Relationship between Tumor Diameters and Antoni Classification for Schwannoma of the Lower Lip

Schwannoma is an uncommon benign tumor in the oral and maxillofacial region, and development of schwannoma in the lower lip is rare. Herein, we present the case of a 68-year-old woman who visited Nihon University Itabashi Hospital complaining of a painless mass in the lower lip. The lesion was surgically resected under local anesthesia. On histopathological examination, the resected specimen was a mixture of Antoni types A and B schwannoma. No recurrence has been seen over a postoperative follow-up period of 58 months. In the schwannoma of the lower lip, the mean tumor volume was compared for type A and the mixed type, which tended to be larger in the mixed type. No previous reports have described the relationship between the size of schwannoma in the lower lip and Antoni classification. Therefore, this report discusses the possibility of a relationship between tumor size and Antoni classification for schwannomas in the lower lip.

Indocyanine green conjugated phototheranostic nanoparticle for photodiagnosis and photodynamic reaciton

BACKGROUND

Phototheranostics represents a highly promising paradigm for cancer therapy, although selecting an appropriate optical imager and sensitizer for clinical use remains challenging.

METHODS

Liposomally formulated phospholipid-conjugated indocyanine green, denoted as LP-iDOPE, was developed as phototheranostic nanoparticle and its cancer imaging-mediated photodynamic reaction, defined as the immune response induced by photodynamic and photothermal effects, was evaluated with a near-infrared (NIR)-light emitting diode (LED) light irradiator.

RESULTS

Using in vivo NIR fluorescence imaging, we demonstrated that LP-iDOPE was selectively delivered to tumor sites with high accumulation and a long half-life. Following low-intensity NIR-LED light irradiation on the tumor region of LP-iDOPE accumulated, effector CD8⁺ T cells were activated at the secondary lymphoid organs, migrated, and subsequently released cytokines including interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α, resulting in effective tumor regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our anti-cancer strategy based on tumor-specific LP-iDOPE accumulation and low-intensity NIR-LED light irradiation to the tumor regions, i.e., photodynamic reaction, represents a promising approach to noninvasive cancer therapy.

POS0675 IMPACT OF PAST USE OF DISEASE MODIFYING ANTI-RHEUMATIC DRUGS ON JAK INHIBITOR TREATMENT FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS - DATA FROM THE FUKUI ISHIKAWA TOYAMA DATABASE OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Currently, five types of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) are used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. The number of cases in which multiple JAKis have been prescribed is increasing. However, the real-world efficacy and safety of JAKis and related factors require further evaluation.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the impact of past use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs on RA treatment using JAKis. The secondary objective was to investigate the safety profiles of these agents in a real-world setting.

Methods

Of the 303 JAKi-treated patients in the Fukui Ishikawa Toyama Database of RA included in this study, 30 had switched from one JAKi to another (JJ group), 214 switched from a biologic agent to a JAKi (BJ group), and 47 were naïve to either biologics or JAKis (NJ group). We compared baseline factors, treatment response, and JAKi continuation rates among the three groups. Factors related to JAKi discontinuation were assessed using Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, we investigated adverse events and reported them using exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIR; incidence rates per 100 patient-years).

Results

Data from the 303 cases were analyzed (mean age = 63.6 years; female, 82%; mean RA duration, 176 months). Of the 303 patients, 118, 106, 50, and 29 were treated with tofacitinib, baricitinib, peficitinib, and upadacitinib, respectively, on initial observation. Rate of concomitant use with methotrexate and prednisolone was 52% and 49%, respectively.

Regarding efficacy, no significant differences were observed among the three groups in terms of treatment response and JAKi continuation rates, except for the 6-month treatment response between the JJ and NJ groups. Cox regression analysis of the 303 cases revealed that only past use of JAKis during the disease history was significantly associated with JAKi discontinuation. The Kaplan–Meier method showed that patients who previously used JAKis had significantly shorter median JAKi treatment duration than those without such a history (20.9 vs. 54.7 months; p = 0.012). Treatment response was significantly poor in patients who had previously used JAKis, especially 6 months after treatment initiation.

In terms of safety, the total exposure period for the 303 cases was 495 person-years, and the total number of adverse events was 161 (EAIR, 32.5). There were 12 cases (EAIR, 2.5) of serious infections, 23 cases (EAIR, 5.1) of herpes zoster, 7 cases (EAIR, 1.4) of malignant tumors, and 4 cases (EAIR, 0.8) of MACE. Adverse events led to JAKi discontinuation in 34 patients (EAIR, 6.9); the main causes of adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation were infectious diseases in 10 cases (EAIR, 2) and neoplasms in 4 cases (EAIR, 0.8). Within 1 year of initiating JAKi therapy, 21 patients discontinued treatment owing to adverse events, which accounted for 27% of the reasons for treatment discontinuation.

