Similar activation state of neutrophils in sputum of asthma patients irrespective of sputum eosinophilia.

Inflammatory phenotypes of asthma are associated with differences in disease characteristics. It is unknown whether these inflammatory phenotypes are reflected by the activation status of neutrophils in blood and sputum. We obtained peripheral blood and induced sputum from 21 asthma patients and stratified our samples based on sputum eosinophilia resulting in two groups (>3% eosinophils: n = 13, <3%: n = 8). Eosinophils and neutrophils from blood and sputum were analysed for expression of activation and degranulation markers by flow cytometry. Data were analysed by both classical, non-parametric statistics and a multi-dimensional approach, using principal component analysis (PCA). Patients with sputum eosinophilia were characterized by increased asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) scores and blood eosinophil counts. Both sputum neutrophils and eosinophils displayed an activated and degranulated phenotype compared to cells obtained from blood. Specifically, degranulation of all granule types was detected in sputum cells, combined with an increased expression of the activation markers (activated) Mac-1 (CD11b), programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) (CD274) and a decreased expression of CD62L. CD69 expression was only increased on sputum eosinophils. Surface marker expression of neutrophils was similar in the presence or absence of eosinophilia, either by single or multi-dimensional analysis. Sputum neutrophils were highly activated and degranulated irrespective of sputum eosinophilia. Therefore, we conclude that differences in granulocyte activation in sputum and/or blood are not associated with clinical differences in the two groups of asthma patients. The finding of PD-L1 expression on sputum granulocytes suggests an immunomodulatory role of these cells in the tissue.

First analysis of human herpesvirus 6T-cell responses: specific boosting after HHV6 reactivation in stem cell transplantation recipients.

Early human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) reactivation after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is associated with poor survival. We characterized HHV6 immuneresponses in HSCT patients during lymphopenia. Prospectively, HHV6 DNA-load was measured weekly by realtime-PCR. Numbers of IFNγ-producing HHV6-T-cells were retrospectively determined by enzyme-linked immunospot assay 2 months after HSCT. HHV6-specific T-cell proliferative capacity was analyzed with a newly developed assay using antigen-presenting autologous HHV6-infected PBMC. Fifty-six patients were included (median age 4.6 years; range 0.2-21.2 years). HHV6-reactivation occurred in 29/56 (52%) patients with a median time of 14 (range 1-41) days after HSCT. The median number of IFN-γ producing HHV6-specific T-cells at 2 months and the HHV6-specific CD8+ T-cell proliferative capacity at 6 months after HSCT was increased after HHV6-reactivation compared to non-reactivating patients (P=0.006 and p=0.019). In conclusion, HHV6-specific immuneresponses can be initiated during lymphopenia early after HSCT, which implicates a potential window for development of HHV6-specific (immuno)therapy.

Refined characterization and reference values of the pediatric T- and B-cell compartments.

Work in the past years has led to a refined phenotypical description of functionally distinct T- and B-cell subsets. Since both lymphocyte compartments are established and undergo dramatic changes during childhood, redefined pediatric reference values of both compartments are needed. In a cohort of 145 healthy children, aged 0-18 years, the relative and absolute numbers of the various T- and B-cell subsets were determined. In addition, we found that besides thymic output, naive (CD27(+)CD45RO(-)) T-cell proliferation contributed significantly to the establishment of the naive T-cell compartment. At birth, regulatory (CD25(+)CD127(-)CD4(+)) T cells (Tregs) mainly had a naive (CD27(+)CD45RO(-)) phenotype whereas 'memory or effector-like' (CD45RO(+)) Tregs accumulated slowly during childhood. Besides the CD27(+)IgM(+)IgD(+) memory B-cell population, the recently identified CD27(-)IgG(+) and CD27(-)IgA(+) memory B-cell populations were already present at birth. These data provide reference values of the T- and B-cell compartments during childhood for studies of immunological disorders or immune reconstitution in children.

Osteoporosis and osteopenia are not associated with T-cell activation in older cART-treated HIV-infected patients.

