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N Genetet

Publications and source records attributed to N Genetet.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

TCR repertoire and cytokine profiles of cerebrospinal fluid- and peripheral blood-derived T lymphocytes from patients with multiple sclerosis.

The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) represents an important source of T lymphocytes that could be involved in the inflammatory response occurring in the central nervous system in multiple sclerosis (MS). In order to investigate whether the Vbeta gene usage of CSF T lymphocytes is restricted, we analyzed the TCR Vbeta expression in twelve CSF expanded by in vitro culture compared to the paired in vitro-stimulated peripheral blood T lymphocytes. The overexpression of one or two Vbeta genes was demonstrated in ten CSF, but the type of Vbeta over expressed varied from one patient to another. For one patient, the Vbeta repertoire was also investigated by single cell cloning. High frequency of BV6S7-expressing T cell clones was observed in the CSF while no BV6S7 clone was derived from the peripheral blood T lymphocytes suggesting that these cells could be involved in the immunopathological process in the central nervous system (CNS). The cytokine patterns of the T cell clones derived from the CSF- and peripheral blood-T lymphocytes of this patient were determined. The CSF T cell clones produced higher levels of cytokines than the peripheral blood T cell clones. The high frequency of IL-4-producing-T cell clones observed in CSF demonstrate that T cells which could downregulate the inflammatory process are present in the CNS.

Adult

Longitudinal study of HIV-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes in HIV type 1-infected patients: relative balance between host immune response and the spread of HIV type 1 infection.

To evaluate the contribution of a specific cytotoxic response in the control of HIV infection in relation to clinical status, we performed serial analysis of anti-Env and anti-Gag cytotoxic activity in 13 infected individuals over a 6- to 10-year period, using cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Autologous EBV-transformed B cell lines infected in vitro with recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing HIV-1 env and gag genes were used as targets. Without any stimulation of the effector cells, we were able to show an anti-HIV cytotoxic activity in the PBMCs of 12 of 13 HIV-1-infected patients, consistent with chronic immune activation in HIV infection. Different patterns of HIV-specific cytotoxic activity were observed, and the extent of this cytotoxic response varied between the clinically defined groups of individuals. No direct relationship was observed with the number of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes during the observation period. However, patients who remained asymptomatic had a more vigorous cytotoxic response than patients with clinical deterioration during the observation period, and a significant difference was observed for HIV Gag-specific CTL activity. From these data, we suggest that the HIV-specific cytotoxic response has a protective role in the course of HIV infection.

B-Lymphocytes

Polyamine deprivation prevents the development of tumour-induced immune suppression.

Mice grafted with the 3LL (Lewis lung) carcinoma exhibit immune suppression: spleen cells showed decreased spontaneous interleukin 2 (IL-2) production and T-CD4+ and T-CD8+ lymphocyte populations; in addition the polyamine content in the spleen was increased. By treating the mice with a polyamine-deficient diet containing neomycin, metronidazole and inhibitors of ornithine decarboxylase and polyamine oxydase, tumour growth was reduced and the immune abnormalities were reversed. The spleen cells overproduced IL-2 by reducing exogenous sources of polyamines, but total blockade of all major polyamine sources was necessary to obtain an optimal effect both on IL-2 production and on spleen polyamine content. Irrespective of whether polyamine deprivation was started at an early or at an advanced stage of tumour growth, T-lymphocyte populations were restored to normal values, demonstrating that polyamine deprivation not only prevents tumour-induced immune suppression, but reverses established immunological disorders. In contrast to what was observed regarding IL-2 production by spleen cells and natural killer (NK) cell activity, the polyamine oxidase (PAO) inhibitor did not enhance the number of T lymphocytes. These findings are consistent with a direct effect of the polyamines on immune effector cell metabolism. They suggest an important role of the gastrointestinal polyamines and of PAO activity in the regulation of IL-2 production.

Animals

Action of peripheral or intrathyroidal lymphocytes on autologous thyrocytes cultured in follicles in collagen gel.

