Adaptive functional differentiation of dendritic cells: integrating the network of extra- and intracellular signals

Sema-3E/PlexinD1 axis modulates dendritic cell phenotypes and functions: Current status and future implications

This comprehensive research review explores the complex interplay between the Sema-3E/PlexinD1 axis and dendritic cells (DCs), highlighting its critical role in immune modulation with implications for clinical application Critical regulators of immune responses Dendritic cells are central to adaptive immunity, and the Sema-3E /PlexinD1 axis emerges as a key modulator affecting their phenotypes and functions Review delineates the impact of this signaling axis on DC maturation, migration, antigen presentation, and cytokine production, unravels its multifaceted role in shaping the immune response. Recognizing the limitations and gaps in current knowledge, the study highlights the need for further studies to condition downstream signaling events and related information experienced by the Sema-3E/PlexinD1 axis emphasizes the clarity of the immune system. The review concludes by identifying opportunities for translation, focusing on therapeutic and diagnostic potential. It highlights the importance of collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts to address the challenges and harness the therapeutic and pathological potential of targeting the Sema-3E/PlexinD1 axis, thus opening the way for transformative advances in immunology and clinical medicine.

Interaction between Gut Microbiota and Dendritic Cells in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy that manifests in serial stages and has been observed to have an escalating incidence in modern societies, causing a significant global health problem. The development of CRC is influenced by various exogenous factors, including lifestyle, diet, nutrition, environment, and microbiota, that can affect host cells, including immune cells. Various immune dysfunctions have been recognized in patients with CRC at different stages of this disease. The signature of microbiota in the development of CRC-inflammation related to obesity, diet, and reactive host cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs)-has been highlighted by many studies. This study focuses on DCs, the primary cellular mediators linking innate and adaptive immune responses against cancer. In addition, this review focuses on the role of microbiota in dysbiosis and how it affects DCs and, in turn, the immune response and progression of CRC by stimulating different sets of T cells. Additionally, DCs' role in protecting this delicate balance is examined. This is to determine how gene yields of commensal microbiota may be critical in restoring this balance when disrupted. The stages of the disease and major checkpoints are discussed, as well as the role of the C-type lectin receptor of immature DCs pattern recognition receptor in CRC. Finally, based on a thorough examination of worldwide clinical studies and recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy, it is recommended that innovative approaches that integrate DC vaccination strategies with checkpoint inhibitors be considered. This approach holds great promise for improving CRC management.

Potency Assessment of Dendritic Cell Anticancer Vaccine: Validation of the Co-Flow DC Assay

For many years, oncological clinical trials have taken advantage of dendritic cells (DC) for the design of DC-based cellular therapies. This has required the design of suitable quality control assays to evaluate the potency of these products. The purpose of our work was to develop and validate a novel bioassay that uses flow cytometry as a read-out measurement. In this method, CD3+ cells are labeled with a fluorescent dye and the DC costimulatory activity is measured by the degree of T cell proliferation caused by the DC-T cell interaction. The validation of the method was achieved by the evaluation of essential analytical parameters defined by international guidelines. Our results demonstrated that the method could be considered specific, selective, and robust. The comparison between measured values and estimated true values confirmed a high level of accuracy and a lack of systematic error. Repeated experiments have shown the reproducibility of the assay and the proportionality between the potency and the DC amount has proven its linearity. Our results suggest that the method is compliant with the guidelines and could be adopted as a quality control assay or batch-release testing within GMP facilities.

Interface of Phospholipase Activity, Immune Cell Function, and Atherosclerosis

Phospholipases are a family of lipid-altering enzymes that can either reduce or increase bioactive lipid levels. Bioactive lipids elicit signaling responses, activate transcription factors, promote G-coupled-protein activity, and modulate membrane fluidity, which mediates cellular function. Phospholipases and the bioactive lipids they produce are important regulators of immune cell activity, dictating both pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving activity. During atherosclerosis, pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving activities govern atherosclerosis progression and regression, respectively. This review will look at the interface of phospholipase activity, immune cell function, and atherosclerosis.

