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Background: Restoring impaired peripheral immune tolerance is the primary challenge in treating autoimmune diseases. Our previous research demonstrated the effectiveness of small spleen peptides (SSPs), a fraction of low molecular weight proteins, in inhibiting the progression of psoriatic arthritis, even in the presence of high levels of the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα in the bloodstream. When specifically targeting dendritic cells (DCs), SSPs transform them into tolerogenic cells, which efficiently induce the development of regulatory Foxp3+ Treg cells. In this study, we provide further insights into the mechanism of action of SSPs. Results: We found that SSPs stimulate the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway in dendritic cells, albeit in a different manner than the classical immunogenic stimulus LPS. While LPS-induced activation is rapid, strong, and sustained, the activity induced by SSPs is delayed, less intense, yet still significant. These distinct patterns of activation, as measured by phosphorylation of key components of the pathway are also observed in response to other immunogenic and tolerogenic stimuli such as GM-CSF + IL-4 or IL-10 and TGFβ. The disparity in mTOR activation between immunogenic and tolerogenic stimuli is quantitative rather than qualitative. In both cases, mTOR activation primarily occurs through the PI3K/Akt signaling axis and involves ERK and GSK3β kinases, with minimal involvement of AMPK or NF-kB pathways. Furthermore, in the case of SSPs, mTOR activation seems to involve adenosine receptors. Additionally, we observed that DCs treated with SSPs exhibit an energy metabolism with high plasticity, which is typical of tolerogenic cells rather than immunogenic cells. Conclusion: Hence, the decision whether dendritic cells enter an inflammatory or tolerogenic state seems to rely on varying activation thresholds and kinetics of the mTOR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoring peripheral immune tolerance is crucial for addressing autoimmune diseases. An ancient mechanism in maintaining the balance between inflammation and tolerance is the ratio of extracellular ATP (exATP) and adenosine. Our previous research demonstrated the effectiveness of small spleen peptides (SSPs) in inhibiting psoriatic arthritis progression, even in the presence of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα, by transforming dendritic cells (DCs) into tolerogenic cells and fostering regulatory Foxp3+ Treg cells. Here, we identified thymosins as the primary constituents of SSPs, but recombinant thymosin peptides were less efficient in inhibiting arthritis than SSPs. Since Tβ4 is an ecto-ATPase-binding protein, we hypothesized that SSPs regulate exATP profiles. Real-time investigation of exATP levels in DCs revealed that tolerogenic stimulation led to robust de novo exATP synthesis followed by significant degradation, while immunogenic stimulation resulted in a less pronounced increase in exATP and less effective degradation. These contrasting exATP profiles were crucial in determining whether DCs entered an inflammatory or tolerogenic state, highlighting the significance of SSPs as natural regulators of peripheral immunological tolerance, with potential therapeutic benefits for autoimmune diseases. Finally, we demonstrated that the tolerogenic phenotype of SSPs is mainly influenced by adenosine receptors, and in vivo administration of SSPs inhibits psoriatic skin inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Intestinal anastomotic healing (AH) is critical in colorectal surgery, since disruptive AH leads to anastomotic leakage, a feared postoperative complication. Macrophages are innate immune cells and are instrumental in orchestrating intestinal wound healing, displaying a functional dichotomy as effectors of both tissue injury and repair. The aim of this study was to investigate the phase-specific function and plasticity of macrophages during intestinal AH. Transgenic CD11b diphtheria toxin receptor (CD11b-DTR) mice were used to deplete intestinal macrophages in a temporally controlled manner. Distal colonic end-to-end anastomoses were created in CD11b-DTR, and wild-type mice and macrophages were selectively depleted during either the inflammatory (day 0–3), proliferative (day 4–10), or reparative (day 11–20) phase of intestinal AH, respectively. For each time point, histological and functional analysis as well as gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of RNA-sequencing data were performed. Macrophage depletion during the inflammatory phase significantly reduced the associated inflammatory state without compromising microscopic AH. When intestinal macrophages were depleted during the proliferative phase, AH was improved, despite