Publications by authors named "L L Stunz"

Macrophages are critical in the pathogenesis of a diverse group of viral pathogens, both as targets of infection and for eliciting primary defense mechanisms. Our prior in vitro work identified that CD40 signaling in murine peritoneal macrophages protects against several RNA viruses by eliciting IL-12, which stimulates the production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Here, we examine the role of CD40 signaling in vivo.

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TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) is an adapter protein that inhibits many signals that promote B cell survival and activation. Mice with a B cell-specific TRAF3 deficiency and humans with a rare haploinsufficiency in TRAF3 have enhanced development of BCLs as they age. Loss-of-function mutations in TRAF3 are common in B cell malignancies.

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Article Synopsis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease linked to the immune system's dysregulation, particularly involving autoantibodies and molecular mimicry with pathogens like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
  • The study found that mice expressing a hybrid molecule (mCD40-LMP1) showed heightened immune responses after exposure to EBV's EBNA-1, including increased cytokines and antibodies, leading to autoimmune-like features without overt disease.
  • When these mice were also immunized with the lupus autoantigen Sm, they demonstrated significantly enhanced immune reactions to both Sm and EBNA-1, which could indicate a connection between EBV and autoimmunity in SLE
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Many acute viral infections target tissue Mϕs, yet the mechanisms of Mϕ-mediated control of viruses are poorly understood. Here, we report that CD40 expressed by peritoneal Mϕs restricts early infection of a broad range of RNA viruses. Loss of CD40 expression enhanced virus replication as early as 12-24 h of infection and, conversely, stimulation of CD40 signaling with an agonistic Ab blocked infection.

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