PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

A Capron

Publications and source records attributed to A Capron.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

The interleukin 2 receptor in the hypereosinophilic syndrome.

The hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) has been previously described as a clinicobiological entity characterized by a blood eosinophil count of over 1.5 x 10(9)/L of unknown cause associated with several clinical complications. In reality, HES is a heterogeneous group of diseases with variable and unpredictable progress in visceral lesions, thought to be related to the deleterious effects of tissue eosinophil infiltration. Various criteria for discrimination between benign and severe forms of HES have been described. These previous retrospective clinical investigations, using biological and clinical markers, have defined different stages of HES. It appears more relevant, however, to consider elements of disease activity by studying mechanisms of induction of persistent hypereosinophilia. The T-cell dependence of blood eosinophilia has led us to evaluate various markers of T-cell activation in particular. In the present review, we report previous results and perspectives suggested by the study of the interleukin 2 receptor in HES.

Biomarkers

Fibronectin cleavage fragments provide a growth factor-like activity for the differentiation of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes to amastigotes.

The morphological and biochemical events following Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigote-fibronectin (Fn) interactions have been studied. Adhesion of trypomastigotes to Fn-coated surfaces is followed by Fn degradation. The proteolytic cleavage of Fn was demonstrated by qualitative and quantitative measurement of Fn degradation after its exposure to trypomastigotes as well as polyacrylamide gel analysis of Fn proteolysis by a parasite protease (s). The released Fn peptide fragments stimulated the transformation of trypomastigotes to amastigotes. The gelatin (45 kDa) and heparin (40 kDa) binding fragments were shown to be able to promote trypomastigote differentiation. In contrast, native Fn and the 120 kDa fragment (cell attachment domain) were inactive. Complementary investigations showed that the gelatin and heparin binding fragments stimulated parasite RNA synthesis and protein synthesis and phosphorylation but not DNA replication and increased parasite intracellular cAMP concentrations. These findings suggest that the proteolysis of Fn by parasite proteases, which occurs under physiological conditions, might facilitate invasion of target cells by trypomastigotes. The Fn peptides released during this process may act as "growth factor-like" substances.

Animals

Proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides as tools of immune evasion for the human trematode Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosomes are digenetic trematodes which share their life cycle between a definitive (vertebrate) and an intermediate (invertebrate) host. Their survival is highly dependent on their ability to reduce significantly the efficiency of the host defences. We have previously demonstrated the presence of POMC derived peptides (ACTH, alpha-MSH, beta-endorphin) in all stages of Schistosoma mansoni life cycle. Given the immunomodulatory properties of these peptides in vertebrates and invertebrates it has been postulated that they might be implicated in parasite immune evasion. We report the release of these neuropeptides during the cycle, associated with the inhibition by these peptides of the locomotory activity of immunocytes from both hosts, the hamster Mesocricetus auratus and the freshwater snail B. glabrata. The implication of these common signals in this new strategy of parasite adaptation is discussed.

Animals

[Programmed death (apoptosis) of T CD4 lymphocytes and AIDS pathogenesis].

A major characteristic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is progressive decline in T CD4+ lymphocytes. Ten years after infection, on average, this cell subpopulation disappears and AIDS develops. In the asymptotic phase T CD4+ lymphocytes no longer respond, in vitro or in vivo, to certain memory antigens constrained by the class II histocompatibility complex, or in vitro to polyclonal activators like pokeweed mitogen. They retain, however, some proliferative response activity and constitute only a small proportion of the T CD4+ population. Indirect mechanisms of depletion are therefore sought. We have proposed a hypothesis for a single mechanism: a programmed death process, apoptosis, reactivated in mature T CD4+ lymphocytes of seropositives. Unlike necrosis, apoptosis has a role in embryogenesis, in the adult in certain cell populations and, in immature thymocytes, in T lymphocyte selection and establishment of self-tolerance. T CD4+ lymphocytes of infected subjects lose their ability to proliferate in vitro, as they undergo a form of suicide in response to certain stimuli. In vivo T CD4+ cell activation induced by various infectious agents, including HIV, progressively reduces the subpopulation, independently of the virus' cytopathogenic effect. Tests were performed that explored the T CD4+ lymphocyte response to super-antigens, which mimic and amplify the effect of memory antigens by way of CMH II molecules of Ag-presenting cells and certain nu beta chains of the alpha beta receptor for the Ag which are expressed by a third of human mature T CD4+ lymphocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Functional analysis of a T cell line specific for antiidiotypic antibodies to a Schistosoma mansoni protective epitope. I. Role in the anti-S. mansoni antibody response.

