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Tang AT, Buchholz DW, Szigety KM, Imbhiaka B, Gao S, Frankfurter M, Wang M, Yang J, Hewins P, Mericko-Ishizuka P, Adrian Leu N, Sterling S, Monreal IA, Sahler J, August A, Zhu X, Jurado KA, Xu M, Morrisey EE, Millar SE, Aguilar HC, Kahn ML. SARS-CoV-2 infection of olfactory epithelial cells and neurons drives acute lung injury and lethal COVID-19 in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.12.04.471245. [PMID: 34909769 PMCID: PMC8669836 DOI: 10.1101/2021.12.04.471245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Lethal COVID-19 is associated with respiratory failure that is thought to be caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to pulmonary infection. To date, the cellular pathogenesis has been inferred from studies describing the expression of ACE2, a transmembrane protein required for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and detection of viral RNA or protein in infected humans, model animals, and cultured cells. To functionally test the cellular mechanisms of COVID-19, we generated hACE2 fl animals in which human ACE2 (hACE2) is expressed from the mouse Ace2 locus in a manner that permits cell-specific, Cre-mediated loss of function. hACE2 fl animals developed lethal weight loss and hypoxemia within 7 days of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 that was associated with pulmonary infiltrates, intravascular thrombosis and patchy viral infection of lung epithelial cells. Deletion of hACE2 in lung epithelial cells prevented viral infection of the lung, but not weight loss, hypoxemia or death. Inhalation of SARS-CoV-2 by hACE2 fl animals resulted in early infection of sustentacular cells with subsequent infection of neurons in the neighboring olfactory bulb and cerebral cortexâ€" events that did not require lung epithelial cell infection. Pharmacologic ablation of the olfactory epithelium or Foxg1 Cre mediated deletion of hACE2 in olfactory epithelial cells and neurons prevented lethality and neuronal infection following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conversely, transgenic expression of hACE2 specifically in olfactory epithelial cells and neurons in Foxg1 Cre ; LSL- hACE2 mice was sufficient to confer neuronal infection associated with respiratory failure and death. These studies establish mouse loss and gain of function genetic models with which to genetically dissect viral-host interactions and demonstrate that lethal disease due to respiratory failure may arise from extrapulmonary infection of the olfactory epithelium and brain. Future therapeutic efforts focused on preventing olfactory epithelial infection may be an effective means of protecting against severe COVID-19.
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Mammadli M, Harris R, Suo L, May A, Gentile T, Waickman AT, Bah A, August A, Nurmemmedov E, Karimi M. Interleukin-2-inducible T-cell kinase (Itk) signaling regulates potent noncanonical regulatory T cells. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e625. [PMID: 34919342 PMCID: PMC8679839 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in controlling autoimmunity and limiting tissue damage and inflammation. IL2-inducible T cell kinase (Itk) is part of the Tec family of tyrosine kinases and is a critical component of T cell receptor mediated signaling. Here, we showed that either genetic ablation of Itk signaling or inhibition of Itk signaling pathways resulted in increased frequency of "noncanonical" CD4+ CD25- FOXP3+ Tregs (ncTregs), as well as of "canonical" CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ Tregs (canTregs). Using in vivo models, we showed that ncTregs can avert the formation of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), in part by reducing conventional T cell proliferation, proinflammatory cytokine production, and tissue damage. This reduction in GVHD occurred without disruption of graft-versus-leukaemia (GVL) effects. RNA sequencing revealed that a number of effector, cell adhesion, and migration molecules were upregulated in Itk-/- ncTregs. Furthermore, disrupting the SLP76: ITK interaction using a specific peptide inhibitor led to enhanced Treg development in both mouse and primary human cells. This peptide inhibitor also significantly reduced inflammatory cytokine production in primary GVHD patient samples and mouse T cells without causing cell death or apoptosis. We provide evidence that specifically targeting Itk signaling could be a therapeutic strategy to treat autoimmune disorders.