significantly reduced perianastomotic neoangiogenesis. Lastly, macrophages were depleted during the reparative phase and GSEA revealed macrophage-dependent pathways involved in collagen remodeling, cell proliferation, and extracellular matrix composition. However, AH remained comparable at this late timepoint. These results demonstrate that during intestinal AH, macrophages elicit phase-specific effects, and that therapeutic interventions must critically balance their dual and timely defined role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions of fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS)-derived pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and immune cells support the recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells in RA. Here, we show for the first time that the classical myokine myostatin (GDF-8) is involved in the recruitment of Th17 cells to inflammatory sites thereby regulating joint inflammation in a mouse model of TNFalpha-mediated chronic arthritis. Mechanistically, myostatin-deficiency leads to decreased levels of the chemokine CCL20 which is associated with less infiltration of Th17 cells into the inflamed joints. In vitro, myostatin alone or in combination with IL-17A enhances the secretion of CCL20 by FLS whereas myostatin-deficiency reduces CCL20 secretion, associated with an altered transmigration of Th17 cells. Thus, the communication between activated FLS and Th17 cells through myostatin and IL-17A may likely contribute to a vicious cycle of inflammation, accounting for the persistence of joint inflammation in chronic arthritis. Blockade of the CCL20–CCR6 axis by inhibition of myostatin may, therefore, be a promising treatment option for chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, we established a doxycycline‐inducible human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)‐transgenic mouse line, ihTNFtg. Non‐induced young and elderly mice showed low but constitutive expression of hTNFα due to promoter leakiness. The persistently present hTNFα stimulated endogenous pro‐inflammatory mouse mS100A8/A9 alarmins. Secreted mS100A8/A9 in turn induced the expression and release of mouse mTNFα. The continuous upregulation of pro‐inflammatory mTNFα and mS100A8/A9 proteins, due to their mutual expression dependency, gradually led to increased levels in colon tissue and blood. This finally exceeded the threshold levels tolerated by the healthy organism, leading to the onset of intestinal inflammation. Here, recombinant hTNFα functioned as an initial trigger for the development of chronic inflammation. Crossing ihTNFtg mice with S100A9KO mice lacking active S100A8/A9 alarmins or with Rag1KO mice lacking T and B lymphocytes completely abrogated the development of colonic inflammation, despite the still leaky hTNFα promoter. Furthermore, both the intensity of the immune response and the strength of immunosuppressive Treg induction was found to depend on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genetic composition. In summary, the onset of intestinal inflammation in elderly mice depends on at least four factors that have to be present simultaneously: TNFα upregulation, S100A8/A9 protein expression, functional T lymphocytes and genetic composition, with the MHC haplotype being of central importance. Only joint action of these factors leads to chronic intestinal inflammation, while absence of any of these determinants abrogates the development of the autoimmune disorder. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently described an inducible human TNF transgenic mouse line ( ihTNFtg) that develops psoriasis-like arthritis after doxycycline stimulation and analysed the pathogenesis of arthritis in detail. Here, we show that the skin phenotype of these mice is characterized by hyperproliferation and aberrant activation of keratinocytes, induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and infiltration with Th1 and Treg lymphocytes, particularly with macrophage infiltration into lesional skin, thus pointing to a psoriasis-like phenotype. To reveal the contribution of T cells and macrophages to the development of TNF-mediated psoriasis, ihTNFtg mice were crossbred into RAG1KO mice lacking mature T and B cells. Surprisingly, the psoriatic phenotype in the double mutants was not reduced; rather, it was enhanced. The skin showed significantly increased inflammation and in particular, increased infiltration by macrophages. Consequently, depletion of macrophages in RAG1KO or wild-type mice led to decreased disease severity. On the contrary, depletion of Treg cells in wild-type mice increased both psoriasis and the number of infiltrating macrophages, while adoptive transfer of Foxp3-positive cells into RAG1KO or wild-type mice decreased both the development of psoriasis and macrophage infiltration. Thus, we conclude that Treg lymphocytes inhibit the pro-inflammatory activity of macrophages, which are the major immune effector cells in hTNF-mediated psoriasis. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), increased release of IFN-γ and GM-CSF in cells infiltrating synovial tissue can be a potent driver of monocyte activation. Given the fundamental role of monocyte activation in remodeling the early phases of inflammatory responses, here we analyze the GM-CSF/IFN-γ induced activity of human monocytes in such a situation in vitro and in vivo. Monocytes from healthy donors were isolated and stimulated with GM-CSF ± IFN-γ. Monocyte activation and death were analyzed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, ELISA, and qPCR. T-cell GM-CSF/IFN-γ expression and monocyte function were determined in synovial fluid and peripheral blood from 15 patients with active JIA and 21 healthy controls. Simultaneous treatment with GM-CSF and IFN-γ induces cell death of monocytes. This cell death is partly cathepsin B-associated and has morphological characteristics of necrosis. Monocytes responding to costimulation with strong proinflammatory activities are consequently eliminated. Monocytes surviving this form of hyperactivation retain normal cytokine production. Cathepsin B activity is increased in monocytes isolated from synovial fluid from patients with active arthritis. Our data suggest GM-CSF/IFN-γ induced cell death of monocytes as a novel mechanism to eliminate overactivated monocytes, thereby potentially balancing inflammation and autoimmunity in JIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MK2 and MK3 are downstream targets of p38 and ERK1/2. They control the mRNA stability of several inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-10. Whereas MK2 is expressed ubiquitously, the expression of MK3 is restricted to muscle, liver, and heart tissues and T and NK cells. Using Aft-deficient and wild-type (WT) mice, we demonstrated an inhibitory effect of MK3, but not of MK2, on interferon (IFN)-γ expression in T and NK lymphocytes. The results provided evidence that the inhibitory effect of MK3 is based on negative feedback phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2, which causes decreased binding of Stat4 to the IFN-γ promoter and reduced expression of IFN-γ mRNA and protein. Consequently, all Mk3-/- mice challenged with the Thl-inducing influenza A virus (IAV) survived the WT LD50 virus dose. The reduced disease severity in the Mk3-/- mice was accompanied by a > 10-fold reduction in viral lung titer and an increase in the number of activated NK cells and enhanced Th1 activation of CD4 T cells. Thus, our data describe the protein kinase MK3 as a novel regulator of the innate and adaptive immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To decipher early promoters of the local microenvironment for Th2-type immunity, we wanted to identify gene patterns that were induced by Leishmania major in the infected skin of susceptible, Th2-prone BALB/c, but not of resistant, Thl-prone C57BL/6 mice. We found a marked up-regulation of the chemokine I-TAC (Cxclll) during the first 2 d of infection in the epidermis of susceptible but not of resistant mice. Accordingly, local injection of I-TAC (2x1 |xg) in resistant mice on the first day of infection resulted in a Th2-driven, sustained deterioration of disease and dramatically enhanced parasite levels. On the cellular level, I-TAC decreased IL-12 production by dendritic cells (DCs) in skindraining lymph nodes and by DCs in vitro. Thus, we demonstrate for the first time that epidermis-derived I-TAC triggers a sustained Th2-response that determines the outcome of a complex immunological process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Altered sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) homeostasis and signaling is implicated in various inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis. As S1P levels are tightly controlled by S1P lyase, we investigated the impact of hematopoietic S1P lyase (Sgpl1−/−) deficiency on leukocyte subsets relevant to atherosclerosis. Methods and Results: LDL receptor deficient mice that were transplanted with Sgpl1−/− bone marrow showed disrupted S1P gradients translating into lymphopenia and abrogated lymphocyte mitogenic and cytokine response as compared to controls. Remarkably however, Sgpl1−/− chimeras displayed mild monocytosis, due to impeded stromal retention and myelopoiesis, and plasma cytokine and macrophage expression patterns, that were largely compatible with classical macrophage activation. Collectively these two phenotypic features of Sgpl1 deficiency culminated in diminished atherogenic response. Conclusions: Here we not only firmly establish the critical role of hematopoietic S1P lyase in controlling S1P levels and T cell