Deriving a germinal center lymphocyte migration model from two-photon data

Recently, two-photon imaging has allowed intravital tracking of lymphocyte migration and cellular interactions during germinal center (GC) reactions. The implications of two-photon measurements obtained by several investigators are currently the subject of controversy. With the help of two mathematical approaches, we reanalyze these data. It is shown that the measured lymphocyte migration frequency between the dark and the light zone is quantitatively explained by persistent random walk of lymphocytes. The cell motility data imply a fast intermixture of cells within the whole GC in approximately 3 h, and this does not allow for maintenance of dark and light zones. The model predicts that chemotaxis is active in GCs to maintain GC zoning and demonstrates that chemotaxis is consistent with two-photon lymphocyte motility data. However, the model also predicts that the chemokine sensitivity is quickly down-regulated. On the basis of these findings, we formulate a novel GC lymphocyte migration model and propose its verification by new two-photon experiments that combine the measurement of B cell migration with that of specific chemokine receptor expression levels. In addition, we discuss some statistical limitations for the interpretation of two-photon cell motility measurements in general

Deriving a germinal center lymphocyte migration model from two-photon data

Recently, two-photon imaging has allowed intravital tracking of lymphocyte migration and cellular interactions during germinal center (GC) reactions. The implications of two-photon measurements obtained by several investigators are currently the subject of controversy. With the help of two mathematical approaches, we reanalyze these data. It is shown that the measured lymphocyte migration frequency between the dark and the light zone is quantitatively explained by persistent random walk of lymphocytes. The cell motility data imply a fast intermixture of cells within the whole GC in approximately 3 h, and this does not allow for maintenance of dark and light zones. The model predicts that chemotaxis is active in GCs to maintain GC zoning and demonstrates that chemotaxis is consistent with two-photon lymphocyte motility data. However, the model also predicts that the chemokine sensitivity is quickly down-regulated. On the basis of these findings, we formulate a novel GC lymphocyte migration model and propose its verification by new two-photon experiments that combine the measurement of B cell migration with that of specific chemokine receptor expression levels. In addition, we discuss some statistical limitations for the interpretation of two-photon cell motility measurements in general

Model-driven Experimentation: A new approach to understand mechanisms of tertiary lymphoid tissue formation, function and therapeutic resolution.

The molecular and cellular processes driving the formation of secondary lymphoid tissues have been extensively studied using a combination of mouse knockouts, lineage specific reporter mice, gene expression analysis, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. However, the mechanisms driving the formation and function of tertiary lymphoid tissue (TLT) experimental techniques have proven to be more enigmatic and controversial due to differences between experimental models and human disease pathology. Systems-based approaches including data-driven biological network analysis (Gene Interaction Network, Metabolic Pathway Network, Cell-Cell signalling & cascade networks) and mechanistic modelling afford a novel perspective from which to understand TLT formation and identify mechanisms that may lead to the resolution of tissue pathology. In this perspective, we make the case for applying model-driven experimentation using two case studies which combined simulations with experiments to identify mechanisms driving lymphoid tissue formation and function, and then discuss potential applications of this experimental paradigm to identify novel therapeutic targets for TLT pathology

The nature and consequence of vitronectin interaction in the non-compromised contact lens wearing eye

Purpose: The aim of this work was to investigate the locus and extent of vitronectin (Vn) deposition on ex vivo contact lenses and to determine the influence of wear modality together with surface and bulk characteristics of the lens material. Methods: The quantity and location of Vn deposition on the surfaces of contact lens materials was investigated using a novel on-lens cell attachment assay technique. Results: Vn mapping showed that deposition resulted from lens-corneal interaction rather than solely from the tear film. Higher cell counts on the posterior surface of the lenses were determined in comparison to the anterior surface. Overall gross Vn deposition was greater for high water content-low modulus materials (117. ±. 4 average cell count per field) than low water content-high modulus materials (88. ±. 6 average cell count per field). Conclusions: The role of Vn in plasmin regulation and upregulation is widely recognised. The findings in this paper suggest that the locus of Vn on the contact lens surface, which is affected by material properties such as modulus, is potentially an important factor in the generation of plasmin in the posterior tear film. Consequently, the potential for materials to affect Vn deposition will influence lens-induced inflammatory processes

