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The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adoptive transfer of regulatory natural killer T (NKT) lymphocytes on the metabolic disorder in leptin-deficient ob/ob mice, which feature depletion and defective function of NKT and CD4 lymphocytes. Leptin-deficient ob/ob mice were subjected to transplantation of 1 x 10(6) of either ob/ob or wild-type-derived NKT lymphocytes, or to transplantation of either ob/ob or wild-type-derived splenocytes. The effect on hepatic fat content was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (signal intensity index) and histology, using the steatohepatitis grading scale. The degree of glucose intolerance was measured by an oral glucose tolerance test (GTT). Adoptive transfer of wild-type or ob/ob-derived regulatory NKT cells led to a 12% decrease in hepatic fat content. A significant histological shift from macrosteatosis to microsteatosis was observed. Marked improvement in the GTT was noted in wild-type or ob/ob-derived NKT recipients. Metabolic effects were associated with a significant decrease in peripheral and intrahepatic CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratios. Intrahepatic CD8 trapping was observed in all responders. Serum interleukin 10 levels decreased significantly. In conclusion, adoptive transfer of a relatively small number of regulatory NKT lymphocytes into ob/ob mice results in a significant reduction in hepatic fat content, a shift from macro to microsteatosis, and significant improvement in glucose intolerance. These effects were associated with decreased peripheral and intrahepatic CD4/CD8 ratios and decreased interleukin 10 levels. The results further support a role for regulatory NKT lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in the leptin-deficient murine model.

Concanavalin A (ConA) induces natural killer T (NKT) cell-mediated liver damage. Glucocerebroside (GC) is a naturally occurring glycolipid. Our aims were to determine the effect of GC in a murine model of ConA-induced hepatitis. Mice in groups A and B were treated with GC 2 h before and 2 h following administration of ConA, respectively; group C mice were treated with ConA; group D mice was treated with GC; group E mice did not receive any treatment. Liver damage was evaluated by serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and liver histology. The immune effect of GC was determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis of intrahepatic and intrasplenic NKT lymphocytes, measurement of cytokine levels, and Western blot analysis for STAT 1, 4, 6, and NF-κB expression. The effect of GC on NKT cell proliferation was assessed in vitro. Serum AST and ALT levels were markedly reduced in GC-treated group A mice compared with nontreated group C animals, and histological damage was markedly attenuated in group A. The beneficial effect of GC was associated with a 20% decrease of intrahepatic NKT lymphocytes, significant lowering of serum IFN-γ levels, and decreased STAT1 and STAT6 expression. In vitro administration of GC led to a 42% decrease of NKT cell proliferation in the presence of dendritic cells but not in their absence. Intraperitoneally administered radioactive GC was detected in the liver and bowel. Administration of GC led to amelioration of ConA hepatitis associated with an inhibitory effect on NKT lymphocytes. GC holds promise as a new immune-modulatory agent.

