Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Banchereau

Publications and source records attributed to J Banchereau.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Liver allotransplantation after extracorporeal hepatic support with transgenic (hCD55/hCD59) porcine livers: clinical results and lack of pig-to-human transmission of the porcine endogenous retrovirus.

BACKGROUND: Whole organ extracorporeal perfusion of a genetically modified humanized (transgenic) pig liver has been proposed as a technology that may sustain patients with severe liver failure while awaiting human liver transplantation. METHODS: We report on two cases of successful extracorporeal perfusion of a transgenic pig liver in patients awaiting transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure. The pig livers used were transgenic for human CD55 (decay-accelerating factor) and human CD59. These transgenic modifications are designed to reduce or eliminate the hyperacute rejection inherent in pig-to-primate xenotransplants. We also report on the results of serial surveillance testing for presence of the porcine endogenous retrovirus (PoERV) in these two patients. RESULTS: Extracorporeal perfusion in two patients was performed for 6.5 and 10 hr, respectively, followed by the successful transplantation of a human liver and resultant healthy patients (18 and 5 months later as of this writing). The porcine livers showed evidence of synthetic and secretory function (decreasing protime and bilirubin, bile production). Serial polymerase chain reaction analysis of these patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells has failed to show presence of PoERV DNA sequences. CONCLUSIONS: The CD55/CD59 transgenic porcine liver appears capable of safely "bridging" a patient to liver transplantation. Human PoERV infection from these livers has yet to be demonstrated.

Adolescent↗

Molecular characterization of human IgG monoclonal antibodies specific for the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1. Anti-allergen IgG can enhance the anaphylactic reaction.

We report the molecular characterization of five human monoclonal antibodies, BAB1-5 (BAB1: IgG(1); BAB4: IgG(2); BAB2, 3, 5: IgG(4)), with specificity for the major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1. BAB1-5 were obtained after immunotherapy and contained a high degree of somatic mutations indicative of an antigen-driven affinity maturation process. While BAB1 inhibited the binding of patients IgE to Bet v 1, BAB2 increased IgE recognition of Bet v 1, and, even as Escherichia coli-expressed Fab, augmented Bet v 1-induced immediate type skin reactions. The demonstration that IgG antibodies can enhance allergen-induced allergic reactions is likely to explain the unpredictability of specific immunotherapy.

Allergens↗

Identification of centerin: a novel human germinal center B cell-restricted serpin.

For naive B cells to mature in response to antigen triggering and become either plasma cells or memory B cells, a complex array of events takes place within germinal centers (GC) of secondary lymphoid organs. With the long-term objective of defining and characterizing molecules that control the generation of GC, we have subtracted RNA messages derived from highly purified B cells at the follicular mantle stage of differentiation from GC B cells. Using this approach, we have identified a novel molecule, centerin, belonging to the family of serine-protease inhibitors or serpins. Transcription of centerin is highly restricted to GC B cells and their malignant counterparts, Burkitt's lymphoma lines. The putative centerin protein shares the highest sequence identity with thyroxine-binding globulin and possesses arginine/serine at its P1/P1' active site, suggesting that it interacts with a trypsin-like protease(s). In addition, several other sequence features of centerin also indicate that it serves as a bonafide protease inhibitor. Finally, we demonstrate differentially up-regulated transcription of this novel gene by resting, naive B cells stimulated in vitro via CD40 signaling, while Staphylococcus aureus Cowan strain-mediated B cell activation fails to generate this reponse. Because CD40 signaling is required for naive B cells to enter the GC reaction and for GC B cells to survive, it is likely that centerin plays a role in the development and/or sustaining of GC.

Alternative Splicing↗

CD40-CD40 ligand.

