Thomas D. Geppert

Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK) is required for lipopolysaccharide stimulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) translation: glucocorticoids inhibit TNF-alpha translation by blocking JNK/SAPK.

The adverse effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are mediated primarily by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). TNF-alpha production by LPS-stimulated macrophages is regulated at the levels of both transcription and translation. It has previously been shown that several mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are activated in response to LPS. We set out to determine which MAPK signaling pathways are activated in our system and which MAPK pathways are required for TNF-alpha gene transcription or TNF-alpha mRNA translation. We confirm activation of the MAPK family members extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1 and ERK2), p38, and Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK), as well as activation of the immediate upstream MAPK activators MAPK/ERK kinases 1 and 4 (MEK1 and MEK4). We demonstrate that LPS also activates MEK2, MEK3, and MEK6. Furthermore, we demonstrate that dexamethasone, which inhibits the production of cytokines, including TNF-alpha, significantly inhibits LPS induction of JNK/SAPK activity but not that of p38, ERK1 and ERK2, or MEK3, MEK4, or MEK6. Dexamethasone also blocks the sorbitol but not anisomycin stimulation of JNK/SAPK activity. A kinase-defective mutant of SAPKbeta, SAPKbeta K-A, blocked translation of TNF-alpha, as determined by using a TNF-alpha translational reporting system. Finally, overexpression of wild-type SAPKbeta was able to overcome the dexamethasone-induced block of TNF-alpha translation. These data confirm that three MAPK family members and their upstream activators are stimulated by LPS and demonstrate that JNK/SAPK is required for LPS-induced translation of TNF-alpha mRNA. A novel mechanism by which dexamethasone inhibits translation of TNF-alpha is also revealed.

Accessory Cell Signals Involved in T‐Cell Activation

The physiologic recognition of antigen by T lymphocytes involves an interaction of the T-cell receptor (TCR) with fragments of antigen bound to either class I or class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the surface of an antigen-presenting cell (APC) (Buus et al. 1986, 1987, Babbitt et al. 1985, Ohashi et al. 1985). It is felt that activation signals generated as a result of recognition of the antigen-MHC complex by the TCR are transmitted via CD3, a multimolecular complex expressed in association with the TCR on the surface of all mature T cells. The CD3 moleeular complex has a number of features characteristic of signaling molecules, including polypeptide members with substantial intracytoplasmic domains containing amino acid residues that are phosphorylated after stimulation (Samelson et al. 1985a, 1985b). That CD3 serves to convey signals to the T-ee!l upon antigen recognition is derived from the observation that the TCR is structurally, albeit not covalently, associated with the CD3 molecular complex (Brenner et al. 1987), whereas the structure of the TCR itself has little in common with other known signaling molecules (Hedrick et al. 1984, Sim & Augustin 1985). Moreover, CD3 and the TCR are coordinately expressed on T cells (Weiss & Stobo 1984). In addition, monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to CD3 trigger T-cell activation {Chang et al. 1981, Van-Wauwe et al. 1980). Finally, expression of CD3 is required for the activation of T cells stimulated via a number of different surface molecules (Bockenstedt et al. 1988, Bamezai et al. 1988, Gunter et al. 1987, Fleischer et al. 1988, Geppert et al. 1989). These results all support the conclusion that the CD3 molecular complex plays a eentral role in the transduction of signals from a variety of receptors including the TCR that culminate in T-cell activation after antigen recognition.

Abetimus sodium for renal flare in systemic lupus erythematosus: Results of a randomized, controlled phase III trial†

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether treatment with abetimus delays renal flare in patients with lupus nephritis. Secondary objectives included evaluation of the effect of abetimus on C3 levels, anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody levels, use of high-dose corticosteroids and/or cyclophosphamide, and major systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flare. METHODS We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled study of treatment with abetimus at 100 mg/week for up to 22 months in SLE patients. Three hundred seventeen patients with a history of renal flare and anti-dsDNA levels >15 IU/ml were randomized to a treatment group (158 abetimus, 159 placebo); 298 (94%) were enrolled in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (145 abetimus, 153 placebo), based on the presence of high-affinity antibodies for the oligonucleotide epitope of abetimus at baseline screening. RESULTS Abetimus did not significantly prolong time to renal flare, time to initiation of high-dose corticosteroid and/or cyclophosphamide treatment, or time to major SLE flare. However, there were 25% fewer renal flares in the abetimus group compared with the placebo group (17 of 145 abetimus-treated patients [12%] versus 24 of 153 placebo-treated patients [16%]). Abetimus treatment decreased anti-dsDNA antibody levels (P < 0.0001), and reductions in anti-dsDNA levels were associated with increases in C3 levels (P < 0.0001). More patients in the abetimus group experienced > or =50% reductions in proteinuria at 1 year, compared with the placebo group (nominal P = 0.047). Trends toward reduced rates of renal flare and major SLE flare were noted in patients treated with abetimus who had impaired renal function at baseline. Treatment with abetimus for up to 22 months was well tolerated. CONCLUSION Abetimus at 100 mg/week significantly reduced anti-dsDNA antibody levels but did not significantly prolong time to renal flare when compared with placebo. Multiple positive trends in renal end points were observed in the abetimus treatment group.

