Independent regulation of DNA recombination and immunoglobulin (Ig) secretion during isotype switching to IgG1 and IgE

Reprogramming IgH isotype-switched B cells to functional-grade induced pluripotent stem cells

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be formed from somatic cells by a defined set of genetic factors; however, aberrant epigenetic silencing of the imprinted Dlk1-Dio3 gene cluster often hinders their developmental potency and ability to contribute to high-grade chimerism in mice. Here, we describe an approach that allows splenic B cells activated to undergo Ig heavy-chain (IgH) class-switch recombination (CSR) to be reprogrammed into iPSCs that contribute to high-grade chimerism in mice. Treatment of naïve splenic B cells in culture with anti-CD40 plus IL-4 induces IgH CSR from IgM to IgG1 and IgE. CSR leads to irreversible IgH locus deletions wherein the IgM-producing Cμ exons are permanently excised from the B-cell genome. We find that anti-CD40 plus IL-4-activated B cells produce iPSCs that are uniformly hypermethylated in the imprinted Dlk1-Dio3 gene cluster and fail to produce chimerism in mice. However, treatment of activated B cells with the methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine before and at early stages of reprogramming attenuates hypermethylation of the Dlk1-Dio3 locus in resultant iPSCs and enables them to form high-grade chimerism in mice. These conditions allowed us to produce chimeric mice in which all mature B cells were derived entirely from IgG1-expressing B-cell-derived iPSCs. We conclude that culture conditions of activated B cells before and at early stages of reprogramming influence the developmental potency of resultant iPSCs.

Immature B cells preferentially switch to IgE with increased direct Sμ to Sε recombination

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Immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) class-switch recombination (CSR) replaces initially expressed Cμ (IgM) constant regions (C_H) exons with downstream C_H exons. Stimulation of B cells with anti-CD40 plus interleukin-4 induces CSR from Cμ to Cγ1 (IgG1) and Cε (IgE), the latter of which contributes to the pathogenesis of atopic diseases. Although Cε CSR can occur directly from Cμ, most mature peripheral B cells undergo CSR to Cε indirectly, namely from Cμ to Cγ1, and subsequently to Cε. Physiological mechanisms that influence CSR to Cγ1 versus Cε are incompletely understood. In this study, we report a role for B cell developmental maturity in IgE CSR. Based in part on a novel flow cytometric IgE CSR assay, we show that immature B cells preferentially switch to IgE versus IgG1 through a mechanism involving increased direct CSR from Cμ to Cε. Our findings suggest that IgE dysregulation in certain immunodeficiencies may be related to impaired B cell maturation.

Adjuvant Effect of Lemnan, Pectic Polysaccharide of Callus Culture ofLemna minorL. at Oral Administration

A pectic polysaccharide, lemnan LMC, was extracted from the callus of duckweed Lemna minor L. and was tested for adjuvant properties at oral administration with protein antigen. Mice were orally immunized thrice with weekly interval with free hen's egg lysozyme or lysozyme with LMC. Lemnan LMC was shown to increase delayed type hypersensitivity and serum antilysozyme IgG responses. LMC was established to increase levels of both serum IgG1 and IgG2a subclasses. The concentration of malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase activity were found to be higher in the tissue samples obtained from small intestine of mice immunized with mixture of lysozyme/LMC than those immunized with lysozyme only. Thus, lemnan appeared to be useful as the adjuvant for oral immunization.

Translational mini-review series on Toll-like receptors: Toll-like receptor ligands as novel pharmaceuticals for allergic disorders

Characterization of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family and associated signalling pathways provides a key molecular basis for our understanding of the relationship between exposure to microbial products and susceptibility to immune-mediated disorders. Indeed, ligation of TLR controls innate and adaptive immune responses by inducing synthesis of pro- as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines and activation of effector as well as regulatory lymphocytes. TLRs are therefore considered as major targets for the development of vaccine adjuvants, but also of new immunotherapies. Herein, we review the potential of TLR ligands as a novel class of pharmaceuticals for the prevention or treatment of allergic disorders.

