Expression Of OX40 Ligand Research Articles

Expression of OX40 ligand in microglia activated by IFN-γ sustains a protective CD4 + T-cell response in vitro

T-cell-dependent immunity in the central nervous system (CNS) is beneficial for neuroprotection, neurogenesis and even behavior. As a highly specialized site, the CNS is speculated to possess the means to maintain T-cell immune responses through its own resident cells. Therefore, we investigated whether microglia, the most potent antigen-presenting cells residing in the CNS, could sustain T-cell responses in vitro. We showed that interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-activated microglia (MG IFN-γ) inducibly expressed an important immune co-stimulatory molecule, OX40 ligand (OX40L). Co-culture of activated CD4 + T cells with MG IFN-γ significantly increased T-cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis, and these effects were markedly inhibited by addition of a neutralizing anti-OX40L monoclonal antibody. In addition, ligation of OX40L in MG IFN-γ enhanced their production of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). These results suggest that the expression of OX40L in microglia provides a molecular basis for the maintenance of T-cell survival, expansion of T cells and increased secretion of remedial growth factor from MG IFN-γ, which may contribute to the protective effect in the CNS.

OX40 ligand expressed by DCs costimulates NKT and CD4+ Th cell antitumor immunity in mice

The exceptional immunostimulatory capacity of DCs makes them potential targets for investigation of cancer immunotherapeutics. We show here in mice that TNF-alpha-stimulated DC maturation was accompanied by increased expression of OX40 ligand (OX40L), the lack of which resulted in an inability of mature DCs to generate cellular antitumor immunity. Furthermore, intratumoral administration of DCs modified to express OX40L suppressed tumor growth through the generation of tumor-specific cytolytic T cell responses, which were mediated by CD4+ T cells and NKT cells. In the tumors treated with OX40L-expressing DCs, the NKT cell population significantly increased and exhibited a substantial level of IFN-gamma production essential for antitumor immunity. Additional studies evaluating NKT cell activation status, in terms of IFN-gamma production and CD69 expression, indicated that NKT cell activation by DCs presenting alpha-galactosylceramide in the context of CD1d was potentiated by OX40 expression on NKT cells. These results show a critical role for OX40L on DCs, via binding to OX40 on NKT cells and CD4+ T cells, in the induction of antitumor immunity in tumor-bearing mice.

Altered gene expression in mice with lupus treated with edratide, a peptide that ameliorates the disease manifestations

To identify genes that are differently expressed in (NZB x NZW)F(1) mice with established lupus compared with healthy controls, and to determine how gene expression is affected by treatment with hCDR1 (Edratide), a peptide synthesized on the basis of the sequence of the first complementarity-determining region (CDR1) of an autoantibody. RNA was extracted from spleen cells of young, disease-free mice and of older mice with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that were treated with hCDR1 or with vehicle alone. Gene expression was assessed using the DNA microarray technique and verified by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In mice with SLE, numerous genes showed increased or decreased expression relative to that in the disease-free controls. Treatment with hCDR1 restored the expression of many of these genes to control levels. Real-time RT-PCR verified that in diseased mice RNA transcripts of Tnfsf4, Il5ra, Zbtb20, and Nid1 were up-regulated, while transcripts of Tfpi and S100a8 were down-regulated, and confirmed the effects of hCDR1 on the expression of those genes. Kidney immunostaining demonstrated that the up-regulated expression of OX40 ligand, which is a protein product of the gene tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily member 4, in diseased mice was reduced by hCDR1. Expression of numerous genes in mice with SLE differs from that in young, disease-free control mice. Treatment with hCDR1 restores the expression of 22% of these genes to levels similar to those in controls. Thus, one of the mechanisms by which hCDR1 exerts its beneficial effects on the clinical symptoms of SLE is through regulation of gene expression.

