Inflammation in the central nervous system and Th17 responses are inhibited by IFN-gamma-Induced IL-18 binding protein

Biological and clinical roles of IL-18 in inflammatory diseases

Several new discoveries have revived interest in the pathogenic potential and possible clinical roles of IL-18. IL-18 is an IL-1 family cytokine with potent ability to induce IFNγ production. However, basic investigations and now clinical observations suggest a more complex picture. Unique aspects of IL-18 biology at the levels of transcription, activation, secretion, neutralization, receptor distribution and signalling help to explain its pleiotropic roles in mucosal and systemic inflammation. Blood biomarker studies reveal a cytokine for which profound elevation, associated with detectable 'free IL-18', defines a group of autoinflammatory diseases in which IL-18 dysregulation can be a primary driving feature, the so-called 'IL-18opathies'. This impressive specificity might accelerate diagnoses and identify patients amenable to therapeutic IL-18 blockade. Pathogenically, human and animal studies identify a preferential activation of CD8+ T cells over other IL-18-responsive lymphocytes. IL-18 agonist treatments that leverage the site of production or subversion of endogenous IL-18 inhibition show promise in augmenting immune responses to cancer. Thus, the unique aspects of IL-18 biology are finally beginning to have clinical impact in precision diagnostics, disease monitoring and targeted treatment of inflammatory and malignant diseases.

Interleukin-18 and IL-18BP in inflammatory dermatological diseases

Interleukin (IL)-18, an interferon-γ inducer, belongs to the IL-1 family of pleiotropic pro-inflammatory factors, and IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) is a native antagonist of IL-18 in vivo, regulating its activity. Moreover, IL-18 exerts an influential function in host innate and adaptive immunity, and IL-18BP has elevated levels of interferon-γ in diverse cells, suggesting that IL-18BP is a negative feedback inhibitor of IL-18-mediated immunity. Similar to IL-1β, the IL-18 cytokine is produced as an indolent precursor that requires further processing into an active cytokine by caspase-1 and mediating downstream signaling pathways through MyD88. IL-18 has been implicated to play a role in psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and bullous pemphigoid in human inflammatory skin diseases. Currently, IL-18BP is less explored in treating inflammatory skin diseases, while IL-18BP is being tested in clinical trials for other diseases. Thereby, IL-18BP is a prospective therapeutic target.

Development and Optimization of a Target Engagement Model of Brain IDO Inhibition for Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) inhibition is a promising target as an Alzheimer's disease (AD) Disease-modifying therapy capable of downregulating immunopathic neuroinflammatory processes.

METHODS

To aid in the development of IDO inhibitors as potential AD therapeutics, we optimized a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) based mouse model of brain IDO1 inhibition by examining the dosedependent and time-course of the brain kynurenine:tryptophan (K:T) ratio to LPS via intraperitoneal dosing.

RESULTS

We determined the optimal LPS dose to increase IDO1 activity in the brain, and the ideal time point to quantify the brain K:T ratio after LPS administration. We then used a brain penetrant tool compound, EOS200271, to validate the model, determine the optimal dosing profile and found that a complete rescue of the K:T ratio was possible with the tool compound.

CONCLUSION

This LPS-based model of IDO1 target engagement is a useful tool that can be used in the development of brain penetrant IDO1 inhibitors for AD. A limitation of the present study is the lack of quantification of potential clinically relevant biomarkers in this model, which could be addressed in future studies.

Interferon γ: a master cytokine in microglia-mediated neural network dysfunction and neurodegeneration

Traditionally, lymphocytic interferon γ (IFN-γ) was considered to be a simple 'booster' of proinflammatory responses by microglia (brain-resident macrophages) during bacterial or viral infection. Recent slice culture (in situ) and in vivo studies suggest, however, that IFN-γ has a unique role in microglial activation. Priming by IFN-γ results in proliferation (microgliosis), enhanced synapse elimination, and moderate nitric oxide release sufficient to impair synaptic transmission, gamma rhythm activity, and cognitive functions. Moreover, IFN-γ is pivotal for driving Toll-like receptor (TLR)-activated microglia into neurotoxic phenotypes that induce energetic and oxidative stress, severe network dysfunction, and neuronal death. Pharmacological targeting of activated microglia could be beneficial during elevated IFN-γ levels, blood-brain barrier leakage, and parenchymal T lymphocyte infiltration associated with, for instance, encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Its Role in Homeostasis and Immunity of Central and Peripheral Neurons

