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Biomedical subjects

L L Cavanagh

Publications and source records attributed to L L Cavanagh.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Suppression of keratinocyte growth and differentiation by transforming growth factor beta1 involves multiple signaling pathways.

Transforming growth factor beta1 treatment of keratinocytes results in a suppression of differentiation, an induction of extracellular matrix production, and a suppression of growth. In this study we utilized markers specific for each of these functions to explore the signaling pathways involved in mediating these transforming-growth-factor-beta1-induced activities. In the first instance, we found that the induction of extracellular matrix production (characterized by 3TP-Lux reporter activity) was induced in both keratinocytes and a keratinocyte-derived carcinoma cell line, SCC25, in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, transforming growth factor beta1 also suppressed the differentiation-specific marker gene, transglutaminase type 1, in both keratinocytes and SCC25 cells. In contrast, transforming growth factor beta1 inhibited proliferation of keratinocytes but did not cause growth inhibition in the SCC25 cells. Transforming-growth-factor-beta1-induced growth inhibition of keratinocytes was characterized by decreases in DNA synthesis, accumulation of hypophosphorylated Rb, and the inhibition of the E2F:Rb-responsive promoter, cdc2, and an induction of the p21 promoter. When the negative regulator of transforming growth factor beta1 signaling, SMAD7, was overexpressed in keratinocytes it could prevent transforming-growth-factor-beta1-induced activation of the 3TP-Lux and the p21 promoter. SMAD7 could also prevent the suppression of the transglutaminase type 1 by transforming growth factor beta1 but it could not inhibit the repression of the cdc2 promoter. These data indicate that the induction of 3TP-Lux and p21 and the suppression of transglutaminase type 1 are mediated by a different proximate signaling pathway to that regulating the suppression of the cdc2 gene. Combined, these data indicate that the regulation of transforming growth factor beta1 actions are complex and involve multiple signaling pathways.

Cell Differentiation↗

Dendritic cells and the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease in which unknown arthrogenic autoantigen is presented to CD4+ T cells. The strong association of the disease with an epitope within the HLA-DR chain shared between various alleles of HLA-DR4 and DR1 emphasizes the importance of antigen presentation. This immune response predominantly occurs in the synovial tissue and fluid of the joints and autoreactive T cells are readily demonstrable in both the synovial compartment and blood. Circulating dendritic cells (DC) are phenotypically and functionally identical with normal peripheral blood (PB) DC. In the synovial tissue, fully differentiated perivascular DC are found in close association with T cells and with B cell follicles, sometimes containing follicular DC. These perivascular DC migrate across the activated endothelium from blood and receive differentiative signals within the joint from monocyte-derived cytokines and CD40-ligand+ T cells. In the SF, DC manifest an intermediate phenotype, similar to that of monocyte-derived DC in vitro. Like a delayed-type hypersensitivity response, the rheumatoid synovium represents an effector site. DC at many effector sites have a characteristic pattern of infiltration and differentiation. It is important to note that the effector response is not self-limiting in RA autoimmune inflammation. In this article, we argue that the presentation of self-antigen by DC and by autoantibody-producing B cells is critical for the perpetuation of the autoimmune response. Permanently arresting this ongoing immune response with either pharmaceutical agents or immunotherapy is a major challenge for immunology.

Animals↗

Immature human monocyte-derived dendritic cells migrate rapidly to draining lymph nodes after intradermal injection for melanoma immunotherapy.

Injected antigen-loaded immature monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) may be incapable of migrating from skin to draining lymph nodes for antigen presentation. The in vivo migratory capacity of intradermally administered immature monocyte-derived DCs was therefore investigated during a phase I/II clinical trial for metastatic melanoma. DCs cultured from adherent monocytes in the presence of autologous serum, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and interleukin-4 were pulsed with antigen and labelled with technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene-amineoxime (99mTc-HMPAO) ex vivo, then injected intradermally. A 99mTc-HMPAO control containing an equivalent amount of radioactivity was injected into the opposite thigh. The pelvis was then imaged with a gamma camera. The DCs were characterized as immature by functional and phenotypic analysis. Labelled DCs travelled to the draining inguinal lymph nodes within 10 min, and the draining lymph nodes were clearly outlined up to 4 h after injection. Free NmTc outlined draining lymph nodes after 10 min but was cleared from the nodes within 1 h. Thus, immature human monocyte-derived DCs migrate rapidly to and remain in draining lymph nodes after intradermal injection for immunotherapy.

Adult↗

UVA-induced immunosuppression.