Individual combinations of danger signals synergistically increase FVIII product immunogenicity

INTRODUCTION

The most severe side effect in haemophilia A treatment is the development of antifactor VIII antibodies, also called inhibitors. Why inhibitors develop in a proportion of treated patients while others are unaffected still remains unanswered. The presence of immunological danger signals, associated with events such as infection or surgery, has been proposed to play a role. Previous studies demonstrated that the presence of the bacterial molecule lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can synergistically increase the activation of human DC and subsequent T cell activation by FVIII.

AIM AND METHODS

In the present study, we investigated whether a combination of two danger signals can further increase immune cell activation by FVIII. For this, human in vitro differentiated DC that were treated with combinations of danger signals were co-cultured with autologous primary T cells, and T cell proliferation was analysed.

RESULTS

Interestingly, by combining LPS with a second danger signal, lower LPS concentrations were sufficient to synergistically increase DC and subsequent T cell activation by FVIII. Of note, a combination of LPS and the double-stranded RNA, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), was most potent in increasing FVIII immunogenicity, followed by LPS + R848 (resiquimod). However, a combination of LPS and the bacterial lipopeptide Pam3CysSK4 did not induce increased immune cell activation by FVIII.

CONCLUSION

Thus, individual combinations of danger signals can increase FVIII product immunogenicity. This should be considered in the treatment routine of haemophilia A patients.

Human Dendritic Cells: Their Heterogeneity and Clinical Application Potential in Cancer Immunotherapy

Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen presenting cells, uniquely able to induce naïve T cell activation and effector differentiation. They are, likewise, involved in the induction and maintenance of immune tolerance in homeostatic conditions. Their phenotypic and functional heterogeneity points to their great plasticity and ability to modulate, according to their microenvironment, the acquired immune response and, at the same time, makes their precise classification complex and frequently subject to reviews and improvement. This review will present general aspects of the DC physiology and classification and will address their potential and actual uses in the management of human disease, more specifically cancer, as therapeutic and monitoring tools. New combination treatments with the participation of DC will be also discussed.

Activation of Phosphatidylcholine-Specific Phospholipase C in Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Impact on MRS-Detected Choline Metabolic Profile and Perspectives for Targeted Therapy

Elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying the aberrant phosphatidylcholine cycle in cancer cells plays in favor of the use of metabolic imaging in oncology and opens the way for designing new targeted therapies. The anomalous choline metabolic profile detected in cancer by magnetic resonance spectroscopy and spectroscopic imaging provides molecular signatures of tumor progression and response to therapy. The increased level of intracellular phosphocholine (PCho) typically detected in cancer cells is mainly attributed to upregulation of choline kinase, responsible for choline phosphorylation in the biosynthetic Kennedy pathway, but can also be partly produced by activation of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC). This hydrolytic enzyme, known for implications in bacterial infection and in plant survival to hostile environmental conditions, is reported to be activated in mitogen- and oncogene-induced phosphatidylcholine cycles in mammalian cells, with effects on cell signaling, cell cycle regulation, and cell proliferation. Recent investigations showed that PC-PLC activation could account for 20–50% of the intracellular PCho production in ovarian and breast cancer cells of different subtypes. Enzyme activation was associated with PC-PLC protein overexpression and subcellular redistribution in these cancer cells compared with non-tumoral counterparts. Moreover, PC-PLC coimmunoprecipitated with the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) and EGFR in HER2-overexpressing breast and ovarian cancer cells, while pharmacological PC-PLC inhibition resulted into long-lasting HER2 downregulation, retarded receptor re-expression on plasma membrane and antiproliferative effects. This body of evidence points to PC-PLC as a potential target for newly designed therapies, whose effects can be preclinically and clinically monitored by metabolic imaging methods.

