Differential effects of interleukin-10 on the expression of HLA class II and CD1 molecules induced by granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor/interleukin-4

CD1-Restricted T Cells During Persistent Virus Infections: "Sympathy for the Devil"

Some of the clinically most important viruses persist in the human host after acute infection. In this situation, the host immune system and the viral pathogen attempt to establish an equilibrium. At best, overt disease is avoided. This attempt may fail, however, resulting in eventual loss of viral control or inadequate immune regulation. Consequently, direct virus-induced tissue damage or immunopathology may occur. The cluster of differentiation 1 (CD1) family of non-classical major histocompatibility complex class I molecules are known to present hydrophobic, primarily lipid antigens. There is ample evidence that both CD1-dependent and CD1-independent mechanisms activate CD1-restricted T cells during persistent virus infections. Sophisticated viral mechanisms subvert these immune responses and help the pathogens to avoid clearance from the host organism. CD1-restricted T cells are not only crucial for the antiviral host defense but may also contribute to tissue damage. This review highlights the two edged role of CD1-restricted T cells in persistent virus infections and summarizes the viral immune evasion mechanisms that target these fascinating immune cells.

The Immunostimulatory Capacity of Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Lipooligosaccharide

Background

We have recently found that lipooligosaccharide (LOS) isolated from encapsulated strains of Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) has strong adjuvant, but diminished pro-inflammatory ability as compared to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In this study, we aimed to determine the immunostimulatory capacity of nontypeable/ non-encapsulated H. influenzae (NTHi) LOS by comparing the effect of killed bacteria with LOS isolated from the same strain.

Methods

Following stimulation of human monocytic THP-1 cells with killed NTHi strain 375, or with the corresponding amount of LOS, we studied the protein and gene expression of immunostimulatory and antigen-presenting molecules, cytokines, and innate immune receptors.

Results

Stimulation with LOS resulted in lower expression of adhesion (CD54, CD58) as well as costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD86), but in higher expression of antigen-presenting molecules (HLA-DR and HLA-ABC) compared to killed NTHi, whereas killed bacteria induced higher release of both TNF-α and IL-10. The results indicate that while LOS of NTHi has decreased capacity to induce pro-inflammatory responses compared to E. coli LPS or killed NTHi, this LOS has the potential to facilitate antigen presentation.

Conclusions

Considering the important role of NTHi as a respiratory pathogen, and its currently increasing significance in the etiology of invasive infections, LOS deserves further attention as a vaccine antigen, which also has potent adjuvant properties.

Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of pneumococcal meningitis

Pneumococcal meningitis continues to be associated with high rates of mortality and long-term neurological sequelae. The most common route of infection starts by nasopharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which must avoid mucosal entrapment and evade the host immune system after local activation. During invasive disease, pneumococcal epithelial adhesion is followed by bloodstream invasion and activation of the complement and coagulation systems. The release of inflammatory mediators facilitates pneumococcal crossing of the blood-brain barrier into the brain, where the bacteria multiply freely and trigger activation of circulating antigen-presenting cells and resident microglial cells. The resulting massive inflammation leads to further neutrophil recruitment and inflammation, resulting in the well-known features of bacterial meningitis, including cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, cochlear damage, cerebral edema, hydrocephalus, and cerebrovascular complications. Experimental animal models continue to further our understanding of the pathophysiology of pneumococcal meningitis and provide the platform for the development of new adjuvant treatments and antimicrobial therapy. This review discusses the most recent views on the pathophysiology of pneumococcal meningitis, as well as potential targets for (adjunctive) therapy.

Inhibition of apoptosis, activation of NKT cell and upregulation of CD40 and CD40L mediated by M. leprae antigen(s) combined with Murabutide and Trat peptide in leprosy patients

