Identification of a Human Clonogenic Progenitor with Strict Monocyte Differentiation Potential: A Counterpart of Mouse cMoPs.

Monocytes give rise to macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) under steady-state and inflammatory conditions, thereby contributing to host defense and tissue pathology. A common monocyte progenitor (cMoP) that is strictly committed to the monocyte lineage has been recently identified in mice. Here, we identified human cMoPs as a CLEC12AhiCD64hi subpopulation of conventional granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (cGMPs) in umbilical cord blood and in bone marrow. Human cMoPs gave rise to monocyte subsets without showing any potential for differentiating into myeloid or lymphoid cells. Within the cGMP population, we also identified revised GMPs that completely lacked DC and lymphoid potential. Collectively, our findings expand and revise the current understanding of human myeloid cell differentiation pathways.

CD86-based analysis enables observation of bona fide hematopoietic responses.

Hematopoiesis is a system that provides red blood cells (RBCs), leukocytes, and platelets, which are essential for oxygen transport, biodefense, and hemostasis; its balance thus affects the outcome of various disorders. Here, we report that stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1), a cell surface marker commonly used for the identification of multipotent hematopoietic progenitors (Lin-Sca-1+c-Kit+ cells; LSKs), is not suitable for the analysis of hematopoietic responses under biological stresses with interferon production. Lin-Sca-1-c-Kit+ cells (LKs), downstream progenitors of LSKs, acquire Sca-1 expression upon inflammation, which makes it impossible to distinguish between LSKs and LKs. As an alternative and stable marker even under such stresses, we identified CD86 by screening 180 surface markers. The analysis of infection/inflammation-triggered hematopoiesis on the basis of CD86 expression newly revealed urgent erythropoiesis producing stress-resistant RBCs and intact reconstitution capacity of LSKs, which could not be detected by conventional Sca-1-based analysis.

Flexible fate commitment of E2-2high common DC progenitors implies tuning in tissue microenvironments.

The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor E2-2 is essential for the development of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) but not conventional DCs (cDCs). Here, we generated E2-2 reporter mice and demonstrated that an E2-2high fraction among common DC progenitors, which are a major source of pDCs and cDCs in the steady state, strictly gave rise to pDCs in the presence of Flt3 (Fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3) ligand ex vivo or in the secondary lymphoid organs when transferred in vivo. However, in the small intestine, some of these E2-2high progenitors differentiated into cDCs that produced retinoic acid. This transdifferentiation was driven by signaling via the common ß receptor, a receptor for the cytokines IL-3, IL-5 and GM-CSF, which are abundant in the gut. In the presence of GM-CSF and Flt3 ligand, E2-2high-progenitor-derived cDCs consistently induced Foxp3+ Treg cells ex vivo. Our findings reveal the commitment and flexibility of E2-2high progenitor differentiation and imply that pertinent tuning machinery is present in the gut microenvironment.

TIE2-expressing monocytes as a diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma correlates with angiogenesis.

UNLABELLED: Angiogenesis is a critical step in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Myeloid lineage cells, such as macrophages and monocytes, have been reported to regulate angiogenesis in mouse tumor models. TIE2, a receptor of angiopoietins, conveys pro-angiogenic signals and identifies a monocyte/macrophage subset with pro-angiogenic activity. Here, we analyzed the occurrence and kinetics of TIE2-expressing monocytes/macrophages (TEMs) in HCC patients. This study enrolled 168 HCV-infected patients including 89 with HCC. We examined the frequency of TEMs, as defined as CD14+CD16+TIE2+ cells, in the peripheral blood and liver. The localization of TEMs in the liver was determined by immunofluorescence staining. Micro-vessel density in the liver was measured by counting CD34+ vascular structures. We found that the frequency of circulating TEMs was significantly higher in HCC than non-HCC patients, while being higher in the liver than in the blood. In patients who underwent local radio-ablation or resection of HCC, the frequency of TEMs dynamically changed in the blood in parallel with HCC recurrence. Most TEMs were identified in the perivascular areas of tumor tissue. A significant positive correlation was observed between micro-vessel density in HCC and frequency of TEMs in the blood or tumors, suggesting that TEMs are involved in HCC angiogenesis. Receiver operating characteristic analyses revealed the superiority of TEM frequency to AFP, PIVKA-II and ANG-2 serum levels as diagnostic marker for HCC. CONCLUSION: TEMs increase in patients with HCC and their frequency changes with the therapeutic response or recurrence. We thus suggest that TEM frequency can be used as a diagnostic marker for HCC, potentially reflecting angiogenesis in the liver.

