The best known correlate of protection provided by vaccines is the presence of pathogen specific antibodies after immunization. However, against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) the mere presence of antibodies specific for the viral Envelope (Env) protein is not sufficient to provide protection. This necessitates in depth study of the humoral responses elicited during infection and by vaccination. While a significant amount of effort has been invested in studying the evolution of antibody responses to viral infection, only limited progress in understanding antibody responses elicited through vaccination has been made. In the studies described here, I attempt to rectify this deficiency by investigating how the quality of a humoral response is altered with the use of different immunization regimens, in particular a DNA prime-protein boost regimen, or with the use of different model HIV-1 Env gp120 immunogens. In a New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit model, we demonstrate that the broader neutralizing activity elicited with the DNA prime-protein boost regimen may be the result of the elicitation of a higher avidity antibody response and a unique profile of antibody specificities. Specifically, use of a DNA prime-protein boost regimen elicits antibodies targeted to the CD4 binding domain of the HIV-1 Env, a specificity that was not frequently observed when only protein based immunizations were administered. We extended this analysis to sera from healthy human volunteers who participated in early phase HIV vaccine trials utilizing either a protein alone immunization regimen, a canarypox prime-protein boost immunization regimen, or a DNA prime-protein boost immunization regimen. Evaluation of sera from these trials demonstrated that the use of a DNA prime-protein boost regimen results in an antibody response with greater neutralization breadth characterized by an increased frequency and titer of antibodies targeted toward the CD4 binding site (CD4bs). In addition to this, the antibody response elicited by the DNA prime-protein boost regimen also exhibited the capability to mediate antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity as well as activation of the complement system. Additionally, in an attempt to better understand the capabilities of antibodies elicited by a DNA prime-protein boost regimen, we generated gp120 specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from a single DNA primed-protein boosted NZW rabbit. Analysis of mAbs produced from this animal revealed that use of this immunization regimen elicits an antibody repertoire with diverse epitope specificity and cross reactivity. Furthermore, these select mAbs are capable of neutralizing heterologous HIV isolates. Further application of mAb generation in rabbits may provide a valuable tool to study immunogenicity of different vaccines and immunization regimens. Concurrently, while demonstrating that a DNA prime-protein boost regimen elicits a higher quality antibody response than that observed with other leading techniques, we also demonstrated that immunogen selection can play a vital role in the quality of the resulting antibody response. By immunizing with two closely related but phenotypically distinct model gp120 immunogens, known as B33 and LN40, we demonstrated that disparate gp120s have different intrinsic abilities to raise a heterologous neutralizing antibody response. Additionally, we showed that residues found within and flanking the b12 and CD4 binding sites play critical roles in modulating neutralizing activity of sera from animals immunized with LN40 gp120, indicating that the broader neutralizing activity seen with this immunogen may be due to differential elicitation of antibodies to this domain.

In this dissertation, the roles of endocytosis and phagocytosis pathways in a variety of clinically relevant scenarios were examined. These scenarios include antibody-mediated internalization of cell surface proteins, titanium wear-particle uptake in failed joint replacements, and polymeric microparticle uptake and immune responses for drug delivery or adjuvant use. The use of antibodies specific for cell surface proteins has become a popular method to deliver therapeutics to target cells. As such, it is imperative to fully understand the ability of antibodies to mediate internalization and endosomal trafficking of the surface protein that it recognizes, so that drug delivery can be optimized. By comparing the internalization and endosomal localization of two different antibody-bound proteins, the transferrin receptor (TfR) and rabies G, we have found that there is a specific antibody-mediated internalization pathway that occurs when an antibody binds to a cell surface protein. Interestingly, the internalization pathway induced by antibody binding is different than that seen with recycling receptor internalization after ligand binding. This may have broad implications for the future development of antibody-based therapeutics. Joint replacement failure is a major clinical problem. Studies have indicated that a large amount of metal and polyethylene wear debris is found in the synovial membrane and tissue surrounding failed replacements. Through examination of the immune response following uptake of titanium particles, our results suggest that titanium wear-particle induced inflammation and subsequent joint replacement failure may be due to activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to increased IL-1ß secretion and IL-1 associated signaling. These findings introduce IL-1 as a target for potential therapeutics for patients exhibiting significant inflammation. Polymeric microparticles have been widely used in a variety of therapeutic applications, including drug delivery and vaccine adjuvants. It is essential to understand the ability of such particles to either activate or inhibit an immune response following uptake. Through comparison of particles with varying surface morphology, we have determined that particles with regions of high surface curvature (budding) are more immunogenic than particles with low surface curvature (spherical). Budding particles were more rapidly phagocytosed and induced higher levels of the inflammasome-associated cytokine, IL-1ß, when exposed to mouse macrophages. Additionally, budding particles induced a more rapid neutrophil response in vivo, when compared to spherical particles. These findings have broad implications for the development of future targeting vehicles for delivery of vaccines, drugs, proteins, and siRNA therapeutics.

