Introdução: O lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) é uma doença autoimune caracterizada por uma alteração no sistema imunológico e uma inflamação crônica. O exercício físico agudo e crônico têm sido apontados como uma estratégia capaz de atenuar os acometimentos da doença e os fatores de risco cardiovasculares em pacientes com LES. Entretanto, ainda não se sabe se o exercício físico poderia piorar o quadro inflamatório e imunológico de pacientes com LES em remissão (LESREM) e atividade da doença (LESATIV). Objetivos: Avaliar o efeito agudo e crônico do exercício aeróbio na resposta das citocinas (IFN-y, IL-10, IL-6 e TNF-alfa) e receptores solúveis de TNF (sTNFR1 e sTNFR2) séricos e na expressão gênica em leucócitos circulantes de pacientes com LESREM e LESATIV. Métodos: A resposta das citocinas e dos sTNFRs às sessões agudas de exercício moderado (~50% do VO2pico) e intenso (~70% do VO2pico) foram avaliadas em 11 pacientes com LESATIV, 12 pacientes com LESREM e 10 controles saudáveis (GC), os quais foram pareados por sexo, idade e índice de massa corporal. A resposta da expressão gênica em leucócitos circulantes à sessão aguda intensa de exercício foi avaliada em quatro voluntárias por grupo (LESATIV, LESREM e GC). O treinamento aeróbio (12 semanas, 2x/semana, 30 a 50 minutos, FC entre os limiares ventilatórios) foi realizado por oito pacientes com LESREM. As citocinas e os sTNFRs foram avaliados por multiplex e a expressão gênica pelo método de PCRarray, com subsequente análise bioinformática. Resultados: Em resposta a sessão aguda moderada de exercício não houve alteração na resposta das citocinas e receptores solúveis de TNF (P > 0,05), com exceção da redução da IL-6 e do sTNFR1 na recuperação nos grupos LESATIV e GC (P < 0,05), respectivamente. Após o exercício agudo intenso, apenas o sTNFR1 reduziu durante a recuperação (P < 0,05) no grupo LESREM. No GC, a IL-10, o TNF-alfa, o sTNFR1 e o sTNFR2 permaneceram inalterados (P > 0,05), enquanto o IFN-y reduziu ao final do exercício (P = 0,05) e a IL-6 apresentou um aumento transitório ao final do exercício (P = 0,028). No grupo LESATIV, houve um aumento transitório da IL-10, IL-6 e TNF-alfa (P < 0,05), porém, todos os valores estavam normalizados 24 horas após o término da sessão. A análise da expressão gênica mostrou que uma sessão aguda de exercício intenso pode modular a expressão de genes nos leucócitos circulantes. Ao final da sessão intensa de exercício, houve uma redução da expressão de genes relacionados a citocinas e seus receptores, bem como da via dos receptores do tipo toll e da JAK/STAT nos três grupos do estudo, porém, com uma menor quantidade de genes alterados nos grupos LESREM e LESATIV comparados ao GC. Em resposta ao treinamento aeróbio, o grupo LESREM apresentou uma redução da concentração basal do sTNFR2 (P = 0,025) e uma tendência para redução da IL-10 (P = 0,093). Além disso, a área sob a curva (ASC) da resposta da cinética da IL-10 às sessões agudas moderada e intensa de exercício reduziram após o treinamento aeróbio (P < 0,05). As ASCs da IL-10, IL-6, TNF-alfa e sTNFR1 em resposta a sessão moderada de exercício não reduziram, mas alcançaram os valores do GC (P > 0,05). Conclusão: As sessões agudas de exercício moderado e intenso não exacerbam o quadro inflamatório em pacientes com LESREM e LESATIV. Adicionalmente, uma sessão intensa de exercício parece modular a expressão gênica em leucócitos circulantes de pacientes com LESREM e LESATIV, porém, em menor quantidade comparados ao GC. Por fim, o treinamento aeróbio parece reduzir o milieu inflamatório em pacientes com LESREM / Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by an altered immune system and a chronic inflammation. Acute and chronic physical exercise has been emerged as a strategy to attenuate the disease outcomes and the cardiovascular risk factors in SLE patients. However, it is not known yet if physical exercise could dysregulate the inflammatory process and immune system in active (SLEACTIVE) and inactive SLE patients (SLEINACTIVE). Aims: to assess the effects of acute and chronic aerobic exercise training on the serum cytokines (IFN-y, IL-10, IL-6 e TNF-?) and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) levels and in the gene expression of circulating leukocytes in SLEACTIVE and SLEINACTIVE patients. Methods: Cytokines and sTNFRs responses to acute moderate (~50% of VO2peak) and intense (~70% of VO2peak) aerobic exercise were assessed in 11 SLEACTIVE patients, 12 SLEINACTIVE patients and 10 healthy controls (HC), who were matched for age, sex and body mass index. Leucocytes gene expression responses to acute intense exercise were assessed in four subjects of each group (SLEACTIVE, SLEINACTIVE, and HC). Aerobic exercise training (12 weeks, twice a week, 30 to 50 minutes, HR between ventilatory thresholds) was performed by eight SLEINACTIVE patients. Cytokines and sTNFRs were assessed by multiplex technique