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Liu Z, van ‘t Veer C, Hendriks RW, Roelofs JJTH, van der Poll T, de Vos AF. Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Deficiency Ameliorates Antimicrobial Host Defense during Peritonitis Induced by Pathogenic Escherichia coli. Infect Immun 2022; 90:e0067421. [PMID: 35587199 PMCID: PMC9202372 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00674-21] [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: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritonitis and abdominal sepsis remain major health problems and challenge for clinicians. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) is a versatile signaling protein involved in the regulation of B cell development and function, as well as innate host defense. In the current study, we aimed to explore the role of Btk in the host response during peritonitis and sepsis in mice induced by a gradually growing pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli bacteria. We found that Btk deficiency ameliorated antibacterial host defense during the late stage of E. coli-induced peritonitis. Btk was not required for cytokine and chemokine release in response to either E. coli or lipopolysaccharide and did not impact organ damage evoked by E. coli. Btk deficiency also did not alter neutrophil influx to the primary site of infection. However, the absence of Btk modestly enhanced phagocytosis of E. coli by neutrophils. These results indicate that Btk-mediated signaling is superfluous for inflammatory responses and remarkably detrimental for antibacterial defense during E. coli-induced peritonitis.
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van Uden D, Koudstaal T, van Hulst JAC, Vink M, van Nimwegen M, van den Toorn LM, Chandoesing PP, van den Bosch AE, Kool M, Hendriks RW, Boomars KA. Peripheral Blood T Cells of Patients with IPAH Have a Reduced Cytokine-Producing Capacity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126508. [PMID: 35742956 PMCID: PMC9224379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is rare disease that is categorized as idiopathic (IPAH) when no underlying cause can be identified. Lungs of most patients with IPAH contain increased numbers of T cells and dendritic cells (DCs), suggesting involvement of the immune system in its pathophysiology. However, our knowledge on circulating immune cells in IPAH is rather limited. We used flow cytometry to characterize peripheral blood DCs and T cells in treatment-naive IPAH patients, compared with connective-tissue disease-PAH (CTD-PAH) patients and healthy controls (HCs). At diagnosis, T-helper (Th) cells of IPAH patients were less capable of producing TNFα, IFNγ, IL-4 and IL-17 compared to HCs. IPAH patients showed a decreased frequency of Th2 cells and significantly enhanced expression of the CTLA4 checkpoint molecule in naive CD4+ T cells and both naive and memory CD8+ T cells. Frequencies and surface marker expression of circulating DCs and monocytes were essentially comparable between IPAH patients and HCs. Principal component analysis (PCA) separated IPAH patients—but not CTD-PAH patients—from HCs, based on T-cell cytokine profiles. At 1-year follow-up, the frequencies of IL-17+ production by memory CD4+ T cells were increased in IPAH patients and accompanied by increased proportions of Th17 and Tc17 cells, as well as decreased CTLA4 expression. Treatment-naive IPAH patients displayed a unique T-cell phenotype that was different from CTD-PAH patients and was characterized by reduced cytokine-producing capacity. These findings point to involvement of adaptive immune responses in IPAH, which may have an implication for the development of therapeutic interventions.
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van Uden D, Koudstaal T, van Hulst JAC, van den Bosch TPP, Vink M, Bergen IM, Lila KA, van den Bosch AE, Bresser P, Kool M, von der Thüsen JH, Hendriks RW, Boomars KA. Evidence for a Role of CCR6+ T Cells in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension. Front Immunol 2022; 13:861450. [PMID: 35572511 PMCID: PMC9094486 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.861450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Previous studies have shown an increase of T cells and chemokines in vascular lesions of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). However, detailed characterization of these T cells is still lacking, nor have treatment effects been evaluated. Methods We included 41 treatment-naive CTEPH patients at diagnosis, 22 patients at 1-year follow-up, and 17 healthy controls (HCs). Peripheral blood T cells were characterized by flow cytometry for subset distribution, cytokine expression and activation marker profile. We used multiplex immunofluorescence to identify CCR6+ T cells in endarterectomy tissue from 25 patients. Results At diagnosis, proportions of CCR6+ CD4+ T cells were increased in CTEPH patients compared with HCs. Patients displayed a significantly reduced production capacity of several cytokines including TNFα, IFNγ, GM-CSF and IL-4 in CD4+ T cells, and TNFα and IFNγ in CD8+ T cells. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells showed increased expression of the immune checkpoint protein CTLA4. Multivariate analysis separated CTEPH patients from HCs, based on CCR6 and CTLA4 expression. At 1-year follow-up, proportions of CCR6+CD4+ T cells were further increased, IFNγ and IL-17 production capacity of CD4+ T cells was restored. In nearly all vascular lesions we found substantial numbers of CCR6+ T cells. Conclusion The observed increase of CCR6+ T cells and modulation of the IFNγ and IL-17 production capacity of circulating CD4+ T cells at diagnosis and 1-year follow-up – together with the presence of CCR6+ T cells in vascular lesions - support the involvement of the Th17-associated CCR6+ T cell subset in CTEPH.
