Hepatocytes express abundant surface class I MHC and efficiently use transporter associated with antigen processing, tapasin, and low molecular weight polypeptide proteasome subunit components of antigen processing and presentation pathway

Exploiting in silico modelling to enhance translation of liver cell therapies from bench to bedside

Cell therapies are emerging as promising treatments for a range of liver diseases but translational bottlenecks still remain including: securing and assessing the safe and effective delivery of cells to the disease site; ensuring successful cell engraftment and function; and preventing immunogenic responses. Here we highlight three therapies, each utilising a different cell type, at different stages in their clinical translation journey: transplantation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal/signalling cells, hepatocytes and macrophages. To overcome bottlenecks impeding clinical progression, we advocate for wider use of mechanistic in silico modelling approaches. We discuss how in silico approaches, alongside complementary experimental approaches, can enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying successful cell delivery and engraftment. Furthermore, such combined theoretical-experimental approaches can be exploited to develop novel therapies, address safety and efficacy challenges, bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo model systems, and compensate for the inherent differences between animal model systems and humans. We also highlight how in silico model development can result in fewer and more targeted in vivo experiments, thereby reducing preclinical costs and experimental animal numbers and potentially accelerating translation to the clinic. The development of biologically-accurate in silico models that capture the mechanisms underpinning the behaviour of these complex systems must be reinforced by quantitative methods to assess cell survival post-transplant, and we argue that non-invasive in vivo imaging strategies should be routinely integrated into transplant studies.

Open challenges in the management of autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare autoimmune disease of the liver with many open questions as regards its etiopathogenesis, natural history and clinical management. The classical picture of AIH is chronic hepatitis with fluctuating elevation of serum transaminases and Immunoglobulin G levels, the presence of circulating autoantibodies and typical histological features. However, atypical presentations do occur and are not well captured by current diagnostic scores, with important consequences in terms of missed diagnoses and delayed treatments. AIH is treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs but up to 40% of patients do not achieve full biochemical response and are at risk of progressing to cirrhosis and liver failure. Moreover, standard therapies are associated by significant side-effects which may impair the quality of life of patients living with AIH. However, advances in the understanding of the underlying immunology of AIH is raising the prospect of novel therapies and optimization of existing therapeutic approaches to reduce side-effect burdens and potentially restore immunological tolerance. In this review we outlined the clinical characteristics, etiopathogenesis and management of AIH and current challenges in the diagnosis and management of AIH and provided evidence underlying the evolution of diagnostic and clinical management protocols.

The Functional and Mechanistic Roles of Immunoproteasome Subunits in Cancer

Cell-mediated immunity is driven by antigenic peptide presentation on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Specialized proteasome complexes called immunoproteasomes process viral, bacterial, and tumor antigens for presentation on MHC class I molecules, which can induce CD8 T cells to mount effective immune responses. Immunoproteasomes are distinguished by three subunits that alter the catalytic activity of the proteasome and are inducible by inflammatory stimuli such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ). This inducible activity places them in central roles in cancer, autoimmunity, and inflammation. While accelerated proteasomal degradation is an important tumorigenic mechanism deployed by several cancers, there is some ambiguity regarding the role of immunoproteasome induction in neoplastic transformation. Understanding the mechanistic and functional relevance of the immunoproteasome provides essential insights into developing targeted therapies, including overcoming resistance to standard proteasome inhibition and immunomodulation of the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss the roles of the immunoproteasome in different cancers.

Immunoproteasome Function in Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a central part of protein homeostasis, degrading not only misfolded or oxidized proteins but also proteins with essential functions. The fact that a healthy hematopoietic system relies on the regulation of protein homeostasis and that alterations in the UPS can lead to malignant transformation makes the UPS an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Herein, inhibitors of the proteasome, the last and most important component of the UPS enzymatic cascade, have been approved for the treatment of these malignancies. However, their use has been associated with side effects, drug resistance, and relapse. Inhibitors of the immunoproteasome, a proteasomal variant constitutively expressed in the cells of hematopoietic origin, could potentially overcome the encountered problems of non-selective proteasome inhibition. Immunoproteasome inhibitors have demonstrated their efficacy and safety against inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, even though their development for the treatment of hematologic malignancies is still in the early phases. Various immunoproteasome inhibitors have shown promising preliminary results in pre-clinical studies, and one inhibitor is currently being investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Here, we will review data on immunoproteasome function and inhibition in hematopoietic cells and hematologic cancers.

