginase 1 (ARG1). Conversely, the PFC displayed reduced levels of TNF-α and MCP-1. Microglial analysis revealed higher levels of transmembrane protein 119 (TMEM119) and increased microglial density in a region-specific manner of the autistic-like mice, particularly in the PFC and hippocampus. Additionally, an augmented expression of the fractalkine receptor CX3CR1 was observed in the hippocampus and PFC of C58/J mice. Microglial morphological analysis shows no evident changes in the hippocampus of mice with autistic-like behaviours versus wild-type strain. These region-specific changes can contribute to modulate processes like inflammation or synaptic pruning in the C58/J mouse model of idiopathic autism.

The CYP24A1 gene variant rs2762943 is associated with low serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels in multiple sclerosis patients.

Vitamin D is considered to play a role in multiple sclerosis (MS) etiopathogenesis. A polymorphism in the CYP24A1 gene, rs2762943, was recently identified that was associated with an increased MS risk. CYP24A1 encodes a protein involved in the catabolism of the active form of vitamin D. The immunological effects of carrying the rs2762943 risk allele were investigated, as well as its role as genetic modifier. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2 D) were measured in a cohort of 167 MS patients. In a subgroup of patients, expression levels of major histocompatibility complex class II and co-stimulatory molecules were determined by flow cytometry, and serum levels of pro-inflammatory (interferon gamma, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13) and anti-inflammatory (interleukin 10) cytokines and neurofilament light chain were measured by single-molecule array assays. The effect of the rs2762943 polymorphism on disease activity and disability measures was evaluated in 340 MS patients. Compared to non-carriers, carriers of the rs2762943 risk allele were characterized by reduced levels of 1,25(OH)2 D (p = 0.0001) and elevated levels of interferon gamma (p = 0.03) and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (p = 0.008), whereas no significant differences were observed for the other markers. The presence of the rs2762943 risk allele had no significant impact on disease activity and disability outcomes during follow-up. However, risk allele carriers were younger at disease onset (p = 0.04). These findings suggest that the CYP24A1 rs2762943 polymorphism plays a more important role in MS susceptibility than in disease prognosis and is associated with lower 1,25(OH)2 D levels and a heightened pro-inflammatory environment in MS patients.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Possibly Triggered by Craniotomy Surgery: A Rare Association with Uplifting Ending

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an aggressive and life-threatening syndrome of excessive inflammationand tissue destruction due to abnormal immune activation. HLH can occur as a familial or sporadic disorder, as wellas can be triggered by a variety of events that disrupt immune homeostasis. In HLH, natural killer cells and cytotoxiclymphocytes fail to eliminate activated macrophages resulting in excessive CD8+ T cell and activation of moremacrophages with highly elevated levels of interferon-gamma and other cytokines, which drive the pathology of HLH.Here, we present a case of 15 years old boy with HLH, which possibly was triggered after surgical intervention forarachnoid cyst in the right parietal lobe. It was a daunting challenge for us to evaluate and diagnose the patientpromptly since he was critically ill and developed pancytopenia, along with grossly altered liver function test andmarkedly raised ferritin in a short period of time. But it was even more crucial to start treatment in the form ofchemotherapy in such a patient who had very severe neutropenia as well as thrombocytopenia.
 Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2023; 11 (1): 39-42

Triple Tumor Microenvironment-Responsive Ferroptosis Pathways Induced by Manganese-Based Imageable Nanoenzymes for Enhanced Breast Cancer Theranostics.

Previous studies have found that activated CD8+ T cells secrete elevated levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) to trigger ferroptosis in tumor cells. However, IFN-γ-mediated ferroptosis is induced at low levels in tumor cells because of the limited IFN-γ secreted by CD8+ T cells in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Recent studies have shown that manganese ion can activate the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (GMP-AMP) synthase/stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway and support adaptive immune responses against tumors, which enhances the level of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Therefore, tumor microenvironment-responsive Mn-based nanoenzymes (Mn-based NEs) that activated the cGAS-STING pathway are designed to amplify immune-driven ferroptosis. The multifunctional all-in-one nanoplatform is simply and mildly synthesized by the coordination between Mn3+ ions and 3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid. After intracellular delivery, each component of Mn-based NEs exerts its function. That is, glutathione is depleted through disulfide-thiol exchange and redox pair of Mn3+ /Mn2+ , a hydroxyl radical (·OH) is generated via the Fenton-like reaction to cause ferroptosis, and Mn2+ augments cGAS-STING activity to boost immune-driven ferroptosis. In addition, ferroptosis amplifies Mn2+ -induced immunogenic cell death and initiates the antitumor immune "closed loop" along with immune-driven ferroptosis. Notably, this multifunctional nanoplatform is effective in killing both primary and distant tumors.

