| 1. |
- Ali, Syed Raza, et al.
(författare)
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Siglec-5 and Siglec-14 are polymorphic paired receptors that modulate neutrophil and amnion signaling responses to group B Streptococcus
- 2014
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Ingår i: Journal of Experimental Medicine. - : Rockefeller University Press. - 1540-9538 .- 0022-1007. ; 211:6, s. 1231-1242
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes invasive infections in human newborns. We recently showed that the GBS beta-protein attenuates innate immune responses by binding to sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 5 (Siglec-5), an inhibitory receptor on phagocytes. Interestingly, neutrophils and monocytes also express Siglec-14, which has a ligand-binding domain almost identical to Siglec-5 but signals via an activating motif, raising the possibility that these are paired Siglec receptors that balance immune responses to pathogens. Here we show that beta-protein-expressing GBS binds to both Siglec-5 and Siglec-14 on neutrophils and that the latter engagement counteracts pathogen-induced host immune suppression by activating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and AKT signaling pathways. Siglec-14 is absent from some humans because of a SIGLEC14-null polymorphism, and homozygous SIGLEC14-null neutrophils are more susceptible to GBS immune subversion. Finally, we report an unexpected human-specific expression of Siglec-5 and Siglec-14 on amniotic epithelium, the site of initial contact of invading GBS with the fetus. GBS amnion immune activation was likewise influenced by the SIGLEC14-null polymorphism. We provide initial evidence that the polymorphism could influence the risk of prematurity among human fetuses of mothers colonized with GBS. This first functionally proven example of a paired receptor system in the Siglec family has multiple implications for regulation of host immunity.
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| 2. |
- Anderberg, C., et al.
(författare)
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Deficiency for endoglin in tumor vasculature weakens the endothelial barrier to metastatic dissemination
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of Experimental Medicine. - : Rockefeller University Press. - 0022-1007 .- 1540-9538. ; 210:3, s. 563-579
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Therapy-induced resistance remains a significant hurdle to achieve long-lasting responses and cures in cancer patients. We investigated the long-term consequences of genetically impaired angiogenesis by engineering multiple tumor models deprived of endoglin, a co-receptor for TGF-β in endothelial cells actively engaged in angiogenesis. Tumors from endoglin-deficient mice adapted to the weakened angiogenic response, and refractoriness to diminished endoglin signaling was accompanied by increased metastatic capability. Mechanistic studies in multiple mouse models of cancer revealed that deficiency for endoglin resulted in a tumor vasculature that displayed hallmarks of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a process of previously unknown significance in cancer biology, but shown by us to be associated with a reduced capacity of the vasculature to avert tumor cell intra- and extravasation. Nevertheless, tumors deprived of endoglin exhibited a delayed onset of resistance to anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agents, illustrating the therapeutic utility of combinatorial targeting of multiple angiogenic pathways for the treatment of cancer.
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| 3. |
- Andersson, U, et al.
(författare)
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Neural reflexes in inflammation and immunity
- 2012
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Ingår i: The Journal of experimental medicine. - : Rockefeller University Press. - 1540-9538 .- 0022-1007. ; 209:6, s. 1057-1068
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The mammalian immune system and the nervous system coevolved under the influence of infection and sterile injury. Knowledge of homeostatic mechanisms by which the nervous system controls organ function was originally applied to the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and other body systems. Development of advanced neurophysiological and immunological techniques recently enabled the study of reflex neural circuits that maintain immunological homeostasis, and are essential for health in mammals. Such reflexes are evolutionarily ancient, dating back to invertebrate nematode worms that possess primitive immune and nervous systems. Failure of these reflex mechanisms in mammals contributes to nonresolving inflammation and disease. It is also possible to target these neural pathways using electrical nerve stimulators and pharmacological agents to hasten the resolution of inflammation and provide therapeutic benefit.
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| 4. |
- Björkström, Niklas K, et al.
(författare)
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Rapid expansion and long-term persistence of elevated NK cell numbers in humans infected with hantavirus
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Experimental Medicine. - : Rockefeller University Press. - 0022-1007 .- 1540-9538. ; 208:1, s. 13-21
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Natural killer (NK) cells are known to mount a rapid response to several virus infections. In experimental models of acute viral infection, this response has been characterized by prompt NK cell activation and expansion followed by rapid contraction. In contrast to experimental model systems, much less is known about NK cell responses to acute viral infections in humans. We demonstrate that NK cells can rapidly expand and persist at highly elevated levels for >60 d after human hantavirus infection. A large part of the expanding NK cells expressed the activating receptor NKG2C and were functional in terms of expressing a licensing inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and ability to respond to target cell stimulation. These results demonstrate that NK cells can expand and remain elevated in numbers for a prolonged period of time in humans after a virus infection. In time, this response extends far beyond what is considered normal for an innate immune response.
