N6-methylated adenine on the target sites of mamA from Mycobacterium bovis BCG enhances macrophage activation by CpG DNA in mice.

CpG motifs in DNA sequences are recognized by Toll-like receptor 9 and activate immune cells. Bacterial genomic DNA (gDNA) has modified cytosine bases (5-methylcytosine [5 mC]) and modified adenine bases (6-methyladenine [6 mA]). 5 mC inhibits immune activation by CpG DNA; however, it is unclear whether 6 mA inhibits immune activation by CpG DNA. Mycobacterium bovis BCG (BCG) has three adenine methyltransferases (MTases) that act on specific target sequences. In this study, we examined whether the 6 mA at the target sites of adenine MTases affected the immunostimulatory activity of CpG DNA. Our results showed that only 6 mA located at the target sequence of mamA, an adenine MTase from BCG, enhanced interleukin (IL)-12p40 production from murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) stimulated with CpG DNA. Enhancement of IL-12p40 production in BMDMs was also observed when BMDMs were stimulated with CpG DNA ligated to oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) harboring 6 mA. Accordingly, we then evaluated whether gDNA from adenine MTase-deficient BCG was less efficient with regard to stimulation of BMDMs. Indeed, gDNA from a mamA-deficient BCG had less ability to activate BMDMs than that from wild-type BCG. We concluded from these results that adenine methylation on ODNs and bacterial gDNA may enhance immune activity induced by CpG DNA.

Optimization of 8-oxoadenines with toll-like-receptor 7 and 8 activity.

Toll-like receptors 7 and 8 (TLR7/8) agonists are potent immunostimulants that are attracting considerable interest as vaccine adjuvants. We recently reported the synthesis of a new series of 2-O-butyl-8-oxoadenines substituted at the 9-position with various linkers and N-heterocycles, and showed that TLR7/8 selectivity, potency and cytokine induction could be modulated by varying the alkyl linker length and the N-heterocyclic ring. In the present study, we further optimized the oxoadenine scaffold by investigating the effect of different substituents at the 2-position of the oxoadenine on TLR7/8 potency/selectivity, cytokine induction and DC maturation in human PBMCs. The results show that introducing a 1-(S)-methylbutoxy group at the 2-position of the oxoadenine significantly increased potency for TLR7/8 activity, cytokine induction and DC maturation.

Analysis of immunological mechanisms exerted by HBsAg-HBIG therapeutic vaccine combined with Adefovir in chronic hepatitis B patients.

An HBsAg-HBIG therapeutic vaccine (Yeast-derived Immune Complexes, YIC) for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients has undergone a series of clinical trials. The HBeAg sero-conversion rate of YIC varied from 21.9% to 14% depending on the immunization protocols from 6 to 12 injections. To analyze the immunological mechanisms exerted by 6 injections of YIC, 44 CHB patients were separately immunized with YIC, alum as adjuvant control or normal saline as blank control, with add on of antiviral drug Adefovir in all groups. Kinetic increase in Th1 and Th2 cells CD4+ T cell sub-populations with association in decrease in Treg cells and increase of Tc1 and Tc17 cells in CD8+ T cells were observed in YIC immunized group. No such changes were found in the other groups. By multifunctional analysis of cytokine profiles, significant increase of IL-2 levels was observed, both in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the YIC immunized group, accompanied by increase in IFN-gamma and decrease of inhibitory factors (IL-10, TGF-ß and Foxp3) in CD4+ T cells. In the alum immunized group, slight increase of IL-10, TGF-ß and Foxp3 in CD4+ T cells was found after the second injection, but decreased after more injections, suggesting that alum induced early inflammatory responses to a certain extent. Similar patterns of responses of IL-17A and TNF-α in CD8+T cells were shown between YIC and the saline group. Results indicate that add on of Adefovir, did not affect host specific immune responses.

Conjugation of weak ligands with weak antigens to activate TLR-7: A step toward better vaccine adjuvants.

