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Biomedical subjects

A Urbanski

Publications and source records attributed to A Urbanski.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Autocrine growth limitation of human papillomavirus type 16-harboring keratinocytes by constitutively released tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

TNF-alpha is known to exert antitumor and antiviral effects and to participate in the regulation of the immune response. In our study we demonstrate that human rTNF-alpha specifically blocks growth of SK-v keratinocyte cell line harboring and expressing human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) sequences. This inhibitory effect was shown by [3H]TdR incorporation and cell counting. Binding experiments with 125I-TNF-alpha showed that SK-v cells express about 10,000 single class TNF-alpha R per cell with affinity constant of about 0.7 nM. Binding of 125I-TNF-alpha could be inhibited by htr-9 mAb recognizing a 55/60-kDa type I TNF-alpha R but not by utr-1 mAb recognizing 75/80-kDa type II TNF-alpha R or irrelevant mAb specific for HPV16E7 protein. Addition of anti-TNF-alpha antibodies to SK-v cell culture resulted in significant (p < 0.05), dose-dependent stimulation of their proliferation. SK-v cells constitutively expressed TNF-alpha mRNA, and SK-v CM contained TNF-alpha, as demonstrated by Northern blot analysis, a specific ELISA, Western blot analysis, and a bioassay with TNF-alpha-sensitive L-M cells. HPLC gel filtration of SK-v cell CM showed that the factor cytotoxic for L-M cells coeluted with immunoreactive TNF-alpha. These results demonstrate that HPV16-harboring SK-v cells constitutively express and release immunoreactive and biologically active TNF-alpha that in turn may exert an autocrine growth inhibitory effect. This phenomenon could represent one of the self-limiting mechanisms controling growth of HPV-induced neoplasia.

Cell Division

Interleukin-6 expression by fibroblasts grown in three-dimensional gel cultures.

We investigated the expression and biological activity of interleukin-6 (IL-6) by human fibroblasts cultured as monolayers and within three-dimensional type I collagen lattices. In the course of contracting the gel to a dense tissue-like structure, the cells upregulated their levels of IL-6 mRNA as well as IL-6 biological activity. While there was little mRNA and protein activity (6,500 U/ml) in monolayer cultures, fibroblasts in the 3D system showed a 13-fold increase in IL-6 mRNA on day 3. IL-6 protein was increased 6-fold (38,000 U/ml) on day 4. Stimulation of fibroblast cultures with IL-1 alpha resulted in enhanced IL-6 production in both systems, but the fibroblasts embedded into the 3D network continued to exhibit higher levels.

Blotting, Northern

Production of natural killer cell activity-augmenting factor (interleukin-6) by human epiphyseal chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the capacity of human epiphyseal chondrocytes to modulate the cytotoxic activity of human natural killer (NK) cells by determining whether they release interleukin-6 (IL-6), a cytokine recently shown to stimulate NK cell activity. METHODS: Conditioned medium from human epiphyseal chondrocyte cultures (Ch-CM) was tested for IL-6 activity using the B9 cell hybridoma assay. Its NK cell-stimulating capacity in the presence of K562 (myelogenous leukemia) cells or human chondrocytes was evaluated in a 4-hour 51Cr-release assay. Ch-CM-derived IL-6/NK cell-augmenting factor activity was partially purified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) gel filtration and Western blot. RESULTS: Ch-CM contained an NK cell-augmenting factor (NKAF) which was blocked by IL-2 or IL-6 antibodies. Ch-CM did not contain detectable IL-2 activity, but it stimulated IL-2 production by human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). This IL-2-inducing capacity was inhibited by IL-6 antibodies, indicating that chondrocytes release an IL-6-like activity. Ch-CM significantly enhanced the proliferation of IL-6-dependent B9 hybridoma cells, and Western blot analysis of Ch-CM revealed specific bands corresponding to those of highly purified IL-6. Upon HPLC gel filtration, chondrocyte NKAF copurified with chondrocyte IL-6. Pure IL-6 and chondrocyte IL-6 were tested for their ability to stimulate the cytotoxic activity of human PBL against chondrocytes. Both mediators significantly enhanced chondrocyte killing. Lysis of chondrocytes by PBL was mediated by NK cells, since depletion of CD16+ cells resulted in inhibition of the activity. CONCLUSION: Thus, upon stimulation, chondrocytes produce IL-6 which, through IL-2 induction, augments the activity of NK cells against K562 target cells as well as against chondrocytes.

Blotting, Western

Modulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression on human melanocytes and melanoma cells: evidence for a regulatory role of IL-6, IL-7, TNF beta, and UVB light.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is involved in cell-cell interactions of leukocytes and parenchymal cells and thus plays an important role in immunologic and inflammatory reactions. The expression of ICAM-1 that is found on many different cells such as melanocytes and melanoma cells is induced by various cytokines, including interferon-gamma (IFN gamma), interleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). Because expression of ICAM-1 in melanoma was found to correlate with increased risk of metastasis, the regulation of ICAM-1 expression on human melanocytes and melanoma cells was investigated. Foreskin-derived melanocytes and melanoma cell lines (A375, G361) were incubated with different cytokines and ICAM-1 expression was evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorter. IFN gamma, IL-1, IL-7, TNF alpha, and TNF beta significantly upregulated ICAM-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Most interestingly, the cytokine IL-6, which does not influence adhesion-molecule expression on other cells, significantly upregulated melanocyte and melanoma cell ICAM-1 expression. This effect was dose dependent and could be blocked by an IL-6 antibody. Irradiation with ultraviolet (UVB) light did not influence constitutive ICAM-1 expression on melanoma cells and melanocytes, but suppressed cytokine-induced ICAM-1 expression when cells were harvested 16 h after irradiation. These findings were further confirmed by Northern blot analysis, showing a marked accumulation of ICAM-1 mRNA after cytokine treatment, which was reduced by irradiation with UVB light. However, when UVB-exposed melanoma cells were cultured for at least 48 h induction of ICAM-1 expression was observed. These data indicate that, similar to other cells, ICAM-1 expression on melanoma cells and melanocytes is regulated by cytokines and that UVB light affects ICAM-1 expression on melanocytic cells in a biphasic manner.

