scholarly journals 1885. T-helper 1 (Th1) Production of Interferon Gamma (IFNγ) Is Directly Inhibited by TGFβ Within Pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculous (Mtb) Granulomas

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S52-S53
Author(s):  
Benjamin H Gern ◽  
Kristin Adams ◽  
Caleb Stoltzfus ◽  
Courtney Plumlee ◽  
Michael Gerner ◽  
...  

Abstract Background CD4 T-cell production of IFNɣ is essential to prevent dissemination of pulmonary Mtb, though is less effective at controlling infection within the lung. Because T cells are most effective in the context of direct interactions with Mtb-infected cells, we sought to determine the location of CD4 T-cell antigen sensing and IFNɣ production within granulomas. Methods We used a murine ultra-low-dose aerosol infection, developed by our lab, where most mice are infected by a single bacillus, resulting in a solitary granuloma that is more similar to human granulomas. We examined the lungs of wild-type mice 35 days later for patterns of T-cell activation with quantitative confocal imaging. This analysis was next performed following adoptive co-transfer of Th1 polarized Mtb-specific cells and control cells of irrelevant specificity (OVA). To determine the effect of TGFβ on IFNɣ production, we examined mice that lack the TGFβR on T cells (TGFβR.KO). Finally, we examined whether this effect was Th1 cell-intrinsic with an adoptive transfer of Th1-polarized Mtb-specific cells with (Tg.WT) and without (Tg.KO) the TGFβR. Results Despite many CD4 T cells localizing to the granuloma and undergoing T-cell receptor (TCR) activation (pS6), IFNɣ production was not significantly increased in the granuloma compared with a distal lung site (Figure 1). This pattern of localization and activation was found to be similar in the Mtb-specific (but not control) Th1 cells (Figure 2). In contrast, CD4 T cells from TGFβR.KO mice produced more IFNɣ within the granuloma (Figure 3). Lastly, Tg.KO cells transferred into wild-type mice produced increased IFNɣ compared with Tg.WT, mirroring the findings in TGFβR.KO mice (Figure 4). Conclusion CD4 T cell production of IFNɣ is decreased within the granuloma, where it can be most effective, despite evidence of ongoing TCR stimulation in Mtb-specific cells. We have shown that by alleviating the effects of TGFβ signaling, even terminally-differentiated Mtb-specific Th1 cells can produce more IFNɣ within the granuloma. While this modest increase suggests that there are additional mechanisms at play which warrant further exploration, these findings have the potential to guide immunotherapeutic development, especially given that TGFβ inhibitors are already in phase III clinical trials for other purposes. Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures.

Author(s):  
Njabulo Ngwenyama ◽  
Annet Kirabo ◽  
Mark Aronovitz ◽  
Francisco Velázquez ◽  
Francisco Carrillo-Salinas ◽  
...  

Background: Despite the well-established association between T cell-mediated inflammation and non-ischemic heart failure (HF), the specific mechanisms triggering T cell activation during the progression of HF and the antigens involved are poorly understood. We hypothesized that myocardial oxidative stress induces the formation of isolevuglandin (IsoLG)-modified proteins that function as cardiac neoantigens to elicit CD4+ T cell receptor (TCR) activation and promote HF. Methods: We used transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in mice to trigger myocardial oxidative stress and T cell infiltration. We profiled the TCR repertoire by mRNA sequencing of intramyocardial activated CD4+ T cells in Nur77 GFP reporter mice, which transiently express GFP upon TCR engagement. We assessed the role of antigen presentation and TCR specificity in the development of cardiac dysfunction using antigen presentation-deficient MhcII -/- mice, and TCR transgenic OTII mice that lack specificity for endogenous antigens. We detected IsoLG-protein adducts in failing human hearts. We also evaluated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and IsoLGs in eliciting T cell immune responses in vivo by treating mice with the antioxidant TEMPOL, and the IsoLG scavenger 2-hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA) during TAC, and ex-vivo in mechanistic studies of CD4+ T cell proliferation in response to IsoLG-modified cardiac proteins. Results: We discovered that TCR antigen recognition increases in the left ventricle (LV) as cardiac dysfunction progresses, and identified a limited repertoire of activated CD4+ T cell clonotypes in the LV. Antigen presentation of endogenous antigens was required to develop cardiac dysfunction since MhcII -/- mice reconstituted with CD4+ T cells, and OTII mice immunized with their cognate antigen were protected from TAC-induced cardiac dysfunction despite the presence of LV-infiltrated CD4+ T cells. Scavenging IsoLGs with 2-HOBA reduced TCR activation and prevented cardiac dysfunction. Mechanistically, cardiac pressure overload resulted in ROS dependent dendritic cell accumulation of IsoLG-protein adducts which induced robust CD4+ T cell proliferation. Conclusions: Collectively, our study demonstrates an important role of ROS-induced formation of IsoLG-modified cardiac neoantigens that lead to TCR-dependent CD4+ T cell activation within the heart.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-123
Author(s):  
Dan Tong ◽  
Li Zhang ◽  
Fei Ning ◽  
Ying Xu ◽  
Xiaoyu Hu ◽  
...  

