Hepatocyte ELOVL Fatty Acid Elongase 6 Determines Ceramide Acyl-Chain Length and Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity in Mice

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Dysfunctional hepatic lipid metabolism is a cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver disorder worldwide, and is closely associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. ELOVL fatty acid elongase 6 (Elovl6) is responsible for converting C16 saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (FAs) into C18 species. We have previously shown that Elovl6 contributes to obesity-induced insulin resistance by modifying hepatic C16/C18-related FA composition.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

To define the precise molecular mechanism by which hepatic Elovl6 affects energy homeostasis and metabolic disease, we generated liver-specific Elovl6 knockout (LKO) mice. Unexpectedly, LKO mice were not protected from high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance. Instead, LKO mice exhibited higher insulin sensitivity than controls when consuming a high-sucrose diet (HSD), which induces lipogenesis. Hepatic patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (Pnpla3) expression was down-regulated in LKO mice, and adenoviral Pnpla3 restoration reversed the enhancement in insulin sensitivity in HSD-fed LKO mice. Lipidomic analyses showed that the hepatic ceramide(d18:1/18:0) content was lower in LKO mice, which may explain the effect on insulin sensitivity. Ceramide(d18:1/18:0) enhances protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity by interfering with the binding of PP2A to inhibitor 2 of PP2A, leading to Akt dephosphorylation. Its production involves the formation of an Elovl6-ceramide synthase 4 (CerS4) complex in the endoplasmic reticulum and a Pnpla3-CerS4 complex on lipid droplets. Consistent with this, liver-specific Elovl6 deletion in ob/ob mice reduced both hepatic ceramide(d18:1/18:0) and PP2A activity and ameliorated insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates the key role of hepatic Elovl6 in the regulation of the acyl-chain composition of ceramide and that C18:0-ceramide is a potent regulator of hepatic insulin signaling linked to Pnpla3-mediated NAFLD.

A metal sulfide photocatalyst composed of ubiquitous elements for solar hydrogen production

A visible-light-sensitive tin sulfide photocatalyst was designed based on a ubiquitous element strategy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 determines plasma remnant lipoproteins and accelerates atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice

OBJECTIVE

Sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) is nutritionally regulated and is known to be a key transcription factor regulating lipogenic enzymes. The goal of this study was to evaluate the roles of SREBP-1 in dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Transgenic mice that overexpress SREBP-1c in the liver and SREBP-1-deficient mice were crossed with low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)-deficient mice, and the plasma lipids and atherosclerosis were analyzed. Hepatic SREBP-1c overexpression in LDLR-deficient mice caused postprandial hypertriglyceridemia, increased very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma, which resulted in accelerated aortic atheroma formation. Conversely, absence of SREBP-1 suppressed Western diet-induced hyperlipidemia in LDLR-deficient mice and ameliorated atherosclerosis. In contrast, bone marrow-specific SREBP-1 deficiency did not alter the development of atherosclerosis. The size of nascent VLDL particles secreted from the liver was increased in SREBP-1c transgenic mice and reduced in SREBP-1-deficient mice, accompanied by upregulation and downregulation of phospholipid transfer protein expression, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic SREBP-1c determines plasma triglycerides and remnant cholesterol and contributes to atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic states. Hepatic SREBP-1c also regulates the size of nascent VLDL particles.

Role of class IA phosphoinositide 3-kinase in B lymphocyte development and functions

PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) family members control a variety of cellular responses, such as cell growth, survival, cytoskeletal remodelling and the trafficking of intracellular organelles, in many cell types, including lymphocytes. It has been difficult to evaluate the roles of distinct PI3Ks in immune responses, because specific inhibitors for each PI3K are lacking and most stimuli activate multiple PI3Ks. The development of gene-targeted mice has now allowed the elucidation of roles played in vivo by PI3K species in the immune system. Studies on mice deficient in catalytic as well as regulatory subunits of class IA PI3Ks have shown the importance of this class of PI3K in B lineage cells. Here I discuss the role of class IA PI3Ks in B lymphocyte development and B cell antigen receptor-mediated signal transduction.

A mouse model of pemphigus vulgaris by adoptive transfer of naive splenocytes from desmoglein 3 knockout mice

BACKGROUND

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering disease caused by antidesmoglein3 (anti-Dsg3) IgG autoantibodies. Recently, we developed a PV mouse model by adoptive transfer of splenocytes from recombinant Dsg3-immunized Dsg3(-/-) mice to Rag2(-/-) immunodeficient mice that expressed Dsg3.

OBJECTIVES

We determined whether the adoptive transfer of naive splenocytes from nonimmunized Dsg3(-/-) mice induces the anti-Dsg3 IgG production and the PV phenoytpe in recipient mice.

METHODS

We adoptively transferred naive Dsg3(-/-) splenocytes into Rag2(-/-) mice and compared their PV phenoytpe with those mice receiving immunized Dsg3(-/-) splenocytes. The numbers of splenocytes and their subpopulations required for anti-Dsg3 IgG production were examined.