We also investigated cases of JAKi dose reduction, observed in 42 of the 303 cases. Among them, 10 patients required a re-increase in the JAKi dose, and 13 patients (56.5%) were able to maintain the reduced dose for more than 1 year. The remaining 19 patients were excluded from the analysis because the treatment duration at the lower dose had not exceeded 1 year at the time of data extraction. No difference in disease activity at the time of dose reduction was observed between those who maintained the new dose and those who did not (mean DAS28-CRP: 1.48 ± 0.26 vs. 1.89 ± 0.62).

Conclusion

Past use of JAKis may contribute to decreased response and continuation rates for JAKi treatment. In this study, conducted in Japan, development of herpes zoster was found to the most frequent adverse event among the priority survey items.

Acknowledgements

I have no acknowledgements to declare.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Bispecific antibodies for immune cell retargeting against cancer

INTRODUCTION

Following the approval of the T-cell engaging bispecific antibody blinatumomab, immune cell retargeting with bispecific or multispecific antibodies has emerged as a promising cancer immunotherapy strategy, offering alternative mechanisms compared to immune checkpoint blockade. As we gain more understanding of the complex tumor microenvironment, rules and design principles have started to take shape on how to best harness the immune system to achieve optimal anti-tumor activities.

AREAS COVERED

In the present review, we aim to summarize the most recent advances and challenges in using bispecific antibodies for immune cell retargeting and to provide insights into various aspects of antibody engineering. Discussed herein are studies that highlight the importance of considering antibody engineering parameters, such as binding epitope, affinity, valency, and geometry to maximize the potency and mitigate the toxicity of T cell engagers. Beyond T cell engaging bispecifics, other bispecifics designed to recruit the innate immune system are also covered.

EXPERT OPINION

Diverse and innovative molecular designs of bispecific/multispecific antibodies have the potential to enhance the efficacy and safety of immune cell retargeting for the treatment of cancer. Whether or not clinical data support these different hypotheses, especially in solid tumor settings, remains to be seen.

A case of vastus lateralis muscle metastasis of tongue carcinoma

Distant metastasis is the most important prognostic factor for head and neck cancer. This report presents the case of a 50-year-old man with distant metastasis of tongue carcinoma to the vastus lateralis muscle which presented to Nihon University Itabashi Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Tumourectomy was performed with a diagnosis of tongue carcinoma (cT2N0M0, Stage II). Seven months later, radical neck dissection was performed for lymph node metastasis to a left supraclavicular lymph node. In addition, metastasis was then detected outside the neck dissection region. Tumourectomy and radiotherapy (50 Gy) were, therefore, added to the treatment regimen. However, left-sided vastus lateralis muscle metastasis was then observed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of distant metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma to the vastus lateralis muscle.

Neuronal enhancers are hotspots for DNA single-strand break repair

Defects in DNA repair frequently lead to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, underscoring the particular importance of DNA repair in long-lived post-mitotic neurons^1,2. The cellular genome is subjected to a constant barrage of endogenous DNA damage, but surprisingly little is known about the identity of the lesion(s) that accumulate in neurons and whether they accrue throughout the genome or at specific loci. Here we show that post-mitotic neurons accumulate unexpectedly high levels of DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) at specific sites within the genome. Genome-wide mapping reveals that SSBs are located within enhancers at or near CpG dinucleotides and sites of DNA demethylation. These SSBs are repaired by PARP1 and XRCC1-dependent mechanisms. Notably, deficiencies in XRCC1-dependent short-patch repair increase DNA repair synthesis at neuronal enhancers, whereas defects in long-patch repair reduce synthesis. The high levels of SSB repair in neuronal enhancers are therefore likely to be sustained by both short-patch and long-patch processes. These data provide the first evidence of site- and cell-type-specific SSB repair, revealing unexpected levels of localized and continuous DNA breakage in neurons. In addition, they suggest an explanation for the neurodegenerative phenotypes that occur in patients with defective SSB repair.

Newly established process combining partial hydrogenotrophic denitrification and anammox for nitrogen removal

The anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process holds great promise for treating nitrogen-contaminated water; stable nitrite-nitrogen (NO₂ ^--N) production is significant to anammox performance. In this study, partial hydrogenotrophic denitrification (PHD) was used to stably and efficiently produce NO₂ ^--N from nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃ ^--N). An investigation of the effects of initial pH on the PHD process revealed that a high NO₂ ^--N production efficiency (77.9%) could be ensured by setting an initial pH of 10.5. A combined PHD-anammox process was run for more than three months with maximal ammonium-nitrogen (NH₄ ⁺-N), NO₃ ^--N, and total dissolved inorganic nitrogen removal efficiencies of 93.4, 98.0, and 86.9%, respectively. The NO₂ ^--N to NH₄ ⁺-N and NO₃ ^--N to NH₄ ⁺-N ratios indicated that various bioprocesses were involved in nitrogen removal during the anammox stage, and a 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed to further clarify the composition of microbial communities and mechanisms involved in the nitrogen removal process.