IL-21-induced Bepsilon cell apoptosis mediated by natural killer T cells suppresses IgE responses

Epidemiological studies have suggested that the recent increase in the incidence and severity of immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated allergic disorders is inversely correlated with Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccination; however, the underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. Here, we demonstrate that natural killer T (NKT) cells in mice and humans play a crucial role in the BCG-induced suppression of IgE responses. BCG-activated murine Vα14 NKT cells, but not conventional CD4 T cells, selectively express high levels of interleukin (IL)-21, which preferentially induces apoptosis in Bɛ cells. Signaling from the IL-21 receptor increases the formation of a complex between Bcl-2 and the proapoptotic molecule Bcl-2–modifying factor, resulting in Bɛ cell apoptosis. Similarly, BCG vaccination induces IL-21 expression by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in a partially NKT cell–dependent fashion. BCG-activated PBMCs significantly reduce IgE production by human B cells. These findings provide new insight into the therapeutic effect of BCG in allergic diseases.

Toll-like receptor ligands and atopy: a coin with at least two sides

Allergic disease prevalence rates have increased dramatically in affluent countries over the last half century. One proposed explanation is that decreased exposures to microbes caused by modern public health practices has led to deficiencies in an important source of immune education and a consequent increase in the risk of pathogenic immune responses to environmental antigens. Recently, it has become clear that innate responses to microbes are mediated in large part by Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which recognize a diverse family of ligands produced by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. In this perspectives article we will review experimental evidence suggesting that TLRs also play a dominant role in innate responses to noninfectious immunostimulatory materials present in environments of daily living. We will further discuss how ligands for different TLRs can polarize the T(H) bias of adaptive responses in opposing directions. Finally, we will consider how TLRs might contribute to the genesis of atopy and the clinical potential of pharmacologic interventions that target TLRs for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.

Toll-like receptors—novel targets in allergic airway disease (probiotics, friends and relatives)

Experimental and epidemiological studies enabled to hypothesize that stimulation of the immune system by selected microbial products may prevent or treat allergic diseases. According to recent advances in molecular immunology, this stimulation acts via group of conserved receptors present on antigen presenting cells, known as toll-like receptors (TLRs). These receptors play an essential role in antigen presentation and latter development of immune response into pro-allergic (Th2), cellular (Th1) or regulatory (Tr1) responses. Since toll-like receptors govern decisive points in immune regulation, an extensive research focuses on agents interfering with their immunomodulatory activities. In this report, we review information on the potential use of microbial products in allergy prevention and therapy, which are believed to target toll-like receptor network. Current toll-like receptor-based approaches, as well as potential use of lipopolysaccharide (and derivates), oligonucleotides, mycobacteria, bacterial extracts, and probiotics are discussed herein.

Requirement of 8-mercaptoguanosine as a costimulus for IL-4-dependent mu to gamma1 class switch recombination in CD38-activated B cells

Mature B-2 cells expressing surface IgM and IgD proliferate upon stimulation by CD38, CD40 or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and differentiate into IgG1-producing plasma cells in the presence of cytokines. The process of class switch recombination (CSR) from IgM to other isotypes is highly regulated by cytokines and activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID). Blimp-1 and XBP-1 play an essential role in the terminal differentiation of switched B-2 cells to Ig-producing plasma cells. IL-5 induces AID and Blimp-1 expression in CD38- and CD40-activated B-2 cells, leading to mu to gamma1 CSR at DNA level and IgG1 production. IL-4, a well-known IgG1-inducing factor, does not induce mu to gamma1 CSR in CD38-activated B-2 cells or Blimp-1, while IL-4 induces mu to gamma1 CSR, XBP-1 expression, and IgG1 production expression in CD40-activated B-2 cells. Interestingly, the addition of 8-mercaptoguanosine (8-SGuo) with IL-4 to the culture of CD38-activated B cells can induce mu to gamma1 CSR, Blimp-1 expression, and IgG1 production. Intriguingly, 8-SGuo by itself induces AID expression in CD38-activated B cells. However, it does not induce mu to gamma1 CSR. These results imply that the mode of B-cell activation for extracellular stimulation affects the outcome of cytokine stimulation with respect to the efficiency and direction of CSR, and the requirements of the transcriptional regulator and the generation of antibody-secreting cells. Furthermore, our data suggest the requirement of additional molecules in addition to AID for CSR.