Regulation of Cytotoxic Immune Effector Function by AJ3 Probiotic Bacteria in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Our recent studies indicated that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients suffer from significantly elevated levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secretion by natural killer (NK) and CD8+ T cells, which may be responsible for the immune-pathologies seen in central nervous system and in peripheral organs of the patients. In order to counter such elevated induction of IFN-γ in patients we designed a treatment strategy to increase anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) by the use of probiotic strains which significantly increase the levels of IL-10. Therefore, in this paper we demonstrate disease specific functions of Al-Pro (AJ3) formulated for the adjunct treatment of auto-immune diseases including ALS, and compared the function with CA/I-Pro (AJ4) for the treatment of cancer and viral diseases, and NK-CLK (AJ2) for maintenance of immune balance and promotion of disease prevention. The three different formulations of probiotic bacteria have distinct profiles of activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), NK, and CD8+ T cells, and their induced activation is different from those mediated by either IL-2 or IL-2 + anti-CD16 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or IL-2 + anti-CD3/CD28 mAbs. IL-2 + anti-CD16 mAb activation of PBMCs and NK cells had the highest IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio, whereas IL-2 combination with sAJ4 had the next highest followed by IL-2 + sAJ2 and the lowest was seen with IL-2 + sAJ3. Accordingly, the highest secretion of IFN-γ was seen when the PBMCs and NK cells were treated with IL-2 + sAJ4, intermediate for IL-2 + sAJ2 and the lowest with IL-2 + sAJ3. The levels of IFN-γ induction and the ratio of IFN-γ to IL-10 induced by different probiotic bacteria formulation in the absence of IL-2 treatment remained much lower when compared to those treated in the presence of IL-2. Of note is the difference between NK cells and CD8+ T cells in which synergistic induction of IFN-y by IL-2 + sAJ4 was significantly higher in NK cells than those seen by CD8+ T cells. Based on these results, sAJ3 should be effective in alleviating auto-immunity seen in ALS since it will greatly regulate the levels and function of IFN-γ negatively, decreasing overactivation of cytotoxic immune effectors and prevention of death in motor neurons.

The therapeutic and protective effects of bee pollen against prenatal methylmercury induced neurotoxicity in rat pups

The current study evaluated the protective and therapeutic potency of bee pollen in ameliorating the toxic effects of methylmercury (MeHg), by measuring certain biochemical parameters related to neurotransmission, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and glutamate excitotoxicity in the male neonate brain. Healthy, pregnant female rats (N = 40) were randomly divided into 5 groups, each comprising10 male neonates, as follows: (i) neonates delivered by control mothers; (ii) neonates delivered by MeHg-treated mothers who received 0.5mg/kg BW/day MeHg via drinking water from gestational day 7 till postnatal day 7; (iii) neonates delivered by bee pollen treated mothers who received 200-mg/kg BW bee pollen from postnatal day 0 for 4weeks; (iv) protective group of neonates delivered by MeHg and bee pollen-treated mothers, who continued to receive bee pollen until day 21 at the same dose, and (v) therapeutic group of neonates delivered by MeHg- treated mothers followed by bee pollen treatment, wherein they received 200-mg/kg BW bee pollen from postnatal day 0 for 4weeks. Selected biochemical parameters in brain homogenates from each group were measured. MeHg-treated groups exhibited various signs of brain toxicity, such as a marked reduction in neurotransmitters (serotonin (5-HT), nor-adrenalin (NA), dopamine (DA)) and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and elevated levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), caspase-3, and glutamate (Glu). Bee pollen effectively reduced the neurotoxic effects of MeHg. Minimal changes in all measured parameters were observed in MeHg-treated animals compared to the control group. Therefore, bee pollen may safely improve neurotransmitter defects, inflammation, apoptosis, and glutamate excitotoxicity.

Stimulatory role of interleukin 10 in CD8+ T cells through STATs in gastric cancer.

