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Morgenstern C, Lastres-Becker I, Demirdöğen BC, Costa VM, Daiber A, Foresti R, Motterlini R, Kalyoncu S, Arioz BI, Genc S, Jakubowska M, Trougakos IP, Piechota-Polanczyk A, Mickael M, Santos M, Kensler TW, Cuadrado A, Copple IM. Biomarkers of NRF2 signalling: Current status and future challenges. Redox Biol 2024; 72:103134. [PMID: 38643749 PMCID: PMC11046063 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The cytoprotective transcription factor NRF2 regulates the expression of several hundred genes in mammalian cells and is a promising therapeutic target in a number of diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Hence, an ability to monitor basal and inducible NRF2 signalling is vital for mechanistic understanding in translational studies. Due to some caveats related to the direct measurement of NRF2 levels, the modulation of NRF2 activity is typically determined by measuring changes in the expression of one or more of its target genes and/or the associated protein products. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the most relevant set of these genes/proteins that best represents NRF2 activity across cell types and species. We present the findings of a comprehensive literature search that according to stringent criteria identifies GCLC, GCLM, HMOX1, NQO1, SRXN1 and TXNRD1 as a robust panel of markers that are directly regulated by NRF2 in multiple cell and tissue types. We assess the relevance of these markers in clinically accessible biofluids and highlight future challenges in the development and use of NRF2 biomarkers in humans.
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Rosati M, Terpos E, Homan P, Bergamaschi C, Karaliota S, Ntanasis-Stathopoulos I, Devasundaram S, Bear J, Burns R, Bagratuni T, Trougakos IP, Dimopoulos MA, Pavlakis GN, Felber BK. Rapid transient and longer-lasting innate cytokine changes associated with adaptive immunity after repeated SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccinations. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1292568. [PMID: 38090597 PMCID: PMC10711274 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1292568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cytokines and chemokines play an important role in shaping innate and adaptive immunity in response to infection and vaccination. Systems serology identified immunological parameters predictive of beneficial response to the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in COVID-19 infection-naïve volunteers, COVID-19 convalescent patients and transplant patients with hematological malignancies. Here, we examined the dynamics of the serum cytokine/chemokine responses after the 3rd BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination in a cohort of COVID-19 infection-naïve volunteers. Methods We measured serum cytokine and chemokine responses after the 3rd dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer/BioNtech) vaccine in COVID-19 infection-naïve individuals by a chemiluminescent assay and ELISA. Anti-Spike binding antibodies were measured by ELISA. Anti-Spike neutralizing antibodies were measured by a pseudotype assay. Results Comparison to responses found after the 1st and 2nd vaccinations showed persistence of the coordinated responses of several cytokine/chemokines including the previously identified rapid and transient IL-15, IFN-γ, CXCL10/IP-10, TNF-α, IL-6 signature. In contrast to the transient (24hrs) effect of the IL-15 signature, an inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine signature (CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β, CXCL8/IL-8, IL-1Ra) remained at higher levels up to one month after the 2nd and 3rd booster vaccinations, indicative of a state of longer-lasting innate immune change. We also identified a systemic transient increase of CXCL13 only after the 3rd vaccination, supporting stronger germinal center activity and the higher anti-Spike antibody responses. Changes of the IL-15 signature, and the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine profile correlated with neutralizing antibody levels also after the 3rd vaccination supporting their role as immune biomarkers for effective development of vaccine-induced humoral responses. Conclusion These data revealed that repeated SARS-Cov-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination induces both rapid transient as well as longer-lasting systemic serum cytokine changes associated with innate and adaptive immune responses. Clinical trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04743388.
