Complement-induced regulatory T cells suppress T-cell responses but allow for dendritic-cell maturation

Human dendritic cell targeting peptide can be targeted to porcine dendritic cells to improve antigen capture efficiency to stimulate stronger immune response

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in the natural recognition of pathogens and subsequent activation of adaptive immune responses due to their potent antigen-presenting ability. Dendritic cell-targeting peptide (DCpep) is strongly targeted to DCs, which often express antigens, to enhance the efficacy of vaccines. Our previous study showed that recombinant Lactobacillus expressing human DCpep could significantly induce stronger immune responses than recombinant Lactobacillus without DCpep, but the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the mechanism by which DCpep enhances the immune response against recombinant Lactobacillus was explored. Fluorescence-labeled human DCpep was synthesized to evaluate the binding ability of human DCpep to porcine monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo-DCs) and DCs of the small intestine. The effects of Mo-DC function induced by recombinant Lactobacillus expressing human DCpep fused with the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) core neutralizing epitope (COE) antigen were also investigated. The results showed that human DCpep bind to porcine DCs, but not to porcine small intestinal epithelial cells. Human DCpep can also improve the capture efficiency of recombinant Lactobacillus by Mo-DCs, promote the maturation of dendritic cells, secrete more cytokines, and enhance the ability of porcine DCs to activate T-cell proliferation. Taken together, these results promote advanced understanding of the mechanism by which DCpep enhances immune responses. We found that some DCpeps are conserved between humans and pigs, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of a DC-targeted vaccine.

Monogenic Immune Diseases Provide Insights Into the Mechanisms and Treatment of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and can burden patients with devastating and lifelong health effects. Our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying chronic GvHD remains incomplete and this lack of understanding is reflected by lack of clear therapeutic approaches to steroid refractory disease. Observations predominantly from mouse models and human correlative studies currently support a three phase model for the initiation and development of chronic GvHD: 1) early inflammation and tissue damage triggers the innate immune system. This leads to inflammatory cytokine/chemokine patterns that recruit effector immune cell populations; 2) chronic inflammation causes the loss of central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms leading to emergence of pathogenic B and T cell populations that promote autoimmune and alloimmune reactions; 3) the dysregulated immunity causes altered macrophage polarization, aberrant tissue repair leading to scarring and end organ fibrosis. This model has led to the evaluation of many new therapies aimed at limiting inflammation, targeting dysregulated signaling pathways and restoring tolerance mechanisms. However, chronic GvHD is a multisystem disease with complex clinical phenotypes and it remains unclear as to which cluster of patients will respond best to specific therapeutic strategies. However, it is possible to gain novel insights from immune-related monogenic diseases. These diseases either share common clinical manifestations, replicate steps from the three phase chronic GvHD model or serve as surrogates for perfectly targeted drugs being investigated in chronic GvHD therapy. In this review, we will summarize the evidence from these monogenic immune related diseases that provide insight into pathogenic pathways in chronic GvHD, rationales for current therapies and novel directions for future drug discovery.

Emerging patterns of regulatory T cell function in tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of mortality worldwide from a single infectious agent and has significant implications for global health. A major hurdle in the development of effective TB vaccines and therapies is the absence of defined immune‐correlates of protection. In this context, the role of regulatory T cells (T_reg), which are essential for maintaining immune homeostasis, is even less understood. This review aims to address this knowledge gap by providing an overview of the emerging patterns of T_reg function in TB. Increasing evidence from studies, both in animal models of infection and TB patients, points to the fact the role of T_regs in TB is dependent on disease stage. While T_regs might expand and delay the appearance of protective responses in the early stages of infection, their role in the chronic phase perhaps is to counter‐regulate excessive inflammation. New data highlight that this important homeostatic role of T_regs in the chronic phase of TB may be compromised by the expansion of activated human leucocyte antigen D‐related (HLA‐DR)⁺CD4⁺ suppression‐resistant effector T cells. This review provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of the key features of T_reg cells in TB; highlights the importance of a balanced immune response as being important in TB and discusses the importance of probing not just T_reg frequency but also qualitative aspects of T_reg function as part of a comprehensive search for novel TB treatments.

Targeting the Complement Alternative Pathway Permits Graft Versus Leukemia Activity while Preventing Graft Versus Host Disease

PURPOSE

Application of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for patients with hematologic disorders is limited by the development of GVHD. Separation of GVHD and graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) remains a great challenge in the field. We investigated the contribution of individual pathways involved in the complement cascade in GVH and GVL responses to identify specific targets by which to separate these two processes.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We used multiple preclinical murine and human-to-mouse xenograft models involving allo-HCT recipients lacking components of the alternative pathway (AP) or classical pathway (CP)/lectin pathway (LP) to dissect the role of each individual pathway in GVHD pathogenesis and the GVL effect. For translational purposes, we used the AP-specific complement inhibitor, CR2-fH, which localizes in injured target organs to allow specific blockade of complement activation at sites of inflammation.

RESULTS

Complement deposition was evident in intestines of mice and patients with GVHD. In a preclinical setting, ablation of the AP, but not the CP/LP, significantly improved GVHD outcomes. Complement activation through the AP in host hematopoietic cells, and specifically dendritic cells (DC), was required for GVHD progression. AP deficiency in recipients decreased donor T-cell migration and Th1/Th2 differentiation, while increasing the generation of regulatory T cells. This was because of decreased activation and stimulatory activity of recipient DCs in GVHD target organs. Treatment with CR2-fH effectively prevented GVHD while preserving GVL activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the AP as a new therapeutic target to prevent GVHD and tumor relapse after allo-HCT. Targeting the AP by CR2-fH represents a promising therapeutic approach for GVHD treatment.