MODULATING CO-STIMULATION DURING ANTIGEN PRESENTATION TO ENHANCE CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY

One of the key roles of the immune system is the identification of potentially dangerous pathogens or tumour cells, and raising a wide range of mechanisms to eliminate them from the organism. One of these mechanisms is activation and expansion of antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells, after recognition of antigenic peptides on the surface of antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DCs). However, DCs also process and present autoantigens. Therefore, antigen presentation has to occur in the appropriate context to either trigger immune responses or establishing immunological tolerance. This is achieved by co-stimulation of T cells during antigen presentation. Co-stimulation consists on the simultaneous binding of ligand-receptor molecules at the immunological synapse which will determine the type and extent of T cell responses. In addition, the type of cytokines/chemokines present during antigen presentation will influence the polarisation of T cell responses, whether they lead to tolerance, antibody responses or cytotoxicity. In this review, we will focus on approaches manipulating co-stimulation during antigen presentation, and the role of cytokine stimulation on effective T cell responses. More specifically, we will address the experimental strategies to interfere with negative co-stimulation such as that mediated by PD-L1 (Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1)/PD-1 (Programmed death 1) to enhance anti-tumour immunity.

The tricyclodecan-9-yl-xanthogenate D609 triggers ceramide increase and enhances FasL-induced caspase-dependent and -independent cell death in T lymphocytes

D609 is known to modulate death receptor-induced ceramide generation and cell death. We show that in Jurkat cells, non-toxic D609 concentrations inhibit sphingomyelin synthase and, to a lesser extent, glucosylceramide synthase, and transiently increase the intracellular ceramide level. D609 significantly enhanced FasL-induced caspase activation and apoptosis. D609 stimulated FasL-induced cell death in caspase-8-deficient Jurkat cells, indicating that D609 acts downstream of caspase-8. At high FasL concentration (500 ng/mL), cell death was significantly, but not completely, inhibited by zVAD-fmk, a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor, indicating that FasL can activate both caspase-dependent and -independent cell death signaling pathways. FasL-induced caspase activation was abolished by zVAD-fmk, whereas ceramide production was only partially impaired. D609 enhanced caspase-independent ceramide increase and cell death in response to FasL. Also, D609 overcame zVAD-fmk-conferred resistance to a FasL concentration as low as 50 ng/mL and bypassed RIP deficiency. It is likely that mitochondrial events were involved, since Bcl-xL over-expression impaired D609 effects. In PHA-activated human T lymphocytes, D609 enhanced FasL-induced cell death in the presence or absence of zVAD-fmk. Altogether, our data strongly indicate that the inhibition of ceramide conversion to complex sphingolipids by D609 is accompanied by an enhancement of FasL-induced caspase-dependent and -independent cell death in T lymphocytes.

A rapid culture technique produces functional dendritic-like cells from human acute myeloid leukemia cell lines

Most anti-cancer immunotherapeutic strategies involving dendritic cells (DC) as vaccines rely upon the adoptive transfer of DC loaded with exogenous tumour-peptides. This study utilized human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells as progenitors from which functional dendritic-like antigen presenting cells (DLC) were generated, that constitutively express tumour antigens for recognition by CD8⁺ T cells. DLC were generated from AML cell lines KG-1 and MUTZ-3 using rapid culture techniques and appropriate cytokines. DLC were evaluated for their cell-surface phenotype, antigen uptake and ability to stimulate allogeneic responder cell proliferation, and production of IFN-γ; compared with DC derived from normal human PBMC donors. KG-1 and MUTZ-3 DLC increased expression of CD80, CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR, and MUTZ-3 DLC downregulated CD14 and expressed CD1a. Importantly, both KG-1 and MUTZ-3-derived DLC promoted proliferation of allogeneic responder cells more efficiently than unmodified cells; neither cells incorporated FITC-labeled dextran, but both stimulated IFN-γ production from responding allogeneic CD8⁺ T cells. Control DC produced from PBMC using the FastDC culture also expressed high levels of critical cell surface ligands and demonstrated good APC function. This paper indicates that functional DLC can be cultured from the AML cell lines KG-1 and MUTZ-3, and FastDC culture generates functional KG-1 DLC.

Leflunomide induces apoptosis in fludarabine-resistant and clinically refractory CLL cells

PURPOSE

Environmental conditions in lymph node proliferation centers protect chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells from apoptotic triggers. This situation can be mimicked by in vitro stimulation with CD40 ligand (CD40L) and interleukin 4 (IL-4). Our study investigates the impact of the drug leflunomide to overcome apoptosis resistance of CLL cells.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

CLL cells were stimulated with CD40L and IL-4 and treated with fludarabine and the leflunomide metabolite A771726.

