51
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A conserved enhancer regulates Il9 expression in multiple lineages. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4803. [PMID: 30442929 PMCID: PMC6237898 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07202-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokine genes are regulated by multiple regulatory elements that confer tissue-specific and activation-dependent expression. The cis-regulatory elements of the gene encoding IL-9, a cytokine that promotes allergy, autoimmune inflammation and tumor immunity, have not been defined. Here we identify an enhancer (CNS-25) upstream of the Il9 gene that binds most transcription factors (TFs) that promote Il9 gene expression. Deletion of the enhancer in the mouse germline alters transcription factor binding to the remaining Il9 regulatory elements, and results in diminished IL-9 production in multiple cell types including Th9 cells, and attenuates IL-9-dependent immune responses. Moreover, deletion of the homologous enhancer (CNS-18) in primary human Th9 cultures results in significant decrease of IL-9 production. Thus, Il9 CNS-25/IL9 CNS-18 is a critical and conserved regulatory element for IL-9 production. Interleukin-9 (IL-9) is important for allergy, autoimmunity and tumor immunity, but how its expression is regulated is unclear. Here the authors show the essential function of an enhancer, CNS-25 in mouse and CNS-18 in human, for IL-9 expression, with the deletion of this enhancer severely hampering IL-9 production in mice or human cells.
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Abstract
In this issue, Fang et al. (https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20180927) report on a subset of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells that transiently expresses T-bet yet continues to produce IFN-γ at late stages of GC reactions following immunization. They find other genes uniquely expressed in this IFN-γ-producing Tfh subset, such as NKG2D, that can be used to better distinguish these functionally distinct Tfh cells.
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53
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Fremd C, Jaeger D, Schneeweiss A. Targeted and immuno-biology driven treatment strategies for triple-negative breast cancer: current knowledge and future perspectives. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2018; 19:29-42. [PMID: 30351981 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2019.1537785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Accounting for about 15% of breast cancer patients, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is responsible for 25% of disease related deaths, more frequent distant spread and visceral metastasis. However, improving survival in TNBC failed and primary resistance, immunological ignorance and tumor heterogeneity limit clinical activity of novel therapies. In view of recent molecular, genetic and immunologic insights, this review aims to describe the current status of immunological and targeted treatments from a hypothesis driven perspective. Areas covered: Recent preclinical studies and ongoing clinical trials for immune directed and targeted treatments of TNBC are summarized, including immune-checkpoint blockade, resistance mechanisms, inhibition of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), combinatorial strategies as well as preclinical, hypothesis generating studies. Expert commentary: Sustained responses have been observed with immune-checkpoint blockade and PARP inhibitors demonstrated remarkable efficacy in germline BRCA mutated TNBC. In order to generate clinical success of many other, to date ineffective, targeted and immune therapies, the integration of multidimensional, large amounts of data, will be essential and likely accelerate treatment progress of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Fremd
- a National Center for Tumor Diseases, Department of Medical Oncology , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Dirk Jaeger
- a National Center for Tumor Diseases, Department of Medical Oncology , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Andreas Schneeweiss
- a National Center for Tumor Diseases, Department of Medical Oncology , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
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54
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Abstract
Conventional root canal therapies yield high success rates. The treatment outcomes are negatively affected by the presence of apical periodontitis (AP), which reflects active root canal infection and inflammatory responses. Also, cross-sectional studies revealed surprisingly high prevalence of AP in the general population, especially in those with prior endodontic treatments. Hence, AP is an ongoing disease entity in endodontics that needs further understanding of the pathogenesis and disease progression. The current Chapter will discuss the basic mechanisms of AP with emphasis on emerging role of epigenetic regulators in regulation of inflammatory mediators.
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55
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Jain A, Song R, Wakeland EK, Pasare C. T cell-intrinsic IL-1R signaling licenses effector cytokine production by memory CD4 T cells. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3185. [PMID: 30093707 PMCID: PMC6085393 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05489-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate cytokines are critical drivers of priming and differentiation of naive CD4 T cells, but their functions in memory T cell response are largely undefined. Here we show that IL-1 acts as a licensing signal to permit effector cytokine production by pre-committed Th1 (IFN-γ), Th2 (IL-13, IL-4, and IL-5) and Th17 (IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22) lineage cells. This licensing function of IL-1 is conserved across effector CD4 T cells generated by diverse immunological insults. IL-1R signaling stabilizes cytokine transcripts to enable productive and rapid effector functions. We also demonstrate that successful lineage commitment does not translate into productive effector functions in the absence of IL-1R signaling. Acute abrogation of IL-1R signaling in vivo results in reduced IL-17A production by intestinal Th17 cells. These results extend the role of innate cytokines beyond CD4 T cell priming and establish IL-1 as a licensing signal for memory CD4 T cell function. CD4 T cell polarizations and functions are regulated by cytokines from innate cells. Here the authors show that IL-1 deficiency does not impair the differentiation of Th1, Th2 and Th17, but IL-1 signaling is required for maintaining the expressions of their respective key cytokines to ‘license’ the functions of these T cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakanksha Jain
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Ran Song
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Edward K Wakeland
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Chandrashekhar Pasare
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA. .,Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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56
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Regulation of H3K4me3 at Transcriptional Enhancers Characterizes Acquisition of Virus-Specific CD8 + T Cell-Lineage-Specific Function. Cell Rep 2018; 21:3624-3636. [PMID: 29262339 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.11.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection triggers large-scale changes in the phenotype and function of T cells that are critical for immune clearance, yet the gene regulatory mechanisms that control these changes are largely unknown. Using ChIP-seq for specific histone post-translational modifications (PTMs), we mapped the dynamics of ∼25,000 putative CD8+ T cell transcriptional enhancers (TEs) differentially utilized during virus-specific T cell differentiation. Interestingly, we identified a subset of dynamically regulated TEs that exhibited acquisition of a non-canonical (H3K4me3+) chromatin signature upon differentiation. This unique TE subset exhibited characteristics of poised enhancers in the naive CD8+ T cell subset and demonstrated enrichment for transcription factor binding motifs known to be important for virus-specific CD8+ T cell differentiation. These data provide insights into the establishment and maintenance of the gene transcription profiles that define each stage of virus-specific T cell differentiation.
