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Thuille N, Sajinovic T, Siegmund K, Baier G. Chemically modified mRNA nucleofection of primary human T cells. J Immunol Methods 2020; 487:112878. [PMID: 33031795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2020.112878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Here we show that an approach of in-vitro transcribed mRNA nucleofection expands the range of transfection of primary human T cells. It represents a reproducible and time-efficient technology, and is thus an ideal tool in basic research involving highly controlled in-vitro experiments with a gene of interest aiming at identifying its biological human T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Thuille
- Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Tajana Sajinovic
- Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kerstin Siegmund
- Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gottfried Baier
- Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
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Thuille N, Siegmund K, Klepsch V, Schörgenhuber J, Danklmaier S, Leitges M, Baier G. Loss-of-function phenotype of a PKCθ T219A knockin mouse strain. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:141. [PMID: 31694643 PMCID: PMC6836476 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0466-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein kinase C θ has been established as an important signaling intermediate in T-effector-cell activation and survival pathways by controlling activity of the key transcription factors NF-κB and NFAT. Previous studies identified an activation-induced auto-phosphorylation site at Thr-219, located between the tandem C1 domains of the regulatory fragment in PKCθ, as a structural requirement for its correct membrane translocation and the subsequent transactivation of downstream signals leading to IL-2 production in a human T cell line. METHODS The present work aimed to define the role of this phosphorylation switch on PKCθ in a physiological context through a homozygous T219A knockin mouse strain. T cell activation was analyzed by H3-thymidine uptake (proliferative response), qRT-PCR and luminex measurements (cytokine production). NFAT and NF-κB transactivation responses were estimated by Gel mobility shift and Alpha Screen assays. Frequencies of T cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS Despite a normal T cell development, in vitro activated effector T cells clearly revealed a requirement of Thr-219 phosphorylation site on PKCθ for a transactivation of NF-κB and NFAT transcription factors and, subsequently, robust IL-2 and IFN-γ expression. CONCLUSION This phenotype is reminiscent of the PKCθ knockout T cells, physiologically validating that this (p) Thr-219 auto-phosphorylation site indeed critically regulates PKCθ function in primary mouse T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Thuille
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Kerstin Siegmund
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Victoria Klepsch
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Sarah Danklmaier
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Gottfried Baier
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Siegmund K, Thuille N, Posch N, Fresser F, Leitges M, Baier G. Novel mutant mouse line emphasizes the importance of protein kinase C theta for CD4 + T lymphocyte activation. Cell Commun Signal 2019. [PMID: 31138259 PMCID: PMC6537413 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0364-0#] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protein kinase C theta (PKCθ) has an important and non-redundant function downstream of the antigen receptor and co-receptor complex in T lymphocytes. PKCθ is not only essential for activation of NF-κB, AP-1 and NFAT and subsequent interleukin-2 expression, but also critical for positive selection and development of regulatory T lymphocytes in the thymus. Several domains regulate its activity, such as a pseudosubstrate sequence mediating an auto-inhibitory intramolecular interaction, the tandem C1 domains binding diacylglycerol, and phosphorylation at conserved tyrosine, threonine as well as serine residues throughout the whole length of the protein. To address the importance of the variable domain V1 at the very N-terminus, which is encoded by exon 2, a mutated version of PKCθ was analyzed for its ability to stimulate T lymphocyte activation. METHODS T cell responses were analyzed with promoter luciferase reporter assays in Jurkat T cells transfected with PKCθ expression constructs. A mouse line expressing mutated instead of wild type PKCθ was analyzed in comparison to PKCθ-deficient and wild type mice for thymic development and T cell subsets by flow cytometry and T cell activation by quantitative RT-PCR, luminex analysis and flow cytometry. RESULTS In cell lines, the exon 2-replacing mutation impaired the transactivation of interleukin-2 expression by constitutively active mutant form of PKCθ. Moreover, analysis of a newly generated exon 2-mutant mouse line (PKCθ-E2mut) revealed that the N-terminal replacement mutation results in an hypomorph mutant of PKCθ combined with reduced PKCθ protein levels in CD4+ T lymphocytes. Thus, PKCθ-dependent functions in T lymphocytes were affected resulting in impaired thymic development of single positive T lymphocytes in vivo. In particular, there was diminished generation of regulatory T lymphocytes. Furthermore, early activation responses such as interleukin-2 expression of CD4+ T lymphocytes were significantly reduced even though cell viability was not affected. Thus, PKCθ-E2mut mice show a phenotype similar to conventional PKCθ-deficient mice. CONCLUSION Taken together, PKCθ-E2mut mice show a phenotype similar to conventional PKCθ-deficient mice. Both our in vitro T cell culture experiments and ex vivo analyses of a PKCθ-E2-mutant mouse line independently validate the importance of PKCθ downstream of the antigen-receptor complex for activation of CD4+ T lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Siegmund
- 0000 0000 8853 2677grid.5361.1Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Peter Mayr Str. 1a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nikolaus Thuille
- 0000 0000 8853 2677grid.5361.1Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Peter Mayr Str. 1a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nina Posch
- 0000 0000 8853 2677grid.5361.1Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Peter Mayr Str. 1a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Friedrich Fresser
- 0000 0000 8853 2677grid.5361.1Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Peter Mayr Str. 1a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Gottfried Baier