RESULTS

Resistance to fludarabine-mediated apoptosis was induced by CD40 activation alone stimulating high levels of BCL-XL and MCL1 protein expression. Apoptosis resistance was further enhanced by a complementary Janus-activated kinase (JAK)/STAT signal induced by IL-4. In contrast, CLL proliferation required both a CD40 and a JAK/STAT signal and could be completely blocked by pan-JAK inhibition. Leflunomide (A771726) antagonized CD40L/IL-4-induced proliferation at very low concentrations (3 μg/mL) reported to inhibit dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. At a concentration of 10 μg/mL, A771726 additionally attenuated STAT3/6 phosphorylation, whereas apoptosis of CD40L/IL-4-activated ("resistant") CLL cells was achieved with higher concentrations (IC(50): 80 μg/mL). Apoptosis was also effectively induced by A771726 in clinically refractory CLL cells with and without a defective p53 pathway. Induction of apoptosis involved inhibition of NF-κB activity and loss of BCL-XL and MCL1 expression. In combination with fludarabine, A771726 synergistically induced apoptosis (IC(50): 56 μg/mL).

CONCLUSION

We thus show that A771726 overcomes CD40L/IL-4-mediated resistance to fludarabine in CLL cells of untreated as well as clinically refractory CLL cells. We present a possible novel therapeutic principle for attacking chemoresistant CLL cells.

Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase activity during in vitro dendritic cell generation determines suppressive or stimulatory capacity

Modulating PI3K at different stages of dendritic cells (DC) generation could be a novel means to balance the generation of immunosuppressive versus immunostimulatory DC. We show that PI3K inhibition during mouse DC generation in vitro results in cells that are potently immunosuppressive and characteristic of CD8alpha- CD11c+ CD11b+ DC. These DC exhibited low surface class I and class II MHC, CD40, and CD86 and did not produce TNF-alpha. In allogeneic MLR, these DC were suppressive. Although in these mixed cultures, there was no increase in the frequency of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ cells, the Foxp3 content on a per cell basis was significantly increased. Sustained TLR9 signaling in the presence of PI3K inhibition during DC generation overrode the cells' suppressive phenotype.

Targeting lentiviral vectors for cancer immunotherapy

Delivery of tumour-associated antigens (TAA) in a way that induces effective, specific immunity is a challenge in anti-cancer vaccine design. Circumventing tumour-induced tolerogenic mechanisms in vivo is also critical for effective immunotherapy. Effective immune responses are induced by professional antigen presenting cells, in particular dendritic cells (DC). This requires presentation of the antigen to both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in the context of strong co-stimulatory signals. Lentiviral vectors have been tested as vehicles, for both ex vivo and in vivo delivery of TAA and/or activation signals to DC, and have been demonstrated to induce potent T cell mediated immune responses that can control tumour growth. This review will focus on the use of lentiviral vectors for in vivo gene delivery to DC, introducing strategies to target DC, either targeting cell entry or gene expression to improve safety of the lentiviral vaccine or targeting dendritic cell activation pathways to enhance performance of the lentiviral vaccine. In conclusion, this review highlights the potential of lentiviral vectors as a generally applicable 'off-the-shelf' anti-cancer immunotherapeutic.