A theory of germinal center B cell selection, division, and exit

High-affinity antibodies are generated in germinal centers in a process involving mutation and selection of B cells. Information processing in germinal center reactions has been investigated in a number of recent experiments. These have revealed cell migration patterns, asymmetric cell divisions, and cell-cell interaction characteristics, used here to develop a theory of germinal center B cell selection, division, and exit (the LEDA model). According to this model, B cells selected by T follicular helper cells on the basis of successful antigen processing always return to the dark zone for asymmetric division, and acquired antigen is inherited by one daughter cell only. Antigen-retaining B cells differentiate to plasma cells and leave the germinal center through the dark zone. This theory has implications for the functioning of germinal centers because compared to previous models, high-affinity antibodies appear one day earlier and the amount of derived plasma cells is considerably larger

Ionic mechanisms and Ca2+ dynamics underlying the glucose response of pancreatic β cells: a simulation study

To clarify the mechanisms underlying the pancreatic β-cell response to varying glucose concentrations ([G]), electrophysiological findings were integrated into a mathematical cell model. The Ca2+ dynamics of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) were also improved. The model was validated by demonstrating quiescent potential, burst–interburst electrical events accompanied by Ca2+ transients, and continuous firing of action potentials over [G] ranges of 0–6, 7–18, and >19 mM, respectively. These responses to glucose were completely reversible. The action potential, input impedance, and Ca2+ transients were in good agreement with experimental measurements. The ionic mechanisms underlying the burst–interburst rhythm were investigated by lead potential analysis, which quantified the contributions of individual current components. This analysis demonstrated that slow potential changes during the interburst period were attributable to modifications of ion channels or transporters by intracellular ions and/or metabolites to different degrees depending on [G]. The predominant role of adenosine triphosphate–sensitive K+ current in switching on and off the repetitive firing of action potentials at 8 mM [G] was taken over at a higher [G] by Ca2+- or Na+-dependent currents, which were generated by the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump, Na+/K+ pump, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, and TRPM channel. Accumulation and release of Ca2+ by the ER also had a strong influence on the slow electrical rhythm. We conclude that the present mathematical model is useful for quantifying the role of individual functional components in the whole cell responses based on experimental findings

Germinal center B cells govern their own fate via antibody feedback

Affinity maturation of B cells in germinal centers (GCs) is a process of evolution, involving random mutation of immunoglobulin genes followed by natural selection by T cells. Only B cells that have acquired antigen are able to interact with T cells. Antigen acquisition is dependent on the interaction of B cells with immune complexes inside GCs. It is not clear how efficient selection of B cells is maintained while their affinity matures. Here we show that the B cells’ own secreted products, antibodies, regulate GC selection by limiting antigen access. By manipulating the GC response with monoclonal antibodies of defined affinities, we show that antibodies in GCs are in affinity-dependent equilibrium with antibodies produced outside and that restriction of antigen access influences B cell selection, seen as variations in apoptosis, plasma cell output, T cell interaction, and antibody affinity. Feedback through antibodies produced by GC-derived plasma cells can explain how GCs maintain an adequate directional selection pressure over a large range of affinities throughout the course of an immune response, accelerating the emergence of B cells of highest affinities. Furthermore, this mechanism may explain how spatially separated GCs communicate and how the GC reaction terminates

Avaliação do uso da galectina-3, citoqueratina-19 e HBME-1 no diagnóstico diferencial de lesões foliculares de tireóide