- 0000 0000 8853 2677grid.5361.1Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Peter Mayr Str. 1a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Meisel M, Hinterleitner R, Pacis A, Chen L, Earley ZM, Mayassi T, Pierre JF, Ernest JD, Galipeau HJ, Thuille N, Bouziat R, Buscarlet M, Ringus DL, Wang Y, Li Y, Dinh V, Kim SM, McDonald BD, Zurenski MA, Musch MW, Furtado GC, Lira SA, Baier G, Chang EB, Eren AM, Weber CR, Busque L, Godley LA, Verdú EF, Barreiro LB, Jabri B. Microbial signals drive pre-leukaemic myeloproliferation in a Tet2-deficient host. Nature 2018; 557:580-584. [PMID: 29769727 PMCID: PMC6238954 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0125-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Somatic mutations in tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2), which encodes an epigenetic modifier enzyme, drive the development of haematopoietic malignancies1-7. In both humans and mice, TET2 deficiency leads to increased self-renewal of haematopoietic stem cells with a net developmental bias towards the myeloid lineage1,4,8,9. However, pre-leukaemic myeloproliferation (PMP) occurs in only a fraction of Tet2-/- mice8,9 and humans with TET2 mutations1,3,5-7, suggesting that extrinsic non-cell-autonomous factors are required for disease onset. Here we show that bacterial translocation and increased interleukin-6 production, resulting from dysfunction of the small-intestinal barrier, are critical for the development of PMP in mice that lack Tet2 expression in haematopoietic cells. Furthermore, in symptom-free Tet2-/- mice, PMP can be induced by disrupting intestinal barrier integrity, or in response to systemic bacterial stimuli such as the toll-like receptor 2 agonist. PMP was reversed by antibiotic treatment and failed to develop in germ-free Tet2-/- mice, which illustrates the importance of microbial signals in the development of this condition. Our findings demonstrate the requirement for microbial-dependent inflammation in the development of PMP and provide a mechanistic basis for the variation in PMP penetrance observed in Tet2-/- mice. This study will prompt new lines of investigation that may profoundly affect the prevention and management of haematopoietic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies Meisel
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Reinhard Hinterleitner
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alain Pacis
- Department of Genetics, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zachary M Earley
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Toufic Mayassi
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joseph F Pierre
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jordan D Ernest
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Heather J Galipeau
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nikolaus Thuille
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Romain Bouziat
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Manuel Buscarlet
- Research Centre, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daina L Ringus
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yitang Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Pathology and Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vu Dinh
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sangman M Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Benjamin D McDonald
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pathology and Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew A Zurenski
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mark W Musch
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Glaucia C Furtado
- Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sergio A Lira
- Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gottfried Baier
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Eugene B Chang
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - A Murat Eren
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Christopher R Weber
- Department of Pathology and Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lambert Busque
- Research Centre, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Hematology Division, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lucy A Godley
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elena F Verdú
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luis B Barreiro
- Department of Genetics, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bana Jabri
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Siegmund K, Thuille N, Wachowicz K, Hermann-Kleiter N, Baier G. Protein kinase C theta is dispensable for suppression mediated by CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cells. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175463. [PMID: 28531229 PMCID: PMC5439664 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of conventional T cells upon T cell receptor stimulation critically depends on protein kinase C theta (PKCθ). However, its role in regulatory T (Treg) cell function has yet to be fully elucidated. Using siRNA or the potent and PKC family-selective pharmacological inhibitor AEB071, we could show that murine Treg-mediated suppression in vitro is independent of PKCθ function. Likewise, Treg cells of PKCθ-deficient mice were fully functional, showing a similar suppressive activity as wild-type CD25+CD4+ T cells in an in vitro suppression assay. Furthermore, in vitro-differentiated wild-type and PKCθ-deficient iTreg cells showed comparable Foxp3 expression as well as suppressive activity. However, we observed a reduced percentage of Foxp3+CD25+ CD4+ T cells in the lymphatic organs of PKCθ-deficient mice. Taken together, our results suggest that while PKCθ is involved in Treg cell differentiation in vivo, it is dispensable for Treg-mediated suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Siegmund
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- * E-mail: (GB); (KS)
| | - Nikolaus Thuille
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katarzyna Wachowicz
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Gottfried Baier
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- * E-mail: (GB); (KS)
