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T J Kipps

Publications and source records attributed to T J Kipps.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Limitations of in vivo IL-12 supplementation strategies to induce Th1 early life responses to model viral and bacterial vaccine antigens.

The limited induction of Th1 and cytotoxic immune responses is regarded as the main reason for the increased susceptibility to intracellular microorganisms in early life. Recently, in vitro IL-12 supplementation was shown to enhance the limited IFN-gamma release of measles-specific infant T cells. Using a series of IL-12 delivery systems, we show here that in vivo IL-12 supplementation may enhance early life murine Th1 responses to two model vaccine antigens, measles virus hemagglutinin and tetanus toxin peptide. However, this required multiple repeat injections of recombinant rIL-12, which were poorly tolerated in young mice. Local IL-12 delivery by an IL-12 expressing canarypox vector proved safe but failed to modulate vaccine responses. An IL-12 DNA plasmid or a CD40L DNA plasmid efficiently enhanced neonatal Th1 responses to measles hemagglutinin DNA vaccine. However, both plasmids only enhanced Th1 responses to DNA and not to peptide, protein, or live viral vaccines. Thus, inducing adult-like Th1 responses may be achieved in vivo by inducing (CD40L) or substituting for (IL-12 supplementation) optimal activation of neonatal APC. However, these immunomodulatory effects appear limited to certain antigen-presentation approaches and may not be broadly applicable to vaccines.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and viral replication in tumor cells treated with oncolytic ribonucleotide reductase-defective herpes simplex type 1 virus (hrR3) combined with ionizing radiation.

The viral ribonucleotide reductase (rR)-defective herpes simplex type-1 (HSV-1) virus (hrR3) has been shown previously to preferentially replicate in and kill tumor cells. This selectivity is associated with tumor cell up-regulation of mammalian rR. Ionizing radiation (IR) is currently used in the therapy of many malignancies, including glioblastoma, cervical carcinoma, and pancreatic carcinoma. IR has been shown to up-regulate mammalian rR in tumor cells and appears to increase the efficacy of at least one non-rR-deleted HSV-1 strain in an in vivo tumor model. Here, we test the hypothesis that a single therapeutic radiation fraction will increase the replication and toxicity of hrR3 for malignant cell lines in vitro. PANC-1 pancreatic carcinoma, U-87 glioblastoma, and CaSki cervical carcinoma cell lines were treated with varying doses of IR and subsequently infected with hrR3 or KOS (wild-type HSV-1 strain). Cell survival was then measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and trypan blue exclusion cytometry. At 72 hours posttreatment, irradiation with 2 Gy reduced survival from 100% to 76% in noninfected cells, from 61% to 48% in KOS-infected cells, and from 39% to 27% in hrR3-infected PANC-1 cells. As such, analysis of variance indicated that the toxicity of the two modalities was additive. Similar additivity was seen in U-87 MG and CaSki cells. Absolute survival of hrR3-infected or KOS-infected PANC-1 cells decreased as a function of time after treatment (24-72 hours) and multiplicity of infection (MOI) (0.05-5.0). However, the relative decrease in survival with the addition of IR to hrR3 or KOS in PANC-1 cells was not markedly affected by altering MOI (0.05-5.0), time (24-72 hours), radiation dose (2-20 Gy), or cell culture conditions (confluent/growth arrested). We used fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis with the cationic lipophilic dye DiOC6 to quantify a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential that'is associated with apoptosis. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis indicated increased apoptosis in both hrR3- and IR-treated cells at 48-72 hours, with hrR3 alone producing the most induction. Viral yields from PANC-1 cells after irradiation and infection were examined. No significant differences were seen between irradiated and nonirradiated cells in viral replication, with hrR3 producing single-step titers of 3.1 +/- 0.9 x 10(5) and 4.0 +/- 1.2 x 10(5) plaque-forming units/mL in nonirradiated and irradiated cells. Thus, complementary toxicity was seen between IR and hrR3 or KOS, regardless of cell type, time, MOI, IR dose, or culture conditions, without evidence of augmented apoptosis or viral replication.

