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The pro-apoptotic Ras effector Nore1 may serve as a Ras-regulated tumor suppressor in the lung.

Ras oncoproteins mediate multiple biological effects by activating multiple effectors. Classically, Ras activation has been associated with enhanced cellular growth and transformation. However, activated forms of Ras may also inhibit growth by inducing senescence, apoptosis, and differentiation. Induction of apoptosis by Ras may be mediated by its effector RASSF1, which appears to function as a tumor suppressor. We now show that the Ras effector Nore1, which is structurally related to RASSF1, can also mediate a Ras-dependent apoptosis. Moreover, an analysis of Nore1 protein expression showed that it is frequently down-regulated in lung tumor cell lines and primary lung tumors. Like RASSF1, this correlates with methylation of the Nore1 promoter rather than gene deletion. Finally, re-introduction of Nore1, driven by its own promoter, impairs the growth in soft agar of a human lung tumor cell line. Consequently, we propose that the Ras effector Nore1 is a member of a family of Ras effector/tumor suppressors that includes RASSF1.

3T3 Cells↗

Direct binding of Fas-associated death domain (FADD) to the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor DR5 is regulated by the death effector domain of FADD.

Members of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily of receptors induce apoptosis by recruiting adaptor molecules through death domain interactions. The central adaptor molecule for these receptors is the death domain-containing protein Fas-associated death domain (FADD). FADD binds a death domain on a receptor or additional adaptor and recruits caspases to the activated receptor. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) signals apoptosis through two receptors, DR4 and DR5. Although there is much interest in TRAIL, the mechanism by which FADD is recruited to the TRAIL receptors is not clear. Using a reverse two-hybrid system we previously identified mutations in the death effector domain of FADD that prevented binding to Fas/CD95. Here we show that these mutations also prevent binding to DR5. FADD-deficient Jurkat cells stably expressing these FADD mutations did not transduce TRAIL or Fas/CD95 signaling. Second site compensating mutations that restore binding to and signaling through Fas/CD95 and DR5 were also in the death effector domain. We conclude that in contrast to current models where the death domain of FADD functions independently of the death effector domain, the death effector domain of FADD comes into direct contact with both TRAIL and Fas/CD95 receptors.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

The Salmonella effector protein SopB protects epithelial cells from apoptosis by sustained activation of Akt.

Invasion of epithelial cells by Salmonella enterica is mediated by bacterial "effector" proteins that are delivered into the host cell by a type III secretion system. Although primarily known for their roles in actin rearrangements and membrane ruffling, translocated effectors also affect host cell processes that are not directly associated with invasion. Here, we show that SopB/SigD, an effector with phosphoinositide phosphatase activity, has anti-apoptotic activity in Salmonella-infected epithelial cells. Salmonella induced the sustained activation of Akt/protein kinase B, a pro-survival kinase, in a SopB-dependent manner. Failure to activate Akt resulted in increased levels of apoptosis after infection with a sopB deletion mutant (DeltasopB). Furthermore, cells infected with wild type bacteria, but not the DeltasopB strain, were protected from camptothecin-induced cleavage of caspase-3 and subsequent apoptosis. The anti-apoptotic activity of SopB was dependent on its phosphatase activity, because a catalytically inactive mutant was unable to protect cells from the effects of camptothecin. Finally, small interfering RNA was used to demonstrate the essential role of Akt in SopB-mediated protection against apoptosis. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms of apoptosis and highlight how bacterial effectors can intercept signaling pathways to manipulate host responses.

Animals↗

Interdimer processing and linearity of procaspase-3 activation. A unifying mechanism for the activation of initiator and effector caspases.

Caspase activation during apoptosis occurs in a cascade from the initiator caspase(s) (e.g. caspase-8) to the effector caspases (e.g. caspase-3), which ensures the generation of large amounts of active caspases to dismantle cells. However, the mechanism that safeguards against inadvertent caspase activation is not well understood. Previous studies have suggested that the activation of procaspase-8 is mediated by cross-cleavage of precursor dimers, formed upon apoptosis induction, which are not only enzymatically competent but also highly susceptible to cleavage, and that procaspase-8 activation is a linear process without self-amplification. Effector procaspases constitutively exist as dimers and their activation is started by trans-cleavage by an initiator caspase followed by autocleavage of effector caspases. Here we show that the dimerization of caspase-3 molecules through their protease domains is required for their processing by initiator caspases. The subsequent autoprocessing takes place through cleavage between the dimeric intermediates. Moreover, mature caspase-3 fails to process its own precursor. Thus, despite a marked difference in the generation of active intermediates, the activation of initiator and effector caspases shares the features of interdimer cleavage and lack of self-amplification. These features may be important in preventing accidental cell death.

