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J Pestel

Publications and source records attributed to J Pestel.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Abnormal IgG4 antibody response to aeroallergens in allergic patients.

Various studies have suggested the involvement of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) antibodies (Ab) in the physiopathology of allergic disorders. Recently, an abnormal IgG4 Ab production in response to immunization has been reported in some atopic patients. Thus, in order to evidence in allergic patients, a potential abnormal IgG4 Ab response to aeroallergens following natural exposure, we compared, in 34 patients sensitive to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and in 16 healthy subjects, the IgG4 Ab response to D. pteronyssinus, grass pollen and cat dander, using a solid-phase radioimmunoassay. Since some patients were also sensitive to grass pollen and/or to cat dander, we analyzed, in all patients, the IgG4 Ab responses both towards the allergen(s) they were sensitive to (sensitizing allergen) or not (unrelated allergen). The results showed that 90% of the patients produced levels of antisensitizing allergen(s) IgG4 Ab significantly higher than the controls; this IgG4 Ab response was correlated with the corresponding specific IgE Ab level. In addition, among these patients, around 40% presented high levels of IgG4 Ab to the unrelated allergen(s). Thus, in allergic patients, while specific IgE Ab define the nature of the sensitizing allergen, the presence of IgG4 Ab directed against various allergens seems in relation with an abnormal isotype regulation associated with atopic disorders.

Adolescent↗

Immunogenicity and antigenicity of synthetic peptides derived from the mite allergen Der p I.

As an immunogen must contain both B- and T-cell epitopes, small peptides are usually reported as non-immunogenic unless coupled to a protein carrier. In this study, the immunogenicity of the Der p I synthetic uncoupled peptides (p52-71, p89-104, p117-133 and p176-187) previously reported as B-cell epitopes, was evaluated. Different schedules of immunization were used. Results indicated that by using the Vaitukaikis' method three injections of the same peptide without protein carrier was sufficient to induce an specific anti-peptide IgG antibody response (evaluated by ELISA). Indeed, the 16-20 amino-acid long peptides p52-71, p117-133 and p89-104 were revealed highly immunogenic in rabbits. Furthermore anti-peptide p52-71 and p117-133 antibodies were shown by Western-blotting or by neutralization assay to recognize the Der p I molecule either in denaturated or native form as well as Der f I (major allergen of Dermatophagoides farinae). Finally, taking into account the location of Der p I-derived peptides in the three-dimensional model of Der p I, the antigenicity and immunogenicity of peptides were discussed.

Allergens↗

Comparative analysis of biological activities of Der p I-derived peptides on Fc epsilon receptor-bearing cells from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus-sensitive patients.

The ability of four uncoupled synthetic peptides (p52-71, p117-133, p176-187, p188-199) derived from Der p I, a major allergen from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt) to stimulate Fc epsilon R+ cells from Dpt-sensitive patients was comparatively analysed. Each free peptide may specifically stimulate basophils (Fc epsilon RI+ cells) and platelets (Fc epsilon RII+ cells) from patients with significant levels of anti-Der p I IgE antibodies; p52-71 and p117-133 appear the best cell stimulation inducers. Both concentration-dependent biological activities of Der p I-peptide on Fc epsilon R+ cells are enhanced by coupling peptide to a carrier (as human serum albumin). Interestingly each Der p I-sensitive patient tested presents an individual pattern of response to peptide. Thus, from our results it appears that different Der p I sequences could be involved in the immune response to Der p I.

Adolescent↗

Specific histamine release capacity of peptides selected from the modelized Der p I protein, a major allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.