Neuronal cells are specialists for rapid transfer and translation of information. Their electrical properties relay on a precise regulation of ion levels while their communication via neurotransmitters and neuropeptides depends on a high protein and lipid turnover. The endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is fundamental to provide these necessary requirements for optimal neuronal function. Accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER lumen, reactive oxygen species and exogenous stimulants like infections, chemical irritants and mechanical harm can induce ER stress, often followed by an ER stress response to reinstate cellular homeostasis. Imbedded between glial-, endothelial-, stromal-, and immune cells neurons are constantly in communication and influenced by their local environment. In this review, we discuss concepts of tissue homeostasis and innate immunity in the central and peripheral nervous system with a focus on its influence on ER stress, the unfolded protein response, and implications for health and disease.

The Role of Interleukin 18/Interleukin 18-Binding Protein in Adult-Onset Still's Disease and Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine of the IL-1 family, whose activity is tightly controlled at the level of production, as well as signalization. Notably, it is buffered by its natural inhibitor, IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), which is massively present in circulation in normal and in most pathological conditions, thus preventing harmful pro-inflammatory systemic effects of IL-18. IL-18 has long been considered to be involved in the pathophysiology of various inflammatory diseases. However, a first clinical trial using recombinant IL-18BP for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis gave disappointing results. Direct measurements of unbound, bioactive, free form of circulating IL-18 demonstrated that IL-18 was more specifically involved in adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) but also in their most severe complication, macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). More importantly, administration of recombinant IL-18BP to patients with AOSD, and sJIA with MAS, showed promising results. This review summarizes available data regarding IL-18 and IL-18BP in AOSD and sJIA in mouse models and humans and shows the importance of IL-18/IL-18BP imbalance in these conditions, leading to the conclusion that IL-18, particularly free IL-18, may be a useful biomarker in these diseases and an interesting therapeutic target.

IL-18 and related function proteins associated with tuberculosis severity and screening for active TB among patients with non-mycobacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

Background

Differentiation of active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) from non-mycobacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) still remains a diagnostic challenge.

Objective

The study aimed to quantify the IL-18, IFN-γ, IL-18BP, IL-37, and IP-10 levels in serum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) antigens-stimulated blood cultures from TB or CAP patients and explore if the proteins can be a useful basis for discriminating these diseases.

Methods

In total, 124 Polish adults, including mild/moderate (M/MTB) or advanced (ATB) TB patients, and CAP patients, were enrolled in the study. The concentrations of IL-18, IL-18BP, IFN-γ, IL-37, and IP-10 in sera and M.tb-stimulated cultures were measured by ELISA.

Results

The most specific and sensitive serum proteins discriminating TB from CAP were IP-10 and IL-18BP; however, IP-10 had the highest AUC in the ROC curve for the diagnosis. Serum IP-10 and IL-18BP levels increased significantly in M/MTB or ATB groups. The IL-18BP elevation in ATB group was accompanied by an increase in IL-18. No single protein measured in M.tb-stimulated cultures differed TB from CAP patients.

Conclusions

The combined analysis of serum IL-18BP and IP-10 might be considered as an auxiliary tool in the differentiation of TB from CAP.

IL-18/IL-18BP and IL-22/IL-22BP: Two interrelated couples with therapeutic potential

Interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-22 are key components of cytokine networks that play a decisive role in (pathological) inflammation, host defense, and tissue regeneration. Tight regulation of cytokine-driven signaling, inflammation, and immunoactivation is supposed to enable nullification of a given deleterious trigger without mediating overwhelming collateral tissue damage or even activating a cancerous face of regeneration. In fact, feedback regulation by specific cytokine opponents is regarded as a major means by which the immune system is kept in balance. Herein, we shine a light on the interplay between IL-18 and IL-22 and their opponents IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) and IL-22BP in order to provide integrated information on their biology, pathophysiological significance, and prospect as targets and/or instruments of therapeutic intervention.

