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Biomedical subjects

M H Sayegh

Publications and source records attributed to M H Sayegh.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Costimulation and autoimmune diabetes in BB rats.

Costimulatory signals regulate T-cell activation. To investigate the role of costimulation in autoimmunity and transplantation, we studied the BB rat model of type 1 diabetes. Diabetes-prone BB (BBDP) rats spontaneously develop disease when 55-120 days of age. We observed that two anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) with different functional activities completely prevented diabetes in BBDP rats. Anti-CD154 mAb delayed diabetes, whereas treatment with CTLA4-Ig or anti-CD80 mAb accelerated disease. Anti-CD86 or anti-CD134L mAbs had no effect. Diabetes resistant BB (BBDR) rats are disease-free, but >95% of them develop diabetes after treatment with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid and an mAb that depletes Treg cells. In the induced BBDR model, anti-CD154 mAb delayed onset of diabetes, whereas CTLA4-Ig, anti-CD134L or either of the anti-CD28 mAbs had little or no effect. In contrast, blockade of the CD134-CD134L pathway was highly effective for preventing autoimmune recurrence against syngeneic islet grafts in diabetic BBDR hosts. Blockade of the CD40-CD154 pathway was also effective, but less so. These data suggest that the effectiveness of costimulation blockade in the treatment of type 1 diabetes is dependent on both the costimulatory pathway targeted and the mechanism of induction, stage, intensity and duration of the pathogenic process.

Animals↗

P-glycoprotein functions as a differentiation switch in antigen presenting cell maturation.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expressed on human antigen presenting cells (APC) regulates alloantigen-dependent T-cell activation, but the associated mechanisms are not well understood. Here we demonstrate that P-gp functions in IL-12-dependent monocyte differentiation into dendritic cell (DC) lineages during APC maturation, thereby regulating the capacity of myeloid-derived APCs to elicit alloimmune Th1 responses. Human CD14+ monocytes cultured in vitro in the presence of IL-4/GM-CSF differentiated into CD14(-) CD1A+ APCs of the immature DC phenotype. In contrast, P-gp blockade during differentiation inhibited CD1a induction, down-regulated CD80 expression, enhanced CD86 expression and induced CD68 expression. APCs differentiated in the presence of P-gp blockade stimulated alloimmune T-cell proliferation significantly less than controls and this effect was associated with 97% inhibition of Th1 IFN-gamma production, but preserved Th2 IL-5 secretion. MAb-mediated blockade of the P-gp transport substrate IL-12 in the course of APC differentiation also inhibited IFN-gamma production, while addition of rIL-12 to P-gp-blocked APC differentiation cultures significantly reversed this effect, demonstrating that P-gp functions in APC differentiation in part via IL-12 regulation. Our findings define a novel role for P-gp as a differentiation switch in APC maturation and resultant alloimmune Th1 responses, thereby identifying P-gp as a potential novel therapeutic target in allotransplantation.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

The antagonism of calcineurin inhibitors and costimulatory blockers: fact or fiction?

Blockade of T-cell costimulatory pathways has proven to be a useful approach in inhibiting allograft rejection and/or inducing tolerance in some experimental models of transplantation, and clinical development of B7 blockade by CTLA4-Ig in kidney transplant recipients is under way. Although calcineurin inhibitors are clinically effective immunosuppressive agents in their own right, conflicting findings have been reported as to whether concomitant use of these drugs with costimulatory blockade has a beneficial or adverse effect on preventing rejection and promoting long-term allograft survival or transplant tolerance. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the interaction between calcineurin inhibitors and T-cell costimulatory blockade strategies in transplantation.

Animals↗

P-glycoprotein--a novel therapeutic target for immunomodulation in clinical transplantation and autoimmunity?

