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Biomedical subjects

G Trinchieri

Publications and source records attributed to G Trinchieri.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Induction of expression of genes encoding components of the respiratory burst oxidase during differentiation of human myeloid cell lines induced by tumor necrosis factor and gamma-interferon.

In HL-60 and ML-3 human myeloid cell lines, gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) and/or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) induce synergistic accumulation of transcripts of the genes encoding the heavy chain (gp91-phox) of cytochrome b558 and the cytosolic factors p47-phox and p67-phox, components of the superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase system. The accumulation of transcripts for gp91-phox and p47-phox, as quantitated at the single-cell level by in situ hybridization, is extremely heterogeneous; however, when the cells are stimulated by IFN-gamma and TNF together, most or all the cells in the induced cultures express higher accumulation of gp91-phox and p47-phox transcripts than cells from uninduced culture. In situ hybridization was performed on cellular subsets separated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting on the basis of surface expression of differentiation antigens or respiratory burst activity. The accumulation of gp91-phox and p47-phox transcripts correlated positively with the expression of the CD14 and CD11b antigens, two markers expressed on mature myelomonocytic cells. Similarly, accumulation of the two transcripts correlated with respiratory burst activity in cells separated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting after being loaded with dichlorofluorescein diacetate and stimulated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. These results suggest that all the cells in the culture are induced to differentiate by TNF and IFN-gamma but that at the time of analysis there is heterogeneity in the level of differentiation and a proportion of cells is present that shows more mature characteristics with a coordinate expression of the various differentiation markers and functions.

Blotting, Northern↗

Mechanisms of IFN-gamma induction by natural killer cell stimulatory factor (NKSF/IL-12). Role of transcription and mRNA stability in the synergistic interaction between NKSF and IL-2.

We have investigated the molecular mechanisms regulating IFN-gamma production in human T lymphocytes stimulated by NK cell stimulatory factor (NKSF/IL-12). We show that NKSF synergizes with IL-2 and phorbol diesters inducing the accumulation of IFN-gamma mRNA in PHA-activated T cell blasts. NKSF regulates IFN-gamma mRNA expression in PHA blasts and the T leukemia cell line, TALL-103/2, at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. NKSF increases the transcriptional rate for IFN-gamma in both these cell types, as determined by nuclear run-on analysis. However, synergy between NKSF and IL-2 can be demonstrated only at the level of mRNA stability, and both cytokines are required to increase IFN-gamma mRNA half-life.

Blotting, Northern↗

Role of the production of natural killer cell stimulatory factor (NKSF/IL-12) in the ability of B cell lines to stimulate T and NK cell proliferation.

We have previously used human Epstein Barr virus (EBV)-transformed B lymphoblastoid cell lines for the identification and purification of a novel cytokine, natural killer cell stimulatory factor (NKSF/IL-12), that has pleiotropic effects on human lymphocytes. B cell lines are also routinely employed as feeder cells for the culture of T and natural killer (NK) cells. In this report we describe the ability of two NKSF/IL-12 producing B cell lines (RPMI-8866 and Cess) and two nonproducing lines (Raji and Daudi) to stimulate the proliferation of T and NK cells in 8-day PBL cultures. We demonstrate, using an anti-NKSF/IL-12 neutralizing monoclonal antibody, that the endogenous production of NKSF/IL-12 in these cultures can significantly enhance the proliferation and cytotoxic activity of T and NK cells. We also report that the addition of exogenous rNKSF/IL-12 can greatly increase the number of T and NK cells obtained from the cultures following stimulation by the B cell lines. Aside from the possible practical applications, the enhanced proliferation of T and NK cells consistently observed in the presence of endogenously produced NKSF/IL-12 or exogenously added rNKSF/IL-12 in this system may further our understanding of the role of this cytokine during an in vivo immune response.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Natural killer cell stimulatory factor (NKSF) or interleukin-12 is a key regulator of immune response and inflammation.

