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Results for “tissue microenvironment”

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PubMed1984

Molecular mechanism for feedback regulation of C4 biosynthesis in guinea pig peritoneal macrophage.

Previous reports have shown that regulation of local extrahepatic production of complement may not reflect the regulation of plasma concentrations of the corresponding proteins and, further, that alteration of the tissue microenvironment can affect local macrophage protein synthesis. This report describes the molecular basis for control of the biosynthesis and secretion of a class III major histocompatibility complex gene product, the fourth component of complement (C4), from guinea pig macrophages by extracellular native C4 protein. The effect is specific for C4 synthesis, since production of C2 and total secreted protein was unaffected by fluid phase C4. C4 synthesis by extracellular C4 is regulated at a pretranslational level, without an effect on posttranslational proteolytic cleavage, glycosylation, or secretion. Specific C4 and factor B cDNA probes were used to demonstrate, by dot hybridization and Northern blot analysis, a decrease in messenger RNA coding for C4 that paralleled the inhibition of C4 biosynthesis, while the amount of total RNA and mRNA specific for factor B remained constant. Inhibition of C4 biosynthesis and the disappearance of mRNA encoding C4 occurred between 4 and 6 h after exposure of the macrophages to biologically active or methylamine-inactivated C4 protein. These data demonstrate that regulation of C4 biosynthesis by guinea pig macrophages serves as a model for the study of the molecular mechanisms of macrophage activation as well as the control of production of a component of the inflammatory response.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Regulation of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 by hypoxia.

Cell adaptation to hypoxia (Hyp) requires activation of transcriptional programs that coordinate expression of genes involved in oxygen delivery (via angiogenesis) and metabolic adaptation (via glycolysis). Here, we describe that oxygen availability is a determinant parameter in the setting of chemotactic responsiveness to stromal-derived factor 1 (CXCL12). Low oxygen concentration induces high expression of the CXCL12 receptor, CXC receptor 4 (CXCR4), in different cell types (monocytes, monocyte-derived macrophages, tumor-associated macrophages, endothelial cells, and cancer cells), which is paralleled by increased chemotactic responsiveness to its specific ligand. CXCR4 induction by Hyp is dependent on both activation of the Hyp-inducible factor 1 alpha and transcript stabilization. In a relay multistep navigation process, the Hyp-Hyp-inducible factor 1 alpha-CXCR4 pathway may regulate trafficking in and out of hypoxic tissue microenvironments.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Mechanical and electrical effects of cell-based gene therapy for ischemic cardiomyopathy are independent.

Cell-based gene therapy to alter the myocardial tissue microenvironment has been shown to improve mechanical cardiac function, but little is known regarding its effects on arrhythmogenic risk. Clinical studies with skeletal myoblasts (SKMBs) have suggested a potential increase in arrhythmogenic risk. Therefore, we studied the functional mechanical and electrical effects of transient reestablishment of stem cell homing via transplantation of stromal-cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1)-expressing SKMBs. Eight weeks after anterior myocardial infarction, rats received in five divided doses into the periinfarct zone 1 million SKMBs transfected with AdSDF-1 (n=15) or AdGFP (n=8). Echocardiography was used to quantify changes in cardiac function, and optical mapping was used to determine the arrhythmogenic risk. Eight weeks after cell therapy, we observed a 54% (p=0.004) increase in shortening fraction in AdSDF-1:SKMB-treated rats, but only an 18.8% increase (p=not significant) with GFP:SKMB. SDF-1-treated hearts exhibited an increase in vascular density compared with control SKMBs (34.9+/-7.1 vs. 20.7+/-5.6 vessels/mm2; p<0.01). Optical mapping performed 8 weeks after cell therapy revealed that all animals that received SKMBs regardless of viral transfection had inducible ventricular tachycardia (VT) whereas only 50% of saline-treated animals had inducible VT (p<0.05). Transient reestablishment of stem cell homing via transplantation of modified SKMBs is sufficient to improve cardiac function. However, despite improved mechanical function, the risk of ventricular tachycardia increased. We propose that future studies on functional effects of cell-based gene therapies should address both mechanical and electrical consequences.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed1993

Neonatal porcine endometrial development involves coordinated changes in DNA synthesis, glycosaminoglycan distribution, and 3H-glucosamine labeling.

