Peyer's patch dendritic cells process viral antigen from apoptotic epithelial cells in the intestine of reovirus-infected mice

Reovirus genomic diversity confers plasticity for protease utility during adaptation to intracellular uncoating

IMPORTANCE

Reoviruses infect many mammals and are widely studied as a model system for enteric viruses. However, most of our reovirus knowledge comes from laboratory strains maintained on immortalized L929 cells. Herein, we asked whether naturally circulating reoviruses possess the same genetic and phenotypic characteristics as laboratory strains. Naturally circulating reoviruses obtained from sewage were extremely diverse genetically. Moreover, sewage reoviruses exhibited poor fitness on L929 cells and relied heavily on gut proteases for viral uncoating and productive infection compared to laboratory strains. We then examined how naturally circulating reoviruses might adapt to cell culture conditions. Within three passages, virus isolates from the parental sewage population were selected, displaying improved fitness and intracellular uncoating in L929 cells. Remarkably, selected progeny clones were present at 0.01% of the parental population. Altogether, using reovirus as a model, our study demonstrates how the high genetic diversity of naturally circulating viruses results in rapid adaptation to new environments.

Lymph node sharing between pancreas, gut, and liver leads to immune crosstalk and regulation of pancreatic autoimmunity

Lymph nodes (LNs) are critical sites for shaping tissue-specific adaptive immunity. However, the impact of LN sharing between multiple organs on such tailoring is less understood. Here, we describe the drainage hierarchy of the pancreas, liver, and the upper small intestine (duodenum) into three murine LNs. Migratory dendritic cells (migDCs), key in instructing adaptive immune outcome, exhibited stronger pro-inflammatory signatures when originating from the pancreas or liver than from the duodenum. Qualitatively different migDC mixing in each shared LN influenced pancreatic β-cell-reactive T cells to acquire gut-homing and tolerogenic phenotypes proportional to duodenal co-drainage. However, duodenal viral infections rendered non-intestinal migDCs and β-cell-reactive T cells more pro-inflammatory in all shared LNs, resulting in elevated pancreatic islet lymphocyte infiltration. Our study uncovers immune crosstalk through LN co-drainage as a powerful force regulating pancreatic autoimmunity.

The gut protist Tritrichomonas arnold restrains virus-mediated loss of oral tolerance by modulating dietary antigen-presenting dendritic cells

Loss of oral tolerance (LOT) to gluten, driven by dendritic cell (DC) priming of gluten-specific T helper 1 (Th1) cell immune responses, is a hallmark of celiac disease (CeD) and can be triggered by enteric viral infections. Whether certain commensals can moderate virus-mediated LOT remains elusive. Here, using a mouse model of virus-mediated LOT, we discovered that the gut-colonizing protist Tritrichomonas (T.) arnold promotes oral tolerance and protects against reovirus- and murine norovirus-mediated LOT, independent of the microbiota. Protection was not attributable to antiviral host responses or T. arnold-mediated innate type 2 immunity. Mechanistically, T. arnold directly restrained the proinflammatory program in dietary antigen-presenting DCs, subsequently limiting Th1 and promoting regulatory T cell responses. Finally, analysis of fecal microbiomes showed that T. arnold-related Parabasalid strains are underrepresented in human CeD patients. Altogether, these findings will motivate further exploration of oral-tolerance-promoting protists in CeD and other immune-mediated food sensitivities.

Lymphatic Type 1 Interferon Responses Are Critical for Control of Systemic Reovirus Dissemination

Mammalian orthoreovirus (reovirus) spreads from the site of infection to every organ system in the body via the blood. However, mechanisms that underlie reovirus hematogenous spread remain undefined. Nonstructural protein σ1s is a critical determinant of reovirus bloodstream dissemination that is required for efficient viral replication in many types of cultured cells. Here, we used the specificity of the σ1s protein for promoting hematogenous spread as a platform to uncover a role for lymphatic type 1 interferon (IFN-1) responses in limiting reovirus systemic dissemination. We found that replication of a σ1s-deficient reovirus was restored to wild-type levels in cells with defective interferon-α receptor (IFNAR1) signaling. Reovirus spreads systemically following oral inoculation of neonatal mice, whereas the σ1s-null virus remains localized to the intestine. We found that σ1s enables reovirus spread in the presence of a functional IFN-1 response, as the σ1s-deficient reovirus disseminated comparably to wild-type virus in IFNAR1^-/- mice. Lymphatics are hypothesized to mediate reovirus spread from the intestine to the bloodstream. IFNAR1 deletion from cells expressing lymphatic vessel endothelium receptor 1 (LYVE-1), a marker for lymphatic endothelial cells, enabled the σ1s-deficient reovirus to disseminate systemically. Together, our findings indicate that IFN-1 responses in lymphatics limit reovirus dissemination. Our data further suggest that the lymphatics are an important conduit for reovirus hematogenous spread.IMPORTANCE Type 1 interferons (IFN-1) are critical host responses to viral infection. However, the contribution of IFN-1 responses to control of viruses in specific cell and tissue types is not fully defined. Here, we identify IFN-1 responses in lymphatics as important for limiting reovirus dissemination. We found that nonstructural protein σ1s enhances reovirus resistance to IFN-1 responses, as a reovirus mutant lacking σ1s was more sensitive to IFN-1 than wild-type virus. In neonatal mice, σ1s is required for reovirus systemic spread. We used tissue-specific IFNAR1 deletion in combination with the IFN-1-sensitive σ1s-null reovirus as a tool to test how IFN-1 responses in lymphatics affect reovirus systemic spread. Deletion of IFNAR1 in lymphatic cells using Cre-lox technology enabled dissemination of the IFN-1-sensitive σ1s-deficient reovirus. Together, our results indicate that IFN-1 responses in lymphatics are critical for controlling reovirus systemic spread.

Bat mammalian orthoreoviruses cause severe pneumonia in mice

Mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV) infections are ubiquitous in mammals. Increasing evidence suggests that some MRVs can cause severe respiratory disease and encephalitis in humans and other animals. Previously, we isolated six bat MRV strains. However, the pathogenicity of these bat viruses remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the host range and pathogenicity of 3 bat MRV strains (WIV2, 3 and 7) which represent three serotypes. Our results showed that all of them can infect cell lines from different mammalian species and displayed different replication efficiency. The BALB/c mice infected by bat MRVs showed clinical symptoms with systematic infection especially in lung and intestines. Obvious tissue damage were found in all infected lungs. One of the strains, WIV7, showed higher replication efficiency in vitro and vivo and more severe pathogenesis in mice. Our results provide new evidence showing potential pathogenicity of bat MRVs in animals and probable risk in humans.

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Bat MRVs show wide cell tropism in vivo and in vitro and have a high replication efficiency in lung and intestines.

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Mice infected by bat MRVs showed clinical illness, but without death.

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The higher replication in brain, lung damage and weak innate immune response may be responsible for severe diseases for WIV7.

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The results indicate the potential pathogenicity of bat MRV to human and animals.

Intravital visualization of interactions of murine Peyer's patch-resident dendritic cells with M cells

The small intestine hosts specialized lymphoid structures, the Peyer's patches, that face the gut lumen and are overlaid with unique epithelial cells, called microfold (M) cells. M cells are considered to constitute an important route for antigen uptake in the mucosal immune system. Here, we used intravital microscopy to define immune cell populations, which are in close contact with M cells and potentially sample antigen. We present live evidence that DCs enter M cell pockets and highlight the abundance of mononuclear phagocytes in these structures. Taking advantage of the respective reporter animals, we focused on classical DCs that express Zbtb46 and analyzed how these cells interact with M cells in steady state and sample antigen for T cell activation in the Peyer's patches following challenge.