Protective immunity against intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium leprae is dependent on the activation of T cells. Repeated stimulation of T cells by M. leprae antigens MLCwA (M. leprae total cell wall antigen) and ManLAM (mannose-capped lipoarabinomannan), may lead to apoptosis in leprosy patients. In the present study, inhibition of the Fas-induced apoptosis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of leprosy patients was investigated using above M. leprae antigen(s), in combination with immunomodulators murabutide (MB) and a Trat peptide in particulate form (liposome). Incubation of the cells with antigen containing the two immunomodulators in particulate form (liposomes) led to decrease in percentage of propidium iodide positive cells and T cells expressing Fas-FasL as well as decreased caspase-8/-3 activities in lepromatous patients, thereby inhibiting apoptosis, while converse was true upon stimulation with soluble antigen. Concurrently, there was an upregulation of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL in lepromatous patients, leading to the inhibition of apoptosis. It was also observed that same formulation upregulated the expression of CD40 on B cells and monocytes-macrophages and CD40L on T cells of lepromatous leprosy patients. The same liposomal formulation significantly increased the expression of CD1b and CD1d on monocytes-macrophages as well as percentage of NKT cells secreting IFN-gamma in lepromatous leprosy patients. Thus, the liposomal formulation of antigen with the immunomodulators in vitro promoted the activation of CD40:CD40L pathways and NKT cell function involved in providing cell-mediated immunity to these patients. The same formulation also caused reversal of T cell anergy by inhibiting apoptosis through decreased expression of death receptors (Fas-FasL) and caspase activities (3 and 8) and increased expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL in these patients.

BCG-infected adherent mononuclear cells release cytokines that regulate group 1 CD1 molecule expression

Increasing evidence is now available showing that CD1-restricted T cell responses against non-peptide mycobacterial antigens could play a role in the immune resistance against tuberculosis. BCG, widely used in anti-tubercular vaccination, shares various constituents with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but does not provide full protection. In the present study we have investigated the pattern of group 1 CD1 molecule expression in adherent mononuclear cells (AMNC) of human peripheral blood, infected in vitro with BCG. Shortly after exposure to BCG, both BCG-positive and BCG-negative AMNC showed a moderate CD1 expression elicited by BCG-induced release of GM-CSF presumably acting through an autocrine and a paracrine mechanism. This was demonstrated using two-color flow cytometry with green fluorescent BCG and anti-CD1 PE-labeled antibodies. However, high CD1 expression induced by exogenously added GM-CSF in AMNC was reduced if target cells were cocultivated with BCG. Monoclonal antibodies against IL-10 partially restored CD1 expression, thus showing that IL-10, released from infected AMNC, is involved, at least in part, in CD1 negative modulation. Therefore, through a complex cytokine network, including not yet identified factor(s), BCG triggers but does not allow full expression of CD1 on AMNC. It cannot be excluded that this mechanism could play a role in the limited efficiency of BCG vaccination.

TLR7/8 agonists impair monocyte-derived dendritic cell differentiation and maturation

Pathogen recognition by TLR activates the innate immune response and is typically followed by the development of an adaptive immune response initiated by antigen presentation. Dendritic cells (DC) are the most efficient APC and express diverse TLRs, including TLR7 and -8, which have been recently identified as targets for ssRNA recognition during viral infection. We have studied the effect of TLR7/8 agonists on DC differentiation and maturation from human monocytes. The synthetic agonist Resiquimod (R-848) or the physiological agonist ssRNA impaired monocyte differentiation to DC phenotypically and functionally. Induced expression of the nonclassical MHC molecules of the CD1 family in DC was inhibited at the protein and mRNA levels, and antigen acquisition was inhibited. Proinflammatory cytokine (including IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta) and IL-10 production were induced during DC differentiation. Cross-talk between TLR4 and TLR7/8 was revealed as immature DC, which had been differentiated in the presence of R-848 were insensitive to LPS-mediated maturation and cytokine production but still induced allostimulation. These data lead us to suggest that ongoing viral activation of TLR7/8 could alter the adaptive immune response by modifying DC differentiation and by down-regulating DC responsiveness to a subsequent bacterial TLR4-mediated signal.

Metastatic melanoma secreted IL-10 down-regulates CD1 molecules on dendritic cells in metastatic tumor lesions

CD1 molecules are expressed by antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells and mediate primary immune responses to lipids and glycolipids which have been shown to be expressed by various tumors. Glycolipids are expressed by melanoma cells but, despite their immunogenicity, no efficient spontaneous immune responses are elicited. As IL-10 has previously been shown to down-regulate CD1a on dendritic cells and is known to be expressed by various melanoma cell lines, we investigated if melanoma-derived IL-10 could down-regulate CD1 molecule expression on dendritic cells as a possible way to circumvent immune recognition. We found that CD1a, CD1b, CD1c, and CD1d were significantly down-regulated on dendritic cells in metastatic (n = 10) but not in primary melanoma lesions (n = 10). We further detected significantly higher IL-10 protein levels in metastatic than in primary melanomas. Moreover, supernatants from metastatic melanomas were significantly more effective in down-regulating CD1 molecules on dendritic cells than supernatants from primary melanoma cultures. This effect was blocked using a neutralizing IL-10 antibody in a dose dependent manner. Our findings suggest that metastatic but not primary melanomas can down-regulate CD1 molecules on infiltrating dendritic cells by secreting IL-10 which may represent a novel way to escape the immune response directed against the tumor.