CD40 is a cell surface receptor that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor-R (TNF-R) family, and that was first identified and functionally characterized on B lymphocytes. Its critical role in T cell-dependent humoral immune responses was demonstrated by patients with the hyper-IgM syndrome, as well as by gene targeting in mice. However, in recent years it has become clear that CD40 is expressed much more broadly, including expression on monocytes, dendritic cells, endothelial cells, and epithelial cells. In addition, the CD40-ligand (CD40-L/CD154), a member of the TNF family, is also expressed more widely than activated CD4+ T cells only. Therefore it is now thought that CD40-CD40-L interactions play a more general role in immune regulation. Collectively these studies have culminated in pre-clinical and clinical studies that are in progress. This article reviews recent developments in this field of research, with main emphasis on (1) structure and expression of CD40 and its ligand; (2) CD40 signal transduction; (3) in vitro function of CD40 on different cell types; and (4) in vivo functions of CD40/CD40-L interactions.

Animals↗

Naked antigen-presenting molecules on dendritic cells.

Antigen-presenting cells work to present peptides derived from exogenous and endogenous antigens to circulating T cells, sparking off an immune response. Dendritic cells are unique amongst antigen-presenting cells, not least for their newly described ability to circumvent the need to internalize exogenous antigens before presenting them.

Animals↗

IL-6 switches the differentiation of monocytes from dendritic cells to macrophages.

Monocytes can give rise to either antigen presenting dendritic cells (DCs) or scavenging macrophages. This differentiation is initiated when monocytes cross the endothelium. But the regulation of DC and macrophage differentiation in tissues remains elusive. When stimulated with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), monocytes yield DCs. However, we show here that the addition of fibroblasts switches differentiation to macrophages. On contact with monocytes, fibroblasts release IL-6, which up-regulates the expression of functional M-CSF receptors on monocytes. This allows the monocytes to consume their autocrine M-CSF. Thus, the interplay between IL-6 and M-CSF switches monocyte differentiation to macrophages rather than DCs, and IL-6 is an essential factor in the molecular control of antigen presenting cell development.

Cell Differentiation↗

Immunobiology of dendritic cells.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells with a unique ability to induce primary immune responses. DCs capture and transfer information from the outside world to the cells of the adaptive immune system. DCs are not only critical for the induction of primary immune responses, but may also be important for the induction of immunological tolerance, as well as for the regulation of the type of T cell-mediated immune response. Although our understanding of DC biology is still in its infancy, we are now beginning to use DC-based immunotherapy protocols to elicit immunity against cancer and infectious diseases.

Animals↗

In breast carcinoma tissue, immature dendritic cells reside within the tumor, whereas mature dendritic cells are located in peritumoral areas.

We have analyzed the presence of immature and mature dendritic cells (DCs) within adenocarcinoma of the breast using immunohistochemistry. Immature DCs were defined by expression of CD1a-, Langerin-, and intracellular major histocompatibility complex class II-rich vesicles. Mature DCs were defined by expression of CD83 and DC-Lamp. Breast carcinoma cells were defined by morphology and/or cytokeratin expression. We demonstrate two levels of heterogeneity of DCs infiltrating breast carcinoma tissue: (a) immature CD1a(+) DCs, mostly of the Langerhans cell type (Langerin(+)), were retained within the tumor bed in 32/32 samples and (b) mature DCs, CD83(+)DC-Lamp(+), present in 20/32 samples, are confined to peritumoral areas. The high numbers of immature DCs found in the tumor may be best explained by high levels of macrophage inflammatory protein 3alpha expression by virtually all tumor cells. Confirming the immature/mature DC compartmentalization pattern, in vitro-generated immature DCs adhere to the tumor cells, whereas mature DCs adhere selectively to peritumoral areas. In some cases, T cells are clustering around the mature DCs in peritumoral areas, thus resembling the DC-T cell clusters of secondary lymphoid organs, which are characteristic of ongoing immune reactions.

Adult↗

Interleukin 17, a T-cell-derived cytokine, promotes tumorigenicity of human cervical tumors in nude mice.