Angiotensin AT2 receptor–induced interleukin-10 attenuates neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder–like pathology

Background:

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a relapsing inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) disease for which there is no cure. Immunoglobulin G autoantibodies specific for the water channel aquaporin-4 are a serum biomarker, believed to induce complement-dependent astrocyte damage with secondary demyelination.

Objective:

To investigate the effect of angiotensin AT2 receptor (AT2R) stimulation on NMOSD-like pathology and its underlying mechanism.

Methods:

NMOSD-like pathology was induced in mice by intracerebral injection of immunoglobulin-G isolated from NMOSD patient serum, with complement. This mouse model produces the characteristic histological features of NMOSD. A specific AT2R agonist, Compound 21 (C21), was given intracerebrally at day 0 and by intrathecal injection at day 2.

Results:

Loss of aquaporin-4 and glial fibrillary acidic protein was attenuated by treatment with C21. Administration of C21 induced mRNA for interleukin-10 in the brain. NMOSD-like pathology was exacerbated in interleukin-10-deficient mice, suggesting a protective role. C21 treatment did not attenuate NMOSD-like pathology in interleukin-10-deficient mice, indicating that the protective effect of AT2R stimulation was dependent on interleukin-10.

Conclusion:

Our findings identify AT2R as a novel potential therapeutic target for the treatment of NMOSD. Interleukin-10 signaling is an essential part of the protective mechanism counteracting NMOSD pathology.

Chi3l3 induces oligodendrogenesis in an experimental model of autoimmune neuroinflammation

In demyelinating diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), neural stem cells (NSCs) can replace damaged oligodendrocytes if the local microenvironment supports the required differentiation process. Although chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) form part of this microenvironment, their function in this differentiation process is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that murine Chitinase 3-like-3 (Chi3l3/Ym1), human Chi3L1 and Chit1 induce oligodendrogenesis. In mice, Chi3l3 is highly expressed in the subventricular zone, a stem cell niche of the adult brain, and in inflammatory brain lesions during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We find that silencing Chi3l3 increases severity of EAE. We present evidence that in NSCs Chi3l3 activates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), thereby inducing Pyk2-and Erk1/2- dependent expression of a pro-oligodendrogenic transcription factor signature. Our results implicate CLP-EGFR-Pyk2-MEK-ERK as a key intrinsic pathway controlling oligodendrogenesis.

Serosal Cavities Contain Two Populations of Innate-like integrin α4highCD4+ T Cells, Integrin α4β1+α6β1+α4β7- and α4β1+α6β1-α4β7+ Cells

We previously reported peritoneal innate-like integrin α4 (CD49d)^highCD4⁺ T cells that provided help for B-1a cells. Here we analyzed the expression of various integrin chains on the peritoneal and pleural integrin α4^highCD4⁺ T cells and investigated the functional heterogeneity of the subpopulations based on the integrin expression. Pleural cavity contained a lower ratio of integrin α4^highCD4⁺ T cells to integrin α4^lowCD4⁺ T cells than peritoneal cavity, but the pleural integrin α4^highCD4⁺ T cells have the same characteristics of the peritoneal integrin α4^highCD4⁺ T cells. Most of integrin α4^highCD4⁺ T cells were integrin β1^highβ7^-, but a minor population of integrin α4^highCD4⁺ T cells was integrin β1⁺β7⁺. Interestingly, the integrin α4^highβ1^highβ7^- CD4⁺ T cells expressed high levels of integrin α4β1 and α6β1, whereas integrin α4^highβ1⁺β7⁺ CD4⁺ T cells expressed high levels of integrin α4β1 and α4β7, suggesting an alternative expression of integrin α6β1 or α4β7 in combination with α4β1 in respective major and minor populations of integrin α4^highCD4⁺ T cells. The minor population, integrin α4^highβ1⁺β7⁺ CD4⁺ T cells, were different from the integrin α4^highβ1^highβ7^- CD4⁺ T cells in that they secreted a smaller amount of Th1 cytokines upon stimulation and expressed lower levels of Th1-related chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR3 than the integrin α4^highβ₁^highβ₇^- CD4⁺ T cells. In summary, the innate-like integrin α4^highCD4⁺ T cells could be divided into 2 populations, integrin α4β1⁺α6β1⁺α4β7^- and α4β1⁺α6β1^-α4β7⁺ cells. The functional significance of serosal integrin α4β7⁺ CD4⁺ T cells needed to be investigated especially in view of mucosal immunity.