Caspase 3↗

Mechanism of action of EPEC type III effector molecules.

Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) is a prototypic member of the family of related 'attaching and effacing (A/E)' pathogens that induce diarrhoeal disease, especially to the young that can be fatal, of a wide range of mammalian species. Disease is correlated with the loss of absorptive gut epithelial microvilli and the reorganisation of host cytoskeletal proteins into pedestal-like structures beneath the adherent bacteria. These phenotypes are dependent on a pathogenicity island (LEE; Locus of Enterocyte Effacement) encoding a type III secretion system, secreted proteins, chaperone molecules, regulatory proteins and the bacterial outer membrane protein intimin. The type III secretion apparatus directs the transfer of specific proteins across the bacterial envelope, with a subset (EPEC secreted proteins - EspA, EspB and EspD) functioning to transfer effector proteins into host cells. These effector molecules subvert cellular processes that undoubtedly benefit the pathogen and contribute to disease. Three LEE-encoded EPEC effector molecules have so far been identified with one, Tir (Translocated intimin receptor), being transferred into host cells where it is modified by host kinases and becomes inserted into the plasma membrane to orchestrate cytoskeletal rearrangements linked to disease. This activity is dependent on its interaction with intimin and on tyrosine phosphorylation, with Tir-intimin interaction essential for virulence. A second effector Map, Mitochondrial-associated protein, is targeted to mitochondria where it has membrane-potential disrupting activity. The third, EspF disrupts intestinal barrier function and can induce host cell death by unknown mechanisms. Recent data relating to the mechanism by which Tir and Map function within host cells is discussed.

Animals↗

Characterization of effector proteins translocated via the SPI1 type III secretion system of Salmonella typhimurium.

Salmonella spp. employ a conserved type III secretion system encoded within the pathogenicity island 1 (SPI1; centisome 63) to translocate effector proteins into the host cytosol. The translocated effector proteins trigger diverse responses including bacterial internalization. In a mutation analysis we have defined the set of effector proteins mediating tissue culture cell invasion. This set includes sopE2 (centisome 40-42), sopB (SPI5, centisome 20) and in the case of S. typhimurium SL1344 also the phage-encoded effector sopE (SopEphi, centisome 59-60). A triple mutant SL1344 derivative deficient of SopE, SopE2 and SopB was more than 100-fold attenuated in tissue culture cell invasion. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the last common ancestor of all contemporary Salmonella lineages already harbored all genes necessary for host cell invasion, namely the SPI1 type III secretion system, sopE2 and sopB. SopE, which is 70% identical to sopE2 is only present in some Salmonella strains and emerged later well after the divergence of the contemporary Salmonella lineages. Interestingly, S. typhimurium strains that harbor sopE are associated with epidemics, arguing that sopE is one of the factors determining the "fitness" of a strain. We found that SopE can specifically activate a different set of host cellular RhoGTPases than SopE2. This allows the bacteria to fine tune host cellular responses very precisely and may offer an explanation for the improved epidemic fitness of sopE-positive S. typhimurium strains.

Animals↗

Regulation of mucosal immune responses in effector sites.

In human disease and rodent models, immune responses in the intestinal mucosa can be damaging. Damage is characterised by villus atrophy, crypt hyperplasia and reduced ability to digest and absorb nutrients. In normal individuals active responses to harmless environmental antigens associated with food and commensal bacteria are controlled by the development of immunological tolerance. Similar pathological changes occur in piglets weaned early from their mothers. Active immune responses to food antigens are observed in these piglets, and we and others have hypothesised that the changes occur as a result of transient allergic immune responses to novel food or bacteria antigens. The normal mechanism for producing tolerance to food antigens may operate at induction (Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes) or at the effector stage (intestinal lamina propria). In our piglet studies immunological tolerance occurs despite the initial active response. Together with evidence from rodents, this observation suggests that active responses are likely to be controlled at the effector stage, within the intestinal lamina propria. Support for this mechanism comes from the observation that human and pig intestinal T-cells are susceptible to apoptosis, and that this process is accelerated by antigen. We suggest that the role of the normal mature intestinal lamina propria is a balance between immunological effector and regulatory function. In neonatal animals this balance develops slowly and is dependant on contact with antigen. Immunological insults such as weaning may tip the balance of the developing mucosal immune system into excessive effector or regulatory function resulting in transient or chronic allergy or disease susceptibility.