To determine whether neonatal porcine endometrial development involved alterations in endometrial DNA synthesis, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) distribution, and/or 3H-glucosamine labeling, gilts were assigned randomly at birth (Day 0) to be hysterectomized on either Day 0, 7, 14, 28, 42, or 56. Uteri were processed for histology and Alcian blue-8GX (AB) histochemistry or cultured as explants in the presence of [methyl-3H]thymidine (3H-Thd) or D-[6-3H]glucosamine (3H-GlcN) and processed for subsequent autoradiography. For 3H-Thd-labeled tissues, labeling index (LI; % of nuclei labeled) was determined for two endometrial tissues (epithelium and stroma); two epithelial areas (luminal and glandular); and, for glandular epithelium, in three endometrial zones (zone 1 = shallow, zone 2 = intermediate, zone 3 = deep). For 3H-GlcN-labeled tissues, LI (grains/100 microns2) was determined for two stromal zones (shallow and deep). Endometrial glands were absent on Day 0, present in shallow stroma on Days 7 and 14, and extended to the myometrium in tissues from Day 28 through Day 56. Appearance of endometrial glands was associated with a dramatic increase in glandular epithelial 3H-Thd LI, which was maximal on Days 7 and 14 and declined thereafter. When glands were present in all three endometrial zones (Days 28-56), glandular epithelial 3H-Thd LI was consistently greatest in zone 2. Stromal 3H-Thd LI decreased after Day 0. In tissues obtained after Day 0, a distinct zone of alcianophilia was observed in shallow stroma adjacent to luminal epithelium and surrounding the necks of newly developed endometrial glands. This staining pattern was marked in tissues from Days 7, 14, and 28. Generally, stromal 3H-GlcN LI was greater in shallow than in deep stromal zones; it decreased after Day 0 to minimum values on Days 28 and 42 in both zones, and increased slightly in shallow stroma on Day 56. Data indicate that development of the neonatal porcine endometrium between birth and Day 56 involves coordinated alterations in patterns of DNA synthesis, GAG distribution, and glycoconjugate biosynthesis. The morphogenetic processes characterized here are likely to be regulated locally via changes in tissue microenvironment.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

IL-10-induced anergy in peripheral T cell and reactivation by microenvironmental cytokines: two key steps in specific immunotherapy.

Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is widely used for treatment of allergic diseases and could potentially be applied in other immunological disorders. Induction of specific unresponsiveness (anergy) in peripheral T cells and recovery by cytokines from the tissue microenvironment represent two key steps in SIT with whole allergen or antigenic T cell peptides (PIT). The anergy is directed against the T cell epitopes of the respective antigen and characterized by suppressed proliferative and cytokine responses. It is initiated by autocrine action of IL-10, which is increasingly produced by the antigen-specific T cells. Later in therapy, B cells and monocytes also produce IL-10. The anergic T cells can be reactivated by different cytokines. Whereas IL-15 and IL-2 generate Th1 cytokine profile and an IgG4 antibody response, IL-4 reactivates a Th2 cytokine pattern and IgE antibodies. Increased IL-10 suppresses IgE and enhances IgG4 synthesis, resulting in a decreased antigen-specific IgE:IgG4 ratio, as observed normally in patients after SIT or PIT. The same state of anergy against the major bee venom allergen, phospholipase A2, can be observed in subjects naturally anergized after multiple bee stings. Together, these data demonstrate the pivotal role of autocrine IL-10 in induction of specific T cell anergy and the important participation of the cytokine microenvironment in SIT. Furthermore, knowledge of the mechanisms explaining reasons for success or failure of SIT may enable possible predictive measures of the treatment.

Bee Venoms↗

PubMed2003

Interaction of discoidin domain receptor 1 isoform b (DDR1b) with collagen activates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and promotes differentiation of macrophages.

Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a receptor tyrosine kinase activated by collagen. DDR1 is constitutively expressed in a variety of normal and transformed epithelial cells and plays a role in cell migration and differentiation through as yet unidentified signaling pathways. We previously reported inducible expression of DDR1 in human leukocytes and suggested a role for the DDR1a isoform in leukocyte migration through extracellular matrix. Here, we evaluated the contribution of DDR1 in the differentiation of the human monocytic THP-1 cells overexpressing these isoforms and of primary macrophages. Interestingly, collagen activation of DDR1b, but not DDR1a, further promoted phorbol ester-induced differentiation of THP-1 cells as determined by reduced cell proliferation and up-regulated expression of HLA-DR, CD11c, CD14, and CD40. Collagen activation of DDR1b also induced the recruitment and phosphorylation of Shc and subsequent phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and its substrate ATF2. A p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, SB203580, completely inhibited DDR1b-mediated HLA-DR expression. Activation of DDR1 endogenously expressed on macrophages also up-regulated their HLA-DR expression in a p38 MAP kinase-dependent manner. Thus, DDR1b in response to collagen transduces signals that promote maturation/differentiation of HLA-DR-positive antigen-presenting cells and contributes to the development of adaptive immunity in a tissue microenvironment.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

PubMed2002

Airflow-based PCO2 monitoring delivers O2 and removes CO2 from the monitored environment.

Previous investigation has suggested that the use of airflow-based gastrointestinal intraluminal PCO2 (GI PiCO2) monitoring systems may affect the local tissue microenvironment, making it not representative of the organ system as a whole. Therefore, we investigated the effects of using an airflow-based PCO2 monitoring system in a sealed environment. A 250-mL Erlenmeyer flask was filled with 10% CO2/90% N2 and was sealed with probes in place. Using a fiber-optic (Neotrend, Diametrix Medical, St. Paul, MN) system, the PCO2 and PO2 were continuously monitored with and without the airflow-based (Tonocap, Tonometrics, Datex-Ingstrom, Helsinki, Finland) system operating. PCO2 and PO2 remained constant when the airflow-based system was not in operation. PCO2 decreased 25.3 mmHg and PO2 increased 30 mmHg from a starting value of 0 mmHg when the airflow-based system was in operation for 12 h. The use of airflow-based methods for determining GI PiCO2 may influence the values obtained. Nonsample removing techniques such as fiber-optic methods for monitoring GI PiCO2 are preferable because they neither deliver O2 to nor remove CO2 from the local microenvironment.

Carbon Dioxide↗

PubMed1984

Angiotensin I conversion by human and rat chymotryptic proteinases.

Human skin chymotrypsin-like proteinase, human neutrophil cathepsin G, rat mast cell chymase, and rat salivary gland tonin are cell-derived serine proteinases of similar size with specificity for amino acids of aromatic residues. Each enzyme was examined for its ability to convert angiotension I to angiotensin II and to cleave a panel of synthetic substrates. Skin chymotryptic proteinase, cathepsin G, and tonin cleaved the phe8-his9 bond of angiotensin I and converted angiotensin I to angiotensin II without further degradation. In contrast, chymase formed relatively small amounts of angiotensin II because it preferentially cleaved the tyr4-ile5 bond of angiotensin I. The rank order of angiotensin I converting activity was skin chymotryptic proteinase greater than tonin greater than cathepsin G greater than chymase. The Km and Kcat for angiotensin I conversion by the human skin enzyme were 6.6 X 10(-5) M and 50 s-1, respectively. The angiotensin I converting activity of human skin chymotryptic proteinase is equal to or greater than the peptidyl dicarboxypeptidase angiotensin-converting enzyme. Substrate specificities of each enzyme were further distinguished by use of benzoyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester. A limited immunologic characterization of each enzyme was performed with monospecific goat antiserum to cathepsin G and chymase by Ochterlony gel diffusion. Each antiserum gave a precipitin line against its respective immunogen without evidence of cross-reactivity against the other enzymes. Human skin chymotryptic proteinase, cathepsin G, and tonin provide unique pathways for the generation of angiotensin II in tissue and may be of significance in regulation of biologic processes of the tissue microenvironment. The kinetic constants of the human skin chymotryptic proteinase for angiotensin I conversion, are consistent with the potential to carry out a reaction of physiologic importance.

Angiotensin I↗

PubMed2004

Asymptomatic atopy is associated with increased indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity and interleukin-10 production during seasonal allergen exposure.