To study the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR-7) agonists based on 8-oxoadenines, a novel subset of C9-substituted 8-hydroxy-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)-adenines and their antigen conjugates were synthesized. In vitro, the ability of cytokines (IL-12p70 and IFN-γ) induction of ligands with alkyl acid at C9-position were very weak compared with benzoic acid counter parts. Unexpectedly, its antigen conjugates that conjugated with proteins or peptides with weak immunogenicity, showed enhanced activity of cytokines induction. After administered systemically in mice in vivo, all conjugates induced prolonged increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and antigen-specific IgG levels in serum compared with free compounds. Results from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations further confirmed the conclusion and provided the details of interaction to explain the phenomenon of experiment. In conclusion, we discovered that TLR-7 could be activated via some conjugates of weak ligand and weak antigen, which could be safer adjuvant candidates for vaccines in the future.

Synthetic Toll-like receptor 7 ligand inhibits porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection in primary porcine alveolar macrophages.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), a common viral pathogen, causes huge annual economic losses to the swine industry worldwide. After triggering by specific ligands, the Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), a type of pattern-recognition receptor (PRR), induces antiviral cytokines production. Previously, we synthesized an adenine analog, designated SZU101, a TLR7-specific ligand. In this study, we assessed the inhibitory effect of SZU101 on PRRSV infection in vitro. SZU101 significantly suppressed PRRSV infection in primary porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SZU101-induced inhibition involved NF-κB pathway activation in PAMs to initiate expression of TLR7-mediated cytokines and induce expression of downstream signaling IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Chloroquine, a TLR7 inhibitor, and BAY 11-7082, an NF-κB inhibitor, reversed both the SZU101-induced antiviral effect and induction of cytokine genes and ISGs expression. Therefore, SZU101 antiviral effects depend at least in part on TLR7-NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, administration of SZU101 enhanced the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses against PRRSV antigens in mice. Given these results, SZU101 holds promise as an antiviral agent and a vaccine adjuvant to prevent PRRSV infection in pigs.

Perspectives in vaccine adjuvants for allergen-specific immunotherapy.

The design of more powerful adjuvants is a tool of crucial interest to ameliorate vaccination strategies to reduce injections and/or dose of antigen, induce local immunity and obtain better protection. Effective anti-infectious vaccines should elicit protective TH1 responses, cytotoxic CD8+ cells and antibody-forming cells. However, cytokine microenvironment is a key point also in targeted therapeutic vaccinations, such as allergen-specific immunotherapy, where the interference with an already-existing but inappropriate immunity is required. In this case, safe, appropriately conditioning and potentially orally available adjuvants together with delivery to appropriate subsets of dendritic cells would be highly appreciated to properly boost innate immune cells. In fact, aluminium hydroxide, although safe, has been classically associated with the induction of a TH2 response to co-formulated antigens. Thus, detoxified lipopolysaccaride (MPL-A), CpG oligonucleotides, imidazoquinolines and adenine derivatives acting via innate sensors may represent improvements in therapeutic vaccinations for allergy as able to interfere with pathogenic TH2 cells with eventual induction of TH1 differentiation.

Innate immunity induced by composition-dependent RIG-I recognition of hepatitis C virus RNA.

Innate immune defences are essential for the control of virus infection and are triggered through host recognition of viral macromolecular motifs known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an RNA virus that replicates in the liver, and infects 200 million people worldwide. Infection is regulated by hepatic immune defences triggered by the cellular RIG-I helicase. RIG-I binds PAMP RNA and signals interferon regulatory factor 3 activation to induce the expression of interferon-alpha/beta and antiviral/interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) that limit infection. Here we identify the polyuridine motif of the HCV genome 3' non-translated region and its replication intermediate as the PAMP substrate of RIG-I, and show that this and similar homopolyuridine or homopolyriboadenine motifs present in the genomes of RNA viruses are the chief feature of RIG-I recognition and immune triggering in human and murine cells. 5' terminal triphosphate on the PAMP RNA was necessary but not sufficient for RIG-I binding, which was primarily dependent on homopolymeric ribonucleotide composition, linear structure and length. The HCV PAMP RNA stimulated RIG-I-dependent signalling to induce a hepatic innate immune response in vivo, and triggered interferon and ISG expression to suppress HCV infection in vitro. These results provide a conceptual advance by defining specific homopolymeric RNA motifs within the genome of HCV and other RNA viruses as the PAMP substrate of RIG-I, and demonstrate immunogenic features of the PAMP-RIG-I interaction that could be used as an immune adjuvant for vaccine and immunotherapy approaches.