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Lechner K, Mott S, Al-Saifi R, Knipfer L, Wirtz S, Atreya R, Vieth M, Rath T, Fraass T, Winter Z, August A, Luban J, Zimmermann VS, Weigmann B, Neurath MF. Targeting of the Tec Kinase ITK Drives Resolution of T Cell-Mediated Colitis and Emerges as Potential Therapeutic Option in Ulcerative Colitis. Gastroenterology 2021; 161:1270-1287.e19. [PMID: 34224738 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.06.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The molecular checkpoints driving T cell activation and cytokine responses in ulcerative colitis (UC) are incompletely understood. Here, we studied the Tec kinase ITK in UC. METHODS We analyzed patients with inflammatory bowel disease (n = 223) and evaluated ITK activity as well as the functional effects of cyclosporine-A (CsA). In addition, 3 independent murine colitis models were used to investigate the functional role of ITK. Finally, the activity of ITK was blocked via pharmacological inhibitors and genetically engineered mice. Readout parameters were mini-endoscopy, histopathology, mucosal T cell apoptosis, and cytokine production. RESULTS We found an expansion of pITK-expressing mucosal CD4+ T cells in UC rather than Crohn's disease that correlated with disease severity. CsA suppressed activation of ITK in cultured CD4+ T cells and calcineurin-containing microclusters adjacent to the T cell receptor signaling complex. Functionally, the capacity of CsA to suppress activity of experimental colitis was critically dependent on ITK. Genetic inactivation of Itk via gene targeting or induction of allele-sensitive Itk mutants prevented experimental colitis in 3 colitis models, and treatment with pharmacological ITK blockers suppressed established colitis. In addition, ITK controlled apoptosis and activation of mucosal Th2 and Th17 lymphocytes via NFATc2 signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS ITK activation was detected in UC and could be down-regulated in cultured T cells by CsA administration. Selective targeting of ITK emerges as an attractive approach for treatment of chronic intestinal inflammation and potentially UC by driving resolution of mucosal inflammation.
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Ruppova K, Lim JH, Fodelianaki G, August A, Neuwirth A. Eosinophils are dispensable for development of MOG 35-55-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice. Immunol Lett 2021; 239:72-76. [PMID: 34499922 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) represents the mouse model of multiple sclerosis, a devastating neurological disorder. EAE development and progression involves the infiltration of different immune cells into the brain and spinal cord. However, less is known about a potential role of eosinophil granulocytes for EAE disease pathogenesis. In the present study, we found enhanced eosinophil abundance accompanied by increased concentration of the eosinophil chemoattractant eotaxin-1 in the spinal cord in the course of EAE induced in C57BL/6 mice by immunization with MOG35-55 peptide. However, the absence of eosinophils did not affect neuroinflammation, demyelination and clinical development or severity of EAE, as assessed in ∆dblGATA1 eosinophil-deficient mice. Taken together, despite their enhanced abundance in the inflamed spinal cord during disease progression, eosinophils were dispensable for EAE development.
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Tang J, Liu J, Yan Q, Gu Z, August A, Huang W, Jiang Z. Konjac Glucomannan Oligosaccharides Prevent Intestinal Inflammation Through SIGNR1-Mediated Regulation of Alternatively Activated Macrophages. Mol Nutr Food Res 2021; 65:e2001010. [PMID: 34390195 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202001010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Konjac glucomannan oligosaccharides (KMOS) are prebiotics and may improve intestinal immunity through modulation of macrophage function. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms were unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS Using a mouse model of dextran sulfated sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis, the study demonstrates here that KMOS (400 mg-1 kg-1 d-1 ) can ameliorate intestinal inflammation in a macrophage dependent manner. Oral exposure to KMOS prevents DSS-induced intestinal pathology, improves epithelial integrity, and decreases accumulation of colonic inflammatory leukocytes and cytokines. The therapeutic effects of KMOS are dependent on the function of macrophages, as depletion of macrophages abolished the effects. In colonic lamina propria of DSS-treated mice, as well as in vitro culture of bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs), KMOS skews reprogramming of classically activated macrophages (CAM/M1) into alternatively activated macrophages (AAM/M2). The study further determines that the activation of SIGNR1/phospho-c-Raf (S338)/phospho-p65 (S276)/acetyl-p65 (K310) pathway is responsible for KMOS-induced AAM/M2 polarization. Blockage of SIGNR1 abolishes KMOS-induced AAM/M2 polarization of activated macrophages, expression of phospho-p65 (S276) in colonic macrophages, and alleviation of DSS-induced colitis in mice, suggesting that SIGNR1 is critical for macrophage responses to KMOS. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals a SIGNR1-mediated macrophage-dependent pathway that supports regulatory function of KMOS in host immunity and intestinal homeostasis.