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57
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Russell‐Hallinan A, Watson CJ, Baugh JA. Epigenetics of Aberrant Cardiac Wound Healing. Compr Physiol 2018; 8:451-491. [DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c170029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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58
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Tumes DJ, Papadopoulos M, Endo Y, Onodera A, Hirahara K, Nakayama T. Epigenetic regulation of T-helper cell differentiation, memory, and plasticity in allergic asthma. Immunol Rev 2018; 278:8-19. [PMID: 28658556 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 300 million people currently suffer from asthma, which causes approximately 250 000 deaths a year. Allergen-specific T-helper (Th) cells produce cytokines that induce many of the hallmark features of asthma including airways hyperreactivity, eosinophilic and neutrophilic inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and airway remodeling. Cytokine-producing Th subsets including Th1 (IFN-γ), Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), Th9 (IL-9), Th17 (IL-17), Th22 (IL-22), and T regulatory (IL-10) cells have all been suggested to play a role in the development of asthma. Th differentiation involves genetic regulation of gene expression through the concerted action of cytokines, transcription factors, and epigenetic regulators. We describe how Th differentiation and plasticity is regulated by epigenetic histone and DNA modifications, with a focus on the regulation of histone methylation by members of the polycomb and trithorax complexes. In addition, we outline environmental influences that could influence epigenetic regulation of Th cells and discuss the potential to regulate Th plasticity and function through drugs targeting the epigenetic machinery. It is also becoming apparent that epigenetic regulation of allergen-specific memory Th cells may be important in the development and persistence of chronic allergies. Finally, we describe how epigenetic modifiers regulate cytokine memory in Th cells and describe recently identified hybrid, plastic, and pathogenic memory Th subsets the context of allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon J Tumes
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Yusuke Endo
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Atsushi Onodera
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Hirahara
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Toshinori Nakayama
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.,AMED-CREST, AMED, Chiba, Japan
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59
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Fonseca W, Lukacs NW, Ptaschinski C. Factors Affecting the Immunity to Respiratory Syncytial Virus: From Epigenetics to Microbiome. Front Immunol 2018. [PMID: 29515570 PMCID: PMC5825926 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common pathogen that infects virtually all children by 2 years of age and is the leading cause of hospitalization of infants worldwide. While most children experience mild symptoms, some children progress to severe lower respiratory tract infection. Those children with severe disease have a much higher risk of developing childhood wheezing later in life. Many risk factors are known to result in exacerbated disease, including premature birth and early age of RSV infection, when the immune system is relatively immature. The development of the immune system before and after birth may be altered by several extrinsic and intrinsic factors that could lead to severe disease predisposition in children who do not exhibit any currently known risk factors. Recently, the role of the microbiome and the resulting metabolite profile has been an area of intense study in the development of lung disease, including viral infection and asthma. This review explores both known risk factors that can lead to severe RSV-induced disease as well as emerging topics in the development of immunity to RSV and the long-term consequences of severe infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Fonseca
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Nicholas W Lukacs
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,University of Michigan, Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Catherine Ptaschinski
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,University of Michigan, Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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60
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Jasiulionis MG. Abnormal Epigenetic Regulation of Immune System during Aging. Front Immunol 2018; 9:197. [PMID: 29483913 PMCID: PMC5816044 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to the study of mechanisms controlling the chromatin structure, which has fundamental role in the regulation of gene expression and genome stability. Epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, are established during embryonic development and epigenetic profiles are stably inherited during mitosis, ensuring cell differentiation and fate. Under the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as metabolic profile, hormones, nutrition, drugs, smoke, and stress, epigenetic marks are actively modulated. In this sense, the lifestyle may affect significantly the epigenome, and as a result, the gene expression profile and cell function. Epigenetic alterations are a hallmark of aging and diseases, such as cancer. Among biological systems compromised with aging is the decline of immune response. Different regulators of immune response have their promoters and enhancers susceptible to the modulation by epigenetic marks, which is fundamental to the differentiation and function of immune cells. Consistent evidence has showed the regulation of innate immune cells, and T and B lymphocytes by epigenetic mechanisms. Therefore, age-dependent alterations in epigenetic marks may result in the decline of immune function and this might contribute to the increased incidence of diseases in old people. In order to maintain health, we need to better understand how to avoid epigenetic alterations related to immune aging. In this review, the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to the loss of immune function during aging will be discussed, and the promise of new means of disease prevention and management will be pointed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam G Jasiulionis
- Laboratory of Ontogeny and Epigenetics, Pharmacology Department, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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61
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Yao Y, Li H, Ding J, Xia Y, Wang L. Progesterone impairs antigen-non-specific immune protection by CD8 T memory cells via interferon-γ gene hypermethylation. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006736. [PMID: 29155896 PMCID: PMC5714395 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women and animals have increased susceptibility to a variety of intracellular pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes (LM), which has been associated with significantly increased level of sex hormones such as progesterone. CD8 T memory(Tm) cell-mediated antigen-non-specific IFN-γ responses are critically required in the host defense against LM. However, whether and how increased progesterone during pregnancy modulates CD8 Tm cell-mediated antigen-non-specific IFN-γ production and immune protection against LM remain poorly understood. Here we show in pregnant women that increased serum progesterone levels are associated with DNA hypermethylation of IFN-γ gene promoter region and decreased IFN-γ production in CD8 Tm cells upon antigen-non-specific stimulation ex vivo. Moreover, IFN-γ gene hypermethylation and significantly reduced IFN-γ production post LM infection in antigen-non-specific CD8 Tm cells are also observed in pregnant mice or progesterone treated non-pregnant female mice, which is a reversible phenotype following demethylation treatment. Importantly, antigen-non-specific CD8 Tm cells from progesterone treated mice have impaired anti-LM protection when adoptive transferred in either pregnant wild type mice or IFN-γ-deficient mice, and demethylation treatment rescues the adoptive protection of such CD8 Tm cells. These data demonstrate that increased progesterone impairs immune protective functions of antigen-non-specific CD8 Tm cells via inducing IFN-γ gene hypermethylation. Our findings thus provide insights into a new mechanism through which increased female sex hormone regulate CD8 Tm cell functions during pregnancy. Increased female sex hormones during pregnancy generate a temporary immune suppression status in the pregnant that protect the developing fetus from maternal rejection but renders the pregnant highly susceptible to various pathogens. However, molecular mechanisms underlying such an increased maternal susceptibility to pathogens during pregnancy remain to be further understood. Here we show in pregnant women that increased progesterone levels are associated with IFN-γ gene hypermethylation and reduced IFN-γ production in peripheral CD8 Tm cells. By using murine models of LM infection, for the first time we show a causal relationship between increased level of progesterone, a characteristic female sex hormone of pregnancy, and increased susceptibility to Listeria monocytogenes, an intracellular bacterium that endangers both the pregnant and the fetus. Such an impact on anti-listeria host defense is mediated through progesterone-induced IFN-γ gene hypermethylation in CD8 Tm cells, resulting in impaired IFN-γ production and reduced immune protection by antigen-non-specific CD8 Tm cells. This study provides new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying the increased susceptibility to intracellular pathogens during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushi Yao
- McMaster Immunology Research Center, Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Department of Hematology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yixin Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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62
