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Microglia are activated to become competent antigen presenting and effector cells in the inflammatory environment of the Theiler's virus model of multiple sclerosis.

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) is a well-characterized murine model of the chronic-progressive form of human multiple sclerosis (MS) characterized by the activation of myelin-specific autoreactive CD4 Th1 cells via epitope spreading. To gain an understanding of the potential role of central nervous system (CNS)-resident cells in the presentation of endogenous myelin epitopes, we determined the individual antigen presentation and effector potential of resident microglia vs. infiltrating macrophages in the CNS of mice with ongoing TMEV-IDD by performing functional analysis of these populations separated to high purity by flow cytometric sorting based on their level of CD45 expression. Unlike microglia from nai;ve mice, peptide-pulsed CD45(lo) microglia isolated at the onset of clinical disease were as efficient as CNS-infiltrating CD45(hi) macrophages in activating proliferation and IFN-gamma production by myelin-peptide specific Th1 cells. In contrast, during the chronic stages of TMEV-IDD, CNS-infiltrating macrophages were more highly activated than the resident microglia as reflected both by higher expression of cell surface molecules associated with APC function and enhanced functional ability of spinal cord-infiltrating macrophages to stimulate T cell proliferation in vitro. Interestingly, both microglia and infiltrating macrophages expressed similar profiles of effector molecules such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-12 p40, TNF-alpha, and iNOS. Collectively, this is the first report comparing the antigen-presenting phenotype and function of microglia and infiltrating macrophages in a virus-induced model of CNS demyelination demonstrating that the resident microglia are capable APCs and may play an important role in antigen presentation at the onset of clinical disease and contribute to effector myelin destruction.

Animals↗

Cross-priming of T cells to intracranial tumor antigens elicits an immune response that fails in the effector phase but can be augmented with local immunotherapy.

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are thought to be poorly immunogenic. However, whether defective anti-tumor immunity is a consequence of a relative failure of T cell priming versus a deficient effector phase of the anti-tumor immune response is not clear. We utilized a well-defined model system of B16 melanoma expressing the model antigen SIY-GFP to evaluate tumor antigen cross-priming and tumor rejection from the CNS versus subcutaneous compartments. We observed that B16-SIY cells implanted in the CNS were capable of inducing T cell priming as measured by IFN-gamma ELISPOT in the spleen. Cross-priming occurred in the absence of detectable systemic dissemination of the tumor. Despite the induction of a T cell response, CNS tumors grew progressively and were fatal, whereas the same tumor implanted in the flank was rejected. To study the effector phase of the immune response in more detail, in vitro primed 2C/RAG2-/- TCR transgenic CD8+ cells, which recognize the SIY peptide, were adoptively transferred. In addition, the CNS microenvironment was modulated by intracranial delivery of IL-2. While mice that received primed 2C cells alone showed an increase in survival, co-administration of intracranial IL-2 led to a marked prolongation of survival, with 20% of mice surviving at least 120 days. Our results demonstrate that CD8+ T cell cross-priming does indeed occur in response to a CNS tumor, but that manipulation of the brain tumor microenvironment may be necessary to support the effector phase of the anti-tumor immune response.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

Acute psychological stress alerts the adaptive immune response: stress-induced mobilization of effector T cells.

Influences of psychological stress on the acquired immune system have not consequently been investigated. We found acute psychological stress to cause an increase in CD56+ and CCR5+ effector T cells in the peripheral blood of healthy human subjects (N=22), while skin-homing CLA+ T cells decreased. At the same time, we observed a stress-induced decrease in CD45RA+/CCR7+ naive and CD45RA-/CCR7+ central memory T cells, while CD45RA-/CCR7- effector memory and CD45RA+/CCR7- terminally differentiated T cells increased. This T cell redistribution translated into an increase in T cells expressing perforin/granzyme B and in Epstein-Barr virus-specific, cytomegalovirus-specific and influenza virus-specific CD8+ T cells. Thus, acute stress seems to promote the retention of less mature T cells within lymphoid tissue or skin while effector-type T cells are mobilized into the blood in order to be able to rapidly migrate into peripheral tissues.