We have studied the action of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and intrathyroidal lymphocytes (ITLs) on the biochemical and hormonal metabolism of autologous thyrocytes cultured in follicles in a collagen gel. The production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in culture was also measured. Thyroid tissues and lymphocytes were obtained from ten patients with Graves' disease and from five control subjects. Lymphocyte-induced cytotoxicity was evaluated in autologous thyrocytes cultured in a collagen gel by several tests; neutral red uptake, lactate dehydrogenase activity and glutathione level. Hormonal metabolism was assessed by evaluating tri-iodothyronine (T3) and total cAMP production under TSH stimulation. TNF-alpha levels were measured in supernatants after 5 days of coculture. PBLs altered biochemical metabolism, T3 synthesis and cAMP production in autologous thyroid follicles. These inhibitions were greater than those obtained with ITLs. No difference was seen between cells obtained from patients with Graves' disease and those from normal subjects. TNF-alpha levels secreted by PBLs were higher than those secreted by ITLs. The concentrations of this cytokine decreased in coculture. Significant correlations were observed between the decrease in biochemical and hormonal parameters and TNF-alpha levels. Exogenous TNF-alpha and high doses of interferon gamma inhibited follicle metabolism, especially hormone secretion. In conclusion, thyrocytes cultured in follicles provide a more sensitive model than monolayer cultures for analysis of lymphocyte-induced interactions. Lymphocytes gradually inhibit the biochemical and hormonal metabolism of autologous thyroid follicles depending on the isolation method. These alterations may be particularly attributed to TNF-alpha secreted by lymphocytes. The cytokine-induced inhibition of thyroid hormonal function apparently involves the adenylate cyclase system.

Adult

Expression of membrane and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in Graves' disease.

We have investigated the in vitro expression of membrane and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) by human thyroid cells from 20 patients with Graves' disease and 5 normal subjects. Membrane ICAM-1 was not detected by flow cytometry analysis in non-cultured thyrocytes from either normal or Graves' disease tissues. It appeared on thyroid cells after a 24-h culture in monolayers and showed a regular dose-dependent increase. The same results were obtained with soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) in culture media from cells cultured in monolayers, vesicles or follicles. No change was obtained with different concentrations of fetal calf serum added to the media. Coculture of Graves' disease thyrocytes with autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) or intrathyroidal lymphocytes (ITL) enhanced the expression of both membrane and sICAM-1 whatever the culture model. When normal thyrocytes were cocultured with PBL, sICAM-1 increased but with ITL sICAM-1 remained unchanged. High concentrations of gamma interferon induced an increase of both membrane and sICAM-1 in the three culture models. However the increases were greater with vesicles and follicles. Only sICAM-1 levels were raised with 0.1, 1 and 10 microM retinoic acid. These results suggest that ICAM-1 appears in culture, possibly due to mechanical effects such as adherence to plates and cell-to-cell contacts. Moreover, its expression is modulated by several factors such as cytokines or retinoic acid. Further investigations are needed to establish whether ICAM-1 is really involved in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease.

Adult

Effect of lymphocytes on hormonal secretion by autologous thyrocytes cultured in monolayers.

We studied the lymphocyte-induced alterations in hormonal metabolism and the production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) during coculture of thyrocytes and autologous lymphocytes from 20 patients with Graves' disease and from five normal subjects. Thyroglobulin (Tg) mRNA was assessed by slot-blot analysis under TSH stimulation. Tg, tri-iodothyronine (T3) and cAMP secretion in the presence of TSH were measured by RIA after 3 or 5 days of coculture. TNF-alpha levels produced after 5 days incubation were also assayed in lymphocyte culture and coculture media. Lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood (PBLs) altered the production of Tg, T3 and cAMP in autologous thyrocytes. Intrathyroidal lymphocytes (ITLs) decreased Tg and cAMP secretion but had no effect on T3 secretion. The reductions in Tg and cAMP levels obtained with mechanically isolated ITLs (M-ITLs) were generally higher than those obtained with ITLs isolated by dispase (D-ITLs). No difference was seen between Graves' disease and normal cocultures. PBLs secreted large concentrations of TNF-alpha, larger than those obtained with M-ITLs whereas D-ITLs produced low amounts of this cytokine. In coculture, TNF-alpha levels were lower than those observed in lymphocyte culture. Significant correlations were obtained between TNF-alpha levels and the decrease in Tg, T3 and cAMP concentrations. The percentage of T lymphocytes was higher in PBLs and D-ITLs than in M-ITLs. B lymphocytes levels were higher in ITLs, especially M-ITLs, than in PBLs. TNF-alpha production by B lymphocytes was maximal in M-ITLs. In conclusion, lymphocytes induced a decrease in hormonal thyroid metabolism when cocultured with autologous thyrocytes. These perturbations may be attributed, at least partly, to TNF-alpha secreted by lymphocytes. TNF-alpha interacts via the adenylate cyclase pathway of TSH signal transduction.

Adult

Immunomodulatory activity of beta-casein permeate medium fermented by lactic acid bacteria.