CpG inhibits IgE class switch recombination through suppression of NF kappa B activity, but not through Id2 or Bcl6

The CpG motif in DNA plays a critical role in immunity via modulating the Th1/Th2 balance. In B cells, CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) inhibit IL-4-mediated class switch recombination (CSR) to IgG1 and IgE through inhibition of the germline transcription (GLT) of these isotypes. However, the molecular mechanism of this inhibitory effect remains elusive. We showed here that Id2 and Bcl6, both of which inhibit IgE GLT and CSR, are not involved in this inhibitory pathway. We demonstrated that there is reduced activity of NF kappa B binding to the IgE promoter and a reduction of Irf4 protein in CpG ODN-treated B cells. These data indicate the critical role of NF kappa B and Irf4 in the regulation of IgE CSR through actions downstream of CpG signaling.

IL-21 effects on human IgE production in response to IL-4 or IL-13

In human atopic disease, IgE sensitizes the allergic response, while IgG4 is protective. Because IL-4 and IL-13 trigger switch recombination to both IgE and IgG4, additional agents must regulate the balance between these isotypes to influence susceptibility or tolerance to atopy. In this report, we define in vitro conditions leading to activation or inhibition of human IgE and IgG4 production by IL-21. IL-21 reduced IL-4-driven IgE synthesis by mitogen-stimulated human PBMC. IL-21 inhibition of human IgE production was not a direct effect on B cells, was not seen following B cell activation with IL-13, and was overcome by CD40 ligation. Neither IFN-gamma, IL-10, IL-12, CD40L expression, nor apoptosis was responsible for the inhibitory effect. In contrast, IL-21-stimulated secretion of IgG4 from PBMC. Our findings indicate that IL-21 may influence the production of both human IgE and IgG4, and thus contribute to the regulation of atopic reactions.

Toll-like receptor ligands: hygiene, atopy and therapeutic implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Allergic and certain other inflammatory diseases have become more common in industrialized countries over the past few decades. One potential explanation for such trends is that with a decreased incidence of microbial exposures, as a result of modern public health practices, an important source of immune stimulation has been lost, with a consequent increase in inflammatory responses and their associated diseases. This review will focus on our current understanding of how microbial exposures impact on host immunity and the pathogenesis of allergic diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

In the past decade, it has become clear that a number of molecular interactions between immunocytes and microbial compounds are mediated by Toll-like receptors on host cells. Moreover, recent investigations have suggested that ligands for different Toll-like receptors have the potential both to inhibit and promote the development of allergic hypersensitivities and diseases.

SUMMARY

On the basis of studies discussed herein, we speculate that physiological exposures to Toll-like receptor ligands have important yet complex effects on immune homeostasis and host susceptibility towards atopic diseases. Moreover, we anticipate that a fuller understanding of how physiological Toll-like receptor ligand exposures impact on immune development will lead to novel therapeutic interventions for the prevention and treatment of atopic diseases.

Role of Id proteins in B lymphocyte activation: new insights from knockout mouse studies

Id (inhibitor of differentiation) proteins play important roles in cell differentiation, cell cycle control, and apoptosis. They act as negative regulators of basic helix-loop-helix-type transcription factors, which positively regulate differentiation of various cell types. Id proteins work to block B lymphocyte (B cell) maturation at an early differentiation step, as demonstrated by gain-of-function studies. In recent years a series of gene-targeted mice lacking different Ids have been generated. Analyses of these gene-targeted mice provide information useful for understanding the physiological roles of Ids in B cell biology. Id3 is required for proper B cell functions and acts by controlling the cell cycle. Upon B cell activation, Id2 acts as a negative regulator to prevent potentially harmful effects brought about by excessive immunological reactions; one of its special roles is to maintain low serum concentrations of immunoglobulin E (IgE). The Id2 protein does this by antagonizing E2A and Pax5 activities, both of which are required for proper B cell activation. This review presents several new insights into B cell differentiation and activation programs and the physiological role of Id proteins in B cell activation.