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| 5. |
- Chu, Derek K, et al.
(författare)
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Indigenous enteric eosinophils control DCs to initiate a primary Th2 immune response in vivo.
- 2014
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Ingår i: Journal of Experimental Medicine. - : Rockefeller University Press. - 1540-9538 .- 0022-1007. ; 211:8, s. 1657-1672
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Eosinophils natively inhabit the small intestine, but a functional role for them there has remained elusive. Here, we show that eosinophil-deficient mice were protected from induction of Th2-mediated peanut food allergy and anaphylaxis, and Th2 priming was restored by reconstitution with il4(+/+) or il4(-/-) eosinophils. Eosinophils controlled CD103(+) dendritic cell (DC) activation and migration from the intestine to draining lymph nodes, events necessary for Th2 priming. Eosinophil activation in vitro and in vivo led to degranulation of eosinophil peroxidase, a granule protein whose enzymatic activity promoted DC activation in mice and humans in vitro, and intestinal and extraintestinal mouse DC activation and mobilization to lymph nodes in vivo. Further, eosinophil peroxidase enhanced responses to ovalbumin seen after immunization. Thus, eosinophils can be critical contributors to the intestinal immune system, and granule-mediated shaping of DC responses can promote both intestinal and extraintestinal adaptive immunity.
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| 6. |
- Cichocki, F, et al.
(författare)
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Transcriptional regulation of Munc13-4 expression in cytotoxic lymphocytes is disrupted by an intronic mutation associated with a primary immunodeficiency
- 2014
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Ingår i: The Journal of experimental medicine. - : Rockefeller University Press. - 1540-9538 .- 0022-1007. ; 211:6, s. 1079-1091
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Autosomal recessive mutations in UNC13D, the gene that encodes Munc13-4, are associated with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 3 (FHL3). Munc13-4 expression is obligatory for exocytosis of lytic granules, facilitating cytotoxicity by T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. The mechanisms regulating Munc13-4 expression are unknown. Here, we report that Munc13-4 is highly expressed in differentiated human NK cells and effector CD8+ T lymphocytes. A UNC13D c.118-308C>T mutation, causative of FHL3, disrupted binding of the ETS family member ELF1 to a conserved intronic sequence. This mutation impairs UNC13D intron 1 recruitment of STAT4 and the chromatin remodeling complex component BRG1, diminishing active histone modifications at the locus. The intronic sequence acted as an overall enhancer of Munc13-4 expression in cytotoxic lymphocytes in addition to representing an alternative promoter encoding a novel Munc13-4 isoform. Mechanistically, T cell receptor engagement facilitated STAT4-dependent Munc13-4 expression in naive CD8+ T lymphocytes. Collectively, our data demonstrates how chromatin remodeling within an evolutionarily conserved regulatory element in intron 1 of UNC13D regulates the induction of Munc13-4 expression in cytotoxic lymphocytes and suggests that an alternative Munc13-4 isoform is required for lymphocyte cytotoxicity. Thus, mutations associated with primary immunodeficiencies may cause disease by disrupting transcription factor binding.
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| 7. |
- Cohn, L, et al.
(författare)
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Antigen delivery to early endosomes eliminates the superiority of human blood BDCA3+ dendritic cells at cross presentation
- 2013
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Ingår i: The Journal of experimental medicine. - : Rockefeller University Press. - 1540-9538 .- 0022-1007. ; 210:5, s. 1049-1063
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Human BDCA3+ dendritic cells (DCs), the proposed equivalent to mouse CD8α+ DCs, are widely thought to cross present antigens on MHC class I (MHCI) molecules more efficiently than other DC populations. If true, it is unclear whether this reflects specialization for cross presentation or a generally enhanced ability to present antigens on MHCI. We compared presentation by BDCA3+ DCs with BDCA1+ DCs using a quantitative approach whereby antigens were targeted to distinct intracellular compartments by receptor-mediated internalization. As expected, BDCA3+ DCs were superior at cross presentation of antigens delivered to late endosomes and lysosomes by uptake of anti-DEC205 antibody conjugated to antigen. This difference may reflect a greater efficiency of antigen escape from BDCA3+ DC lysosomes. In contrast, if antigens were delivered to early endosomes through CD40 or CD11c, BDCA1+ DCs were as efficient at cross presentation as BDCA3+ DCs. Because BDCA3+ DCs and BDCA1+ DCs were also equivalent at presenting peptides and endogenously synthesized antigens, BDCA3+ DCs are not likely to possess mechanisms for cross presentation that are specific to this subset. Thus, multiple DC populations may be comparably effective at presenting exogenous antigens to CD8+ T cells as long as the antigen is delivered to early endocytic compartments.