During fermentation, lactic acid bacteria may be able to release components that possess immunomodulatory activity. This activity was investigated in several culture supernatants arising from lactic acid bacteria cultured in a medium composed primarily of UF permeate of bovine milk; beta-CN was added as the sole protein source. Only a Lactobacillus helveticus supernatant allowed the modulation (both suppression and enhancement) of lymphocyte proliferation in vitro on human peripheral blood lymphocytes, but L. helveticus did not modulate the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells or of lymphokine-activated killer cells. The addition of different quantities of culture supernatant to cultures of human mononuclear cells, stimulated by the mitogen concanavalin A, significantly increased the production of interferon-gamma and decreased the production of interleukin-2 and the expression of the alpha-chain of the interleukin-2 receptor (p55), all of which appear to be correlated with the decrease in lymphocyte proliferation. Our results suggest that the culture supernatant activity might be related to interaction with monocyte-macrophage and T helper cells, especially Th1-like cells.

Adjuvants, Immunologic

The prognostic value of plasma viremia in HIV-infected patients under AZT treatment: a two-year follow-up study.

To determine the prognostic value of plasma viremia in long-term zidovudine (AZT)-treated HIV-infected patients, HIV-1 plasma viremia (PV) was quantified in 28 HIV-infected patients before and during AZT long-term treatment; the follow-up also included p24 antigenemia and CD4 cell counts. The variations of these markers during the follow-up period, the correlation with the clinical outcome (progressors versus nonprogressors), and the discrepancies between PV and surrogate markers were then analyzed. A significant and stable decrease in PV titer was observed in only nonprogressors (Friedman test, p < 0.005). At the end of follow-up, 11 (73%) of the 15 non-progressors were PV responders (patients who remained or became PV- long-term), whereas all the 13 progressors were PV nonresponders (patients who remained or became PV+). These results indicated a strong correlation between PV and clinical outcome (Fischer's exact test, p < 0.0001). The persistence, increase, or reappearance of viral replication appeared to be an important predictor of poor clinical outcome in HIV-infected patients under AZT treatment. This finding could provide a rational basis to help the clinician's decision in the clinical treatment of HIV-infected patients.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Ex vivo studies of polymorphonuclear neutrophils from patients with early-onset periodontitis (III). CR3 and LFA-1 expression by peripheral blood and gingival crevicular polymorphonuclear neutrophils.

In this study, we assessed the LFA-1 (CD18/CD11a) and CR3 (CD18/CD11b) expression on peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PB-PMN) and crevicular fluid polymorphonuclear leukocytes (CF-PMN), by subjects with a healthy periodontium (n = 7), gingivitis (n = 8), early-onset periodontitis (n = 17) and adult periodontitis (n = 8). Using flow cytometry analysis, the %s of CD18, CD11a and CD11b positive cells and the absolute numbers of fluorescent molecules were determined. No significant difference could be found among the 4 groups, for these 2 kinds of parameters, in PB-PMN or CF-PMN. However, a great difference could be noted between the results obtained from PB-PMN and those obtained from CF-PMN. The %s of positive CF-PMN were significantly lower than those of PB-PMN for the 3 sub-units (p < 0.001). The levels of CD18 and CD11b expressed by CF-PMN were higher than those expressed by PB-PMN and the difference was significant for CD11b (p < 0.001). On the contrary, the level of CD11a expressed on CF-PMN was significantly lower than that expressed by PB-PMN (p < 0.001). Hence, our current results show that early-onset periodontitis PMN can be quite normal and this fact is not surprising insofar as, in our study, these cells were perfectly functional and all the subjects were in good health. We concluded that the analysis of the leukocyte adhesion receptors expression on PB-PMN does not appear useful for helping to establish a differential diagnosis between the different forms of periodontitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

Expression of the alpha-subunit of CR4 (CD11c) by peripheral blood and crevicular fluid neutrophils.

This work determined the levels of expression of CD11c by neutrophils (PMNs) collected from subjects with various periodontal conditions. The percentages of CD11c-positive crevicular fluid PMNs were significantly lower than those of peripheral blood PMNs, but the levels of CD11c expression were similar in PB-PMNs and CF-PMNs (P<0.001). On the other hand, no significant difference could be found between the groups, either for the percentages of CD11c-positive cells or for the CD11c expression levels.

Adult

Relevance of 10 Caucasian HLA haplotypes in searches for unrelated bone marrow donors for 100 patients from a single center.