Human blood dendritic cell antigen 3 (BDCA3)(+) dendritic cells are a potent producer of interferon-λ in response to hepatitis C virus.

UNLABELLED: The polymorphisms in the interleukin (IL)-28B (interferon-lambda [IFN]-λ3) gene are strongly associated with the efficacy of hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance. Dendritic cells (DCs) sense HCV and produce IFNs, thereby playing some cooperative roles with HCV-infected hepatocytes in the induction of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Blood dendritic cell antigen 3 (BDCA3)(+) DCs were discovered as a producer of IFN-λ upon Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) stimulation. We thus aimed to clarify the roles of BDCA3(+) DCs in anti-HCV innate immunity. Seventy healthy subjects and 20 patients with liver tumors were enrolled. BDCA3(+) DCs, in comparison with plasmacytoid DCs and myeloid DCs, were stimulated with TLR agonists, cell-cultured HCV (HCVcc), or Huh7.5.1 cells transfected with HCV/JFH-1. BDCA3(+) DCs were treated with anti-CD81 antibody, inhibitors of endosome acidification, TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-ß (TRIF)-specific inhibitor, or ultraviolet-irradiated HCVcc. The amounts of IL-29/IFN-λ1, IL-28A/IFN-λ2, and IL-28B were quantified by subtype-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The frequency of BDCA3(+) DCs in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) was extremely low but higher in the liver. BDCA3(+) DCs recovered from PBMC or the liver released large amounts of IFN-λs, when stimulated with HCVcc or HCV-transfected Huh7.5.1. BDCA3(+) DCs were able to induce ISGs in the coexisting JFH-1-positive Huh7.5.1 cells. The treatments of BDCA3(+) DCs with anti-CD81 antibody, cloroquine, or bafilomycin A1 reduced HCVcc-induced IL-28B release, whereas BDCA3(+) DCs comparably produced IL-28B upon replication-defective HCVcc. The TRIF-specific inhibitor reduced IL-28B release from HCVcc-stimulated BDCA3(+) DCs. In response to HCVcc or JFH-1-Huh7.5.1, BDCA3(+) DCs in healthy subjects with IL-28B major (rs8099917, TT) released more IL-28B than those with IL-28B minor genotype (TG). CONCLUSION: Human BDCA3(+) DCs, having a tendency to accumulate in the liver, recognize HCV in a CD81-, endosome-, and TRIF-dependent manner and produce substantial amounts of IL-28B/IFN-λ3, the ability of which is superior in subjects with IL-28B major genotype.

Control of cell polarity and motility by the PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 phosphatase SHIP1.

Proper neutrophil migration into inflammatory sites ensures host defense without tissue damage. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI(3)K) and its lipid product phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3)) regulate cell migration, but the role of PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3)-degrading enzymes in this process is poorly understood. Here, we show that Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing inositol-5-phosphatase 1 (SHIP1), a PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) phosphatase, is a key regulator of neutrophil migration. Genetic inactivation of SHIP1 led to severe defects in neutrophil polarization and motility. In contrast, loss of the PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) phosphatase PTEN had no impact on neutrophil chemotaxis. To study PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) metabolism in living primary cells, we generated a novel transgenic mouse (AktPH-GFP Tg) expressing a bioprobe for PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3.) Time-lapse footage showed rapid, localized binding of AktPH-GFP to the leading edge membrane of chemotaxing ship1(+/+)AktPH-GFP Tg neutrophils, but only diffuse localization in ship1(-/-)AktPH-GFP Tg neutrophils. By directing where PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) accumulates, SHIP1 governs the formation of the leading edge and polarization required for chemotaxis.