CD8+ T cells are considered to be critical in tumor surveillance and elimination. Increased CD8+ T cell frequency and function is associated with better prognosis in cancer patients. Interleukin 10 is a cytokine with controversial roles in CD8+ T cell–mediated anti-tumor immunity. We therefore examined the interleukin 10 expression and consumption in CD8+ T cells harvested from the peripheral blood and resected tumors of gastric cancer patients of stages II–IV. We found that the gastric cancer patients presented significantly elevated frequencies of interleukin 10–expressing cells in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells compared to healthy controls. But distinctive from the interleukin 10–expressing CD4+ T cells, which increased in frequency in advanced cancer, the interleukin 10–expressing CD8+ T cells did not increase with cancer stage in the peripheral blood and actually decreased with cancer stage in resected tumor. Interleukin 10 and interleukin 10 receptor expression was also enriched in interferon gamma–expressing activated CD8+ T cells. Compared to interleukin 10–nonexpressing CD8+ T cells, interleukin 10 receptor–expressing CD8+ T cells secreted significantly elevated interferon gamma levels. Treatment of anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated, purified CD8+ T cells with interleukin 10 alone could significantly enhance CD8+ T cell survival, an effect dependent on interleukin 10 receptor expression. Interleukin 10 also increased CD8+ T cell proliferation synergistically with interferon gamma but not alone. Analysis of downstream signal transducer and activator of transcription molecules showed that interleukin 10 treatment significantly increased the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 to lesser extent. Together, these results demonstrate that interleukin 10 possessed stimulatory roles in activated CD8+ T cells from gastric cancer patients.

Abstract 4992: Development of a novel radiation-induced targeted immunotherapy strategy through oligonucleotide aptamer conjugation

Abstract Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) produce dramatic anti-tumor responses in multiple solid tumors. Unfortunately, systemic administration can result in end organ retention and dose-limiting toxicities. Radiotherapy (RT) is a standard-of-care treatment modality that induces direct tumor cell kill through DNA damage. While studies assessing the synergy of RT-induced tumor cell kill with mAbs are ongoing, an additional unexploited effect of RT is the induction of stress response products in the tumor microenvironment, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Oligonucleotide aptamers are short pieces of nucleic acid that exhibit little to no immunogenicity compared to mAbs, making them ideal delivery vehicles for therapeutic mAbs. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of a novel strategy for targeted tumor delivery of existing immunotherapeutic mAbs through conjugation to ligands that bind to radiation induced products. An antibody recognizing the costimulatory molecule 41BB was covalently modified with a 21-mer ssDNA oligonucleotide linker sequence that serves as an anchor site for the VEGF aptamer synthesized with a 3’ extension. Annealing of complementary strands formed a 41BB mAb-VEGF aptamer conjugate. First, VEGF aptamer conjugation to modified 41BB mAb was verified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis which revealed the expected size shift of the 41BB mAb-VEGF aptamer conjugate versus the unannealed controls. Conjugation was then verified using flow cytometry. Recombinant mouse 41BB-Fc was immobilized on Protein A Dynabeads and 41BB mAb conjugated with 5’ biotinylated VEGF aptamer. 41BB mAb-VEGF aptamer conjugate retention on Dynabeads was confirmed by using streptavidin-PE 5’ biotin of aptamer attached to mAb in conjugate binding epitope target. Functionality of 41BB mAb-VEGF aptamer conjugate was confirmed in vitro using a CD8+ T cell costimulation assay. CD8+ T cells were isolated from 8 week old female C57BL6/J splenocytes, and exposed to sub-optimal levels of CD3 mAb. 41BB mAb-VEGF aptamer conjugate, unconjugated 41BB mAb and isotype control were added to activated cells. Elevated levels of interferon gamma were observed and equivalent in conjugated and unconjugated 41BB mAbs. These results indicate that conjugation of 41BB mAb-VEGF aptamer is feasible and that conjugation does not affect 41BB mAb functionality. Use of this novel targeting approach to improve the therapeutic index of immunotherapeutic mAbs requires validation in murine tumor models. Citation Format: Ana Paula Benaduce, Randall Brenneman, Diana Cardero, Brett Schrand, Eli Gilboa, Adrian Ishkanian. Development of a novel radiation-induced targeted immunotherapy strategy through oligonucleotide aptamer conjugation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4992.

