L'inflammation allergique de la peau est un état dans lequel l'hôte réagit de manière excessive à des allergènes en induisant une inflammation de type Th2. Un certain nombre d’acteurs cellulaires et moléculaires ont été impliqués dans cette pathologie, mais la façon dont ils agissent dans le réseau inflammatoire demeure largement inconnue. Les basophiles ont été reconnus pour leurs fonctions effectrices en allergie, cependant, comment ils sont recrutés et activés, ainsi que comment ils interagissent avec d'autres cellules dans l’inflammation allergique cutanée demeurent mal caractérisés. L'objectif de ce travail de thèse est d'étudier le recrutement, l'activation et la fonction des basophiles dans le réseau inflammatoire de la peau allergique. En employant un modèle expérimental murin de dermatite de contact allergique, combiné à des outils génétique de souris, d’immunologie et d’approches biologiques cellulaires/moléculaires, l’étude de ma thèse a démontré que l’IL-3 joue un rôle crucial dans l’extravasation des basophiles dans la peau allergique des souris (Partie I), et que l’invalidation des basophiles chez les souris Mcpt8DTR entraîne une réduction systémique des éosinophiles et des neutrophiles (Partie II). Ces études fournissent ainsi de nouvelles connaissances sur le recrutement, l'activation et la fonction des basophiles dans l'inflammation allergique de la peau. / Allergic skin inflammation is a state in which the host overreacts to otherwise innocuous allergens by inducing T helper type 2 inflammation. A number of cellular and molecular players have been implicated in the generation of allergic skin inflammation, but how they act and crosstalk in the inflammatory network remains largely unknown. Basophils have been recognized for their effector functions in allergy, however, how they are recruited to the inflamed tissue, get activated and crosstalk with other cells in inflammatory skin remain still incompletely understood. The objective of this PhD study is to investigate the recruitment, activation and function of basophils in the inflammatory network of allergic skin. Using experimental mouse model for allergic contact dermatitis, combined with mouse genetic tools, immunology and cellular/molecular biology approaches, the study of my thesis discovered that IL-3 plays a crucial role in basophil extravasation to mouse allergic skin (Part I), and that the depletion of basophils in Mcpt8DTR mice leads to a systemic reduction of eosinophils and neutrophils (Part II). These studies provide novel insights into the recruitment, activation and function of basophils in allergic skin inflammation.

No description available.

Bone metabolism is regulated by endocrine and paracrine signalling molecules influencing bone cells in the continuously remodelling bone tissue. These molecules include a variety of osteotropic stimulatory and inhibitory cytokines. Degradation of alveolar bone in periodontal disease is believed to be a result of local release of such osteotropic cytokines, although the relative importance of particular cytokines and their cellular origin is currently unknown. The aim of the present project was to study if, and how, pro-inflammatory cytokines in the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family of cytokines, and anti-inflammatory IL-4 and IL-13 type of cytokines, can affect osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Additionally, the objective was to study if gingival fibroblasts may influence alveolar bone resorption through secretion of IL-6 type cytokine release and if the secretion is regulated by pro-inflammatory as well as anti-inflammatory mediators such as IL-4 and IL-13. IL-6 in combination with its soluble receptor (sIL-6R) was found to stimulate mouse calvarial bone resorption. Similarly, two other IL-6 family members, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and oncostatin M (OSM) were found to stimulate bone resorption. The stimulatory effect on bone resorption induced by the three cytokines was associated with increased expression of receptor activator of NF- κB ligand (RANKL), a cytokine which is essential in osteoclast formation and activation through binding to receptor activator of NF- κB (RANK) on osteoclastic cells. The interaction between RANKL and RANK can be inhibited by binding of the decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) to RANKL, and the expression of OPG was also regulated by IL-6, LIF and OSM (Paper I). The two related cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 were found to inhibit osteoclastogenesis and mouse calvarial bone resorption by mechanisms involving a decreased RANKL/OPG ratio in osteoblasts and decreased RANK expression in osteoclastic cells. The results further demonstrated that IL-4 and IL-13 exert their effects on both osteoblasts and osteoclasts by a mechanism involving the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) (Paper II). Constitutional expression of IL-6, LIF and another member of the IL-6 family of cytokines, IL-11, was demonstrated in human gingival fibroblasts. IL-6 type cytokine expression levels were found to be enhanced by IL-1β and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (Paper III), whereas IL-4 and IL-13 inhibited IL 11 and LIF release from gingival fibroblasts (Paper IV). In conclusion, IL 6 type cytokines were found to be stimulators and IL-4 and IL-13 inhibitors of bone resorption in vitro via mechanisms involving RANK/RANKL/OPG interactions. Additionally, gingival fibroblasts were able to secrete several cytokines in the IL-6 family. Secretion was further enhanced by pro-inflammatory mediators and inhibited by IL-4 and IL- 13. These findings support the view that resident cells may influence the pathogenesis of periodontal disease through osteotropic cytokine production.

Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is ranked as the most serious parasitic disease in Latin America and has become a worldwide problem. A bulk of studies substantiates that Th1-associated cytokines are essential elements in early resistance against the parasite and are associated with the development of the chronic cardiac form. Although cytokines have a key role in the immune response against T. cruzi, little is known about IL-3, IL-7 and IL-9 in this context. Then the aim of this study was to analyze the role of IL-3, IL-7 and IL-9 in the acute phase of T. cruzi experimental infection. For this purpose, parameters indicative of improvement in clinical status of the animals both infected and treated as just treated were studied, such as: morbidity, mortality and histopathology. The amount of cardiac mast cells and the serum cytokines profile were also evaluated. Our data revealed that the treatment with IL-3, IL-7 or IL-9 did not alter the clinical parameters analyzed or the amount of cardiac mast cells in mice infected with T. cruzi. However the treatment with IL-3 decreased the cardiac T. cruzi-induced inflammation and the treatment with IL-7 increased serum levels of IL-5 in infected animals. In addition, the treatment with IL-9 increased the serum levels of Th1 cytokine profile (IL-2, IFN-y and TNF-α) and decreased cardiac fibrosis in infected animals, suggesting a possible protective role of this cytokine in this context. Taken together, our results underline the importance of these cytokines in modulation of T. cruzi infection. Since studies involving IL-3, IL-7 and IL-9 activity during Chagas disease are critical in understanding the parasite control process and the protective and/or harmful action of these cytokines in the host. In addition, understanding of the immunological mechanisms mediated by these cytokines that are involved in disease development may contribute to the establishment of new therapeutic interventions to prevent Chagas disease and treat their symptomatic forms. / A Doença de Chagas, causada pelo protozoário Trypanosoma cruzi, é classificada como a doença parasitária mais grave da América Latina e tornou-se um problema mundial. A maior parte dos estudos confirma que as citocinas de perfil Th1 são elementos essenciais na resistência precoce contra o parasita e estão associadas ao desenvolvimento da forma cardíaca crônica. Embora as citocinas tenham um papel chave na resposta imune contra T. cruzi, pouco se sabe a respeito da função de IL-3, IL-7 e IL-9 neste contexto. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o papel destas citocinas na fase aguda da infecção experimental com T. cruzi. Para isto, parâmetros indicativos de melhora clínica dos animais tanto infectados e tratados como apenas tratados foram estudados, tais como: morbidade, mortalidade e histopatologia. A quantidade de mastócitos cardíacos e o perfil de citocinas séricas também foram avaliados. Os dados revelaram que o tratamento com IL-3, IL-7 ou IL-9 não alterou os parâmetros clínicos analisados nem a quantidade de mastócitos cardíacos nos camundongos infectados com T. cruzi. No entanto, o tratamento com IL-3 diminuiu a inflamação cardíaca T. cruzi-induzida e o tratamento com IL-7 aumentou os níveis séricos de IL-5 nos animais infectados. Além disso, o tratamento com IL-9 aumentou os níveis séricos das citocinas de perfil Th1 (IL-2, IFN-y e TNF-α) e diminuiu a fibrose cardíaca nos animais infectados, sugerindo um possível papel protetor desta citocina neste contexto. Em suma, os nossos resultados demonstram a importância destas citocinas na modulação da infecção por T. cruzi. Já que estudos envolvendo a atividade de IL-3, IL-7 e IL-9 durante a doença de Chagas são fundamentais na compreensão sobre o processo de controle parasitário e da ação protetora e/ou prejudicial dessas citocinas no hospedeiro. Além disso, o entendimento dos mecanismos imunológicos mediados por estas citocinas que estão envolvidos no desenvolvimento da doença pode contribuir para o estabelecimento de novas intervenções terapêuticas a fim de prevenir a doença de Chagas e tratar suas formas sintomáticas / Doutor em Imunologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas

<p>Upon activation mast cells release numerous proinflammatory mediators. With this feature, mast cells play an important role in host defense against pathogens, and are involved in tissue remodeling and wound healing. However, in cases of excessive inflammation the effects of mast cells are detrimental. This is observed in allergy, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, certain types of heart failure, and in several other chronic destructive inflammations. Mast cell numbers are typically increased at inflammatory sites. There they act both directly, as effector cells, and in a regulatory manner, secreting agents that recruit and activate other immune cells.</p><p>The studies presented here investigated mechanisms regulating mast cell numbers at sites of inflammation, focusing on cell migration and regulation of survival/apoptosis. We report that SCF-induced mast cell migration requires p38 MAP kinase activity. Moreover, we found that SCF-mediated mast cell survival is regulated through downregulation of the proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bim, as well as through phoshorylation of Bim. SCF seems to control Bim protein levels via FOXO transcription factors, and to induce phosphorylation of Bim via the Mek/Erk and the PI3-kinase/Akt signaling pathways. Furthermore, mast cell death triggered by deprivation of SCF and/or IL-3 involves the Bim protein, as demonstrated using <i>bim</i>-/- mast cells. Additional studies revealed that IgE-receptor activation, which occurs in allergy, promotes both prosurvival and proapoptotic signaling events. This includes upregulation of Bim and the prosurvival Bcl-X_L and A1, as well as phosphorylation of Akt, FOXO factors, GSK-3β, IκB-α, Bad, and Bim. The simultaneous stimulation of prosurvival and proapoptotic signaling events could be a way to fine-tune the fate of mast cells after IgE-receptor activation and degranulation.</p><p>The new insights about mechanisms involved in mast cell migration and regulation of survival/apoptosis might prove useful for future efforts to design new drugs to be used for mast cell-associated diseases.</p>

Upon activation mast cells release numerous proinflammatory mediators. With this feature, mast cells play an important role in host defense against pathogens, and are involved in tissue remodeling and wound healing. However, in cases of excessive inflammation the effects of mast cells are detrimental. This is observed in allergy, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, certain types of heart failure, and in several other chronic destructive inflammations. Mast cell numbers are typically increased at inflammatory sites. There they act both directly, as effector cells, and in a regulatory manner, secreting agents that recruit and activate other immune cells. The studies presented here investigated mechanisms regulating mast cell numbers at sites of inflammation, focusing on cell migration and regulation of survival/apoptosis. We report that SCF-induced mast cell migration requires p38 MAP kinase activity. Moreover, we found that SCF-mediated mast cell survival is regulated through downregulation of the proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bim, as well as through phoshorylation of Bim. SCF seems to control Bim protein levels via FOXO transcription factors, and to induce phosphorylation of Bim via the Mek/Erk and the PI3-kinase/Akt signaling pathways. Furthermore, mast cell death triggered by deprivation of SCF and/or IL-3 involves the Bim protein, as demonstrated using bim-/- mast cells. Additional studies revealed that IgE-receptor activation, which occurs in allergy, promotes both prosurvival and proapoptotic signaling events. This includes upregulation of Bim and the prosurvival Bcl-XL and A1, as well as phosphorylation of Akt, FOXO factors, GSK-3β, IκB-α, Bad, and Bim. The simultaneous stimulation of prosurvival and proapoptotic signaling events could be a way to fine-tune the fate of mast cells after IgE-receptor activation and degranulation. The new insights about mechanisms involved in mast cell migration and regulation of survival/apoptosis might prove useful for future efforts to design new drugs to be used for mast cell-associated diseases.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease characterized by autoantibody production and an activated type I interferon system. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is as a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this thesis was to identify genetic risk factors for CVD in SLE. The role of T cells in regulation of the interferon-α (IFNα) production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) was also investigated.    In paper I, a thicker intima, thinner media and increased intima/media ratio was found in young premenopausal women with SLE compared to healthy controls indicating increased cardiovascular risk. As traditional ultrasound assessment of the common carotid intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) in SLE has given conflicting results separate measurement of the intima and media can be a useful tool to identify SLE patients at increased risk of CVD.    In paper II, an association was demonstrated in SLE between a STAT4 risk allele and ischemic cerebrovascular disease and presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL). The association remained after adjustment for traditional CVD risk factors. A possible mechanism for this association is that the risk allele leads to increased production of aPL, which promotes thromboembolism.    In paper III, a genetic locus in IRF8 was identified to be associated to coronary heart disease (CHD) in SLE. The association remained after adjustment of other CHD risk factors.  Patients with the IRF8 risk variant had increased CCA-IMT, more carotid plaques and reduced frequency of circulating B cells. Weaker binding of nuclear protein to the risk allele was demonstrated, suggesting a regulatory function of the IRF8 risk variant.    In paper IV, activated T cells were found to strongly enhance the IFNα production by pDC stimulated with RNA-containing immune complexes via GM-CSF and IL-3. Activated SLE T cells enhanced the IFNα production to the same extent as T cells from healthy controls. This finding together with previous observations in SLE of increased levels of GM-CSF and IL-3 suggests that T cells contribute to the activated type I interferon system in SLE.    In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates that genetic predisposition is important for CVD in SLE and describes a new role for T cells in the pathogenesis of SLE.

