CD40 was originally described as a functionally significant B cell surface molecule. However, CD40 is also expressed on monocytes, dendritic cells, epithelial cells, and basophils. We now report that synovial membrane (SM) or dermal fibroblasts also express cell surface CD40 in vitro. Fibroblast CD40 expression declines with increasing time in culture and recombinant interferon-gamma (rINF-gamma) induces fibroblast CD40 up-regulation. This effect of rINF-gamma is augmented by recombinant interleukin-1 alpha or recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha. CD40 expression on fibroblasts is functionally significant because CD40L-CD40 interactions induce SM fibroblast CD54 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) and CD106 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) up-regulation. Moreover, ligation of CD40 augments IL-6 production by SM fibroblasts and induces fibroblasts to proliferate. In addition, rINF-gamma enhances the effect of CD40L-CD40 interactions on fibroblast proliferation. Taken together, these studies show that fibroblasts can express CD40, cytokines can regulate fibroblast CD40 expression, and CD40 ligation induces fibroblast activation and proliferation.

T cell stimulation usually requires direct contact with viable antigen-presenting cells (APCs). However, we show here that small exosome-like membrane vesicles shed from APCs can be recognized by naïve CD8+ T cells in the absence of viable APCs. T cell antigen receptor-dependent binding of vesicles by CD8+ cells is MHC class I/peptide-specific and requires that the vesicles coexpress intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1, CD54), although not B7 (B7-1). In the absence of B7, T cell binding of vesicles is nonimmunogenic. By contrast, vesicles expressing both ICAM-1 and B7 are strongly immunogenic and cause purified APC-depleted CD8+ cells to mount peptide-specific proliferative responses and differentiate into effector cells.

The adhesion of leukocytes to vascular endothelium is the first step in their passage from the blood into inflammatory tissues. By modulating endothelial cell (EC) adhesiveness for leukocytes, cytokines may regulate leukocyte accumulation and hence the nature and progression of inflammatory responses. We have found that the T cell cytokine IL-4 increases the adhesion of T cells, but not neutrophils, to human umbilical vein EC monolayers. The increase in T cell adhesion induced by IL-4 was dose dependent (ED50 = 5 U/ml) and peaked around 33 U/ml. No increase in adhesion of neutrophils was observed at concentrations of IL-4 up to 1000 U/ml. The kinetic of the increase in T cell adhesion exhibited a steady rise peaking between 18 and 24 h before returning to basal levels by 72 h. The IL-4 specificity of the effect was confirmed by the ability of neutralizing anti-IL-4, but not anti-TNF, antibodies to abolish the effect. The increase in T cell-EC adhesion was due to an effect of IL-4 on EC inasmuch as preincubation of the T cells with IL-4 did not increase T cell binding. Furthermore, preincubation of A549 epithelial cell line monolayers with IL-4 caused no increase in T cell binding whereas A549 cells and EC showed a similarly enhanced adhesiveness for T cells after preincubation with IL-1, TNF, or IFN-gamma. EC treated with IL-4 retained their increased adhesiveness for T cells after light fixation, suggesting that IL-4 up-regulates binding by increasing the expression or accessibility of EC surface receptors for lymphocytes. Although antibodies to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54) and the beta-chain (CD18) of lymphocyte function-associated Ag-1 (CD11a/CD18) partially inhibited T cell adhesion to unstimulated EC, they did not affect the increase in adhesion due to IL-4 stimulation, indicating that the increased binding resulted from the generation of an alternative binding receptor(s) on the EC membrane. These findings suggest that IL-4 may play a role in the selective recruitment of T cells into sites of immune-mediated chronic inflammation.