The importance of insulin delivery and action is best characterized in Type 2 Diabetes, a disease that is becoming a pandemic both nationally and globally. Obesity is a principal risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes, and adipocyte function abnormalities due to adipose hypertrophy and hyperplasia, have been linked to obesity. Numerous reports suggest that the intracellular and systemic consequences of adipocyte function abnormalities include adipocyte insulin resistance, enhanced production of free fatty acids, and production of inflammatory mediators. A hallmark of adipocyte insulin sensitivity is the stimulation of glucose transporter isoform 4 (GLUT4) trafficking events to promote glucose uptake. In the Type 2 diabetic and insulin resistant states the mechanism behind insulin-stimulated GLUT4 trafficking is compromised. Therefore, understanding the role of factors involved in glucose-uptake in adipose tissue is of great importance. Studies from our laboratory suggest an important role for the unconventional myosin, Myo1c, in promoting insulin-mediated glucose uptake in cultured adipocytes. Our observations suggest that depletion of Myo1c in cultured adipocytes results in a significant reduction in the ability of adipocytes to take up glucose following insulin treatment, suggesting Myo1c is required for insulin-mediated glucose uptake. A plausible mechanism by which Myo1c promotes glucose uptake in adipocytes has been suggested by further work from our laboratory in which expression of fluorescently-tagged Myo1c in cultured adipocytes induces significant membrane ruffling at the cell periphery, insulin-independent GLUT4 translocation to the cell periphery, and accumulation of GLUT4 in membrane ruffling regions. Taken together Myo1c seems to facilitate glucose uptake through remodeling of cortical actin. In the first part of this thesis I, in collaboration with others, uncovered a possible mechanism through which Myo1c regulates adipocyte membrane ruffling. Here we identified a novel protein complex in cultured adipocytes, comprising Myo1c and the mTOR binding partner, Rictor. Interestingly our studies in cultured adipocytes suggest that the Rictor-Myo1c complex is biochemically distinct from the Rictor-mTOR complex of mTORC2. Functionally, only depletion of Rictor but not Myo1c results in decreased Akt phosphorylation at serine 473, but depletion of either Rictor or Myo1c results in compromised cortical actin dynamic events. Furthermore we observed that whereas the overexpression of Myo1c in cultured adipocytes causes remarkable membrane ruffling, Rictor depletion in cells overexpressing Myo1c significantly reduces these ruffling events. Taken together our findings suggest that Myo1c, in conjunction with Rictor, modulates cortical actin remodeling events in cultured adipocytes. These findings have implications for GLUT4 trafficking as GLUT4 has been previously observed to accumulate in Myo1c-induced membrane ruffles prior to fusion with the plasma membrane. During our studies of adipocyte function we noticed that current siRNA electroporation methods present numerous limitations. To silence genes more effectively we employed a lentivirus-mediated shRNA delivery system, and to standardize this technology in cultured adipocytes we targeted Myo1c and MAP4K4. Using this technology we were able to achieve clear advantages over siRNA oligonucleotide electroporation techniques in stability and permanence of gene silencing. Furthermore we showed that the use of lentiviral vectors in cultured adipocytes did not affect insulin signaling or insulin-mediated glucose uptake events. Despite our inability to use lentiviral vectors to achieve gene silencing in mice we were able to achieve adipose tissue-specific gene silencing effects in mice following manipulation of the lentiviral conditional silencing vector, and then crossing resulting founders with aP2-Cre mice. Interestingly however, only founders from the MAP4K4 conditional shRNA vector, but not founders from the Myo1c conditional shRNA vector, showed gene knockdown, possibly due to position-effect variegation. Taken together, findings from these studies are important because they present an alternative means of achieving gene silencing in cultured adipocytes, with numerous advantages not offered by siRNA oligonucleotide electroporation methods. Furthermore, the in vivo, adipose tissue-specific RNAi studies offer a quick, inexpensive, and less technically challenging means of achieving adipose tissue-specific gene ablations relative to traditional gene knockout approaches.