Animals↗

Sequence learning: response structure and effector transfer.

Two experiments are reported that investigate the response structure and effector transfer of repeated movement sequences. Participants moved a lever to targets sequentially presented on the computer monitor. In Experiment 1 the learning of 10- and 16-element sequences (identical movement pattern) was contrasted. After 1 day of practice the 10-element sequence was organized into fewer subsequences and, thus, performed more rapidly than the 16-element sequence. The imposed organization appeared to be coded in a relatively abstract way, as evidenced by effector transfer that was as good as that on the retention test. In Experiment 2 the 16-element sequence was studied after more extensive practice. By the end of 4 days of practice the participants produced relatively seamless responses void of obvious transitions between subsequences, but the control of the movement was less effector independent than observed earlier in practice. The results suggest that the process of consolidating the sequence, which led to more fluent response production, also resulted in the utilization of effector specific information.

Computers↗

Effect of gamma-irradiation on the effector function of T lymphocytes in microbial control.

A chlamydial-specific T cell clone, capable of inhibiting the growth of infectious Chlamydia in vivo and in vitro, was employed to investigate the effect of gamma-irradiation on the ability of effector T cells to control infections. Clone 2.14-0 (CD4+), specific for the Chlamydia trachomatis biovar agent of mouse pneumonitis (MoPn), was irradiated with varying doses (0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 and 40.0 Gy) and its biological functions and ability to inhibit the intraepithelial growth of MoPn were assessed. The results revealed that although gamma-irradiation drastically reduced the proliferative response of the clone to antigen, it did not affect the phenotype and the effector function of inhibiting chlamydial growth. The preservation of anti-chlamydial function after gamma-irradiation correlated with the retention of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha secretion in response to antigenic stimulation. We conclude that the biologic functions of T cells requiring proliferation and differentiation are more likely to be adversely affected by gamma-irradiation on the short-term, but the effector functions, possibly associated with cytokines and cytolysis, may be preserved among persisting effector T cells in an irradiated individual.

Animals↗

The yeast lgl family member Sro7p is an effector of the secretory Rab GTPase Sec4p.

Rab guanosine triphosphatases regulate intracellular membrane traffic by binding specific effector proteins. The yeast Rab Sec4p plays multiple roles in the polarized transport of post-Golgi vesicles to, and their subsequent fusion with, the plasma membrane, suggesting the involvement of several effectors. Yet, only one Sec4p effector has been documented to date: the exocyst protein Sec15p. The exocyst is an octameric protein complex required for tethering secretory vesicles, which is a prerequisite for membrane fusion. In this study, we describe the identification of a second Sec4p effector, Sro7p, which is a member of the lethal giant larvae tumor suppressor family. Sec4-GTP binds to Sro7p in cell extracts as well as to purified Sro7p, and the two proteins can be coimmunoprecipitated. Furthermore, we demonstrate the formation of a ternary complex of Sec4-GTP, Sro7p, and the t-SNARE Sec9p. Genetic data support our conclusion that Sro7p functions downstream of Sec4p and further imply that Sro7p and the exocyst share partially overlapping functions, possibly in SNARE regulation.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

RLIP76 (RalBP1) is an R-Ras effector that mediates adhesion-dependent Rac activation and cell migration.