NKT cells are a regulatory subset of T lymphocytes with immune modulatory effects and an important role in anti-tumor immunity. The feasibility of “ex-vivo education” of NKT cells has recently been demonstrated. To evaluate the anti-tumor effect of ex-vivo immune-modulated NKT lymphocytes in a murine model of hepatocellular carcinoma. Athymic Balb/C mice were sublethally irradiated and transplanted with human Hep3B HCC. NKT cells prepared from immunocompetent Balb/C mice were pulsed ex vivo with HCC-derived antigens (Group A), Hep3B cells (group B) or BSA (group C), and adoptively transferred into HCC harboring mice (1 × 06 NKT cells per mouse). Group D mice did not undergo NKT cell transplantation. Group E mice were transplanted with 1 × 106 NKT cells from HBV-immunized donors. Mice were followed for tumor size and weight. To determine the mechanism of the anti-tumor effect, intrasplenic lymphocyte populations were analyzed by FACS for NKT, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte subpopulations; STAT 1, 4 and 6 expression in splenocytes was assessed by Western blot, and serum cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. Adoptive transfer of NKT cells pulsed with HCC-derived antigens (group A) and NKT cells from immunized donors (group E) resulted in complete disappearance of tumors within 4 weeks and attenuated weight loss (6.5% and 7% in groups A and E, respectively). In contrast, mice in groups B, C, and D developed large, necrotic tumors and severe weight loss (21%, 17% and 23% weight loss in groups B, C, and D, respectively). NKT/CD4 and CD8/CD4 ratios were significantly increased in groups A and E (12.3 and 17.6 in groups A and D, respectively, compared to 6.4, 4.8 and 5.6 in groups B, C and D, respectively, for the NKT/CD4 ratio; 41 and 19.8 in groups A and E, respectively, compared to 6.5, 11.8 and 3.2 in groups B, C, and D, respectively, for the CD8/CD4 ratio). Expression of the transcription factor STAT4 was evident in group A, but not in groups B-D. Serum IFNγ, IL12 and IL4 levels were increased in groups A and E. Adoptive transfer of NKT lymphocytes exposed ex vivo by HCC-derived antigens loaded on dendritic cells and NKT cells from immunized donors led to suppression of HCC in mice. NKT-mediated anti-tumor activity was associated increased NKT and CD8+ T lymphocyte numbers, increased expression of STAT4, a marker for IL-12 activity and elevated serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IFNγ and IL12, and of IL4. Ex-vivo modulation of NKT lymphocytes holds promise as a novel mode of immune therapy for HCC. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Summary: Natural killer T (NKT) lymphocyte cells are a subset of regulatory lymphocytes with important immunemodulatory effects. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of transplantation of NKT lymphocytes on graft versus host disease (GVHD) in a murine model of semiallogeneic BMT. GVHD was generated by infusion of 2 × 107 splenocytes from C57BL/6 donor mice into irradiated (C57BL/6 × Balb/c)F1 recipient mice. Adoptive transfer of increasing numbers of DX5+ cells was performed. Recipient mice were followed for histological parameters of GVHD-associated liver, bowel, and cutaneous injury. Intrahepatic and intrasplenic lymphocytes were isolated and analyzed by FACS for CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations. It was seen that adoptive transfer of 4.5 × 106 DX5+ cells significantly alleviated GVHD-related hepatic, bowel, and cutaneous injury, and improved survival (85% survival on day 28). In contrast, depletion of DX5+ cells led to severe GVHD-associated multiorgan injury and 100% mortality. A direct correlation with the number of transplanted DX5+ cells was noted (maximal effect with transplantation of 4.5 × 106 DX5+ cells). Tolerance induction was associated with an increased peripheral CD4/CD8 ratio, intrahepatic trapping of CD8 lymphocytes and a shift towards a Th2-type cytokine profile, manifested by decreased IL-12/IL10, IL-12/IL-4, IFNγ/IL-10, and IFNγ/IL-4 ratios. Transplantation of DX5+ cells holds promise as a novel therapeutic measure for GVHD.

The liver was previously suggested as a site of lymphocyte clearance. Liver-associated lymphocytes that express NK1.1 marker (NKT LAL) play a role in immune modulation. Aim: To determine the role of the liver and of NKT LAL in determining the CD4+/CD8+ balance during tolerance induction. Methods: Colitis was induced in C57 mice by intracolonic instillation of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). Immune tolerance was induced via five oral feedings of colitis-extracted proteins (CEP) from TNBS-colitis colonic wall, starting on the day of colitis induction (group A). Control mice were fed with BSA (group B). To determine the role of NKT cells in immune modulation, NK1.1 depletion was performed in nonfed (group C) and fed (group D) mice. To further evaluate the role of NKT cells in this model, mice in group E were tolerized following NKT depletion. To determine the effect of NKT depletion in a tolerized environment, tolerized mice in group F were NKT depleted following tolerance induction. Peripheral and intrahepatic NK1.1+ and CD4+/CD8+ T cells were determined in all groups. Colitis was assessed by standard clinical and histologic scores. Serum cytokines levels were measured by ELISA. Results: Oral tolerance induction led to a marked alleviation of colitis as manifested by a significant improvement of the clinical, macroscopic, and microscopic scores of colitis (group A vs. group B). NK1.1+ depletion without tolerance induction had a favorable effect on colitis (C). Depletion of NKT LAL prevented the ability to induce tolerance (group D). However, induction of tolerance following NK1.1+ depletion, and NK1.1+ depletion following tolerance induction led to a marked improvement of colitis (groups E and F). Tolerance induction led to a significant increase in NKT LAL numbers. The peripheral CD4+/CD8+ ratio increased up to 3-fold in tolerized vs. non-tolerized mice. A similar increase was observed in NKT-depleted healthy mice in groups C, E, and F (P < 0.005). In contrast, NK1.1+ depletion in the presence of antigen in the bowel led to a reverse effect with a significant decrease in the peripheral CD4+/CD8+ ratio. An opposite effect was observed in the intrahepatic CD4+/CD8+. The peripheral/intrahepatic CD4+/CD8+ ratio increased significantly in tolerized and in healthy mice (A, D, E, F, P < 0.005). In contrast, NK1.1+ depleted fed mice in group C manifested a marked decrease in the peripheral/intrahepatic CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Induction of tolerance led to a marked increase in the IL-10/interferon γ (IFNγ) and IL-4/IFNγ ratios. Conclusions: In the experimental colitis model, the liver is an important site for CD8+ accumulation during tolerance induction in a process that is independent of NK1.1+ cells. NK1.1+ cells play a dual role in the pro/anti-inflammatory balance. In the presence of antigen, these lymphocytes may be accountable for keeping an anti-inflammatory lymphocyte balance. However, in the absence of antigen, they may induce a pro-inflammatory shift.