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Kasahara H, Kondo T, Nakatsukasa H, Chikuma S, Ito M, Ando M, Kurebayashi Y, Sekiya T, Yamada T, Okamoto S, Yoshimura A. Generation of allo-antigen-specific induced Treg stabilized by vitamin C treatment and its application for prevention of acute graft versus host disease model. Int Immunol 2017; 29:457-469. [DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxx060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Kasahara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taisuke Kondo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Nakatsukasa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Chikuma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minako Ito
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Ando
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kurebayashi
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Sekiya
- Department of Immune Regulation, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Japan
| | - Taketo Yamada
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical University, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Okamoto
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yoshimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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63
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Shosaku J. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of senescence in repetitively infected memory cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Immunology 2017; 153:253-267. [PMID: 28898397 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system including antigen-specific CD8 T cells, which are cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), can acquire the potential for more effective elimination of the pathogen at re-infection. As memory CTLs could exert protective immunity after the next response, we aimed to elucidate the substantial change of repetitively infected memory CTLs. Currently, DNA methylation status in repetitively infected memory CTLs is unknown, so we performed next-generation sequencing to evaluate methylation status and transcriptional regulation of naive, primary and secondary memory CD8 T cells on the basis of transcription start sites (TSS). Notably, total CpG sites in the entire regions of all genes were significantly unmethylated in primary memory CTLs (young memory CTLs) and even more unmethylated in secondary memory CTLs (old memory CTLs). However, total proximal regions from TSS, which cover transcriptional promoters, were steadily methylated with repeated infections. In contrast, distal regions from TSS, which are the majority of entire regions and include transcriptional enhancers, were extensively unmethylated by infections. In association between transcriptional and methylation changes, accompanied by genes characteristic of the immune response, natural killer cell signature genes, known to be expressed in senescent CD8 T cells, were transcriptionally up-regulated and unmethylated in young memory CTLs, and more so in old memory CTLs, whereas ribosomal proteins were transcriptionally down-regulated and methylated in proximal region from the TSS by infections. Our results suggest that epigenetically augmented enhancers and suppressed promoters, which could consequently lead to global decline of transcription and translation, could represent the senescence of memory CTLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Shosaku
- Department of Molecular Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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64
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Genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptome analyses reveal genes involved in immune responses of pig peripheral blood mononuclear cells to poly I:C. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9709. [PMID: 28852164 PMCID: PMC5575306 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10648-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation changes play essential roles in regulating the activities of genes involved in immune responses. Understanding of variable DNA methylation linked to immune responses may contribute to identifying biologically promising epigenetic markers for pathogenesis of diseases. Here, we generated genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptomic profiles of six pairs of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid-treated pig peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples and corresponding controls using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing. Comparative methylome analyses identified 5,827 differentially methylated regions and 615 genes showing differential expression between the two groups. Integrative analyses revealed inverse associations between DNA methylation around transcriptional start site and gene expression levels. Furthermore, 70 differentially methylated and expressed genes were identified such as TNFRSF9, IDO1 and EBI3. Functional annotation revealed the enriched categories including positive regulation of immune system process and regulation of leukocyte activation. These findings demonstrated DNA methylation changes occurring in immune responses of PBMCs to poly I:C stimulation and a subset of genes potentially regulated by DNA methylation in the immune responses. The PBMC DNA methylome provides an epigenetic overview of this physiological system in response to viral infection, and we expect it to constitute a valuable resource for future epigenetic epidemiology studies in pigs.
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65
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Common variants of T-cells contribute differently to phenotypic variation in sarcoidosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5623. [PMID: 28717140 PMCID: PMC5514043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05754-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The involvement of the immune system, particularly the role of T-cells, in sarcoidosis is unclear. The existence of higher CD4+ T-cells and increased CD4/CD8 ratio may indicate a pathogenic role of T-cells in the disease. In this study, we quantified the contribution of T-cells associated variants and of CD4/CD8 ratio in sarcoidosis phenotypes, Löfgren’s syndrome (LS) and non- Löfgren’s syndrome (non-LS). We employed a polygenic-based approach using genome-wide association studies results on relative levels of T-cells in healthy individuals to measure the genetic contribution of T-cells in sarcoidosis entities. Results revealed that the genetic architecture of LS is highly influenced by genetic variants associated with CD8+ T-cells and CD4/CD8 ratio, explaining up to 7.94% and 6.49% of LS variation, respectively; whereas, the genetic architecture of non-LS is minimally influenced by T-cells, explaining a phenotypic variation of <1%. Moreover, pleiotropy assessment between T-cells and LS/non-LS associated-variants led to the discovery of highly scored pathway maps that shared common factors related to antigen presentation and T-cell regulatory mechanisms. Differences in significant polygenic scores, presence of pleiotropy, and distinct genetic factors provide further insights on how genetic variants and genes associated with relative levels of T-cell subtypes contribute differently to sarcoidosis phenotypes.
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66
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Wang CM, Chang CB, Chan MW, Wen ZH, Wu SF. Dust mite allergen-specific immunotherapy increases IL4 DNA methylation and induces Der p-specific T cell tolerance in children with allergic asthma. Cell Mol Immunol 2017; 15:963-972. [PMID: 28603280 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2017.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Revised: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergen-SIT) is a highly effective treatment for children with allergic asthma (AA), an immune-mediated chronic disease leading to bronchial muscle hypertrophy and airway obstruction in response to specific allergens. T helper cells and secreted cytokines play important roles in the pathogenesis of asthma, and epigenetic modulation controls genes important for T cell development and cytokine expression. This study evaluated T helper cell-secreted cytokines and DNA methylation patterns in children treated with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) allergen-SIT. Our results showed that after Der p challenge, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the SIT group, compared with the non-SIT AA group, produced lower levels of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-2. The SIT group, compared with the AA group, exhibited decreased sensitivity to the Der p allergen, concurrent with IL-4 down-modulation due to increased promoter DNA methylation, as estimated in PBMCs. Our results showed that SIT decreased IL-4 and IL-5, and inhibited T cell proliferation, by inhibiting IL-2 production after the specific allergen challenge. These results suggest that decreased IL-2 production and increased IL-4 cytokine promoter methylation is a potential mechanism of Der p-specific allergen desensitization immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang-Ming Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, 60002, Chia-Yi, Taiwan, China.,Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, 61363, Chia-Yi, Taiwan, China
| | - Chia-Bin Chang
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung-Cheng University, 62102, Chia-Yi, Taiwan, China
| | - Michael Wy Chan
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung-Cheng University, 62102, Chia-Yi, Taiwan, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Wen
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, Asia-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-Sen University, 80424, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, China
| | - Shu-Fen Wu
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung-Cheng University, 62102, Chia-Yi, Taiwan, China.
