Adoptive transfer of NK 1.1+ lymphocytes in immune-mediated colitis: a pro-inflammatory or a tolerizing subgroup of cells?

The prophylactic and therapeutic impact of Trichinella spiralis larvae excretory secretory antigens- loaded Ca-BTC metal organic frameworks on induced murine colitis

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the gut. T. spiralis larvae (E/S Ags) loaded on calcium-benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate metal-organic frameworks (Ca-BTC MOFs) were tested to determine whether they might prevent or cure acetic acid-induced murine colitis. Methods: T. spiralis larvae E/S Ags/Ca-BTC MOFs were used in prophylactic and therapeutic groups to either precede or follow the development of murine colitis. On the seventh day after colitis, mice were slaughtered. The effect of our target antigens on the progress of the colitis was evaluated using a variety of measures, including survival rate, disease activity index, colon weight/bodyweight, colon weight/length) ratios, and ratings for macroscopic and microscopic colon damage. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (interferon-γ and interleukin-4), oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase in serum samples were evaluated. Foxp3 T-reg expression was carried out in colonic and splenic tissues. Results: T. spiralis larvae E/S Ags/Ca-BTC MOFs were the most effective in alleviating severe inflammation in murine colitis. The survival rate, disease activity index score, colon weight/length and colon weight/bodyweight ratios, and gross and microscopic colon damage scores have all considerably improved. A large decrease in proinflammatory cytokine (interferon-γ) and oxidative stress marker (malondialdehyde) expression and a significant increase in interleukin-4 and glutathione peroxidase expression were obtained. The expression of Foxp3+ Treg cells was elevated in colonic and splenic tissues. Conclusion: T. spiralis larvae E/S Ags/Ca-BTC MOFs had the highest anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective capabilities against murine colitis and might be used to develop new preventative and treatment strategies.

The assembly of glycosphingolipid determines their immunomodulatory effect: A novel method for structure-based design of immunotherapy

Structure-activity relationships provide insight into the binding interactions of beta-glycosphingolipids (GSLs) with both the TCR and the CD1d molecules, as well as the subsequent immunologic response of regulatory NKT cells.

AIM

To determine the effects of synthetic GSL structures on their immune modulatory functions.

METHODS

GSLs of various structures were tested in vitro and in an animal model of Concanavalin A (ConA) immune-mediated hepatitis.

RESULTS

In vitro, using SV40 binding to live monkey CV1 cells, the l-threo stereoisomer of C8-β-LacCer inhibits caveolar internalization, reducing viral binding to the cell surface. In vivo, in the ConA model, LR172, which has a saturated C8 chain, and LR178, which has a trans double bond at C-2 in the C8 chain, suppressed the immune-mediated liver inflammation and reduced IFNγ levels in a dose dependent manner. The beneficial effects of LR172 and of LR178 are associated with suppression of liver apoptosis, increased phosphorylated STAT3 expression in the liver, and an increase in the NKT liver/spleen ratio.

SUMMARY

The assembly of GSLs determines their immunomodulatory effect and can serve as a method for structure-based design of immunotherapy.

Oral administration of a non-absorbable plant cell-expressed recombinant anti-TNF fusion protein induces immunomodulatory effects and alleviates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

AIM

To evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of oral administration of PRX-106 in the high-fat diet model.

METHODS

For 22 wk, C57BL/6 HFD-fed mice received daily oral treatments with BY-2 cells expressing recombinant anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha fusion protein (PRX-106). Mice were followed for serum liver enzyme and triglyceride levels, liver histology and intrahepatic and systemic FACS.

RESULTS

The orally administered non-absorbable PRX-106 was biologically active. Altered distribution of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ between the liver and spleen and an increase in the intrasplenic-to-intrahepatic CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ ratio and a decrease in the intrasplenic-to-intrahepatic CD8+CD25+FoxP3+ ratio were observed. An increase in intrahepatic NKT cells and a decrease in the intrasplenic-to-intrahepatic NKT ratio were noted. Assessment of the CD4-to-CD8 ratios showed sequestration of CD8+ lymphocytes in the liver. These effects were associated with a decrease in serum triglyceride levels, decrease in the aspartate aminotransferase levels, serum glucose levels, and HOMA-IR score. A decrease in hepatic triglycerides content was observed in the high dose-treated mice.