RESULTS

Mice that received naive Dsg3(-/-) splenocytes produced anti-Dsg3 IgG, which bound to keratinocyte cell surfaces in vivo, and developed the PV phenotype, including oral erosions with suprabasilar acantholysis. Antibody production and the appearance of the PV phenotype were delayed by approximately 2 weeks in mice that received naive splenocytes compared with mice that received immunized splenocytes. However, once the PV phenotypes developed, there were no apparent differences in disease severity between the two models. Interestingly, the anti-Dsg3 IgG titres were significantly lower in mice that received naive splenocytes than in mice that received immunized splenocytes, suggesting that the former antibodies were more potent than the latter. The frequency of anti-Dsg3 IgG production depended on the number of transferred naive splenocytes. Both CD4+ T cells and B220+ B cells from naive Dsg3(-/-) mice were essential for the production of anti-Dsg3 IgG antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Dsg3-specific naive lymphocytes in Dsg3(-/-) mice can be primed and activated by the endogenous Dsg3 in recipient mice to produce pathogenic anti-Dsg3 IgG without active immunization. This approach using naive lymphocytes provides a unique model to dissect immunological mechanisms of tolerance against peripheral autoimmune targets.

Role of antigen-presenting cells in innate immune system

Activation of antigen-presenting cells (APC) and natural killer (NK) cells initiates the production of various proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin 12 (IL-12), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and nitric oxide (NO), which are important in the innate immune response for controlling infection by intracellular pathogens. In this review, we focus on these cytokines produced by APC and summarize the current understanding of how APC functions are regulated by cytokines in innate immunity.

An etiological investigation of domestic cats with conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract disease in Japan

Chlamydophila felis (C. felis), feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) were detected in 39 (59.1%), 11 (16.7%) and 14 (21.2%) cats respectively, from 66 domestic cats presented with conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in 9 prefectures of Japan. Dual and multiple infections were found in 7 (10.6%) cats with both C. felis and FHV-1, 10 (15.2%) cats with both C. felis and FCV, and 1 (1.5%) cat with all three agents. C. felis was isolated from 11 (28.2%) of 39 PCR positive cats. Antigenic difference was found in a 96 kDa protein of our isolates and Fe/145 strain isolated in USA. In conclusion, C. felis is the most common agent of feline conjunctivitis and URTD, and the coinfection with C. felis, FHV-1 and FCV are also common in cats in Japan.

Critical role of IL-15-IL-15R for antigen-presenting cell functions in the innate immune response

Activation of dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages by infectious agents leads to secretion of interleukin 12 (IL-12), which subsequently induces interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production by multiple cell types that include DCs and macrophages. In turn, IFN-gamma acts on macrophages to augment IL-12 secretion and to produce nitric oxide (NO), which eradicates infected microbes. We show here that in cytokine common gamma subunit-deficient and/or IL-2 receptor beta-deficient mice, production of IL-12, IFN-gamma and NO by DCs and macrophages was severely impaired, as was up-regulation of major histocompatibility complex class II and CD40. Similar phenotypes were observed in DCs and macrophages from IL-15-deficient mice but not in those from IL-2-deficient mice. This shows that the IL-15-IL-15R interaction is critical in early activation of antigen-presenting cells and plays an important role in the innate immune system.

Critical role of NK but not NKT cells in acute rejection of parental bone marrow cells in F1 hybrid mice

F1 hybrid mice vigorously reject transplanted parental bone marrow (BM) cells, which is a phenomenon called "hybrid resistance (HR)". Since NK1.1(+) cells play crucial role in HR, both NK1.1(+)CD3(+) NKT cells and NK1.1(+)CD3(-) NK cells have been possible candidates of effector cells. To elucidate the major effector cells in HR, we employed Rag-2(-/-) mice devoid of T, B, and NKT cells and cytokine receptor common gamma subunit and Rag-2 double-deficient (gamma(c)(-/-(y))-Rag-2(-/-)) mice lacking all lymphoid cells including NK cells. Rag-2(-/-) F1 hybrid mice rejected parental BM cells to the extent similar to wild-type (WT) F1 hybrids. In contrast, male gamma(c)(-/y)-Rag-2(-/-) F1 hybrid mice were unable to reject parental BM cells. After reconstitution with NK but not NKT cells, male gamma(c)(-/y)-Rag-2(-/-) F1 hybrid mice restored the ability to reject parental BM cells. Collectively, it is concluded that NKT cells play little role, if any, and NK cells are the only cells involved in HR.

ERK and p38 MAPK, but not NF-kappaB, are critically involved in reactive oxygen species-mediated induction of IL-6 by angiotensin II in cardiac fibroblasts

We recently reported that angiotensin II (Ang II) induced IL-6 mRNA expression in cardiac fibroblasts, which played an important role in Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy in paracrine fashion. The present study investigated the regulatory mechanism of Ang II-induced IL-6 gene expression, focusing especially on reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated signaling in cardiac fibroblasts. Ang II increased intracellular ROS in cardiac fibroblasts, and the increase was completely inhibited by the AT-1 blocker candesartan and the NADH/NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI). We first confirmed that antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, superoxide scavenger Tiron, and DPI suppressed Ang II-induced IL-6 expression. Because we observed that exogenous H(2)O(2) also increased IL-6 mRNA, the signaling pathways downstream of Ang II and exogenous H(2)O(2) were compared. Ang II, as well as exogenous H(2)O(2), activated ERK, p38 MAPK, and JNK, which were significantly inhibited by N-acetylcysteine and DPI. In contrast with exogenous H(2)O(2), however, Ang II did not influence phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaB-alpha/beta or nuclear translocation of p65, nor did it increase NF-kappaB promoter activity. PD98059 and SB203580 inhibited Ang II-induced IL-6 expression. Truncation and mutational analysis of the IL-6 gene promoter showed that CRE was an important cis-element in Ang II-induced IL-6 gene expression. NF-kappaB-binding site was important for the basal expression of IL-6, but was not activated by Ang II. Ang II phosphorylated CREB through the ERK and p38 MAPK pathway in a ROS-sensitive manner. Collectively, these data indicated that Ang II stimulated ROS production via the AT1 receptor and NADH/NADPH oxidase, and that these ROS mediated activation of MAPKs, which culminated in IL-6 gene expression through a CRE-dependent, but not NF-kappaB-dependent, pathway in cardiac fibroblasts.