Abstract Common γ chain cytokines are important for immune memory formation. Among them, the role of IL-2 remains to be fully explored. It has been suggested that this cytokine is critically needed in the late phase of primary CD4 T cell activation. Lack of IL-2 at this stage sets for a diminished recall response in subsequent challenges. However, as IL-2 peak production is over at this point, the source and the exact mechanism that promotes its production remain elusive. We report here that resting, previously antigen-stimulated CD4 T cells maintain a minimalist response to dendritic cells after their peak activation in vitro. This subtle activation event may be induced by DCs without overt presence of antigen and appears to be stronger if IL-2 comes from the same dendritic cells. This encounter reactivates a miniature IL-2 production and leads a gene expression profile change in these previously activated CD4 T cells. The CD4 T cells so experienced show enhanced reactivation intensity upon secondary challenges later on. Although mostly relying on in vitro evidence, our work may implicate a subtle programing for CD4 T cell survival after primary activation in vivo.


2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 1259-1273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia Seiffart ◽  
Julia Zoeller ◽  
Robert Klopfleisch ◽  
Munisch Wadwa ◽  
Wiebke Hansen ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: IL10 is a key inhibitor of effector T cell activation and a mediator of intestinal homeostasis. In addition, IL10 has emerged as a key immunoregulator during infection with various pathogens, ameliorating the excessive T-cell responses that are responsible for much of the immunopathology associated with the infection. Because IL10 plays an important role in both intestinal homeostasis and infection, we studied the function of IL10 in infection-associated intestinal inflammation. Methods: Wildtype mice and mice deficient in CD4+ T cell-derived or regulatory T cells-derived IL10 were infected with the enteric pathogen Citrobacter (C.) rodentium and analyzed for the specific immune response and pathogloy in the colon. Results: We found that IL10 expression is upregulated in colonic tissue after infection with C. rodentium, especially in CD4+ T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. Whereas the deletion of IL10 in regulatory T cells had no effect on C. rodentium induced colitis, infection of mice deficient in CD4+ T cell-derived IL10 exhibited faster clearance of the bacterial burden but worse colitis, crypt hyperplasia, and pathology than did WT mice. In addition, the depletion of CD4+ T cell-derived IL10 in infected animals was accompanied by an accelerated IFNγ and IL17 response in the colon. Conclusion: Thus, we conclude that CD4+ T cell-derived IL10 is strongly involved in the control of C. rodentium-induced colitis. Interference with this network could have implications for the treatment of infection-associated intestinal inflammation.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Mburu ◽  
J. L. Marnewick ◽  
A. Abayomi ◽  
H. Ipp

