The Cooperation of IL-29 and PLGA Nanoparticles Improves the Protective Immunity of the gD-1 DNA Vaccine Against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 in Mice

In clinical practice, the low immunogenicity and low stability of the DNA plasmid vaccine candidates are two significant shortcomings in their application against infectious diseases. To overcome these two disadvantages, the plasmid expressing IL-29 (pIL-29) as a genetic adjuvant and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) as a non-viral delivery system were used, respectively. In this study, the pIL-29 encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles (nanoIL-29) and the pgD1 encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles (nanoVac) were simultaneously applied to boost immunologic responses against HSV-1. We generated spherical nanoparticles with encapsulation efficiency of 75 ± 5% and sustained the release of plasmids from them. Then, Balb/c mice were subcutaneously immunized twice with nanoVac+nanoIL-29, Vac+IL-29, nanoVac, Vac, nanoIL-29, and/or IL-29 in addition to negative and positive control groups. Cellular immunity was evaluated via lymphocyte proliferation assay, cytotoxicity test, and IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-2 measurements. Mice were also challenged with 50X LD50 of HSV-1. The nanoVac+nanoIL-29 candidate vaccine efficiently enhances CTL and Th1-immune responses and increases the survival rates by 100% in mice vaccinated by co-administration of nanoVac and nanoIL-29 against the HSV-1 challenge. The newly proposed vaccine is worth studying in further clinical trials, because it could effectively improve cellular immune responses and protected mice against HSV-1.

Culture density of menstrual blood-derived stromal/stem cells determines the quality of T cell responses: An experimental study

BACKGROUND

Menstrual blood-derived stromal/stem cells (MenSCs) are a new population of refreshing and highly proliferative stem cells. Immunomodulatory effects of MenSCs profoundly depend on their relative density.

OBJECTIVE

To find whether MenSCs cultured at varying numbers would differentially affect the allogenic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) key features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PBMCs were co-cultured with various MenSCs numbers. PBMCs proliferation was investigated via3 H-thymidine incorporation. Flow cytometry was used to assess human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR, HLA-ABC, HLA-G, and co-stimulatory markers on MenSCs and the percentage of regulatory T cells (Tregs) among PBMCs. The concentration of cytokines was determined in supernatant of co-cultures.

RESULTS

The support of PBMCs proliferation at low MenSCs densities correlated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in MenSCs/PBMCs co-culture and increased expression of HLA-DR by MenSCs. On the other hand, the suppressive property of MenSCs at higher densities was independent of Treg frequency, but correlated with a high concentration of Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 in the co-cultures.

CONCLUSION

Totally, at different seeding densities, MenSCs could differentially interact with PBMCs leading to significant changes in the level of anti- and/or pro-inflammatory factors. These preliminary in vitro results are suggested to be taken into consideration in experimental models of MenSC-based immunomodulation. Nonetheless, for efficient utilization of MenSCs anti-inflammatory features in pre-clinical disease models, we still need to broaden our knowledge on MenSC-immune system cross-talk; this could play a part in designing more optimized MenSCs injection modalities in the case of future pre-clinical and subsequently clinical settings.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, a potent adjuvant for polarization to Th-17 pattern: an experience on HIV-1 vaccine model

Cytokines are mediators for polarization of immune response in vaccines. Studies show that co-immunization of DNA vaccines with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) can increase immune responses. Here, experimental mice were immunized with HIV-1_{tat/pol/gag/env} DNA vaccine with GM-CSF and boosted with recombinant vaccine. Lymphocyte proliferation with Brdu and CTL activity, IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-17 cytokines, total antibody, and IgG1 and IgG2a isotypes were assessed with ELISA. Results show that GM-CSF as adjuvant in DNA immunization significantly increased lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ cytokines, but CTL response was tiny increased. Also GM-CSF as adjuvant decreased IL-4 cytokine vs mere vaccine group. IL-17 in the group that immunized with mixture of DNA vaccine/GM-CSF was significantly increased vs DNA vaccine group. Result of total antibody shows that GM-CSF increased antibody response in which both IgG1 and IgG2a increased. Overall, results confirmed the beneficial effect of GM-CSF as adjuvant to increase vaccine immunogenicity. The hallmark result of this study was to increase IL-17 cytokine with DNA vaccine/GM-CSF immunized group. This study for the first time provides the evidence of the potency of GM-CSF in the induction of IL-17 in response to a vaccine, which is important for control of infection such as HIV-1.

In vivo immunomodulatory effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells conditioned medium in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are well known to possess neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects, due to cell-to-cell interaction and their soluble factors. We conducted a comparative analysis of the immunomodulatory properties of adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) and their conditioned media (CM), derived from C57/BL6 mice, for mitigating the adverse clinical course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We measure IL4, IL17 and IFNɣ production of supernatant from spleen cells. We analyzed brain cell infiltration, splenocyte proliferation and evaluated the percentage of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+splenic cell population in all EAE C57/BL6 mice. AT-MSCs and its conditioned medium induced CD4+CD25+FOXP3+regulatory T cells after in vitro co-culture with naïve T cells. There is no significant difference in the clinical scores and body weight of EAE mice treated with AT-MSCs and CM. The reduction in proliferative responses and brain cell infiltration was more pronounced in mice injected with CM than other groups. It is found that the percentage of splenic CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ population as well as the level of IL4 production in mice administrated with AT-MSCs is increased compared to other animals. Our results suggest that AT-MSCs-derived CM is promising in stem cell therapy, due to their neuroprotective and immunomudulatory properties.