Synthesis of guanidino analogues of PMPDAP and their immunobiological activity.

A series of novel 9-, 7- and 3-substituted 2- or 6-guanidinopurines as analogues of potent antiviral and immunobiologically active compound enantiomers of PMPDAP was synthesized and evaluated for their biological activity. Compounds containing the combination of guanidino and amino group at the purine moiety enhanced the interferon-gamma-triggered NO production in murine macrophages and stimulated the secretion of cytokines and chemokines in both murine macrophages and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The most active compounds are 27 and 54. None of the compounds tested exhibited any significant cytostatic effect or antiviral effect.

Purine P1 receptor-dependent immunostimulatory effects of antiviral acyclic analogues of adenine and 2,6-diaminopurine.

Acyclic nucleoside phosphonates are widely recognised antivirals. The oral prodrugs of prototype compounds, e.g., 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]adenine (PMEA; adefovir), and 9-(R)-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine [(R)-PMPA; tenofovir] were approved by FDA for treatment of hepatitis B (Hepsera), and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (Viread), respectively. A number of acyclic nucleoside phosphonates possess immunostimulatory activity. The present experiments demonstrate that activation of cytokine and chemokine secretion is mediated by adenosine receptors. Included in the study were 9-(R)-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine [tenofovir], N(6)-cyclopentyl-(R)-9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]-2,6-diaminopurine, N(6)-cyclopropyl-(R)-9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]-2,6-diaminopurine, and N(6)-isobutyl-9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]-2,6-diaminopurine. All of them activate secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-10 (IL-10), "regulated on activation of normal T cell expressed and secreted" (RANTES/CCL5), and macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha/CCL3) in murine macrophages. With exception of MIP-1alpha, the effects were inhibited by antagonists of adenosine A(1), A(2B), and A(3) receptors (not by adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist). The adenosine A(1) receptor antagonist inhibited TNF-alpha, IL-10, and RANTES, adenosine A(2B) receptor antagonist inhibited TNF-alpha and RANTES, and adenosine A(3) receptor antagonist inhibited IL-10 and RANTES. The suppression is due to decreased transcription of cytokine mRNA. It may be suggested that acyclic nucleoside phosphonates are nonspecific ligands for purine P(1) receptors.

Dose-dependent influence of didanosine on immune recovery in HIV-infected patients treated with tenofovir.

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and didanosine (ddI) has been associated with poor immune recovery despite virologic success. This effect might be related to ddI toxicity since ddI exposure is substantially increased by TDF. OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether immune recovery during ART with TDF and ddI is ddI-dose dependent. DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal analysis of immune recovery measured by the CD4 T-cell slope in 614 patients treated with ART containing TDF with or without ddI. Patients were stratified according to the tertiles of their weight-adjusted ddI dose: low dose (< 3.3 mg/kg), intermediate dose (3.3-4.1 mg/kg) and high dose (> 4.1 mg/kg). Cofactors modifying the degree of immune recovery after starting TDF-containing ART were identified by univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses. RESULTS: CD4 T-cell slopes were comparable between patients treated with TDF and a weight-adjusted ddI-dose of < 4.1 mg/kg per day (n = 143) versus TDF-without-ddI (n = 393). In the multivariable model the slopes differed by -13 CD4 T cells/mul per year [95% confidence interval (CI), -42 to 17; P = 0.40]. In contrast, patients treated with TDF and a higher ddI dose (> 4.1 mg/kg per day, n = 78) experienced a significantly impaired immune recovery (-47 CD4 T cells/microl per year; 95% CI, -82 to -12; P = 0.009). The virologic response was comparable between the different treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Immune recovery is impaired, when high doses of ddI (> 4.1 mg/kg) are given in combination with TDF. If the dose of ddI is adjusted to less than 4.1 mg/kg per day, immune recovery is similar to other TDF-containing ART regimen.

Macrophages are a source of extracellular adenosine deaminase-2 during inflammatory responses.