Persistent immune activation characterises HIV infection and is associated with depletion of CD4+ T-cells and increased risk of disease progression. Early loss of gut mucosal integrity results in the translocation of microbial products such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the systemic circulation. This is an important source of on-going immune stimulation. The purpose of this study was to determine levels of CD4+ T-cell activation (%CD25 expression) and apoptosis (% annexin V/7-AAD) in asymptomatic, untreated HIV infection at baseline and after stimulation with LPS and incubation with or without vitamin C and N-acetylcysteine. LPS induced a significant (P<0.03) increase in %CD25 expression, annexin V, and 7-AAD in HIV positive individuals. NAC in combination with vitamin C, significantly (P=0.0018) reduced activation and early apoptosis of CD4+ T-cells to a greater degree than with either antioxidant alone. Certain combinations of antioxidants could be important in reducing the harmful effects of chronic immune activation and thereby limit CD4+ T-cell depletion. Importantly, we showed that CD4+ T-cells of the HIV positive group responded better to a combination of the antioxidants at this stage than those of the controls. Therefore, appropriate intervention at this asymptomatic stage could rescue the cells before repetitive activation results in the death of CD4+ T-cells.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 3901-3901
Author(s):  
Sara Trabanelli ◽  
Darina Očadlíková ◽  
Sara Gulinelli ◽  
Antonio Curti ◽  
Francesco di Virgilio ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 3901 Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is emerging as an extracellular signaling molecule playing a pivotal role in several cellular processes, through specific cell membrane purinergic P2 receptors (P2Rs). Under physiological conditions, ATP is present in the extracellular space at low concentrations (1-10 nM), whereas during inflammation and tumor cell growth ATP is present in the extracellular space at high concentrations, when 5–10 mM of ATP are quickly released from cytoplasm following plasma membrane damage or membrane stretching. For these reasons, extracellular ATP, via activation of P2Rs, might be an important regulator of inflammatory and immune response. CD4+ T cells are often exposed to different ATP concentrations in healthy or in injured/inflamed tissues. In the present study, we investigated the expression of purinergic P2 receptors (P2Rs) on human activated and regulatory CD4+ T cells and tested the lymphocyte functions in presence of low (1-10 nM), intermediate (250 nM) and high (1 mM) concentration of extracellular ATP. We assessed CD4+ T cells proliferation, apoptosis, phenotype, cytokine release, migration and matrix/cells adhesion. We show that activated CD4+ T cells express all P2Rs subtypes, whereas Tregs do not express P2X6 and P2Y2. At a functional level, low concentrations of extracellular ATP do not modulate CD4+ T cell functions. An increase in ATP concentration (250 nM) stimulates CD4+ T cells during activation: activated CD4+ T cells enhance their proliferation, the secretion of several cytokines critical for T cell functions (IL-2, IL-1b, IFN-g, IL-8), the expression of adhesion molecules (CD49d and CD54) and the capacity to adhere to cellular matrix or to other cells. Tregs seem to be unaffected by 250 nM of ATP. In contrast, high concentrations of ATP (1 mM) “turn off” activated CD4+ T cells and “turn on” Tregs. 1 mM of ATP inhibits activation of CD4+ T cells, by enhancing apoptosis and diminishing proliferation, cell-adhesion and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, 1 mM of ATP attracts Tregs and stimulates their proliferation and their capacity to adhere to other cells. Moreover, Tregs cultured in presence of 1 mM of extracellular ATP are more efficient in inhibiting T cell proliferation. In summary, the present data show that the concentration of extracellular ATP regulates CD4+ T cell functions. Low ATP concentrations, as in physiological conditions, do not affect CD4+ T cell functions, whereas any enhancement of ATP concentration alters CD4+ T cell behavior. Specifically, a small increase stimulates CD4+ T cell activation, whereas a high increase inhibits CD4+ T cell activation and promotes the immunosuppression Tregs-mediated. We propose that the present in vitro data might explain how in vivo ATP regulates the behavior of activated CD4+ T cells and Tregs in case of inflammation or tumor cell growth. A small enhancement of ATP concentration occurs at the beginning of an inflammatory state or at the first stages of tumor growth; these ATP concentrations alert CD4+ T cells to the presence of a possible damage, which does not yet require Tregs involvement. In contrast, in case of severe inflammation, high ATP concentrations might prevent a further involvement of activated CD4+ T cells and promotes Tregs recruitment, avoiding hyper-inflammation. In case of advanced stages of tumorigenesis, high ATP concentration might be a tumor-escape mechanism, by killing activated CD4+ T cells and by attracting Tregs to surround the tumor. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S33-S33
Author(s):  
Wenjing Yang ◽  
Suxia Yao ◽  
Sara Dann ◽  
Yingzi Cong

Abstract Irregular CD4+ effector T cell responses play an essential role in the intestinal inflammation, while IL-10 produced by effector T cells limits their pathogenesis to maintain the intestinal homeostasis. Dietary free fatty acids are actively involved in regulating immune responses, and mammalian G protein-coupled receptor (GPR) 120, a receptor for long-chain fatty acids, has been implicated in metabolic syndrome. However, the effect of GPR120 on intestinal homeostasis is still unknown. Here, we showed that deficiency of GPR120 resulted in more severe colitis in mice induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and Citrobacter Rodentium. Interestingly, CD4+ T cells expressed a high level of GPR120, and mice specifically lacking GPR120 in CD4+ T cells were more susceptible to DSS-induced colitis. Besides, GPR120-deficient CD45Rbhi CD4+ cells are more colitogenic in Rag-/- mice, in which IL-17 and IFNg producing CD4+ T cells were increased but IL-10 production by CD4+ T cells was reduced. Furthermore, CpdA, the GPR120 agonist, promoted CD4+ T effector cell production of IL-10 through upregulating Blimp1 and inducing glycolysis, which were regulated by mTOR pathway. Besides, docosahexaenoic acid, a dietary long-chain fatty acid, also upregulated the IL-10 production in CD4+ T cells. Additionally, GPR120 agonist-treated Th1 effector cells induced less severe colitis, whereas this protection was absent in Blimp1-deficient Th1 cells. Importantly, oral administration of CpdA protected mice against intestinal inflammation. Thus, our findings demonstrate the roles of dietary fatty acids receptor GPR120 in regulating intestinal CD4+ T cell production of IL-10 and intestinal homeostasis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Shiguang Yu ◽  
Morgan Tripod ◽  
Ulus Atasoy ◽  
Jing Chen

