Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: EC:3.4.21.79 (granzyme B)
 3,301 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The ability of natural killer cell stimulatory factor/interleukin-12 (IL-12) to induce cytokines other than IFN-gamma from both T and NK cells was studied. Both the direct effect of IL-12 and the cooperation between IL-12 and other cytokine inducers such as IL-2, phorbol diesters, and receptor antibodies were evaluated. It was found that IL-12 induces mRNA accumulation and production of GM-CSF and TNF-alpha from both T and NK cells and, as tested on NK cells only, induces M-CSF mRNA accumulation. Compared with cytokine inducers, IL-12 ability to induce IFN-gamma production was severalfold higher than its ability to induce GM-CSF or TNF-alpha. Likewise, the synergistic effect of IL-12 with the other stimuli to induce IFN-gamma was stronger than that observed in the case of GM-CSF or TNF-alpha. The IL-12-mediated enhancement of NK cytotoxicity is accompanied by an increased accumulation of mRNA for at least two genes encoding cytotoxic cell granule-associated proteins, the serine esterase granzyme B and the pore-forming protein perforin. IL-12 induction of perforin mRNA accumulation was not synergistic with either IL-2 or anti-CD16 stimulation, whereas granzyme B mRNA accumulation, induced by IL-2 or anti-CD16 stimulation, was slightly potentiated by IL-12. Thus, although IFN-gamma production is probably one of the most physiologically relevant effects of IL-12, induction of other cytokines by IL-12 in the presence of other inflammatory or immune stimuli may have a role in the in vivo functions of IL-12. The observation that both the IL-12-mediated enhancement of NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity and the increased expression of genes encoding cytotoxic cell granule-associated proteins were not cooperative with the effect of other NK cell activators suggests that the effect of IL-12 on cytotoxic cells is in part independent from that of other stimuli regulating the functions of these cells.
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PMID:Cooperation of natural killer cell stimulatory factor/interleukin-12 with other stimuli in the induction of cytokines and cytotoxic cell-associated molecules in human T and NK cells. 791 99

Human bone marrow transplantation is becoming more common in the treatment of certain forms of cancer despite the scarcity of HLA matched donors. Because human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) has been used as a source for stem cells in bone marrow transplantation, and because NK cells appear to be important in graft versus leukemia response, we investigated the lytic activity of freshly isolated HUCB NK cells (HUCB-NK) against tumor targets and their ability to differentiate into LAK cells following stimulation with various cytokines. Although cytotoxicity mediated by fresh HUCB-NK was low compared to that of adult peripheral blood lymphocyte-derived NK cells (PBL-NK), the ability of HUCB-NK to bind to K562 target cells (TC) was similar to PBL-NK. In addition, the PBL-NK cytotoxicity of postpartum mothers was also low compared to that of normal adult PBL-NK. When we incubated HUCB for 18 hr in either IL-2 or IL-12, we boosted the level of HUCB-NK cytotoxicity to approximately the level observed in PBL-NK and increased the level of perforin, granzyme A, and granzyme B mRNA expression. In addition, when we incubated HUCB in IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-12, TNF-alpha, IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, or TGF-beta for 5 days, we observed that HUCB was capable of generating LAK cells only when incubated with either IL-2 or IL-12. In contrast, IL-2, IL-7, IL-12, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma all generated LAK cells from adult PBL. When we added to the medium low-dose IL-2 and irradiated K562 as feeder cells (mini-LAK), we were unable to generate LAK activity from HUCB-NK, whereas we could generate it with PBL-NK cells under the same conditions. Addition of serum derived from HUCB in a 4-hr 51Cr release assay with PBL-NK as the effector cells (EC) and K562 as the TC resulted in a 42% decrease in PBL-NK-mediated cytotoxicity. Although we detected no TGF-beta in HUCB serum, we did detect high concentrations of soluble class I MHC (sHLA). To our knowledge, sHLA has not previously been shown to inhibit NK cytotoxicity, although the expression of class I HLA on the surface of TC has been shown to inhibit NK cytotoxicity. To study further the effect of sHLA on cell-mediated cytotoxicity, we added various concentrations of sHLA to EC mediating NK, ADCC, and CTL activities. All were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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PMID:The lack of NK cytotoxicity associated with fresh HUCB may be due to the presence of soluble HLA in the serum. 799 57

