Migration of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes into a polarized epithelial monolayer

Pulmonary CD103 expression regulates airway inflammation in asthma

Although CD103(+) cells recently emerged as key regulatory cells in the gut, the role of CD103 ubiquitous expression in the lung and development of allergic airway disease has never been studied. To answer this important question, we evaluated the response of Cd103(-/-) mice in two separate well-described mouse models of asthma (ovalbumin and house dust mite extract). Pulmonary inflammation was assessed by analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage content, histology, and cytokine response. CD103 expression was analyzed on lung dendritic cells and T cell subsets by flow cytometry. Cd103(-/-) mice exposed to antigens developed exacerbated lung inflammation, characterized by increased eosinophilic infiltration, severe tissue inflammation, and altered cytokine response. In wild-type mice exposed to house dust mite, CD103(+) dendritic cells are increased in the lung and an important subset of CD4(+) T cells, CD8(+) T cells, and T regulatory cells express CD103. Importantly, Cd103(-/-) mice presented a deficiency in the resolution phase of inflammation, which supports an important role for this molecule in the control of inflammation severity. These results suggest an important role for CD103 in the control of airway inflammation in asthma.

Dynamic migration of γδ intraepithelial lymphocytes requires occludin

γδ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) are located beneath or between adjacent intestinal epithelial cells and are thought to contribute to homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. Using in vivo microscopy to image jejunal mucosa of GFP γδ T-cell transgenic mice, we discovered that γδ IELs migrate actively within the intraepithelial compartment and into the lamina propria. As a result, each γδ IEL contacts multiple epithelial cells. Occludin is concentrated at sites of γδ IEL/epithelial interaction, where it forms a ring surrounding the γδ IEL. In vitro analyses showed that occludin is expressed by epithelial and γδ T cells and that occludin derived from both cell types contributes to these rings and to γδ IEL migration within epithelial monolayers. In vivo TNF administration, which results in epithelial occludin endocytosis, reduces γδ IEL migration. Further in vivo analyses demonstrated that occludin KO γδ T cells are defective in both initial accumulation and migration within the intraepithelial compartment. These data challenge the paradigm that γδ IELs are stationary in the intestinal epithelium and demonstrate that γδ IELs migrate dynamically to make extensive contacts with epithelial cells. The identification of occludin as an essential factor in γδ IEL migration provides insight into the molecular regulation of γδ IEL/epithelial interactions.

The αE(CD103)β7 integrin interacts with oral and skin keratinocytes in an E-cadherin-independent manner*

The integrin αE(CD103)β7 (αEβ7) is expressed by intraepithelial lymphocytes, dendritic cells and regulatory T cells. It plays an important role in the mucosal immune system by retaining lymphocytes within the epithelium and is involved in graft rejection, immunity against tumours and the generation of gut-homing effector cells. In gut and breast, the ligand for αEβ7 is E-cadherin but in human oral mucosa and skin, there is evidence that lymphocytes use an alternative, unknown, ligand. In the present study, the I domain of the human αE subunit, which contains the E-cadherin-binding site, was locked in a highly active, 'open' and an inactive, 'closed' conformation by the introduction of disulphide bonds and these domains were expressed as IgG Fc fusion proteins. αE fusion proteins recognize E-cadherin, the only known ligand for αEβ7. This interaction was inhibited by an antibody that blocks the αE-binding site on E-cadherin and by the omission of Mn(2+) , which is essential for integrin function in vitro. The locked 'open' conformation of αE adhered to human oral and skin keratinocytes, including the E-cadherin-negative H376 cell line, and this was not inhibited by blocking antibody against the αEβ7-binding site on E-cadherin, providing further evidence for the existence of an alternative ligand for αEβ7 in skin and oral mucosa. The interaction with E-cadherin and the alternative ligand was Mn(2+) dependent and mediated by the metal ion-dependent coordination site (MIDAS) of the locked 'open'αE I domain, independently of the β7 subunit.

Production of interferon-gamma by activated T-cell receptor-alphabeta CD8alphabeta intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes is required and sufficient for disruption of the intestinal barrier integrity