Host Factors Affecting Generation of Immunity Against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus in Pregnant and Lactating Swine and Passive Protection of Neonates

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a highly virulent re-emerging enteric coronavirus that causes acute diarrhea, dehydration, and up to 100% mortality in neonatal suckling piglets. Despite this, a safe and effective PEDV vaccine against highly virulent strains is unavailable, making PEDV prevention and control challenging. Lactogenic immunity induced via the gut-mammary gland-secretory IgA (sIgA) axis, remains the most promising and effective way to protect suckling piglets from PEDV. Therefore, a successful PEDV vaccine must induce protective maternal IgA antibodies that passively transfer into colostrum and milk. Identifying variables that influence lymphocyte migration and IgA secretion during gestation and lactation is imperative for designing maternal immunization strategies that generate the highest amount of lactogenic immune protection against PEDV in suckling piglets. Because pregnancy-associated immune alterations influence viral pathogenesis and adaptive immune responses in many different species, a better understanding of host immune responses to PEDV in pregnant swine may translate into improved maternal immunization strategies against enteric pathogens for multiple species. In this review, we discuss the role of host factors during pregnancy on antiviral immunity and their implications for generating protective lactogenic immunity in suckling neonates.

Intestinal Dendritic Cells in Health and Gut Inflammation

Dendritic cells (DCs) mediate tolerance to food antigens, limit reactivity to the gut microbiota and are required for optimal response to intestinal pathogens. Intestinal DCs are heterogeneous but collectively generate both regulatory and effector T cell responses. The balance of outcomes is determined by the activity of functionally distinct DC subsets and their modulation by environmental cues. DCs constantly sample luminal content to monitor for pathogens; the significance of the various pathways by which this occurs is incompletely understood. Intestinal DC have distinctive properties shaped by local host, dietary and microbial signals. These properties include the ability to produce all-trans retinoic acid (RA) and imprint gut tropism on T cells they activate. In the steady-state, subsets of intestinal DC are potent generators of inducible Treg, aided by their ability to activate TGFβ and produce RA. However, responses induced by steady-state intestinal DCs are not exclusively regulatory in nature; effector T cells with specificity for commensal bacterial can be found in the healthy mucosa and these can be locally controlled to prevent inflammation. The ability of intestinal DCs to enhance effector responses in infection or sustain inflammation in disease is likely to involve both modulation of the local DC population and recruitment of additional populations. Immune pathways in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease can be mapped to DCs and in inflamed intestinal tissue, DCs show increased expression of microbial recognition machinery, activation, and production of key immunological mediators. Intestinal DCs may be targeted for disease therapy or to improve vaccine responses.

On cell death in the intestinal epithelium and its impact on gut homeostasis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Both apoptotic and nonapoptotic cell extrusion preserve the barrier functions of epithelia. Live cell extrusion is the paradigm for homeostatic renewal of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC). By extension, as extruded cells are not apoptotic, this form of cell shedding is thought to be largely ignored by lamina propria phagocytes and without immune consequence.

RECENT FINDINGS

Visualization of apoptotic IEC inside distinct subsets of intestinal phagocytes during homeostasis has highlighted apoptosis as a normal component of the natural turnover of the intestinal epithelium. Analysis of phagocytes with or without apoptotic IEC corpses has shown how apoptotic IEC constrain inflammatory pathways within phagocytes and induce immunosuppressive regulatory CD4 T-cell differentiation. Many of the genes involved overlap with susceptibility genes for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

SUMMARY

Excessive IEC death and loss-of-barrier function is characteristic of IBD. As regulatory and tolerogenic mechanisms are broken in IBD, a molecular understanding of the precise triggers and modes of IEC death as well as their consequences on intestinal inflammation is necessary. This characterization should guide new therapies that restore homeostatic apoptosis, along with its associated programs of immune tolerance and immunosuppression, to achieve mucosal healing and long-term remission.

Macrophages and Dendritic Cells Are the Predominant Cells Infected in Measles in Humans

Characterization of human measles cases is essential in order to better assess the data generated in model systems of morbillivirus infection. To this end, we collected formalin-fixed tissue samples from 23 natural measles cases from different areas in the world and different phases of disease ranging from prodromal and acute measles to a persistent infection in an immunocompromised subject. We show that the vast majority of measles virus (MV)-infected cells in epithelia were intraepithelial immune cells that were, in most cases, positive for the CD11c myeloid cell marker. Small numbers of measles virus-infected cytokeratin-positive epithelial cells were also detected in bronchial and appendix epithelia. Dissolution and disruption of uninfected and MV-infected alveolar and bronchial epithelia were prominent features of the measles cases, especially in the established and late phases of the disease. In some instances, this was associated with the formation of MV-infected multinucleated giant cells which expressed CD11c and/or macrophage cell marker 68, a pathological feature also prominently observed in closely associated mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. Collectively, these data show that resident and inflammatory infiltrating immune cells alter the architecture of respiratory tract epithelia and highlight the necessity for additional research into the function(s) and expression of nectin-4 in human tissues.IMPORTANCE We have brought together a unique collection of 23 human cases of measles infection and studied the types of cells that are infected. This work has not been done with modern technologies such as double labeling with antibodies and confocal microscopy in human cases primarily due to the fact that it is difficult to obtain the material because, fortunately, measles is fatal in only a very small fraction of infected patients. During the past decades, the receptors for measles virus have been elucidated and monkey models have been developed. We found that, in most cases, independently of whether the tissues were obtained early or later in the infection, the primary cell types that were infected were those of the immune system such as lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. A very small number of epithelial cells were also found to be infected.

Reovirus-Induced Apoptosis in the Intestine Limits Establishment of Enteric Infection

Several viruses induce intestinal epithelial cell death during enteric infection. However, it is unclear whether proapoptotic capacity promotes or inhibits replication in this tissue. We infected mice with two reovirus strains that infect the intestine but differ in the capacity to alter immunological tolerance to new food antigen. Infection with reovirus strain T1L, which induces an inflammatory immune response to fed antigen, is prolonged in the intestine, whereas T3D-RV, which does not induce this response, is rapidly cleared from the intestine. Compared with T1L, T3D-RV infection triggered apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells and subsequent sloughing of dead cells into the intestinal lumen. We conclude that the infection advantage of T1L derives from its capacity to subvert host restriction by epithelial cell apoptosis, providing a possible mechanism by which T1L enhances inflammatory signals during antigen feeding. Using a panel of T1L × T3D-RV reassortant viruses, we identified the viral M1 and M2 gene segments as determinants of reovirus-induced apoptosis in the intestine. Expression of the T1L M1 and M2 genes in a T3D-RV background was sufficient to limit epithelial cell apoptosis and enhance viral infection to levels displayed by T1L. These findings define additional reovirus gene segments required for enteric infection of mice and illuminate the antiviral effect of intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis in limiting enteric viral infection. Viral strain-specific differences in the capacity to infect the intestine may be useful in identifying viruses capable of ameliorating tolerance to fed antigen in autoimmune conditions like celiac disease.IMPORTANCE Acute viral infections are thought to be cleared by the host with few lasting consequences. However, there may be much broader and long-lasting effects of viruses on immune homeostasis. Infection with reovirus, a common, nonpathogenic virus, triggers inflammation against innocuous food antigens, implicating this virus in the development of celiac disease, an autoimmune intestinal disorder triggered by exposure to dietary gluten. Using two reovirus strains that differ in the capacity to abrogate oral tolerance, we found that strain-specific differences in the capacity to replicate in the intestine inversely correlate with the capacity to induce apoptotic death of intestinal epithelial cells, providing a host-mediated process to restrict intestinal infection. This work contributes new knowledge about virus-host interactions in the intestine and establishes a foundation for future studies to define mechanisms by which viruses break oral tolerance in celiac disease.