The Ras family of small GTPases regulates cell proliferation, spreading, migration and apoptosis, and malignant transformation by binding to several protein effectors. One such GTPase, R-Ras, plays distinct roles in each of these processes, but to date, identified R-Ras effectors were shared with other Ras family members (e.g., H-Ras). We utilized a new database of Ras-interacting proteins to identify RLIP76 (RalBP1) as a novel R-Ras effector. RLIP76 binds directly to R-Ras in a GTP-dependent manner, but does not physically associate with the closely related paralogues H-Ras and Rap1A. RLIP76 is required for adhesion-induced Rac activation and the resulting cell spreading and migration, as well as for the ability of R-Ras to enhance these functions. RLIP76 regulates Rac activity through the adhesion-induced activation of Arf6 GTPase and activation of Arf6 bypasses the requirement for RLIP76 in Rac activation and cell spreading. Thus, we identify a novel R-Ras effector, RLIP76, which links R-Ras to adhesion-induced Rac activation through a GTPase cascade that mediates cell spreading and migration.

ADP-Ribosylation Factor 6↗

Glucocorticoids and cellular immunity in vitro. Facilitation of the sensitization phase and inhibition of the effector phase of a lymphocyte anti-fibroblast reaction.

We studied the influence of glucocorticoids on the sensitization phase as well as on the cytolytic effector phase of an in vitro lymphocyte-mediated immune reaction. Lymphocytes obtained from the spleens or lymph nodes of unimmunized inbred rats were sensitized against foreign rat or mouse embryonic fibroblasts in cell culture. The capacity of the sensitized lymphocytes to produce a cytolytic effect was tested by transferring them to target fibroblast cultures. Injury to target fibroblasts was measured by release of radioactive (51)Cr from previously labeled fibroblasts or by direct count of viable fibroblasts after incubation with sensitized lymphocytes. Various concentrations of water-soluble hydrocortisone or prednisolone were added to cell cultures during the 5 day sensitization phase and/or during the subsequent cytolytic effector phase and the influence of these hormones on the number and cytolytic capacity of the lymphocytes was measured. During the sensitization phase, the presence of glucocorticoid hormones, at concentrations of about 1 microg/ml, led to a profound decrease in the total number of recoverable lymphocytes. However, the per cent of large transformed lymphocytes was much greater in these treated cultures. The antigen-specific cytolytic capacity per cell of the glucocorticoid-treated lymphocytes, after the hormone was removed, was several times greater than that of lymphocytes sensitized in the absence of added hormones. Glucocorticoids influenced the effector phase of the reaction by inhibiting lymphocyte-mediated injury to target fibroblasts. The hormones, at concentrations of about 1 microg/ml, inhibited the cytolytic effect by about 50% without reducing the viability of the sensitized lymphocytes. Dose-dependent toxicity to lymphocytes and increasing inhibition of cytolytic effect appeared at higher concentrations of hormones. Thus, hydrocortisone and prednisolone, at concentrations of about 1 microg/ml, did not suppress the induction of sensitization, a process which they seem to facilitate in vitro. However, similar concentrations of these hormones appear to inhibit the cytolytic effector mechanism of sensitized lymphocytes. These findings may be relevant to the use of glucocorticoids as immunosuppressive agents in vivo.

Animals↗

Private specificities of H-2K and H-2D loci as possible selective targets for effector lymphocytes in cell-mediated immunity.

Receptors of effector T lymphocytes of congeneic strains of mice do not recognize public H-2 specificities and react to private H-2 specificities only. This has been established with the use of three tests: direct cytotoxicity assay of immune lymphocytes upon target cells, specific absorption of the lymphocytes on the target cells, and rejection of skin grafts at an accelerated fashion. Immunization with two private H-2 specificities in the system C57BL/10ScSn leads to B10.D2 induces formation of two corresponding populations of effector lymphocytes in unequal proportion: a greater part of them is directed against the private specificity H-2.33 (Kb), while the smaller part is towards H-2.2 (Db) private specificity. These two populations of effector lymphocytes do not overlap, as demonstrated by experiments on their cross-absorption on B10.D2 (R107), B10.D2 (R101), B10.A(2R), and B10.A(5R) target cells, as well as on mixtures of R107 and R101 targets. Following removal of lymphocytes reacting with one of the private H-2 specificities, lymphocytes specific to the other specificity are fully maintained. A mixture of target cells, each bearing one of the two immunizing private specificities, absorbs 100% of the immune lymphocytes and is totally destroyed by them. It is suggested that H-2 antigens are natural complexes of hapten-carrier type, in which the role of hapten is played by public H-2 specifities and that of the carrier determinant by either private H-2 specificities or structures closely linked to them. Various models of steric arrangement of MHC determinants recognized by receptors of effector T lymphocytes are discussed.

