InVivoPlus anti-mouse IFNγ

Catalog #BP0055
Product Citations:
17
Clone:
XMG1.2
Reactivities:
Mouse

$781.00 - $5,568.00

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Product Details

The XMG1.2 monoclonal antibody reacts with mouse IFNγ (interferon gamma) a 20 kDa soluble pleiotropic cytokine and the sole member of the type II class of interferons. IFNγ is primarily produced by activated lymphocytes including T, B, NK cells, and ILCs. IFNγ exerts immunoregulatory, anti-proliferative, anti-viral, and proinflammatory activities and plays an important role in activation, growth, and differentiation of T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, NK cells and other non-hematopoietic cell types. Additionally, IFNγ induces the production of cytokines, Fc receptor, and adhesion molecules and up-regulates MHC class I and II antigen expression by antigen presenting cells during an immune response. IFNγ has also been shown to modulate macrophage effector functions, influence isotype switching and induce the secretion of immunoglobulins by B cells. IFNγ signals through the IFN gamma receptor which exists as a heterodimer composed of CD119 (IFN gamma receptor 1) and AF-1 (IFN gamma receptor 2). The IFNγ receptor is expressed ubiquitously on almost all cell types with the exception of mature erythrocytes. The XMG1.2 antibody is a neutralizing antibody.

Specifications

Isotype Rat IgG1, κ
Recommended Isotype Control(s) InVivoPlus rat IgG1 isotype control, anti-horseradish peroxidase
Recommended Dilution Buffer InVivoPure pH 8.0T Dilution Buffer
Conjugation This product is unconjugated. Conjugation is available via our Antibody Conjugation Services.
Immunogen Recombinant mouse IFNγ
Reported Applications in vivo IFNγ neutralization
in vitro IFNγ neutralization
ELISPOT
Flow cytometry
Western blot
Formulation PBS + 0.01% Tween, pH 8.0
Contains no stabilizers or preservatives
Endotoxin* <1EU/mg (<0.001EU/μg)
Determined by LAL gel clotting assay
Aggregation* <5%
Determined by SEC
Purity >95%
Determined by SDS-PAGE
Sterility 0.2 μM filtered
Production Purified from cell culture supernatant in an animal-free facility
Purification Protein G
RRID AB_1107694
Molecular Weight 150 kDa
Murine Pathogen Tests* Ectromelia/Mousepox Virus: Negative
Hantavirus: Negative
K Virus: Negative
Lactate Dehydrogenase-Elevating Virus: Negative
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus: Negative
Mouse Adenovirus: Negative
Mouse Cytomegalovirus: Negative
Mouse Hepatitis Virus: Negative
Mouse Minute Virus: Negative
Mouse Norovirus: Negative
Mouse Parvovirus: Negative
Mouse Rotavirus: Negative
Mycoplasma Pulmonis: Negative
Pneumonia Virus of Mice: Negative
Polyoma Virus: Negative
Reovirus Screen: Negative
Sendai Virus: Negative
Theiler’s Murine Encephalomyelitis: Negative
Storage The antibody solution should be stored at the stock concentration at 4°C. Do not freeze.
* Additional quality control measures for our InVivoPlus™ products include advanced binding validation, murine pathogen screening, protein aggregation screening, and ultra-low endotoxin levels. The superior quality of our InVivoPlus™ products will meet and exceed the strict demands and rigorous standards required for in vivo research. Learn more about the InVivoPlus™ difference here.

Additional Formats

in vivo IFNγ neutralization
Glasner, A., et al. (2018). "NKp46 Receptor-Mediated Interferon-gamma Production by Natural Killer Cells Increases Fibronectin 1 to Alter Tumor Architecture and Control Metastasis" Immunity 48(1): 107-119 e104. PubMed

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells, and their presence within human tumors correlates with better prognosis. However, the mechanisms by which NK cells control tumors in vivo are unclear. Here, we used reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) imaging in humans and in mice to visualize tumor architecture in vivo. We demonstrated that signaling via the NK cell receptor NKp46 (human) and Ncr1 (mouse) induced interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) secretion from intratumoral NK cells. NKp46- and Ncr1-mediated IFN-gamma production led to the increased expression of the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin 1 (FN1) in the tumors, which altered primary tumor architecture and resulted in decreased metastases formation. Injection of IFN-gamma into tumor-bearing mice or transgenic overexpression of Ncr1 in NK cells in mice resulted in decreased metastasis formation. Thus, we have defined a mechanism of NK cell-mediated control of metastases in vivo that may help develop NK cell-dependent cancer therapies.

in vitro IFNγ neutralization
Clever, D., et al. (2016). "Oxygen Sensing by T Cells Establishes an Immunologically Tolerant Metastatic Niche" Cell 166(5): 1117-1131 e1114. PubMed

Cancer cells must evade immune responses at distant sites to establish metastases. The lung is a frequent site for metastasis. We hypothesized that lung-specific immunoregulatory mechanisms create an immunologically permissive environment for tumor colonization. We found that T-cell-intrinsic expression of the oxygen-sensing prolyl-hydroxylase (PHD) proteins is required to maintain local tolerance against innocuous antigens in the lung but powerfully licenses colonization by circulating tumor cells. PHD proteins limit pulmonary type helper (Th)-1 responses, promote CD4(+)-regulatory T (Treg) cell induction, and restrain CD8(+) T cell effector function. Tumor colonization is accompanied by PHD-protein-dependent induction of pulmonary Treg cells and suppression of IFN-gamma-dependent tumor clearance. T-cell-intrinsic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of PHD proteins limits tumor colonization of the lung and improves the efficacy of adoptive cell transfer immunotherapy. Collectively, PHD proteins function in T cells to coordinate distinct immunoregulatory programs within the lung that are permissive to cancer metastasis.

in vitro IFNγ neutralization, Flow Cytometry
Gu, A. D., et al. (2015). "A critical role for transcription factor Smad4 in T cell function that is independent of transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling" Immunity 42(1): 68-79. PubMed