Characterization of monocyte-derived dendritic cells in recent-onset diabetes mellitus type 1

Dendritic cells (DC) may play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM-1). In this study, we have analyzed phenotypical changes during cytokine-driven maturation from CD14+ monocytes to mature DC and DC-dependent T-cell stimulation in recent-onset pediatric DM-1 patients and healthy controls. DC maturation was monitored by flow cytometric analyses for the expression of surface markers (HLA-DR, CD1a, CD40, CD80, CD86, CD83, CD14, CD32, mannose-receptor, and CD11c). Flow cytometric analysis of isolated peripheral blood monocytes did not reveal apparent differences between patients and controls. During DC maturation no obvious differences in the expression patterns of surface markers over time or evidence for maturation impairments in DM-1 patients could be appreciated. Solely, a marginal, but significant, transient down-regulation of CD1a on Day 3 (mean MDFI 3.82 vs 7.25; P = 0.021), which was accompanied by an increase of IL-6, could be observed. The comparison of mature DCs (Day 10) between patients and controls indicated no significant differences, except for CD83 (mean MDFI 1.7 vs 1.5; P = 0.042) and CD80 (mean MDFI 15.92 vs 12.73; P = 0.042). Moreover, no difference in T-cell stimulatory capacity was seen. In conclusion, our analysis of a cohort of recent-onset DM-1 patients and controls does not support a role for disease-related alterations in cytokine-driven maturation of monocyte-derived DC.

Regulation of major histocompatibility complex class II synthesis by interleukin-10

We have shown previously that interleukin-10 (IL-10) blocks the development and T-cell stimulatory capacity of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells, without apparently down-regulating the surface expression of co-stimulatory molecules or human leucocyte antigen (HLA) molecules. In the majority of donors (60%), the cell surface levels of HLA-DR actually increased upon IL-10 treatment. Here we have shown that IL-10 does not regulate HLA-DR transcription as assessed by polymerase chain reation. Epifluorescence microscopy analysis showed that IL-10 primarily increased the intracellular pool of HLA-DR. In fact, IL-10 directly increased HLA-DR protein synthesis. However, IL-10 did not significantly alter the synthesis of invariant chain (Ii), which plays a crucial role in the assembly, transport and loading of newly formed HLA class II molecules, nor the amount of Ii reaching the cell-surface. In contrast, IL-10 increased the amount of HLA-DR-bound Iip33 shortly after the HLA-DR complex assembly. We postulate that, upon IL-10 treatment, immature Ii-associated HLA II molecules can still transit to the cell surface as they do in immature dendritic cells and recycle to the intracellular space, where they accumulate. A higher proportion of Ii-associated HLA-DR, coupled to increased membrane recycling, may contribute to the lower T-cell stimulatory capacity of IL-10-treated dendritic cells.

Influence of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette Guérin on in vitro induction of CD1 molecules in human adherent mononuclear cells

Nonpeptide antigens (including glycolipids of microbial origin) can be presented to T cells by CD1 molecules expressed on monocyte-derived dendritic cells. These HLA unrestricted responses appear to play a role in host immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogenic bacteria. It is known that vaccination with Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has limited efficacy in many clinical settings, although the reasons for its inadequacy remain unclear. Here we have investigated the influence of BCG on the induction of CD1b on human monocytes by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which is believed to be the principal inducer of this antigen-presenting molecule. Although BCG alone led to a slight induction of CD1b expression, this agent reduced markedly the ability of GM-CSF to induce high levels of CD1b that were typically observed in uninfected cells. Inhibition of CD1b expression in BCG-infected monocytes was apparent at both the mRNA transcript and CD1b protein levels. Down-regulation of CD1b expression by BCG was mediated, at least in part, by one or more soluble factors and could not be reversed with high concentrations of GM-CSF or a variety of other cytokines. The present results suggest that BCG could diminish the efficiency of CD1-restricted T-cell responses against nonpeptide mycobacterial antigens by reducing CD1 expression on antigen-presenting cells. These findings have potential implications for understanding the nature of the immune response elicited by BCG in humans and suggest potential strategies that could be important for the development of better vaccines for the prevention of tuberculosis.