IFN-gamma production by antigen-presenting cells: mechanisms emerge

The suggestion that antigen-presenting cells (APCs) produce interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) is controversial because it conflicts with the initial paradigm in which the production of IFN-gamma was restricted to lymphoid cells. However, some answers to this skepticism have been provided by recent findings of high-level production and intracellular expression of IFN-gamma by interleukin-12 (IL-12)-stimulated macrophages and dendritic cells. New data are now emerging to explain the mechanism of production of IFN-gamma vby APCs. As in lymphoid cells, IL-12-induced IFN-gamma production in APCs requires signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4), although the precise molecular events that govern the transcription of the gene encoding IFN-gamma are enigmatic still. Understanding these processes in lymphoid, and now nonlymphoid, cells remains an important challenge.

T cell-specific loss of Pten leads to defects in central and peripheral tolerance

PTEN, a tumor suppressor gene, is essential for embryogenesis. We used the Cre-loxP system to generate a T cell-specific deletion of the Pten gene (Pten(flox/-) mice). All Pten(flox/-) mice develop CD4+ T cell lymphomas by 17 weeks. Pten(flox/-) mice show increased thymic cellularity due in part to a defect in thymic negative selection. Pten(flox/-) mice exhibit elevated levels of B cells and CD4+ T cells in the periphery, spontaneous activation of CD4+ T cells, autoantibody production, and hypergammaglobulinemia. Pten(flox/-) T cells hyperproliferate, are autoreactive, secrete increased levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines, resist apoptosis, and show increased phosphorylation of PKB/Akt and ERK. Peripheral tolerance to SEB is also impaired in Pten(flox/-) mice. PTEN is thus an important regulator of T cell homeostasis and self-tolerance.

Overexpression of Bcl-2 Differentially Restores Development of Thymus-Derived CD4−8+ T Cells and Intestinal Intraepithelial T Cells in IFN-Regulatory Factor-1-Deficient Mice

Mice lacking IFN-regulatory factor (IRF)-1 have reduced numbers of mature CD8+ T cells within the thymus and peripheral lymphoid organs, suggesting a critical role of IRF-1 in CD8(+) T cell differentiation. Here we show that endogenous Bcl-2 expression is substantially reduced in IRF-1(-/-)CD8+ thymocytes and that introduction of a human Bcl-2 transgene driven by Emu or lck promoter in IRF-1(-/-) mice restores the CD8(+) T cell development. Restored CD8+ T cells are functionally mature in terms of allogeneic MLR and cytokine production. In contrast to thymus-derived CD8+ T cells, other lymphocyte subsets including NK, NK T, and TCR-gammadelta(+) intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes, which are also impaired in IRF-1(-/-) mice, are not rescued by expressing human Bcl-2. Our results indicate that IRF-1 differentially regulates the development of these lymphocyte subsets and that survival signals involving Bcl-2 are critical for the development of thymus-dependent CD8+ T cells.

Inducible expression of Stat4 in dendritic cells and macrophages and its critical role in innate and adaptive immune responses

Autocrine activation of APC by IL-12 has recently been revealed; we demonstrate here that inducible expression of Stat4 in APC is central to this process. Stat4 is induced in dendritic cells (DC) in a maturation-dependent manner and in macrophages in an activation-dependent manner. Stat4 levels directly correlate with IL-12-dependent IFN-gamma production by APC as well as IFN-gamma production by DC during Ag presentation. The Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 suppress Stat4 induction in DC and macrophages when present during maturation and activation, respectively, diminishing IFN-gamma production. In contrast, IL-4 has no effect on Stat4 levels in mature DC and actually augments IFN-gamma production by DC during Ag presentation, indicating that IL-4 acts differently in a spatiotemporal manner. The functional importance of Stat4 is evident in Stat4(-/-) DC and macrophages, which fail to produce IFN-gamma. Furthermore, Stat4(-/-) macrophages are defective in NO production in response to IL-12 and are susceptible to TOXOPLASMA: Autocrine IL-12 signaling is required for high-level IFN-gamma production by APC at critical stages in both innate and adaptive immunity, and the control of Stat4 expression is likely an important regulator of this process.

Mouse CD94 participates in Qa-1-mediated self recognition by NK cells and delivers inhibitory signals independent of Ly-49

Inhibitory receptors expressed on NK cells recognize MHC class I molecules and transduce negative signals to prevent the lysis of healthy autologous cells. The lectin-like CD94/NKG2 heterodimer has been studied extensively as a human inhibitory receptor. In contrast, in mice, another lectin-like receptor, Ly-49, was the only known inhibitory receptor until the recent discovery of CD94/NKG2 homologues in mice. Here we describe the expression and function of mouse CD94 analyzed by a newly established mAb. CD94 was detected on essentially all NK and NK T cells as well as small fractions of T cells in all mouse strains tested. Two distinct populations were identified among NK and NK T cells, CD94(bright) and CD94(dull) cells, independent of Ly-49 expression. The anti-CD94 mAb completely abrogated the inhibition of target killing mediated by NK recognition of Qa-1/Qdm peptide on target cells. Importantly, CD94(bright) but not CD94(dull) cells were found to be functional in the Qa-1/Qdm-mediated inhibition. In the presence of the mAb, activated NK cells showed substantial cytotoxicity against autologous target cells as well as enhanced cytotoxicity against allogeneic and "missing self" target cells. These results suggest that mouse CD94 participates in the protection of self cells from NK cytotoxicity through the Qa-1 recognition, independent of inhibitory receptors for classical MHC class I such as Ly-49.