In Vitro Generation of IL-35-expressing Human Wharton's Jelly-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using Lentiviral Vector

Human Wharton's Jelly-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hWJ-MSCs) are easily available cells without transplant rejection problems or ethical concerns compared to bone-marrow-derived MSCs for prospective clinical applications. These cells display immunosuppressive properties and may be able to play an important role in autoimmune disorders. Regulatory T-cells (Treg) are important to prevent autoimmune disease development. Interleukin 35 (IL-35) induces the proliferation of Treg cell populations and reduces the activity of T helper 17 (Th17) and T helper 1 (Th1) cells, which play a central role in initiation of inflammation and autoimmune disease. Recent studies identified IL-35 as a new inhibitory cytokine required for the suppressive function of Treg cells. We created IL-35-producing hWJ-MSCs as a good vehicle for reduction of inflammation and autoimmune diseases. We isolated hWJ-MSCs based on explant culture. HWJ-MSCs were transduced at MOI=50 (Multiplicity of Infection) with lentiviral particles harboring murine Interleukin 35 (mIL-35). Expression of IL-35 in hWJ-MSCs was quantified by an IL-35 ELISA kit. IL-35 bioactivity was analyzed by inhibiting the proliferation of mouse splenocytes using CFSE cell proliferation kit. Frequency of CD4+CD25+CD127 low/neg Foxp3+ Treg cells was measured by flow cytometry. There was an up to 85% GFP positive transduction rate, and the cells successfully released a high level of mIL-35 protein (750 ng/ml). IL-35 managed to inhibit CD4+ T cell proliferation with PHA, and improved the frequency of Treg cells. Our data suggest that transduced hWJ-MSCs overexpressing IL-35 may provide a useful approach for basic research on gene therapy for autoimmune disorders.

The Effect of IL-22 and IL-28 in Induction of Type 1 Regulatory T (Tr1) Cells

Cytokines have been introduced as critical inducers in the development of Th subpopulations.Cytokines like IL-10 are involved in inducing regulatory T cells such as Type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells cells. IL-22 is a member of IL-10 family of cytokines, and IL-28A is a member of IFN-γ family. In this study, cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) from normal healthy individuals were isolated by Ficoll and then naïve T cells were purified by CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T cell Isolation kit. The effect of these two cytokines on production of IL-5, TGF-β, IL-10, IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines from cord blood T cells was investigated to identify Tr1 cells as well as Th1 and Th2 polarization. Flow cytometric analysis showed that IL-28A and IL-22 were not effective in expression of IL-5 and TGF-β either alone or in synergy, but in view of IL-10, IL-4 and IFN-γ, the results showed that IL-22 increased IL-10 and IL-4 but had a decreasing effect on IFN-γ. The results showed that IL-28A was not effective in increasing or decreasing the level of IL-10, IL-4 and IFN-γ. Therefore, according to these results, IL-22 and IL-28A were not effective in inducing Tr1 cells.

Optimization of multi-epitopic HIV-1 recombinant protein expression in prokaryote system and conjugation to mouse DEC-205 monoclonal antibody: implication for in-vivo targeted delivery of dendritic cells

OBJECTIVES

Multi-epitopic protein vaccines and direction of vaccine delivery to dendritic cells (DCs) are promising approaches for enhancing immune responses against mutable pathogens. Escherichia coli is current host for expression of recombinant proteins, and it is important to optimize expression condition. The aim of this study was the optimization of multi-epitopic HIV-1 tat/pol/gag/env recombinant protein (HIVtop4) expression by E. coli and conjugation of purified protein to anti DEC-205 monoclonal antibody as candidate vaccine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, expression was induced in BL21 (DE3) E. coli cells by optimization of induction condition, post induction incubation time, temperature and culture medium formula. Some culture mediums were used for cell culture, and isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside was used for induction of expression. Protein was purified by Ni-NTA column chromatography and confirmed against anti-His antibody in western-blotting. To exploit DCs properties for immunization purposes, recombinant protein chemically coupled to αDEC-205 monoclonal antibody and confirmed against anti-His antibody in western-blotting.

RESULTS

The optimum condition for expression was 1 mM IPTG during 4 hr cultures in 2XYT medium, and final protein produced in soluble form. Conjugation of purified protein to αDEC-205 antibody resulted in smears of protein: antibodies conjugate in different molecular weights.

CONCLUSION

The best cultivation condition for production of HIVtop4 protein is induction by 1 mM IPTG during 4 hr in 2XYT medium. The final concentration of purified protein was 500 µg/ml.

An HIV-1 Mini Vaccine Induced Long-lived Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses

Memory formation is the most important aspect of a vaccine which can guarantee long-lasting immunity and protection. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the memory immune responses after immunization with a mini vaccine. Mice were immunized with human immunodeficiency virus-1 P24-Nef fusion peptide and then cellular and humoral immune responses were evaluated. In order to determine long-lived memory, immune responses were monitored for 20 weeks after final immunization. The results showed that the candidate vaccine induced proliferation and cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses and shifted cytokine patterns to T helper-1 profile. Evaluation of humoral immune responses also showed an increase in total peptide specific-IgG titer and a shift to IgG2a humoral response. Monitoring of immune responses at weeks 4, 12 and 20 after last immunization showed that immunologic parameters have been sustained for 20 weeks. Our findings support the notion that long-lived memory responses were achieved using a mini vaccine immunization.