Abstract 255: Lymphocyte-Specific Adaptor Protein, LNK (SH2B3), Regulates Angiotensin-II Induced Hypertension and Renal/Vascular Inflammation

LNK, an adaptor protein primarily expressed in hematopoietic cells and endothelial cells, is a negative regulator of cytokine signaling and cell proliferation. A single nucleotide polymorphism in LNK is associated with hypertension, but the mechanism is unknown. Our objective was to determine the effect of LNK on hypertension and inflammation using LNK -/- mice. In response to angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion, LNK -/- mice exhibit elevated systolic BP (SBP) compared to wild type C57Bl/6J mice (WT) as measured by telemetry. At baseline, kidneys from LNK -/- mice exhibit greater levels of total leukocyte and T lymphocyte infiltration, superoxide production, and albuminuria compared to WT mice, and these parameters are further exacerbated by AngII infusion. Aortas from LNK -/- mice exhibit enhanced inflammation, reduced nitric oxide production, and impaired endothelial-dependent relaxation. Bone marrow transplantation studies showed that loss of LNK in hematopoietic cells (not somatic cells) reproduced the phenotype of whole body deletion of LNK with SBP reaching 180 mmHg in response to a subpressor dose of Ang II. Splenic T cells from LNK -/- mice produce elevated levels of interferon-gamma (IFNγ) compared to WT mice. Furthermore, IFNγ -/- mice exhibit blunted hypertension in response to AngII infusion, suggesting that enhanced IFNγ production is at least partly responsible for the aggravated hypertension in LNK -/- mice. Data are summarized in the table (expressed as mean±SEM, n=5-10,* P <0.05 vs WT/Sham, # P <0.05 vs WT/AngII and † P <0.05 vs LNK -/- /Sham). In conclusion, LNK may serve as a novel therapeutic target for hypertension and its associated renovascular disorders.

Signatures of malaria vaccine efficacy in ageing murine immune memory

Malaria transmission occurs by mosquito bite. Thereafter, Plasmodium sporozoites specifically invade the liver, where they develop into thousands of merozoites that initiate blood-stage infection and clinical malaria. The pre-erythrocytic phase of a Plasmodium infection is the target of experimental whole-parasite vaccines against malaria. Repeated immunizations with high doses of live, metabolically active sporozoites can induce protracted protection against Plasmodium reinfection. Parasites lacking a Plasmodium-specific apicoplast protein, termed PALM, arrest very late during intrahepatic development just prior to liver merozoite release and can elicit sterile protection with two immunization doses only. In this report, we show in the robust Plasmodium berghei-C57BL/6 model that partial protection extends beyond 1 year after the last immunization. In ageing mice, intracellular cytokine staining of Plasmodium peptide-stimulated intrahepatic CD8+ T cells revealed elevated levels of interferon gamma in vaccinated mice. We conclude that antigen-specific T cells persist in the target organ and are critical signatures of lasting protection. Our data also support the notions that memory T-cell responses generated early in life remain largely intact well into old age and that murine Plasmodium vaccination and infection models are suitable to study the mechanisms of maintenance and efficiency of adaptive immunity during immunosenescence.

Separating latent and acute TB

In theory, immunodiagnosis should be able to discriminate between latent and acute TB, because the immunopathoogic nature of the disease means there must be significant differences in either the type and/or magnitude of immune response that develop. But so far we have not been able to pinpoint them. Our investigations of immune responses after infection suggest that in a substantial number of former TB patients, strong antigen recognition persists at least 20 years post-treatment without signs of recurrent illness. In addition, antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 memory T-cells could be detected for at least two years post-infection. In a study published in 2001, we found that healthy household contacts who responded most strongly to ESAT-6 were more likely to progress to disease in a short time, but others who showed changes in their X-rays (meaning that they had been infected and even developed some pathology) remained otherwise healthy. An important question is whether this group is representative of natural latent infection. If that is so, similar people should be detectable in the general population and so our team looked at ESAT-6 responses in community controls. We found that although the responses to ESAT-6 were lower overall in the general population, a substantial subgroup were strongly positive. Our team’s assumption is that these individuals have latent disease. Given the results of our research, we have developed a model for analyzing latent TB infection. After initial exposure, two-thirds of the individuals exposed to TB do not apparently skin-test convert nor become ESAT-6 positive: if they have had an infection, early bacterial growth was presumably arrested fairly quickly. It is not possible to tell if they have latent TB because immunologically, they cannot be distinguished from uninfected individuals. Of the remaining individuals exposed, roughly five percent experience early bacterial growth that is not contained and, if not treated, progresses to clinical illness. In the remainder, subsequent bacterial growth is contained, symptoms abate, but latent infection is established and approximately two percent experience re-activation of the disease at a later time. The rest remain healthy, but have latent infection, which is discernible because immunologically these individuals tend to express elevated levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-4 and IL-482 and strongly recognize latency antigens. These individuals are the focus of intense study because they represent natural immunity in action.