Complement C3a and C5a receptors promote GVHD by suppressing mitophagy in recipient dendritic cells

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). DCs play critical roles in GVHD induction. Modulating autophagy represents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of immunological diseases. Complement receptors C3aR/C5aR expressed on DCs regulate immune responses by translating extracellular signals into intracellular activity. In the current study, we found that C3aR/C5aR deficiency enhanced ceramide-dependent lethal mitophagy (CDLM) in DCs. Cotransfer of host-type C3aR-/-/C5aR-/- DCs in the recipients significantly improved GVHD outcome after allogeneic HCT, primarily through enhancing CDLM in DCs. C3aR/C5aR deficiency in the host hematopoietic compartment significantly reduced GVHD severity via impairing Th1 differentiation and donor T cell glycolytic activity while enhancing Treg generation. Prophylactic treatment with C3aR/C5aR antagonists effectively alleviated GVHD while maintaining the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. Altogether, we demonstrate that inhibiting C3aR/C5aR induces lethal mitophagy in DCs, which represents a potential therapeutic approach to control GVHD while preserving the GVL effect.

Environmental peer pressure: CD4+ T cell help in tolerance and transplantation

The liver participates in a multitude of metabolic functions that are critical for sustaining human life. Despite constant encounters with antigenic-rich intestinal blood, oxidative stress, and metabolic intermediates, there is no appreciable immune response. Interestingly, patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation benefit from a high rate of graft acceptance in comparison to other solid organ transplant recipients. In fact, cotransplantation of a donor liver in tandem with a rejection-prone graft increases the likelihood of graft acceptance. A variety of players may account for this phenomenon including the interaction of intrahepatic antigen-presenting cells with CD4⁺ T cells and the preferential induction of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression on CD4⁺ T cells following injurious stimuli. Ineffective insult management can cause chronic liver disease, which manifests systemically as the following: antibody-mediated disorders, ineffective antiviral and antibacterial immunity, and gastrointestinal disorders. These sequelae sharing the requirement of CD4⁺ T cell help to coordinate aberrant immune responses. In this review, we will focus on CD4⁺ T cell help due to the shared requirements in hepatic tolerance and coordination of extrahepatic immune responses. Overall, intrahepatic deviations from steady state can have deleterious systemic immune outcomes and highlight the liver's remarkable capacity to maintain a balance between tolerance and inflammatory response while simultaneously being inundated with a panoply of antigenic stimuli. Liver Transplantation 24 89-97 2018 AASLD.

The "ins and outs" of complement-driven immune responses

The complement system represents an evolutionary old and critical component of innate immunity where it forms the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Originally described as a heat-labile fraction of the serum responsible for the opsonization and subsequent lytic killing of bacteria, work over the last century firmly established complement as a key mediator of the general inflammatory response but also as an acknowledged vital bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. However, recent studies particularly spanning the last decade have provided new insights into the novel modes and locations of complement activation and highlighted unexpected additional biological functions for this ancient system, for example, in regulating basic processes of the cell. In this review, we will cover the current knowledge about complement's established and novel roles in innate and adaptive immunity with a focus on the functional differences between serum circulating and intracellularly active complement and will describe and discuss the newly discovered cross-talks of complement with other cell effector systems particularly during T-cell induction and contraction.

CD4+ Foxp3+ T cells promote aberrant immunoglobulin G production and maintain CD8+ T-cell suppression during chronic liver disease

Persistent hepatotropic viral infections are a common etiologic agent of chronic liver disease. Unresolved infection can be attributed to nonfunctional intrahepatic CD8+ T-cell responses. In light of dampened CD8+ T-cell responses, liver disease often manifests systemically as immunoglobulin (Ig)-related syndromes due to aberrant B-cell functions. These two opposing yet coexisting phenomena implicate the potential of altered CD4+ T-cell help. Elevated CD4+ forkhead box P3-positive (Foxp3+) T cells were evident in both human liver disease and a mouse model of chemically induced liver injury despite marked activation and spontaneous IgG production by intrahepatic B cells. While this population suppressed CD8+ T-cell responses, aberrant B-cell activities were maintained due to expression of CD40 ligand on a subset of CD4+ Foxp3+ T cells. In vivo blockade of CD40 ligand attenuated B-cell abnormalities in a mouse model of liver injury. A phenotypically similar population of CD4+ Foxp3+, CD40 ligand-positive T cells was found in diseased livers explanted from patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. This population was absent in nondiseased liver tissues and peripheral blood.

CONCLUSION

Liver disease elicits alterations in the intrahepatic CD4+ T-cell compartment that suppress T-cell immunity while concomitantly promoting aberrant IgG mediated manifestations. (Hepatology 2017;65:661-677).

Signaling in T cells - is anything the m(a)TOR with the picture(s)?

The excitement surrounding checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of patients with cancer exemplifies a triumph of the long-term value of investing in basic science and fundamental questions of T-cell signaling. The pharmaceutical future actively embraces ways of making more patients’ cancers responsive to these inhibitors. Such a process will be aided by elucidation of signaling and regulation. With thousands of articles spread across almost 30 years, this commentary can touch only on portions of the canonical picture of T-cell signaling and provide a few parables from work on mammalian (or mechanistic) target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways as they link to early and later phases of lymphocyte activation. The piece will turn a critical eye to some issues with models about these pathways in T cells. Many of the best insights lie in the future despite all that is uncovered already, but a contention is that further therapeutic successes will be fostered by dealing with disparities among findings and attention to the temporal, spatial, and stochastic aspects of T-cell responses. Finally, thoughts on some (though not all) items urgently needed for future progress will be mooted.

Complement in monoclonal antibody therapy of cancer

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) have been used as targeted treatments against cancer for more than a decade, with mixed results. Research is needed to understand mAb mechanisms of action with the goal of improving the efficacy of currently used mAbs and guiding the design of novel mAbs. While some mAb-induced tumor cell killing is a result of direct effects on tumor cell signaling, mAb opsonization of tumor cells also triggers activation of immune responses due to complement activation and engagement of antibody receptors on immune effector cells. In fact, complement has been shown to play an important role in modulating the anti-tumor activity of many mAb through complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cytotoxicity, and through indirect effects by modulating the tumor microenvironment. Complement activity can have both agonistic and antagonistic effects on these processes. How the balance of such effects impacts on the clinical efficacy of mAb therapy remains unclear. In this review, we discuss the mAbs currently approved for cancer treatment and examine how complement can impact their efficacy with a focus on how this information might be used to improve the clinical efficacy of mAb treatment.