Investigation of immunomodulatory properties of human Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells after lentiviral transduction

Human Wharton's Jelly-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hWJ-MSCs) are considered as an alternative for bone-marrow-derived MSCs. These cells have immunosuppressive properties. It was unclear whether the WJ-MSCs would sustain their immunomodulatory characteristics after lentiviral transduction or not. In this study, we evaluated immunomodulatory properties of WJ-MSCs after lentiviral transduction. HWJ-MSCs were transduced with lentiviral particles. Expression of transduced and un-transduced hWJ-MSCs surface molecules and secretion of IL-10, HGF, VEGF and TGF-β was analyzed. Cell proliferation and frequency of CD4(+)CD25(+) CD127(low/neg) Foxp3(+) T regulatory cells was measured. There was no difference between the surface markers and secretion of IL-10, HGF, VEGF and TGF-β in transduced and un-transduced hWJ-MSCs. Both cells inhibited the proliferation of PHA stimulated PBMCs, and improved the frequency of T regulatory cells. These findings suggest that lentiviral transduction does not alter the immunomodulatory function of hWJ-MSCs. However, lentiviral transduction may have a wide range of applications in gene therapy.

Menstrual blood-derived stromal stem cells from women with and without endometriosis reveal different phenotypic and functional characteristics

Retrograde flow of menstrual blood cells during menstruation is considered as the dominant theory for the development of endometriosis. Moreover, current evidence suggests that endometrial-derived stem cells are key players in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. In particular, endometrial stromal stem cells have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. Here, we aimed to use menstrual blood, as a novel source of endometrial stem cells, to investigate whether stromal stem cells from endometriosis (E-MenSCs) and non-endometriosis (NE-MenSCs) women differed regarding their morphology, CD marker expression pattern, proliferation, invasion and adhesion capacities and their ability to express certain immunomodulatory molecules. E-MenSCs were morphologically different from NE-MenSCs and showed higher expression of CD9, CD10 and CD29. Furthermore, E-MenSCs had higher proliferation and invasion potentials compared with NE-MenSCs. The amount of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in E-MenSCs co-cultured with allogenic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was shown to be higher both at the gene and protein levels, and higher IDO1 activity was detected in the endometriosis group. However, NE-MenSCs revealed increased concentrations of forkhead transcription factor-3 (FOXP3) when compared with E-MenSCs. Nonetheless, interferon (IFN)-γ, Interleukin (IL)-10 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels were higher in the supernatant of E-MenSCs-PBMC co-cultures. Here, we showed that there are inherent differences between E-MenSCs and NE-MenSCs. These findings propose the key role MenSCs could play in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and further support the retrograde and stem cell theories of endometriosis. Hence, considering its renewable and easily available nature, menstrual blood could be viewed as a reliable and inexpensive material for studies addressing the cellular and molecular aspects of endometriosis.

Enhancement of Immune Responses by Co-delivery of CCL19/MIP-3beta Chemokine Plasmid With HCV Core DNA/Protein Immunization

BACKGROUND

Using molecular adjuvants offers an attractive strategy to augment DNA vaccine-mediated immune responses. Several studies have revealed that an efficient HCV vaccine model should be able to induce both humoral and cell mediated immune responses targeting the conserved regions of the virus to circumvent the immune escape mutants. The beta chemokine Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 3-beta (MIP-3beta) is a key modulator of dendritic cells (DCs) and T-cells interaction, functions during immune response induction and is secreted specifically by cells in the lymphoid tissues.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, we questioned whether co-administration of MIP-3beta gene could enhance the immune responses to HCV core in DNA vaccination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Expression and biological activity of MIP-3beta expressing plasmid were evaluated by ELISA and transwell migration assays, respectively. HCV core DNA vaccine ± plasmid expressing MIP-3beta were electroporated subcutaneously to the front foot pads of BALB/c mice on days 0 and 14, and HCV core protein booster was applied to all core-DNA-vaccine received mice on the day 28. Both cell mediated immunity (proliferation, IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokine release, IFN-γ ELISpot and cytotoxic Granzyme B release assays) and humoral immune responses (total IgG and IgG2a/IgG1 subtyping) were evaluated ten days after final immunization.

RESULTS

Mice covaccinated with MIP-3beta elicited an enhanced Th1 biased systemic immune response as evidenced by higher IFN-γ/IL-4 and anti-core IgG2a/IgG1 ratio, lymphoproliferation, strong cytolytic GrzB release and enhanced population of IFN-γ producing immunocytes. Likewise, the humoral immune response assumed as the total anti-core IgG level was augmented by MIP-3beta co-delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

These results exhibited the immuno potentiator effects of MIP-3beta plasmid when coadministrated with the HCV core DNA vaccine. Complimentary studies integrating MIP-3beta as a genetic adjuvant in HCV-core-DNA vaccination models are warranted.