Dust mite allergens are considered as a major cause of allergic disease and as a risk factor for asthma. Der p I, a 222 amino-acid residue globular glycoprotein, is one of the major allergens from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt) mites. In this study, we have used predictive conventional algorithms (i.e. hydrophilicity, mobility, accessibility) and a three-dimensional model of Der p I derived from comparison to actinidin and papain to select continuous amino acid sequences as potential B cell epitopes. Four peptides, 52-71, 117-133, 176-187, 188-199 were synthesized. Their antigenic reactivity was investigated, mainly by measuring their capacity to induce in vitro histamine release. Results indicated that only Dpt-sensitive patients react specifically to Der p I-derived peptides and more frequently to 52-71 and 117-133. For each peptide, the intensity of response was dependent on the patient tested and on the peptide concn. The capacity of peptides to induce histamine release was demonstrated to be correlated with the serum level of anti-Der p I IgE (r = 0.86; p less than 10(-2)). Taken together these data emphasize, in Dpt-sensitive patients, the heterogeneity of the specific response to synthetic Der p I-derived peptides and underline the possible variety of epitopes belonging to the allergen Der p I.

Allergens↗

Differences in genotoxic activity of alpha-Ni3S2 on human lymphocytes from nickel-hypersensitized and nickel-unsensitized donors.

The genotoxic activity of alpha-Ni3S2 was assessed on human lymphocytes from nickel-hypersensitized (SSL) and nickel-unsensitized (USL) subjects. Three genotoxicity tests were performed: the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test, the metaphase analysis test and the micronucleus test. (i) The SCE test (3-100 micrograms/ml) showed a weak but statistically significant increase in the number of SCE in both lymphocyte types with respect to controls, USL presenting a slightly higher SCE incidence but only at one concentration. (ii) The metaphase analysis test demonstrated a high dose-dependent clastogenic activity of alpha-Ni3S2 in both lymphocyte types. The frequency of chromosomal anomalies was significantly higher in USL than in SSL for all concentrations applied. (iii) The micronucleus test confirmed the dose-dependent clastogenic activity of alpha-Ni3S2 and the differences already observed between USL and SSL, i.e. the number of cells with micronuclei was statistically higher in USL. Finally, the incorporation study with alpha-63Ni3S2 showed a higher uptake of its solubilized fraction by USL. This allows an explanation of the different genotoxic action of nickel on the two cell types. In this study we demonstrated that hypersensitivity has an influence on the incorporation of alpha-Ni3S2 and subsequently on the different induction of chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes.

Adult↗

Polyclonal cell activity of a repeat peptide derived from the sequence of an 85-kilodalton surface protein of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes.

Some in vitro and in vivo biological activities of an octadecapeptide derived from an 85-kDa surface protein of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigote were studied. The peptide coupled to a carrier protein induced the proliferative response of lymph node cells from mice immunized with various antigens. Moreover, sera from mice immunized with the coupled peptide were found to contain antibodies against a number of self and nonself antigens: fibronectin, bovine serum albumin, myosin, tetanus toxoid, ovalbumin, keyhole limpet hemocyanin, and DNA. These results are discussed in the context of Chagas' disease immunopathology.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Specific activation of platelets from patients allergic to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus by synthetic peptides derived from the allergen Der p I.

Previous studies have shown that Fc epsilon RII-bearing platelets from patients with allergic disorders could be stimulated either by anti-human IgE antibodies or the relevant allergens to generate cytotoxic mediators. In this report, the reactivity of platelets from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D. pt)-sensitive patients to three Der p I-derived synthetic peptides (52-71, 117-133 and 188-199) was investigated. The platelet stimulation observed in D. pt-sensitive patients was demonstrated to be allergen-specific and to be mediated by IgE. These Der p I-derived peptides failed to stimulate platelets from healthy donors or platelets from non-D. pt-allergic patients. D. pt-sensitive patients responded more frequently to the peptides 52-71 and 117-133 than to the peptide 188-199. Thus, in this model, synthetic peptides selected for their assumed accessibility on the native antigen could be associated to an IgE-dependent biological activity.

Adult↗

Lymphocyte-mediated inhibition of platelet cytotoxic functions during Hymenoptera venom desensitization: characterization of a suppressive lymphokine.