Standard of hygiene and immune adaptation in newborn infants

The prevalence of immune-mediated diseases, such as allergies and type 1 diabetes, is on the rise in the developed world. In order to explore differences in the gene expression patterns induced in utero in infants born in contrasting standards of living and hygiene, we collected umbilical cord blood RNA samples from infants born in Finland (modern society), Estonia (rapidly developing society) and the Republic of Karelia, Russia (poor economic conditions). The whole blood transcriptome of Finnish and Estonian neonates differed from their Karelian counterparts, suggesting exposure to toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands and a more matured immune response in infants born in Karelia. These results further support the concept of a conspicuous plasticity in the developing immune system: the environmental factors that play a role in the susceptibility/protection towards immune-mediated diseases begin to shape the neonatal immunity already in utero and direct the maturation in accordance with the surrounding microbial milieu.

Complement modulation of T cell immune responses during homeostasis and disease

The complement system is an ancient and critical effector mechanism of the innate immune system as it senses, kills, and clears infectious and/or dangerous particles and alerts the immune system to the presence of the infection and/or danger. Interestingly, an increasing number of reports have demonstrated a clear role for complement in the adaptive immune system as well. Of note, a number of recent studies have identified previously unknown roles for complement proteins, receptors, and regulators in T cell function. Here, we will review recent data demonstrating the influence of complement proteins C1q, C3b/iC3b, C3a (and C3aR), and C5a (and C5aR) and complement regulators DAF (CD55) and CD46 (MCP) on T cell function during homeostasis and disease. Although new concepts are beginning to emerge in the field of complement regulation of T cell function, future experiments should focus on whether complement is interacting directly with the T cell or is having an indirect effect on T cell function via APCs, the cytokine milieu, or downstream complement activation products. Importantly, the identification of the pivotal molecular pathways in the human systems will be beneficial in the translation of concepts derived from model systems to therapeutic targeting for treatment of human disorders.

Immune modulation in humans: implications for type 1 diabetes mellitus

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is the result of autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β cells in genetically predisposed individuals with impaired immune regulation. The insufficiency in the modulation of immune attacks on the β cells might be partly due to genetic causes; indeed, several of the genetic variants that predispose individuals to T1DM have functional features of impaired immune regulation. Whilst defects in immune regulation in patients with T1DM have been identified, many patients seem to have immune regulatory capacities that are indistinguishable from those of healthy individuals. Insight into the regulation of islet autoimmunity might enable us to restore immune imbalances with therapeutic interventions. In this Review, we discuss the current knowledge on immune regulation and dysfunction in humans that is the basis of tissue-specific immune regulation as an alternative to generalized immune suppression.

Effects of virulent and attenuated transmissible gastroenteritis virus on the ability of porcine dendritic cells to sample and present antigen

Virulent transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) results in an acute, severe pathology and high mortality in piglets, while attenuated TGEV only causes moderate clinical reactions. Dendritic cells (DCs), through uptake and presentation of antigens to T cells, initiate distinct immune responses to different infections. In this study, an attenuated TGEV (STC3) and a virulent TGEV (SHXB) were used to determine whether porcine DCs play an important role in pathogenetic differences between these two TGEVs. Our results showed that immature and mature monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo-DCs) were susceptible to infection with SHXB and STC3. However, only SHXB inhibited Mo-DCs to activate T-cell proliferation by down-regulating the expression of cell–surface markers and the secretion of cytokines in vitro. In addition, after 48 h of SHXB infection, there was the impairment in the ability of porcine intestinal DCs to sample the antigen, to migrate from the villi to the lamina propria and to activate T-cell proliferation in vivo. In contrast, these abilities of intestinal DCs were enhanced in STC3-infected piglets. In conclusion, our results show that SHXB significantly impaired the functions of Mo-DCs and intestinal DCs in vitro and in vivo, while STC3 had the opposite effect. These differences may underlie the pathogenesis of virulent and attenuated TGEV in piglets, and could help us to develop a better strategy to prevent virulent TGEV infection.

The role of complement regulatory proteins in peripheral blood cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: review

CD55, CD59, CD35 and CD46 are cell membrane proteins that have regulatory properties on the activation of the complement cascade. Deficiency in the expression of these proteins may be associated with lower protection of healthy cells against complement mediated lysis and also with the accumulation of immune complexes in tissues. Few studies assess the expression of these proteins in patients with SLE and the mechanisms that regulate reduction in cellular expression, whereas its impact on manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus is still unknown.

Inhibition of CXCL10 release by monomeric C3bi and C4b

Cellulose acetate (CA) beads are often used for leucocyte apheresis therapy against inflammatory bowel disease. In order to clarify the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effects of CA, global analysis of the molecules generated in blood by the interaction with CA beads was performed in this study. An activated medium was collected from whole blood that had been preincubated with CA beads, and the effects of the CA-activated medium on leucocyte function were investigated. Fresh blood was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interferon (IFN)-β in the presence of the activated medium, and levels of chemokines and cytokines, including CXCL10 (IFN-inducible protein-10), and phosphorylated STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1), which is known to be essential for CXCL10 production in leucocytes, were measured. IFN-β- or LPS-induced CXCL10 production, expression of CXCL10 mRNA and phosphorylation of STAT1 were significantly reduced in the presence of the medium pretreated with CA beads compared with the control without the CA bead treatment. The factors inhibiting CXCL10 production were identified as the C3 and C4 fragments by mass spectrometry. The monomeric C3bi and C4b proteins were abundant in the medium pretreated with CA beads. Furthermore, purified C3bi and C4b were found to inhibit IFN-β-induced CXCL10 production and STAT1 phosphorylation. Thus, STAT1-mediated CXCL10 production induced by stimulation with LPS or IFN was potently inhibited by monomeric C3bi and C4b generated by the interaction of blood with CA beads. These mechanisms mediated by monomeric C3bi and C4b may be involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of CA.