Intra-Vκ Cluster Recombination Shapes the Ig Kappa Locus Repertoire

During V(D)J recombination, RAG proteins introduce DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) at recombination signal sequences (RSSs) that contain either 12- or 23-nt spacer regions. Coordinated 12/23 cleavage predicts that DSBs at variable (V) gene segments should equal the level of breakage at joining (J) segments. Contrary to this, here we report abundant RAG-dependent DSBs at multiple Vκ gene segments independent of V-J rearrangement. We find that a large fraction of Vκ gene segments are flanked not only by a bone-fide 12 spacer but also an overlapping, 23-spacer flipped RSS. These compatible pairs of RSSs mediate recombination and deletion inside the Vκ cluster even in the complete absence of Jκ gene segments and support a V(D)J recombination center (RC) independent of the conventional Jκ-centered RC. We propose an improved model of Vκ-Jκ repertoire formation by incorporating these surprisingly frequent, evolutionarily conserved intra-Vκ cluster recombination events.

Essential Role for CD30-Transglutaminase 2 Axis in Memory Th1 and Th17 Cell Generation

Memory helper T (Th) cells are crucial for secondary immune responses against infectious microorganisms but also drive the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases. Therefore, it is of fundamental importance to understand how memory T cells are generated. However, the molecular mechanisms governing memory Th cell generation remain incompletely understood. Here, we identified CD30 as a molecule heterogeneously expressed on effector Th1 and Th17 cells, and CD30^hi effector Th1 and Th17 cells preferentially generated memory Th1 and Th17 cells. We found that CD30 mediated signal induced Transglutaminase-2 (TG2) expression, and that the TG2 expression in effector Th cells is essential for memory Th cell generation. In fact, Cd30-deficiency resulted in the impaired generation of memory Th1 and Th17 cells, which can be rescued by overexpression of TG2. Furthermore, transglutaminase-2 (Tgm2)-deficient CD4 T cells failed to become memory Th cells. As a result, T cells from Tgm2-deficient mice displayed impaired antigen-specific antibody production and attenuated Th17-mediated allergic responses. Our data indicate that CD30-induced TG2 expression in effector Th cells is essential for the generation of memory Th1 and Th17 cells, and that CD30 can be a marker for precursors of memory Th1 and Th17 cells.

Spinal cord involvement by atrophy and associations with disability are different between multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The cervical and thoracic cross-sectional spinal cord area (CS-SCA) in multiple sclerosis (MS) correlates with disability, whilst such a correlation remains to be established in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Our aim was to clarify differences between MS and NMOSD in spinal cord segments where CS-SCA is associated with disability.

METHODS

The CS-SCA at C2/C3, C3/C4, T8/T9 and T9/T10 vertebral disc levels was measured in 140 MS patients (111 with relapsing-remitting MS and 29 with progressive MS) and 42 NMOSD patients with anti-aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G. Disability was evaluated by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores. Multivariate associations between CS-SCA and disability were assessed by stepwise forward multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

Thoracic CS-SCA was significantly smaller in NMOSD patients than in MS patients even after adjusting for age, sex and disease duration (P = 0.002 at T8/T9), whilst there was no difference in cervical CS-SCA between the two diseases. Cervical and thoracic CS-SCA had a negative correlation with EDSS scores in MS patients (P < 0.0001 at C3/C4 and P = 0.0002 at T8/T9) whereas only thoracic CS-SCA correlated with EDSS scores in NMOSD patients (P = 0.0006 at T8/T9). By multiple regression analyses, predictive factors for disability in MS were smaller cervical CS-SCA, progressive course, older age and a higher number of relapses, whilst those in NMOSD were smaller thoracic CS-SCA and older age.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracic CS-SCA is a useful predictive marker for disability in patients with NMOSD whilst cervical CS-SCA is associated with disability in patients with MS.