Reovirus infection triggers inflammatory responses to dietary antigens and development of celiac disease

Viral infections have been proposed to elicit pathological processes leading to the initiation of T helper 1 (T_H1) immunity against dietary gluten and celiac disease (CeD). To test this hypothesis and gain insights into mechanisms underlying virus-induced loss of tolerance to dietary antigens, we developed a viral infection model that makes use of two reovirus strains that infect the intestine but differ in their immunopathological outcomes. Reovirus is an avirulent pathogen that elicits protective immunity, but we discovered that it can nonetheless disrupt intestinal immune homeostasis at inductive and effector sites of oral tolerance by suppressing peripheral regulatory T cell (pT_reg) conversion and promoting T_H1 immunity to dietary antigen. Initiation of T_H1 immunity to dietary antigen was dependent on interferon regulatory factor 1 and dissociated from suppression of pT_reg conversion, which was mediated by type-1 interferon. Last, our study in humans supports a role for infection with reovirus, a seemingly innocuous virus, in triggering the development of CeD.

Active dissemination of cellular antigens by DCs facilitates CD8+ T-cell priming in lymph nodes

Antigen (Ag) specific activation of naïve T cells by migrating dendritic cells (DCs) is a highly efficient process, although the chances for their colocalization in lymph nodes (LNs) appear low. Ag presentation may be delegated from Ag-donor DCs to the abundant resident DCs, but the routes of Ag transfer and how it facilitates T-cell activation remain unclear. We visualized CD8⁺ T cell-DC interactions to study the sites, routes, and cells mediating Ag transfer in mice. In vitro, Ag transfer from isolated ovalbumin (OVA)⁺ bone marrow (BM) DCs triggered widespread arrest, Ca²⁺ flux, and CD69 upregulation in OT-I T cells contacting recipient DCs. Intravital two-photon imaging revealed that survival of Ag-donor DCs in LNs was required for Ag dissemination among resident CD11c⁺ DCs. Upon interaction with recipient DCs, CD8⁺ T cells clustered, upregulated CD69, proliferated and differentiated into effectors. Few DCs sufficed for activation, and for efficient Ag dissemination lymphocyte function associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) expression on recipient DCs was essential. Similar findings characterized DCs infected with a replication-deficient OVA-expressing Vaccinia virus known to downregulate MHC-I. Overall, active Ag dissemination from live incoming DCs helped activate CD8⁺ T cells by increasing the number of effective presenting cells and salvaged T-cell priming when Ag-donor DCs could not present Ag.

The Peyer's Patch Mononuclear Phagocyte System at Steady State and during Infection

The gut represents a potential entry site for a wide range of pathogens including protozoa, bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Consequently, it is protected by one of the largest and most diversified population of immune cells of the body. Its surveillance requires the constant sampling of its encounters by dedicated sentinels composed of follicles and their associated epithelium located in specialized area. In the small intestine, Peyer’s patches (PPs) are the most important of these mucosal immune response inductive sites. Through several mechanisms including transcytosis by specialized epithelial cells called M-cells, access to the gut lumen is facilitated in PPs. Although antigen sampling is critical to the initiation of the mucosal immune response, pathogens have evolved strategies to take advantage of this permissive gateway to enter the host and disseminate. It is, therefore, critical to decipher the mechanisms that underlie both host defense and pathogen subversive strategies in order to develop new mucosal-based therapeutic approaches. Whereas penetration of pathogens through M cells has been well described, their fate once they have reached the subepithelial dome (SED) remains less well understood. Nevertheless, it is clear that the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) plays a critical role in handling these pathogens. MPS members, including both dendritic cells and macrophages, are indeed strongly enriched in the SED, interact with M cells, and are necessary for antigen presentation to immune effector cells. This review focuses on recent advances, which have allowed distinguishing the different PP mononuclear phagocyte subsets. It gives an overview of their diversity, specificity, location, and functions. Interaction of PP phagocytes with the microbiota and the follicle-associated epithelium as well as PP infection studies are described in the light of these new criteria of PP phagocyte identification. Finally, known alterations affecting the different phagocyte subsets during PP stimulation or infection are discussed.

Serotype-Specific Killing of Large Cell Carcinoma Cells by Reovirus

Reovirus is under development as a therapeutic for numerous types of cancer. In contrast to other oncolytic viruses, the safety and efficacy of reovirus have not been improved through genetic manipulation. Here, we tested the oncolytic capacity of recombinant strains (rs) of prototype reovirus laboratory strains T1L and T3D (rsT1L and rsT3D, respectively) in a panel of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. We found that rsT1L was markedly more cytolytic than rsT3D in the large cell carcinoma cell lines tested, whereas killing of adenocarcinoma cell lines was comparable between rsT1L and rsT3D. Importantly, non-recombinant T1L and T3D phenocopied the kinetics and magnitude of cell death induced by recombinant strains. We identified gene segments L2, L3, and M1 as viral determinants of strain-specific differences cell killing of the large cell carcinoma cell lines. Together, these results indicate that recombinant reoviruses recapitulate the cell killing properties of non-recombinant, tissue culture-passaged strains. These studies provide a baseline for the use of reverse genetics with the specific objective of engineering more effective reovirus oncolytics. This work raises the possibility that type 1 reoviruses may have the capacity to serve as more effective oncolytics than type 3 reoviruses in some tumor types.

Peyer's patches: organizing B-cell responses at the intestinal frontier

Secondary lymphoid tissues share the important function of bringing together antigens and rare antigen-specific lymphocytes to foster induction of adaptive immune responses. Peyer's patches (PPs) are unique compared to other secondary lymphoid tissues in their continual exposure to an enormous diversity of microbiome- and food-derived antigens and in the types of pathogens they encounter. Antigens are delivered to PPs by specialized microfold (M) epithelial cells and they may be captured and presented by resident dendritic cells (DCs). In accord with their state of chronic microbial antigen exposure, PPs exhibit continual germinal center (GC) activity. These GCs not only contribute to the generation of B cells and plasma cells producing somatically mutated gut antigen-specific IgA antibodies but have also been suggested to support non-specific antigen diversification of the B-cell repertoire. Here, we review current understanding of how PPs foster B-cell encounters with antigen, how they favor isotype switching to the secretory IgA isotype, and how their GC responses may uniquely contribute to mucosal immunity.

Engineering Recombinant Reoviruses To Display gp41 Membrane-Proximal External-Region Epitopes from HIV-1

Vaccines to protect against HIV-1, the causative agent of AIDS, are not approved for use. Antibodies that neutralize genetically diverse strains of HIV-1 bind to discrete regions of the envelope glycoproteins, including the gp41 MPER. We engineered recombinant reoviruses that displayed MPER epitopes in attachment protein σ1 (REO-MPER vectors). The REO-MPER vectors replicated with wild-type efficiency, were genetically stable, and retained native antigenicity. However, we did not detect HIV-1-specific immune responses following inoculation of the REO-MPER vectors into small animals. This work provides proof of principle for engineering reovirus to express antigenic epitopes and illustrates the difficulty in eliciting MPER-specific immune responses.

The gp41 membrane-proximal external region (MPER) is a target for broadly neutralizing antibody responses against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). However, replication-defective virus vaccines currently under evaluation in clinical trials do not efficiently elicit MPER-specific antibodies. Structural modeling suggests that the MPER forms an α-helical coiled coil that is required for function and immunogenicity. To maintain the native MPER conformation, we used reverse genetics to engineer replication-competent reovirus vectors that displayed MPER sequences in the α-helical coiled-coil tail domain of viral attachment protein σ1. Sequences in reovirus strain type 1 Lang (T1L) σ1 were exchanged with sequences encoding HIV-1 strain Ba-L MPER epitope 2F5 or the entire MPER. Individual 2F5 or MPER substitutions were introduced at virion-proximal or virion-distal sites in the σ1 tail. Recombinant reoviruses containing heterologous HIV-1 sequences were viable and produced progeny yields comparable to those with wild-type virus. HIV-1 sequences were retained following 10 serial passages in cell culture, indicating that the substitutions were genetically stable. Recombinant viruses engineered to display the 2F5 epitope or full-length MPER in σ1 were recognized by purified 2F5 antibody. Inoculation of mice with 2F5-containing vectors or rabbits with 2F5- or MPER-containing vectors elicited anti-reovirus antibodies, but HIV-1-specific antibodies were not detected. Together, these findings indicate that heterologous sequences that form α-helices can functionally replace native sequences in the α-helical tail domain of reovirus attachment protein σ1. However, although these vectors retain native antigenicity, they were not immunogenic, illustrating the difficulty of experimentally inducing immune responses to this essential region of HIV-1.