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67
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Mazzone R, Zwergel C, Mai A, Valente S. Epi-drugs in combination with immunotherapy: a new avenue to improve anticancer efficacy. Clin Epigenetics 2017; 9:59. [PMID: 28572863 PMCID: PMC5450222 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-017-0358-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint factors, such as programmed cell death protein-1/2 (PD-1, PD-2) or cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) receptors, are targets for monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) developed for cancer immunotherapy. Indeed, modulating immune inhibitory pathways has been considered an important breakthrough in cancer treatment. Although immune checkpoint blockade therapy used to treat malignant diseases has provided promising results, both solid and haematological malignancies develop mechanisms that enable themselves to evade the host immune system. To overcome some major limitations and ensure safety in patients, recent strategies have shown that combining epigenetic modulators, such as inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACi) or DNA methyltransferases (DNMTi), with immunotherapeutics can be useful. Preclinical data generated using mouse models strongly support the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approaches. Indeed, co-treatment with pan- or class I-selective HDACi or DNMTi improved beneficial outcomes in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Based on the evidence of a pivotal role for HDACi and DNMTi in modulating various components belonging to the immune system, recent clinical trials have shown that both HDACi and DNMTi strongly augmented response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in different tumour types. This review describes the current strategies to increase immunotherapy responses, the effects of HDACi and DNMTi on immune modulation, and the advantages of combinatorial therapy over single-drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Mazzone
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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68
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Singh R, Miao T, Symonds ALJ, Omodho B, Li S, Wang P. Egr2 and 3 Inhibit T-bet-Mediated IFN-γ Production in T Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 198:4394-4402. [PMID: 28455436 PMCID: PMC5439026 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1602010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
T-bet is important for differentiation of cytotoxic CD8 and Th1 CD4 T cells. We have discovered that Egr2 and 3 are potent inhibitors of T-bet function in CD4 and CD8 effector T cells. Egr2 and 3 were essential to suppress Th1 differentiation in Th2 and Th17 conditions in vitro and also to control IFN-γ–producing CD4 and CD8 T cells in response to virus infection. Together with Egr2 and 3, T-bet is induced in naive T cells by Ag stimulation, but Egr2 and 3 expression was inhibited by Th1–inducing cytokines. We found that Egr2 and 3 physically interact with the T-box domain of T-bet, blocking T-bet DNA binding and inhibiting T-bet–mediated production of IFN-γ. Thus, Egr2 and 3 are antagonists of T-bet function in effector T cells and are important for the control of inflammatory responses of T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randeep Singh
- The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom; and.,Bioscience, Brunel University London, London UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
| | - Tizong Miao
- The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom; and
| | - Alistair L J Symonds
- The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom; and
| | - Becky Omodho
- Bioscience, Brunel University London, London UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
| | - Suling Li
- Bioscience, Brunel University London, London UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
| | - Ping Wang
- The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom; and
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69
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Hedrich CM, Mäbert K, Rauen T, Tsokos GC. DNA methylation in systemic lupus erythematosus. Epigenomics 2017; 9:505-525. [PMID: 27885845 PMCID: PMC6040049 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease facilitated by aberrant immune responses directed against cells and tissues, resulting in inflammation and organ damage. In the majority of patients, genetic predisposition is accompanied by additional factors conferring disease expression. While the exact molecular mechanisms remain elusive, epigenetic alterations in immune cells have been demonstrated to play a key role in disease pathogenesis through the dysregulation of gene expression. Since epigenetic marks are dynamic, allowing cells and tissues to differentiate and adjust, they can be influenced by environmental factors and also be targeted in therapeutic interventions. Here, we summarize reports on DNA methylation patterns in SLE, underlying molecular defects and their effect on immune cell function. We discuss the potential of DNA methylation as biomarker or therapeutic target in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M Hedrich
- Pediatric Rheumatology & Immunology, Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katrin Mäbert
- Pediatric Rheumatology & Immunology, Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Rauen
- Department of Nephrology & Clinical Immunology, RWTH University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - George C Tsokos
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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70
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Potaczek DP, Harb H, Michel S, Alhamwe BA, Renz H, Tost J. Epigenetics and allergy: from basic mechanisms to clinical applications. Epigenomics 2017; 9:539-571. [PMID: 28322581 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Allergic diseases are on the rise in the Western world and well-known allergy-protecting and -driving factors such as microbial and dietary exposure, pollution and smoking mediate their influence through alterations of the epigenetic landscape. Here, we review key facts on the involvement of epigenetic modifications in allergic diseases and summarize and critically evaluate the lessons learned from epigenome-wide association studies. We show the potential of epigenetic changes for various clinical applications: as diagnostic tools, to assess tolerance following immunotherapy or possibly predict the success of therapy at an early time point. Furthermore, new technological advances such as epigenome editing and DNAzymes will allow targeted alterations of the epigenome in the future and provide novel therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Potaczek
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,International Inflammation (in-FLAME) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN).,German Centre for Lung Research (DZL).,John Paul II Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Hani Harb
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,International Inflammation (in-FLAME) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN).,German Centre for Lung Research (DZL)
| | - Sven Michel
- Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co KG, Planegg, Germany
| | - Bilal Alashkar Alhamwe
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Harald Renz
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,International Inflammation (in-FLAME) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN).,German Centre for Lung Research (DZL)
| | - Jörg Tost