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Liu Z, De Porto AP, De Beer R, Roelofs JJ, De Boer OJ, Florquin S, Van't Veer C, Hendriks RW, Van der Poll T, De Vos AF. Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase in Neutrophils Is Crucial for Host Defense against Klebsiella pneumoniae. J Innate Immun 2022; 15:1-15. [PMID: 35537415 PMCID: PMC10643901 DOI: 10.1159/000524583] [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: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans with dysfunctional Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) are highly susceptible to bacterial infections. Compelling evidence indicates that Btk is essential for B cell-mediated immunity, whereas its role in myeloid cell-mediated immunity against infections is controversial. In this study, we determined the contribution of Btk in B cells and neutrophils to host defense against the extracellular bacterial pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common cause of pulmonary infections and sepsis. Btk-/- mice were highly susceptible to Klebsiella infection, which was not reversed by Btk re-expression in B cells and restoration of natural antibody levels. Neutrophil-specific Btk deficiency impaired host defense against Klebsiella to a similar extent as complete Btk deficiency. Neutrophil-specific Btk deficiency abolished extracellular reactive oxygen species production in response to Klebsiella. These data indicate that expression of Btk in neutrophils is crucial, while in B cells, it is dispensable for in vivo host defense against K. pneumoniae.
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Neys SFH, Verstappen GM, Bootsma H, Kroese FGM, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. Decreased BAFF Receptor Expression and Unaltered B Cell Receptor Signaling in Circulating B Cells from Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Patients at Diagnosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095101. [PMID: 35563492 PMCID: PMC9103204 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models of autoimmunity and human genetic association studies indicate that the dysregulation of B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling is an important driver of autoimmunity. We previously showed that in circulating B cells from primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) patients with high systemic disease activity, protein expression of the BCR signaling molecule Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) was increased and correlated with T-cell infiltration in the target organ. We hypothesized that these alterations could be driven by increased B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels in pSS. Here, we investigated whether altered BCR signaling was already present at diagnosis and distinguished pSS from non-SS sicca patients. Using (phospho-)flow cytometry, we quantified the phosphorylation of BCR signaling molecules, and investigated BTK and BAFF receptor (BAFFR) expression in circulating B cell subsets in an inception cohort of non-SS sicca and pSS patients, as well as healthy controls (HCs). We found that both BTK protein levels and BCR signaling activity were comparable among groups. Interestingly, BAFFR expression was significantly downregulated in pSS, but not in non-SS sicca patients, compared with HCs, and correlated with pSS-associated alterations in B cell subsets. These data indicate reduced BAFFR expression as a possible sign of early B cell involvement and a diagnostic marker for pSS.
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Stikker BS, Stik G, van Ouwerkerk AF, Trap L, Spicuglia S, Hendriks RW, Stadhouders R. Severe COVID-19-associated variants linked to chemokine receptor gene control in monocytes and macrophages. Genome Biol 2022; 23:96. [PMID: 35421995 PMCID: PMC9009160 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02669-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractGenome-wide association studies have identified 3p21.31 as the main risk locus for severe COVID-19, although underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We perform an epigenomic dissection of 3p21.31, identifying a CTCF-dependent tissue-specific 3D regulatory chromatin hub that controls the activity of several chemokine receptor genes. Risk SNPs colocalize with regulatory elements and are linked to increased expression of CCR1, CCR2 and CCR5 in monocytes and macrophages. As excessive organ infiltration of inflammatory monocytes and macrophages is a hallmark of severe COVID-19, our findings provide a rationale for the genetic association of 3p21.31 variants with elevated risk of hospitalization upon SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Kaaij MH, Rip J, Jeucken KCM, Kan YY, van Rooijen CCN, Saris J, Pots D, Frey S, Grootjans J, Schett G, van Duivenvoorde LM, Nolte MA, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ, van Hamburg JP, Baeten DLP, Tas SW. Overexpression of Transmembrane TNF Drives Development of Ectopic Lymphoid Structures in the Bone Marrow and B Cell Lineage Alterations in Experimental Spondyloarthritis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:2337-2346. [PMID: 34561228 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
TNF is important in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including spondyloarthritis (SpA). Transgenic (tg) mice overexpressing transmembrane TNF (tmTNF) develop features resembling human SpA. Furthermore, both tmTNF tg mice and SpA patients develop ectopic lymphoid aggregates, but it is unclear whether these contribute to pathology. Therefore, we characterized the lymphoid aggregates in detail and studied potential alterations in the B and T cell lineage in tmTNF tg mice. Lymphoid aggregates developed in bone marrow (BM) of vertebrae and near the ankle joints prior to the first SpA features and displayed characteristics of ectopic lymphoid structures (ELS) including presence of B cells, T cells, germinal centers, and high endothelial venules. Detailed flow cytometric analyses demonstrated more germinal center B cells with increased CD80 and CD86 expression, along with significantly more T follicular helper, T follicular regulatory, and T regulatory cells in tmTNF tg BM compared with non-tg controls. Furthermore, tmTNF tg mice exhibited increased IgA serum levels and significantly more IgA+ plasma cells in the BM, whereas IgA+ plasma cells in the gut were not significantly increased. In tmTNF tg × TNF-RI-/- mice, ELS were absent, consistent with reduced disease symptoms, whereas in tmTNF tg × TNF-RII-/- mice, ELS and clinical symptoms were still present. Collectively, these data show that tmTNF overexpression in mice results in osteitis and ELS formation in BM, which may account for the increased serum IgA levels that are also observed in human SpA. These effects are mainly dependent on TNF-RI signaling and may underlie important aspects of SpA pathology.