CD46 in innate and adaptive immunity: an update

CD46 was discovered in 1986 during a search for novel C3b-binding proteins. CD46 is expressed ubiquitously and functions as a co-factor in the factor I-mediated proteolytic cleavage of C3b and C4b. Its vital role in preventing complement deposition on host tissue is underpinned by the fact that deficiency of CD46 is a predisposing factor for numerous disease conditions arising from complement-mediated 'self-attack'. However, in the last 10 years, it has become apparent that CD46 is also heavily involved in a new and somewhat surprising functional aspect of the complement system: the down-modulation of adaptive T helper type 1 (Th1) immune responses by regulating the production of interferon (IFN)-γ versus interleukin (IL)-10 within these cells. Specifically, this latter function of CD46 is a tantalizing discovery - it may not only have delivered the explanation as to why so many pathogens use and abuse CD46 as cell entry receptor but clearly has important clinical implications for the better understanding of Th1-mediated disease states and novel therapeutic approaches for their amelioration. Here, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge about CD46 and its expanding roles in the immune system.

CD46 plasticity and its inflammatory bias in multiple sclerosis

Known as a link to the adaptive immune system, a complement regulator, a "pathogen magnet" and more recently as an inducer of autophagy, CD46 is the human receptor that refuses to be put in a box. This review summarizes the current roles of CD46 during immune responses and highlights the role of CD46 as both a promoter and attenuator of the immune response. In patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), CD46 responses are overwhelmingly pro-inflammatory with notable defects in cytokine and chemokine production. Understanding the role of CD46 as an inflammatory regulator is a distant goal considering the darkness in which its regulatory mechanisms reside. Further research into the regulation of CD46 expression through its internalization and processing will undoubtedly extend our knowledge of how the balance is tipped in favor of inflammation in MS patients.

A functional complement system is required for normal T helper cell differentiation

Complement is a fundamental part of the innate immune system, and also modulates B cell responses. Its effects on T cells, however, are less well studied. Here we have studied antigen-specific T cell responses in C3-knockout (C3-KO) C57BL/6 mice. The animals were immunized with ovalbumin (OVA) in complete Freund's adjuvant, which favors T helper 1 (Th1)-type responses. Splenic lymphocytes from C3-KO mice proliferated less in response to OVA stimulation than splenocytes from control wild type (WT) mice. The response in the C3-KO mice was also qualitatively different. The expression of Th1 lineage determining transcription factor T-bet was decreased in OVA-stimulated splenocytes, and the induction of Th1-associated IgG subclasses impaired. In WT mice T cell proliferation in response to OVA was positively correlated with antigen-specific IgG2a and IgG3 levels. In C3-KO mice the proliferative response correlated with antigen-specific IgE levels, consistent with Th2 deviation. The expression of Th1-inducing cytokines IL-12 and IFN-γ was also decreased in the collecting lymph nodes in the C3-KO mice after immunization. Our results show that the complement system and its component C3 participate in the regulation of T cell responses, and that complement function is required for normal T helper cell differentiation.

CD46 engagement on human CD4+ T cells produces T regulatory type 1-like regulation of antimycobacterial T cell responses

Understanding the regulation of human immune responses is critical for vaccine development and treating infectious diseases. We have previously shown that simultaneous engagement of the T cell receptor (TCR) and complement regulator CD46 on human CD4(+) T cells in the presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2) induces potent secretion of the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-10. These T cells mediate IL-10-dependent suppression of bystander CD4(+) T cells activated in vitro with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 costimulation, reflecting a T regulatory type 1 (Tr1)-like phenotype. However, CD46-mediated negative regulation of pathogen-specific T cells has not been described. Therefore, we studied the ability of CD46-activated human CD4(+) T cells to suppress T cell responses to Mycobacterium bovis BCG, the live vaccine that provides infants protection against the major human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Our results demonstrate that soluble factors secreted by CD46-activated human CD4(+) T cells suppress mycobacterium-specific CD4(+), CD8(+), and γ(9)δ(2) TCR(+) T cells. Dendritic cell functions were not downregulated in our experiments, indicating that CD46-triggered factors directly suppress pathogen-specific T cells. Interestingly, IL-10 appeared to play a less pronounced role in our system, especially in the suppression of γ(9)δ(2) TCR(+) T cells, suggesting the presence of additional undiscovered soluble immunoregulatory factors. Blocking endogenous CD46 signaling 3 days after mycobacterial infection enhanced BCG-specific T cell responses in a subset of volunteers. Taken together, these results indicate that CD46-dependent negative regulatory mechanisms can impair T cell responses vital for immune defense against mycobacteria. Therefore, modulating CD46-induced immune regulation could be integral to the development of improved tuberculosis therapeutics or vaccines.

Mechanism of neuroinflammation: enhanced cytotoxicity and IL-17 production via CD46 binding

The membrane co-factor protein CD46 is the cellular receptor for a number of pathogens including the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). In addition to its function as an inhibitory complement receptor, engagement of CD46 in the context of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling influences T-cell activation. Simultaneous cross-linking of the CD3/CD46 molecules led to differentiation of a unique population of CD4+ T-cell subset characterized by enhanced expressions of IFN-gamma, IL-10, granzyme B, adhesion molecule MAdCAM-1 (alpha-4-beta-7), surface-bound cytokine LIGHT, and chemokine receptor CCR9. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) with unknown etiology. The HHV-6 is a candidate pathogen in MS and uses the CD46 molecule as its receptor. We hypothesize that binding of the HHV-6 glycoprotein to CD46 may trigger a pro-inflammatory response that could contribute to CNS tissue damage. To address this question, we examined immunological parameters such as proliferation, cytokine production and cytotoxic functions in CD4+ T cells of healthy individuals and MS patients following CD3/CD46 co-engagement by using anti-CD3 and anti-CD46 monoclonal antibodies as surrogates to mimic T-cell receptor and CD46 signaling. Our results demonstrated that CD3/CD46 cross-linking induced expression of IL-1beta and IL-17A in multiple sclerosis patient T cells. Additionally, increase in transient surface expression of lysosomal associated protein CD107a suggested enhanced CD4+ T-cell cytotoxic functions following CD3/CD46 co-stimulation. Collectively, this study demonstrated evidence to suggest a potential mechanism of virus-induced neuroinflammation that may be involved in MS disease pathogenesis.