Interleukin (IL) 17 is a proinflammatory cytokine secreted mainly by activated human memory CD4 T cells that induces IL-6, IL-8, and nitric oxide. Because IL-6 and IL-8 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer, we investigated the action of IL-17 on human cervical tumor cell lines in vitro and in vivo. We showed that in vitro, IL-17 increases IL-6 and IL-8 secretion by cervical carcinoma cell lines at both protein and mRNA levels. No direct effect of IL-17 on in vitro proliferation of cervical tumor cell lines could be demonstrated. However, two cervical cell lines transfected with a cDNA encoding IL-17 exhibited a significant increase in tumor size as compared to the parent tumor when transplanted in nude mice. This enhanced tumor growth elicited by IL-17 was associated with increased expression of IL-6 and macrophage recruitment at the tumor site. A potential role of IL-17 in modulation of the human cervical tumor phenotype was also supported by its expression on the cervical tumor in patients with CD4 infiltration. IL-17 therefore behaves like a T-cell-specific cytokine with paradoxical tumor-promoting activity. This may partially explain previous reports concerning the deleterious effect of CD4 T cells in cancer.

Animals↗

The monoclonal antibody DCGM4 recognizes Langerin, a protein specific of Langerhans cells, and is rapidly internalized from the cell surface.

We generated monoclonal antibody (mAb) DCGM4 by immunization with human dendritic cells (DC) from CD34+ progenitors cultured with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and TNF-alpha. mAb DCGM4 was selected for its reactivity with a cell surface epitope present only on a subset of DC. Reactivity was strongly enhanced by the Langerhans cell (LC) differentiation factor TGF-beta and down-regulated by CD40 ligation. mAb DCGM4 selectively stained LC, hence we propose that the antigen be termed Langerin. mAb DCGM4 also stained intracytoplasmically, but neither colocalized with MHC class II nor with lysosomal LAMP-1 markers. Notably, mAb DCGM4 was rapidly internalized at 37 degrees C, but did not gain access to MHC class II compartments. Finally, Langerin was immunoprecipitated as a 40-kDa protein with a pI of 5.2 - 5.5. mAb DCGM4 will be useful to further characterize Langerin, an LC-restricted molecule involved in routing of cell surface material in immature DC.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Dendritic cells.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Animals↗

Dendritic cells: a link between innate and adaptive immunity.

Dendritic cells (DC) constitute a unique system of cells able to induce primary immune responses. As a component of the innate immune system, DC organize and transfer information from the outside world to the cells of the adaptive immune system. DC can induce such contrasting states as active immune responsiveness or immunological tolerance. Recent years have brought a wealth of information regarding DC biology and pathophysiology, that shows the complexity of this cell system. Although our understanding of DC biology is still in its infancy, we are now in a position to use DC-based immunotherapy protocols to treat cancer and infectious diseases.

Dendritic Cells↗

CD40 expression by human bronchial epithelial cells.

CD40 is a 50-kDa protein expressed on B cells, dendritic cells, monocytes and epithelial cells, but the distribution of CD40 expression in humans is not completely known. It binds to a ligand (CD40L) which is expressed essentially on activated T cells. The interaction between CD40 and CD40L plays important roles in immune responses. CD40 expression was investigated on bronchial tissues and human bronchial cell lines using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining and analysis with a cytometer, respectively. Constitutive CD40 expression, but not that of CD40L, was slightly detectable on normal human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) in situ and on an adult lung adenocarcinoma (SKLU1) cell line, while another cell line, a bronchial transformed SV40 cell line (WI26VA4), was negative for CD40. Among the various cytokines tested, only interferon (IFN)-gamma was found to induce CD40 expression on WI26VA4. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha was the best cytokine able to up-regulate CD40 in SKLU1 cells. A combination of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha was slightly more effective than the cytokine alone at up-regulating CD40 expression on both cell lines. We further investigated the functional consequences of CD40 ligation on both cell lines. These bronchial cells expressed CD40, HLADR and CD54 under basal conditions or when stimulated by cytokines. Stimulation through CD40 did not affect cell-surface-antigen expression on either cell line. The production of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) by HBEC has been described. SKLU1 and WI26VA4 cells released IL-6 and GM-CSF spontaneously. Whatever the case, CD40 engagement did not modulate spontaneous or TNF-alpha-induced production of these two cytokines. These data indicate for the first time that normal HBEC express CD40 in situ. Further investigations are required in order to determine the role of CD40 on normal HBEC.

