Cell death is an imperative mechanism for the development, homeostasis and survival of an organism. Various forms of cell death have been documented and recent reports indicate that the mode of cell death elicited can have a profound influence on the development and perpetuation of inflammation. Apoptosis is the predominant, programmed pathway of cell death, which ensures physiological elimination of unwanted cells. On the other hand, another cell death pathway described as programmed necrosis (necroptosis), has recently been revealed. The induction of necroptosis and its impact in host biology is not clear. Herein I have evaluated the mechanisms of necroptosis in macrophages, an important cell type of the immune system. My experiments indicate that type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling through transcription factors STAT1, STAT2 and IRF9, collectively described as the ISGF3 complex, is indispensable for necroptosis of macrophages. Furthermore, my results indicate that IFN-I signaling promotes the sustained phosphorylation of receptor interacting protein kinase 3 (Rip3), a key protein required for the execution of necroptosis. My findings also reveal that dynamin-dependent endocytosis following IFNβ stimulation and caspase inhibition is necessary for the induction of necroptosis. The results presented in this thesis provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of necroptosis and therefore contribute to a deeper understanding of multiple inflammatory pathologies.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of liver transplantation and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. HCV, like all obligate parasites, relies on host pathways to facilitate its pathogenesis. In particular, the virus possesses an intimate link with hepatic lipid metabolism, promoting a lipid-rich cellular environment conducive to HCV propagation. Clinically, these metabolic perturbations manifest as steatosis in over 50% of patients. The majority of research to-date examining how the virus co-opts hepatic lipid pathways has been focused on coding genes and their protein products. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, which have been implicated in virtually every cellular process. Through interactions with partially complementary mRNAs, each individual miRNA has the capacity to repress the expression of hundreds of genes and induce significant regulatory effects. Herein, we demonstrate that hepatic miRNAs, including miR-7, miR-27a/b, miR-130b, and miR-185, act as crucial regulatory molecules to the maintenance of hepatic lipid homeostasis. These miRNAs cooperate to regulate fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism. HCV modulates the expression of a subset of these miRNAs (miR-27a/b, miR-130b, and miR-185) to promote hepatocellular lipid accumulation and the HCV life cycle. There appears to be a broad viral requirement for lipids, and the mammalian innate immune response strategically targets host metabolic pathways to restrict virus’ access to key lipid species. We demonstrate that 25-hydroxycholesterol, a broadly anti-viral oxysterol produced as part of the innate anti-viral response, activates miR-185 expression in the liver to deplete virus infected cells of lipids. HCV appears to actively counteract this anti-viral response by suppressing miR-185 expression. Collectively, our results highlight the role of microRNAs in hepatic lipid metabolism and the immunometabolic response to viral infection.

Background During the first stages of development human infants are either fed human milk or human milk substitutes (infant formulas). The composition of infant formulas and human milk differ drastically, including a difference in protein constituents and bacterial load. Due to the high global frequency of infant formula use, the humanization of infant formulas to better reflect the complex nature of human milk is warranted. To better understand the role of human milk components, the fate and function of a key bacterial sensor in human milk, soluble CD14, was determined. Additionally, the microbiome of human milk was analyzed from a metagenomic standpoint in an attempt to determine which types of bacteria are present in human milk and what their potential biological function might be. Results In rodent models, ingested sCD14 persisted in the gastrointestinal tract and was transferred intact into the blood stream. Once transferred to the blood, ingested sCD14 retained its ability to recognize lipopolysaccharide and initiate an immune response in pups. This transfer of sCD14 across the epithelial barrier was also observed in human cells in vitro, where it appears to be dependent on Toll-like receptor 4. Using Illumina sequencing and the MG-RAST pipeline, the human milk metagenome of ten mothers was sequenced. DNA from human milk aligned to over 360 prokaryotic genera, and contained 30,128 open reading frames assigned to various functional categories. The DNA from human milk was also found to harbor immune-modulatory DNA motifs that may play a significant role in immune development of the infant. Conclusions Given the complex nature of human milk in comparison to its bovine or plant based substitutes, the results presented in this thesis warrant future modification of infant formulas to include non-nutritive bioactive components. Current human milk components not yet present in infant formulas include the diverse microbiome of human milk, the immune-modulatory DNAs which those microbes harbor, and bioactive human proteins such as sCD14.

