Lipopolysaccharide enhances FcgammaR-dependent functions in vivo through CD11b/CD18 up-regulation

Chronic Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide induces adverse myocardial infarction wound healing through activation of CD8+ T cells

Oral and gum health have long been associated with incidence and outcomes of cardiovascular disease. Periodontal disease increases myocardial infarction (MI) mortality by sevenfold through mechanisms that are not fully understood. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from a periodontal pathogen accelerates inflammation after MI through memory T-cell activation. We compared four groups [no MI, chronic LPS, day 1 after MI, and day 1 after MI with chronic LPS (LPS + MI); n = 68 mice] using the mouse heart attack research tool 1.0 database and tissue bank coupled with new analyses and experiments. LPS + MI increased total CD8+ T cells in the left ventricle versus the other groups (P < 0.05 vs. all). Memory CD8+ T cells (CD44 + CD27+) were 10-fold greater in LPS + MI than in MI alone (P = 0.02). Interleukin (IL)-4 stimulated splenic CD8+ T cells away from an effector phenotype and toward a memory phenotype, inducing secretion of factors associated with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling that promoted monocyte migration and decreased viability. To dissect the effect of CD8+ T cells after MI, we administered a major histocompatibility complex-I-blocking antibody starting 7 days before MI, which prevented effector CD8+ T-cell activation without affecting the memory response. The reduction in effector cells diminished infarct wall thinning but had no effect on macrophage numbers or MertK expression. LPS + MI + IgG attenuated macrophages within the infarct without effecting CD8+ T cells, suggesting these two processes were independent. Overall, our data indicate that effector and memory CD8+ T cells at post-MI day 1 are amplified by chronic LPS to potentially promote infarct wall thinning.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although there is a well-documented link between periodontal disease and heart health, the mechanisms are unclear. Our study indicates that in response to circulating periodontal endotoxins, memory CD8+ T cells are activated, resulting in an acceleration of macrophage-mediated inflammation after MI. Blocking activation of effector CD8+ T cells had no effect on the macrophage numbers or wall thinning at post-MI day 1, indicating that this response was likely due in part to memory CD8+ T cells.

Role of FcγRI in Antigen-Dependent Eosinophil Activation in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis

Background

The eosinophil (Eo) activation is a crucial factor evoking allergic rhinitis (AR) attacks; factors; the mechanism of triggering Eo activation remains to be further investigated. The interaction of antigen (Ag) and antibody plays a critical role in evoking allergy attacks. This study aims to elucidate the role of FcγRI, the high affinity receptor of IgG, in the Ag-mediated Eo activation.

Methods

Nasal lavage fluids (NLF) were collected from AR patients and healthy control (HC) subjects. Eos were isolated by flow cytometry cell sorting and analyzed by pertinent immunological approaches.

Results

Eos composed more than 60% of the cellular components in AR NLF. Exposure to specific Ags (sAgs) in the culture triggered Eos to release inflammatory mediators. High levels of FcγRI were detected on the surface of AR NLF Eos. Exposure to lipopolysaccharide markedly increased the FcγRI expression in naive Eos, which could be bound by Ag-specific IgG (sIgG) to form complexes on the surface of Eos; this made Eos at the sensitized status. Eos bore with the sIgG/FcγRI complexes could be activated upon exposure to sIgG in the culture; these Eos can be designated as Ag-specific Eos. Passive transfer of Ag-specific Eos resulted in profound AR response in mice upon sAg challenge. Depletion of FcγRI on Eos efficiently abolished AR response in mice.

Conclusions

AR Eos express high levels FcγRI, that can be bound by sIgG to make Eos sensitized. Re-exposure to specific Ags can activate the sensitized Eos.