A Point Mutation in the Juxtamembrane Wedge of CD45 Impacts Myeloid Development and Generates a Novel Model for Hemophagocytic Disorders in the Context of a MHC I-Restricted Transgene.

The receptor like-protein tyrosine phosphatase CD45 is highly expressed on all nucleated hematopoietic cells and functions by modulating the activity of Src family kinases. We previously generated mice containing a point mutation in the juxtamembrane wedge of CD45 that leads to constitutive phosphatase activity. Demonstrating the critical negative regulatory function of the wedge, the CD45E613R mutation led to a lymphoproliferative disorder, lupus-like autoimmune syndrome, and premature death at 9–12 months of age. To address the intrinsic effects of the wedge mutation on the CD8 T cell lineage, we introduced a CD8 restricted T-cell receptor (TCR) transgene, OT1, specific for the antigen ovalbumin, into CD45E613R mice. Surprisingly, 100% of the CD45E613R/OT1+ mice succumb by 6 weeks of age to a rapidly progressive disease characterized by severe cachexia, hemophagocytosis, and markedly elevated interferon gamma levels. This phenotype shares similarity to the human hemophagocytic syndromes hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). The aims of this study are to identify the mechanistic basis and the cell type(s) responsible for this phenotype. Using a genetic approach, we demonstrate that the phenotype is maintained in CD45E613R/OT1+mice on a Rag1−/− background, thus implicating myeloid and/or CD8 T cells in disease pathogenesis. Analysis of myeloid cell development, phagocytic function, and signaling indicate that the wedge mutation operates in this lineage. Despite the intrinsic hyperresponsiveness of CD45E613R macrophages, adoptive transfer experiments demonstrate they are not essential for disease. However, adoptive transfer of purified CD45E613R/OT1+ CD8 T cells into either CD45 mutant or CD45 wildtype (wt) is sufficient to initiate disease. Interestingly, CD45E613R CD8 OT+ T cells are not dominant over CD45wt CD8+ cells. In addition we show that transfer of CD45wt CD8+ T cells into ill mice can delay disease progression. We hypothesize that, in the setting of the wedge mutation, the restricted repertoire of the CD8 T cells in CD45E613R/OT1+ mice might not be able to limit macrophage activation. We believe these mice may represent a useful model for understanding the molecular pathogenesis of hemophagocytic disorders, devastating and often fatal diseases in humans.

TH1/TH2-mediated colitis induced by adoptive transfer of CD4+CD45RBhigh T lymphocytes into nude mice

Transfer of CD4CD45RB T cells from normal donors to SCID/Rag-1, 2-deficient mice, which lack T and B cells, leads to the development of a TH1-mediated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like syndrome characterized by extensive mononuclear cell infiltrates and epithelial cell hyperplasia. Because it is well known that B cells are also involved in a multitude of mechanistic pathways in human IBD, this study attempts to establish a new model of colitis in nude mice. We transferred CD4CD45RB T cells into athymic nude mice, which lack thymus-dependent T cells but retain normal B cells, to establish and investigate a B cell-involving chronic colitis model. As a control, CD4CD25 T cells were also used. Mice reconstituted with CD4CD45RB but not CD4CD25 T cells developed a wasting disease, with severe infiltrates of B cell aggregates as well as T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells into the colon and elevated levels of interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-10, by 7 weeks after T cell transfer. Furthermore, the infiltrated lamina propria B cells in colitic nude mice consisted predominantly of massive aggregated immunoglobulin (Ig) M- and scattered IgG-positive cells, but not IgA-positive cells. In contrast, mice reconstituted with CD4CD45RB and CD4CD45RB did not develop wasting disease or colitis. Collectively, the power of the colitis model induced by the adoptive transfer of CD4CD45RB T cells into nude mice is that one can investigate the roles of TH2-type cells and B cells in a regulatory T cell-depleted condition.