It has previously been demonstrated that chronic low-dose solar-simulated ultraviolet (UV) radiation can induce both local and systemic immunosuppression as well as tolerance to a topically applied hapten. Epidermal cells from UV-irradiated mice inhibit spontaneous regression of tumours indicating that UV-induced immunosuppression is likely to permit the outgrowth of developing UV-induced skin tumours. We have used a chronic low-dose UV-irradiation protocol to investigate the effects of UVA on the skin immune system of C3H/HeJ mice. Irradiation with UVA + B significantly suppressed the local and systemic primary contact sensitivity (CS) response to the hapten TNCB. Furthermore UVA + B reduced Langerhans cell (LC) and dendritic epidermal T cell (DETC) numbers in chronically UV-irradiated mice. UVA-irradiation induced local, but not systemic, immunosuppression and reduced LC (32%) but not DETC from the epidermis compared to the shaved control animals. Treatment of mice with UVA + B or UVA radiation also induced an impaired secondary CS response, and this tolerance was transferable with spleen cells. Therefore exposure of C3H/HeJ mice 5 days per week for 4 weeks with UVA can induce local immunosuppression and tolerance. One of the mechanisms by which UVA affects biological systems is production of reactive oxygen species. We have also shown that Vitamin E, an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, prevents UV-induced immunosuppression and loss of LC. It is possible that the UVA in UV radiation induces epidermal lipid peroxidation which stimulates LC migration from the epidermis, thus contributing to UV-induced immunosuppression. Hence, inhibition of epidermal lipid peroxidation by Vitamin E may provide some protection to the skin immune system from these effects of UV.

Animals↗

Proliferation in monocyte-derived dendritic cell cultures is caused by progenitor cells capable of myeloid differentiation.

Dendritic cells (DC) can be generated by culture of adherent peripheral blood (PB) cells in the presence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4). There is controversy as to whether these DC arise from proliferating precursors or simply from differentiation of monocytes. DC were generated from myeloid-enriched PB non-T cells or sorted monocytes. DC generated from either population functioned as potent antigen-presenting cells. Uptake of [3H]-thymidine was observed in DC cultured from myeloid-enriched non-T cells. Addition of lipopolysaccharide or tumor necrosis factor-alpha led to maturation of the DC, but did not inhibit proliferation. Ki67(+) cells were observed in cytospins of these DC, and by double staining were CD3(-)CD19(-)CD11c-CD40(-) and myeloperoxidase+, suggesting that they were myeloid progenitor cells. Analysis of the starting population by flow cytometry demonstrated small numbers of CD34(+)CD33(-)CD14(-) progenitor cells, and numerous granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units were generated in standard assays. Thus, production of DC in vitro from adherent PB cells also enriches for progenitor cells that are capable of proliferation after exposure to GM-CSF. Of clinical importance, the yield of DC derived in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4 cannot be expanded beyond the number of starting monocytes.

Antigen-Presenting Cells↗

Nuclear localization of RelB is associated with effective antigen-presenting cell function.

Dendritic cells (DC) are potent APCs that enter resting tissues as precursors and, after Ag exposure, differentiate and migrate to draining lymph nodes. The phenotype of RelB knockout mice implicates this member of the NF kappa B/Rel family in DC differentiation. To further elucidate the role of RelB in DC differentiation, mRNA, intracellular protein expression, and DNA binding activity of RelB were examined in immature and differentiated human DC, as well as other PB mononuclear cell populations. RelB protein and mRNA were detected constitutively in lymphocytes and in activated monocytes, differentiated DC, and monocyte-derived DC. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated RelB within the differentiated lymph node interdigitating DC and follicular DC, but not undifferentiated DC in normal skin. Active nuclear RelB was detected by supershift assay only in differentiated DC derived from either PB precursors or monocytes and in activated B cells. These RelB+ APC were potent stimulators of the MLR. The data indicate that RelB expression is regulated both transcriptionally and post-translationally in myeloid cells. Within the nucleus, RelB may specifically transactivate genes that are critical for APC function.

Adult↗

Dendritic epidermal T-cell involvement in induction of CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity against an ultraviolet radiation-induced skin tumor.

Murine epidermis contains 2 distinct cell populations which contribute to the skin immune system, Langerhans cells (LC), and dendritic epidermal T cells (DETC). LCs are important in the induction of immunity against a wide range of antigens; however, the function of DETC is unclear. To investigate the roles of these epidermal cells (EC) in protective antitumor immunity, an in vivo model of an ultraviolet radiation-induced fibrosarcoma, UV-13-1, was used. Mice were immunized with tumor antigen-pulsed EC followed 10 days later by an injection into the ear of 10(5) tumor cells, which did not lead to formation of a detectable tumor, but was intended to simulate the influence of a developing tumor on the ensuing immune response. The mice were then challenged with 2 x 10(6) viable tumor cells in each flank, sufficient to result in growth of a measurable tumor. Protective immunity was induced by DETC, and shown to be long-lasting, with tumors inoculated 160 days after immunization being effectively rejected. The effector cells responsible for protective immunity were CD8+ T cells. Delayed-type hypersensitivity generated by tumor antigen-pulsed EC was dependent on LCs, with no involvement of DETCs. This response, in contrast to that of DETC, required prior culture of EC with GM-CSF, but failed to inhibit tumor growth or incidence. Thus DETC and LC can both activate antitumor immune responses, although only the DETC-dependent response results in protective immunity in the presence of a developing tumor.