MR evaluation of response to targeted treatment in cancer cells

The development of molecular technologies, together with progressive sophistication of molecular imaging methods, has allowed the further elucidation of the multiple mutations and dysregulatory effects of pathways leading to oncogenesis. Acting against these pathways by specifically targeted agents represents a major challenge for current research efforts in oncology. As conventional anatomically based pharmacological endpoints may be inadequate to monitor the tumor response to these targeted treatments, the identification and use of more appropriate, noninvasive pharmacodynamic biomarkers appear to be crucial to optimize the design, dosage and schedule of these novel therapeutic approaches. An aberrant choline phospholipid metabolism and enhanced flux of glucose derivatives through glycolysis, which sustain the redirection of mitochondrial ATP to glucose phosphorylation, are two major hallmarks of cancer cells. This review focuses on the changes detected in these pathways by MRS in response to targeted treatments. The progress and limitations of our present understanding of the mechanisms underlying MRS-detected phosphocholine accumulation in cancer cells are discussed in the light of gene and protein expression and the activation of different enzymes involved in phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis and catabolism. Examples of alterations induced in the MRS choline profile of cells exposed to different agents or to tumor environmental factors are presented. Current studies aimed at the identification in cancer cells of MRS-detected pharmacodynamic markers of therapies targeted against specific conditional or constitutive cell receptor stimulation are then reviewed. Finally, the perspectives of present efforts addressed to identify enzymes of the phosphatidylcholine cycle as possible novel targets for anticancer therapy are summarized.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase-dependent regulation of Na+/H+ exchanger in dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DCs), antigen-presenting cells that are able to initiate primary immune responses and to establish immunological memory, are activated by exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which leads to cell swelling, triggering ROS formation and stimulating migration. The function of DCs is regulated by the phosphoinositide 3 (PI3) kinase pathway. On the other hand, PI3 kinase is an important regulator of diverse transporters including the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE). The present study was performed to elucidate the role of PI3 kinase in NHE activity, cell volume, ROS formation, and migration. To this end, DCs were isolated from murine bone marrow, cytosolic pH (pH(i)) determined utilizing 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein fluorescence, Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity from the Na(+)-dependent realkalinization after an ammonium pulse, cell volume from forward scatter in fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis, ROS production from 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence, and migration utilizing transwell migration assays. Exposure of DCs to LPS led within 4 h to a gradual cytosolic acidification paralleled by a transient time- and dose-dependent increase of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activity, cell swelling, enhanced ROS production, and stimulation of migration. The PI3K inhibitors Wortmannin (1 μM) or LY294002 (10 μM) significantly blunted the effects of LPS on NHE activity, cell volume, ROS production, and migration. The present observations disclose a critical role of PI3K signaling in the regulation of DC function following exposure to LPS.

Dendritic cells for active anti-cancer immunotherapy: targeting activation pathways through genetic modification

Tumour immunotherapy has become a treatment modality for cancer, harnessing the immune system to recognize and eradicate tumour cells specifically. It is based on the expression of tumour associated antigens (TAA) by the tumour cells and aims at the induction of TAA-specific effector T cell responses, whilst overruling various mechanisms that can hamper the anti-tumour immune response, e.g. regulatory T cells (Treg). (Re-) activation of effector T cells requires the completion of a carefully orchestrated series of specific steps. Particularly important is the provision of TAA presentation and strong stimulatory signals, delivered by co-stimulatory surface molecules and cytokines. These can only be delivered by professional antigen-presenting cells, in particular dendritic cells (DC). Therefore, DC need to be loaded with TAA and appropriately activated. It is not surprising that an extensive part of DC research has focused on the delivery of both TAA and activation signals to DC, developing a one step approach to obtain potent stimulatory DC. The simultaneous delivery of TAA and activation signals is therefore the topic of this review, emphasizing the role of DC in mediating T cell activation and how we can manipulate DC for the pill-pose of enhancing tumour immunotherapy. As we gain a better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that mediate induction of TAA-specific T cells, rational approaches for the activation of T cell responses can be developed for the treatment of cancer.

Human CD34-derived myeloid dendritic cell development requires intact phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B-mammalian target of rapamycin signaling

Dendritic cells (DCs) are composed of different subsets that exhibit distinct functionality in the induction and regulation of immune responses. The myeloid DC subsets, including interstitial DCs and Langerhans cells (LCs), develop from CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors via direct DC precursors or monocytes. The molecular mechanisms regulating DC development are still largely unknown and mostly studied in mice. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) regulates multiple processes in myeloid cells. This study investigated the role of PI3K signaling in the development of human CD34-derived myeloid DCs. Pharmacologic inhibition of PI3K or one of its downstream targets mTOR reduced interstitial DC and LC numbers in vitro. Increased activity of this signaling module by introduction of constitutively active protein kinase B (PKB/c-Akt) increased the yields of human DC precursors in vitro as well as in transplanted beta2-microglobulin-/- NOD/SCID mice in vivo. Signaling inhibition during differentiation did not affect the acquisition of a DC phenotype, whereas proliferation and survival strongly depended on intact PI3K-PKB-mTOR signaling. Interestingly, however, this pathway became redundant for survival regulation upon terminal differentiation, which was associated with an altered expression of apoptosis regulating genes. Although dispensable for costimulatory molecule expression, the PI3K-PKB-mTOR signaling module was required for other important processes associated with DC function, including Ag uptake, LPS-induced cytokine secretion, CCR7 expression, and T cell stimulation. Thus, PI3K-PKB-mTOR signaling plays a crucial role in the development of functional CD34-derived myeloid DCs. These findings could be used as a strategy to manipulate DC subset distribution and function to regulate immunity.