Animals↗

Quantitative studies on T cell diversity. IV. Mathematical analysis of multiple limiting populations of effector and suppressor T cells.

Limiting dilution (LD) analyses of polyclonally activated T cells yielded results suggesting the existence of multiple paired populations of effector and suppressor precursors for a number of different T cell functions and specificities analyzed. These populations occur at graded frequencies and suppression occurs within a pair but not between pairs. In this paper, we establish the mathematical basis for the interpretation of these multi-component limiting dilution results. First, we derive equations for a number of mathematical models and identify one model that both makes biological sense and can be used to reproduce experimental data. Second, within this model, we identify parameters such as the frequency of suppressive cells and the number of suppressive cells required for suppression. The results suggest that within each paired population, suppressor precursors are 20 times more frequent that effector precursors. Furthermore, a similar but variable excess of suppressor cells is required for suppression to become effective. Together with the high frequency (1/50-1/500) of most effector T cell precursors previously reported, the results suggest that up to 40% of the T cells can become involved in suppression of an antigen-specific effector T cell population. These studies may provide exact estimates for predictions to be tested in experiments on immune regulation.

Cell Count↗

T cell costimulation by B7/BB1 induces CD8 T cell-dependent tumor rejection: an important role of B7/BB1 in the induction, recruitment, and effector function of antitumor T cells.

A successful antitumor T cell immune response involves induction, recruitment, and effector function of T cells. While B7/BB1 is known as a major costimulatory molecule in the induction of T cell responses, its role in T cell recruitment and effector function is still unclear. In this study, we show that introducing a major costimulatory molecule B7/BB1 into a major histocompatibility complex class II-negative tumor cell line, J558, results in a drastic reduction of its tumorigenicity. The tumor rejection depends on CD8 T cells but not CD4 T cells. However, unlike the previous reports on melanoma cell lines, B7/BB1-transfected J558 cells fail to induce cross-protection against parental J558 cells. The B7/BB1-transfected (J558-B7), but not untransfected J558 cells (J558-Neo) induce a CD8 T cell-dominant inflammatory response, and the T cells isolated from the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are polyclonal in terms of their T cell receptor V beta usage. Most surprisingly, the freshly prepared TIL have a potent, CD8 T cell-mediated cytotoxicity on tumor cells without any in vitro stimulation. The cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity can be blocked by anti-CD8 monoclonal antibody (mAb). Interestingly, the CTL lyse J558-B7 about 10- to 80-fold more efficiently than untransfected J558-Neo cells. This preferential lysis cannot be attributed to recognition of B7/BB1-derived antigen by the T cells. This finding, together with the lack of the cross-protection between the J558-B7 and J558-Neo, suggests that B7/BB1 can also function at the effector phase of CTL responses. This notion is confirmed by our findings that the lysis of J558-B7 can be blocked by anti-B7 mAbs. Taken together, our results indicate that not only can the B7/BB1 molecule function as a costimulatory molecule at the initiation of immune response, it can also play a major role in T cell recruitment and effector function. This conclusion has significant implications for immunotherapy of tumors.

Animals↗

Gamma delta T cells from tolerized alpha beta T cell receptor (TCR)-deficient mice inhibit contact sensitivity-effector T cells in vivo, and their interferon-gamma production in vitro.