Apoptosis↗

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cells are highly sensitive to infection by herpes simplex virus-1 via herpesvirus-entry-mediator A.

We found that chronic lymphocytic leukemic (CLL) B cells are highly sensitive to infection with vectors derived from replication-defective herpes simplex virus-1 (rdHSV-1). CLL B cells were found to express high levels of herpes virus entry mediator (Hve) A, but not HveC, the other known receptor for HSV-1. An HveA cDNA from CLL cells was found to encode Arg-->Lys and Val-->Iso substitutions at amino acids 17 and 241, respectively. Nevertheless, this cDNA encoded a functional receptor for HSV-1 when transfected into Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells. Antibodies to HveA could block rdHSV-1 infection of CLL cells and HveA-transfected CHO cells with similar efficiencies in vitro. In contrast to B cells of normal donors, CLL B cells were resistant to the cytopathic effects of infection by rdHSV-1 and maintained high-level expression of the transgene for several days in vitro. We propose that this is due to the expression by CLL cells of the anti-apoptotic protein, bcl-2. Consistent with this, we found that transduction of HeLa cells with a retrovirus expression vector encoding bcl-2 rendered HeLa cells resistant to the cytopathic effects of rdHSV-1. HSV-1-derived vectors should be excellent vehicles for gene transfer into CLL B cells, allowing for its potential use in gene therapy for this disease. Gene Therapy (2000) 7, 1210-1216.

Animals↗

Local and systemic effects after adenoviral transfer of the murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor gene into mice.

Vectors encoding immunostimulatory genes are under investigation for their use as adjuvants for immunotherapy. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a prominent candidate gene for this approach because this cytokine can prime immune responses to 'self' tumour or other weak antigens. Prior studies suggested that GM-CSF induces accumulation and differentiation of antigen-presenting cells, particularly dendritic cells that can initiate immunity. To evaluate this model in vivo, we performed i.m. and i.p. injections of an adenovirus vector encoding murine GM-CSF (Ad-mGM-CSF) and evaluated local and systemic effects. After intramuscular injection, local changes were characterized by the accumulation of myeloid cells, a subsequent infiltration of lymphocytes and then myonecrosis. Intraperitoneal injection also induced an accumulation of myeloid cells, an increase in CD3-positive T and a decrease in B220-positive B lymphocytes. Expression of the dendritic cell marker CD11c on 48 +/- 9% of the peritoneal cells (n = 6) along with high levels of surface MHC class II, a characteristic morphology, and endocytosis of FITC-dextran suggested in vivo differentiation of dendritic cells after i.p. injection of Ad-mGM-CSF. Systemic effects were observed after i.m. and i.p. injection of Ad-mGM-CSF. All mice developed hepatosplenomegaly resulting from extramedullary haematopoiesis. These changes were specific to GM-CSF as they were not seen in mice injected with an adenovirus vector without a transgene. Our observations indicate that adenoviral transfer of GM-CSF is a powerful tool for inducing local and systemic expansion of haematopoietic cells. The local expansion of myeloid cells displaying signs of dendritic cell differentiation, as characterized for the peritoneal cell compartment, can explain the potency of GM-CSF when used as an adjuvant in genetic immunotherapy.

Adenoviridae↗

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia continues to attract much basic and clinical research interest. Despite recent advances, the disease still has no established cure. Nonetheless, significant strides have been made in our understanding of the genetics, biology, and clinical staging of this disease. This understanding may improve our ability to segregate patients into subtypes that differ in their cytogenesis, propensity toward disease progression, or response to standard or innovative forms of therapy. Finally, several promising new modalities of treatment are being evaluated in clinical trials, involving novel drugs or drug-combinations, monoclonal antibodies, stem cell transplantation, or gene therapy.

Adult↗

Gene therapy of hematologic malignancies.