Epithelial Cell Inflammasomes in Intestinal Immunity and Inflammation

Pattern recognition receptors (PRR), such as NOD-like receptors (NLRs), sense conserved microbial signatures, and host danger signals leading to the coordination of appropriate immune responses. Upon activation, a subset of NLR initiate the assembly of a multimeric protein complex known as the inflammasome, which processes pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediates a specialized form of cell death known as pyroptosis. The identification of inflammasome-associated genes as inflammatory bowel disease susceptibility genes implicates a role for the inflammasome in intestinal inflammation. Despite the fact that the functional importance of inflammasomes within immune cells has been well established, the contribution of inflammasome expression in non-hematopoietic cells remains comparatively understudied. Given that intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) act as a barrier between the host and the intestinal microbiota, inflammasome expression by these cells is likely important for intestinal immune homeostasis. Accumulating evidence suggests that the inflammasome plays a key role in shaping epithelial responses at the host-lumen interface with many inflammasome components highly expressed by IEC. Recent studies have exposed functional roles of IEC inflammasomes in mucosal immune defense, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. In this review, we present the main features of the predominant inflammasomes and their effector mechanisms contributing to intestinal homeostasis and inflammation. We also discuss existing controversies in the field and open questions related to their implications in disease. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of intestinal inflammasome signaling could hold therapeutic potential for clinical translation.

Treatment options for chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis

Autosomal dominant chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (AD-CMC) is a rare and severe primary immunodeficiency that is characterized by mucocutaneous fungal infection, autoimmunity, cerebral aneurysms, and oropharyngeal and esophageal cancer. Recently, it was discovered that STAT1 mutations are responsible for AD-CMC. These mutations lead to the inability of STAT1 to be dephosphorylated, resulting in hyperphosphorylation, increased binding to the DNA, and gain of function (GOF) effects on STAT1 signaling. Furthermore, a characteristic feature of AD-CMC patients is deficiency in the T-helper 17 (Th17) responses, which is believed to be the immunological cause of the mucocutaneous fungal infection. No targeted treatment other than lifelong antifungal prophylaxis exists for AD-CMC. However, the discovery of the genetic and immunological defects makes it now possible to explore new treatment strategies. This review will discuss immunomodulatory treatment options that can be explored in patients with STAT1 GOF mutations.

Opposing Roles of Interferon-Gamma on Cells of the Central Nervous System in Autoimmune Neuroinflammation

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the principal cause of autoimmune neuroinflammation in humans, and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), is widely used to gain insight about their immunopathological mechanisms for and the development of novel therapies for MS. Most studies on the role of interferon (IFN)-γ in the pathogenesis and progression of EAE have focused on peripheral immune cells, while its action on central nervous system (CNS)-resident cells has been less explored. In addition to the well-known proinflammatory and damaging effects of IFN-γ in the CNS, evidence has also endowed this cytokine both a protective and regulatory role in autoimmune neuroinflammation. Recent investigations performed in this research field have exposed the complex role of IFN-γ in the CNS uncovering unexpected mechanisms of action that underlie these opposing activities on different CNS-resident cell types. The mechanisms behind these two-faced effects of IFN-γ depend on dose, disease phase, and cell development stage. Here, we will review and discuss the dual role of IFN-γ on CNS-resident cells in EAE highlighting its protective functions and the mechanisms proposed.