Previous data have shown that from an antiparasitic IgE mAb (mAb1), antianti-Id IgG and IgE antibodies (Ab3) could be prepared. These Ab3 demonstrated the same functional properties as the Ab1, such as in vitro cytotoxic activity toward schistosomula and in vivo a protective effect against Schistosoma mansoni infection. To study the possible interactions between the idiotypic network and the regulation of isotypic expression, we focused on Id-specific T cells obtained by immunization with Ab2. Both Ab2 idiotopes and native schistosomula Ag were able to stimulate the proliferation of anti-Ab2 T cells in vitro. The activation of anti-Ab2 T cells by Ab2 shared the classic characteristics of Th cells, namely, it was MHC-restricted and required APC. A T cell line could be maintained in long term culture by stimulation with schistosomula Ag. The adoptive transfer of cells from this line to 26-kDa Ag-immunized or S. mansoni-infected rats led to a dramatic increase in the specific humoral response. This effect was restricted to antibodies specific for 26- and 56-kDa Ag (the targets of the mAb1) and was observed for the two isotypes tested, i.e., IgG and IgE. Finally, the helper effect on the antibody response could be further amplified by cooperation of anti-Ab2 T cells with Id-specific cells of the first generation (anti-Ab1 cells). Together with Ag-specific Th cells, the Id-specific T cells may, due to their specificity and their functional properties, play a major role in the induction and more importantly, in the maintenance of the immune response.

Animals

Functional analysis of a T cell line specific for antiidiotypic antibodies to a Schistosoma mansoni protective epitope. II. Induction of protective immunity in experimental rat schistosomiasis.

In our previous work on the idiotypic network in the rat model of schistosomiasis we showed that immunization with an IgE mAb specific for 26/56-kDa parasitic Ag resulted in the production of anti-anti-Id antibodies of both the IgG and IgE classes. Further studies demonstrated that anti-Ab2 T cell lines, obtained by immunization with Ab2 antibodies, functioned as conventional Th cells; they were MHC-restricted and required APC to proliferate in the presence of the native schistosomula Ag and the Ab2 antibodies. We report the involvement of these anti-Ab2 cells in the regulation of protective immunity. The transfer of long term culture anti-Ab2 T cell lines into LOU/M rats, followed by a challenge infection by Schistosoma mansoni 1 day after the cell transfer led to a slight increase in the worm burden. On the contrary, the transfer of anti-Ab2 T cells 90 days before S. mansoni infection induced a significant reduction of the worm burden (up to 57%). T cells recovered from the protected rats were stimulated by the native schistosomula Ag as well as by tryptic fragments of IgG isolated from the Ab2 sera, in the presence of irradiated thymic cells as APC. We also analyzed the humoral response developed by the rats after transfer with the anti-Ab2 T cell lines. The sera induced various inflammatory cells into cytotoxic effectors against the larvae of S. mansoni, arguing for the presence of functional IgE in the sera. Moreover, when these sera were passively transferred into rats infected 1 day later, a significant reduction of the worm burden was observed. However, antibody-dependent cytotoxic mechanisms efficient 10 days after the anti-Ab2 T cell transfer did not correlate with the protective immunity which required a 90-day delay to be established. These data suggest that the protective immunity induced by the anti-Ab2 cells is supported both by the cellular and humoral components and that in a future vaccinating strategy the idiotypic network may play a crucial role.

Animals

Identification and characterization of a functional receptor for interferon-gamma on a megakaryocytic cell line.