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) suppresses T cell function to maintain self-tolerance and to promote tumor immune evasion. Yet how Smad4, a transcription factor component of TGF-beta signaling, regulates T cell function remains unclear. Here we have demonstrated an essential role for Smad4 in promoting T cell function during autoimmunity and anti-tumor immunity. Smad4 deletion rescued the lethal autoimmunity resulting from transforming growth factor-beta receptor (TGF-betaR) deletion and compromised T-cell-mediated tumor rejection. Although Smad4 was dispensable for T cell generation, homeostasis, and effector function, it was essential for T cell proliferation after activation in vitro and in vivo. The transcription factor Myc was identified to mediate Smad4-controlled T cell proliferation. This study thus reveals a requirement of Smad4 for T-cell-mediated autoimmunity and tumor rejection, which is beyond the current paradigm. It highlights a TGF-betaR-independent role for Smad4 in promoting T cell function, autoimmunity, and anti-tumor immunity.

in vitro IFNγ neutralization, Flow Cytometry
Sell, S., et al. (2015). "Control of murine cytomegalovirus infection by gammadelta T cells" PLoS Pathog 11(2): e1004481. PubMed

Infections with cytomegalovirus (CMV) can cause severe disease in immunosuppressed patients and infected newborns. Innate as well as cellular and humoral adaptive immune effector functions contribute to the control of CMV in immunocompetent individuals. None of the innate or adaptive immune functions are essential for virus control, however. Expansion of gammadelta T cells has been observed during human CMV (HCMV) infection in the fetus and in transplant patients with HCMV reactivation but the protective function of gammadelta T cells under these conditions remains unclear. Here we show for murine CMV (MCMV) infections that mice that lack CD8 and CD4 alphabeta-T cells as well as B lymphocytes can control a MCMV infection that is lethal in RAG-1(-/-) mice lacking any T- and B-cells. gammadelta T cells, isolated from infected mice can kill MCMV infected target cells in vitro and, importantly, provide long-term protection in infected RAG-1(-/-) mice after adoptive transfer. gammadelta T cells in MCMV infected hosts undergo a prominent and long-lasting phenotypic change most compatible with the view that the majority of the gammadelta T cell population persists in an effector/memory state even after resolution of the acute phase of the infection. A clonotypically focused Vgamma1 and Vgamma2 repertoire was observed at later stages of the infection in the organs where MCMV persists. These findings add gammadelta T cells as yet another protective component to the anti-CMV immune response. Our data provide clear evidence that gammadelta T cells can provide an effective control mechanism of acute CMV infections, particularly when conventional adaptive immune mechanisms are insufficient or absent, like in transplant patient or in the developing immune system in utero. The findings have implications in the stem cell transplant setting, as antigen recognition by gammadelta T cells is not MHC-restricted and dual reactivity against CMV and tumors has been described.

in vitro IFNγ neutralization
Cao, A. T., et al. (2015). "Interleukin (IL)-21 promotes intestinal IgA response to microbiota" Mucosal Immunol 8(5): 1072-1082. PubMed

Commensal microbiota-specific T helper type 17 (Th17) cells are enriched in the intestines, which can convert into T follicular helper (Tfh) in Peyer’s patches, and are crucial for production of intestinal immunoglobulin A (IgA) against microbiota; however, the role of Th17 and Tfh cytokines in regulating the mucosal IgA response to enteric microbiota is still not completely known. In this study, we found that intestinal IgA was impaired in mice deficient in interleukin (IL)-17 or IL-21 signaling. IL-21, but not IL-17, is able to augment B-cell differentiation to IgA(+) cells as mediated by transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) and accelerate IgA class switch recombination (CSR). IL-21 and retinoic acid (RA) induce IgA(+) B-cell development and IgA production and drives autocrine TGFbeta1 production to initiate IgA CSR. Repletion of T-cell-deficient TCRbetaxdelta(-/-) mice with Th17 cells specific for commensal bacterial antigen increased the levels of IgA(+) B cells and IgA production in the intestine, which was blocked by neutralizing IL-21. Thus IL-21 functions to strongly augment IgA production under intestinal environment. Furthermore, IL-21 promotes intestinal B-cell homing through alpha4beta7 expression, alone or with TGFbeta and RA. Together, IL-21 from microbiota-specific Th17 and/or Tfh cells contributes to robust intestinal IgA levels by enhancing IgA(+) CSR, IgA production and B-cell trafficking into the intestine.

in vitro IFNγ neutralization
Choi, Y. S., et al. (2015). "LEF-1 and TCF-1 orchestrate TFH differentiation by regulating differentiation circuits upstream of the transcriptional repressor Bcl6" Nat Immunol 16(9): 980-990. PubMed

Follicular helper T cells (TFH cells) are specialized effector CD4(+) T cells that help B cells develop germinal centers (GCs) and memory. However, the transcription factors that regulate the differentiation of TFH cells remain incompletely understood. Here we report that selective loss of Lef1 or Tcf7 (which encode the transcription factor LEF-1 or TCF-1, respectively) resulted in TFH cell defects, while deletion of both Lef1 and Tcf7 severely impaired the differentiation of TFH cells and the formation of GCs. Forced expression of LEF-1 enhanced TFH differentiation. LEF-1 and TCF-1 coordinated such differentiation by two general mechanisms. First, they established the responsiveness of naive CD4(+) T cells to TFH cell signals. Second, they promoted early TFH differentiation via the multipronged approach of sustaining expression of the cytokine receptors IL-6Ralpha and gp130, enhancing expression of the costimulatory receptor ICOS and promoting expression of the transcriptional repressor Bcl6.

in vivo IFNγ neutralization
Zander, R. A., et al. (2015). "PD-1 Co-inhibitory and OX40 Co-stimulatory Crosstalk Regulates Helper T Cell Differentiation and Anti-Plasmodium Humoral Immunity" Cell Host Microbe 17(5): 628-641. PubMed

The differentiation and protective capacity of Plasmodium-specific T cells are regulated by both positive and negative signals during malaria, but the molecular and cellular details remain poorly defined. Here we show that malaria patients and Plasmodium-infected rodents exhibit atypical expression of the co-stimulatory receptor OX40 on CD4 T cells and that therapeutic enhancement of OX40 signaling enhances helper CD4 T cell activity, humoral immunity, and parasite clearance in rodents. However, these beneficial effects of OX40 signaling are abrogated following coordinate blockade of PD-1 co-inhibitory pathways, which are also upregulated during malaria and associated with elevated parasitemia. Co-administration of biologics blocking PD-1 and promoting OX40 signaling induces excessive interferon-gamma that directly limits helper T cell-mediated support of humoral immunity and decreases parasite control. Our results show that targeting OX40 can enhance Plasmodium control and that crosstalk between co-inhibitory and co-stimulatory pathways in pathogen-specific CD4 T cells can impact pathogen clearance.

