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Increases in IL-6 by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to colon cancer progression, but the mechanisms involved in the increase of this tumor-promoting cytokine are unknown. The aim of this study was to identify novel targets involved in the dysregulation of IL-6 expression by CAFs in colon cancer.Colonic normal (N), hyperplastic, tubular adenoma, adenocarcinoma tissues, and tissue-derived myo-/fibroblasts (MFs) were used in these studies.Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated a striking decrease in alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) expression, a gene potentially involved in IL-6 dysregulation in CAFs. ADH1B expression was downregulated in approximately 50% of studied tubular adenomas and all T1-4 colon tumors, but not in hyperplastic polyps. ADH1B metabolizes alcohols, including retinol (RO), and is involved in the generation of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA). LPS-induced IL-6 production was inhibited by either RO or its byproduct atRA in N-MFs, but only atRA was effective in CAFs. Silencing ADH1B in N-MFs significantly upregulated LPS-induced IL-6 similar to those observed in CAFs and lead to the loss of RO inhibitory effect on inducible IL-6 expression.Our data identify ADH1B as a novel potential mesenchymal tumor suppressor, which plays a critical role in ADH1B/retinoid-mediated regulation of tumor-promoting IL-6.

Many women risk unintended pregnancy because of medical contraindications or dissatisfaction with contraceptive methods, including real and perceived side effects associated with the use of exogenous hormones. We pursued direct vaginal delivery of sperm-binding monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that can limit progressive sperm motility in the female reproductive tract as a strategy for effective nonhormonal contraception. Here, motivated by the greater agglutination potencies of polyvalent immunoglobulins but the bioprocessing ease and stability of immunoglobulin G (IgG), we engineered a panel of sperm-binding IgGs with 6 to 10 antigen-binding fragments (Fabs), isolated from a healthy immune-infertile woman against a unique surface antigen universally present on human sperm. These highly multivalent IgGs (HM-IgGs) were at least 10- to 16-fold more potent and faster at agglutinating sperm than the parent IgG while preserving the crystallizable fragment (Fc) of IgG that mediates trapping of individual spermatozoa in mucus. The increased potencies translated into effective (>99.9%) reduction of progressively motile sperm in the sheep vagina using as little as 33 μg of the 10-Fab HM-IgG. HM-IgGs were produced at comparable yields and had identical thermal stability to the parent IgG, with greater homogeneity. HM-IgGs represent not only promising biologics for nonhormonal contraception but also a promising platform for engineering potent multivalent mAbs for other biomedical applications.

High unintended pregnancy rates are partially due to lack of effective nonhormonal contraceptives; development of safe, effective topical vaginal methods will address this need. Preclinical product safety and efficacy assessment requires in vivo testing in appropriate models. The sheep is a good model for the evaluation of vaginally delivered products due to its close similarities to humans. The study objective was to develop an ovine model for efficacy testing of female nonhormonal contraceptives that target human sperm. Fresh human semen was pooled from male volunteers. Nonpregnant female Merino sheep were treated with control or vaginal contraceptive product (IgG antibody with action against sperm or nonoxynol-9 [N9]). Pooled semen was added to the sheep vagina and mixed with product and vaginal secretions. Microscopic assessment of samples was performed immediately and progressive motility (PM) of sperm was compared between treatments. Cytokines CXCL8 and IL1B were assessed in vaginal fluid after instillation of human semen. No adverse reactions or elevations in proinflammatory cytokines occurred in response to human semen. N9 produced signs of acute cellular toxicity while there were no cellular changes after IgG treatment. N9 and IgG had dose-related effects with the highest dose achieving complete sperm immobilization (no sperm with PM). Surrogate post-coital testing of vaginally administered contraceptives that target human semen was developed in an ovine model established for vaginal product preclinical testing. This expanded model can aid the development of much needed nonhormonal topical vaginal contraceptives, providing opportunities for rapid iterative drug development prior to costly, time-intensive human testing.

Many women risk unintended pregnancy due to dissatisfaction with available hormonal contraceptive methods. This led us to pursue topical sperm-binding monoclonal antibodies as a strategy for safe, non-hormonal contraception. Motivated by the greater agglutination potencies of polymeric immunoglobulins such as IgM and the exceptional bioprocessing ease in manufacturing IgG, we engineered IgGs possessing 6-10 Fabs against a unique surface antigen universally present on human sperm. These highly multivalent IgGs (HM-IgGs) are at least 10- to 16-fold more potent and faster than the parent IgG at agglutinating sperm, while preserving Fc-mediated trapping of individual spermatozoa in mucus. The increased potencies translate to effective (>99.9%) reduction of progressively motile sperm in the sheep vagina using 33 micrograms of the 10 Fab HM-IgG. HM-IgGs produce at comparable yields and possess identical thermal stability to the parent IgG, with greater homogeneity. HM-IgGs represent not only promising biologics for non-hormonal contraception but also a promising platform for generating potent agglutinating mAb for diverse medical applications.