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Pfeifhofer-Obermair C, Albrecht-Schgoer K, Peer S, Nairz M, Siegmund K, Klepsch V, Haschka D, Thuille N, Hermann-Kleiter N, Gruber T, Weiss G, Baier G. Role of PKCtheta in macrophage-mediated immune response to Salmonella typhimurium infection in mice. Cell Commun Signal 2016; 14:14. [PMID: 27465248 PMCID: PMC4964075 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-016-0137-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The serine/threonine protein kinase C (PKC) theta has been firmly implicated in T cell-mediated immunity. Because its role in macrophages has remained undefined, we employed PKCtheta-deficient (PKCtheta (-/-)) mice in order to investigate if PKCtheta plays a role in macrophage-mediated immune responses during bacterial infections. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that PKCtheta plays an important role in host defense against the Gram-negative, intracellular bacterium Salmonella typhimurium, as reflected both by markedly decreased survival and a significantly enhanced number of bacteria in spleen and liver of PKCtheta (-/-) mice, when compared to wild-type mice. Of note, albeit macrophages do not express detectable PKCtheta, PKCtheta mRNA expression was found to be profoundly upregulated during the first hours of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon-gamma (IFNgamma)-, but not IL-4-mediated cell polarization conditions in vitro. Mechanistically, despite expressing normal levels of classically activated macrophage (CAM) markers, PKCtheta-deficient CAMs expressed significantly higher levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in vivo and in vitro when challenged with S. typhimurium or LPS/IFNgamma. Neutralization of IL-10 recovered immune control to S. typhimurium infection in PKCtheta-deficient macrophages. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data provide genetic evidence that PKCtheta promotes a potent pro-inflammatory CAM phenotype that is instrumental to mounting protective anti-bacterial immunity. Mechanistically, PKCtheta exerts a host-protective role against S. typhimurium infection, and acts as an essential link between TLR4/IFNgammaR signaling and selective suppression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 at the onset of CAM differentiation in the course of a bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa Pfeifhofer-Obermair
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Peter Mayr Straße 1a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine VI/Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Karin Albrecht-Schgoer
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Peter Mayr Straße 1a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sebastian Peer
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Peter Mayr Straße 1a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manfred Nairz
- Department of Internal Medicine VI/Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kerstin Siegmund
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Peter Mayr Straße 1a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Victoria Klepsch
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Peter Mayr Straße 1a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - David Haschka
- Department of Internal Medicine VI/Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nikolaus Thuille
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Peter Mayr Straße 1a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Natascha Hermann-Kleiter
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Peter Mayr Straße 1a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Gruber
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Peter Mayr Straße 1a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Günter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine VI/Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gottfried Baier
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Peter Mayr Straße 1a, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Siegmund K, Thuille N, Posch N, Fresser F, Baier G. Novel protein kinase C θ: coronin 1A complex in T lymphocytes. Cell Commun Signal 2015; 13:22. [PMID: 25889880 PMCID: PMC4390099 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-015-0100-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Protein kinase C-θ (PKCθ) plays an important role in signal transduction down-stream of the T cell receptor and T cells deficient of PKCθ show impaired NF-κB as well as NFAT/AP-1 activation resulting in strongly decreased IL-2 expression and proliferation. However, it is not yet entirely clear, how the function of PKCθ - upon T cell activation - is regulated on a molecular level. Findings Employing a yeast two-hybrid screen and co-immunoprecipitation analyses, we here identify coronin 1A (Coro1A) as a novel PKCθ-interacting protein. We show that the NH2-terminal WD40 domains of Coro1A and the C2-like domain of PKCθ are sufficient for the interaction. Furthermore, we confirm a physical interaction by GST-Coro1A mediated pull-down of endogenous PKCθ protein. Functionally, wild-type but not Coro1A lacking its actin-binding domain negatively interferes with PKCθ-dependent NF-κB, Cyclin D1 and IL-2 transactivation when analysed with luciferase promoter activation assays in Jurkat T cells. This could be phenocopied by pharmacological inhibitors of actin polymerization and PKC, respectively. Mechanistically, Coro1A overexpression attenuates both lipid raft and plasma membrane recruitment of PKCθ in CD3/CD28-activated T cells. Using primary CD3+ T cells, we observed that (opposite to PKCθ) Coro1A does not localize preferentially to the immunological synapse. In addition, we show that CD3+ T cells isolated from Coro1A-deficient mice show impaired IKK/NF-κB transactivation. Conclusions Together, these findings both in Jurkat T cells as well as in primary T cells indicate a regulatory role of Coro1A on PKCθ recruitment and function downstream of the TCR leading to NF-κB transactivation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12964-015-0100-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Siegmund
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Peter Mayr Str. 1a, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Nikolaus Thuille
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Peter Mayr Str. 1a, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Nina Posch
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Peter Mayr Str. 1a, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Friedrich Fresser
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Peter Mayr Str. 1a, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Gottfried Baier
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Division of Translational Cell Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Peter Mayr Str. 1a, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Lutz-Nicoladoni C, Thuille N, Wachowicz K, Gruber T, Leitges M, Baier G. Corrigendum to “PKC∝ and PKCβ cooperate functionally in CD3-induced de novo IL-2 mRNA transcription” [Immunol. Lett. 151 (1–2) (2013) 31–38)]. Immunol Lett 2014; 160:104. [PMID: 28859835 PMCID: PMC5617891 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2013.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikolaus Thuille
- Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katarzyna Wachowicz
- Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Gruber
- Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Gottfried Baier
- Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.