- Laboratory for Epigenetics & Environment, Centre National de Génotypage, CEA-Institut de Génomique, Evry, France
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71
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Soderquest K, Hertweck A, Giambartolomei C, Henderson S, Mohamed R, Goldberg R, Perucha E, Franke L, Herrero J, Plagnol V, Jenner RG, Lord GM. Genetic variants alter T-bet binding and gene expression in mucosal inflammatory disease. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006587. [PMID: 28187197 PMCID: PMC5328407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The polarization of CD4+ T cells into distinct T helper cell lineages is essential for protective immunity against infection, but aberrant T cell polarization can cause autoimmunity. The transcription factor T-bet (TBX21) specifies the Th1 lineage and represses alternative T cell fates. Genome-wide association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may be causative for autoimmune diseases. The majority of these polymorphisms are located within non-coding distal regulatory elements. It is considered that these genetic variants contribute to disease by altering the binding of regulatory proteins and thus gene expression, but whether these variants alter the binding of lineage-specifying transcription factors has not been determined. Here, we show that SNPs associated with the mucosal inflammatory diseases Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis (UC) and celiac disease, but not rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, are enriched at T-bet binding sites. Furthermore, we identify disease-associated variants that alter T-bet binding in vitro and in vivo. ChIP-seq for T-bet in individuals heterozygous for the celiac disease-associated SNPs rs1465321 and rs2058622 and the IBD-associated SNPs rs1551398 and rs1551399, reveals decreased binding to the minor disease-associated alleles. Furthermore, we show that rs1465321 is an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) for the neighboring gene IL18RAP, with decreased T-bet binding associated with decreased expression of this gene. These results suggest that genetic polymorphisms may predispose individuals to mucosal autoimmune disease through alterations in T-bet binding. Other disease-associated variants may similarly act by modulating the binding of lineage-specifying transcription factors in a tissue-selective and disease-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Soderquest
- Department of Experimental Immunobiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital and King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Arnulf Hertweck
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Stephen Henderson
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rami Mohamed
- Department of Experimental Immunobiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital and King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rimma Goldberg
- Department of Experimental Immunobiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital and King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Esperanza Perucha
- Department of Experimental Immunobiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lude Franke
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Javier Herrero
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vincent Plagnol
- UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard G. Jenner
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham M. Lord
- Department of Experimental Immunobiology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital and King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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72
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Roles of SMC Complexes During T Lymphocyte Development and Function. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2017; 106:17-42. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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73
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Raghuraman S, Donkin I, Versteyhe S, Barrès R, Simar D. The Emerging Role of Epigenetics in Inflammation and Immunometabolism. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2016; 27:782-795. [PMID: 27444065 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent research developments have shed light on the risk factors contributing to metabolic complications, implicating both genetic and environmental factors, potentially integrated by epigenetic mechanisms. Distinct epigenetic changes in immune cells are frequently observed in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and these are associated with alterations in the phenotype, function, and trafficking patterns of these cells. The first step in the development of effective therapeutic strategies is the identification of distinct epigenetic signatures associated with metabolic disorders. In this review we provide an overview of the epigenetic mechanisms influencing immune cell phenotype and function, summarize current knowledge about epigenetic changes affecting immune functions in the context of metabolic diseases, and discuss the therapeutic options currently available to counteract epigenetically driven metabolic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Raghuraman
- Inflammation and Infection Research, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ida Donkin
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Soetkin Versteyhe
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Romain Barrès
- Inflammation and Infection Research, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Simar
- Inflammation and Infection Research, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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74
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Crystal structure of the DNA binding domain of the transcription factor T-bet suggests simultaneous recognition of distant genome sites. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E6572-E6581. [PMID: 27791029 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1613914113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor T-bet (Tbox protein expressed in T cells) is one of the master regulators of both the innate and adaptive immune responses. It plays a central role in T-cell lineage commitment, where it controls the TH1 response, and in gene regulation in plasma B-cells and dendritic cells. T-bet is a member of the Tbox family of transcription factors; however, T-bet coordinately regulates the expression of many more genes than other Tbox proteins. A central unresolved question is how T-bet is able to simultaneously recognize distant Tbox binding sites, which may be located thousands of base pairs away. We have determined the crystal structure of the Tbox DNA binding domain (DBD) of T-bet in complex with a palindromic DNA. The structure shows a quaternary structure in which the T-bet dimer has its DNA binding regions splayed far apart, making it impossible for a single dimer to bind both sites of the DNA palindrome. In contrast to most other Tbox proteins, a single T-bet DBD dimer binds simultaneously to identical half-sites on two independent DNA. A fluorescence-based assay confirms that T-bet dimers are able to bring two independent DNA molecules into close juxtaposition. Furthermore, chromosome conformation capture assays confirm that T-bet functions in the direct formation of chromatin loops in vitro and in vivo. The data are consistent with a looping/synapsing model for transcriptional regulation by T-bet in which a single dimer of the transcription factor can recognize and coalesce distinct genetic elements, either a promoter plus a distant regulatory element, or promoters on two different genes.