Contact sensitivity (CS) responses to reactive hapten Ag, such as picryl chloride (PCl) or oxazolone (OX), are classical examples of T cell-mediated immune responses in vivo that are clearly subject to multifaceted regulation. There is abundant evidence that downregulation of CS may be mediated by T cells exposed to high doses of Ag. This is termed high dose Ag tolerance. To clarify the T cell types that effect CS responses and mediate their downregulation, we have undertaken studies of CS in mice congenitally deficient in specific subsets of lymphocytes. The first such studies, using alpha beta T cell-deficient (TCR alpha -/-) mice, are presented here. The results clearly show that TCR alpha -/- mice cannot mount CS, implicating alpha beta T cells as the critical CS-effector cells. However, TCR alpha -/- mice can, after high dose tolerance, downregulate alpha +/+ CS-effector T cells adoptively transferred into them. By mixing ex vivo and then adoptive cell transfers in vivo, the active downregulatory cells in tolerized alpha -/- mice are shown to include gamma delta TCR+ cells that also can downregulate interferon-gamma production by the targeted CS-effector cells in vitro. Downregulation by gamma delta cells showed specificity for hapten, but was not restricted by the MHC. Together, these findings establish that gamma delta T cells cannot fulfill CS-effector functions performed by alpha beta T cells, but may fulfill an Ag-specific downregulatory role that may be directly comparable to reports of Ag-specific downregulation of IgE antibody responses by gamma delta T cells. Comparisons are likewise considered with downregulation by gamma delta T cells occurring in immune responses to pathogens, tumors, and allografts, and in systemic autoimmunity.

Adoptive Transfer↗

Distinct Ras effector pathways are involved in Fc epsilon R1 regulation of the transcriptional activity of Elk-1 and NFAT in mast cells.

Activation of Ras GTPases is a conserved feature of antigen receptor signaling, including Fc epsilon R1 activation of mast cells. Antigenic cross-linking of the Fc epsilon R1 on mast cells results in secretion of allergic mediators and induction of immediate early and cytokine genes. Here we examine the role of Ras in coupling the Fc epsilon R1 to transcriptional regulation. The transcription factors Elk-1, an immediate early gene regulator and the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), in the context of the IL-4 gene, are identified as Ras targets in mast cells. Ras mediates diverse effects via its diverse effector pathways, which may include other members of the Ras GTPase family such as RhoA and Rac-1. We observe that Elk-1 and NFAT are targeted by distinct Ras effector pathways in mast cells. Activation of the "classical" Ras/Raf-1/MEK/ ERK cascade is necessary and sufficient for Fc epsilon R1 induction of Elk-1. Ras function is required, but not sufficient for Fc epsilon R1 induction of NFAT. However, activation or inhibition of Ras markedly shifts the antigen dose-response for Fc epsilon R1 induction of NFAT. The effector pathway for Ras activation of NFAT is not Raf-1/MEK. We identify that the Rac-1 GTPase is critical in Fc epsilon R1 regulation of NFAT, acting either in parallel with or as an effector of Ras. These data place Ras in a crucial position in mast cells, regulating disparate nuclear targets. Moreover, we identify that two GTPases, Ras and Rac-1, are important regulators of NFAT, and therefore of cytokine expression in mast cells.

Animals↗

Studies in B7-deficient mice reveal a critical role for B7 costimulation in both induction and effector phases of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

The importance of B7 costimulation in regulating T cell expansion and peripheral tolerance suggests that it may also play a significant regulatory role in the development of autoimmune disease. It is unclear whether B7 costimulation is involved only in the expansion of autoreactive T cells in the periphery, or if it is also required for effector activation of autoreactive T cells in the target organ for mediating tissue injury and propagating autoimmune disease. In this study, the role of B7-CD28 costimulation and the relative importance of B7 costimulators for the induction and effector phases of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide were examined. Wild-type, B7-1/B7-2-deficient mice, or CD28-deficient C57BL/6 mice were immunized with MOG 35-55 peptide. Mice lacking both B7-1 and B7-2 or CD28 showed no or minimal clinical signs of EAE and markedly reduced inflammatory infiltrates in the brain and spinal cord. However, mice lacking either B7-1 or B7-2 alone developed clinical and pathologic EAE that was comparable to EAE in wild-type mice, indicating overlapping functions for B7-1 and B7-2. Resistance to EAE was not due to a lack of induction of T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines, since T cells from B7-1/B7-2(-/-) mice show reduced proliferative responses, but greater interferon gamma production compared with T cells from wild-type mice. To study the role of B7 molecules in the effector phase of the disease, MOG 35-55-specific T lines were adoptively transferred into the B7-1/B7-2(-/-) and wild-type mice. Clinical and histologic EAE were markedly reduced in B7-1/B7-2(-/-) compared with wild-type recipient mice. These results demonstrate that B7 costimulation has critical roles not only in the initial activation and expansion of MOG-reactive T cells, but also in the effector phase of encephalitogenic T cell activation within the central nervous system.

Adoptive Transfer↗