Introduction: Increased activation of inflammatory pathways is associated with elevated metabolic stress, which leads to a constellation of metabolic pathologies like fatty liver, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Interferon regulatory factor 2 binding protein 2 (IRF2BP2) is a novel transcription co-factor that binds to and inhibits two main pro-inflammatory transcription factors, IRF2 and NFAT1. IRF2BP2 genetic variants are also linked to increased human serum cholesterol level in GWAS studies. Therefore, we hypothesized that IRF2BP2 may inhibit macrophage polarization to pro-inflammatory phenotype and considering the remarkable overlap between inflammatory and metabolic sensors, alter their metabolic function. We sought to determine if specific ablation IRF2BP2 in the mouse myeloid lineage (IRF2BP2MKO) leads to development of metabolic symptoms and alters the risk of atherosclerosis. Results: Our results indicate that IRF2BP2 ablation impairs macrophage polarization to the anti-inflammatory phenotype. IRF2BP2MKO bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) show increased oxidized LDL-cholesterol uptake and decreased cholesterol efflux. Also, mice with specific ablation of IRF2BP2 in macrophages are more susceptible to obesity, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis compared to control mice, when fed high fat diet (HFD). However, LDLR-/- mice transplanted with IRF2BP2MKO bone marrow demonstrate similar extent of atherosclerotic lesions compared to LDLR-/- mice transplanted with control bone marrow, reflecting increased IRF2BP2MKO macrophage apoptosis. Conclusion: In conclusion, this is the first study to identify the metabolic and inflammatory functions of IRF2BP2 protein in macrophages, with important implications in metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis.

The immune system is composed of innate and adaptive mechanisms. Innate immune responses are significantly modulated by immunomodulatory factors that act through the induction of specific patterns of cytokine production in responding cells. Human leukocytes have been shown to respond to substance(s) present in acid extracts of commercial shark cartilage (SC). Shark cartilage is a food supplement taken by consumers as a prophylaxis and for the treatment of conditions ranging from arthritis to cancer. No reliable scientific evidence in the literature supports the alleged usefulness of shark cartilage supplements, but their use remains popular. Cartilage extracts exhibit immunomodulatory properties by inducing various inflammatory, Th1-type cytokines and potent chemokines in human peripheral blood leukocytes (HPBL) in vitro. The objectives of the study were to (1) to determine the nature of the active component(s), (2) to define the scope of cellular response to SC extract, and (3) to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying bioactivity. Results showed that there are at least two cytokine-inducing components which are acid stable. One anionic component has been identified as a small (14-21 kDa) glycoprotein with at least 40% carbohydrate content. Shark cartilage stimulated HPBL to produce cytokines resembling an inflammatory, Th1 polarized response. Leukocyte-specific responses consist of both initial cytokine responses to SC directly (i.e., TNF-a) and secondary responses such as the IFN-γ response by lymphocytes following initial SC stimulation. Response of RAW cells, a murine macrophage cell line, indicated that TNF-α could be induced in macrophages of another mammalian species in the absence of other cell types. The results suggest that the human monocyte/macrophage is most likely to be the initial responding cell to SC stimulation. Stimulation of cells appears to engage at least one ligand-receptor interaction with TLR 4, although the role of TLR 2 cannot be ruled out. Initial activation is likely followed by the activation of the JNK and p38 MAPK signal transduction pathways resulting in activation, release, and translocation of transcription factor nuclear factor κB (Nf-kB). This dissertation research study represents the first in-depth study into characterizing the bioactive component(s) of commercial shark cartilage responsible for its immunomodulating properties and defining cellular responses at the molecular level.

Host-parasite co-evolution belongs to the most important evolutionary relationships that shape natural and sexual selection. Parasites pose permanent selective pressure on their hosts. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) as a part of innate immunity are involved in mechanisms of a first immunological barrier which has to be overcome by parasites. These receptors play a key role in primary detection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and, hence, are responsible for early triggering of effector immunological mechanisms and for co- activating adaptive immunity. Several studies revealed that TLR4 may represent a suitable model molecule for host-parasite co-evolution studies. TLR4 interacts directly with several PAMPs and structural variability in this receptor was shown to affect host resistance to various diseases. Thus, there is potential for occurrence of parasite-mediated natural and sexual selection. Contrary to the number of fish and mammalian TLRs described, avian inter- and intraspecific TLR variability is only very insufficiently explored. This is especially true for passerine birds. In my diploma thesis I therefore provide the first description of the complete Tlr4 translated region in a non-model free-living bird, great tit (Parus major), predict structure of the protein product of...

- 4 - Abstract Introduction: Periodic fever syndromes are clinical entities classified as autoinflammatory diseases. The most of the periodic fever syndromes have genetic predisposition (monogenic periodic fever syndromes). PFAPA (Periodic Fever, Aphtous stomatitis, Pharyngitis a Adenitis) syndrome is an idiopathic disease with unknown aetiology. Results: In our study, we described the largest clinical series of patients with PFAPA syndrome from a single center. The laboratory results have confirmed uncomplicated course of PFAPA syndrome. In our measurements we observed significantly higher levels of serum cytokines (IL-1β and IFN-γ) during episodes of fever in PFAPA patients compared to the control group. Our measurements showed increased numbers of plasma cells in the peripheral blood of PFAPA patients. We have found increased levels of naïve CD4 and CD8 T cells and approximately 2-fold higher proportion of CD8 T cells in tonsils of PFAPA patients. Significant differences were also present at levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in stimulated supernatants compared to supernatants from unstimulated peripheral blood from patients with PFAPA syndrome. Measurements of bacterial profile showed individual microbial profile in patients. Conclusion: Removal of the tonsillar tissue with the potential...