Two distinct action mechanisms of immunophilin-ligand complexes for the blockade of T-cell activation

The immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK506 are mediated through binding to immunophilins. Here we show that FK506-FKBP complex suppresses the activation of JNK and p38 pathways at a level upstream of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase kinase (MAPKK-K) besides the calcineurin-NFAT pathway. A238L, a viral gene product that binds to immunophilin, also blocks activation of both pathways. In contrast, direct inhibitors of calcineurin, Cabin 1 and FR901725, suppress the activation of NFAT but not the JNK or p38 pathway. We further demonstrate that co-expression of a constitutively active NFAT and a constitutively active MEKK1 renders the interleukin-2 promoter in Jurkat T lymphocytes resistant to CsA and FK506, whereas Jurkat cells expressing a constitutively active NFAT alone are still sensitive to CsA or FK506. Therefore, CsA and FK506 exert their immunosuppressive effects through targeting both the calcineurin-dependent NFAT pathway and calcineurin-independent activation pathway for JNK and p38.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and NF-kappa B/Rel are at the divergence of CD40-mediated proliferation and survival pathways

CD40 receptor ligation evokes several crucial outcomes for the fate of an activated B cell, including proliferation and survival. Although multiple signaling molecules in the CD40 pathways have been identified, their specific roles in regulating proliferation and maintaining cell viability are still obscure. In this report, we demonstrate that the activation of both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K) and NF-kappaB/Rel transcription factors is crucial for CD40-mediated proliferation. Furthermore, our data indicate that PI-3K is indispensable for CD40-mediated NF-kappaB/Rel activation. This is achieved via activation of AKT and the degradation of IkappaBalpha. Furthermore, we show that PI-3K activity is necessary for the degradation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip. Therefore, both of these events comprise the mechanism by which PI-3K controls cell proliferation. In contrast to the absolute requirement of PI-3K and NF-kappaB/Rel for proliferation, these signaling molecules are only partially responsible for CD40-mediated survival, as blocking of PI-3K activity did not lead to apoptosis of anti-CD40-treated cells. However, the PI-3K/NF-kappaB pathway is still required for CD40-induced Bcl-X gene expression. Taken together, our data indicate that multiple survival pathways are triggered via this receptor, whereas NF-kappaB/Rel and PI-3K are crucial for CD40-induced proliferation.

Expression of functional IL-2 receptors on mature splenic dendritic cells

We report here the expression of functional IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) on mature splenic dendritic cells (DC) and synergistic effect of IL-2 on IFN-gamma production by DC. IL-2 augmented IL-12-dependent IFN-gamma production by DC purified from both splenocytes of wild-type and anti-asialoGM1 Ab-treated Rag-2(-/-) splenocytes devoid of T, B, NK and NKT cells. A neutralizing mAb against IL-2Ralpha blocked such enhancing effect of IL-2 on IFN-gamma production, indicating the presence of functional IL-2R on DC. Synergistic effects of IL-2 were also observed on IFN-gamma production by DC stimulated through CD40 or MHC class II, suggesting that T cell-derived IL-2 can act on DC during antigen presentation. Furthermore, we provide evidence that DC produce IFN-gamma during interaction with allogeneic CD4(+) T cells from IFN-gamma(-/-) mice. These results suggest that IL-2 produced by naive T cells upon antigen stimulation is an important factor during Th0 to Th1 differentiation by inducing IFN-gamma from DC.

Two YxxL segments of a single immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif in the CD3zeta molecule differentially activate calcium mobilization and mitogen-activated protein kinase family pathways

Immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAM), consisting of two YxxL segments, transmit signals leading to IL-2 gene activation in T cells. We investigated here the functional difference in signal transduction between these two YxxL segments in the CD3zeta membrane-proximal ITAM. N-terminal YxxL mutants failed to induce ZAP-70 phosphorylation, elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) or extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation even in the presence of CD28 co-stimulation, whereas a mutant of the leucine residue at the C-terminal YxxL segment retained the ability to induce these events although this mutation abrogated the ability to induce IL-2 gene activation. In marked contrast to ERK activation, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation was observed in all mutants when co-stimulated with CD28. The mutant of the leucine residue at the C-terminal YxxL segment had a defect in the transcriptional activation at the NF-AT cis-element, which was restored to wild-type level by addition of a Ca2+ ionophore, suggesting that the intensity and/or duration of [Ca2+]i elevation defines the threshold of T cell activation in this mutant. Our data collectively indicate that the activation pathways of ERK, JNK and Ca2+ mobilization are differentially regulated through YxxL segments of an ITAM.

Mechanisms of action of cyclosporine

Cyclosporine (cyclosporin A, CsA) has potent immunosuppressive properties, reflecting its ability to block the transcription of cytokine genes in activated T cells. It is well established that CsA through formation of a complex with cyclophilin inhibits the phosphatase activity of calcineurin, which regulates nuclear translocation and subsequent activation of NFAT transcription factors. In addition to the calcineurin/NFAT pathway, recent studies indicate that CsA also blocks the activation of JNK and p38 signaling pathways triggered by antigen recognition, making CsA a highly specific inhibitor of T cell activation. Here we discuss the action of CsA on JNK and p38 activation pathways. We also argue the potential of CsA and its natural counterparts as pharmacological probes.