Recently, it has been shown that platelets, through a receptor for the Fc fragment of IgE, could be specially triggered by venom allergens in hypersensitivity to hymenoptera, generating cytocidal mediators toward Schistosoma mansoni larvae, and oxygen metabolites measured by chemiluminescence. After rush immunotherapy, a depressed platelet response was demonstrated to be associated with the production of lymphokine(s). Here we report the characterization of a factor present in supernatants of antigen-stimulated T cells from patients after hymenoptera venom desensitization which is able to inhibit platelet cytotoxic functions in a dose-dependent manner. The optimal inhibition was observed with supernatants obtained after T lymphocyte stimulated with 10(-5) micrograms venom allergen/ml. Once specifically produced the platelet-suppressive effect of lymphocyte supernatants was not antigen specific. The producing T cell subpopulation was identified as CD8+. This lymphokine had an approximate molecular mass of 25 kDa and a pI of 4.8. It was heat and acid stable and sensitive to trypsin and proteinase K but not to neuraminidase. This platelet inhibitory activity was absorbed by platelet membrane suggesting its binding to a receptor. These properties were very similar to a previously described platelet activity suppressive lymphokine, suggesting the participation of this lymphokine in the mechanisms of rush desensitization.

Animals↗

Schistosoma mansoni-specific rat T cell clones. II. Different effects of adult worm-specific T cell clones in immunocompetent and nude infected rats.

The in vivo functional activities of two highly proliferating helper rat T cell clones (E23 and G5) specific for the excretory-secretory antigens of Schistosoma mansoni adult worms were investigated. When injected into infected immunocompetent rats, both clones increased the antibody response against the 30-40-kDa schistosomulum surface antigens, but failed to induce an immune protection. In contrast, when the same clones were injected into infected nude rats, a high degree of protection was obtained. In this latter case the absence of detectable specific antibody response, whether of IgE or IgG isotype, suggested that parasites were destroyed by an antibody-independent mechanism, i.e. macrophages activation by lymphokines. Indeed supernatants obtained from T cell clones specifically restimulated with schistosome antigens expressed a macrophage activated activity similar to interferon-gamma. Following incubation with these supernatants or with the active fractions, macrophages exhibited a significant schistosomulicidal activity and both clones were shown to transfer an antigen-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to normal rats. Taken together these results demonstrate that, depending on the immune status of the host, antigen-specific T cell clones can function differently and consequently that one function associated with one type of lymphokine could be favored.

Animals↗

Tolerance in rats by transplacental transfer of Dipetalonema viteae microfilariae: recognition of putative tolerogen(s) by antibodies that inhibit antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferation.

We have previously reported (Nature 1982. 299:361) that the transplacental transfer of Dipetalonema viteae microfilariae (mf) can induce an antigen-specific tolerance in rats. Rats thus tolerized have serum factor(s) which block(s) antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferation. The results of experiments involving fractionation of antisera from tolerant animals indicate that the inhibitory activity for antigen-specific blastogenesis resides in IgG antibodies. Absorption of IgG (eluted from protein A) with specific filarial antigens reduced the inhibition from 58% to 9% whereas a similar immunosorption of IgG size fraction (obtained by applying to AcA 34 Ultrogel) resulted in a decrease from 72% to 35%. This suggests that IgG size fraction might include factor(s) derived from mf and was partially blocking the blastogenic response. Since the tolerant animals harbor only mf, we have used radiolabeled mf surface antigens for immunoprecipitation by antisera from tolerant animals. Antibodies from tolerant animals have a different specificity for filarial antigens compared to those from immunocompetent and mf-resistant rats.

Animals↗

Variation in the expression of macrophage Fc epsilon receptors in relation to experimental rat schistosome infection.

The relationship between IgE and rat peritoneal macrophages during the course of Schistosoma mansoni infection was examined. Immune macrophages exhibited an IgE-dependent schistosomulicidal activity mainly between the 5th and the 7th weeks. At this period the percentages of anti-IgE rosettes whose variations appeared consecutive to the variations in the serum IgE level were higher. Following incubation in a serum-free medium immune macrophages could release membrane-associated IgE, to a certain extent, and consequently formed rosettes with IgE-coated erythrocytes, indicating the existence of Fc epsilon receptors. Thus, in terms of rosettes, their number varied in the course of the disease. In fact IgE-rich serum (i.e. at day 42) as IgE molecules could induce this macrophage Fc epsilon receptor. Moreover when transferred to syngeneic rats in association with parasite-specific IgE Fc epsilon R2+ macrophages led to some protection against challenge infection. All the data reported here emphasize the determining role of macrophages and IgE in immunity to schistosomiasis.