Comparison of in vivo immunomodulatory effects of intravenous and intraperitoneal administration of adipose-tissue mesenchymal stem cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)

Due to their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory competence, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been considered as a suitable candidate for treatment of autoimmune diseases. Earlier studies have shown that treatment with bone marrow-derived MSCs may modulate immune responses and reduce disease severity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Here we compare the immune regulatory properties of adipose tissue MSCs (AT-MSCs) in two independent routes of injection; namely intraperitoneal (i.p.) and intravenous (i.v.). We investigated the splenic CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T cell population known as regulatory T cells, by flow cytometry and their brain cell infiltration by hematoxylin-eosin staining in both i.p. and i.v. routes of AT-MSC administration. We also evaluated the inflammatory cytokine profile including IFN-γ and IL-17 and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 by ELISA technique in both routes of cell administration. We show that the i.p. route has a more pronounced effect in maintaining the splenic CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T cell population and increase of IL-4 secretion. We also showed that i.p. injection of cells resulted in lower IFN-γ secretion and reduced cell infiltration in brain more effectively as compared to the i.v. route. The effects of AT-MSCs on down-regulation of splenocyte proliferation, IL-17 secretion and alleviating the severity of clinical scores were similar in i.p. and i.v. routes. Our data show that, due to their immunomodulative and neuroprotective effects, AT-MSCs may be a proper candidate for stem cell based MS therapy.

Detection of IL-20R1 and IL-20R2 mRNA in C57BL/6 mice astroglial cells and brain cortex following LPS stimulation

BACKGROUND

Astrocytes, which comprise ~90% of overall brain mass, are involved in brain immunity. These cells represent the non-professional class of CNS-resident APCs and may promote or inhibit CNS inflammation depending on the cytokines they secrete. IL-10 family of cytokines and their receptors, IL-20R1 and IL-20R2, may have a role in shifting astrocytes to a neuroprotective or neurodegenerative function.

OBJECTIVE

To address the expression of IL-20R1 and IL-20R2 cytokine receptors in astrocytes and brain cortex of C57BL/6 mice.

METHODS

We investigated the expression of IL-20R1 and IL-20R2 in C57BL/6 mice astroglial cells and brain cortex in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method.

RESULTS

Astrocytes were able to express IL-20R1 and IL-20R2 mRNA not only in response to LPS stimulation but also in the absence of LPS. Furthermore, we found the expression of IL-20R1 and IL-20R2 mRNA in the cortex of adult C57BL/6 mice.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-20R1 and IL-20R2 are constitutively express in the brain. Since most neuropathological processes involve astrocytes and inflammatory cytokines, these findings have important implications for future therapeutic strategies.

Salivary levels of secretary IgA, C5a and alpha 1-antitrypsin in sulfur mustard exposed patients 20 years after the exposure, Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study (SICS)

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a strong toxic agent that causes acute and chronic health effects on a myriad of organs following exposure. Although the primary targets of inhaled mustard gas are the epithelia of the upper respiratory tract, the lower respiratory tract is the focus of the current study, and upper tract complications remain obscure. To our knowledge there is no study addressing the secretory IgA (S-IgA), C5a, alpha 1 antitrypsin (A1AT) in the saliva of SM-exposed victims. In this study, as many as 500 volunteers, including 372 SM-exposed cases and 128 control volunteers were recruited. A 3 ml sample of saliva was collected from each volunteer, and the level of secretory IgA, C5a, and alpha 1 antitrypsin in the samples were compared between the two groups. The SM-exposed group showed a significantly higher amount of salivary alpha 1 antitrypsin and secretary IgA compared to the control group (p<.006 and p<.018 respectively). The two groups showed no significant difference (p=0.192) in the level of C5a. The results also showed that the level of salivary A1AT is more than that of IgA in severely injured cases. The findings presented here provide valuable insight for both researchers and practitioners dealing with victims of the chemical warfare agent, sulfur mustard. This research indicates that certain branches of the inflammatory processes mandate serious attention in therapeutic interventions.

Chemokines, MMP-9 and PMN elastase in spontaneous sputum of sulfur mustard exposed civilians: Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study

Chemokines play an important role in acute and chronic pulmonary diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of chemokines, MMP-9, and PMN elastase in spontaneous sputum and serum of patients 20 years after SM exposure. In context of Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study (SICS) 40 male volunteers with a history of SM exposure in June 1987 and complain of excessive sputum were recruited. The volunteers were clinically examined and their history was collected by internists. Sputum and serum levels of IL-8, fractalkine, MCP-1, RANTES, MMP-9, and PMN elastase were measured using ELISA kits (R&D System). Spirometries were performed on all the participants. Sputum level of fractalkine was significantly lower in the hospitalized group (N=16, Median=1.05; IQR=0.41-2.62) than non-hospitalized group (N=18, 4.031; IQR=0.947-8.203) (p=0.042). However, serum levels of fractalkine were higher in the hospitalized group (Mean±SD=2.08±5.09) than in the non-hospitalized (Mean±SD=0.53±0.87) group (T-test, p=0.03). Serum levels of PMN-elastase were also higher in the hospitalized group (Mean±SD; 64,794.43±26,820.08) than in the non-hospitalized group (Mean±SD=44,049.33±17,675.85) (p=0.017). There was no relationship between the cytokines and the studied factors in sputum and the GOLD classification, but the serum levels of fractalkine and MMP-9 were significantly higher in the more severe (grades 3-4) group. There was no significant correlation between sputum and serum levels of measured inflammatory mediators and pulmonary complications in the patients who were exposed to SM 20 years earlier. Pathophysiologic process involved in SM induced pulmonary problems might be different from those in other chronic pulmonary diseases such as COPD and asthma.