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de Porto AP, Liu Z, de Beer R, Florquin S, Roelofs JJTH, de Boer OJ, den Haan JMM, Hendriks RW, van 't Veer C, van der Poll T, de Vos AF. Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase-Mediated Signaling in Myeloid Cells Is Required for Protective Innate Immunity During Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Front Immunol 2021; 12:723967. [PMID: 34552589 PMCID: PMC8450579 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.723967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk) is a cytoplasmic kinase expressed in B cells and myeloid cells. It is essential for B cell development and natural antibody-mediated host defense against bacteria in humans and mice, but little is known about the role of Btk in innate host defense in vivo. Previous studies have indicated that lack of (natural) antibodies is paramount for impaired host defense against Streptococcus (S.) pneumoniae in patients and mice with a deficiency in functional Btk. In the present study, we re-examined the role of Btk in B cells and myeloid cells during pneumococcal pneumonia and sepsis in mice. The antibacterial defense of Btk-/- mice was severely impaired during pneumococcal pneumosepsis and restoration of natural antibody production in Btk-/- mice by transgenic expression of Btk specifically in B cells did not suffice to protect against infection. Btk-/- mice with reinforced Btk expression in MhcII+ cells, including B cells, dendritic cells and macrophages, showed improved antibacterial defense as compared to Btk-/- mice. Bacterial outgrowth in Lysmcre-Btkfl/Y mice was unaltered despite a reduced capacity of Btk-deficient alveolar macrophages to respond to pneumococci. Mrp8cre-Btkfl/Y mice with a neutrophil specific paucity in Btk expression, however, demonstrated impaired antibacterial defense. Neutrophils of Mrp8cre-Btkfl/Y mice displayed reduced release of granule content after pulmonary installation of lipoteichoic acid, a gram-positive bacterial cell wall component relevant for pneumococci. Moreover, Btk deficient neutrophils showed impaired degranulation and phagocytosis upon incubation with pneumococci ex vivo. Taken together, the results of our study indicate that besides regulating B cell-mediated immunity, Btk is critical for regulation of myeloid cell-mediated, and particularly neutrophil-mediated, innate host defense against S. pneumoniae in vivo.
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de Boer GM, Tramper-Stranders GA, Houweling L, van Zelst CM, Pouw N, Verhoeven GT, Boxma-de Klerk BM, In 't Veen JCCM, van Rossum EFC, Hendriks RW, Braunstahl GJ. Adult but not childhood onset asthma is associated with the metabolic syndrome, independent from body mass index. Respir Med 2021; 188:106603. [PMID: 34530355 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2021.106603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adult-onset asthma (AOA) is usually more severe compared to childhood onset asthma (CoA). Given the increasing evidence that AoA is associated with obesity, we investigated the relationship of other related metabolic comorbid conditions with AoA compared to CoA. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS This cross-sectional study compared the metabolic syndrome and lipid derived inflammatory markers in patients with AoA, CoA and age- and sex-matched control subjects without asthma. Participants were asthma patients visiting the outpatient clinic of two teaching hospitals in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. All participants underwent lung function tests, blood tests and physical activity tracking. AoA was defined as asthma age of onset after the age of 18 years. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the international joint interim statement criteria. RESULTS Eighty-one participants were included (27 AoA, 25 CoA, 29 controls). AoA was associated with the metabolic syndrome (Odds Ratio = 3.64 95% CI (1.16-11.42) p = 0.03, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.26), adjusted for age, sex, body mass index and smoking habits. AoA patients had higher median serum IL-6 and leptin-adiponectin (LA) ratio compared to controls (IL-6 (pg/mL): 3.10 [1.11-4.30] vs. 1.13 [0.72-1.58], p = 0.002 and LA ratio (pg/mL): 6.21 [2.45-14.11] vs. 2.24 [0.67-4.71], p = 0.0390). This was not observed in CoA and controls. CONCLUSION AoA was associated with the metabolic syndrome and its related pro-inflammatory endocrine and cytokine status. This may suggest adipose tissue derived inflammatory markers play a role in the pathophysiology of AoA.
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Kolijn PM, Muggen AF, Ljungström V, Agathangelidis A, Wolvers-Tettero ILM, Beverloo HB, Pál K, Hengeveld PJ, Darzentas N, Hendriks RW, van Dongen JJM, Rosenquist R, Langerak AW. Consistent B Cell Receptor Immunoglobulin Features Between Siblings in Familial Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Front Oncol 2021; 11:740083. [PMID: 34513715 PMCID: PMC8427434 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.740083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Key processes in the onset and evolution of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are thought to include chronic (antigenic) activation of mature B cells through the B cell receptor (BcR), signals from the microenvironment, and acquisition of genetic alterations. Here we describe three families in which two or more siblings were affected by CLL. We investigated whether there are immunogenetic similarities in the leukemia-specific immunoglobulin heavy (IGH) and light (IGL/IGK) chain gene rearrangements of the siblings in each family. Furthermore, we performed array analysis to study if similarities in CLL-associated chromosomal aberrations are present within each family and screened for somatic mutations using paired tumor/normal whole-genome sequencing (WGS). In two families a consistent IGHV gene mutational status (one IGHV-unmutated, one IGHV-mutated) was observed. Intriguingly, the third family with four affected siblings was characterized by usage of the lambda IGLV3-21 gene, with the hallmark R110 mutation of the recently described clinically aggressive IGLV3-21R110 subset. In this family, the CLL-specific rearrangements in two siblings could be assigned to either stereotyped subset #2 or the immunogenetically related subset #169, both of which belong to the broader IGLV3-21R110 subgroup. Consistent patterns of cytogenetic aberrations were encountered in all three families. Furthermore, the CLL clones carried somatic mutations previously associated with IGHV mutational status, cytogenetic aberrations and stereotyped subsets, respectively. From these findings, we conclude that similarities in immunogenetic characteristics in familial CLL, in combination with genetic aberrations acquired, point towards shared underlying mechanisms behind CLL development within each family.