Gene therapy offers many new and exciting treatment strategies for patients with hematologic malignancies. Through the transfer of genes into hematopoietic stem cells, one can reduce the sensitivity of myeloid cells to chemotherapy. Donor T cells can be modified to become sensitive to otherwise nontoxic prodrugs, allowing for their safer use as effectors in graft-versus-leukemia immune reactions following allogeneic transplantation. Neoplastic cells also may be modified to enhance their sensitivity to various drugs. Finally, neoplastic cells can be modified to enhance their immunogenicity using genes that encode immune stimulatory cytokines or cell surface proteins. Recent studies, for example, indicate that the stealth-like phenotype of leukemia cells can be reversed through transfer of genes such as the one encoding CD154, the ligand for CD40. A phase I clinical trial using autologous CD154-transduced leukemia cells as a cellular vaccine has provided encouraging results. Indeed, we may soon enter an era of effective gene therapy for hematologic malignancies.

Apoptosis↗

Immunogenetic therapy for B-cell malignancies.

Neoplastic B cells are stealthlike in their ability to evade immune detection, even by allogeneic T cells of normal healthy donors. This stealthlike phenotype can be reversed by activating neoplastic B cells through ligation of CD40, a cell surface molecule that can interact with a ligand expressed on activated T cells. The gene encoding this ligand, CD154, can be transferred into neoplastic B cells ex vivo through infection with a modified adenovirus vector called Ad-CD154. This results in a dramatic change in the phenotype and function of the neoplastic B cells. Infected malignant B cells can stimulate T cells reactive with potential tumor antigens and induce autologous cytotoxic T cells capable of destroying the neoplastic B cells in vitro. This formed the basis for an immune gene therapy protocol in which patients were infused with Ad-CD154-transduced leukemic B cells. Treatment was well tolerated, without apparent long-term toxicity, and without a maximum tolerated dose. Biologic and clinical responses were observed, including significant reductions in leukemia cell counts and lymph node sizes after a single one-time infusion. Furthermore, preliminary data suggest that this approach can enhance antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and thereby augment the activity of antitumor monoclonal antibody therapy. Development of such strategies may allow for effective immunogenetic therapy for B-cell malignancies.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cells express functional CXCR4 chemokine receptors that mediate spontaneous migration beneath bone marrow stromal cells.

Chemokines play a central role for lymphocyte trafficking and homing. The mechanisms that direct the tissue localization of B cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) are unknown. We found that CLL B cells express functional CXCR4 receptors for the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), as demonstrated by receptor endocytosis, calcium mobilization, and actin polymerization assays. Moreover, CLL B cells displayed chemotaxis to this chemokine that could be inhibited by monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against CXCR4, pertussis toxin, or Wortmannin, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor. That this chemotaxis may be involved in the homing of CLL cells is argued by studies in which CLL B cells were cocultured with a murine marrow stromal cell line that secretes SDF-1. Within 2 hours, CLL B cells spontaneously migrated beneath such stromal cells in vitro (pseudoemperipolesis). This migration could be inhibited by pretreatment of CLL B cells with anti-CXCR4 MoAbs, SDF-1alpha, or pertussis-toxin. Furthermore, we noted strong downmodulation of CXCR4 on CLL B cells that migrated into the stromal cell layer. These findings demonstrate that the chemokine receptor CXCR4 on CLL B cells plays a critical role for heterotypic adherence to marrow stromal cells and provide a new mechanism to account for the marrow infiltration by neoplastic B cells.

Cell Movement↗

Reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential is an early event in Fas-independent CTL-mediated apoptosis.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) can destroy target cells via the Fas-mediated pathway or the granule-mediated pathway. We used Fas-negative target cells to examine for target-cell reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) induced by intact CTL via the granule-mediated pathway. We find that reduction in DeltaPsi(m) is an early step in Fas-independent CTL killing of target cells that precedes phosphatidyl serine translocation, cytosolic protein release, or loss of plasma membrane integrity. Target-cell reduction in DeltaPsi(m) and cytoplasmic protein release in Fas-independent CTL killing were inhibited by N-carbobenzoxy-Ala-Pro-Phe chloromethyl ketone, but not by caspase inhibitors N-carbobenzoxy-Val-Ala-Asp fluoromethyl ketone (z-VAD-fmk) or N-carbobenzoxy-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp fluoromethyl ketone (z-DEVD-fmk). This contrasts with Fas-mediated apoptosis, in which the reduction in DeltaPsi(m) can be inhibited by z-VAD-fmk or z-DEVD-fmk. Assessing the changes in target-cell DeltaPsi(m) can provide for a sensitive and rapid means with which to monitor CTL activity.

