Steven Miklasz

Promotion of central nervous system remyelination by induced differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells

Repair of demyelinated axons in diseases such as multiple sclerosis requires activation of the myelination program in existing or newly recruited oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). The control of OPC differentiation and initiation of myelination during repair is poorly understood. In this study, we test the ability of anti–LINGO‐1 reagents to promote myelination in vitro and remyelination in the rodent adult central nervous system in vivo.

Cutting Edge: BAFF Regulates CD21/35 and CD23 Expression Independent of Its B Cell Survival Function

Herein we demonstrate that B cell-activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF), a B cell survival factor, also regulates CD21/35 and CD23 expression. BAFF blockade in wild-type mice down-modulates CD21/35 and CD23 on B cells while survival remains intact, and BAFF exposure causes elevated CD21/35 and CD23 expression. Similar down-modulation is observed in bcl-2-transgenic mice treated with a BAFF inhibitor. This is the first evidence that BAFF has a function independent of B cell survival. Reports using CD21/35 and CD23 expression to assess splenic B cell subsets in BAFF-null mice concluded a lack of B cells beyond the immature stage. Since CD21/35 and CD23 are inadequate for delineating B cell subpopulations in BAFF-null mice, we used expression of BAFF-R and several B cell markers to identify more mature splenic B cells in these mice. These data broaden our understanding of BAFF function and correct the view that BAFF-null mice lack mature B cells.

T Cell, Ig Domain, Mucin Domain-2 Gene-Deficient Mice Reveal a Novel Mechanism for the Regulation of Th2 Immune Responses and Airway Inflammation

The development of asthma and other atopic diseases is influenced by cytokines produced by Th2 effector T cells. How effector T cell responses are regulated once these cell populations are established remains unclear. The recently described T cell and airway phenotype regulator locus, containing the T cell, Ig domain, mucin domain (TIM) genes, is genetically associated with Th2 cytokine production and Th2-dependent immune responses. In this study, we report the phenotype of the TIM-2 gene-deficient mouse, and demonstrate exacerbated lung inflammation in an airway atopic response model. Immune responses in the TIM-2-deficient mouse reveal disregulated expression of Th2 cytokines, and adoptive transfer experiments show that the T cell compartment is responsible for the heightened inflammatory phenotype. These studies show that TIM-2 is a novel and critical regulator of effector T cell activity.

Epitope-Dependent Effect of Anti-Murine TIM-1 Monoclonal Antibodies on T Cell Activity and Lung Immune Responses

The TAPR locus containing the TIM gene family is implicated in the development of atopic inflammation in mouse, and TIM-1 allelic variation has been associated with the incidence of atopy in human patient populations. In this study, we show that manipulation of the TIM-1 pathway influences airway inflammation and pathology. Anti-TIM-1 mAbs recognizing distinct epitopes differentially modulated OVA-induced lung inflammation in the mouse. The epitopes recognized by these Abs were mapped, revealing that mAbs to both the IgV and stalk domains of TIM-1 have therapeutic activity. Unexpectedly, mAbs recognizing unique epitopes spanning exon 4 of the mucin/stalk domains exacerbated immune responses. Using Ag recall response studies, we demonstrate that the TIM-1 pathway acts primarily by modulating the production of TH2 cytokines. Furthermore, ex vivo cellular experiments indicate that TIM-1 activity controls CD4+ T cell activity. These studies validate the genetic hypothesis that the TIM-1 locus is linked to the development of atopic disease and suggest novel therapeutic strategies for targeting asthma and other atopic disorders.