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Mammadli M, Harris R, Mahmudlu S, Verma A, May A, Dhawan R, Waickman AT, Sen JM, August A, Karimi M. Human Wnt/β-Catenin Regulates Alloimmune Signaling during Allogeneic Transplantation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153798. [PMID: 34359702 PMCID: PMC8345079 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is one of the most widely applied forms of adoptive immunotherapy for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Detrimental graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), but also beneficial graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects occurring after allo-HSCT are largely mediated by alloantigen-reactive donor T cells in the graft. Separating GVHD from GVL effects is a formidable challenge, and a greater understanding of donor T cell biology is required to accomplish the uncoupling of GVHD from GVL. Here, we evaluated the role of β-catenin in this process. Using a unique mouse model of transgenic overexpression of human β-catenin (Cat-Tg) in an allo-HSCT model, we show here that T cells from Cat-Tg mice did not cause GVHD, and surprisingly, Cat-Tg T cells maintained the GVL effect. Donor T cells from Cat-Tg mice exhibited significantly lower inflammatory cytokine production and reduced donor T cell proliferation, while upregulating cytotoxic mediators that resulted in enhanced cytotoxicity. RNA sequencing revealed changes in the expression of 1169 genes for CD4, and 1006 genes for CD8+ T cells involved in essential aspects of immune response and GVHD pathophysiology. Altogether, our data suggest that β-catenin is a druggable target for developing therapeutic strategies to reduce GVHD while preserving the beneficial GVL effects following allo-HSCT treatment.
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Shapira T, Monreal IA, Dion SP, Jager M, Désilets A, Olmstead AD, Vandal T, Buchholz DW, Imbiakha B, Gao G, Chin A, Rees WD, Steiner T, Nabi IR, Marsault E, Sahler J, August A, Van de Walle G, Whittaker GR, Boudreault PL, Aguilar HC, Leduc R, Jean F. A novel highly potent inhibitor of TMPRSS2-like proteases blocks SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and is broadly protective against infection and mortality in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.05.03.442520. [PMID: 33972944 PMCID: PMC8109206 DOI: 10.1101/2021.05.03.442520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains a global public health crisis. Although widespread vaccination campaigns are underway, their efficacy is reduced against emerging variants of concern (VOCs) 1,2 . Development of host-directed therapeutics and prophylactics could limit such resistance and offer urgently needed protection against VOCs 3,4 . Attractive pharmacological targets to impede viral entry include type-II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs), such as TMPRSS2, whose essential role in the virus lifecycle is responsible for the cleavage and priming of the viral spike protein 5-7 . Here, we identify and characterize a small-molecule compound, N-0385, as the most potent inhibitor of TMPRSS2 reported to date. N-0385 exhibited low nanomolar potency and a selectivity index of >10 6 at inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection in human lung cells and in donor-derived colonoids 8 . Importantly, N-0385 acted as a broad-spectrum coronavirus inhibitor of two SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, B.1.1.7 and B.1.351. Strikingly, single daily intranasal administration of N-0385 early in infection significantly improved weight loss and clinical outcomes, and yielded 100% survival in the severe K18-human ACE2 transgenic mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 disease. This demonstrates that TTSP-mediated proteolytic maturation of spike is critical for SARS-CoV-2 infection in vivo and suggests that N-0385 provides a novel effective early treatment option against COVID-19 and emerging SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
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McGee MC, Solouki S, Limper CB, Ye K, Nidetz N, Islam R, Zhang T, Magazine N, Huang W, August A. ITK regulates IL-10 production by CD8+ T cells and lung immunopathology during influenza infection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.206.supp.14.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Respiratory viral infections are a major cause of human morbidity and mortality. Influenza (flu) infections cause 250,000 deaths and 3–5 million cases of severe illness during the average flu season. Severe flu infections are associated with a combination of strong pro-inflammatory and weak anti-inflammatory immune responses. Production of the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-10 by T cells restricts immunopathology during flu infections, however our knowledge of the signaling pathways regulating IL-10 induction during flu is limited. Using IL-10GFP reporter mouse models, we found that Interleukin-2 inducible T cell kinase (ITK), a critical component in T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, regulates immunopathology and the development of IL-10-producing CD8+ T cells in the airways during influenza A infection. Utilizing alternative coculture, the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA), and transgenic TCR specific for OVA in CD8+ T cells (OTI) adoptive transfer, we determined that ITK regulates flu antigen-specific IL-10+CD8+ T cell differentiation in a CD8+ T cell intrinsic and extrinsic manner. Exogenous IL-2 rescued IL-10 production by Itk−/− CD8+ T cells, in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that ITK may play a role in IL-2-producing T helper cells that promote IL-10 production in CD8+ T cells. The absence of ITK impaired the expression of transcription factors (TFs) IRF4 and Blimp-1, and retroviral transduction enabling the reintroduction of these TFs could partially rescue IL-10 production in Itk−/− CD8+ T cells. Our data suggests that ITK is a critical regulator of IL-10 production by CD8+ T cells and flu-induced pulmonary immunopathology. Modulating ITK signaling may be a strategy for regulating immunopathology due to viral infections.