Bronchi↗

Evidence and a novel hypothesis for the role of dendritic cells and Porphyromonas gingivalis in adult periodontitis.

We have proposed a novel overall hypothesis and approach to understanding the pathophysiology of adult periodontitis, one of the most common diseases that afflicts the US population. While mortality of the dentition is the most familiar outcome of adult periodontitis, its links with other more severe diseases, including coronary artery disease, respiratory diseases and pre-term labor, cannot be ignored. We have called attention to the many intriguing parallels between adult periodontitis and contact hypersensitivity (CHS). CHS is among the most common of dermatoses that afflicts mankind and one of the most intensively studied of in vivo immune responses. Both adult periodontitis and CHS target the host integument (gingiva or skin) and appear to involve the activation and sensitization of similar subsets of antigen capture and presenting cells, the dendritic cells (DCs), as well as similar T cell subsets. DCs have been termed "nature's adjuvant", being more efficient at antigen-presentation than macrophages or B cells and the only antigen-presenting cells that can stimulate naïve T cells to proliferate. This immunostimulatory capacity can also have detrimental effects for the host, as typified by graft-vs.-host disease and CHS responses. Both AP and CHS involve a predominantly destructive T cell response mediated by both regulatory and effector T cells. In the present paper, we show intriguing evidence that Porphyromonas gingivalis is a unique pathogen in this regard, able to infect, sensitize and activate DCs in vitro and, probably, in situ. Many questions about the role of P. gingivalis-sensitized DCs in adult periodontitis, and of the parallels between adult periodontitis and CHS, however, remain to be answered.

Adult↗

Critical role of IL-12 in dendritic cell-induced differentiation of naive B lymphocytes.

Dendritic cells (DC) are potent APCs initiating immune responses. In a previous report, we demonstrated that DC directly enhance both proliferation and differentiation of CD40-activated naive and memory B cells. The present study deciphers the molecular mechanisms involved in DC-dependent regulation of B cell responses. Herein, we have identified IL-12 as the mandatory molecule secreted by CD40-activated DC that promote the differentiation of naive B cells into plasma cells secreting high levels of IgM. In fact, IL-12 synergizes with soluble IL-6R alpha-chain (sgp80), produced by DC, to drive naive B cell differentiation. IL-12 is critical for the differentiation of naive B cells into IgM plasma cells, whereas IL-6R signaling mainly promotes Ig secretion by already differentiated B cells. The differentiation of naive B cells in cocultures of B cells, T cells, and DC is IL-12 dependent, definitely demonstrating that the role of DC in humoral responses is not confined to the activation of T cells and further extending the physiologic relevance of DC/B cell interaction. Finally, this study also identifies differential requirements for DC-dependent naive and memory B cell differentiation, the latter being IL-12 independent. Altogether these results indicate that, in addition to prime T cells toward Thl development, DC, through the production of IL-12, may also directly signal naive B cell during the initiation of the immune response.

Antibodies, Blocking↗

Antigen receptor engagement turns off the V(D)J recombination machinery in human tonsil B cells.

The germinal center (GC) is an anatomic compartment found in peripheral lymphoid organs, wherein B cells undergo clonal expansion, somatic mutation, switch recombination, and reactivate immunoglobulin gene V(D)J recombination. As a result of somatic mutation, some GC B cells develop higher affinity antibodies, whereas others suffer mutations that decrease affinity, and still others may become self-reactive. It has been proposed that secondary V(D)J rearrangements in GCs might rescue B cells whose receptors are damaged by somatic mutations. Here we present evidence that mature human tonsil B cells coexpress conventional light chains and recombination associated genes, and that they extinguish recombination activating gene and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase expression when their receptors are cross-linked. Thus, the response of the recombinase to receptor engagement in peripheral B cells is the opposite of the response in developing B cells to the same stimulus. These observations suggest that receptor revision is a mechanism for receptor diversification that is turned off when antigen receptors are cross-linked by the cognate antigen.

Animals↗