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Gumeni S, Lamprou M, Evangelakou Z, Manola MS, Trougakos IP. Sustained Nrf2 Overexpression-Induced Metabolic Deregulation Can Be Attenuated by Modulating Insulin/Insulin-like Growth Factor Signaling. Cells 2023; 12:2650. [PMID: 37998385 PMCID: PMC10670064 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The modulation of insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) is associated with altered nutritional and metabolic states. The Drosophila genome encodes eight insulin-like peptides, whose activity is regulated by a group of secreted factors, including Ecdysone-inducible gene L2 (ImpL2), which acts as a potent IIS inhibitor. We recently reported that cncC (cncC/Nrf2), the fly ortholog of Nrf2, is a positive transcriptional regulator of ImpL2, as part of a negative feedback loop aiming to suppress cncC/Nrf2 activity. This finding correlated with our observation that sustained cncC/Nrf2 overexpression/activation (cncCOE; a condition that signals organismal stress) deregulates IIS, causing hyperglycemia, the exhaustion of energy stores in flies' tissues, and accelerated aging. Here, we extend these studies in Drosophila by assaying the functional implication of ImpL2 in cncCOE-mediated metabolic deregulation. We found that ImpL2 knockdown (KD) in cncCOE flies partially reactivated IIS, attenuated hyperglycemia and restored tissue energetics. Moreover, ImpL2 KD largely suppressed cncCOE-mediated premature aging. In support, pharmacological treatment of cncCOE flies with Metformin, a first-line medication for type 2 diabetes, restored (dose-dependently) IIS functionality and extended cncCOE flies' longevity. These findings exemplify the effect of chronic stress in predisposition to diabetic phenotypes, indicating the potential prophylactic role of maintaining normal IIS functionality.
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Zirou C, Gumeni S, Bellos I, Ntanasis-Stathopoulos I, Sklirou AD, Bagratuni T, Korompoki E, Apostolakou F, Papassotiriou I, Trougakos IP, Terpos E. Longitudinal Analysis of Antibody Response Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection Depending on Disease Severity: A Prospective Cohort Study. Viruses 2023; 15:2250. [PMID: 38005927 PMCID: PMC10674840 DOI: 10.3390/v15112250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Severe coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is characterized by a dysregulated inflammatory response, with humoral immunity playing a central role in the disease course. The objective of this study was to assess the immune response and the effects of vaccination in recovered individuals with variable disease severity up to one year following natural infection. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted including patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Disease severity was classified as mild, moderate, and severe based on clinical presentation and outcomes. Anti-RBD (receptor binding domain) and neutralizing antibodies were evaluated at multiple timepoints during the first year after COVID-19 diagnosis. RESULTS A total of 106 patients were included; of them, 28 were diagnosed with mild, 38 with moderate, and 40 with severe disease. At least one vaccine dose was administered in 58 individuals during the follow-up. Participants with mild disease presented significantly lower anti-RBD and neutralizing antibodies compared to those with moderate and severe disease up to the 3rd and 6th months after the infection, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, in the third month, severe COVID-19 was associated with significantly higher anti-RBD (β: 563.09; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 257.02 to 869.17) and neutralizing (β: 21.47; 95% CI: 12.04 to 30.90) antibodies. Among vaccinated individuals, at the 12th month, a history of moderate disease was associated with significantly higher anti-RBD levels (β: 5615.19; 95% CI: 657.92 to 10,572.46). CONCLUSIONS Severe COVID-19 is associated with higher anti-RBD and neutralizing antibodies up to 6 months after the infection. Vaccination of recovered patients is associated with a remarkable augmentation of antibody titers up to one year after COVID-19 diagnosis, regardless of disease severity.
