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IL-17RA-signaling modulates CD8+ T cell survival and exhaustion during Trypanosoma cruzi infection

The IL-17 family contributes to host defense against many intracellular pathogens by mechanisms not fully understood. CD8+ T lymphocytes are key elements against intracellular microbes and their survival and appropriate response is orchestrated by several cytokines. Here, we demonstrated that IL-17RA-signaling cytokines sustain pathogen-specific CD8+ T cell immunity. Absence of IL-17RA and IL-17A/F during Trypanosoma cruzi infection resulted in increased tissue parasitism and reduced frequency of parasite-specific CD8+ T cells. Impaired IL-17RA-signaling in vivo increased apoptosis of parasite-specific CD8+ T cells while recombinant IL-17 in vitro down-regulated the pro-apoptotic protein BAD and promoted activated CD8+ T cell survival. Phenotypic, functional and trancriptomic profiling showed that T. cruzi-specific CD8+ T cells arising in IL-17RA-deficient mice presented features of cell dysfunction. PD-L1 blockade partially restored the magnitude of CD8+ T cell responses and parasite control in these mice. Adoptive transfer experiments established that IL-17RA-signaling is intrinsically required for the proper maintenance of functional effector CD8+ T cells. Altogether, our results identify IL-17RA and IL-17A as critical factors for sustaining CD8+ T cell immunity to T. cruzi.

immunology

Early transcriptional responses after dengue vaccination mirror the response to natural infection and predict neutralizing antibody titers

BackgroundSeveral promising live attenuated virus (LAV) dengue vaccines are in development, but information about innate immune responses and early correlates of protection are lacking.\n\nMethodsWe characterized human genome-wide transcripts in whole blood from 10 volunteers at 11 time-points after immunization with the dengue virus type 3 (DENV-3) component of the NIH dengue vaccine candidate TV003 and from 30 hospitalized children with acute primary DENV-3 infection. We compared day-specific gene expression patterns with subsequent neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers.\n\nResultsThe transcriptional response to vaccination was largely confined to days 5-20 and was dominated by an interferon-associated signature and a cell cycle signature that peaked on days 8 and 14, respectively. Changes in transcript abundance were much greater in magnitude and scope in symptomatic natural infection than following vaccination (maximum fold-change >200 versus 21 post-vaccination; 3,210 versus 286 transcripts with significant fold-change), but shared gene modules were induced in the same sequence. The abundance of 131 transcripts on days 8 and 9 post-vaccination was strongly correlated with NAb titers measured 6 weeks post-vaccination.\n\nConclusionsLAV dengue vaccination elicits early transcriptional responses that mirror those found in symptomatic natural infection and provide candidate early markers of protection against DENV infection.\n\nClinical Trial Registration Number: NCT00831012 (available at clinicaltrials.gov)\n\nSummary: Interferon- and cell cycle-associated gene transcript abundance levels in the peripheral blood of dengue vaccine recipients on days 8 and 9 post-vaccination were associated with dengue neutralizing antibody titers on day 42, and mirrored responses in primary dengue infection, suggesting the possibility of predicting protective immunity.

immunology

A Cell Penetrating Peptide from SOCS-1 Prevents Ocular Damage in Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis

We describe an immunosuppressive peptide corresponding to the kinase inhibitory region (KIR) of the intracellular checkpoint protein suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS-1) that binds to the phospho-tyrosine containing regions of the tyrosine kinases JAK2 and TYK2 and the adaptor protein MAL, and thereby inhibits signaling downstream from these signaling mediators. The peptide, SOCS1-KIR, is thus capable of downregulating overactive JAK/STAT or NF-kB signaling in somatic cells, including those in many compartments of the eye. Attachment of poly-arginine to this peptide (R9-SOCS1-KIR) allows it to penetrate the plasma membrane in aqueous media. R9-SOCS1-KIR was tested in ARPE-19 cells and was found to attenuate mediators of inflammation by blocking the inflammatory effects of IFN{gamma}, TNF, or IL-17A. R9-SOCS1-KIR also protected against TNF or IL-17A mediated damage to the barrier properties of ARPE-19 cells, as evidenced by immunostaining with the tight junction protein, zona occludin 1 (ZO-1), and measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) was generated in B10.RIII mice using a peptide of interphotoreceptor retinal binding protein (IRBP161-180) as immunogen. Topical administration of R9-SOCS1-KIR protected ocular structure and function as seen by fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electroretinography (ERG). The ability R9-SOCS1-KIR to suppress ocular inflammation and preserve barrier properties of retinal pigment epithelium makes it a potential candidate for aqueous treatment of autoimmune uveitis.\n\nHighlightsO_LIpeptide corresponding to the kinase inhibitory region of SOCS-1 linked to poly-arginine (R9-SOCS1-KIR) and its inactive control peptide were chemically synthesized.\nC_LIO_LIR9-SOCS1-KIR attenuated pro-inflammatory effects of IFN{gamma}, TNF, and IL-17 in ARPE-19 cells, thus showing a simultaneous inhibition Th1 and Th17 cell functions.\nC_LIO_LIDamage to barrier properties of ARPE-19 cells caused by TNF or IL-17 was prevented in the presence of R9-SOCS1-KIR.\nC_LIO_LITopical administration of R9-SOCS1-KIR prevented ocular damage in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune uveitis.\nC_LI

immunology

T Cell Activation Triggers Reversible Inosine-5'-Monophosphate Dehydrogenase Assembly

T cell-mediated adaptive immunity requires naive, unstimulated T cells to transition from a quiescent metabolic state into a highly proliferative state upon T cell receptor engagement. This complex process depends on transcriptional changes mediated by Ca2+-dependent NFAT signaling, mTOR-mediated signaling and increased activity of the guanine nucleotide biosynthetic enzyme inosine-5-monophosphate (IMP) dehydrogenase (IMPDH). Inhibitors of these pathways serve as potent immunosuppressants. Unexpectedly, we discovered that all three pathways converge to promote the assembly of IMPDH protein into micron-scale macromolecular filamentous structures in response to T cell activation. Assembly is post-transcriptionally controlled by mTOR and the Ca2+ influx regulator STIM1. Furthermore, IMPDH assembly and catalytic activity were negatively regulated by guanine nucleotide levels, suggesting a negative feedback loop that limits biosynthesis of guanine nucleotides. Filamentous IMPDH may be more resistant to this inhibition, facilitating accumulation of the higher GTP levels required for T cell proliferation.

immunology

TRAF6 directs Foxp3 localization and facilitates Treg function through K63-type ubiquitination

Regulatory T cells (Treg) are crucial mediators of immune control. The characteristic gene expression and suppressive function of Treg depend considerably on the stable expression and activity of the transcription factor Foxp3. While transcriptional regulation of the Foxp3 gene has been studied in depth, both the expression and function of Foxp3 are also modulated at the protein level. However, the molecular players involved in posttranslational Foxp3 regulation are just beginning to be elucidated. Here we found TRAF6-deficient Tregs were dysfunctional in vivo; mice with Treg-restricted deletion of TRAF6 were resistant to B16 melanomas and displayed enhanced anti-tumor immunity. We further determined that Foxp3 undergoes lysine-63 chain (K63) ubiquitination at lysine 262 mediated by the E3 ligase TRAF6. When deprived of TRAF6 activity or rendered insensitive to K63 ubiquitination, Foxp3 displayed aberrant, perinuclear accumulation, disrupted function. Thus, Foxp3 ubiquitination by TRAF6 ensures proper localization of Foxp3 and facilitates Foxp3s gene-regulating activity in Tregs. These results implicate TRAF6 as a key posttranslational, Treg-stabilizing force that may be targeted in novel tolerance-breaking therapies.

immunology

Observed Antibody Space: a resource for data mining next generation sequencing antibody repertoires