IMPORTANCE Vaccines to protect against HIV-1, the causative agent of AIDS, are not approved for use. Antibodies that neutralize genetically diverse strains of HIV-1 bind to discrete regions of the envelope glycoproteins, including the gp41 MPER. We engineered recombinant reoviruses that displayed MPER epitopes in attachment protein σ1 (REO-MPER vectors). The REO-MPER vectors replicated with wild-type efficiency, were genetically stable, and retained native antigenicity. However, we did not detect HIV-1-specific immune responses following inoculation of the REO-MPER vectors into small animals. This work provides proof of principle for engineering reovirus to express antigenic epitopes and illustrates the difficulty in eliciting MPER-specific immune responses.

Langerhans Cell-Dendritic Cell Cross-Talk via Langerin and Hyaluronic Acid Mediates Antigen Transfer and Cross-Presentation of HIV-1

Human epidermal and mucosal Langerhans cells (LCs) express the C-type lectin receptor langerin that functions as a pattern recognition receptor. LCs are among the first immune cells to interact with HIV-1 during sexual transmission. In this study, we demonstrate that langerin not only functions as a pattern recognition receptor but also as an adhesion receptor mediating clustering between LCs and dendritic cells (DCs). Langerin recognized hyaluronic acid on DCs and removal of these carbohydrate structures partially abrogated LC-DC clustering. Because LCs did not cross-present HIV-1-derived Ags to CD8(+) T cells in a cross-presentation model, we investigated whether LCs were able to transfer Ags to DCs. LC-DC clustering led to maturation of DCs and facilitated Ag transfer of HIV-1 to DCs, which subsequently induced activation of CD8(+) cells. The rapid transfer of Ags to DCs, in contrast to productive infection of LCs, suggests that this might be an important mechanism for induction of anti-HIV-1 CD8(+) T cells. Induction of the enzyme hyaluronidase-2 by DC maturation allowed degradation of hyaluronic acid and abrogated LC-DC interactions. Thus, we have identified an important function of langerin in mediating LC-DC clustering, which allows Ag transfer to induce CTL responses to HIV-1. Furthermore, we showed this interaction is mediated by hyaluronidase-2 upregulation after DC maturation. These data underscore the importance of LCs and DCs in orchestrating adaptive immunity to HIV-1. Novel strategies might be developed to harness this mechanism for vaccination.

The role of type I interferons in intestinal infection, homeostasis, and inflammation

Type I interferons are a widely expressed family of effector cytokines that promote innate antiviral and antibacterial immunity. Paradoxically, they can also suppress immune responses by driving production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and dysregulation of these cytokines can contribute to host-mediated immunopathology and disease progression. Recent studies describe their anti-inflammatory role in intestinal inflammation and the locus containing IFNAR, a heterodimeric receptor for the type I interferons has been identified as a susceptibility region for human inflammatory bowel disease. This review focuses on the role of type I IFNs in the intestine in health and disease and their emerging role as immune modulators. Clear understanding of type I IFN-mediated immune responses may provide avenues for fine-tuning existing IFN treatment for infection and intestinal inflammation.

Myeloid decidual dendritic cells and immunoregulation of pregnancy: defective responsiveness to Coxiella burnetii and Brucella abortus

Dendritic cells (DCs) are a component of the placental immune system, but their role in pregnancy is still poorly understood. Decidual DCs (dDCs) were selected from at-term pregnancy on the basis of CD14 and CD11c expression. A phenotypic analysis revealed that dDCs are characterized by the expression of monocyte-derived DC (moDCs) markers and specific markers such as HLA-G and its ligand ILT4. As demonstrated by whole-genome microarray, dDCs expressed a specific gene program markedly distinct from that of moDCs; it included estrogen- and progesterone-regulated genes and genes encoding immunoregulatory cytokines, which is consistent with the context of foeto-maternal tolerance. A functional analysis of dDCs showed that they were unable to mature in response to bacterial ligands such as lipopolysaccharide or peptidoglycan, as assessed by the expression of HLA-DR, CD80, CD83, and CD86. When dDCs were incubated with bacteria known for their placenta tropism, Coxiella burnetii and Brucella abortus, they were also unable to mature and to produce inflammatory cytokines. It is likely that the defective maturation of dDCs and their inability to produce inflammatory cytokines is related to the spontaneous release of IL-10 by these cells. Taken together, these results suggest that dDCs exhibit an immunoregulatory program, which may favor the pathogenicity of C. burnetii or B. abortus.

Tracking and quantification of dendritic cell migration and antigen trafficking between the skin and lymph nodes

Skin-derived dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis due to their role in antigen trafficking from the skin to the draining lymph nodes (dLNs). To quantify the spatiotemporal regulation of skin-derived DCs in vivo, we generated knock-in mice expressing the photoconvertible fluorescent protein KikGR. By exposing the skin or dLN of these mice to violet light, we were able to label and track the migration and turnover of endogenous skin-derived DCs. Langerhans cells and CD103⁺DCs, including Langerin⁺CD103⁺dermal DCs (DDCs), remained in the dLN for 4–4.5 days after migration from the skin, while CD103⁻DDCs persisted for only two days. Application of a skin irritant (chemical stress) induced a transient >10-fold increase in CD103⁻DDC migration from the skin to the dLN. Tape stripping (mechanical injury) induced a long-lasting four-fold increase in CD103⁻DDC migration to the dLN and accelerated the trafficking of exogenous protein antigens by these cells. Both stresses increased the turnover of CD103⁻DDCs within the dLN, causing these cells to die within one day of arrival. Therefore, CD103⁻DDCs act as sentinels against skin invasion that respond with increased cellular migration and antigen trafficking from the skin to the dLNs.

Efficient norovirus and reovirus replication in the mouse intestine requires microfold (M) cells

Microfold (M) cells are specialized intestinal epithelial cells that internalize particulate antigens and aid in the establishment of immune responses to enteric pathogens. M cells have also been suggested as a portal for pathogen entry into the host. While virus particles have been observed in M cells, it is not known whether viruses use M cells to initiate a productive infection. Noroviruses (NoVs) are single-stranded RNA viruses that infect host organisms via the fecal-oral route. Murine NoV (MNV) infects intestinal macrophages and dendritic cells and provides a tractable experimental system for understanding how an enteric virus overcomes the intestinal epithelial barrier to infect underlying target cells. We found that replication of two divergent MNV strains was reduced in mice depleted of M cells. Reoviruses are double-stranded RNA viruses that infect hosts via respiratory or enteric routes. In contrast to MNV, reovirus infects enterocytes in the intestine. Despite differences in cell tropism, reovirus infection was also reduced in M cell-depleted mice. These data demonstrate that M cells are required for the pathogenesis of two unrelated enteric viruses that replicate in different cell types within the intestine.