Expression of functional IL-2 receptors on mature splenic dendritic cells

We report here the expression of functional IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) on mature splenic dendritic cells (DC) and synergistic effect of IL-2 on IFN-gamma production by DC. IL-2 augmented IL-12-dependent IFN-gamma production by DC purified from both splenocytes of wild-type and anti-asialoGM1 Ab-treated Rag-2(-/-) splenocytes devoid of T, B, NK and NKT cells. A neutralizing mAb against IL-2Ralpha blocked such enhancing effect of IL-2 on IFN-gamma production, indicating the presence of functional IL-2R on DC. Synergistic effects of IL-2 were also observed on IFN-gamma production by DC stimulated through CD40 or MHC class II, suggesting that T cell-derived IL-2 can act on DC during antigen presentation. Furthermore, we provide evidence that DC produce IFN-gamma during interaction with allogeneic CD4(+) T cells from IFN-gamma(-/-) mice. These results suggest that IL-2 produced by naive T cells upon antigen stimulation is an important factor during Th0 to Th1 differentiation by inducing IFN-gamma from DC.

Use of autoantigen-knockout mice in developing an active autoimmune disease model for pemphigus

The development of experimental models of active autoimmune diseases can be difficult due to tolerance of autoantigens, but knockout mice, which fail to acquire tolerance to the defective gene product, provide a useful tool for this purpose. Using knockout mice lacking desmoglein 3 (Dsg3), the target antigen of pemphigus vulgaris (PV), we have generated an active disease model for this autoantibody-mediated disease. Dsg3(-/-) mice, but not Dsg3(+/-) littermates, produced anti-Dsg3 IgG that binds native Dsg3, when immunized with recombinant mouse Dsg3. Splenocytes from the immunized Dsg3(-/-) mice were then adoptively transferred into Rag-2(-/-) immunodeficient mice expressing Dsg3. Anti-Dsg3 IgG was stably produced in the recipient mice for more than 6 months without further boosting. This IgG bound to Dsg3 in vivo and disrupted the cell-cell adhesion of keratinocytes. Consequently, the recipient mice developed erosions in their oral mucous membranes with typical histologic findings of PV. In addition, the recipient mice showed telogen hair loss, as found in Dsg3(-/-) mice. Collectively, the recipient mice developed the phenotype of PV due to the pathogenic anti-Dsg3 IgG. This model will be valuable for developing novel therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, our approach can be applied broadly for the development of various autoimmune disease models.

Development of chimeric molecules for recognition and targeting of antigen-specific B cells in pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering disease characterized by circulating pathogenic IgG antibodies against desmoglein 3 (Dsg3). The purpose of this study was to develop chimeric molecules for specific recognition and elimination of autoimmune B cells in PV. Mouse hybridoma cell lines producing anti-Dsg3 antibody (5H10, 12A2) were developed as an in vitro model system for targeting B cells. Dsg3-GFP, a baculoprotein containing the entire extracellular domain of Dsg3 fused with green fluorescence protein, recognized and targeted the hybridoma cells through their surface immunoglobulin receptors in an antigen-specific way. The epitopes of these monoclonal antibodies were mapped on the amino terminal EC1 and part of EC2, a region considered functionally important in cadherins. Chimeric toxin molecules containing the mapped region (Dsg3deltaN1) and modified Pseudomonas exotoxin were produced in bacteria (Dsg3deltaN1-PE40-KDEL, PE3 7-Dsg3deltaN1-KDEL) and tested in vitro on hybridoma cell lines. The chimeric toxins, but not Dsg3deltaN1 alone, showed dose-dependent toxic activity with a reduction in hybridoma cell number to 40-60% of toxin-negative control cultures, compared with little or no effect on anti-Dsg3-negative hybridoma cells. Furthermore, these toxins showed toxic effects on anti-Dsg3 IgG-producing B cells from Dsg3deltaN1-immunized mice, with a 60% reduction in cell number compared with Dsg3deltaN1 alone. Thus, specific recognition and targeting of antigen-specific B cells in PV was demonstrated; this strategy may hold promise as a future therapeutic option for PV and other autoimmune diseases.

ZAP-70 is required for calcium mobilization but is dispensable for mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) superfamily activation induced via CD2 in human T cells

Stimulation with specific pairs of anti-CD2 antibodies can induce T cell activation and proliferation. In this study, we investigate the significance of ZAP-70 in CD2 signaling using ZAP-70-deficient T cells derived from a CD8-deficient patient and show that ZAP-70 is necessary for cellular proliferation and cytokine production in T cells stimulated via CD2. Biochemical analyses show that CD2 stimulation induces activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) superfamily in ZAP-70-deficient T cells, indicating that a ZAP-70-independent pathway(s) exists for MAPK superfamily activation via CD2. In contrast, intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization and activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) upon CD2 triggering were impaired in T cells lacking ZAP-70. Furthermore, we found that pharmacological Ca(2+) elevation combined with CD2 stimulation restored NFAT activation and subsequent cytokine production in ZAP-70-deficient T cells. These results indicate that in CD2 signaling, ZAP-70 plays an essential role in Ca(2+) mobilization and NFAT activation.