Acute Disease↗

Increase of CD8+ T-effector memory cells in peripheral blood of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis compared to healthy controls.

CCR7 and CD45RA expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in blood (PB) of 16 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 16 healthy controls and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 10 patients suffering from MS were analysed by flow cytometric measurements. T-cells were divided by their distinct homing potentials and effector-functions in three groups: naïve T-cells (CCR7+, CD45RA+), central memory T-cells (TCM) (CCR7+, CD45RA-) and effector memory T-cells (TEM) (CCR7-, CD45RA-). There was a significant increase of CD8+ TEM-cells in PB of MS patients compared to healthy controls, indicating systemic immune activation. Further we found a relative depletion of CD8+ TEM-cells in CSF of MS patients compared to matching blood samples, suggesting that these cells represent the effector arm of the immune response and infiltrate the brain tissue at the sites of inflammation.

Adult↗

Age-associated changes in the frequency of naïve, memory and effector CD8+ T cells.

We investigated age-associated changes in the frequency of CD8+ T cell subsets with different functions. Based on expression of CD45RA and CCR7, naïve (CD45RA+ CCR7+), central memory (CM, CD45RA- CCR7+), effector memory (EM, CD45RA- CCR7-) and effector (CD45RA+ CCR7-) CD8+ T cells were identified in peripheral blood from healthy young (n = 17) and elderly (n = 17) people using flow cytometry. The elderly had a decreased frequency of naïve and an increased frequency of EM and effector CD8+ T cells compared to the young. However, both groups had a similar frequency of CM cells. These findings suggest that age-associated changes in CD8+ T cell subsets occur, which could be a potential explanation for altered CD8+ T cell function in the elderly.

Adult↗

Identification and characterization of NleI, a new non-LEE-encoded effector of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC).

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), a major gastrointestinal pathogen, causes infantile diarrhea in many developing countries. EPEC is an attaching and effacing (A/E) pathogen that utilizes a LEE-encoded type III secretion system (TTSS) to deliver effector proteins into host cells. These effectors have been identified as potential virulence factors in A/E pathogens including EPEC, enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) and Citrobacter rodentium (CR). We used a proteomics approach to identify a new non-LEE-encoded effector, NleI, from the EPEC sepL and sepD mutants. The nleI gene, located in a prophage-associated island with nleBCD, is also present in EHEC and CR but not in E. coli K-12. In EPEC, the transcription of nleI was increased upon sepD inactivation but remained unaffected in ler and sepL mutants. We demonstrated that NleI is secreted and translocated into HeLa cells in a TTSS-dependent manner and that the CesT chaperone is required for efficient NleI translocation. Nevertheless, under overexpression conditions, the first 20 amino acids of NleI are sufficient to support both secretion and translocation. After translocation, NleI can be detected in the cytoplasmic and membrane of HeLa cells.

Blotting, Western↗

Suppression of long-term facilitation by Rab3-effector protein interaction.

Long-term facilitation (LTF) in Aplysia is achieved by the modulation of presynaptic release. However, the underlying mechanism that might be related with the regulation of synaptic vesicle release remains unknown. Since Rab3, a neuronal GTP-binding protein, is known to be a key regulator of synaptic vesicle fusion, we investigated the involvement of Rab3 in LTF. To address this issue, we examined the effect of overexpression of wild type Aplysia Rab3 (apRab3) and its mutant forms on LTF. Overexpression of either apRab3 Q80L, a constitutively active apRab3 mutant, or wild type apRab3 completely inhibited LTF. This inhibitory role of apRab3 appears to be mediated by an interaction with an effector molecule(s), possibly Rim. Expression of apRab3 Q80L, V54E double mutant, which do not bind effector molecules such as Rim or Rabphilin, had no effect on LTF. Furthermore, expression of apRab3 Q80L, F18L, D19E triple mutant, which has reduced binding activity with Rim but normally binds with Rabphilin, enhanced evoked basal synaptic release, and the increase in synaptic strength occluded LTF. In conclusion, our data suggest that apRab3 may act as a negative clamp of LTF through the interaction with effector protein(s), possibly Rim.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A phosphatase holoenzyme comprised of Shoc2/Sur8 and the catalytic subunit of PP1 functions as an M-Ras effector to modulate Raf activity.