IMPORTANCE

To successfully infect their hosts, pathogens that infect via the gastrointestinal tract must overcome the multilayered system of host defenses. Microfold (M) cells are specialized intestinal epithelial cells that internalize particulate antigens and aid in the establishment of immune responses to enteric pathogens. Virus particles have been observed within M cells. However, it is not known whether viruses use M cells to initiate a productive infection. To address this question, we use MNV and reovirus, two enteric viruses that replicate in different cell types in the intestine, intestinal epithelial cells for reovirus and intestinal mononuclear phagocytes for MNV. Interestingly, MNV- and reovirus-infected mice depleted of M cells showed reduced viral loads in the intestine. Thus, our work demonstrates the importance of M cells in the pathogenesis of enteric viruses irrespective of the target cell type in which the virus replicates.

Brain angiogenesis inhibitor 1 is expressed by gastric phagocytes during infection with Helicobacter pylori and mediates the recognition and engulfment of human apoptotic gastric epithelial cells

After Helicobacter pylori infection in humans, gastric epithelial cells (GECs) undergo apoptosis due to stimulation by the bacteria or inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we assessed the expression and function of brain angiogenesis inhibitor 1 (BAI1) in the engulfment of apoptotic GECs using human tissue and cells. After induction of apoptosis by H. pylori or camptothecin, there was a 5-fold increase in the binding of apoptotic GECs to THP-1 cells or peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages as assayed by confocal microscopy or conventional and imaging flow cytometry. Binding was impaired 95% by pretreating apoptotic cells with annexin V, underscoring the requirement for phosphatidylserine recognition. The phosphatidylserine receptor BAI1 was expressed in human gastric biopsy specimens and gastric phagocytes. To confirm the role of BAI1 in apoptotic cell clearance, the functional domain of BAI1 was used as a competitive inhibitor or BAI1 expression was inhibited by small interfering RNA. Both approaches decreased binding and engulfment >40%. Exposing THP-1 cells to apoptotic cells inhibited IL-6 production from 1340 to <364 pg/ml; however, this decrease was independent of phagocytosis. We conclude that recognition of apoptotic cells by BAI1 contributes to their clearance in the human gastric mucosa and this is associated with anti-inflammatory effects.

Systemic rotavirus infection

A new paradigm of rotavirus disease is emerging and rotavirus infection is no longer considered to be localized and confined to the GI tract. New evidence indicates that rotavirus infection is systemic. Viral antigen and infectious virus frequently enter the circulation in both children and animal model systems. Clinical case reports of systemic sequelae to rotavirus infection in children continue to accumulate, suggesting involvement in systemic disease syndromes. The use of animal models is providing biological and molecular evidence for infection at peripheral sites. Thus, infection at peripheral sites may account for reports of systemic sequelae to rotavirus infection. The importance of systemic sequelae and the ability of vaccination to prevent such sequelae remains to be determined.

Mechanisms of reovirus bloodstream dissemination

Many viruses cause disease within an infected host after spread from an initial portal of entry to sites of secondary replication. Viruses can disseminate via the bloodstream or through nerves. Mammalian orthoreoviruses (reoviruses) are neurotropic viruses that use both bloodborne and neural pathways to spread systemically within their hosts to cause disease. Using a robust mouse model and a dynamic reverse genetics system, we have identified a viral receptor and a viral nonstructural protein that are essential for hematogenous reovirus dissemination. Junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily expressed in tight junctions and on hematopoietic cells that serves as a receptor for all reovirus serotypes. Expression of JAM-A is required for infection of endothelial cells and development of viremia in mice, suggesting that release of virus into the bloodstream from infected endothelial cells requires JAM-A. Nonstructural protein σ1s is implicated in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in reovirus-infected cells but is completely dispensable for reovirus replication in cultured cells. Surprisingly, a recombinant σ1s-null reovirus strain fails to spread hematogenously in infected mice, suggesting that σ1s facilitates apoptosis of reovirus-infected intestinal epithelial cells. It is possible that apoptotic bodies formed as a consequence of σ1s expression lead to reovirus uptake by dendritic cells for subsequent delivery to the mesenteric lymph node and the blood. Thus, both host and viral factors are required for efficient hematogenous dissemination of reovirus. Understanding mechanisms of reovirus bloodborne spread may shed light on how microbial pathogens invade the bloodstream to disseminate and cause disease in infected hosts.

Nonstructural protein σ1s mediates reovirus-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

Reovirus nonstructural protein σ1s is implicated in cell cycle arrest at the G2/M boundary and induction of apoptosis. However, the contribution of σ1s to these effects in an otherwise isogenic viral background has not been defined. To evaluate the role of σ1s in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, we used reverse genetics to generate a σ1s-null reovirus. Following infection with wild-type virus, we observed an increase in the percentage of cells in G2/M, whereas the proportion of cells in G2/M following infection with the σ1s-null mutant was unaffected. Similarly, we found that the wild-type virus induced substantially greater levels of apoptosis than the σ1s-null mutant. These data indicate that σ1s is required for both reovirus-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. To define sequences in σ1s that mediate these effects, we engineered viruses encoding C-terminal σ1s truncations by introducing stop codons in the σ1s open reading frame. We also generated viruses in which charged residues near the σ1s amino terminus were replaced individually or as a cluster with nonpolar residues. Analysis of these mutants revealed that amino acids 1 to 59 and the amino-terminal basic cluster are required for induction of both cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Remarkably, viruses that fail to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis also are attenuated in vivo. Thus, identical sequences in σ1s are required for reovirus-induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and pathogenesis. Collectively, these findings provide evidence that the σ1s-mediated properties are genetically linked and suggest that these effects are mechanistically related.

Homeostatic proliferation of naive CD4+ T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes generates gut-tropic Th17 cells

Homeostatic proliferation of naive T cells in the spleen and cutaneous lymph nodes supplies memory-phenotype T cells. The "systemic" proliferative responses divide distinctly into fast or slow cell division rates. The fast proliferation is critical for generation of effector memory T cells. Because effector memory T cells are abundant in the lamina propria of the intestinal tissue, "gut-specific" homeostatic proliferation of naive T cells may be important for generation of intestinal effector memory T cells. However, such organ-specific homeostatic proliferation of naive T cells has not yet been addressed. In this study, we examined the gut-specific homeostatic proliferation by transferring CFSE-labeled naive CD4(+) T cells into sublethally irradiated mice and separately evaluating donor cell division and differentiation in the intestine, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), and other lymphoid organs. We found that the fast-proliferating cell population in the intestine and MLNs had a gut-tropic α4β7(+) Th17 phenotype and that their production was dependent on the presence of commensal bacteria and OX40 costimulation. Mesenteric lymphadenectomy significantly reduced the Th17 cell population in the host intestine. Furthermore, FTY720 treatment induced the accumulation of α4β7(+)IL-17A(+) fast-dividing cells in MLNs and eliminated donor cells in the intestine, suggesting that MLNs rather than intestinal tissues are essential for generating intestinal Th17 cells. These results reveal that MLNs play a central role in inducing gut-tropic Th17 cells and in maintaining CD4(+) T cell homeostasis in the small intestine.

Working out mechanisms of controlled/physiologic inflammation in the GI tract

The mucosal immune system is distinct from its systemic counterpart by virtue of its enormous antigenic exposure (commensal flora, food antigen, pathogens). Despite this, the mucosal immune system maintains a response defined as controlled or physiologic inflammation. This is regulated by many different mechanisms, among which there are physical, cellular and soluble factors. Our laboratory has focused on unique Tregs in the gut controlled by, in one instance, intestinal epithelial cells that serve as non-professional antigen-presenting cells. We believe that intestinal epithelial cells, expressing classical and non-classical MHC molecules, serve to activate Tregs and thus maintain controlled or physiologic inflammation. In this review, we describe regulatory cytokines and T cells that are one part of the emphasis of our laboratory.