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Wachowicz K, Hermann-Kleiter N, Meisel M, Siegmund K, Thuille N, Baier G. Protein kinase C θ regulates the phenotype of murine CD4+ Th17 cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96401. [PMID: 24788550 PMCID: PMC4008503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase C θ (PKCθ) is involved in signaling downstream of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) and is important for shaping effector T cell functions and inflammatory disease development. Acquisition of Th1-like effector features by Th17 cells has been linked to increased pathogenic potential. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Th17/Th1 phenotypic instability remain largely unknown. In the current study, we address the role of PKCθ in differentiation and function of Th17 cells by using genetic knock-out mice. Implementing in vitro (polarizing T cell cultures) and in vivo (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model, EAE) techniques, we demonstrated that PKCθ-deficient CD4+ T cells show normal Th17 marker gene expression (interleukin 17A/F, RORγt), accompanied by enhanced production of the Th1-typical markers such as interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and transcription factor T-bet. Mechanistically, this phenotype was linked to aberrantly elevated Stat4 mRNA levels in PKCθ−/− CD4+ T cells during the priming phase of Th17 differentiation. In contrast, transcription of the Stat4 gene was suppressed in Th17-primed wild-type cells. This change in cellular effector phenotype was reflected in vivo by prolonged neurological impairment of PKCθ-deficient mice during the course of EAE. Taken together, our data provide genetic evidence that PKCθ is critical for stabilizing Th17 cell phenotype by selective suppression of the STAT4/IFN-γ/T-bet axis at the onset of differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Wachowicz
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Natascha Hermann-Kleiter
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marlies Meisel
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kerstin Siegmund
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nikolaus Thuille
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gottfried Baier
- Translational Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- * E-mail:
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Thauerer B, Voegele P, Hermann-Kleiter N, Thuille N, de Araujo MEG, Offterdinger M, Baier G, Huber LA, Baier-Bitterlich G. LAMTOR2-mediated modulation of NGF/MAPK activation kinetics during differentiation of PC12 cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95863. [PMID: 24752675 PMCID: PMC3994133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
LAMTOR2 (p14), a part of the larger LAMTOR/Ragulator complex, plays a crucial role in EGF-dependent activation of p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK, ERK1/2). In this study, we investigated the role of LAMTOR2 in nerve growth factor (NGF)-mediated neuronal differentiation. Stimulation of PC12 (rat adrenal pheochromocytoma) cells with NGF is known to activate the MAPK. Pharmacological inhibition of MEK1 as well as siRNA–mediated knockdown of both p42 and p44 MAPK resulted in inhibition of neurite outgrowth. Contrary to expectations, siRNA–mediated knockdown of LAMTOR2 effectively augmented neurite formation and neurite length of PC12 cells. Ectopic expression of a siRNA-resistant LAMTOR2 ortholog reversed this phenotype back to wildtype levels, ruling out nonspecific off-target effects of this LAMTOR2 siRNA approach. Mechanistically, LAMTOR2 siRNA treatment significantly enhanced NGF-dependent MAPK activity, and this effect again was reversed upon expression of the siRNA-resistant LAMTOR2 ortholog. Studies of intracellular trafficking of the NGF receptor TrkA revealed a rapid colocalization with early endosomes, which was modulated by LAMTOR2 siRNA. Inhibition of LAMTOR2 and concomitant destabilization of the remaining members of the LAMTOR complex apparently leads to a faster release of the TrkA/MAPK signaling module and nuclear increase of activated MAPK. These results suggest a modulatory role of the MEK1 adapter protein LAMTOR2 in NGF-mediated MAPK activation required for induction of neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Thauerer
- Division of Neurobiochemistry, CCB-Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Paul Voegele
- Division of Neurobiochemistry, CCB-Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Division of Cell Genetics, Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Natascha Hermann-Kleiter
- Division of Cell Genetics, Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nikolaus Thuille
- Division of Cell Genetics, Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mariana E. G. de Araujo
- Division of Cell Biology, CCB-Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Offterdinger
- Division of Neurobiochemistry, CCB-Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gottfried Baier
- Division of Cell Genetics, Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lukas A. Huber
- Division of Cell Biology, CCB-Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gabriele Baier-Bitterlich
- Division of Neurobiochemistry, CCB-Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- * E-mail:
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11
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Lutz-Nicoladoni C, Christina LN, Thuille N, Nikolaus T, Wachowicz K, Katarzyna W, Gruber T, Thomas G, Leitges M, Michael L, Baier G, Gottfried B. PKCα and PKCβ cooperate functionally in CD3-induced de novo IL-2 mRNA transcription. Immunol Lett 2013; 151:31-8. [PMID: 23439007 PMCID: PMC3641392 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2013.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Revised: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The physiological functions of PKCα and PKCθ isotypes downstream of the antigen receptor have been defined in CD3(+) T cells. In contrast, no function of the second conventional PKC member, PKCβ, has been described yet in T cell antigen receptor signalling. To investigate the hypothesis that both conventional PKCα and PKCβ isotypes may have overlapping functions in T cell activation signalling, we generated mice that lacked the genes for both isotypes. We found that PKCα(-/-)/β(-/-) animals are viable, live normal life spans and display normal T cell development. However, these animals possess additive defects in T cell responses in comparison to animals that carry single mutations in these genes. Our studies demonstrate that the activities of PKCα and PKCβ converge to regulate IL-2 cytokine responses in anti-CD3 stimulated primary mouse T cells. Here, we present genetic evidence that PKCα and PKCβ cooperate in IL-2 transcriptional transactivation in primary mouse T cells independently of the actions of PKCθ.