Murine cytokine patterns following rubella vaccination

Although thorough studies on the immune reponse to rubella have been performed, less attention has been given to the cellular mechanism and mediators that shape the process. Specifically, information concerning the nature ofcytokine patterns involved in the immune response to Rubella vaccination is not avaliable. This study deals with cytokine production patterns of spleen cells from Balb/c mice following vaccination with the Takahashi strain of Rubella vaccine. Mice were injected intraperitonealy with Rubella virus and PBS and 7, 10 or 14 days later, spleen cells were separated and cultured with varying doses of virus, con A or only the medium. ELISA assays were performed on supernatants for measurement of IL-4, INF-gamma and IL-5. LTT (Lymphocyte Transformation Test) was also performed. The data indicate variation in cytokine patterns during the time periods after vaccination. On day 7 a type 1 pattern was observed. The LTT response was also indicative of CMI (Cell Mediated Immunity) response on the 7th and 14th days while a transient suppression on day 10 was observed. These results indicate a time dependent cytokine response with variation ultimately leading o a dominant type 1 (Ti) cytokine response.

Neuropeptides (sp and CGRP) augment IL-1 Beta production in hsv-infected macrophages

Neuropeptides, possessing specific and functional receptors on various cells of the immune system, have the potential to regulate immune responses; and the macrophages as important components of defense against various agents, are at their influence. In this study the effect of neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on IL-1 beta production by herpes simplex type-1 (HSV-1)-infected and also uninfected mouse peritoneal macrophages were considered. Each neuropeptide separately has upregulated IL-1 beta production by HSV- 1 infected macrophages with the greatest effect at the concentrations of 1 09M for both SP and CGRP, but no synergistic effect on IL-1 production has been observed in the presence of both neuropeptides at optimal concentrations. IL-113 production by uninfected macrophages was also moderately enhanced in the presence of each neuropeptide, but not in the presence of both neuropeptides simultaneously. It can be concluded that IL-1 beta production, which is part of macrophage mediated inflammatory response to HSV-l, is enhanced by specific doses of neuropeptides.

Effect of menstrual blood-derived stromal stem cells on proliferative capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction

AIM

Menstrual blood stromal stem cells (MBSCs) have been demonstrated to exhibit stem cell properties such as the capability for self-renewal and multipotency, allowing for multilineage differentiation. In addition, this cell type has various immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we examined the potential effect of MBSCs on proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Menstrual blood was collected from healthy donors after menstrual blood flow initiated and its mononuclear cell fraction was separated. Cells were subsequently cultured and adherent cells were allowed to propagate and used as stem cells. Flowcytometric immunophenotyping was performed using a panel of monoclonal antibodies including CD44, CD45, CD34, CD9, CD29, CD10, CD38, CD105, CD73, CD133, STRO-1 and Oct-4A. For functional analysis, PBMCs were co-cultured with MBSCs, collected after 4 days and added to allogeneic PBMCs. 2,3-Bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay was carried out to evaluate cell proliferation.

RESULTS

MBSCs showed surface and intracellular markers of mesenchymal stem cells with the exception of the high expression of Oct-4A. MBSCs affected the proliferative response of PBMC in a dose-dependent manner. At ratio of 1:1 to 1:2, MBSCs inhibited, while at lower ratios (1:32 to 1:64) stimulated the proliferative capacity of allogeneic PBMCs.

CONCLUSION

According to the present study, MBSCs exert their immunoregulatory effects on allogeneic PBMCs in a dose-dependent manner. This finding can be considered as a valuable point in future cell therapy strategies, when this cell population is used.

Communication of substance P, calcitonin-gene-related neuropeptides and chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in cord blood hematopoietic stem cells

BACKGROUND

Modulation of the expression of CXCR4 as a critical adhesion molecule on cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells could overcome delay following cord blood transplantation. Identification of beneficial effects of growth factors including cytokines and neuropeptides on CXCR4 expression would enable our understanding of this complicated network. Therefore, we aimed to assess the role of substance P (SP) and Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) on CXCR4 levels.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

CD34+cells purified from CB were cultured in a serum-free liquid culture system. Different concentrations of SP and CGRP were used in combination with cytokine cocktail. Expression of CXCR4 at protein and genomic levels was assessed by flow cytometry and real time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Our results indicate increased CXCR4+ CD34+ cells after 7 days cultivation with SP and/or CGRP. Increased gene expression of the CXCR4 molecule was observed at 10(-9) M either SP or CGRP individually, by day 11 as compared to control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that SP and CGRP induce CXCR4 protein expression in short term culture, and stimulate its expression. Consequently, the increased expression of CXCR4 could improve engraftment of CB CD34+ cells.