The ABC of dendritic cell development and function

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are known for their involvement in clinical multidrug resistance (MDR) and their physiological defensive functions in barrier organs. More recently, attention has been focused on their possible involvement in the regulation of immune responses following the identification of their substrates as known immunomodulating agents (e.g. prostaglandins, leukotrienes and cyclic nucleotides) and their functional expression in various immune effector cells, most notably in dendritic cells (DCs). This review addresses the possible roles of ABC transporters in DC development and function, as well as the putative immunostimulatory potential of their cytostatic substrates and how this knowledge might benefit DC-based chemo-immunotherapies.

Combined sensitization of mice to extracts of dust mite, ragweed, and Aspergillus species breaks through tolerance and establishes chronic features of asthma

BACKGROUND

Existing asthma models develop tolerance when chronically exposed to the same allergen.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to establish a chronic model that sustains features of asthma long after discontinuation of allergen exposure.

METHODS

We immunized and exposed mice to a combination of single, double, or triple allergens (dust mite, ragweed, and Aspergillus species) intranasally for 8 weeks. Airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and morphologic features of asthma were studied 3 weeks after allergen exposure. Signaling effects of the allergens were studied on dendritic cells.

RESULTS

Sensitization and repeated exposure to a single allergen induced tolerance. Sensitization to double and especially triple allergens broke through tolerance and established AHR, eosinophilic inflammation, mast cell and smooth muscle hyperplasia, mucus production, and airway remodeling that persisted at least 3 weeks after allergen exposure. Mucosal exposure to triple allergens in the absence of an adjuvant was sufficient to induce chronic airway inflammation. Anti-IL-5 and anti-IL-13 antibodies inhibited inflammation and AHR in the acute asthma model but not in the chronic triple-allergen model. Multiple allergens produce a synergy in p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and maturation of dendritic cells, which provides heightened T-cell costimulation at a level that cannot be achieved with a single allergen.

CONCLUSIONS

Sensitivity to multiple allergens leads to chronic asthma in mice. Multiple allergens synergize in dendritic cell signaling and T-cell stimulation that allows escape from the single allergen-associated tolerance development.

Dendritic cell differentiation induced by a self-peptide derived from apolipoprotein E

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional APCs and potent stimulators of naive T cells. Since DCs have the ability to immunize or tolerize T cells they are unique candidates for use in immunotherapy. Our laboratory has discovered that a naturally processed self-peptide from apolipoprotein E, Ep1.B, induces DC-like morphology and surface marker expression in a murine monocytic cell line (PU5-1.8), human monocytic cell line (U937), murine splenocytes, and human peripheral blood monocytes. Microscopy and flow cytometric analysis revealed that Ep1.B-treated cells display decreased adherence to plastic and increased aggregation, dendritic processes, and expression of DC surface markers, including DEC-205, CD11c, B7.1, and B7.2. These effects were observed in both PU5-1.8 cells and splenocytes from various mouse strains including BALB/c, C57BL/6, NOD/Lt, and C3H/HeJ. Coadministration of Ep1.B with OVA antigenic peptide functions in dampening specific immune response to OVA. Ep1.B down-regulates proliferation of T cells and IFN-gamma production and stimulates IL-10 secretion in immunized mice. Ep1.B-induced differentiation resulted in the activation of PI3K and MAPK signaling pathways, including ERK1/2, p38, and JNK. We also found that NF-kappaB, a transcription factor essential for DC differentiation, is critical in mediating the effects of Ep1.B. Ep1.B-induced differentiation is independent of MyD88-dependent pathway of TLR signaling. Cumulatively, these findings suggest that Ep1.B acts by initiating a signal transduction cascade in monocytes leading to their differentiation into DCs.