and the gene expression by a PCRarray method, followed by bioinformatics analysis. Results: In response to an acute moderate exercise there were no significant differences in cytokines and sTNFRs (P > 0.05), except for the reduction in IL-6 and sTNFR1 during recovery in SLEACTIVE and HC (P < 0.05), respectively. After acute intense exercise, only sTNFR1 levels reduced during recovery (P < 0.05) in the SLEINACTIVE. In HC group, IL-10, TNF-?, sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 remained unchanged (P > 0.05), while IFN-y reduced at the end of exercise (P = 0.05) and IL-6 increased transitorily at the end of exercise (P = 0.028). In the SLEACTIVE group, there was a transitory increase in IL-10, IL-6 and TNF-alfa (P < 0.05), however, all cytokines were normalized 24 hours after the end of exercise. The analyses of gene expression showed that an acute intense aerobic exercise can modulate the gene expression in circulating leukocytes. At the end of acute intense exercise, there was a down-regulation of cytokines-cytokines receptor genes, and in the genes involved in the toll-like receptors and JAK/STAT pathways, however, with fewer genes altered in the SLEACTIVE and SLEINACTIVE groups compared with HC. In response to aerobic exercise training, SLEINACTIVE showed a reduction in the baseline sTNFR2 levels (P = 0.025) and a tendency to decrease in IL-10 levels (P = 0.093). Moreover, area under the curve (AUC) of the IL-10 kinetics to acute moderate and intense aerobic exercise reduced after the aerobic exercise training (P < 0.05). The AUCs of IL-10, IL-6, TNF-alfa and sTNFR1 in response to acute moderate exercise did not reduce, but reached the HC values (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Acute moderate and intense aerobic exercise did not exacerbate the inflammatory process in SLEINACTIVE and SLEACTIVE patients. Additionally, acute intense aerobic exercise seems to modulate the gene expression in leukocytes of SLEINACTIVE and SLEACTIVE patients, however, in fewer genes than in HC group. Finally, the aerobic exercise training seems to reduce milieu inflammatory in SLEINACTIVE patients

Introdução: O pênfigo foliáceo endêmico (PFE) ou Fogo Selvagem (FS) é uma dermatose bolhosa autoimune com auto-anticorpos IgG patogênicos, principalmente da subclasse IgG4, direcionados contra epítopos da desmogleína 1 (Dsg1), uma glicoproteína desmossômica que desempenha papel na adesão celular da epiderme. Os auto-anticorpos ligam-se a domínios específicos da Dsg1, gerando acantólise (perda da adesão celular) através de mecanismos diversos, tais como sinalização intracelular de moléculas e impedimento estérico. A etiopatogenia do FS é multifatorial, apresentando interações entre fatores imunológicos, genéticos e ambientais. Em algumas regiões do Brasil, detectou-se alta prevalência de FS (3%), sugerindo importante participação de fatores ambientais como desencadeantes da resposta autoimune. Indivíduos saudáveis de áreas endêmicas de FS reconhecem epítopos não-patogênicos da Dsg1, e exposição a insetos hematófagos é um fator de risco para FS. FS e doença de Chagas compartilham algumas regiões geográficas, e anticorpos anti- Dsg1 foram detectados em doentes de Chagas. Na reserva indígena Terena (Limão Verde), onde a prevalência de FS é alta, a população está exposta a picadas de simulídeos, cimecídeos e reduvídeos. Estes insetos podem atuar como vetores de doenças, bem como na imunomodulação do processo autoimune do FS. Objetivos: Nosso estudo teve como objetivos: 1- avaliar a frequência de anticorpos anti-Trypanosoma cruzi em doentes de FS e na população saudável da área de alto risco para FS, habitantes da aldeia indígena de Limão Verde, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil; 2- avaliar a reatividade concomitante contra Dsg1 e T. cruzi nessa população de alto risco para FS. Métodos: Realizamos ensaio sorológico de ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) para reatividade contra Dsg1 e contra T. cruzi em 40 doentes de FS e em 150 indivíduos saudáveis da reserva indígena Terena. Adicionalmente, todos os soros foram analisados através da técnica de imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) para doença de Chagas. Nas reações positivas por ELISA e IFI para Chagas, TESA (trypomastigoste extracted/secreted antigens) immunobloting foi realizado como teste confirmatório para doença de Chagas. Resultados: A forma indeterminada da doença de Chagas foi identificada através da reação contra o T. cruzi por ELISA, IFI e TESA-BLOT em cinco indivíduos de Limão Verde, que não apresentavam FS. Nenhum doente de FS da região estudada apresentou reatividade contra T. cruzi. O perfil de anticorpos anti-Dsg1 evidenciou resultado positivo em 15 dos 40 doentes de FS e em 33 dos 150 soros de indivíduos saudáveis da região endêmica de FS. Não se observou reação cruzada entre doença de Chagas e FS. Conclusões: 1-Nosso estudo revelou pela primeira vez a ocorrência de doença de Chagas, forma indeterminada, em uma população ameríndia Terena da aldeia de Limão Verde, uma área endêmica de fogo selvagem; 2-Nenhum doente de fogo selvagem da reserva indígena Terena de Limão Verde, Aquidauana (MS) apresentou reatividade contra o Trypanosoma cruzi; 3-A resposta antidesmogleína 1 nos doentes de fogo selvagem foi encontrada em 37,5% (15/40) dos pacientes. Auto-anticorpos anti-desmogleína 1 nos indivíduos sadios (sem fogo selvagem) foram encontrados em 22% (33/150) dos casos. 