BACKGROUND: Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a tryptophan (TRP)-catabolizing enzyme with regulatory effects on T cells. T cell inhibition is achieved through both TRP depletion and TRP metabolite accumulation in specific local tissue microenvironments. The expression of IDO activity by different types of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) has been shown to play a role in many instances of immunoregulation and tolerance induction. Induction of IDO after the engagement of the high-affinity receptor for IgE, FcepsilonRI, on atopic monocytes has been suggested to regulate T cell responses in atopic disorders. Interleukin-10 (IL-10), a cytokine known for its down-regulatory functions in the immune system, has recently been associated with the stable expression of IDO in mature tolerogenic dendritic cells. OBJECTIVE: This study was devised to understand the role of systemic IDO and IL-10 in the prevention of clinical apparent allergy. METHODS: The concentration of TRP and the break-down product kynurenine were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in- and off-season in sera from patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (n=12) and from clinically asymptomatic atopic patients sensitized to specific aeroallergens (n=12). Non-atopic (NA) individuals (n=12) served as control. The concentration of plasma IL-10 was determined in parallel from these donors by ELISA in- and off-season. RESULTS: In clinically unresponsive but aeroallergen-sensitized atopic individuals significantly higher systemic activity of IDO and increased plasma IL-10 levels were found during allergen exposure but not off-season compared to symptomatic atopic individuals with allergic rhinitis and NA individuals. CONCLUSION: Enhanced systemic IDO activity as well as increased systemic levels of IL-10 may contribute to the containment of allergic T cell responses and could be involved in the maintenance of a state of clinical unresponsiveness.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Geometric control of cell life and death.

Human and bovine capillary endothelial cells were switched from growth to apoptosis by using micropatterned substrates that contained extracellular matrix-coated adhesive islands of decreasing size to progressively restrict cell extension. Cell spreading also was varied while maintaining the total cell-matrix contact area constant by changing the spacing between multiple focal adhesion-sized islands. Cell shape was found to govern whether individual cells grow or die, regardless of the type of matrix protein or antibody to integrin used to mediate adhesion. Local geometric control of cell growth and viability may therefore represent a fundamental mechanism for developmental regulation within the tissue microenvironment.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Functions of the C-terminal domain of varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein E in viral replication in vitro and skin and T-cell tropism in vivo.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoprotein E (gE) is essential for VZV replication. To further analyze the functions of gE in VZV replication, a full deletion and point mutations were made in the 62-amino-acid (aa) C-terminal domain. Targeted mutations were introduced in YAGL (aa 582 to 585), which mediates gE endocytosis, AYRV (aa 568 to 571), which targets gE to the trans-Golgi network (TGN), and SSTT, an "acid cluster" comprising a phosphorylation motif (aa 588 to 601). Substitutions Y582G in YAGL, Y569A in AYRV, and S593A, S595A, T596A, and T598A in SSTT were introduced into the viral genome by using VZV cosmids. These experiments demonstrated a hierarchy in the contributions of these C-terminal motifs to VZV replication and virulence. Deletion of the gE C terminus and mutation of YAGL were lethal for VZV replication in vitro. Mutations of AYRV and SSTT were compatible with recovery of VZV, but the AYRV mutation resulted in rapid virus spread in vitro and the SSTT mutation resulted in higher virus titers than were observed for the parental rOka strain. When the rOka-gE-AYRV and rOka-gE-SSTT mutants were evaluated in skin and T-cell xenografts in SCIDhu mice, interference with TGN targeting was associated with substantial attenuation, especially in skin, whereas the SSTT mutation did not alter VZV infectivity in vivo. These results provide the first information about how targeted mutations of this essential VZV glycoprotein affect viral replication in vitro and VZV virulence in dermal and epidermal cells and T cells within intact tissue microenvironments in vivo.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

The immediate-early 63 protein of Varicella-Zoster virus: analysis of functional domains required for replication in vitro and for T-cell and skin tropism in the SCIDhu model in vivo.