The functional maturation of dendritic cells (DC) and other antigen-presenting cells is believed to reflect the upregulation of cell surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and other T cell co-stimulatory molecules, especially the CD28 ligands B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86). In this study, we propagated cells exhibiting characteristics of DC precursors from the bone marrow (BM) of B10 mice (H-2b; I-A+) in response to granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The methods used were similar to those employed previously to propagate DC progenitors from normal mouse liver. Cells expressing DC lineage markers (NLDC 145+, 33D1+, N418+) harvested from 8-10-day GM-CSF stimulated BM cell cultures were CD45+, heat-stable antigen+, CD54+, CD44+, MHC class II+, B7-1dim but B7-2- (costimulatory molecule-deficient). Supplementation of cultures with interleukin-4 (IL-4) in addition to GM-CSF however, resulted in marked upregulation of MHC class II and B7-2 expression. These latter cells exhibited potent allostimulatory activity in primary mixed leukocyte cultures. In contrast, the cells stimulated with GM-CSF alone were relatively weak stimulators and induced alloantigen-specific hyporesponsiveness in allogeneic T cells (C3H; H-2k; I-E+) detected upon restimulation in secondary MLR. This was associated with blockade of IL-2 production. Reactivity to third-party stimulators was intact. The hyporesponsiveness induced by the GM-CSF stimulated, costimulatory molecule-deficient cells was prevented by incorporation of anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody in the primary MLR and was reversed by addition of IL-2 to restimulated T cells. The findings show that MHC class II+ B7-2- cells with a DC precursor phenotype can induce alloantigen-specific hyporesponsiveness in vitro. Under the appropriate conditions, such costimulatory molecule-deficient cells could contribute to the induction of donor-specific unresponsiveness in vivo.

Bacterial DNA and synthetic CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) derived thereof have attracted attention because they activate cells of the immune system in a sequence-dependent manner. Here we investigated the potential of CpG-ODNs to cause proliferation, cytokine production, and regulation of surface molecules in human B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. CpG-ODN induced proliferation in both B-CLL cells and normal B cells; however, only B-CLL cells increased proliferative responses when CpG-ODN was added to co-cultures of CD40-ligand transfected mouse fibroblasts (CD40LF) and B cells. Production of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha was detectable at borderline levels, using CpG-ODN as the only stimulus. In contrast, when CpG-ODN was added to co-cultures of B cells and CD40LF, a strong increase in cytokine production occurred in B-CLL cells as well as in normal B cells. The surface molecules CD40, CD58, CD80, CD86, CD54, and MHC class I molecules were up-regulated in B-CLL cells, whereas CD95 expression was not influenced by CpG-ODN stimulation. The same pattern of surface molecule regulation was observed in normal B cells, but up-regulation of CD40 was significantly stronger in B-CLL cells. Costimulation with CpG-ODN and CD40LF resulted in further up-regulation of CD58, CD80, CD86, and MHC class I molecules. In contrast, CD95 expression induced by CD40-ligation was inhibited by CpG-ODN. CpG-ODN activated B-CLL cells acquired a strong stimulatory capacity toward T cells in allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction. This effect was completely inhibited by a combination of anti-CD80 and anti-CD86 monoclonal antibody. Taken together, these findings suggest the possible use of CpG-ODN for immunotherapeutic strategies in patients with B-CLL.

We have previously shown that cytokines and postischemic cardiac lymph induce expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, CD54) on canine adult cardiac myocytes. ICAM-1 expression allows adherence of activated neutrophils to myocytes that is blocked by anti-CD18 mAb, R15.7, or anti-ICAM-1 mAb, CL18/6. Interleukin 1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, or interleukin 6-stimulated cardiac myocytes were loaded with 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin, and oxidation to the fluorescent dichlorofluorescein was monitored. Fluorescence and neutrophil/myocyte adherence followed the same time course, and both were blocked by monoclonal antibodies to CD18, CD11b, and ICAM-1, but mAb R7.1, recognizing a functional epitope on CD11a, was not inhibitory. The iron chelator, desferroxamine, and the hydroxyl radical scavenger, dimethylthiourea, did not inhibit neutrophil adherence, but completely inhibited fluorescence. In contrast, the extracellular oxygen radical scavengers superoxide dismutase and catalase, and the extracellular iron chelator, starch-immobilized desferroxamine, did not affect either fluorescence or adherence. Under the experimental conditions used, no superoxide production could be detected in the extracellular medium. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that fluorescence began within 5 min after neutrophil adherence to an individual myocyte, and myocyte contracture followed rapidly. Fluorescent intensity was highest initially at the site of myocyte-neutrophil adherence. When only neutrophils were loaded with 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein, fluorescence was observed only in those neutrophils adhering to the cardiac myocytes. Thus, adherence dependent on Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) and ICAM-1 (CD54) activates the neutrophil respiratory burst resulting in a highly compartmented iron-dependent myocyte oxidative injury.

