TL1A is a novel TNF-like factor that acts as a costimulator of IFN-γ secretion through binding to the death domain-containing receptor, DR3. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that TL1A may play an important role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by functioning as a Th1-polarizing cytokine. The expression, cellular localization, and functional activity of TL1A and DR3 were studied in intestinal tissue specimens as well as isolated lamina propria mononuclear cells from IBD patients and controls. TL1A mRNA and protein expression was up-regulated in IBD, particularly in involved areas of Crohn’s disease (CD; p < 0.03 vs control). TL1A production was localized to the intestinal lamina propria in macrophages and CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes from CD patients as well as in plasma cells from ulcerative colitis patients. The amount of TL1A protein and the number of TL1A-positive cells correlated with the severity of inflammation, most significantly in CD. Increased numbers of immunoreactive DR3-positive T lymphocytes were detected in the intestinal lamina propria from IBD patients. Addition of recombinant human TL1A to cultures of PHA-stimulated lamina propria mononuclear from CD patients significantly augmented IFN-γ production by 4-fold, whereas a minimal effect was observed in control patients. Our study provides evidence for the first time that the novel cytokine TL1A may play an important role in a Th1-mediated disease such as CD.

TL1A is a TNF-like cytokine that binds to the death-domain receptor (DR)3 and provides costimulatory signals to activated lymphocytes. Through this interaction, TL1A induces secretion of IFN-␥ and may, therefore, participate in the development of T helper-1-type effector responses. In this study, we investigated whether interactions between TL1A and DR3 are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic murine ileitis. We demonstrate that alternative splicing of DR3 mRNA takes place during the activation of lymphocytes, which results in up-regulation of the complete͞transmembrane (tm) form of DR3. Using two immunogenetically distinct animal models of Crohn's disease, we demonstrate that induction of intestinal inflammation is associated with significant up-regulation of TL1A and tm DR3 in the inflamed mucosa. In addition, within isolated lamina propria mononuclear cells from mice with inflammation, TL1A is primarily expressed on CD11c high dendritic cells. We also report that TL1A acts preferentially on memory CD4 ؉ ͞CD45RB lo murine lymphocytes by significantly inducing their proliferation, whereas it does not affect the proliferation of the naïve CD4 ؉ ͞ CD45RB hi T helper cell subpopulation. Finally, we demonstrate that TL1A synergizes with both the cytokine-dependent IL-12͞IL-18 pathway and with low-dose stimulation of the T cell receptor to significantly induce the secretion of IFN-␥ via an IL-18-independent pathway. Our results raise the possibility that interaction(s) between TL1A expressed on antigen-presenting cells and tm DR3 on lymphocytes may be of particular importance for the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory conditions that depend on IFN-␥ secretion, including inflammatory bowel disease. Blockade of the TL1A͞DR3 pathway may, therefore, offer therapeutic opportunities in Crohn's disease.Crohn's disease ͉ cytokines ͉ mucosal inflammation T he differentiation of naïve CD4 ϩ lymphocytes into IFN-␥-secreting Th1 ''effector'' cells is a multistep process that involves several cell types, costimulatory molecules, transcription factors, and secreted cytokines (1). Antigen-presenting cell (APC)-derived IL-12 is essential for the induction of IFN-␥, an effect that is greatly enhanced by IL-18 (2). IL-12 up-regulates T-bet, a transcription factor that is critical for the stabilization of a T helper (Th)1-polarized phenotype (3). Recently, additional cytokines that play prominent roles during Th1 responses have been described, such as IL-27 and IL-23 (4). Engagement of the T cell receptor (TCR) provides further signals for the induction of IFN-␥, both in parallel to and independently of cytokinemediated pathways (1).Members of the TNF and TNF-receptor superfamilies of proteins (TNFSFPs and TNFRSFPs, respectively) are abundantly expressed in the immune system, and are critically involved in the differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis of immune cells (5). Several members of these families induce secretion of IFN-␥ upon ligand͞receptor binding, thereby enhancing Th1-type responses (6-8). TL1A (TNFSPF15) is a r...

Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) represent a novel route of intercellular communication. While previous work has shown that TNTs facilitate the exchange of viral or prion proteins from infected to naïve cells, it is not clear whether the viral genome is also transferred via this mechanism and further, whether transfer via this route can result in productive replication of the infectious agents in the recipient cell. Here we present evidence that lung epithelial cells are connected by TNTs, and in spite of the presence of neutralizing antibodies and an antiviral agent, Oseltamivir, influenza virus can exploit these networks to transfer viral proteins and genome from the infected to naïve cell, resulting in productive viral replication in the naïve cells. These observations indicate that influenza viruses can spread using these intercellular networks that connect epithelial cells, evading immune and antiviral defenses and provide an explanation for the incidence of influenza infections even in influenza-immune individuals and vaccine failures.

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Topoisomerases are nuclear enzymes that play essential roles in DNA replication, transcription, chromosome segregation, and recombination. All cells have two major forms of topoisomerases: type I, which makes single-stranded cuts in DNA, and type II enzymes, which cut and pass double-stranded DNA. DNA topoisomerases are important targets of approved and experimental anti-cancer agents. The protocols described in this unit are of assays used to assess new chemical entities for their ability to inhibit both forms of DNA topoisomerase. Included are an in vitro assay for topoisomerase I activity based on relaxation of supercoiled DNA and an assay for topoisomerase II based on the decatenation of double-stranded DNA. The preparation of mammalian cell extracts for assaying topoisomerase activity is described, along with a protocol for an ICE assay for examining topoisomerase covalent complexes in vivo and an assay for measuring DNA cleavage in vitro.