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Papanagnou ED, Gumeni S, Trougakos IP. Boosting autophagy in anti-tumor proteasome inhibition-mediated cardiotoxicity. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:3226-3227. [PMID: 37166427 PMCID: PMC10449313 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
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Devasundaram S, Terpos E, Rosati M, Ntanasis-Stathopoulos I, Bear J, Burns R, Skourti S, Malandrakis P, Trougakos IP, Dimopoulos MA, Pavlakis GN, Felber BK. XBB.1.5 neutralizing antibodies upon bivalent COVID-19 vaccination are similar to XBB but lower than BQ.1.1. Am J Hematol 2023; 98:E123-E126. [PMID: 36810791 PMCID: PMC10116518 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
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Simigdala N, Chalari A, Sklirou AD, Chavdoula E, Papafotiou G, Melissa P, Kafalidou A, Paschalidis N, Pateras IS, Athanasiadis E, Konstantopoulos D, Trougakos IP, Klinakis A. Loss of Kmt2c in vivo leads to EMT, mitochondrial dysfunction and improved response to lapatinib in breast cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:100. [PMID: 36933062 PMCID: PMC10024673 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04734-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Deep sequencing of human tumours has uncovered a previously unappreciated role for epigenetic regulators in tumorigenesis. H3K4 methyltransferase KMT2C/MLL3 is mutated in several solid malignancies, including more than 10% of breast tumours. To study the tumour suppressor role of KMT2C in breast cancer, we generated mouse models of Erbb2/Neu, Myc or PIK3CA-driven tumorigenesis, in which the Kmt2c locus is knocked out specifically in the luminal lineage of mouse mammary glands using the Cre recombinase. Kmt2c knock out mice develop tumours earlier, irrespective of the oncogene, assigning a bona fide tumour suppressor role for KMT2C in mammary tumorigenesis. Loss of Kmt2c induces extensive epigenetic and transcriptional changes, which lead to increased ERK1/2 activity, extracellular matrix re-organization, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and mitochondrial dysfunction, the latter associated with increased reactive oxygen species production. Loss of Kmt2c renders the Erbb2/Neu-driven tumours more responsive to lapatinib. Publicly available clinical datasets revealed an association of low Kmt2c gene expression and better long-term outcome. Collectively, our findings solidify the role of KMT2C as a tumour suppressor in breast cancer and identify dependencies that could be therapeutically amenable.
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Pateras IS, Williams C, Gianniou DD, Margetis AT, Avgeris M, Rousakis P, Legaki AI, Mirtschink P, Zhang W, Panoutsopoulou K, Delis AD, Pagakis SN, Tang W, Ambs S, Warpman Berglund U, Helleday T, Varvarigou A, Chatzigeorgiou A, Nordström A, Tsitsilonis OE, Trougakos IP, Gilthorpe JD, Frisan T. Short term starvation potentiates the efficacy of chemotherapy in triple negative breast cancer via metabolic reprogramming. J Transl Med 2023; 21:169. [PMID: 36869333 PMCID: PMC9983166 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03935-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotherapy (CT) is central to the treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), but drug toxicity and resistance place strong restrictions on treatment regimes. Fasting sensitizes cancer cells to a range of chemotherapeutic agents and also ameliorates CT-associated adverse effects. However, the molecular mechanism(s) by which fasting, or short-term starvation (STS), improves the efficacy of CT is poorly characterized. METHODS The differential responses of breast cancer or near normal cell lines to combined STS and CT were assessed by cellular viability and integrity assays (Hoechst and PI staining, MTT or H2DCFDA staining, immunofluorescence), metabolic profiling (Seahorse analysis, metabolomics), gene expression (quantitative real-time PCR) and iRNA-mediated silencing. The clinical significance of the in vitro data was evaluated by bioinformatical integration of transcriptomic data from patient data bases: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and a TNBC cohort. We further examined the translatability of our findings in vivo by establishing a murine syngeneic orthotopic mammary tumor-bearing model. RESULTS We provide mechanistic insights into how preconditioning with STS enhances the susceptibility of breast cancer cells to CT. We showed that combined STS and CT enhanced cell death and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, in association with higher levels of DNA damage and decreased mRNA levels for the NRF2 targets genes NQO1 and TXNRD1 in TNBC cells compared to near normal cells. ROS enhancement was associated with compromised mitochondrial respiration and changes in the metabolic profile, which have a significant clinical prognostic and predictive value. Furthermore, we validate the safety and efficacy of combined periodic hypocaloric diet and CT in a TNBC mouse model. CONCLUSIONS Our in vitro, in vivo and clinical findings provide a robust rationale for clinical trials on the therapeutic benefit of short-term caloric restriction as an adjuvant to CT in triple breast cancer treatment.
