Pathobiont-responsive Th17 cells in gut-mouth axis provoke inflammatory oral disease and are modulated by intestinal microbiome

Host immune response via Th17 cells against oral pathobionts is a key mediator in periodontitis development. However, where and how the Th17-type immune response is induced during the development of periodontitis is not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that gut translocation of the oral pathobiont Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) exacerbates oral pathobiont-induced periodontitis with enhanced Th17 cell differentiation. The oral pathobiont-responsive Th17 cells are differentiated in Peyer's patches and translocated systemically in the peripheral immune tissues. They are also capable of migrating to and accumulating in the mouth upon oral infection. Development of periodontitis via the oral pathobiont-responsive Th17 cells is regulated by the intestinal microbiome, and altering the intestinal microbiome composition with antibiotics affects the development of periodontitis. Our study highlights that pathobiont-responsive Th17 cells in the gut-mouth axis and the intestinal microbiome work together to provoke inflammatory oral diseases, including periodontitis.

Selective Forms of Therapy in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Selective interference with the functioning of the immune system consisting of the selective blockade of pro-inflammatory factors is a modern, promising, and developing strategy for the treatment of diseases resulting from dysregulation of the immune system, including inflammatory bowel disease. Inhibition of the TNF alpha pathway, group 12/23 cytokines, and lymphocyte migration is used in the treatment of severe or moderate ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Intracellular signal transduction by influencing the phosphorylation of SAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) proteins remains in clinical trials.

Ileitis-associated tertiary lymphoid organs arise at lymphatic valves and impede mesenteric lymph flow in response to tumor necrosis factor

Lymphangitis and the formation of tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) in the mesentery are features of Crohn's disease. Here, we examined the genesis of these TLOs and their impact on disease progression. Whole-mount and intravital imaging of the ileum and ileum-draining collecting lymphatic vessels (CLVs) draining to mesenteric lymph nodes from TNF^ΔARE mice, a model of ileitis, revealed TLO formation at valves of CLVs. TLOs obstructed cellular and molecular outflow from the gut and were sites of lymph leakage and backflow. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) neutralization begun at early stages of TLO formation restored lymph transport. However, robustly developed, chronic TLOs resisted regression and restoration of flow after TNF neutralization. TNF stimulation of cultured lymphatic endothelial cells reprogrammed responses to oscillatory shear stress, preventing the induction of valve-associated genes. Disrupted transport of immune cells, driven by loss of valve integrity and TLO formation, may contribute to the pathology of Crohn's disease.

Enhanced Migratory Capacity of T Lymphocytes in Severe Chagasic Patients Is Correlated With VLA-4 and TNF-α Expression

Trypanosoma cruzi infection in humans leads to progression to chronic chagasic myocarditis (CCM) in 30% of infected individuals, paralleling T cell inflammatory infiltrates in the heart tissue. T-cell trafficking into the hearts of CCM patients may be modulated by in situ expression of chemotactic or haptotactic molecules, as the chemokine CXCL12, the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and extracellular matrix proteins (ECM), such as fibronectin. Herein we evaluated the expression of fibronectin, CXCL12, and TNF-α in the myocardial tissue of T. cruzi seropositive (asymptomatic or with CCM), as well as seronegative individuals as healthy controls. Hearts from CCM patients exhibited enhanced expression of these three molecules. CXCL12 and TNF-α serum levels were also increased in CCM individuals. We then evaluated T lymphocytes from chronic chagasic patients by cytofluorometry, in terms of membrane expression levels of molecules involved in cell activation and cell migration, respectively, HLA-DR and the VLA-4 (very late antigen-4, being one integrin-type fibronectin receptor). Indeed, the expression of HLA-DR and VLA-4 was enhanced on T lymphocytes from chagasic patients, especially in the CCM group. To further approach the dynamics of T cell migratory events, we performed fibronectin-, TNF-α-, and CXCL12-driven migration. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and T cells from CCM patients presented an ex vivo enhanced migratory capacity driven by fibronectin alone when this ECM protein was placed in the membrane of transwell migration chambers. When TNF-α was previously placed upon fibronectin, we observed a further and significant increase in the migratory response of both PBMCs and T lymphocytes. Overall, these data suggest the existence in patients with chronic Chagas disease of a cardiac inflammatory infiltrate vector that promotes the recruitment and accumulation of activated T cells, driven in part by enhanced tissue expression of fibronectin and TNF-α, as well as the respective corresponding VLA-4 and TNF receptors.