Essential role of Id2 in negative regulation of IgE class switching

Serum concentrations of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in normal circumstances are kept much lower than those of other Ig isotypes to avoid allergic reactions. B cells lacking Id2 have increased E2A activity, which leads to specific enhancement of germline transcription of the immunoglobulin epsilon locus. As a consequence, Id2-deficient B cells undergo class switch recombination (CSR) to IgE at a much higher frequency than wild-type B cells. In contrast, Id2 is induced in wild-type B cells by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and suppresses IgE CSR. Our results provide evidence for the inhibitory and selective role of Id2 in IgE CSR in response to TGF-beta1. Id2 might act as molecular safeguard to suppress IgE CSR to prevent serious complications such as allergic hypersensitivity during the normal course of immune responses.

Extract of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis stimulates polyclonal type-2 immunoglobulin response by inducing De novo class switch

Infection with the nematode parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis induces a pronounced type-2 T-cell response that is associated with marked polyclonal immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG1 production in mice. To examine the differential roles of the infection and products produced by nematodes, we investigated a soluble extract of N. brasiliensis for the ability to mediate this type-2 response. We found that the extract induced a marked increase in IgE and IgG1 levels, similar to that induced by the infection. The extract did not affect the level of IgG2a in serum, showing that the effect was specific to IgE and IgG1 (type-2-associated immunoglobulin) rather than inducing a nonspecific increase in all immunoglobulin isotypes. This response was also associated with increased interleukin-4 production in vitro. These results confirm that the extract, like infection, is a strong inducer of polyclonal type-2 responses and a reliable model for investigating the regulation of nematode-induced responses. The extract induced the production of IgG1 when added to in vitro cultures of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated B cells. This provides evidence for the induction of class switch. It did not induce upregulation of IgG1 in naive (unstimulated) B cells or expand B cells in in vitro cultures. Analysis of DNA from the spleens of mice treated with the extract by digestion-circularization PCR demonstrated a marked increase in the occurrence of gamma1 switch region gene recombination in the cells in vivo. These results provide strong evidence that soluble worm products are able to mediate the marked polyclonal gamma1/epsilon response and that infection is not required to mediate this response. Furthermore, these data provide evidence that the soluble nematode extract induces this effect by causing de novo class switch of B cells and not by an expansion of IgG1 B cells or an increase in antibody production by IgG1 plasma cells.

Discordance between IgA switching at the DNA level and IgA expression at the mRNA level in IgA-deficient patients

IgA deficiency is a common immune disorder in Caucasians and is associated with certain MHC conserved extended haplotypes, such as [HLA-B8, SC01, DR3], which presumably carry a susceptibility gene(s). We applied a competitive digestion-circularization PCR method to quantitate the number of switch (S)mu to S alpha rearrangements in peripheral B cells from IgA-deficient subjects homozygous for this haplotype and compared their number with the productive C alpha mRNA level to determine C alpha gene expression in IgA-switched B cells. Two types of defects, low expression of both secreted and membrane forms of productive C alpha mRNA in IgA-switched B cells and impaired IgA switching, were characterized in IgA-deficient subjects homozygous for [HLA-B8, SC01, DR3]. The former defect was also found in another noncarrier subject. It may directly cause low IgA secretion and reflects a blockade in post-IgA switch differentiation of B cells. These results suggest that the heterogeneity of defects in IgA deficiency is not simply ascribable to MHC susceptibility genes.