in vitro IFNγ neutralization, Flow Cytometry
Hou, L., et al. (2015). "The protease cathepsin L regulates Th17 cell differentiation" J Autoimmun. S 0896-8411(15): 30024-X. PubMed

Previously we reported that IL-17+ T cells, primarily IL-17+ gammadelta cells, are increased in mice lacking the protease inhibitor serpinB1 (serpinb1-/- mice). Here we show that serpinB1-deficient CD4 cells exhibit a cell-autonomous and selective deficiency in suppressing T helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation. This suggested an opposing role for one or more protease in promoting Th17 differentiation. We found that several SerpinB1-inhibitable cysteine cathepsins are induced in Th17 cells, most prominently cathepsin L (catL); this was verified by peptidase assays, active site labeling and Western blots. Moreover, Th17 differentiation was suppressed by both broad cathepsin inhibitors and catL selective inhibitors. CatL is present in Th17 cells as single chain (SC)- and two-chain (TC)-forms. Inhibiting asparagine endopeptidase (AEP) blocked conversion of SC-catL to TC-catL and increased generation of serpinb1-/- Th17 cells, but not wild-type Th17 cells. These findings suggest that SC-catL is biologically active in promoting Th17 generation and is counter-regulated by serpinB1 and secondarily by AEP. Thus, in addition to regulation by cytokines and transcription factors, differentiation of CD4 cells to Th17 cells is actively regulated by a catL-serpinB1-AEP module. Targeting this protease regulatory module could be an approach to treating Th17 cell-driven autoimmune disorders.

in vitro IFNγ neutralization, Flow Cytometry
Rabenstein, H., et al. (2014). "Differential kinetics of antigen dependency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells" J Immunol 192(8): 3507-3517. PubMed

Ag recognition via the TCR is necessary for the expansion of specific T cells that then contribute to adaptive immunity as effector and memory cells. Because CD4+ and CD8+ T cells differ in terms of their priming APCs and MHC ligands we compared their requirements of Ag persistence during their expansion phase side by side. Proliferation and effector differentiation of TCR transgenic and polyclonal mouse T cells were thus analyzed after transient and continuous TCR signals. Following equally strong stimulation, CD4+ T cell proliferation depended on prolonged Ag presence, whereas CD8+ T cells were able to divide and differentiate into effector cells despite discontinued Ag presentation. CD4+ T cell proliferation was neither affected by Th lineage or memory differentiation nor blocked by coinhibitory signals or missing inflammatory stimuli. Continued CD8+ T cell proliferation was truly independent of self-peptide/MHC-derived signals. The subset divergence was also illustrated by surprisingly broad transcriptional differences supporting a stronger propensity of CD8+ T cells to programmed expansion. These T cell data indicate an intrinsic difference between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells regarding the processing of TCR signals for proliferation. We also found that the presentation of a MHC class II-restricted peptide is more efficiently prolonged by dendritic cell activation in vivo than a class I bound one. In summary, our data demonstrate that CD4+ T cells require continuous stimulation for clonal expansion, whereas CD8+ T cells can divide following a much shorter TCR signal.

in vivo IFNγ neutralization, Flow Cytometry
Uddin, M. N., et al. (2014). "TNF-alpha-dependent hematopoiesis following Bcl11b deletion in T cells restricts metastatic melanoma" J Immunol 192(4): 1946-1953. PubMed

Using several tumor models, we demonstrate that mice deficient in Bcl11b in T cells, although having reduced numbers of T cells in the peripheral lymphoid organs, developed significantly less tumors compared with wild-type mice. Bcl11b(-/-) CD4(+) T cells, with elevated TNF-alpha levels, but not the Bcl11b(-/-) CD8(+) T cells, were required for the reduced tumor burden, as were NK1.1(+) cells, found in increased numbers in Bcl11b(F/F)/CD4-Cre mice. Among NK1.1(+) cells, the NK cell population was predominant in number and was the only population displaying elevated granzyme B levels and increased degranulation, although not increased proliferation. Although the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells was increased in the lungs with metastatic tumors of Bcl11b(F/F)/CD4-Cre mice, their arginase-1 levels were severely reduced. The increase in NK cell and myeloid-derived suppressor cell numbers was associated with increased bone marrow and splenic hematopoiesis. Finally, the reduced tumor burden, increased numbers of NK cells in the lung, and increased hematopoiesis in Bcl11b(F/F)/CD4-Cre mice were all dependent on TNF-alpha. Moreover, TNF-alpha treatment of wild-type mice also reduced the tumor burden and increased hematopoiesis and the numbers and activity of NK cells in the lung. In vitro treatment with TNF-alpha of lineage-negative hematopoietic progenitors increased NK and myeloid differentiation, further supporting a role of TNF-alpha in promoting hematopoiesis. These studies reveal a novel role for TNF-alpha in the antitumor immune response, specifically in stimulating hematopoiesis and increasing the numbers and activity of NK cells.

in vitro IFNγ neutralization
Bertin, S., et al. (2014). "The ion channel TRPV1 regulates the activation and proinflammatory properties of CD4(+) T cells" Nat Immunol 15(11): 1055-1063. PubMed

TRPV1 is a Ca(2+)-permeable channel studied mostly as a pain receptor in sensory neurons. However, its role in other cell types is poorly understood. Here we found that TRPV1 was functionally expressed in CD4(+) T cells, where it acted as a non-store-operated Ca(2+) channel and contributed to T cell antigen receptor (TCR)-induced Ca(2+) influx, TCR signaling and T cell activation. In models of T cell-mediated colitis, TRPV1 promoted colitogenic T cell responses and intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, genetic and pharmacological inhibition of TRPV1 in human CD4(+) T cells recapitulated the phenotype of mouse Trpv1(-/-) CD4(+) T cells. Our findings suggest that inhibition of TRPV1 could represent a new therapeutic strategy for restraining proinflammatory T cell responses.

in vitro IFNγ neutralization, ELISPOT
Deng, L., et al. (2014). "Irradiation and anti-PD-L1 treatment synergistically promote antitumor immunity in mice" J Clin Invest 124(2): 687-695. PubMed