Immune Cell-Epithelial/Mesenchymal Interaction Contributing to Allergic Airway Inflammation Associated Pathology

The primary function of the lung is efficient gas exchange between alveolar air and alveolar capillary blood. At the same time, the lung protects the host from continuous invasion of harmful viruses and bacteria by developing unique epithelial barrier systems. Thus, the lung has a complex architecture comprising a mixture of various types of cells including epithelial cells, mesenchymal cells, and immune cells. Recent studies have revealed that Interleukin (IL-)33, a member of the IL-1 family of cytokines, is a key environmental cytokine that is derived from epithelial cells and induces type 2 inflammation in the barrier organs, including the lung. IL-33 induces allergic diseases, such as asthma, through the activation of various immune cells that express an IL-33 receptor, ST2, including ST2⁺ memory (CD62L^lowCD44^hi) CD4⁺ T cells. ST2⁺ memory CD4⁺ T cells have the capacity to produce high levels of IL-5 and Amphiregulin and are involved in the pathology of asthma. ST2⁺ memory CD4⁺ T cells are maintained by IL-7- and IL-33-produced lymphatic endothelial cells within inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (iBALT) around the bronchioles during chronic lung inflammation. In this review, we will discuss the impact of these immune cells-epithelial/mesenchymal interaction on shaping the pathology of chronic allergic inflammation. A better understanding of pathogenic roles of the cellular and molecular interaction between immune cells and non-immune cells is crucial for the development of new therapeutic strategies for intractable allergic diseases.

Coupled anaerobic ammonium oxidation and hydrogenotrophic denitrification for simultaneous NH4-N and NO3-N removal

Nitrate removal during anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) treatment is a concern for optimization of the anammox process. This study demonstrated the applicability and long-term stability of the coupled anammox and hydrogenotrophic denitrification (CAHD) process as an alternative method for nitrate removal. Laboratory-scale fixed bed anammox reactors (FBR) supplied with H₂ to support denitrification were operated under two types of synthetic water. The FBRs showed simultaneous NH₄-N and NO₃-N removal, indicating that the CAHD process can support NO₃-N removal during the anammox process. Intermittent H₂ supply (e.g. 5 mL/min for a 1-L reactor, 14/6-min on/off cycle) helped maintain the CAHD process without deteriorating its performance under long-term operation and resulted in a nitrogen removal rate of 0.21 kg-N/m³/d and ammonium, nitrate, and dissolved inorganic nitrogen removal efficiencies of 73.4%, 80.4%, and 77%, respectively. The microbial community structure related to the CAHD process was not influenced by changes in influent water quality, and included the anammox bacteria 'Candidatus Jettenia' and a Sulfuritalea hydrogenivorans-like species as the dominant bacteria even after long-term reactor operation, suggesting that these bacteria are key to the CAHD process. These results indicate that the CAHD process is a promising method for enhancing the efficiency of anammox process.

Maintenance of memory-type pathogenic Th2 cells in the pathophysiology of chronic airway inflammation

Background

Immunological memory is critical for long-standing protection against microorganisms; however, certain antigen-specific memory CD4⁺ T helper (Th) cells drive immune-related pathology, including chronic allergic inflammation such as asthma. The IL-5-producing memory-type Tpath2 subset is important for the pathogenesis of chronic allergic inflammation. This memory-type pathogenic Th2 cell population (Tpath2) can be detected in various allergic inflammatory lesions. However, how these pathogenic populations are maintained at the local inflammatory site has remained unclear.

Methods

We performed a series of experiments using mice model for chronic airway inflammation. We also investigated the human samples from patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.

Results

We recently reported that inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (iBALT) was shaped during chronic inflammation in the lung. We also found that memory-type Tpath2 cells are maintained within iBALT. The maintenance of the Tpath2 cells within iBALT is supported by specific cell subpopulations within the lung. Furthermore, ectopic lymphoid structures consisting of memory CD4⁺ T cells were found in nasal polyps of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis patients, indicating that the persistence of inflammation is controlled by these structures.

Conclusion

Thus, the cell components that organize iBALT formation may be therapeutic targets for chronic allergic airway inflammation.

Th2 Cells in Health and Disease

Helper T (Th) cell subsets direct immune responses by producing signature cytokines. Th2 cells produce IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which are important in humoral immunity and protection from helminth infection and are central to the pathogenesis of many allergic inflammatory diseases. Molecular analysis of Th2 cell differentiation and maintenance of function has led to recent discoveries that have refined our understanding of Th2 cell biology. Epigenetic regulation of Gata3 expression by chromatin remodeling complexes such as Polycomb and Trithorax is crucial for maintaining Th2 cell identity. In the context of allergic diseases, memory-type pathogenic Th2 cells have been identified in both mice and humans. To better understand these disease-driving cell populations, we have developed a model called the pathogenic Th population disease induction model. The concept of defined subsets of pathogenic Th cells may spur new, effective strategies for treating intractable chronic inflammatory disorders.