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Szumilas N, Corneth OBJ, Lehmann CHK, Schmitt H, Cunz S, Cullen JG, Chu T, Marosan A, Mócsai A, Benes V, Zehn D, Dudziak D, Hendriks RW, Nitschke L. Siglec-H-Deficient Mice Show Enhanced Type I IFN Responses, but Do Not Develop Autoimmunity After Influenza or LCMV Infections. Front Immunol 2021; 12:698420. [PMID: 34497606 PMCID: PMC8419311 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.698420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Siglec-H is a DAP12-associated receptor on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and microglia. Siglec-H inhibits TLR9-induced IFN-α production by pDCs. Previously, it was found that Siglec-H-deficient mice develop a lupus-like severe autoimmune disease after persistent murine cytomegalovirus (mCMV) infection. This was due to enhanced type I interferon responses, including IFN-α. Here we examined, whether other virus infections can also induce autoimmunity in Siglec-H-deficient mice. To this end we infected Siglec-H-deficient mice with influenza virus or with Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) clone 13. With both types of viruses we did not observe induction of autoimmune disease in Siglec-H-deficient mice. This can be explained by the fact that both types of viruses are ssRNA viruses that engage TLR7, rather than TLR9. Also, Influenza causes an acute infection that is rapidly cleared and the chronicity of LCMV clone 13 may not be sufficient and may rather suppress pDC functions. Siglec-H inhibited exclusively TLR-9 driven type I interferon responses, but did not affect type II or type III interferon production by pDCs. Siglec-H-deficient pDCs showed impaired Hck expression, which is a Src-family kinase expressed in myeloid cells, and downmodulation of the chemokine receptor CCR9, that has important functions for pDCs. Accordingly, Siglec-H-deficient pDCs showed impaired migration towards the CCR9 ligand CCL25. Furthermore, autoimmune-related genes such as Klk1 and DNase1l3 are downregulated in Siglec-H-deficient pDCs as well. From these findings we conclude that Siglec-H controls TLR-9-dependent, but not TLR-7 dependent inflammatory responses after virus infections and regulates chemokine responsiveness of pDCs.
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Neys SFH, Rip J, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition as an Emerging Therapy in Systemic Autoimmune Disease. Drugs 2021; 81:1605-1626. [PMID: 34609725 PMCID: PMC8491186 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01592-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Systemic autoimmune disorders are complex heterogeneous chronic diseases involving many different immune cells. A significant proportion of patients respond poorly to therapy. In addition, the high burden of adverse effects caused by "classical" anti-rheumatic or immune modulatory drugs provides a need to develop more specific therapies that are better tolerated. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a crucial signaling protein that directly links B-cell receptor (BCR) signals to B-cell activation, proliferation, and survival. BTK is not only expressed in B cells but also in myeloid cells, and is involved in many different signaling pathways that drive autoimmunity. This makes BTK an interesting therapeutic target in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The past decade has seen the emergence of first-line BTK small-molecule inhibitors with great efficacy in the treatment of B-cell malignancies, but with unfavorable safety profiles for use in autoimmunity due to off-target effects. The development of second-generation BTK inhibitors with superior BTK specificity has facilitated the investigation of their efficacy in clinical trials with autoimmune patients. In this review, we discuss the role of BTK in key signaling pathways involved in autoimmunity and provide an overview of the different inhibitors that are currently being investigated in clinical trials of systemic autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as available results from completed trials.