After antigen and/or different cytokine stimulation, CD4+ T cells activated and differentiated into distinct T helper (Th) cells via differential T cell signaling pathways. Transcriptional regulation of the activation and differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into distinct lineage Th cells such as Th17 cells has been fully studied. However, the role of RNA-binding protein HuR in the signaling pathways of their activation and differentiation has not been well characterized. Here, we used HuR conditional knockout (HuR KO) CD4+ T cells to study mechanisms underlying HuR regulation of T cell activation and differentiation through distinct signaling pathways. Our work showed that, mechanistically, HuR positively promoted CD3g expression by binding its mRNA and enhanced the expression of downstream adaptor Zap70 and Malt1 in activated CD4+ T cells. Compared to WT Th0 cells, HuR KO Th0 cells with reduced Bcl-2 expression are much more susceptible to apoptosis than WT Th0 cells. We also found that HuR stabilized IL-6Rα mRNA and promoted IL-6Rα protein expression, thereby upregulating its downstream phosphorylation of Jak1 and Stat3 and increased level of phosphorylation of IκBα to facilitate Th17 cell differentiation. However, knockout of HuR increased IL-22 production in Th17 cells, which was due to HuR deficiency in reducing IL-22 transcription repressor c-Maf expression. These results highlight the importance of HuR in TCR signaling and IL-6/IL-6R axis driving naïve CD4+ T cell activation and differentiation into Th17 cells.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (17) ◽  
pp. 9584
Author(s):  
Yi-Hsing Chen ◽  
Sue Lightman ◽  
Virginia L. Calder

Non-infectious uveitis (NIU) is a potentially sight-threatening disease. Effector CD4+ T cells, especially interferon-γ-(IFNγ) producing Th1 cells and interleukin-17-(IL-17) producing Th17 cells, are the major immunopathogenic cells, as demonstrated by adoptive transfer of disease in a model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). CD4+FoxP3+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were known to suppress function of effector CD4+ T cells and contribute to resolution of disease. It has been recently reported that some CD4+ T-cell subsets demonstrate shared phenotypes with another CD4+ T-cell subset, offering the potential for dual function. For example, Th17/Th1 (co-expressing IFNγ and IL-17) cells and Th17/Treg (co-expressing IL-17 and FoxP3) cells have been identified in NIU and EAU. In this review, we have investigated the evidence as to whether these ‘plastic CD4+ T cells’ are functionally active in uveitis. We conclude that Th17/Th1 cells are generated locally, are resistant to the immunosuppressive effects of steroids, and contribute to early development of EAU. Th17/Treg cells produce IL-17, not IL-10, and act similar to Th17 cells. These cells were considered pathogenic in uveitis. Future studies are needed to better clarify their function, and in the future, these cell subsets may in need to be taken into consideration for designing treatment strategies for disease.


2019 ◽  
Vol 221 (1) ◽  
pp. 162-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Riou ◽  
Nishtha Jhilmeet ◽  
Molebogeng X Rangaka ◽  
Robert J Wilkinson ◽  
Katalin A Wilkinson

Abstract The reconstitution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen-specific CD4 T cells in a cohort of HIV-infected persons starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) in a high tuberculosis endemic area is described. Restoration of the antigen-specific CD4 T-cell subsets mirrored the overall CD4 T-cell compartment. Activation (assessed by HLA-DR expression) decreased during ART but remained elevated compared to HIV-uninfected persons. Despite known M. tuberculosis sensitization determined by interferon-γ release assay, 12/23 participants had no M. tuberculosis-specific CD4 T cells detectable by flow cytometry, combined with overall elevated T-cell activation and memory differentiation, suggesting heightened turnover. Our data suggest early ART initiation to maintain polyfunctional immune memory responses.


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