Hepatocyte size fractionation allows dissection of human liver zonation

Human hepatocytes show marked differences in cell size, gene expression, and function throughout the liver lobules, an arrangement termed liver zonation. However, it is not clear if these zonal size differences, and the associated phenotypic differences, are retained in isolated human hepatocytes, the "gold standard" for in vitro studies of human liver function. Here, we therefore explored size differences among isolated human hepatocytes and investigated whether separation by size can be used to study liver zonation in vitro. We used counterflow centrifugal elutriation to separate cells into different size fractions and analyzed them with label-free quantitative proteomics, which revealed an enrichment of 151 and 758 proteins (out of 5163) in small and large hepatocytes, respectively. Further analysis showed that protein abundances in different hepatocyte size fractions recapitulated the in vivo expression patterns of previously described zonal markers and biological processes. We also found that the expression of zone-specific cytochrome P450 enzymes correlated with their metabolic activity in the different fractions. In summary, our results show that differences in hepatocyte size matches zonal expression patterns, and that our size fractionation approach can be used to study zone-specific liver functions in vitro.

Definition of the Chemical and Immunological Signals Involved in Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (iDILI), which is rare and often recognized only late in drug development, poses a major public health concern and impediment to drug development due to its high rate of morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms of DILI are not completely understood; both non-immune- and immune-mediated mechanisms have been proposed. Non-immune-mediated mechanisms including direct damage to hepatocytes, mitochondrial toxicity, interference with transporters, and alteration of bile ducts are well-known to be associated with drugs such as acetaminophen and diclofenac; whereas immune-mediated mechanisms involving activation of both adaptive and innate immune cells and the interactions of these cells with parenchymal cells have been proposed. The chemical signals involved in activation of both innate and adaptive immune responses are discussed with respect to recent scientific advances. In addition, the immunological signals including cytokine and chemokines that are involved in promoting liver injury are also reviewed. Finally, we discuss how liver tolerance and regeneration can have profound impact on the pathogenesis of iDILI. Continuous research in developing in vitro systems incorporating immune cells with liver cells and animal models with impaired liver tolerance will provide an opportunity for improved prediction and prevention of immune-mediated iDILI.

The role of the liver in the migration of parasites of global significance

Many parasites migrate through different tissues during their life-cycle, possibly with the aim to enhance their fitness. This is true for species of three parasite genera of global importance, Ascaris, Schistosoma and Plasmodium, which cause significant global morbidity and mortality. Interestingly, these parasites all incorporate the liver in their life-cycle. The liver has a special immune status being able to preferentially induce tolerance over immunity. This function may be exploited by parasites to evade host immunity, with Plasmodium spp. in particular using this organ for its multiplication. However, hepatic larval attrition occurs in both ascariasis and schistosomiasis. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in hepatic infection could be useful in developing novel vaccines and therapies for these parasites.

Immunological responses against hepatitis B virus in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell-engrafted mice

It is well known that immune-mediated virus elimination is necessary for the treatment of HBV infection. Reconstitution of human immune cells in liver chimeric mice is warranted to understand the immunopathogenesis of HBV infection. Here, we report a new immunologically humanized mouse model with a human immune system via reconstitution of immunodeficient NOG-Iaβ/β2 m double KO mice, which are NOG mice that are deficient in both MHC class I and II (DKO-NOG mice), with human HLA-A2-positive peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). After injection of PBMCs, the xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease observed in PBMC-engrafted NOG mice was prevented in PBMC-engrafted DKO-NOG mice. Liver damage was reduced, and the survival time was prolonged in human PBMC-engrafted DKO-NOG mice compared to those in the NOG mice. The expression levels of PD-1 and Tim-3 on human T cells from PBMC-engrafted DKO-NOG mice were lower than those from NOG mice. By induction of HBV-specific T cell responses, such as vaccination with HBc-derived, peptide-pulsed DCs, hydrodynamic injection of HBV vector and intrasplenic injection of HepG2.2.15, the number of HBc-derived, peptide-specific CTLs increased in PBMC-engrafted DKO-NOG mice. Moreover, the recombinant HBV vaccine resulted in the production of hepatitis B surface antibody in 50% of the vaccinated mice. The induction of HBV-specific immune responses could be established in the immunologically humanized mice.

Immune Responses in the Liver

The liver is a key, frontline immune tissue. Ideally positioned to detect pathogens entering the body via the gut, the liver appears designed to detect, capture, and clear bacteria, viruses, and macromolecules. Containing the largest collection of phagocytic cells in the body, this organ is an important barrier between us and the outside world. Importantly, as portal blood also transports a large number of foreign but harmless molecules (e.g., food antigens), the liver's default immune status is anti-inflammatory or immunotolerant; however, under appropriate conditions, the liver is able to mount a rapid and robust immune response. This balance between immunity and tolerance is essential to liver function. Excessive inflammation in the absence of infection leads to sterile liver injury, tissue damage, and remodeling; insufficient immunity allows for chronic infection and cancer. Dynamic interactions between the numerous populations of immune cells in the liver are key to maintaining this balance and overall tissue health.