Virus infection is sensed by the innate immune system through germline encoded pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Toll-like receptors (TLRs), retinoic acid-inducible gene-I-like receptors (RLRs) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors (NLRs) serve as PRRs that recognize different viral components. Microbial nucleic acids such as Ribonucleic acid (RNA) are important virus-derived pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to be recognized by PRRs. Virus recognition may occur at multiple stages of the viral life cycle. Replication intermediates such as single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) are detected by the RNA-sensing PRRs that initiate innate and adaptive immune responses. Triggering of the innate immune system is a critical event that can shape the adaptive immune response to virus infection. Better vaccination strategies that lead to improved T-cell and antibody responses are needed for protection against pathogens. We sought to delineate the RNA-sensing PRR pathways that are activated during infection with an RNA virus, the signaling mediators involved and the influence on subsequent virus-specific adaptive immune responses. To analyze the role of RNA-sensing PRRs in T-cell immune responses in vitro, we performed direct co-stimulation experiments on CD4+ T-cells of high purity. We utilized synthetic RNA-like immune response modifiers (IRMs) R-848 (MyD88-dependent) and poly I:C (MyD88-independent) as RNA PAMPs to determine the direct effects of RNA-sensing PRR activation on CD4+ T-cells. RNA PAMPs can act directly on CD4+ T-cells and modulate their function and phenotype. Maximal direct co-stimulatory effects were observed in CD4+ T-cells cultured with poly I:C compared to R-848. The cytoplasmic dsRNA-dependent protein kinase R (PKR) was also involved in poly I:C-mediated signaling in CD4+ T-cells. We found differences in the RNA-sensing PRRs activated by R-848 between mouse and human CD4+ T-cells. We observed minimal direct co-stimulatory effects by R-848 in mouse CD4+ T-cells. In contrast, augmentation of Th1 responses by R-848 was observed in human CD4+ T-cells. TLR8 activation in human CD4+ T-cells may explain the observed differences. We next explored the signaling pathways activated by RNA PAMPs in conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) and CD4+ T-cells that drive Th1 CD4 T-cell responses in isolated cDC/CD4 T-cell interactions. Allogeneic cDCs and CD4+ T-cells of high purity were cultured together with R-848 and poly I:C in MHC congenic mixed leukocyte reactions (MLRs). R-848 and poly I:C stimulation of type I IFN production and signaling was essential but not sufficient for driving CD4+ Th1 responses. The early production of IL-1α and IL-1β was equally critical. To analyze the role of RNA-sensing PRRs in T-cell immune responses in vivo, we utilized a mouse model of heterosubtypic influenza A virus (IAV) infections. Using MyD88-/-, TLR7-/- and IL-1-deficient mice, we explored the role of MyD88-signaling in the generation of heterosubtypic memory CD4+ T-cell, CD8+ T-cell and antibody responses. We found that MyD88 signaling played an important role in anti-IAV spleen and lung CD4+ T-cell, spleen CD8+ T-cell and Th1 antibody immune responses. Anti-IAV lung heterosubtypic CD8+ T-cell responses were not dependent on MyD88 signaling. Our in vitro and in vivo results show the pivotal role of RNA-sensing PRR pathway activation in T-cell immune responses. Understanding the complexity of the PRR pathways involved during viral infections and defining the subsequent immune response would have important implications for the generation of more effective vaccine strategies.

Deaf individuals experience significant obstacles to participating in behavioral health research when careful consideration is not given to accessibility in the design of study methodology. To inform such considerations, we conducted a secondary analysis of a mixed-methods study that explored 16 Deaf trauma survivors’ help-seeking experiences. Our objective was to identify key findings and qualitative themes from consumers' own words that can be applied to the design of behavioral clinical trials methodology. In many ways, the themes that emerged are what we would expect of any research participant, Deaf or hearing – a need for communication access, empathy, respect, strict confidentiality procedures, trust, and transparency of the research process. However, additional considerations must be made to better recruit, retain, and engage Deaf trauma survivors. We summarize our findings in a “Checklist for Designing Deaf Behavioral Clinical Trials” to operationalize the steps researchers should take to apply Deaf-friendly approaches in their empirical work.