Myosin light chains 9 and 12 are functional ligands for CD69 that regulate airway inflammation

Recent decades have witnessed a rapid worldwide increase in chronic inflammatory disorders such as asthma. CD4⁺ T helper 2 cells play critical roles in the pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation, and CD69 expression on activated CD4 T cells is required to induce allergic inflammation in tissues. However, how CD69 mechanistically controls allergic inflammation remains poorly defined. In lymphoid tissues, CD69 regulates cellular retention through inhibition of S1P1 expression and requires no specific ligands to function. In contrast, we show herein that myosin light chain (Myl) 9 and Myl12 are new functional ligands for CD69. Blockade of CD69-Myl9/12 interaction ameliorates allergic airway inflammation in ovalbumin-induced and house dust mite-induced mouse models of asthma. Within the inflamed mouse airways, we found that the expression of Myl9/12 was increased and that platelet-derived Myl9/12 localized to the luminal surface of blood vessels and formed intravascular net-like structures. Analysis of nasal polyps of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis patients revealed that Myl9/12 expression was increased in inflammatory lesions and was distributed within net-like structures in the intravascular space. In addition, we detected Myl9/12 in perivascular spaces where many CD69⁺ cells were positioned within Myl9/12 structures. Thus, CD69-Myl9/12 interaction is a key event in the recruitment of activated CD69⁺ T cells to inflamed tissues and could be a therapeutic target for intractable airway inflammatory diseases.

Bach2-Batf interactions control Th2-type immune response by regulating the IL-4 amplification loop

Although Bach2 has an important role in regulating the Th2-type immune response, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We herein demonstrate that Bach2 associates with Batf and binds to the regulatory regions of the Th2 cytokine gene loci. The Bach2–Batf complex antagonizes the recruitment of the Batf–Irf4 complex to AP-1 motifs and suppresses Th2 cytokine production. Furthermore, we find that Bach2 regulates the Batf and Batf3 expressions via two distinct pathways. First, Bach2 suppresses the maintenance of the Batf and Batf3 expression through the inhibition of IL-4 production. Second, the Bach2–Batf complex directly binds to the Batf and Batf3 gene loci and reduces transcription by interfering with the Batf–Irf4 complex. These findings suggest that IL-4 and Batf form a positive feedback amplification loop to induce Th2 cell differentiation and the subsequent Th2-type immune response, and Bach2–Batf interactions are required to prevent an excessive Th2 response.

Bach2 limits T cell effector functions. Here the authors show that Bach2–Batf complex antagonizes the recruitment of the Batf–Irf4 complex to AP-1 motifs and suppresses Th2 cytokine production, and describe mechanisms of negative feedback by which Bach2 restricts Baft-mediated Th2 response.

Comparative evaluation of new Cookson-type reagents for LC/ESI-MS/MS assay of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in neonatal blood samples

The screening of vitamin D deficiency in neonatal infants, which is based on the blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3 ] quantification, is important for the early detection, diagnosis and health risk assessment of several diseases. In this study, two new Cookson-type reagents, 4-(4-diethylaminophenyl)-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (DEAPTAD) and 4-(6-quinolyl)-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione, were designed and synthesized, then compared with the previous reagents, 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (PTAD) and 4-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (DAPTAD), in terms of sensitivity and specificity in the assay of 25(OH)D3 in neonatal blood samples by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Among the reagents, DEAPTAD was found to be the most promising. The limit of detection (0.38 fmol on the column) of the DEAPTAD-derivatized 25(OH)D3 was 60 and 2 times lower than those of the intact 25(OH)D3 and the PTAD derivative, respectively. 25(OH)D3 was more clearly detected in the plasma sample as the DEAPTAD derivative than the DAPTAD derivative owing to the lower background noise. DEAPTAD derivatization was also useful for the separation of 25(OH)D3 from a potent interfering metabolite, 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 . By using DEAPTAD, a trace amount of 25(OH)D3 in dried blood spots was reproducibly determined without interference from coexisting compounds. Thus, DEAPTAD was proved useful in the measurement of 25(OH)D3 in neonatal blood samples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Obesity Drives Th17 Cell Differentiation by Inducing the Lipid Metabolic Kinase, ACC1

Chronic inflammation due to obesity contributes to the development of metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Reciprocal interactions between metabolic systems and immune cells have pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated diseases, although the mechanisms regulating obesity-associated inflammatory diseases are still unclear. In the present study, we performed transcriptional profiling of memory phenotype CD4 T cells in high-fat-fed mice and identified acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1, the gene product of Acaca) as an essential regulator of Th17 cell differentiation in vitro and of the pathogenicity of Th17 cells in vivo. ACC1 modulates the DNA binding of RORγt to target genes in differentiating Th17 cells. In addition, we found a strong correlation between IL-17A-producing CD45RO(+)CD4 T cells and the expression of ACACA in obese subjects. Thus, ACC1 confers the appropriate function of RORγt through fatty acid synthesis and regulates the obesity-related pathology of Th17 cells.