Requirements for the functional expression of OX40 ligand on human activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells

Interaction between OX40 expressed on activated T cells and its ligand (OX40L) on antigen presenting cells (APC) provides a co-stimulatory signal for T cells to promote acquired immunity. In the present study, we have examined various culture conditions for optimum OX40L expression on T cells stimulated with immobilized anti-CD3/CD28 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Although the day 3 primed T cells expressed minimal OX40L, after repeated stimulations both the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells became OX40L positive as determined by flow cytometry. Interleukin (IL)-12 interfered with the OX40L expression. Among activated T cells, a higher frequency of CD8+ T cells expressed OX40L than CD4+ T cells. By blocking OX40L-OX40 interaction by an anti-OX40 mAb, the number of OX40L+ T cells significantly increased. Screening of various cytokines showed that transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 was capable of induction of OX40L on the activated T cells within 3 days. The OX40L expressed on T cells was functional, as they bound soluble OX40 and stimulated human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) production from cell lines chronically infected with HIV-1 and expressing OX40. Altogether the present study findings indicate that functional OX40L is inducible on human activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and that the expression is enhanced by TGF-beta1.

Expression and function of the OX40/OX40L costimulatory pair during herpes stromal keratitis

Herpes stromal keratitis (HSK) is an immunopathological disease regulated by Th1 CD4 T cells, which require APC and costimulation within the infected cornea to mediate disease. Recent studies suggest the OX40:OX40 ligand (OX40L) interaction enhances effector cell cytokine secretion at inflammatory sites. OX40(+) cells were detected in HSV-1-infected mouse corneas as early as 3 days postinfection (dpi), prior to the onset of HSK, and their frequency increased through 15 dpi, when all mice exhibited severe HSK. OX40L(+) cells were first detected at 7 dpi, coincident with the initiation of HSK. It is interesting that the OX40L(+) cells did not coexpress MHC Class II or the dendritic cell (DC) marker CD11c. Our findings demonstrate rapid infiltration of activated (OX40(+)) CD4(+) T cells into HSV-1-infected corneas and expression of OX40L on MHC Class II-negative cells but surprisingly, not on MHC Class II(+) CD11c(+) DC, which are present in the infected corneas and required for HSK. Moreover, neither local nor systemic treatment of mice with a blocking antibody to OX40L or with a blocking fusion protein altered the course of HSK significantly, possibly as a result of a lack of OX40L expression on functional APC.

Type I Interferons Attenuate T Cell Activating Functions of Human Mast Cells by Decreasing TNF-α Production and OX40 Ligand Expression While Increasing IL-10 Production

Recent studies have demonstrated that mast cells not only mediate inflammatory reactions in type I allergy but also play an important role in adaptive immunity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of interferon-alpha, which shares the same receptor as IFN-beta, on human cord blood-derived mast cells. Mast cells produced TNF-alpha, and IL-10, and expressed OX40 ligand upon activation by crosslinking of FcepsilonRI. When treated with interferon-alpha, TNF-alpha production was decreased while IL-10 and TGF-beta productions were increased. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis revealed that interferon-alpha downregulated expression OX40 ligand on mast cells which is crucial for mast cell-T cell interaction. We confirmed that the viability of mast cells was not affected by interferon-alpha treatment. Accordingly, interferon-alpha-treated mast cells induced lower levels of CD4+ T cell proliferation compared with those without interferon-alpha treatment. These results suggest that type I interferons suppress T cell immune responses through their regulatory effects on mast cells.

CD4 + CD3 - Cells Regulate the Organization of Lymphoid Tissue and T-Cell Memory for Antibody Responses

This review highlights the role of a CD4(+)CD3(-) accessory cell in the development of organized lymphoid infrastructures as well as in the development of high-affinity antibody responses and T-cell memory. These 2 functions are linked in the development of the vertebrate immune system and are effected by the constitutive expression of 2 sets of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family members. The expression of lymphotoxin 3 (LT3), LT3, and TNF-3, which are closely linked genetically, affects the organization of lymphoid structures into B-cell and T-cell areas; the dual expression of OX40 ligand (TNFSF4) and CD30 ligand (TNFSF8) influences both the survival of T-cells within germinal centers and T-cell memory.