HIV-1 Gag p24-Nef fusion peptide induces cellular and humoral immune response in a mouse model

Many Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) candidate vaccines have been tested in clinical trials, but none was sufficiently effective in the prevention of HIV infection. A HIV vaccine should induce humoral as well as cell-mediated response, the latter including the cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocyte (CTL) response. In this study, we immunized BALB/c mice with a purified fusion peptide Gag p24-Nef and evaluated immune responses. As for the cellular responses, the adjuvanted fusion peptide induced lymphocyte proliferation, CTL response, and cytokines IFN-gamma and IL-4 in the Th1 pattern. Humoral immune response to the adjuvanted fusion peptide included an increase in IgG antibodies of more IgG2a than IgG1 subtype. These results indicate that the employed HIV-1 peptide construct can elicit both cellular and humoral immune responses in mice. Further studies aimed at memory T cells and other aspects of immune responses are needed before a comprehensive assessment of this candidate vaccine could be provided.

KEYWORDS

epitopes; fusion peptide; HIV-1 p24-Nef; immune response.

Substance P and calcitonin gene-related neuropeptides as novel growth factors for ex vivo expansion of cord blood CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells

There is little evidence on roles of growth factors other than cytokines in expansion of cord blood (CB) stem cells. We aimed to explore a novel approach for expansion, using Substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) neuropeptides. CB CD34(+) cells were cultured in different concentrations of SP and/or CGRP in combination with a cytokine cocktail. Phenotypic and functional analysis was performed by flowcytometry and colonogenic assay. Our results show a significant improvement of total expansion of neuropeptide treated cells. There was a selective effect of CGRP on CD34(+) CD133(+) cells, SP on CD34(+) CD45(dim) cells, and 10(- 9) M SP and/or CGRP on expansion of CD34(+) CD38(- ) cells. There was also a tendency for erythroid and granulocyte-myeloid colony formation in SP and CGRP treated cultures, respectively. Supplementation of cytokines with other growth factors, such as neuropeptides, might enable us to overcome the difficulties of ex vivo expansion of CB cells.

Immunogenicity of a new HIV-1 DNA construct in a BALB/c mouse model

BACKGROUND

Cell mediated immunity, especially cytotoxic T cell responses against HIV-1 infection, plays a critical role in controlling viral replication and disease progression. DNA vaccine is a novel technology which is known to stimulate strong cellular immune responses. Many DNA vaccines have been tested for HIV infection but there is still no effective vaccine against this infection. Construction of a vaccine consisting of multiple conserved and immunogenic epitopes may increase vaccine efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study a DNA vaccine candidate constructed from HIV-1 P24-Nef was evaluated and cellular immune responses were assessed in murine BALB/c model.

METHODS

HIV-1 P24-Nef gene was cloned in PCDNA3.1 expression vector. Mice were immunized with DNA construct and IL-4 and IFN-gamma evaluation was performed using ELISPOT. Cytotoxicity response was evaluated with Granzyme B ELISPOT assay and lymphocyte proliferation was evaluated with LTT assay.

RESULTS

Analysis of immune responses showed that, compared to control groups, the candidate vaccine induced production of higher levels of both IL-4 and IFN-gamma (p<0.05). Cytotoxicity and lymphocyte proliferation responses of mice vaccinated with the candidate vaccine were significantly increased compared to control groups (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

HIV-1 P24-Nef DNA construct displayed strong immunogenicity in a murine model.

Immune and nervous systems share molecular and functional similarities: memory storage mechanism

One of the most complex and important features of both the nervous and immune systems is their data storage and retrieval capability. Both systems encounter a common and complex challenge on how to overcome the cumbersome task of data management. Because each neuron makes many synapses with other neurons, they are capable of receiving data from thousands of synaptic connections. The immune system B and T cells have to deal with a similar level of complexity because of their unlimited task of recognizing foreign antigens. As for the complexity of memory storage, it has been proposed that both systems may share a common set of molecular mechanisms. Here, we review the molecular bases of memory storage in neurons and immune cells based on recent studies and findings. The expression of certain molecules and mechanisms shared between the two systems, including cytokine networks, and cell surface receptors, are reviewed. Intracellular signaling similarities and certain mechanisms such as diversity, memory storage, and their related molecular properties are briefly discussed. Moreover, two similar genetic mechanisms used by both systems is discussed, putting forward the idea that DNA recombination may be an underlying mechanism involved in CNS memory storage.

Sardasht-Iran cohort study of chemical warfare victims: design and methods

BACKGROUND

Insights into long-term clinical consequences of sulfur mustard have emerged from some investigations but less is known about the basic and molecular mechanisms of these complications. Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study is a comprehensive historical cohort study on Sardasht chemical victims' population which was designed to find out the long-term complications of sulfur mustard exposure and the basic mechanisms underlying clinical manifestations. This paper describes the design and methodology of Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study.

METHODS

In Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study, 500 individuals including 372 subjects from Sardasht, as the exposed group, and 128 subjects from Rabat, as the unexposed age-matched control group were evaluated. The exposed group was divided into two groups based on the severity of clinical complications at the time of exposure. Different samples including blood, sputum, saliva, tear, urine, and semen were collected for immunologic, hematologic, biochemical, and other laboratory analysis. Data were gathered from medical records, clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and questionnaires for psychological and lifestyle situations.

CONCLUSION

The important distinctions setting this study apart from the previous ones are discussed. The Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study provides important information on various aspects of long-term consequences of sulfur mustard exposure. This database will provide a better position to suggest guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of delayed complications in the patients exposed to sulfur mustard.

