Jong R. Kim

Human CD57+ Germinal Center-T Cells are the Major Helpers for GC-B Cells and Induce Class Switch Recombination

BackgroundThe function of CD57+ CD4+ T cells, constituting a major subset of germinal center T (GC-Th) cells in human lymphoid tissues, has been unclear. There have been contradictory reports regarding the B cell helping function of CD57+ GC-Th cells in production of immunoglobulin (Ig). Furthermore, the cytokine and co-stimulation requirement for their helper activity remains largely unknown. To clarify and gain more insight into their function in helping B cells, we systematically investigated the capacity of human tonsil CD57+ GC-Th cells in inducing B cell Ig synthesis.ResultsWe demonstrated that CD57+ GC-Th cells are highly efficient in helping B cell production of all four subsets of Ig (IgM, IgG, IgA and IgE) compared to other T-helper cells located in germinal centers or interfollicular areas. CD57+ GC-Th cells were particularly more efficient than other T cells in helping GC-B cells but not naïve B cells. CD57+ GC-Th cells induced the expression of activation-induced cytosine deaminase (AID) and class switch recombination in developing B cells. IgG1-3 and IgA1 were the major Ig isotypes induced by CD57+ GC-Th cells. CD40L, but not IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ, was critical in CD57+ GC-Th cell-driven B cell production of Ig. However, IL-10, when added exogenously, significantly enhanced the helper activity of CD57+ GC-Th cells, while TGF-β1 completely and IFN-γ partially suppressed the CD57+ GC-Th cell-driven Ig production.ConclusionsCD57+CD4+ T cells in the germinal centers of human lymphoid tissues are the major T helper cell subset for GC-B cells in Ig synthesis. Their helper activity is consistent with their capacity to induce AID and class switch recombination, and can be regulated by CD40L, IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β.

Altered expression of signalling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) family receptors CS1 (CD319) and 2B4 (CD244) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

CS1 (CRACC, CD319) and 2B4 (CD244), members of the signalling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) family receptors, regulate various immune functions. Genes encoding SLAM family receptors are located at 1q23, implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we have investigated the expression and alternative splicing of CS1 and 2B4 in immune cells from SLE patients. The surface expression of CS1 and 2B4 on total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), T, B, natural killer (NK) cells and monocytes in 45 patients with SLE and 30 healthy individuals was analysed by flow cytometry. CS1‐positive B cell population was increased significantly in SLE patients. Because CS1 is a self‐ligand and homophilic interaction of CS1 induces B cell proliferation and autocrine cytokine secretion, this could account for autoreactive B cell proliferation in SLE. The proportion of NK cells and monocytes expressing 2B4 on their surface was significantly lower in patients with SLE compared to healthy controls. Our study demonstrated altered expression of splice variants of CS1 and 2B4 that mediate differential signalling in PBMC from patients with SLE.

Functional role of human NK cell receptor 2B4 (CD244) isoforms

2B4 (CD244), a member of the signaling lymphocyte‐activation molecule (SLAM/CD150), is expressed on all NK cells, a subpopulation of T cells, monocytes and basophils. Human NK cells express two isoforms of 2B4, h2B4‐A and h2B4‐B that differ in a small portion of the extracellular domain. In the present investigation, we have studied the functions of h2B4‐A and h2B4‐B. Our study demonstrated that these two isoforms differ in their binding affinity for CD48, which results in differential cytotoxic activity as well as intracellular calcium release by NK cells upon target cell recognition. Analysis of the predicted 3‐D structure of the two isoforms showed conformational differences that could account for their differences in binding affinity to CD48. h2B4‐A was able to mediate natural cytotoxicity against CD48‐expressing K562 target cells and induce intracellular calcium release, whereas h2B4‐B showed no effects. NK‐92MI, U937, THP‐1, KU812, primary monocytes, basophils and NK cells showed expression of both h2B4‐A and h2B4‐B whereas YT and IL‐2‐activated NK cells did not show any h2B4‐B expression. Stimulation of NK cells through 2B4 resulted in decreased mRNA levels of both h2B4‐A and h2B4‐B indicating that down‐regulation of 2B4 isoforms may be an important factor in controlling NK cell activation during immune responses.