Lymphotoxin alpha-deficient mice clear persistent rotavirus infection after local generation of mucosal IgA

Rotavirus is a major cause of pediatric diarrheal illness worldwide. To explore the role of organized intestinal lymphoid tissues in infection by and immunity to rotavirus, lymphotoxin alpha-deficient (LTα(-/-)) mice that lack Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes were orally infected with murine rotavirus. Systemic rotavirus was cleared within 10 days in both LTα(-/-) and wild-type mice, and both strains developed early and sustained serum antirotavirus antibody responses. However, unlike wild-type mice, which resolved the intestinal infection within 10 days, LTα(-/-) mice shed fecal virus for approximately 50 days after inoculation. The resolution of fecal virus shedding occurred concurrently with induction of intestinal rotavirus-specific IgA in both mouse strains. Induction of intestinal rotavirus-specific IgA in LTα(-/-) mice correlated with the (late) appearance of IgA-producing plasma cells in the small intestine. This, together with the absence of rotavirus-specific serum IgA, implies that secretory rotavirus-specific IgA was produced locally. These findings indicate that serum IgG responses are insufficient and imply that local intestinal IgA responses are important for the clearance of rotavirus from intestinal tissues. Furthermore, they show that while LTα-dependent lymphoid tissues are important for the generation of IgA-producing B cells in the intestine, they are not absolutely required in the setting of rotavirus infection. Moreover, the induction of local IgA-producing B cell responses can occur late after infection and in an LTα-independent manner.

Natural alternatives to in-feed antibiotics in pig production: can immunomodulators play a role?

As a result of the European ban of in-feed growth-promoting antibiotics, new strategies are being developed to increase the resistance to disease in farm animals. In pig production, this is of particular importance during the weaning transition when piglets are subjected to major stressful events, making them highly sensitive to digestive disorders. At this time, the development of both innate and adaptive immunity at the mucosal surface is critical in preventing the potential harmful effects of intestinal pathogenic agents. Strategies aiming at stimulating natural host defences through the use of substances able to modulate immune functions have gained increasing interest in animal research, and different bioactive components a priori sharing those properties have been the subject of in vivo nutritional investigations in pig. Among these, yeast derivates (β-glucans and mannans) are able to interact with immune cells, particularly phagocytic cells. However, studies where they have been fed to pigs have shown inconsistent results, suggesting that their ability to target the sensitive immune cells through the oral route is questionable. The plant extracts, which would benefit from a positive image in the public opinion, have also been tested. However, due to a lack of data on the bioactive components of particular plants and the large diversity of species, it has proved difficult to prepare extracts of equivalent potency and thus, the literature on their influence on pig immunity remains inconclusive. In considering piglet immunity and health benefits, the most promising results to date have been obtained with spray-dried animal plasma, whose positive effects would be provided by specific antibodies and non-specific competition of some plasma components with bacteria for intestinal receptors. The major positive effect of spray-dried animal plasma is in reducing the infiltration of gut-associated lymphoid tissue by immune cells, which is likely to be the result of a decreased colonisation by potentially harmful bacteria. This review also highlights the limitations of some of the published in vivo studies on the immunomodulatory activity of certain feed additives. Among those, the lack of standardisation of extracts and the heterogeneity of piglet-rearing conditions (e.g. exposure to pathogens) are likely the most limiting.

Caspase-2-dependent dendritic cell death, maturation, and priming of T cells in response to Brucella abortus infection

Smooth virulent Brucella abortus strain 2308 (S2308) causes zoonotic brucellosis in cattle and humans. Rough B. abortus strain RB51, derived from S2308, is a live attenuated cattle vaccine strain licensed in the USA and many other countries. Our previous report indicated that RB51, but not S2308, induces a caspase-2-dependent apoptotic and necrotic macrophage cell death. Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen presenting cells critical for bridging innate and adaptive immune responses. In contrast to Brucella-infected macrophages, here we report that S2308 induced higher levels of apoptotic and necrotic cell death in wild type bone marrow-derived DCs (WT BMDCs) than RB51. The RB51 and S2308-induced BMDC cell death was regulated by caspase-2, indicated by the minimal cell death in RB51 and S2308-infected BMDCs isolated from caspase-2 knockout mice (Casp2KO BMDCs). More S2308 bacteria were taken up by Casp2KO BMDCs than wild type BMDCs. Higher levels of S2308 and RB51 cells were found in infected Casp2KO BMDCs compared to infected WT BMDCs at different time points. RB51-infected wild type BMDCs were mature and activated as shown by significantly up-regulated expression of CD40, CD80, CD86, MHC-I, and MHC-II. RB51 induced the production of cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ and IL12/IL23p40 in infected BMDCs. RB51-infected WT BMDCs also stimulated the proliferation of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells compared to uninfected WT BMDCs. However, the maturation, activation, and cytokine secretion are significantly impaired in Casp2KO BMDCs infected with RB51 or Salmonella (control). S2308-infected WT and Casp2KO BMDCs were not activated and could not induce cytokine production. These results demonstrated that virulent smooth strain S2308 induced more apoptotic and necrotic dendritic cell death than live attenuated rough vaccine strain RB51; however, RB51, but not its parent strain S2308, induced caspase-2-mediated DC maturation, cytokine production, antigen presentation, and T cell priming.

Gut-associated lymphoid tissues for the development of oral vaccines

Oral vaccine has been considered to be a prospective vaccine against many pathogens especially invading across gastrointestinal tracts. One key element of oral vaccine is targeting efficient delivery of antigen to gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), the inductive site in the intestine where antigen-specific immune responses are initiated. Various chemical and biological antigen delivery systems have been developed and some are in clinical trials. In this review, we describe the immunological features of GALT and the current status of antigen delivery system candidates for successful oral vaccine.

M cell-targeted mucosal vaccine strategies

Immune responses in the aerodigestive tract are characterized by production and transport of specific IgA antibodies across the epithelium to act as a first line of defense against pathogens in the external environment. To sample antigens on mucosal surfaces in the intestine and upper respiratory tract, the immune system relies on a close collaboration between specialized antigen-sampling epithelial M cells and lymphoid cells. Depending on various factors, local antigen presentation in the mucosal tissue leads to tolerance or initiation of an active immune response. Recently, molecules that could be used to target vaccine antigens to apical M cell surfaces have been identified. Here we review the M cell-targeted vaccine strategy, an approach that could be used to enhance uptake and efficacy of vaccines delivered in the nasal cavity or intestine.

Alcaligenes is Commensal Bacteria Habituating in the Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue for the Regulation of Intestinal IgA Responses

Secretory-immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) plays an important role in immunological defense in the intestine. It has been known for a long time that microbial stimulation is required for the development and maintenance of intestinal IgA production. Recent advances in genomic technology have made it possible to detect uncultivable commensal bacteria in the intestine and identify key bacteria in the regulation of innate and acquired mucosal immune responses. In this review, we focus on the immunological function of Peyer’s patches (PPs), a major gut-associated lymphoid tissue, in the induction of intestinal IgA responses and the unique immunological interaction of PPs with commensal bacteria, especially Alcaligenes, a unique indigenous bacteria habituating inside PPs.

Characterization of intestinal dendritic cells in murine norovirus infection

We have shown that respiratory viral infections drive allergic disease through dendritic cells, whether gastrointestinal viruses induce allergies is not known. Norovirus infections are a major cause of gastroenteritis in humans. We used murine norovirus (MNV) to explore the effect of MNV infection on gastrointestinal conventional DCs (cDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). MNV infection induced disparate effects on cDCs and pDCs in lymphoid tissues of the small intestine and draining mesenteric lymph nodes. FcεRI was transiently expressed on lamina propria cDCs, but not on pDCs. In addition, feeding ovalbumin during the viral infection led to a modest, brief induction of anti-ovalbumin IgE. Together, these data suggest that like with a respiratory viral infection, an intestinal viral infection may be sufficient to induce changes in DCs and the generation of food-specific IgE. Whether this represents a novel mechanism of food allergy remains to be determined.