Synergistic effects of IL-4 and IL-18 on IL-12-dependent IFN-gamma production by dendritic cells

Mouse splenic dendritic cells (DCs) produce IFN-gamma in response to IL-12. In the present study, we analyzed effects of Th1 and Th2 cytokines on IFN-gamma production by DCs. IL-18 produced by DCs and macrophages acts in an autocrine manner and augments IL-12-induced IFN-gamma production by DCs as also observed in T and NK cells. Surprisingly, IL-4, a Th2 cytokine, also acts synergistically with IL-12 on IFN-gamma production by DCs. In addition, IL-4 markedly enhances IFN-gamma production when DCs are stimulated through CD40 or MHC class II. These results indicate that both Th1 and Th2 cytokines act on DCs during T cell-DC interaction upon Ag presentation. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is constitutively activated in mature DCs and is required for IFN-gamma production by DCs. IL-18 but not IL-4 or IL-12 further activates the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity, suggesting that IL-4 and IL-18 enhance IFN-gamma production through distinct intracellular signal transduction pathways in DCs.

Temperature-sensitive ZAP70 mutants degrading through a proteasome-independent pathway. Restoration of a kinase domain mutant by Cdc37

CD8 deficiency is an autosomal recessive form of severe combined immunodeficiency diseases characterized by the absence of CD8(+) T lymphocytes and impaired T cell functions. We identified two novel mis-sense mutations in the zap70 genes of a CD8-deficiency patient. One mutation (P80Q) affects a residue in an SH2 domain and another (M572L) in the kinase subdomain XI. Both mutations cause a degradation of ZAP70 protein in a temperature-sensitive manner through an ATP-dependent and proteasome-independent pathway. We further demonstrated that Cdc37, a protein kinase-specific chaperone, bound to M572L but not P80Q mutant and restored the expression of the M572L mutant when overexpressed. The restoration of M572L mutant by Cdc37 required the function of HSP90. These results indicate that Cdc37 in conjunction with HSP90 functions as a molecular chaperone for a temperature-sensitive kinase domain mutant of ZAP70.

Interleukin 12-dependent interferon gamma production by CD8alpha+ lymphoid dendritic cells

We investigated the role of antigen-presenting cells in early interferon (IFN)-gamma production in normal and recombinase activating gene 2-deficient (Rag-2(-/-)) mice in response to Listeria monocytogenes (LM) infection and interleukin (IL)-12 administration. Levels of serum IFN-gamma in Rag-2(-/-) mice were comparable to those of normal mice upon either LM infection or IL-12 injection. Depletion of natural killer (NK) cells by administration of anti-asialoGM1 antibodies had little effect on IFN-gamma levels in the sera of Rag-2(-/-) mice after LM infection or IL-12 injection. Incubation of splenocytes from NK cell-depleted Rag-2(-/-) mice with LM resulted in the production of IFN-gamma that was completely blocked by addition of anti-IL-12 antibodies. Both dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes purified from splenocytes were capable of producing IFN-gamma when cultured in the presence of IL-12. Intracellular immunofluorescence analysis confirmed the IFN-gamma production from DCs. It was further shown that IFN-gamma was produced predominantly by CD8alpha+ lymphoid DCs rather than CD8alpha- myeloid DCs. Collectively, our data indicated that DCs are potent in producing IFN-gamma in response to IL-12 produced by bacterial infection and play an important role in innate immunity and subsequent T helper cell type 1 development in vivo.

Cutting edge: LFA-1 is required for liver NK1.1+TCR alpha beta+ cell development: evidence that liver NK1.1+TCR alpha beta+ cells originate from multiple pathways

Using mice deficient for LFA-1, CD44, and ICAM-1, we examined the role of these adhesion molecules in NK1.1+TCR alpha beta+ (NKT) cell development. Although no defect in NKT cell development was observed in CD44-/- and ICAM-1-/- mice, a dramatic reduction of liver NKT cells was observed in LFA-1-/- mice. Normal numbers of NKT cells were present in other lymphoid organs in LFA-1-/- mice. When LFA-1-/- splenocytes were injected i.v. into wild-type mice, the frequency of NKT cells among donor-derived cells in the recipient liver was normal. In contrast, when LFA-1-/- bone marrow (BM) cells were injected i.v. into irradiated wild-type mice, the frequency of liver NKT cells was significantly lower than that of mice injected with wild-type BM cells. Collectively, these data indicate that LFA-1 is required for the development of liver NKT cells, rather than the migration to and/or subsequent establishment of mature NKT cells in the liver.

Differential activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and p38 pathways during FTY720-induced apoptosis of T lymphocytes that is suppressed by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway

FTY720 is a novel immunosuppressive drug derived from a metabolite from Isaria sinclairii that is known to induce apoptosis of rat splenic T cells. In this study, we examined the intracellular signaling pathway triggered by FTY720. Treatment of human Jurkat T lymphocytes with FTY720-induced apoptosis characterized by DNA fragmentation. The same treatment induced activation of protein kinases such as c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), p38/CSBP (CSAID-binding protein), and a novel 36-kDa myelin basic protein (MBP) kinase, but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Pretreatment of Jurkat cells with DEVD-CHO blocked FTY720-induced DNA fragmentation as well as the activation of p38/CSBP. However, DEVD-CHO treatment failed to inhibit FTY720-induced activation of JNK and the 36-kDa MBP kinase. We have also demonstrated that activation of the ERK signaling pathway completely suppressed the FTY720-induced apoptotic process including activation of caspase 3 and activation of JNK and the 36-kDa MBP kinase. Furthermore, transient expression of constitutively active mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase (MEK) protected the cells from FTY720-induced cell death. The effect of MEK was canceled by coexpression of a mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase, CL100. These results indicate that JNK and p38 pathways are differentially regulated during FTY720-induced apoptosis and that activation of ERK pathway alone is sufficient to cancel the FTY720-induced death signal.