CD16 is indispensable for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity by human monocytes

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is exerted by immune cells expressing surface Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) against cells coated with antibody, such as virus-infected or transformed cells. CD16, the FcγRIIIA, is essential for ADCC by NK cells, and is also expressed by a subset of human blood monocytes. We found that human CD16− expressing monocytes have a broad spectrum of ADCC capacities and can kill cancer cell lines, primary leukemic cells and hepatitis B virus-infected cells in the presence of specific antibodies. Engagement of CD16 on monocytes by antibody bound to target cells activated β2-integrins and induced TNFα secretion. In turn, this induced TNFR expression on the target cells, making them susceptible to TNFα-mediated cell death. Treatment with TLR agonists, DAMPs or cytokines, such as IFNγ, further enhanced ADCC. Monocytes lacking CD16 did not exert ADCC but acquired this property after CD16 expression was induced by either cytokine stimulation or transient transfection. Notably, CD16+ monocytes from patients with leukemia also exerted potent ADCC. Hence, CD16+ monocytes are important effectors of ADCC, suggesting further developments of this property in the context of cellular therapies for cancer and infectious diseases.

Study of monocyte membrane proteome perturbation during lipopolysaccharide-induced tolerance using iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic approach

Human monocytes' exposure to low-level lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces temporary monocytic insensitivity to subsequent LPS challenge. The underlying mechanism of this phenomenon could have important clinical utilities in preventing and/or treating severe infections. In this study, we used an iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic approach to comprehensively characterize the membrane proteomes of monocytes before and after LPS exposure. We identified a total of 1651 proteins, of which 53.6% were membrane proteins. Ninety-four percent of the proteins were quantified and 255 proteins were shown to be tightly regulated by LPS. Subcellular location analysis revealed organelle-specific response to LPS exposure: more than 90% of identified mitochondrial membrane proteins were significant downregulated, whereas the majority of proteins from other organelles such as ER, Golgi and ribosome were upregulated. Moreover, we found that the expression of most receptors potentially involved in LPS signal pathway (CD14, toll-like receptor 4, CD11/CD18 complex) were substantially decreased, while the expression of molecules involved in LPS neutralization were enhanced after LPS challenge. Together, these findings could be of significance in understanding the mechanism of LPS tolerance and provide values for designing new approaches for regulating monocytic responses in sepsis patients.

Binding of recombinant T cell receptor ligands (RTL) to antigen presenting cells prevents upregulation of CD11b and inhibits T cell activation and transfer of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Recombinant T cell ligands (RTLs) ameliorate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in an antigen-specific manner. We evaluated effects of RTL401 (I-A(s) alpha1beta1+PLP-139-151) on splenocytes from SJL/J mice with EAE to study RTL-T cell tolerance-inducing mechanisms. RTLs bound to B, macrophages and DCs, through RTL-MHC-alpha1beta1 moiety. RTL binding reduced CD11b expression on splenic macrophages/DC, and RTL401-conditioned macrophages/DC, not B cells, inhibited T cell activation. Reduced ability of RTL- incubated splenocytes to transfer EAE was likely mediated through macrophages/DC, since B cells were unnecessary for RTL treatment of EAE. These results demonstrate a novel pathway of T cell regulation by RTL-bound APCs.