Nitric Oxide Inhibits IFN-α Production of Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Partly via a Guanosine 3′,5′-Cyclic Monophosphate-Dependent Pathway

NO, a free radical gas, is known to be critically involved not only in vascular relaxation but also in host defense. Besides direct bactericidal effects, NO has been shown to inhibit Th1 responses and modulate immune responses in vivo, although the precise mechanism is unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of NO on human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) to explore the possibility that NO might affect innate as well as adaptive immunity through pDCs. We found that NO suppressed IFN-alpha production of pDCs partly via a cGMP-dependent mechanism, which was accompanied by down-regulation of IFN regulatory factor 7 expression. Furthermore, treatment of pDCs with NO decreased production of IL-6 and TNF-alpha and up-regulated OX40 ligand expression. In accordance with these changes, pDCs treated with NO plus CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide AAC-30 promoted differentiation of naive CD4(+) T cells into a Th2 phenotype. Moreover, pDCs did not express inducible NO synthase even after treatment with AAC-30, LPS, and several cytokines. These results suggest that exogenous NO and its second messenger, cGMP, alter innate as well as adaptive immune response through modulating the functions of pDCs and may be involved in the pathogenesis of certain Th2-dominant allergic diseases.

OX40 Ligand and CD30 Ligand Are Expressed on Adult but Not Neonatal CD4+CD3− Inducer Cells: Evidence That IL-7 Signals Regulate CD30 Ligand but Not OX40 Ligand Expression

In this report, we have examined the expression of the T cell survival signals, OX40 ligand (OX40L) and CD30 ligand (CD30L) on CD4(+)CD3(-)CD11c(-)B220(-)IL-7Ralpha(+) inducer cells from birth to adulthood in mice. We found that adult but not neonatal inducer cells expressed high levels of OX40L and CD30L, whereas their expression of TNF-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE) and receptor activator of NF-kappaB (RANK) was comparable. The failure of neonatal inducer cells to express the ligands that rescue T cells helps to explain why exposure to Ag in neonatal life induces tolerance rather than immunity. The expression of OX40L and CD30L on inducer cells increased gradually in the first few weeks of life achieving essentially normal levels around the time mice were weaned. We found that IL-7 signaling through the common cytokine receptor gamma-chain was critical for the optimal expression of both TNF-related activation-induced cytokine and CD30L but not OX40L. Furthermore, glucocorticoids, which potently suppress T effector function, did not influence the expression of OX40L and CD30L in the presence of IL-7.

Critical contribution of CD80 and CD86 to induction of anterior chamber-associated immune deviation

Intraocular inoculation of antigens induces anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID), which is mediated by development of regulatory T cells in response to antigen-presenting cells (APC) pre-conditioned by intraocular transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). In this study, we examined the involvement of T-cell co-stimulatory molecules in this process. To mimic the intraocular APC, thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) were pre-treated with TGF-beta in vitro. Expression of CD80, CD86, OX40 ligand (OX40L) and CD70 was analyzed by flow cytometry. Contribution of these molecules to co-stimulatory activity of TGF-beta-treated PEC on antigen-stimulated T-cell proliferation and cytokine production was determined by inhibition with blocking antibodies in vitro. Contribution of CD80 and CD86 to induction of ACAID was determined by the administration of blocking antibodies at intraocular antigen inoculation in vivo. TGF-beta-treated PEC expressed CD80 and CD86 but not OX40L or CD70. Antigen-stimulated T cells proliferated and produced IL-10, but not IFN-gamma, in response to co-stimulation by TGF-beta-treated PEC, which was abrogated by blocking antibodies against CD80 and CD86. Induction of regulatory cells mediating ACAID was abolished by in vivo blockade of CD80 and CD86. The present results indicated that CD80 and CD86 play a critical role in induction of ACAID, possibly by co-stimulating expansion and IL-10 production of regulatory T cells in response to TGF-beta-conditioned APC.