Ras family GTPases (RFGs) are known to share many regulatory and effector proteins. How signaling and biological specificity is achieved is poorly understood. Using a proteomics approach, we have identified a complex comprised of Shoc2/Sur-8 and the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1c) as a highly specific M-Ras effector. M-Ras targets Shoc2-PP1c to stimulate Raf activity by dephosphorylating the S259 inhibitory site of Raf proteins bound to other molecules of M-Ras or Ras. Therefore, distinct RFGs, through independent effectors, can regulate different steps in the activation of Raf kinases. Shoc2 function is essential for activation of the MAPK pathway by growth factors. Furthermore, in tumor cells with Ras gene mutations, inhibition of Shoc2 expression inhibits MAPK, but not PI3K activity. We propose that the Shoc2-PP1c holoenzyme provides an attractive therapeutic target for inhibition of the MAPK pathway in cancer.

Blotting, Western↗

Separating brain regions involved in internally guided and visual feedback control of moving effectors: an event-related fMRI study.

Online visual information of moving effectors plays important roles in visually guided movements. The present study used event-related functional resonance imaging to temporally separate neural activity associated with internally guided and visual feedback control of moving effectors. Using a cursor controlled by a computer mouse, participants traced curved lines on a screen. During this movement, vision of the moving cursor was occluded after tracing had begun and then was restored after variable intervals. The results showed that when visual feedback was unavailable, bilateral activation was significantly greater in the basal ganglia, thalamus, premotor cortex and mesial motor areas, peaking at the presupplementary motor area (pre-SMA). In contrast, when visual feedback was available, significantly greater activation was observed bilaterally in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and cerebellum and in the middle and inferior frontal gyri and occipito-temporal cortex in the right hemisphere. Pre-SMA activity was significantly negatively correlated with tracing error when visual feedback was unavailable. In contrast, right PPC activation showed a significant positive correlation with tracing error after visual feedback became available. These findings suggest that the pre-SMA is involved in internally guided movements in the absence of visual feedback, and that the PPC is related to visual feedback control by evaluating online visuomotor error. The current study clarifies the different functional roles of fronto-parietal and cerebellum circuits subserving visually guided movements regarding visual feedback control of effectors.

Adult↗

Identification and characterization of secreted effector proteins of Chlamydophila pneumoniae TW183.

We report the expression of several chlamydial effector proteins in Chlamydophila pneumoniae, as well as their time-dependent secretion into the inclusion membrane. Localization of the respective genes within type III secretion gene clusters as well as bioinformatic analysis suggest that the identified proteins are type III-secreted effector proteins. Immunocytochemistry with antisera raised against CpMip (C. pneumoniae macrophage infectivity potentiator, Cpn0661), Pkn5 (Cpn0703), Cpn0709, Cpn0712 and Cpn0827 showed secretion of the respective proteins into the inclusion membrane at 20 h postinfection (hpi). CpMip was detected within the inclusion membrane from 20 to 72 hpi, whereas Cpn0324 (CopN) was located in this compartment at 72 hpi only. This was confirmed by co-localization of the respective proteins with IncA, an inclusion membrane marker protein. These data illustrate the fact that different effectors are being expressed and secreted during different time intervals of the infection cycle. Proteins Cpn0706 and Cpn0808 were not secreted by C. pneumoniae. The immunophilin FK506, known to inhibit the activity of Legionella, C. trachomatis and C. psittaci Mip proteins, was shown to interfere with chlamydial infection. Here we report the putatively type III-dependent secretion of CpMip into the inclusion membrane as well as the effect of its inhibition on C. pneumoniae infection of HEp-2 cells.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Membrane recruitment of effector proteins by Arf and Rab GTPases.