BACKGROUND: A higher risk of developing osteopenia/ osteoporosis has been seen in HIV-infected patients. We compared HIV-infected patients, all treated with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), with a low bone mineral density (BMD) (T-score < -1) to those with a normal BMD (T-score > -1), examining the relation with T-cell activation and bone turnover markers (c-terminal telopeptide (CTX) and procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP)). METHODS: In this single visit pilot study, bone turnover markers, T-cell activation (CD38 + HLA - DR +) and senescence (CD57+) of T cells were measured in patients who had previously undergone dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning. RESULTS: All study participants (n = 16) were male, on cART, with a median age of 61 years (IQR 56-66). Nine patients had osteopenia/osteoporosis. When comparing the patients with osteopenia/osteoporosis with those with a normal BMD, no differences in activation and senescence were found. A relation was seen between higher bone formation (P1NP) and patients who were on cART for longer. The median length of cART use was 5.5 years (IQR 4.5-7.8), with all patients on nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, 88% on tenofovir, 63% on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and 38% on protease inhibitors. Osteopenia/osteoporosis was seen in 100% of the patients on protease inhibitors versus 30% of those on NNRTIs. CONCLUSION: This study did not find an association between activated T cells and BMD, thus did not explain the higher prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis in HIV-infected patients. Interestingly, this small pilot showed that cART might influence BMD, with a possible negative effect for protease inhibitors and a possible protective effect for NNRTIs. These results warrant further investigation.

Progression to CMV end-organ disease in HIV-1-infected individuals despite abundance of highly differentiated CMV-specific CD8+ T-cells.

Since CMV-specific T-cells have been shown to generally express an advanced state of differentiation, we investigated whether these mature CMV-specific T-cells are sustained in HIV-infected patients, who are not treated with HAART, receive no CMV medication, but do progress to AIDS with CMV end-organ disease (AIDS-CMV). CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell phenotype was studied in these patients in comparison with long-term asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals, progressors to AIDS without CMV end-organ disease as well as CMV-seropositive HIV-negative controls. CMV-specific CD8+ T-cells from progressors to AIDS-CMV expressed markers typical of highly differentiated effector T-cells, being CCR7-, CD27- CD45RO+/-, with high CD57 expression and increased Ki67 expression, compatible with functional effector cell capabilities. In addition, CD4+ T-cells with the characteristic CD27-CD28- phenotype previously shown to be induced by CMV infection specifically, were found in very high numbers in the HIV+ individuals, but the highest in progressors to AIDS-CMV just before onset of disease. Also the normally rare CD45RO-CD27-CD4+ subset increased significantly, whereas the CD45RO-CD27+CD4+ subset decreased. Our data show that in patients progressing to AIDS-CMV, CMV-specific CD8+ T-cells have expanded and are fully differentiated to mature functional effector T-cells. These cells are not protective apparently, but may contribute to tissue-associated immunopathology characteristic of these clinical conditions.

The role of T cells in the development of cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected patients.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is highly prevalent in HIV-infected patients. Besides the classical cardiovascular risk factors, HIV related factors play a role, such as immune activation and treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The resulting T cell activation is regarded as one of the driving forces behind this accelerated atherogenesis. Interventions, such as early treatment and anti-inflammatory therapy, decreasing T cell activation might lead to a lower incidence of CVD in future HIV infected patients. This review specifically explores the role of T cells in the development of atherosclerosis in HIV-infected patients.

Control of lymphocyte function through CD27-CD70 interactions.

In contrast to the expression of other TNFR/TNF family members, expression of CD27 and its ligand CD70 is predominantly confined to lymphocytes. High expression levels of CD27 appear to be dependent on proper ligation of antigen receptors, whereas for the induction of CD70 expression additional (co-stimulatory and/or pro-inflammatory) signals are required. Next to membrane-bound CD27 also a soluble form of CD27 is produced in the course of the immune response. Soluble CD27 (sCD27) is found in body fluids and can be used to monitor local and systemic immune activation. In addition, elevated serum concentrations of sCD27 are found in patients with B cell malignancies and levels of sCD27 strongly correlate with tumor load. Based on functional experiments and in vitro expression regulation data, we propose that interactions between activated lymphocytes in vivo can result in CD27-CD70 interactions that may regulate the size and function of antigen-primed lymphocyte populations.

CD27 is required for generation and long-term maintenance of T cell immunity.