Induction of endogenous Type I interferon within the central nervous system plays a protective role in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

The Type I interferons (IFN), beta (IFN-β) and the alpha family (IFN-α), act through a common receptor and have anti-inflammatory effects. IFN-β is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and is effective against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for MS. Mice with EAE show elevated levels of Type I IFNs in the central nervous system (CNS), suggesting a role for endogenous Type I IFN during inflammation. However, the therapeutic benefit of Type I IFN produced in the CNS remains to be established. The aim of this study was to examine whether experimentally induced CNS-endogenous Type I IFN influences EAE. Using IFN-β reporter mice, we showed that direct administration of polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a potent inducer of IFN-β, into the cerebrospinal fluid induced increased leukocyte numbers and transient upregulation of IFN-β in CD45/CD11b-positive cells located in the meninges and choroid plexus, as well as enhanced IFN-β expression by parenchymal microglial cells. Intrathecal injection of poly I:C to mice showing first symptoms of EAE substantially increased the normal disease-associated expression of IFN-α, IFN-β, interferon regulatory factor-7 and IL-10 in CNS, and disease worsening was prevented for as long as IFN-α/β was expressed. In contrast, there was no therapeutic effect on EAE in poly I:C-treated IFN receptor-deficient mice. IFN-dependent microglial and astrocyte response included production of the chemokine CXCL10. These results show that Type I IFN induced within the CNS can play a protective role in EAE and highlight the role of endogenous type I IFN in mediating neuroprotection.

Infection of Interleukin 17 Receptor A-Deficient C3H Mice with Borrelia burgdorferi Does Not Affect Their Development of Lyme Arthritis and Carditis

Recently, a number of studies have reported the presence of interleukin 17 (IL-17) in patients with Lyme disease, and several murine studies have suggested a role for this cytokine in the development of Lyme arthritis. However, the role of IL-17 has not been studied using the experimental Lyme borreliosis model of infection of C3H mice with Borrelia burgdorferi. In the current study, we investigated the role of IL-17 in the development of experimental Lyme borreliosis by infecting C3H mice devoid of the common IL-17 receptor A subunit (IL-17RA) and thus deficient in most IL-17 signaling. Infection of both C3H and C3H IL-17RA(-/-) mice led to the production of high levels of IL-17 in the serum, low levels in the heart tissue, and no detectable IL-17 in the joint tissue. The development and severity of arthritis and carditis in the C3H IL-17RA(-/-) mice were similar to what was seen in wild-type C3H mice. In addition, development of antiborrelia antibodies and clearance of spirochetes from tissues were similar for the two mouse strains. These results demonstrate a limited role for IL-17 signaling through IL-17RA in the development of disease following infection of C3H mice with B. burgdorferi.

Transcriptional analysis identifies key genes involved in metabolism, fibrosis/tissue repair and the immune response against Fasciola hepatica in sheep liver

BACKGROUND

Although fascioliasis has been relatively well studied, little is known about the molecular basis of this disease. This is particularly relevant, considering the very different response that sheep have to Fasciola hepatica relative to cattle. The acute phase of this disease is severe in sheep, whereas chronic fascioliasis is more common in cattle.

METHODS

To begin to explore the host-response to Fasciola in sheep and improve the understanding of the host-pathogen interactions during the parasite's migration through liver parenchyma to the bile duct, we used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to investigate livers from sheep infected for eight weeks compared with those from uninfected controls.

RESULTS

This study identified 572 and 42 genes that were up- and down-regulated, respectively, in infected livers relative to uninfected controls. Our molecular findings provide significant new insights into the mechanisms linked to metabolism, fibrosis and tissue-repair in sheep, and highlight the relative importance of specific components of immune response pathways, which appear to be driven toward a suppression of inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is, to our knowledge, the first detailed investigation of the transcriptomic responses in the liver tissue of any host to F. hepatica infection. It defines the involvement of specific genes associated with the host's metabolism, immune response and tissue repair/regeneration, and highlights an apparent overlapping function of many genes involved in these processes.