Natural Killer cell Stimulatory Factor (NKSF) or interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric cytokine of 70 kDa formed by a heavy chain of 40 kDa (p40) and a light chain of 35 kDa (p35). Although it was originally identified and purified from the supernatant of Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B cell lines, it has been shown that among peripheral blood cells NKSF/IL-12 is predominantly produced by monocytes, with lower production by B cells and other accessory cells. The most powerful inducers of NKSF/IL-12 production are bacteria, bacterial products and parasites. In addition to the biologically active p70 heterodimer, the cells producing NKSF/IL-12 also secrete a large excess of monomeric p40, a molecule with no demonstrable biological activity. NKSF/IL-12 is active on T lymphocytes and NK cells on which it induces production of lymphokines, enhancement of cytotoxic activity and mitogenic effects. NKSF/IL-12 induces T and NK cells to produce IFN-gamma and synergizes with other IFN-gamma inducers in this effect. In vitro, and probably in vivo, NKSF/IL-12 is required for optimal IFN-gamma production. When human lymphocytes are stimulated with antigens in vitro, addition of exogenous NKSF/IL-12 to the culture induces differentiation of T helper type 1 (Th1) cells, whereas neutralization of endogenous NKSF/IL-12 with antibodies favors differentiation of Th2 cells. IFN-gamma, a product of Th1 cells, enhances NKSF/IL-12 production by mononuclear cells, whereas IL-10 and IL-4, products of Th2 cells, efficiently inhibit it. Therefore, NKSF/IL-12 appears to be an important inducer of Th1 responses produced by accessory cells during early antigenic stimulation and its production is regulated by a positive feedback mechanism mediated by Th1 cells through IFN-gamma and a negative one by Th2 cells through IL-10 and IL-4. The balance of IL-12 production versus IL-10 and IL-4 production early during an immune response might therefore be instrumental in determining Th1-type versus Th2-type immune responses. Because of this potential role of IL-12 during immune responses, our results demonstrating the impaired ability of HIV seropositive patients to produce NKSF/IL-12 in response to bacterial stimulation suggest that this defect in NKSF/IL-12 production might be a factor contributing to their immune depression.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Induction of HLA class II molecules on human T cells: relationship to immunoregulation and the pathogenesis of AIDS.

Human T cells express HLA class II molecules upon activation. The factors that regulate the induction of expression of these molecules are for the most part unknown. Here we report preliminary results indicating that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) regulates the induction of cell-surface HLA-DR, DO, and DP molecules in human T cells stimulated with PHA. In contrast, recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma), recombinant interleukin-1 alpha (rIL-1 alpha), or rIL-4 appear to have no effect on class II expression. The role of class II molecules on activated T cells is discussed in relationship to immunoregulation and the progression of HIV infection. Three non-mutually exclusive hypotheses are discussed. In the first hypothesis, we consider the role of these class II molecules in antigen presentation of endogenously synthesized HIV envelope by CD4+ cells. The second is a clonal inactivation of virus-specific helper T cells that might occur as a consequence of a direct T cell to T cell interaction and a bypass of the "accessory signal" normally delivered by antigen-presenting cells such as macrophages. The third is a molecular mimicry between HIV envelope proteins and HLA class II molecules, which may lead to the development of autoimmunity against CD4+ T-cell-expressing class II molecules.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Induction of differentiation of the human myeloid cell line, ML3, by tumour necrosis factor and interferon-gamma is accompanied by enhanced expression of the CD4 protein and messenger RNA.

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) induce differentiation of human myeloid cell lines along the monocytic lineage. In this study we investigated the effects of TNF and IFN-gamma on the expression of the CD4 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) in the two myeloid cell lines, ML3 and HL-60. We observed that CD4 antigen expression on ML3 cells is almost undetectable and that TNF and IFN-gamma induced CD4 antigen expression on these cells. HL-60 cells express surface CD4 antigen at high density and treatment with TNF and IFN-gamma caused a decrease of CD4 expression. We also investigated the expression of CD4 mRNA in ML3 and HL-60 cells. ML3 constitutively express, albeit at low levels, CD4 mRNA. TNF induced CD4 mRNA in ML3 cells and IFN-gamma synergistically potentiated the effect of TNF, thus indicating that the enhanced expression of the CD4 protein on ML3 cells is due, at least in part, to an enhanced accumulation of the CD4 mRNA. CD4 mRNA is constitutively expressed in HL-60 cells at high levels. TNF and IFN-gamma, alone or in combination, did not cause any significant change of CD4 mRNA expression in HL-60 cells, thus indicating that decrease of surface CD4, which accompanies differentiation with these cytokines, is likely due to alterations of the CD4 protein synthesis and/or transport to the plasma membrane. These results provide evidence that myeloid cell lines are heterogeneous in expression of CD4, and that in ML3 cells, which constitutively express low levels of CD4 mRNA and undetectable amounts of surface CD4, the predominant effect of the two cytokines is to induce both CD4 mRNA and protein.