Antigen-specific regulation of CD1 expression in humans

During the last decade the CD1 family of cell surface glycoproteins has been implicated in the presentation of nonpeptide antigens in man. Recent findings by our group indicate that CD1 molecules also can be involved in the presentation of certain bacterial proteins. However, CD1a, b, and c (group 1 CD1 molecules) are not present at significant levels on circulating monocytes unless their expression is induced by cytokines such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). In this study we investigated the cell surface expression of CD1 molecules following the antigenic stimulation in vivo via immunization of healthy volunteers with tetanus toxoid vaccine and in vitro cell cultures using the same antigen. Both the in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated clear up-regulation of the surface expression of CD1a, b, and c on monocytes as a result of antigenic stimulation with tetanus toxoid, supporting the idea that CD1 molecules participate in the presentation of this protein antigen in man. In vitro, antigen-triggered expression of these molecules was mediated by GM-CSF, since neutralization of this cytokine with specific antibody totally abrogated CD1a, b, and c expression. In contrast to the group 1 CD1 molecules, CD1d was found to be constitutively expressed on the majority of circulating monocytes and B lymphocytes prior to immunization. There was no effect of antigenic stimulation with tetanus toxoid on the cell surface expression of CD1d, suggesting major differences in regulation of the expression and function of the different CD1 molecules in humans. Altogether our results point to antigen-driven up-regulation of CD1a, b, and c expression on human monocytes that is mediated by GM-CSF and no effect on CD1d expression.

Interleukin-10 gene transfer to the airway regulates allergic mucosal sensitization in mice

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of airway gene transfer of interleukin (IL)-10, a cytokine with potent anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities, on allergic mucosal sensitization. We used a recently described murine model that involves repeated exposures to aerosolized ovalbumin (OVA), daily for 10 d, in the context of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) expression in the airway environment achieved by intranasal delivery of a replication-deficient adenovirus carrying the GM-CSF transgene. The resulting inflammatory response was characterized by a T-helper 2 cytokine profile and marked airway eosinophilia. After complete resolution of the inflammatory response (Day 28), a single exposure to OVA reconstituted airway eosinophilia and induced airway hyperresponsiveness. We show that concurrent expression of IL-10 inhibited GM-CSF-driven OVA-specific inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. Specifically, IL-10 decreased the number of mononuclear cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Histologic evaluation of the tissue corroborated the findings in the BALF. Concurrent expression of IL-10 at the time of mucosal sensitization abrogated both the cellular and physiologic recall responses in vivo. Studies in interferon (IFN)-gamma knockout mice demonstrated that prevention of airway eosinophilia by IL-10 was IFN-gamma-independent and that expression of IL-10 was associated with decreased levels of IL-4, IL-5, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the BALF. Flow cytometric analysis of dispersed lung cells showed that expression of IL-10 in the airway reduced the absolute number of Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC)(+)/CD11c(+) (dendritic cells) and Class II MHC(+)/Mac-1(bright) (macrophages) cells expressing the costimulatory molecules B7.1 and B7.2 by 30%. However, IL-10 coexpression did not prevent expansion of CD4 and CD8 T cells or expression of the early activation marker CD69 on T cells. Thus, airway gene transfer of IL-10 altered the immune response to OVA in a way that resulted in inhibition of airway inflammation. These findings suggest that development of an immunoregulatory strategy based on IL-10, alone or in combination with GM-CSF, warrants further consideration.

The CD1 system: antigen-presenting molecules for T cell recognition of lipids and glycolipids

Recent studies have identified the CD1 family of proteins as novel antigen-presenting molecules encoded by genes located outside of the major histocompatibility complex. CD1 proteins are conserved in all mammalian species so far examined and are prominently expressed on cells involved in antigen presentation, which suggests a role in activation of cell-mediated immunity. This has now been confirmed by functional studies demonstrating the ability of CD1 proteins to restrict the antigen-specific responses of T cells in humans and mice. Identification of naturally occurring antigens presented by CD1 has revealed the surprising finding that these are predominantly a variety of foreign lipids and glycolipids, including several found prominently in the cell walls and membranes of pathogenic mycobacteria. Structural, biochemical, and biophysical studies support the view that CD1 proteins bind the hydrophobic alkyl portions of these antigens directly and position the polar or hydrophilic head groups of bound lipids and glycolipids for highly specific interactions with T cell antigen receptors. Presentation of antigens by CD1 proteins requires uptake and intracellular processing by antigen presenting cells, and evidence exists for cellular pathways leading to the presentation of both exogenous and endogenous lipid antigens. T cells recognizing antigens presented by CD1 have a range of functional activities that suggest they are likely to mediate an important component of antimicrobial immunity and may also contribute to autoimmunity and host responses against neoplastic cells.