We have previously shown that human interferon-gamma (Hu-IFN-gamma) induces platelets to become efficient effector cells, capable of killing young larvae of the parasite Schistosoma mansoni. Recently, binding sites for IFN-gamma on platelets have been characterized. We show here the presence of high-affinity receptors for IFN-gamma on the surface of the human megakaryocytic Dami cell line. Scatchard analysis indicated the presence of about 11,000 binding sites per cell, with a kd of 3 +/- 0.5 x 10(-10) mol/L; the apparent molecular weight of the receptor was 90 Kd. Receptor-bound 125I Hu-recombinant IFN-gamma was rapidly internalized and degraded when the temperature was increased from 4 degrees C to 37 degrees C. The half-life of this receptor was about 7 hours, and pretreatment of cells with IFN-gamma or phorbol myristate acetate had very little effect on the surface receptor number and no detectable effect on IFN-gamma receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. The receptor was functional, because 24 hours of treatment with IFN-gamma led to the increase of HLA class I mRNA expression and to the initiation of HLA class II mRNA expression. These effects were selective because platelet glycoprotein Ib, IIb, or IIIa mRNA expression and cell proliferation were unaffected.

Blotting, Northern

Improved permeabilization procedure for flow cytometric detection of internal antigens. Analysis of interleukin-2 production.

A cell membrane permeabilizing treatment is described which involves the use of lysolecithin at low concentration in acidic acetate buffer and paraformaldehyde fixation. It preserved well-separated scatter cytograms of small and large lymphocytes. The accuracy of the immunochemical detection of internal antigens by flow cytofluorography was demonstrated by the linear relationship between the percentage of fluorescent cells detected and the proportion of intracellular antigen-containing cells in mixtures with antigen-negative cell lines. Cell cycle analysis by dual nuclear staining with propidium iodide and FITC-conjugated Ki-67 antibody recognising in vitro stimulated human T lymphocytes verified that the proliferating lymphocytes retained their increased light scatter properties after permeabilization. Enumeration of interleukin-2 (IL-2) producing cells by their cytoplasmic immunofluorescence showed that enlarged lymphocytes were the main IL-2 producing cells. This improved permeabilization procedure, by gating small and enlarged lymphocytes separately, makes it possible to determine by two color fluorescence the immunophenotype of activated T cells committed to interleukin production.

Cell Cycle

Human eosinophils from hypereosinophilic patients spontaneously express the p55 but not the p75 interleukin 2 receptor subunit.

The expression of interleukin 2 receptor (IL2R) on eosinophils was investigated in patients with hypereosinophilia. Hypodense activated eosinophils have been described in various diseases such as parasitic or allergic diseases, hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) associated in some cases to myeloproliferative markers, and more recently described in patients undergoing recombinant IL2 treatment. The presence of p55 alpha chain of IL2R (CD25) on purified eosinophils collected from blood of hypereosinophilic patients was detected by flow cytometry. In 10 out of 19 cases, more than 10% of eosinophils were CD25+. Cross-linking studies on enriched eosinophils showed one 64-75-kDa band, consisting of IL2 (15 kDa) cross-linked to the IL2R p55 subunit. In Northern blot analysis the two messenger mRNA (3.5 and 1.5 kb) encoding the IL2R p55 subunit were identified after hybridization with a CD25 cDNA probe. In contrast, the presence of the IL2R p75 subunit was not detected. These data provide preliminary evidence for the expression of a low-affinity receptor for IL2 on in vivo activated eosinophils and raise the question of the role played by this cytokine in eosinophil differentiation and activation.

Eosinophilia

Obtention of a human primary humoral response against schistosome protective antigens in severe combined immunodeficiency mice after the transfer of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy donors were injected into C.B.-17 severe combined immunodeficiency (scid) mice which were subsequently immunized with crude Schistosoma mansoni adult worm antigenic preparation (SWAP) or with recombinant S. mansoni 28-kDa glutathione transferase (r-Sm-28-GST) antigen. PBMC from a S. mansoni-infected patient were also transferred. The specific human anti-SWAP and anti-Sm-28-GST antibody responses were monitored. The presence in both cases of human specific antibodies in scid mouse sera was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting techniques using anti-human immunoglobulin reagents. No antibodies were detected in these sera using anti-mouse immunoglobulin antisera. These antibodies were functional since a cytotoxic activity against schistosomula was observed when monocytes were incubated with scid mouse sera positive for anti-Sm-28-GST antibodies.