Activated neutrophils contribute to the development of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) caused by high-pressure mechanical ventilation. However, exact cellular and molecular mechanisms have not been conclusively studied. Our investigation aimed to examine expression of adhesion molecules by both neutrophils and macrophages in lung lavage fluids of rats with VILI. Further, involvement of proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and profibrogenetic (transforming growth factor-beta 1) mediators was analyzed at mRNA level in lung tissue. Wistar rats were ventilated by high pressure (45 cm H(2)O of peak inspiratory pressure, n = 23) or low pressure (7 cm H(2)O, n = 13) with 0 positive end-expiratory pressure. After 40 min of comparative ventilation, lung lavage was performed in 20 rats from the experimental group and 10 from the control for immunofluorescence analysis with anti-Mac-1 and anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibodies. The lung tissues from remaining rats were subjected to pathological and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction examinations. Although there was no significant change of PaO(2) in the low-pressure group, PaO(2) was decreased in the high-pressure group. The high-pressure group also had greater neutrophil infiltration into alveolar spaces, upregulation of CD54 and CD11b on alveolar macrophages, and more transforming growth factor-beta 1 mRNA in lung tissues. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha was not involved in the pathogenesis of the severe VILI observed. Histologic findings also demonstrated more infiltrating neutrophils, destructive change of the alveolar wall, and deposition of matrix in the high-pressure group. These results suggest that a series of proinflammatory reactions and profibrogenetic process may be involved in the course of VILI.

In this study the time course of homing and the body distribution of systemically delivered bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) after myocardial infarction (MI) were evaluated. BM-MSCs were isolated from Wistar rats, expanded in vitro, and their phenotypical characterization was performed by flow cytometer. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, sham MI, and MI. BM-MSCs (5 x 10(6)) were labeled with (99m)Tc-HMPAO and injected through the tail vein 7 days after MI. Gamma camera imaging was performed at 5, 15, 30, and 60 min after cell inoculation. Due to the (99m)Tc short half-life, cell migration and location were also evaluated in heart sections using DAPI-labeled cells 7 days after transplantation. Phenotypical characterization showed that BM-MSCs were CD90(+), CD73(+), CD54(+), and CD45(-). Five minutes after (99m)Tc-HMPAO-labeled cell injection, they were detected in various tissues. The cells migrated mainly to the lungs (approximately 70%) and, in small amounts, to the heart, kidneys, spleen, and bladder. The number of cells in the heart and lungs decreased after 60 min. MI markedly increased the amount of cells in the heart, but not in the lungs, during the period of observation (4.55 +/- 0.32 vs. 6.34 +/- 0.67% of uptake in infarcted hearts). No significant differences were observed between control and sham groups. Additionally, 7 days after DAPI-labeled cells injection, they were still detected in the heart but only in infarcted areas. These results suggest that the migration of systemically delivered BM-MSCs to the heart is time dependent and MI specifically increases BM-MSCs homing to injured hearts. However, the systemic delivery is limited by cell entrapment in the lungs.

OBJECTIVE

Neutrophil (PMN) recruitment mediated by increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression (ICAM-1, CD54) in the cerebral microvasculature contributes to the pathogenesis of tissue injury in stroke. However, studies using blocking antibodies against the common beta2-integrin subunit on the PMN, the counterligand for ICAM-1 (CD18), have demonstrated equivocal efficacy. The current study tested the hypothesis that mice deficient in CD18 would be protected in the setting of reperfused but not nonreperfused stroke.

METHODS

Two groups of mice were studied, those whose PMNs could express CD18 (CD18 +/+) and those mice hypomorphic for the CD-18 gene (CD18 -/-). PMNs obtained from CD18 -/- or CD18 +/+ mice were fluorescently labeled and tested for binding to murine brain endothelial monolayers. Using a murine model of focal cerebral ischemia in which an occluding suture placed in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is removed after 45 minutes (transient ischemia, reperfused stroke) or left in place (permanent ischemia, nonreperfused stroke), cerebral infarct volumes (% ipsilateral hemisphere by TTC staining), cerebral blood flow (CBF, % contralateral hemisphere by laser-Doppler flowmetry), and survival (%) were examined 24 hours after the initial ischemic event. Adoptive transfer studies used 111In-labeled PMNs (from either CD18 +/+ or CD18 -/- mice) to examine the relative accumulation of PMNs in the ischemic region.