Amino Acid Chloromethyl Ketones↗

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Significant strides have been made in our understanding of the biology and treatment of B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Recent studies have defined cytogenetic and molecular lesions that may be responsible for leukemogenesis or disease progression. Molecular analyses of immunoglobulin genes have delineated two or more subgroups of chronic lymphocytic leukemia that may differ in their clinical behavior. Research in the biochemistry of chronic lymphocytic leukemia has provided insight into the noted resistance of leukemia cells to cytotoxic drugs. Investigations into the immunology has revealed mechanisms whereby chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells can contribute to the immune deficiency that commonly develops in patients with this disease. Clinical studies have delineated factors that are helpful in predicting prognosis and have provided data on promising new therapies for patients with this disease, including stem cell transplantation, monoclonal antibodies, and gene therapy.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

The soluble CD40 ligand sCD154 in systemic lupus erythematosus.

We found that the plasma of patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) could induce a human B-cell line (Ramos) to express high levels of immune accessory molecules that are commonly found on blood B cells of patients with active SLE. The ability of SLE plasma to induce such phenotypic changes could be abrogated by neutralizing antibodies specific for the CD40 ligand (CD154) but not by antibodies to TNF-alpha. Immunoprecipitation studies with anti-CD154 identified a 20-kDa protein in the plasma of SLE patients with active disease, but not in plasma of normal donors, indicating that such plasma contained soluble CD154 (sCD154). Using a quantitative ELISA method, we found that the plasma of patients with active disease had levels of sCD154 that were significantly higher than those found in plasma of normal donors. Levels of CD154 transcripts in SLE blood lymphocytes correlated with the relative concentrations of sCD154 found in SLE plasma. Furthermore, plasma levels of sCD154 correlated with the titers of anti-double-stranded DNA autoantibody and with clinical disease activity. These studies indicate that sCD154 of patients with SLE may act as a functional ligand for CD40 that is associated with SLE disease activity.

Adult↗

Future strategies toward the cure of indolent B-cell malignancies. Molecular genetic approaches.

Cancer is a genetic disease caused by somatic mutation(s) in essential genes that regulate cell growth or survival. Advances in genetics have identified molecular defects that can be targeted by novel pharmaceutics that exploit the altered genetic machinery of tumor cells. Gene transfer also can be used to potentiate the host immune response to weak tumor antigens that may arise during the process of neoplastic transformation. Advances in our understanding of the mechanics of immune activation have led to development of immune-based strategies for gene therapy of cancer. Preliminary findings in a phase I trial of one such approach in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are encouraging. Conceivably, we soon may see the advent of effective gene therapy for patients with indolent B-cell malignancies.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cells express restricted sets of mutated and unmutated antigen receptors.

To better understand the stage(s) of differentiation reached by B-type chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells and to gain insight into the potential role of antigenic stimulation in the development and diversification of these cells, we analyzed the rearranged VH genes expressed by 83 B-CLL cells (64 IgM+ and 19 non-IgM+). Our results confirm and extend the observations of a bias in the use of certain VH, D, and JH genes among B-CLL cells. In addition, they indicate that the VH genes of approximately 50% of the IgM+ B-CLL cells and approximately 75% of the non-IgM+ B-CLL cells can exhibit somatic mutations. The presence of mutation varies according to the VH family expressed by the B-CLL cell (VH3 expressers displaying more mutation than VH1 and VH4 expressers). In addition, the extent of mutation can be sizeable with approximately 32% of the IgM+ cases and approximately 68% of the non-IgM+ cases differing by > 5% from the most similar germline gene. Approximately 20% of the mutated VH genes display replacement mutations in a pattern consistent with antigen selection. However, CDR3 characteristics (D and JH gene use and association and HCDR3 length, composition, and charge) suggest that selection for distinct B cell receptors (BCR) occurs in many more B-CLL cells. Based on these data, we suggest three prototypic BCR, representing the VH genes most frequently encountered in our study. These data suggest that many B-CLL cells have been previously stimulated, placing them in the "experienced" or "memory" CD5(+) B cell subset.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Aberrant and unstable expression of immunoglobulin genes in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