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Vroman H, Balzaretti G, Belderbos RA, Klarenbeek PL, van Nimwegen M, Bezemer K, Cornelissen R, Niewold ITG, van Schaik BD, van Kampen AH, Aerts JGJV, de Vries N, Hendriks RW. T cell receptor repertoire characteristics both before and following immunotherapy correlate with clinical response in mesothelioma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2019-000251. [PMID: 32234848 PMCID: PMC7174074 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly lethal malignancy in need for new treatment options. Although immunotherapies have been shown to boost a tumor-specific immune response, not all patients respond and prognostic biomarkers are scarce. In this study, we determined the peripheral blood T cell receptor β (TCRβ) chain repertoire of nine MPM patients before and 5 weeks after the start of dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy. Materials and methods We separately profiled PD1+ and PD1−CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, as well as Tregs and analyzed 70 000 TCRβ sequences per patient. Results Strikingly, limited TCRβ repertoire diversity and high average clone sizes in total CD3+ T cells before the start of immunotherapy were associated with a better clinical response. To explore the differences in TCRβ repertoire prior-DC-therapy and post-DC-therapy, for each patient the TCRβ clones present in the total CD3+ T cell fractions were classified into five categories, based on therapy-associated frequency changes: expanding, decreasing, stable, newly appearing and disappearing clones. Subsequently, the presence of these five groups of clones was analyzed in the individual sorted T cell fractions. DC-therapy primarily induced TCRβ repertoire changes in the PD1+CD4+ and PD1+CD8+ T cell fractions. In particular, in the PD1+CD8+ T cell subpopulation we found high frequencies of expanding, decreasing and newly appearing clones. Conversion from a PD1− to a PD1+ phenotype was significantly more frequent in CD8+ T cells than in CD4+ T cells. Hereby, the number of expanding PD1+CD8+ T cell clones—and not expanding PD1+CD4+ T cell clones following immunotherapy positively correlated with overall survival, progression-free survival and reduction of tumor volume. Conclusion We conclude that the clinical response to DC-mediated immunotherapy is dependent on both the pre-existing TCRβ repertoire of total CD3+ T cells and on therapy-induced changes, in particular expanding PD1+CD8+ T cell clones. Therefore, TCRβ repertoire profiling in sorted T cell subsets could serve as predictive biomarker for the selection of MPM patients that benefit from immunotherapy. Trial registration number NCT02395679.
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Rip J, de Bruijn MJW, Neys SFH, Singh SP, Willar J, van Hulst JAC, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibition induces rewiring of proximal and distal B-cell receptor signaling in mice. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:2251-2265. [PMID: 34323286 PMCID: PMC9291019 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Bruton′s tyrosine kinase (Btk) is a crucial signaling molecule in BCR signaling and a key regulator of B‐ cell differentiation and function. Btk inhibition has shown impressive clinical efficacy in various B‐cell malignancies. However, it remains unknown whether inhibition additionally induces changes in BCR signaling due to feedback mechanisms, a phenomenon referred to as BCR rewiring. In this report, we studied the impact of Btk activity on major components of the BCR signaling pathway in mice. As expected, NF‐κB and Akt/S6 signaling was decreased in Btk‐deficient B cells. Unexpectedly, phosphorylation of several proximal signaling molecules, including CD79a, Syk, and PI3K, as well as the key Btk‐effector PLCγ2 and the more downstream kinase Erk, were significantly increased. This pattern of BCR rewiring was essentially opposite in B cells from transgenic mice overexpressing Btk. Importantly, prolonged Btk inhibitor treatment of WT mice or mice engrafted with leukemic B cells also resulted in increased phosho‐CD79a and phospho‐PLCγ2 in B cells. Our findings show that Btk enzymatic function determines phosphorylation of proximal and distal BCR signaling molecules in B cells. We conclude that Btk inhibitor treatment results in rewiring of BCR signaling, which may affect both malignant and healthy B cells.
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de Boer GM, Braunstahl G, van der Ploeg EK, van Zelst CM, van Bruggen A, Epping G, van Nimwegen M, Verhoeven G, Birnie E, Boxma‐de Klerk BM, de Bruijn MJW, Stadhouders R, Hendriks RW, Tramper‐Stranders GA. Bacterial lysate add-on therapy to reduce exacerbations in severe asthma: A double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Clin Exp Allergy 2021; 51:1172-1184. [PMID: 34289183 PMCID: PMC9292626 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Asthma exacerbations are frequently induced by respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Bacterial lysates have been described to possess immune‐modulatory effects and reduce RTIs as well as asthma symptoms in children. However, whether bacterial lysates have similar effects in adult asthma patients is unknown. Aims To reduce asthma exacerbations by add‐on bacterial lysate therapy in adults with severe asthma and to characterize the clinical and immune‐modulatory effects of this treatment. Methods Asthma patients (GINA 4) with ≥2 annual exacerbations in the previous year were included. The intervention regimen consisted of OM‐85/placebo for 10 consecutive days per month for 6 months during two winter seasons. Primary end‐point was the number of severe asthma exacerbations within 18 months. The study was approved by the national and local ethical review board and registered in the Dutch Trial Registry (NL5752). All participants provided written informed consent. Results Seventy‐five participants were included (38 OM‐85; 37 placebo). Exacerbation frequencies were not different between the groups after 18 months (incidence rate ratio 1.07, 95%CI [0.68–1.69], p = 0.77). With the use of OM‐85, FEV1% increased by 3.81% (p = 0.04) compared with placebo. Nasopharyngeal swabs taken during RTIs detected a virus less frequently in patients using OM‐85 compared to placebo (30.5% vs. 48.0%, p = 0.02). In subjects with type 2 inflammation adherent to the protocol (22 OM‐85; 20 placebo), a non‐statistically significant decrease in exacerbations in the OM‐85 group was observed (IRR = 0.71, 95%CI [0.39–1.26], p = 0.25). Immune‐modulatory effects included an increase in several plasma cytokines in the OM‐85 group, especially IL‐10 and interferons. Peripheral blood T‐ and B cell subtyping, including regulatory T cells, did not show differences between the groups. Conclusion Although OM‐85 may have immune‐modulatory effects, it did not reduce asthma exacerbations in this heterogeneous severe adult asthma group. Post hoc analysis showed a potential clinical benefit in patients with type 2 inflammation.