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Paschou SA, Karalis V, Psaltopoulou T, Charitaki I, Sklirou AD, Iconomidou VA, Vasileiou V, Kassi GN, Vryonidou A, Kokkinos A, Tentolouris N, Hatziaggelaki E, Trougakos IP, Terpos E, Dimopoulos MA. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus present similar immunological response to COVID-19 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine to healthy subjects: a prospective cohort study. Hormones (Athens) 2023; 22:5-11. [PMID: 36269544 PMCID: PMC9589869 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-022-00405-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM To compare the kinetics of neutralizing antibodies (NΑbs) against SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine (Comirnaty, Pfizer/BioNTech) between patients with T2DM and healthy controls. METHODS NAb levels after the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine were compared between 50 patients with non-insulin treated T2DM and 50 age-, gender-, and BMI-matched healthy controls up to 3 months after the second dose. The median age of both groups was 70 years. RESULTS On day 1, mean NAbs of the control and T2DM groups were 14.64% (standard error, SE = 2.30) and 14.04% (SE = 2.14), respectively (p value = 0.926). Three weeks later, the mean NAb values were 39.98% (SE = 3.53) in the control group and 40.97% (SE = 3.99) in participants with T2DM (p value = 0.698). One month after the second vaccination, mean NAb values increased to 87.13% (SE = 2.94) in the control group and 89.00% (SE = 2.18) in the T2DM group. Three months after the second vaccine dose, the mean inhibitory titers decreased to 83.49% (SE = 3.82) (control group) and 76.36% (SE = 3.33) (T2DM group). On all occasions, no significant difference was found between the two groups (all p values > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patients with T2DM present similar immunological response to COVID-19 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine to that of healthy subjects.
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Paschou SA, Karalis V, Psaltopoulou T, Charitaki I, Sklirou AD, Iconomidou VA, Vasileiou V, Kassi GN, Vryonidou A, Kokkinos A, Tentolouris N, Hatziaggelaki E, Trougakos IP, Terpos E, Dimopoulos MA. COVID-19 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hormones (Athens) 2023; 22:17-18. [PMID: 36369623 PMCID: PMC9652043 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-022-00419-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Alexopoulos H, Trougakos IP, Dimopoulos MA, Terpos E. Serological testing for SARS-CoV-2: Advancements and future challenges. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 108:104-105. [PMID: 36586739 PMCID: PMC9792420 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Georgiopoulos G, Makris N, Laina A, Theodorakakou F, Briasoulis A, Trougakos IP, Dimopoulos MA, Kastritis E, Stamatelopoulos K. Cardiovascular Toxicity of Proteasome Inhibitors: Underlying Mechanisms and Management Strategies: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review. JACC CardioOncol 2023; 5:1-21. [PMID: 36875897 PMCID: PMC9982226 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccao.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteasome inhibitors (PIs) are the backbone of combination treatments for patients with multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis, while also indicated in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia and other malignancies. PIs act on proteasome peptidases, causing proteome instability due to accumulating aggregated, unfolded, and/or damaged polypeptides; sustained proteome instability then induces cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. Carfilzomib, an intravenous irreversible PI, exhibits a more severe cardiovascular toxicity profile as compared with the orally administered ixazomib or intravenous reversible PI such as bortezomib. Cardiovascular toxicity includes heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmias, and acute coronary syndromes. Because PIs are critical components of the treatment of hematological malignancies and amyloidosis, managing their cardiovascular toxicity involves identifying patients at risk, diagnosing toxicity early at the preclinical level, and offering cardioprotection if needed. Future research is required to elucidate underlying mechanisms, improve risk stratification, define the optimal management strategy, and develop new PIs with safe cardiovascular profiles.