Evidence of inflammatory system involvement in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease underpinned by both genetic and environmental etiologic factors. Recent findings suggest that inflammation may be a pathogenic factor in the onset and progression of both familial and sporadic PD. Understanding the precise role of inflammatory factors in PD will likely lead to understanding of how the disease arises. In vivo evidence for inflammation in PD includes dysregulated molecular mediators such as cytokines, complement system and its receptors, resident microglial activation, peripheral immune cells invasion, and altered composition and phenotype of peripheral immune cells. The growing awareness of these factors has prompted novel approaches to modulate the immune system, although it remains whether these approaches can be used in humans. Influences of ageing and differential exposure to environmental agents suggest potential host-pathogen specific pathophysiologic factors. There is a clear need for research to further unravel the pathophysiologic role of immunity in PD, with the potential of developing new therapeutic targets for this debilitating condition.

Comparison of microglia and infiltrating CD11c⁺ cells as antigen presenting cells for T cell proliferation and cytokine response

Background

Tissue-resident antigen-presenting cells (APC) exert a major influence on the local immune environment. Microglia are resident myeloid cells in the central nervous system (CNS), deriving from early post-embryonic precursors, distinct from adult hematopoietic lineages. Dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages infiltrate the CNS during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Microglia are not considered to be as effective APC as DC or macrophages.

Methods

In this work we compared the antigen presenting capacity of CD11c⁺ and CD11c⁻ microglia subsets with infiltrating CD11c⁺ APC, which include DC. The microglial subpopulations (CD11c⁻ CD45^dim CD11b⁺ and CD11c⁺ CD45^dim CD11b⁺) as well as infiltrating CD11c⁺ CD45^high cells were sorted from CNS of C57BL/6 mice with EAE. Sorted cells were characterised by flow cytometry for surface phenotype and by quantitative real-time PCR for cytokine expression. They were co-cultured with primed T cells to measure induction of T cell proliferation and cytokine response.

Results

The number of CD11c⁺ microglia cells increased dramatically in EAE. They expressed equivalent levels of major histocompatibility complex and co-stimulatory ligands CD80 and CD86 as those expressed by CD11c⁺ cells infiltrating from blood. CD11c⁺ microglia differed significantly from blood-derived CD11c⁺ cells in their cytokine profile, expressing no detectable IL-6, IL-12 or IL-23, and low levels of IL-1β. By contrast, CD11c⁻ microglia expressed low but detectable levels of all these cytokines. Transforming growth factor β expression was similar in all three populations. Although CNS-resident and blood-derived CD11c⁺ cells showed equivalent ability to induce proliferation of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-immunised CD4⁺ T cells, CD11c⁺ microglia induced lower levels of T helper (Th)1 and Th17 cytokines, and did not induce Th2 cytokines.

Conclusions

Our findings show distinct subtypes of APC in the inflamed CNS, with a hierarchy of functional competence for induction of CD4⁺ T cell responses.

MOG extracellular domain (p1-125) triggers elevated frequency of CXCR3+ CD4+ Th1 cells in the CNS of mice and induces greater incidence of severe EAE

BACKGROUND

Myelin-specific T cells are implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) and drive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). EAE is commonly induced with short peptides, whereas in MS, whole myelin proteins are available for immune response. We asked whether immunization with the immunoglobulin-like domain of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG(Igd), residues 1-125) might induce distinct CD4+ T-cell response and/or a stronger CD8+ T-cell response, compared to the 21 amino acid immunodominant MHC II-associating peptide (p35-55).

OBJECTIVES

Compare both EAE and T-cell responses in C57BL/6 mice immunized with MOG(Igd) and MOG p35-55.

METHODS

Cytokine production, and chemokine receptor expression by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the mouse central nervous system (CNS), were analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

MOG(Igd) triggered progression to more severe EAE than MOG p35-55, despite similar time of onset and overall incidence. EAE in MOG(Igd)-immunized mice was characterized by an increased percentage of CXCR3+ interferon-γ-producing CD4+ T cells in CNS. The CD8+ T-cell response to both immunogens was similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased incidence of severe disease following MOG(Igd) immunization, accompanied by an increased percentage of CD4+ T cells in the CNS expressing CXCR3 and producing interferon-γ, identifies a pathogenic role for interferon-γ that is not seen when disease is induced with a single Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) II-associating epitope.