Staphylococcal enterotoxin superantigens (SAg) bind class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on antigen-presenting cells (APC) and upon cell-to-cell contact stimulate proliferation of T cells expressing appropriate V beta gene products. In addition, SAg can also deliver negative signals to Ag-specific T cells resulting in a state of unresponsiveness or a loss of viability. The present study examines the functional consequences of a direct interaction of SAg with alloAg-specific class II MHC+ CD4+ T cell lines (TCL). Our results demonstrate that SAg induce programmed death (apoptosis) in a majority of Ag-specific CD4+ T cells accompanied by genomic DNA fragmentation. SAg binding to Ag-specific TCL resulted in a rapid mobilization of intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) and transcription of a number of cytokine genes including interleukin-2(IL-2), IL-4, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and granzyme B indicating the activation of primed T cells. Both SAg-induced cytokine gene expression as well as subsequent death were significantly inhibited by a tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A and also by cyclosporin A. SAg-induced death of primed T cells was also inhibited by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed at the CD11a/CD18 molecule but not those reactive with other T cell surface molecules such as CD2, CD7, CD28, CD29 or CD49d. None of these mAb, including anti-CD11a/CD18, had any effect on SAg-induced expression of IL-2 and IL-4 genes or SAg-induced [Ca2+]i response. Addition of cytokines such as IL-1 alpha, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha, or TNF-beta), or neutralizing Ab to these cytokines had no effect on SAg-induced death of Ag-specific TCL. The T cells which survived the death-inducing effects of SAg showed down-regulation of the CD3/T cell receptor and up-regulation of CD2 and HLA-DR expression, and upon re-exposure to the same SAg upregulated expression of mRNA for IL-2 and IFN-gamma. Presentation of SAg by B7+ ICAM-1+ LFA-3+ DR+ professional APC was also able to induce the death of Ag-specific TCL. Together these results suggest that the activation with SAg causes programmed death of Ag-specific TCL cells via a mechanism that requires late participation of the CD11a/CD18 molecule.
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PMID:Activation with superantigens induces programmed death in antigen-primed CD4+ class II+ major histocompatibility complex T lymphocytes via a CD11a/CD18-dependent mechanism. 810 Jul 73

To determine the immune processes involved in chronic liver allograft rejection (CR) we examined in situ cytokine production in tissue from 15 patients with both clinical and histopathological diagnoses of CR. Total RNA was isolated from liver samples, reverse-transcribed and analyzed by RT-PCR for the production of proinflammatory cytokines and immunoregulatory mediators. Transcripts for the Th1-like cytokines IL-2 and IFN-gamma were detected in 53.3% and 46.7% of CR grafts, while they were detected in only 16% and 0% of stable grafts, respectively. The cytotoxic T cell mediator granzyme B was expressed in the majority of liver grafts undergoing CR, but was expressed only in a minority of stable grafts (80% vs. 16%, P < 0.05). The T cell product IL-5 was also significantly upregulated in CR as compared with stable livers (80% vs. 16%, P < 0.01). Other Th2 cytokines--IL-4 and IL-10--and macrophage products--IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, TGF-beta, and TNF-alpha--were not substantially upregulated in CR grafts as compared with stable grafts. PDGF-beta transcripts were detected in the majority of the CR grafts, but were not detected in stable liver grafts (73% vs. 0, P < 0.05). By immunohistochemical staining, we observed that CD3+CD4+, and CD3+CD4- T cells were detected in CR grafts along with CD20+ B cells and CD68+ macrophages. There was, however, a predominant infiltration of CD3+CD4+ lymphocytes. Taken together, these data suggest that infiltrating cells produce proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines that have a role in mediating graft damage in CR.
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PMID:Expression of cytokines and immune mediators during chronic liver allograft rejection. 854 86

