Publications (14)171.39 Total impact
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Article: TREM2 and β-catenin regulate bone homeostasis by controlling the rate of osteoclastogenesis.
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ABSTRACT: TREM2 is an immunoreceptor expressed on osteoclasts (OC) and microglia that transmits intracellular signals through the adaptor DAP12. Individuals with genetic mutations inactivating TREM2 or DAP12 develop the Nasu-Hakola disease (NHD) with cystic-like lesions of the bone and brain demyelination that lead to fractures and presenile dementia. The mechanisms of this disease are poorly understood. In this study, we report that TREM2-deficient mice have an osteopenic phenotype reminiscent of NHD. In vitro, lack of TREM2 impairs proliferation and β-catenin activation in osteoclast precursors (OcP) in response to M-CSF. This defect results in accelerated differentiation of OcP into mature OC. Corroborating the importance of a balanced proliferation and differentiation of OcP for bone homeostasis, we show that conditional deletion of β-catenin in OcP also results in reduced OcP proliferation and accelerated osteoclastogenesis in vitro as well as osteopenia in vivo. These results reveal that TREM2 regulates the rate of osteoclastogenesis and provide a mechanism for the bone pathology in NHD.The Journal of Immunology 03/2012; 188(6):2612-21. · 5.79 Impact Factor -
Article: RNA sensor-induced type I IFN prevents diabetes caused by a β cell-tropic virus in mice.
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ABSTRACT: Viral infections have been linked to the onset of type I diabetes (T1D), with viruses postulated to induce disease directly by causing β cell injury and subsequent release of autoantigens and indirectly via the host type I interferon (IFN-I) response triggered by the virus. Consistent with this, resistance to T1D is associated with polymorphisms that impair the function of melanoma differentiation associated gene-5 (MDA5), a sensor of viral RNA that elicits IFN-I responses. In animal models, triggering of another viral sensor, TLR3, has been implicated in diabetes. Here, we found that MDA5 and TLR3 are both required to prevent diabetes in mice infected with encephalomyocarditis virus strain D (EMCV-D), which has tropism for the insulin-producing β cells of the pancreas. Infection of Tlr3-/- mice caused diabetes due to impaired IFN-I responses and virus-induced β cell damage rather than T cell-mediated autoimmunity. Mice lacking just 1 copy of Mda5 developed transient hyperglycemia when infected with EMCV-D, whereas homozygous Mda5-/- mice developed severe cardiac pathology. TLR3 and MDA5 controlled EMCV-D infection and diabetes by acting in hematopoietic and stromal cells, respectively, inducing IFN-I responses at kinetically distinct time points. We therefore conclude that optimal functioning of viral sensors and prompt IFN-I responses are required to prevent diabetes when caused by a virus that infects and damages the β cells of the pancreas.The Journal of clinical investigation 03/2011; 121(4):1497-507. · 15.39 Impact Factor -
Article: Nonredundant role of CCRL2 in lung dendritic cell trafficking.
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ABSTRACT: Chemokine CC motif receptor-like 2 (CCRL2) is a heptahelic transmembrane receptor that shows the highest degree of homology with CCR1, an inflammatory chemokine receptor. CCRL2 mRNA was rapidly (30 minutes) and transiently (2-4 hours) regulated during dendritic cell (DC) maturation. Protein expression paralleled RNA regulation. In vivo, CCRL2 was expressed by activated DC and macrophages, but not by eosinophils and T cells. CCRL2(-/-) mice showed normal recruitment of circulating DC into the lung, but a defective trafficking of antigen-loaded lung DC to mediastinal lymph nodes. This defect was associated to a reduction in lymph node cellularity and reduced priming of T helper cell 2 response. CCRL2(-/-) mice were protected in a model of ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation, with reduced leukocyte recruitment in the BAL (eosinophils and mononuclear cells) and reduced production of the T helper cell 2 cytokines, interleukin-4 and -5, and chemokines CCL11 and CCL17. The central role of CCRL2 deficiency in DC was supported by the fact that adoptive transfer of CCRL2(-/-) antigen-loaded DC in wild-type animals recapitulated the phenotype observed in knockout mice. These data show a nonredundant role of CCRL2 in lung DC trafficking and propose a role for this receptor in the control of excessive airway inflammatory responses.Blood 10/2010; 116(16):2942-9. · 9.90 Impact Factor -
Article: Expansion of human NK-22 cells with IL-7, IL-2, and IL-1beta reveals intrinsic functional plasticity.