trafficking in blood and lymphoid tissue, but also identify leukocyte Sgpl1 as critical factor in monocyte macrophage differentiation and function. Its, partly counterbalancing, pro- and anti-inflammatory activity spectrum imply that intervention in S1P lyase function in inflammatory disorders such as atherosclerosis should be considered with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: Recent developments suggest a causal link between inflammation and impaired bacterial clearance in Crohn’s disease (CD) due to alterations of intestinal macrophages. Studies suggest that excessive inflammation is the consequence of an underlying immunodeficiency rather than the primary cause of CD pathogenesis. We characterized phenotypic and functional features of peripheral blood monocytes of patients with quiescent CD (n = 18) and healthy controls (n = 19) by analyses of cell surface molecule expression, cell adherence, migration, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and cytokine expression and secretion with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) priming. Peripheral blood monocytes of patients with inactive CD showed normal expression of cell surface molecules (CD14, CD16, CD116), adherence to plastic surfaces, spontaneous migration, chemotaxis towards LTB4, phagocytosis of E. coli, and production of reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, peripheral blood monocytes of CD patients secreted higher levels of IL1β (p<.05). Upon LPS priming we found a decreased release of IL10 (p<.05) and higher levels of CCL2 (p<.001) and CCL5 (p<.05). The expression and release of TNFα, IFNγ, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL13, IL17, CXCL9, and CXCL10 were not altered compared to healthy controls. Based on our phenotypic and functional studies, peripheral blood monocytes from CD patients in clinical remission were not impaired compared to healthy controls. Our results highlight that defective innate immune mechanisms in CD seems to play a role in the (inflamed) intestinal mucosa rather than in peripheral blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Absence of β2 integrins (CD11/CD18) leads to leukocyte-adhesion deficiency-1 (LAD1), a rare primary immunodeficiency syndrome. Although extensive in vitro work has established an essential function of β2 integrins in adhesive and signaling properties for cells of the innate and adaptive immune system, their respective participation in an altered adaptive immunity in LAD1 patients are complex and only partly understood in vivo. Therefore, we investigated adaptive immune responses towards different T-dependent antigens in a murine LAD1 model of β2 integrin-deficiency (CD18-/-). CD18-/- mice generated only weak IgG responses after immunization with tetanus toxoid (TT). In contrast, robust hapten- and protein-specific immune responses were observed after immunization with highly haptenated antigens such as (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)21 acetyl chicken γ globulin (NP21-CG), even though regularly structured germinal centers with specificity for the defined antigens/haptens in CD18-/- mice remained absent. However, a decrease in the hapten/protein ratio lowered the efficacy of immune responses in CD18-/- mice, whereas a mere reduction of the antigen dose was less crucial. Importantly, haptenation of TT with NP (NP-TT) efficiently restored a robust IgG response also to TT. Our findingsmay stimulate further studies on a modification of vaccination strategies using highly haptenated antigens in individuals suffering from LAD1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: S100A8/A9 promotes NADPH oxidase in HaCaT keratinocytes and subsequently increases NFκB activation, which plays important roles in the balance between epidermal growth and differentiation. S100A8/A9-positive HaCaT cells present with a significantly reduced rate of cell division and greater expression of two keratinocyte differentiation markers, involucrin and filaggrin, than control cells. S100A8/A9 mutants fail to enhance NFκB activation, TNFα-induced IL-8 gene expression and NFκB p65 phosphorylation, and S100A8/A9-positive cells demonstrate better cell survival in forced suspension culture than mutant cells. S100A8/A9 is induced in epithelial cells in response to stress. Therefore, S100A8/A9-mediated growth arrest could have implications for tissue remodeling and repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental leishmaniasis is an excellent model system for analyzing Th1/Th2 differentiation. Resistance to Leishmania (L.) major depends on the development of a L. major specific Th1 response, while Th2 differentiation results in susceptibility. There is growing evidence that the microenvironment of the early affected tissue delivers the initial triggers for Th-cell differentiation. To