4-Não houve concomitância de doença de Chagas e fogo selvagem na amostra populacional estudada de Limão Verde / Introduction: Endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) or Fogo Selvagem (FS) is an autoimmune blistering disorder with pathogenic IgG autoantibodies, mainly of the IgG4 subclass, that recognize desmoglein 1 (Dsg1), a desmossomal glycoprotein that plays a role in epidermal cell adhesion. Autoantibodies binding to specific domains of Dsg1 lead to acantholysis through different mechanisms, such as intracellular molecular signaling and steric hindrance. Etiopathogenesis of FS is multifactorial, with the interaction of immunological, genetic and environmental factors. In certain settlements of Brazil, a high prevalence of FS (3%) is reported, suggesting an important role for environmental factors as triggers of the autoimmune response. Healthy individuals from endemic areas recognize non-pathogenic epitopes of Dsg1, and exposure to hematophagous insects is a risk factor for FS. Interestingly, FS and Chagas disease share some geographic sites, and anti- Dsg1 has been detected in Chagas patients. In the Terena reservation of Limao Verde, where FS prevalence is high, the population is prone to insect bites (Simulium, Cimex and Triatoma). Those insects may play a role as disease vectors or exert modulation of the autoimmune process in FS. Aims: Our study aimed: 1-To evaluate the frequency of antibodies anti- Trypanosoma cruzi in FS patients and in a healthy population living in a highrisk area for FS, a native Brazilian reservation of Limão Verde, Mato Grosso, Brazil; 2-.To analyze the concomitant reactivity against Dsg1 and T. cruzi in a high-risk population for FS. Methods: We performed ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) for Dsg1 and T. cruzi in forty FS patients and 150 healthy individuals living in the Terena reservation. All sera were also analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) for Chagas disease. In those seropositive reactions for T. cruzi, TESA (trypomastigoste extracted/secreted antigens) immunoblotting was performed as a confirmatory test for Chagas disease. Results: Indeterminate Chagas disease was identified utilizing ELISA, IIF and TESA-BLOT for T. cruzi in five non-FS individuals from Limão Verde. In counterpart, none of the FS patients living in the same geographic region showed reactivity against Trypanosoma cruzi. Anti-Dsg1 antibodies were present in 15 out of 40 FS sera and in 33 out of 150 sera from healthy individuals from endemic FS site. No cross-reactivity between Chagas disease and FS was observed. Conclusions: 1- Our study revealed, for the first time, the occurrence of indetermined Chagas disease in an Amerindian Terena population of Limão Verde, Aquidauana, an endemic area of Fogo Selvagem; 2-None of the FS patients from the present endemic focus of Limao Verde, Aquidauana (MS) showed reactivity against Trypanosoma cruzi; 3-The anti-Dsg1 response in FS patients of this focus was detected in 37.5% (15/40) of the patients. In non-FS controls, autoantibodies anti-Dsg 1 were detected in 22% (33/150) of the sera; 4-There was no concomitance of Chagas disease and fogo selvagem in the analyzed population of Limão Verde

Introdução: O pênfigo foliáceo endêmico (PFE) ou Fogo Selvagem (FS) é uma dermatose bolhosa autoimune com auto-anticorpos IgG patogênicos, principalmente da subclasse IgG4, direcionados contra epítopos da desmogleína 1 (Dsg1), uma glicoproteína desmossômica que desempenha papel na adesão celular da epiderme. Os auto-anticorpos ligam-se a domínios específicos da Dsg1, gerando acantólise (perda da adesão celular) através de mecanismos diversos, tais como sinalização intracelular de moléculas e impedimento estérico. A etiopatogenia do FS é multifatorial, apresentando interações entre fatores imunológicos, genéticos e ambientais. Em algumas regiões do Brasil, detectou-se alta prevalência de FS (3%), sugerindo importante participação de fatores ambientais como desencadeantes da resposta autoimune. Indivíduos saudáveis de áreas endêmicas de FS reconhecem epítopos não-patogênicos da Dsg1, e exposição a insetos hematófagos é um fator de risco para FS. FS e doença de Chagas compartilham algumas regiões geográficas, e anticorpos anti- Dsg1 foram detectados em doentes de Chagas. Na reserva indígena Terena (Limão Verde), onde a prevalência de FS é alta, a população está exposta a picadas