Blotting, Northern↗

Interferon-gamma transcriptionally modulates the expression of the genes for the high affinity IgG-Fc receptor and the 47-kDa cytosolic component of NADPH oxidase in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

We examined the mechanisms responsible for the regulation by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) of the expression of the genes encoding the high affinity IgG-Fc receptor (Fc gamma R-I, CD64) and the NADPH oxidase 47-kDa cytosolic factor (p47-phox) in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Nuclear run-on transcriptional assays demonstrated that the Fc gamma R-I gene transcription is undetectable in untreated PMN but is significantly induced by IFN-gamma. Unlike Fc gamma R-I, p47-phox gene transcription is constitutively active in resting PMN and is down-regulated by a 2-h treatment of these cells with IFN-gamma. The transcriptional modulation by IFN-gamma of Fc gamma R-I and p47-phox genes is not influenced by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Moreover, Northern blot analysis revealed that cycloheximide superinduces p47-phox mRNA expression by increasing its half-life and without affecting p47-phox gene transcription. These findings indicate that human PMN can regulate gene expression by transcriptional and posttranscriptional events.

Antigens, Differentiation↗

Human dermal mast cells contain and release tumor necrosis factor alpha, which induces endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine that mediates endothelial leukocyte interactions by inducing expression of adhesion molecules. In this report, we demonstrate that human dermal mast cells contain sizeable stores of immunoreactive and biologically active TNF-alpha within granules, which can be released rapidly into the extracellular space upon degranulation. Among normal human dermal cells, mast cells are the predominant cell type that expresses both TNF-alpha protein and TNF-alpha mRNA. Moreover, induction of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 expression is a direct consequence of release of mast cell-derived TNF-alpha. These findings establish a role for human mast cells as "gatekeepers" of the dermal microvasculature and indicate that mast cell products other than vasoactive amines influence endothelium in a proinflammatory fashion.

Cell Adhesion↗

Reconstitution of an active surface CD2 by DNA transfer in CD2-CD3+ Jurkat cells facilitates CD3-T cell receptor-mediated IL-2 production.

To investigate the requirements for CD2 expression in the activation of T lymphocytes via the CD3-TCR complex, we produced and characterized a series of CD2-variants of the IL-2 producing Jurkat leukemia cell line, J32 (surface phenotype, CD2+, CD3+, CD28+). These mutants were derived by radiation and immunoselection, and were cloned under limiting dilution conditions. A total of 3 out of 30 of these mutants selectively lost the expression of both CD2 surface molecules and CD2 mRNA, and retained the expression of the CD3-TCR complex and the CD28 molecule. A mitogenic combination of anti-CD2 antibodies (9.6 + 9-1) failed to stimulate activation of these variants as measured by mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ and by IL-2 production. The CD2- mutants stimulated with anti-CD3 or anti-TCR mAb revealed an 8- to 32-fold decrease in IL-2 production and IL-2 mRNA accumulation as compared with the parental cells. No alteration of CD3-TCR-induced mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ was observed in the CD2- mutants. Reconstitution of CD2 expression by gene transfer in two J32 CD2- mutants restored IL-2 production and IL-2 mRNA accumulation in responses to both anti-CD2 and anti-CD3-TCR mAb. These results are the first direct demonstration of the requirement for CD2 molecules in optimizing IL-2 response in human T cells stimulated via CD3-TCR complex.

Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte↗

Induction of interferon gamma production by natural killer cell stimulatory factor: characterization of the responder cells and synergy with other inducers.