analyze this we studied differential gene expression in infected skin of resistant and susceptible mice 16h after parasite inoculation. Employing microarray technology, bioinformatics, laser-microdissection and in-situ-hybridization we found that the epidermis was the major source of immunomodulatory mediators. This epidermal gene induction was significantly stronger in resistant mice especially for several genes known to promote Th1 differentiation (IL-12, IL-1b, osteopontin, IL-4) and for IL-6. Expression of these cytokines was temporally restricted to the crucial time of Th1/2 differentiation. Moreover, we revealed a stronger epidermal up-regulation of IL-6 in the epidermis of resistant mice. Accordingly, early local neutralization of IL-4 in resistant mice resulted in a Th2 switch and mice with a selective IL-6 deficiency in non-hematopoietic cells showed a Th2 switch and dramatic deterioration of disease. Thus, our data indicate for the first time that epidermal cytokine expression is a decisive factor in the generation of protective Th1 immunity and contributes to the outcome of infection with this important human pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of the pore-forming Staphylococcus aureus toxin Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) in severe necrotizing diseases is debated due to conflicting data from epidemiological studies of community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CAMRSA) infections and various murine disease-models. In this study, we used neutrophils isolated from different species to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of PVL in comparison to other staphylococcal cytolytic components. Furthermore, to study the impact of PVL we expressed it heterologously in a non-virulent staphylococcal species and examined pvl-positive and pvl-negative clinical isolates as well as the strain USA300 and its pvl-negative mutant. We demonstrate that PVL induces rapid activation and cell death in human and rabbit neutrophils, but not in murine or simian cells. By contrast, the phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs), a newly identified group of cytolytic staphylococcal components, lack species-specificity. In general, after phagocytosis of bacteria different pvl-positive and pvl-negative staphylococcal strains, expressing a variety of other virulence factors (such as surface proteins), induced cell death in neutrophils, which is most likely associated with the physiological clearing function of these cells. However, the release of PVL by staphylococcal strains caused rapid and premature cell death, which is different from the physiological (and programmed) cell death of neutrophils following phagocytosis and degradation of virulent bacteria. Taken together, our results question the value of infection-models in mice and non-human primates to elucidate the impact of PVL. Our data clearly demonstrate that PVL acts differentially on neutrophils of various species and suggests that PVL has an important cytotoxic role in human neutrophils, which has major implications for the pathogenesis of CA-MRSA infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expressed on leucocytes, β2 integrins (CD11/CD18) are specifically involved in leucocyte function. Using a CD18-deficient (CD18−/−) mouse model, we here report on their physiological role in lymphocyte differentiation and trafficking. CD18−/− mice present with a defect in the distribution of lymphocytes with highly reduced numbers of naïve B and T lymphocytes in inguinal and axillary lymph nodes. In contrast, cervical lymph nodes were fourfold enlarged harbouring unconventional T-cell receptor-αβ (TCR-αβ) and TCR-γδ CD3+ CD4− CD8− (double-negative; DN) T cells that expanded in situ. Using adoptive transfer experiments, we found that these cells did not home to peripheral lymph nodes of CD18wt recipients but, like antigen-experienced T or natural killer (NK) T cells, recirculated through non-lymphoid organs. Lacking regulatory functions in vitro, CD18−/− TCR-αβ DN T cells did not suppress the proliferation of polyclonally activated CD4+ or CD8+ (single-positive; SP) T cells. Most interestingly, CD18−/− TCR-αβ DN T cells showed intermediate TCR expression levels, an absent activation through allogeneic major histocompatibility complex and a strong proliferative dependence on interleukin-2, hence, closely resembling NKT cells. However, our data oppose former reports, clearly showing that, because of an absent reactivity with CD1d-αGalCer dimers, these cells are not mature classical NKT cells. Our data indicate that CD18−/− TCR-αβ DN T cells, like NKT and TCR-γδ T cells, share characteristics of both adaptive and innate immune cells, and may accumulate as a compensatory mechanism to the functional defect of adaptive immunity in