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75
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Ni J, Hölsken O, Miller M, Hammer Q, Luetke-Eversloh M, Romagnani C, Cerwenka A. Adoptively transferred natural killer cells maintain long-term antitumor activity by epigenetic imprinting and CD4 + T cell help. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1219009. [PMID: 27757318 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1219009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell infusions can induce remissions in subsets of patients with different types of cancer. The optimal strategies for NK cell activation prior to infusion are still under debate. There is recent evidence that NK cells can acquire long-term functional competence by preactivation with the cytokines IL-12/15/18. The mechanisms supporting the maintenance of long-term NK cell antitumor activity are incompletely under-stood. Here, we show that NK cells preactivated in vitro with IL-12/15/18, but not with IL-15 alone, maintained high antitumor activity even 1 mo after transfer into lymphopenic RAG-2-/-γc-/- mice. The NK cell intrinsic ability for IFNγ production coincided with demethylation of the conserved non-coding sequence (CNS) 1 in the Ifng locus, previously shown to enhance transcription of Ifng. In a xenograft melanoma mouse model, human IL-12/15/18-preactivated NK cells rejected tumors more efficiently. In RAG-2-/-γc-/- mice, co-transfer of CD4+ T cells further improved the long-term competence of NK cells for IFNγ production that was dependent on IL-2. CD4+ T cell activation during homeostatic proliferation required macrophages and further promoted the long-term NK cell antitumor activity. Thus, NK cells can "remember" a previous exposure to cytokines by epigenetic imprinting resulting in a remarkable stability of the IFNγ-producing phenotype after adoptive transfer. In addition, our results support combination of cytokine-preactivated NK cells with CD4+ T cell activation upon lymphopenic conditioning to achieve long-term NK cell effector function for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ni
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Research Group Innate Immunity , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Hölsken
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Research Group Innate Immunity , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Miller
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Research Group Innate Immunity , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Quirin Hammer
- Innate Immunity, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum - A Leibniz Institute , Berlin, Germany
| | - Merlin Luetke-Eversloh
- Innate Immunity, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum - A Leibniz Institute , Berlin, Germany
| | - Chiara Romagnani
- Innate Immunity, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum - A Leibniz Institute , Berlin, Germany
| | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Research Group Innate Immunity , Heidelberg, Germany
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76
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Fu H, Ward EJ, Marelli-Berg FM. Mechanisms of T cell organotropism. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:3009-33. [PMID: 27038487 PMCID: PMC4951510 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2211-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Protective immunity relies upon T cell differentiation and subsequent migration to target tissues. Similarly, immune homeostasis requires the localization of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to the sites where immunity takes place. While naïve T lymphocytes recirculate predominantly in secondary lymphoid tissue, primed T cells and activated Tregs must traffic to the antigen rich non-lymphoid tissue to exert effector and regulatory responses, respectively. Following priming in draining lymph nodes, T cells acquire the 'homing receptors' to facilitate their access to specific tissues and organs. An additional level of topographic specificity is provided by T cells receptor recognition of antigen displayed by the endothelium. Furthermore, co-stimulatory signals (such as those induced by CD28) have been shown not only to regulate T cell activation and differentiation, but also to orchestrate the anatomy of the ensuing T cell response. We here review the molecular mechanisms supporting trafficking of both effector and regulatory T cells to specific antigen-rich tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Fu
- William Harvey Research Institute, Heart Centre, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Eleanor Jayne Ward
- William Harvey Research Institute, Heart Centre, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Federica M Marelli-Berg
- William Harvey Research Institute, Heart Centre, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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77
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Yun SJ, Jun KJ, Komori K, Lee MJ, Kwon MH, Chwae YJ, Kim K, Shin HJ, Park S. The regulation of TIM-3 transcription in T cells involves c-Jun binding but not CpG methylation at the TIM-3 promoter. Mol Immunol 2016; 75:60-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2016.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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78
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Abstract
Pyrosequencing is a technique that uses a sequencing-by-synthesis system which is designed to quantify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Artificial C/T SNP creation via bisulfite modification permits measurement of DNA methylation locally and globally in real time. Alteration in DNA methylation has been implicated in aging, as well as aging-related conditions such as cancer, as well as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and autoimmune diseases. Considering its ubiquitous presence in divergent clinical pathologies, quantitative analysis of DNA CpG methylation both globally and at individual genes helps to elucidate the regulation of genes involved in pathophysiological conditions. The ability to detect and quantify the methylation pattern of DNA has the potential to serve as an early detection marker and potential drug target for several diseases. Here, we provide a detailed technical protocol for pyrosequencing supplemented by critical information about assay design and nuances of the system that provides a strong foundation for beginners in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Delaney
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Sanjay K Garg
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Raymond Yung
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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79
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Hertweck A, Evans CM, Eskandarpour M, Lau JCH, Oleinika K, Jackson I, Kelly A, Ambrose J, Adamson P, Cousins DJ, Lavender P, Calder VL, Lord GM, Jenner RG. T-bet Activates Th1 Genes through Mediator and the Super Elongation Complex. Cell Rep 2016; 15:2756-70. [PMID: 27292648 PMCID: PMC4920892 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor T-bet directs Th1 cell differentiation, but the molecular mechanisms that underlie this lineage-specific gene regulation are not completely understood. Here, we show that T-bet acts through enhancers to allow the recruitment of Mediator and P-TEFb in the form of the super elongation complex (SEC). Th1 genes are occupied by H3K4me3 and RNA polymerase II in Th2 cells, while T-bet-mediated recruitment of P-TEFb in Th1 cells activates transcriptional elongation. P-TEFb is recruited to both genes and enhancers, where it activates enhancer RNA transcription. P-TEFb inhibition and Mediator and SEC knockdown selectively block activation of T-bet target genes, and P-TEFb inhibition abrogates Th1-associated experimental autoimmune uveitis. T-bet activity is independent of changes in NF-κB RelA and Brd4 binding, with T-bet- and NF-κB-mediated pathways instead converging to allow P-TEFb recruitment. These data provide insight into the mechanism through which lineage-specifying factors promote differentiation of alternative T cell fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnulf Hertweck
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, W1T 4JF London, UK; Department of Experimental Immunobiology and NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital and King's College London, SE1 9RT London, UK
| | - Catherine M Evans
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, W1T 4JF London, UK
| | - Malihe Eskandarpour
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, EC1V 9EL London, UK
| | - Jonathan C H Lau
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, W1T 4JF London, UK
| | - Kristine Oleinika
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, W1T 4JF London, UK
| | - Ian Jackson
- Department of Experimental Immunobiology and NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital and King's College London, SE1 9RT London, UK
| | - Audrey Kelly
- Department of Asthma, Allergy, and Respiratory Science, King's College London, SE1 9RT London, UK
| | - John Ambrose
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, W1T 4JF London, UK
| | - Peter Adamson
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, EC1V 9EL London, UK
| | - David J Cousins
- Department of Asthma, Allergy, and Respiratory Science, King's College London, SE1 9RT London, UK; Leicester Institute for Lung Health and Department of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, NIHR Leicester Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, University of Leicester, LE3 9QP Leicester, UK
| | - Paul Lavender
- Department of Asthma, Allergy, and Respiratory Science, King's College London, SE1 9RT London, UK
| | - Virginia L Calder
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, EC1V 9EL London, UK
| | - Graham M Lord
- Department of Experimental Immunobiology and NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital and King's College London, SE1 9RT London, UK.
| | - Richard G Jenner
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, W1T 4JF London, UK.