Role and mechanism of action of complement in regulating T cell immunity

Complement is a part of the innate immune system that contributes to first-line host defense. It is also implicated in a number of human inflammatory conditions and has attracted interest as a potential therapeutic target. Understanding the basic biology of complement and its mechanism(s) of action is imperative for developing complement-based treatments for infectious and autoimmune diseases. One of the exciting new developments in this regard is the revelation that complement plays an important role in T cell immunity. In this review, we highlight recent published studies implicating complement in models of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses, and discuss its potential mechanism(s) action in these processes. We also comment on issues that may impact data interpretation and draw attention to their consideration in future studies.

CD46-induced human Treg enhance B-cell responses

Regulatory CD4(+) T cells (Treg) are important modulators of the immune response. Different types of Treg have been identified based on whether they are thymically derived (natural Treg) or induced in the periphery (adaptive Treg). We recently reported on an adaptive Treg phenotype that can be induced by the concomitant stimulation of human CD4(+) T cells through CD3 and the membrane complement regulator CD46. These complement (CD46)-induced regulatory T cells (cTreg) potently inhibit bystander T-cell proliferation through high-level secretion of IL-10. In addition, cTreg express granzyme B and exhibit cytotoxic effects toward activated effector T cells. Here, we analyzed the effect of cTreg on B-cell functions in a co-culture system. We found that cTreg enhance B-cell Ab production. This B-cell support is dependent on cell/cell contact as well as cTreg-derived IL-10. In addition, we show that T cells from a CD46-deficient patient are not capable of promoting B-cell responses, whereas CD46-deficient B cells have no intrinsic defect in Ig production. This finding may relate to a subset of CD46-deficient patients, who present with common variable immunodeficiency. Thus, the lack of cTreg function in optimizing B-cell responses could explain why some CD46-deficient patients develop common variable immunodeficiency.

Assessment of seasonal influenza A virus-specific CD4 T-cell responses to 2009 pandemic H1N1 swine-origin influenza A virus

Very limited evidence has been reported to show human adaptive immune responses to the 2009 pandemic H1N1 swine-origin influenza A virus (S-OIV). We studied 17 S-OIV peptides homologous to immunodominant CD4 T epitopes from hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), nuclear protein (NP), M1 matrix protein (MP), and PB1 of a seasonal H1N1 strain. We concluded that 15 of these 17 S-OIV peptides would induce responses of seasonal influenza virus-specific T cells. Of these, seven S-OIV sequences were identical to seasonal influenza virus sequences, while eight had at least one amino acid that was not conserved. T cells recognizing epitopes derived from these S-OIV antigens could be detected ex vivo. Most of these T cells expressed memory markers, although none of the donors had been exposed to S-OIV. Functional analysis revealed that specific amino acid differences in the sequences of these S-OIV peptides would not affect or partially affect memory T-cell responses. These findings suggest that without protective antibody responses, individuals vaccinated against seasonal influenza A may still benefit from preexisting cross-reactive memory CD4 T cells reducing their susceptibility to S-OIV infection.

Augmenting DAF levels in vivo ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Recent studies in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) have found that CNS injury in Daf1(-/-) mice is much greater than in wild types (WTs), suggesting that upregulating DAF levels in vivo might ameliorate disease. To test this, we generated a Daf1 transgenic (Tg) mouse which had elevated DAF levels on its cell surfaces. In by-stand C3b uptake assays, Daf1 Tg mouse erythrocytes took up less C3b on their surfaces than WT erythrocytes. When co-cultured with OT-II CD4(+) T cells together with OVA(323-339) peptide, Daf1 Tg mouse bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs) produced less C5a and C3a than WT BM-DCs and stimulated a lesser T cell response. In MOG(35-55) immunization induced EAE model, Daf1 Tg mice exhibited delayed disease onset and decreased clinical scores compared to WTs. Histological analyses showed that there were less inflammation and demyelination in spinal cords in Daf1 Tg mice than those in WTs. In accordance with these results, Daf1 Tg mice had decreased MOG(35-55) specific Th1 and Th17 responses. These data provide further evidence that DAF suppresses autoreactive T cell responses in EAE, and indicate that augmenting its expression levels could be effective therapeutically in treating multiple sclerosis as well as other T cell mediated diseases.

Characterization of macroprolactin and assessment of markers of autoimmunity in macroprolactinaemic patients

OBJECTIVE

It has been reported that macroprolactin is a complex of PRL and an immunoglobulin G (IgG). This study further characterizes macroprolactin and evaluates for other markers of autoimmunity using a cohort of macroprolactinaemic sera. PATIENTS AND NORMAL SUBJECTS: Following treatment of hyperprolactinaemic sera (n = 58) with polyethylene glycol (PEG), PRL values fell from 524-13 546 mU/l (Range) to 452-8455 mU/l, while in macroprolactinaemic sera (n = 41), PRL concentration fell from 525-5747 to 98-378 mU/l (PEG treated normoprolactinaemic reference range, 68-230 mU/l in males, 70-390 mU/l in females).