RESULTS

PMNs obtained from CD18 -/- mice exhibit reduced adhesivity (compared with CD18 +/+ PMNs) for both quiescent and cytokine-activated endothelial monolayers. CD18 -/- mice (n=14) subjected to transient focal cerebral ischemia demonstrated a 53% decrease in infarct volumes versus CD18 +/+ mice (n=26, P<0.05), improved penumbral CBF at 24 hours (1.8-fold, P=0.02), and a 3.7-fold decrease in mortality (P=0.02). However, when CD18 -/- mice (n=12) were subjected to permanent focal cerebral ischemia, no differences were noted in infarct volume, mortality, or CBF versus similarly treated CD18 +/+ mice (n=10). There was a greater accumulation of CD18 +/+ PMNs in the ischemic zone of CD18 +/+ animals than CD18 -/- animals subjected to reperfused stroke (82% increase, P=0.02), although there was no difference between groups when subjected to permanent MCA occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Deficiency for the CD18 gene confers cerebral protection in a murine model of reperfused stroke, but this benefit does not extend to CD18-deficient animals subjected to permanent MCA occlusion. These data suggest that anti-PMN strategies should be targeted to reperfused stroke and may perhaps be used in conjunction with thrombolytic therapy that establishes reperfusion.

The mode of action of thalidomide (THD) in clinical cases of vasculitis is still not clear. Expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cell lines was therefore assessed in vitro. THD is capable of changing the density of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) induced ICAM-1 (CD54), VCAM-1 (CD106) and E-selectin antigens on HUVEC. Furthermore, modulation of L-selectin (CD62L) by THD can be demonstrated on human leukocytes in vitro. The molecules investigated are involved in the neutrophil-endothelial cell interaction and participate in the adhesion cascade. Blunting of cytokine induced up-regulation of these adhesion molecules may account at least in part for anti-vasculitic effects of thalidomide.

The skin is an important immunological organ with an outer protective layer, the stratum corneum forming a barrier between the skin-associated lymphoid tissue and the environment. We show that gently removing the stratum corneum with adhesive tape permits potent epicutaneous immunization to protein antigens. IL-4 secretion by T cells from draining lymph nodes and high levels of specific IgE and IgG1 with no IgG2a showed that the immune responses induced following epicutaneous antigen exposure are strongly Th2 biased. Similar responses were obtained with different antigens and mouse strains. In contrast, subcutaneous immunization with antigen delivery into the dermis was less potent and gave predominantly Th1 responses. Removal of the stratum corneum increased expression of MHC class II, CD86, CD40, CD54 and CD11c on Langerhans cells, but did not cause them to migrate. Rapid migration from epidermis to draining lymph node was obtained, however, by exposure to antigen after removal of the stratum corneum, suggesting that maturation and migration of Langerhans cells are independently regulated events. These results suggest that antigen presentation by Langerhans cells gives predominantly Th2 responses. This may provide an explanation for allergic sensitization to some antigens. It may also be a useful non-invasive, non-adjuvant-dependent method of vaccination.

The lone CX3C chemokine, fractalkine (FK), is expressed in a membrane-bound form on activated endothelial cells and mediates attachment and firm adhesion of T cells, monocytes and NK cells. We now show that FK is associated with dendritic cells (DC) in epidermis and lymphoid organs. In normal human skin, dual-color fluorescence microscopy co-localized FK expression with Langerhans cells expressing CD1a. In tonsil, FK-positive DC expressed CD83, a marker for mature DC. Human and murine cultured DC up-regulated FK mRNA expression with maturation. Furthermore, CD40 ligation, but not TNF-alpha or lipopolysaccharide treatment, of activated, migratory DC that had migrated from skin explants resulted in a 2.5-fold increase of surface expression of FK without significant alterations of expression of CD80, CD86, CD54 or MHC class II. Since FK mediates adhesion of T cells to activated endothelial cells, the increased expression of FK during DC maturation (and particularly by CD40 ligation) may play a role in the ability of T cells and mature DC to form conjugates and engage in cell-cell communication.