The Traf-linked tumor necrosis factor receptor family member CD27 is known as a T cell costimulatory molecule. We generated CD27-/- mice and found that CD27 makes essential contributions to mature CD4+ and CD8+ T cell function: CD27 supported antigen-specific expansion (but not effector cell maturation) of naïve T cells, independent of the cell cycle-promoting activities of CD28 and interleukin 2. Primary CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses to influenza virus were impaired in CD27-/- mice. Effects of deleting the gene encoding CD27 were most profound on T cell memory, reflected by delayed response kinetics and reduction of CD8+ virus-specific T cell numbers to the level seen in the primary response. This demonstrates the requirement for a costimulatory receptor in the generation of T cell memory.

Characterization of murine CD70, the ligand of the TNF receptor family member CD27.

Human CD70 (CD27 ligand) is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the TNF family. The protein is not expressed on resting lymphocytes, but is rapidly induced on these cells after cellular activation. Importantly, interaction of CD70 with its receptor CD27 gives a costimulatory signal for lymphocyte activation. Whereas CD27 has been molecularly characterized in the mouse, murine CD70 (mCD70) was undefined until now. Here, we describe the cDNA cloning and initial characterization of mCD70 and the determination of its gene structure. mCD70 is a polypeptide of 195 amino acids that has 62% homology with its human counterpart. In analogy to human CD70, mCD70 transcript levels are strongly but transiently up-regulated during lymphocyte activation, which is in line with a role for the CD27-CD70 receptor pair early in the immune response. In accordance with the comitogenic activity of mCD27-specific mAb, recombinant mCD70 potently costimulates T cell proliferation. Finally, the mCD70 gene consists of three exons spanning approximately 4 kb of DNA and is localized on chromosome 17.

Molecular cloning and characterization of mouse CD97.

The EGF-TM7 family (CD97 and EMR1) is a group of class II seven-span transmembrane receptors predominantly expressed by cells of the immune system. Recently, we have identified CD55, a regulatory molecule of the complement cascade, as a cellular ligand of human CD97 (hCD97). In this study, the molecular properties of mouse CD97 (mCD97) are described. Like hCD97, mCD97 has an extended extracellular region with several epidermal growth factor-like (EGF) domains. Due to alternative RNA splicing, isoforms with three and four EGF domains exist, designated mCD97(EGF1,2,4) and mCD97(EGF1,2, 3,4) respectively. All EGF domains, except for the N-terminal one, possess a calcium-binding site. In a third isoform mCD97(EGF1,2,X,3, 4), a sequence of 45 amino acids was found between the second and third EGF domain that does not correspond to any known protein module. Using newly generated mCD97 mAb, we show that analogous to the blood expression pattern of hCD97, mCD97 can be found on lymphoid and myeloid cells. Adhesion of mouse erythrocytes and splenocytes to COS cells expressing mCD97(EGF1,2,4) or mCD97(EGF1,2, 3,4) could be blocked by mouse CD55 (mCD55) antibody, identifying mCD55 as a cellular ligand for mCD97. Consistent with the necessity of directly linked EGF domains for the integrity of the CD55-binding site on hCD97, no adhesion was detected to the largest mouse isoform mCD97(EGF1,2,X,3,4). Remarkably, we found that the interaction between CD97 and CD55 is phylogenetically restricted, as indicated by the selective adhesion of primate erythrocytes to hCD97 transfectants, and of mouse and rat erythrocytes to mCD97 transfectants respectively.

Lack of IL-12 signaling in human allergen-specific Th2 cells.

IL-12 is a powerful skewer of CD4+ T cell responses toward the Th1 phenotype by inducing IFN-gamma production in naive Th cells. In the present study we addressed the question of whether IL-12 can reverse established Th2 responses into Th1/Th0 responses by inducing IFN-gamma production in memory Th2 cells. To this aim, allergen-specific CD4+ T cell clones (TCC) were generated from the peripheral blood of three atopic patients, and their cytokine profiles were analyzed. The majority of these TCC exhibited a strongly polarized Th2 cytokine profile, and the production of IFN-gamma could not be induced by exogenous IL-12. Only those TCC with low IFN-gamma levels in the absence of IL-12 responded to IL-12 by additional enhancement of IFN-gamma production. The IL-12 nonresponsiveness of the Th2 clones was further evident by the total lack of IL-12-induced phosphorylation of STAT4 (signal transducer and activator of transcription-4), a transcription factor that is typically involved in IL-12 signaling. Consequently, IL-12 also failed to induce the DNA-binding activity of STAT4-containing complexes in the nuclei of these Th2 clones. All TCC expressed equal levels of the low-affinity IL-12R beta1 subunit. Our results indicate that human allergen-specific Th cells with strongly polarized Th2 cytokine profiles do not respond to IL-12 and, therefore, cannot be induced to produce IFN-gamma. The apparent high frequency of IL-12-nonresponsive Th cells within the allergen-specific populations in atopic patients predicts a limited skewing potential of IL-12 in the case of established Th2 responses, but only affecting newly recruited naive Th cells.