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ABSTRACT: Natural killer-22 (NK-22) cells are a human NK cell subset situated in mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues that specialize in IL-22 secretion in response to IL-23. Here we investigated the cytokine requirements for NK-22 cell expansion. IL-7 maintained the survival of NK-22 cells and IL-22 production in response to IL-23 but was insufficient to induce robust expansion. Proliferation of NK-22 cells was increased markedly by adding either IL-1beta or IL-2 to IL-7 and was even stronger in the presence of IL-1beta plus IL-2. In contrast to IL-7, continuous culture in IL-1beta and IL-2 modified NK-22 cytokine profiles. IL-1beta promoted constitutive IL-22 secretion rather than acute IL-22 production in response to IL-23 and induced IL-17 in some cells. IL-2 reduced secretion of IL-22 and IL-17, increasing production of IFN-gamma and leukemia inhibitory factor. Functional deviation toward IFN-gamma production also was induced by continuous culture in IL-23. These results demonstrate the functional plasticity of NK-22 cells, which may allow flexible responses to different pathogens. Finally, we found that NK-22 cells released the B-cell survival factor, B-cell activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF), suggesting a potential role of NK-22 cells in promoting B-cell-mediated mucosal immunity.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 06/2010; 107(24):10961-6. · 9.68 Impact Factor -
Article: Macrophage colony-stimulating factor induces the proliferation and survival of macrophages via a pathway involving DAP12 and beta-catenin.
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ABSTRACT: Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) influences the proliferation and survival of mononuclear phagocytes through the receptor CSF-1R. The adaptor protein DAP12 is critical for the function of mononuclear phagocytes. DAP12-mutant mice and humans have defects in osteoclasts and microglia, as well as brain and bone abnormalities. Here we show DAP12 deficiency impaired the M-CSF-induced proliferation and survival of macrophages in vitro. DAP12-deficient mice had fewer microglia in defined central nervous system areas, and DAP12-deficient progenitors regenerated myeloid cells inefficiently after bone marrow transplantation. Signaling by M-CSF through CSF-1R induced the stabilization and nuclear translocation of beta-catenin, which activated genes involved in the cell cycle. DAP12 was essential for phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin. Our results provide a mechanistic explanation for the many defects of DAP12-deficient mononuclear phagocytes.Nature Immunology 08/2009; 10(7):734-43. · 26.01 Impact Factor -
Article: Macrophage colony-stimulating factor induces the proliferation and survival of macrophages via a pathway involving DAP12 and -catenin
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ABSTRACT: Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) influences the proliferation and survival of mononuclear phagocytes through the receptor CSF-1R. The adaptor protein DAP12 is critical for the function of mononuclear phagocytes. DAP12-mutant mice and humans have defects in osteoclasts and microglia, as well as brain and bone abnormalities. Here we show DAP12 deficiency impaired the M-CSF-induced proliferation and survival of macrophages in vitro. DAP12-deficient mice had fewer microglia in defined central nervous system areas, and DAP12-deficient progenitors regenerated myeloid cells inefficiently after bone marrow transplantation. Signaling by M-CSF through CSF-1R induced the stabilization and nuclear translocation of -catenin, which activated genes involved in the cell cycle. DAP12 was essential for phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of -catenin. Our results provide a mechanistic explanation for the many defects of DAP12-deficient mononuclear phagocytes.Nature Immunology 06/2009; 10(7):734-743. · 26.01 Impact Factor -
Article: A human natural killer cell subset provides an innate source of IL-22 for mucosal immunity.