Basic leucine zipper transcription factor, ATF-like (BATF) regulates epigenetically and energetically effector CD8 T-cell differentiation via Sirt1 expression.

CD8 T cells play a critical role in protection against viral infections. During effector differentiation, CD8 T cells dramatically change chromatin structure and cellular metabolism, but how energy production increases in response to these epigenetic changes is unknown. We found that loss of basic leucine zipper transcription factor, ATF-like (BATF) inhibited effector CD8 T-cell differentiation. At the late effector stage, BATF was induced by IL-12 and required for IL-12-mediated histone acetylation and survival of effector T cells. BATF, together with c-Jun, transcriptionally inhibited expression of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+))-dependent deacetylase Sirt1, resulting in increased histone acetylation of the T-bet locus and increased cellular NAD(+), which increased ATP production. In turn, high levels of T-bet expression and ATP production promoted effector differentiation and cell survival. These results suggest that BATF promotes effector CD8 T-cell differentiation by regulating both epigenetic remodeling and energy metabolism through Sirt1 expression.

Lysosomal degradation of PD-L1 is associated with immune-related adverse events during anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy in NSCLC patients.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can induce immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Liquid biomarkers to predict irAE occurrence are urgently needed. We previously developed an ELISA system to specifically detect soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) with PD-1-binding capacity (bsPD-L1). Here, we investigated the relationship between sPD-L1 and bsPD-L1 in gastric cancer (GC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and their association with irAEs. Methods: We examined sPD-L1, bsPD-L1, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and proinflammatory cytokine levels by ELISA in plasma samples from 117 GC patients prior to surgery and 72 NSCLC patients prior to and at 2 months after ICI treatment (anti-PD-1, n = 48; anti-PD-L1, n = 24). In mice treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies (Abs), sPD-L1 levels and localization of Abs were examined by ELISA and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results:sPD-L1 was detected with higher frequency in GC patients than in NSCLC patients, whereas bsPD-L1 was detected with similar frequencies in GC and NSCLC patients. sPD-L1 levels were correlated with IL-1α, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels, while bsPD-L1 levels were correlated with MMP13, MMP3, and IFN-γ levels. In NSCLC patients, anti-PD-L1, but not anti-PD-1, treatment increased sPD-L1, which was associated with irAE development, but not with clinical outcomes. In mice, trafficking of anti-PD-L1 Abs to lysosomes in F4/80+ macrophages resulted in sPD-L1 production, which was suppressed by treatment with lysosomal degradation inhibitor chloroquine and macrophage depletion. Conclusion: Anti-PD-L1-mediated lysosomal degradation induces sPD-L1 production, which can serve as an indicator to predict irAE development during anti-PD-L1 treatment.