Antibodies are immune system proteins that recognize noxious molecules for elimination. Their sequence diversity and binding versatility have made antibodies the primary class of biopharmaceuticals. Recently it has become possible to query their immense natural diversity using next-generation sequencing of immunoglobulin gene repertoires (Ig-seq). However, Ig-seq outputs are currently fragmented across repositories and tend to be presented as raw nucleotide reads, which means nontrivial effort is required to reuse the data for analysis. To address this issue, we have collected Ig-seq outputs from 53 studies, covering more than half a billion antibody sequences across diverse immune states, organisms and individuals. We have sorted, cleaned, annotated, translated and numbered these sequences and make the data available via our Observed Antibody Space (OAS) resource at antibodymap.org. The data within OAS will be regularly updated with newly released Ig-seq datasets. We believe OAS will facilitate data mining of immune repertoires for improved understanding of the immune system and development of better biotherapeutics.

immunology

The landscape and diagnostic potential of T and B cell repertoire in Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy

Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerulonephritis worldwide. In IgAN, immune complex deposite in glomerular mesangium, which induce inflammation and affect the kidneys normal functions. However, the exact pathogenesis of IgAN is still incompletely understood. Further, in current practice the clinical diagnosis relies on needle biopsy on renal tissue. Therefore, a non-invasive method for clinical diagnosis and prognosis surveillance of the disease is in high demand. In this paper, we investigated both the T cell receptor bata chain (TCRB) and immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) repertoire of kidney infiltrating and circulating lymphocytes of IgAN patients by immune repertoire high throughput sequencing. We found that the features of TCRB and IGH in the renal tissues were remarkably different from that in blood, including a decreased repertoire diversity and increased IgA and IgG frequency, and more activated B cells. The CDR3 length of PBMC TCRB and IGH in patients is significantly shorter than that in healthy controls, which is the result of both VDJ rearrangement and clone selection. We also found that the IgA1 frequency in the PBMC of IgAN is significant higher than that in other Nephropathy (NIgAN) and healthy control, which is consistent with the previous reports on the level of IgA1 producing B cells and serum IgA1. Significantly, we identified a set of IgAN disease related TCRB and IGH CDR3s, which can be used to distinguish IgAN from NIgAN and healthy controls from the blood with high accuracy. These results indicated that TCRB and IGH repertoire can potentially serve as non-invasive biomarkers for IgAN diagnosis. The characteristics of kidney infiltrating and circulating lymphocytes repertoire shed light on IgAN detection, treatment and surveillance.

immunology

Global landscape of mouse and human cytokine transcriptional regulation

Cytokines play a central role in immune development, pathogen responses, and diseases. Cytokines are highly regulated at the transcriptional level by combinations of transcription factors (TFs) that recruit cofactors and the transcriptional machinery. Here, we review three decades of studies to generate a comprehensive database reporting 843 and 647 interactions between TFs and cytokines genes, in human and mouse respectively (http://cytreg.bu.edu). We provide a historic perspective on cytokine regulation discussing research trends and biases. More importantly, by integrating this comprehensive database with other functional datasets, we determine general principles governing the transcriptional regulation of cytokine genes. In particular, we show a correlation between TF connectivity and immune phenotype and disease, we discuss the balance between tissue-specific and pathogen-activated TFs regulating each cytokine gene, and cooperativity and plasticity in cytokine regulation. Finally, we illustrate the use of our database as a blueprint to study TF-cytokine regulatory axes in autoimmune diseases.

immunology

N-terminal degradation activates the Nlrp1b inflammasome

Intracellular pathogens and danger signals trigger the formation of inflammasomes, which activate inflammatory caspases and induce pyroptotic cell death. The anthrax lethal factor metalloprotease and small molecule DPP8/9 inhibitors both activate the Nlrp1b inflammasome, but the molecular mechanism of Nlrp1b activation is not known. Here, we used genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screens to identify genes required for Nlrp1b-mediated pyroptosis, and discovered that lethal factor induces cell death via the N-end rule proteasomal degradation pathway. Lethal factor directly cleaves Nlrp1b, which induces the N-end rule-mediated degradation of the Nlrp1b N-terminus and thereby frees the Nlrp1b C-terminus to activate caspase-1. DPP8/9 inhibitors also induce proteasomal degradation of the Nlrp1b N-terminus, but, in contrast, not through the N-end rule pathway. Overall, these data reveal that N-terminal degradation is the common mechanism for activation of this innate immune sensor protein.\n\nOne Sentence SummaryProteasome-mediated degradation of the Nlrp1b N-terminus releases the Nlrp1b C-terminus to activate caspase-1 and induce pyroptotic cell death.