Raf-1 is required for T cell IL2 production.

Engagement of the T cell receptor/CD3 complex activates the serine/threonine kinase, Raf‐1, but the physiologic consequences of its activation have not been determined. The effects of Raf‐1 on interleukin 2 (IL2) production in T cells were examined using activated and inhibitory forms of Raf‐1. A truncated active form of Raf‐1 was expressed constitutively from the metallothionein promoter in a malignant T cell line, Jurkat. Treatment of the cells with zinc and cadmium greatly increased active Raf‐1 expression. This increase in Raf‐1 expression allowed antibodies to CD3 and to CD28 to stimulate IL2 production in the absence of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and enhanced IL2 production stimulated by these antibodies in the presence of PMA. The action of active Raf‐1 was to increase IL2 gene transcription as it enhanced transcription of a reporter gene linked to IL2 promoter. Finally, the dominant negative form of Raf‐1 inhibited transcription directed by the IL2 promoter that was induced by the mitogen phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and PMA. We conclude that Raf‐1 activity is necessary for IL2 gene transcription and secretion. These data indicate a role for Raf‐1 in the immune response.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinases in T cells: Characterization of human ERK1 and ERK2 cDNAs☆☆☆

Extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 are growth factor-sensitive serine/threonine kinases. cDNAs for both human kinases were isolated and sequenced. The nucleic acid and deduced protein sequences of human extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 were 88% and 96% identical, respectively, to the homologous rat sequences. The nucleic acid and deduced protein sequences of human extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 were 90% and 98% identical, respectively, to the corresponding rat sequences. A human extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 specific probe was used to demonstrate that the mRNA for this kinase was present in T cells and did not change with activation. The deduced protein sequences of both human kinases were greater than 95% identical to two Xenopus kinase sequences, indicating that these enzymes are highly conserved across species.

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF CLASS I MHC MOLECULES : THE CYTOPLASMIC DOMAIN IS NOT REQUIRED FOR CYTOSKELETAL ASSOCIATION, AGGREGATION AND INTERNALIZATION

The role of the cytoplasmic domain in a variety of the functional activities of class I MHC molecules has not been documented. To address this question, Jurkat cells were transfected with genes for either native class I MHC molecules or constructs in which all but four cytoplasmic amino acids were deleted. Antibody-induced aggregation and internalization of class I MHC molecules were examined by flow cytometry, and cytoskeletal association was determined by analysing the detergent-resistant fraction of FITC-labeled mAb to class I molecules. The results indicate that the truncated class I MHC molecules are comparable to native class I MHC molecules in the ability to move in the plane of the membrane and aggregate, to associate with the cytoskeleton and to undergo mAb-induced internalization at 37 degrees C. Thus, the cytoplasmic domain of class I MHC molecules is not required for these functional activities.

REGULATORY ROLE OF MICROFILAMENTS IN THE INDUCTION OF T4 CELL PROLIFERATION AND INTERLEUKIN 2 PRODUCTION

The role of microfilaments in human T4 cell proliferation and lymphokine production triggered via various pathways of activation was examined by investigating the effects of cytochalasins on these responses. The data demonstrate that the effects of cytochalasins vary depending on the nature of the stimulus and on the concentration of the cytochalasin. Concentrations of cytochalasin that would be expected to bind both the low and high affinity binding sites (5-20 microM), that represent cytosolic and surface actin filaments, respectively inhibited T4 cell proliferation regardless of the stimulus. T4 cell proliferation stimulated by antigen-bearing APC or anti-CD3 was inhibited much more markedly than responses stimulated by ionomycin and PMA. In contrast, concentrations of cytochalasin expected to bind only high affinity binding sites (0.125-1 microM), represented by surface actin filaments, enhanced T4 cell proliferation and interleukin 2 production stimulated by mAb to CD2, CD3, or class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, but not those induced by mAb to the T cell receptor, paraformaldehyde fixed, or viable antigen-bearing APC, allogeneic APC, or ionomycin and PMA. The enhancing effect of cytochalasins on responses stimulated by cross-linking class I MHC molecules was studied in detail. Enhancement of T4 cell proliferation induced in this manner required that cytochalasin B was present between 4 and 18 hr of culture, but not before or after. The data demonstrate that T cell microfilaments play a number of roles in determining the magnitude of T cell responses induced by engaging specific cell surface receptors and imply that different components of the microfilament system exert opposing intrinsic regulatory effects on T cell function.

Comparison of the capacity of murine and human class I MHC molecules to stimulate T cell activation.

