Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

L Burkly

Publications and source records attributed to L Burkly.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Conditional vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 deletion in mice: impaired lymphocyte migration to bone marrow.

We generated vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 "knock-in" mice and Cre recombinase transgenic mice to delete the VCAM-1 gene (vcam-1) in whole mice, thereby overcoming the embryonic lethality seen with conventional vcam-1-deficient mice. vcam-1 knock-in mice expressed normal levels of VCAM-1 but showed loss of VCAM-1 on endothelial and hematopoietic cells when interbred with a "TIE2Cre" transgene. Analysis of peripheral blood from conditional vcam-1-deficient mice revealed mild leukocytosis, including elevated immature B cell numbers. Conversely, the bone marrow (BM) had reduced immature B cell numbers, but normal numbers of pro-B cells. vcam-1-deficient mice also had reduced mature IgD+ B and T cells in BM and a greatly reduced capacity to support short-term migration of transferred B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and preactivated CD4+ T cells to the BM. Thus, we report an until now unappreciated dominant role for VCAM-1 in lymphocyte homing to BM.

Animals↗

Mobilization of CD34+ haematopoietic stem cells is associated with a functional inactivation of the integrin very late antigen 4.

The beta1 integrin very late antigen 4 (VLA-4) plays a central role in mobilization and homing of CD34+ cells. In this study, we examined the activation state of VLA-4 on CD34+ cells from bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) by flow cytometry using a vascular cell adhesion molecule I-immunoglobulin (VCAM-I/IgG) fusion protein as soluble ligand. In an intraindividual analysis, we found a significantly reduced affinity and avidity of the VLA-4 receptor on CD34+ cells from PB during granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-enhanced marrow recovery in comparison with steady-state BM. Moreover, the amount of circulating CD34+ cells during marrow recovery was inversely related to the activation state but not to the expression level of VLA-4, suggesting that a modulation of the functional state of VLA-4 is involved in the mobilization of CD34+ cells. Moreover, VLA-4 function on CD34+ cells from BM was associated with the maturation state of CD34+ cells as high-affinity VLA-4 receptors were observed on the vast majority of more primitive CD34+ cells. In addition, we found that Mg2+ ions as well as co-incubation of CD34+ cells with endothelial cells resulted in an activation of the VLA-4 receptor. In conclusion, modulation of the functional state of VLA-4 appears to be of relevance for the mobilization and homing of CD34+ haematopoietic stem cells.

Antigens, CD34↗

Readministration of adenovirus vector in nonhuman primate lungs by blockade of CD40-CD40 ligand interactions.

The interaction between CD40 on B cells and CD40 ligand (CD40L) on activated T cells is important for B-cell differentiation in T-cell-dependent humoral responses. We have extended our previous murine studies of CD40-CD40L in adenoviral vector-mediated immune responses to rhesus monkeys. Primary immune responses to adenoviral vectors and the ability to readminister vector were studied in rhesus monkeys in the presence or absence of a transient treatment with a humanized anti-CD40 ligand antibody (hu5C8). Adult animals were treated with hu5C8 at the time vector was instilled into the lung. Immunological analyses demonstrated suppression of adenovirus-induced lymphoproliferation and cytokine responses (interleukin-2 [IL-2], gamma interferon, IL-4, and IL-10) in hu5C8-treated animals. Animals treated with hu5C8 secreted adenovirus-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels comparable to control animals, but did not secrete IgA or develop neutralizing antibodies; consequently, the animals could be readministered with adenovirus vector expressing alkaline phosphatase. A second study was designed to examine the long-term effects on immune functions of a short course of hu5C8. Acute hu5C8 treatment resulted in significant and prolonged inhibition of the adenovirus-specific humoral response well beyond the time hu5C8 effects were no longer significant. These studies demonstrate the potential of hu5C8 as an immunomodulatory regimen to enable administration of adenoviral vectors, and they advocate testing this model in humans.

Adenoviridae↗

Induction of insulitis by glutamic acid decarboxylase peptide-specific and HLA-DQ8-restricted CD4(+) T cells from human DQ transgenic mice.

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in humans is linked with specific HLA class II genes, e.g., HLA-DQA1*0301/ DQB1*0302 (DQ8). To investigate the roles of HLA-DQ8 molecules and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) in disease development, we generated DQ8(+)/I-Abo transgenic mice expressing functional HLA-DQ8 molecules and devoid of endogenous mouse class II. DQ8(+)/I-Abo mice produced antigen-specific antibodies and formed germinal centers after immunization with GAD65 peptides. Two GAD peptide-specific (247-266 and 509-528), DQ8 restricted Th1 CD4(+) T cell lines, were generated from immunized DQ8(+)/I-Abo mice. They induced severe insulitis after adoptive transfer into transgene positive (but not negative) mice who were treated with a very low dose of streptozotocin that alone caused no apparent islet pathology. In addition to CD4, islet mRNA from these mice also showed expression of CD8, IFNgamma, TNFalpha, Fas, and Fas ligand. Our data suggest that a mild islet insult in the presence of HLA-DQ8 bearing antigen-presenting cells promotes infiltration of GAD peptide reactive T cells into the islet.