Leptin deficiency impairs maturation of dendritic cells and enhances induction of regulatory T and Th17 cells

Leptin is an adipose-secreted hormone that plays an important role in both metabolism and immunity. Leptin has been shown to induce Th1-cell polarization and inhibit Th2-cell responses. Additionally, leptin induces Th17-cell responses, inhibits regulatory T (Treg) cells and modulates autoimmune diseases. Here, we investigated whether leptin mediates its activity on T cells by influencing dendritic cells (DCs) to promote Th17 and Treg-cell immune responses in mice. We observed that leptin deficiency (i) reduced the expression of DC maturation markers, (ii) decreased DC production of IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-6, (iii) increased DC production of TGF-β, and (iv) limited the capacity of DCs to induce syngeneic CD4(+) T-cell proliferation. As a consequence of this unique phenotype, DCs generated under leptin-free conditions induced Treg or TH 17 cells more efficiently than DCs generated in the presence of leptin. These data indicate important roles for leptin in DC homeostasis and the initiation and maintenance of inflammatory and regulatory immune responses by DCs.

IL-17 protects T cells from apoptosis and contributes to development of ALPS-like phenotypes

In autoimmune/lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), defective Fas death receptor function causes lymphadenomegaly/splenomegaly, the expansion of T-cell receptor αβ(+) CD4/CD8 double-negative T cells, and frequent development of hematologic autoimmunity. Dianzani autoimmune lymphoproliferative disease (DALD) has a similar phenotype but lacks the expansion of double-negative T cells. This work shows that patients with ALPS and DALD have high serum levels of interleukin 17A (IL-17A), IL-17F, and IL-17AF, which are involved in several autoimmune diseases, and that their T cells show increased secretion of these cytokines upon activation in vitro. The following data indicate that these cytokines may contribute to ALPS and DALD: (1) recombinant IL-17A and IL-17F significantly inhibit Fas-induced cell death in Fas-sensitive T cells from healthy donors; (2) this inhibitory effect is also induced by the patients' serum and is reversed by anti-IL-17A antibodies; (3) IL-17A neutralization substantially increases Fas-induced cell death in T cells from ALPS and DALD patients in vitro; and (4) treatment with anti-IL-17A antibodies ameliorates the autoimmune manifestations and, at a lesser extent, the lymphoproliferative phenotype and prolongs survival in MRLlpr/lpr mice, which are an animal model of ALPS. These data suggest that IL-17A and IL-17F could be targeted therapeutically to improve Fas function in ALPS and DALD.

IL-18 in inflammatory and autoimmune disease

Inflammation serves as the first line of defense in response to tissue injury, guiding the immune system to ensure preservation of the host. The inflammatory response can be divided into a quick initial phase mediated mainly by innate immune cells including neutrophils and macrophages, followed by a late phase that is dominated by lymphocytes. Early in the new millennium, a key component of the inflammatory reaction was discovered with the identification of a number of cytosolic sensor proteins (Nod-like receptors) that assembled into a common structure, the 'inflammasome'. This structure includes an enzyme, caspase-1, which upon activation cleaves pro-forms of cytokines leading to subsequent release of active IL-1 and IL-18. This review focuses on the role of IL-18 in inflammatory responses with emphasis on autoimmune diseases.