immunology

Functional degradation: a mechanism of NLRP1 inflammasome activation by diverse pathogen enzymes

Inflammasomes are multi-protein platforms that initiate innate immunity by recruitment and activation of Caspase-1. The NLRP1B inflammasome is activated upon direct cleavage by the anthrax lethal toxin protease. However, the mechanism by which cleavage results in NLRP1B activation is unknown. Here we find that cleavage results in proteasome-mediated degradation of the N-terminal domains of NLRP1B, liberating a C-terminal fragment that is a potent Caspase-1 activator. Proteasome-mediated degradation of NLRP1B is both necessary and sufficient for NLRP1B activation. Consistent with our new functional degradation model, we identify IpaH7.8, a Shigella flexneri ubiquitin ligase secreted effector, as an enzyme that induces NLRP1B degradation and activation. Our results provide a unified mechanism for NLRP1B activation by diverse pathogen-encoded enzymatic activities.\n\nOne Sentence SummaryTwo distinct pathogen enzymes activate an innate immune sensor called NLRP1B by a mechanism that requires proteasome-mediated degradation of NLRP1B.

immunology

Mycobacterium marinum infection drives foam cell differentiation in zebrafish infection models

Host lipid metabolism is an important target for subversion by pathogenic mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The appearance of foam cells within the granuloma are well-characterised effects of chronic tuberculosis. The zebrafish-Mycobacterium marinum infection model recapitulates many aspects of human-M. tuberculosis infection and is used as a model to investigate the structural components of the mycobacterial granuloma. Here, we demonstrate that the zebrafish-M. marinum granuloma contains foam cells and that the transdifferentiation of macrophages into foam cells is driven by the mycobacterial ESX1 pathogenicity locus. This report demonstrates conservation of an important aspect of mycobacterial infection across species.

immunology

Identification of a host collagen inducing factor from the excretory secretory proteins of Trichinella spiralis using immunoscreening

BackgroundIn a previous study, we found that Trichinella spiralis excretory and secretory proteins (ES-P) most likely activate collagen synthesis via TGF-{beta}/Smad signaling, and this event could influence collagen capsule formation.\n\nMethodology/Principal FindingsIn order to identify the specific collagen inducing factor, ES-P was fractionated by a Superdex 200 10/300 GL column. We obtained three large fractions, F1, F2, and F3, but only F3 had collagen gene inducing ability. After immunoscreening, 10 collagen inducing factor candidates were identified. Among them, TS 15-1 and TS 15-2 were identical to the putative trypsin of T. spiralis. The deduced TS 15-1 (M.W. = 72 kDa) had two conserved catalytic motifs, an N-terminal Tryp_SPc domain (TS 15- 1n) and a C-terminal Tryp_SPc domain (TS 15-1c). To determine their collagen inducing ability, recombinant proteins (rTS 15-1n and rTS 15-1c) were produced using the pET-28a expression system. TS 15-1 is highly expressed during the muscle larval stage and has strong antigenicity. We determined that rTS 15-1c could elevate collagen I via activation of the TGF-{beta}1 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.\n\nConclusion/SignificanceIn conclusion, we identified a host collagen inducing factor from T. spiralis ES-P using immunoscreening and demonstrated its molecular characteristics and functions.\n\nAuthor SummaryTrichinella spiralis can make collagen capsules in host muscle cells during its life cycle, which encapsulates muscle stage larvae. Many investigators have tried to reveal the complex mechanism behind this collagen capsule architecture, and it has been suggested that several serine proteases in excretory-secretory proteins of the parasite are potential collagen capsule inducing factors. In addition, collagen synthesis is activated through the TGF-{beta}/Smad signaling pathway and these events are closely related with protease activated receptor 2 which was activated by various serine proteases. In this study, we isolated and characterized a collagen gene expression inducer from T. spiralis ES-P using immunoscreening and investigated the candidate protein for its usefulness as a wound healing therapeutic agent.