OX40 Signals during Priming on Dendritic Cells Inhibit CD4 T Cell Proliferation: IL-4 Switches off OX40 Signals Enabling Rapid Proliferation of Th2 Effectors

In this study we examined the role and regulation of OX40 signals during CD4 T cell priming on dendritic cells (DCs). Contrary to expectation, OX40-deficient cells proliferated more rapidly than their normal counterparts, particularly when stimulated with peptide in the absence of added cytokines. This proliferative advantage was not apparent for Th2-differentiated cells. When the reasons for this were investigated, we found that the cytokine IL-4 specifically down-regulated expression of OX40 ligand on T, B, and DCs, but not on the CD4(+)CD3(-) cells linked with selection of Th2 cells into the memory compartment. OX40 ligand expression was also down-regulated on rapidly proliferating Th1 effectors. These data are compatible with OX40 signals acting during priming as a check on naive T cell proliferation while T cells integrate additional DC signals. This would serve to limit inappropriate T cell responses. In contrast, OX40 signals from CD4(+)CD3(-) cells located in the outer T zone select proliferating Th2 effectors into the memory T cell pool.

CD40 and OX40 ligand are increased on stimulated asthmatic airway smooth muscle

Severe, persistent asthma is characterized by airway smooth muscle hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration into the smooth muscle, and increased expression of many cytokines, including IL-4, IL-13, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha. These cytokines have the potential to alter the expression of surface receptors such as CD40 and OX40 ligand on the airway smooth muscle cell. To examine whether cytokines alter expression of CD40 and OX40 ligand on airway smooth muscle cells and identify any differences in response between asthmatic and nonasthmatic airway smooth muscle cells. We used flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry to detect CD40 and OX40 ligand on airway smooth muscle cells cultured in the presence of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-4, or IL-13. Prostaglandin E 2 levels were assessed by ELISA. TNF-alpha increased expression of both CD40 and OX40 ligand on both asthmatic and nonasthmatic airway smooth muscle cells. The level of expression was significantly greater on the asthmatic cells. IL-1beta alone had no effect, but it attenuated the TNF-induced expression of both CD40 and OX40 ligand. The mechanism of inhibition was COX-dependent for CD40 and was COX-independent but cyclic AMP-dependent for OX40 ligand. IL-4 and IL-13 had no effect. Our study has demonstrated that TNF-alpha and IL-1beta have the potential to modulate differentially the interactions between cells present in the inflamed airways of a patient with asthma and therefore to contribute to the regulation of airway inflammation and remodeling.

Cross-talk between activated human NK cells and CD4+ T cells via OX40-OX40 ligand interactions.

It is important to understand which molecules are relevant for linking innate and adaptive immune cells. In this study, we show that OX40 ligand is selectively induced on IL-2, IL-12, or IL-15-activated human NK cells following stimulation through NKG2D, the low affinity receptor for IgG (CD16) or killer cell Ig-like receptor 2DS2. CD16-activated NK cells costimulate TCR-induced proliferation, and IFN-gamma produced by autologous CD4+ T cells and this process is dependent upon expression of OX40 ligand and B7 by the activated NK cells. These findings suggest a novel and unexpected link between the natural and specific immune responses, providing direct evidence for cross-talk between human CD4+ T cells and NK receptor-activated NK cells.

Detection and characterization of OX40 ligand expression in human airway smooth muscle cells: A possible role in asthma?