Cell Polarity Regulators, Multifunctional Organizers of Lymphocyte Activation and Function

Cell polarity regulators are ubiquitous, evolutionary conserved multifunctional proteins. They contain a variety of protein–protein interaction domains endowing them the capacity to interact with cytoskeleton structures, membrane components and multiple regulatory proteins. In this way, they act in complexes and are pivotal for cell growth and differentiation, tissue formation, stability and turnover, cell migration, wound healing, and others. Hence some of these proteins are tumor suppressors.

These cellular processes rely on the establishment of cell polarity characterized by the asymmetric localization of proteins, RNAs, membrane domains, or organelles that together condition cell shape and function. Whether apparently stable, as in epithelia or neurons, or very dynamic, as in immune cells, cell polarity is an active process. It involves cytoskeleton reorganization and targeted intracellular traffic, and results in cellular events such as protein synthesis, secretion and assembly taking place at defined cell poles. Multiple polarity regulators orchestrate these processes.

Immune cells are particularly versatile in rapidly polarizing and assuming different shapes, so to swiftly adopt specialized behaviors and functions. Polarity regulators act in various ways in different immune cell types and at their distinct differentiation states. Here we review how cell polarity regulators control different processes and functions along T lymphocyte physiology, including cell migration through different tissues, immunological synapse formation and effector functions.

Deoxycholic acid enhancement of lymphocyte migration through direct interaction with the intestinal vascular endothelium

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The small intestine plays a central role in gut immunity, and enhanced lymphocyte migration is involved in the pathophysiology of various enteropathy. Bile acid (BA) is closely related to lipid metabolism and gut microbiota and essential for gut homeostasis. However, the effects of BA on gut immunity have not been studied in detail, especially on the small intestine and lymphocyte migration. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of BA on small intestinal lymphocyte microcirculation.

METHODS

The effect of deoxycholic acid (DCA), taurocholic acid (tCA), or cholic acid (CA) on the indomethacin (IND)-induced small intestinal enteropathy in mice was investigated. Lymphocyte movements were evaluated after exposure to BA using intravital microscopy. The effects of BA on surface expression of adhesion molecules on the vascular endothelium and lymphocytes through BA receptors were examined in vitro.

RESULTS

IND-induced small intestinal enteropathy was histologically aggravated by DCA treatment alone. The expression of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was significantly enhanced by DCA. Exposure to DCA increased lymphocyte adhesion in the microvessels of the ileum, which was partially blocked by anti-α4β1 integrin antibody in vivo. The expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was significantly enhanced by DCA in vitro, which was partially suppressed by the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) antagonist. The S1PR2 antagonist significantly ameliorated IND-induced and DCA-exaggerated small intestinal injury.

CONCLUSION

DCA exacerbated IND-induced small intestinal enteropathy. DCA directly acts on the vascular endothelium and enhances the expression levels of adhesion molecules partially via S1PR2, leading to enhanced small intestinal lymphocyte migration.

Dynamic Imaging of IEL-IEC Co-Cultures Allows for Quantification of CD103-Dependent T Cell Migration

Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) are widely distributed within the small intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) layer and represent one of the largest T cell pools of the body. While implicated in the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation, detailed insight especially into the cellular cross-talk between IELs and IECs is largely missing in part due to lacking methodologies to monitor this interaction. To overcome this shortcoming, we employed and validated a murine IEL-IEC (organoids) ex vivo co-culture model system. Using livecell imaging we established a protocol to visualize and quantify the spatio-temporal migratory behavior of IELs within organoids over time. Applying this methodology, we found that IELs lacking CD103 (i.e., integrin alpha E, ITGAE) surface expression usually functioning as a retention receptor for IELs through binding to E-cadherin (CD324) expressing IECs displayed aberrant mobility and migration patterns. Specifically, CD103 deficiency affected the ability of IELs to migrate and reduced their speed during crawling within organoids. In summary, we report a new technology to monitor and quantitatively assess especially migratory characteristics of IELs communicating with IEC ex vivo. This approach is hence readily applicable to study the effects of targeted therapeutic interventions on IEL-IEC cross-talk.