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Key Words
- ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme
- ACS, acute coronary syndrome
- AE, adverse event
- AF, atrial fibrillation
- ARB, angiotensin receptor blocker
- ASCT, autologous stem cell transplantation
- BP, blood pressure
- CVAE, cardiovascular adverse event
- ESC, European Society of Cardiology
- FMD, flow-mediated dilatation
- GLS, global longitudinal strain
- HF, heart failure
- HFpEF, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
- IHD, ischemic heart disease
- IMiD, immunomodulatory drug
- Kd, carfilzomib and dexamethasone
- LA, left atrial
- LV, left ventricular
- LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction
- MM, multiple myeloma
- NO, nitric oxide
- NP, natriuretic peptide
- OS, overall survival
- PBMC, peripheral blood mononuclear cell
- PFS, progression-free survival
- PH, pulmonary hypertension
- PI, proteasome inhibitor
- PWV, pulse wave velocity
- PrA, proteasome activity
- RRMM, relapse or refractory multiple myeloma
- SBP, systolic blood pressure
- TMA, thrombotic microangiopathy
- UPP, ubiquitin proteasome pathway
- VTE, venous thromboembolism
- Vd, bortezomib and dexamethasone
- WM, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia
- bortezomib
- cardiovascular toxicity
- carfilzomib
- eNOS, endothelial nitric oxide synthase
- ixazomib
- proteasome inhibition
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Alexopoulos H, Trougakos IP, Dimopoulos MA, Terpos E. Clinical usefulness of testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 107:7-16. [PMID: 36379820 PMCID: PMC9647045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In the COVID-19 pandemic era, antibody testing against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has proven an invaluable tool and herein we highlight some of the most useful clinical and/or epidemiological applications of humoral immune responses recording. Anti-spike circulating IgGs and SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies can serve as predictors of disease progression or disease prevention, whereas anti-nucleocapsid antibodies can help distinguishing infection from vaccination. Also, in the era of immunotherapies we address the validity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody monitoring post-infection and/or vaccination following therapies with the popular anti-CD20 monoclonals, as well as in the context of various cancers or autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Additional crucial applications include population immunosurveillance, either at the general population or at specific communities such as health workers. Finally, we discuss how testing of antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid can inform us on the neurological complications that often accompany COVID-19.
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Papanagnou E, Gumeni S, Sklirou AD, Rafeletou A, Terpos E, Keklikoglou K, Kastritis E, Stamatelopoulos K, Sykiotis GP, Dimopoulos MA, Trougakos IP. Autophagy activation can partially rescue proteasome dysfunction-mediated cardiac toxicity. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13715. [PMID: 36259256 PMCID: PMC9649605 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and its functional interplay with other proteostatic and/or mitostatic modules are crucial for cell viability, especially in post-mitotic cells like cardiomyocytes, which are constantly exposed to proteotoxic, metabolic, and mechanical stress. Consistently, treatment of multiple myeloma patients with therapeutic proteasome inhibitors may induce cardiac failure; yet the effects promoted by heart-targeted proteasome dysfunction are not completely understood. We report here that heart-targeted proteasome knockdown in the fly experimental model results in increased proteome instability and defective mitostasis, leading to disrupted cardiac activity, systemic toxicity, and reduced longevity. These phenotypes were partially rescued by either heart targeted- or by dietary restriction-mediated activation of autophagy. Supportively, activation of autophagy by Rapamycin or Metformin administration in flies treated with proteasome inhibitors reduced proteome instability, partially restored mitochondrial function, mitigated cardiotoxicity, and improved flies' longevity. These findings suggest that autophagic inducers represent a novel promising intervention against proteasome inhibitor-induced cardiovascular complications.
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Trougakos IP, Terpos E, Alexopoulos H, Politou M, Paraskevis D, Scorilas A, Kastritis E, Andreakos E, Dimopoulos MA. COVID-19 mRNA vaccine-induced adverse effects: unwinding the unknowns. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:800-802. [PMID: 36114090 PMCID: PMC9467519 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Terpos E, Fotiou D, Karalis V, Ntanasis‐Stathopoulos I, Sklirou AD, Gavriatopoulou M, Malandrakis P, Iconomidou VA, Kastritis E, Trougakos IP, Dimopoulos MA. SARS-CoV-2 humoral responses following booster BNT162b2 vaccination in patients with B-cell malignancies. Am J Hematol 2022; 97:1300-1308. [PMID: 35871310 PMCID: PMC9349831 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Patients with B-cell malignancies have suboptimal immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and are a high-risk population for severe COVID19 disease. We evaluated the effect of a third booster BNT162b2 vaccine on the kinetics of anti- SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody (NAbs) titers in patients with B-cell malignancies. Patients with NHL (n = 54) Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (n = 90) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 49) enrolled in the ongoing NCT04743388 study and compared against matched healthy controls. All patient groups had significantly lower NAbs compared to controls at all time points. 1 month post the third dose (M1P3D) NAbs increased significantly compared to previous time points (median NAbs 77.9%, p < .05 for all comparisons) in all patients. NAbs ≥ 50% were seen in 59.1% of patients, 34.5% of patients with suboptimal responses post-second dose, elicited a protective NAb titer ≥50%. Active treatment, rituximab, and BTKi treatment were the most important prognostic factors for a poor NAb response at 1MP3D; only 25.8% of patients on active treatment had NAbs ≥ 50%. No significant between-group differences were observed. Patients with B-cell malignancies have inferior humoral responses against SARS-CoV-2 and booster dose enhances the NAb response in a proportion of these patients.