No description available.

The cytokines GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-5 are central regulators of haemopoietic cell functions and are pivotal in the regulation of haemopoiesis and inflammatory responses of myeloid cells. In particular, these cytokines have been shown to perform essential functions in host defence against foreign pathogens through their ability to regulate innate immune responses in myeloid cells. As key regulators of such important processes, these cytokines play an important role in human inflammatory pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis as well as a number of leukemias such as JML and CMML. GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-5 signal through receptors containing α subunits specific to each cytokine and a common β subunit (βc). Cytokine stimulation leads to tyrosine phosphorylation of the βc and promotes specific responses such as proliferation, survival and activation of haemopoietic cells. Mouse knockout studies identified a key function of these cytokines in the activation of effector functions of myeloid cells, including production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phagocytosis. These earlier studies provide a link between cytokine signalling and inflammation, but the molecular mechanisms by which βc activation regulates effector cell functions, and the receptor motifs involved, are unknown. The aim of this thesis was to address two broad questions with regard to βc signalling: (1) Does βc regulate specific cellular responses by phosphotyrosine-independent mechanisms? (2) What are the molecular mechanisms by which βc initiates signalling to promote specific biological responses such as activation of effector cell functions? To address the first question, we have focussed on Serine 585, a potential 14-3-3 binding site which lies in the cytoplasmic potion of huβc. Out results show that the mutation huβc S585G disrupted the interaction of 14-3-3ζ with βc, whilst not affecting receptor tyrosine phosphorylation. Both mouse and human βc were shown to interact with 14-3-3 proteins, indicating that this interaction is conserved between these species. Significantly, a huβc S585G mutant was unable to promote haemopoietic cell survival in response to IL-3. These results identify a new mechanism by which cytokine receptors are able to couple to downstream signalling pathways that regulate cell survival. An approach was developed and optimised to analyse specific GM-CSF-mediated responses in monocytes/macrophages expressing wildtype or mutant huβc, (including huβc S585G that was defective in regulating survival). Bone marrow-derived muβc -/-;muβIL-3 -/- monocytes/macrophages were retrovirally transduced with constructs expressing wildtype or mutant huβc, along with huGMRα, then purified by FACS. Two assays were established to measure effector functions in the transduced monocyte/macrophages; (1) a flow cytometry assay for ROS production, and (2) an assay for phagocytosis. The capacity for GM-CSF to prime (i.e. enhance effector functions) ROS production and phagocytosis was investigated in huGMRα-transduced monocytes/macrophages. Our results have identified two key residues in the cytoplasmic domain of βc subunit: Tyrosine 577 (required for huβc interaction with the adaptor protein Shc) and serine 585 (required for 14-3-3 association), that are essential for the ability of GM-CSF to regulate key effector functions in monocytes/macrophages. These novel findings are significant in that they establish a molecular link between the GM-CSF/IL-3/IL-5 receptor and the regulation of both haemopoietic cell survival and inflammatory responses, and therefore have important implications in our understanding of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1317007 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Medicine, 2008

科学研究費補助金 研究種目:基盤研究(C)(2) 課題番号:07671192 研究代表者:村手 隆 研究期間:1995-1997年度