The analysis of circulating cell free DNA (ccf-DNA) is an emerging diagnostic tool for the detection and monitoring of tissue injury, disease progression, and potential treatment effects. Currently, most of ccf-DNA in tissue and liquid biopsies is analysed with real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) that is primer- and template-specific, labour intensive and cost-inefficient. In this report we directly compare the amounts of ccf-DNA in serum of healthy volunteers, and subjects presenting with various stages of lung adenocarcinoma, and survivors of traumatic brain injury using qPCR and quantitative PicoGreen™ fluorescence assay. A significant increase of ccf-DNA in lung adenocarcinoma and traumatic brain injury patients, in comparison to the group of healthy human subjects, was found using both analytical methods. However, the direct correlation between PicoGreen™ fluorescence and qPCR was found only when mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-specific primers were used. Further analysis of the location of ccf-DNA indicated that the majority of DNA is located within lumen of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and is easily detected with mtDNA-specific primers. We have concluded that due to the presence of active DNases in the blood, the analysis of DNA within EVs has the potential of providing rapid diagnostic outcomes. Moreover, we speculate that accurate and rapid quantification of ccf-DNA with PicoGreen™ fluorescent probe used as a point of care approach could facilitate immediate assessment and treatment of critically ill patients.

Objective Epidemiological studies suggest that lactation is associated with long-term maternal health benefits. To avoid confounders in human studies, we used a previously characterized murine model to investigate the long-term effect of lactation on both cardiovascular function and adiposity. Study Design After the delivery of the pups, CD-1 female mice were randomly divided into two groups: lactated and nonlactated (NL). Before pregnancy and at 9 months postdelivery, blood pressure was measured using a tail cuff, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were assessed by computed tomography (CT), echocardiography was performed using microultrasound, and cholesterol panels and fasting blood glucose were measured. The data were analyzed using Student's t-test (significance at p Results There were no differences in baseline parameters between the two groups. At 9 months postdelivery, the NL group weighed significantly more (p = 0.03) and demonstrated a significantly lower cardiac output (p = 0.05) and ejection fraction (p = 0.03). The mice in the NL group also had higher VAT (p Conclusion Our results show the benefit of lactation is not just limited to the immediate postpartum period but it also extends into midlife in a murine model.

Successful development of topical rectal microbicides requires preclinical evaluation in suitable large animal models. Our previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) to visualize subclinical microbicide toxicity in the sheep vagina. In the current study, we evaluated the potential application of colonoscopy and OCT to visualize and quantify the effects of topical products on sheep colorectal tissue, as assessed by advanced imaging techniques.Yearling virginal female sheep were treated rectally with a single 8-mL dose of 0.2% benzalkonium chloride (BZK) solution or phosphate-buffered saline control. Imaging was performed before and 30 minutes after treatment. Colonoscopy findings were evaluated based on mucosal disruption. Optical coherence tomography images were graded based on the integrity of the mucosal layer. Biopsies collected after treatment were evaluated by histology for validation of OCT scoring.Mucosal disruption was observed by colonoscopy in BZK-treated animals, whereas none was present in controls. In contrast to colonoscopy, high-resolution in-depth OCT imaging provided visualization of the morphology of the mucosal layer and underlying muscularis, thus enabling detection of microscopic abnormalities. Noninvasive quantification of drug-induced injury after validation of the scoring system (categories 1, 2, 3) showed increased scores after treatment with BZK (P0.001), indicating mucosal injury.High-resolution OCT can be used as highly sensitive tool to evaluate rectal microbicide effects. Because the sheep rectum has both gross and microscopic similarities to the human, this model is a useful addition to current methods of rectal product toxicity.

The mesenchymal elements of the intestinal lamina propria reviewed here are the myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, mural cells (pericytes) of the vasculature, bone marrow–derived stromal stem cells, smooth muscle of the muscularis mucosae, and smooth muscle surrounding the lymphatic lacteals. These cells share similar marker molecules, origins, and coordinated biological functions previously ascribed solely to subepithelial myofibroblasts. We review the functional anatomy of intestinal mesenchymal cells and describe what is known about their origin in the embryo and their replacement in adults. As part of their putative role in intestinal mucosal morphogenesis, we consider the intestinal stem cell niche. Lastly, we review emerging information about myofibroblasts as nonprofessional immune cells that may be important as an alarm system for the gut and as a participant in peripheral immune tolerance.

Proinflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids are central players in intestinal inflammation. IL-1, a key cytokine associated with intestinal mucosal inflammation, induces COX-2 expression in human colonic myofibroblasts (CMF) and increased prostaglandin E2secretion is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). We have previously demonstrated that IL-1α-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is the result of NF-κB- and ERK-mediated transcription, as well as COX-2 message stabilization, which depends on p38, MAPKAPK-2 (MK-2) and human antigen R (HuR) RNA binding protein activation. Lipoxygenase (LOX)-derived hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) are elevated in IBD and colonic adenomas and “cross talk” has been observed between the COX and LOX pathways. Since COX-2 expression is primarily in CMFs in colonic adenomas, we examined the impact of LOX metabolites, particularly HETEs, on IL-1α-induced COX-2 expression in human CMFs. Although 5(S)-, 12(R)-, and 15(S)-HETEs alone had little to no effect on COX-2 expression, they enhanced IL-1-mediated COX-2 expression 3.6 ± 0.5-fold. Studies utilizing heterogeneous nuclear RNA amplification and 5,6-dichloro-β-d-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole treatment were undertaken to measure COX-2 transcription and message stabilization, respectively. We found that HETEs enhanced IL-1-induced COX-2 mRNA levels in CMF as the result of increased p38, MK-2, and HuR activity, increasing message stability greater than that observed with IL-1 alone. Thus HETEs can act synergistically with IL-1α to induce COX-2 expression in human CMFs. HETEs may play a role in both colonic inflammation and in increasing the risk of CRC in IBD independently and via induction of COX-2-mediated prostaglandin secretion.

The human gastrointestinal mucosa is exposed to a diverse normal microflora and dietary Ags and is a common site of entry for pathogens. The mucosal immune system must respond to these diverse signals with either the initiation of immunity or tolerance. APCs are important accessory cells that modulate T cell responses which initiate and maintain adaptive immunity. The ability of APCs to communicate with CD4+ T cells is largely dependent on the expression of class II MHC molecules by the APCs. Using immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry, we demonstrate that α-smooth muscle actin+, CD90+ subepithelial myofibroblasts (stromal cells) constitutively express class II MHC molecules in normal colonic mucosa and that they are distinct from professional APCs such as macrophages and dendritic cells. Primary isolates of human colonic myofibroblasts (CMFs) cultured in vitro were able to stimulate allogeneic CD4+ T cell proliferation. This process was dependent on class II MHC and CD80/86 costimulatory molecule expression by the myofibroblasts. We also demonstrate that CMFs, engineered to express a specific DR4 allele, can process and present human serum albumin to a human serum albumin-specific and DR4 allele-restricted T cell hybridoma. These studies characterize a novel cell phenotype which, due to its strategic location and class II MHC expression, may be involved in capture of Ags that cross the epithelial barrier and present them to lamina propria CD4+ T cells. Thus, human CMFs may be important in regulating local immunity in the colon.

Background & Aims: Intestinal myofibroblasts (IMFs) express cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) early on in polyp progression and respond to pro-inflammatory cytokines. Interleukin (IL)-1α induces COX-2 expression in IMF via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase C (PKC), and nuclear factor κ B (NF-κB)-dependent pathways. Because NF-κB activity can be mediated by PKC activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, we examined the relationship of these pathways to IL-1α-induced COX-2 expression. Methods: The effects of specific PKC inhibitors and antioxidants on PKC activation, ROS generation, and COX-2 expression were studied. Results: Immunoprecipitation/kinase (IPK) analysis showed that IL-1α increased PKC α, δ, and ζ activity 4.5-, 3.1-, and 2.6-fold, respectively, within 5 minutes. Single-cell fluorescence microscopy of 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF)-loaded cells showed that IL-1α increased ROS levels 2-fold within 15 minutes and this increase was inhibited by 10 μmol/L bisindolylymaleimide I (BIS), a pan-specific PKC inhibitor that also inhibits COX-2 expression. Chelerythrine chloride (CC) (0.5 μmol/L) inhibited classic and novel PKC activity, but not PKCζ, and enhanced IL-1α-mediated ROS generation 4.0-fold and COX-2 expression 1.8-fold. The use of a PKCζ pseudosubstrate prevented IL-1 from increasing ROS greater than control levels and abolished IL-1α-induced COX-2 expression. Small inhibitory RNA (siRNA) for PKCζ confirmed its role in COX-2 expression. Antioxidants inhibited ROS generation and diminished IL-1α-induced COX-2 expression by 80%, without affecting PKC activation. Neither the PKC inhibitors nor the antioxidants prevented NF-κB-mediated transcription as determined by reporter gene analysis. Conclusions: PKCζ and threshold ROS generation are critical for IL-1α-induced COX-2 expression and act concomitantly with NF-κB translocation in IMF.