de simulídeos, cimecídeos e reduvídeos. Estes insetos podem atuar como vetores de doenças, bem como na imunomodulação do processo autoimune do FS. Objetivos: Nosso estudo teve como objetivos: 1- avaliar a frequência de anticorpos anti-Trypanosoma cruzi em doentes de FS e na população saudável da área de alto risco para FS, habitantes da aldeia indígena de Limão Verde, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil; 2- avaliar a reatividade concomitante contra Dsg1 e T. cruzi nessa população de alto risco para FS. Métodos: Realizamos ensaio sorológico de ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) para reatividade contra Dsg1 e contra T. cruzi em 40 doentes de FS e em 150 indivíduos saudáveis da reserva indígena Terena. Adicionalmente, todos os soros foram analisados através da técnica de imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) para doença de Chagas. Nas reações positivas por ELISA e IFI para Chagas, TESA (trypomastigoste extracted/secreted antigens) immunobloting foi realizado como teste confirmatório para doença de Chagas. Resultados: A forma indeterminada da doença de Chagas foi identificada através da reação contra o T. cruzi por ELISA, IFI e TESA-BLOT em cinco indivíduos de Limão Verde, que não apresentavam FS. Nenhum doente de FS da região estudada apresentou reatividade contra T. cruzi. O perfil de anticorpos anti-Dsg1 evidenciou resultado positivo em 15 dos 40 doentes de FS e em 33 dos 150 soros de indivíduos saudáveis da região endêmica de FS. Não se observou reação cruzada entre doença de Chagas e FS. Conclusões: 1-Nosso estudo revelou pela primeira vez a ocorrência de doença de Chagas, forma indeterminada, em uma população ameríndia Terena da aldeia de Limão Verde, uma área endêmica de fogo selvagem; 2-Nenhum doente de fogo selvagem da reserva indígena Terena de Limão Verde, Aquidauana (MS) apresentou reatividade contra o Trypanosoma cruzi; 3-A resposta antidesmogleína 1 nos doentes de fogo selvagem foi encontrada em 37,5% (15/40) dos pacientes. Auto-anticorpos anti-desmogleína 1 nos indivíduos sadios (sem fogo selvagem) foram encontrados em 22% (33/150) dos casos. 4-Não houve concomitância de doença de Chagas e fogo selvagem na amostra populacional estudada de Limão Verde / Introduction: Endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) or Fogo Selvagem (FS) is an autoimmune blistering disorder with pathogenic IgG autoantibodies, mainly of the IgG4 subclass, that recognize desmoglein 1 (Dsg1), a desmossomal glycoprotein that plays a role in epidermal cell adhesion. Autoantibodies binding to specific domains of Dsg1 lead to acantholysis through different mechanisms, such as intracellular molecular signaling and steric hindrance. Etiopathogenesis of FS is multifactorial, with the interaction of immunological, genetic and environmental factors. In certain settlements of Brazil, a high prevalence of FS (3%) is reported, suggesting an important role for environmental factors as triggers of the autoimmune response. Healthy individuals from endemic areas recognize non-pathogenic epitopes of Dsg1, and exposure to hematophagous insects is a risk factor for FS. Interestingly, FS and Chagas disease share some geographic sites, and anti- Dsg1 has been detected in Chagas patients. In the Terena reservation of Limao Verde, where FS prevalence is high, the population is prone to insect bites (Simulium, Cimex and Triatoma). Those insects may play a role as disease vectors or exert modulation of the autoimmune process in FS. Aims: Our study aimed: 1-To evaluate the frequency of antibodies anti- Trypanosoma cruzi in FS patients and in a healthy population living in a highrisk area for FS, a native Brazilian reservation of Limão Verde, Mato Grosso, Brazil; 2-.To analyze the concomitant reactivity against Dsg1 and T. cruzi in a high-risk population for FS. Methods: We performed ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) for Dsg1 and T. cruzi in forty FS patients and 150 healthy individuals living in the Terena reservation. All sera were also analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) for Chagas disease. In those seropositive reactions for T. cruzi, TESA (trypomastigoste extracted/secreted antigens) immunoblotting was performed as a confirmatory test for Chagas disease. Results: Indeterminate Chagas disease was identified utilizing ELISA, IIF and TESA-BLOT for T. cruzi in five non-FS individuals from Limão Verde. In counterpart, none of the FS patients living in the same geographic region showed reactivity against Trypanosoma cruzi. Anti-Dsg1 antibodies were present in 15 out of 40 FS sera and in 33 out of 150 sera from healthy individuals from endemic FS site. No cross-reactivity between Chagas disease and FS was observed. Conclusions: 1- Our study revealed, for the first time, the occurrence of indetermined Chagas disease in an Amerindian Terena population of Limão Verde, Aquidauana, an endemic area of Fogo Selvagem; 2-None of the FS patients from the present endemic focus of Limao Verde, Aquidauana (MS) showed reactivity against Trypanosoma cruzi; 3-The anti-Dsg1 response in FS patients of this focus was detected in 37.5% (15/40) of the patients. In non-FS controls, autoantibodies anti-Dsg 1 were detected in 22% (33/150) of the sera; 4-There was no concomitance of Chagas disease and fogo selvagem in the analyzed population of Limão Verde