High-dose ionizing irradiation (IR) results in direct tumor cell death and augments tumor-specific immunity, which enhances tumor control both locally and distantly. Unfortunately, local relapses often occur following IR treatment, indicating that IR-induced responses are inadequate to maintain antitumor immunity. Therapeutic blockade of the T cell negative regulator programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1, also called B7-H1) can enhance T cell effector function when PD-L1 is expressed in chronically inflamed tissues and tumors. Here, we demonstrate that PD-L1 was upregulated in the tumor microenvironment after IR. Administration of anti-PD-L1 enhanced the efficacy of IR through a cytotoxic T cell-dependent mechanism. Concomitant with IR-mediated tumor regression, we observed that IR and anti-PD-L1 synergistically reduced the local accumulation of tumor-infiltrating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which suppress T cells and alter the tumor immune microenvironment. Furthermore, activation of cytotoxic T cells with combination therapy mediated the reduction of MDSCs in tumors through the cytotoxic actions of TNF. Our data provide evidence for a close interaction between IR, T cells, and the PD-L1/PD-1 axis and establish a basis for the rational design of combination therapy with immune modulators and radiotherapy.

in vivo IFNγ neutralization, Flow Cytometry
Yu, X., et al. (2013). "A multifunctional chimeric chaperone serves as a novel immune modulator inducing therapeutic antitumor immunity" Cancer Res 73(7): 2093-2103. PubMed

Converting the immunosuppressive tumor environment into one that is favorable to the induction of antitumor immunity is indispensable for effective cancer immunotherapy. Here, we strategically incorporate a pathogen (i.e., flagellin)-derived, NF-kappaB-stimulating “danger” signal into the large stress protein or chaperone Grp170 (HYOU1/ORP150) that was previously shown to facilitate antigen crosspresentation. This engineered chimeric molecule (i.e., Flagrp170) is capable of transporting tumor antigens and concurrently inducing functional activation of dendritic cells (DC). Intratumoral administration of adenoviruses expressing Flagrp170 induces a superior antitumor response against B16 melanoma and its distant lung metastasis compared with unmodified Grp170 and flagellin. The enhanced tumor destruction is accompanied with significantly increased tumor infiltration by CD8(+) cells as well as elevation of IFN-gamma and interleukin (IL)-12 levels in the tumor sites. In situ Ad.Flagrp170 therapy provokes systemic activation of CTLs that recognize several antigens naturally expressing in melanoma (e.g., gp100/PMEL and TRP2/DCT). The mechanistic studies using CD11c-DTR transgenic mice and Batf3-deficient mice reveal that CD8alpha(+) DCs are required for the improved T-cell crosspriming. Antibody neutralization assays show that IL-12 and IFN-gamma are essential for the Flagrp170-elicited antitumor response, which also involves CD8(+) T cells and natural killer cells. The therapeutic efficacy of Flagrp170 and its immunostimulating activity are also confirmed in mouse prostate cancer and colon carcinoma. Together, targeting the tumor microenvironment with this chimeric chaperone is highly effective in mobilizing or restoring antitumor immunity, supporting the potential therapeutic use of this novel immunomodulator in the treatment of metastatic diseases.

in vivo IFNγ neutralization, Flow Cytometry
Simons, D. M., et al. (2013). "Autoreactive Th1 cells activate monocytes to support regional Th17 responses in inflammatory arthritis" J Immunol 190(7): 3134-3141. PubMed

We have examined mechanisms underlying the formation of pathologic Th17 cells using a transgenic mouse model in which autoreactive CD4(+) T cells recognize influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) as a ubiquitously expressed self-Ag and induce inflammatory arthritis. The lymph nodes of arthritic mice contain elevated numbers of inflammatory monocytes (iMO) with an enhanced capacity to promote CD4(+) Th17 cell differentiation, and a regional inflammatory response develops in the paw-draining lymph nodes by an IL-17-dependent mechanism. The activation of these Th17-trophic iMO precedes arthritis development and occurs in the context of an autoreactive CD4(+) Th1 cell response. Adoptive transfer of HA-specific CD4(+) T cells into nonarthritic mice expressing HA as a self-Ag similarly led to the formation of Th1 cells and of iMO that could support Th17 cell formation, and, notably, the accumulation of these iMO in the lymph nodes was blocked by IFN-gamma neutralization. These studies show that autoreactive CD4(+) Th1 cells directed to a systemically distributed self-Ag can promote the development of a regional Th17 cell inflammatory response by driving the recruitment of Th17-trophic iMO to the lymph nodes.

in vivo IFNγ neutralization, Flow Cytometry
Kugler, D. G., et al. (2013). "CD4+ T cells are trigger and target of the glucocorticoid response that prevents lethal immunopathology in toxoplasma infection" J Exp Med 210(10): 1919-1927. PubMed

Synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, but the role of endogenous GCs in the regulation of host-protective immune responses is poorly understood. Here we show that GCs are induced during acute Toxoplasma gondii infection and directly control the T cell response to the parasite. When infected with toxoplasma, mice that selectively lack GC receptor (GR) expression in T cells (GR(lck-Cre)) rapidly succumb to infection despite displaying parasite burdens indistinguishable from control animals and unaltered levels of the innate cytokines IL-12 and IL-27. Mortality in the GR(lck-Cre) mice was associated with immunopathology and hyperactive Th1 cell function as revealed by enhanced IFN-gamma and TNF production in vivo. Unexpectedly, these CD4(+) T lymphocytes also overexpressed IL-10. Importantly, CD4(+) T cell depletion in wild-type or GR(lck-Cre) mice led to ablation of the GC response to infection. Moreover, in toxoplasma-infected RAG(-/-) animals, adoptive transfer of CD4(+) T lymphocytes was required for GC induction. These findings establish a novel IL-10-independent immunomodulatory circuit in which CD4(+) T cells trigger a GC response that in turn dampens their own effector function. In the case of T. gondii infection, this self-regulatory pathway is critical for preventing collateral tissue damage and promoting host survival.

in vivo IFNγ neutralization, Flow Cytometry
Mohr, E., et al. (2010). "IFN-{gamma} produced by CD8 T cells induces T-bet-dependent and -independent class switching in B cells in responses to alum-precipitated protein vaccine" Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 107(40): 17292-17297. PubMed