T lymphocyte-expressing natural killer (NK) cell markers (NKT cells) play a role in immune regulation. Our aim was to evaluate the in vivo effect of adoptive transfer of immune-programmed NKT cells. Colitis was induced in C57/B6 mice by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. NKT, CD4, CD8 lymphocytes, and dendritic cells (DC) were prepared from spleens of naive mice, animals with colitis, and animals with colitis that were orally tolerized. Subsets of splenocytes, NKT, CD4, and CD8 and NKT+CD4, NKT+CD8, and NKT+DC lymphocytes were prepared. Assessment of the T helper cell type 1 (Th1)/Th2 cytokine secretion paradigm in vitro was performed before and following exposure to the antigen. Adoptive transfer of ex vivo immune-programmed lymphocytes from each group was performed into recipient mice, followed by colitis induction. Ex vivo exposure of NKT cells harvested from mice with colitis-to-colitis proteins [colitis-extracted proteins (CEP)] led to a Th2 cytokine shift. The interleukin (IL)-4/interferon-γ (IFN-γ) ratio increased for NKT harvested from colitis-harboring mice following exposure to CEP. Adoptive transfer of NKT lymphocytes harvested from colitis-harboring mice, which were ex vivo-educated, significantly alleviated experimental colitis in vivo. Intrahepatic NKT lymphocytes increased significantly in mice transplanted with NKT lymphocytes harvested from colitis-harboring donor mice, which were ex vivo-exposed to CEP, similar to mice transplanted with NKT lymphocytes harvested from tolerized donors. Exposure of NKT cells to the disease-target antigen induced a significant increase in the IL-4/IFN-γ cytokine ratio. Adoptive transfer of a relatively small number of immune-programmed NKT cells induced a systemic Th1 to Th2-immune shift and alleviated immune-mediated colitis.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the major obstacle for successful allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Morbidity and mortality are high, and novel therapeutic strategies are required. Current therapy, which is based mainly on immunosuppression, is associated with a high degree of complications. Immune hyporesponsiveness induced by oral antigen administration has recently been shown to prevent the development of chronic GVHD (cGVHD) in a murine model. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether it is possible to induce tolerance and to alleviate GVHD in a semiallogeneic transplantation model in mice. GVHD was generated by infusing 2 x 10(7) splenocytes from C57BL/6 donor mice into (C57BL/6 x Balb/c)F1 recipient mice, which received 7 Gy (60)Co total body irradiation (TBI) prior to transplantation. Oral tolerance was induced by feeding recipient F1 mice with five oral doses of proteins, 50 micro g/mouse, extracted from C57BL/6 splenocytes on alternate days following transplantation. In vitro mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) from tolerized and nontolerized mice was performed. Recipient mice were followed for chimerism, and for clinical and histological parameters of GVHD. Induction of tolerance was documented by a significant reduction in MLR response of tolerated vs nontolerated splenocytes. A significant alleviation of the clinical and pathological manifestation of GVHD was observed in the liver, small bowel, and skin. Tolerance induction did not jeopardize engraftment. These results may constitute a step towards reducing the frequency of GVHD via manipulation of the immune system.

Oral tolerance is the induction of immune hyporesponsiveness to orally administered antigens. It was described in association with a decrease in interferon gamma (IFNgamma) production by activated T cells. To determine the role of IFNgamma and IL10 in immunemodulation via oral tolerization. Colitis was induced by intracolonic instillation of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Treated mice received five oral doses of colitis-extracted proteins (CEPs) every other day, starting immediately after colitis induction. Control mice received similar doses of bovine serum albumin. Colitis was assessed in both groups by standard clinical, micro- and macroscopic scores. IFNgamma and IL10 expression in splenic lymphocytes from both groups was tested by RT-PCR immediately after oral feeding, 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h thereafter and then every 24 h for 2 weeks. Feeding of CEPs markedly ameliorated experimental colitis. These mice gained weight and showed markedly improved macro- and microscopic parameters of colitis. Tolerized mice exhibited IFNgamma expression in splenic lymphocytes starting immediately following oral CEP immunization and up to 14 d thereafter. IL10 was expressed starting 1 h after CEP feeding and during the first 48 h thereafter. In contrast, non-tolerized control mice manifested IFNgamma expression starting on day 6 and had no IL10 expression. Early induction of IFNgamma expression by oral antigen may be associated with systemic tolerance in the experimental colitis setting. In contrast, late expression of IFNgamma is associated with a pro-inflammatory response in non-tolerized controls.