We previously reported that natural killer cell stimulatory factor (NKSF), a heterodimeric lymphokine purified from the conditioned medium of human B lymphoblastoid cell lines, induces interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production from resting peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and synergizes with interleukin 2 in this activity. In this study, we show that human NKSF induces IFN-gamma production from both resting and activated human PBL and from freshly isolated murine splenocytes. Human T and NK cells produce IFN-gamma in response to NKSF, but resting PBL require the presence of nonadherent human histocompatibility leukocyte antigens DR+ (HLA-DR+) accessory cells to respond to NKSF. The mechanism(s) by which NKSF induces IFN-gamma production results in accumulation of IFN-gamma mRNA, is insensitive to cyclosporin A, and synergizes with those mediated by phytohemagglutinin, phorbol diesters, anti-CD3 antibodies, and allogeneic antigens, but not by Ca2+ ionophores. The ability of NKSF to directly induce IFN-gamma production and to synergize with other physiological IFN-gamma inducers, joined with the previously described ability to enhance lymphocyte cytotoxicity and proliferation, indicates that this lymphokine is a powerful immunopotentiating agent.

Animals↗

Molecular basis of interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide enhancement of phagocyte respiratory burst capability. Studies on the gene expression of several NADPH oxidase components.

In this study, we analyzed the expression of genes encoding for components of the phagocyte superoxide anion-generating system in human phagocytes treated with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Human neutrophils express high levels of the 47-kDa cytosolic factor (p47-phox), which are down-regulated after treatment with IFN-gamma, but not with LPS. On the contrary, the steady-state levels of the heavy chain subunit of cytochrome b558 (gp91-phox) were increased by IFN-gamma and LPS in human monocyte-derived macrophages and neutrophils in a time- and dose-dependent fashion, whereas cytochrome b558 light chain subunit (p22-phox) mRNA was not influenced by either agent. Studies on post-transcriptional regulation at the level of mRNA stability indicate that, in neutrophils, IFN-gamma has no influence on gp91-phox and p47-phox mRNA half-lives. The content of the two cytochrome b558 subunits was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which revealed that, in neutrophils, gp91-phox levels doubled after 4 h of treatment with IFN-gamma or LPS. Monocyte/macrophage maturation was associated with a gradual decrease in gp91-phox mRNA and protein levels, which were both restored by treatment with IFN-gamma for 24-48 h. These results suggest that induction of the gp91-phox gene and protein product by IFN-gamma or LPS is an important requirement in the mechanism of the enhancement of neutrophil and macrophage oxidative metabolism.

Cells, Cultured↗

Interferon gamma induces in human neutrophils and macrophages expression of the mRNA for the high affinity receptor for monomeric IgG (Fc gamma R-I or CD64).

Immune interferon (IFN-gamma) induces in human neutrophils accumulation of the mRNA for the high affinity receptor for monomeric IgG (Fc gamma R-I, CD64) with a mechanism that is independent from de novo protein synthesis and from activation of the Na+/H+ antiporter. Monocyte-derived macrophages can also be induced to express high levels of Fc gamma R-I mRNA by IFN-gamma, without requirement of protein synthesis. Unlike what is observed in neutrophils, induction by IFN-gamma of macrophage Fc gamma R-I mRNA was significantly depressed by the Na+/H+ antiporter inhibitor amiloride. These results indicate that phagocytes' Fc gamma R-I mRNA induction by IFN-gamma is regulated by different mechanisms depending on the target cells.

Amiloride↗

Expression and function of gamma delta- and alpha beta-T cell receptor heterodimers on human somatic T cell hybrids.

T cell somatic hybrids were obtained by fusion of human tetanus toxoid-specific gamma + delta + T cells and a T cell lymphoma cell line that expresses beta-chain but not alpha-chain transcripts. The hybrids simultaneously and independently expressed alpha beta and gamma delta TCR heterodimers on the cell surface without any significant differences in the level of expression. No heterodimers containing alpha delta-, beta delta-, beta gamma-, and alpha gamma-chains were transported to the cell membrane, indicating a chain specificity in dimer formation. The presence of productively rearranged gamma- and delta-alleles in the hybrid cells and immunoprecipitation of an identical type of TCR-gamma delta from both hybrid and parental gamma + delta + T cells suggests that TCR-gamma delta on the hybrid cells derives from gamma + delta + T cells. Anti-TCR (TCS-delta 1 or WT31) and anti-CD3 antibodies induced a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i in the double-positive hybrids and their variants positive for either the alpha beta or gamma delta complex. Double positive hybrid cells were refractory to stimulation with anti-CD3 antibody after pretreatment with a mixture of anti-TCR-gamma delta and anti-TCR-alpha beta antibodies but not with either antibody alone indicating the functional independence of the two receptors. However, only gamma delta heterodimer receptor was able to respond to tetanus toxoid presented on autologous APC as measured by induction of the p55 chain of IL-2R on stimulated cells.