Elevated mucosal interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels are frequently seen during acute and chronic intestinal inflammation, and IL-1 neutralization lessens the severity of inflammation. One major effect of IL-1 is the increased release of eicosanoid mediators via induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). One site of COX-2-derived prostaglandin synthesis during acute and chronic intestinal inflammation is the intestinal myofibroblast. COX-2 expression has also been documented in these cells in colonic neoplasms. Thus an understanding of the regulation of COX-2 expression in human intestinal myofibroblasts is important. As an initial step toward this goal we have characterized IL-1α signaling pathways that induce COX-2 expression in cultured human intestinal myofibroblasts. IL-1 treatment resulted in a dramatic transcriptional induction of COX-2 gene expression. Activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), p38, and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathways was each necessary for optimal COX-2 induction. In contrast to what occurs in other cell types, including other myofibroblasts such as renal mesangial cells, PKC inhibition did not prevent IL-1-induced NF-κB or mitogen activated protein kinase/ stress-activated protein kinase activation, suggesting a novel role for PKC isoforms during this process. The stimulatory effects of PKC, NF-κB, ERK-1/2, and presumably c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation were exerted at the transcriptional level, whereas p38 activation resulted in increased stability of the COX-2 message. We conclude that, in intestinal myofibroblasts, IL-1-mediated induction of COX-2 expression is a complex process that requires input from multiple signaling pathways. Each parallel pathway acts in relative autonomy, the sum of their actions culminating in a dramatic increase in COX-2 transcription and message stability.

Signaling via programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and PD-L2 is crucial for maintaining peripheral tolerance. CD90+ myofibroblasts/fibroblasts (CMFs) are major programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) ligand–expressing cells in normal human colonic mucosa. CMFs suppress activated CD4+ T cell proliferation via PD-1 ligands. It is not known whether signaling through TLRs contribute to the regulation PD-1 ligands on CMFs upon colonic mucosal tolerance. In this study, we demonstrated that stimulation of TLR4 on human CMFs upregulates PD-L1, but not PD-L2, and reinforces CMF-mediated suppression of CD4+ T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production. TLR4-mediated upregulation of PD-L1 on CMFs involved NF-κB pathways and was JAK2 and MyD88 dependent. MyD88-dependent stimulation of TLR1/2 and TLR5 also upregulated PD-L1 expression on CMFs in culture. PD-L1 expression was drastically decreased in vivo in the colonic mucosa of mice devoid of MyD88. Induction of MyD88 deficiency in CMFs in fibroblast-specific MyD88 conditional knockout mice resulted in a strong increase in a mucosal IFN-γ expression concomitantly with the abrogation of PD-L1 expression in CMFs under homeostasis and epithelial injury induced by dextran sodium sulfate. Together, these data suggest that MyD88-dependent TLR stimulation of CMFs in the normal colonic mucosa may reinforce these cells’ anti-inflammatory capacity and thus contribute to the maintenance of mucosal tolerance.

Because interleukin-1 (IL-1) is an important mediator in the inflamed intestine, its effects on enterocyte-subepithelial myofibroblast (SEMF) interaction were investigated in vitro. Acutely juxtaposing T84 cells with 18Co or P2JF SEMF preincubated with IL-1 alpha significantly enhanced T84 short-circuit current (Isc) responsiveness to secretagogues in comparison to SEMF not activated by IL-1 alpha. The sensitivity of T84 cell Isc to Ca(2+)-dependent, but not adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-dependent, secretagogues was augmented by IL-1 alpha-treated SEMF. These effects of IL-1 alpha are directly correlated with SEMF prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Both IL-1 alpha augmentation of Cl secretagogue responsiveness and PGE2 formation were inhibited by IL-1 receptor antagonist. Within 5 h, IL-1 alpha stimulated a 10-fold increase in cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 steady-state mRNA levels in 18Co cells. In contrast, COX-1 message levels increased more slowly to two- to threefold above control levels after 24 h incubation. These results demonstrate that the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 alpha accentuates intestinal SEMF augmentation of enterocyte responsiveness to Ca(2+)-dependent CI-secretagogues. PGE2 is an important mediator of SEMF-enterocyte interaction. The effects of IL-1 alpha on SEMF PGE2 productions are, at least in part, due to stimulation of COX gene expression.

Stromal cells, such as myofibroblasts and fibroblasts, represent a significant fraction of MHC class II-positive cells in the normal human colonic lamina propria, suggesting they may play an important role in CD4(+) T cell regulation in a tolerogenic environment. The aim of this study was to examine whether human colonic myofibroblasts (CMFs) phenotypically and functionally resemble conventional antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Our results support the hypothesis that intestinal myofibroblasts are a novel, nonprofessional APC phenotype important in modulating mucosal T cell responses. Given their strategic location, we propose that intestinal myofibroblasts play a critical role in mediating tolerance to luminal antigens.