CD18−/− mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously reported that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3) can selectively suppress key functions of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) activated macrophages. To further explore this mechanism for its relevance in vivo, we investigated an infection model that crucially depends on the function of IFN-γ activated macrophages, the infection with the intracellular protozoan Leishmania major, 1α,25(OH)2D3 treatment of L. major infected macrophages demonstrated a vitamin D receptor (Vdr) dependent inhibition of macrophage killing activity. Further analysis showed that this was a result of decreased production of nitric oxide by 1α,25(OH)2D3-treated macrophages due to Vdr-dependent up-regulation of arginase 1 expression, which overrides NO production by Nos2. When analyzing the course of infection in vivo, we found that Vdr-knockout (Vdr-KO) mice were more resistant to L. major infection than their wild-type littermates. This result is in agreement with an inhibitory influence of 1α,25(OH)2D3 on the macrophage mediated host defense. Further investigation showed that Vdr-KO mice developed an unaltered T helper cell type 1 (Thl) response on infection as indicated by normal production of IFN-γ by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Therefore, we propose that the absence of 1α,25(OH)2D3-mediated inhibition of macrophage microbicidal activity in Vdr-KO mice results in increased resistance to Leishmania infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immature dendritic cells (DC) reside in tissues where they initiate immune responses by taking up foreign antigens. Since DC have a limited tissue half-life, the DC pool in tissues has to be replenished constantly. This implies that precursor/immature DC must be able to cross non-activated endothelium using as yet unknown mechanisms. Here we show that immature, but not mature bone marrow-derived murine DC migrate across resting endothelial monolayers in vitro. We find that endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule-2 (ICAM-2) is a major player in transendothelial migration (TEM) of immature DC, accounting for at least 41% of TEM. Surprisingly, the ICAM-2-mediated TEM was independent of β-integrins, the known ICAM-2 ligands, since neither blocking of β-integrins with antibodies nor the use of CD18-deficient DC affected the ICAM-2-specific TEM. In humans, the C-type lectin DC-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) was shown to interact with ICAM-2, suggesting a similar role in mice. However, we find that none of the murine DC-SIGN homologues mDC-SIGN, murine DC-SIGN-related molecule-1 (mSIGN-R1) and mSIGN-R3 is expressed on the surface of bone marrow-derived mouse DC. Taken together, this study shows that ICAM-2 strongly supports transmigration of immature DC across resting endothelium by interacting with ligands that are distinct from β-integrins and DC-SIGN homologues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pimecrolimus (SDZ ASM981) is a non-steroid member of calcineurin inhibitors recently developed for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. In this study, we compared the effect of pimecrolimus and corticosteroids on the differentiation, maturation and function of murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DC). We added pimecrolimus at concentrations of 5–500 ng/ml or 0.5 ng/ml mometasone furoate at different timepoints to the BM-DC culture and checked (i) the number of matured cells, (ii) the expression of activation markers, (iii) the release of cytokines and (iv) the stimulatory capacity of the resulting BM-DC in vivo. Even at the highest concentration, pimecrolimus treatment resulted in only modest effects. In the pimecrolimus-treated culture, we observed a decrease in the numbers of matured cells but no significant effects on the expression of activation markers. The release of some inflammatory cytokines was reduced, but the stimulatory capacity in vivo was not affected. In contrast, mometasone furoate has pronounced effects on BM-DC at a concentration ten to 1000 times lower than those used with pimecrolimus. Furthermore, topical treatment of mice with clobetasole cream 0.05% resulted in almost complete depletion of splenic DC and a severe hyposplenia, while high-dose oral pimecrolimus treatment did not show any effects on the spleen or on splenic DC. These results support that pimecrolimus, unlike corticosteroids, has little effects on dendritic cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of this type with use of BM-DC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IL-15 is involved in lymphocyte homeostasis. To investigate the role of IL-15 in the skin in vivo, mice were generated that overexpress IL-15 in keratinocytes, resulting in increased IL-15 