Human CD8+ memory- and effector-type T cells are poorly defined. We show here that, next to a naive compartment, two discrete primed subpopulations can be found within the circulating human CD8+ T cell subset. First, CD45RA-CD45R0(+) cells are reminiscent of memory-type T cells in that they express elevated levels of CD95 (Fas) and the integrin family members CD11a, CD18, CD29, CD49d, and CD49e, compared to naive CD8+ T cells, and are able to secrete not only interleukin (IL) 2 but also interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and IL-4. This subset does not exert cytolytic activity without prior in vitro stimulation but does contain virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) precursors. A second primed population is characterized by CD45RA expression with concomitant absence of expression of the costimulatory molecules CD27 and CD28. The CD8+CD45RA+CD27- population contains T cells expressing high levels of CD11a, CD11b, CD18, and CD49d, whereas CD62L (L-selectin) is not expressed. These T cells do not secrete IL-2 or -4 but can produce IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. In accordance with this finding, cells contained within this subpopulation depend for proliferation on exogenous growth factors such as IL-2 and -15. Interestingly, CD8+CD45RA+CD27- cells parallel effector CTLs, as they abundantly express Fas-ligand mRNA, contain perforin and granzyme B, and have high cytolytic activity without in vitro prestimulation. Based on both phenotypic and functional properties, we conclude that memory- and effector-type T cells can be separated as distinct entities within the human CD8+ T cell subset.
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PMID:Phenotypic and functional separation of memory and effector human CD8+ T cells. 934 98

CD8(+) T cells use a number of effector mechanisms to protect the host against infection. We have studied human CD8(+) T cells specific for CMV pp65(495-503) epitope, or for staphylococcal enterotoxin B, for the expression patterns of five cytokines and cytolytic effector molecules before and after antigenic stimulation. Ex vivo, the cytolytic molecule granzyme B was detected in a majority of circulating CMV-specific CD8(+) T cells, whereas perforin was rarely expressed. Both were highly expressed after Ag-specific activation accompanied by CD45RO up-regulation. TNF-alpha, IFN gamma, and IL-2 were sequentially acquired on recognition of Ag, but surprisingly, only around half of the CMV-specific CD8(+) T cells responded to antigenic stimuli with production of any cytokine measured. A dominant population coexpressed TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, and cells expressing TNF-alpha only, IFN-gamma only, or all three cytokines together also occurred at lower but clearly detectable frequencies. Interestingly, perforin expression and production of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha in CD8(+) T cells responding to staphylococcal enterotoxin B appeared to be largely segregated, and no IL-2 was detected in perforin-positive cells. Together, these data indicate that human CD8(+) T cells can be functionally segregated in vivo and have implications for the understanding of human CD8(+) T cell differentiation and specialization and regulation of effector mechanisms.
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PMID:Functional heterogeneity of cytokines and cytolytic effector molecules in human CD8+ T lymphocytes. 1141 47

Human primary effector T cells were analyzed for their susceptibility to anti-CD3-induced activation-induced cell death (AICD). Th1 and Tc1 cells were more susceptible to AICD than their type 2 counterparts. Type 1 and type 2 subsets were also found to be differentially susceptible to CD95-mediated apoptosis, although cell-surface expression of CD95 and CD95L was at similar levels on all subsets. A role for CD95 in AICD was confirmed by the addition of anti-CD95L antibodies that partially abrogated AICD. Residual apoptosis could not be accounted for by TNF-alpha/TNFR interactions because although type 1 cells secreted more TNF-alpha than type 2 cells, the addition of TNFR:Fc fusion protein did not inhibit AICD. Instead, a reduction in AICD was observed in the presence of EGTA or concanamycin A. The inhibition of apoptosis by a granzyme B inhibitor z-AAD-CMK in Tc1 cells further indicated an involvement of the granule exocytosis mechanism in AICD.
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PMID:Activation-induced cell death of human T-cell subsets is mediated by Fas and granzyme B but is independent of TNF-alpha. 1169 96