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12
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Thuille N, Wachowicz K, Hermann-Kleiter N, Kaminski S, Fresser F, Lutz-Nicoladoni C, Leitges M, Thome M, Massoumi R, Baier G. PKCθ/β and CYLD are antagonistic partners in the NFκB and NFAT transactivation pathways in primary mouse CD3+ T lymphocytes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53709. [PMID: 23335970 PMCID: PMC3546006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In T cells PKCθ mediates the activation of critical signals downstream of TCR/CD28 stimulation. We investigated the molecular mechanisms by which PKCθ regulates NFκB transactivation by examining PKCθ/β single and double knockout mice and observed a redundant involvement of PKCθ and PKCβ in this signaling pathway. Mechanistically, we define a PKCθ-CYLD protein complex and an interaction between the positive PKCθ/β and the negative CYLD signaling pathways that both converge at the level of TAK1/IKK/I-κBα/NFκB and NFAT transactivation. In Jurkat leukemic T cells, CYLD is endoproteolytically processed in the initial minutes of stimulation by the paracaspase MALT1 in a PKC-dependent fashion, which is required for robust IL-2 transcription. However, in primary T cells, CYLD processing occurs with different kinetics and an altered dependence on PKC. The formation of a direct PKCθ/CYLD complex appears to regulate the short-term spatial distribution of CYLD, subsequently affecting NFκB and NFAT repressional activity of CYLD prior to its MALT1-dependent inactivation. Taken together, our study establishes CYLD as a new and critical PKCθ interactor in T cells and reveals that antagonistic PKCθ/β-CYLD crosstalk is crucial for the adjustment of immune thresholds in primary mouse CD3+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Thuille
- Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katarzyna Wachowicz
- Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Sandra Kaminski
- Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Friedrich Fresser
- Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | - Margot Thome
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ramin Massoumi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Gottfried Baier
- Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- * E-mail:
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13
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Hermann-Kleiter N, Meisel M, Fresser F, Thuille N, Müller M, Roth L, Katopodis A, Baier G. Nuclear orphan receptor NR2F6 directly antagonizes NFAT and RORγt binding to the Il17a promoter. J Autoimmun 2012; 39:428-40. [PMID: 22921335 PMCID: PMC3516707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2012.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Revised: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is the signature cytokine produced by Th17 CD4(+) T cells and has been tightly linked to autoimmune pathogenesis. In particular, the transcription factors NFAT and RORγt are known to activate Il17a transcription, although the detailed mechanism of action remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that the nuclear orphan receptor NR2F6 can attenuate the capacity of NFAT to bind to critical regions of the Il17a gene promoter. In addition, because NR2F6 binds to defined hormone response elements (HREs) within the Il17a locus, it interferes with the ability of RORγt to access the DNA. Consistently, NFAT and RORγt binding within the Il17a locus were enhanced in Nr2f6-deficient CD4(+) Th17 cells but decreased in Nr2f6-overexpressing transgenic CD4(+) Th17 cells. Taken together, our findings uncover an example of antagonistic regulation of Il17a transcription through the direct reciprocal actions of NR2F6 versus NFAT and RORγt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Hermann-Kleiter
- Department for Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Peter Mayr Str. 1a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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14
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Abstract
It is well established that members of the protein kinase C (PKC) family seem to have important roles in T cells. Focusing on the physiological and non-redundant PKC functions established in primary mouse T cells via germline gene-targeting approaches, our current knowledge defines two particularly critical PKC gene products, PKCθ and PKCα, as the "flavor of PKC" in T cells that appear to have a positive role in signaling pathways that are necessary for full antigen receptor-mediated T cell activation ex vivo and T cell-mediated immunity in vivo. Consistently, in spite of the current dogma that PKCθ inhibition might be sufficient to achieve complete immunosuppressive effects, more recent results have indicated that the pharmacological inhibition of PKCθ, and additionally, at least PKCα, appears to be needed to provide a successful approach for the prevention of allograft rejection and treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gottfried Baier
- Division of Cell Genetics, Department of Pharmacology and Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck,Tyrol, Austria
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15
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Tischner D, Gaggl I, Peschel I, Kaufmann M, Tuzlak S, Drach M, Thuille N, Villunger A, Jan Wiegers G. Defective cell death signalling along the Bcl-2 regulated apoptosis pathway compromises Treg cell development and limits their functionality in mice. J Autoimmun 2012; 38:59-69. [PMID: 22257939 PMCID: PMC3314992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Revised: 12/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The Bcl-2 regulated apoptosis pathway is critical for the elimination of autoreactive lymphocytes, thereby precluding autoimmunity. T cells escaping this process can be kept in check by regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing the transcription and lineage commitment factor Foxp3. Despite the well-established role of Bcl-2 family proteins in shaping the immune system and their frequent deregulation in autoimmune pathologies, it is poorly understood how these proteins affect Treg cell development and function. Here we compared the relative expression of a panel of 40 apoptosis-associated genes in Treg vs. conventional CD4+ T cells. Physiological significance of key-changes was validated using gene-modified mice lacking or overexpressing pro- or anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members. We define a key role for the Bim/Bcl-2 axis in Treg cell development, homeostasis and function but exclude a role for apoptosis induction in responder T cells as relevant suppression mechanism. Notably, only lack of the pro-apoptotic BH3-only protein Bim or Bcl-2 overexpression led to accumulation of Treg cells while loss of pro-apoptotic Bad, Bmf, Puma or Noxa had no effect. Remarkably, apoptosis resistant Treg cells showed reduced suppressive capacity in a model of T cell-driven colitis, posing a caveat for the use of such long-lived cells in possible therapeutic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Tischner