Spotted fever rickettsiosis in Israel has been considered as possibly somewhat more severe than boutonneuse fever, from which it also differs in having a very low proportion of cases with a tick-inoculation site eschar. This investigation was undertaken to determine whether the Israeli spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae differed sufficiently from Rickettsia conorii to be considered as a distinct species. Strains of Rickettsia conorii from Morocco and South Africa, four SFG rickettsial isolates from Israel, one from Russia, and one from Zimbabwe were compared by microimmunofluorescence serotyping, Western immunoblotting, monoclonal antibody reactivity, and polymerase chain reaction amplification of the repeat domain of the rickettsial outer membrane protein A (rOmpA). All are strains and isolates of R. conorii, yet there is considerable molecular and antigenic diversity of both rOmpA and rickettsial outer membrane protein B (rOmpB) among them. The rOmpA gene of the Israeli isolates and the Astrakhan strain from Russia is estimated to encode 15 rOmpA repeat units as compared with 10 for the South African strain and six for the strains from Morocco and Zimbabwe. The Israeli SFG rickettsial strains appear to be R. conorii, a species with substantial antigenic and genetic diversity. The Israeli strains appear to fall within the limit previously described for the genetic and antigenic diversity of R. conorii.

The subepithelial intestinal myofibroblast is an important cell orchestrating many diverse functions in the intestine and is involved in growth and repair, tumorigenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis. The myofibroblast is but one of several α-smooth muscle actin-positive (α-SMA+) mesenchymal cells present within the intestinal lamina propria, including vascular pericytes, bone marrow-derived stem cells (mesenchymal stem cells or hematopoietic stem cells), muscularis mucosae, and the lymphatic pericytes (colon) and organized smooth muscle (small intestine) associated with the lymphatic lacteals. These other mesenchymal cells perform many of the functions previously attributed to subepithelial myofibroblasts. This review discusses the definition of a myofibroblast and reconsiders whether the α-SMA+subepithelial cells in the intestine are myofibroblasts or other types of mesenchymal cells, i.e., pericytes. Current information about specific, or not so specific, molecular markers of lamina propria mesenchymal cells is reviewed, as well as the origins of intestinal myofibroblasts and pericytes in the intestinal lamina propria and their replenishment after injury. Current concepts and research on stem cell therapy for intestinal inflammation are summarized. Information about the stem cell origin of intestinal stromal cells may inform future stem cell therapies to treat human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The non-white blood cell mesenchymal elements of the intestinal lamina propria are the myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, pericytes, stromal stem cells, muscularis mucosae, and the smooth muscle of the villus core associated with the lymphatic lacteal. We review the functional anatomy of these mesenchymal cells, what is known about their origin in the embryo and their replacement in adults, their putative role in intestinal mucosal morphogenesis, and the intestinal stem cell niche, and we consider new information about myofibroblasts as nonprofessional immune cells. Although our knowledge of the function of mesenchymal cells in intestinal disease is rudimentary, we briefly consider here their roles in cancer and intestinal inflammation.

Background & Aims: A prominent role for inhibitory molecules PD-L1 and PD-L2 in peripheral tolerance has been proposed. However, the phenotype and function of PD-L–expressing cells in human gut remains unclear. Recent studies suggest that colonic myofibroblasts (CMFs) and fibroblasts are important in the switch from acute inflammation to adaptive immunity. In the normal human colon, CMFs represent a distinct population of major histocompatibility complex class II+ cells involved in the regulation of mucosal CD4+ T-cell responses. Methods: PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression on human CMFs was determined using Western blot, fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis and confocal microscopy. Lymphoproliferation assays and cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to evaluate the role of B7 costimulators expressed by CMFs with regard to the regulation of preactivated T-helper cell responses. Results: We demonstrate here the expression of PD-L1/2 molecules by normal human CMF and fibroblasts in situ and in culture. Both molecules support suppressive functions of CMFs in the regulation of activated CD4+ T-helper cell proliferative responses; blocking this interaction reverses the suppressive effect of CMFs on T-cell proliferation and leads to increased production of the major T-cell growth factor, interleukin (IL)-2. PD-L1/2-mediated CMF suppressive functions are mainly due to the inhibition of IL-2 production, because supplementation of the coculture media with exogenous IL-2 led to partial recovery of activated T-cell proliferation. Conclusions: Our data suggest that stromal myofibroblasts and fibroblasts may limit T-helper cell proliferative activity in the gut and, thus, might play a prominent role in mucosal intestinal tolerance.

Food poisoning due to staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B (SEA and SEB) affects hundreds of thousands of people annually. SEA and SEB induce massive intestinal cytokine production, which is believed to be the key factor in staphylococcal enterotoxin enteropathy. MHC class II molecules are the major receptors for staphylococcal enterotoxins. We recently demonstrated that normal human subepithelial intestinal myofibroblasts (IMFs) express MHC class II molecules. We hypothesized that IMFs are among the first cells to respond to staphylococcal enterotoxins and contribute to the cytokine production associated with staphylococcal enterotoxin pathogenesis. We demonstrated here that primary cultured IMFs bind staphylococcal enterotoxins in a MHC class II-dependent fashion in vitro. We also demonstrated that staphylococcal enterotoxins can cross a CaCo-2 epithelial monolayer in coculture with IMFs and bind to the MHC class II on IMFs. IMFs responded to SEA, but not SEB, exposure with 3- to 20-fold increases in the production of proinflammatory chemokines (MCP-1, IL-8), cytokines (IL-6), and growth factors (GM-CSF and G-CSF). The SEA induction of the proinflammatory mediators by IMFs resulted from the efficient cross-linking of MHC class II molecules because cross-linking of class II MHC by biotinylated anti-HLA-DR Abs induced similar cytokine patterns. The studies presented here show that MCP-1 is central to the production of other cytokines elicited by SEA in IMFs because its neutralization with specific Abs prevented the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 by IMFs. Thus, MCP-1 may play a leading role in initiation of inflammatory injury associated with staphylococcal enterotoxigenic disease.