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Anannya O, August A. Interleukin-2 inducible T cell kinase functions as a molecular switch to fine tune differentiation of naive T helper cells in pro/anti-inflammatory effector T cell lineages. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.206.supp.98.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Naïve CD4+ T helper cells differentiate into effector CD4+ T cells with pro/anti-inflammatory functions upon receipt of signals from the T cell receptor (TCR) in presence of cytokines in the environment. Interleukin-2 inducible T cell kinase (ITK) has been shown to control the strength of signals downstream of the TCR. Here we have investigated the potential of ITK to act as a molecular switch in controlling T cell differentiation fate. Our results demonstrate in the absence of ITK expression/activity, naïve CD4+ T cells activated under conditions that promote differentiation into pro-inflammatory T helper type-17 (Th17) cells fail to differentiate into Th17 cells and instead switch into T cells expressing the T regulatory (Treg) lineage specific transcription factor Forkhead Box P3 (FoxP3). Similarly, we found that naïve CD4+ T cells activated to differentiate into anti-inflammatory Type 1 regulatory (Tr1) cells in the absence of ITK expression/activity fail to differentiate into Tr1 cells and instead switch into expressing the T helper type-1 (Th1) lineage specific T-box transcription factor (T-Bet). The switched FoxP3 expressing T cells resemble Tregs by their expression of Treg specific markers and have anti-inflammatory properties in suppressing effector T cell proliferation. In addition the switched T-Bet expressing T cells resemble Th1 cells by their expression of Th1 specific markers and the Th1 effector cytokine Interferon γ (IFNγ). This work suggest that signals regulated by ITK may function as a molecular switch to control Th17/Treg and Tr1/Th1 axes, highlighting the potential of manipulating ITK to control the balance of pro/anti-inflammatory T cells in immune disorders.
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Torres L, Redko A, Limper C, Imbiakha B, Chang S, August A. Effect of Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) on immune cell development and function in mice. Immunol Lett 2021; 233:31-41. [PMID: 33722553 PMCID: PMC8577040 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Perfluoroctanesulfonate (PFOS) belongs to a larger family of compounds known as Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The strength of the carbon-fluorine bond makes PFOS extremely resistant to environmental degradation. Due to its persistent nature, research has been directed to elucidating possible health effects of PFOS on humans and laboratory animals. Here we have explored the effects of PFOS exposure on immune development and function in mice. We exposed adult mice to 3 and 1.5 μg/kg/day of PFOS for 2 and 4 weeks, respectively, and examined the effects of PFOS exposure on populations of T cells, B cells, and granulocytes. These doses of PFOS resulted in serum levels of approximately 100 ng/mL with no weight loss during exposure. We find that PFOS does not affect T-cell development during this time. However, while PFOS exposure reduced immune cell populations in some organs, it also led to an increase in the numbers of cells in others, suggesting possible relocalization of cells. We also examined the effect of PFOS on the response to influenza virus infection. We find that exposure to PFOS at 1.5 μg/kg/day of PFOS for 4 weeks does not affect weight loss or survival, nor is viral clearance affected. Analysis of antibody and T cell specific antiviral responses indicate that at this concentration, PFOS does not suppress the immune cell development or antigen specific immune response.
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Karimi MA, Mammadli MM, Huang W, Harris R, Weeks S, May A, Gentile T, Henty Ridilla JL, August A, Karimi M. Targeting SLP76:ITK interaction separates GVHD from GVL in allo-HSCT. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.206.supp.28.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a curative therapy for relapsed hematological malignancies due to graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) activity mediated by alloreactive donor T cells. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is also primarily mediated by the same donor T cells. Here we assessed the effect of attenuating TCR-mediated SLP76:ITK interaction in T cell-mediated GVL vs. GVHD effects after allo-HSCT. Neither CD8+ T cells nor CD4+ donor T cells from mice expressing a tyrosine to phenylalanine mutation at position 145 (Y145F) of the adapter protein SLP-76 caused GVHD, T cells cells preserved GVL effects after allogeneic transplantation. SLP76Y145FKI CD8+ and CD4+ donor T cells also produce less inflammatory cytokines and show decreased migration to GVHD target organs such as the liver and small intestine, while maintaining GVL efficacy against primary B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). We also report the development of a novel peptide that can specifically inhibit SLP76 and ITK interactions, which results in decreased phosphorylation of PLCγ1 and ERK, and decreased cytokine production in human T cells. This peptide inhibited donor T cell-mediated GVHD while maintaining GVL effects. Altogether, our data suggest that inhibiting SLP76:ITK interaction could be a therapeutic strategy to reduce GVHD while retaining the beneficial GVL effects after allo-HSCT treatment.