Human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) has yet to be definitively linked to a specific disease. This is due in part to the ubiquitous nature of the virus. Humanized Rag2-/-γc-/- (Rag-hu) mice were tested to determine if these were a suitable animal model to study the virus. Both cell-free and cell-associated virus was used for infection and both were found to be efficient at infecting the mice. Viral DNA was found in the plasma and cellular blood fractions, bone marrow, lymph node, and thymus, indicating successful infection and propagation of the virus in vivo. The CD3+CD4- population was depleted, while the CD3-CD4+ was increased in infected animals. The CD3-CD4+CD8- and CD3+CD4+CD8- populations were depleted and the CD3+CD4+CD8+ population increased when analysis was gated upon CD4+ cells. The CD3-CD4+CD8+ population expanded and the CD3-CD4+CD8- population was reduced when analysis was gated on the CD3- population. Additional flow cytometry analysis revealed increases in CD4+CD8+ double positive cells in the peripheral blood of cell-free infected mice, which could indicate improper T cell selection and a premature departure of these cells from the thymus, possibly contributing to autoimmunity. Previous research has shown that HIV and HHV-6A may have a synergistic effect on one another and that HHV-6A may act as a cofactor in the progression to AIDS. After determining the Rag-hu mouse model was suitable for studying HHV-6A infection, a coinfection of HHV-6A and HIV-1 was performed. Coinfected mice had fewer thymocytes when compared with the HIV-1 only, mock-infected, and to a lesser extent HHV-6A only groups which could indicate increased cell death in the coinfected group as well as possible disruptions in migration of cells, either causing cells to be sequestered in the bone marrow and unable to migrate to the thymus, or causing premature egress of the cells in the thymus due in part to premature upregulation of CCR7, both of which would explain the smaller cellular populations found in the coinfected mouse thymi. Additional studies were performed to determine if a preferential targeting existed between HHV-6A and HIV-1 as these viruses are found simultaneously coinfecting the same cell. Preferential targeting was not observed by cell-associated migration assay, but increased migration of HHV-6A-infected cells was observed in a CCL21 dependent manner. These studies have provided useful information about HHV-6A and its relevance to HIV/AIDS as well as a possible mechanism of the involvement of HHV-6A in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) with characteristic multifocal lesions or ‘ plaques’ of demyelination mainly in the white matter of the brain ( involving cerebral cortex, cerebellar, brain stem and spinal cord). These MS plaques vary in size and shape, and are composed of infiltrates of lymphocytes and macrophages - which contain myelin debris. CD8 T cells are more prevalent in CNS lesions and display oligoclonal expansion. However, their role in disease remains unclear with studies showing both protective and pathogenic roles for myelin-specific CD8 T cells in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. Our studies have demonstrated a disease-suppressive function for CNS-specific CD8 T cells in a model where the antigen is exogenously administered in vivo and used for in vitro CD8 activation. My studies focus on probing the nature of the CD8 response elicited by endogenously presented myelin antigens in vivo utilizing a novel approach, infection with Listeria monocytogenes (LM) encoding for myelin proteolipid protein peptide PLP178-191 (LM-PLP). I show that LM-PLP infection preferentially induces PLP-specific CD8, but not CD4, T cell responses. Despite this, infection does not result in autoimmunity. In fact, routinely induced EAE is significantly ameliorated in LM-PLP-infected mice, compared to controls. Disease suppression is dependent on the presence of CD8 T cells, and the effector molecules IFN-g and perforin. CNS T cell infiltration and inflammatory responses are reduced in LM-PLP-protected mice, and CD4 T cells from LM-PLP-protected mice are less inflammatory than those from controls. Importantly, infection with LM-PLP ameliorates already established disease. My studies indicate that myelin-specific CD8 T cells induced by endogenous presentation of antigen attenuate CNS autoimmunity in multiple mouse models of EAE, implicating the potential of this approach as a novel immunotherapeutic strategy.