Food poisoning due to staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) affects hundreds of thousands of people each year. Little is known about how SEs initiate immune responses and cause pathogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that cultured human intestinal myofibroblasts (IMFs) bind SEs in an MHC class II-dependent fashion. IMFs respond to SE exposure with increased secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha. A significant proliferative T cell response was observed when MHC class II-expressing IMFs were pulsed with SEA and cocultured with human CD4(+) T cells. In conclusion, our findings support the hypothesis that IMFs may play an important role in pathology associated with staphlococcocal enterotoxigenic disease.

Purpose: Recent data support the hypothesis that the inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase (COX-2) plays a role in the early stages of colonic carcinogenesis and that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) retard the development of colon cancer by modulating COX-2. However, the cell types responsible for producing COX-2 in colorectal adenomas remain a subject of controversy. Experimental Design: COX-2 expression in normal colonic mucosa (n = 50), hyperplastic polyps (n = 43), sporadic adenomas (n = 67), and invasive colonic adenocarcinoma (n = 39) was studied in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections from endoscopy biopsy and colonic resection specimens. Immunohistochemistry (avidin-biotin complex technique with double immunolabeling) was used to identify the phenotypes of COX-2-producing cells. Results: In colorectal adenomas, increased expression of COX-2 was detected and localized to α smooth muscle actin (∝SMA)-positive subepithelial stromal cells (myofibroblasts) in the periluminal region of the lamina propria in 63 (94%) of 67 cases. In contrast, in normal colonic mucosa and in hyperplastic polyps with intact epithelium, COX-2 expression was found only in macrophages and endothelial cells. In areas in which the surface epithelium was ulcerated in normal mucosa as well as hyperplastic or neoplastic polyps, COX-2 expression was increased in granulation tissue (and present in macrophages, endothelium, and myofibroblasts). In invasive carcinoma, COX-2 expression in myofibroblasts was limited to the adenomatous portion of the tumor and was detected in 62% of cases (n = 39). In addition, focal expression of COX-2 by malignant epithelial cells was observed in 23% of invasive adenocarcinoma. Conclusions: These results show that increased COX-2 expression in sporadic adenoma of the colon is common and is localized specifically to subepithelial intestinal myofibroblasts. These findings further support the hypothesis that myofibroblasts are important target cells for NSAID-mediated chemoprevention of colorectal cancer.

Intestinal myofibroblasts (IMFs) express cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) early on in polyp progression and respond to pro-inflammatory cytokines. Interleukin (IL)-1alpha induces COX-2 expression in IMF via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase C (PKC), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB)-dependent pathways. Because NF-kappaB activity can be mediated by PKC activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, we examined the relationship of these pathways to IL-1alpha-induced COX-2 expression.The effects of specific PKC inhibitors and antioxidants on PKC activation, ROS generation, and COX-2 expression were studied.Immunoprecipitation/kinase (IPK) analysis showed that IL-1alpha increased PKC alpha, delta, and zeta activity 4.5-, 3.1-, and 2.6-fold, respectively, within 5 minutes. Single-cell fluorescence microscopy of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF)-loaded cells showed that IL-1alpha increased ROS levels 2-fold within 15 minutes and this increase was inhibited by 10 micromol/L bisindolylymaleimide I (BIS), a pan-specific PKC inhibitor that also inhibits COX-2 expression. Chelerythrine chloride (CC) (0.5 micromol/L) inhibited classic and novel PKC activity, but not PKCzeta, and enhanced IL-1alpha-mediated ROS generation 4.0-fold and COX-2 expression 1.8-fold. The use of a PKCzeta pseudosubstrate prevented IL-1 from increasing ROS greater than control levels and abolished IL-1alpha-induced COX-2 expression. Small inhibitory RNA (siRNA) for PKCzeta confirmed its role in COX-2 expression. Antioxidants inhibited ROS generation and diminished IL-1alpha-induced COX-2 expression by 80%, without affecting PKC activation. Neither the PKC inhibitors nor the antioxidants prevented NF-kappaB-mediated transcription as determined by reporter gene analysis.PKCzeta and threshold ROS generation are critical for IL-1alpha-induced COX-2 expression and act concomitantly with NF-kappaB translocation in IMF.