P-glycoprotein, the human MDR1 gene product and cancer multidrug resistance-associated ATP-binding cassette transporter, is physiologically expressed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells, but its role in cellular immunity is only beginning to be elucidated. A role of P-glycoprotein in the secretion of several T cell- and antigen presenting cell-derived cytokines has been described, and additional functions of the molecule have been identified in lymphocyte survival and antigen presenting cell differentiation. Taken together, these findings provide compelling evidence that P-glycoprotein serves several distinct functions in the initiation of primary immune responses, and a critical role of the molecule in functional immune responses is now established. Here, we will review the current understanding of P-glycoprotein function in T cell activation and antigen presenting cell function, which are relevant to the fields of clinical transplantation and autoimmunity, and summarize the evidence for in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory actions of several known P-glycoprotein-inhibiting agents currently in clinical use for other indications. We suggest that it is the P-glycoprotein-inhibitory function of many of these agents that underly their immunoregulatory capacities. Thus, the established immunoregulatory function of P-glycoprotein and the availability of P-glycoprotein-inhibitory drugs raise the possibility that P-glycoprotein may represent a promising novel therapeutic target for immune modulation in acute and chronic allograft rejection, and cell-mediated autoimmune disorders.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Recipient MHC class II expression is required to achieve long-term survival of murine cardiac allografts after costimulatory blockade.

To study the role of the direct and indirect pathways in achieving tolerance, we used genetically altered mouse strains in two ways: 1) MHC class II-deficient mice were used as donors of skin and cardiac grafts to eliminate the direct CD4(+) T cell response, and 2) B6 II(-)4(+) mice, which are MHC class II-deficient mice expressing an MHC class II transgene only on thymic epithelium, were used as recipients of normal grafts. These mice cannot mount an indirect response. Eliminating the indirect pathway actually made it more difficult to achieve prolonged allograft survival when we used costimulatory blockade than when both pathways were available. Costimulatory blockade was ineffective even when CD4(+) T cells from normal animals were transferred into recipients that lacked MHC class II molecules. These results suggest that an active CD4(+) response through the indirect pathway is necessary for costimulatory blockade to be effective in prolonging allograft survival.

Abatacept↗

Rejection of mouse cardiac allografts by costimulation in trans.

The activation of T cells by B7 costimulation in trans has been demonstrated in vitro, but the in vivo relevance is unknown. To study costimulation in trans of CD4(+) T cells in vivo, we performed cardiac transplants from B7-1/B7-2-deficient mice to recipients that do not express MHC class II molecules on peripheral APCs, but do have functional CD4(+) T cells (II(-)/4(+) mice). This model restricts the B7-dependent activation of CD4(+) T cells to costimulation in trans and excludes any contribution from indirect Ag presentation. We find that II(-)/4(+) recipients reject B7-deficient grafts as rapidly as wild-type grafts, suggesting that costimulation in trans can mediate rejection as potently as costimulation in cis. Treatment of II(-)/4(+) recipients of B7-deficient grafts with depleting Abs to CD4 or CD8 demonstrates that indirect Ag presentation to CD8(+) cells does not significantly contribute to rejection. This is the first demonstration that costimulation in trans can mediate an immune response in vivo and has important therapeutic implications.

Animals↗

CD28-independent costimulation of T cells in alloimmune responses.

T cell costimulation by B7 molecules plays an important role in the regulation of alloimmune responses. Although both B7-1 and B7-2 bind CD28 and CTLA-4 on T cells, the role of B7-1 and B7-2 signaling through CTLA-4 in regulating alloimmune responses is incompletely understood. To address this question, we transplanted CD28-deficient mice with fully allogeneic vascularized cardiac allografts and studied the effect of selective blockade of B7-1 or B7-2. These mice reject their grafts by a mechanism that involves both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Blockade of CTLA-4 or B7-1 significantly accelerated graft rejection. In contrast, B7-2 blockade significantly prolonged allograft survival and, unexpectedly, reversed the acceleration of graft rejection caused by CTLA-4 blockade. Furthermore, B7-2 blockade prolonged graft survival in recipients that were both CD28 and CTLA-4 deficient. Our data indicate that B7-1 is the dominant ligand for CTLA-4-mediated down-regulation of alloimmune responses in vivo and suggest that B7-2 has an additional receptor other than CD28 and CTLA-4 to provide a positive costimulatory signal for T cells.

Abatacept↗

Involvement of the direct and indirect pathways of allorecognition in tolerance induction.