<p>Autoimmune diseases develop when the immune system fails to distinguish self from non-self or when the immune system is hypersensitive to endogenous or exogenous danger signals, or when a tissue erroneously sends a danger signal to the immune system. The education of the immune system to distinguish self from non-self is mainly carried out in the thymus and gives rise to central tolerance, whereas the ability to sense a danger or a healthy tissue constitutes peripheral tolerance. In these studies we have investigated the peripheral tolerance mechanisms controlled by the autoimmune regulator <i>(Aire)</i> gene in Aire deficient mice, an animal model of the monogenic disease autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I (APS I).</p><p>Aire-/- mice displayed increased numbers of myeloid-derived antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the spleen, lymph nodes and peritoneum as well as more blood monocytes and metallophilic macrophages in the spleen. Monocytes were also increased in the blood of APS I patients. Monocyte precursors displayed an accelerated development in the bone marrow of Aire-/- mice, and Aire-/- APCs had an altered phenotype that caused an increased immune response in several different contexts. Aire-/- splenic and lymph node dendritic cells had an increased ability to activate naive T cells, partly as a result of an upregulated expression of the costimulatory molecule VCAM-1. In Aire-/- mice increased activity of the metallophilic macrophages in the splenic marginal zone seems to be responsible both for the activated phenotype of marginal zone B cells and for the frequent development of marginal zone lymphoma with aging. In a TCR transgenic model Aire deficiency caused an increased superantigen-mediated TCR revision in the spleen, perhaps as a result of the altered phenotype of APCs in the spleen. Finally, Aire was shown to influence autoimmune disease development by a macrophage-dependent mechanism in diabetes induced with multiple low dose streptozotocin injections.</p><p>These results indicate that Aire has an important function in peripheral tolerance by controlling the phenotype of myeloid-derived APCs and thereby regulating the activation of T and B lymphocytes.</p> / <p>Autoimmune diseases develop when the immune system fails to distinguish self from non-self or when the immune system is hypersensitive to endogenous or exogenous danger signals, or when a tissue erroneously sends a danger signal to the immune system. The education of the immune system to distinguish self from non-self is mainly carried out in the thymus and gives rise to central tolerance, whereas the ability to sense a danger or a healthy tissue constitutes peripheral tolerance. In these studies we have investigated the peripheral tolerance mechanisms controlled by the autoimmune regulator <i>(Aire)</i> gene in Aire deficient mice, an animal model of the monogenic disease autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I (APS I).</p><p>Aire-/- mice displayed increased numbers of myeloid-derived antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the spleen, lymph nodes and peritoneum as well as more blood monocytes and metallophilic macrophages in the spleen. Monocytes were also increased in the blood of APS I patients. Monocyte precursors displayed an accelerated development in the bone marrow of Aire-/- mice, and Aire-/- APCs had an altered phenotype that caused an increased immune response in several different contexts. Aire-/- splenic and lymph node dendritic cells had an increased ability to activate naive T cells, partly as a result of an upregulated expression of the costimulatory molecule VCAM-1. In Aire-/- mice increased activity of the metallophilic macrophages in the splenic marginal zone seems to be responsible both for the activated phenotype of marginal zone B cells and for the frequent development of marginal zone lymphoma with aging. In a TCR transgenic model Aire deficiency caused an increased superantigen-mediated TCR revision in the spleen, perhaps as a result of the altered phenotype of APCs in the spleen. Finally, Aire was shown to influence autoimmune disease development by a macrophage-dependent mechanism in diabetes induced with multiple low dose streptozotocin injections.</p><p>These results indicate that Aire has an important function in peripheral tolerance by controlling the phenotype of myeloid-derived APCs and thereby regulating the activation of T and B lymphocytes.</p>