Animals↗

Production of an interleukin-1 inhibitory factor by human alveolar macrophages from normals and allergic asthmatic patients.

In order to study the possible role of alveolar macrophages (AMs) in the development of local immune responses, we compared interleukin-1 (IL-1) production by peripheral blood monocytes and AMs from 17 allergic asthmatics and 32 controls. When stimulated by lipopolysaccharide, alveolar macrophages and blood monocytes from controls released IL-1 (127 +/- 74.6 and 178.8 +/- 120 IL-1 units/ml, respectively) in the same amounts as AMs and blood monocytes from allergic asthmatics (148 +/- 47.5 and 160.5 +/- 78.3 IL-1 units/ml, respectively). After stimulation by anti-IgE or the specific allergen, asthmatic blood monocytes released IL-1-like activity (71.8 +/- 46.4 and 45.4 +/- 25.9 IL-1 units/ml, respectively). In contrast, asthmatic AM supernatants contained no detectable IL-1-like activity after stimulation by allergen or anti-IgE. The same pattern was observed with monocytes and AMs from controls after passive cell sensitization with 20% of IgE-rich serum. In a second step, the effect of supernatants of IgE-dependent stimulated AMs was tested on thymocyte proliferation induced by a purified IL-1, permitting the demonstration of an IL-1 inhibitory factor released by the AMs while these supernatants didn't modify the IL-2-dependent proliferation of a CTL-L line. The use of indomethacin and assessment of PGE2 levels in AM supernatants made it possible to discard the role of prostaglandins in this inhibitory effect. Moreover this activity, which is resistant to heat and trypsin treatment, has a molecular mass between 40 and 50 kD and did not correspond to serum proteases, alpha-1-antiproteinase, and arginase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Lymphocyte-mediated regulation of platelet activation during desensitization in patients with hymenoptera venom hypersensitivity.

T cells from peripheral blood of hymenoptera sensitive patients were studied before and after venom desensitization. Before treatment, T cells showed a variable but higher proliferative response to allergen than T cells of treated patients or controls. While before desensitization, T cell products, specifically released after in vitro allergen stimulation, were able to amplify the IgE-dependent platelet activity, we showed that after treatment of the same patients, T cell products strongly reduced platelet activation. Considering the modifications in platelet activation previously observed in patients treated by specific immunotherapy, the present results suggest that, through a modification of T cell reactivity to allergen, T cell functions are modulated by desensitization, and emphasize the involvement of T cell products in the desensitization mechanisms.

Adolescent↗

Generation and functional analysis of T cell lines and clones specific for schistosomula released products (SRP-A).

Antigens present in the products released by the larval stage of schistosome (SRP-A) were shown to induce a strong cytotoxic and protective IgE response both in the rat and the monkey. T cell lines and clones specific for SRP-A or 26 kD antigens which are the main target of the cytotoxic IgE have been derived. The passive transfer of SRP-A specific T lymphocytes into infected rats led to an increase of the IgE response, conferring a significant level of protection to the rats. In coculture assays in vitro, these cell lines significantly enhanced the production of IgE by SRP-A sensitized rat spleen cells. This helper effect on the IgE response was confirmed with 26 kD T cell clone supernatants. Moreover, supernatants obtained after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate were able to enhance the IgE production of a hybridoma B cell line (B48-14) producing a monoclonal IgE antibody, cytotoxic for the schistosomula.

Animals↗

Eosinophil activation by lymphokines and T cell clone products in the rat.