We examined the IgM VH gene subgroup use-distribution in serial blood samples of 37 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and a group of HIV-seronegative healthy adults. The IgM VH gene repertoires of healthy adults were relatively similar to one another and were stable over time. In contrast, individuals infected with HIV had IgM VH gene repertoires that were significantly more heterogeneous and unstable. Persons at early stages of HIV infection generally had abnormal expression levels of Ig VH3 genes and frequently displayed marked fluctuations in the relative expression levels of this VH gene subgroup over time. In contrast, persons with established acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) had a significantly lower incidence of abnormalities in Ig VH3 expression levels, although continued to display abnormalities and instability in the expression levels of the smaller Ig VH gene subgroups. Moreover, the skewing and/or fluctuations in the expressed-IgM VH gene repertoire appeared greatest for persons at earlier stages of HIV infection. These studies show that persons infected with HIV have aberrant and unstable expression of immunoglobulin genes suggestive of a high degree humoral immune dysregulation and ongoing humoral immune responses to HIV-associated antigens and superantigens.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

DNA vaccines encoding full-length or truncated Neu induce protective immunity against Neu-expressing mammary tumors.

We generated DNA expression vectors encoding the full-length neu cDNA (designated pNeuN), the neu extracellular domain (pNeuE), or the neu extracellular and transmembrane domains (pNeuTM). The 293 cells transfected with pNeuN or pNeuTM expressed the neu extracellular domain on the surface membrane, whereas 293 cells transfected with pNeuE secreted the extracellular domain of neu into the culture supernatant. We examined whether i.m. injection of either of these plasmids could induce protective immunity in FVB/N mice against the adoptive transfer of Tgl-1 cells, a neu-expressing tumor cell line generated from a mouse mammary tumor that spontaneously arose in a FVB/N neu-transgenic mouse. The i.m. injection of pNeuTM or pNeuE, and to a lesser extent pNeuN, induced protective immunity against a subsequent challenge with Tgl-1 cells in FVB/N mice. In addition, the coinjection of a plasmid encoding interleukin-2 (designated pIL-2) augmented the efficacy of each of the pNeu plasmids for inducing protective immunity. The plasmid pNeuTM seemed to be the most effective for inducing anti-neu antibodies. However, the generation of detectable anti-neu antibodies in response to any one of these pNeu plasmids was not enhanced by coinjection of pIL-2 and was not required for protective immunity against Tgl-1 cells. These studies demonstrate that DNA expression vectors encoding soluble or membrane-bound forms of neu lacking the cytoplasmic kinase domain can be effective in inducing protective antitumor immunity.

Adoptive Transfer↗

Gene transfer of CD40-ligand induces autologous immune recognition of chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cells.

CD40-CD40-ligand (CD154) interactions play a critical role in immune activation. Using replication defective adenovirus encoding mouse CD154 (Ad-CD154), we modified human chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cells to express a functional ligand for CD40. This not only induces expression of immune accessory molecules on the infected cell, but also allows it to trans-activate noninfected bystander leukemia B cells. Also, factors that impair the antigen-presenting capacity of leukemia B cells are downmodulated. Ad-CD154- infected leukemia cells are highly effective stimulators in mixed lymphocyte reactions and can induce generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for autologous nonmodified leukemia cells. As such, Ad-CD154 can induce a host antileukemia response that may have therapeutic potential.

Adenoviridae↗