BackgroundThe airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell, originally thought of as a passive structural cell, is now well recognized as an active participant in the pathologic events that occur during persistent asthma. Cell-surface molecules play an important role in the development of an immune response. A number of cell-surface molecules are expressed on ASM cells, and these might contribute to the inflammatory reaction. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine whether OX40 ligand (OX40L), a molecule known to be involved in T-cell activation, was present on the ASM cell surface. MethodsWe used real-time RT-PCR to detect mRNA expression and flow cytometry, ELISA, and immunoprecipitation to detect the presence of cell-surface protein on ASM cells isolated from asthmatic and nonasthmatic individuals. ELISAs and Western blotting were used to determine the functional outcomes of engagement of OX40L. ResultsOX40L was present on both asthmatic and nonasthmatic ASM cells. Engagement of OX40L with recombinant OX40:Fc resulted in a significantly greater increase in release of IL-6 from ASM cells of asthmatic patients than from ASM cells of nonasthmatic patients (P<.01). Ligation of OX40L resulted in a rapid translocation of protein kinase C β2 to the cell membrane. ConclusionBecause the receptor for OX40L, OX40, is expressed on CD4+ T cells within 48 hours of stimulation through the T-cell receptor, elucidation of the cross-talk between OX40 and OX40L could be very important in understanding the interaction of cells present in the inflamed airways of an asthmatic patient.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells regulate Th cell responses through OX40 ligand and type I IFNs.

Dendritic cells (DCs) show a functional plasticity in determining Th responses depending on their maturational stage or on maturational signals delivered to the DCs. Human plasmacytoid DCs (PDCs) can induce either Th1- or Th2-type immune responses upon exposure to viruses or IL-3, respectively. In this study we have investigated the Th-polarizing capacity of PDCs after short (24-h) or long (72-h) culture with stimuli and have assessed the expression and function of OX40 ligand (OX40L) in PDC-mediated Th polarization in addition to type I IFN-dependent responses. IL-3-treated PDCs expressed OX40L, but produced almost no IFN-alpha in response to T cell stimulation (CD40 ligand or T cell interaction), resulting in the preferential priming of Th2 cells through OX40L-dependent mechanisms. Meanwhile, PDCs were rapidly endowed by viral infection (Sendai virus) with a high potency to develop IFN-gamma-producing Th cells depending on their capacity to residually produce IFN-alpha. Although Sendai virus-stimulated PDCs simultaneously expressed OX40L in their maturational process, the Th1-inducing effect of endogenous type I IFNs may overcome and thus conceal the OX40L-dependent Th2 responses. However, during maturation in response to Sendai virus over the longer 72-h period, the expression level of OX40L was up-regulated, whereas the residual IFN-alpha-producing ability was down-regulated, and consequently, the PDCs with prolonged Sendai virus stimulation induced Th2 responses to some extent. Thus, PDCs have the distinct means to dictate an appropriate response to environmental stimuli.

Consequences of OX40-OX40 ligand interactions in langerhans cell function: enhanced contact hypersensitivity responses in OX40L-transgenic mice.

Langerhans cells (LC) represent the dominant antigen-presenting cells (APC) in the epidermis and thus play an important role in cutaneous immune responses to approaching pathogens. These responses are mediated by several costimulatory molecules after antigenic challenge. OX40 ligand (OX40L), a member of TNF superfamily, is expressed on several APC such as splenic dendritic cells (DC) and activated B cells. This molecule has been reported to provide potent costimulation in APC-T cell interactions upon binding to its cognate receptor, OX40, on activated T cells. Little is known, however, regarding OX40L expression and function on LC. In the present study, we report the expression of both OX40L and OX40 on differentiated LC derived from draining lymph nodes in the FITC-sensitized mice. During contact hypersensitivity responses, OX40L-deficient mice demonstrated a significant reduction in both hapten-induced ear swelling and hapten-specific T cell responses despite intact migratory responses. Conversely, these responses were markedly increased in two different OX40L-transgenic strains with variations in OX40L overexpression. In the LC-induced MLR, OX40L-deficient and OX40L-overexpressing LC were capable of reducing and elevating the responses of allogeneic CD4+ T cells, respectively. Thus the requirement of OX40L during the antigen presentation function of LC in T cell priming is here demonstrated.

Microbial compounds selectively induce Th1 cell-promoting or Th2 cell-promoting dendritic cells in vitro with diverse th cell-polarizing signals.