Defining the anatomical localisation of subsets of the murine mononuclear phagocyte system using integrin alpha X (Itgax, CD11c) and colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (Csf1r, CD115) expression fails to discriminate dendritic cells from macrophages

The murine mononuclear phagocyte (MNP) system comprises a diverse population of cells, including monocytes, dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages. Derived from the myeloid haematopoietic lineage, this group of cells express a variety of well characterized surface markers. Expression of the integrin alpha X (Itgax, CD11c) is commonly used to identify classical DC, and similarly expression of colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (Csf1r, CD115) to identify macrophages. We have characterized the expression of these markers using a variety of transgenic mouse models. We confirmed previous observations of Itgax expression in anatomically defined subsets of MNPs in secondary lymphoid organs, including all MNPs identified within the germinal centres. The majority of MNPs in the intestinal lamina propria and lung express Itgax. All mucosal Itgax expressing cells also express Csf1r suggesting Csf1-dependent haematopoietic derivation. This double-positive population included germinal centre MNPs. These data reveal that Itgax expression alone does not specifically define classical DC. These results suggest more cautious interpretation of Itgax-dependent experimentation and direct equation with uniquely DC-mediated activities, particularly in the functioning of non-lymphoid MNPs within the intestinal lamina propria.

The intestinal epithelial barrier in the control of homeostasis and immunity

In the intestine, multiple interactions occur with the external world. Thus, the intestinal mucosal barrier has to tolerate millions of microorganisms that commonly inhabit the gut, degrade and absorb food, and establish tolerance or immunity, depending on the nature of the encountered antigens. Recent findings have highlighted that intestinal epithelial cells are not simply a barrier, but also are crucial for integrating these external and internal signals and for coordinating the ensuing immune response. Here, I review these findings and show how epithelial cells harmonize information that comes from inflammatory and non-inflammatory components of the microbiota to preserve intestinal homeostasis. If dysregulated, this immunomodulatory function of epithelial cells might contribute to the development of intestinal inflammation.

A new subset of CD103+CD8alpha+ dendritic cells in the small intestine expresses TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9 and induces Th1 response and CTL activity

CD103(+) dendritic cells (DCs) are the major conventional DC population in the intestinal lamina propria (LP). Our previous report showed that a small number of cells in the LP could be classified into four subsets based on the difference in CD11c/CD11b expression patterns: CD11c(hi)CD11b(lo) DCs, CD11c(hi)CD11b(hi) DCs, CD11c(int)CD11b(int) macrophages, and CD11c(int)CD11b(hi) eosinophils. The CD11c(hi)CD11b(hi) DCs, which are CD103(+), specifically express TLR5 and induce the differentiation of naive B cells into IgA(+) plasma cells. These DCs also mediate the differentiation of Ag-specific Th17 and Th1 cells in response to flagellin. We found that small intestine CD103(+) DCs of the LP (LPDCs) could be divided into a small subset of CD8α(+) cells and a larger subset of CD8α(-) cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that CD103(+)CD8α(+) and CD103(+)CD8α(-) LPDCs were equivalent to CD11c(hi)CD11b(lo) and CD11c(hi)CD11b(hi) subsets, respectively. We analyzed a novel subset of CD8α(+) LPDCs to elucidate their immunological function. CD103(+)CD8α(+) LPDCs expressed TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9 and produced IL-6 and IL-12p40, but not TNF-α, IL-10, or IL-23, following TLR ligand stimulation. CD103(+)CD8α(+) LPDCs did not express the gene encoding retinoic acid-converting enzyme Raldh2 and were not involved in T cell-independent IgA synthesis or Foxp3(+) regulatory T cell induction. Furthermore, CD103(+)CD8α(+) LPDCs induced Ag-specific IgG in serum, a Th1 response, and CTL activity in vivo. Accordingly, CD103(+)CD8α(+) LPDCs exhibit a different function from CD103(+)CD8α(-) LPDCs in active immunity. This is the first analysis, to our knowledge, of CD8α(+) DCs in the LP of the small intestine.

Exploiting the role of endogenous lymphoid-resident dendritic cells in the priming of NKT cells and CD8+ T cells to dendritic cell-based vaccines

Transfer of antigen between antigen-presenting cells (APCs) is potentially a physiologically relevant mechanism to spread antigen to cells with specialized stimulatory functions. Here we show that specific CD8⁺ T cell responses induced in response to intravenous administration of antigen-loaded bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs), were ablated in mice selectively depleted of endogenous lymphoid-resident langerin⁺ CD8α⁺ dendritic cells (DCs), suggesting that the antigen is transferred from the injected cells to resident APCs. In contrast, antigen-specific CD4⁺ T cells were primed predominantly by the injected BM-DCs, with only very weak contribution of resident APCs. Crucially, resident langerin⁺ CD8α⁺ DCs only contributed to the priming of CD8⁺ T cells in the presence of maturation stimuli such as intravenous injection of TLR ligands, or by loading the BM-DCs with the glycolipid α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) to recruit the adjuvant activity of activated invariant natural killer-like T (iNKT) cells. In fact, injection of α-GalCer-loaded CD1d^−/− BM-DCs resulted in potent iNKT cell activation, suggesting that this glycolipid antigen can also be transferred to resident CD1d⁺ APCs. While iNKT cell activation per se was independent of langerin⁺ CD8α⁺ DCs, some iNKT cell-mediated activities were reduced, notably release of IL-12p70 and transactivation of NK cells. We conclude that both protein and glycolipid antigens can be exchanged between distinct DC species. These data suggest that the efficacy of DC-based vaccination strategies may be improved by the incorporation of a systemic maturation signal aimed to engage resident APCs in CD8⁺ T cell priming, and α-GalCer may be particularly well suited to this purpose.

Membrane vesicles released by intestinal epithelial cells infected with rotavirus inhibit T-cell function

Rotavirus (RV) predominantly replicates in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC), and "danger signals" released by these cells may modulate viral immunity. We have recently shown that human model IEC (Caco-2 cells) infected with rhesus-RV release a non-inflammatory group of immunomodulators that includes heat shock proteins (HSPs) and TGF-β1. Here we show that both proteins are released in part in association with membrane vesicles (MV) obtained from filtrated Caco-2 supernatants concentrated by ultracentrifugation. These MV express markers of exosomes (CD63 and others), but not of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or nuclei. Larger quantities of proteins associated with MV were released by RV-infected cells than by non-infected cells. VP6 co-immunoprecipitated with CD63 present in these MV, and VP6 co-localized with CD63 in RV-infected cells, suggesting that this viral protein is associated with the MV, and that this association occurs intracellularly. CD63 present in MV preparations from stool samples from 36 children with gastroenteritis due or not due to RV were analyzed. VP6 co-immunoprecipitated with CD63 in 3/8 stool samples from RV-infected children, suggesting that these MV are released by RV-infected cells in vivo. Moreover, fractions that contained MV from RV-infected cells induced death and inhibited proliferation of CD4(+) T cells to a greater extent than fractions from non-infected cells. These effects were in part due to TGF-β, because they were reversed by treatment of the T cells with the TGF-β-receptor inhibitor ALK5i. MV from RV-infected and non-infected cells were heterogeneous, with morphologies and typical flotation densities described for exosomes (between 1.10 and 1.18 g/mL), and denser vesicles (>1.24 g/mL). Both types of MV from RV-infected cells were more efficient at inhibiting T-cell function than were those from non-infected cells. We propose that RV infection of IEC releases MV that modulate viral immunity.

Respiratory and gastrointestinal epithelial modulation of the immune response during viral infection

Respiratory and enteric viral infections cause significant morbidity and mortality world-wide and represent a major socio-economic burden. Many of these viruses have received unprecedented public and media interest in recent years. A popular public misconception is that viruses are a threat to which the human body has only limited defences. However, the majority of primary and secondary exposures to virus are asymptomatic or induce only minor symptoms. The mucosal epithelial surfaces are the main portal of entry for viral pathogens and are centrally involved in the initiation, maintenance and polarisation of the innate and adaptive immune response to infection. This review describes the defences employed by the epithelium of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts during viral infections with focus on epithelial modulation of the immune response at the innate/adaptive interface.