Animals

A monoclonal antibody blocking the Schistosoma mansoni 28-kDa glutathione S-transferase activity reduces female worm fecundity and egg viability.

The protective effects of two different monoclonal antibodies (mAb) raised against the Schistosoma mansoni 28-kDa glutathione S-transferase (Sm 28 GST) were investigated. Two mAb of the same isotype (IgM) have been selected according to the blocking effect on Sm 28 GST enzymatic activity (S13) or the lack of blockade (H12). When passively transferred into Fischer rats, both S13 and H12 significantly reduced the worm burden. In BALB/c mice clear effects on female worm fecundity and egg viability were observed when the S13 mAb was transferred; these effects included significantly reduced loads of intestinal eggs, reduced egg hatching rates and an increased proportion of non-living eggs. No effect on egg production and egg hatching was observed in H12-treated mice. In addition, worm pairs recovered from S13-but not H12-treated mice laid significantly fewer eggs in vitro, and normal worm pairs incubated in vitro with the S13 mAb produced significantly fewer eggs than those incubated with H12 mAb. The impairment of egg hatching ability was also reproduced in vitro by the S13 mAb. These data suggest the existence of two different effector mechanisms induced by immunization with Sm 28 GST. The effect on the schistosome worm burden appears to be independent of GST activity whereas the effect on S. mansoni female fecundity and egg viability seems to be significantly linked to the inactivation of the enzymatic site.

Animals

Trypanosoma cruzi: infection of T lymphocytes and their destruction by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

We have demonstrated, with optical and transmission electron microscopy, that Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes infect and multiply inside T lymphocytes. The infection rate we have observed in T cells was similar to that seen in the case of macrophage or polymorphonuclear cell infection. Flow cytofluorometric analysis of T lymphocytes purified from mice in the acute phase of the disease, revealed the presence of parasite-derived antigens on their surface. These antigens appear to be specific to T. cruzi and they could be the result of intracellular parasite antigens as well as adsorption of T. cruzi antigens on the surface of noninfected T cells. Antibodies recognizing these surface antigens were present in both T. cruzi-infected mouse and human sera. They were able to induce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in the presence of nonimmune mononuclear cells both in autologous and in heterologous combinations. Consequently, we provided evidence suggesting that T lymphocytes could be destroyed during the acute phase of Chagas' disease either by cell infection or by an ADCC mechanism against cells bearing parasite antigens on their surface. Thus, the ability of trypomastigotes to invade T cells may play a crucial role in the immunopathogenesis characteristic of Chagas' disease.

Animals

Heterogeneous expression of CD23 epitopes by eosinophils from patients. Relationships with IgE-mediated functions.

The receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RII) on human eosinophils presents some common characteristics with CD23, a differentiation marker of B cells. We have used flow cytometry for evaluating the expression of various epitopes of CD23 on purified eosinophils from patients with eosinophilia. A correlation was found between the binding of myeloma IgE protein and the binding of a monoclonal antibody (mAb 135), directed against the IgE-binding site of B cell CD23. Using two additional anti-CD23 mAb, directed (8-30) or not (3-5) against the IgE-binding site, a low expression of these CD23 epitopes was observed on eosinophils from different eosinophilic patients. Northern blot analysis of eosinophil RNA with the cDNA probe of CD23 revealed a low-abundance transcript in three of the six patients expressing membrane CD23. The inhibition by all anti-CD23 mAb of IgE-mediated cytotoxicity and IgE binding to eosinophils clearly indicated the participation of a CD23-related molecule in IgE-dependent eosinophil functions.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Effect of ubiquitin on platelet functions: possible identity with platelet activity suppressive lymphokine (PASL).