protein levels in the skin but not elevated IL-15 serum concentrations. Keratin 14 (K14)-IL-15 transgenic (tg) mice showed increased contact hypersensitivity (CHS) responses. Transfer of primed wild-type (wt) and tg T cells into naive wt or tg recipients indicated that skin-derived IL-15 enhanced the induction but not the elicitation phase of CHS. Tg mice could be sensitized even by suboptimal hapten concentrations. Accordingly, Langerhans cells (LC) from tg skin were identified as potent allostimulators, suggesting the involvement of IL-15-stimulated LC in the induction of adaptive immunity. Overexpression of IL-15 also strengthened innate immunity since tg mice infected with human HSV type I developed significantly smaller HSV skin lesions. In addition, tg mice resisted re-infection with HSV more effectively than wt mice did, which was associated with an elevated anti-HSV Ab production. Accordingly, injection of serum from re-infected tg mice protected naive recipients significantly from epicutaneous HSV infection, indicating that anti-HSV Ab produced by tg mice play an important role in resistance in vivo. Together, our results show that overexpression of IL-15 in the epidermis enhances both innate and adaptive cutaneous immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-stimulation of murine EL-4 thymoma cells—carrying high numbers of TCR and type I IL-1 receptors (IL-1R)—with anti-CD3 antibodies and IL-1 resulted in synergistic enhancement of IL-2 synthesis. While the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) cascade was activated by both receptors, IL-1 preferentially stimulated Jun-N-terminal kinases (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated kinase or microtubule-associated protein kinase (MAPK). Interruption of TCR- or IL-1R-stimulated ERK cascade by PD-98059, a specific inhibitor of MAP/ERK kinase (MEK), resulted in partial suppression of nuclear factor of activated T cells activation and in complete inhibition of IL-1-stimulated NFκB activation. Suppression of activation of both MEK and p38 MAPK resulted in significant inhibition of IL-2 gene expression. The results show that maximal activation of the IL-2 gene requires activation of at least two different protein kinase cascades, i.e. of the ERK and p38 pathways but presumably also that of JNK which converge at the level of the IL-2 promoter resulting in enhancement of its transcriptional activity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most frequent type of lung cancer and demonstrates high resistance to radiation and chemotherapy. These tumors evade immune system detection by promoting an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Genetic analysis has revealed oncogenic activation of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway to be a hallmark of NSCLCs, which promotes influenza A virus (IAV) infection and replication in these cells. Thus, we aimed to unravel the oncolytic properties of IAV infection against NSCLCs in an immunocompetent model in vivo. Using Raf-BxB transgenic mice that spontaneously develop NSCLCs, we demonstrated that infection with low-pathogenic IAV leads to rapid and efficient oncolysis, eliminating 70% of the initial tumor mass. Interestingly, IAV infection of Raf-BxB mice caused a functional reversion of immunosuppressed tumor-associated lung macrophages into a M1-like pro-inflammatory active phenotype that additionally supported virus-induced oncolysis of cancer cells. Altogether, our data demonstrate for the first time in an immunocompetent in vivo model that oncolytic IAV infection is capable of restoring and redirecting immune cell functions within the tumor microenvironment of NSCLCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monocytes are central to our health as they contribute to both hemispheres of our immune system, the innate and the adaptive arm. Sensing signals from the outside world, monocytes govern the innate immunity by initiating inflammation, e.g., through production of IL-1β. Uncontrolled and sustained inflammation, however, leads to auto-inflammatory syndromes and sometimes to autoimmune diseases. Monocytes can be a driving force for the establishment of such diseases when their ability to also contribute to the resolution of inflammation is impaired. It is therefore of vast importance to gain knowledge about the anti-inflammatory mechanisms monocytes can use to participate in downregulation and resolution of inflammation. Here, we summarize some of the known anti-inflammatory mechanisms and features of regulatory monocytes and shed light on their importance in governing innate and adaptive immune responses. Considering anti-inflammatory mechanisms of monocytes will also help to develop new strategies to use monocytes as therapeutic targets in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]