- Biocenter, Division of Developmental Immunology, Innsbruck Medical University, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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16
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Kaminski S, Hermann-Kleiter N, Meisel M, Thuille N, Cronin S, Hara H, Fresser F, Penninger JM, Baier G. Coronin 1A is an essential regulator of the TGFβ receptor/SMAD3 signaling pathway in Th17 CD4(+) T cells. J Autoimmun 2011; 37:198-208. [PMID: 21700422 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Revised: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) plays a central role in maintaining immune homeostasis by regulating the initiation and termination of immune responses and thus preventing the development of autoimmune diseases. In this study, we describe an essential mechanism by which the actin regulatory protein Coronin 1A (Coro1A) ensures the proper response of Th17 CD4(+) T cells to TGFβ. Coro1A has been established as a key player in T cell survival, migration, activation, and Ca(2+) regulation in naive T cells. We show that mice lacking Coro1a developed less severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Unexpectedly, upon the re-induction of EAE, Coro1a(-/-) mice exhibited enhanced EAE signs that correlated with increased numbers of IL-17 producing CD4(+) cells in the central nervous system (CNS) compared to wild-type mice. In vitro differentiated Coro1a(-/-) Th17 CD4(+) T cells consistently produced more IL-17 than wild-type cells and displayed a Th17/Th1-like phenotype in regard to the expression of the Th1 markers T-bet and IFNγ. Mechanistically, the Coro1a(-/-) Th17 cell phenotype correlated with a severe defect in TGFβR-mediated SMAD3 activation. Taken together, these data provide experimental evidence of a non-redundant role of Coro1A in the regulation of Th17 CD4(+) cell effector functions and, subsequently, in the development of autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Kaminski
- Experimental Cell Genetics, Department for Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
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17
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Thuille N, Lutz-Nicoladoni C, Letschka T, Hermann-Kleiter N, Heit I, Baier G. PKCθ and Itk functionally interact during primary mouse CD3+ T cell activation. Immunol Lett 2009; 126:54-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2009.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2009] [Revised: 07/14/2009] [Accepted: 07/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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18
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Evenou JP, Wagner J, Zenke G, Brinkmann V, Wagner K, Kovarik J, Welzenbach KA, Weitz-Schmidt G, Guntermann C, Towbin H, Cottens S, Kaminski S, Letschka T, Lutz-Nicoladoni C, Gruber T, Hermann-Kleiter N, Thuille N, Baier G. The Potent Protein Kinase C-Selective Inhibitor AEB071 (Sotrastaurin) Represents a New Class of Immunosuppressive Agents Affecting Early T-Cell Activation. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2009; 330:792-801. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.109.153205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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19
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Gruber T, Hermann-Kleiter N, Pfeifhofer-Obermair C, Lutz-Nicoladoni C, Thuille N, Letschka T, Barsig J, Baudler M, Li J, Metzler B, Nüsslein-Hildesheim B, Wagner J, Leitges M, Baier G. PKC theta cooperates with PKC alpha in alloimmune responses of T cells in vivo. Mol Immunol 2009; 46:2071-9. [PMID: 19356803 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2009.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2008] [Revised: 02/16/2009] [Accepted: 02/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The physiological roles of PKC alpha and PKC theta were defined in T cell immune functions downstream of the antigen receptor. To investigate the hypothesis that both PKC isotypes may have overlapping functions, we generated mice lacking both genes. We find that PKC alpha(-/-)/theta(-/-) animals have additive T cell response defects in comparison to animals carrying single mutations in these genes. Our studies demonstrate that the activities of PKC alpha and PKC theta converge to regulate both IL-2 cytokine responses and T cell intrinsic alloreactivity in vivo. Mechanistically, this PKC alpha/theta crosstalk primarily affects the NFAT transactivation pathway in T lymphocytes, as observed by decreased phosphorylation of Ser-9 on GSK3 beta, reduced nuclear translocation and DNA binding of NFAT in isolated PKC alpha(-/-)/theta(-/-) CD3(+) T cells. This additive defect proved to be of physiological relevance, because PKC alpha(-/-)/theta(-/-) mice demonstrated significantly prolonged allograft survival in heart transplantation experiments, whereas both PKC alpha(-/-) and PKC theta(-/-) mice showed only minimal graft prolongation when compared to wild type controls. While PKC theta appears to be the rate-limiting PKC isotype mediating T lymphocyte activation, we here provide genetic evidence that PKC alpha and PKC theta have overlapping functions in alloimmunoreactivity in vivo and both PKC theta and PKC alpha isotypes must be targeted to prevent organ allograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gruber
- Department for Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
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20
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Hermann-Kleiter N, Gruber T, Lutz-Nicoladoni C, Thuille N, Fresser F, Labi V, Schiefermeier N, Warnecke M, Huber L, Villunger A, Eichele G, Kaminski S, Baier G. The nuclear orphan receptor NR2F6 suppresses lymphocyte activation and T helper 17-dependent autoimmunity. Immunity 2008; 29:205-16. [PMID: 18701084 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2008.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2007] [Revised: 03/06/2008] [Accepted: 06/02/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine-threonine kinases plays a central role in T lymphocyte activation. Here, we identify NR2F6, a nuclear zinc-finger orphan receptor, as a critical PKC substrate and essential regulator of CD4(+) T cell activation responses. NR2F6 potently antagonized the ability of T helper 0 (Th0) and Th17 CD4(+) T cells to induce expression of key cytokine genes such as interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-17. Mechanistically, NR2F6 directly interfered with the DNA binding of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF-AT):activator protein 1 (AP-1) but not nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappa B) and, subsequently, transcriptional activity of the NF-AT-dependent IL-17A cytokine promoter. Consistent with our model, Nr2f6-deficient mice had hyperreactive lymphocytes, developed a late-onset immunopathology, and were hypersusceptible to Th17-dependent experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Our study establishes NR2F6 as a transcriptional repressor of IL-17 expression in Th17-differentiated CD4(+) T cells in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Hermann-Kleiter