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van Schoonhoven A, Huylebroeck D, Hendriks RW, Stadhouders R. 3D genome organization during lymphocyte development and activation. Brief Funct Genomics 2021; 19:71-82. [PMID: 31819944 PMCID: PMC7115705 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elz030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomes have a complex three-dimensional (3D) architecture comprising A/B compartments, topologically associating domains and promoter-enhancer interactions. At all these levels, the 3D genome has functional consequences for gene transcription and therefore for cellular identity. The development and activation of lymphocytes involves strict control of gene expression by transcription factors (TFs) operating in a three-dimensionally organized chromatin landscape. As lymphocytes are indispensable for tissue homeostasis and pathogen defense, and aberrant lymphocyte activity is involved in a wide range of human morbidities, acquiring an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control lymphocyte identity is highly relevant. Here we review current knowledge of the interplay between 3D genome organization and transcriptional control during B and T lymphocyte development and antigen-dependent activation, placing special emphasis on the role of TFs.
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de Boer GM, Houweling L, Hendriks RW, Vercoulen JH, Tramper-Stranders GA, Braunstahl GJ. Asthma patients experience increased symptoms of anxiety, depression and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chron Respir Dis 2021; 18:14799731211029658. [PMID: 34219501 PMCID: PMC8261840 DOI: 10.1177/14799731211029658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Population studies showed a decrease in psychological wellbeing during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Asthma is associated with a negative effect on anxiety and
depression, which might worsen during the COVID-19 lockdown. The aim of the
study was to compare fear, anxiety and depression between asthma patients and
patients wit hout asthma pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 pandemic. This study compares fear, anxiety and depression in asthma patients and controls
between pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 lockdown with a cross-sectional online
survey. Participants were invited to fill out several questionnaires pertaining
to fear, anxiety, depression, asthma control and quality of life. Asthma patients (N = 37) displayed, during the course of the pandemic, a
clinically relevant increase in anxiety (3.32 ± 2.95 vs. 6.68 ± 3.78;
p < 0.001) and depression (1.30 ± 1.15 vs. 3.65 ± 3.31;
p < 0.001), according to the hospital anxiety and
depression levels (HADS) compared to pre-COVID-19 assessment. This was not seen
in controls. Also, asthma patients displayed more anxiety about acquiring
COVID-19 disease compared to controls ((5.11 ± 1.99 vs. 3.50 ± 2.79),
p = 0.006). Patients with asthma experienced an increase in anxiety and depression levels and
were more afraid of acquiring COVID-19 disease compared to controls. Also,
patients with asthma were more likely to avoid healthcare facilities due to fear
of acquiring COVID-19 disease compared to controls. Therefore, we advise health
care workers to address these possible negative effects on mental health by
phone or e-consults.
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Stikker B, Stik G, Hendriks RW, Stadhouders R. Severe COVID-19 associated variants linked to chemokine receptor gene control in monocytes and macrophages. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.01.22.427813. [PMID: 33501435 PMCID: PMC7836105 DOI: 10.1101/2021.01.22.427813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have identified 3p21.31 as the main risk locus for severe disease in COVID-19 patients, although underlying biological mechanisms remain elusive. We performed a comprehensive epigenomic dissection of the 3p21.31 locus, identifying a CTCF-dependent tissue-specific 3D regulatory chromatin hub that controls the activity of several tissue-homing chemokine receptor (CCR) genes in monocytes and macrophages. Risk SNPs colocalized with regulatory elements and were linked to increased expression of CCR1, CCR2 and CCR5 in monocytes and macrophages. As excessive organ infiltration of inflammatory monocytes and macrophages is a hallmark of severe COVID-19, our findings provide a rationale for the genetic association of 3p21.31 variants with elevated risk of hospitalization upon SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Neys SFH, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. Targeting Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase in Inflammatory and Autoimmune Pathologies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:668131. [PMID: 34150760 PMCID: PMC8213343 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.668131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) was discovered due to its importance in B cell development, and it has a critical role in signal transduction downstream of the B cell receptor (BCR). Targeting of BTK with small molecule inhibitors has proven to be efficacious in several B cell malignancies. Interestingly, recent studies reveal increased BTK protein expression in circulating resting B cells of patients with systemic autoimmune disease (AID) compared with healthy controls. Moreover, BTK phosphorylation following BCR stimulation in vitro was enhanced. In addition to its role in BCR signaling, BTK is involved in many other pathways, including pattern recognition, Fc, and chemokine receptor signaling in B cells and myeloid cells. This broad involvement in several immunological pathways provides a rationale for the targeting of BTK in the context of inflammatory and systemic AID. Accordingly, numerous in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies support the potential of BTK targeting in these conditions. Efficacy of BTK inhibitors in various inflammatory and AID has been demonstrated or is currently evaluated in clinical trials. In addition, very recent reports suggest that BTK inhibition may be effective as immunosuppressive therapy to diminish pulmonary hyperinflammation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we review BTK's function in key signaling pathways in B cells and myeloid cells. Further, we discuss recent advances in targeting BTK in inflammatory and autoimmune pathologies.