Unrelated donor searches for 100 Caucasian patients were referred to France Greffe de Moëlle Registry (FGM) from September 1987 (24,600 donors) to December 1993 (71,500 donors, 61% DR typed). After DR typing of HLA-A,B matched donors, unsuccessful searches were extended to other European Registries for 36 patients. Twenty two patients had a donor (FGM: 19, other Registries: 3) selected on: (1) HLA-A,B and DRB,DQB1 split identity; and (2) unidirectional relative response < 5% in MLR performed twice. Estimated probability of finding a compatible donor at 9 months in FGM was 12% (s.e. +/- 4%) and 25% at 2 years (s.e. +/- 6%). This probability was stringently dependent on a phenoidentity to one very common HLA-A,B,DR or B,DR haplotype (25% at 9 months when present, representing 19 of 19 patients with a compatible donor). Without this phenoidentity, the probability was zero per cent (P = 0.0001) in FGM searches and < 4% (n = 1) in extended searches. The MLR test was shown to be insensitive for screening for DPB1 mismatches. Clinical status influenced the probability of finding a compatible donor at one year ranging from 9% +/- 9% for ALL to 23% +/- 8% for CML (NS). Disregarding DPB1 mismatches is the most efficient way of increasing search efficiency.

Bone Marrow Transplantation

Distinct pattern of IL-2 and IFN-gamma gene expression in CD4 and CD8 T cells: cytofluorometric analysis at a single cell level using non-radioactive probes.

IL-2 and IFN-gamma gene expression was analyzed using an original method for in situ hybridization (ISH) with non-isotopic probes and flow cytometric analysis (FC). This method permits rapid detection of mRNA at a single cell level among in vitro activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and purified CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets. After stimulation with PMA and ionomycin (PMA+Io), cells were fixed at different times and hybridized with digoxigenin (DIG)-labelled RNA antisense or sense probes specific for IL-2 and IFN-gamma. The level of cytokine gene expression in individual cells was visualized using FITC-conjugated anti-DIG antibodies and the fluorescent signal was analyzed by flow cytometry. Specific hybridization with IL-2 and IFN-gamma antisense probes was detected among activated PBMC within lymphoid cells identified by their light scattering properties. Kinetic analysis of the frequency of mRNA producing cells exhibited a biphasic pattern with an early peak at 6-8 hrs. when percentages of IL-2 and IFN-gamma expressing cells reached 35 +/- 7% and 18 +/- 4%, respectively. Similar data were obtained by enzymatic detection on cell smears using AP-conjugated anti-DIG. Combination of ISH with FC was applied to the comparison of the pattern of cytokine gene expression between CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets isolated by negative selection using immunobeads and magnetic separation. IL-2 was expressed by activated CD8 T cells (25-35%), but CD4 T cells were the major producers of IL-2 as assessed by the high frequency of mRNA expressing cells (60%) and the large amount of mRNA per cell relative to the mean fluorescence intensity. In contrast, IFN-gamma mRNA was preferentially expressed by CD8 T cells (27-37%) and a minority of CD4 T cells (17-23%). Despite quantitative differences, kinetic analysis of IL-2 gene expression in CD4 and CD8 T cells showed similar profiles with an early peak at 6-8 hrs. Upregulation of IL-2 gene expression in CD4 T cells by CD28 co-stimulation increases the amount of IL-2 mRNA per cell as visualized by mean fluorescence intensity. In addition the effect of CD28 co-stimulation on IL-2 mRNA stabilisation was demonstrated by the maintenance of a high frequency of IL-2 expressing CD4 T cells and an elevated level of mRNA per cell for prolonged period after PMA+Io stimulation. By contrast CD28 co-stimulation had no obvious effect on IFN-gamma expression.

CD28 Antigens

Interleukin 12 induces the differentiation of major histocompatibility complex class I-primed cytotoxic T-lymphocyte precursors into allospecific cytotoxic effectors.

The production of interleukin 12 (IL-12) following allogeneic stimulation and its involvement in the differentiation of allospecific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) have been investigated. Supernatants of mixed lymphocyte cultures had detectable levels of IL-12 p40 which were completely abrogated after depletion of responder cells from monocytes. While addition to the culture of anti-IL-12 neutralizing antibodies partially inhibited the allogeneic proliferative response and the subsequent CTL activity, addition of IL-12 stimulated both responses, suggesting that endogenously produced IL-12 plays a role in the development of alloreactivity. Furthermore, using primary mixed cultures of lymphocytes from major histocompatibility complex-recombinant siblings identical for class II antigens and displaying class I disparity, we demonstrated that addition of recombinant IL-12 at the sensitizing phase of the primary mixed lymphocyte culture induced CTL activity. Under these stimulation conditions, addition of recombinant IL-12 also triggered cell proliferation, indicating that IL-12 provides both growth and differentiation signals. The mechanism underlying this process does not appear to require IL-2, since IL-12-mediated CTL generation was not abrogated by anti-IL-2 alpha-chain antibodies. IL-12 increased granzyme B and perforin mRNA accumulation in major histocompatibility complex class I-primed lymphocytes, suggesting that this cytokine activates these two genes in CTL precursors. We conclude that IL-12 can stimulate the generation of alloreactive CTLs. We suggest that IL-12 may play a role in helper cell-independent CTL generation.