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Mammadli M, Huang W, Harris R, Xiong H, Weeks S, May A, Gentile T, Henty-Ridilla J, Waickman AT, August A, Bah A, Karimi M. Targeting SLP76:ITK interaction separates GVHD from GVL in allo-HSCT. iScience 2021; 24:102286. [PMID: 33851101 PMCID: PMC8024657 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a curative therapy for hematological malignancies, due to graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) activity mediated by alloreactive donor T cells. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is also mediated by these cells. Here, we assessed the effect of attenuating TCR-mediated SLP76:ITK interaction in GVL vs. GVHD effects after allo-HSCT. CD8+ and CD4+ donor T cells from mice expressing a Y145F mutation in SLP-76 did not cause GVHD but preserved GVL effects against B-ALL cells. SLP76Y145FKI CD8+ and CD4+ donor T cells also showed less inflammatory cytokine production and migration to GVHD target organs. We developed a novel peptide to specifically inhibit SLP76:ITK interactions, resulting in decreased phosphorylation of PLCγ1 and ERK, decreased cytokine production in human T cells, and separation of GVHD from GVL effects. Altogether, our data suggest that inhibiting SLP76:ITK interaction could be a therapeutic strategy to separate GVHD from GVL effects after allo-HSCT treatment.
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McGee MC, August A, Huang W. TCR/ITK Signaling in Type 1 Regulatory T cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1278:115-124. [PMID: 33523446 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-6407-9_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells can modulate inflammation through multiple direct and indirect molecular and cellular mechanisms and have demonstrated potential for anti-inflammatory therapies. Tr1 cells do not express the master transcription factor of conventional regulatory T cells, Foxp3, but express high levels of the immunomodulatory cytokine, IL-10. IL-2-inducible T-cell kinase (ITK) is conserved between mouse and human and is highly expressed in T cells. ITK signaling downstream of the T-cell receptor (TCR) is critical for T-cell subset differentiation and function. Upon activation by TCR, ITK is critical for Ras activation, leading to downstream activation of MAPKs and upregulation of IRF4, which further enable Tr1 cell differentiation and suppressive function. We summarize here the structure, signaling pathway, and function of ITK in T-cell lineage designation, with an emphasis on Tr1 cell development and function.
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Mammadli M, Huang W, Harris R, Sultana A, Cheng Y, Tong W, Pu J, Gentile T, Dsouza S, Yang Q, Bah A, August A, Karimi M. Targeting Interleukin-2-Inducible T-Cell Kinase (ITK) Differentiates GVL and GVHD in Allo-HSCT. Front Immunol 2020; 11:593863. [PMID: 33324410 PMCID: PMC7726260 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.593863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a potentially curative procedure for many malignant diseases. Donor T cells prevent disease recurrence via graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. Donor T cells also contribute to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a debilitating and potentially fatal complication. Novel treatment strategies are needed which allow preservation of GVL effects without causing GVHD. Using murine models, we show that targeting IL-2-inducible T cell kinase (ITK) in donor T cells reduces GVHD while preserving GVL effects. Both CD8+ and CD4+ donor T cells from Itk-/- mice produce less inflammatory cytokines and show decrease migration to GVHD target organs such as the liver and small intestine, while maintaining GVL efficacy against primary B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Itk-/- T cells exhibit reduced expression of IRF4 and decreased JAK/STAT signaling activity but upregulating expression of Eomesodermin (Eomes) and preserve cytotoxicity, necessary for GVL effect. Transcriptome analysis indicates that ITK signaling controls chemokine receptor expression during alloactivation, which in turn affects the ability of donor T cells to migrate to GVHD target organs. Our data suggest that inhibiting ITK could be a therapeutic strategy to reduce GVHD while preserving the beneficial GVL effects following allo-HSCT treatment.