Structural and magnetic properties of mixed Co–Ln (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd and Ho) diethyleneglycolate complexes

Co–Ln diethyleneglycolates consisting of 1D-chains of [(Ln₂Co₂)(Cl)₂(deg)₄] tetramers were produced in degH₂. In the tetramers 5 and 7 Co²⁺ and Ln³⁺ coordinated cations are antiferromagnetically weakly interacting.

Species differences in androgen receptor expression in the medial preoptic and anterior hypothalamic areas of adult male and female rodents

The medial preoptic and anterior hypothalamic areas (MPO/AH) are important androgen targets regulating homeostasis, neuroendocrinology and circadian rhythm as well as instinctive and sociosexual behaviors. Although species differences between rats and mice have been pointed out in terms of morphology and physiology, detailed distributions of androgen receptor (AR) have never been compared between the two rodents. In the present study, AR distribution was examined immunohistochemically in serial sections of the MPO/AH and compared for adult rats and mice. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry clearly demonstrated that AR expression in the brain was stronger in mice than in rats and was stronger in males than in females. In addition, we found (1) an "obliquely elongated calbindin-ir cell island" in mice medial preoptic nucleus (MPN) expressed AR intensely, as well as the sexually dimorphic nucleus in the MPN (SDN-MPN) in rats, strongly supporting a "putative SDN-MPN" previously proposed in mice; (2) AR expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) was much more prominent in mice than in rats and differed in localization between the two species; (3) a mouse-specific AR-ir cell cluster was newly identified as the "tear drop nucleus (TDN)", with male-dominant sexual dimorphism; and (4) two rat-specific AR-ir cell clusters were also newly identified as the "rostral and caudal nebular islands", with male-dominant sexual dimorphism. The present results may provide basic morphological evidence underlying species differences in androgen-modified psychological, physiological and endocrinergic responses. Above all, the findings of the mouse-specific TDN and differing AR expression in the SCN might explain not only species difference in gonadal modification of circadian rhythm, but also distinct structural bases in the context of transduction of SCN oscillation. The current study could also serve as a caution that data on androgen-sensitive functions obtained from one species should not always be directly applied to others among rodents.

Depletion of foxp3(+) T cells abrogates tolerance of skin and heart allografts in murine mixed chimeras without the loss of mixed chimerism

The relative contribution of central and peripheral mechanisms to the generation and maintenance of allograft tolerance is of considerable interest. Here, we present new evidence that regulatory T cells (Foxp3(+) ) maintain skin and heart allograft tolerance in mixed hematopoietic chimeric mice. Transient depletion of both donor- and recipient-derived Foxp3(+) cells was necessary and sufficient to induce decisive rejection of long-accepted skin and heart allografts. In contrast, stable hematopoietic chimerism remained, and there was no detectable induction of donor-specific reactivity to hematopoietic cells. Foxp3(+) cell depletion did not result in the rejection of skin grafts of only MHC-disparate donors (B6.C-H2(d) /bByJ), indicating that MHC antigens were not the target in the graft. We conclude that two different mechanisms of tolerance are present in mixed chimeras. Hematopoietic chimerism, resistant to Foxp3(+) depletion, is probably due to deletional tolerance to MHC antigens, as supported by previous studies. In contrast, regulatory tolerance mechanisms involving Foxp3(+) cells are required to control reactivity against non-MHC antigens not present on hematopoietic lineages.

The polycomb protein Ezh2 regulates differentiation and plasticity of CD4(+) T helper type 1 and type 2 cells

After antigen encounter by CD4(+) T cells, polarizing cytokines induce the expression of master regulators that control differentiation. Inactivation of the histone methyltransferase Ezh2 was found to specifically enhance T helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 cell differentiation and plasticity. Ezh2 directly bound and facilitated correct expression of Tbx21 and Gata3 in differentiating Th1 and Th2 cells, accompanied by substantial trimethylation at lysine 27 of histone 3 (H3K27me3). In addition, Ezh2 deficiency resulted in spontaneous generation of discrete IFN-γ and Th2 cytokine-producing populations in nonpolarizing cultures, and under these conditions IFN-γ expression was largely dependent on enhanced expression of the transcription factor Eomesodermin. In vivo, loss of Ezh2 caused increased pathology in a model of allergic asthma and resulted in progressive accumulation of memory phenotype Th2 cells. This study establishes a functional link between Ezh2 and transcriptional regulation of lineage-specifying genes in terminally differentiated CD4(+) T cells.