A dual role for both CD40-ligand and TNF-alpha in controlling human B cell death.

Members of the TNF-R family are instrumental in controlling lymphoid cell death and survival. A major role in the regulation of murine and human B cell survival and differentiation has been attributed to CD40/CD40-ligand (CD40-L) interactions, but recent in vitro and in vivo data implicate that other receptor-ligand pairs might also be involved. We have used the human Burkitt lymphoma cell line Ramos as a model system to identify additional TNF-R/TNF family members that are implicated in the regulation of B cell apoptosis. Ligation of B cell receptor (BCR) with anti-IgM mAb for 48 h induced apoptosis in approximately 68% of the Ramos B cells. Interestingly, not only CD40 mAb but also rTNF-alpha could efficiently inhibit BCR-induced B cell death. In addition, activated T cells also prevented BCR-triggered apoptosis, and this effect was inhibited completely by a combination of blocking Abs against CD40-L and TNF-alpha. In contrast to the strong effect of BCR ligation, APO-1 mAb induced apoptosis in only +/- 18% of the Ramos cells after 48 h. Noticeably, addition of CD40 mAb or rTNF-alpha increased the percentage of cells (+/- 46%) undergoing apoptosis, which correlated with an increase of Fas/APO-1 membrane expression induced by CD40 or TNF-R ligation. Taken together, we show that CD40/CD40-L and TNF-R/TNF-alpha interactions not only postpone or prevent B cell death, but are also involved in sensitizing B cells for Fas-ligand (Fas-L)-dependent death.

Dissection of pathways leading to antigen receptor-induced and Fas/CD95-induced apoptosis in human B cells.

To dissect intracellular pathways involved in B cell Ag receptor (BCR)-mediated and Fas-induced human B cell death, we isolated clones of the Burkitt lymphoma cell line Ramos with different apoptosis sensitivities. Selection for sensitivity to Fas-induced apoptosis also selected for clones with enhanced BCR death sensitivity and vice versa. In contrast, clones resistant to Fas-mediated apoptosis could still undergo BCR-induced cell death. Based on the functional phenotypes of these clones, we hypothesized that both receptor-induced apoptosis pathways are initially distinct but may eventually converge. Indeed, ligation of both Fas and BCR resulted in cleavage of the IL-1beta-converting enzyme/Ced-3-like protease caspase 3 and its substrates Ac-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-aldehyde and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Markedly, qualitative differences in the caspase 3 cleavage pattern induced by Fas or BCR ligation were observed; whereas Fas ligation generated caspase 3 cleavage products of 19/20 and 17 kDa, only the latter cleavage product was found upon BCR cross-linking. The caspase inhibitor Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone blocked both Fas- and BCR-mediated apoptosis, but differentially affected caspase 3 cleavage induced by either stimulus. Finally, overexpression of a Fas-associated death domain (FADD) dominant-negative mutant protein was found to inhibit Fas-induced apoptosis but not BCR-induced apoptosis. Together our findings imply that Fas and BCR couple, via FADD-dependent and FADD-independent mechanisms, respectively, to distinct proteases upstream of caspase 3.

Constitutive CD27/CD70 interaction induces expansion of effector-type T cells and results in IFNgamma-mediated B cell depletion.

The interaction between the TNF receptor family member CD27 and its ligand CD70 provides a costimulatory signal for T cell expansion. Normally, tightly regulated expression of CD70 ensures the transient availability of this costimulatory signal. Mice expressing constitutive CD70 on B cells had higher peripheral T cell numbers that showed increased differentiation toward effector-type T cells. B cell numbers in CD70 transgenic (TG) mice progressively decreased in primary and secondary lymphoid organs. This B cell depletion was caused by CD27-induced production of IFNgamma in T cells. We conclude that apart from its role in controlling the size of the activated T cell pool, CD27 ligation contributes to immunity by facilitating effector T cell differentiation.