Activated platelets express P-selectin and release leukocyte chemoattractants; however, they have not been known to express integrin ligands important in the stabilization of leukocyte interactions with the vasculature. We now demonstrate the presence of intercellular adhesion molecular-2 (ICAM-2) (CD102), and lack of expression of other beta 2-integrin ligands, ICAM-1 (CD54) and ICAM-3 (CD50), on the surface of resting and stimulated platelets. ICAM-2 isolated from platelets migrates as a band of 59,000 M(r) in reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Staining of bone marrow aspirates with anti-ICAM-2 mAb demonstrates strong reactivity to megakaryocytes. Using frozen thin sections and immunogold labeling, the antigen was shown to be present on the plasma membrane and surface-connected canalicular system of resting platelets. The average number of ICAM-2 molecules per platelet is 3,000 +/- 230 and does not change after activation. In adhesion assays, resting and stimulated platelets were capable of binding through ICAM-2 to purified leukocyte function-associated antigen-1. Activation of T lymphocytes with PMA stimulated binding to platelets that was Mg2+ dependent and could be specifically inhibited by mAbs to either ICAM-2 or leukocyte function-associated antigen-1. ICAM-2 is the only known beta 2-integrin ligand present on platelets, suggesting that it may play an important role in leukocyte-platelet interactions in inflammation and thrombosis.

IL-10-producing CD4(+) type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells, defined based on their ability to produce high levels of IL-10 in the absence of IL-4, are major players in the induction and maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Tr1 cells inhibit T-cell responses mainly via cytokine-dependent mechanisms. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the suppression of APC by Tr1 cells are still not completely elucidated. Here, we defined that Tr1 cells specifically lyse myeloid APC through a granzyme B (GZB)- and perforin (PRF)-dependent mechanism that requires HLA class I recognition, CD54/lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1 adhesion, and activation via killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs) and CD2. Notably, interaction between CD226 on Tr1 cells and their ligands on myeloid cells, leading to Tr1-cell activation, is necessary for defining Tr1-cell target specificity. We also showed that high frequency of GZB-expressing CD4(+) T cells is detected in tolerant patients and correlates with elevated occurrence of IL-10-producing CD4(+) T cells. In conclusion, the modulatory activities of Tr1 cells are not only due to suppressive cytokines but also to specific cell-to-cell interactions that lead to selective killing of myeloid cells and possibly bystander suppression.

The present study analyzed the feasibility of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor T-cell homing in vivo after loading T cells with superparamagnetic iron oxide (CLIO) nanoparticles derivatized with a peptide sequence from the transactivator protein (Tat) of HIV-1. T cells were isolated from C57BL/6 (B6) mice and loaded with 0, 400, 800, 1600, or 8000 ng/ml of FITC conjugated CLIO-Tat (FITC-CLIO-Tat). There was a dose-dependent uptake of FITC-CLIO-Tat by T cells. Stimulation of FITC-CLIO-Tat loaded T cells with anti-CD3 (0.1 microg/ml) plus IL-2 (5 ng/ml) elicited normal activation and activation-induced cell death (AICD) responses, and normal upregulation of CD69, ICAM-1 (CD54), L-selectin (CD62L), and Fas. The FITC-CLIO-Tat loaded T cells (3 x 10(7)) were transferred intravenously (i.v.) into B6 mice and the in vivo MRI of mice was acquired using a spin-echo pulse sequence at 4.7 T with a Bruker Biospec system. Homing of T cells into the spleen was observed by a decrease in MRI signal intensity within 1 h after the transfer, which remained decreased for 2-24 h after transfer. These homing data were confirmed by FACS analysis and biodistribution analysis using 125I-CLIO-Tat. Thus, T cells can be efficiently loaded with FITC-CLIO-Tat without interfering with their normal activation and AICD, or homing to the spleen, and the biodistribution of FITC-CLIO-Tat loaded T cells can be monitored in vivo over time by MRI.

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in American men, yet treatment of its metastatic androgen-independent form remains inadequate. This mandates development of new therapies such as immunotherapy. In this Phase 2 trial, we determined the efficacy of antigen presenting cells (APCs) loaded with PA2024, a recombinant fusion protein containing prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and GM-CSF.