In an attempt to clone a suppressive lymphokine of platelet function (PASL), we have obtained a cDNA clone coding for the previously described human ubiquitin-80 amino acid fusion protein. Our clone differs from the described sequence in that it contains the complete amino acid sequence of ubiquitin as well as a short (25 bp) 5' noncoding region. In addition the 3' untranslated region is slightly longer than that previously shown. Like PASL, purified ubiquitin can inhibit the cytotoxic properties of platelets and the production of oxygen metabolites by these cells. Moreover, this molecule is able to act as a proaggregating factor and seems of a great interest in pathologies involving defects in platelet aggregation. Ubiquitin could also have a potential use in the regulation of immunological disorders in which platelets seem to be implicated such as hymenoptera venom hypersensitivity and aspirin-sensitive asthma, since in both situations, ubiquitin is able, as is PASL, to inhibit the cytotoxic function of platelets. Indeed ubiquitin possesses important pharmacological potentialities which have not been previously described. This molecule and PASL share several similarities in their functional and physicochemical properties. PASL could therefore belong to the family of ubiquitins.

Adenosine Diphosphate

Release of granule proteins by eosinophils from allergic and nonallergic patients with eosinophilia on immunoglobulin-dependent activation.

The release of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) was evaluated after incubation of eosinophils (EOSs) from allergic subjects with the specific allergen or with anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). High levels of EPO could be released after addition of the specific allergen (and not unrelated ones) or anti-IgE MAb. Moreover, EPO release with the two stimuli was significantly correlated both in allergic and in nonallergic patients. In the same supernatants, another granule protein, ECP, could not be detected, suggesting a lack of correlation between EPO and ECP release after IgE-dependent stimulation. However, when EOSs with surface-IgA antibodies were incubated with anti-IgA MAb, both EPO and ECP were released. In contrast, incubation of EOSs with anti-IgG MAb induced mainly the release of ECP and not EPO. These results indicate that pharmacologically active mediators can be released by EOSs from allergic and nonallergic patients on immunoglobulin-dependent activation. The results also confirm the hypothesis of a selective release of the various granule proteins and raise the question of transduction signals delivered by the three Fc receptors (Fc epsilon R, FC alpha R, and FC gamma R) present on human EOSs.

Allergens

Increased secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 by alveolar macrophages consecutive to the development of the late asthmatic reaction.

The late asthmatic reaction (LAR), consecutive to bronchial allergen challenge, is characterized both by the influx of various cells in proximal and distal airways and by the enhancement of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. However, the exact conditions for the development of the inflammatory reaction during the LAR remain to be specified. Since monokines play a key role in inflammatory processes, particularly in the lung, the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin; 1-beta (IL-1-beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by alveolar macrophages (AM), collected 18 to 20 hours after exposure to allergen, was evaluated in 15 allergic subjects with asthma submitted to a challenge test with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (N = 6) or with wheat flour (N = 9) and in three healthy subjects. After bronchial provocation test, four patients presented no bronchial response (group 1), and six patients, a single early reaction (group 2). In contrast, five patients developed successively an immediate plus a late response (group 3). The monokine production was compared to that from nine allergic subjects with asthma studied at baseline (group 0) and from 11 unchallenged healthy subjects (control subjects). Measurements of cytokines were evaluated for TNF-alpha and IL-1-beta by a specific immunoradiometric assay, whereas IL-6 levels were appreciated by the proliferation of 7TD1 cells. No detectable amounts of TNF-alpha, IL-1-beta, and IL-6 were in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid, even after a tenfold concentration. In contrast, a significant increase of TNF-alpha (10,642 +/- 3127 U/ml) and IL-6 (1250 +/- 427 U/ml) concentrations was noted in AM supernatants from patients exhibiting an LAR (group 3) compared to cells recovered from groups 2, 1, and 0 and to challenged or unchallenged control subjects (805 +/- 244, 995 +/- 521, 1269 +/- 524, 688 +/- 85, and 445 +/- 74 pg of TNF-alpha per milliliter, respectively; 190 +/- 64, 114 +/- 91, 242 +/- 95, 80 +/- 9, and 54 +/- 19 U/ml of IL-6 per milliliter, respectively). No modification of IL-1-beta contents could be detected between the different groups. A significant correlation was detected between concentrations of TNF and IL-6 (r = 0.92; p less than 0.001). These results demonstrate TNF-alpha and IL-6 secretion by AM consecutively to the development of LAR in allergic subjects with asthma, confirming that AMs are activated after allergen challenge.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adult