DESIGN

PRL was measured in sera prior to and following gel filtration chromatography, ultrafiltration, treatment with protein A-sepharose, protein G-sepharose, antihuman IgG-agarose and sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN). The binding of radio-labelled PRL in macroprolactinaemic sera was also measured. Sera were assayed for antithyroid and antinuclear antibodies. C-reactive protein (CRP) and CD5 positive B cells were also measured. Comparisons were made between values obtained in normal, hyperprolactinaemic and macroprolactinaemic sera. Results Macroprolactinaemic sera indicated the presence of an IgG molecule and/or IgG fragments with one or more molecules of PRL. In 97% of the sera macroprolactin had a molecular weight of 204 kDa. Treatment of macroprolactinaemic sera with NaSCN caused dissociation of macroprolactin, releasing monomeric PRL. Macroprolactinaemic sera did not yield evidence of an increase in markers of autoimmunity when compared with hyperprolactinaemic or normal sera.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive analysis of macroprolactin confirmed its composition as an IgG molecule or fragment with a PRL molecule. The occurrence of macroprolactin does not appear to be associated with autoimmunity.

Human C3 deficiency associated with impairments in dendritic cell differentiation, memory B cells, and regulatory T cells

Primary C3 deficiency, a rare autosomal inherited disease (OMIM 120700), was identified in a 2-year-old male suffering from recurrent pyogenic infections from early infancy with undetectable total complement hemolytic activity (CH50) and C3 values. The nonconsanguineous parents and the two patients' two siblings had 50% normal serum C3 concentration. The molecular abnormality associated a paternal allele coding C3 with the missense mutation p.Ser(550)Pro and an apparently null maternal allele, with production of a defective protein that could no longer be secreted. Vaccination of the child did not induce a long-term Ab response. Accordingly, switched memory IgD(-)CD27(+) B cells were barely detected, amounting to only 2.3% of peripheral blood CD19(+) cells. Cells were significantly defective in stimulating alloreactive responses. The in vitro development of immature dendritic cells and their maturation capacity were greatly impaired, with decreased CD1a expression and IL-12p70 secretion ability. These cells were unable to induce autologous B cell proliferation and Ig secretion in the presence of CD40L and C3. Finally, the regulatory T cell development ability of CD4(+) T cells after CD3 and CD46 activation in the presence of IL-2 was significantly impaired. Thus, the association of important functional defects of dendritic cells, acquisition of B cell memory, and regulatory T cells with human C3 deficiency strongly supports a major role for C3 in bridging innate and adaptive immunity in humans.

Use of adenovirus in vaccines for HIV

The best hope of controlling the HIV pandemic is the development of an effective vaccine. In addition to the stimulation of virus neutralising antibodies, a vaccine will need an effective T-cell response against the virus. Vaccines based on recombinant adenoviruses (rAd) are promising candidates to stimulate anti-HIV T-cell responses. This review discusses the different rAd vector types, problems raised by host immune responses against them and strategies that are being adopted to overcome this problem. Vaccines need to target and stimulate dendritic cells and thus the tropism and interaction of rAd-based vaccines with these cells is covered. Different rAd vaccination regimes and the need to stimulate mucosal responses are discussed together with data from animal studies on immunogenicity and virus challenge experiments. The review ends with a discussion of the recent disappointing Merck HIV vaccine trial.

CD46-induced immunomodulatory CD4+ T cells express the adhesion molecule and chemokine receptor pattern of intestinal T cells

Tissue homing of activated T cells is typically mediated through their specific integrin and chemokine receptor repertoire. Activation of human primary CD4(+) T cells in the presence of CD46 cross-linking induces the development of a distinct immunomodulatory T cell population characterized by high IL-10/granzyme B production. How these regulatory T cells (Tregs) migrate/home to specific tissue sites is not understood. In this study, we determined the adhesion protein and chemokine receptor expression pattern on human CD3/CD46-activated peripheral blood CD4(+) T cells. CD3/CD46-activated, but not CD3/CD28-activated, T cells up-regulate the integrin alpha(4)beta(7). The interaction of alpha(4)beta(7) with its ligand mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1) mediates homing or retention of T cells to the intestine. CD3/CD46-activated Tregs adhere to/roll on MAdCAM-1-expressing HeLa cells, similar to T cells isolated from the human lamina propria (LP). This interaction is inhibited by silencing MAdCAM-1 expression in HeLa cells or by the addition of blocking Abs to beta(7). CD46 activation of T cells also induced the expression of the surface-bound cytokine LIGHT and the chemokine receptor CCR9, both marker constitutively expressed by gut LP-resident T cells. In addition, we found that approximately 10% of the CD4(+) T lymphocytes isolated from the LP of patients undergoing bariatric surgery contain T cells that spontaneously secrete a cytokine pattern consistent with that from CD46-activated T cells. These data suggest that CD46-induced Tregs might play a role in intestinal immune homeostasis where they could dampen unwanted effector T cell responses through local IL-10/granzyme B production.

The complement protein properdin binds apoptotic T cells and promotes complement activation and phagocytosis

Apoptotic cells must be rapidly eliminated to avoid harmful inflammatory and autoimmune reactions. Innate immunity is designed/poised to identify dying cells by their unique surface-associated molecular patterns. Here we demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, that the human complement protein properdin binds to early apoptotic T cells and initiates complement activation, leading to C3b opsonization and ingestion by phagocytic cells. Properdin binding was facilitated by the glycosaminoglycan chains of surface proteoglycans. Properdin released by activated neutrophils was particularly effective at recognition of apoptotic T cells, whereas the binding activity of properdin in the serum appeared to be inhibited. "Properdin tagging" of apoptotic T cells also induced their uptake by phagocytes independent of complement activation or other complement proteins. Although our findings were made primarily with apoptotic T cells, they suggest that properdin could play a similar role during apoptosis of other cell types.