Upon microbial infection, specific Th1 or Th2 responses develop depending on the type of microbe. Here, we demonstrate that different microbial compounds polarize the maturation of human myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) into stably committed Th1 cell-promoting (DC1) or Th2 cell-promoting (DC2) effector DCs that polarize Th cells via different mechanisms. Protein extract derived from the helminth Schistosoma mansoni induced the development of DC2s that promote the development of Th2 cells via the enhanced expression of OX40 ligand. Likewise, toxin from the extracellular bacterium Vibrio cholerae induced development of DC2s as well, however, via an OX40 ligand-independent, still unknown mechanism. In contrast, toxin from the intracellular bacterium Bordetella pertussis induced the development of DC1s with enhanced IL-12 production, which promotes a Th1 cell development. Poly(I:C) (dsRNA, mimic for virus) induced the development of extremely potent Th1-inducing DC1, surprisingly, without an enhanced IL-12 production. The obtained DC1s and DC2s are genuine effector cells that stably express Th cell-polarizing factors and are unresponsive to further modulation. The data suggest that the molecular basis of Th1/Th2 polarization via DCs is unexpectedly diverse and is adapted to the nature of the microbial compounds.

Expression of OX40 and OX40 ligand (gp34) in the normal and myasthenic thymus

To examine the expression of OX40, an activated memory T-cell marker, and its ligand (OX40L), a set of molecules for T-cell-B-cell interaction, and other lymphocyte activation markers in the thymuses of myasthenia gravis (MG) and controls. We studied the expression of OX40, OX40L, IL-2Ralpha and HLA-DR in the thymic tissues of MG and controls using immunocytochemistry and flowcytometry. In both hyperplastic thymus of MG and control thymus, OX40+ cells were scattered mainly in the medulla with much fewer OX40L+ cells being distributed in the corticomedullary junctions. IL-2Ralpha and HLA-DR were expressed in the medulla at higher frequencies as compared with OX40 in controls as well as MG. In contrast, the numbers of OX40+ cells around the germinal centers (GC) were significantly greater than those of control thymuses, and some mononuclear cells in GC were OX40L+. A considerable number of OX40+ cells were seen in the thymic tissues adjacent to thymomas. OX40+ cells were CD4+ CD8- or CD4+ CD8+ and were mostly HLA-DR-. (The coexpression of OX40 and IL-2Ralpha on activated CD4+ T cells was previously reported.) OX40, expressed in a fraction of activated CD4+ T cells, may be upregulated in thymic tissues adjacent to GC and thymoma in MG, and OX40 may interact with OX40L in GC to enhance anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody production in MG.

Impairment of antigen-presenting cell function in mice lacking expression of OX40 ligand.

OX40 expressed on activated T cells is known to be an important costimulatory molecule on T cell activation in vitro. However, the in vivo functional significance of the interaction between OX40 and its ligand, OX40L, is still unclear. To investigate the role of OX40L during in vivo immune responses, we generated OX40L-deficient mice and a blocking anti-OX40L monoclonal antibody, MGP34. OX40L expression was demonstrated on splenic B cells after CD40 and anti-immunoglobulin (Ig)M stimulation, while only CD40 ligation was capable of inducing OX40L on dendritic cells. OX40L-deficient and MGP34-treated mice engendered apparent suppression of the recall reaction of T cells primed with both protein antigens and alloantigens and a significant reduction in keyhole limpet hemocyanin-specific IgG production. The impaired T cell priming was also accompanied by a concomitant reduction of both T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines. Furthermore, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) derived from the mutant mice revealed an impaired intrinsic APC function, demonstrating the importance of OX40L in both the priming and effector phases of T cell activation. Collectively, these results provide convincing evidence that OX40L, expressed on APCs, plays a critical role in antigen-specific T cell responses in vivo.

Expression of lymphocyte-endothelial receptor-ligand pairs, α4β7/MAdCAM-1 and OX40/OX40 ligand in the colon and jejunum of patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUNDThe interaction between leucocytes and vascular endothelial cells is essential for leucocyte migration into inflammatory sites.AIMSTo study the local expression of the pairs of complementary molecules, α4β7/mucosal addressin cell adhesion...