Context.—Myofibroblasts are distinct cells with characteristics of both smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. Through their ability to secrete cytokines, chemokines, prostaglandins, growth factors, and matrix components, they are thought to play critical roles in inflammation, growth, repair, and neoplasia. Objective.—The goal of this study was to identify the distinct cell populations of the lamina propria of normal colon and colorectal polyps. Design.—We studied the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), smooth muscle myosin (SMM), desmin, vimentin, and c-kit by intestinal mesenchymal (stromal) cells in the normal colonic mucosa (n = 5), as well as in hyperplastic polyps (n = 5), sporadic colorectal adenomas (n = 47), and adenomas from patients with familial polyposis (n = 36). Results.—In the normal colonic mucosa, the pericryptal stromal cells were αSMA+, SMM+, desmin−, and vimentin+, defining them as myofibroblasts. In contrast, cells of the muscularis mucosae were αSMA+, SMM+, desmin+, and vimentin−, defining them as smooth muscle cells. α-Smooth muscle actin also highlighted direct connections between the muscularis mucosae and the pericryptal myofibroblasts, and vimentin immunostaining showed a network of connections between the αSMA+ pericryptal myofibroblasts and the αSMA− fibroblasts in the interstitium. In all hyperplastic polyps and adenomatous polyps, the interstitial stromal cells (fibroblasts) now also express αSMA and form a syncytium of αSMA+ networklike connections throughout the lamina propria. Stromal cells of sporadic adenomas demonstrated the same immunohistochemical staining characteristics displayed by adenomas from patients with familial polyposis and by hyperplastic polyps. Conclusions.—These findings indicate that in normal colon, αSMA− fibroblasts are the predominant cell type in the lamina propria. However, the pericryptal (subepithelial) stromal cells are a distinct cell type (αSMA+ myofibroblast) that is immunophenotypically different from muscularis mucosae smooth muscle cells and are connected to the interstitial, nonpericryptal fibroblasts with which they exist as a network throughout the lamina propria of the normal colon. Furthermore, in both hyperplastic and neoplastic polyps, there are changes in nonpericryptal fibroblasts from vimentin+, αSMA−, and SMM− to vimentin+, αSMA+, and SMM+; thus, the interstitial fibroblasts are replaced by myofibroblasts. The factors that cause these changes and the origin of the myofibroblasts need to be determined to clarify the biology of colorectal tumorigenesis.

Myofibroblasts are a unique group of smooth-muscle-like fibroblasts that have a similar appearance and function regardless of their tissue of residence. Through the secretion of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, both lipid and gaseous inflammatory mediators, as well as extracellular matrix proteins and proteases, they play an important role in organogenesis and oncogenesis, inflammation, repair, and fibrosis in most organs and tissues. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and stem cell factor are two secreted proteins responsible for differentiating myofibroblasts from embryological stem cells. These and other growth factors cause proliferation of myofibroblasts, and myofibroblast secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and various cytokines and growth factors causes mobility, proliferation, and differentiation of epithelial or parenchymal cells. Repeated cycles of injury and repair lead to organ or tissue fibrosis through secretion of ECM by the myofibroblasts. Transforming growth factor-β and the PDGF family of growth factors are the key factors in the fibrotic response. Because of their ubiquitous presence in all tissues, myofibroblasts play important roles in various organ diseases and perhaps in multisystem diseases as well.

Subepithelial myofibroblasts are located at the interface between the epithelium and lamina propria in most mucosal tissues. Their biological functions are largely unknown because a long-term cell culture model for these cells has not been available. In this report, we define the phenotypic properties of a human colonic cell line (18Co) that exhibits most of the known characteristics of intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts in situ. These characteristics include 1) a cell shape that can be reversibly interconverted between a flattened discoid and stellate morphology, 2) intracellular organelles reminiscent of myofibroblasts and smooth muscle cells in situ, 3) expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, 4) plasma membrane receptors for endothelins and natriuretic peptides, and 5) regulation of epithelial sensitivity to calcium-dependent secretagogues by paracrine secretion of prostaglandins. 18Co cells provide an exploitable model to begin defining the physiological and pathophysiological functions of intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts at the molecular level.