In their GTP-bound form, Arf and Rab family GTPases associate with distinct organelle membranes, to which they recruit specific sets of effector proteins that regulate vesicular transport. The Arf GTPases are involved in the formation of coated carrier vesicles by recruiting coat proteins. On the other hand, the Rab GTPases are involved in the tethering, docking and fusion of transport vesicles with target organelles, acting in concert with the tethering and fusion machineries. Recent structural studies of the Arf1-GGA and Rab5-Rabaptin-5 complexes, as well as other effector structures in complex with the Arf and Rab GTPases, have shed light on the mechanisms underlying the GTP-dependent membrane recruitment of these effector proteins.

ADP-Ribosylation Factor 1↗

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay: Target genes and functional diversification of effectors.

Recent genome-wide identification of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) targets in yeast, fruitfly and human cells has provided insight into the biological functions and evolution of this mRNA quality control mechanism, revealing that NMD post-transcriptionally regulates an important fraction of the transcriptome. NMD targets are associated with a broad range of biological processes, but most of these targets are not encoded by orthologous genes across different species. Yeast and fruitfly NMD effectors regulate common targets in concert, but parallel pathways have evolved in humans, whereby NMD effectors have acquired additional functions. Thus, the phenotypic differences observed across species after inhibition of NMD are driven not only by the functional diversification of NMD effectors but also by changes in the repertoire of regulated genes.

Animals↗

Recombinant vaccines based on translocated effector proteins of Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 2.

Attenuated live Salmonella enterica are useful carriers for the delivery of heterologous antigens for vaccination. Effector proteins translocated by type III secretion systems (T3SS) of Salmonella have been successfully utilized for antigen delivery. Here we investigated the use of effector proteins of the T3SS encoded by Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 2 (SPI2). We observed that the effector protein SseF is suitable for delivery of various fusion proteins with heterologous antigens. The efficiency of this carrier protein was demonstrated in vaccination experiments with fusion proteins with Listeria monocytogenes protective antigens. SseF can thus be used as a versatile vehicle for translocation of heterologous proteins for vaccination.

Animals↗

Death effectors of beta-cell apoptosis in type 1 diabetes.

While it is generally agreed that apoptosis of pancreatic beta-cells is the most important and final step in the progression of type 1 diabetes without which clinical diabetes does not develop, it has not been elucidated which molecule(s) are the real culprit(s) in type 1 diabetes. Perforin, FasL, TNFalpha, IL-1, IFNgamma, and NO have been claimed as the effector molecules; however, they, as a single agent, might explain only part of beta-cell death in type 1 diabetes. While FasL was initially considered as a strong candidate for the most important death effector, following experiments cast doubt on such a hypothesis. Combinations or synergism between IFNgamma and TNFalpha or IL-1beta are being revisited as the death effectors, and molecular mechanism explaining such a synergism was addressed in several recent papers. The role of NF-kappaB for pancreatic beta-cell death in type 1 diabetes is also controversial. While NF-kappaB plays anti-apoptotic roles in most other death models, its role in type 1 diabetes might be different probably due to the involvement of multiple cytokines at different stages of the disease progression and the peculiarity of pancreatic beta-cells. Recent papers also suggested a role for Ca2+ in cytokine-mediated pancreatic beta-cell death. Such participation of Ca2+ in beta-cell death appears to have a close relevance to the mitochondrial events or ER stress that constitutes an important part of cell death machinery recently identified.

Animals↗

Neutrophil antibacterial peptides, multifunctional effector molecules in the mammalian immune system.

The bactericidal machinery of mammalian neutrophils is built up of many components with different chemical properties, involving proteins, peptides and oxygen-dependent radicals. All these components work in synergy, leading to destruction and elimination of ingested microbes. During the eighties, it gradually became clear, that cationic peptides are a part of the oxygen-independent bactericidal effectors in phagocytic cells. In mammals, these antimicrobial peptides are represented by two families, the defensins and the cathelicidins. These potent broad spectra peptides are included as immediate effector molecules in innate immunity. The detailed killing mechanism for these effectors is partly known, but nearly all of them have membrane affinity, and permeate bacterial membranes, resulting in lysis of the bacteria. This peptide-membrane interaction includes also eukaryotic membranes, that implicates cytotoxic effects on host cells. Studies in vitro have established that the microenvironment is critical for their activities. In connection to cystic fibrosis, the effects of microenvironment changes are apparent, causing inactivation of peptide defences and leading to repeated serious bacterial infections. Thus, the importance of the microenvironment is also supported in vivo. Additional functions of these peptides such as chemotactic, mitogenic and stimulatory in the wound healing process suggest further important roles for these peptides.