A Requirement of Protein Geranylgeranylation for Chemokine Receptor Signaling and Th17 Cell Function in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Precisely controlled lymphocyte migration is critically required for immune surveillance and successful immune responses. Lymphocyte migration is strictly regulated by chemokines and chemokine receptors. Here we show that protein geranylgeranylation, a form of post-translational protein lipid modification, is required for chemokine receptor-proximal signaling. Mature thymocytes deficient for protein geranylgeranylation are impaired for thymus egress. Circulating mature T cells lacking protein geranylgeranylation fail to home to secondary lymphoid organs or to transmigrate in response to chemokines in vitro. Mechanistically, protein geranylgeranylation modifies the γ-subunits of the heterotrimeric small GTPases that are essential for chemokine receptor signaling. In addition, protein geranylgeranylation also promotes the differentiation of IL-17-producing T helper cells while inhibiting the differentiation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Finally, mice with T cell lineage-specific deficiency of protein geranylgeranylation are resistant to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induction. This study elucidated a critical role of protein geranylgeranylation in regulating T lymphocyte migration and function.

Tumor inhibition or tumor promotion? The duplicity of CXCR3 in cancer

Tumor tissue includes cancer cells and normal stromal cells such as vascular endothelial cells, connective tissue cells (cancer associated fibroblast, mesenchymal stem cell), and immune cells (tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes or TIL, dendritic cells, eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, tumor-associated macrophages or TAM, myeloid-derived suppressor cells or MDSC). Anti-tumor activity is mainly mediated by infiltration of NK cells, Th1 and CD8⁺ T cells, and correlates with expression of NK cell and T cell attracting chemokines. Nevertheless, cancer cells hijack tissue homeostasis through secretion of cytokines and chemokines that mediate not only the induction of an inflamed status that supports cancer cell survival and growth, but also the recruitment and/or activation of immune suppressive cells. CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 are known for their tumor-inhibiting properties, but their overexpression in several hematologic and solid tumors correlates with disease severity, suggesting a role in tumor promotion. The dichotomous nature of CXCR3 ligands activity mainly depends on several molecular mechanisms induced by cancer cells themselves able to divert immune responses and to alter the whole local environment. A deep understanding of the nature of such phenomenon may provide a rationale to build up a CXCR3/ligand axis targeting strategy. In this review, we will discuss the role of CXCR3 in cancer progression and in regulation of anti-tumor immune response and immunotherapy.

Chemokines and other mediators in the development and functional organization of lymph nodes

Secondary lymphoid organs like lymph nodes (LNs) are the main inductive sites for adaptive immune responses. Lymphocytes are constantly entering LNs, scanning the environment for their cognate antigen and get replenished by incoming cells after a certain period of time. As only a minor percentage of lymphocytes recognizes cognate antigen, this mechanism of permanent recirculation ensures fast and effective immune responses when necessary. Thus, homing, positioning, and activation as well as egress require precise regulation within LNs. In this review we discuss the mediators, including chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, and others that are involved in the formation of the LN anlage and subsequent functional organization of LNs. We highlight very recent findings in the fields of LN development, steady-state migration in LNs, and the intranodal processes during an adaptive immune response.

High-endothelial cell-derived S1P regulates dendritic cell localization and vascular integrity in the lymph node

While the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)/sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1 (S1PR1) axis is critically important for lymphocyte egress from lymphoid organs, S1PR1-activation also occurs in vascular endothelial cells (ECs), including those of the high-endothelial venules (HEVs) that mediate lymphocyte immigration into lymph nodes (LNs). To understand the functional significance of the S1P/S1PR1-G_i axis in HEVs, we generated Lyve1;Spns2^Δ/Δ conditional knockout mice for the S1P-transporter Spinster-homologue-2 (SPNS2), as HEVs express LYVE1 during development. In these mice HEVs appeared apoptotic and were severely impaired in function, morphology and size; leading to markedly hypotrophic peripheral LNs. Dendritic cells (DCs) were unable to interact with HEVs, which was also observed in Cdh5^CRE-ERT2;S1pr1^Δ/Δ mice and wildtype mice treated with S1PR1-antagonists. Wildtype HEVs treated with S1PR1-antagonists in vitro and Lyve1-deficient HEVs show severely reduced release of the DC-chemoattractant CCL21 in vivo. Together, our results reveal that EC-derived S1P warrants HEV-integrity through autocrine control of S1PR1-G_i signaling, and facilitates concomitant HEV-DC interactions.