Topographical and mechanical properties of adhesive substrates provide important biological cues that affect cell spreading, migration, growth, and differentiation. The phenomenon has led to the increased use of topographically patterned and flexible substrates in studying cultured cells. However, these studies may be complicated by various limitations. For example, the effects of ligand distribution and porosity are affected by topographical features of 3D biological constructs. Similarly, many studies of mechanical cues are compounded with cellular deformation from external forces, or limited by comparative studies of separate cells on different substrates. Furthermore, understanding cell responses to mechanical input is dependent upon reliable measurements of mechanical properties. This work addresses each of these issues. To determine how substrate topography and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) affect cell shape and movement, I studied FAK-null (FAK -/-) and wild type mouse 3T3 fibroblasts on chemically identical polystyrene substrates with either flat surfaces or micron-sized pillars, I found that, compared to cells on flat surfaces, those on pillar substrates showed a more branched shape, an increased linear speed, and a decreased directional stability, which were dependent on both myosin-II and FAK. To study the dynamic responses to changes in substrate stiffness without other confounding effects, I developed a UV-modulatable substrate that softens upon UV irradiation. As atomic force microscopy (AFM) proved inadequate to detect microscale changes in stiffness, I first developed and validated a microsphere indentation method that is compatible with fluorescence microscopy. The results obtained with this method were comparable to those obtained with AFM. The UV-modulatable substrates softened by ~20-30% with an intensity of irradiation that has no detectable effect on 3T3 cells on control surfaces. Cells responded to global softening of the substrate with an initial retraction followed by a gradual reduction in spread area. Precise spatial control of softening is also possible - while there was little response to posterior softening, anterior softening elicited a pronounced retraction and either a reversal of cell polarity or a significant decrease in spread area if the cells move into the softened region. In conclusion, these techniques provide advances in gaining mechanistic insight into cellular responses to topographical and mechanical cues. Additionally, there are various other potential applications of the novel UV-softening substrate, particularly in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

N. meningitidis is a common commensal of the human upper respiratory tract and a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and septicemia worldwide. The classical pathway of complement (C) is essential for both naturally acquired and vaccine induced immunity against N. meningitidis. Qualitative and/or quantitative differences in anti-meningococcal antibodies (Abs) in serum is one reason for variations in C-dependent bactericidal Ab activity among individuals. I showed that IgG isolated from select individuals could block killing of group B meningococci by Abs that were otherwise bactericidal. Ligand overlay immunoblots revealed that these blocking IgG Abs were directed against a meningococcal antigen called H.8, Killing of meningococci in reactions containing bactericidal mAbs and human blocking Abs was restored when blocking Ab binding to meningococci was inhibited (or competed for) using either synthetic peptides corresponding to H.8 or a non-blocking mAb against H.8. Further, genetic deletion of H.8 from target organisms abrogated blocking. The Fc region of the blocking IgG was required for blocking because F(ab)2 fragments alone generated by pepsin treatment were ineffective. Blocking required IgG glycosylation; deglycosylation of blocking IgG with peptide:N-glycanase (PNGase) eliminated blocking. C4 deposition mediated by a bactericidal mAb directed against a meningococcal vaccine candidate, called factor H-binding protein (fHbp), was reduced by blocking Ab. Anti-fHbp-mediated C4 deposition was unaffected, however, by deglycosylated blocking IgG. Although preliminary, our data suggests blocking of serum bactericidal activity by human anti-H.8 blocking antibody may require mannan-binding lectin (MBL), which itself is a complement activator. Also, whether MBL recruits a complement inhibitor(s) that facilitates blocking remains to be determined. In conclusion, we have identified H.8 as a meningococcal target for novel blocking antibodies that are commonly found in human serum. Blocking Ab may reduce the efficacy of meningococcal vaccines. We propose that outer membrane vesicle-containing meningococcal vaccines may be more efficacious if purged of subversive immunogens such as H.8.