The immediate-early 63-kDa (IE63) protein of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a phosphoprotein encoded by open reading frame (ORF) ORF63/ORF70. To identify functional domains, 22 ORF63 mutations were evaluated for effects on IE63 binding to the major VZV transactivator, IE62, and on IE63 phosphorylation and nuclear localization in transient transfections, and after insertion into the viral genome with VZV cosmids. The IE62 binding site was mapped to IE63 amino acids 55 to 67, with R59/L60 being critical residues. Alanine substitutions within the IE63 center region showed that S165, S173, and S185 were phosphorylated by cellular kinases. Four mutations that changed two putative nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequences altered IE63 distribution to a cytoplasmic/nuclear pattern. Only three of 22 mutations in ORF63 were compatible with recovery of infectious VZV from our cosmids, but infectivity was restored by inserting intact ORF63 into each mutated cosmid. The viable IE63 mutants had a single alanine substitution, altering T171, S181, or S185. These mutants, rOKA/ORF63rev[T171], rOKA/ORF63rev[S181], and rOKA/ORF63rev[S185], produced less infectious virus and had a decreased plaque phenotype in vitro. ORF47 kinase protein and glycoprotein E (gE) synthesis was reduced, indicating that IE63 contributed to optimal expression of early and late gene products. The three IE63 mutants replicated in skin xenografts in the SCIDhu mouse model, but virulence was markedly attenuated. In contrast, infectivity in T-cell xenografts was not altered. Comparative analysis suggested that IE63 resembled the herpes simplex virus type 1 U(S)1.5 protein, which is expressed colinearly with ICP22 (U(S)1). In summary, most mutations of ORF63 made with our VZV cosmid system were lethal for infectivity. The few IE63 changes that were tolerated resulted in VZV mutants with an impaired capacity to replicate in vitro. However, the IE63 mutants were attenuated in skin but not T cells in vivo, indicating that the contribution of the IE63 tegument/regulatory protein to VZV pathogenesis depends upon the differentiated human cell type which is targeted for infection within the intact tissue microenvironment.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Adhesion of lymphocytes to hepatic endothelium.

Chronic inflammation occurs when factors that regulate the process of leucocyte recruitment are disrupted, and it is dependent on recruitment, activation, and retention of lymphocytes within tissue microenvironments. The molecular mechanisms that mediate lymphocyte adhesion to vascular endothelial cells have been described by several groups, but the signals involved in the recruitment of lymphocytes via the hepatic circulation have yet to be elucidated fully. This article considers the liver as a model of organ specific lymphocyte recruitment. In this context, the roles of leucocyte and endothelial adhesion molecules and chemokines in lymphocyte recruitment are discussed. The article also reviews the mechanisms that regulate lymphocyte recirculation to the liver under both physiological and pathological conditions and draws parallels with other organs such as the gut and skin.

Cell Adhesion↗

PubMed2005

Causes and consequences of DNA hypomethylation in human cancer.

While specific genes are hypermethylated in the genome of cancer cells, overall methylcytosine content is often decreased as a consequence of hypomethylation affecting many repetitive sequences. Hypomethylation is also observed at a number of single-copy genes. While global hypomethylation is highly prevalent across all cancer types, it often displays considerable specificity with regard to tumor type, tumor stage, and sequences affected. Following an overview of hypomethylation alterations in various cancers, this review focuses on 3 hypotheses. First, hypomethylation at a single-copy gene may occur as a 2-step process, in which selection for gene function follows upon random hypo methylation. In this fashion, hypomethylation facilitates the adaptation of cancer cells to the ever-changing tumor tissue microenvironment, particularly during metastasis. Second, the development of global hypomethylation is intimately linked to chromatin restructuring and nuclear disorganization in cancer cells, reflected in a large number of changes in histone-modifying enzymes and other chromatin regulators. Third, DNA hypomethylation may occur at least partly as a consequence of cell cycle deregulation disturbing the coordination between DNA replication and activity of DNA methyltransferases. Finally, because of their relation to tumor progression and metastasis, DNA hypomethylation markers may be particularly useful to classify cancer and predict their clinical course.

Chromatin↗

PubMed2002

Altered hemodynamics controls matrix metalloproteinase activity and tenascin-C expression in neonatal pig lung.

Tenascin-C (TN-C) expression and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity are induced within remodeling pulmonary arteries (PAs), where they promote cell growth. Because pulmonary vascular disease in children with congenital heart defects is commonly associated with changes in pulmonary hemodynamics, we hypothesized that changes in pulmonary blood flow regulate TN-C and MMPs. To test this, we ligated the left PAs of neonatal pigs. After 12 wk, we evaluated the levels of TN-C and MMPs in control and ligated lung tissue. Modifying pulmonary hemodynamics increased TN-C mRNA and protein expression, MMP activity, and the DNA-binding activity of Egr-1, a transcription factor that has been shown to activate TN-C expression. To link MMP-mediated remodeling of the extracellular matrix to increased TN-C expression and Egr-1 activity, porcine PA smooth muscle cells were cultivated either on denatured type I collagen, which supported TN-C expression and Egr-1 activity, or on native collagen, which had the opposite effect. These data provide a framework for understanding how changes in pulmonary blood flow in the neonate modify the tissue microenvironment and cell behavior.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Breast cancer resistance protein-mediated efflux of androgen in putative benign and malignant prostate stem cells.