Estimating Residence Times of Lymphocytes in Ovine Lymph Nodes

The ability of lymphocytes to recirculate between blood and secondary lymphoid tissues such as lymph nodes (LNs) and spleen is well established. Sheep have been used as an experimental system to study lymphocyte recirculation for decades and multiple studies document accumulation and loss of intravenously (i.v.) transferred lymphocytes in efferent lymph of various ovine LNs. Yet, surprisingly little work has been done to accurately quantify the dynamics of lymphocyte exit from the LNs and to estimate the average residence times of lymphocytes in ovine LNs. In this work we developed a series of mathematical models based on fundamental principles of lymphocyte recirculation in the body under non-inflammatory (resting) conditions. Our analysis suggested that in sheep, recirculating lymphocytes spend on average 3 h in the spleen and 20 h in skin or gut-draining LNs with a distribution of residence times in LNs following a skewed gamma (lognormal-like) distribution. Our mathematical models also suggested an explanation for a puzzling observation of the long-term persistence of i.v. transferred lymphocytes in the efferent lymph of the prescapular LN (pLN); the model predicted that this is a natural consequence of long-term persistence of the transferred lymphocytes in circulation. We also found that lymphocytes isolated from the skin-draining pLN have a 2-fold increased entry rate into the pLN as opposed to the mesenteric (gut-draining) LN (mLN). Likewise, lymphocytes from mLN had a 3-fold increased entry rate into the mLN as opposed to entry rate into pLN. In contrast, these cannulation data could not be explained by preferential retention of cells in LNs of their origin. Taken together, our work illustrates the power of mathematical modeling in describing the kinetics of lymphocyte migration in sheep and provides quantitative estimates of lymphocyte residence times in ovine LNs.

Immunotherapy in CNS cancers: the role of immune cell trafficking

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant CNS tumor with very poor survival despite intervention with conventional therapeutic strategies. Although the CNS is separated from the immune system by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, emerging evidence of immune surveillance and the selective infiltration of GBMs by immune suppressive cells indicates that there is breakdown or compromise of these physical barriers. This in turn offers hope that immunotherapy can be applied to specifically target and reduce tumor burden. One of the major setbacks in translating immunotherapy strategies is the hostile microenvironment of the tumor that inhibits trafficking of effector immune cells such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes into the CNS. Incorporating important findings from autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis to understand and thereby enhance cytotoxic lymphocyte infiltration into GBM could augment immunotherapy strategies to treat this disease. However, although these therapies are designed to evoke a potent immune response, limited space in the brain and cranial vault reduces tolerance for immune therapy-induced inflammation and resultant brain edema. Therefore, successful immunotherapy requires that a delicate balance be maintained between activating and retaining lasting antitumor immunity.

Peroxynitrite Exposure of CXCL12 Impairs Monocyte, Lymphocyte and Endothelial Cell Chemotaxis, Lymphocyte Extravasation in vivo and Anti-HIV-1 Activity