CONCLUSION

Orally administered PRX-106 shows biological activity and exerts an immunomodulatory effect, alleviating liver damage. The data suggest that PRX-106 may provide an oral immunotherapy for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Therapeutic potential of recombinant cystatin from Schistosoma japonicum in TNBS-induced experimental colitis of mice

Background

Helminth infections and their components have been shown to have a protective effect on autoimmune diseases. The isolated purified protein from Schisotosoma japonicum and its potential therapeutic effect on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis could provide an alternative way to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBDs).

Methods

Colitis was induced in Balb/c mice by rectal administration of 2.5 % TNBS, followed by intraperitoneal injection of rSjcystatin 50 μg at 6 h and 24 h afterwards. The inflammation was monitored by recording weight change, stool character and bleeding, colon length, macroscopic score (MAO), microscopic score (MIO), myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) and disease activity index (DAI). The potential underlying mechanism was investigated by examining cytokine profiles including Th1 (IFNγ), Th2 (IL-4), Th17 (IL-17A) and Treg subsets from lymphocytes of spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and intestinal lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) by flow cytometry. The mRNA relative expressions of the cytokines in splenocytes and MLN were analysed by quantitative real time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Simultaneously, the concentrations of the cytokines in the colon homogenate supernatants were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and key transcription factors were detected by Western blotting.

Results

Administration of rSjcystatin significantly reduced inflammatory parameters and ameliorated the severity of the TNBS-induced colitis through decreasing IFNγ in three organs and lifting the level of IL-4, IL-13, IL-10, and TGF-β in the colon tissues, with uptrending Tregs in the MLN and LPMC.

Conclusion

The findings provide evidence that rSjcystatin has a therapeutic potential for diminishing colitis inflammation in Balb/c mice. The immunological mechanism may involve the down-regulation of Th1 response and up-regulation of Th2 and Tregs in the MLN and colon.

Excretory/secretory products from Trichinella spiralis adult worms ameliorate DSS-induced colitis in mice

Background

Many evidences show the inverse correlation between helminth infection and allergic or autoimmune diseases. Identification and characterization of the active helminth-derived products responsible for the beneficial effects on allergic or inflammatory diseases will provide another feasible approach to treat these diseases.

Methods and Findings

Colitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by giving 3% DSS orally for 7 days. During this period, the mice were treated daily with the excretory/secretory products from T. spiralis adult worms (AES) intraperitoneally. The severity of colitis was monitored by measuring body weight, stool consistency or bleeding, colon length and inflammation. To determine the T. spiralis AES product-induced immunological response, Th1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory cytokine profiles were measured in lymphocytes isolated from colon, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), and the spleen of treated mice. The CD4⁺ CD25⁺ FOXP3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were also measured in the spleens and MLN of treated mice. Mice treated with AES significantly ameliorated the severity of the DSS-induced colitis indicated by the reduced disease manifestations, improved macroscopic and microscopic inflammation correlated with the up-regulation of Treg response (increased regulatory cytokines IL-10, TGF-beta and regulatory T cells) and down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-6 and IL-17) in the spleens, MLN and colon of treated mice.

Conclusions

Our results provide direct evidences that T. spiralis AES have a therapeutic potential for alleviating inflammatory colitis in mice. This effect is possibly mediated by the immunomodulation of regulatory T cells to produce regulatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines.