The histone methyltransferase Ezh2 regulates differentiation and plasticity of CD4 T helper cells. (P1334)

Upon encountering antigen, naïve CD4 T cells rapidly differentiate into discrete subsets of effector T helper (Th) cells that direct immune responses to different types of infection. Polarizing cytokines induce the expression of lineage-specifying genes (Tbx21 for Th1 cells and Gata3 for Th2 cells) that control differentiation. We found that the histone H3K27 methyltransferase Ezh2 controls differentiation of Th1 and Th2 cells, and that inactivation of Ezh2 enhances plasticity of both of these subsets. Tbx21 and Gata3 experienced large changes in Ezh2 occupancy during Th differentiation, and inactivation of Ezh2 depleted H3K27-trimethylation (H3K27-Me3) at these loci. Additionally, loss of Ezh2 caused increased pathology in a mouse model of allergic asthma and progressive accumulation of memory phenotype Th2 cells in vivo. This study establishes a functional link between Ezh2 and transcriptional regulation of lineage-specifying genes in terminally differentiated peripheral T cells via H3K27-Me3. These data may therefore contribute to the development of therapies that target this pathway to enhance or repress immune responses in human diseases.

Murine Schnurri-2 controls natural killer cell function and lymphoma development

Schnurri (Shn)-2 is a large zinc finger-containing protein implicated in cell growth, signal transduction and lymphocyte development. Here, we report that Shn-2-deficient (Shn-2(-/-)) mice develop CD3-positive lymphoma spontaneously. In Shn-2(-/-) mice, we observed decreased cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells accompanied by decreased expression of perforin and granzyme-B. In addition, phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 5 was reduced in Shn-2(-/-) NK cells, while phosphorylation of STAT3 and protein expression of nuclear factor-κB p65 subunit were enhanced in Shn-2(-/-) NK cells. Moreover, cell-surface expression of activation molecules such as CD27, CD69 and CD122 were decreased on Shn-2(-/-) NK cells. Thus, Shn-2 is considered to play an important role in the activation and function of NK cells and the development of T cell lymphoma in vivo.

Repressor of GATA negatively regulates murine contact hypersensitivity through the inhibition of type-2 allergic responses

Repressor of GATA (ROG) inhibits Th2 cell differentiation and allergic airway inflammation in the lung. To determine the role of ROG in the pathogenesis of contact hypersensitivity (CHS), a hapten-induced mouse model of CHS using ROG Tg and ROG-deficient (ROG(-/-)) was used. ROG Tg mice showed little ear swelling, while ROG(-/-) mice showed enhanced ear swelling in comparison to wild type mice. Interstitial edema and mast cell degranulation at the local inflammation sites were mild in ROG Tg mice and exacerbated in ROG(-/-) mice. In addition, the serum total IgE and hapten-specific IgG1 levels were increased in ROG(-/-) mice. Adoptive transfer of ROG(-/-) CD4(+) T cells exacerbated CHS in wild type mice, while transfer of ROG Tg CD4(+) T cells resulted in the attenuation of CHS. These results indicate ROG negatively regulates the induction of CHS by controlling the CD4(+) T cell-mediated allergic responses, including IgE generation and mast cell degranulation.

Polycomb group gene product Ring1B regulates Th2-driven airway inflammation through the inhibition of Bim-mediated apoptosis of effector Th2 cells in the lung

Polycomb group (PcG) gene products regulate the maintenance of homeobox gene expression in Drosophila and vertebrates. In the immune system, PcG molecules control cell cycle progression of thymocytes, Th2 cell differentiation, and the generation of memory CD4 T cells. In this paper, we extended the study of PcG molecules to the regulation of in vivo Th2 responses, especially allergic airway inflammation, by using conditional Ring1B-deficient mice with a CD4 T cell-specific deletion of the Ring1B gene (Ring1B(-/-) mice). In Ring1B(-/-) mice, CD4 T cell development appeared to be normal, whereas the differentiation of Th2 cells but not Th1 cells was moderately impaired. In an Ag-induced Th2-driven allergic airway inflammation model, eosinophilic inflammation was attenuated in Ring1B(-/-) mice. Interestingly, Ring1B(-/-) effector Th2 cells were highly susceptible to apoptosis in comparison with wild-type effector Th2 cells in vivo and in vitro. The in vitro experiments revealed that the expression of Bim was increased at both the transcriptional and protein levels in Ring1B(-/-) effector Th2 cells, and the enhanced apoptosis in Ring1B(-/-) Th2 cells was rescued by the knockdown of Bim but not the other proapoptotic genes, such as Perp, Noxa, or Bax. The enhanced apoptosis detected in the transferred Ring1B(-/-) Th2 cells in the lung of the recipient mice was also rescued by knockdown of Bim. Therefore, these results indicate that Ring1B plays an important role in Th2-driven allergic airway inflammation through the control of Bim-dependent apoptosis of effector Th2 cells in vivo.