Animals↗

Structure of the large subunit of class Ib ribonucleotide reductase from Salmonella typhimurium and its complexes with allosteric effectors.

The three-dimensional structure of the large subunit of the first member of a class Ib ribonucleotide reductase, R1E of Salmonella typhimurium, has been determined in its native form and together with three allosteric effectors. The enzyme contains the characteristic ten-stranded alpha/beta-barrel with catalytic residues at a finger loop in its center and with redox-active cysteine residues at two adjacent barrel strands. Structures where the redox-active cysteine residues are in reduced thiol form and in oxidized disulfide form have been determined revealing local structural changes. The R1E enzyme differs from the class Ia enzyme, Escherichia coli R1, by not having an overall allosteric regulation. This is explained from the structure by differences in the N-terminal domain, which is about 50 residues shorter and lacks the overall allosteric binding site. R1E has an allosteric substrate specificity regulation site and the binding site for the nucleotide effectors is located at the dimer interface similarly as for the class Ia enzymes. We have determined the structures of R1E in the absence of effectors and with dTTP, dATP and dCTP bound. The low affinity for ATP at the specificity site is explained by a tyrosine, which hinders nucleotides containing a 2'-OH group to bind.

Allosteric Regulation↗

Differences between neonates and adults in tissue-type-plasminogen activator (t-PA)-catalyzed plasminogen activation with various effectors and in carbohydrate sequences of fibrinogen chains.

Our study investigates the effect of fetal and adult soluble fibrin (SF), fetal and adult fibrinogen Aalpha- and gamma-chains, as well as adult CNBr-fibrinogen fragments on tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA)-catalyzed plasminogen activation of both fetal and adult Glu-plasminogen types 1 and 2. In addition, we determined carbohydrate sequences of fetal and adult Bbeta- and gamma-chains by mass spectrometric analysis. In the absence of an effector, no substantial differences in the rate of plasmin formation could be seen between the fetal and adult plasminogen types. In the presence of an effector, both fetal Glu-plasminogen types revealed lower values for k(cat app) than the respective adult types. No differences could be seen in the values for K(m app). The resulting differences in catalytic efficiencies between the fetal and adult plasminogen types were much less than previously reported. No differences could be seen between fetal and adult effectors in stimulating t-PA-catalyzed plasminogen activation. Detailed analyses of the activation kinetics revealed a longer initial phase of slow plasmin formation of both fetal Glu-plasminogen types compared to their respective adult types, indicating a slower plasmin-induced modification of CNBr-fibrinogen fragments or SF by fetal plasmin. Mass spectrometric analysis of the N-glycans present on adult and fetal Bbeta- and gamma-fibrinogen chains showed the presence of a major monosialylated biantennary structure with lesser amounts of the disialylated form. In contrast to previous data, we conclude that catalytic efficiency of t-PA-catalyzed plasminogen activation in neonates is only slightly lower than in adults.

Adult↗

Functional assays for the investigation of the role of Rab GTPase effectors in dense core granule release.

Rab3 and Rab27 GTPases control late events in the secretory pathway of mammalian cells including docking and fusion of secretory vesicles with the plasma membrane. The action of Rab3 and Rab27 on the exocytotic process is exerted through the activation of specific effectors. Several proteins with the capacity to interact in a GTP-dependent manner with Rab3 and Rab27 have been identified. However, for most of these potential Rab effectors a precise function in the secretory process has not yet been attributed. In this chapter we describe a series of approaches that can be applied to assess the properties of Rab3 and Rab27 effectors and their potential role in the regulation of dense core granule release.

Animals↗