The imbalance between Th1 pro-inflammatory and Th2 anti-inflammatory cytokine-producing cells plays a major role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Induction of oral tolerance to colitis-extracted proteins was previously shown to down-regulate the anti-colon immune response, thereby alleviating experimental colitis. Immune bystander effect and liver-associated lymphocytes expressing the NK1.1 marker (NK1.1(+) LAL) have been suggested as being important in tolerance induction. The aims of the present study were to determine whether oral administration of inflammatory and non-inflammatory colon-extracted proteins of different species can induce peripheral immune tolerance and alleviate experimental colitis; and to examine the role of NK1.1(+) LAL in oral tolerance induction. Colitis was induced in C57/B6 mice by intracolonic instillation of trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS). Mice received six oral doses of colonic proteins extracted from TNBS-colitis colonic wall, or normal colonic wall, from four different species. Standard clinical, macroscopic, and microscopic scores were used for colitis assessment. Serum interferon gamma (IFNgamma) and interleukin 10 (IL10) levels were measured by ELISA. To evaluate the role of NK1.1(+) LAL in maintaining the balance between immunogenic and tolerogenic subsets of cells, their cytotoxicity functions were tested in tolerized and non-tolerized-mice. The administration of mouse-derived colitis-extracted proteins, or of surrogate proteins extracted from normal mouse colon, or from rat or human inflammatory colons, was found to alleviate experimental colitis. Tolerized mice had less diarrhoea; showed a marked reduction of colonic ulceration, intestinal and peritoneal adhesions, wall thickness, and oedema; and demonstrated a significant improvement of all microscopic parameters for colitis. Induction of tolerance led to an increase in IL10 and a decrease in IFNgamma serum levels. NK1.1(+) LAL cytotoxicity function increased markedly in tolerized mice. In contrast, mice fed with proteins extracted from normal rat, rabbit, and human colon, or from rabbit inflammatory colon, developed severe colitis, with a marked increase in IFNgamma and a decrease in IL10 serum levels, and down-regulation of NK1.1(+) LAL function. This study has shown that oral tolerance can be induced in experimental colitis by means of the feeding of surrogate antigens; this alleviates experimental colitis. NK1.1(+) LAL cytotoxicity function is associated with peripheral tolerance induction and may help to maintain the Th1/Th2 immune balance.

In chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD), an immune attack by transplanted donor lymphocytes results in damage of host target organs. A disbalance between proinflammatory (Th1) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (Th2) plays an important role in the pathogenesis. Immune hyporesponsiveness induced by oral antigen administration has been shown to suppress autoimmunity. We evaluated the efficacy of oral tolerization in preventing cGVHD in a mouse model. cGVHD was generated by infusing 2.5 x 10(7) splenocytes from B10.D2 donor mice, to sublethally irradiated (6 Gy) BALB/c recipient mice, which differ in minor histocompatibility antigens. The transplantation resulted in cGVHD, with characteristic hepatic and small bowel inflammation, and increased skin collagen content and fibrosis. Oral tolerance was induced by feeding donor B10.D2 mice with proteins extracted from BALB/c splenocytes at 50 microg/d per mouse for 11 days before transplantation. Tolerization was evidenced by reduction in mixed lymphocyte response of effector splenocytes from tolerized B10.D2 mice against BALB/c target splenocytes. Liver and small bowel biopsy specimens revealed much less inflammation. Oral tolerization prevented weight and subcutaneous fat loss, reduced thickening, and skin collagen deposits. Reduction of collagen alpha1 (I) gene expression was shown by in situ hybridization. Serum interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels measured significantly higher in tolerized mice than in controls, whereas interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), IL-2, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were reduced significantly. Oral tolerization of splenocyte donors towards recipient-strain splenocytes ameliorated cGVHD of the liver, small intestine, and skin. A cytokine shift from a proinflammatory to an anti-inflammatory pattern may play a role in down-regulation of the immune-mediated target organ damage.