It is generally accepted that there are two pathways of allorecognition, direct and indirect, that together contribute to allograft rejection. Although it has been suggested that the direct pathway predominates during early acute rejection and that the indirect pathway provides a continuous supply of alloantigen responsible for chronic rejection, the true relative contribution of each pathway to the overall rejection process is still not entirely known. It is clear, however, that any strategies designed to achieve the ultimate goal in transplantation, the induction of tolerance, will need to take into account both pathways. This review seeks to explore the involvement of the direct and indirect pathways of allorecognition on a mechanistic level as it relates to the induction of tolerance. A brief historical perspective is included for each pathway as well as a comprehensive review of the mechanisms felt to be active during tolerance induction.

Animals↗

Tolerance and chronic rejection.

The most common cause of chronic allograft loss is an incompletely understood clinicopathological entity called chronic rejection (CR). Recent reports suggest an improvement in long-term renal allograft survival, although it is not clear from these data whether a true reduction of biopsy-proven CR has occurred. Although newer immunosuppressive medications have greatly reduced the incidence of acute rejection (AR) in the early post-transplantation period, the ideal therapy for both AR and CR would be to achieve a state of tolerance. By definition, such a state should allow for indefinite allograft survival, with no histopathological evidence of CR, despite immunocompetence in the host (i.e. without the need for chronic immunosuppression). Although several experimental studies are able to achieve tolerance, with clear improvement in allograft survival, detailed studies on graft function and morphology are often not included. This review will discuss possible ways that tolerance induction could lead to a CR-free state. General mechanisms of CR and transplantation tolerance induction are discussed as well as the difficulties in translating small animals studies into large animals and humans.

Animals↗

Indirect recognition of allopeptides promotes the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy.

Graft loss from chronic rejection has become the major obstacle to the long-term success of whole organ transplantation. In cardiac allografts, chronic rejection is manifested as a diffuse and accelerated form of arteriosclerosis, termed cardiac allograft vasculopathy. It has been suggested that T-cell recognition of processed alloantigens (allopeptides) presented by recipient antigen-presenting cells through the indirect pathway of allorecognition plays a critical role in the development and progression of chronic rejection. However, definitive preclinical evidence to support this hypothesis is lacking. To examine the role of indirect allorecognition in a clinically relevant large animal model of cardiac allograft vasculopathy, we immunized MHC inbred miniature swine with synthetic polymorphic peptides spanning the alpha(1) domain of an allogeneic donor-derived swine leukocyte antigen class I gene. Pigs immunized with swine leukocyte antigen class I allopeptides showed in vitro proliferative responses and in vivo delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to the allogeneic peptides. Donor MHC class I disparate hearts transplanted into peptide-immunized cyclosporine-treated pigs not only rejected faster than unimmunized cyclosporine-treated controls (mean survival time = 5.5 +/-1.7 vs. 54.7 +/-3.8 days, P < 0.001), but they also developed obstructive fibroproliferative coronary artery lesions much earlier than unimmunized controls (<9 vs. >30 days). These results definitively link indirect allorecognition and cardiac allograft vasculopathy.

Animals↗

Specific MDR1 P-glycoprotein blockade inhibits human alloimmune T cell activation in vitro.

MDR1 P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the multidrug resistance-associated transmembrane transporter, is physiologically expressed by human peripheral immune cells, but its role in cell-mediated immunity remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate a novel role for P-gp in alloantigen-dependent human T cell activation. The pharmacologic P-gp inhibitor tamoxifen (1-10 microM) and the MDR1 P-gp-specific mAb Hyb-241 (1-20 microg/ml), which detected surface P-gp on 21% of human CD3(+) T cells and 84% of CD14(+) APCs in our studies, inhibited alloantigen-dependent, but not mitogen-dependent, T cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner from 40-90% (p < 0.01). The specific inhibitory effect on alloimmune T cell activation was associated with >85% inhibition (p < 0.01) of IL-2, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha production in 48-h MLR coculture supernatants. Addition of recombinant human IL-2 (0.1-10 ng/ml) restored proliferation in tamoxifen-treated cocultures. Pretreatment of purified CD4(+) T cells with Hyb-241 mAb before coculture resulted in inhibition of CD4(+) T cellular IFN-gamma secretion. Also, blockade of P-gp on allogeneic APCs inhibited IL-12 secretion. Taken together these results demonstrate that P-gp is functional on both CD4(+) T cells and CD14(+) APCs, and that P-gp blockade may attenuate both IFN-gamma and IL-12 through a positive feedback loop. Our results define a novel role for P-gp in alloimmunity and thus raise the intriguing possibility that P-gp may represent a novel therapeutic target in allograft rejection.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

CTLA4Ig-induced linked regulation of allogeneic T cell responses.