NK cells exacerbate the pathology of influenza virus infection in mice

NK cells offer a first line of defense against viruses and are considered beneficial to the host during infection. Nevertheless, little is understood regarding the phenotype and function of NK cells in the lung during influenza virus infection. We found that the frequency of NK cells in mouse lung increased during influenza infection, with the majority of a mature phenotype. Cell surface CD107a and intracellular IFN-γ were detected in cells expressing multiple NK-cell receptors in infected lung, suggesting that NK cells were activated during infection. The activating receptor NKp46 was predominantly negative on such cells, possibly as a result of encountering influenza HA. Depletion of NK cells in vivo with anti-asialo GM1 or anti-NK1.1 reduced mortality from influenza infection and surviving mice recovered their body weight. Pathology induced by NK cells was only observed with high, not medium or low-dose influenza infection, indicating that the severity of infection influences NK-cell-mediated pathology. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of NK cells from influenza-infected lung, but not uninfected lung, resulted in more rapid weight loss and increased mortality of influenza-infected mice. Our results indicate that during severe influenza infection of the lung, NK cells have a deleterious impact on the host, promoting mortality.

Hookworm products ameliorate dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in BALB/c mice

BACKGROUND

Several lines of evidence have shown that helminthiasis can significantly reduce disease severity in animal models of intestinal inflammation, airway inflammation/hyperreactivity, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Identification and characterization of helminth-derived immunomodulatory molecules that contribute to anticolitis effects could lead to new therapeutic approaches in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) without the need for helminth infection. We evaluated the therapeutic potential of adult human hookworm, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, crude (Aw) and excreted/secreted (ES) products on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in BALB/c mice.

METHODS

Colitis was induced by 5% DSS oral administration for 7 days. Clinical disease severity was monitored daily during concomitant intraperitoneal treatment with helminth-derived products. Additionally, several pathways of immunological modulation induced by A. ceylanicum products (MPO, EPO, Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine responses) in the inflamed intestinal microenvironment were assessed. Finally, the histopathological profile of the colon was characterized.

RESULTS

Hookworm products are able to modulate the potent proinflammatory response induced by DSS, mainly through the downregulation of Th1 and Th17 cytokines. These proteins also reduce clinical and colonic microscopic inflammation scores as well as EPO and MPO activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Ancylostoma ceylanicum Aw and ES mediators have an important therapeutic potential in experimental colitis in mice, which may provide a more socially acceptable form of therapy for patients with IBDs as opposed to using living worms. Our results support the urgency of further isolation and recombinant expression of active hookworm products responsible for the beneficial effects on colitis.

Schistosoma mansoni proteins attenuate gastrointestinal motility disturbances during experimental colitis in mice

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effect of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) soluble worm proteins on gastrointestinal motility disturbances during experimental colitis in mice.

METHODS: Colitis was induced by intrarectal injection of trinitrobenzene sulphate (TNBS) and 6 h later, mice were treated ip with S. mansoni proteins. Experiments were performed 5 d after TNBS injection. Inflammation was quantified using validated inflammation parameters. Gastric emptying and geometric center were measured to assess in vivo gastrointestinal motility. Peristaltic activity of distal colonic segments was studied in vitro using a modified Trendelenburg set-up. Cytokine profiles of T-lymphocytes isolated from the colon were determined by real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS: Intracolonic injection of TNBS caused severe colitis. Treatment with S. mansoni proteins significantly ameliorated colonic inflammation after 5 d. TNBS did not affect gastric emptying but significantly decreased the geometric center and impaired colonic peristaltic activity 5 d after the induction of colitis. Treatment with S. mansoni proteins ameliorated these in vivo and in vitro motility disturbances. In addition, TNBS injection caused a downregulation of effector T cell cytokines after 5 d, whereas a S. mansoni protein effect was no longer observed at this time point.

CONCLUSION: Treatment with S. mansoni proteins attenuated intestinal inflammation and ameliorated motility disturbances during murine experimental colitis.

Alpha versus beta: are we on the way to resolve the mystery as to which is the endogenous ligand for natural killer T cells?