Background Natural killer T (NKT) lymphocytes play a role in graft-versus-host disease GVHD (GVHD). Glucocerebroside (GC) is a naturally occurring glycolipid that plays a role in the immune modulation of NKT lymphocytes. This study aims to determine the effect of GC in murine models of semiallogeneic/acute and chronic GVHD. Methods Acute and chronic GVHD were generated by fusion of splenocytes from C57BL/6 to (C57BL/6xBalb/c) F1 mice, and from B10.D2 donor mice into Balb/c, respectively. Recipients were treated daily with GC. Histological and immunological parameters of GVHD were assessed. Results Treatment with GC significantly alleviated GVHD in both models The beneficial effect of GC was associated with an increase in the intrahepatic/peripheral NKT lymphocyte ratio in the semiallogeneic/acute model. This ratio was decreased in the chronic GVHD model. A significant increase in intrahepatic CD8+ lymphocyte trapping was noted in the semiallogeneic/acute model, whereas the opposite effect was observed in the chronic GVHD model. Administration of GC led to decreased serum interferon-gamma and increased serum interleukin-4 levels in the Th1-mediated model, whereas the opposite effect was observed in the Th2-mediated models. Conclusions GC ameliorates GVHD in both Th1- and Th2-mediated murine models, suggesting it is able to differentially affect the immune system. GC may alleviate immunologically incongruous disorders, and may be associated with "fine tuning" of immune responses.

Glucocerebroside (GC) is a naturally occurring glycolipid that may alter natural killer T (NKT) cell function. To determine the effect of GC on the metabolic derangements and immune profile in leptin-deficient mice, Ob/Ob mice were treated by daily injections of GC for 8 weeks and followed for various metabolic and immunological parameters. Marked amelioration of the metabolic alterations characteristic of leptin-deficient mice was observed in GC-treated animals compared with controls. A significant decrease in liver size and hepatic fat content were observed in GC-treated mice. Near-normalization of glucose tolerance and decreased serum triglyceride levels were observed. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of peripheral and intrahepatic lymphocytes revealed a 1.6-fold increase of the peripheral/intrahepatic NKT lymphocyte ratio. A 33% decrease of serum interferon-gamma level and a 2.6-fold increase of serum interleukin 10 level were noted in GC-treated mice. Immune modulation by GC may have a role in the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and other immune-mediated disorders.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis in the Western world. In an animal model of NASH, leptin-deficient ob/ob mice present with alterations in number and function of hepatic NKT and peripheral CD4 lymphocytes. Oral immune regulation is a method to alter the immune response towards orally administered antigens. To determine the effect of oral immune regulation towards liver-extracted proteins on the metabolic disorders in ob/ob mice, ob/ob mice and their lean littermates were orally administered liver extracts from wild-type or ob/ob mice or bovine serum albumin for 1 month. The effect of treatment on hepatic fat content was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and using a histological steatohepatitis grading scale. Glucose tolerance was measured by an oral glucose tolerance test (GTT). T lymphocyte subpopulations were assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Induction of immune regulation by oral presentation of liver-extracted proteins resulted in a significant 18% reduction of the hepatic fat content in ob/ob mice fed with either wild-type or ob/ob liver extracts for 1 month. The MRI signal intensity index in treated mice decreased to 0.48 and 0.51, respectively, compared with 0.62 in BSA-fed controls (p = 0.037 and p = 0.019, respectively), while the histological steatohepatitis score decreased in both treated groups to 2.0, compared with 2.4 in BSA-fed controls (p = 0.05). A significant improvement in GTT was noted in treated ob/ob mice. These changes were accompanied by a marked increase in the intrahepatic NKT lymphocyte population in mice fed with proteins extracted from both wild-type and ob/ob mice (46.96% and 56.72%, respectively, compared with 26.21% in BSA-fed controls; p < 0.05) and a significant elevation in serum IL-10 levels. Oral immune regulation towards liver extracted proteins in leptin-deficient mice resulted in a marked reduction in hepatic fat content and improved glucose tolerance. This effect was associated with a significant increase in the intrahepatic NKT lymphocyte population and serum IL-10 levels, suggesting a Th1 to Th2 immune shift. Immune regulation towards disease-associated antigens holds promise as a new mode of therapy for NASH.

Background/Aims Leptin exerts potent immune modulatory properties. The aim of this study was to determine leptin's anti-tumor effect in a murine model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods In vivo, athymic nude mice were transplanted with Hep3B cells, followed by daily leptin administration for 6 weeks. Results Leptin administration induced a significant reduction in tumor size, improved survival rate, and was associated with a significant increase in peripheral natural killer (NK) cell number. Splenocytes from leptin-treated mice featured decreased expression of CIS mRNA. SCID mice featured a similar leptin-associated tumor suppression. In contrast, NK-deficient SCID-beige mice developed larger tumors which were unresponsive to leptin. NK cells incubated in vitro with increasing doses of leptin demonstrated increased cytotoxicity and proliferation. Incubation of leptin with hepatoma cells induced a dose-dependent reduction in proliferation, suggesting a direct anti-tumor effect. Leptin induced increased mRNA expression of STAT2 and SOCS1 on HCC cell lines. Conclusions Leptin administration induces a significant suppression of human HCC. This effect is mediated by induction of natural killer cell proliferation and activation, along with direct inhibition of tumor growth. Decreased NK expression of inhibitory CIS and over-expression of the antiproliferative STAT2 and SOCS1 proteins in HCC lines may underline the anti-cancerous effects of leptin.

Chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) is the result of an immune-mediated attack by transplanted donor lymphocytes, entailing inflammatory damage to host target organs. Clinically, the post-bone marrow transplantation (BMT) graft versus leukemia (GVL) effect may be associated with GVHD. Immune hyporesponsiveness induced by oral antigen administration has recently been shown to prevent the development of cGVHD in a murine model. To evaluate whether amelioration of cGVHD in mice by induction of oral immune regulation in donors toward recipient pretransplant lymphocyte antigens is associated with attenuation of the GVL effect donor B10.D2 mice were fed with Balb/c splenocytes, B10.D2 splenocytes, bovine serum albumin (BSA), or regular chow, every other day for 10 days. Subsequently, transplantation of 2 x 10(7) splenocytes from donor B10.D2 mice to recipient Balb/c mice was undertaken, followed by inoculation of 3 x 10(3) BCL-1 leukemia on the day of BMT. Control groups were fed identically without leukemia inoculation. Mice were followed for survival and leukemia progression. Induction of tolerance was assessed by a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Cutaneous GVHD was assessed macroscopically. To elucidate the mechanism of any observed effect, serum interferon (IFN), interleukin (IL-2), IL-12, IL-4, and IL-10 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry analysis for CD4+, CD8+, and NK1.1+ lymphocyte subpopulations was performed. There was no significant difference in leukemia progression manifested by survival or white blood cell counts of orally immune-regulated mice compared with control animals. Cutaneous cGVHD was significantly ameliorated in Balb/c mice transplanted from tolerized B10.D2 mice. This effect was associated with a significant reduction in the mixed lymphocyte response of effector splenocytes from tolerized B10.D2 mice against Balb/c target splenocytes; significantly decreased serum IFN-gamma and IL-2; increased serum IL-12 levels; increased peripheral NK1.1+ cells; and CD4+/CD8+ lymphocyte ratio. Oral tolerization of BMT donors toward recipient antigens ameliorates cGVHD without hampering the GVL effect.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen presenting cells that play a role in T-cell activation. Liver-associated natural killer T lymphocytes (NKTs) are a unique subset of lymphocytes that may be important in antitumor immunity. Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) expresses hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) on its cell surface and may serve as a tumor-associated antigen. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antitumor effect of DC pulsed with tumor or viral-associated antigens in HBV-expressing HCC in mice and to determine the role of NKT lymphocytes in this process. Balb/c mice were sublethally irradiated and transplanted with Hep3b HCC cell line, followed by transplantation of naive splenocytes. DCs were separated using CD11c beads and pulsed with HBV-enveloped proteins (group A), HCC cell lysate (group B), or BSA (control group C). Mice were followed for survival and tumor size. To determine the mechanism of the antitumor effect, intrasplenic and intrahepatic lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed by FACS for NKT, CD4 and CD8 markers. Tumor-associated antigens-specific IFNgamma ELISPOT, T-cell proliferation assays and serum cytokine analysis were performed. Treatment with tumor-associated antigen-pulsed DC significantly improved survival (40% and 50% as compared with 0% in groups A, B, and control group C, respectively; p0.005). Tumor size decreased to 12.8 +/- 0.4 and 0 from 60.4 +/- 0.9 mm(3) in groups A, B, and control group C, respectively (p0.005). Adoptive transfer of HBV or Hep3b-associated antigens-pulsed DC induced a 6-fold increase in peripheral CD8(+) lymphocytes (from 1% in control mice to 6% and 5.5% in groups A and B, respectively), along with a decrease in CD4(+) lymphocytes (from 3.5% in controls to 1.4% and 2.3% in A and B, respectively; p0.005). The CD8(+)/CD4(+) ratio increased from 0.28 in controls to 4.28 and 2.39 in groups A and B, respectively (p0.005). Intrasplenic NKT cells increased from 7% in control mice to 7.98% and 14.6% in groups A and B, respectively. In contrast, an opposite shift was observed inside the liver. Intrahepatic lymphocyte analysis showed a marked increase in CD4(+) and a decrease in CD8(+) lymphocytes in treated groups. The intrahepatic CD4(+) number increased from 0.5% in controls to 2.15% and 25.8% in groups A and B, respectively (p0.005). In contrast, a significant decrease in the intrahepatic CD8(+) numbers was observed (from 7% in controls to 1.0% and 2.4% in groups A and B, respectively; p0.005). A significant increase was noted in HBV-specific IFNgamma spot-forming T-cell colonies from 0.0 to 8.8 +/- 1.7 and 1.8 +/- 2.9 in groups C, A, and B, respectively (p0.005). Similarly, a significant increase in the HBV-specific T-cell stimulation index, from 0.8 +/- 0.2 to 7.2 +/- 0.4, in groups C and B, respectively, was noted (p0.002). IFNgamma and IL12 serum levels increased significantly in treated groups. IFNgamma and IL12 serum levels increased to 380 +/- 30 and 400 +/- 20, and 960 +/- 40 and 760 +/- 60 in groups A and B, compared with 150 +/- 16 and 490 +/- 40 pg/ml in control mice (p0.005). Tumor antigen-pulsed DCs effectively suppressed the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma in mice. This effect was associated with enhanced NKT and CD8(+) lymphocyte function and augmentation of the antitumor/antiviral-specific IFNgamma production.

