Search results for "INTERFERON-GAMMA"

Azathioprine, Mycophenolate Mofetil, and Methotrexate Specifically Modulate Cytokine Production by T Cells

1998

Disruption of T helper 2-immune responses in Epstein–Barr virus-induced gene 3-deficient mice

2002

Epstein–Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) is a widely expressed IL-12p40-related protein that associates as a heterodimer with either IL-12p35 or an IL-12p35 homologue, p28, to create a new cytokine (IL-27). To define the function of EBI3in vivo, we generated knockout mice in which theebi3gene was targeted by homologous recombination. EBI3−/−mice exhibited normal numbers of both naive and mature CD4+and CD8+T cells and B cells, but markedly decreased numbers of invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) as defined by staining with an α-galactosylceramide (αGalCer)-loaded CD1d-tetramer. iNKT cells from EBI3−/−mice exhibited decreased IL-4 and, to a lesser extent, IFN-γ production after αGalCer s…

Cutting Edge: A Key Pathogenic Role of IL-27 in T Cell- Mediated Hepatitis

2007

Abstract The signals driving T cell activation in T cell-mediated fulminant hepatitis are not fully understood. In this study, we identify the cytokine IL-27p28/EBI3 as a major pathogenic factor in the ConA model of T cell-mediated hepatitis. We found an up-regulation of hepatic EBI3 and p28 expression and augmented levels of IL-27 in wild-type mice after ConA administration, suggesting a potential pathogenic role of this cytokine in ConA hepatitis. Consistently, IL-27 EBI3-deficient mice were almost completely protected from ConA-induced liver damage. Such protection was associated with reduced levels of IFN-γ and its signaling proteins pSTAT-1 and T-bet. Finally, in vivo blockade of IL-27…

Cloning and functional analyses of the mouse tapasin promoter

2003

The expression of tapasin is critical for an optimized MHC class I assembly and stable MHC class I surface expression. Thus, impaired MHC class I antigen expression of tumors can be attributable to tapasin downregulation. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms of deficient tapasin expression, the mouse tapasin promoter region and its 5'-flanking sequences were characterized. The mouse tapasin promoter lacks the TATA box and its transcription is initiated at multiple sites within a 51-nucleotide stretch. Sequence analyses revealed transcription factor binding motifs for NF-kappaB, GATA, E2F, p300, AP1, SP1 and IRF-1/2. Detailed analysis of deletion mutants and elimination of transcr…

Cytokine- and Interferon-Modulating Properties of Echinacea spp. Root Tinctures Stored at −20°C for 2 Years

2007

Echinacea spp. phytomedicines are popular for treating upper respiratory infections. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the immunomodulatory properties of Echinacea tinctures from seven species after being stored at -20 degrees C for 2 years. Two experimental techniques were employed using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In the first set of experiments, PBMCs were stimulated in vitro with tinctures alone and assayed for proliferation and production of interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). In the second set of experiments, subjects were immunized with influenza vaccine. PBMCs from vaccinated individuals were stimulated in v…

Characterization of lymphokine-mediated activation of macrophages for antigen presentation: studies with long-term cultured bone marrow-derived macro…

1984

In cultures of bone marrow (BM) supplemented with L cell-derived colony-stimulating factor a pure population of macrophages (M phi) differentiates, which can be further propagated with a doubling time of 3.8 days. "Young" BMM phi obtained on day 8 of culture were shown to act as antigen-presenting cells inducing the antigen-specific proliferation of the cloned T cell line ST2/K.9, whereas "old" M phi had lost this ability. However, at any time tested (up to 132 days) the presentation function of old BMM phi could be completely restored by pulsing the cells with lymphokines (LK). A duration of 11 hr for the LK-pulse was sufficient to trigger the M phi to exert an optimal presentation functio…

Insect venom immunotherapy induces interleukin-10 production and a Th2-to-Th1 shift, and changes surface marker expression in venom-allergic subjects.

1997

Abstract The current study was carried out to elucidate the immunoregulatory changes induced by venom immunotherapy (VIT) in bee or wasp allergic subjects. All subjects included in this study had a history of severe systemic allergic reactions to stings of the respective insect as well as positive skin tests with the respective venom or venom-specific IgE in the sera. Parameters assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) before and after initiation of VIT (rush therapy reaching a maintenance dose of 100 micrograms venom injected subcutaneously within 1 week) were expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD45RA, CD45RO, interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (R) alpha, IL-4R, IL-12R, Fc epsilon RII, CD4…

T-bet and mucosal Th1 responses in the gastrointestinal tract

2002

T cells play an essential role in regulating mucosal immune responses in the gastrointestinal tract. Recent observations on T helper cell differentiation and activation by regulatory transcription factors-especially T-bet-in chronic inflammatory diseases have provided new perspectives for understanding mucosal immunity. Here we summarise recent advances in the field of transcription factors and discuss the implications of these findings for future therapeutic approaches in inflammatory bowel diseases. In particular, we have focused on the role of T-bet in controlling mucosal Th1 responses in the gastrointestinal tract.

In vivo manipulation of Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells with zoledronate and low-dose interleukin-2 for immunotherapy of advanced breast cancer patients.

2010

The potent anti-tumour activities of gamma delta T cells have prompted the development of protocols in which gamma delta-agonists are administered to cancer patients. Encouraging results from small Phase I trials have fuelled efforts to characterize more clearly the application of this approach to unmet clinical needs such as metastatic carcinoma. To examine this approach in breast cancer, a Phase I trial was conducted in which zoledronate, a V gamma 9V delta 2 T cell agonist, plus low-dose interleukin (IL)-2 were administered to 10 therapeutically terminal, advanced metastatic breast cancer patients. Treatment was well tolerated and promoted the effector maturation of V gamma 9V delta 2 T …

Longitudinal analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis 19-kDa antigen-specific T cells in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis: association with disease…

2003

CD8(+) T cells play a central role in immune protection against infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. One of the target epitopes for anti-M. tuberculosis directed CD8(+) T cells is the HLA-A2-restricted 19-kDa lipoprotein peptide VLTDGNPPEV. T cell clones directed against this epitope recognized not only the nominal peptide ligand, but also a closely related peptide (VPTDPNPPEV) from the HIV envelope gp120 (HIV(env) gp120) protein characterized by IFN-gamma release. This cross-reactivity was confirmed in ex vivo in M. tuberculosis 19-kDa tetramer-sorted T cells from patients with tuberculosis and in HIVgp120 tetramer-reactive T cells sorted from HIV(+) patients. M. tuberculosis 19-kDa …