Maintenance of intestinal epithelial barrier function is of vital importance in preventing uncontrolled influx of antigens and the potentially ensuing inflammatory disorders. Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) are in intimate contact with epithelial cells and may critically regulate the epithelial barrier integrity. While a preserving impact has been ascribed to the T-cell receptor (TCR)-gammadelta subset of IEL, IEL have also been shown to attenuate the barrier function. The present study sought to clarify the effects of IEL by specifically investigating the influence of the TCR-alphabeta CD8alphabeta and TCR-alphabeta CD8alphaalpha subsets of IEL on the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. To this end, an in vitro coculture system of the murine intestinal crypt-derived cell-line mIC(cl2) and syngeneic ex vivo isolated IEL was employed. Epithelial integrity was assessed by analysis of transepithelial resistance (TER) and paracellular flux of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated (FITC-) dextran. The TCR-alphabeta CD8alphaalpha IEL and resting TCR-alphabeta CD8alphabeta IEL did not affect TER of mIC(cl2) or flux of FITC-dextran. In contrast, activated TCR-alphabeta CD8alphabeta IEL clearly disrupted the integrity of the mIC(cl2) monolayer. No disrupting effect was seen with activated TCR-alphabeta CD8alphabeta IEL from interferon-gamma knockout mice. These findings demonstrate that secretion of interferon-gamma by activated TCR-alphabeta CD8alphabeta IEL is strictly required and also sufficient for disrupting the intestinal epithelial barrier function.

Enteral versus parenteral nutrition: effect on intestinal barrier function

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN), or the complete absence of enteral nutrients, is commonly used in a clinical setting. However, a major consequence of TPN administration is the development of mucosal atrophy and a loss of epithelial barrier function (EBF); and this loss may lead to an increase in clinical infections and septicemia. Our laboratory has investigated the mechanism of this TPN-associated loss of EBF using a mouse model. We have demonstrated that the mucosal lymphoid population significantly changes with TPN, and leads to a rise in interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and decline in interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression-both of which contribute to the loss of EBF. Associated with these cytokine changes is a dramatic decline in the expression of tight junction and adherens junction proteins. This article discusses the potential mechanisms responsible for these changes, and potential strategies to alleviate this loss in EBF.

Human intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes and epithelial cells coinduce interleukin-8 production through the CD2-CD58 interaction

Human intestinal CD3+TCRalphabeta+CD8+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) are intimately associated with epithelial cells (ECs) through binding of CD103 to E-cadherin. How these two cell types functionally interact is largely unknown. IEL-EC cross talk was determined using HT-29 cells as the model EC and IL-8 as the readout. IL-8 was derived from both cell types and synergistically increased when the cells were combined. This synergistic effect required active transcription by both IELs and HT-29 cells. Cell contact was required as shown by the loss of the synergistic increase in IL-8 when the two cell types were separated by Transwells. Specifically, IL-8 release required the binding of CD2 on the IELs to CD58 on the HT-29 cells. The association of the CD3/TCR complex with major histocompatibility antigen class I antigens was not involved. Antibody neutralization of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), but not interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), resulted in increased IL-8 production by the coculture. Although both TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma increased IL-8 synthesis and CD58 expression by the HT-29 cells, only IFN-gamma reduced IL-8 production by IELs. IL-8 production by either cell type involved phosphorylation of p38 and JNK. In summary, the synergistic synthesis of IL-8 occurs when IELs are stimulated through the CD2 pathway by CD58 on HT-29 cells, resulting in TNF-alpha release that, in turn, augments IL-8 synthesis and CD58 expression by the HT-29 cells.

T cell chemotaxis and chemokine release after Staphylococcus aureus interaction with polarized airway epithelium

In response to bacterial infection, airway epithelium releases inflammatory mediators including cytokines and chemokines that lead to immune cell efflux and could stimulate the adaptive T cell immune response. The aim of our study was to analyze, in a double chamber culture, the chemokine changes in response to Staphylococcus aureus and their consequences for T cells. Our data show that S. aureus stimulates basolateral and apical release of IL-8 and eotaxin by airway epithelial cells. We also observed increased chemokine receptor expression on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and enhanced chemotaxis of CD4+ T cells toward apical supernatant. Our data strongly suggest that S. aureus interaction with airway epithelium contributes to specific migration of T cells to inflamed sites.

Alteration of intestinal epithelial function by intraepithelial lymphocyte homing

BACKGROUND

Intimate cross-talk may take place between intestinal epithelial cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL). The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of lymphocyte migration into the epithelium on epithelial function, using an in vitro "IEL homing" model.

METHODS

Molecular expression on epithelial cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The barrier function of the epithelial monolayer was assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance. Cytokine production was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

(1) IEL homing into the epithelia induced significant phenotypic changes in epithelial cells; upregulation of MHC class I, and II, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and CD44. IEL-derived interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) could partially account for this alteration, as a neutralizing antibody (Ab) against IFN-gamma inhibited the upregulation of these molecules, except for CD44. (2) A marked fall in transepithelial electrical resistance was observed 4 h after IEL homing started, and Ab against IFN-gamma slightly inhibited this fall in resistance. (3) The production of interleukin (IL)-8 and IFN-gamma inducible protein-10 (IP-10), but not transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, in the epithelial monolayer was markedly induced after IEL homing in a basolaterally polarized fashion. IEL-conditioned media also induced the production of these cytokines in epithelial cells, thus suggesting that IEL-derived soluble factor(s) induce epithelial chemokine production.