IL-4-dependent IgE class switching in an anti-trinitrophenyl B-cell hybridoma after engagement of antigen receptors

A B-cell hybridoma, TP67.21 that expresses surface anti-trinitrophenyl (TNP) IgM but does not secrete the antibody spontaneously has been reported to differentiate into anti-TNP IgM-secreting cells in response to lipopolysaccharide or engagement of surface IgM. Here, we report isolation and characterization of a subclone, TP67.21E (TP.E) that undergoes isotype switching to IgE in an interleukin (IL)-4-dependent manner. TP.E cells secreted anti-TNP IgE depending on exogenous IL-4 when they were cultured with an anti-IgM antibody for 6-8 days. 8-Mercaptoguanosine, which has been shown to enhance IgE class switching in murine splenic B-cells further augmented the IgE response in TP.E cells. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that approximately 1.2% of the cultured cells became positive for intracellular IgE after the stimulation culture. The germline epsilon transcripts were expressed transiently on days 2-4 of the culture, while expression of the productive epsilon transcripts was induced 5 days after the start of the culture, thus suggesting that IgE class switching occurred in TP.E cells under these conditions.

STAT6 Is Required for IL-4-Induced Germline Ig Gene Transcription and Switch Recombination

Transcription of the germline Cγ1 and Cε Ig genes is believed to be a necessary prerequisite for isotype switching to IgG1 and IgE, respectively. IL-4 stimulation and ligation of CD40 can each independently induce low level germline γ1 and ε transcription in murine B cells. Together these signals act synergistically to promote high level germline transcription and are normally required for T-dependent isotype switching to IgG1 and IgE. The STAT6 transcription factor has been suggested to play a critical role in IL-4-induced activation of germline Cγ1 and Cε genes. To directly assess the role of STAT6 in IL-4R- and CD40-mediated germline transcription and switching, we have analyzed these events in splenic B cells from STAT6-deficient mice. Our results demonstrate that IL-4 does not induce detectable levels of germline γ1 or ε transcripts in STAT6-deficient B cells. Germline transcript expression induced by CD40 stimulation alone is unaffected, but synergism between CD40- and IL-4R-mediated signals is completely ablated. Switch recombination to Sγ1, as measured by digestion-circularization PCR, is dramatically reduced in STAT6-deficient B cells stimulated with CD40 ligand plus IL-4. Similarly, germline γ1 transcript expression and switch recombination to Sγ1 are also impaired in STAT6-deficient B cells stimulated with IL-4, IL-5, and anti-IgD Abs conjugated to dextran, a model for T-independent type II responses. These results directly demonstrate a critical role for STAT6 in the IL-4-mediated activation of germline Ig gene transcription and switch recombination in nontransformed B cells.

Differential Coupling of Membrane Ig and CD40 to the Extracellularly Regulated Kinase Signaling Pathway

Coupling of membrane Ig (mIg) and CD40 to the extracellularly regulated kinase (ERK) signal transduction pathway was examined in the WEHI-231 B lymphoma and normal mouse B cells. Cross-linking mIg induces ERK activation in both WEHI-231 and normal B cells. In contrast, CD40 cross-linking failed to induce ERK activation in WEHI-231, but signals through CD40 were more effective than mIg as a stimulus for ERK activation in normal B cells. However, several lines of evidence suggest that CD40 and the B cell Ag regulate ERK through distinct pathways that converge at the level of MEK-1, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase. Abs to mIg or CD40 induced MEK-1 activation with different kinetics. Cross-linking of mIg, but not CD40, induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the SHC adapter molecule that couples receptors to Ras-dependent signaling pathways. Finally, agents that elevate cAMP, causing protein kinase A-mediated inhibition of Raf-1, inhibited activation of ERK in response to mIg cross-linking, but had no affect on ERK activation in response to anti-CD40 or Jun N-terminal kinase activation by signals through either receptor. Thus, CD40 uses an unidentified protein kinase A-insensitive MEK kinase, rather than Raf-1, to regulate ERK activity.