Combination of plasma MMPs and PD-1-binding soluble PD-L1 predicts recurrence in gastric cancer and the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: The tumor microenvironment (TME) impacts the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). No liquid biomarkers are available to evaluate TME heterogeneity. Here, we investigated the clinical significance of PD-1-binding soluble PD-L1 (bsPD-L1) in gastric cancer (GC) patients and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Methods: We examined bsPD-L1, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and IFN-γ levels in plasma samples from GC patients (n = 117) prior to surgery and NSCLC patients (n = 72) prior to and 2 months after ICI treatment. We also examined extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity, PD-L1 expression, and T cell infiltration in tumor tissues from 25 GC patients by Elastica Masson-Goldner staining and immunohistochemical staining for PD-L1 and CD3, respectively. Results: bsPD-L1 was detected in 17/117 GC patients and 16/72 NSCLC patients. bsPD-L1 showed strong or moderate correlations with plasma MMP13 or MMP3 levels, respectively, in both GC and NSCLC patients. bsPD-L1 expression in GC was associated with IFN-γ levels and intra-tumoral T cell infiltration, whereas MMP13 levels were associated with loss of ECM integrity, allowing tumor cells to access blood vessels. Plasma MMP3 and MMP13 levels were altered during ICI treatment. Combined bsPD-L1 and MMP status had higher predictive accuracy to identify two patient groups with favorable and poor prognosis than tumor PD-L1 expression: bsPD-L1+MMP13high in GC and bsPD-L1+(MMP3 and MMP13)increased in NSCLC were associated with poor prognosis, whereas bsPD-L1+MMP13low in GC and bsPD-L1+(MMP3 or MMP13)decreased in NSCLC were associated with favorable prognosis. Conclusion: Plasma bsPD-L1 and MMP13 levels indicate T cell response and loss of ECM integrity, respectively, in the TME. The combination of bsPD-L1 and MMPs may represent a non-invasive tool to predict recurrence in GC and the efficacy of ICIs in NSCLC.

Comparative analyses of regulatory T cell subsets in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a crucial role of CD25(-) FOXP3(-) T cells.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play pivotal role in cancer-induced immunoediting. Increment of CD25(high+) FOXP3+ natural Tregs has been reported in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the involvement of other type of Tregs remain elusive. We aimed to clarify whether FOXP3- Tregs are increased and functionally suppressive or not in patients with HCC. We enrolled 184 hepatitis C-infected patients with chronic liver diseases or HCC, 57 healthy subjects and 27 HCC patients with other etiology. Distinct Treg subsets were phenotypically identified by the expression of CD4, CD25, CD127 and forkhead/winged helix transcription factor (FOXP3). Their gene profiles, frequency and suppressor functions against T cell proliferation were compared among the subjects. To examine the molecules involving in Treg differentiation, we cultured naive CD4+ T cells in the presence of HCC cells and dendritic cells. We determined two types of CD4+ CD127- T cells with comparable regulatory ability; one is CD25(high+) cells expressing FOXP3 (CD25(high+) FOXP3+ Tregs) and the other is CD25- cells without FOXP3- expression (CD25- FOXP3- cells). The peripheral or intrahepatic frequency of CD25- FOXP3- Tregs in HCC patients is higher than those in other groups, of which significance is more than CD25(high+) FOXP3+ cells. Of importance, CD25- FOXP3- Tregs, but not CD25(high+) FOXP3+ cells, dynamically change in patients accompanied by the ablation or the recurrence of HCC. CD25- FOXP3- T cells with CD127- IL-10+ phenoype are inducible in vitro from naive CD4(+) T cells, in which programmed cell death 1 ligand 1, immunoglobulin-like transcript 4 and human leukocyte antigen G are involved.. In conclusion, CD25- FOXP3- Tregs with suppressive capacity are increased in patients with HCC, suggesting their distinct roles from CD25+ FOXP3+ Tregs.

Comprehensive immunological analyses of colorectal cancer patients in the phase I/II study of quickly matured dendritic cell vaccine pulsed with carcinoembryonic antigen peptide.