The mechanism underlying the apparent differences in the capacity of murine and human class I MHC molecules to function as signal transducing structures in T cells was examined. Cross-linking murine class I MHC molecules on splenic T cells did not stimulate an increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and failed to induce proliferation in the presence of IL-2 or PMA. In contrast, modest proliferation was induced by cross-linking class I MHC molecules on murine peripheral blood T cells or human class I MHC molecules on murine transgenic spleen cells, but only when costimulated with PMA. Moreover, cross-linking murine class I MHC molecules or the human HLA-B27 molecule on T cell lines generated from transgenic murine splenic T cells stimulated only modest proliferation in the presence of PMA, but not IL-2. On the other hand, cross-linking murine class I MHC molecules expressed by the human T cell leukemic line, Jurkat, transfected with genes for these molecules, generated a prompt increase in [Ca2+]i, and stimulated IL-2 production in the presence of PMA. The results demonstrate that both murine and human class I MHC molecules have the capacity to function as signal transducing structures, but that murine T cells are much less responsive to this signal.

Precursor frequency of human T4 cells responding to stimulation through the CD3 molecular complex: Role of various cytokines in promoting growth and IL2 production☆

The frequency of human T4 cells induced to grow and produce IL2 in response to the anti-CD3 mAb, 64.1, was examined. T4 cells were cultured at limiting dilution and stimulated with either soluble or immobilized 64.1 in the presence of various cytokines and/or irradiated B lymphoblastoid cells as accessory cells (AC). The frequency of responding cells was assessed by examining wells microscopically for visible growth and supernatants for IL2. Immobilized, but not soluble, 64.1 was able to induce T4 cells to grow in the complete absence of AC, but only when exogenous cytokines were present. IL2 was most effective at supporting T4 cell growth in this system, with a mean of 26.0 +/- 3.8% of immobilized 64.1-activated T4 cells generating a colony in cultures supplemented with IL2. IL4 could also support the growth of immobilized 64.1-activated T4 cells, but the frequency of responding cells was much lower (3.7 +/- 0.9%). The combination of IL2 and IL4 was not more effective than IL2 alone. TNF alpha, IL1 beta, and IL6 were unable to support T4 cell growth alone, but each increased the frequency of T4 cells responding in the presence of IL2. AC could support the growth of a small number of 64.1-stimulated T4 cells in the absence of exogenous IL2 and enhanced the frequency of T4 cells responding to immobilized 64.1 in the presence of IL2. The percentage of immobilized 64.1-stimulated T4 cells producing IL2 was also examined. Immobilized 64.1 stimulated less than 1.4 in 1000 T4 cells to produce IL2 in the absence of AC and neither IL4 nor TNF alpha enhanced this response. Fixed AC and IL1 beta, on the other hand, caused a small increase in the frequency of immobilized 64.1-activated T4 cells that secreted IL2. The frequency of T4 cells stimulated to produce IL2 by immobilized 64.1 was greatly enhanced by the addition of AC. The data indicate that in the absence of AC, a stimulatory matrix of immobilized 64.1 is sufficient for some T4 cells to be activated to become IL2 or IL4 responsive and for a smaller percentage to secrete IL2. Additional T4 cells require IL1 beta, TNF alpha, IL6, or AC to become IL2 responsive, whereas only IL1 beta and AC can promote IL2 production. In the presence of AC, the amount of cytokine produced endogenously appears to be sufficient to sustain the growth of some T4 cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Modulatory effect of aggregating the CD3 molecular complex on T cell activation

The role of cross-linking the TCR/CD3 complex in the induction of T cell activation was examined using human peripheral blood T cells and the Jurkat leukemic T cell line. IL-2 production was induced from these cells by pulsing them with mAb to CD3 and costimulating with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Cross-linking the anti-CD3 mAb with soluble goat anti-mouse immunoglobulin (GaMIg) markedly inhibited IL-2 production by these cells. Soluble GaMIg did not induce a generalized inhibition of IL-2 production as it was required for responses induced by mAb to class I MHC molecules. In addition, cross-linking anti-CD3 mAb with GaMIg did not inhibit IL-2 production induced by PMA and ionomycin. Inhibition of IL-2 production induced by soluble GaMIg reflected diminished accumulation of mRNA for IL-2. By contrast, immobilized GaMIg was a potent stimulus for IL-2 production by T cells pulsed with anti-CD3 mAb and costimulated with PMA. Cross-linking anti-CD3 with soluble GaMIg induced enhanced aggregation of the ligated molecules, but it did not alter the profile of the change in intracellular calcium induced. To determine whether cross-linking of mAb played a role in inducing IL-2 production as well as in limiting responsiveness, F(ab) fragments were employed. F(ab) fragments of anti-CD3 mAb failed to induce IL-2 production by PMA costimulated Jurkat cells. However, cross-linking of anti-CD3 F(ab)-pulsed Jurkat cells with low concentrations of soluble GaMIg induced IL-2 production in the presence of PMA, whereas higher concentrations suppressed responses. The data indicate that induction of IL-2 production requires aggregation of the TCR/CD3 complex, whereas excessive cross-linking diminishes the induction of IL-2 production. Moreover, the results indicate that various biologic activities of the CD3 molecular complex, including aggregation, signaling capability, and the ability to induce IL-2 gene transcription, are differentially affected by cross-linking.