Suppression of Natural Killer Cell Activity by Regulatory NKT10 Cells Aggravates Alcoholic Hepatosteatosis

We and others have found that the functions of hepatic natural killer (NK) cells are inhibited but invariant NKT (iNKT) cells become activated after alcohol drinking, leaving a possibility that there exists interplay between NK cells and iNKT cells during alcoholic liver disease. Here, in a chronic plus single-binge ethanol consumption mouse model, we observed that NK cells and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) protected against ethanol-induced liver steatosis, as both wild-type (WT) mice treated with anti-asialo GM1 antibody and IFN-γ-deficient GKO mice developed more severe alcoholic fatty livers. As expected, IFN-γ could directly downregulate lipogenesis in primary hepatocytes in vitro. On the contrary, iNKT cell-deficient Jα18^-/- or interleukin-10 (IL-10)^-/- mice showed fewer alcoholic steatosis, along with the recovered number and IFN-γ release of hepatic NK cells, and exogenous IL-10 injection was sufficient to compensate for iNKT cell deficiency. Furthermore, NK cell depletion in Jα18^-/- or IL-10^-/- mice caused more severe hepatosteatosis, implying NK cells are the direct effector cells to inhibit liver steatosis. Importantly, adoptive transfer of iNKT cells purified from normal but not IL-10^-/- mice resulted in suppression of the number and functions of NK cells and aggravated alcoholic liver injury in Jα18^-/- mice, indicating that IL-10-producing iNKT (NKT10) cells are the regulators on NK cells. Conclusion: Ethanol exposure-triggered NKT10 cells antagonize the protective roles of NK cells in alcoholic hepatosteatosis.

Impaired liver regeneration in aged mice can be rescued by silencing Hippo core kinases MST1 and MST2

The liver has an intrinsic capacity to regenerate in response to injury or surgical resection. Nevertheless, circumstances in which hepatocytes are unresponsive to proliferative signals result in impaired regeneration and hepatic failure. As the Hippo pathway has a canonical role in the maintenance of liver size, we investigated whether it could serve as a therapeutic target to support regeneration. Using a standard two‐thirds partial hepatectomy (PH) model in young and aged mice, we demonstrate that the Hippo pathway is modulated across the phases of liver regeneration. The activity of the core kinases MST1 and LATS1 increased during the early hypertrophic phase and returned to steady state levels in the proliferative phase, coinciding with activation of YAP1 target genes and hepatocyte proliferation. Moreover, following PH in aged mice, we demonstrate that Hippo signaling is anomalous in non‐regenerating livers. We provide pre‐clinical evidence that silencing the Hippo core kinases MST1 and MST2 with siRNA provokes hepatocyte proliferation in quiescent livers and rescues liver regeneration in aged mice following PH. Our data suggest that targeting the Hippo core kinases MST1/2 has therapeutic potential to improve regeneration in non‐regenerative disorders.

Immune-Mediated Therapies for Liver Cancer

In recent years, immunotherapy has gained renewed interest as an alternative therapeutic approach for solid tumors. Its premise is based on harnessing the power of the host immune system to destroy tumor cells. Development of immune-mediated therapies, such as vaccines, adoptive transfer of autologous immune cells, and stimulation of host immunity by targeting tumor-evasive mechanisms have advanced cancer immunotherapy. In addition, studies on innate immunity and mechanisms of immune evasion have enhanced our understanding on the immunology of liver cancer. Preclinical and clinical studies with immune-mediated therapies have shown potential benefits in patients with liver cancer. In this review, we summarize current knowledge and recent developments in tumor immunology by focusing on two main primary liver cancers: hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.

Label-free spectroscopic characterization of live liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) isolated from the murine liver

Imaging with the use of Raman spectroscopy enables the characterization and distinction of live cells that were freshly isolated from murine livers.

The Use of In Vitro Data and Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling to Predict Drug Metabolite Exposure: Desipramine Exposure in Cytochrome P4502D6 Extensive and Poor Metabolizers Following Administration of Imipramine