Alum-precipitated protein (alum protein) vaccines elicit long-lasting neutralizing antibody responses that prevent bacterial exotoxins and viruses from entering cells. Typically, these vaccines induce CD4 T cells to become T helper 2 (Th2) cells that induce Ig class switching to IgG1. We now report that CD8 T cells also respond to alum proteins, proliferating extensively and producing IFN-gamma, a key Th1 cytokine. These findings led us to question whether adoptive transfer of antigen-specific CD8 T cells alters the characteristic CD4 Th2 response to alum proteins and the switching pattern in responding B cells. To this end, WT mice given transgenic ovalbumin (OVA)-specific CD4 (OTII) or CD8 (OTI) T cells, or both, were immunized with alum-precipitated OVA. Cotransfer of antigen-specific CD8 T cells skewed switching patterns in responding B cells from IgG1 to IgG2a and IgG2b. Blocking with anti-IFN-gamma antibody largely inhibited this altered B-cell switching pattern. The transcription factor T-bet is required in B cells for IFN-gamma-dependent switching to IgG2a. By contrast, we show that this transcription factor is dispensable in B cells both for IFN-gamma-induced switching to IgG2b and for inhibition of switching to IgG1. Thus, T-bet dependence identifies distinct transcriptional pathways in B cells that regulate IFN-gamma-induced switching to different IgG isotypes.

in vivo IFNγ neutralization, Flow Cytometry
Quezada, S. A., et al. (2010). "Tumor-reactive CD4(+) T cells develop cytotoxic activity and eradicate large established melanoma after transfer into lymphopenic hosts" J Exp Med 207(3): 637-650. PubMed

Adoptive transfer of large numbers of tumor-reactive CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) expanded and differentiated in vitro has shown promising clinical activity against cancer. However, such protocols are complicated by extensive ex vivo manipulations of tumor-reactive cells and have largely focused on CD8(+) CTLs, with much less emphasis on the role and contribution of CD4(+) T cells. Using a mouse model of advanced melanoma, we found that transfer of small numbers of naive tumor-reactive CD4(+) T cells into lymphopenic recipients induces substantial T cell expansion, differentiation, and regression of large established tumors without the need for in vitro manipulation. Surprisingly, CD4(+) T cells developed cytotoxic activity, and tumor rejection was dependent on class II-restricted recognition of tumors by tumor-reactive CD4(+) T cells. Furthermore, blockade of the coinhibitory receptor CTL-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) on the transferred CD4(+) T cells resulted in greater expansion of effector T cells, diminished accumulation of tumor-reactive regulatory T cells, and superior antitumor activity capable of inducing regression of spontaneous mouse melanoma. These findings suggest a novel potential therapeutic role for cytotoxic CD4(+) T cells and CTLA-4 blockade in cancer immunotherapy, and demonstrate the potential advantages of differentiating tumor-reactive CD4(+) cells in vivo over current protocols favoring in vitro expansion and differentiation.

    • Cancer Research
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    • ,
    • Stem Cells and Developmental Biology
    • ,
    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    Combined PD-L1/TGFβ blockade allows expansion and differentiation of stem cell-like CD8 T cells in immune excluded tumors.

    In Nature Communications on 5 August 2023 by Castiglioni, A., Yang, Y., et al.

    PubMed

    TGFβ signaling is associated with non-response to immune checkpoint blockade in patients with advanced cancers, particularly in the immune-excluded phenotype. While previous work demonstrates that converting tumors from excluded to inflamed phenotypes requires attenuation of PD-L1 and TGFβ signaling, the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that TGFβ and PD-L1 restrain intratumoral stem cell-like CD8 T cell (TSCL) expansion and replacement of progenitor-exhausted and dysfunctional CD8 T cells with non-exhausted T effector cells in the EMT6 tumor model in female mice. Upon combined TGFβ/PD-L1 blockade IFNγhi CD8 T effector cells show enhanced motility and accumulate in the tumor. Ensuing IFNγ signaling transforms myeloid, stromal, and tumor niches to yield an immune-supportive ecosystem. Blocking IFNγ abolishes the anti-PD-L1/anti-TGFβ therapy efficacy. Our data suggest that TGFβ works with PD-L1 to prevent TSCL expansion and replacement of exhausted CD8 T cells, thereby maintaining the T cell compartment in a dysfunctional state. © 2023. Springer Nature Limited.

    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Toxin expression during Staphylococcus aureus infection imprints host immunity to inhibit vaccine efficacy.

    In NPJ Vaccines on 24 January 2023 by Teymournejad, O., Li, Z., et al.

    PubMed

    Staphylococcus aureus infections are a major public health issue, and a vaccine is urgently needed. Despite a considerable promise in preclinical models, all vaccines tested thus far have failed to protect humans against S. aureus. Unlike laboratory mice, humans are exposed to S. aureus throughout life. In the current study, we hypothesized that prior exposure to S. aureus "imprints" the immune response to inhibit vaccine-mediated protection. We established a mouse model in which S. aureus skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) is followed by vaccination and secondary SSTI. Unlike naïve mice, S. aureus-sensitized mice were incompletely protected against secondary SSTI by vaccination with the inactivated α-hemolysin (Hla) mutant HlaH35L. Inhibition of protection was specific for the HlaH35L vaccine and required hla expression during primary SSTI. Surprisingly, inhibition occurred at the level of vaccine-elicited effector T cells; hla expression during primary infection limited the expansion of T cells and dendritic cells and impaired vaccine-specific T cell responses. Importantly, the T cell-stimulating adjuvant CAF01 rescued inhibition and restored vaccine-mediated protection. Together, these findings identify a potential mechanism for the failure of translation of promising S. aureus vaccines from mouse models to clinical practice and suggest a path forward to prevent these devastating infections. © 2023. The Author(s).

    • Biochemistry and Molecular biology
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    • ,
    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    Transcription factor RORα enforces stability of the Th17 cell effector program by binding to a Rorc cis-regulatory element.

    In Immunity on 8 November 2022 by Hall, J. A., Pokrovskii, M., et al.

    PubMed

    T helper 17 (Th17) cells regulate mucosal barrier defenses but also promote multiple autoinflammatory diseases. Although many molecular determinants of Th17 cell differentiation have been elucidated, the transcriptional programs that sustain Th17 cells in vivo remain obscure. The transcription factor RORγt is critical for Th17 cell differentiation; however, it is not clear whether the closely related RORα, which is co-expressed in Th17 cells, has a distinct role. Here, we demonstrated that although dispensable for Th17 cell differentiation, RORα was necessary for optimal Th17 responses in peripheral tissues. The absence of RORα in T cells led to reductions in both RORγt expression and effector function among Th17 cells. Cooperative binding of RORα and RORγt to a previously unidentified Rorc cis-regulatory element was essential for Th17 lineage maintenance in vivo. These data point to a non-redundant role of RORα in Th17 lineage maintenance via reinforcement of the RORγt transcriptional program.Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    • ,
    • Cancer Research
    • ,
    • Cell Biology
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Cancer cell autophagy, reprogrammed macrophages, and remodeled vasculature in glioblastoma triggers tumor immunity.