Air pollution induced asthma and alterations in cytokine patterns

In recent decades, clinicians and scientists have witnessed a significant increase in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and asthma. The factors underlying this phenomenon are clearly complex; however, this rapid increase in the burden of atopic disease has occurred in parallel with rapid industrialization and urbanization in many parts of the world. Consequently, more people are exposed to air pollutants than at any point in human history. Worldwide increases in allergic respiratory disease have mainly been observed in urban communities. Epidemiologic and clinical investigations have suggested a strong link between particulate air pollution and detrimental health effects, including cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this review is to provide an evidence-based summary of the effects of air pollutants on asthma, focusing on particulate matter PMs, diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), and ozone as major air pollutants. An overview of observational and experimental studies linking these pollutants with asthma will be provided, followed by consideration of the mechanisms underlying pollutant induced immune response and inflammation. The cytokine response will be viewed in depth and a brief discussion of future research and clinical directions is provided.

Induction of humoral and cellular immunity against latent HSV-1 infections by DNA immunization in BALB/c mice

Previously, we have reported that the injection of an expression vector containing Herpes simplex virus (HSV) Glycoprotein D-1 (gD-1) generated a significant antibody response in mice and protected them against HSV lethal challenge. We tested its potential to induce antibody and cell mediated immune responses in latently infected mice. Positive control group (KOS) and HSV gD-1 vaccinated mice demonstrated protection against a lethal ocularly challenge of 10(5.5) plaque-forming units (pfu)/eye of wild HSV-1 versus negative control groups. For neutralizing antibody titers, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), lymphocyte proliferation responses, clinical evaluation and survival following lethal challenge, no considerable difference was observed between mice vaccinated with DNA plasmid and those vaccinated with KOS. KOS-vaccinated mice demonstrated the ability to completely prevent latency whereas DNA vaccinated group showed some degree of protection and displayed less latency than negative control groups and had considerably high levels of IFN-gamma and strong CTL responses versus negative control groups. It can be concluded that although immunization with the DNA vaccine is more effective in both protecting mice and induction of immune response, however it could not completely block the latent infection in sensory nerves.

Immunobiological consequences of sulfur mustard contamination

Sulfur mustard has been employed in chemical warfare in certain regions including Iran. The short and long term biological effects of sulfur mustard contamination have been studied in both basic and clinical aspects. Sulfur mustard has been shown to induce a vast array of pathological effects in affected persons. In addition to skin, lung, eyes and gastrointestinal disturbances, sulfur mustard has been shown to induce hematological complications and a severe suppression of the immune system. The short and long term immunological (both cellular and humoral), hematological, genetic and biochemical consequences of persons exposed to sulfur mustard are extensively reviewed here. The long term complications of these patients indicate the need to develop effective preventive and therapeutic strategies in the clinic. These strategies may be based upon immunopotentiating intervention and therapy.

The effect of substance P on nitric oxide production by HSV-1 infected macrophages

The regulatory role of neuro-immune pathways in various infectious disease states is an interesting area of investigation due to its important therapeutic potential. In this study the effect of substance P (SP) on nitric oxide (NO) production of HSV-infected macrophages and its relation with incubation time and also the cytopathic effect of virus in the presence of SP are considered. As we have observed, substance P enhances NO production both in HSV- and mock-infected macrophages and this effect has been diminished or disappeared after 24 h. It has also been observed that SP enhances the cytopathic effect of HSV in a time dependent manner with the most effect at 10 h after stimulation with SP. We have also observed that HSV-1 cytopathic effect has not been significantly affected by pretreatment of macrophages with SP (2, 10 or 24 h before HSV infection). It can be concluded that the neurotransmitter SP has a significant role in modulating macrophage function and thus innate immunity processes in healthy and HSV-infected cells.

Effect of neuropeptides (SP and CGRP) on antigen presentation by macrophages

There is increasing evidence that neuropeptides regulate various functions of immune cells, including macrophages, which have functional receptors for neuropeptides. We have studied the effects of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the presentation of herpes simplex virus type-one (HSV-1) antigens by mouse peritoneal macrophages. Macrophages were treated with live or heat-killed virus in the presence or absence of one or both neuropeptides, then fixed. In vitro proliferation of lymphocytes, derived from intranasally immunized mice, was used to assess antigen presentation by the macrophages. Lymphocytes derived from cervical lymph nodes exhibited a greater proliferative response to heat-killed viral antigens than did lymphocytes derived from spleen. Macrophages treated with live virus did not induce lymphocyte proliferation in the immunized mice, but those treated with heat-killed viral particles did. When macrophages were treated with heat-killed virus in the presence of CGRP, the lymphocyte proliferative response was decreased; however, the effects of SP and SP + CGRP were not statistically significant. The results of interleukin-2 production were in accordance with proliferation assays. These findings suggest that neuropeptides regulate immune responses partly through their effects on macrophage function, including antigen presentation.

Neuropeptides (SP and CGRP) augment pro-inflammatory cytokine production in HSV-infected macrophages

Neuropeptides are able to modulate cytokine production by macrophages in response to various stimulators. In this study, the effects of neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-1 beta by macrophages were considered. Mouse peritoneal macrophages were infected with herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1), or remained unstimulated, and cytokine assays were performed after 12 h. IL-1 beta and TNF secretion by unstimulated macrophages have been significantly increased in the presence of SP and CGRP. Each neuropeptide, alone or in coordination with the other, caused significant increase in IL-1 beta and TNF production by HSV-infected mouse peritoneal macrophages. It was concluded that the macrophage-mediated inflammatory response to HSV-1 is enhanced in the presence of these neuropeptides.