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Neys SFH, Heukels P, van Hulst JAC, Rip J, Wijsenbeek MS, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. Aberrant B Cell Receptor Signaling in Naïve B Cells from Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061321. [PMID: 34073225 PMCID: PMC8226954 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and ultimately fatal disease in which an impaired healing response to recurrent micro-injuries is thought to lead to fibrosis. Recent findings hint at a role for B cells and autoimmunity in IPF pathogenesis. We previously reported that circulating B cells from a fraction of patients, compared with healthy controls, express increased levels of the signaling molecule Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK). However, it remains unclear whether B cell receptor (BCR) signaling is altered in IPF. Here, we show that the response to BCR stimulation is enhanced in peripheral blood B cells from treatment-naïve IPF patients. We observed increased anti-immunoglobulin-induced phosphorylation of BTK and its substrate phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2) in naïve but not in memory B cells of patients with IPF. In naïve B cells of IPF patients enhanced BCR signaling correlated with surface expression of transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) but not B cell activating factor receptor (BAFFR), both of which provide pro-survival signals. Interestingly, treatment of IPF patients with nintedanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory activity, induced substantial changes in BCR signaling. These findings support the involvement of B cells in IPF pathogenesis and suggest that targeting BCR signaling has potential value as a treatment option.
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Heukels P, Corneth OBJ, van Uden D, van Hulst JAC, van den Toorn LM, van den Bosch AE, Wijsenbeek MS, Boomars KA, Kool M, Hendriks RW. Loss of immune homeostasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Thorax 2021; 76:1209-1218. [PMID: 33963088 PMCID: PMC8606455 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-215460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoreactivity against pulmonary vascular structures is thought to be involved in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We hypothesised that aberrant B-cell activation contributes to IPAH aetiology. METHODS Mice with enhanced B-cell activation due to B-cell-specific overexpression of the B-cell receptor (BCR) signalling molecule Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) were subjected to lung injury and examined for several pulmonary hypertension (PH) indices. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with IPAH (n=13), connective tissue disease-associated PAH (CTD-PAH, n=9), congenital heart disease PAH (n=7), interstitial lung disease associated PH (n=17) and healthy controls (n=19) were characterised by 14-colour flow cytometry. RESULTS Following pulmonary injury, BTK-overexpressing mice showed prolonged activation of B cells and CXCR5+ follicular T-helper (Tfh) cells, as well as features of PH development. Patients with CTD-PAH and CHD-PAH displayed reduced proportions of circulating non-switched-memory B cells (p=0.03, p=0.02, respectively). Interestingly, we observed increased BTK protein expression in naive (p=0.007) and memory B-cell subsets of patients with IPAH and CTD-PAH. BTK was particularly high in patients with IPAH with circulating autoantibodies (p=0.045). IPAH patients had low frequencies of circulating CXCR5+ Tfh cells (p=0.005). Hereby, the increased BTK protein expression in B cells was associated with high proportions of Tfh17 (p=0.018) and Tfh17.1 (p=0.007) cells within the circulating Tfh population. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that pulmonary injury in combination with enhanced B-cell activation is sufficient to induce PH symptoms in mice. In parallel, immune homeostasis in patients with IPAH is compromised, as evidenced by increased BCR signalling and cTfh17 polarisation, indicating that adaptive immune activation contributes to IPAH disease induction or progression.
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Koudstaal T, van Uden D, van Hulst JAC, Heukels P, Bergen IM, Geenen LW, Baggen VJM, van den Bosch AE, van den Toorn LM, Chandoesing PP, Kool M, Boersma E, Hendriks RW, Boomars KA. Plasma markers in pulmonary hypertension subgroups correlate with patient survival. Respir Res 2021; 22:137. [PMID: 33947407 PMCID: PMC8097895 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01716-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies have provided evidence for an important contribution of the immune system in the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). In this report, we investigated whether the inflammatory profile of pulmonary hypertension patients changes over time and correlates with patient WHO subgroups or survival. Methods 50 PAH patients (16 idiopathic (I)PAH, 24 Connective Tissue Disease (CTD)-PAH and 10 Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)-PAH), 37 CTEPH patients and 18 healthy controls (HCs) were included in the study. Plasma inflammatory markers at baseline and after 1-year follow-up were measured using ELISAs. Subsequently, correlations with hemodynamic parameters and survival were explored and data sets were subjected to unbiased multivariate analyses. Results At diagnosis, we found that plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the chemokines (C-X3-C) motif legend CXCL9 and CXCL13 in CTD-PAH patients were significantly increased, compared with HCs. In idiopathic PAH patients the levels of tumor growth factor-β (TGFβ), IL-10 and CXCL9 were elevated, compared with HCs. The increased CXCL9 and IL-8 concentrations in CETPH patients correlated significantly with decreased survival, suggesting that CXCL9 and IL-8 may be prognostic markers. After one year of treatment, IL-10, CXCL13 and TGFβ levels changed significantly in the PAH subgroups and CTEPH patients. Unbiased multivariate analysis revealed clustering of PH patients based on inflammatory mediators and clinical parameters, but did not separate the WHO subgroups. Importantly, these multivariate analyses separated patients with < 3 years and > 3 years survival, in particular when inflammatory mediators were combined with clinical parameters. Discussion Our study revealed elevated plasma levels of inflammatory mediators in different PAH subgroups and CTEPH at baseline and at 1-year follow-up, whereby CXCL9 and IL-8 may prove to be prognostic markers for CTEPH patients. While this study is exploratory and hypothesis generating, our data indicate an important role for IL-8 and CXCL9 in CHD and CTEPH patients considering the increased plasma levels and the observed correlation with survival. Conclusion In conclusion, our studies identified an inflammatory signature that clustered PH patients into WHO classification-independent subgroups that correlated with patient survival. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-021-01716-w.