Major circulating drug metabolites can be as important as the drugs themselves in efficacy and safety, so establishing methods whereby exposure to major metabolites following administration of parent drug can be predicted is important. In this study, imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, and its major metabolite desipramine were selected as a model system to develop metabolite prediction methods. Imipramine undergoes N-demethylation to form the active metabolite desipramine, and both imipramine and desipramine are converted to hydroxylated metabolites by the polymorphic enzyme CYP2D6. The objective of the present study is to determine whether the human pharmacokinetics of desipramine following dosing of imipramine can be predicted using static and dynamic physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models from in vitro input data for CYP2D6 extensive metabolizer (EM) and poor metabolizer (PM) populations. The intrinsic metabolic clearances of parent drug and metabolite were estimated using human liver microsomes (CYP2D6 PM and EM) and hepatocytes. Passive diffusion clearance of desipramine, used in the estimation of availability of the metabolite, was predicted from passive permeability and hepatocyte surface area. The predicted area under the curve (AUCm/AUCp) of desipramine/imipramine was 12- to 20-fold higher in PM compared with EM subjects following i.v. or oral doses of imipramine using the static model. Moreover, the PBPK model was able to recover simultaneously plasma profiles of imipramine and desipramine in populations with different phenotypes of CYP2D6. This example suggested that mechanistic PBPK modeling combined with information obtained from in vitro studies can provide quantitative solutions to predict in vivo pharmacokinetics of drugs and major metabolites in a target human population.

Generalized Liver- and Blood-Derived CD8+ T-Cell Impairment in Response to Cytokines in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Generalized CD8⁺ T-cell impairment in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the contribution of liver-infiltrating CD8⁺ T-cells to the immunopathogenesis of this infection remain poorly understood. It is hypothesized that this impairment is partially due to reduced CD8⁺ T-cell activity in response to cytokines such as IL-7, particularly within the liver. To investigate this, the phenotype and cytokine responsiveness of blood- and liver-derived CD8⁺ T-cells from healthy controls and individuals with HCV infection were compared. In blood, IL-7 receptor α (CD127) expression on bulk CD8⁺ T-cells in HCV infection was no different than controls yet was lower on central memory T-cells, and there were fewer naïve cells. IL-7-induced signalling through phosphorylated STAT5 was lower in HCV infection than in controls, and differed between CD8⁺ T-cell subsets. Production of Bcl-2 following IL-7 stimulation was also lower in HCV infection and inversely related to the degree of liver fibrosis. In liver-derived CD8⁺ T-cells, STAT5 activation could not be increased with cytokine stimulation and basal Bcl-2 levels of liver-derived CD8⁺ T-cells were lower than blood-derived counterparts in HCV infection. Therefore, generalized CD8⁺ T-cell impairment in HCV infection is characterized, in part, by impaired IL-7-mediated signalling and survival, independent of CD127 expression. This impairment is more pronounced in the liver and may be associated with an increased potential for apoptosis. This generalized CD8⁺ T-cell impairment represents an important immune dysfunction in chronic HCV infection that may alter patient health.

Immune outcomes in the liver: Is CD8 T cell fate determined by the environment?

The liver is known for its tolerogenic properties. This unique characteristic is associated with persistent infection of the liver by the hepatitis B and C viruses. Improper activation of cellular adaptive immune responses within the liver and immune exhaustion over time both contribute to ineffective cytotoxic T cell responses to liver-expressed antigens in animal models, and likely play a role in incomplete clearance of chronic hepatitis virus infections in humans. However, under some conditions, functional immune responses can be elicited against hepatic antigens, resulting in control of hepatotropic infections. In order to develop improved therapeutics in immune-mediated chronic liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, it is essential to understand how intrahepatic immunity is regulated. This review focuses on CD8 T cell immunity directed towards foreign antigens expressed in the liver, and explores how the liver environment dictates the outcome of intrahepatic CD8 T cell responses. Potential strategies to rescue unresponsive CD8 T cells in the liver are also discussed.

CRACC-CRACC interaction between Kupffer and NK cells contributes to poly I:C/D-GalN induced hepatitis

CD2-like receptor activating cytotoxic cells (CRACC) is known as a critical activating receptor of natural killer (NK) cells. We have previously reported that NK cells contribute to Poly I:C/D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced fulminant hepatitis. Since natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) is considered critical but not the only activating receptor for NK cells, we investigated the role of CRACC in this model. We found that CRACC was abundant on hepatic NK cells but with low expression levels on Kupffer cells under normal conditions. Expression of CRACC on NK cells and Kupffer cells was remarkably upregulated after poly I:C injection. Hepatic CRACC mRNA levels were also upregulated in Poly I:C/D-GalN-treated mice, and correlated positively with the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. CRACC expression on Kupffer cells was specifically silenced by nano-particle encapsulated siRNA in vivo, which significantly reduced Poly I:C/D-GalN-induced liver injury. In co-culture experiments, it was further verified that silencing CRACC expression or blockade of CRACC activation by mAb reduced the production of interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Collectively, our findings suggest that CRACC-CRACC interaction between NK cells and resident Kupffer cells contributes to Poly I:C/D-GalN-induced fulminant hepatitis.