immunology

Baculovirus-inducing fast-acting innate immunity kills Plasmodium liver stages

Baculovirus (BV), an enveloped insect virus with a circular double-stranded DNA genome, possesses unique characteristics that induce strong innate immune responses in mammalian cells. Here, we show that BV administration not only sterilely protects BALB/c mice for at least 7 days from subsequent Plasmodium berghei sporozoite infection but also eliminates existing liver-stage parasites completely, effects superior to those of primaquine, and does so in a TLR9-independent manner. Six hours post-BV administration, IFN- and IFN-{gamma} were robustly produced in serum, and RNA transcripts of interferon-stimulated genes were drastically upregulated in the liver. The in vivo passive transfer of post-BV administration serum effectively eliminated liver-stage parasites, and IFN- neutralization abolished this effect, indicating that the BV liver-stage parasite killing mechanism is downstream of the type I IFN signaling pathway. Our results demonstrate that BV is a potent IFN-inducing prophylactic and therapeutic agent with great potential for further development as a new malaria vaccine and/or anti-hypnozoite drug.

immunology

A hypothetical new role for single-stranded DNA binding proteins in the immune system

The breadth of the host range of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses is roughly comparable to the host range of double-stranded DNA viruses (dsDNA). Yet, general ssDNA sensing receptors that activate the immune system have not been unequivocally identified while numerous dsDNA sensing receptors are known. Here, we hypothesize that some of the Single-Stranded DNA Binding (SSB) proteins may act as receptors that detect single-stranded DNA from pathogens and activate the innate immune system. As the first test of our hypothesis, we checked whether human genes that are known to bind to ssDNA are potentially interferon-regulated. Out of the 102 human genes that are known to have ssDNA binding ability 23 genes show a more than two-fold increase in gene expression upon interferon treatment. Single-stranded DNA viruses are pathogens of not only animals but also of plants and protozoans. We used this information to further prioritize our candidate list to ssDNA binding genes that are common between the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and humans. Based on these strategies, we shortlist several promising candidate genes including the HMGB1 gene which could act as a ssDNA sensor that activates the immune system. Agreeably though we cannot establish a definitive role for these genes as ssDNA sensors of the immune system as yet, our preliminary analysis suggests the potential existence of ssDNA binding protein-like receptors (SLRs) that are worth investigating further.

immunology

High throughput single cell sequencing of both T-cell-receptor-beta alleles

Allelic exclusion is a vital mechanism for the generation of monospecificity to foreign antigens in B- and T-lymphocytes. Here we developed a high-throughput barcoded method to simultaneously analyze the VDJ recombination status of both mouse T cell receptor beta alleles in hundreds of single cells using Next Generation Sequencing.

immunology

Acute-phase CD4+ T cell responses targeting invariant viral regions are associated with control of live-attenuated simian immunodeficiency virus