CXCL12 is a chemotactic cytokine that attracts many different cell types for homeostasis and during inflammation. Under stress conditions, macrophages and granulocytes produce factors such as peroxynitrite as a consequence of their oxidative response. After short incubations of CXCL12 with peroxynitrite, the gradual nitration of Tyr7, Tyr61, or both Tyr7 and Tyr61 was demonstrated with the use of mass spectrometry, whereas longer incubations caused CXCL12 degradation. Native CXCL12 and the nitrated forms, [3-NT⁶¹]CXCL12 and [3-NT^7/61]CXCL12, were chemically synthesized to evaluate the effects of Tyr nitration on the biological activity of CXCL12. All CXCL12 forms had a similar binding affinity for heparin, the G protein-coupled chemokine receptor CXCR4 and the atypical chemokine receptor ACKR3. However, nitration significantly enhanced the affinity of CXCL12 for chondroitin sulfate. Internalization of CXCR4 and β-arrestin 2 recruitment to CXCR4 was significantly reduced for [3-NT^7/61]CXCL12 compared to CXCL12, whereas β-arrestin 2 recruitment to ACKR3 was similar for all CXCL12 variants. [3-NT^7/61]CXCL12 was weaker in calcium signaling assays and in in vitro chemotaxis assays with monocytes, lymphocytes and endothelial cells. Surprisingly, nitration of Tyr61, but not Tyr7, partially protected CXCL12 against cleavage by the specific serine protease CD26. In vivo, the effects were more pronounced compared to native CXCL12. Nitration of any Tyr residue drastically lowered lymphocyte extravasation to joints compared to native CXCL12. Finally, the anti-HIV-1 activity of [3-NT⁷]CXCL12 and [3-NT^7/61]CXCL12 was reduced, whereas CXCL12 and [3-NT⁶¹]CXCL12 were equally potent. In conclusion, nitration of CXCL12 occurs readily upon contact with peroxynitrite and specifically nitration of Tyr7 fully reduces its in vitro and in vivo biological activities.

VCAM-1 induces signals that stimulate ZO-1 serine phosphorylation and reduces ZO-1 localization at lung endothelial cell junctions

Endothelial cell VCAM-1 regulates recruitment of lymphocytes, eosinophils, mast cells, or dendritic cells during allergic inflammation. In this report, we demonstrated that, during allergic lung responses, there was reduced zonula occludens (ZO)-1 localization in lung endothelial cell junctions, whereas there was increased lung endothelial cell expression of VCAM-1, N-cadherin, and angiomotin. In vitro, leukocyte binding to VCAM-1 reduced ZO-1 in endothelial cell junctions. Using primary human endothelial cells and mouse endothelial cell lines, Ab crosslinking of VCAM-1 increased serine phosphorylation of ZO-1 and induced dissociation of ZO-1 from endothelial cell junctions, demonstrating that VCAM-1 regulates ZO-1. Moreover, VCAM-1 induction of ZO-1 phosphorylation and loss of ZO-1 localization at cell junctions was blocked by inhibition of VCAM-1 intracellular signals that regulate leukocyte transendothelial migration, including NOX2, PKCα, and PTP1B. Furthermore, exogenous addition of the VCAM-1 signaling intermediate H₂ O₂ (1 μM) stimulated PKCα-dependent and PTP1B-dependent serine phosphorylation of ZO-1 and loss of ZO-1 from junctions. Overexpression of ZO-1 blocked leukocyte transendothelial migration. In summary, leukocyte binding to VCAM-1 induces signals that stimulated ZO-1 serine phosphorylation and reduced ZO-1 localization at endothelial cell junctions during leukocyte transendothelial migration.

Natural nitration of CXCL12 reduces its signaling capacity and chemotactic activity in vitro and abrogates intra-articular lymphocyte recruitment in vivo

The chemokine CXCL12/stromal cell-derived factor-1 is important for leukocyte migration to lymphoid organs and inflamed tissues and stimulates tumor development. In vitro, CXCL12 activity through CXCR4 is abolished by proteolytic processing. However, limited information is available on in vivo effects of posttranslationally modified CXCL12. Natural CXCL12 was purified from the coculture supernatant of stromal cells stimulated with leukocytes and inflammatory agents. In this conditioned medium, CXCL12 with a nitration on Tyr⁷, designated [3-NT⁷]CXCL12, was discovered via Edman degradation. CXCL12 and [3-NT⁷]CXCL12 were chemically synthesized to evaluate the biological effects of this modification. [3-NT⁷]CXCL12 recruited β-arrestin 2 and phosphorylated the Akt kinase similar to CXCL12 in receptor-transfected cells. Also the affinity of CXCL12 and [3-NT⁷]CXCL12 for glycosaminoglycans, the G protein-coupled chemokine receptor CXCR4 and the atypical chemokine receptor ACKR3 were comparable. However, [3-NT⁷]CXCL12 showed a reduced ability to enhance intracellular calcium concentrations, to generate inositol triphosphate, to phosphorylate ERK1/2 and to induce monocyte and lymphocyte chemotaxis in vitro. Moreover, nitrated CXCL12 failed to induce in vivo extravasation of lymphocytes to the joint. In summary, nitration on Tyr⁷ under inflammatory conditions is a novel natural posttranslational regulatory mechanism of CXCL12 which may downregulate the CXCR4-mediated inflammatory and tumor-promoting activities of CXCL12.