Malignantly transformed stem cells represent a potential common nidus for the primary cancer and the recurrent cancer that arises after treatment failure. Putative prostate stem cells and prostate tumor stem cells in benign and malignant human prostate tissue, in primary human prostate xenografts, and in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mouse model of prostate cancer, are defined by expression of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), a marker of pluripotent hematopoietic, muscle, and neural stem cells, and by an absence of androgen receptor (AR) protein. Inhibition of BCRP-mediated efflux of dihydrotestosterone by novobiocin or fumitremorgin C in a rat prostate progenitor cell line that expresses BCRP and AR mRNAs, but minimal AR protein, results in stabilization and nuclear translocation of AR protein, providing a mechanism for lack of AR protein in BCRP-expressing stem cells. In both benign and malignant human prostate tissue, the rare epithelial cells that express BCRP and lack AR protein are localized in the basal cell compartment, survive androgen deprivation, and maintain proliferative potential in the hypoxic, androgen-deprived prostate. Putative prostate tumor stem cells that express BCRP but not AR protein in TRAMP are the source of a BCRP-negative and AR-negative, Foxa2- and SV40Tag-expressing, transit amplifying compartment that progresses to the poorly differentiated carcinomas that arise rapidly after castration. Therefore, BCRP expression isolates prostate stem/tumor stem cells from the prostate tissue microenvironment through constitutive efflux of androgen, protecting the putative tumor stem cells from androgen deprivation, hypoxia, or adjuvant chemotherapy, and providing the nidus for recurrent prostate cancer.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Mem↗

PubMed2025

Implementing Mutational Epidemiology on a Global Scale: Lessons from Mutographs.

The Mutographs Cancer Grand Challenge team aimed to discover unknown causes of cancer through mutational epidemiology, an alliance of cancer epidemiology and somatic genomics. By generating whole-genome sequences from thousands of cancers and normal tissues from more than 30 countries on five continents, it discovered unsuspected mutagenic exposures affecting millions of people, raised the possibility that some carcinogens act by altering forces of selection in tissue microenvironments rather than by mutagenesis, and demonstrated changes to the direction of somatic evolution in normal cells of the human body in response to exogenous exposures and noncancer diseases. See related article by Bressan et al., p. 16 See related article by Bhattacharjee et al., p. 28 See related article by Goodwin et al., p. 34.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Mechanism of IL-10-induced T cell inactivation in allergic inflammation and normal response to allergens.

BACKGROUND: Induction of specific unresponsiveness (tolerance/anergy) in peripheral T cells and recovery by cytokines from the tissue microenvironment represent two key steps in specific immunotherapy (SIT) with whole allergen or antigenic T cell peptides. METHODS: Antigen-specific T cell responses and molecular mechanisms of T cell inactivation were investigated during conventional SIT, T cell epitope peptide immunotherapy and natural exposure to bee venom in allergic and hyperimmune individuals. RESULTS: T cell unresponsiveness, initiated by autocrine action of IL-10, is characterized by suppressed proliferative and cytokine responses. The unresponsive T cells can be reactivated by different cytokines that may mimic the microenvironmental cytokine influence. IL-10 initiates peripheral tolerance by blocking the CD28 costimulatory signal in T cells. Coprecipitation experiments reveal that upon stimulation CD28 and IL-10 receptor are physically associated in T cells. Accordingly, IL-10 binding to its receptor inhibits CD28 tyrosine phosphorylation, the initial step of the CD28 signaling pathway. This leads to inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase p85 binding to CD28. IL-10 only affects T cells that receive a stimulation with low numbers of triggered T cell receptors and that require costimulatory signals by CD28. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate the pivotal role of autocrine IL-10 and the interaction of its receptor with CD28 in the induction of T cell tolerance as an immunoregulatory mechanism controlling antigen-specific T cell responses.

Allergens↗