<p>Vaccination with DNA encoding the encephalitogenic autoantigen myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), pMOG91-108, induce a protective immunity against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of human multiple sclerosis. By injection of a DNA vaccine that contains a DNA region encoding short interfering RNA specific for IFNβ (pMOG-IFNβ) the protective effect of the DNA vaccination is totally inhibited. This demonstrates that IFN-β is directly involved in the protective mechanism against EAE.</p><p>The objective of this project was to study how molecules involved in the inflammatory process in EAE are regulated by suppressive DNA vaccination. mRNA expression of IL-1β, TGF β, IL-23p40 and Axl receptor tyrosine kinas did not show any significant differences between the groups vaccinated with these DNA vaccines. IL-6 and IFNγ mRNA expression after MOG stimulation in rats treated with pCI, a control vaccine was significantly higher compared to the group vaccinated with vaccine containing pMOG-IFNβ. IL-17 m RNA expression after MOG stimulation in pCl-treated rats was significantly higher compared to the group vaccinated with vaccine containing pMOG-91-108. Of these results the mRNA expression of IL-17 and IL-6 were of interest for the project.</p><p>The immune system normally protects the body against infections and T-cells have an important role in this defence system. In MS and EAE, the immune system attacks the myelin and this process is caused by a dysregulation of the T-cells. IL-17-producing Th17 cells mediate EAE. Naïve CD4 T-cells in the presence of IL-6 and TGFβ are differentiated to Th17 cells instead of differentiating into T-helper or regulatory T-cells. These IL-17-producing T-cells are highly pathogenic and essential for the development of EAE. The results showed that pMOG IFNβ vaccine had an effect at the immune response, which resulted in an inhibition of the IL-6 production and that vaccination with pMOG91-108 impairs differentiation of IL-17-producing T-cells.</p>

The events that trigger an autoimmune disease remain largely unknown. To study these events animal models are necessary because symptoms of autoimmune diseases are preceded by a long asymptomatic period in humans. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the best characterized model for cell mediated autoimmunity and an animal model for the human disease multiple sclerosis. EAE is induced in rodents by immunization with myelin antigens (Ags) together with adjuvants. After immunization, T cells are primed in the periphery by Ag presenting cells and subsequently invade the central nervous system where they mediate parenchymal inflammation, resulting in demyelination and clinical symptoms of an ascending paralysis. It is now generally recognised that the main cell type mediating EAE is the T helper type 17 (Th17) cell. Tolerance to EAE can be attained by DNA vaccination, but how the immune response against the myelin Ags is abrogated after DNA vaccination is not known. By employing short interfering RNA technology, induction of the innate immune signalling molecule interferon (IFN) -β was found to be necessary for the protective effect of DNA vaccination in EAE. In addition, DNA vaccination inhibited subsequent autoimmune Th17 cell responses. The Toll-like receptors (TLRs) of the innate immune system have evolved to recognise conserved molecular structures on microbes and signalling through them almost exclusively converge on the molecule MyD88. Signalling via MyD88 was found to be required for induction of EAE since mice deficient in this molecule did not develop disease. Upstream signalling via TLR4 and TLR9 had tolerogenic properties. In studies of Ag presentation in EAE, two major subtypes of dendritic cells (DCs) were examined. Plasmacytoid DCs were found to have a promoting role in the induction of EAE, partly via type 1 IFNs. Myeloid DCs had a redundant role in the induction phase of EAE, neither disease severity nor encephalitogenic Th17 responses were affected by their absence during priming. These studies further demonstrate that the cells and molecules of the innate immune system exhibit a crucial role in controlling the adaptive immune system which mediates tissue damage in autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases develop when the immune system fails to distinguish self from non-self or when the immune system is hypersensitive to endogenous or exogenous danger signals, or when a tissue erroneously sends a danger signal to the immune system. The education of the immune system to distinguish self from non-self is mainly carried out in the thymus and gives rise to central tolerance, whereas the ability to sense a danger or a healthy tissue constitutes peripheral tolerance. In these studies we have investigated the peripheral tolerance mechanisms controlled by the autoimmune regulator (Aire) gene in Aire deficient mice, an animal model of the monogenic disease autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I (APS I). Aire-/- mice displayed increased numbers of myeloid-derived antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the spleen, lymph nodes and peritoneum as well as more blood monocytes and metallophilic macrophages in the spleen. Monocytes were also increased in the blood of APS I patients. Monocyte precursors displayed an accelerated development in the bone marrow of Aire-/- mice, and Aire-/- APCs had an altered phenotype that caused an increased immune response in several different contexts. Aire-/- splenic and lymph node dendritic cells had an increased ability to activate naive T cells, partly as a result of an upregulated