Amelioration of colitis through blocking lymphocytes entry to Peyer's patches by sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase inhibitor

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor 1, a therapeutic target of the S1P1 agonist FTY720, plays a crucial role in lymphocyte migration and is expressed in several cells including naïve T lymphocytes and endothelial cells. 2-Acetyl-4-tetrahydroxybutyl imidazole (THI), an inhibitor of S1P lyase, exhibits immunomodulatory activity through increasing the S1P concentration in the secondary lymphoid organs, but its effects on colitis remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify how THI affects colitis and migration of naïve T lymphocytes in Peyer's patches (PPs).

METHODS

The effect of THI on gut immunity was investigated by analyzing the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis model, lymphocyte components in thoracic duct lymphocytes (TDLs), and microscopic movement of TDLs in PPs.

RESULTS

2-Acetyl-4-tetrahydroxybutyl imidazole ameliorated DSS-induced colitis histologically by causing a significant decrease in colonic lymphocyte infiltration and expression of mucosal pro-inflammatory cytokines. THI suppressed the inflow of naïve T lymphocytes into the thoracic duct. Microscopic observation of PPs in control animals revealed that many TDLs egressed to the stroma and migrated to lymph capillaries after attaching to the high endothelial venules (HEVs). THI or FTY720 treatment in recipient animals blocked lymphocyte egression from the HEVs to the stroma.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to clarify the ameliorating effects of THI on DSS-induced colitis. Microscopic observations demonstrated the involvement of HEVs in the egression of S1P-dependent gut-tropic T lymphocytes to lymph capillaries. This S1P lyase inhibitor might become a novel immunosuppressant for inflammatory bowel disease therapy by blocking infiltration of lymphocytes through HEVs into the stroma in PPs.

Ponesimod, a selective S1P1 receptor modulator: a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis and other immune-mediated diseases

The first oral treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis, the nonselective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulator fingolimod, led to identification of a pivotal role of sphingosine-1-phosphate and one of its five known receptors, S1P1R, in regulation of lymphocyte trafficking in multiple sclerosis. Modulation of S1P3R, initially thought to cause some of fingolimod's side effects, prompted the search for novel compounds with high selectivity for S1P1R. Ponesimod is an orally active, selective S1P1R modulator that causes dose-dependent sequestration of lymphocytes in lymphoid organs. In contrast to the long half-life/slow elimination of fingolimod, ponesimod is eliminated within 1 week of discontinuation and its pharmacological effects are rapidly reversible. Clinical data in multiple sclerosis have shown a dose-dependent therapeutic effect of ponesimod and defined 20 mg as a daily dose with desired efficacy, and acceptable safety and tolerability. Phase II clinical data have also shown therapeutic efficacy of ponesimod in psoriasis. These findings have increased our understanding of psoriasis pathogenesis and suggest clinical utility of S1P1R modulation for treatment of various immune-mediated disorders. A gradual dose titration regimen was found to minimize the cardiac effects associated with initiation of ponesimod treatment. Selectivity for S1P1R, rapid onset and reversibility of pharmacological effects, and an optimized titration regimen differentiate ponesimod from fingolimod, and may lead to better safety and tolerability. Ponesimod is currently in phase III clinical development to assess efficacy and safety in relapsing multiple sclerosis. A phase II study is also ongoing to investigate the potential utility of ponesimod in chronic graft versus host disease.