CD1 Expression by Dendritic Cells in Human Leprosy Lesions: Correlation with Effective Host Immunity

A potential role for the CD1 family of lipid Ag-presenting molecules in antimicrobial immunity in vivo was investigated in human leprosy skin lesions. Strong induction of three CD1 proteins (CD1a, -b, and -c) was observed in dermal granulomas in biopsy samples of involved skin from patients with the tuberculoid form of leprosy or with reversal reactions, which represent clinical patterns of disease associated with active cellular immunity to Mycobacterium leprae. In contrast, lesions from patients with the lepromatous form of the disease who lack effective cell-mediated immunity to the pathogen did not show induction of CD1 proteins. Thus, expression of CD1 correlated directly with effective immunity to M. leprae, as assessed by the clinical course of infection. CD1a, -b, and -c could be induced to similar levels on monocytes from the blood of either tuberculoid or lepromatous leprosy patients. This suggested that the absence of expression in lepromatous lesions was most likely due to local factors at the site of infection as opposed to a primary defect of the CD1 system itself. The majority of cells expressing CD1 in leprosy lesions were identified as a population of CD83+ dendritic cells. Initial in vitro studies of the Ag-presenting function of CD1+CD83+ monocyte-derived dendritic cells showed that such cells were highly efficient APCs for CD1-restricted T cells. These results indicate that the CD1 system can be up-regulated in human infectious diseases in vivo, and may play a role in augmenting host defense against microbial pathogens.

Modulation by cytokines of induction of oral tolerance to type II collagen

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the simultaneous administration of drugs and/or cytokines such as transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) can render oral tolerance to type II collagen (CII) more effective in causing resistance to collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice, and to investigate whether oral tolerance can still be induced when high levels of anti-CII are present.

METHODS

Tolerance was induced by intragastric feeding of low-dose CII to DBA/1 mice during a 2-week period, either before immunization with CII in Freund's complete adjuvant or after initiation of arthritis. Some mice were simultaneously injected with TGFbeta1 or with the H2 receptor agonist dimaprit.

RESULTS

Both TGFbeta1 and dimaprit increased the degree of oral tolerance obtained. TGFbeta1 augmented the induction of immunoregulatory CD8 T cells, which transferred the resistance to CIA induction to normal recipients. Feeding of CII for 2 weeks, starting after the onset of arthritis, still significantly ameliorated the course of CIA.

CONCLUSION

Administration of TGFbeta1 or dimaprit, both of which are believed to promote the development of immunoregulatory T cells, may reinforce induction of oral tolerance, even after the onset of arthritis.

Developmental regulation by cytokines of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and epidermal Langerhans cells

Dendritic cells (DC) are specialized antigen-presenting cells involved in T cell-mediated immune responses. Differentiation and functional maturation of the DC are now known to be regulated by various cytokines, including TGF-beta1. The experiments of this study examined the effect of other cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-10 and IL-6, on the differentiation and maturation of bone marrow (BM)-derived DC (BM-DC) and epidermal Langerhans cells (LC). When IL-6 or IL-10 was added to cultures of BM cells in the presence of GM-CSF, both cytokines, as in the case of TGF-beta1, suppressed the maturation of DC in terms of the expression of adhesion and costimulatory molecules and T cell-stimulating activity. In contrast, IL-4 was not suppressive but rather supportive for the differentiation of DC. However, these suppressive cytokines hardly counteracted the maturation-inducing activity of TNF-alpha when added to cultures of immature DC. In addition, they appeared to block the overmaturation of DC, which is characterized by a loss of MHC class II molecules. Regarding LC maturation in epidermal cell cultures, IL-6 and IL-10 were inhibitory for the expression of CD86 and CD80 in a dose-dependent fashion. Unlike BM-DC, LC maturation was slightly enhanced by TGF-beta1. The protein antigen-presentation by LC to Th1 clone was not affected by IL-6, but slightly reduced by IL-10. These results suggest that each cytokine contributes to regulate the differentiation and maturation of DC at a different developmental stage.