Copolymeric nanofilm platform for controlled and localized therapeutic delivery

Nanomaterials such as block copolymeric membranes provide a platform for both cellular interrogation and biological mimicry. Their biomimetic properties are based upon the innate possession of hydrophilic and hydrophobic units that enable their integration with a broad range of therapeutic materials. As such, they can be engineered for specific applications in nanomedicine, including controlled/localized drug delivery. Here we describe a method for the functionalization of the polymethyloxazoline-polydimethylsiloxane-polymethyloxazoline (PMOXA-PDMS-PMOXA) block copolymer with anti-inflammatory molecules to develop copolymer-therapeutic hybrids, effectively conferring biological functionality to a versatile synthetic nanomembrane matrix and creating a platform for an anti-inflammatory drug delivery system. Utilizing self-assembly and Langmuir-Blodgett deposition methods, we mixed copolymers with dexamethasone (Dex), an anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid receptor agonist. The successful mixing of the copolymer with the drug was confirmed by surface pressure isotherms and fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, at 4 nm thick per layer, orders of magnitude thinner than conventional drug delivery coatings, these dexamethasone-copolymer mixtures (PolyDex) suppressed in vitro expression of the inflammatory cytokines/signaling elements interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 12 (IL-12), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and interferon gamma inducible protein (IP-10). Finally, PolyDex maintained its anti-inflammatory properties in vivo confirmed through punch biopsies with tissue imagery via hematoxylin/eosin and macrophage specific staining using CD11b. Thus, we demonstrated that PolyDex may be utilized as a localized, highly efficient drug-copolymer composite for active therapeutic delivery to confer anti-inflammatory protection or as a platform material for broad drug elution capabilities.

Opsonization effects on Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis--macrophage interactions

High antibody titers in ruminants infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis correlates with disease progression. Effects of humoral responses during mycobacterial infection are not completely understood. This study suggests that activation status may be an important factor in determining macrophage ability to limit proliferation of opsonized M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis.

Effects of adsorbed proteins and surface chemistry on foreign body giant cell formation, tumor necrosis factor alpha release and procoagulant activity of monocytes

The adhesion and activation of monocytes and macrophages are thought to affect the foreign body response to implanted medical devices. However, these cells interact with devices indirectly, because of the prior adsorption of proteins. Therefore, we preadsorbed several "model" biomaterial surfaces with proteins and then measured foreign body giant cell (FBGC) formation, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) release, and procoagulant activity. The model surfaces were tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS), untreated polystyrene (PS), and Primaria, whereas the proteins used were albumin, fibronectin, fibrinogen, and immunoglobulin. FBGC formation, TNFalpha release, and procoagulant activity of monocytes were the highest for surfaces preadsorbed with IgG. FBGC formation was lower on surfaces with adsorbed fibrinogen and fibronectin than on uncoated surfaces. TNFalpha release and procoagulant activity of monocytes were similar on surface adsorbed with fibrinogen, fibronectin, or albumin. Monocyte activation was also affected by the surface chemistry of the substrates, because FBGC formation was the highest on PS and the lowest on TCPS. Monocyte procoagulant activity was the highest on Primaria. Adsorbed proteins and surface chemistry were found to have strong effects on FBGC formation, monocyte TNFalpha release, and procoagulant activity in vitro, providing support for the idea that these same variables could affect macrophage-mediated foreign body response to biomaterials in vivo.

IFN-beta gene deletion leads to augmented and chronic demyelinating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Since the basic mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of IFN-beta in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are still obscure, here we have investigated the effects of IFN-beta gene disruption on the commonly used animal model for MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We show that IFN-beta knockout (KO) mice are more susceptible to EAE than their wild-type (wt) littermates; they develop more severe and chronic neurological symptoms with more extensive CNS inflammation and demyelination. However, there was no discrepancy observed between wt and KO mice regarding the capacity of T cells to proliferate or produce IFN-gamma in response to recall Ag. Consequently, we addressed the effect of IFN-beta on encephalitogenic T cell development and the disease initiation phase by passive transfer of autoreactive T cells from KO or wt littermates to both groups of mice. Interestingly, IFN-beta KO mice acquired a higher incidence and augmented EAE regardless of the source of T cells. This shows that the anti-inflammatory effect of endogenous IFN-beta is predominantly exerted on the effector phase of the disease. Histopathological investigations of CNS in the effector phase revealed an extensive microglia activation and TNF-alpha production in IFN-beta KO mice; this was virtually absent in wt littermates. This coincided with an increase in effector functions of T cells in IFN-beta KO mice, as measured by IFN-gamma and IL-4 production. We suggest that lack of endogenous IFN-beta in CNS leads to augmented microglia activation, resulting in a sustained inflammation, cytokine production, and tissue damage with consequent chronic neurological deficits.