Natural killer T (NKT) lymphocytes are a unique subset of cells that play a role in regulating the immune system. For the past decade, studies have focused upon attempts to define these cells and to determine the ligand(s) that are required for their development and peripheral activation. Many research groups have focused upon determining the mechanisms for activating or inhibiting NKT cells in an attempt to control immune-mediated disorders as well as infectious and malignant conditions by using different ligand structures. Alpha-anomeric glycolipids and phospholipids derived from mammalian, bacterial, protozoan and plant species have been suggested as potential ligands for these lymphocytes. Some of these ligands were structured in forms that can bind to CD1d molecules. The lack of alpha-anomeric glycosphingolipids in mammals and the modest effect of these ligands in human studies, along with recent data from animal models and humans on the NKT-dependent immunomodulatory effect of beta-glycosphingolipids, suggest that the beta-anomeric ligands have the potential to be the endogenous NKT ligand.

Glucocerebroside: an evolutionary advantage for patients with Gaucher disease and a new immunomodulatory agent

Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by the reduced activity of a lysosomal enzyme, glucocerebrosidase, leading to the accumulation of glucocerebroside (GC). The relatively high prevalence of this disease within an ethnic group is believed to reflect a selective advantage. Treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is safe and effective in ameliorating the primary symptoms of the disease, yet there have been reports that some patients on ERT have developed type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome, malignancies and central nervous system disorders. A series of animal studies suggest that these complications may be related to the reduction of GC levels by the enzyme administered. GC has been shown to have an immunomodulatory effect through the promotion of dendritic cells, natural killer T cells, and regulatory T cells. The break down of GC to ceramide can underline part of these findings. Clinical trials suggested a beneficial effect of GC in type 2 diabetes or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. This review of the data from animal models and humans proposes that the increased level of GC may provide an evolutionary advantage for patients with GD. Indirectly, these data support treating symptomatic patients with mild/moderate GD with low-dose ERT and re-evaluating the use of ERT in asymptomatic patients.

Therapeutic potential of helminth soluble proteins in TNBS-induced colitis in mice

BACKGROUND

The hygiene hypothesis suggests an inverse relationship between the incidence of parasitic infections and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We investigated the therapeutic potential of Schistosoma mansoni and Ancylostoma caninum soluble proteins on experimental colitis in mice.

METHODS

Colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of 10 mg trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in 30% ethanol. Six hours after TNBS injection, mice were treated intraperitoneally with helminth proteins. Three days later, colonic inflammation was scored based on 5 inflammatory parameters: clinical disease activity, macroscopic and microscopic inflammation score, extent of inflammation, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. To determine immunological pathways induced by S. mansoni proteins we measured cytokine profiles of T-lymphocytes from colon, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), and spleen by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Control mice showed no signs of inflammation, whereas all inflammatory parameters were significantly increased in mice with colitis. Treatment of mice with colitis with S. mansoni or A. caninum proteins decreased the macroscopic inflammation score, extent of inflammation, and MPO activity. Immunologically, induction of colitis significantly increased expression of IFN-gamma mRNA in the inflamed colon. Treatment with S. mansoni proteins caused a decrease of proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-17) in colon and MLN, whereas the production of regulatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-beta) increased significantly in colon tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with proteins of S. mansoni and A. caninum ameliorated TNBS-induced colitis in mice. S. mansoni proteins increased mRNA expression of regulatory cytokines while suppressing expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, we suggest a therapeutic potential for helminth proteins in the treatment of IBD.

NKT lymphocyte polarization determined by microenvironment signaling: a role for CD8+ lymphocytes and beta-glycosphingolipids