The mechanisms by which CTLA4Ig exerts its powerful immunomodulatory effects are not clear. We show here that CTLA4Ig can induce linked regulation of allogeneic porcine T cell responses in vitro. Naive miniature swine SLA(dd) T cells were rendered hyporesponsive to specific allogeneic Ag after coculturing with MHC-mismatched SLA(cc) stimulators in the presence of CTLA4Ig. These Ag-specific hyporesponsive T cells were subsequently able to actively inhibit the allogeneic responses of naive syngeneic T cells in an MHC-linked fashion, as the responses of naive SLA(dd) responders against specific SLA(cc) and (SLA(ac))F(1) stimulators were inhibited, but allogeneic responses against a 1:1 mixture of SLA(aa) (I(a), II(a)) and SLA(cc) (I(c), II(c)) were maintained. This inhibition could be generated against either class I or class II Ags, was radiosensitive, and required cell-cell contact. Furthermore, the mechanism of inhibition was not dependent upon a deletional, apoptotic pathway, but it was reversed by anti-IL-10 mAb. These data suggest that CTLA4Ig-induced inhibition of naive allogeneic T cell responses can be mediated through the generation of regulatory T cells via an IL-10-dependent mechanism.

Abatacept↗

Quantifying the frequency of alloreactive T cells in vivo: new answers to an old question.

Alloreactive T cell precursor frequency was measured in vivo using fluorescent dye labeling in combination with novel models based on lymphocyte activation and recovery. CFSE-labeled C57BL/6 (H-2(b)) spleen and lymph node cells were adoptively transferred to C57BL/6xDBA F(1) (H-2(b/d)) recipients, a parent-->F(1) MHC mismatch in which only donor cells respond. Recipients were sacrificed at serial time points to assess engraftment efficiency, and the extent of donor cell activation and proliferation. These data were used to calculate alloreactive T cell frequencies that varied 30-fold (0.71 +/- 0.31% to 21.05 +/- 3.62%), depending upon whether it was assumed that all donor cells injected became established and were capable of responding, or that only those present at later time points (24-72 h) were available to respond. By measuring the number of cells established in the recipient 24 h after transfer, before proliferation, we calculated an in vivo alloreactive frequency of approximately 7%. Using CD69 expression at 48 h to quantify activation, we found that 40-50% of the alloactivated CD4(+) donor T cells do not divide. Studies of cotransferred congenic and allogeneic cells demonstrated that bystander proliferation does not occur. We conclude that accurate calculations of alloreactive precursor frequency must account for both proliferation and cell engraftment. When this is done, a high percentage of alloreactive T cells exists across an MHC mismatch, but not all alloreactive cells proliferate in vivo. Bystander proliferation is negligible, revealing exquisite specificity to the alloresponse. These data provide a novel approach to quantify alloreactive T cell responses during specific immunomodulatory strategies in vivo.

Adoptive Transfer↗

Targeting signal 1 through CD45RB synergizes with CD40 ligand blockade and promotes long term engraftment and tolerance in stringent transplant models.

The induction and maintenance of allograft tolerance is a daunting challenge. Although combined blockade of CD28 and CD40 ligand (CD40L)-costimulatory pathways prevents allograft rejection in some murine models, this strategy is unable to sustain engraftment in the most immunogenic allograft and strain combinations. By targeting T cell activation signals 1 and 2 with the novel combination of anti-CD45RB and anti-CD40L, we now demonstrate potent enhancement of engraftment in C57BL/6 recipients that are relatively resistant to costimulatory blockade. This combination significantly augments the induction of tolerance to islet allografts and dramatically prolongs primary skin allograft survival. Compared with either agent alone, anti-CD45RB plus anti-CD40L inhibits periislet infiltration by CD8 cells, B cells, and monocytes; inhibits Th1 cytokines; and increases Th2 cytokine expression within the graft. These data indicate that interference with activation signals one and two may provide synergy essential for prolonged engraftment in situations where costimulatory blockade is only partially effective.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

CD28-B7-mediated T cell costimulation in chronic cardiac allograft rejection: differential role of B7-1 in initiation versus progression of graft arteriosclerosis.

