Identification of a putative regulator of early T cell activation genes

Molecules involved in the antigen receptor-dependent regulation of early T cell activation genes were investigated with the use of functional sequences of the T cell activation-specific enhancer of interleukin-2 (IL-2). One of these sequences forms a protein complex, NFAT-1, specifically with nuclear extracts of activated T cells. This complex appeared 10 to 25 minutes before the activation of the IL-2 gene. Studies with inhibitors of protein synthesis indicated that the time of synthesis of the activator of the IL-2 gene in Jurkat T cells corresponds to the time of appearance of NFAT-1. NFAT-1, or a very similar protein, bound functional sequences of the long terminal repeat (LTR) of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1; the LTR of this virus is known to be stimulated during early T cell activation. The binding site for this complex activated a linked promoter after transfection into antigen receptor-activated T cells but not other cell types. These characteristics suggest that NFAT-1 transmits signals initiated at the T cell antigen receptor.     

Identification of a T helper cell-derived lymphokine that activates resting T lymphocytes

A novel lymphokine with apparent molecular size of 10 to 12 kilodaltons is secreted from helper T cell clones within hours after cross-linking their T cell antigen-MHC (major histocompatibility complex) receptors (T3-Ti). This lymphokine, termed interleukin-4A (IL-4A), stimulates resting lymphocytes by binding to a surface component (or components) of the alternative T11 pathway and subsequently by inducing interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptors. The activation process is neither dependent on antigen specificities of the recruited population or the presence of macrophages. It appears, therefore, that IL-4A is a mediator involved in amplifying the T cell immune response.     

cDNA expression cloning of the IL-1 receptor, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily

Interleukin-1 alpha and -1 beta (IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta) are cytokines that participate in the regulation of immune responses, inflammatory reactions, and hematopoiesis. A direct expression strategy was used to clone the receptor for IL-1 from mouse T cells. The product of the cloned complementary DNA binds both IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta in a manner indistinguishable from that of the native T cell IL-1 receptor. The extracellular, IL-1 binding portion of the receptor is 319 amino acids in length and is composed of three immunoglobulin-like domains. The cytoplasmic portion of the receptor is 217 amino acids long.     

低密度脂蛋白受体基因表达调控研究

低密度脂蛋白受体(LDLR)调节体内胆固醇的平衡是通过其启动区的固醇调节元件(SRE)感受体内胆固醇的变化,从而调控LDLR基因的表达来实现的。胆固醇调节元件结合蛋白(SREBP)、SREBP裂解蛋白(SCAP)参与这一调节。LDLR基因的表达还受到HMG-CoA还原酶抑制剂、激素、细胞生长因子等因素的影响。     

Regulation of expression of the interleukin-2 receptor on hematopoietic cells by interleukin-3

Remarkable similarities in the intracellular and genetic events occur when lymphoid and hematopoietic cells are exposed to their specific growth factors. The interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor, whose cell-surface expression is an absolute requirement for the growth and differentiation of lymphoid cells, was detected on various nonlymphoid hematopoietic cell types in this study. Cell lines consisting either of granulocyte-macrophage precursors or mast cells, which are dependent on interleukin-3 (IL-3) for their growth, expressed high levels of the IL-2 receptor on their surface. Analysis of the binding characteristics of these receptors with 125I-labeled recombinant IL-2 revealed that only receptors with low affinity for IL-2 were present on these cells. Addition of purified recombinant IL-3 to these cell lines led to an increase in IL-2 receptor gene expression within 1 hour in isolated nuclei. This IL-3--induced increase in the number of IL-2 receptors on the cell surface is maximal within 24 hours. Addition of 10,000 units of IL-2 to these cells had no apparent effect on their growth or differentiation. The presence of the receptor with only low affinity for IL-2 on hematopoietic cells and the regulation by IL-3 suggest that this receptor is involved in some important metabolic event in hematopoiesis.     

NFAT binding and regulation of T cell activation by the cytoplasmic scaffolding Homer proteins

T cell receptor (TCR) and costimulatory receptor (CD28) signals cooperate in activating T cells, although understanding of how these pathways are themselves regulated is incomplete. We found that Homer2 and Homer3, members of the Homer family of cytoplasmic scaffolding proteins, are negative regulators of T cell activation. This is achieved through binding of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and by competing with calcineurin. Homer-NFAT binding was also antagonized by active serine-threonine kinase AKT, thereby enhancing TCR signaling via calcineurin-dependent dephosphorylation of NFAT. This corresponded with changes in cytokine expression and an increase in effector-memory T cell populations in Homer-deficient mice, which also developed autoimmune-like pathology. These results demonstrate a further means by which costimulatory signals are regulated to control self-reactivity.     

鸭IL-2基因启动子的克隆、多态性与表达的关联分析

为研究鸭IL-2基因调控区单核苷酸多态性对其转录调控的影响,克隆获得了鸭IL-2基因启动子2 850 bp序列,与人、小鼠和原鸡的同源性分别为35.37%,37.52%和34.74%。其中,-1 400/-1 000存在集中的核心转录因子结合位点。对鸭IL-2基因启动子(-1 932/-742)进行单核苷酸多态检测和遗传多态性分析发现,该区域存在两个突变位点(C-1353A、C-1406T),且均处于Hardy-Weinberg极不平衡状态;等位基因A均为优势等位基因。单核苷酸多态与其表达水平的相关性分析发现,突变位点不同基因型与IL-2基因mRNA表达水平和IL-2蛋白水平均无显著相关关系,但基因型AA个体的mRNA表达量均高于其他基因型个体(P>0.05),表明鸭IL-2启动子等位基因A可能有促进IL-2基因转录的趋势。研究结果为IL-2基因转录调控机制的研究提供了理论基础。