T‐bet expression patterns in coeliac disease, cryptic and overt enteropathy‐type T‐cell lymphoma

To clarify the distribution and lineage allocation of T-bet-expressing cells in coeliac disease (CD) and in enteropathy-type T-cell lymphoma (ETTCL). The detection of elevated levels of interferon-gamma, interleukin-18 and the key regulator of Th1 helper immune response T-bet in CD biopsies led to the view that CD is the result of a Th1 response to gluten. It remains unknown whether T-bet is expressed in cryptic and overt ETTCL. Specimens from 20 patients with CD, five patients with cryptic and 10 patients with overt ETTCL were analysed by immunohistology employing single and double labellings for T-bet and CD4 or CD8 antigens. In CD specimens nearly all intraepithelial CD8 cells and many CD4 cells in the lamina propria expressed T-bet. Cryptic ETTCL showed T-bet expression in the intraepithelial neoplastic cells while T-bet+ CD4 cells in the lamina propria were rare. Overt ETTCL showed T-bet expression in cases with non-anaplastic morphology. In addition, a proportion of bystander T cells expressed T-bet. Morphological evidence proves that while T-bet orchestrates a CD4- and CD8-based Th1 reaction in CD, its expression shifts to the neoplastic intraepithelial compartment of cryptic ETTCL and becomes absent or lost in anaplastic overt ETTCL.

Increased levels of interleukin-10 in saliva of Sjögren’s syndrome patients. Correlation with disease activity

The aim of the study was to determine the levels of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-2, IL-4, and interferon-gamma in the saliva of patients with Sjögren's syndrome and to correlate them with laboratory and clinical parameters of disease activity. The levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and interferon-gamma were measured in salivary samples, obtained directly from the Stenone duct of 14 Sjögren's syndrome patients and 26 healthy controls by ELISA. A significant elevation of IL-10 was found in salivary fluids of Sjögren's syndrome patients compared with healthy controls (P=0.007). Elevated interferon-gamma levels were found in some patients. IL-2 and IL-4 were undetectable in all saliva samples. In patients, IL-10 levels significantly correlated with the degree of xerophthalmia and xerostomia (P=0.02 and P=0.01, respectively) and with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P=0.006). Our data suggest that elevated IL-10 levels are detectable in the saliva of Sjögren's syndrome patients and correlate with the severity of the disease.

Immune responses following salivary gland administration of recombinant adeno‐associated virus serotype 2 vectors

Gene transfer to salivary glands (SGs) can be accomplished in a minimally invasive manner, resulting in stable, long-term secretion of the transgene product. Therefore, SGs provide a novel target site for several potentially useful clinical gene therapeutics applications. Previous studies have indicated that intravenous, intramuscular and intranasal administration of recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (rAAV2) vectors induce host immune responses. There are no reported studies on immune responsiveness of rAAV2 vector administration to SGs. Vectors were administered by retrograde infusion to the SGs of Balb/c mice in various combinations. Thereafter, transgene expression was determined, and evaluations of host innate and adaptive immune responsiveness performed over a 56-day period. Histological examination of SGs from vector-treated mice showed no significant changes in appearance from controls, including the frequency of activated macrophage detection. There were also no differences in salivary flow rates among experimental groups. In vitro stimulation of splenocytes from mice administered rAAV2 showed elevated interferon-gamma levels in culture media. Significant titers of neutralizing antibodies to rAAV2 were detected in serum of mice following rAAV2 vector administration. While SGs could be transduced with low doses of vector it was not possible to repeat the administration and detect transduction with the same serotype at low doses. However, repeat administration was possible with an alternative serotype (rAAV4). Following a single administration of rAAV2 vectors to SGs there is no significant innate immune response. However, rAAV2 vector administration to SGs results in both cellular and humoral immune responses. The latter may interfere with the efficacy of repeated rAAV2 vector administration.

Th1-like responses to peptides from peripheral nerve myelin proteins in patients with polyneuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy.

Polyneuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy is usually regarded as an immune-mediated disorder with autoantibody activity against myelin glycoproteins. The pathogenic mechanisms are, however, not fully understood. Several reports have indicated an additional involvement of T cells. We investigated the occurrence of myelin-specific T cells as well as their functional characteristics. Cytokine responses generated after stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with selected peptides of myelin proteins P0 and P2 were investigated with an ELISPOT method. Three P0 peptides caused significantly elevated levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-secreting cells in patients with polyneuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy (n = 8) compared with controls (n = 8), whereas none of the peptides caused elevated levels of IL-4-secreting cells. Patients with non-immunological types of neuropathy (n = 4) did not reveal any cytokine responses to myelin peptides. Our results indicate that a Th1-like response against myelin proteins occurs in polyneuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy.

Differential role for T cells in the development of fibrotic lesions associated with reovirus 1/L-induced bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia versus Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) are two pulmonary diseases with fibrotic components. BOOP is characterized by perivascular/peribronchiolar leukocyte infiltration leading to the development of intra-alveolar fibrosis. ARDS is a biphasic disease that includes an acute phase, consisting of severe leukocyte infiltration, edema, hemorrhage, and the formation of hyaline membranes, and a chronic phase, which is characterized by persistent intra-alveolar and interstitial fibrosis. CBA/J mice infected with 1 x 10(6) plaque-forming units (pfu) reovirus 1/L develop follicular bronchiolitis and intra-alveolar fibrosis similar to BOOP. In contrast, CBA/J mice infected with 1 x 10(7) pfu reovirus 1/L develop histologic characteristics of ARDS including diffuse alveolar damage, hyaline membranes, and intra-alveolar fibrosis. In this report, we demonstrate a differential role for T lymphocytes in the development of fibrosis associated with BOOP versus ARDS. Neonatally thymectomized CBA/J mice infected with 1 x 10(7) pfu (ARDS) reovirus 1/L still develop the hallmark characteristics of ARDS, including a severe viral pneumonia with cellular infiltrates comprised mainly of macrophages and neutrophils, hyaline membrane formation, and hemorrhage during the acute phase of the disease and persistent intra-alveolar fibrosis during the chronic phase of the disease. In contrast, neonatally thymectomized CBA/J mice infected with 1 x 10(6) pfu (BOOP) reovirus 1/L do not develop intra-alveolar fibrosis associated with BOOP. Therefore, while T cells are necessary for the development of intraluminal fibrosis associated with BOOP, they are not necessary for the development of intraluminal fibrosis associated with ARDS. Furthermore, we suggest that interferon-gamma plays a key role in the fibrotic process and that elevated levels of interferon-gamma are associated with a continuum from least to more severe fibrosis.

Acute toxicity of CD40 stimulation following syngeneic bone marrow transplantation: Role of interferon-gamma

CD40 stimulation, by either antibody or ligand has been demonstrated to selectively inhibit the growth of various neoplastic cells in vitro and in vivo. We first assessed the effects of CD40 stimulation on normal mice using both a recombinant soluble ligand (srCD40L) or an agonist mAb, and found that B cell expansion occurred but no overt toxicity was observed. Surprisingly, when CD40 stimulation was administered following a syngeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT), all mice receiving as little as 10 ug injections of anti-CD40 antibody succumbed within 4 days whereas mice receiving the srCD40L did not show any adverse effects. Histological evaluation of the mice indicated that mice treated with CD40 mAbs exhibited significant gut pathology with marked crypt hyperplasia, goblet cell depletion, and villous blunting in the gut. Delaying administration of the anti-CD40 mAb resulted in protection from this toxicity. As CD40 stimulation has been shown to induce cytokine production by monocytes and other CD40+ cells, we hypothesized that cytokines may be responsible for mediating the pathology following BMT. Serum cytokine levels of mice following the BMT revealed that mice receiving antibodies to CD40 had markedly elevated levels of interferon-gamma. Interestingly, mice receiving the srCD40L had no increases in interferon levels indicating that interferon levels correlated with pathology. Interferon-gamma knockout (KO) mice were then used as recipients of syngeneic BMT with or without anti-CD40 treatment. Treatment of these KO mice with anti-CD40 resulted in significantly greater increases in survival compared to control mice receiving the antibodies. These results indicate that CD40 stimulation using agonist antibodies following BMT can induce a fatal cytokine-induced disease affecting the gut tissues.