- Department for Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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21
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Pfeifhofer C, Gruber T, Letschka T, Thuille N, Lutz-Nicoladoni C, Hermann-Kleiter N, Braun U, Leitges M, Baier G. Defective IgG2a/2b class switching in PKC alpha-/- mice. J Immunol 2006; 176:6004-11. [PMID: 16670309 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.176.10.6004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Using model tumor T cell lines, protein kinase C (PKC) alpha has been implicated in IL-2 cytokine promoter activation in response to Ag receptor stimulation. In this study, for the first time, PKCalpha null mutant mice are analyzed and display normal T and B lymphocyte development. Peripheral CD3(+) PKCalpha-deficient T cells show unimpaired activation-induced IL-2 cytokine secretion, surface expression of CD25, CD44, and CD69, as well as transactivation of the critical transcription factors NF-AT, NF-kappaB, AP-1, and STAT5 in vitro. Nevertheless, CD3/CD28 Ab- and MHC alloantigen-induced T cell proliferation and IFN-gamma production are severely impaired in PKCalpha(-/-) CD3(+) T cells. Consistently, PKCalpha-deficient CD3(+) T cells from OVA-immunized PKCalpha-deficient mice exhibit markedly reduced recall proliferation to OVA in in vitro cultures. In vivo, PKCalpha-deficient mice give diminished OVA-specific IgG2a and IgG2b responses following OVA immunization experiments. In contrast, OVA-specific IgM and IgG1 responses and splenic PKCalpha(-/-) B cell proliferation are unimpaired. Our genetic data, thus, define PKCalpha as the physiological and nonredundant PKC isotype in signaling pathways that are necessary for T cell-dependent IFN-gamma production and IgG2a/2b Ab responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa Pfeifhofer
- Department for Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, Schoepfstrasse 41, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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22
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Thuille N, Gruber T, Pfeifhofer C, Hermann-Kleiter N, Lutz-Nicoladoni C, Letschka T, Kollmann V, Leitges M, Baier G. Physiological and Non-Redundant Functions of PKC Isotypes in T Lymphocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.2174/157339506776843006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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23
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Gruber T, Freeley M, Thuille N, Heit I, Shaw S, Long A, Baier G. Comment on "PDK1 nucleates T cell receptor-induced signaling complex for NF-kappaB activation". Science 2006. [PMID: 16601177 DOI: 10.1126/science.1122000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
We observe that protein kinase C (PKC) is phosphorylated on the activation loop at threonine 538 (Thr-538) before T cell activation. Our results are inconsistent with the conclusions of Lee et al. (Reports, 1 April 2005, p. 114) that the Thr-538 phosphorylation of PKC is regulated by T cell receptor activation. Other mechanisms, such as autophosphorylation of Thr-219, might orchestrate the cellular function of PKC in T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gruber
- Department for Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria
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24
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Gruber T, Freeley M, Thuille N, Heit I, Shaw S, Long A, Baier G. Comment on "PDK1 nucleates T cell receptor-induced signaling complex for NF-kappaB activation". Science 2006; 312:55; author reply 55. [PMID: 16601177 DOI: 10.1126/science.1115362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
We observe that protein kinase C (PKC) is phosphorylated on the activation loop at threonine 538 (Thr-538) before T cell activation. Our results are inconsistent with the conclusions of Lee et al. (Reports, 1 April 2005, p. 114) that the Thr-538 phosphorylation of PKC is regulated by T cell receptor activation. Other mechanisms, such as autophosphorylation of Thr-219, might orchestrate the cellular function of PKC in T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gruber
- Department for Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria
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25
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Hermann-Kleiter N, Thuille N, Pfeifhofer C, Gruber T, Schäfer M, Zitt C, Hatzelmann A, Schudt C, Leitges M, Baier G. PKCtheta and PKA are antagonistic partners in the NF-AT transactivation pathway of primary mouse CD3+ T lymphocytes. Blood 2006; 107:4841-8. [PMID: 16514061 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-10-4044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We here investigate the crosstalk of PKC and PKA signaling during primary CD3(+) T-lymphocyte activation using pharmacologic inhibitors and activators in combination with our established panel of PKC isotype-deficient mouse T cells in vitro. PKCtheta and PKA inversely affect the CD3/CD28-induced IL-2 expression, whereas other PKC isotypes are dispensable in this signaling pathway. Gene ablation of PKCtheta selectively results in a profound reduction of IL-2 production; however, complete abrogation of IL-2 production in these PKCtheta(-/-) T cells was achieved only by simultaneous coactivation of the cAMP/PKA pathway in CD3(+) T cells. Conversely, the reduced IL-2 production in PKC inhibitor-treated T cells can be rescued by inhibition of the cAMP/PKA pathway in wild-type but not in PKCtheta(-/-) T cells. Mechanistically, the cAMP/PKA and PKCtheta pathways converge at the level of NF-AT, as shown by DNA binding analysis. The combined increase in PKA and decrease in PKCtheta activity leads to an enhanced inhibition of nuclear NF-AT translocation. This PKCtheta/PKA crosstalk significantly affects neither the NF-kappaB, the AP-1, nor the CREB pathways. Taken together, this opposite effect between the positive PKCtheta and the negative cAMP/PKA signaling pathways appears rate limiting for NF-AT transactivation and IL-2 secretion responses of CD3(+) T lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Hermann-Kleiter
- Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Schoepfstr 41, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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26