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ABSTRACT: Natural killer (NK) cells are classically viewed as lymphocytes that provide innate surveillance against virally infected cells and tumour cells through the release of cytolytic mediators and interferon (IFN)-gamma. In humans, blood CD56(dim) NK cells specialize in the lysis of cell targets. In the lymph nodes, CD56(bright) NK cells secrete IFN-gamma cooperating with dendritic cells and T cells in the generation of adaptive responses. Here we report the characterization of a human NK cell subset located in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues, such as tonsils and Peyer's patches, which is hard-wired to secrete interleukin (IL)-22, IL-26 and leukaemia inhibitory factor. These NK cells, which we refer to as NK-22 cells, are triggered by acute exposure to IL-23. In vitro, NK-22-secreted cytokines stimulate epithelial cells to secrete IL-10, proliferate and express a variety of mitogenic and anti-apoptotic molecules. NK-22 cells are also found in mouse mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues and appear in the small intestine lamina propria during bacterial infection, suggesting that NK-22 cells provide an innate source of IL-22 that may help constrain inflammation and protect mucosal sites.Nature 12/2008; 457(7230):722-5. · 36.28 Impact Factor -
Article: Migration of dendritic cells across blood and lymphatic endothelial barriers.
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ABSTRACT: Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen presenting cells which play a pivotal role in the activation of adaptive immunity. Tissue invasion by pathogens induces the recruitment of blood DC to the site of infection and contributes to their subsequent migration to secondary lymphoid organs. This complex process relies on the expression and regulation of receptors for chemotactic factors on the surface of migrating DC and on the activation of adhesion molecules which allow DC to properly interact with both blood and lymphatic vessels. In the absence of correct tissue localization, DC fail to promote proper immune responses. Therefore, the interaction of DC with endothelial cells represents a fundamental step for DC biology.Thrombosis and Haemostasis 02/2006; 95(1):22-8. · 5.04 Impact Factor -
Chapter: Migration of dendritic cell subsets
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ABSTRACT: DC are professional APC. To accomplish their biological functions, they need to go through a complex pattern of migration, which includes their localization to both peripheral non-lymphoid tissues and secondary lymphoid organs. In the absence of correct tissue localization, DC fail to promote proper immune responses. DC trafficking includes the interaction with both blood and lymphatic endothelium and the response to chemotactic signals. In the past few years many chemokines have been reported to regulate DC migration in vitro and in vivo; however, more recent findings strongly support the role of a considerable array of non-chemokine chemotactic signals and adhesion molecules in this complex process. A better understanding of the signals involved in the migration of DC subsets in vivo constitutes a valuable basis for the development of new strategies for the control of DC migration and function under pathological conditions.12/2005: pages 71-93; -
Article: Defective dendritic cell migration and activation of adaptive immunity in PI3Kgamma-deficient mice.
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ABSTRACT: Gene-targeted mice were used to evaluate the role of the gamma isoform of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3Kgamma) in dendritic cell (DC) migration and induction of specific T-cell-mediated immune responses. DC obtained from PI3Kgamma-/- mice showed a reduced ability to respond to chemokines in vitro and ex vivo and to travel to draining lymph nodes under inflammatory conditions. PI3Kgamma-/- mice had a selective defect in the number of skin Langerhans cells and in lymph node CD8alpha- DC. Furthermore, PI3Kgamma-/- mice showed a defective capacity to mount contact hypersensitivity and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. This defect was directly related to the reduced ability of antigen-loaded DC to migrate from the periphery to draining lymph nodes. Thus, PI3Kgamma plays a nonredundant role in DC trafficking and in the activation of specific immunity. Therefore, PI3Kgamma may be considered a new target to control exaggerated immune reactions.The EMBO Journal 10/2004; 23(17):3505-15. · 9.20 Impact Factor -
Article: Defective dendritic cell migration and activation of adaptive immunity in PI3K|[gamma]|-deficient mice
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ABSTRACT: Gene-targeted mice were used to evaluate the role of the gamma isoform of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in dendritic cell (DC) migration and induction of specific T-cell-mediated immune responses. DC obtained from PI3K-/- mice showed a reduced ability to respond to chemokines in vitro and ex vivo and to travel to draining lymph nodes under inflammatory conditions. PI3K-/- mice had a selective defect in the number of skin Langerhans cells and in lymph node CD8- DC. Furthermore, PI3K-/- mice showed a defective capacity to mount contact hypersensitivity and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. This defect was directly related to the reduced ability of antigen-loaded DC to migrate from the periphery to draining lymph nodes. Thus, PI3K plays a nonredundant role in DC trafficking and in the activation of specific immunity. Therefore, PI3K may be considered a new target to control exaggerated immune reactions.The EMBO Journal 08/2004; 23(17):3505-3515. · 9.20 Impact Factor -
Article: Altered leukocyte response to CXCL12 in patients with warts hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, myelokathexis (WHIM) syndrome.