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80
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Chauhan AK. Human CD4(+) T-Cells: A Role for Low-Affinity Fc Receptors. Front Immunol 2016; 7:215. [PMID: 27313579 PMCID: PMC4887501 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Both lymphoid and myeloid cells express Fc receptors (FcRs). Low-affinity FcRs engage circulating immune complexes, which results in the cellular activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. FcRs participate in the internalization, transport, and/or recycling of antibodies and antigens. Cytosolic FcRs also route these proteins to proteasomes and antigen-presentation pathways. Non-activated CD4(+) T-cells do not express FcRs. Once activated, naive CD4(+) T-cells express FcγRIIIa, which, upon IC ligation, provide a costimulatory signal for the differentiation of these cells into effector cell population. FcγRIIIa present on CD4(+) T-cell membrane could internalize nucleic acid-containing ICs and elicit a cross-talk with toll-like receptors. FcγRIIIa common γ-chain forms a heterodimer with the ζ-chain of T-cell receptor complex, suggesting a synergistic role for these receptors. This review first summarizes our current understanding of FcRs on CD4(+) T-cells. Thereafter, I will attempt to correlate the findings from the recent literature on FcRs and propose a role for these receptors in modulating adaptive immune responses via TLR signaling, nucleic acid sensing, and epigenetic changes in CD4(+) T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil K Chauhan
- Division of Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine , St. Louis, MO , USA
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81
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Park JH, Choi Y, Song MJ, Park K, Lee JJ, Kim HP. Dynamic Long-Range Chromatin Interaction Controls Expression of IL-21 in CD4+ T Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2016; 196:4378-89. [PMID: 27067007 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1500636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
IL-21, a pleiotropic cytokine strongly linked with autoimmunity and inflammation, regulates diverse immune responses. IL-21 can be potently induced in CD4(+) T cells by IL-6; however, very little is known about the mechanisms underlying the transcriptional regulation of the Il21 gene at the chromatin level. In this study, we demonstrated that a conserved noncoding sequence located 49 kb upstream of the Il21 gene contains an enhancer element that can upregulate Il21 gene expression in a STAT3- and NFAT-dependent manner. Additionally, we identified enhancer-blocking insulator elements in the Il21 locus, which constitutively bind CTCF and cohesin. In naive CD4(+) T cells, these upstream and downstream CTCF binding sites interact with each other to make a DNA loop; however, the Il21 promoter does not interact with any cis-elements in the Il21 locus. In contrast, stimulation of CD4(+) T cells with IL-6 leads to recruitment of STAT3 to the promoter and novel distal enhancer region. This induces dynamic changes in chromatin configuration, bringing the promoter and the regulatory elements in close spatial proximity. The long-range interaction between the promoter and distal enhancer region was dependent on IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway but was disrupted in regulatory T cells, where IL-21 expression was repressed. Thus, our work uncovers a novel topological chromatin framework underlying proper transcriptional regulation of the Il21 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Hong Park
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea; and
| | - Yeeun Choi
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea; and Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea
| | - Min-Ji Song
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea; and
| | - Keunhee Park
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea; and
| | - Jong-Joo Lee
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea; and Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea
| | - Hyoung-Pyo Kim
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea; and Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea
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82
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van Rensburg IC, Loxton AG. Transcriptomics: the key to biomarker discovery during tuberculosis? Biomark Med 2016; 9:483-95. [PMID: 25985177 DOI: 10.2217/bmm.15.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis is a global threat affecting millions of people and requires more efficient methods of diagnosis, monitoring treatment response and the development of more efficacious drug therapies and new vaccines. The use of transcriptomic approaches and gene expression techniques have contributed to the elucidation of these aspects concerning the study of tuberculosis, and more specifically, the utilization of transcriptional profiles to identify biomarkers. These markers are the key to developing tools required to improve diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. Several studies have led to the identification of markers able to distinguish between different infection states, as well as other pulmonary diseases. Utilizing a systems biology approach will assist in obtaining more reliable results, leading to the implementation of significant findings.
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83
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Heylen L, Thienpont B, Naesens M, Lambrechts D, Sprangers B. The Emerging Role of DNA Methylation in Kidney Transplantation: A Perspective. Am J Transplant 2016; 16:1070-8. [PMID: 26780242 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Allograft outcome depends on a range of factors, including donor age, the allo-immune response, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and interstitial fibrosis of the allograft. Changes in the epigenome, and in DNA methylation in particular, have been implicated in each of these processes, in either the kidney or other organ systems. This review provides a primer for DNA methylation analyses and a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of current studies, but it is also a perspective for future DNA methylation research in kidney transplantation. We present exciting prospects for leveraging DNA methylation analyses as a tool in kidney biology research, and as a diagnostic or prognostic marker for predicting allograft quality and success. Topics discussed include DNA methylation changes in aging and in response to hypoxia and oxidative stress upon ischemia-reperfusion injury. Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that DNA methylation contributes to organ fibrosis and that systemic DNA methylation alterations correlate with the rate of kidney function decline in patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure. Monitoring or targeting the epigenome could therefore reveal novel therapeutic approaches in transplantation and open up paths to biomarker discovery and targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Heylen
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Translational Genetics, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - B Thienpont
- Laboratory of Translational Genetics, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Naesens
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D Lambrechts
- Laboratory of Translational Genetics, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - B Sprangers
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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84
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Kumar SKM, Bhat BV. Distinct mechanisms of the newborn innate immunity. Immunol Lett 2016; 173:42-54. [PMID: 26994839 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The ontogeny of immunity during early life is of high importance as it shapes the immune system for the entire course of life. The microbiome and the environment contribute to the development of immunity in newborns. As immune responses in newborns are predominantly less experienced they are increasingly susceptible to infections. Though the immune cells in newborns are in 'naïve' state, they have been shown to mount adult-like responses in several circumstances. The innate immunity plays a vital role in providing protection during the neonatal period. Various stimulants have been shown to enhance the potential and functioning of the innate immune cells in newborns. They are biased against the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and this makes them susceptible to wide variety of intracellular pathogens. The adaptive immunity requires prior antigenic experience which is very limited in newborns. This review discusses in detail the characteristics of innate immunity in newborns and the underlying developmental and functional mechanisms involved in the immune response. A better understanding of the immunological milieu in newborns could help the medical fraternity to find novel methods for prevention and treatment of infection in newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kingsley Manoj Kumar
- Department of Neonatology, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry 605006, India.
| | - B Vishnu Bhat
- Department of Neonatology, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry 605006, India.