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Zagouri F, Papatheodoridi A, Liontos M, Briasoulis A, Sklirou AD, Skafida E, Fiste O, Markellos C, Andrikopoulou A, Koutsoukos K, Kaparelou M, Gkogkou E, Trougakos IP, Dimopoulos MA, Terpos E. Assessment of Postvaccination Neutralizing Antibodies Response against SARS-CoV-2 in Cancer Patients under Treatment with Targeted Agents. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091474. [PMID: 36146552 PMCID: PMC9505348 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The administration of a third dose of a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 has increased protection against disease transmission and severity. However, the kinetics of neutralizing antibodies against the virus has been poorly studied in cancer patients under targeted therapies. Baseline characteristics and levels of neutralizing antibodies at specific timepoints after vaccination were compared between patients suffering from breast, ovarian or prostate cancer and healthy individuals. Breast cancer patients were treated with cyclin D kinase 4/6 inhibitors and hormonal therapy, ovarian cancer patients were treated with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors and prostate cancer patients were treated with an androgen receptor targeted agent. Levels of neutralizing antibodies were significantly lower in cancer patients compared to healthy individuals at all timepoints. Antibodies’ titers declined over time in both groups but remained above protective levels (>50%) at 6 months after the administration of the second dose. The administration of a third dose increased neutralizing antibodies’ levels in both groups. The titers of protective against SARS-CoV-2 antibodies wane over time and increase after a third dose in cancer patients under treatment.
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Sklirou AD, Gianniou DD, Karousi P, Cheimonidi C, Papachristopoulou G, Kontos CK, Scorilas A, Trougakos IP. High mRNA Expression Levels of Heat Shock Protein Family B Member 2 (HSPB2) Are Associated with Breast Cancer Patients’ Relapse and Poor Survival. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179758. [PMID: 36077156 PMCID: PMC9456243 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are ubiquitous ATP-independent chaperones that contribute to the maintenance of proteome integrity and functionality. Recent evidence suggests that sHSPs are ubiquitously expressed in numerous types of tumors and have been proposed to be implicated in oncogenesis and malignant progression. Heat shock protein family B member 2 (HSPB2) is a member of the sHSPs, which is found to be expressed, among others, in human breast cancer cell lines and constitutes an inhibitor of apical caspase activation in the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. In this study, we investigated the potential prognostic significance of HSPB2 mRNA expression levels in breast cancer, which represents the most frequent malignancy in females and one of the three most common cancer types worldwide. To this end, malignant breast tumors along with paired non-cancerous breast tissue specimens were used. HSPB2 expression levels were quantified in these two cohorts using a sensitive and accurate SYBR green-based quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-RT-PCR). Extensive biostatistical analyses were performed including Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression survival analyses for the assessment of the results. The significant downregulation of HSPB2 gene expression was revealed in breast tumors compared to their adjacent non-cancerous breast tissues. Notably, high HSPB2 mRNA expression predicts poor disease-free survival and overall survival of breast cancer patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that HSPB2 mRNA overexpression is a significant predictor of poor prognosis in breast cancer, independent of other clinicopathological factors. In conclusion, high HSPB2 mRNA expression levels are associated with breast cancer patients’ relapse and poor survival.