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Solouki S, Huang W, Elmore J, Limper C, Huang F, August A. TCR Signal Strength and Antigen Affinity Regulate CD8 + Memory T Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:1217-1227. [PMID: 32759295 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CD8+ T cells play a critical role in adaptive immunity, differentiating into CD8+ memory T cells that form the basis of protective cellular immunity. Vaccine efficacy is attributed to long-term protective immunity, and understanding the parameters that regulate development of CD8+ T cells is critical to the design of T cell-mediated vaccines. We show in this study using mouse models that two distinct parameters, TCR signal strength (regulated by the tyrosine kinase ITK) and Ag affinity, play important but separate roles in modulating the development of memory CD8+ T cells. Unexpectedly, our data reveal that reducing TCR signal strength along with reducing Ag affinity for the TCR leads to enhanced and accelerated development of CD8+ memory T cells. Additionally, TCR signal strength is able to regulate CD8+ T cell effector cytokine R production independent of TCR Ag affinity. Analysis of RNA-sequencing data reveals that genes for inflammatory cytokines/cytokine receptors are significantly altered upon changes in Ag affinity and TCR signal strength. Furthermore, our findings show that the inflammatory milieu is critical in regulating this TCR signal strength-mediated increase in memory development, as both CpG oligonucleotide treatment or cotransfer of wild-type and Itk-/- T cells eliminates the observed increase in memory cell formation. These findings suggest that TCR signal strength and Ag affinity independently contribute to CD8+ memory T cell development, which is modulated by inflammation, and suggest that manipulating TCR signal strength along with Ag affinity, may be used to tune the development of CD8+ memory T cells during vaccine development.
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McGee MC, August A, Huang W. BTK/ITK dual inhibitors: Modulating immunopathology and lymphopenia for COVID-19 therapy. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 109:49-53. [PMID: 32640487 PMCID: PMC7361550 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5covr0620-306r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) signaling is involved in innate immune responses and regulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines that can contribute to COVID‐19 immunopathology. Clinical trials with BTK inhibitors in COVID‐19 treatment have been proposed, and previous studies have attempted to investigate the therapeutic effects of ibrutinib and underlying mechanisms in treating viral pneumonia. These attempts, however, did not consider potential off target effect of BTK inhibitors on T cell differentiation, function, and survival, which may be beneficial in treatment for COVID‐19. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of BTK/IL‐2‐inducible T‐cell kinase (ITK) signaling in immunopathology and lymphopenia and discuss the potential of BTK/ITK dual inhibitors such as ibrutinib in modulating immunopathology and lymphopenia, for COVID‐19 therapy.
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Starr N, Panda N, Johansen EW, Forrester JA, Wayessa E, Rebollo D, August A, Fernandez K, Bitew S, Mammo TN, Weiser TG. The Lifebox Surgical Headlight Project: engineering, testing, and field assessment in a resource-constrained setting. Br J Surg 2020; 107:1751-1761. [PMID: 32592513 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.11756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor surgical lighting represents a major patient safety issue in low-income countries. This study evaluated device performance and undertook field assessment of high-quality headlights in Ethiopia to identify critical attributes that might improve safety and encourage local use. METHODS Following an open call for submissions (December 2018 to January 2019), medical and technical (non-medical) headlights were identified for controlled specification testing on 14 prespecified parameters related to light quality/intensity, mounting and battery performance, including standardized illuminance measurements over time. The five highest-performing devices (differential illumination, colour rendering, spot size, mounting and battery duration) were distributed to eight Ethiopian surgeons working in resource-constrained facilities. Surgeons evaluated the devices in operating rooms, and in a comparative session rated each headlight in terms of performance and willingness to purchase. RESULTS Of 25 submissions, eight headlights (6 surgical and 2 technical) met the criteria for full specification testing. Scores ranged from 8 to 12 (of 14), with differential performance in lighting, mounting and battery domains. Only two headlights met the illuminance parameters of more than 35 000 lux during initial testing, and no headlight satisfied all minimum specifications. Of the five headlights evaluated in Ethiopia, daily operation logbooks noted variability in surgeons' opinions of lighting quality (6-92 per cent) and spot size (0-92 per cent). Qualitative interviews also yielded important feedback, including preference for easy transport. Surgeons sought high quality with price sensitivity (using out-of-pocket funds) and identified the least expensive but high-functioning device as their first choice. CONCLUSION No device satisfied all the predetermined specifications, and large price discrepancies were critical factors leading surgeons' choices. The favoured device is undergoing modification by the manufacturer based on design feedback so an affordable, high-quality surgical headlight crafted specifically for the needs of resource-constrained settings can be used to improve surgical safety.