expression of the costimulatory molecule VCAM-1. In Aire-/- mice increased activity of the metallophilic macrophages in the splenic marginal zone seems to be responsible both for the activated phenotype of marginal zone B cells and for the frequent development of marginal zone lymphoma with aging. In a TCR transgenic model Aire deficiency caused an increased superantigen-mediated TCR revision in the spleen, perhaps as a result of the altered phenotype of APCs in the spleen. Finally, Aire was shown to influence autoimmune disease development by a macrophage-dependent mechanism in diabetes induced with multiple low dose streptozotocin injections. These results indicate that Aire has an important function in peripheral tolerance by controlling the phenotype of myeloid-derived APCs and thereby regulating the activation of T and B lymphocytes. / Autoimmune diseases develop when the immune system fails to distinguish self from non-self or when the immune system is hypersensitive to endogenous or exogenous danger signals, or when a tissue erroneously sends a danger signal to the immune system. The education of the immune system to distinguish self from non-self is mainly carried out in the thymus and gives rise to central tolerance, whereas the ability to sense a danger or a healthy tissue constitutes peripheral tolerance. In these studies we have investigated the peripheral tolerance mechanisms controlled by the autoimmune regulator (Aire) gene in Aire deficient mice, an animal model of the monogenic disease autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I (APS I). Aire-/- mice displayed increased numbers of myeloid-derived antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the spleen, lymph nodes and peritoneum as well as more blood monocytes and metallophilic macrophages in the spleen. Monocytes were also increased in the blood of APS I patients. Monocyte precursors displayed an accelerated development in the bone marrow of Aire-/- mice, and Aire-/- APCs had an altered phenotype that caused an increased immune response in several different contexts. Aire-/- splenic and lymph node dendritic cells had an increased ability to activate naive T cells, partly as a result of an upregulated expression of the costimulatory molecule VCAM-1. In Aire-/- mice increased activity of the metallophilic macrophages in the splenic marginal zone seems to be responsible both for the activated phenotype of marginal zone B cells and for the frequent development of marginal zone lymphoma with aging. In a TCR transgenic model Aire deficiency caused an increased superantigen-mediated TCR revision in the spleen, perhaps as a result of the altered phenotype of APCs in the spleen. Finally, Aire was shown to influence autoimmune disease development by a macrophage-dependent mechanism in diabetes induced with multiple low dose streptozotocin injections. These results indicate that Aire has an important function in peripheral tolerance by controlling the phenotype of myeloid-derived APCs and thereby regulating the activation of T and B lymphocytes.

Vaccination with DNA encoding the encephalitogenic autoantigen myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), pMOG91-108, induce a protective immunity against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of human multiple sclerosis. By injection of a DNA vaccine that contains a DNA region encoding short interfering RNA specific for IFNβ (pMOG-IFNβ) the protective effect of the DNA vaccination is totally inhibited. This demonstrates that IFN-β is directly involved in the protective mechanism against EAE. The objective of this project was to study how molecules involved in the inflammatory process in EAE are regulated by suppressive DNA vaccination. mRNA expression of IL-1β, TGF β, IL-23p40 and Axl receptor tyrosine kinas did not show any significant differences between the groups vaccinated with these DNA vaccines. IL-6 and IFNγ mRNA expression after MOG stimulation in rats treated with pCI, a control vaccine was significantly higher compared to the group vaccinated with vaccine containing pMOG-IFNβ. IL-17 m RNA expression after MOG stimulation in pCl-treated rats was significantly higher compared to the group vaccinated with vaccine containing pMOG-91-108. Of these results the mRNA expression of IL-17 and IL-6 were of interest for the project. The immune system normally protects the body against infections and T-cells have an important role in this defence system. In MS and EAE, the immune system attacks the myelin and this process is caused by a dysregulation of the T-cells. IL-17-producing Th17 cells mediate EAE. Naïve CD4 T-cells in the presence of IL-6 and TGFβ are differentiated to Th17 cells instead of differentiating into T-helper or regulatory T-cells. These IL-17-producing T-cells are highly pathogenic and essential for the development of EAE. The results showed that pMOG IFNβ vaccine had an effect at the immune response, which resulted in an inhibition of the IL-6 production and that vaccination with pMOG91-108 impairs differentiation of IL-17-producing T-cells.