CONCLUSIONS

Under inflammatory conditions, IEL obviously interact with epithelial cells and upregulate adhesion molecules, alter barrier function, and enhance chemokine production. Because such alterations may increase epithelial permeability to luminal antigens or accelerate the migration of other inflammatory cells, our results suggest that IEL have a critical role in mucosal immunity.

Transepithelial migration of Toxoplasma gondii is linked to parasite motility and virulence

After oral ingestion, Toxoplasma gondii crosses the intestinal epithelium, disseminates into the deep tissues, and traverses biological barriers such as the placenta and the blood-brain barrier to reach sites where it causes severe pathology. To examine the cellular basis of these processes, migration of T. gondii was studied in vitro using polarized host cell monolayers and extracellular matrix. Transmigration required active parasite motility and the highly virulent type I strains consistently exhibited a superior migratory capacity than the nonvirulent type II and type III strains. Type I strain parasites also demonstrated a greater capacity for transmigration across mouse intestine ex vivo, and directly penetrated into the lamina propria and vascular endothelium. A subpopulation of virulent type I parasites exhibited a long distance migration (LDM) phenotype in vitro, that was not expressed by nonvirulent type II and type III strains. Cloning of parasites expressing the LDM phenotype resulted in substantial increase of migratory capacity in vitro and in vivo. The potential to up-regulate migratory capacity in T. gondii likely plays an important role in establishing new infections and in dissemination upon reactivation of chronic infections.

Negative regulation of epithelium-neutrophil interactions via activation of CD44

Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) migration across epithelia is a common feature of active inflammation. Given the suggested role of carbohydrates in this process, we examined the receptor CD44. The standard CD44 isoform was expressed at the cell surface of PMN. PMN migration across model polarized intestinal epithelia was reduced (by 60%) if the CD44 receptor was activated by either a specific antibody (clone IM7) or the natural soluble ligand, hyaluronic acid. This inhibitory effect following receptor activation occurred with both basolateral-to-apical- and apical-to-basolateral-directed migration. The anti-CD44 antibody similarly reduced PMN migration through filters in the absence of epithelia, while preincubation of the antibody with the epithelium did not alter subsequent PMN transepithelial migration. These data suggest that PMN, rather than epithelial, CD44 is responsible for these effects. A similar inhibitory effect of anti-CD44 antibody was also observed on migration of intraepithelial lymphocytes. The molecular mechanism involved in such negative signaling following CD44 activation may include modulation of outside-in cell signaling. While neither the anti-CD44 antibody nor CD44 ligand affected PMN mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+), both led to increased adenylate cyclase activity, an inhibitory signal for PMN migration. Together, these results suggest that CD44 of PMN may potentially serve as a negative regulator of leukocyte migration across biological surfaces such as columnar epithelia.

Basement membrane pores in human bronchial epithelium: a conduit for infiltrating cells?

This study reports the presence of oval-shaped pores in the basement membrane of the human bronchial airway that may be used as conduits for immune cells to traffic between the epithelial and mesenchymal compartments. Human bronchial mucosa collected after surgery was stripped of epithelial cells without damaging the basement membrane. Both scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed oval-shaped pores 0.75 to 3.85 microm in diameter in the bronchial basement membrane at a density of 863 pores/mm2. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the pores spanned the full depth of the basement membrane, with a concentration of collagen-like fibers at the lateral edges of the pore. Infiltrating cells apparently moved through the pores, both in the presence and absence of the epithelium. Taken together, these results suggest that immune cells use basement membrane pores as predefined routes to move between the epithelial and mesenchymal compartments without disruption of the basement membrane. As a persistent feature of the basement membrane, pores could facilitate inflammatory cell access to the epithelium and greatly increase the frequency of intercellular contact between trafficking cells.

Intraepithelial Lymphocytes Traffic to the Intestine and Enhance Resistance to Toxoplasma gondii Oral Infection

Toxoplasma gondii Ag-primed intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) from the mouse intestine have been shown to be protective against an lethal parasite challenge when adoptively transferred into recipient mice. In the present study, we observed that Ag-primed IEL traffic to the intestine of naive mice following i.v. administration. Primed and CD8β+ IEL were the most efficient cells at homing to the host organ. In congenic mice, IEL migrated from intestine within several hours posttransfer. On Ag reexposure, the primed IEL return to the intestine where they enhance resistance as determined by reduction in the number of brain cysts. Treatment of recipient mice with anti-α4 and anti-αE Abs partially inhibited IEL intestinal homing. The Ab treatment dramatically impaired resistance to a subsequent oral infection. These finding indicate that lymphocyte homing is an important parameter in establishing long term immunity to recurrent infection with this parasite.