Immune surveillance by the liver

Receiving both portal vein blood and arterial blood, the liver is an important and critical component in the defense against blood-borne infection. To accomplish this role, the liver contains numerous innate and adaptive immune cells that specialize in detection and capture of pathogens from the blood. Further, these immune cells participate in coordinated immune responses leading to pathogen clearance, leukocyte recruitment and antigen presentation to lymphocytes within the vasculature. Finally, this role in host defense must be tightly regulated to ensure that inappropriate immune responses are not raised against nonpathogenic exogenous blood-borne molecules, such as those derived from food. It is this balance between activation and tolerance that characterizes the liver as a frontline immunological organ.

Emerging roles of immunoproteasomes beyond MHC class I antigen processing

The proteasome is a multi-catalytic protein complex whose primary function is the degradation of abnormal or foreign proteins. Upon exposure of cells to interferons (IFNs), the β1i/LMP2, β2i/MECL-1, and β5i/LMP7 subunits are induced and incorporated into newly synthesized immunoproteasomes (IP), which are thought to function solely as critical players in the optimization of the CD8(+) T-cell response. However, the observation that IP are present in several non-immune tissues under normal conditions and/or following pathological events militates against the view that its role is limited to MHC class I presentation. In support of this concept, the recent use of genetic models deficient for β1i/LMP2, β2i/MECL-1, or β5i/LMP7 has uncovered unanticipated functions for IP in innate immunity and non-immune processes. Herein, we review recent data in an attempt to clarify the role of IP beyond MHC class I epitope presentation with emphasis on its involvement in the regulation of protein homeostasis, cell proliferation, and cytokine gene expression.

Tumor necrosis factor is critical for cytolytic T cell activity against allospecific hepatocytes and splenic targets in major histocompatibility complex class I disparate graft versus host disease

The present studies determined the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)/tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) interactions on cytolytic (CTL) activity of splenic and intrahepatic lymphocytes (IHL) isolated from mice undergoing graft versus host disease, induced by transfer of B6 T cells to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I disparate bm1 × B6 F1 mice. Allospecific killing of anti-H-2(bm1) splenic and hepatocyte targets was assessed by 4-h (51)Cr release and 16-h DNA lysis assays, respectively, utilizing spleen cells (SpC) and IHL isolated (1) from sublethally irradiated bm1 × B6 F1 who had received B6 spleen and bone marrow cells, and a control adenovirus (Adv-βgal) or a TNF inhibitor expressing adenovirus (Adv-TNFi), or (2) from bm1 × B6 F1 recipients of B6, B6.129-Tnfrsf1a(tm1Mak)/J (TNFR1(-/-)), B6.129S2-Tnfrsf1b(tm1Mwm)/J (TNFR2(-/-)), or B6.129S-Tnfrsf1a(tm1Imx) Tnfrsf1b(tm1Imx)/J (TNFR(-/-)) SpC and bone marrow cells, or (3) from in vitro-activated SpC. Splenic and IHL from bone marrow transplant recipients who had received Adv-TNFi at the time of transplant displayed lower allospecific CTL activity than controls. Addition of TNFR-Ig or a TNF antibody before the CTL activity assay further reduced allospecific killing against bm1 SpC blast targets. Both TNF/TNFR1 and TNF/TNFR2 interactions were critical for the development of optimal CTL activity against allospecific hepatocyte targets. Further, TNFR1- and TNFR2-deficient SpC from MHC class I disparate mixed lymphocyte cultures displayed lower CTL activity and expression of effector molecules than control B6 SpC. TNF/TNFR interactions were critical for the development of optimal CTL activity of IHL and splenic cytotoxic T cells against MHC class I disparate SpC blast and hepatocyte targets in MHC class I disparate graft versus host disease.

In vivo delivery of a microRNA-regulated transgene induces antigen-specific regulatory T cells and promotes immunologic tolerance

We previously showed that incorporating target sequences for the hematopoietic-specific microRNA miR-142 into an antigen-encoding transgene prevents antigen expression in antigen-presenting cells (APCs). To determine whether this approach induces immunologic tolerance, we treated mice with a miR-142-regulated lentiviral vector encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP), and subsequently vaccinated the mice against GFP. In contrast to control mice, no anti-GFP response was observed, indicating that robust tolerance to the transgene-encoded antigen was achieved. Furthermore, injection of the miR-142-regulated vector induced a population of GFP-specific regulatory T cells. Interestingly, an anti-GFP response was observed when microRNA miR-122a was inserted into the vector and antigen expression was detargeted from hepatocytes as well as APCs. This demonstrates that, in the context of lentiviral vector-mediated gene transfer, detargeting antigen expression from professional APCs, coupled with expression in hepatocytes, can induce antigen-specific immunologic tolerance.