Naringenin chalcone suppresses allergic asthma by inhibiting the type-2 function of CD4 T cells

BACKGROUND

Some polyphenols possess anti-allergic activities. Naringenin chalcone is one of the polyphenols that is present in the skin of red tomatoes. In this study, we investigated the effect of naringenin chalcone in allergic responses in vivo using an experimental mouse model system of allergic asthma.

METHODS

Allergic airway inflammation was induced in mice by sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin. Naringenin chalcone was orally administrated every day during the course of the experiment. Airway hyperreactivity, the eosinophilic infiltration in the bronchioalveolar lavage fluid and Th2 cytokine production from splenic CD4 T cells were assessed.

RESULTS

Eosinophilic airway inflammation, airway hyperreactivity and Th2 cytokine production from CD4 T cells were significantly suppressed in mice that were treated with naringenin chalcone. Hyperproduction of mucus was slightly reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that naringenin chalcone suppresses asthmatic symptoms by inhibiting Th2 cytokine production from CD4 T cells. Thus, naringenin chalcone may be a useful supplement for the suppression of allergic symptoms in humans.

Enhanced Th2 cell differentiation and allergen-induced airway inflammation in Zfp35-deficient mice

Studies of human asthma and of animal models of allergic airway inflammation revealed a crucial role for Th2 cells in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. Kruppel-type zinc finger proteins are the largest family of a regulatory transcription factor for cellular development and function. Zinc finger protein (Zfp) 35 is an 18-zinc finger motif-containing Kruppel-type zinc finger protein, while its function remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of Zfp35 in the pathogenesis of Th2-dependent allergic inflammation, such as allergic asthma. We examined airway eosinophilic inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in two mouse models, which use our newly generated Zfp35-deficient (Zfp35(-/-)) mice and adoptive transfer of cells. In Zfp35(-/-) mice, Th2 cell differentiation, Th2 cytokine production, eosinophilic inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness were substantially enhanced. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of Ag-sensitized Zfp35(-/-) CD4 T cells into the asthmatic mice resulted in enhanced airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. These results indicate that Zfp35 controls Th2 cell differentiation, allergic airway inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness in a negative manner. Thus, Zfp35 may control Th2-dependent diseases, such as allergic asthma.

Increased insulin demand promotes while pioglitazone prevents pancreatic beta cell apoptosis in Wfs1 knockout mice

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The WFS1 gene encodes an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane-embedded protein called Wolfram syndrome 1 protein, homozygous mutations of which cause selective beta cell loss in humans. The function(s) of this protein and the mechanism by which the mutations of this gene cause beta cell death are still not fully understood. We hypothesised that increased insulin demand as a result of obesity/insulin resistance causes ER stress in pancreatic beta cells, thereby promoting beta cell death.

METHODS

We studied the effect of breeding Wfs1 ( -/- ) mice on a C57BL/6J background with mild obesity and insulin resistance, by introducing the agouti lethal yellow mutation (A ( y ) /a). We also treated the mice with pioglitazone.

RESULTS

Wfs1 ( -/- ) mice bred on a C57BL/6J background rarely develop overt diabetes by 24 weeks of age, showing only mild beta cell loss. However, Wfs1 ( -/- ) A ( y ) /a mice developed selective beta cell loss and severe insulin-deficient diabetes as early as 8 weeks. This beta cell loss was due to apoptosis. In Wfs1 ( +/+ ) A ( y ) /a islets, levels of ER chaperone immunoglobulin-binding protein (BiP)/78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2, subunit alpha (eIF2alpha) apparently increased. Levels of both were further increased in Wfs1 ( -/- ) A ( y ) /a murine islets. Electron micrography revealed markedly dilated ERs in Wfs1 (-/-) A ( y ) /a murine beta cells. Interestingly, pioglitazone treatment protected beta cells from apoptosis and almost completely prevented diabetes development.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Wfs1-deficient beta cells are susceptible to ER stress. Increased insulin demand prompts apoptosis in such cells in vivo. Pioglitazone, remarkably, suppresses this process and prevents diabetes. As common WFS1 gene variants have recently been shown to confer a risk of type 2 diabetes, our findings may be relevant to the gradual but progressive loss of beta cells in type 2 diabetes.