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Makris N, Georgiopoulos G, Laina A, Tselegkidi ME, Fotiou D, Kanellias N, Eleftherakis-Papaiakovou E, Migkou M, Papanagnou ED, Katogiannis K, Petropoulos I, Anninos H, Bampatsias D, Maneta E, Samouilidou E, Nikas D, Ciliberti G, Stellos K, Terpos E, Gavriatopoulou M, Trougakos IP, Ikonomidis I, Dimopoulos MA, Kastritis E, Stamatelopoulos K. Cardiac mechanics in response to proteasome inhibition: a prospective study. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2022; 24:643-652. [PMID: 35980754 DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeac168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS) is of paramount importance regarding the function of the myocardial cell. Consistently, inhibition of this system has been found to affect myocardium in experimental models; yet, the clinical impact of UPS inhibition on cardiac function has not been comprehensively examined. Our aim was to gain insight into the effect of proteasome inhibition on myocardial mechanics in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS We prospectively evaluated 48 patients with multiple myeloma and an indication to receive carfilzomib, an irreversible proteasome inhibitor. All patients were initially evaluated and underwent echocardiography with speckle tracking analysis. Carfilzomib was administered according to Kd treatment protocol. Follow-up echocardiography was performed at the 3rd and 6th month. Proteasome activity (PrA) was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.At 3 months after treatment, we observed early left ventricular (LV) segmental dysfunction and deterioration of left atrial (LA) remodelling, which was sustained and more pronounced than that observed in a cardiotoxicity control group. At 6 months, LV and right ventricular functions were additionally attenuated (P < 0.05 for all). These changes were independent of blood pressure, endothelial function, inflammation, and cardiac injury levels. Changes in PrA were associated with changes in global longitudinal strain (GLS), segmental LV strain, and LA markers (P < 0.05 for all). Finally, baseline GLS < -18% or LA strain rate > 1.71 were associated with null hypertension events. CONCLUSION Inhibition of the UPS induced global deterioration of cardiac function.
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Trougakos IP, Terpos E, Alexopoulos H, Politou M, Paraskevis D, Scorilas A, Kastritis E, Andreakos E, Dimopoulos MA. Adverse effects of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines: the spike hypothesis. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:542-554. [PMID: 35537987 PMCID: PMC9021367 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination is a major tool for mitigating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and mRNA vaccines are central to the ongoing vaccination campaign that is undoubtedly saving thousands of lives. However, adverse effects (AEs) following vaccination have been noted which may relate to a proinflammatory action of the lipid nanoparticles used or the delivered mRNA (i.e., the vaccine formulation), as well as to the unique nature, expression pattern, binding profile, and proinflammatory effects of the produced antigens - spike (S) protein and/or its subunits/peptide fragments - in human tissues or organs. Current knowledge on this topic originates mostly from cell-based assays or from model organisms; further research on the cellular/molecular basis of the mRNA vaccine-induced AEs will therefore promise safety, maintain trust, and direct health policies.
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21
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Terpos E, Liontos M, Fiste O, Zagouri F, Briasoulis A, Sklirou AD, Markellos C, Skafida E, Papatheodoridi A, Andrikopoulou A, Koutsoukos K, Kaparelou M, Iconomidou VA, Trougakos IP, Dimopoulos MA. SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies Kinetics Postvaccination in Cancer Patients under Treatment with Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112796. [PMID: 35681774 PMCID: PMC9179468 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Solid tumor patients under active anticancer treatment are peculiarly affected by COVID-19 infection, given not only its ominous outcomes but also the need of disruptions of their rather strict therapeutic scheme. Thus, they have been globally prioritized for both primary and booster vaccinations. The existing data with respect to the seroconversion rate of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) among them, after vaccination, remain nevertheless obscure. Therefore, we prospectively evaluated the long-term humoral immunity dynamics for up to one month after the third dose in patients with solid malignancies receiving immunotherapy. Further research is required to assess the incremental benefit of booster doses and to optimize the vaccination schedule across different types of cancer and diverse systemic therapies. Abstract Considering that COVID-19 could adversely affect cancer patients, several countries have prioritized this highly susceptible population for vaccination. Thus, rapidly generating evidence on the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in the subset of patients with cancer under active therapy is of paramount importance. From this perspective, we launched the present prospective observational study to comprehensively address the longitudinal dynamics of immunogenicity of both messenger RNA (mRNA) and viral vector-based vaccines in 85 patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for a broad range of solid tumors. Despite the relatively poor humoral responses following the priming vaccine inoculum, the seroconversion rates significantly increased after the second dose. Waning vaccine-based immunity was observed over the following six months, yet the administration of a third booster dose remarkably optimized antibody responses. Larger cohort studies providing real-world data with regard to vaccines effectiveness and durability of their protection among cancer patients receiving immunotherapy are an increasing priority.