Microanatomy of the liver immune system

The critical metabolic functions of the liver often eclipse any perception of its role as an immune organ. However, the liver as a mediator of systemic and local innate immunity and an important site of immune regulation is now an accepted concept. Complex repertoires of lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells are key to hepatic defense and immunoregulation. Hepatic cells of myeloid lineage include Kupffer cells and dendritic cells. Intrahepatic lymphocytes are distinct both in phenotype and function from their counterparts in any other organ and include both conventional (CD4+ and CD8+ alphabeta T cell receptor (TCR)+ T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells) and nonconventional lymphoid cells (natural killer T (NKT) cells, gamma delta TCR+ T cells, CD4- CD8- T cells). Many hepatic T cells express the TCR at an intermediate level and the great majority of them either coexpress NK cell markers (NKT cells) or they are apoptosing peripheral T cells. The percentage of activated (CD69+) and memory (CD45RB low+) lymphocytes is much higher while naive (CD62L high) and resting T cells as well as B lymphocytes are underrepresented in the liver. The discovery of major populations of lymphoid cells in the liver that differ phenotypically, functionally and even perhaps developmentally from populations in other regions has been key to the evolving perception of the liver as a regulatory lymphoid organ. This chapter will focus on these populations and how they contribute to immune surveillance against malignant, infectious and autoimmune disease of the liver.

Capsid antigen presentation flags human hepatocytes for destruction after transduction by adeno-associated viral vectors

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are effective gene delivery vehicles mediating long-lasting transgene expression. Data from a clinical trial of AAV2-mediated hepatic transfer of the Factor IX gene (F9) into hemophilia B subjects suggests that CTL responses against AAV capsid can eliminate transduced hepatocytes and prevent long-term F9 expression. However, the capacity of hepatocytes to present AAV capsid-derived antigens has not been formally demonstrated, nor whether transduction by AAV sensitizes hepatocytes for CTL-mediated destruction. To investigate the fate of capsids after transduction, we engineered a soluble TCR for the detection of capsid-derived peptide:MHC I (pMHC) complexes. TCR multimers exhibited antigen and HLA specificity and possessed high binding affinity for cognate pMHC complexes. With this reagent, capsid pMHC complexes were detectable by confocal microscopy following AAV-mediated transduction of human hepatocytes. Although antigen presentation was modest, it was sufficient to flag transduced cells for CTL-mediated lysis in an in vitro killing assay. Destruction of hepatocytes was inhibited by soluble TCR, demonstrating a possible application for this reagent in blocking undesirable CTL responses. Together, these studies provide a mechanism for the loss of transgene expression and transient elevations in aminotransferases following AAV-mediated hepatic gene transfer in humans and a potential therapeutic intervention to abrogate these limitations imposed by the host T cell response.

NKG2D-retinoic acid early inducible-1 recognition between natural killer cells and Kupffer cells in a novel murine natural killer cell-dependent fulminant hepatitis

Increasing evidence suggests the contribution of natural killer (NK) cells to pathogenesis of human hepatitis, but the detailed mechanisms have yet to be clearly elucidated. In this study, injection of polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) and D-galactosamine (D-GalN) was used to establish a novel murine fulminant hepatitis model: results showed that predepletion of either NK cells or Kupffer cells could completely abolish the liver injury. Injection of poly I:C/D-GalN into mice could promote tumor necrosis factor-alpha production and surface retinoic acid early inducible-1 (Rae1) protein expression by Kupffer cells, which then activated NK cells to produce interferon-gamma via NKG2D-Rae1 recognition. NK cell-derived interferon-gamma and Kupffer cell-derived tumor necrosis factor-alpha synergistically mediated the severe liver injury. Moreover, Kupffer cell-derived interleukin-12 and interleukin-18 were also found to improve cross talk between NK cells and Kupffer cells.

CONCLUSION

These results provide the first in vivo evidence that NKG2D/ligand interaction is involved in the synergic effects of NK cells and Kupffer cells on acute liver injury.

B7-H1 on hepatocytes facilitates priming of specific CD8 T cells but limits the specific recall of primed responses

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The requirement for costimulation of CD8 T-cell priming and restimulation by nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells is unresolved. Here, we investigated whether B7-H1 (CD274, PD-L1) on hepatocytes (HC) is involved in the specific activation of naive CD8 T cells or activated CD8 T blasts.

METHODS

Naive or activated CD8 T cells from transgenic OT-I mice were primed/restimulated by peptide-pulsed HC, and their proliferation and effector response were determined. We used blocking monoclonal antibodies against B7-H1 and HC from B7-H1-deficient mice to assign a costimulatory or coinhibitory role to B7-H1 for CD8 T-cell priming/restimulation.

RESULTS

Blockade of B7-H1 on HC down modulated interferon (IFN)-gamma production and proliferation of HC-primed CD8 T cells, indicating a costimulatory role for B7-H1 in priming CD8 T cells. In contrast, the PD-1/B7-H1 interaction inhibited proliferation and interferon-gamma release of effector/memory CD8 T blasts specifically restimulated by peptide-pulsed HC.