Natural killer T-cell (NKT) regulatory lymphocytes have been shown to behave differently in various immune settings. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of microenvironmental signaling on NKT polarization and the process of active CD8 and NKT intrahepatic lymphocyte sequestration. In an in vitro assay, double negative (DN) NKT hybridoma cells were incubated with Hep3B hepatoma cells. This caused a significant increase in the secretion of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) from Hep3B cells. When NKT cells were exposed to beta-glucoslyceramide (beta-GC) prior to incubation, Hep3B cells exhibited increased proliferation, increased IFN secretion, and reduced AFP secretion. In vivo, the adoptive transfer of naïve DN NKT cells into athymic nude-nu mice transplanted with human Hep3B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) caused accelerated tumor growth. This effect was inhibited by prior ex vivo exposure of DN NKT lymphocytes to beta-GC. To assess the effect of the immunological environment on NKT cells, immune mediated hepatitis and colitis were induced simultaneously in mice. Induction of TNBS colitis prior to administration of concanavalin A (Con A) hepatitis resulted in an aggravation of the liver damage caused by Con A hepatitis alone. This effect was associated with reduced intrahepatic CD8+ T cell trapping and an increase in intrahepatic NKT cells. The presence of different ligands altered host microenvironment signaling and influenced the fate and polarization of NKT cells and the sequestration of active intrahepatic lymphocytes. These data support the notion that NKT regulatory lymphocytes have an inherent plasticity that may be important for their regulatory function.

beta-Glycosphingolipids as immune modulators

beta-Glycosphingolipids have emerged as a family of potential ligands for natural killer T (NKT)-regulatory lymphocytes. This subset of regulatory lymphocytes has been implicated in the regulation of autoimmune processes. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I-like CD1d glycoprotein is a member of the CD1 family of antigen-presenting molecules and is responsible for selection of NKT cells. beta-Glycolipids have been shown to alter immune responses in the opposing settings of autoimmune diseases or cancer. In this review, we discuss the potential use of beta-glycoshpingolipids for NKT-based immunotherapy.

Intrahepatic CD8+ lymphocyte trapping during tolerance induction using mushroom derived formulations: A possible role for liver in tolerance induction

AIM: To determine the immunomodulatory effect of Shiitake (a mushroom extract), we tested its effect on liver-mediated immune regulation in a model of immune-mediated colitis.

METHODS: Four groups of mice were studied. Colitis was induced by intracolonic instillation of TNBS in groups A and B. Groups A and C were treated daily with Shiitake extract, while groups B and D received bovine serum albumin. Mice were evaluated for development of macroscopic and microscopic. The immune effects of Shiitake were determined by FACS analysis of intra-hepatic and intrasplenic lymphocytes and IFN-γ ELISPOT assay.

RESULTS: Administration of Shiitake resulted in marked alleviation of colitis, manifested by significant improvement in the macroscopic and microscopic scores, and by reduction in IFN-γ-producing colonies in group A, compared to group B mice (1.5 pfu/mL vs 3.7 pfu/mL, respectively). This beneficial effect was associated with a significant increase in the intra-hepatic CD8⁺ lymphocyte trapping, demonstrated by an increased intrasplenic/intrahepatic CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratio. These effects were accompanied by a 17% increase in the number of intrahepatic natural killer T (NKT) cells. A similar effect was observed when Shiitake was administered to animals without disease induction.

CONCLUSION: Shiitake extract affected liver-mediated immune regulation by altering the NKT lymphocyte distribution and increasing intrahepatic CD8⁺ T lymphocyte trapping, thereby leading to alleviation of immune-mediated colitis.

CXCL10-producing mucosal CD4+ T cells, NK cells, and NKT cells are associated with chronic colitis in IL-10(-/-) mice, which can be abrogated by anti-CXCL10 antibody inhibition

We have shown previously that there is a temporal increase in the levels of CXCL10 and CXCR3 mRNA during spontaneous murine colitis. We now show that CXCL10 is significantly expressed by mucosal CD4+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and NKT cells, but not by dendritic cells (DCs), during chronic murine colitis. CXCL10 blockade alleviated chronic colitis and attenuated the associated increase in serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin-12 (IL-12)p40, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), IL-1 alpha, and IL-1 beta levels as well as in the number of CD4+ T, NKT, and NK cells that express CXCL10 and CXCR3, compared with groups treated with control antibody (Ab). After CXCL10 blockade, the number of CXCR3+ DCs in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and Peyer's patches (PPs) were increased to levels found before the onset of colitis. In contrast, the numbers of splenic and intestinal lamina propria (LP) CXCR3+ DCs were reduced after anti-CXCL10 Ab treatment, compared with controls. Ex vivo antigen and CXCL10 stimulation of mucosal cells caused an increase in MHC class II, CD40, and CD86 as well as a decrease in CD30 ligand (CD30L) expression by DCs. This study provides insights into CXCL10 expression during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the cellular and molecular mechanisms of CXCL10-mediated colitis. Our data also support the premise that CXCL10 blockade can attenuate chronic colitis by preventing the activation and recruitment of CXCR3+ leukocytes during IBD.