G A A b st ra ct s round-shaped ones in tumor glands (stromal Twist1+cells, A/R = 2.69, glandular Twist1+ cells, A/R= 1.67, A/R p

BACKGROUND: Activation of TLR3 triggers specific signaling pathways leading to the activation of NF-kB and/or IRF3 transcription factors, enabling the host to mount innate immune responses against different dsRNA viruses and serve as a “danger” receptor in nonviral diseases. However, TLR3-mediated organ specific activation of the B7-coinhibitory pathway PD-L1/PD-1 can be exploited locally leading to the impairment in antiviral T effector cell responses promoting successful viral invasion of the host. Despite significant advances in understanding of the process of TLR3 signaling, the mechanisms by which TLR3 influence homeostasis and contribute to the B7 negative molecules-mediated viral invasion in the gut remain obscure. Human colonic stromal cells, A.k.a. myofibroblasts/fibroblasts (CMFs), are one of the important cell types taking part in innate immunity. CMFs express TLR3, and represent a major cell population expressing B7 negative costimulators PD-L1 and PD-L2 in normal colon. CMFs suppress activated CD4+ effector T cell responses in a PD-L1/2 dependent manner. We hypothesized that in human colonic mucosa, CMFs might be among the first cells to respond to TLR3 mediated stimuli via modulation of PD-L1/2 expression and, thus, may contribute to the impaired T effector cell responses associated with viral invasion. METHODS: TLR3, PD-L1/2 expression on human CMFs isolated from normal mucosa in response to the synthetic analog of TLR3 ligand, poly(I:C), was quantified using real-time RT-PCR, Western blot and FACS analysis. RESULTS: TLR3 stimulation on CMFs by poly(I:C) resulted in robust upregulation of PD-L1 and PD-L2 mRNA and cell surface protein. The expression of IFN-β precedes the upregulation of PD-L1 and PD-L2 mRNA. Stimulation of CMFs with IFN-β leads to the upregulation of the PD-L1 and PD-L2 protein expression (Westen blot analysis) suggesting involvement of IFN-β in the TLR3-mediated PD-L1/2 upregulation. Blocking of the MyD88 adaptor expression in CMFs by using specific siRNA did not affect PD-L2 upregulation in response to the TLR3 stimulation, but reduced the induction of the PD-L1. It is possible that TLR3mediated upregulation of PD-L1 on CMFs may be synergized by activation of heat shock proteins that are known to signal through the TLR4MyD88 adaptor pathway. CONCLUSION: The presented results indicate that CMFs are among the key players in innate immune responses in colonic mucosa. Our data suggest that TLR3 mediated PD-L1/2 upregulation on CMFs may favor suppression of T effector cells responses and this may allow the progression of host invasion during intestinal viral infection. Supported by AGA, CCFA foundations and NIDDK.

BACKGROUND: The B7 co-stimulator PD-L1 is critical in suppression of activated T cell responses in peripheral tolerance. However, overexpression of PD-L1 may contribute to progression of chronic inflammatory diseases. The role of PD-L1 and the phenotype of PDL1 expressing cells in inflammatory bowel diseases is unclear. Human colonic myofibroblasts and fibroblasts (CMFs) are major PD-L1 expressing cells in normal colonic mucosa and may suppress activated CD4+T cell proliferation and production of the Th1 acute inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ in a PD-L1 dependent manner. We noted a significant increase in PD-L1 surface expression on CMFs isolated from ulcerative colitis (UC). Thus, we hypothesize that overexpression of PD-L1 by CMFs may have a critical role in the chronic inflammatory responses during UC pathogenesis. METHODS: PD-L1 expression in colonic tissue from normal (N), UC and Crohn's Disease (CD) patients was determined by immunostaining followed by confocal microscopy. PD-L1, Tbet and GATA3 expression was analyzed by realtime RT-PCR, Western blot and flow cytometry. Lymphoproliferation assays and ELISA were used to evaluate the role of PD-L1 in the regulation of Th cell activity. RESULTS: Confocal microscopy analysis revealed strong upregulation of PD-L1 in inflamed colonic mucosa from UC when compared to CD or normal controls. The PD-L1 upregulation in UC colon was mostly associated with cells bearing fibroblast/myofibroblast phenotype (CD90+). PD-L1 on CMFs isolated from UC (UC-CMFs) was functional: UC-CMFs were capable of suppressing CD3/CD28-activated Th cell proliferation in a PD-L1 dependent manner. Both Nand UCCMFs inhibited expression of a Th1 transcriptional factor, Tbet, in Th cells. PD-L1 blocking led to increased expression of Tbet in Th cells, but did not affect expression of Th2 transcriptional factor GATA3. Treatment of N-CMFs with IFN-γ (10-1000 U/mL) for 7 days resulted in a dose dependent upregulation of PD-L1. Treatment of N-CMFs with IL-13 (25 ng/mL), the major cytokine associated with the UC atypical Th2 response, also upregulate PD-L1. Our data suggest that increased secretion of IFN-γ by activated T cells during acute intestinal inflammation may contribute to an increase in PD-L1 expression on CMFs resulting in the negative feedback on the Th1 responses, in turn, promoting IL-13 production by Th2 and NK(T) cells, which will further upregulate PD-L1 expression on CMFs. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of PD-L1 on CMFs in the UC colonic mucosa may play an important immunoregulatory role promoting the chronicity of the Th2 inflammatory responses during progression of UC. Supported by NIDDK, CCFA and Sealy foundation.