[Regulatory mechanisms of NK cell functions]

Natural Killer (NK) cells discriminate self from non-self in a manner distinct from T cells. NK cells exhibit cytotoxicity against "missing-self" by killing any cells in principle except normal self-cells. Cells expressing low levels of self MHC class I molecules such as tumor cells and foreign cells are killed, whereas normal self cells are neglected by NK cells. Although identities of activation receptors triggering NK activity are still unclear, recent studies have revealed molecules inhibiting cytotoxicity against normal self cells. In this review, we summarize current understanding of molecular basis for missing-self hypothesis and control mechanisms of NK cell activation.

Increased insulin sensitivity and hypoglycaemia in mice lacking the p85 alpha subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase

The hallmark of type 2 diabetes, the most common metabolic disorder, is a defect in insulin-stimulated glucose transport in peripheral tissues. Although a role for phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) activity in insulin-stimulated glucose transport and glucose transporter isoform 4 (Glut4) translocation has been suggested in vitro, its role in vivo and the molecular link between activation of PI3K and translocation has not yet been elucidated. To determine the role of PI3K in glucose homeostasis, we generated mice with a targeted disruption of the gene encoding the p85alpha regulatory subunit of PI3K (Pik3r1; refs 3-5). Pik3r1-/- mice showed increased insulin sensitivity and hypoglycaemia due to increased glucose transport in skeletal muscle and adipocytes. Insulin-stimulated PI3K activity associated with insulin receptor substrates (IRSs) was mediated via full-length p85 alpha in wild-type mice, but via the p50 alpha alternative splicing isoform of the same gene in Pik3r1-/- mice. This isoform switch was associated with an increase in insulin-induced generation of phosphatidylinositol(3,4,5)triphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) in Pik3r1-/- adipocytes and facilitation of Glut4 translocation from the low-density microsome (LDM) fraction to the plasma membrane (PM). This mechanism seems to be responsible for the phenotype of Pik3r1-/- mice, namely increased glucose transport and hypoglycaemia. Our work provides the first direct evidence that PI3K and its regulatory subunit have a role in glucose homeostasis in vivo.

Xid-like immunodeficiency in mice with disruption of the p85alpha subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase

Mice with a targeted gene disruption of p85alpha, a regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, had impaired B cell development at the pro-B cell stage, reduced numbers of mature B cells and peritoneal CD5+ Ly-1 B cells, reduced B cell proliferative responses, and no T cell-independent antibody production. These phenotypes are nearly identical to those of Btk-/- or xid (X-linked immunodeficiency) mice. These results provide evidence that p85alpha is functionally linked to the Btk pathway in antigen receptor-mediated signal transduction and is pivotal in B cell development and functions.

Existence of activated and memory CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood and their skin infiltration in CD8 deficiency

CD8 deficiency is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by the defect of a tyrosine kinase, ZAP-70, which transduces signals from the T cell receptor. We report here a case of CD8 deficiency, having CD4+ T cells with a unique phenotype. The patient's T cells did not respond to anti-CD3 stimulation in vitro, suggesting that they were naive. However, many CD4+ T cells with activated and memory phenotypes, which expressed CD45RO+, HLA-DR+ and CD25+, were present in the peripheral blood, and these cells accumulated in the perivascular area of his infiltrative erythematous skin lesions. The patient's T cells could be activated by a high concentration of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), indicating the presence of an alternate signalling pathway which bypasses ZAP-70 and activates CD4+ T cells in vivo. The origin and role of activated CD4+ T cells in the pathogenesis involved in the skin lesions are discussed.

Positive selection of CD4+ T cells by TCR-specific antibodies requires low valency TCR cross-linking: implications for repertoire selection in the thymus

The developmental fate of immature CD4+ 8+ thymocytes is determined by intrathymic signals transduced by surface TCR complexes. In particular, TCR signals are required for immature CD4+ 8+ thymocytes to further differentiate into CD4+ 8- or CD4- 8+ T cells, a process referred to as positive selection. It is generally thought that positive selection results from low affinity TCR interactions with self antigens which engage the relatively few surface TCR complexes that are on immature CD4+ 8+ thymocytes. However, we now demonstrate with TCR-specific antibodies that positive selection of CD4+ T cells requires low valency cross-linking of surface TCR complexes on immature thymocytes. That is, positive selection signals are only generated within a narrow range of TCR cross-linking: cross-linking either too few or too many surface TCR complexes fails to signal positive selection. We interpret these results as indicating that positive selection of CD4+ T cells is not signaled by low affinity TCR interactions per se, but rather can be signaled by any combination of TCR affinity and ligand density that induces low valency TCR cross-linking on immature thymocytes.

