Ig-like transcript 3 regulates expression of proinflammatory cytokines and migration of activated T cells.

Ig-like transcript 3 (ILT3), an inhibitory receptor expressed by APC is involved in functional shaping of T cell responses toward a tolerant state. We have previously demonstrated that membrane (m) and soluble (s) ILT3 induce allogeneic tolerance to human islet cells in humanized NOD/SCID mice. Recombinant sILT3 induces the differentiation of CD8(+) T suppressor cells both in vivo and in vitro.

Hodgkin lymphoma cells express TACI and BCMA receptors and generate survival and proliferation signals in response to BAFF and APRIL.

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) originates from the clonal expansion of malignant Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells. These B-cell-derived elements constitute less than 10% of the tumoral mass. The remaining tissue is comprised of an inflammatory infiltrate that includes myeloid cells.

Sorting signals required for trafficking of the cysteine-rich acidic repetitive transmembrane protein in Trypanosoma brucei.

In trypanosomatids, endocytosis and exocytosis are restricted to the flagellar pocket (FP). The cysteine-rich acidic repetitive transmembrane (CRAM) protein is located at the FP of Trypanosoma brucei and potentially functions as a receptor or an essential component for lipoprotein uptake. We characterized sorting determinants involved in efficient trafficking of CRAM to and from the FP of T.

HIV-1 envelope triggers polyclonal Ig class switch recombination through a CD40-independent mechanism involving BAFF and C-type lectin receptors.

Switching from IgM to IgG and IgA is essential for antiviral immunity and requires engagement of CD40 on B cells by CD40L on CD4(+) T cells. HIV-1 is thought to impair CD40-dependent production of protective IgG and IgA by inducing progressive loss of CD4(+) T cells. Paradoxically, this humoral immunodeficiency is associated with B cell hyperactivation and increased production of nonprotective IgG and IgA that are either nonspecific or specific for HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins, including gp120.

Human immunodeficiency virus 1 Nef suppresses CD40-dependent immunoglobulin class switching in bystander B cells.

Immunoglobulin class switching from immunoglobulin M (IgM) to IgG and IgA is central to immunity against viruses and requires the activation of B cells by T cells via CD154 (CD40 ligand) and cytokines. These molecules limit their signaling activity in immune cells by turning on negative feedback proteins, including IkappaB and SOCS. We show here that negative factor (Nef) protein, an immunosuppressive human immunodeficiency virus 1 protein expressed and released by infected cells, penetrates B cells both in vivo and in vitro.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells and the regulation of immunoglobulin heavy chain class switching.

By substituting the heavy chain constant region of IgM and IgD with that of IgG, IgA or IgE, immunoglobulin class switching endows antibodies with novel effector functions that enhance the ability of the immune system to effectively clear invading pathogens. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells critically link innate immunity with adaptive immunity by producing massive amounts of type 1 IFN in response to viruses. We have recently found that type 1 IFN triggers class switching by inducing myeloid dendritic cells to upregulate the expression of BAFF and APRIL, two powerful B cell-activating molecules.

CpG DNA induces IgG class switch DNA recombination by activating human B cells through an innate pathway that requires TLR9 and cooperates with IL-10.

TLRs are pattern recognition receptors that initiate innate immune responses. TLR9 detects microbial DNA with hypomethylated CpG motifs and in humans is preferentially expressed by IFN-alpha-producing plasmacytoid dendritic cells and B cells. In addition to favoring IFN-alpha release, TLR9 signals B cell activation, proliferation, and IgM production.

Clathrin-dependent targeting of receptors to the flagellar pocket of procyclic-form Trypanosoma brucei.

In trypanosomatids, endocytosis and exocytosis occur exclusively at the flagellar pocket, which represents about 0.43% of the pellicle membrane and is a deep invagination of the plasma membrane where the flagellum extends from the cell. Receptor molecules are selectively retained at the flagellar pocket.