Immunological consequence of sulfur mustard exposure

Global reports indicate that chemical weapons still impose a serious threat to world security and health. Sulfur mustard is a chemical compound with devastating short and long-term effect on human health.

Modeling for immunosupression by sulfur mustard

The treatment and cure of patients exposed to sulfur mustard is a remaining challenge despite on-going research in this field. A severe suppression of the immune system still remains the major cause of opportunistic infections, septicemia and death in patients injured by sulfur mustard. In this report, we present a model of sulfur mustard contamination in mice, which exhibit clinical signs similar to that exhibited by patients during the Iran-Iraq war. Dose response studies were performed to determine the most appropriate dose for our model i.e., 6.35 micrograms/kg. Animals contaminated with sulfur mustard intraperitoneally showed symptoms of anorexia, diarrhea, loss of weight and blindness. Autopsy of animals showed a severe necrosis in gut and degeneration of spleen. Results shows that sulfur mustard caused an over all suppression of the immune response to sRBC as indicated by agglutination titer and DTH tests. These studies present a rodent model of sulfur mustard exposure, which can be used for further studies in this area.

Garlic induces a shift in cytokine pattern in Leishmania major-infected BALB/c mice

The regulation of T helper (Th)1- and Th2-type cytokine patterns is important in the final outcome of leishmaniasis in human and murine models. We examined the efficacy of garlic therapy or a combination of garlic and an antimonial drug (glucantime) in promoting healing and regulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine patterns in highly susceptible BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania major. Separate groups of infected mice received 20 mg/kg/day garlic, 60 mg/kg/day glucantime or a combination of the two, from day 30 after infection for 2 weeks. An enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) was performed on spleen cell culture supernatants for interferon(IFN)-gamma interleukin(IL)-2, IL-4 and IL-10. The results indicate that garlic therapy is more effective than the usual antileishmanial drug in curing the infection. Garlic-treated mice developed Th1-type cytokine responses. In contrast, glucantime therapy led to a Th2-type response in the control group with a lower level of IL-2. However, a combination of garlic and glucantime treatment was more effective than either treatment alone, and resulted in a Th1-type response similar to that which developed with garlic treatment. These results suggest that garlic extract in combination with an antimonial drug, may provide effective therapy against L. major. The immunomodulatory properties of garlic were elucidated in terms of shifting the cytokine response to a Th1-type pattern and therefore causing the protective response.

Differential antigenic stimulation influences cytokine production patterns in T cells and CD4+ subpopulations

The regulatory mechanisms that govern the commitment of T cells to a Th1 or Th2 lineage in terms of cytokine production patterns have not yet been fully elucidated. The authors have endeavored to study the role of the antigen in regulating the production of cytokines. To study this matter, a panel of antigens was chosen to include two random poly amino acids, PA1 (Poly(1-Phe, L-Glu)Poly-dL-Ala-PolyL-Lys), PA2 (Poly(Glu-NaAla), and two purified protein derivatives PPD1 (H37Rv virulent) and PPD2 (H37Ra non-virulent) obtained from WHO strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. After in vivo priming, murine spleen cells were prepared and three groups of cells (unfractionated, T cells, and CD4+ populations) were each separately stimulated in vitro with the original antigen Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). ELISA assays were subsequently performed on supernatants for IL-4, IL-5, IL-2 and IFN-g. The results indicate a different cytokine pattern for the various antigenic stimulations. The PPD1 induced IL-5 production, while the PPD2 induced high levels of IFN-gamma. SEB was shown to exert a strong effect on the cytokine profile shifting it towards a Th1-like profile. A comparison is made between the cytokine patterns in different cells. The role of antigens and superantigens in regulating cytokine production and determining the outcome of the pathological process in relation to other regulatory factors is discussed.

Effect of immunomodulators pyrimethamine and cimetidine on immunosuppression induced by sulfur mustard in mice

Despite extensive world-wide research no effective therapy has been devised for the treatment and cure of patients exposed to sulfur mustard (S-M). A severe suppression of the immune system still remains the major cause of opportunist infections, septicemia and death in patients injured by S-M. In this report we present a model of S-M contamination in mice which is suitable for immunomodulation studies. Results show that differing doses of S-M caused an overall suppression of the immune response to SRBC as indicated by agglutination titers, (DTH) tests, spleen histology and spleen weight indices. In the second stage two immunomodulating agents; pyrimethamine and cimetidine were employed and their effectiveness in augmenting immune responses after S-M induced immunosuppression was evaluated. Pyrimethamine, at all doses employed, enhanced antibody titers to SRBC, augmented DTH responses, and restored splenic follicles as compared with controls only exposed to S-M. Cimetidine augmented antibody titers and enhanced DTH responses at doses of 10 and 15 mg/kg as compared with controls. At a dose of 5 mg/kg cimetidine did not exhibit any effect on titers or DTH responses. Histological studies revealed that cimetidine restored splenic follicles and increased macrophage numbers and phagocytic activity at all three doses. Spleen weight indices were not augmented by either drug. These data provide evidence that immunomodulating drugs may prove effective in countering the immunosuppressive effects of S-M.