We manipulated SIVmac239{Delta}nef, a model of MHC-independent viral control, to evaluate characteristics of effective cellular responses mounted by Mauritian cynomolgus macaques (MCMs) who express the M3 MHC haplotype that has been associated with poor control of pathogenic SIV. We created SIV{Delta}nef-8x to test the hypothesis that effective SIV-specific T cell responses targeting invariant viral regions can emerge in the absence of immunodominant CD8+ T cell responses targeting variable epitopes, and that control is achievable in individuals lacking known protective MHC alleles. Full proteome IFN{gamma} ELISPOT assays identified six newly targeted immunogenic regions following SIV{Delta}nef-8x infection of M3/M3 MCMs. We deep sequenced circulating virus and found that four of the six newly targeted regions rarely accumulated mutations. Six animals infected with SIV{Delta}nef-8x targeted at least one of the four invariant regions and had a lower set point viral load compared to two animals that did not target any invariant regions. We found that MHC class II molecules restricted all four of the invariant peptide regions, while the two variable regions were restricted by MHC class I molecules. Therefore, in the absence of immunodominant CD8+ T cell responses that target variable regions during SIVmac239{Delta}nef infection, individuals without protective MHC alleles developed predominantly CD4+ T cell responses specific for invariant regions that may improve control of virus replication. Our results provide some evidence that antiviral CD4+ T cells during acute SIV infection can contribute to effective viral control and should be considered in strategies to combat HIV infection.\n\nImportanceStudies defining effective cellular immune responses to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) have largely focused on a rare population that express specific MHC class I alleles and control virus replication in the absence of antiretroviral treatment. This leaves in question whether similar effective immune responses can be achieved in the larger population. The majority of HIV-infected individuals mount CD8+ T cell responses that target variable viral regions that accumulate high-frequency escape mutations. Limiting T cell responses to these variable regions and targeting invariant viral regions, similar to observations in rare elite controllers, may provide an ideal strategy for the development of effective T cell responses in individuals with diverse MHC genetics. Therefore, it is paramount to determine whether T cell responses can be redirected towards invariant viral regions in individuals without protective MHC alleles and if these responses improve control of virus replication.

immunology

TRAIL (CD253) Sensitizes Human Airway Epithelial Cells to Toxin-Induced Cell Death

Inhalation of ricin toxin is associated with the onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), characterized by hemorrhage, inflammatory exudates, and tissue edema, as well as the near complete destruction of the lung epithelium. Here we report that the Calu-3 human airway epithelial cell line is relatively impervious to the effects of ricin, with little evidence of cell death even upon exposure to microgram amounts of toxin. However, the addition of exogenous soluble TNF-Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL; CD253) dramatically sensitized Calu-3 cells to ricin-induced apoptosis. Calu-3 cell killing in response to ricin and TRAIL was reduced upon the addition of caspase-8 and caspase-3/7 inhibitors, but not caspase 9 inhibitors, consistent with involvement of extrinsic apoptotic pathways in cell death. We employed nCounter Technology to define the transcriptional response of Calu-3 cells to ricin, TRAIL, and the combination of ricin plus TRAIL. An array of genes associated with inflammation-and cell death were significantly up regulated upon treatment with ricin toxin, and further amplified upon addition of TRAIL. Of particular note was IL-6, whose expression in Calu-3 cells increased 300-fold upon ricin treatment and more than 750-fold upon ricin and TRAIL treatment. IL-6 secretion by Calu-3 cells was confirmed by cytometric bead array. Based on these finding, we speculate that the severe airway epithelial cell damage observed in animal models following ricin exposure is a result of a positive feedback loop driven by pro-inflammatory cytokines like TRAIL and IL-6.

immunology

Clinical scoring is the most sensitive biomarker detecting developing sepsis in newborn mice

Newborn individuals are highly susceptible to infectious diseases. For better insights into age-specific host-pathogen interactions infection models are increasingly employed in neonatal mice. However, for newborn mice no measures are available to objectify the clinical disease state, particularly not in a longitudinal manner, to meet legal animal welfare requirements. We developed a scoring system for newborn mice that relies on observational and examination-based parameters and validated it by applying a Staphylococcus aureus-induced infection model in two different mouse strains.\n\nThe scoring results strongly correlated with the death kinetics independent of which mouse strain was used. A score above 7 predicted fatality. While the score values increased already at early sepsis stages the large majority of plasma cytokine levels remained comparable to those in uninfected control neonates. The levels of interleukin (Il)-6, chemokine C-C motif ligand 5, Il-1 and tumor necrosis factor were not increased before 24 hours after infection and correlated only at this late stage of sepsis with the scored disease state.\n\nWe propose the first clinical scoring system that serves as important research tool to evaluate the clinical course of sepsis in newborn mice. It detects health impairments of newborn pups in a highly sensitive and longitudinal manner, providing information about the disease severity as well as prognosis.

immunology