Alleles↗

Natural killer cell-mediated lysis of herpes simplex virus-infected fibroblasts: inability to detect soluble factors that contribute to lysis.

We investigated the role of soluble factors in natural killer (NK) cell-mediated lysis of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-infected cells. Supernatants generated by incubating human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with HSV-infected human fibroblasts contained tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and lysed uninfected U937 cells, but not HSV-infected fibroblasts. U937 cells, but not HSV-infected fibroblasts, were lysed when exposed to recombinant TNF (rTNF) for 18 hr. NK cell-mediated lysis of HSV-infected fibroblasts was not inhibited by addition of anti-TNF or anti-lymphotoxin (LT) antibodies to cytotoxicity assays. Thus, a role for soluble factors, and in particular TNF and LT, in NK cell-mediated lysis of HSV-infected cells could not be demonstrated.

Cytotoxicity, Immunologic↗

Identification and purification of natural killer cell stimulatory factor (NKSF), a cytokine with multiple biologic effects on human lymphocytes.

We have identified and purified a novel cytokine, NK cell stimulatory factor (NKSF), from the cell-free supernatant fluid of the phorbol diester-induced EBV-transformed human B lymphoblastoid cell line RPMI 8866. NKSF activity is mostly associated to a 70-kD anionic glycoprotein. The purified 70-kD protein, isolated from an SDS-PAGE gel, yields upon reduction two small species of molecular masses of 40 and 35 kD, suggesting that this cytokine is a heterodimer. When added to human PBL, purified NKSF preparations induce IFN-gamma production and synergize with rIL-2 in this activity, augment the NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity of PBL preparations against both NK-sensitive and NK-resistant target cell lines, and enhance the mitogenic response of T cells to mitogenic lectins and phorbol diesters. The three activities remain associated through different purification steps resulting in a 9,200-fold purification, and purified NKSF mediates the three biological activities at concentrations in the range of 0.1-10 pM. These data strongly suggest that the same molecule mediates these three activities, although the presence of traces of contaminant peptides even in the most purified NKSF preparations does not allow us to exclude the possibility that distinct biologically active molecules have been co-purified. The absence of other known cytokines in the purified NKSF preparations, the unusual molecular conformation of NKSF, the high specific activity of the purified protein, and the spectrum of biological activities distinguish NKSF from other previously described cytokines.

Biological Factors↗

Murine natural killer cells express functional Fc gamma receptor II encoded by the Fc gamma R alpha gene.

We report evidence that murine NK cells express a functional Fc gamma RII encoded by the Fc gamma RII alpha gene. Several lines of indirect evidence indicate that freshly obtained NK cells from mice of several strains bear a functional Fc gamma RII: (a) anti-Fc gamma RII antibody 2.4G2 detects a small but significant proportion of sIg- cells and a small proportion of the 2.4G2+ cells are included in the Thy-1+ population; (b) sIg- lymphocytes contain 2.4G2+ and Fc gamma R-bearing cells in similar proportions; (c) binding of particulate immune complexes by sIg- lymphocytes is completely inhibited by 2.4G2; (d) 2.4G2+ cells mediate greater than 50% of the spontaneous cytotoxicity in sIg- splenic lymphocytes. Direct evidence for the presence of Fc gamma RII on murine NK cells is provided by the results of two-color immunofluorescence studies performed on splenic lymphocytes from C57BL/6 mice showing coexpression of NK-1.1 and 2.4G2. Studies of in vitro propagated homogeneous NK cell populations confirm that murine NK cells express only Fc gamma RII and that this Fc gamma R is functional, as shown in experiments of inhibition of ADCC by the anti-Fc gamma RII antibody 2.4G2. The results of studies at the molecular level show that an Fc gamma RII alpha transcript identical to that expressed in macrophages is the only molecule encoding Fc gamma RII in murine NK cells.

Animals↗