Aging
Abstract
Th2 cells are generated from naive CD4 T cells upon T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of antigen and IL-4 stimulation and play crucial roles in humoral immunity against infectious microorganisms and the pathogenesis of allergic and autoimmune diseases. A tyrosine phosphatase, SHP-1, that contains src homology 2 (SH2) domains is recognized as a negative regulator for various intracellular signaling molecules, including those downstream of the TCR and the IL-4 receptor. Here we assessed the role of SHP-1 in Th1/Th2 cell differentiation and in the development of Th2-dependent allergic airway inflammation by using a natural SHP-1 mutant, the motheaten mouse. CD4 T cells appear to develop normally in the heterozygous motheaten (me/+) thymus even though they express decreased amounts of SHP-1 (about one-third the level of wild-type thymus). The me/+ naive splenic CD4 T cells showed enhanced activation by IL-4 receptor–mediated signaling but only marginal enhancement of TCR-mediated signaling. Interestingly, the generation of Th2 cells was increased and specific cytokine production of mast cells was enhanced in me/+ mice. In an OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation model, eosinophilic inflammation, mucus hyperproduction, and airway hyperresponsiveness were enhanced in me/+ mice. Thus, SHP-1 may have a role as a negative regulator in the development of allergic responses, such as allergic asthma.
Authors
Tohru Kamata, Masakatsu Yamashita, Motoko Kimura, Kaoru Murata, Masamichi Inami, Chiori Shimizu, Kaoru Sugaya, Chrong-Reen Wang, Masaru Taniguchi, Toshinori Nakayama
Abstract
Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs induce proteins that inhibit phospholipase A2 (PLA2), including uteroglobin and lipocortin-1 (annexin I). Uteroglobin and lipocortin-1 retain several conserved sequences. Based on these sequences, several nonapeptides (antiflammins) were synthesized. These nonapeptides were shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo, possibly by inhibiting PLA2. Subsequent research showed that PLA2 is activated by transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2). We hypothesize here that TGase 2 inhibitors may increase the anti-inflammatory efficacy of inhibiting PLA2 activity. To test this theory, we constructed recombinant peptides containing sequences from pro-elafin (for inhibition of TGase 2), and from lipocortin-1, lipocortin-5, and uteroglobin (for inhibition of PLA2). The recombinant peptides, which had dual inhibitory effects on purified TGase 2 and PLA2, reversed the inflammation of allergic conjunctivitis to ragweed in a guinea pig model. The present work suggests that novel recombinant peptides may be safe and effective agents for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.
Authors
Joonhong Sohn, Tae-Im Kim, Young-Hee Yoon, Joo-Yong Kim, Soo-Youl Kim
Abstract
Acute liver failure caused by viral hepatitis or toxic damage involves both apoptotic and necrotic pathways. IGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1), a hepatocyte-derived secreted protein, is required for normal liver regeneration. To determine whether IGFBP-1 could prevent liver injury that entails direct stimulation of hepatocyte apoptosis, IGFBP-1–/– mice, IGFBP-1+/+ mice, and mice pretreated with Ab’s against IGFBP-1 were treated with a normally sublethal dose of Fas agonist. IGFBP-1 deficiency was associated with massive hepatocyte apoptosis and caspase activation within 3 hours of Fas agonist treatment, which could be corrected by pretreatment with IGFBP-1. IGFBP-1–deficient livers had enhanced signaling via the integrin receptor at early times (0.5 to 1 hour) after Fas agonist treatment accompanied by elevated activated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a known target of fibronectin signaling and activator of TGF-β. Within 3 hours of Fas agonist treatment, elevated expression of active TGF-β1, a hepatocyte apoptogen, was observed in IGFBP-1–deficient livers that correlated with the appearance of the apoptotic process. Both MMP-9 and TGF-β1 expression were suppressed by IGFBP-1 treatment, supporting their role in the apoptotic process. IGFBP-1–/– mice also displayed increased injury in a toxic hepatic injury model caused by CCl4. These findings indicate that IGFBP-1 functions as a critical hepatic survival factor in the liver by reducing the level of proapoptotic signals.
Authors
Julia I. Leu, Mary Ann S. Crissey, Rebecca Taub
Abstract
Using physiological, pharmacological, and gene disruption approaches, we demonstrate that proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) plays a pivotal role in mediating chronic inflammation. Using an adjuvant monoarthritis model of chronic inflammation, joint swelling was substantially inhibited in PAR-2–deficient mice, being reduced by more than fourfold compared with wild-type mice, with virtually no histological evidence of joint damage. Mice heterozygous for PAR-2 gene disruption showed an intermediate phenotype. PAR-2 expression, normally limited to endothelial cells in small arterioles, was substantially upregulated 2 weeks after induction of inflammation, both in synovium and in other periarticular tissues. PAR-2 agonists showed potent proinflammatory effects as intra-articular injection of ASKH95, a novel synthetic PAR-2 agonist, induced prolonged joint swelling and synovial hyperemia. Given the absence of the chronic inflammatory response in the PAR-2–deficient mice, our findings demonstrate a key role for PAR-2 in mediating chronic inflammation, thereby identifying a novel and important therapeutic target for the management of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Authors
William R. Ferrell, John C. Lockhart, Elizabeth B. Kelso, Lynette Dunning, Robin Plevin, Stephen E. Meek, Andrew J.H. Smith, Gary D. Hunter, John S. McLean, Frances McGarry, Robert Ramage, Lu Jiang, Toru Kanke, Junichi Kawagoe
Abstract
Research Article
Authors
John A. Belperio, Michael P. Keane, Marie D. Burdick, Vedang Londhe, Ying Ying Xue, Kewang Li, Roderick J. Phillips, Robert M. Strieter
Abstract
Research Article
Authors
Dimitri Lodygin, Antje Menssen, Heiko Hermeking
Abstract
Research Article
Authors
Andrew P. Fontenot, Scott J. Canavera, Laia Gharavi, Lee S. Newman, Brian L. Kotzin
Abstract
Research Article
Authors
Roman A. Tuma, Rielle Giannino, Patrick Guirnalda, Ingrid Leiner, Eric G. Pamer
Abstract
Research Article
Authors
Wouter J. de Jonge, Karin L. Kwikkers, Anje A. te Velde, Sander J.H. van Deventer, Martijn A. Nolte, Reina E. Mebius, Jan M. Ruijter, Marinus C. Lamers, Wouter H. Lamers
Abstract
Research Article
Authors
Feng Lin, Henry J. Kaminski, Bianca M. Conti-Fine, Wei Wang, Chelliah Richmonds, M. Edward Medof
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ISSN: 0021-9738 (print), 1558-8238 (online)