An in vitro approach to assess the toxicity of inhaled tobacco smoke components: nicotine, cadmium, formaldehyde and urethane

One of the first lines of defence to inhaled toxins is the barrier formed by the tracheobronchial epithelium, making this the ideal region for studying the toxicity of inhaled substances. This study utilises a highly differentiated, three-dimensional, in vitro model of human upper respiratory tract epithelium (EpiAirway-100) to measure the acute toxicological responses to well-characterised tobacco smoke components. To determine the suitability of this model for screening inhaled toxicants, the EpiAirway tissue model (ETM) was treated apically with tobacco smoke components (nicotine, formaldehyde, cadmium, urethane) which are known to induce a variety of toxic effects (e.g. cytotoxic, thrombogenic, carcinogenic). A range of concentrations were used to model different mechanisms and severity of toxicity which were then compared to known in vivo responses. Similar trends in stress response occurred, with distinct alterations to the tissue in response to all four toxins. At high concentrations, cell viability decreased and tight junctions were degraded, but at sub-toxic concentrations epithelial resistance (indicating tissue integrity) increased 20-60% from control. This peak in resistance coincided with an increase in secreted protein levels, elevated cytokine release and goblet cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy. In conclusion, acute exposure to tobacco smoke components induces measurable toxic responses within human respiratory epithelium. Sub-toxic concentrations appear to illicit a protective response by increasing mucus secretion and mediating immune responses via cytokine release. These responses are comparable to human in vivo responses, indicating potential for the ETM as a tool for screening the toxicity of inhaled compounds.

Toll-like receptors and immune regulation: their direct and indirect modulation on regulatory CD4+ CD25+ T cells

Regulatory CD4(+) CD25(+) T (Treg) cells with the ability to suppress host immune responses against self- or non-self antigens play important roles in the processes of autoimmunity, transplant rejection, infectious diseases and cancers. The proper regulation of CD4(+) CD25(+) Treg cells is thus critical for optimal immune responses. Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated recognition of specific structures of invading pathogens initiates innate as well as adaptive immune responses via antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Interestingly, new evidence suggests that TLR signalling may directly or indirectly regulate the immunosuppressive function of CD4(+) CD25(+) Treg cells in immune responses. TLR signalling may shift the balance between CD4(+) T-helper cells and Treg cells, and subsequently influence the outcome of the immune response. This immunomodulation pathway may therefore have potential applications in the treatment of graft rejection, autoimmune diseases, infection diseases and cancers.

Expansion and characteristics of human T regulatory type 1 cells in co-cultures simulating tumor microenvironment

OBJECTIVE

Chronic inflammation and cancer development are associated with dysregulated immune responses and the presence of regulatory T cells (T(reg)). To study the role of T(reg) in tumor cell escape from immune surveillance, an in vitro model simulating the tumor microenvironment and promoting the induction and expansion of IL-10(+) T(reg )type 1 (Tr1) was established.

METHODS

An in vitro co-culture system (IVA) included an irradiated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell line, immature dendritic cells (iDC), CD4(+)CD25(- )T cells and cytokines, IL-2 (10 IU/ml), IL-10 (20 IU/ml), IL-15 (20 IU/ml) +/- 1 nM rapamycin. Autologous iDC and CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells were obtained from the peripheral blood of 15 normal donors. Co-cultures were expanded for 10 days. Proliferating lymphocytes were phenotyped by multi-color flow cytometry. Their suppressor function was measured in CFSE inhibition assays +/- neutralizing anti-IL-10 mAb and using transwell cultures. Culture supernatants were tested for IL-4, IL-10, TGF-beta and IFN-gamma in ELISA.

RESULTS

In the IVA, low doses of IL-2, IL-10 and IL-15 promoted induction and expansion of CD3(+)CD4(+)CD25(-)IL2Rbeta(+)IL2Rgamma(+)FoxP3(+)CTLA-4(+)IL-10(+) cells with suppressor activity (mean suppression +/- SD = 58 +/- 12%). These suppressor cells produced IL-10 (mean +/- SD = 535 +/- 12 pg/ml) and TGF-beta (mean +/- SD = 512 +/- 38 pg/ml), but no IL-4 or IFN-gamma. Suppressor function of co-cultures correlated with the percent of expanding IL-10(+) Tr1 cells (r (2 )=( )0.9; P < 0.001). The addition of rapamycin enriched Tr1 cells in all co-cultures. Neutralizing anti-IL-10 mAb abolished suppressive activity. Suppression was cell-contact independent.

CONCLUSION

The tumor microenvironment promotes generation of Tr1 cells which have the phenotype distinct from that of CD4(+)CD25(high)FoxP3(+) nTreg and mediate IL-10 dependent immune suppression in a cell-contact independent manner. Tr1 cells may play a critical role in cancer progression.

The relative importance of local and systemic complement production in ischaemia, transplantation and other pathologies

Besides a critical role in innate host defence, complement activation contributes to inflammatory and immunological responses in a number of pathological conditions. Many tissues outside the liver (the primary source of complement) synthesise a variety of complement proteins, either constitutively or response to noxious stimuli. The significance of this local synthesis of complement has become clearer as a result of functional studies. It revealed that local production not only contributes to the systemic pool of complement but also influences local tissue injury and provides a link with the antigen-specific immune response. Extravascular production of complement seems particularly important at locations with poor access to circulating components and at sites of tissue stress responses, notably portals of entry of invasive microbes, such as interstitial spaces and renal tubular epithelial surfaces. Understanding the relative importance of local and systemic complement production at such locations could help to explain the differential involvement of complement in organ-specific pathology and inform the design of complement-based therapy. Here, we will describe the lessons we have learned over the last decade about the local synthesis of complement and its association with inflammatory and immunological diseases, placing emphasis on the role of local synthesis of complement in organ transplantation.