METHODS

We enrolled 21 patients with histologically documented androgen-independent prostate carcinoma that could be evaluated by radionuclide bone scan or computed tomography scan. APC8015 was prepared from a leukapheresis product; it contained autologous CD54-positive PA2024-loaded APCs with admixtures of monocytes, macrophages, B and T cells. APC8015 was infused intravenously twice, 2 weeks apart. Two weeks after the second infusion, patients received three subcutaneous injections of 1.0 mg of PA2024 1 month apart. We monitored patients' physical condition, immune response, and laboratory parameters.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients could be evaluated for response to treatment. The median time to progression was 118 days. Treatment was tolerated reasonably well; most adverse effects were secondary to APC8015 and were NCI Common Toxicity Criteria Grade 1-2. Four of the 21 patients reported Grade 3-4 adverse events. Two patients exhibited a transient 25-50% decrease in prostate-specific antigen (PSA). For a third patient, PSA dropped from 221 ng/ml at baseline to undetectable levels by week 24 and has remained so for more than 4 years. In addition, this patient's metastatic retroperitoneal and pelvic adenopathy has resolved. PBMC collected from patients for at least 16 weeks proliferated upon in vitro stimulation by PA2024. For the patient with responsive disease, PBMC could be stimulated for 96 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a definite clinical response of androgen-independent prostate cancer to APC immunotherapy. Currently we are studying this mode of therapy in Phase 3 trials.

The protective genes that mediate endothelial cell (EC) survival during angiogenesis have not been completely characterized. Here, we show that an antisense oligonucleotide to the apoptosis inhibitor survivin suppressed de novo expression of survivin in ECs by vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF). In contrast, the survivin antisense oligonucleotide did not affect anti-apoptotic bcl-2 levels in endothelium. When assessed in cell death assays, antisense targeting of survivin abolished the anti-apoptotic function of VEGF against tumor necrosis factor-alpha- or ceramide-induced cell death, enhanced caspase-3 activity, promoted the generation of a approximately 17-kd active caspase-3 subunit, and increased cleavage of the caspase substrate, polyADP ribose polymerase. In contrast, the survivin antisense oligonucleotide had no effect on EC viability in the absence of VEGF. Antisense oligonucleotides to platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1, CD31), lymphocyte function-associated molecule-3 (LFA-3, CD58), or intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, CD54) did not reduce the anti-apoptotic function of VEGF in endothelium. When tested on other angiogenic activities mediated by VEGF, survivin antisense treatment induced rapid regression of three-dimensional vascular capillary networks, but did not affect EC migration/chemotaxis. These data suggest that the anti-apoptotic properties of VEGF during angiogenesis are primarily mediated by the induced expression of survivin in ECS: Manipulation of this pathway may increase EC viability in compensatory angiogenesis or facilitate EC apoptosis and promote vascular regression during tumor angiogenesis.

Thrombin, a central molecule in coagulation, is also involved in inflammation. Notably, thrombin induces endothelial neutrophil adhesion, P- and E-selectin expression, and chemokine production. We show here that thrombin induces expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1; CD54) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1; CD106) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) associated with increased adhesion of monocytes. Thrombin increased mRNA steady-state levels and expression of ICAM-1 over 24 hours. Thrombin-induced VCAM-1 expression exhibited unusual kinetics, reaching maximum levels after 6 to 12 hours, but decreasing to near baseline after 24 hours. Thrombin activity on HUVECs was mediated through interaction with its specific receptor, because ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression were similarly induced by the 14-amino acid thrombin receptor-activating peptide. Thrombin-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression was significantly inhibited by hirudin, but not by interleukin-1 receptor antagonist or anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha monoclonal antibody (MoAb). Thrombin-activated HUVECs significantly increased greater numbers of adhering THP-1 macrophagic cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, or purified monocytes than unstimulated HUVECs. This adhesion was inhibited by anti-CD18 and anti-CD49d MoAb, demonstrating that thrombin-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were functional. These results show that, in addition to selectins, thrombin directly induces a cytokine-independent expression of adhesion molecules of the Ig superfamily on HUVECs that may support firm leukocyte attachment during inflammation.

Maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) is critical for initiation of immune responses and is regulated by various stimulatory signals. We assessed the role of galectin (Gal)-9 in DC maturation. Culture of immature DCs with exogenous Gal-9 markedly increased the surface expression of CD40, CD54, CD80, CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR in a dose-dependent manner, although Gal-9 had no or little effect on differentiation of human monocytes into immature DCs. Gal-9-treated DCs secreted IL-12 but not IL-10, and they elicited the production of Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma and IL-2) but not that of the Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-5) by allogeneic CD4+ T cells. These effects of Gal-9 on immature DCs were not essentially dependent on its lectin properties, given that they were inhibited only slightly by lactose. We further found that a Gal-9 mutant that lacks beta-galactoside binding activity reproduced the above activities and that an anti-Gal-9 mAb suppressed them. Gal-9 induced phosphorylation of the MAPK p38 and ERK1/2 in DCs, and an inhibitor of p38 signaling, but not inhibitors of signaling by either ERK1/2 or PI3K, blocked Gal-9-induced up-regulation of costimulatory molecule expression and IL-12 production. These findings suggest that Gal-9 plays a role not only in innate immunity but also in acquired immunity by inducing DC maturation and promoting Th1 immune responses.

Stem cells (SC) are able to self-renew and to differentiate into many types of committed cells, making SCs interesting for cellular therapy. However, the pool of SCs in vivo and in vitro consists of a mix of cells at several stages of differentiation, making it difficult to obtain a homogeneous population of SCs for research. Therefore, it is important to isolate and characterize unambiguous molecular markers that can be applied to SCs. Here, we review classical and new candidate molecular markers that have been established to show a molecular profile for human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The commonly cited markers for embryonic ESCs are Nanog, Oct-4, Sox-2, Rex-1, Dnmt3b, Lin-28, Tdgf1, FoxD3, Tert, Utf-1, Gal, Cx43, Gdf3, Gtcm1, Terf1, Terf2, Lefty A, and Lefty B. MSCs are primarily identified by the expression of CD13, CD29, CD44, CD49e, CD54, CD71, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD106, CD166, and HLA-ABC and lack CD14, CD31, CD34, CD45, CD62E, CD62L, CD62P, and HLA-DR expression. HSCs are mainly isolated based on the expression of CD34, but the combination of this marker with CD133 and CD90, together with a lack of CD38 and other lineage markers, provides the most homogeneous pool of SCs. Here, we present new and alternative markers for SCs, along with microRNA profiles, for these cells.

Systemic inflammation can be investigated by changes in expression profiles of neutrophil receptors. Application of this technology for analysis of neutrophil phenotypes in diseased tissues is hampered by the absence of information regarding the modulation of neutrophil phenotypes after extravasation to tissues under non-inflammatory conditions. To fill this gap we measured the expression of neutrophil receptors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and in the peripheral blood of healthy volunteers, which included both smokers and non-smokers. Blood and BALF neutrophils were identified by CD16(bright)/CD45(dim) cells, and triple-stained with antibodies directed against integrins, chemokine- and Fc gamma-receptors. BALF neutrophils of healthy volunteers showed an activated phenotype characterized by Mac-1 (CD11b)(bright), L-selectin (CD62L)(dim), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) (CD54)(bright), Fc gamma RII (CD32)(bright), C5a receptor (CD88)(bright) and CD66b(bright). A similar phenotype was observed for BALF neutrophils of patients affected by sarcoidosis. Furthermore, our results demonstrate a modulated expression of C5a receptor (CD88) and ICAM-1 (CD54) in neutrophils of sarcoidosis patients. In conclusion, our data indicate that neutrophils found in the lung exhibit an activated phenotype under both homeostatic and inflammatory conditions.

Lymphocyte migration to inflammatory sites is an essential factor in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation. An ensemble of adhesion receptors mediating lymphocyte-endothelial cell recognition and binding are thought to play a crucial role in this process. In the present study, we have explored the molecular basis of lymphocyte adhesion to endothelium in the synovial membrane of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We established that the very late antigen-4 [VLA-4 (CD49d)] and the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) are important mediators of binding to synovial endothelium of resting and, to a greater extent, of activated T lymphocytes, whereas the leukocyte-function associated antigen-1 [LFA-1 (CD11a/18)]/intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1 (CD54)] pathway is less important in this interaction. In contrast to its prominent role in lymphocyte interaction with endothelium in rheumatoid synovium, the VLA-4/VCAM-1 pathway does not significantly contribute to lymphocyte adhesion to peripheral lymph node high endothelial venule. Thus, the VLA-4/VCAM-1 pathway may be of primary importance in mediating lymphocyte adhesion to inflamed endothelium and in lymphocyte homing to rheumatoid synovium.