Animals↗

Dendritic epidermal T cells in ultraviolet-irradiated skin enhance skin tumor growth by inhibiting CD4+ T-cell-mediated immunity.

Chronic UV irradiation of the skin not only causes skin cancer in humans but modifies immune responses generated within the epidermis, resulting in impaired immunity against a variety of infectious as well as noninfectious agents. In mice, tumors induced by chronic UV irradiation grow faster when transplanted into mice that are immunosuppressed by UV irradiation. To investigate epidermal cells (EC) in UV-irradiated skin that inhibit the induction of immunity against tumors, the murine UV-induced LK2 regresser tumor was used. This tumor grows initially in vivo and then spontaneously regresses. In vivo T-cell depletion was used to determine that regression of LK2 tumors in unirradiated mice was mediated mainly by CD8+ T lymphocytes, with minor involvement of CD4+ T cells. Immunization of mice with tumor antigen-pulsed EC prepared from unirradiated mice enhanced immunity against subsequent inoculation of LK2 tumors, augmenting regression of the LK2 tumor due to increased activation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets against the tumor. By contrast, immunization with EC prepared from UV-irradiated skin inhibited the induction of antitumor immunity, enhancing LK2 tumor growth. This was caused by the dendritic epidermal T cells that remained within this UV-irradiated EC preparation inhibiting activation of CD4+ T cells, without affecting CD8+ T cell function. Hence, during the development of murine UV-induced skin tumors, dendritic epidermal T cell inhibition of CD4+ T cell activation may enable this skin tumor to escape immune-mediated destruction.

Animals↗

Epidermal Langerhans' cell induction of immunity against an ultraviolet-induced skin tumour.

Langerhans' cells (LC) have been shown experimentally to induce immune responses against many antigens; however, their role in the initiation of anti-tumour immunity has received little attention. This study examined the ability of murine epidermal LC to induce immunity to an ultraviolet radiation (UV)-induced skin tumour. Freshly prepared epidermal cells (EC) were cultured for 2 or 20 hr with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), pulsed with an extract of the UV-13-1 tumour, then used to immunize naive syngeneic mice. Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) was elicited 10 days after immunization by injection of UV-13-1 tumour cells into the ear pinna, and measured 24 hr later. EC cultured with GM-CSF for 2 hr induced antitumour DTH, as did EC cultured for 20 hr without GM-CSF. Conversely, EC cultured for 2 hr without GM-CSF, or EC cultured for 20 hr with GM-CSF were unable to induce a DTH. Induction of immunity required active presentation of tumour antigens by Ia+ EC and was tumour specific. Thus Ia+ epidermal cells are capable of inducing anti-tumour immunity to UV-induced skin tumours, but only when they contact antigen in particular states of maturation.

Animals↗

Immunophenotypic and cell cycle analysis of lymph node cells from dimethylbenzanthracene-treated mice.

The chemical carcinogen 7, 12-dimethylbenz-(a)anthracene (DMBA) depletes Langerhans cells from murine epidermis. Application of contact sensitizers to DMBA-treated skin induces specific immunological tolerance due to a DMBA-resistant epidermal antigen presenting cell (APC) migrating to local lymph nodes where it presents antigen in a way which activates suppressor cells. As alterations in local lymph node lymphocytes may enhance the ability of the DMBA-resistant APC to activate suppressor cells, these cells were examined in DMBA-treated mice. Lymph nodes in DMBA-treated mice had normal morphology but were larger and contained increased numbers of lymphocytes. Cell cycle analysis revealed that these lymphocytes did not arise from division within the lymph node, suggesting alterations in homing properties of lymphocytes. Contact sensitizer applied to DMBA-treated skin did not increase lymphocyte division, possibly due to suppressor cell inhibition of the development of effector lymphocytes. DMBA treatment had no effect on B cells or Ia expression, but decreased levels of the T lymphocyte cell surface molecule Thy-1, and increased L3T4 and Lyt-2 as quantitated by flow cytofluorimetry. These changes could influence the development of immune responses as these T cell molecules are receptors involved in lymphocyte interactions.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗

Antigen presented in the local lymph node by cells from dimethylbenzanthracene-treated murine epidermis activates suppressor cells.

Application to skin depleted of LC by treatment with the chemical carcinogen DMBA of a dose of contact sensitizer optimal for inducing contact sensitivity activates transferrable suppressor cells. Excision of solvent- or DMBA-treated skin at various times following application of the contact sensitizer DNFB indicated that the fraction of antigen which leaves the skin within the first few hours induces tolerance. An initial signal inducing unresponsiveness, observed within 1/2 hr, was overturned 3-6 hr later. A more permanent tolerogenic signal in the DMBA- but not solvent-treated lymph node resulted from an epidermal cell from DMBA-treated skin presenting antigen to suppressor cells. Therefore it is likely that suppressor cells are activated in DMBA-treated mice by an epidermal cell which migrates to the local lymph node. Local lymph node cells from DMBA-treated mice also have a diminished ability to present antigen in vivo but they do not activate suppressor cells.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