    In Cancer Cell on 10 October 2022 by Chryplewicz, A., Scotton, J., et al.

    PubMed

    Glioblastoma (GBM) is poorly responsive to therapy and invariably lethal. One conceivable strategy to circumvent this intractability is to co-target distinctive mechanistic components of the disease, aiming to concomitantly disrupt multiple capabilities required for tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. We assessed this concept by combining vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway inhibitors that remodel the tumor vasculature with the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine, which enhances autophagy in GBM cancer cells and unexpectedly reprograms immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages via inhibition of histamine receptor signaling to become immunostimulatory. While neither drug is efficacious as monotherapy, the combination of imipramine with VEGF pathway inhibitors orchestrates the infiltration and activation of CD8 and CD4 T cells, producing significant therapeutic benefit in several GBM mouse models. Inclusion up front of immune-checkpoint blockade with anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in eventually relapsing tumors markedly extends survival benefit. The results illustrate the potential of mechanism-guided therapeutic co-targeting of disparate biological vulnerabilities in the tumor microenvironment.Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

    • Immunology and Microbiology
    • ,
    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    Immune cells and their inflammatory mediators modify β cells and cause checkpoint inhibitor-induced diabetes.

    In JCI Insight on 8 September 2022 by Perdigoto, A. L., Deng, S., et al.

    PubMed

    Checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) targeting programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) have revolutionized cancer treatment but can trigger autoimmune complications, including CPI-induced diabetes mellitus (CPI-DM), which occurs preferentially with PD-1 blockade. We found evidence of pancreatic inflammation in patients with CPI-DM with shrinkage of pancreases, increased pancreatic enzymes, and in a case from a patient who died with CPI-DM, peri-islet lymphocytic infiltration. In the NOD mouse model, anti-PD-L1 but not anti-CTLA-4 induced diabetes rapidly. RNA sequencing revealed that cytolytic IFN-γ+CD8+ T cells infiltrated islets with anti-PD-L1. Changes in β cells were predominantly driven by IFN-γ and TNF-α and included induction of a potentially novel β cell population with transcriptional changes suggesting dedifferentiation. IFN-γ increased checkpoint ligand expression and activated apoptosis pathways in human β cells in vitro. Treatment with anti-IFN-γ and anti-TNF-α prevented CPI-DM in anti-PD-L1-treated NOD mice. CPIs targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway resulted in transcriptional changes in β cells and immune infiltrates that may lead to the development of diabetes. Inhibition of inflammatory cytokines can prevent CPI-DM, suggesting a strategy for clinical application to prevent this complication.

    • Immunology and Microbiology
    IFN-γ+ cytotoxic CD4+ T lymphocytes are involved in the pathogenesis of colitis induced by IL-23 and the food colorant Red 40.

    In Cellular Molecular Immunology on 1 July 2022 by Chen, L., He, Z., et al.

    PubMed

    The food colorant Red 40 is an environmental risk factor for colitis development in mice with increased expression of interleukin (IL)-23. This immune response is mediated by CD4+ T cells, but mechanistic insights into how these CD4+ T cells trigger and perpetuate colitis have remained elusive. Here, using single-cell transcriptomic analysis, we found that several CD4+ T-cell subsets are present in the intestines of colitic mice, including an interferon (IFN)-γ-producing subset. In vivo challenge of primed mice with Red 40 promoted rapid activation of CD4+ T cells and caused marked intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) apoptosis that was attenuated by depletion of CD4+ cells and blockade of IFN-γ. Ex vivo experiments showed that intestinal CD4+ T cells from colitic mice directly promoted apoptosis of IECs and intestinal enteroids. CD4+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity was contact-dependent and required FasL, which promoted caspase-dependent cell death in target IECs. Genetic ablation of IFN-γ constrained IL-23- and Red 40-induced colitis development, and blockade of IFN-γ inhibited epithelial cell death in vivo. These results advance the understanding of the mechanisms regulating colitis development caused by IL-23 and food colorants and identify IFN-γ+ cytotoxic CD4+ T cells as a new potential therapeutic target for colitis. © 2022. The Author(s).

    • Cancer Research
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    STING agonist delivery by tumour-penetrating PEG-lipid nanodiscs primes robust anticancer immunity.

    In Nature Materials on 1 June 2022 by Dane, E. L., Belessiotis-Richards, A., et al.

    PubMed

    Activation of the innate immune STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING) pathway potentiates antitumour immunity, but systemic delivery of STING agonists to tumours is challenging. We conjugated STING-activating cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) to PEGylated lipids (CDN-PEG-lipids; PEG, polyethylene glycol) via a cleavable linker and incorporated them into lipid nanodiscs (LNDs), which are discoid nanoparticles formed by self-assembly. Compared to state-of-the-art liposomes, intravenously administered LNDs carrying CDN-PEG-lipid (LND-CDNs) exhibited more efficient penetration of tumours, exposing the majority of tumour cells to STING agonist. A single dose of LND-CDNs induced rejection of established tumours, coincident with immune memory against tumour rechallenge. Although CDNs were not directly tumoricidal, LND-CDN uptake by cancer cells correlated with robust T-cell activation by promoting CDN and tumour antigen co-localization in dendritic cells. LNDs thus appear promising as a vehicle for robust delivery of compounds throughout solid tumours, which can be exploited for enhanced immunotherapy. © 2022. The Author(s).

    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Interleukin-27 (IL-27) Promotes Chlamydial Infection in the Female Genital Tract.

    In Infection and Immunity on 21 April 2022 by Zhao, Y., Huo, Z., et al.