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van Uden D, Koudstaal T, van Hulst JAC, Bergen IM, Gootjes C, Morrell NW, van Loo G, von der Thüsen JH, van den Bosch TPP, Ghigna MR, Perros F, Montani D, Kool M, Boomars KA, Hendriks RW. Central Role of Dendritic Cells in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Human and Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041756. [PMID: 33578743 PMCID: PMC7916474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is not fully understood, but evidence is accumulating that immune dysfunction plays a significant role. We previously reported that 31-week-old Tnfaip3DNGR1-KO mice develop pulmonary hypertension (PH) symptoms. These mice harbor a targeted deletion of the TNFα-induced protein-3 (Tnfaip3) gene, encoding the NF-κB regulatory protein A20, specifically in type I conventional dendritic cells (cDC1s). Here, we studied the involvement of dendritic cells (DCs) in PH in more detail. We found various immune cells, including DCs, in the hearts of Tnfaip3DNGR1-KO mice, particularly in the right ventricle (RV). Secondly, in young Tnfaip3DNGR1-KO mice, innate immune activation through airway exposure to toll-like receptor ligands essentially did not result in elevated RV pressures, although we did observe significant RV hypertrophy. Thirdly, PH symptoms in Tnfaip3DNGR1-KO mice were not enhanced by concomitant mutation of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (Bmpr2), which is the most affected gene in PAH patients. Finally, in human IPAH lung tissue we found co-localization of DCs and CD8+ T cells, representing the main cell type activated by cDC1s. Taken together, these findings support a unique role of cDC1s in PAH pathogenesis, independent of general immune activation or a mutation in the Bmpr2 gene.
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Rip J, Hendriks RW, Corneth OBJ. A Versatile Protocol to Quantify BCR-mediated Phosphorylation in Human and Murine B Cell Subpopulations. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e3902. [PMID: 33732789 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transduction is the process by which molecular signals are transmitted from the cell surface to its interior, resulting in functional changes inside the cell. B cell receptor (BCR) signaling is of crucial importance for B cells, as it regulates their differentiation, selection, survival, cellular activation and proliferation. Upon BCR engagement by antigen several protein kinases, lipases and linker molecules become phosphorylated. Phosphoflow cytometry (phosphoflow) is a flow cytometry-based method allowing for analysis of protein phosphorylation in single cells. Due to recent advances in methodology and antibody availability - together with the relatively easy quantification of phosphorylation - phosphoflow is increasingly and more commonly used, compared to classical western blot analysis. It can however be challenging to set-up a method that works for all targets of interest. Here, we present a step-by-step phosphoflow protocol allowing the evaluation of the phosphorylation status of signaling molecules in conjunction with extensive staining to identify various human and murine B cell subpopulations, as was previously published in the original paper by Rip et al. (2020). Next to a description of phosphoflow targets from the original paper, we provide directions on additional targets that play a pivotal role in BCR signaling. The step-by-step phosphoflow protocol is user-friendly and provides sensitive detection of phosphorylation of various BCR signaling molecules in human and murine B cell subpopulations.
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Tindemans I, van Schoonhoven A, KleinJan A, de Bruijn MJ, Lukkes M, van Nimwegen M, van den Branden A, Bergen IM, Corneth OB, van IJcken WF, Stadhouders R, Hendriks RW. Notch signaling licenses allergic airway inflammation by promoting Th2 cell lymph node egress. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:3576-3591. [PMID: 32255764 DOI: 10.1172/jci128310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic asthma is mediated by Th2 responses to inhaled allergens. Although previous experiments indicated that Notch signaling activates expression of the key Th2 transcription factor Gata3, it remains controversial how Notch promotes allergic airway inflammation. Here we show that T cell-specific Notch deficiency in mice prevented house dust mite-driven eosinophilic airway inflammation and significantly reduced Th2 cytokine production, serum IgE levels, and airway hyperreactivity. However, transgenic Gata3 overexpression in Notch-deficient T cells only partially rescued this phenotype. We found that Notch signaling was not required for T cell proliferation or Th2 polarization. Instead, Notch-deficient in vitro-polarized Th2 cells showed reduced accumulation in the lungs upon in vivo transfer and allergen challenge, as Notch-deficient Th2 cells were retained in the lung-draining lymph nodes. Transcriptome analyses and sequential adoptive transfer experiments revealed that while Notch-deficient lymph node Th2 cells established competence for lung migration, they failed to upregulate sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) and its critical upstream transcriptional activator Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2). As this KLF2/S1PR1 axis represents the essential cell-intrinsic regulator of T cell lymph node egress, we conclude that the druggable Notch signaling pathway licenses the Th2 response in allergic airway inflammation via promoting lymph node egress.
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