The role of inflammasome-derived IL-1 in driving IL-17 responses

NLRs are members of the PRR family that sense microbial pathogens and mediate host innate immune responses to infection. Certain NLRs can assemble into a multiprotein complex called the inflammasome, which activates casapse-1 required for the cleavage of immature forms of IL-1β and IL-18 into active, mature cytokines. The inflammasome is activated by conserved, exogenous molecules from microbes and nonmicrobial molecules, such as asbestos, alum, or silica, as well as by endogenous danger signals, such as ATP, amyloid-β, and sodium urate crystals. Activation of the inflammasome is a critical event triggering IL-1-driven inflammation and is central to the pathology of autoinflammatory diseases, such as gout and MWS. Recent studies have also shown IL-1 or IL-18, in synergy with IL-23, can promote IL-17-prduction from Th17 cells and γδ T cells, and this process can be regulated by autophagy. IL-1-driven IL-17 production plays a critical role in host protective immunity to infection with fungi, bacteria, and certain viruses. However, Th17 cells and IL-17-seceting γδ T cells, activated by inflammasome-derived IL-1 or IL-18, have major pathogenic roles in many autoimmune diseases. Consequently, inflammasomes are now major drug targets for many autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases, as well as autoinflammatory diseases.

The IL-36 receptor pathway regulates Aspergillus fumigatus-induced Th1 and Th17 responses

IL-1 drives Th responses, particularly Th17, in host defense. Sharing the same co-receptor, the IL-1 family member IL-36 exhibits properties similar to those of IL-1. In the present study, we investigated the role of IL-36 in Aspergillus fumigatus-induced human Th responses. We observed that different morphological forms of A. fumigatus variably increase steady-state mRNA of IL-36 subfamily members. IL-36α is not significantly induced by any morphological form of Aspergillus. Most strikingly, IL-36γ is significantly induced by live A. fumigatus conidia and heat-killed hyphae, whereas IL-36Ra (IL-36 receptor antagonist) is significantly induced by heat-killed conidia, hyphae, and live conidia. We also observed that IL-36γ expression is dependent on the dectin-1/Syk and TLR4 signaling pathway. In contrast, TLR2 and CR3 inhibit IL-36γ expression. The biological relevance of IL-36 induction by Aspergillus is demonstrated by experiments showing that inhibition of the IL-36 receptor by IL-36Ra reduces Aspergillus-induced IL-17 and IFN-γ. These data describe that IL-36-dependent signals are a novel cytokine pathway that regulates Th responses induced by A. fumigatus, and demonstrate a role for TLR4 and dectin-1 in the induction of IL-36γ.

Role of interleukin-23 (IL-23) receptor signaling for IL-17 responses in human Lyme disease

Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is known to play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of T helper 17 cells. It has been previously demonstrated that IL-17 is involved in experimental Lyme arthritis, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. However, the precise role of the IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) for the B. burgdorferi-induced IL-17 responses or human Lyme disease has not yet been elucidated. IL-23R single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11209026 was genotyped using the TaqMan assay. Functional studies were performed using peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Dose-dependent production of IL-23 and IL-17 by B. burgdorferi could be observed. Interestingly, when IL-23 bioactivity was inhibited by a specific antibody against IL-23p19, IL-17 production was significantly downregulated. In contrast, production of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) was not affected after the blockade of IL-23 activity. Moreover, individuals bearing a single nucleotide polymorphism in the IL-23R gene (Arg381Gln) produced significantly less IL-17 after B. burgdorferi stimulation compared with that of the individuals bearing the wild type. Despite lower IL-17 production, the IL-23R gene polymorphism did not influence the development of chronic Lyme disease in a cohort of patients with Lyme disease. This study demonstrates that IL-23R signaling is needed for B. burgdorferi-induced IL-17 production in vitro and that an IL-23R gene SNP leads to impaired IL-17 production. However, the IL-23R gene polymorphism is not crucial for the pathogenesis of chronic Lyme.

How do immune cells overcome the blood-brain barrier in multiple sclerosis?

The presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts the movement of soluble mediators and leukocytes from the periphery to the central nervous system (CNS). Leukocyte entry into the CNS is nonetheless an early event in multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory disorder of the CNS. Whether BBB dysfunction precedes immune cell infiltration or is the consequence of perivascular leukocyte accumulation remains enigmatic, but leukocyte migration modifies BBB permeability. Immune cells of MS subjects express inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enzymes that can facilitate their migration to the CNS by influencing BBB function, either directly or indirectly. In this review, we describe how immune cells from the peripheral blood overcome the BBB and promote CNS inflammation in MS through BBB disruption.