Provision of adequate T cell costimulation is critical for the development of acute and chronic allograft rejection. We have previously reported that early blockade of CD28-B7 T cell costimulation prevents the development of graft arteriosclerosis, in the LEW into F344 rat cardiac transplant model. In this study, we used the same model to examine the requirement for CD28-B7-mediated T cell costimulation in the progression of established chronic rejection and examined the individual roles of B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86) costimulatory molecules. Late blockade of CD28-B7 T cell costimulation by the fusion protein CTLA4Ig, which binds both CD80 and CD86, attenuated the development of transplant arteriosclerosis, mononuclear cell infiltration, and parenchymal fibrosis in this model. Selective blockade of CD80 using the mutant fusion protein Y100F was as effective as CTLA4Ig in this regard. In contrast to CTLA4Ig, blockade of CD80 alone by Y100F was ineffective at preventing early graft loss and prolonging graft survival when given early after transplantation. This study is the first to demonstrate that late blockade of CD28-B7 T cell costimulation interrupts chronic cardiac allograft rejection, and it indicates the importance of continued T cell activation in this process. This study further defines functional differences between CD80 and CD86 costimulatory molecules in vivo.

Abatacept↗

Indirect allorecognition of mismatched donor HLA class II peptides in lung transplant recipients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome.

A correlation between indirect allorecognition of mismatched donor HLA class I peptides and development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after lung transplantation has been previously observed. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a correlation between indirect allorecognition of mismatched donor HLA class II peptides and development of BOS after lung transplantation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from nine BOS+ and nine BOS-lung transplant recipients were cultured with synthetic peptides corresponding to the beta-chain hypervariable region of a mismatched donor HLA-DR molecule. Then, proliferative alloreactivity as well as frequency of alloreactive T cells were determined. In addition, the immunodominant epitopes from the donor HLA-DR molecules were identified in selected patients. T cells from BOS+ patients showed a dose-dependent proliferative alloreactivity against donor HLA-DR peptides that was significantly higher than that observed in BOS- patients (p=0.001). Similarly, the frequency of HLA-DR alloreactive T cells was significantly higher in BOS+ patients than in BOS- patients (p=0.001). This T-cell alloreactivity was directed against a single immunodominant HLA-DR peptide. These results suggest that indirect alloreactivity to donor HLA class II molecules may play a role in the pathogenesis of BOS after lung transplantation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Membranous lupus nephritis in a renal allograft: response to mycophenolate mofetil therapy.

Membranous lupus nephritis in a renal allograft is considered rare. A 43-year-old man with quiescent systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) received a HLA identical transplant from his sister and 4 years later developed persistent nephrotic range proteinuria and morphological features most compatible with membranous lupus nephritis on biopsy. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists, although successful in reducing proteinuria, were associated on three occasions with acute allograft dysfunction. Sustained reduction of proteinuria and stable graft function were achieved using mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). MMF is emerging as a new therapy for primary renal disease in SLE. This is the first report of successful treatment of membranous lupus nephritis in an allograft using MMF. We review all cases of transplant-associated membranous lupus nephritis in the English literature.

Adult↗

CTLA-4 up-regulation plays a role in tolerance mediated by CD45.

Cytolytic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is a critical down-regulatory molecule in T cells that plays a major role in peripheral tolerance. Although the CD45 protein tyrosine phosphatase is a potent immunomodulatory target, the mechanisms by which antibody against CD45RB isoforms (anti-CD45RB) induces allograft tolerance remain unclear. We show here that anti-CD45RB treatment alters CD45 isoform expression on T cells, which is associated with rapid up-regulation of CTLA-4 expression. These effects appear specific and occur without up-regulation of other activation markers. Administration of a blocking monoclonal antibody to CTLA-4 at the time of transplantation prevents anti-CD45RB therapy from prolonging islet allograft survival. In addition, treatment with cyclosporin A blocks anti-CD45RB-induced CTLA-4 expression and promotes acute rejection. These data suggest that anti-CD45RB acts through mechanisms that include CTLA-4 up-regulation and demonstrate a link between CD45 and CTLA-4 that depends on calcineurin-mediated signaling. They demonstrate also that CTLA-4 expression may be specifically targeted to enhance allograft acceptance.

Abatacept↗