    PubMed

    Intravaginal infection of mice with Chlamydia muridarum has been used for investigating the mechanisms of Chlamydia trachomatis-induced pathogenicity and immune responses. In the current study, the mouse model was used to evaluate the impact of interleukin-27 (IL-27) and its receptor signaling on the susceptibility of the female genital tract to chlamydial infection. Mice deficient in IL-27 developed significantly shortened courses of chlamydial infection in the female genital tract. The titers of live Chlamydia recovered from the genital tract of IL-27-deficient mice declined significantly by day 7 following intravaginal inoculation. These observations suggest that IL-27 may promote chlamydial infection in the female mouse genital tract. This conclusion was validated using IL-27 receptor (R)-deficient mice. Further, the reduction in chlamydial burden corelated with the increase in gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and IL-17 in the genital tract tissues of the IL-27R-deificent mice. However, depletion of IFN-γ but not IL-17 from the IL-27R-deificent mice significantly increased the chlamydial burden, indicating that IL-27 may mainly suppress IFN-γ-mediated immunity for promoting chlamydial infection. Finally, knockout of IL-27R from T cells alone was sufficient for significantly shortening the infectious shedding courses of Chlamydia in the mouse genital tract. The above-described results have demonstrated that Chlamydia can activate IL-27R signaling in Th1-like cells for promoting its infection in the female genital tract, suggesting that attenuating IL-27 signaling in T cells may be used for enhancing genital tract immunity against chlamydial infection.

    • FC/FACS
    • ,
    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    IL-9/STAT3/fatty acid oxidation-mediated lipid peroxidation contributes to Tc9 cell longevity and enhanced antitumor activity.

    In The Journal of Clinical Investigation on 1 April 2022 by Xiao, L., Ma, X., et al.

    PubMed

    CD8+ T cell longevity regulated by metabolic activity plays important roles in cancer immunotherapy. Although in vitro-polarized, transferred IL-9-secreting CD8+ Tc9 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte subset 9) cells exert greater persistence and antitumor efficacy than Tc1 cells, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we show that tumor-infiltrating Tc9 cells display significantly lower lipid peroxidation than Tc1 cells in several mouse models, which is strongly correlated with their persistence. Using RNA-sequence and functional validation, we found that Tc9 cells exhibited unique lipid metabolic programs. Tc9 cell-derived IL-9 activated STAT3, upregulated fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial activity, and rendered Tc9 cells with reduced lipid peroxidation and resistance to tumor- or ROS-induced ferroptosis in the tumor microenvironment. IL-9 signaling deficiency, inhibiting STAT3, or fatty acid oxidation increased lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis of Tc9 cells, resulting in impaired longevity and antitumor ability. Similarly, human Tc9 cells also exhibited lower lipid peroxidation than Tc1 cells and tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells expressed lower IL9 and higher lipid peroxidation- and ferroptosis-related genes than circulating CD8+ T cells in patients with melanoma. This study indicates that lipid peroxidation regulates Tc9 cell longevity and antitumor effects via the IL-9/STAT3/fatty acid oxidation pathway and regulating T cell lipid peroxidation can be used to enhance T cell-based immunotherapy in human cancer.

    • Cancer Research
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    • ,
    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    BFAR coordinates TGFβ signaling to modulate Th9-mediated cancer immunotherapy.

    In The Journal of Experimental Medicine on 5 July 2021 by Pei, S., Huang, M., et al.

    PubMed

    TGFβ is essential for the generation of anti-tumor Th9 cells; on the other hand, it causes resistance against anti-tumor immunity. Despite recent progress, the underlying mechanism reconciling the double-edged effect of TGFβ signaling in Th9-mediated cancer immunotherapy remains elusive. Here, we find that TGFβ-induced down-regulation of bifunctional apoptosis regulator (BFAR) represents the key mechanism preventing the sustained activation of TGFβ signaling and thus impairing Th9 inducibility. Mechanistically, BFAR mediates K63-linked ubiquitination of TGFβR1 at K268, which is critical to activate TGFβ signaling. Thus, BFAR deficiency or K268R knock-in mutation suppresses TGFβR1 ubiquitination and Th9 differentiation, thereby inhibiting Th9-mediated cancer immunotherapy. More interestingly, BFAR-overexpressed Th9 cells exhibit promising therapeutic efficacy to curtail tumor growth and metastasis and promote the sensitivity of anti-PD-1-mediated checkpoint immunotherapy. Thus, our findings establish BFAR as a key TGFβ-regulated gene to fine-tune TGFβ signaling that causes Th9 induction insensitivity, and they highlight the translational potential of BFAR in promoting Th9-mediated cancer immunotherapy. © 2021 Pei et al.

    • Immunology and Microbiology
    • ,
    • Neuroscience
    • ,
    • In Vivo
    • ,
    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    Microglia Require CD4 T Cells to Complete the Fetal-to-Adult Transition.

    In Cell on 6 August 2020 by Pasciuto, E., Burton, O. T., et al.

    PubMed

    The brain is a site of relative immune privilege. Although CD4 T cells have been reported in the central nervous system, their presence in the healthy brain remains controversial, and their function remains largely unknown. We used a combination of imaging, single cell, and surgical approaches to identify a CD69+ CD4 T cell population in both the mouse and human brain, distinct from circulating CD4 T cells. The brain-resident population was derived through in situ differentiation from activated circulatory cells and was shaped by self-antigen and the peripheral microbiome. Single-cell sequencing revealed that in the absence of murine CD4 T cells, resident microglia remained suspended between the fetal and adult states. This maturation defect resulted in excess immature neuronal synapses and behavioral abnormalities. These results illuminate a role for CD4 T cells in brain development and a potential interconnected dynamic between the evolution of the immunological and neurological systems. VIDEO ABSTRACT.Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

    • Immunology and Microbiology
    • ,
    • Neuroscience
    Antigen discovery unveils resident memory and migratory cell roles in antifungal resistance.

    In Mucosal Immunology on 1 May 2020 by Dobson, H. E., Dias, L. D. S., et al.

    PubMed

    Priming at the site of natural infection typically elicits a protective T cell response against subsequent pathogen encounter. Here, we report the identification of a novel fungal antigen that we harnessed for mucosal vaccination and tetramer generation to test whether we can elicit protective, antigen-specific tissue-resident memory (Trm) CD4+ T cells in the lung parenchyma. In contrast to expectations, CD69+, CXCR3+, CD103- Trm cells failed to protect against a lethal pulmonary fungal infection. Surprisingly, systemic vaccination induced a population of tetramer+ CD4+ T cells enriched within the pulmonary vasculature, and expressing CXCR3 and CX3CR1, that migrated to the lung tissue upon challenge and efficiently protected mice against infection. Mucosal vaccine priming of Trm may not reliably protect against mucosal pathogens.

    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Type I Interferons Suppress Anti-parasitic Immunity and Can Be Targeted to Improve Treatment of Visceral Leishmaniasis.

    In Cell Reports on 25 February 2020 by Kumar, R., Bunn, P. T., et al.