Antigen dose-dependent predominance of either direct or sequential switch in IgE antibody responses

Priming of CBA/J mice with minute doses of protein antigens (Ag) leads to high IgE antibody (Ab) titres in the immune sera of these animals. In contrast priming with large doses elicits only a marginal production of IgE Ab. In vitro restimulation of spleen cells from animals primed with large doses and lacking in vivo IgE Ab leads to a burst of IgE Ab-forming cells. This in vitro anamnestic response is lacking in mice primed with minute doses of Ag. In order to trace the cellular basis of the in vitro IgE memory response we have extended the analysis of the distribution of Ab isotypes to Ag-primed IgG1-deficient delta 5'S gamma 1 mice. The data presented here must be interpreted as followed. Priming of mice with minute doses of Ag leads to a direct switch from IgM to IgE Ab expression in both strains. These animals have high IgE Ab titres without establishing an IgE memory. The direct switch was verified by polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis of switch circle DNA isolated from Ag-specific B cells of CBA/J mice primed with minute doses of Ag. In contrast to immunization with minute doses, priming with large doses of Ag fails to induce in vivo IgE Ab production in CBA/J and delta 5'S gamma 1 mice but establishes a B epsilon memory in CBA/J mice which involves IgG1-bearing intermediate B cells. In vivo these B epsilon memory cells do not enter the status of IgE Ab-producing cells. In vitro they can be released from this anergy and presumed suppression and develop in an anamnestic response into a large population of IgE Ab-forming B cells. This increase in the number of IgE Ab-producing cells after restimulation in vitro is lacking in delta 5'S gamma 1 mice, apparently because of their inability to generate IgG1-expressing precursor cells. The notion of a sequential switch and an IgG1 intermediate B epsilon memory status is also supported by depletion and inhibition experiments. Elimination of IgG1-expressing B cells in CBA/J mice primed with high doses of Ag prevents the IgE Ab burst after in vitro challenge with Ag. The data further suggest that the two switch pathways are not mutually exclusive and that the Ag dose can decide which pathway is preferentially used.

Efficient production of IgG human monoclonal antibodies by lymphocytes stimulated by lipopolysaccharide, pokeweed mitogen, and interleukin 4

Extensive screening of the mitogens lipopolysaccharide (LPS), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I (SAC I), alone and in combination and with and without interleukin (IL) was performed for in vitro activation of regional lymph node lymphocytes from lung cancer patients for the production of human IgG, IgM, and IgA. As assessed by electrofusion of the lymphocytes following their exposure to these agents with mouse myeloma cells and incubation of the fused hybridoma, a remarkable stimulatory effect was shown by LPS and particularly by LPS plus IL-4, which was substantially greater than that of either SAC I or PWM with or without various IL. Optimization studies indicated that the addition of PWM to LPS and IL-4 in the culture medium further stimulated the human antibody (Ab) production, and that the optimal formulation for stimulation of human IgG production was a culture medium containing 20 micrograms/ml of LPS, 1/500 of PWM, and 100 u/ml of IL-4.

Activated mast cells produce interleukin 13

When mast cells are activated through their immunoglobulin (Ig)E receptors, release of low molecular weight mediators like histamine is followed by secretion of multiple cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-3, IL-4, IL-5, and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Here we report that stimulated mast cells also synthesize IL-13 mRNA and protein; secretion of this cytokine may be of particular importance because of its ability to stimulate IgE expression. IL-13 transcripts detected by a semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-mediated polymerase chain reaction assay were induced within 30 min after stimulation of mast cells by dinitrophenyl plus monoclonal IgE anti-dinitrophenyl, and peaked at about 1 h. Within 3 h of IgE stimulation, secreted IL-13 bioactivity, estimated by proliferation of an IL-13-dependent cell line, reached levels equivalent to 1-2 ng/ml of IL-13. When added to human B lymphocytes, the mast cell-derived IL-13 activity (like bone fide IL-13) induced Ig C epsilon transcripts, DNA recombination characteristic of the isotype switch to C epsilon, and the secretion of IgE protein. These results suggest a model of local positive feedback interactions between mast cells and B cells, which could play a role in the pathogenesis of atopy.