Memory T Cell Migration

Immunological memory is a key feature of adaptive immunity. It provides the organism with long-lived and robust protection against infection. In organ transplantation, memory T cells pose a significant threat by causing allograft rejection that is generally resistant to immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, a more thorough understanding of memory T cell biology is needed to improve the survival of transplanted organs without compromising the host’s ability to fight infections. This review will focus on the mechanisms by which memory T cells migrate to the site where their target antigen is present, with particular emphasis on their migration to transplanted organs. First, we will define the known subsets of memory T cells (central, effector, and tissue resident) and their circulation patterns. Second, we will review the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which memory T cells migrate to inflamed and non-inflamed tissues and highlight the emerging paradigm of antigen-driven, trans-endothelial migration. Third, we will discuss the relevance of this knowledge to organ transplantation and the prevention or treatment of allograft rejection.

Mucosal immunity in gut and lymphoid cell trafficking

Intestine has a well-developed lymphatic system that is closely related with its functions, such as mucosal immunological defense or absorption of nutrients. Intestinal lymphoid cells such as lymphocytes, macrophages/monocytes, or dendritic cells are continuously migrating through intestinal mucosa, thereby facilitating their immune responses. Their migrations are well controlled by well-organized molecular mechanisms including adhesion molecules, chemokines, etc. This manuscript will review how dysfunction of lymphoid cell migration is involved in intestinal inflammation, especially in the pathophysiology of intestinal bowel diseases. (*English Translation of J Jpn Coll Angiol 2008; 48: 143-149.).

VCAM-1 signals during lymphocyte migration: role of reactive oxygen species

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) regulates leukocyte migration from the blood into tissues. VCAM-1 expression is induced on endothelial cells during inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, allograft rejection, infection, and asthmatic responses. During these responses, VCAM-1 forms a scaffold for leukocyte migration. VCAM-1 also activates signals within endothelial cells resulting in the opening of an "endothelial cell gate" through which leukocytes migrate. Immediately following this migration, the endothelial cell-endothelial cell contact is re-established. VCAM-1 outside-in signals are mediated by NADPH oxidase production of reactive oxygen species and subsequently activation of matrix metalloproteinases. These signals are required for endothelial cell shape changes and leukocyte migration. In addition, VCAM-1-activated signals in endothelial cells are regulated by cytokines indicating that it is important to consider both endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression and function during inflammatory processes.

Increased expression of mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) and lymphocyte recruitment in murine gastritis induced by Helicobacter pylori

Although T cell involvement in Helicobactor pylori-induced gastritis is known, mechanism about T cell recruitment is not understood. In this study we examined how mucosal addressin cell adhesion -molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) is involved in lymphocyte recruitment in murine chronic gastritis induced by H. pylori. C57 BL/6 mice were infected with Sydney strain (SS1). Six months after infection, the stomach was removed. The expression of adhesion molecules, MAdCAM-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and the cell surface antigens CD4, CD8, CD45R/B220 or beta7-integrin were determined by immunohistochemistry. A significant increase in CD4 lymphocytes was observed in the body portion of stomach in SS1-infected mice and most of these CD4 cells express beta7-integrin, a known counter ligand for MAdCAM-1 molecule. Strong MAdCAM-1 expression was observed adjacent to these cells in the lamina propria as well as in the submucosa of SS1-infected stomach. Quantitative analysis showed that the area of MAdCAM-1 expression well correlated with the infiltration of beta7-integrin positive lymphocytes. On the other hand, expression of ICAM-1 or VCAM-1 in the lamina propria was few even in the SS1-infected stomach. Increased expression of MAdCAM-1 was well correlated to the location of lymphocytes, which express CD4 and beta7-integrin. These results suggest the possibility that MAdCAM-1 may be largely involved in the lymphocyte recruitment in the gastritis mucosa with H. pylori.

CC chemokine receptor 7-dependent and -independent pathways for lymphocyte homing: modulation by FTY720

Cognate interaction of chemokine receptor CCR7 on lymphocytes with its ligands CCL19 and CCL21 expressed on high endothelial venules (HEVs) is essential for effective migration of T and B cells across HEVs into secondary lymphoid organs. Plt mice, which lack expression of CCL19 and CCL21-ser, both ligands for CCR7 on HEVs, as well as CCR7-deficient mice, have a defective cell migration and reduced homing of lymphocytes. FTY720, a novel immunosuppressant, causes a reduction of lymphocytes in peripheral blood and tissues and their sequestration into lymphoid tissues. In this study we demonstrate that FTY720 rescues the homing defect in both CCR7(-/-) mice and plt mice. After FTY720 treatment, the number of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells as well as B cells in peripheral blood is reduced while pertussis toxin-sensitive homing into peripheral lymph nodes, mesenteric lymph node, and Peyer's patches is increased. Immunohistology demonstrates that FTY720 enables these cells to enter lymphoid tissue through HEVs. Thus, our data suggest an alternative G-alpha(i)-dependent, CCR7-CCL19/CCL21-independent mechanism for lymphocyte homing through HEVs which is strongly augmented in the presence of FTY720.