A role for multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4; ABCC4) in human dendritic cell migration

The capacity of dendritic cells (DCs) to migrate from peripheral organs to lymph nodes (LNs) is important in the initiation of a T cell-mediated immune response. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters P-glycoprotein (P-gp; ABCB1) and the multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1; ABCC1) have been shown to play a role in both human and murine DC migration. Here we show that a more recently discovered family member, MRP4 (ABCC4), is expressed on both epidermal and dermal human skin DCs and contributes to the migratory capacity of DCs. Pharmacological inhibition of MRP4 activity or down-regulation through RNAi in DCs resulted in reduced migration of DCs from human skin explants and of in vitro generated Langerhans cells. The responsible MRP4 substrate remains to be identified as exogenous addition of MRP4's known substrates prostaglandin E(2), leukotriene B(4) and D(4), or cyclic nucleotides (all previously implicated in DC migration) could not restore migration. This notwithstanding, our data show that MRP4 is an important protein, significantly contributing to human DC migration toward the draining lymph nodes, and therefore relevant for the initiation of an immune response and a possible target for immunotherapy.

Phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C activation is required for CCR5-dependent, NF-kB-driven CCL2 secretion elicited in response to HIV-1 gp120 in human primary macrophages

CCL2 (MCP-1) has been shown to enhance HIV-1 replication. The expression of this chemokine by macrophages is up-modulated as a consequence of viral infection or gp120 exposure. In this study, we show for the first time that the phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) is required for the production of CCL2 triggered by gp120 in human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Using a combination of pharmacologic inhibition, confocal laser-scanner microscopy, and enzymatic activity assay, we demonstrate that R5 gp120 interaction with CCR5 activates PC-PLC, as assessed by a time-dependent modification of its subcellular distribution and a concentration-dependent increase of its enzymatic activity. Furthermore, PC-PLC is required for NF-kB-mediated CCL2 production triggered by R5 gp120. Notably, PC-PLC activation through CCR5 is specifically induced by gp120, since triggering CCR5 through its natural ligand CCL4 (MIP-1beta) does not affect PC-PLC cellular distribution and enzymatic activity, as well as CCL2 secretion, thus suggesting that different signaling pathways can be activated through CCR5 interaction with HIV-1 or chemokine ligands. The identification of PC-PLC as a critical mediator of well-defined gp120-mediated effects in MDMs unravels a novel mechanism involved in bystander activation and may contribute to define potential therapeutic targets to block Env-triggered pathologic responses.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase dependent regulation of Kv channels in dendritic cells

The phosphoinositide 3 (PI3) kinase plays a pivotal role in the regulation of dendritic cells (DCs), antigen-presenting cells that are able to initiate primary immune responses and to establish immunological memory. PI3 kinase is an endogenous suppressor of interleukin 12 (IL-12) production in DCs that is triggered by Toll-like receptor signaling. Inhibition of IL-12 production limits T helper 1 (Th1) polarization. On the other hand, PI3 kinase is an important regulator of various ion channels. The present study aimed to explore whether ion channels in DCs are regulated by PI3 kinase and whether they are important for DC function. To this end, DCs were isolated from murine bone marrow and ion channel activity was determined by patch clamp. As a result, DCs express voltage-gated K(+) channels (Kv), which are blocked by Stichodactyla helianthus toxin (ShK, 2.5 nM). A significant upregulation of Kv currents was observed upon maturation of DCs as induced by stimulation of the cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.1 microg/ml, 48 h). A dramatic increase of Kv current amplitude was observed following preincubation of the cells with LY294002 (100 nM), a specific inhibitor of PI3 kinase. PI3 kinase inhibitor wortmannin (100 nM) similarly increased Kv current. LY294002 treatment was further followed by a significant increase of IL-12 production. ShK (100 nM) significantly blunted the stimulation of IL-12 release by LPS but not when the cells were first pretreated with LY294002. The observations point to Kv channel sensitive and Kv channel insensitive regulation of DC function.