Dendritic cell (DC) vaccine has been used to treat patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). The results of vaccine-induced clinical responses have not always been satisfactory partially because of DC incompetence. In order to evaluate the feasibility of novel mature DCs for therapeutic adjuvants against CRC, we conducted clinical trials with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) peptide-loaded DC quickly generated with a combination of OK432 (Streptococcuspyogenes preparation), prostanoid, and interferon-α (OPA-DC). In the ten patients enrolled in this study, the OPA-DC vaccine was well tolerated and administered four times every 2 weeks except for two patients, who were switched to other treatments due to disease progression. Among the eight evaluable patients, one displayed stable disease (SD), while the remaining seven showed progressive disease (PD). In the SD patient, natural killer (NK) cell frequency and cytolytic activity were increased. In the same patient, the frequency of CEA-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) increased stepwise with repetitive vaccinations; however, most of the CTLs exhibited central memory phenotype. In those with PD, NK cells proliferated well regardless of failure of response, whereas CTLs failed to do so. We concluded that the OPA-DC vaccine is well tolerated and has immune-stimulatory capacity in patients with CRC. Additional modulation is needed to attain significant clinical impact.

Inorganic polyphosphate differentiates human mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblastic cells.

The existence of inorganic polyphosphates [poly(P)] in human cells has been demonstrated. In osteoblasts, it is suggested that the concentration of cellular poly(P) is relatively high. In this study, we examined whether poly(P) accelerates the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) into osteoblastic cells. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was induced by poly(P) in hMSCs from both OA and RA. In Alizarin Red S and osteocalcin EIA, there was a significant difference between the control and poly(P) group. In real-time PCR, there was a significant difference in ALP, collagen type 1A, osteocalcin, and bone sialoprotein between the control and poly(P) group. Our findings suggest that poly(P) have the potent role of differentiating hMSCs into osteoblastic cells at the early and later stages of osteoblastic differentiation.

Equivalent osteoblastic differentiation function of human mesenchymal stem cells from rheumatoid arthritis in comparison with osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in patients with RA. METHODS: Heparinized bone marrow aspirate was obtained from patients with OA and RA. Mononuclear cells were cultured for 2 weeks and a colony-forming assay was performed. The phenotype of cells was analysed by flow cytometry. Passage 2 cells were cultured with beta-glycerophosphate (bGP) in the control group and bGP, ascorbic acid and dexamethasone in the differentiation group. After 2 weeks, ALP staining and activity were performed. After 3 weeks, Alizarin Red S assay was performed. Total RNA was extracted from cells cultured for 2 and 3 weeks. Gene expression of bone formation factor was examined by real-time PCR. RESULTS: The phenotype of cells was identical in both OA and RA and the content was thought to be hMSCs. The results of ALP activity and Alizarin Red S assay showed higher levels in the differentiation group for both OA and RA samples compared with the control group. The results of a colony-forming assay were identical in both OA and RA samples. Gene expression in the differentiation group was higher than in the control group in both OA and RA samples. There was no significant difference between OA and RA samples in all experiments. CONCLUSION: The function of osteoblastic differentiation of hMSCs is similar between OA and RA.

Inflammatory osteoclastogenesis can be induced by GM-CSF and activated under TNF immunity.

In inflammatory arthritis such as RA, osteoclastic activity is severely enhanced. GM-CSF was reportedly elevated in synovial fluid, but is a strong inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis; here lies a contradiction. Our objective was to examine what type of osteoclasts generate and resorb bone with resistance to GM-CSF in an inflammatory joint. Monocyte-derived cells generated in GM-CSF were morphologically and immunophenotypically different from both the conventional DC and macrophage. They could differentiate into osteoclasts in the presence of RANKL + M-CSF, acquiring a stronger osteoclastic activity under TNF treatment. Furthermore, their differentiation was not inhibited by GM-CSF, while monocyte-derived osteoclast differentiation was completely inhibited. The resorption was suppressed by GM-CSF, and the existence of another osteoclastic pathway has been suggested. Our findings indicate another type of osteoclast exists in inflammatory arthritis.

Apoptosis-induced decrease of intrathyroidal CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells in autoimmune thyroid diseases.