CONCLUSIONS

B7-H1 differentially modulates the different stages of the specific CD8 T-cell response triggered by HC, and, whereas it costimulates priming and cytokine responses of naive CD8 T cells, it coinhibits their specific local recall of effector cytokine responses. The interaction of CD8 T cells with B7-H1(+) HC can thus fine-tune proliferative and effector responses of specific CD8 T cells reacting locally to nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells infected with hepatotropic agents.

Cellular effector mechanisms against Plasmodium liver stages

Advances in our understanding of the molecular and cell biology of the malaria parasite have led to new vaccine development efforts resulting in a pipeline of over 40 candidates undergoing clinical phase I-III trials. Vaccine-induced CD4+ and CD8+ T cells specific for pre-erythrocytic stage antigens have been found to express cytolytic and multi-cytokine effector functions that support a key role for these T cells within the hepatic environment. However, little is known of the cellular interactions that occur during the effector phase in which the intracellular hepatic stage of the parasite is targeted and destroyed. This review focuses on cell biological aspects of the interaction between malaria-specific effector cells and the various antigen-presenting cells that are known to exist within the liver, including hepatocytes, dendritic cells, Kupffer cells, stellate cells and sinusoidal endothelia. Considering the unique immune properties of the liver, it is conceivable that these different hepatic antigen-presenting cells fulfil distinct but complementary roles during the effector phase against Plasmodium liver stages.

Alpha-fetoprotein and other tumour-associated antigens for immunotherapy of hepatocellular cancer

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer death, with few treatment options for advanced disease.

OBJECTIVES

Here, we review the aetiology of HCC and focus on recent data on tumour-associated antigens (TAA) for HCC, their functions and potential use as immunological targets for immune-based therapy for HCC. In addition, we examine some aspects of antigen presentation within the liver.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) has been investigated for many years as a TAA, and has been tested in recent clinical trials. More recently, additional TAA have been identified and new therapeutic approaches have been investigated which may be testable clinically in this difficult disease setting.

Microarray analysis of gene expression in the blue catfish liver reveals early activation of the MHC class I pathway after infection with Edwardsiella ictaluri

The acute nature of disease outbreaks in aquaculture settings has served to emphasize the importance of the innate immune response of fish for survival and led to the recent identification and characterization of many of its components. Catfish, the predominant aquaculture species in the United States, is an important model for the study of the teleost immune system. However, transcriptomic-level studies of disease-related gene expression in catfish have only recently been initiated, and understanding of immune responses to pathogen infections is limited. Here, we have developed and utilized a 28K in situ oligonucleotide microarray composed of blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) transcripts. While channel catfish accounts for the majority of commercial production, the closely related blue catfish possesses several economically important phenotypic traits. Microarray analysis of gene expression changes in blue catfish liver after infection with Gram-negative bacterium Edwardsiella ictaluri indicated the strong upregulation of several pathways involved in the inflammatory immune response and potentially in innate disease resistance. A multifaceted response to infection could be observed, encompassing the complement cascade, iron regulation, inflammatory cell signaling, and antigen processing and presentation. The induction of several components of the MHC class I-related pathway following infection with an intracellular bacterium is reported here for the first time in fish. A comparison with previously published expression profiles in the channel catfish liver was also made and the microarray results extended by use of quantitative RT-PCR. Our results add to the understanding of the teleost immune responses and provide a solid foundation for future functional characterization, genetic mapping, and QTL analysis of immunity-related genes from catfish.

What fires prometheus? The link between inflammation and regeneration following chronic liver injury

Liver progenitor cells (LPCs) play a major role in the regeneration process after chronic liver damage, giving rise to hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Thus, they provide a cell-based therapeutic alternative to organ transplant, the current treatment of choice for end-stage liver disease. In recent years, much attention has focused on unravelling the cytokines and growth factors that underlie this response. Liver regeneration following acute damage is achieved by proliferation of mature hepatocytes; yet similar cytokines, most related to the inflammatory process, are implicated in both acute and chronic liver regeneration. Thus, many recent studies represent attempts to identify LPC-specific factors. This review summarises our current understanding of LPC biology with a particular focus on the liver inflammatory response being associated with the induction of LPCs in the liver. We will describe: (i) the pathways of liver regeneration following acute and chronic damage; (ii) the similarities and differences between the two pathways; (iii) the liver inflammatory environment; (iv) the unique features of liver immunology as well as (v) the interactions between liver immune cells and LPCs. Combining data from studies on the LPC-driven regeneration process with the knowledge in the field of liver immunology will improve our understanding of the LPC response and allow us to regulate these cells in vivo and in vitro for future therapeutic strategies to treat chronic liver disease.