Background: Oral immune regulation towards viral proteins was previously shown to modulate the anti-HBV immune response. Adoptive transfer of orally immunomodulated lymphocytes suppressed the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) expressing HBsAg in athymic mice. NKT lymphocytes play a role in the defense against tumor growth. Aim: To evaluate the effect of oral immune regulation towards HCC-associated antigens or HBV proteins on growth of HBsAg-expressing HCC, and to determine the role of NKT lymphocytes in immune modulation. Methods: Sublethally irradiated athymic Balb/c mice were injected with 107 human hepatoma cells followed 10 days later by transplantation of 2 × 106 splenocytes from naive donor mice. Immune modulation was performed via feeding of HCC-extracted proteins or HBV antigens (HBsAg + Pre S1 + Pre S2). The control group was fed with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Mice were followed for survival, tumor volume, and serum α-fetoprotein levels. To determine the role of NKT cells in tumor suppression, cytokine expression and FACS analysis for CD4+, CD8+, and NK1.1+ T lymphocyte subsets were performed. Results: Oral immune regulation towards HCC-extracted proteins induced complete tumor suppression in recipient mice. Mortality rates were 0% in HCC-immune-regulated mice, compared with an 80% mortality rate using HBV antigens and a 100% mortality rate in control mice. Oral immune regulation towards HCC prevented weight loss. No visible tumor mass was observed in orally immune-regulated mice as compared with 112 mm3 in controls. Serum αFP levels were 0.9, 378 and 1,358 ng/ml in HCC, HBV immune-regulated and controls, respectively. Immune regulation towards HCC antigens significantly increased the NK1.1+ T lymphocytes/CD4+ and CD8+/CD4+ ratios. IFNγ production increased two-fold. Conclusion: Oral immune regulation towards HCC antigens effectively enhanced the anti-tumor immune response, thus suppressing the growth of HCC in mice. This effect was associated with an increased NKT,CD8+/CD4+ lymphocyte ratio and may be mediated via enhancement of IFNγ production.