BACKGROUND: We previously showed that the proportion of CD4(+) T cells was lower and both the proportion and intensity of Fas expression on intrathyroidal CD4(+) T cells were higher in the thyroid than in the peripheral blood of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). OBJECTIVE: To clarify whether the intrathyroidal CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells are decreased by Fas-mediated apoptosis in patients with AITD. DESIGN: We examined intrathyroidal and peripheral lymphocytes in 20 patients with AITD (15 patients with Gravesâ disease and five patients with Hashimotoâs disease) and peripheral lymphocytes in 10 healthy volunteers by three-color flow cytometry. MAIN OUTCOME: The proportion of CD4(+)CD25(+) cells was lower in the thyroid of patients with AITD than in the peripheral blood of the same patients or the peripheral blood of the healthy subjects. The proportions of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD69() cells and Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)(+)CD4(+)CD25(+) cells, which constitute more specific Treg subsets than CD4(+)CD25(+) cells, were also lower in the thyroid than in the peripheral blood of patients with AITD. The proportion of apoptotic cells was higher among intrathyroidal CD4(+) cells than among peripheral CD4(+) cells and higher among intrathyroidal CD4(+)CD25(+) cells than among intrathyroidal CD4(+)CD25() cells. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that intrathyroidal Treg cells are decreased in response to apoptosis in patients with AITD. This decrease in Treg cells may contribute to the incomplete regulation of autoreactive T cells in AITD.

Ratio of serum IgG3 to total IgG concentration and goiter size are independent factors in intractability of Graves' disease.

Peripheral immunoglobulin (Ig) G(3)-secreting cells and serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-10, a class-switching factor to IgG(3)-secreting cells, increase in patients with intractable Graves' disease (GD). However, they are not practical for laboratory tests. To find more stable and easily detectable markers of disease intractability or disease severity in patients with GD or Hashimoto's disease (HD), we examined the serum concentration of IgG(3) in 58 euthyroid GD patients who had been undergoing antithyroid drug treatment for more than 5 years but still must continue drug treatment to maintain a euthyroid state (intractable GD), 26 GD patients who had maintained a euthyroid state for more than 2 years without any treatment (GD in remission), 20 untreated, thyrotoxic GD patients, 40 euthyroid HD patients treated with thyroxine (5 men and 35 women), 13 untreated, euthyroid HD patients, and 39 healthy volunteers. Serum concentrations of IgG(3 )increased in euthyroid patients with intractable GD and in those with GD in remission, but serum concentrations of IgG were not altered. The ratio of serum concentrations of IgG(3) to total IgG (IgG(3)/IgG ratio) was higher in euthyroid patients with intractable GD than in those with GD in remission. Multiple logistic-regression analysis demonstrated that IgG(3)/IgG ratio and goiter size were independent factors in disease intractability of GD patients. These results suggest that IgG(3)/IgG ratio and goiter size may be used as independent markers associated with GD intractability.

An angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, olmesartan medoxomil, improves experimental liver fibrosis by suppression of proliferation and collagen synthesis in activated hepatic stellate cells.

1. We studied the effect of a new angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor antagonist, olmesartan medoxomil (olmesartan), on the fibrogenic responses in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver fibrogenesis. 2. Olmesartan (1 mg kg(-1) per day) was orally administered to fibrotic rats, induced by bile duct ligation. Liver hydroxyproline content, the mRNA expression of collagen alpha1(I) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), and plasma levels of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) were significantly reduced by olmesartan treatment, suggesting that olmesartan improved liver fibrosis. Interestingly, AT(1) receptors were found to be expressed in alpha-SMA-positive cells in the fibrotic area of livers in bile duct-ligated rats by immunohistochemical analysis. Olmesartan treatment reduced the number of these cells. 3. In vitro experiments showed that angiotensin II (Ang II) treatment induced proliferation and collagen synthesis, and upregulated the profibrogenic cytokines, TGF-beta1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), in rat primary HSCs. Olmesartan blocked all these effects of Ang II. 4. Based on these results, since activated HSCs were found to express AT(1) receptors and Ang II is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis by binding to these receptors, olmesartan may act as a potent antifibrotic drug to suppress the proliferation, collagen synthesis and the expression of profibrogenic cytokines in activated HSCs by blocking these receptors.