CS1 (SLAMF7) inhibits production of proinflammatory cytokines by activated monocytes

Objective and designCS1 (CRACC, CD319, SLAMF7) is a member of the Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule family expressed on immune cells mediating host defense. CS1 is a self-ligand and has both activating and inhibitory functions in Natural Killer cells. However, the function of CS1 in human monocytes is currently unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the control of CS1 surface expression in activated monocytes and to assess the effect of CS1 triggering on proinflammatory cytokine production by monocytes.Material, methods and treatmentHuman monocytes were isolated from PBMC of healthy volunteers by magnetic depletion method or FACS sorting. The monocytes were cultured with or without LPS (1 μg/ml) in the presence or absence of various pharmacological inhibitors to inhibit NF-кB and PI3K signaling pathways. The cells were stimulated with anti-CS1 antibody or isotype control. Total RNA was extracted and RT-PCR was performed using specific primers for CS1 and EAT-2. Cell supernatants were collected and cytokine levels (TNF-α and IL-12p70) were determined by sandwich ELISA.ResultsOur study revealed that adherent or LPS-activated monocytes express CS1, and CS1 induction is via NF-кB and PI3K pathways. Importantly, cross-linking CS1 resulted in reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-12p70 by LPS-activated monocytes.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that CS1 plays an inhibitory role in human monocytes to control proinflammatory immune responses.

Inclusion of flagellin during vaccination against influenza enhances recall responses in nonhuman primate neonates

ABSTRACT Influenza virus can cause life-threatening infections in neonates and young infants. Although vaccination is a major countermeasure against influenza, current vaccines are not approved for use in infants less than 6 months of age, in part due to the weak immune response following vaccination. Thus, there is a strong need to develop new vaccines with improved efficacy for this vulnerable population. To address this issue, we established a neonatal African green monkey (AGM) nonhuman primate model that could be used to identify effective influenza vaccine approaches for use in young infants. We assessed the ability of flagellin, a Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) agonist, to serve as an effective adjuvant in this at-risk population. Four- to 6-day-old AGMs were primed and boosted with inactivated PR8 influenza virus (IPR8) adjuvanted with either wild-type flagellin or inactive flagellin with a mutation at position 229 (m229), the latter of which is incapable of signaling through TLR5. Increased IgG responses were observed following a boost, as well as at early times after challenge, in infants vaccinated with flagellin-adjuvanted IPR8. Inclusion of flagellin during vaccination also resulted in a significantly increased number of influenza virus-specific T cells following challenge compared to the number in infants vaccinated with the m229 adjuvant. Finally, following challenge infants vaccinated with IPR8 plus flagellin exhibited a reduced pathology in the lungs compared to that in infants that received IPR8 plus m229. This study provides the first evidence of flagellin-mediated enhancement of vaccine responses in nonhuman primate neonates. IMPORTANCE Young infants are particularly susceptible to severe disease as a result of influenza virus infection. Compounding this is the lack of effective vaccines for use in this vulnerable population. Here we describe a vaccine approach that results in improved immune responses and protection in young infants. Incorporation of flagellin during vaccination resulted in increased antibody and T cell responses together with reduced disease following virus infection. These results suggest that flagellin may serve as an effective adjuvant for vaccines targeted to this vulnerable population.

Protein nanoparticle vaccine based on flagellin carrier fused to influenza conserved epitopes confers full protection against influenza A virus challenge

Currently marketed influenza vaccines only confer protection against matching influenza virus strains. The influenza A composition of these vaccines needs to be annually updated. Vaccines that target conserved epitopes of influenza viruses would in principle offer broad cross-protection against influenza A viruses. In our study, we investigated the specific immune responses and protective efficacy of protein nanoparticles based on fusion proteins of flagellin carrier linked to conserved influenza epitopes. We designed fusion proteins by replacing the hyperimmunogenic region of flagellin (FliC) with four tandem copies of the ectodomain of matrix protein 2 (f4M2e), H1 HA2 domain (fHApr8) or H3 HA2 domain (fHAaichi). Protein nanoparticles fabricated from these fusion proteins by using DTSSP crosslinking retained Toll-like receptor 5 agonist activity of FliC. Intranasal immunization with f4M2e, f4M2e/fHApr8 or f4M2e/fHAaichi nanoparticles induced vaccine antigen-specific humoral immune responses. It was also found that the incorporation of the H1 HA2 domain into f4M2e/fHApr8 nanoparticles boosted M2e specific antibody responses. Immunized mice were fully protected against lethal doses of virus challenge.