T cell lines and T cell clones derived from inbred Fischer rats and specific for Schistosoma mansoni antigens were established. Cell-free supernatants from the T cell lines demonstrated a marked capacity to enhance IgE- and IgG2a-dependent eosinophil-mediated killing of S. mansoni larvae in vitro. In addition, supernatants from cloned T cells stimulated with concanavalin A or specific antigen, or unstimulated, enhanced IgE-dependent eosinophil-mediated helminthotoxicity. The enhancing activity in both cases was very heat-stable (100 degrees C, 10 min). We also found that clone-derived supernatants enhance eosinophil peroxidase release upon stimulation with homologous IgE and anti-IgE as well as inducing a more delayed spontaneous release of peroxidase. In view of the established thymus dependency for the development of immunity to schistosomiasis in the rat, the availability of these S. mansoni-specific cloned T cells has enabled the relationship between eosinophils, lymphocytes and anaphylactic antibodies to be examined more closely.

Animals↗

Specific Schistosoma mansoni rat T cell clones. I. Generation and functional analysis in vitro and in vivo.

In an attempt to determine the role of schistosome-specific T cells in the immune mechanisms developed during schistosomiasis, Schistosoma mansoni-specific T cells and clones were generated in vitro and some of their functions analyzed in vitro and in vivo in the fischer rat model. The data presented here can be summarized as follows: a) Lymph node cells (LNC) from rats primed with the excretory/secretory antigens-incubation products (IPSm) of adult worms proliferate in vitro only in response to the homologous schistosome antigens and not to unrelated antigens (Ag) such as ovalbumin (OVA) or Dipetalonema viteae and Fasciola hepatica parasite extracts. b) After in vitro restimulation of the primed LNC population with IPSm in the presence of antigen-presenting cells (APC) and maintenance in IL 2-containing medium, the frequency of IPSm-specific T cells is increased and the T cells can be restimulated only in the presence of APC possessing the same major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens. c) Following appropriate limiting dilution assays (LDA) (1 cell/well), 10 IPSm-specific T cell clones were obtained, and two of four maintained in culture were tested for their helper activity because they expressed only the W3/13+ W3/25+ surface phenotypes. d) The two highly proliferating IPSm-specific T cell clones (G5 and E23) exhibit an IPSm-dependent helper activity, as shown by the increase in IgG production by IPSm-primed B cells. e) IPSm-T cell clone (G5) as well as IPSm-T cell lines when injected in S. mansoni-infested rats can exert an in vivo helper activity, which is characterized by an accelerated production of IgG antibodies specific for the previously identified 30 to 40 kilodaltons (kd) schistosomula surface antigens (Ag). As recent studies have demonstrated that rat monoclonal antibodies recognize some incubation products of adult S. mansoni as well as one of the 30 to 40 kd schistosomula surface antigens, and taking into account the fact that the T cell clones here studied were restimulated either with IPSm or with schistosomulum Ag, it appears that such IPSm-specific T cell clones could be involved in the concomitant immunity mechanisms.

Animals↗

Macrophage triggering by aggregated immunoglobulins. II. Comparison of IgE and IgG aggregates or immune complexes.

Macrophages incubated with complexed or aggregated IgE released beta-glucuronidase (beta-G) within 30 min. In contrast in the presence of aggregated or complexed IgG, macrophages liberated equivalent amount of beta-G only after 6 h incubation. In addition the rapid macrophage stimulation induced by aggregated IgE was also followed by a faster 3H-glucosamine incorporation when compared to the delayed activation caused by aggregated IgG. However, macrophages stimulated either by IgG or by IgE oligomers produced the same percentage of plasminogen activator at 24 h. In contrast, while the interaction between macrophages and aggregated IgE was only followed by a peak of cyclic GMP and a beta-G release during the first 30 min of incubation, the interaction between macrophages and IgG oligomers was accompanied by a simultaneous increase of cyclic GMP and AMP nucleotides and by an absence of beta-G exocytosis. Moreover, the beta-G release induced by aggregated IgE was increased when macrophages were preincubated with aggregated IgG. This additive effect was not observed in the reverse situation. Finally macrophages activated by IgG oligomers were demonstrated to exert a cytotoxic effect on tumour cells and to kill schistosomula in the presence of a low level of complement. Taken together these results underline the peculiar ability of aggregated or complexed IgE to trigger rapidly the macrophage activation compared to aggregated IgG and can explain the important role of complexed IgE in some macrophage dependent cytotoxicity mechanisms (i.e. in parasitic diseases).

Animals↗