Association of enhanced activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in dendritic cells with the induction of regulatory T cells in chronic hepatitis C infection.

BACKGROUND: Altered functions of dendritic cells (DCs) and/or increases of regulatory T cells (Tregs) are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), is reported to be an inducer of immune tolerance. Our aim was to clarify whether or not IDO is activated in chronic hepatitis C patients and its role in immune responses. METHODS: This study enrolled 176 patients with chronic HCV infection and 37 healthy volunteers. Serum kynurenine concentration was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography, and its correlation with clinical parameters was examined. Monocyte-derived DCs were prepared from the subjects and subsequently stimulated with a combination of lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma to induce functional IDO (defined as IDO-DCs). The phenotypes, kynurenine or cytokine production, and T-cell responses with IDO-DCs were compared between the patients and healthy volunteers. RESULTS: The serum kynurenine level in the patients was significantly higher than that in the healthy volunteers, and the level of serum kynurenine was positively correlated with the histological activity or fibrosis score. IDO activity in IDO-DCs from the patients was significantly higher than that in IDO-DCs from the volunteers. Furthermore, IDO-DCs from the patients induced more Tregs in vitro compared with those from the volunteers, and the frequency of induced Tregs by IDO-DCs was decreased with an IDO-specific inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic IDO activity is enhanced in chronic hepatitis C patients in correlation with the degree of liver inflammation and fibrosis. In response to inflammatory stimuli, DCs from the patients tend to induce Tregs, with some of this action being dependent on IDO.

Postpartum increase of serum thioredoxin concentrations and the relation to CD8 lymphocytes.

BACKGROUND: There are few data on oxidative stresses during and after pregnancy, although aggravation of autoimmune disease is implicated in oxidative stress and occurs frequently in the postpartum period. Thioredoxin (TRX) is a stress-inducible protein, and is used as a good biomarker for oxidative stress. To clarify the changes in the levels of oxidative stress during and after pregnancy, we examined serum TRX levels and the numbers of lymphocyte subsets. METHODS: We measured serum TRX levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and neutrophils, lymphocytes, and CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes by flow cytometry in peripheral blood from 88 healthy pregnant women, 26 just after delivery women, 77 healthy postpartum women and 19 healthy non-pregnant women. RESULTS: The serum levels of TRX did not change during pregnancy, but increased in four, seven and 10 months postpartum. Serum TRX levels were correlated with the percentages of neutrophils in normal non-pregnant women and women one month postpartum, and with those of CD8 lymphocytes in early pregnant women and women one and four months postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress increased in the postpartum period, and the levels at one and four months postpartum were related to CD8 lymphocytes.

[Application of NFkappaB inhibitor for arthritis].

Recent progress in DNA technologies has provided the strategies to regulate the transcription of disease-related genes in vivo using antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN). Transfection of cis-element double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (decoy ODNs) has been reported as a new therapeutic tool of anti-gene strategies for gene therapy. In the field of arthritis, decoy ODNs strategies have been significant therapeutic potential. The concept of regulation the disease related gene expression at the level of transcriptional factor may be more therapeutic effects compared with monotherapy in arthritis. Injection of NFkappaB decoy ODN into the affected joint resulted in marked suppression of joint destruction in CIA models. In vitro studies demonstrated that the inhibitory effect on inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase production from stimulated synovial cells derived from rheumatoid arthritis patients. NFkappaB decoy ODN inhibited induction of osteoclasts and bone resorption ability. Parthenolide is one of the main sesquiterpense lactones responsible for the bioactivities of feverfew and recently reported to inhibit NFkappaB activation. Parthenolide has ameliorated the severity of joint destruction in experimental animal model. Based upon these findings, NFkappaB may be one of important therapeutic target for arthritis.