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22
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Ntouros PA, Kravvariti E, Vlachogiannis NI, Pappa M, Trougakos IP, Terpos E, Tektonidou MG, Souliotis VL, Sfikakis PP. Oxidative stress and endogenous DNA damage in blood mononuclear cells may predict anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers after vaccination in older adults. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166393. [PMID: 35314351 PMCID: PMC8930778 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Immune senescence in the elderly has been associated with chronic oxidative stress and DNA damage accumulation. Herein we tested the hypothesis that increased endogenous DNA damage and oxidative stress in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of older adults associate with diminished humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Increased oxidative stress and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) were detected in 9 non-immunocompromised individuals aged 80-96 years compared to 11 adults aged 27-44 years, before, as well as on days 1 and 14 after the first dose, and on day 14 after the second dose of the BNT162B2-mRNA vaccine (all p < 0.05). SARS-CoV-2 vaccination induced a resolvable increase in oxidative stress and DNA damage, but individual DSB-repair efficiency was unaffected by vaccination irrespective of age, confirming vaccination safety. Individual titers of anti-Spike-Receptor Binding Domain (S-RBD)-IgG antibodies, and the neutralizing capacity of circulating anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, measured on day 14 after the second dose in all participants, correlated inversely with the corresponding pre-vaccination endogenous oxidative stress and DSB levels (all p < 0.05). In particular, a strong inverse correlation of individual pre-vaccination DSB levels with both the respective anti-S-RBD-IgG antibodies titers (r = -0.867) and neutralizing capacity of circulating anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (r = -0.983) among the 9 older adults was evident. These findings suggest that humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may be weaker when immune cells are under oxidative and/or genomic stress. Whether such measurements may serve as biomarkers of vaccine efficacy in older adults warrants further studies.
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Terpos E, Karalis V, Sklirou AD, Apostolakou F, Ntanasis‐Stathopoulos I, Bagratuni T, Iconomidou VA, Malandrakis P, Korompoki E, Papassotiriou I, Trougakos IP, Dimopoulos MA. Third dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine results in very high levels of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2: Results of a prospective study in 150 health professionals in Greece. Am J Hematol 2022; 97:E147-E150. [PMID: 35025124 PMCID: PMC9011780 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Delaporta P, Terpos E, Solomou EE, Gumeni S, Nitsa E, Apostolakou F, Kyriakopoulou D, Ntanasis-Stathopoulos I, Papassotiriou I, Trougakos IP, Dimopoulos MA, Kattamis A. Immune response and adverse events after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in adult patients with transfusion-dependent thalassaemia. Br J Haematol 2022; 197:576-579. [PMID: 35286720 PMCID: PMC9111727 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.18146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Patients with transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia (TDT) are considered an at increased‐risk population for severe and/or morbid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection. Timely vaccination is the main preventive method for severe COVID‐19. Different adverse events and reactions after vaccination have been reported, with severe ones being extremely rare. Patients with TDT may have altered immunity due to chronic transfusions, iron overload and chelation therapy, and splenic dysfunction. Here, we show that adult patients with TDT following vaccination with the novel messenger RNA vaccines have mild adverse events and can produce protective antibodies comparable to the healthy population.
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Terpos E, Gavriatopoulou M, Ntanasis-Stathopoulos I, Briasoulis A, Gumeni S, Malandrakis P, Papanagnou ED, Migkou M, Kanellias N, Kastritis E, Trougakos IP, Dimopoulos MA. Booster BNT162b2 optimizes SARS-CoV-2 humoral response in patients with myeloma: the negative effect of anti-BCMA therapy. Blood 2022; 139:1409-1412. [PMID: 34986251 PMCID: PMC8736278 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021014989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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