Human papillomavirus infection is the cause of more than 99% of cervical cancer cases. The current vaccine is ineffective therapeutically; highlighting the need for continued papillomavirus research. One avenue that could be explored in this regard is the function of the papillomavirus E2 regulatory proteins. HPV E2 represses expression of the viral E6 and E7 oncoproteins. Reintroduction of E2 into cervical carcinoma cells results in growth arrest and cellular senescence. Understanding the mechanism of how E2 regulates the early promoter may be key to developing new therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines. Here, we describe regulation of E2 through acetylation and possibly through direct interaction with a novel cellular interacting protein, RINT1. Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) proteins have been demonstrated to interact with Bovine Papillomavirus (BPV) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) E2 proteins as well as enhance E2 dependant transcription luciferase reporter plasmid containing E2 binding sites. We demonstrate that HATs p300, CBP, and pCAF are limiting for E2 dependant transcriptional activation and that each protein functions independently. We have also identified that BPV-1 E2 is a substrate for acetylation by p300. Mutants of E2 that cannot be acetylated on lysines 111 or 112, display abnormal transcriptional phenotypes. Cells deficient in p300 display similar transcriptional defects that are intensified by CBP depletion. We propose that acetylation of BPV-1 E2 is necessary for transcriptional activation. Acetylation generates a binding site through which a co-factor may interact via a bromodomain. Regulation of E2 dependent transcriptional activation through a post-transcriptional modification represents a novel method through which BPV-1 controls gene expression. We also present evidence for a direct interaction between BPV-1 E2 and the cellular factor RINT1. This interaction does not appear to be critical for transcriptional regulation; however, several other functional pathways are indicated by the cellular complexes in which RINT1 functions. Some of these, such as ER/Golgi vesicular transport and hTERT independent telomere maintenance, are pathways in which E2 has no known role. Further investigation into regulation and consequences of E2 acetylation and the biological significance of the interaction between E2 and RINT1 could prove important in understanding the complex role of E2 in papillomavirus infection.

The zebrafish has emerged as an important genetic model system for the study of vertebrate development. However, while genetics is a powerful tool for the study of early gene functions, the approach is more limited when it comes to understanding later functions of genes that have essential roles in early embryogenesis. There is thus a need to manipulate gene expression at different times, and ideally only in some regions of the developing embryo. Methods for conditional gene regulation have been established in Drosophila, C.elegans and the mouse, utilizing conditional gene activation systems such as the Gal4-UAS system (fly) and the cre/lox recombination system (mouse). While these tools are also being developed in zebrafish, the accessibility of the zebrafish embryo makes other approaches both possible and desirable. We have taken advantage of a heat-shock inducible system that uses the hsp70 promoter that is activated by cellular stress, such as heat. Having established that this global heat shock method allows temporal control of gene expression, we aimed to spatially control gene expression by applying controlled thermal heat to only a small region of the embryo. This would allow us to determine cell- and tissue-autonomous roles for developmentally important genes in an embryo with otherwise normal gene function. We have now developed a device that uses a laser to heat a defined region of the embryo, and thus activate the hsp70 promoter only in restricted regions of the embryo. The output of a 75 mW red laser pointer was focused into the 50 µm diameter core of an optical fiber, whose cleaved and coated end was used to heat, and thus induce, gene expression in a defined area. We have established conditions that allow controlled heating and trans-gene activation in small regions of the embryo without inducing cell death. This new tool will allow us to study the cell-autonomous roles of embryonic signaling molecules in cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival in a variety of tissues and at different times.

Peripheral neuropathies are a set of common diseases that affect the peripheral nervous system, causing damage to vital connections between various parts of the body and the brain and spinal cord. Different clinical conditions are known to selectively impact various size nerve fibers, which often makes it difficult to diagnose which peripheral neuropathy a patient might have. The nerve conduction velocity diagnostic test provides clinically useful information in the diagnosis of some peripheral neuropathies. This method is advantageous because it tends to be minimally invasive yet it provides valuable diagnostic information. However, this test does not determine characteristics of peripheral nerve fiber size distributions, and therefore does not show any detailed information regarding the nerve fibers within the nerve trunk. Being able to determine which nerve fibers are contributing to the evoked potential within a nerve trunk could provide additional information to clinicians for the diagnosis of specific pathologies of the peripheral nervous system, such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy or early diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In this study, three rat sciatic nerves are sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin in order to measure the nerve fiber diameters within the nerve trunk. Stained samples are viewed using brightfield microscopy and images are analyzed using ImageJ. Histograms were created to show the frequency of various nerve fiber diameters. The nerve fiber diameters measured during this research are consistent with the range of previously published diameter values and will be used to support continuing research for a novel method to characterize peripheral nerve fiber size distributions using group delay.