    PubMed

    Type I interferons (IFNs) play critical roles in anti-viral and anti-tumor immunity. However, they also suppress protective immune responses in some infectious diseases. Here, we identify type I IFNs as major upstream regulators of CD4+ T cells from visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients. Furthermore, we report that mice deficient in type I IFN signaling have significantly improved control of Leishmania donovani, a causative agent of human VL, associated with enhanced IFNγ but reduced IL-10 production by parasite-specific CD4+ T cells. Importantly, we identify a small-molecule inhibitor that can be used to block type I IFN signaling during established infection and acts synergistically with conventional anti-parasitic drugs to improve parasite clearance and enhance anti-parasitic CD4+ T cell responses in mice and humans. Thus, manipulation of type I IFN signaling is a promising strategy for improving disease outcome in VL patients. Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Serum Amyloid A Proteins Induce Pathogenic Th17 Cells and Promote Inflammatory Disease.

    In Cell on 9 January 2020 by Lee, J. Y., Hall, J. A., et al.

    PubMed

    Lymphoid cells that produce interleukin (IL)-17 cytokines protect barrier tissues from pathogenic microbes but are also prominent effectors of inflammation and autoimmune disease. T helper 17 (Th17) cells, defined by RORγt-dependent production of IL-17A and IL-17F, exert homeostatic functions in the gut upon microbiota-directed differentiation from naive CD4+ T cells. In the non-pathogenic setting, their cytokine production is regulated by serum amyloid A proteins (SAA1 and SAA2) secreted by adjacent intestinal epithelial cells. However, Th17 cell behaviors vary markedly according to their environment. Here, we show that SAAs additionally direct a pathogenic pro-inflammatory Th17 cell differentiation program, acting directly on T cells in collaboration with STAT3-activating cytokines. Using loss- and gain-of-function mouse models, we show that SAA1, SAA2, and SAA3 have distinct systemic and local functions in promoting Th17-mediated inflammatory diseases. These studies suggest that T cell signaling pathways modulated by the SAAs may be attractive targets for anti-inflammatory therapies. Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

    Specific sequences of infectious challenge lead to secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis-like disease in mice.

    In Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America on 5 February 2019 by Wang, A., Pope, S. D., et al.

    PubMed

    Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) is a highly mortal complication associated with sepsis. In adults, it is often seen in the setting of infections, especially viral infections, but the mechanisms that underlie pathogenesis are unknown. sHLH is characterized by a hyperinflammatory state and the presence hemophagocytosis. We found that sequential challenging of mice with a nonlethal dose of viral toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist followed by a nonlethal dose of TLR4 agonist, but not other permutations, produced a highly lethal state that recapitulates many aspects of human HLH. We found that this hyperinflammatory response could be recapitulated in vitro in bone marrow-derived macrophages. RNA sequencing analyses revealed dramatic up-regulation of the red-pulp macrophage lineage-defining transcription factor SpiC and its associated transcriptional program, which was also present in bone marrow macrophages sorted from patients with sHLH. Transcriptional profiling also revealed a unique metabolic transcriptional profile in these macrophages, and immunometabolic phenotyping revealed impaired mitochondrial function and oxidative metabolism and a reliance on glycolytic metabolism. Subsequently, we show that therapeutic administration of the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose was sufficient to rescue animals from HLH. Together, these data identify a potential mechanism for the pathogenesis of sHLH and a potentially useful therapeutic strategy for its treatment.

    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Hemojuvelin regulates the innate immune response to peritoneal bacterial infection in mice.

    In Cell Discovery on 18 August 2017 by Wu, Q., Shen, Y., et al.

    PubMed

    Hereditary hemochromatosis and iron imbalance are associated with susceptibility to bacterial infection; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we performed in vivo bacterial infection screening using several mouse models of hemochromatosis, including Hfe (Hfe-/- ), hemojuvelin (Hjv-/- ), and macrophage-specific ferroportin-1 (Fpn1fl/fl ;LysM-Cre+ ) knockout mice. We found that Hjv-/- mice, but not Hfe-/- or Fpn1fl/fl ;LysM-Cre+ mice, are highly susceptible to peritoneal infection by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Interestingly, phagocytic cells in the peritoneum of Hjv-/- mice have reduced bacterial clearance, IFN-γ secretion, and nitric oxide production; in contrast, both cell migration and phagocytosis are normal. Expressing Hjv in RAW264.7 cells increased the level of phosphorylated Stat1 and nitric oxide production. Moreover, macrophage-specific Hjv knockout mice are susceptible to bacterial infection. Finally, we found that Hjv facilitates the secretion of IFN-γ via the IL-12/Jak2/Stat4 signaling pathway. Together, these findings reveal a novel protective role of Hjv in the early stages of antimicrobial defense.

    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    • ,
    • Cardiovascular biology
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    T-Cell Mineralocorticoid Receptor Controls Blood Pressure by Regulating Interferon-Gamma.

    In Circulation Research on 12 May 2017 by Sun, X. N., Li, C., et al.

    PubMed

    Hypertension remains to be a global public health burden and demands novel intervention strategies such as targeting T cells and T-cell-derived cytokines. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists have been clinically used to treat hypertension. However, the function of T-cell MR in blood pressure (BP) regulation has not been elucidated. We aim to determine the role of T-cell MR in BP regulation and to explore the mechanism. Using T-cell MR knockout mouse in combination with angiotensin II-induced hypertensive mouse model, we demonstrated that MR deficiency in T cells strikingly decreased both systolic and diastolic BP and attenuated renal and vascular damage. Flow cytometric analysis showed that T-cell MR knockout mitigated angiotensin II-induced accumulation of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-producing T cells, particularly CD8+ population, in both kidneys and aortas. Similarly, eplerenone attenuated angiotensin II-induced elevation of BP and accumulation of IFN-γ-producing T cells in wild-type mice. In cultured CD8+ T cells, T-cell MR knockout suppressed IFN-γ expression whereas T-cell MR overexpression and aldosterone both enhanced IFN-γ expression. At the molecular level, MR interacted with NFAT1 (nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1) and activator protein-1 in T cells. Finally, T-cell MR overexpressing mice manifested more elevated BP compared with control mice after angiotensin II infusion and such difference was abolished by IFN-γ-neutralizing antibodies. MR may interact with NFAT1 and activator protein-1 to control IFN-γ in T cells and to regulate target organ damage and ultimately BP. Targeting MR in T cells specifically may be an effective novel approach for hypertension treatment. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.