Serum activity of the adenosine deaminase (ADA) isozyme, ADA2, has been reported to be elevated during various disease states. Macrophages have been suggested as the cellular source of extracellular ADA activity because they are one of the only cell types in which intracellular ADA2 activity has been measured, but extracellular secretion has never been demonstrated. Rat primary peritoneal macrophages (PPMs) and peripheral blood monocytes (PBMs) were harvested and incubated for 18 h in RPMI supplemented with horse serum. PPM and PBM lysates were assayed for intracellular ADA activity (ammonia production). In vitro and in vivo extracellular ADA activities were measured in media and rat serum, respectively. Activity of ADA1 was confirmed by selective inhibition with erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine (EHNA). ADA2 activity was inhibited by 2'-deoxycoformcin only, and was increased at a low pH (6.5). Activity of both ADA isozymes was found in PPMs and PBMs, and their media. In a separate group of rats, peritonitis was induced by ip insertion of 400 mg/kg caecal slurry. PPMs were harvested 24 h later and incubated for 18 h. In PPMs from rats with peritonitis both isozymes were elevated by a similar proportion. In contrast, media from these PPMs had a lower ADA1 and a higher ADA2 activity compared to PPMs from nonseptic rats. This resulted in a greater proportion of ADA2 in media. The isozyme proportions in serum from septic rats more closely resembled that of the PPM media. The response of PBM was small relative to that of PPM. These results suggest that macrophages are a significant source of extracellular ADA isozymes, the activity of which increases during an inflammatory response. Because extracellular isozymes profiles differ from cellular concentrations, the data also suggest differential release of each isozyme from PPMs.

Immunomodulatory properties of 9-(2-phosphonomethoxyethyl)-adenine (PMEA).

PMEA was found to influence the immune system of the mouse and rat in vivo in different ways. PMEA administered after injection of parental splenocytes to F1 recipients reduced the development of local graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR). However, PMEA treatment of donors of splenocytes had no influence on GVHR. Modifications in the immune system triggered by PMEA were confirmed in the rat model by evaluation of subsets of white blood cells isolated from peripheral blood by a set of monoclonal antibodies. Enhanced formation of nitric oxide (NO) was found in both unconditioned and LPS-stimulated macrophage cultures on day 14 of the drug treatment of rats.

[Multicenter clinical evaluation of red cell concentrates stored up to 6 weeks in MAP, a new additive solution].

The clinical safety and efficacy of transfusion of red cell concentrates stored in MAP solution (MAP-CRC) containing mannitol, adenine, glucose, phosphate and citrate, into 39 anemic patients were evaluated. In 23 patients, infusion of MAP-CRC was alternated with infusion of ordinary CRC as a control. The MAP-CRC and CRC used in this study were stored at 4 degrees C for an average of 38.2 +/- 2.6 days (n = 52) and 18.1 +/- 2.2 days (n = 26), respectively. Red cell recovery was 77.5% for MAP-CRC and 82.5% for CRC, based on calculation of the increase in hemoglobin level one day after transfusion. There were no differences between patients transfused with MAP-CRC and those transfused with CRC in clinical findings or biochemical data. No major side-effects other than pyrexia associated with the underlying infections were seen in patients transfused with MAP-CRC. MAP-CRC stored up to 42 days is apparently as safe and effective as stored CRC. This new additive solution may therefore be useful for the future expansion of the indications for autologous blood transfusion by facilitating the collection and storage of more blood in the liquid state for a longer period, and may also be useful in obtaining more plasma from whole blood as source plasma.

Effectiveness of arprinocid in the reduction of cryptosporidial activity in immunosuppressed rats.

Immunosuppressed rats inoculated with Cryptosporidium oocysts isolated from calves' feces were treated with arprinocid, 50 mg/kg of body weight/d. As determined from differences in the mean number of cryptosporidial developmental stages per villus in treated vs control rats, arprinocid had a substantial effect on cryptosporidial activity, which was parasitistatic instead of parasiticidal. Drug-ranging experiments indicated that arprinocid was effective at 50 and 25 mg/kg/d, but not at 12.5 mg/kg/d. These results suggest that further testing of arprinocid in different animal models, or in phase-I clinical trials, is warranted.