Orientador : Prof. Dr. Hans GrafDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Interna. Defesa : Curitiba, 21/09/2007Inclui referências : f. 46-53Resumo: A punção aspirativa com agulha fina (PAAF) é uma técnica diagnóstica bem estabelecida na investigação pré-operatória de nódulos tireoidianos, permitindo uma diminuição significativa no número de procedimentos cirúrgicos da tireóide. Porém, uma importante limitação da PAAF é a falta de sensibilidade na avaliação de neoplasias foliculares devido à incapacidade em diferenciar lesões foliculares benignas das lesões foliculares malignas da tireóide. A dificuldade encontrada no diagnóstico diferencial das lesões foliculares fez com que vários marcadores fossem testados, sendo os mais promissores a galectina-3 (GAL-3), a citoqueratina-19 (CK-19) e o anticorpo contra as células mesoteliais (HBME-1). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o papel dos marcadores GAL-3, CK-19 e HBME-1 no diagnóstico diferencial de lesões foliculares de tireóide em espécimes cirúrgicos do Hospital de Clínicas da UFPR no período de 1985 a 2004. Foram selecionadas 32 peças cirúrgicas de pacientes com diagnóstico inicial de lesão folicular (18 lesões malignas e 14 lesões benignas), submetidas ao teste imuno-histoquímica com a GAL-3, CK-19 e HBME-1. Os resultados mostraram que o único marcador isolado capaz de auxiliar no diagnóstico diferencial das lesões foliculares foi a CK-19, que mostrou uma sensibilidade de 61,1%, especificidade de 85,7% e uma acurácia diagnóstica de 62,5% (p<0,05). Dentre as diversas combinações entre os marcadores, a que teve a melhor sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia diagnóstica (66,7%, 78,6%, 71,9%, respectivamente) foi a GAL-3 com a CK-19 (p<0.05). Concluímos que o diagnóstico diferencial das lesões foliculares de tireóide pode ser melhorado com o uso dos marcadores imuno-histoquímicas e que o uso de um painel de marcadores aumenta a sensibilidade e especificidade deste método diagnóstico. Palavras-chave: lesão folicular, galectina-3, citoqueratina-19, HBME-1Abstract: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a well characterized diagnostic tool in the pre-operatory investigation of thyroid nodules, which allowed a significant decrease in the number of surgical procedures of the thyroid. However, an important limitation of FNAB is the lack of sensitivity in the differentiation of malignant from benign follicular lesions of thyroid. The difficulty of FNAB in stablishing the differential diagnosis of follicular lesions led to the atempt of using several tumor markers. The most promising are galectin-3 (GAL-3), cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) and Hector Battifora Mesothelia cell (HBME-1). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the tumor markers GAL-3, CK-19 and HBME-1 in the differential diagnosis of thyroid follicular lesions in surgical blocks from patients of Hospital de Clinicas of the Federal University of Parana submitted to thyroid surgery from 1985 to 2004. We selected 32 surgical blocks of patients with a initial diagnosis of follicular lesion (18 malignant lesions and 14 benign lesions) and submitted them to immunohistochemical tests with GAL-3, CK-19 and HBME-1. The results showed that the only isolated marker able to help in the differential diagnosis of follicular lesions was CK-19, which showed a sensitivity of 61,1%, especificity of 85,7% and a diagnostic accuracy of 62,5% (p<0.05). Among all the possible combinations of the three markers, the best sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy (66,7%, 78,6%, 71,9%, respectively) was with GAL-3 and CK- 19 (p<0,05). We concluded that the differential diagnosis of thyroid follicular lesions can be improved with the use of immunohistochemical markers and that a panel of markers is usefull to increase the sensitivity and specificity of this diagnostic method. Key-words: follicular lesion, galectin-3, cytokeratin-19, HBME-

Regulation of B cell development by transcription factors IRF4 and BACH2

B lymphocytes—major cell types mediating an adaptive immunity—recognize a vast variety of structures by B cell antigen receptors (BCR). Activated B cells can form germinal centers, undergo antigen-induced affinity maturation of their BCRs and differentiate into memory B cells sought upon vaccinations or antibody-secreting plasma cells that eradicate infections. Aberrant BCR signaling or transcriptional regulation of B cell development may cause immunodeficien- cies, autoimmune diseases or lymphoid malignancies. Therefore, deeper knowledge of the transcriptional regulation of B cell development is essential for the understanding of B cell derived diseases. Transcription factors IRF4 and BACH2 are crucial regulators of germinal center formation and high-affinity antibody production. However, the molecular mech- anisms how they do these remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investi- gate the role of IRF4 in B cells and clarify IRF4 function in the regulation of an- tibody secretion as well as to examine the role of BACH2 in immunoglobulin (Ig) diversification processes. To do this IRF4-, BACH2-, and IRF4/BCL6 dou- ble-deficient DT40 B cell lines were generated. In this thesis, I demonstrate a new role for IRF4 as a regulator of BCR signaling, which is crucial for the B cell survival, and activation. IRF4 directly represses IRF8 and upregulates SHIP gene expression that results in stronger BCR-induced calcium flux and changed signaling to ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. In this study, I show nonredundant functions for IRF4 and BLIMP1 in the induction of antibody secretion, as in IRF4- or IRF4/BCL6 double-deficient cells enforced expression of BLIMP1 fails to induce antibody secretion. As the most important finding, I reveal a new role for BACH2 in Ig gene conversion that diversifies BCR