Cell Adhesion Molecules

Treatment of systemic sclerosis with gamma-interferon.

Numerous drugs have been recommended for the treatment of systemic sclerosis, but without any significant effect on the fibrotic stage of this disorder. Because recombinant gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN) is a potent and selective inhibitor of fibroblast proliferation and collagen production by human dermal fibroblasts in vitro, we assessed the effects of gamma-IFN treatment on the skin and on pulmonary function in patients with systemic sclerosis. Fourteen patients entered the study, and nine completed the 12-month trial. Fifty micrograms/day of gamma-IFN was administered subcutaneously 3 days per week. At the end of the 12-month treatment period a significant improvement was observed in total skin score, and blood gas analysis showed a significant increase in Pa O2 during therapy with gamma-interferon. Other clinical parameters (dysphagia, Raynaud's phenomenon, cardiac involvement) were not altered significantly. No serious adverse effects were noted. These results suggest a beneficial effect of gamma-IFN on the cutaneous fibrotic abnormalities and on lung fibrosis in systemic sclerosis.

Adult

Hexagonal surface gradient coil for localized MRS of the heart.

A surface gradient coil designed to obtain localized magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the heart in vivo is described. Images and 31P spectra from phantoms and both pig and dog hearts in vivo are shown. The coil was used in conjunction with a rf surface coil to obtain 31P spectra from transmural sections of the left ventricular wall of a dog heart in vivo to demonstrate differences between normal and ischemic tissue.

Animals

Constitutive release of IL6 by human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16)-harboring keratinocytes: a mechanism augmenting the NK-cell-mediated lysis of HPV-bearing neoplastic cells.

In the present study we demonstrate that the cultured human keratinocyte cell line (SK-v cells) harboring and expressing integrated human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) DNA sequences constitutively releases IL6, which is known as a pleiotropic immunoregulatory cytokine of potential antitumor properties. The presence of IL6 activity in SK-v cell-conditioned media (SK-v CM) was demonstrated by tritiated thymidine incorporation into IL6-dependent B9 murine plasmacytoma cells. The effect on B9 cells was specific since it could be inhibited by anti-IL6 neutralizing antibodies but not by a normal control serum. IL6 did not affect SK-v cell growth; however, it significantly augmented NK cell activity of human peripheral blood lymphocytes against both K562 erytholeukemic and SK-v cells as assessed by 51Cr release assay. SK-v CM displayed NK cell-augmenting activity that copurified with IL6 activity in both size exclusion and anion-exchange HPLC. Furthermore, SK-v cell-derived NK cell stimulatory activity could be neutralized with anti-IL6 antibodies. These results suggest that HPV-harboring neoplastic cells can release IL6 which may indirectly mediate tumor death by augmentation of NK cell activity.

Cytotoxicity, Immunologic

Binding of recombinant interleukin-1 beta to the third complement component and alpha 2-macroglobulin after activation of serum by immune complexes.

Activation of human normal serum with tetanus/antitetanus immune complexes (TAT-IC) resulted in increased binding of 125I-labeled interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) to serum factors, as opposed to untreated serum. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by autoradiography showed labeling of two large molecular mass factors of an apparent molecular weight (Mr) of 200,000 and 400,000, respectively. These complexes could be dissociated by reduction. No complexes were formed when reducing compounds were added to serum-TAT-IC-125I-IL-1 beta mixtures. Complex formation was largely prevented by alkylating compounds. Molecular sieve chromatography of TAT-IC-activated serum confirmed that 125I-IL-1 beta became bound to high Mr serum proteins. Fractions containing high molecular 125I-IL-1 serum protein complexes partially retained IL-1-like activity since they induced proliferation of an IL-1-dependent murine T helper (D10G4) cell lineage. The 125I-IL-1 beta binding factors could be immunoprecipitated from TAT-IC-activated serum 125I-IL-1 beta solutions by antisera to alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) or to the third complement component (C3). SDS-PAGE of the immunoprecipitates showed radioactive bands corresponding to the expected Mr resulting from complex formation between 125I-IL-1 beta and these two proteins. Treatment of purified plasma alpha 2M and C3 with trypsin or activation with methylamine, which causes cleavage of the internal thiol ester and the appearance of free thiol groups in these proteins, mediated binding of 125I-IL-1 beta to alpha 2M and C3b. The results suggest that cleavage of the internal thiol ester in C3 and alpha 2M makes these plasma proteins susceptible to binding of 125I-IL-1 beta and that free thiol groups do play a role in the formation of 125I-IL-1 beta plasma protein complexes. Activated C3 and alpha 2M may function as IL-1 beta carrier proteins in biologic fluids, in addition to their other physiologic roles.

Antigen-Antibody Complex