Insights from advances in research of chemically induced experimental models of human inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the most important being Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, results from chronic dysregulation of the mucosal immune system in the gastrointestinal tract. Although the pathogenesis of IBD remains unclear, it is widely accepted that genetic, environmental, and immunological factors are involved. Recent studies suggest that intestinal epithelial defenses are important to prevent inflammation by protecting against microbial pathogens and oxidative stresses. To investigate the etiology of IBD, animal models of experimental colitis have been developed and are frequently used to evaluate new anti-inflammatory treatments for IBD. Several models of experimental colitis that demonstrate various pathophysiological aspects of the human disease have been described. In this manuscript, we review the characteristic features of IBD through a discussion of the various chemically induced experimental models of colitis (e.g., dextran sodium sulfate-, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-, oxazolone-, acetic acid-, and indomethacin-induced models). We also summarize some regulatory and pathogenic factors demonstrated by these models that can, hopefully, be exploited to develop future therapeutic strategies against IBD.

High-fat diet modulates non-CD1d-restricted natural killer T cells and regulatory T cells in mouse colon and exacerbates experimental colitis

Environmental factors such as diet are known to play important roles in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Epidemiological studies have indicated that a high-fat diet is a risk factor for IBD. In addition, the balance between effector T cells (T(eff)) and regulatory T cells (T(reg)) contributes to the pathogenesis of mucosal inflammation. The aim of this study was to understand the mechanisms by which a high-fat diet can regulate susceptibility to intestinal inflammation. Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were fed either a commercial high-fat diet or a normal diet, then exposed to dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) to induce colonic inflammation. Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) were isolated from the colon, and their phenotype and cytokine profile were analysed by flow cytometry. Mice receiving the high-fat diet were more susceptible to DSS-induced colitis. They had higher numbers of non-CD1d-restricted natural killer (NK) T cells in the colonic IEL, when compared to mice fed a normal diet. These cells expressed tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma, which are up-regulated by high-fat diets. Mice fed the high-fat diet also had decreased levels of colonic T(reg). Depletion of colonic NK T cells or adoptive transfer of T(reg) reduced the DSS colitis in these mice, and reduced the colonic expression of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma. We conclude that a high-fat diet can increase non-CD1d-restricted NK T cells and decrease T(reg) in the colonic IEL population. This altered colonic IEL population leads to increased susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis. This effect may help to explain how environmental factors can increase the susceptibility to IBD.

Roles of CD1d-restricted NKT cells in the intestine

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a subset of lymphocytes that express cell surface molecules of both conventional T cells and natural killer cells and share the features of both innate and adaptive immune cells. NKT cells have been proposed to make both protective and pathogenic contributions to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). On the one hand, recent studies have shown that these cells are involved in the maintenance of mucosal homeostasis. On the other, NKT cells were shown to play a pathogenic role in human ulcerative colitis. Similar contrasting data have been generated in murine models of IBD. Whether the apparent differences in NKT response patterns depend on variations in NKT antigens and/or on the presence of specific subsets of mucosal NKT cells remains to be elucidated. In this article we review the current literature on intestinal NKT cells and their roles in IBD pathogenesis. Specifically, the nomenclature, NKT antigens, and immune mechanisms of NKT cells within the intestinal mucosa are discussed.

Critical appraisal of the current practice in murine TNBS-induced colitis

There is no standard practice in the induction of colitis by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. In this review the current practice in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid colitis is studied using 20 recently published articles. We compare the different protocols, discuss the mechanism of disease and give recommendations for the future use of the model.