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| 8. |
- Colacios, C, et al.
(författare)
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The p.Arg63Trp polymorphism controls Vav1 functions and Foxp3 regulatory T cell development
- 2011
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Ingår i: The Journal of experimental medicine. - : Rockefeller University Press. - 1540-9538 .- 0022-1007. ; 208:11, s. 2183-2191
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 play a pivotal role in maintaining peripheral tolerance by inhibiting the expansion and function of pathogenic conventional T cells (Tconv cells). In this study, we show that a locus on rat chromosome 9 controls the size of the natural Treg cell compartment. Fine mapping of this locus with interval-specific congenic lines and association experiments using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified a nonsynonymous SNP in the Vav1 gene that leads to the substitution of an arginine by a tryptophan (p.Arg63Trp). This p.Arg63Trp polymorphism is associated with increased proportion and absolute numbers of Treg cells in the thymus and peripheral lymphoid organs, without impacting the size of the Tconv cell compartment. This polymorphism is also responsible for Vav1 constitutive activation, revealed by its tyrosine 174 hyperphosphorylation and increased guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity. Moreover, it induces a marked reduction in Vav1 cellular contents and a reduction of Ca2+ flux after TCR engagement. Together, our data reveal a key role for Vav1-dependent T cell antigen receptor signaling in natural Treg cell development.
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| 9. |
- Coppi, Alida, et al.
(författare)
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The malaria circumsporozoite protein has two functional domains, each with distinct roles as sporozoites journey from mosquito to mammalian host
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Experimental Medicine. - : Rockefeller University Press. - 0022-1007 .- 1540-9538. ; 208:2, s. 341-356
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Plasmodium sporozoites make a remarkable journey from the mosquito midgut to the mammalian liver. The sporozoite's major surface protein, circumsporozoite protein (CSP), is a multifunctional protein required for sporozoite development and likely mediates several steps of this journey. In this study, we show that CSP has two conformational states, an adhesive conformation in which the C-terminal cell-adhesive domain is exposed and a nonadhesive conformation in which the N terminus masks this domain. We demonstrate that the cell-adhesive domain functions in sporozoite development and hepatocyte invasion. Between these two events, the sporozoite must travel from the mosquito midgut to the mammalian liver, and N-terminal masking of the cell-adhesive domain maintains the sporozoite in a migratory state. In the mammalian host, proteolytic cleavage of CSP regulates the switch to an adhesive conformation, and the highly conserved region I plays a critical role in this process. If the CSP domain architecture is altered such that the cell-adhesive domain is constitutively exposed, the majority of sporozoites do not reach their target organs, and in the mammalian host, they initiate a blood stage infection directly from the inoculation site. These data provide structure-function information relevant to malaria vaccine development.
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| 10. |
- Cunha, Sara I, et al.
(författare)
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Genetic and pharmacological targeting of activin receptor-like kinase 1 impairs tumor growth and angiogenesis
- 2010
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Ingår i: Journal of Experimental Medicine. - : The Rockefeller University Press. - 0022-1007 .- 1540-9538. ; 207:1, s. 85-100
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) family have been genetically linked to vascular formation during embryogenesis. However, contradictory studies about the role of TGF-beta and other family members with reported vascular functions, such as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 9, in physiological and pathological angiogenesis make the need for mechanistic studies apparent. We demonstrate, by genetic and pharmacological means, that the TGF-beta and BMP9 receptor activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) 1 represents a new therapeutic target for tumor angiogenesis. Diminution of ALK1 gene dosage or systemic treatment with the ALK1-F(c) fusion protein RAP-041 retarded tumor growth and progression by inhibition of angiogenesis in a transgenic mouse model of multistep tumorigenesis. Furthermore, RAP-041 significantly impaired the in vitro and in vivo angiogenic response toward vascular endothelial growth factor A and basic fibroblast growth factor. In seeking the mechanism for the observed effects, we uncovered an unexpected signaling synergy between TGF-beta and BMP9, through which the combined action of the two factors augmented the endothelial cell response to angiogenic stimuli. We delineate a decisive role for signaling by TGF-beta family members in tumor angiogenesis and offer mechanistic insight for the forthcoming clinical development of drugs blocking ALK1 in oncology.
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