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Thuille N, Heit I, Fresser F, Krumböck N, Bauer B, Leuthaeusser S, Dammeier S, Graham C, Copeland TD, Shaw S, Baier G. Critical role of novel Thr-219 autophosphorylation for the cellular function of PKCtheta in T lymphocytes. EMBO J 2005; 24:3869-80. [PMID: 16252004 PMCID: PMC1283955 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7600856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2005] [Accepted: 10/07/2005] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphopeptide mapping identified a major autophosphorylation site, phospho (p)Thr-219, between the tandem C1 domains of the regulatory fragment in protein kinase C (PKC)theta. Confirmation of this identification was derived using (p)Thr-219 antisera that reacted with endogenous PKCtheta in primary CD3+ T cells after stimulation with phorbol ester, anti-CD3 or vanadate. The T219A mutation abrogated the capacity of PKCtheta to mediate NF-kappaB, NF-AT and interleukin-2 promoter transactivation, and reduced PKCtheta's ability in Jurkat T cells to phosphorylate endogenous cellular substrates. In particular, the T219A mutation impaired crosstalk of PKCtheta with Akt/PKBalpha in NF-kappaB activation. Yet, this novel (p)Thr-219 site did not affect catalytic activity or second-messenger lipid-binding activity in vitro. Instead, the T219A mutation prevented proper recruitment of PKCtheta in activated T cells. The PKCthetaT219A mutant defects were largely rescued by addition of a myristoylation signal to force its proper membrane localization. We conclude that autophosphorylation of PKCtheta at Thr-219 plays an important role in the correct targeting and cellular function of PKCtheta upon antigen receptor ligation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Thuille
- Department for Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Friedrich Fresser
- Department for Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nina Krumböck
- Department for Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Birgit Bauer
- Department for Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | - Caroline Graham
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Terry D Copeland
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Steve Shaw
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gottfried Baier
- Department for Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
- Section for Human Genetics, Innsbruck Medical University, Schoepfstraβe 41, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. Tel.: +43 512 507 3451; Fax: +43 512 507 2861; E-mail:
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Gruber T, Thuille N, Hermann-Kleiter N, Leitges M, Baier G. Protein kinase Cepsilon is dispensable for TCR/CD3-signaling. Mol Immunol 2005; 42:305-10. [PMID: 15589318 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2004.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2004] [Accepted: 07/16/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PKCepsilon has been strongly linked to cell activation and proliferation in many cell types, including leukemic T-cell lines. In particularly, an essential role of PKCepsilon has been established in the IKK-beta/I-kappaB/NF-kappaB transactivation cascade. To study the physiological function of PKCepsilon in primary T-cells, we used our newly established PKCepsilon null mice. Unexpectedly, however, we did not reveal any defect in the development and function of CD3+ T-cells. Proliferative responses as well as IL-2 cytokine secretion of PKCepsilon-deficient T-cells induced by allogenic MHC, plate-bound anti-CD3 antibodies (with or without anti-CD28 costimulation), or mitogenic stimuli such as phorbol ester and Ca2+ ionophore were comparable with wild-type controls. Consistently, after CD3/CD28 engagement, deficiency of PKCepsilon did not impair NF-kappaB transactivation as well as CD25, CD44 and CD69 induction. Thus, PKCepsilon-deficient T-cells had similar physiological thresholds for activation in vitro. This finding suggests that PKCepsilon plays a redundant role in TCR-induced regulation of T-cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gruber
- Department for Medical Biology and Human Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Schoepfstrasse 41, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Thuille N, Gruber T, Böck G, Leitges M, Baier G. Protein kinase C beta is dispensable for TCR-signaling. Mol Immunol 2004; 41:385-90. [PMID: 15163535 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2004.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2003] [Revised: 02/20/2004] [Accepted: 03/04/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PKCbeta has been established to be essential in B cell receptor (BCR) signaling. Additionally, a critical role of PKCbeta in TCR/CD28-stimulated regulation of IL-2 gene transcription but also exocytotic IL-2 secretion was observed in leukemic T cell lines. To now study the physiological function of PKCbeta in primary CD3(+) T cells, we used our established PKCbeta null mice. Unexpectantly, we did not reveal any defect in the development and function of T cells. Proliferative responses as well as IL-2 cytokine secretion of PKCbeta-deficient CD3(+) T cells induced by allogenic MHC, plate-bound anti-CD3 antibodies (with or without anti-CD28 costimulation), or mitogenic stimuli such as phorbol ester and Ca(2+) ionophore were comparable with wild-type controls. Thus, PKCbeta-deficient T cells had similar physiological thresholds for activation in vitro. These findings suggest that PKCbeta plays a redundant role in TCR-induced regulation of IL-2 cytokine production and T cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Thuille
- Department for Medical Biology and Human Genetics, Innsbruck Medical University, Schoepfstrasse 41, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Abstract
The antimicrobial activity of total herbal extracts has been investigated. The MIC of extracts of Evodia rutaecarpa and grape kernel ranged between 0.25 and 1 mg/ml against gram-positive cocci and P. aeruginosa. Cocci were killed after 30-90 min of incubation in grape kernel extract (0.5-1.5 mg/ml), and after 8 h in evodia extract (0.5-1 mg/ml), respectively. C. albicans was only susceptible to evodia (MIC 0.5 mg/ml). The organic solvents of the preparations contributed to the antibacterial effect of herbal extracts with MICs of ethanol between 4 and 10 vol% and those of methanol between 6 and 10 vol%. Taking this into consideration, mastic and thyme extracts exerted hardly any microbicidal activity, while grape kernel extract and evodia were still effective at 2- to 6-fold dilutions below the MIC of the solvent. Because of the weak antimicrobial activity of total herbal extracts we recommend to give preference to preparations of single or more purified compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Thuille
- Institute of Hygiene and Social Medicine, Leopold-Franzens-University of Innsbruck, Fritz-Pregl-Str. 3, A-6010, Innsbruck, Austria.
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