T lymphocytes interact with hepatocytes through fenestrations in murine liver sinusoidal endothelial cells

The liver has an established ability to induce tolerance. Recent evidence indicates that this unique property might be related to its distinctive architecture allowing T cells to be activated in situ independently of lymphoid tissues. Unlike lymph node-activated T cells, liver-activated T cells are short-lived, a mechanism that might contribute to the "liver tolerance effect." Although the potential role of hepatocytes as tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells has been demonstrated, the question as to whether these cells are able to interact with CD8(+) T cells in physiological settings remains controversial. Contradicting the immunological dogma stating that naïve T lymphocytes are prevented from interacting with parenchymal cells within non-lymphoid organs by an impenetrable endothelial barrier, we show here that the unique morphology of the liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) permits interactions between lymphocytes and hepatocytes. Using electron microscopy, we demonstrate that liver resident lymphocytes as well as circulating naïve CD8(+) T cells make direct contact with hepatocytes through cytoplasmic extensions penetrating the endothelial fenestrations that perforate the LSECs. Furthermore, the expression of molecules required for primary T cell activation, MHC class I and ICAM-1, is polarized on hepatocytes to the perisinusoidal cell membrane, thus maximizing the opportunity for interactions with circulating lymphocytes. In conclusion, this study has identified, at the ultrastructural level, a unique type of interaction between naïve T lymphocytes and liver parenchymal cells in vivo. These results hold implications for the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis in which hepatocytes may represent the main antigen-presenting cell, and for the development of immune tolerance as lymphocytes pass through the liver.

Immunoprivileged status of the liver is controlled by Toll-like receptor 3 signaling

The liver is known to be a classical immunoprivileged site with a relatively high resistance against immune responses. Here we demonstrate that highly activated liver-specific effector CD8+ T cells alone were not sufficient to trigger immune destruction of the liver in mice. Only additional innate immune signals orchestrated by TLR3 provoked liver damage. While TLR3 activation did not directly alter liver-specific CD8+ T cell function, it induced IFN-alpha and TNF-alpha release. These cytokines generated expression of the chemokine CXCL9 in the liver, thereby enhancing CD8+ T cell infiltration and liver disease in mice. Thus, nonspecific activation of innate immunity can drastically enhance susceptibility to immune destruction of a solid organ.

Listeria monocytogenes as a vector for tumor-associated antigens for cancer immunotherapy

As a facultative intracellular bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes has adapted to live within the cytosol of the host cell. It is actively taken up by antigen-presenting cells through phagocytosis, and as Listeria survive within these cells, it is an ideal vector for the delivery of antigens to be processed and presented through both the class I and II antigen-processing pathways. Once phagocytosed, Listeria produces virulence factors within the phagolysosome of the host cell, which allows it to break out of this organelle and live in the host cytosol. It is possible that these virulence factors can enhance the immunogenicity of tumor-associated antigens, which are poorly immunogenic. Recent progress in the development of this bacterium as a vaccine vector for tumor-associated antigens is discussed in the context of bacterial vectors in general. In several mouse models, Listeria-based vaccines have been demonstrated to be an effective method of influencing tumor growth and eliciting potent antitumor immune responses. Safety issues and the transition of Listeria into human clinical trials will also be discussed in this review.

Identification of novel transcriptional networks in response to treatment with the anticarcinogen 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione

3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T), an inducer of antioxidant and phase 2 genes, is known to enhance the detoxification of environmental carcinogens, prevent neoplasia, and elicit other protective effects. However, a comprehensive view of the regulatory pathways induced by this compound has not yet been elaborated. Fischer F344 rats were gavaged daily for 5 days with vehicle or D3T (0.3 mmol/kg). The global changes of gene expression in liver were measured with Affymetrix RG-U34A chips. With the use of functional class scoring, a semi-supervised method exploring both the expression pattern and the functional annotation of the genes, the Gene Ontology classes were ranked according to the significance of the impact of D3T treatment. Two unexpected functional classes were identified for the D3T treatment, cytosolic ribosome constituents with 90% of those genes increased, and cholesterol biosynthesis with 91% of the genes repressed. In another novel approach, the differentially expressed genes were evaluated by the Ingenuity computational pathway analysis tool to identify specific regulatory networks and canonical pathways responsive to D3T treatment. In addition to the known glutathione metabolism pathway (P = 0.0011), several other significant pathways were also revealed, including antigen presentation (P = 0.000476), androgen/estrogen biosynthesis (P = 0.000551), fatty acid (P = 0.000216), and tryptophan metabolism (P = 0.000331) pathways. These findings showed a profound impact of D3T on lipid metabolism and anti-inflammatory/immune-suppressive response, indicating a broader cytoprotective effect of this compound than previously expected.