Periodic arousal from hibernation is necessary for initiation of immune responses in ground squirrels

Golden-mantled ground squirrels (Spermophilus lateralis) undergo seasonal hibernation during which core body temperature (T(b)) values are maintained 1-2 degrees C above ambient temperature. Hibernation is not continuous. Squirrels arouse at approximately 7-day intervals, during which T(b) increases to 37 degrees C for approximately 16 h; thereafter, they return to hibernation and sustain low T(b)s until the next arousal. Over the course of the hibernation season, arousals consume 60-80% of a squirrel's winter energy budget, but their functional significance is unknown and disputed. Host-defense mechanisms appear to be downregulated during the hibernation season and preclude normal immune responses. These experiments assessed immune function during hibernation and subsequent periodic arousals. The acute-phase response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was arrested during hibernation and fully restored on arousal to normothermia. LPS injection (ip) resulted in a 1-1.5 degrees C fever in normothermic animals that was sustained for > 8 h. LPS was without effect in hibernating squirrels, neither inducing fever nor provoking arousal, but a fever did develop several days later, when squirrels next aroused from hibernation; the duration of this arousal was increased sixfold above baseline values. Intracerebroventricular infusions of prostaglandin E(2) provoked arousal from hibernation and induced fever, suggesting that neural signaling pathways that mediate febrile responses are functional during hibernation. Periodic arousals may activate a dormant immune system, which can then combat pathogens that may have been introduced immediately before or during hibernation.

Fibrinogen promotes neutrophil activation and delays apoptosis

The acute phase of the inflammatory response involves an increase in the concentrations of different plasma proteins that include fibrinogen (Fbg) and multiple proinflammatory mediators. In parallel, neutrophil activation is thought to play a crucial role in several inflammatory conditions, and it has been recently demonstrated that Fbg specifically binds to the alpha-subunit of CD11b/CD18 on neutrophil surface. Although several reports have shown that CD11b engagement modulates neutrophil responses, the effect of human Fbg (hFbg), one of CD11b physiologic ligands, has not been exhaustively investigated. We have now shown that incubation of purified neutrophils with hFbg induces a transient and rapid elevation of free intracellular Ca2+. This early intracellular signal is accompanied by changes in the expression of neutrophil activation markers, including enhancement of CD11b and CD66b, and down-regulation of FcgammaRIII. In addition, we have evaluated the effect of hFbg on two functional events related to expression and resolution of inflammation: cytotoxic capacity and rate of neutrophil apoptosis. We have found that activation of neutrophils by hFbg resulted in both enhancement of phagocytosis and Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and delay of apoptosis. We conclude that during inflammatory processes, soluble Fbg could influence neutrophil responses, increasing and prolonging their functional capacity.

Shiga toxin-2 induces neutrophilia and neutrophil activation in a murine model of hemolytic uremic syndrome

It has been demonstrated that infections due to Shiga toxins (Stx) producing Escherichia coli are the main cause of the hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Although it is recognized that Stx damage the glomerular endothelium, clinical and experimental evidence suggests that the inflammatory response is able to potentiate Stx toxicity. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and neutrophils (PMN) represent two central components of inflammation during a gram-negative infection. In this regard, patients with high peripheral PMN counts at presentation have a poor prognosis. Since the murine model has been used to study LPS-Stx interactions, we analyzed the effects of Stx alone or in combination with LPS on the kinetics of neutrophil production and activation and their participation in renal damage. We observed a sustained neutrophilia after Stx2 injection. Moreover, these neutrophils showed increased expression of CD11b, enhanced cytotoxic capacity, and greater adhesive properties. Regarding the cooperative effects of LPS on Stx2 action, we demonstrated potentiation of neutrophilia and CD11b induction at early times by pretreatment with LPS. Finally, a positive correlation between neutrophil percentage and renal damage (assayed as plasmatic urea) firmly suggests a role for PMN in the pathogenesis of HUS.