Conditional vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 deletion in mice: impaired lymphocyte migration to bone marrow

We generated vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 "knock-in" mice and Cre recombinase transgenic mice to delete the VCAM-1 gene (vcam-1) in whole mice, thereby overcoming the embryonic lethality seen with conventional vcam-1-deficient mice. vcam-1 knock-in mice expressed normal levels of VCAM-1 but showed loss of VCAM-1 on endothelial and hematopoietic cells when interbred with a "TIE2Cre" transgene. Analysis of peripheral blood from conditional vcam-1-deficient mice revealed mild leukocytosis, including elevated immature B cell numbers. Conversely, the bone marrow (BM) had reduced immature B cell numbers, but normal numbers of pro-B cells. vcam-1-deficient mice also had reduced mature IgD+ B and T cells in BM and a greatly reduced capacity to support short-term migration of transferred B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and preactivated CD4+ T cells to the BM. Thus, we report an until now unappreciated dominant role for VCAM-1 in lymphocyte homing to BM.

Neonatally induced inactivation of the vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 gene impairs B cell localization and T cell-dependent humoral immune response

Vascular cellular adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 is a membrane-bound cellular adhesion molecule that mediates adhesive interactions between hematopoietic progenitor cells and stromal cells in the bone marrow (BM) and between leukocytes and endothelial as well as dendritic cells. Since VCAM-1-deficient mice die embryonically, conditional VCAM-1 mutant mice were generated to analyze the in vivo function of this adhesion molecule. Here we show that interferon-induced Cre-loxP-mediated deletion of the VCAM-1 gene after birth efficiently ablates expression of VCAM-1 in most tissues like, for example, BM, lymphoid organs, and lung, but not in brain. Induced VCAM-1 deficiency leads to a reduction of immature B cells in the BM and to an increase of these cells in peripheral blood but not in lymphoid organs. Mature recirculating B cells are reduced in the BM. In a migration assay, the number of mature B cells that appears in the BM after intravenous injection is decreased. In addition, the humoral immune response to a T cell-dependent antigen is impaired. VCAM-1 serves an important role for B cell localization and the T cell-dependent humoral immune response.

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) enhances lymphocyte migration into rheumatoid synovial tissue transplanted into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice

Adhesion mechanisms play a major role in the recruitment of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) which characteristically infiltrate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium and other chronically inflamed tissues. Through a sequential series of complex integrated adhesion and signalling events, 'multistep model of migration', specific subsets of PBL are recruited into inflamed tissues. In this process both leucocyte receptors and microvascular endothelial (MVE) counter-receptors play a critical role. The MVE in particular, during an inflammatory state, is the target of various inflammatory mediators that cause the up-regulation of several cell adhesion molecules (CAM). One of the most important factors known to be a powerful inducer of MVE CAM is TNF-alpha. Conversely, blocking TNF-alpha causes a down-modulation of CAM expression. To test directly the capacity of TNF-alpha to induce cell migration into RA synovium we adapted a model in which synovial grafts were implanted into SCID mice subcutaneously. Using this model we demonstrate that: (i) transplants remain viable and become vascularized and fed by mouse subdermal vessels; (ii) the mouse vasculature connects to the transplant vasculature which maintains the ability to express human CAM; (iii) intragraft injections of TNF-alpha up-regulate the expression of human CAM, following the down-regulation which occurred 4 weeks post-transplantation; and (iv) the up-regulation of graft CAM is associated with increased human PBL migration into the transplants. This study provides direct evidence in vivo of the capacity of TNF-alpha to induce cell migration. In addition, it provides the experimental background for the optimal use of this model.