Interleukin-10 increases mannose receptor expression and endocytic activity in monocyte-derived dendritic cells

Human monocyte-derived dendritic cells were differentiated in vitro for 7 days with granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor and interleukin-13. These cultured dendritic cells are at an immature stage of differentiation and exhert high endocytic activity via surface mannose receptor and via fluid-phase macropinocytosis. We have investigated the modulation of endocytosis by interleukin-10 in these cells. When added during the last 24 h of the 7-day culture, interleukin-10 significantly stimulated the uptake of fluorescein-labelled dextran (39 +/- 16% increase, mean +/- SD of 6 experiments), a sugar binding to the mannose receptor. This effect was dose dependent and correlated with the length of exposure to interleukin-10, with a maximal effect (more than seven-fold increase) when the cytokine was added at the beginning of the culture (day 0). The interleukin-10-increased fluorescein-labelled-dextran endocytosis was mostly mediated via the mannose receptor, as unlabelled mannose and specific antimannose receptor monoclonal antibody inhibited most of the uptake. Moreover, interleukin-10-treated cells expressed increased levels (up to four-fold) of mannose receptor. Interleukin-10 also increased, although to a lesser extent, the fluid-phase endocytosis (macropinocytosis) of fluorescein-labelled albumin. Interleukin-10 had the opposite effect on the differentiation and functional activity of monocyte-derived dendritic cells; cells having a very low stimulatory capacity and reduced expression of MHC class II and CD1a after a 7-day exposure. Thus interleukin-10 had a strong immunosuppressive effect on the differentiation and functional activity of monocyte-derived dendritic cells and yet strongly stimulated endocytosis in these cells. We speculate that an increased endocytic activity would eventually result in a decreased availability of antigens in the external milieu, thus contributing to the immunosuppressive and tolerogenic activity of interleukin-10.

Regulation of GM-CSF-induced dendritic cell development by TGF-beta1 and co-developing macrophages

Using a culture system of bone marrow progenitor cells with GM-CSF and TGF-beta1, a study was performed to analyze the effect of TGF-beta1 on the development of dendritic cells (DC) and to elucidate the regulatory role of macrophages co-developing with dendritic cells. The results demonstrate that DC generated in the presence of TGF-beta1 were immature with respect to the expression of CD86, nonspecific esterase activity and cell shape. Such inhibitory effects of TGF-beta1 were dependent on FcR+ macrophages, which were depleted by panning. TGF-beta1 did not appear to inhibit the commitment of progenitor cells to the DC lineage. In addition, TGF-beta1 also acted directly on the intermediate stage of DC to prevent their over-maturation, which results in a preferential decrease in MHC class II, but not in CD86, in the presence of TNF-alpha. FcR+ suppressive macrophages were also shown to facilitate DC maturation when stimulated via FcR-mediated signals even in the presence of TGF-beta1. These results indicate that TGF-beta1 indirectly and directly regulate the development of DC and that co-developing macrophages have a regulatory role in DC maturation.

Down-Regulation of CD1 on Antigen-Presenting Cells by Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Intracellular pathogens have developed efficient evasion strategies to survive the defenses of the host immune system. In this study, we describe a new escape mechanism utilized by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that involves the down-regulation of the Ag-presenting molecule CD1 from the cell surface of CD1+ APCs. The loss of CD1 from the cell surface is associated with a complete inhibition of the ability of the infected cells to present Ag to CD1-restricted T cells. The down-regulation of Ag-presenting molecules on CD1+ APC by infection with M. tuberculosis is unique for CD1, since the expression of the classical Ag-presenting molecules MHC class I and MHC class II is not influenced. Our data show that efficient down-regulation of CD1 requires infection of the cells with live mycobacteria, since heat killing of the bacteria completely abrogates the effect. The observed down-regulation is not due to the secretion of cytokines or other host- or pathogen-derived factors. Investigation of upstream events responsible for the down-regulation of CD1 revealed that infection with live M. tuberculosis decreased the steady state CD1-mRNA levels. This study introduces a novel evasion mechanism of M. tuberculosis that could contribute to persistence of intracellular infection by avoiding immune recognition.