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ABSTRACT: The chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its functional ligand, CXCL12, are essential regulators of development and homeostasis of hematopoietic and lymphoid organs. Heterozygous truncating mutations in the CXCR4 intracellular tail cause a rare genetic disease known as WHIM syndrome (warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, myelokathexis), whose pathophysiology remains unclear. We report CXCR4 function in 3 patients with WHIM syndrome carrying heterozygous truncating mutations of CXCR4. We show that CXCR4 gene mutations in WHIM patients do not affect cell surface expression of the chemokine receptor and its internalization upon stimulation with CXCL12. Moreover, no significant differences in calcium mobilization in response to CXCL12 are found. However, the chemotactic response of both polymorphonuclear cells and T lymphocytes in response to CXCL12 is increased. Furthermore, immunophenotypic analysis of circulating T and B lymphocytes reveals a decreased number of memory B cells and of naive T cells and an accumulation of effector memory T cells associated with a restricted T-cell repertoire. Based on our results, we suggest that the altered leukocyte response to CXCL12 may account for the pathologic retention of mature polymorphonuclear cells in the bone marrow (myelokathexis) and for an altered lymphocyte trafficking, which may cause the immunophenotyping abnormalities observed in WHIM patients.Blood 08/2004; 104(2):444-52. · 9.90 Impact Factor -
Article: Cutting edge: scavenging of inflammatory CC chemokines by the promiscuous putatively silent chemokine receptor D6.
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ABSTRACT: In an effort to define the actual function of the promiscuous putatively silent chemokine receptor D6, transfectants were generated in different cell types. Engagement of D6 by inflammatory CC chemokines elicited no calcium response nor chemotaxis, but resulted in efficient agonist internalization and degradation. Also in lymphatic endothelium, where this receptor is expressed in vivo, D6 did not elicit cellular responses other than ligand internalization and degradation. In particular, no evidence was obtained for D6-mediated transcytosis of chemokines in the apical-to-basal or basal-to-apical directions. These results indicate that D6 acts as an inflammatory chemokine scavenging nonactivatory decoy receptors and suggest that in lymphatic vessels D6 may function as a gatekeeper for inflammatory CC chemokines, by clearing them and preventing excessive diffusion via afferent lymphatics to lymph nodes.The Journal of Immunology 04/2003; 170(5):2279-82. · 5.79 Impact Factor -
Article: Regulation of the Chemokine System at the Level of Chemokine Receptor Expression and Signaling Activity
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ABSTRACT: The chemokine system is highly influenced by the microenvironmental context. Regulation of the chemokine system occurs not only at the level of agonist production, but also at the level of chemokine receptor expression. This review provides examples of regulation of the system at the receptor level by modulation of receptor expression in canonical cellular targets (tuning of the system), and induction of novel receptors (shaping of the system), with particular attention to dendritic cells as a cellular model. Receptor signaling activity represents a further potential level of regulation of the system. Finally, chemokines can also influence the microenvironment by modulating gene expression in target cells.Immunobiology 204(5):536-542. · 3.20 Impact Factor
Top co-authors
Top Journals
Institutions
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2008–2012
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University of Washington Seattle
- Department of Immunology
Seattle, WA, USA
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2005–2010
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Istituto Clinico Humanitas IRCCS
Rozzano, Lombardy, Italy
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2006
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Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro
Bari, Apulia, Italy
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2004
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Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri
Milano, Lombardy, Italy
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