Adult

Immunological study in primary intestinal lymphangiectasia.

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare congenital condition associated with protein-losing enteropathy. Hypogammaglobulinemia and lymphopenia secondary to this condition are frequent but infectious complications are not. So far few immunological studies have been made in these patients. We report here the results of such a study carried out in two adolescents. Both patients presented with a dramatic decrease in serum gammaglobulins, especially IgG and IgA, and in peripheral blood lymphocytes, especially CD4 T helper cells. From a functional standpoint, the proliferative response to certain mitogens was reduced. A decrease in in vitro production of immunoglobulins by B lymphocytes may be due to a faulty T/B cell cooperation. Histological examination of duodenal biopsy specimens revealed a decreased number of intraepithelial lymphocytes. Colonoscopy revealed nodular lymphoid hyperplasia in the terminal ileum, confirmed by endoscopic biopsy. The role of these abnormalities in the development of infectious complications and lymphoma is underscored.

Adolescent

Interferon production in severe hemophiliacs with and without HIV antibodies.

The interferon (IFN) system, both serum IFN levels and the in vitro IFN production, was investigated in 38 clinically asymptomatic multitransfused hemophiliacs, half positive and half negative for HIV antibodies. In most patients, no circulating IFN was detected; similar levels of IFN-alpha were obtained after peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) stimulation with Sendai virus both in hemophiliacs and controls, while production of IFN-gamma following stimulation with phytohemagglutin (PHA) was diminished in a large number of patients irrespective of their HIV serology. These data indicate that the deficiency in IFN-gamma generation is not only related to HIV contamination but may be a direct consequence of the chronic antigenic stimulation through Factor VIII concentrates.

HIV Seropositivity

Surface markers in adult acute myeloblastic leukemia: correlation of CD19+, CD34+ and CD14+/DR--phenotypes with shorter survival. Groupe d'Etude Immunologique des Leucémies (GEIL).

The immunophenotype of blast cells was investigated in a multicentric study of 154 adult acute myeloblastic leukemias (AMLs). A panel of 27 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) was tested in indirect immunofluorescence. Expression of CD14 (UCHM1), CD19 (SB4), CD36 (OKM5), and HLA-DR were associated with higher mean leucocyte counts. CD14 expression correlated with low hemoglobin level and the absence of CD33 (MY9) with low platelet counts. Extramedullary disease was associated with CD16 (Leu11b) and HLA-DR antigen positivity. The study of relationships between surface markers and FAB criteria confirmed the predominant expression of CD14 in the M5 sub-group (p less than 0.000001) and the association of CD19 and CD36 with monocytic M4/M5 subgroups (respectively p less than 0.00002 and p less than 0.000001). All patients received an induction therapy including an anthracycline and cytarabine. The median follow-up was 13 months. The achievement of complete remission (CR) was inversely correlated with CD34 (B13C5) and CD19 expression: CR was obtained in 31 of 59 (53%) CD34-positive AML versus 64 of 75 (85%) CD34-negative cases (p less than 0.0001) and 11 of 24 (46%) CD19-positive versus 95 of 122 (78%) CD19-negative cases (p less than 0.01). In univariate analysis, a longer survival was associated with CD33 expression and the combined phenotypes CD36+/CD19- and CD16+/CD14-. Conversely, the CD18(IOT18)+/CDw65(VIM2)- phenotype was related to shorter survival. The expression of CD19, of CD34, and of the combined phenotype CD14+/DR--correlated with shorter survival as demonstrated both in univariate and multivariate analysis (p less than 0.03 in each case in multivariate analysis).

Antigens, CD

Sertoli cells are the site of interleukin-1 alpha synthesis in rat testis.

To elucidate the cellular origin of interleukin-1 (IL-1) in the mammalian testis, we assayed IL-1 activity in culture media of Sertoli cells collected from rats at 20, 35 and 45 days of age as well as in culture media of interstitial, peritubular and germ cells from adult rats. IL-1 was detected in Sertoli cell culture media isolated from 35- and 45-day-old rats. At 45 days approximately twice as much IL-1 was produced than at 35 days. In contrast, IL-1 activity was not detected in 20-day-old rat Sertoli cell culture media nor in interstitial, peritubular and germ cell culture media. The Sertoli cell IL-1 activity was specifically neutralized by an IL-1 alpha antiserum. It is concluded that Sertoli cells produce IL-1 alpha and that this production increases during sexual maturation.

Animals