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP, CD46) binding to clinical isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes: binding to M type 18 strains is independent of Emm or Enn proteins

The complement regulatory protein CD46 (MCP, membrane cofactor protein) is used as a cell receptor by a number of bacterial and viral pathogens, including Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococci). The highly variable M (Emm) proteins are virulence factors of S. pyogenes, and Emm proteins of serotypes 5, 6 or 22 are able of binding to CD46, thus mediating the binding of Streptococci to human cells. In this work, using a soluble construction encompassing the extracellular domain of human CD46, we have analyzed its binding to clinical isolates of S. pyogenes, including isolates of the M types 1, 3 and 18 that are frequently found in invasive infections or rheumatic fever. Our data show a strong binding of CD46 to bacteria of M types 1, 3, 8, 18, 24, 28, 29, 31 and 78; weak binding to M6 and M29 and no binding to M types 11, 12, M27 or M30. Surprisingly, CD46 bound to isogenic mutants of one clinical M18 isolate lacking the Emm protein or Emm and the Emm-related protein Enn, regardless of having capsule or not. In addition, these isogenic mutants bound to keratinocytes in a CD46-dependent manner, confirming the role of CD46 as one of the cell receptors for Group A Streptococci. Furthermore, CD46 did not bind to a recombinant Emm 18 construct, confirming that Emm is not involved in CD46 binding to M18 bacteria. Emm-dependent and -independent CD46 binding of clinical isolates of Streptococci confirms the importance of CD46 as a cell target that might confer pathogens some biological advantages over the host.

CD4 regulatory T cells in human cancer pathogenesis

Over the past decade, there has been an accelerated understanding of immune regulatory mechanisms. Peripheral immune regulation is linked to a collection of specialized regulatory cells of the CD4(+) T cell lineage (i.e., CD4(+) Tregs). This collection consists of Tregs that are either thymically derived (i.e., natural) or peripherally induced. Tregs are important for controlling potentially autoreactive immune effectors and immunity to foreign organisms and molecules. Their importance in maintaining immune homeostasis and the overall health of an organism is clear. However, Tregs may also be involved in the pathogenesis of malignancies as now compelling evidence shows that tumors induce or recruit CD4(+) Tregs to block immune priming and antitumor effectors. Efforts are underway to develop approaches that specifically inhibit the function of tumor-associated Tregs which could lead to an increased capability of the body's immune system to respond to tumors but without off-target immune-related pathologies (i.e., autoimmune disease). In this review, the biology of human CD4(+) Tregs is discussed along with their involvement in malignancies and emerging strategies to block their function.

T-cell regulation: with complements from innate immunity

The complement system was traditionally known as an effector arm of humoral immunity. Today we also recognize it as a main element of the innate immune system. In blood and other body fluids complement is a first line of defence against pathogens, because it becomes fully active within seconds. Active complement fragments attach to the invading pathogen to promote opsonization and lysis, triggering a local inflammatory response. This Review focuses on the evolving role of the complement system in the regulation of T-cell responses, from directing the initiation phase, through driving lineage commitment, to regulating the contraction phase.

Cutting Edge: Abortive Proliferation of CD46-Induced Tr1-Like Cells due to a Defective Akt/Survivin Signaling Pathway

T regulatory cell 1 (Tr1) are low proliferating peripherally induced suppressive T cells. Engaging CD3 and CD46 on human CD4+ T cells induces a Tr1-like phenotype. In this study, we report that human Tr1-like cells do not sustain proliferation over time. The weak proliferation of these cells results first from their inability to sustain expression of various cell cycle-associated proteins, to efficiently degrade the inhibitor of cell cycle progression p27/Kip1 and, as a consequence, in their accumulation in the G0-G1 phase. Also, the reduced proliferation of Tr1-like cells results from their increased sensitivity to death as they divide, through a mechanism that is neither Fas-mediated nor Bcl2/Bcl-xL related. Both properties, impaired cell cycle and death sensitivity, are explained by a specific defective activation of Akt that impairs the expression of Survivin. Thus, our results show that CD3/CD46-induced Tr1-like cells die through a process of abortive proliferation.

Strong-arming immune regulation: suppressing regulatory T-cell function to treat cancers

In recent years there has been an accelerated understanding of immune regulatory mechanisms. Much of this immune regulation is linked to a collection of specialized regulatory cells of the T-cell lineage (Tregs). This collection consists of Tregs that are either thymically derived or peripherally induced. Tregs are important for controlling potentially autoreactive immune effectors and immune responses to foreign organisms and molecules. Their importance in maintaining immune homeostasis and the overall health of an organism cannot be overstated. However, there is a dark side, and Tregs may also be involved in the pathogenesis of malignancies. Evidence shows that tumors induce or recruit Tregs to block antitumor effectors. Thus, there are efforts underway to identify approaches that specifically inhibit the function of intratumoral Tregs, which could lead to increased immunity to tumors without off-target immune-related pathologies (i.e., autoimmune disease). In this review, the biology of Tregs is discussed along with their involvement in malignancies and emerging strategies to block their function.

Suppressed splenocyte proliferation following a xenogeneic skin graft due to implanted biomaterials

BACKGROUND

Immune system responses to antigens in the context of biomaterials are poorly understood. Biomaterial implantation results in an inflammatory reaction, which is anticipated to alter the adaptive immune response, in the case presented here, to a skin xenograft. Our earlier work showed unexpectedly low splenocyte proliferation following a xenogeneic cell implant in tandem with a biomaterial in the form of a microcapsule. Here we explore whether that effect was due to the cells or the biomaterial, and attempt to dissect the mechanism of immune deviation.

METHODS

We assessed the immune response of Balb/c mice to hamster skin grafts accompanied by one of three implants: encapsulated xenogeneic cells; free cells accompanied by the same encapsulation biomaterials; and the encapsulation biomaterials without cells. Cells were encapsulated in a hydroxyethyl methacrylate-methyl methacrylate copolymer then embedded in an agarose gel. Splenocyte proliferation upon re-challenge in vitro, antibody titer in serum, and Th1/2 polarization (by cytokines in splenocyte challenge supernatants and antibody isotypes in serum) were measured.

RESULTS

All skin grafts with encapsulation materials (even without cells) suppressed subsequent splenocyte proliferation at 10 days postimplant, although this effect disappeared by two months. In contrast, the antibody response was equal to or greater than that for a skin graft alone. Th1/2 polarization could not explain these observations because it did not correlate with the suppression of splenocyte proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Implanted biomaterials caused nonspecific, transient suppression of splenocyte responses to hamster cells following hamster skin grafts, which is potentially important in the context of tissue engineering.