A Novel R848-Conjugated Inactivated Influenza Virus Vaccine Is Efficacious and Safe in a Neonate Nonhuman Primate Model

Influenza virus infection of neonates poses a major health concern, often resulting in severe disease and hospitalization. At present, vaccines for this at-risk population are lacking. Thus, development of an effective vaccine is an urgent need. In this study, we have used an innovative nonhuman primate neonate challenge model to test the efficacy of a novel TLR 7/8 agonist R848-conjugated influenza virus vaccine. The use of the intact virus represents a step forward in conjugate vaccine design because it provides multiple antigenic targets allowing for elicitation of a broad immune response. Our results show that this vaccine induces high-level virus-specific Ab- and cell-mediated responses in neonates that result in increased virus clearance and reduced lung pathology postchallenge compared with the nonadjuvanted virus vaccine. Surprisingly, the addition of a second TLR agonist (flagellin) did not enhance vaccine protection, suggesting that combinations of TLR that provide increased efficacy must be determined empirically. These data support further exploration of this new conjugate influenza vaccine approach as a platform for use in the at-risk neonate population.

Coated protein nanoclusters from influenza H7N9 HA are highly immunogenic and induce robust protective immunity

Recurring influenza viruses pose an annual threat to public health. A time-saving, cost-effective and egg-independent influenza vaccine approach is important particularly when responding to an emerging pandemic. We fabricated coated, two-layer protein nanoclusters from recombinant trimeric hemagglutinin from an avian-origin H7N9 influenza A virus as an approach for vaccine development in response to an emerging pandemic. Assessment of the virus-specific immune responses and protective efficacy in mice immunized with the nanoclusters demonstrated that the vaccine candidates were highly immunogenic, able to induce protective immunity and long-lasting humoral antibody responses to this virus without the use of adjuvants. Because the advantages of the highly immunogenic coated nanoclusters also include rapid productions in an egg-independent system, this approach has great potential for influenza vaccine production not only in response to an emerging pandemic, but also as a replacement for conventional seasonal influenza vaccines.

Blimp-1/PRDM1 regulates the transcription of human CS1 (SLAMF7) gene in NK and B cells

CS1 (CRACC/CD319/SLAMF7) is a member of SLAM (Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule) family receptors and is expressed on NK cells, a subset of CD8(+) T lymphocytes, activated monocytes, mature dendritic cells and activated B cells. In NK cells, CS1 signaling induces cytolytic function of NK cells against targets whereas in B cells CS1 induces proliferation and autocrine cytokine production. CS1 is upregulated in multiple myeloma cells and contributes to clonogenic growth and tumorigenicity. However, the mechanism of CS1 upregulation is unknown. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptional regulation of human CS1 gene in NK and B cells. The promoter region of CS1 contains a Blimp-1/PRDM1 binding site and relative luciferase activities of successive deletion mutants of CS1 promoter were different between Blimp-1/PRDM1-positive and Blimp-1/PRDM1-negative cells. Proximal region of CS1 promoter contains a CAAT box and atypical TATA-box that might result in common transcription initiation at -29 nucleotides upstream of the ATG translation start codon. Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed Blimp-1/PRDM1 binds to the CS1 promoter region. Mutating the Blimp-1/PRDM1 site at -750 to -746 decreased the transcriptional activity of CS1 promoter implicating a trans-activating function of Blimp-1/PRDM1 in human CS1 gene regulation. The finding that Blimp-1/PRDM1 enhances transcription of CS1 gene in multiple myeloma cells may help in developing novel strategies for therapeutic intervention in multiple myeloma.