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Elmore J, Carter C, Koylass N, Bennett A, Mead M, Kim A, Huang W, August A. The Role of Tyrosine Kinase Itk in T helper 17 and T regulatory cells in Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.204.supp.147.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The balance of inflammatory and suppressive cytokines is critical in controlling inflammatory responses, and the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL17A and IL10 has been implicated in numerous pulmonary inflammatory diseases. The tyrosine kinase, Itk, plays a critical role in T cell activation. Itk is required for the development of Th17 cells and their production of IL17A in allergic lung inflammation. Furthermore, Type I regulatory and Foxp3+ T regulatory (Tregs) cells, producers of IL10, are positively and negatively regulated by Itk respectively. Farmer’s lung, a subset of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, develops due to repeated exposure to the bacteria Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula (SR) and is dependent on IL17A and regulated by IL10. Surprisingly, exposure to SR drives robust CD4+ T cell IL17A response even in the absence of Itk, with pulmonary inflammation. Transcriptomic analysis of sort purified WT and Itk−/− IL17A producing CD4+ T cells from SR-exposed mice revealed an enrichment of Notch signaling pathway in the absence of Itk. SR also induced the Itk independent development of a population of IL17A producing Foxp3+ Tregs cells, and a significant decrease in IL10 producing Tr1 cells. These data suggest that Itk regulates the expression of IL10, and pathogenic Th17 cells via Notch signaling. These studies suggest that TCR signaling through Itk differentially regulates the development of inflammatory Th17 cells and suppressive Tregs and Tr1 cells in response to SR exposure. Understanding how Itk modulates the development of Th17/Treg cytokine responses will allow us to better understand the precise role of Itk in the regulating the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production during airway inflammation.
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McGee MC, Solouki S, Limper CB, Ye K, Nidetz NF, August A, Huang W. ITK regulates IL-10 production by CD8+ T cells and lung immunopathology during influenza infection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.204.supp.77.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Influenza (flu) infections cause 250,000 deaths and 3–5 million cases of severe illness during the average flu season. Severe influenza infections are associated with a combination of strong pro-inflammatory and weak anti-inflammatory immune responses. Production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 by T cells restricts immunopathology during flu infections, however our knowledge of the signaling pathways regulating IL-10 induction is limited. Using IL-10GFP reporter mouse models, we found that Interleukin-2 inducible T cell kinase (ITK), a critical component in T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, regulates the development of IL-10-producing CD8+ T cells during influenza A infection. Compared to wild type (WT) mice, Itk−/− mice displayed increased morbidity and mortality after influenza infection, accompanied by a significant reduction of IL-10 producing CD8+ T cells in the airways. Using the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) and transgenic TCR specific for OVA in CD8+ T cells (OTI), along with an allele sensitive mutation in the ITK kinase domain, we determine that ITK regulates IL-10 production in antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in a kinase dependent manner. RNA sequencing and multiparametric flow cytometric analyses revealed that ITK differentially regulates the expression of cell surface markers and transcription factors that are involved in regulating T cell differentiation, effector and memory phenotypes. Together, our data suggests that ITK is a critical regulator of IL-10 production by CD8+ T cells and regulate immunopathology during influenza infection. Modulating ITK signaling may be a strategy for regulating immunopathology due to viral infections.
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Huang W, Ye K, Nidetz NF, McGee MC, Islam R, Limper CB, August A. Heterogeneity of regulatory T cells during lung inflammation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.204.supp.234.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Pulmonary inflammation is the leading cause of respiratory illness worldwide. Although strong T cell responses are desired for defending the hosts against infections, the cytotoxic effector function of the innate and adaptive immune responses can lead to the development of pulmonary immunopathology, which may lead to death. While T cells produce inflammatory cytokines during infections and allergies, they can also produce the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-10, which is critical for limiting the immunopathology caused by the excessive effector immune responses. However, the composition of IL-10-producing lymphocyte population and their molecular signatures are unclear. Using mouse models that report the production of IL-10 by GFP and expression of T regulatory cell marker Foxp3 by RFP, mouse models of lung inflammation (including allergic asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and flu), transcriptomic analyses at the population and single cell levels, and transgenic mouse models that are impaired in T cell-derived IL-10 production, we found that, in the disease models used, regulatory T cells in the mouse airway are mainly comprised of CD4+ Foxp3+, CD4+ Foxp3− and CD8+ subsets, and they differ under different disease conditions. Furthermore, within each subset, IL-10-producing T cells exhibit significant molecular heterogeneity. Information gained from this dataset provides insights into the T cell subset heterogeneity and signature markers, and shed light for future strategic design for therapeutic development utilizing the immunomodulatory features of T cells for the treatment of pulmonary immunopathology.