From touchdown to transcription: the reovirus cell entry pathway

Mammalian orthoreoviruses (reoviruses) are prototype members of the Reoviridae family of nonenveloped viruses. Reoviruses contain ten double-stranded RNA gene segments enclosed in two concentric protein shells, outer capsid and core. These viruses serve as a versatile experimental system for studies of virus cell entry, innate immunity, and organ-specific disease. Reoviruses engage cells by binding to cell-surface carbohydrates and the immunoglobulin superfamily member, junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A). JAM-A is a homodimer formed by extensive contacts between its N-terminal immunoglobulin-like domains. Reovirus attachment protein σ1 disrupts the JAM-A dimer, engaging a single JAM-A molecule by virtually the same interface used for JAM-A homodimerization. Following attachment to JAM-A and carbohydrate, reovirus internalization is promoted by β1 integrins, most likely via clathrin-dependent endocytosis. In the endocytic compartment, reovirus outer-capsid protein σ3 is removed by cathepsin proteases, which exposes the viral membrane-penetration protein, μ1. Proteolytic processing and conformational rearrangements of μ1 mediate endosomal membrane rupture and delivery of transcriptionally active reovirus core particles into the host cell cytoplasm. These events also allow the φ cleavage fragment of μ1 to escape into the cytoplasm where it activates NF-κB and elicits apoptosis. This review will focus on mechanisms of reovirus cell entry and activation of innate immune response signaling pathways.

Exosomes: immune properties and potential clinical implementations

To communicate, cells are known to release in their environment proteins which bind to receptors on surrounding cells. But cells also secrete more complex structures, called membrane vesicles, composed of a lipid bilayer with inserted transmembrane proteins, enclosing an internal content of hydrophilic components. Exosomes represent a specific subclass of such secreted membrane vesicles, which, despite having been described more than 20 years ago by two groups studying reticulocyte maturation, have only recently received attention from the scientific community. This renewed interest originated first from the description of exosome secretion by antigen-presenting cells, suggesting a potential role in immune responses, and very recently by the identification of the presence of RNA (both messenger and microRNA) in exosomes, suggesting a potential transfer of genetic information between cells. In this review, we will describe the conclusions of 20 years of studies on the immune properties of exosomes and the most recent advances on their roles and potential uses as markers or as therapeutic tools during pathologies, especially in cancer.

Intestinal dendritic cells: their role in bacterial recognition, lymphocyte homing, and intestinal inflammation

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in discriminating between commensal microorganisms and potentially harmful pathogens and in maintaining the balance between tolerance and active immunity. The regulatory role of DC is of particular importance in the gut where the immune system lies in intimate contact with the highly antigenic external environment. Intestinal DC constantly survey the luminal microenvironment. They act as sentinels, acquiring antigens in peripheral tissues before migrating to secondary lymphoid organs to activate naive T cells. They are also sensors, responding to a spectrum of environmental cues by extensive differentiation or maturation. Recent studies have begun to elucidate mechanisms for functional specializations of DC in the intestine that may include the involvement of retinoic acid and transforming growth factor-β. Specialized CD103(+) intestinal DC can promote the differentiation of Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells via a retinoic acid-dependent process. Different DC outcomes are, in part, influenced by their exposure to microbial stimuli. Evidence is also emerging of the close interaction between bacteria, epithelial cells, and DC in the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis. Here we review recent advances of functionally specialized intestinal DC and their mechanisms of antigen uptake and recognition. We also discuss the interaction of DC with intestinal microbiota and their ability to orchestrate protective immunity and immune tolerance in the host. Lastly, we describe how DC functions are altered in intestinal inflammation and their emerging potential as a therapeutic target in inflammatory bowel disease.

Subsets of migrating intestinal dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) in the intestine are heterogeneous. Phenotypically different populations of conventional DCs have been identified in the intestinal lamina propria, Peyer's patches, and in the draining mesenteric lymph nodes, to which these DCs constitutively migrate. Markers used to identify these populations include major histocompatibility complex class II, CD11c, CD8 alpha, CD11b, and CD103. Extensive studies in rats, summarized here, which involved collection of migrating DCs by thoracic duct cannulation after mesenteric lymphadenectomy, have clearly demonstrated that the subsets of migrating intestinal lymph DCs have different functional properties. The subsets might play different roles in the induction of oral tolerance and in driving systemic immune responses after vaccination or intestinal stimulation with Toll-like receptor ligands. The use of these surgical techniques allows investigation of the functions of purified subsets of migrating DCs. However, in the rat, these studies are limited by the range of available reagents and are difficult to compare with data from other species in this fast-moving field. Recent refinements have enabled the collection of migrating intestinal DCs from mice; our initial results are described here. We believe that these studies will generate exciting data and have the potential to resolve important questions about the functions of migrating intestinal DC subsets.

Enteric reovirus infection stimulates peanut-specific IgG2a responses in a mouse food allergy model

IgE-mediated food allergies are an important cause of life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions. Orally administered peanut antigens mixed with the mucosal adjuvant cholera toxin (CT) induce a strong peanut extract (PE)-specific serum IgE response that is correlated with T-helper type 1 (Th1) and type 2 (Th2)-like T-cell responses. This study was conducted to determine if respiratory enteric orphan virus (reovirus), a non-pathogenic virus that induces robust Th1-mediated mucosal and systemic responses could modulate induction of PE-specific allergic responses when co-administered with PE. Young mice were orally exposed to PE mixed with CT, reovirus, or both CT and reovirus. As expected, CT promoted PE-specific serum IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a and intestinal IgA production as well as splenic Th1- and Th2-associated cytokine recall responses. Reovirus did not alter PE-specific serum IgE and IgG1 levels, but substantially increased the PE-specific IgG2a response when co-administered with PE with or without CT. Additionally, reovirus significantly decreased the percentage of the Peyer's patch CD8+ T-cells and Foxp3+CD4+ T-regulatory cells when co-administered with PE. These results demonstrate that an acute mucosal reovirus infection and subsequent Th1 immune response is capable of modulating the Th1/Th2 controlled humoral response to PE. The reovirus-mediated increase in the PE-specific IgG2a antibody response may have therapeutic implications as increased levels of non-allergenic PE-specific IgG2a could block PE antigens from binding to IgE-sensitized mast cells.

Type I IFN controls chikungunya virus via its action on nonhematopoietic cells

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is the causative agent of an outbreak that began in La Réunion in 2005 and remains a major public health concern in India, Southeast Asia, and southern Europe. CHIKV is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes and the associated disease is characterized by fever, myalgia, arthralgia, and rash. As viral load in infected patients declines before the appearance of neutralizing antibodies, we studied the role of type I interferon (IFN) in CHIKV pathogenesis. Based on human studies and mouse experimentation, we show that CHIKV does not directly stimulate type I IFN production in immune cells. Instead, infected nonhematopoietic cells sense viral RNA in a Cardif-dependent manner and participate in the control of infection through their production of type I IFNs. Although the Cardif signaling pathway contributes to the immune response, we also find evidence for a MyD88-dependent sensor that is critical for preventing viral dissemination. Moreover, we demonstrate that IFN-α/β receptor (IFNAR) expression is required in the periphery but not on immune cells, as IFNAR^−/−→WT bone marrow chimeras are capable of clearing the infection, whereas WT→IFNAR^−/− chimeras succumb. This study defines an essential role for type I IFN, produced via cooperation between multiple host sensors and acting directly on nonhematopoietic cells, in the control of CHIKV.