Adoptive transfer of immunity against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was previously shown to facilitate suppression of experimental human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) expressing HBsAg in athymic mice. We have shown that oral tolerance induces antigen-specific immune suppression of HBsAg by feeding hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens. In the present study we evaluated the effect of oral tolerance induction toward HBV or HCC antigens on the growth of experimental HCC-expressing HBsAg in mice. Tolerance induction was induced in mice by 5 oral feedings of 1 μg HBV antigens or HCC-extracted proteins (50 μg protein) before vaccination with recombinant HBsAg. Splenocytes (2 × 106) from these mice were transferred to sublethally irradiated athymic BALB/c mice previously transplanted subcutaneously with 107 human hepatoma Hep3B cells. Adoptive transfer of splenocytes immunized toward HBsAg prevented tumor growth. At 4 weeks after splenocyte transplantation, tumor volume and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in athymic mice transplanted with splenocytes immunized to HBsAg were undetectable as compared with 1,048 ± 738 mm3 and 2,500 ± 1,431 ng/ml in recipients of naive splenocytes (p < 0.0001). Mice receiving splenocytes tolerized toward Hep3B cells, as manifested by reduced serum HBs antibody levels, reduced HBV-specific stimulation index and reduced HBV-specific-IFNγ spot-forming cells, had early tumor growth evident by elevated AFP serum levels, weight loss and mortality, which were suppressed at 6 weeks. Mice transplanted with splenocytes tolerized toward HBV antigens did not have direct evidence of tumor growth. Induction of oral tolerance toward HCC-extracted proteins enabled transient tumor growth in this model. This effect was mediated through downregulation of the anti-HBV immune response. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a non-cytopathic virus, and the hepatocellular injury that occurs as a consequence of HBV infection is mediated by the host antiviral immune response. Subjects with natural tolerance to HBV have minimal or no liver injury despite chronic viremia. We have shown that immune tolerance towards viruses can be induced by oral administration of viral proteins.To test whether oral induction of tolerance can be induced towards HBV antigens, and whether oral tolerance induction downregulates preexisting anti-HBV immune response.Oral tolerance was induced via feeding of five low oral doses of HBV proteins (HBsAg+preS1+preS2, BioHepB). This was followed by two inoculations with the BioHepB vaccine. Humoral immune tolerance was evaluated by measuring serum levels of anti-HBs antibody titers at monthly intervals. To determine if oral tolerance induction downregulates pre-existing anti-HBs immunity, mice were inoculated twice with the BioHepB vaccine, followed by feeding of BioHepB-HBV proteins.Feeding of HBV proteins markedly inhibited production of anti-HBs antibodies in naive mice. Anti-HBs titers were 45 versus 135 mIU/ml, in tolerized versus non-tolerized controls (P0.005). Moreover, oral tolerance induction effectively down-regulated pre-existing immunity and reduced the anti-HBs titers in previously immunized mice to 112 versus 223 mIU/ml, in tolerized compared with non-tolerized controls (P0.01).Induction of oral tolerance towards HBV proteins downregulates the antiviral humoral immune response in naive mice, and in the presence of preexisting anti-HBV immunity. This approach should be further investigated as a method for alleviation of antiviral-mediated liver injury in chronic HBV hepatitis.

Development of new therapies for human hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) would be greatly facilitated by the availability of a suitable small-animal model for HBV virus production in vivo. To develop a murine model for HBV production, we established an immortalized, cloned liver cell line by transferring the Simian Virus 40 Large T-Antigen into primary human hepatocytes. These cells were stably transfected with a full-length HBV genome to generate a clone that expresses HBV genes and replicates HBV. The HBV-producing cells were transplanted into the livers of mice with combined immunodeficiency (Rag-2 deficient) by intrasplenic injection. Survival of the engrafted human hepatocytes was shown in several ways: fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with a human-chromosome-specific DNA probe (human alpha satellite), dot-blot hybridization of the genomic DNA extracted from liver biopsy specimens with a human-specific Alu repetitive DNA probe, Blur-8, as well as with an HBV DNA probe, and secretion of human proteins into plasma. Histological examination of mouse liver up to 8 months following human cell transplant shows completely normal architecture. Determination of plasma HBV DNA levels indicated that engrafted cells secreted 3x10(7) to 3x10(8) virions per mL into the blood, and HBsAg was detected in plasma. This new murine model of HBV viremia should be useful for in vivo HBV studies.

Chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) is a major complication that can develop after bone marrow transplantation. It involves an immune-mediated attack by transplanted donor lymphocytes, and often results in inflammatory damage of host target organs. Immune hyporesponsiveness induced by oral antigen administration has been recently shown to prevent the development of cGVHD in a murine model. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether tolerance induction in bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients after transplantation, toward their pretransplant antigens, can alleviate preexisting cGVHD in a mouse model. cGVHD was generated by infusing 2.5 × 107splenocytes from B10.D2 donor mice, to sublethally irradiated (6 Gy) BALB/c recipient mice, which differ by minor histocompatibility antigens. Transplantation resulted in cGVHD, with characteristic scleroderma-like cutaneous fibrosis, increased skin collagen content, decreased body weight, and hepatic and small bowel inflammation. Oral tolerance was induced by feeding recipient BALB/c mice with proteins extracted from BALB/c splenocytes for 11 days after B10.D2 splenocyte transplantation. Tolerance induction was evidenced by a significant reduction in mixed lymphocyte response of effector splenocytes from tolerant BALB/c mice transplanted with B10.D2 splenocytes against BALB/c target splenocytes. Oral tolerance decreased skin collagen deposits. Reduction of collagen 1(I) gene expression and skin collagen were shown by in situ hybridization and histochemistry, respectively. Liver and bowel biopsy specimens revealed less inflammation. Serum IL-10 levels were higher in tolerant mice than in controls, whereas IFNγ was significantly reduced. Oral tolerance of BMT recipients toward their pretransplant antigens after splenocyte transplantation down-regulated the immune attack by transplanted cells, thus ameliorating cGVHD.