Animals↗

Expression of relB is required for the development of thymic medulla and dendritic cells.

Dendritic cells (DC) derived from bone marrow are critical in the function of the immune system, for they are the primary antigen-presenting cells in the activation of T-lymphocyte response. Their differentiation from precursor cells has not been defined at a molecular level, but recent studies have shown an association between expression of the relB subunit of the NF-kappa B complex and the presence of DC in specific regions of normal unstimulated lymphoid tissues. Here we show that relB expression also correlates with differentiation of DC in autoimmune infiltrates in situ, and that a mutation disrupting the relB gene results in mice with impaired antigen-presenting cell function, and a syndrome of excess production of granulocytes and macrophages. Thymic UEA-1+ medullary epithelial cells from normal mice show striking similarities to DC and, interestingly, these cells are also absent in relB mutant mice. Taken together, these results suggest that relB is critical in the coordinated activation of genes necessary for the differentiation of two unrelated but phenotypically similar cells (DC and thymic UEA-1+ medullary epithelial cells) and is therefore a candidate for a gene determining lineage commitment in the immune system.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Synergistic inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein-mediated cell fusion and infection by an antibody to CD4 domain 2 in combination with anti-gp120 antibodies.

Antibodies to several epitopes of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (gp120-gp41) can synergize in inhibiting HIV-1 infection. In the present study we tested the ability of a monoclonal antibody (MAb), 5A8, which interacts with CD4 domain 2, and other CD4-specific MAbs to synergize with antibodies against gp120. We have previously found that 5A8 inhibits HIV-1 entry without interfering with gp120 binding to CD4, presumably by affecting a postbinding membrane fusion event. Because antibodies to the gp120 V3 loop also affect post-CD4-gp120-binding events, 5A8 was first tested in combination with anti-V3 loop antibodies for possible synergy. The anti-V3 loop antibodies 0.5 beta, NEA-9205, and 110.5 acted synergistically with 5A8 in inhibiting syncytium formation between gp120-gp41- and CD4-expressing cells. A human MAb to an epitope of gp120 involved in CD4 binding, IAM 120-1B1, and another anti-CD4 binding site antibody, PC39.13, also exerted synergistic effects in combination with 5A8. Similarly, an antibody against the gp120 binding site on CD4, 6H10, acted synergistically with an anti-V3 loop antibody, NEA-9205. However, a control anti-CD4 antibody, OKT4, which does not significantly inhibit syncytium formation alone, produced only an additive effect when combined with NEA-9205. Serum from HIV-1-infected individuals, which presumably contains antibodies to the V3 loop and the CD4 binding site, exhibited a strong synergistic effect with 5A8 in inhibiting infection by a patient HIV-1 isolate (0104B) and in blocking syncytium formation. These results indicate that therapeutics based on antibodies affecting both non-gp120 binding and gp120 binding epitopes of the target receptor molecule, CD4, could be efficient in patients who already contain anti-gp120 antibodies and could also be used to enhance passive immunization against HIV-1 in combination with anti-gp120 antibodies.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Regulation of CD4 T cell reactivity to self and non-self.

While the thymus may be effective in inducing tolerance to lymphoid associated antigens, it is not as efficient in deleting T cells reactive to peripheral tissue specific antigens. Therefore, to maintain self tolerance to peripheral tissues, post-thymic mechanisms must be invoked. One important way to prevent autoimmune pathology mediated by autoreactive CD4 T cells is the diversion of clones to regulatory Th2 effector cells. However, many different factors contribute in vivo to the decision of stimulated CD4 T cells to develop into Th1 versus Th2 cells. For example, T cell signaling pathways may influence the types of cytokines produced by naive T cells, and studies have provided evidence for a genetic polymorphism among common mouse strains that can significantly influence the early cytokine production in stimulated naive CD4 T cells. The allele carried by the BALB/c strain promotes IL-4 production, and consequently provides resistance to autoimmune diabetes in our transgenic mouse model. In addition, antigen presenting cells can influence the development of stimulated CD4 T cells in part through the production of cytokines such as IL-12. The absorption of IL-12 in vivo can permit the expansion of Th2 type effector cells, and this phenomenon will also protect mice from autoimmunity. Finally, the relative potency of various class II positive antigen presenting cell types can influence the development of autoreactive T cells, with dendritic cells apparently being the strongest stimulator of Th1 responses. Consistent with this notion, a relB knockout mouse, which is missing dendritic cells, appears to drive Th2 development even in response to viral infection. In sum, these various influences over the Th1/Th2 decision in vivo may provide new targets for immunotherapy of autoimmune diseases.

Animals↗

Human CD4-major histocompatibility complex class II (DQw6) transgenic mice in an endogenous CD4/CD8-deficient background: reconstitution of phenotype and human-restricted function.