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells able to differentiate into different cell lineages. However, MSCs represent a subpopulation of a more complex cell composition of stroma cells contained in mesenchymal tissue. Due to a lack of specific markers, it is difficult to distinguish MSCs from other more mature stromal cells such as fibroblasts, which, conversely, are abundant in mesenchymal tissue. In order to find more distinguishing features between MSCs and fibroblasts, we studied the phenotypic and functional features of human adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) side by side with normal human dermal fibroblasts (HNDFs) in vitro

METHODS

AD-MSCs and HNDFs were cultured, expanded and phenotypically characterized by flow cytometry (FC). Immunofluorescence was used to investigate cell differentiation. ELISA assay was used to quantify angiogenic factors and chemokines release. Cultures of endothelial cells (ECs) and a monocyte cell line, U937, were used to test angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

RESULTS

Cultured AD-MSCs and HNDFs display similar morphological appearance, growth rate, and phenotypic profile. They both expressed typical mesenchymal markers-CD90, CD29, CD44, CD105 and to a minor extent, the adhesion molecules CD54, CD56, CD106 and CD166. They were negative for the stem cell markers CD34, CD146, CD133, CD117. Only aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) was expressed. Neither AD-MSCs nor HNDFs differed in their multi-lineage differentiation capacity; they both differentiated into osteoblast, adipocyte, and also into cardiomyocyte-like cells. In contrast, AD-MSCs, but not HNDFs, displayed strong angiogenic and anti-inflammatory activity. AD-MSCs released significant amounts of VEGF, HGF and Angiopoietins and their conditioned medium (CM) stimulated ECs proliferation and tube formations. In addition, CM-derived AD-MSCs (AD-MSCs-CM) inhibited adhesion molecules expression on U937 and release of RANTES and MCP-1. Finally, after priming with TNFα, AD-MSCs enhanced their anti-inflammatory potential; while HNDFs acquired pro-inflammatory activity.

CONCLUSIONS

AD-MSCs cannot be distinguished from HNDFs in vitro by evaluating their phenotypic profile or differentiation potential, but only through the analysis of their anti-inflammatory and angiogenic properties. These results underline the importance of evaluating the angiogenic and anti-inflammatory features of MSCs preparation. Their priming with inflammatory cytokines prior to transplantation may improve their efficacy in cell-based therapies for tissue regeneration.

These studies test whether allograft rejection can be blocked by interference with leukocyte adhesion, using a murine IgG2a mAb (R6.5) reactive with monkey ICAM-1 (CD54). In 16 Cynomolgus renal allograft recipients, R6.5 was administered prophylactically as the sole immunosuppressive agent for 12 days (0.01 to 2 mg/kg/day). Survival in 14 recipients with technically successful grafts was significantly prolonged (24.2 +/- 2.4 vs 9.2 +/- 0.6 days for controls; p less than 0.001). Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54) (ICAM-1) was expressed on vascular endothelium in the kidney and other organs in the monkey in a pattern similar to that in humans. During cellular rejection in controls, ICAM-1 expression increased on endothelial cells, infiltrating mononuclear leukocytes and tubular cells. Biopsies during R6.5 administration showed decreased T cell infiltration (CD2, CD8, CD4) compared with controls and decreased arterial endothelial inflammation. No changes occurred in circulating T cells, aside from variable coating with mIgG. In six of eight other recipients R6.5 administration (0.5 to 2 mg/kg/day for 10 days) reversed preexisting rejection that resulted from taper of Cyclosporine to subtherapeutic levels. Responding grafts showed decreased edema and hemorrhage but no consistent change in the infiltrate. At 1 h after the first dose, mouse IgG deposited primarily on the graft vascular endothelium without any change in the inflammatory infiltrate. Mouse IgG also deposited on the endothelium of normal organs without eliciting an inflammatory response and was cleared from the endothelium within 4 days. Inasmuch as the principal site of binding was the vascular endothelium, we hypothesize that the antibody blocks adhesion to graft ICAM-1 molecules on the vessels. Anti-ICAM-1 also binds to recipient cells and may interfere with Ag presentation and/or T cell interactions. Whatever the mechanism(s), these studies indicate that an anti-ICAM-1 antibody inhibits T cell mediated injury in vivo, and that ICAM-1 is a critical molecule in the pathogenesis of allograft rejection.