IL-10 prevents the differentiation of monocytes to dendritic cells but promotes their maturation to macrophages

Human monocytes cultured with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and IL-13 for 7 days differentiate into cells with the morphology and function of dendritic cells (DC). We have investigated the effect of IL-10 on this differentiation pathway. In the presence of IL-10 cells did not develop DC morphology, did not express CD1a and had lower levels of MHC class II. IL-10 promoted the differentiation of large cells with the morphology, cytochemistry and membrane phenotype of macrophages, including staining for nonspecific esterase and high levels of CD14, CD16 and CD68. The effect of IL-10 was dose dependent and was best appreciated when the cytokine was added at the initiation of the culture, as addition on day 3 was less inhibitory. When added to already differentiated DC on day 6, IL-10 caused only a modest reduction of MHC class II and CD1a expression, and no acquisition of the macrophage markers CD14, CD16 and CD68. Prolonged incubation up to 5 days with IL-10 did not induce a shift of differentiated DC to macrophages. On the other hand, the macrophages obtained by culturing for 7 days with GM-CSF+IL-13+IL-10 did not shift to DC upon removal of IL-10 for up to 3 days. Thus, the effect of IL-10 on monocyte differentiation, occurs only at the precursor level and confers an irreversible phenotype. From a functional point of view, cells cultured in the presence of IL-10 were poor stimulators of allogeneic cord blood T cells in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and presented tetanus toxin (TT) to specific T cell lines with much less efficiency than control DC. In contrast, IL-10-cultured DC showed 7 times greater endocytosis of FITC-dextran. This increased endocytosis was mostly mediated via the mannose receptor, as demonstrated by blocking with unlabeled mannose. In conclusion, IL-10 inhibits DC differentiation from monocytes and, in a substantial proportion of the cells, promotes the differentiation to mature macrophages. Intriguingly, IL-10 inhibits antigen presentation while it stimulates endocytic activity.

Downregulation of TAP1 in B Lymphocytes by Cellular and Epstein-Barr Virus–Encoded Interleukin-10

Virally infected cells degrade intracellular viral proteins proteolytically and present the resulting peptides in association with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). These cells are normally prone to CTL-mediated elimination. However, several viruses have evolved strategies to avoid detection by the immune system that interfere with the pathway of antigen presentation. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) expresses a predominantly late protein, the BCRF1 gene product vIL-10, that is similar in sequence to the human interleukin-10 (hIL-10). We show here that vIL-10 affects the expression of one of the two transporter proteins (TAPs) associated with antigen presentation. Similarly, hIL-10 showed the same activity. Expression of the LMP2 and TAP1 genes but not expression of TAP2 or LMP7 is efficiently downregulated, indicating a specific IL-10 effect on the two divergently transcribed TAP1 and LMP2 genes. Downregulation of TAP1 by IL-10 hampers the transport of peptide antigens into the endoplasmatic reticulum, as shown in the TAP-specific peptide transporter assay, their loading onto empty MHC I molecules, and the subsequent translocation to the cell surface. As a consequence, IL-10 causes a general reduction of surface MHC I molecules on B lymphocytes that might also affect the recognition of EBV-infected cells by cytotoxic T cells.

Downregulation of TAP1 in B Lymphocytes by Cellular and Epstein-Barr Virus–Encoded Interleukin-10

Virally infected cells degrade intracellular viral proteins proteolytically and present the resulting peptides in association with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). These cells are normally prone to CTL-mediated elimination. However, several viruses have evolved strategies to avoid detection by the immune system that interfere with the pathway of antigen presentation. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) expresses a predominantly late protein, the BCRF1 gene product vIL-10, that is similar in sequence to the human interleukin-10 (hIL-10). We show here that vIL-10 affects the expression of one of the two transporter proteins (TAPs) associated with antigen presentation. Similarly, hIL-10 showed the same activity. Expression of the LMP2 and TAP1 genes but not expression of TAP2 or LMP7 is efficiently downregulated, indicating a specific IL-10 effect on the two divergently transcribed TAP1 and LMP2 genes. Downregulation of TAP1 by IL-10 hampers the transport of peptide antigens into the endoplasmatic reticulum, as shown in the TAP-specific peptide transporter assay, their loading onto empty MHC I molecules, and the subsequent translocation to the cell surface. As a consequence, IL-10 causes a general reduction of surface MHC I molecules on B lymphocytes that might also affect the recognition of EBV-infected cells by cytotoxic T cells.