To reconstitute the human immune system in mice, transgenic mice expressing human CD4 and human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II (DQw6) molecules in an endogenous CD4- and CD8-deficient background (mCD4/8-/-), after homologous recombination, have been generated. We report that expression of human CD4 molecule in mCD4/8-/- mice rescues thymocyte development and completely restores the T cell compartment in peripheral lymphoid organs. Upon vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) challenge, the reconstituted mature T cell population effectively provide T help to B cells in immunoglobulin class switching from IgM to specific IgG-neutralizing antibodies. Human CD4+DQw6+ double transgenic mice are tolerant to DQw6 and the DQw6 molecule functions in antigen presentation, effectively generating a human MHC class II-restricted T cell response to streptococcal M6C2 peptide. These data show that both the hCD4 and DQw6 molecules are functional in mCD4/8-/- mice, fully and stably reconstituting this limb of the human immune system in mice. This animal model provides a powerful in vivo tool to dissect the human CD4-human class II MHC interaction, especially its role in human autoimmune diseases, superantigen-mediated diseases, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Animals↗

Structure/function studies on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1.

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1) is a member of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily which interacts with the integrin very late antigen-4 (VLA4). The VCAM1/VLA4 interaction mediates both adhesion and signal transduction and is thought to play an important role in inflammatory and immune responses in vivo. The major form of human VCAM1 contains seven extracellular Ig-like domains, with domain 1 designated as the most N-terminal. We have examined the relationship between human VCAM1 structure and function using a combination of domain truncation mutants and proteolytic fragmentation of recombinant soluble VCAM1. We have characterized two regions of VCAM1, localized to domains 4 and 5, which are highly sensitive to proteolytic cleavage, localized the epitope of the blocking monoclonal antibody 4B9 to domain 1, and found that domains 1-3 are sufficient for both its adhesive function and its ability to initiate T cell activation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning of murine and rat vascular cell adhesion molecule-1.

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1) is a member of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily which interacts with the integrin very late antigen 4 (VLA4). We have cloned the cDNAs for both murine and rat VCAM1 from endotoxin-treated lung libraries. Both sequences encode proteins with seven extracellular Ig-like domains, which show 75.9% and 76.9% identity, respectively, with human VCAM1. Both murine and human cell lines show VLA4-dependent binding to COS cells transiently expressing murine and rat VCAM1. Two mAbs, M-K/1 and M-K/2, which recognize an antigen on murine bone marrow stromal cell lines, bind to murine VCAM1 expressed in COS cells and block VCAM1-dependent adhesion, confirming that these mAbs recognize murine VCAM1.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A recessive defect in lymphocyte or granulocyte function caused by an integrated transgene.

A line of transgenic mice has been identified with a recessive defect in lymphocyte or granulocyte function, presumably as a result of insertional mutagenesis by the integrated transgene. Transgenic mice homozygous for the transgene integrant showed nearly complete absence of lymphocytes in peripheral lymph nodes and Peyer's patches, a severely diminished thymus medulla, and a greatly enlarged spleen. These animals also developed a syndrome characterized by granulocyte and mononuclear infiltrates in numerous tissues, including skin, liver, and lung, and immunoglobulin deposits in kidney glomeruli. Lung infiltrates were specifically localized around large blood vessels and bronchi, accompanied in some cases by destruction of arterial walls. The light scatter profile of spleen lymphocytes suggested an extremely high percentage of blast cells. Because tissue development and morphology appears to be normal in all other tissues observed, the genetic lesion appears to specifically affect the regulation of lymphocyte or granulocyte activation.

Animals↗

The effect of thymus environment on T cell development and tolerance.

During development in the thymus, T cells are deleted if their receptors are able to recognize self major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins. We show that such clonal deletion can occur because of interaction between receptors on T cells and MHC expressed on bone marrow-derived cells. In addition, development in the thymus picks out T cells to mature if their receptors will be restricted for antigen recognition in association with self MHC alleles expressed on thymus epithelial cells. This process is usually thought to involve positive selection of T cells bearing receptors with high and low affinity for MHC on thymus epithelium, and subsequent deletion of high affinity cells by interaction with bone marrow-derived cells. Our data do not fit such a model, but rather suggest that MHC molecules on thymus epithelium and bone marrow-derived cells may not be seen identically by T cell receptors.

Animals↗

Lack of mature B cells in nude mice with X-linked immune deficiency.

Mice were bred that simultaneously expressed the mutations nude and x-linked immune deficiency (xid). These doubly deficient animals had less than 10% of normal serum immunoglobulin levels. Their spleen cells did not respond to thymus-independent antigens in vitro nor did they respond to lipopolysaccharide. There was a virtual absence of cells with surface mu, kappa, or lambda 1, as detected by fluorescence. Sections of lymphoid organs revealed an absence of primary B cell follicles. Taken together, these results indicate a lack of mature B cells in nude xid mice. The possibility is considered that mature B cells belong to two subpopulations representing two lineages, one controlled by alleles at the xid locus and the other by alleles at the nude locus.

Agammaglobulinemia↗