Over the last 40-yr, the majority of research on glucans has focused on β-(1→3)-glucans. Recent studies indicate that β-(1→6)-glucans may be even more potent immune modulators than β-(1→3)-glucans. Mechanisms by which β-(1→6)-glucans are recognized and modulate immunity are unknown. In this study, we examined the interaction of purified water-soluble β-(1→6)-glucans with macrophage cell lines and primary peritoneal macrophages and the cellular and molecular consequences of this interaction. Our results indicate the existence of a specific β-(1→6)-glucan receptor that internalizes the glucan ligand via a clathrin-dependent mechanism. We show that the known β-(1→3)-glucans receptors are not responsible for β-(1→6)-glucan recognition and interaction. The receptor-ligand uptake/interaction has an apparent dissociation constant (KD) of ∼4-μM, and was associated with phosphorylation of ERK and JNK but not Iκ-α or p38. Our results indicate that macrophage interaction with β-(1→6)-glucans may lead to modulation of genes associated with anti-fungal immunity and recruitment/activation of neutrophils. In summary, we show that macrophages specifically bind and internalize β-(1→6)-glucans followed by activation of intracellular signaling and modulation of anti-fungal immune response-related gene regulation. Thus, we conclude that the interaction between innate immunity and β-(1→6)-glucans may play an important role in shaping the anti-fungal immune response.

β-Glucans are components of fungal cell walls and potent stimulants of innate immunity. The majority of research on biological activities of glucans has focused on β-(1→3)-glucans, which have been implicated in relation to fungal exposure-associated respiratory symptoms and as important stimulatory agents in anti-fungal immune responses. Fungi - and bacteria and plants - produce a wide variety of glucans with vast differences in the proportion and arrangement of their β-(1→3)-, -(1→4)- and -(1→6)-glycosidic linkages. Thus far, the pro-inflammatory potential of different β-glucans has not been studied within the same experimental model. Therefore, we compared the potency of 13 different glucan preparations to induce in vitro production of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in human, whole blood cultures. The strongest inducers of all cytokines were pustulan [β-(1→6)-glucan], lichenan [β-(1→3)-(1→4)-glucan], xyloglucan [β-(1→4)- glucan] and pullulan [α-(1→4)-(1→6)-glucan]. Moderate-to-strong cytokine production was observed for curdlan [β-(1→3)-glucan], baker's yeast glucan [β-(1→3)-(1→6)-glucan] and barley glucan [β-(1→3)-(1→4)-glucan], while all other glucan preparations induced very low, or no, detectable levels of cytokines. We therefore conclude that innate immunity reactions are not exclusively induced by β-(1→3)-glucans, but also by β-(1→6)- and β-(1→4)-structures. Thus, not only β-(1→3)-glucan, but also other β-glucans and particularly β-(1→6)-glucans should be considered in future research.

β-Glucans are components of fungal cell walls and potent stimulants of innate immunity. The majority of research on biological activities of glucans has focused on β-(1→3)-glucans, which have been implicated in relation to fungal exposure-associated respiratory symptoms and as important stimulatory agents in anti-fungal immune responses. Fungi - and bacteria and plants - produce a wide variety of glucans with vast differences in the proportion and arrangement of their β-(1→3)-, -(1→4)- and -(1→6)-glycosidic linkages. Thus far, the pro-inflammatory potential of different β-glucans has not been studied within the same experimental model. Therefore, we compared the potency of 13 different glucan preparations to induce in vitro production of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in human, whole blood cultures. The strongest inducers of all cytokines were pustulan [β-(1→6)-glucan], lichenan [β-(1→3)-(1→4)-glucan], xyloglucan [β-(1→4)- glucan] and pullulan [α-(1→4)-(1→6)-glucan]. Moderate-to-strong cytokine production was observed for curdlan [β-(1→3)-glucan], baker's yeast glucan [β-(1→3)-(1→6)-glucan] and barley glucan [β-(1→3)-(1→4)-glucan], while all other glucan preparations induced very low, or no, detectable levels of cytokines. We therefore conclude that innate immunity reactions are not exclusively induced by β-(1→3)-glucans, but also by β-(1→6)- and β-(1→4)-structures. Thus, not only β-(1→3)-glucan, but also other β-glucans and particularly β-(1→6)-glucans should be considered in future research.