Interleukin-10 prevents the generation of dendritic cells from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured with interleukin-4 and granulocyte/macrophage-colony-stimulating factor

We evaluated the effects of interleukin (IL)-10 on the differentiation of dendritic cells (DC) obtained by culturing plastic-adherent peripheral blood mononuclear cells for 7 days in presence of granulocyte/macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) + IL-4. The addition of IL-10 at the initiation of culture resulted in the generation of macrophage-like cells with expressing high levels of CD14 and decreased levels of CD1a and CD1c. Furthermore, cells generated in presence of IL-10 secreted lower levels of IL-12, but higher levels of IL-8 compared with DC generated in absence of IL-10, both spontaneously and after CD40 engagement. Finally, cells generated in presence of IL-10 were less efficient than DC in stimulating the production of IL-2, interferon-gamma, and IL-4 by allogeneic T cells. We conclude that IL-10 prevents the generation of DC induced by GM-CSF + IL-4 and favors the development of macrophages with a lower T cell stimulatory potential, but secreting higher levels of IL-8 than DC.

Depletion of endogenous interleukin-10 augments interleukin-1 beta secretion by Mycobacterium bovis BCG-reactive human cells

In this study, we found evidence that the interleukin-10 (IL-10) protein is functionally relevant in Mycobacterium bovis BCG-induced cytokine synthesis, as neutralization of endogenously synthesized IL-10 in human cells activated with BCG resulted in a two- to threefold increase in the level of IL-1 beta. When exogenous recombinant human IL-10 was added to human mononuclear cells, a significant reduction of BCG-induced IL-1 beta secretion was observed. This inhibitory effect was not attributed to a cytotoxic effect, since trypan blue exclusion studies indicated no loss of cell viability in the presence of IL-10, and it was specific, as it was completely abolished in the presence of anti-IL-10 neutralizing monoclonal antibody while an irrelevant antibody used as a control had no effect. Taken together, these are the first studies that demonstrate that the depletion of endogenous IL-10 via anti-IL-10 antibody results in a very significantly enhanced BCG-induced IL-1 beta secretion and that the addition of exogenous IL-10 to human mononuclear cells stimulated with BCG inhibits IL-1 beta production. Further experimental work is needed to determine if the neutralization of IL-10 activity via anti-IL-10 antibody indeed enhances cytokine synthesis in vivo. However, the present results may be of importance, since the use of anti-IL-10 antibody could presumably contribute to the protective immunity induced by BCG against tuberculosis via an increase in cytokine synthesis that would amplify antimicrobial systems.

Split activity of interleukin-10 on antigen capture and antigen presentation by human dendritic cells: definition of a maturative step

Human CD1+ CD14- dendritic cells (DC) can be derived from CD14+ monocytes using granulocyte/monocyte colony-stimulating factor and interleukin (IL)-4. We have previously shown that IL-10 pre-treatment of such DC significantly inhibited their antigen-presenting capacity to CD4+ T cell clones. In this study, we further analyze how IL-10 influences antigen presentation. We first investigated whether IL-10 could alter the early stage of antigen presentation, the capture of antigen. This can be mediated by mannose receptor (MR)-mediated endocytosis and by fluid-phase uptake through macropinocytosis. IL-10-treated DC showed an enhancement of both mechanisms of antigen capture, as indicated by the increase of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran uptake through MR and lucifer yellow uptake. However, IL-10-treated DC, irradiated or glutaraldehyde-fixed, were less efficient than untreated DC in stimulating mixed leukocyte reaction as well as in inducing the activation of peptide-specific T cell clones, indicating that IL-10 achieves its effects mainly by modifying the cell surface phenotype of DC. HLA class I and II, as well as intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-3, B7-1, B7-2 and ICAM-3 expression were either significantly increased or essentially unchanged, and the ability to bind the epitope recognized by the T cell clones was also unaffected regardless of IL-10 treatment. Our study also indicates that as-yet unidentified accessory molecules may play an essential role in T cell activation. Thus, the IL-10-treated DC possess an increased capacity to capture antigen, with a concomitant decreased stimulatory activity. Our study suggests that IL-10-treated DC have the characteristics of highly immature DC (high capture ability, low stimulatory potency) and may represent an early maturative step of human DC of monocytic origin.