Hypersensitivity reactions to drugs can cause a variety of different skin disorders, the most frequent being maculopapular eruptions. In recent years increasing evidence has indicated the important involvement of T cells in this drug reaction. Histopathological changes typically show a dominant T-cell infiltration together with vacuolar interface dermatitis. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrate the presence of cytotoxic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which contain perforin and granzyme B, in close proximity to keratinocytes showing signs of cell destruction. Expression of Fas ligand is barely detectable, which suggests that cytotoxic granule exocytosis may be the dominant pathway leading to keratinocyte cell damage. In addition, drug-specific T cells may orchestrate the inflammatory skin reaction through the release and induction of various cytokines (i.e. IL-5, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma) and chemokines (i.e. regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted; eotaxin). These mediators contribute to the generation of eosinophilia, which may amplify the underlying immune response through the release of further proinflammatory mediators in drug-induced maculopapular exanthema.
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PMID:Immunohistology of drug-induced exanthema: clues to pathogenesis. 1196 4

Drugs can induce IgE mediated or T cell dependent immunological reactions. T cell dependent reactions are poorly understood, although T lymphocytes have been proposed as a protagonist in a number of non-immediate immunological reactions (NIR). The objective was to study in vivo different regulatory and proinflammatory cytokines and cytotoxic markers in patients with NIR to drugs. Twenty patients with NIR after drug intake were classified into two groups: Group A (severe), Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis; and Group B (mild), maculopapular exanthema and desquamative exanthema. Another 25 subjects taking the same drugs but without reactions formed a control group. Samples were obtained within 24 hours of the reaction and 30 days later. IL-2, IL-4, IFN, TNF, perforin, granzyme B (GrB), and FasL mRNA expression levels were determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by competitive RT-PCR. There were 9 patients in Group A and 11 in Group B. The drugs involved were betalactams (8), anticonvulsants (6), allopurinol (1), sulfamethoxazole (1), amiodarone (1) dypirone (2), and erythromicine+paracetamol (1). At the acute stage there was a high increase of IL-2, IFN, and TNF mRNA expression in both groups vs. controls, perforin and GrB varied in each group with patients in Group A having the highest values, and FasL was only expressed in Group A. Relationships between the cytokines were only significant in Group B (p < 0.05). Only the relation between IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha was significant in Group A. There was a significant correlation between cytotoxic markers in both groups (A: p < 0.001, B: p < 0.01). These data demonstrate the complexity of the Th1 phenotype in NIR after drug intake. In patients with mild NIR, cytokines appear to play a closely related role, whereas cytotoxic markers appear more relevant in severe reactions.
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PMID:Gene expression levels of cytokine profile and cytotoxic markers in non-immediate reactions to drugs. 1249 Feb 85

Granzyme B (grB) is a serine proteinase released by cytotoxic lymphocytes (CLs) to kill abnormal cells. GrB-mediated apoptotic pathways are conserved in nucleated cells; hence, CLs require mechanisms to protect against ectopic or misdirected grB. The nucleocytoplasmic serpin, proteinase inhibitor 9 (PI-9), is a potent inhibitor of grB that protects cells from grB-mediated apoptosis in model systems. Here we show that PI-9 is present in CD4(+) cells, CD8(+) T cells, NK cells, and at lower levels in B cells and myeloid cells. PI-9 is up-regulated in response to grB production and degranulation, and associates with grB-containing granules in activated CTLs and NK cells. Intracellular complexes of PI-9 and grB are evident in NK cells, and overexpression of PI-9 enhances CTL potency, suggesting that cytoplasmic grB, which may threaten CL viability, is rapidly inactivated by PI-9. Because dendritic cells (DCs) acquire characteristics similar to those of target cells to activate naive CD8(+) T cells and therefore may also require protection against grB, we investigated the expression of PI-9 in DCs. PI-9 is evident in thymic DCs (CD3(-), CD4(+), CD8(-), CD45(+)), tonsillar DCs, and DC subsets purified from peripheral blood (CD16(+) monocytes and CD123(+) plasmacytoid DCs). Furthermore, PI-9 is expressed in monocyte-derived DCs and is up-regulated upon TNF-alpha-induced maturation of monocyte-derived DCs. In conclusion, the presence and subcellular localization of PI-9 in leukocytes and DCs are consistent with a protective role against ectopic or misdirected grB during an immune response.
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PMID:The intracellular granzyme B inhibitor, proteinase inhibitor 9, is up-regulated during accessory cell maturation and effector cell degranulation, and its overexpression enhances CTL potency. 1251 44


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