Bacillus subtilis spores: a novel microparticle adjuvant which can instruct a balanced Th1 and Th2 immune response to specific antigen

There is a current need for safe, cheap, and effective vaccine adjuvants, to combine with sub-unit antigens to enhance their immunogenicity. In this study we have used probiotic Bacillus subtilis spores, known to be safe and fully tolerated by ingestion in man, and explored their ability to influence the magnitude and diversity of immune responses induced against two model antigens, tetanus toxoid fragment C (TT) and ovalbumin (OVA) in mice. The results show that B. subtilis spores not only increased antibody and T cell responses to a co-administered soluble antigen, but also broadened them, to include both antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses as well as complement and non-complement fixing antibody isotypes. Furthermore, following intranasal immunization, spores augmented specific IgA to co-administered antigen both in the local respiratory and distal vaginal mucosa, as well as increased antigen-specific IgG antibody in draining LN and blood. Collectively, these data demonstrate that naturally occurring, non-pathogenic, non-commensal spores of B. subtilis both instruct and augment polyvalent immune responses and highlight their clinical potential in future vaccines to generate broad-based immunity.

DC research in Australia

Australian researchers have contributed significantly to the understanding of DC biology and clinical application over the past 25 years. Active DC research programs are in place in all major centers, pursuing the key questions of DC phylogeny, physiology and clinical applicability. Pre-clinical and clinical research include the pathophysiology of DC in malignancy, autoimmunity, chronic viral infection, chronic renal failure and transplantation medicine. In addition, Australian laboratories have uncovered some of the subtle complexities of DC subsets, often utilizing novel investigational tools discovered in their laboratories. Above all, Australian DC research has benefited from the existence of a potent culture of active collaboration, which has led to key interactions between cellular immunologists, clinician scientists and clinical researchers. These collaborations have led to the emergence of DC research programs that extend from in vitro and animal models of DC biology through each step of clinical translation and into active clinical trials.

CC-Chemokine Ligand 16 Induces a Novel Maturation Program in Human Immature Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) are indispensable for initiation of primary T cell responses and a host's defense against infection. Many proinflammatory stimuli induce DCs to mature (mDCs), but little is known about the ability of chemokines to modulate their maturation. In the present study, we report that CCL16 is a potent maturation factor for monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) through differential use of its four receptors and an indirect regulator of Th cell differentiation. MoDCs induced to mature by CCL16 are characterized by increased expression of CD80 and CD86, MHC class II molecules, and ex novo expression of CD83 and CCR7. They produce many chemokines to attract monocytes and T cells and are also strong stimulators in activating allogeneic T cells to skew toward Th1 differentiation. Interestingly, they are still able to take up Ag and express chemokine receptors usually bound by inflammatory ligands and can be induced to migrate to different sites where they capture Ags. Our findings indicate that induction of MoDC maturation is an important property of CCL16 and suggest that chemokines may not only organize the migration of MoDCs, but also directly regulate their ability to prime T cell responses.

GSK-3 mediates differentiation and activation of proinflammatory dendritic cells

The key components of the intracellular molecular network required for the expression of a specific function of dendritic cells (DCs) are as yet undefined. Using an in vitro model of human monocyte-derived DC differentiation, this study investigates the role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), a multifunctional enzyme critical for cellular differentiation, apoptosis, self-renewal, and motility, in this context. We demonstrate that GSK-3 (1) inhibits macrophage development during differentiation of DCs, (2) is constitutively active in immature DCs and suppresses spontaneous maturation, and (3) acquires a proinflammatory functional status mediating high levels of IL-12, IL-6, and TNF-α secretion, and partially inhibits IL-10 in the context of DC activation. In particular, GSK-3 enhances IL-12p35 mRNA expression and thus the production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-12p70 by integrating the activities of other kinases priming GSK-3 targets and the inhibitory effects of Akt-1. GSK-3 may therefore act as a key integrator of activating and inhibitory pathways involved in proinflammatory DC differentiation and activation.