Energy of adhesion of human T cells to adsorption layers of monoclonal antibodies measured by a film trapping technique

A novel method for studying the interaction of biological cells with interfaces (e.g., adsorption monolayers of antibodies) is developed. The method is called the film trapping technique because the cell is trapped within an aqueous film of equilibrium thickness smaller than the cell diameter. A liquid film of uneven thickness is formed around the trapped cell. When observed in reflected monochromatic light, this film exhibits an interference pattern of concentric bright and dark fringes. From the radii of the fringes one can restore the shape of interfaces and the cell. Furthermore, one can calculate the adhesive energy between the cell membrane and the aqueous film surface (which is covered by a layer of adsorbed proteins and/or specific ligands), as well as the disjoining pressure, representing the force of interaction per unit area of the latter film. The method is applied to two human T cell lines: Jurkat and its T cell receptor negative (TCR-) derivative. The interaction of these cells with monolayers of three different monoclonal antibodies adsorbed at a water-air interface is studied. The results show that the adhesive energy is considerable (above 0.5 mJ/m2) when the adsorption monolayer contains antibodies acting as specific ligands for the receptors expressed on the cell surface. In contrast, the adhesive energy is close to zero in the absence of such a specific ligand-receptor interaction. In principle, the method can be applied to the study of the interaction of a variety of biological cells (B cells, natural killer cells, red blood cells, etc.) with adsorption monolayers of various biologically active molecules. In particular, film trapping provides a tool for the gentle micromanipulation of cells and for monitoring of processes (say the activation of a T lymphocyte) occurring at the single-cell level.

T lymphocyte activation signals for interleukin-2 production involve activation of MKK6-p38 and MKK7-SAPK/JNK signaling pathways sensitive to cyclosporin A

p38/CSBP, a subgroup member of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) superfamily molecules, is known to be activated by proinflammatory cytokines and environmental stresses. We report here that p38 is specifically activated by signals that lead to interleukin-2 (IL-2) production in T lymphocytes. A p38 activator MKK6 was also markedly activated by the same stimulation. Pretreatment of cells with SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38, as well as expression of a dominant-negative mutant of MKK6, suppressed the transcriptional activation of the IL-2 promoter. We also demonstrated that MKK7, a recently described MAPK kinase family member, plays a major role in the activation of stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK)/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) in T lymphocytes. Moreover, a dominant-negative mutant of MKK7 abrogated the transcriptional activation of the distal nuclear factor of activated T cells response element in the IL-2 promoter. Cyclosporin A, a potent immunosuppressant, inhibited activation of both p38 and SAPK/JNK pathways but not the MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Our results indicate that both MKK6 to p38 and MKK7 to SAPK/JNK signaling pathways are activated in a cyclosporin A-sensitive manner and contribute to IL-2 gene expression in T lymphocytes.

Pre-TCR signaling components trigger transcriptional activation of a rearranged TCR alpha gene locus and silencing of the pre-TCR alpha locus: implications for intrathymic differentiation

A rearranged TCR alpha transgene remains transcriptionally inactive in rag-2-/- thymocytes but can be induced by CD3-mediated signals with concomitant maturation of double-negative (DN) thymocytes to the CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) stage. Reciprocally, the same signals silence pre-TCR alpha (pT alpha) expression. In normal C57BL/6 thymocytes, TCR alpha expression is not detected in DN thymocytes while, in contrast, TCR beta expression is initiated at the most immature c-kit+CD44+CD25- stage and continues throughout thymocyte development. pT alpha expression is first detected at the intermediate c-kit +/- CD44+CD25+ DN stage, increases during transition to the more mature c-kit-CD44-CD25+ stage and is lost at the DP stage. Thus, although TCR beta and pT alpha expression are independent, the pre-TCR complex mediates signals controlling the appearance of alpha beta TCR through selective regulation of TCR alpha and pT alpha genes.

Double-positive T cell receptor(high) thymocytes are resistant to peptide/major histocompatibility complex ligand-induced negative selection

To investigate negative selection events during intrathymic ontogeny, we established T cell receptor (TCR)-transgenic mice [N15tg/RAG-2-/- (H-2b)] expressing a single TCR specific for vesicular stomatitis virus nuclear octapeptide N52-59 (VSV8) in the context of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, K(b). Administration of VSV8 in vivo induced apoptosis in less than 4 h, deleting the majority of immature double-positive (DP) thymocytes by 24 h. In contrast, DP TCRhigh as well as single-positive (SP) thymocytes were refractory to this death process. Moreover, DP TCRhigh cells differentiated into SP thymocytes in vitro and in vivo, maturing into functional cytotoxic T lymphocytes upon intrathymic transfer to beta RAG 2-/- recipients. Hence, negative selection processes involving MHC-bound peptide ligands are operative only prior to the late DP thymocyte stage in this MHC class I-restricted TCR transgene system.

Functional analysis of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-mediated signal transduction: the two YxxL segments within a single CD3zeta-ITAM are functionally distinct

Functional analysis of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) derived from the membrane-proximal ITAM of CD3zeta demonstrates that mutations at either the tyrosine or leucine residues in the N-terminal YxxL segment of the ITAM abolish all signal transduction functions of this ITAM. In contrast, mutations at the tyrosine or leucine residues in the C-terminal YxxL segment abrogate signals for interleukin (IL)-2 production but do not prevent tyrosine phosphorylation of the N-terminal tyrosine of the ITAM, lck association with the ITAM, activation of phospholipase C-gamma1 or calcium mobilization. Cross-linking of chimeric receptors containing a C-terminal YxxL leucine mutation induces tyrosine phosphorylation of ZAP70 but without stable binding to the phosphorylated ITAM. These results indicate that the two YxxL segments in an ITAM are functionally distinct and that both are essential for ZAP70 binding and IL-2 production. Furthermore, tyrosine phosphorylation of ZAP70 per se is not sufficient to trigger the downstream events leading to IL-2 production. Substitution of an alanine for the bulky side chain at the Y+1 position of the N-terminal YxxL segment reduces the receptor cross-linking requirement necessary to achieve cellular activation and the absolute dependence on lck in this process. Our results reveal that both the number of ITAM as well as the specific amino acid residues within a single ITAM determine the extent of chimeric receptor cross-linking required to trigger tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signaling events.