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Nidetz NF, McGee MC, Limper CB, Ye K, Islam R, August A, Huang W. Development of regulatory IL-10-producing ILCs during type 2 inflammation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.204.supp.154.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are important for mucosal homeostasis and host defense against infectious pathogens. ILC subsets ILC1, 2, and 3, classified similar to T helper cells Th1, Th2, and Th17, are well characterized and known to promote both protective and harmful inflammatory responses. However, the immunosuppressive roles of ILCs are less understood. Regulatory ILCs that produce the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-10 have been recently defined, but the mechanisms regulating their development and function are not fully understood. Similar to other ILCs, regulatory ILCs were thought to be a pre-existing population, however unlike ILC1, 2, and 3 which all differentiate from ILC precursor cells (ILCPs), regulatory ILCs were thought to differentiate exclusively from upstream precursors, common helper-like innate lymphoid precursors (CHILPs) and common lymphoid cell precursors (CLPs). In our animal facilities, we found no evidence of pre-existing tissue resident IL-10+ ILCs in our investigations. In contrast, we find that co-stimulation of IL-33 and a γ-chain cytokine (IL-2, IL-4, or IL-7) robustly induces IL-10+ILCs that exhibit immunosuppressive functions in vitro and in vivo. Further, in addition to CLPs and CHILPs, we find that downstream ILC2Ps can develop into functionally suppressive IL-10+ ILCs following cytokine stimulation. Together, our data support an alternative pathway of IL-10-producing regulatory ILC development and regulation of inflammatory responses.
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Ocasio-Rivera M, Elmore J, August A. Role of the Innate Immune System in the Development of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. FASEB J 2020. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.03403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Huang L, Ye K, McGee MC, Nidetz NF, Elmore JP, Limper CB, Southard TL, Russell DG, August A, Huang W. Interleukin-2-Inducible T-Cell Kinase Deficiency Impairs Early Pulmonary Protection Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3103. [PMID: 32038633 PMCID: PMC6993117 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) inducible T-cell kinase (ITK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase highly expressed in T-cell lineages and regulates multiple aspects of T-cell development and function, mainly through its function downstream of the T-cell receptor. Itk deficiency can lead to CD4 lymphopenia and Epstein-Bar virus (EBV)-associated lymphoproliferation and recurrent pulmonary infections in humans. However, the role of the ITK signaling pathway in pulmonary responses in active tuberculosis due to Mtb infection is not known. We show here that human lungs with active tuberculosis exhibit altered T-cell receptor/ITK signaling and that Itk deficiency impaired early protection against Mtb in mice, accompanied by defective development of IL-17A-producing γδ T cells in the lungs. These findings have important implications of human genetics associated with susceptibility to Mtb due to altered immune responses and molecular signals modulating host immunity that controls Mtb activity. Enhancing ITK signaling pathways may be an alternative strategy to target Mtb infection, especially in cases with highly virulent strains in which IL-17A plays an essential protective role.
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Afroz S, Shama, Battu S, Matin S, Solouki S, Elmore JP, Minhas G, Huang W, August A, Khan N. Amino acid starvation enhances vaccine efficacy by augmenting neutralizing antibody production. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/607/eaav4717. [PMID: 31719173 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aav4717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Specific reduction in the intake of proteins or amino acids (AAs) offers enormous health benefits, including increased life span, protection against age-associated disorders, and improved metabolic fitness and immunity. Cells respond to conditions of AA starvation by activating the amino acid starvation response (AAR). Here, we showed that mimicking AAR with halofuginone (HF) enhanced the magnitude and affinity of neutralizing, antigen-specific antibody responses in mice immunized with dengue virus envelope domain III protein (DENVrEDIII), a potent vaccine candidate against DENV. HF enhanced the formation of germinal centers (GCs) and increased the production of the cytokine IL-10 in the secondary lymphoid organs of vaccinated mice. Furthermore, HF promoted the transcription of genes associated with memory B cell formation and maintenance and maturation of GCs in the draining lymph nodes of vaccinated mice. The increased abundance of IL-10 in HF-preconditioned mice correlated with enhanced GC responses and may promote the establishment of long-lived plasma cells that secrete antigen-specific, high-affinity antibodies. Thus, these data suggest that mimetics of AA starvation could provide an alternative strategy to augment the efficacy of vaccines against dengue and other infectious diseases.
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August A. Who regulates whom: ZNF341 is an additional player in the STAT3/T H17 song. Sci Immunol 2019; 3:3/24/eaat9779. [PMID: 29907692 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aat9779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Deficiency of ZNF341, a transcription factor featuring 12 Cys2His2 zinc fingers that regulates the expression and autoinduction of STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), results in hyper-immunoglobulin E syndrome and defective T helper 17 cell differentiation in humans.
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