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85
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Fukuoka N, Harada M, Nishida A, Ito Y, Shiota H, Kataoka T. Eomesodermin promotes interferon-γ expression and binds to multiple conserved noncoding sequences across the Ifng locus in mouse thymoma cell lines. Genes Cells 2016; 21:146-62. [PMID: 26749212 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The T-box transcription factors T-bet and eomesodermin (Eomes) have been shown to regulate the lineage-specific expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ). However, in contrast to T-bet, the role of Eomes in the expression of IFN-γ remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the Eomes-dependent expression of IFN-γ in the mouse thymoma BW5147 and EL4 cells, which do not express T-bet or Eomes. The ectopic expression of Eomes induced BW5147 and EL4 cells to produce IFN-γ in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin (IM). In BW5147 cells, Eomes augmented luciferase activity driven by the Ifng promoter encoding from -2500 to +113 bp; however, it was not increased by a stimulation with PMA and IM. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that Eomes bound to the Ifng promoter and conserved noncoding sequence (CNS) -22 kb across the Ifng locus with high efficacy in BW5147 cells. Moreover, Eomes increased permissive histone modifications in the Ifng promoter and multiple CNSs. The stimulation with PMA and IM greatly augmented Eomes binding to CNS-54, CNS-34, CNS+19 and CNS+30, which was inhibited by FK506. These results indicated that Eomes bound to the Ifng promoter and multiple CNSs in stimulation-dependent and stimulation-independent manners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuki Fukuoka
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Misuzu Harada
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Ai Nishida
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Yuko Ito
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Hideki Shiota
- Center for Biological Resources and Informatics, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8501, Japan
| | - Takao Kataoka
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan.,Center for Biological Resources and Informatics, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8501, Japan
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86
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T Helper Subsets, Peripheral Plasticity, and the Acute Phase Protein, α1-Antitrypsin. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:184574. [PMID: 26583093 PMCID: PMC4637007 DOI: 10.1155/2015/184574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The traditional model of T helper differentiation describes the naïve T cell as choosing one of several subsets upon stimulation and an added reciprocal inhibition aimed at maintaining the chosen subset. However, to date, evidence is mounting to support the presence of subset plasticity. This is, presumably, aimed at fine-tuning adaptive immune responses according to local signals. Reprograming of cell phenotype is made possible by changes in activation of master transcription factors, employing epigenetic modifications that preserve a flexible mode, permitting a shift between activation and silencing of genes. The acute phase response represents an example of peripheral changes that are critical in modulating T cell responses. α1-antitrypsin (AAT) belongs to the acute phase responses and has recently surfaced as a tolerogenic agent in the context of adaptive immune responses. Nonetheless, AAT does not inhibit T cell responses, nor does it shutdown inflammation per se; rather, it appears that AAT targets non-T cell immunocytes towards changing the cytokine environment of T cells, thus promoting a regulatory T cell profile. The present review focuses on this intriguing two-way communication between innate and adaptive entities, a crosstalk that holds important implications on potential therapies for a multitude of immune disorders.
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87
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Rodriguez RM, Lopez-Larrea C, Suarez-Alvarez B. Epigenetic dynamics during CD4+ T cells lineage commitment. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 67:75-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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88
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Waugh KA, Leach SM, Slansky JE. Targeting Transcriptional Regulators of CD8+ T Cell Dysfunction to Boost Anti-Tumor Immunity. Vaccines (Basel) 2015; 3:771-802. [PMID: 26393659 PMCID: PMC4586477 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines3030771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription is a dynamic process influenced by the cellular environment: healthy, transformed, and otherwise. Genome-wide mRNA expression profiles reflect the collective impact of pathways modulating cell function under different conditions. In this review we focus on the transcriptional pathways that control tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cell (TIL) function. Simultaneous restraint of overlapping inhibitory pathways may confer TIL resistance to multiple mechanisms of suppression traditionally referred to as exhaustion, tolerance, or anergy. Although decades of work have laid a solid foundation of altered transcriptional networks underlying various subsets of hypofunctional or “dysfunctional” CD8+ T cells, an understanding of the relevance in TIL has just begun. With recent technological advances, it is now feasible to further elucidate and utilize these pathways in immunotherapy platforms that seek to increase TIL function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Waugh
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Mail Stop 8333, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Sonia M Leach
- Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
| | - Jill E Slansky
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12800 East 19th Avenue, Mail Stop 8333, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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89
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Jaigirdar SA, MacLeod MKL. Development and Function of Protective and Pathologic Memory CD4 T Cells. Front Immunol 2015; 6:456. [PMID: 26441961 PMCID: PMC4561815 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunological memory is one of the defining features of the adaptive immune system. As key orchestrators and mediators of immunity, CD4 T cells are central to the vast majority of adaptive immune responses. Generated following an immune response, memory CD4 T cells retain pertinent information about their activation environment enabling them to make rapid effector responses upon reactivation. These responses can either benefit the host by hastening the control of pathogens or cause damaging immunopathology. Here, we will discuss the diversity of the memory CD4 T cell pool, the signals that influence the transition of activated T cells into that pool, and highlight how activation requirements differ between naïve and memory CD4 T cells. A greater understanding of these factors has the potential to aid the design of more effective vaccines and to improve regulation of pathologic CD4 T cells, such as in the context of autoimmunity and allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafqat Ahrar Jaigirdar
- Centre for Immunobiology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow , Glasgow , UK
| | - Megan K L MacLeod
- Centre for Immunobiology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow , Glasgow , UK
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90
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Epigenetic control of interferon-gamma expression in CD8 T cells. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:849573. [PMID: 25973438 PMCID: PMC4418004 DOI: 10.1155/2015/849573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon- (IFN-) γ is an essential cytokine for immunity against intracellular pathogens and cancer. IFN-γ expression by CD4 T lymphocytes is observed only after T helper (Th) 1 differentiation and there are several studies about the molecular mechanisms that control Ifng expression in these cells. However, naïve CD8 T lymphocytes do not produce large amounts of IFN-γ, but after TCR stimulation there is a progressive acquisition of IFN-γ expression during differentiation into cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and memory cells, which are capable of producing high levels of this cytokine. Differential gene expression can be regulated from the selective action of transcriptional factors and also from epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA CpG methylation or posttranslational histone modifications. Recently it has been recognized that epigenetic modification is an integral part of CD8 lymphocyte differentiation. This review will focus on the chromatin status of Ifng promoter in CD8 T cells and possible influences of epigenetic modifications in Ifng gene and conserved noncoding sequences (CNSs) in regulation of IFN-γ production by CD8 T lymphocytes.
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91
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Guerra-Laso JM, Raposo-García S, García-García S, Diez-Tascón C, Rivero-Lezcano OM. Microarray analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected monocytes reveals IL26 as a new candidate gene for tuberculosis susceptibility. Immunology 2015; 144:291-301. [PMID: 25157980 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Differences in the activity of monocytes/macrophages, important target cells of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, might influence tuberculosis progression. With the purpose of identifying candidate genes for tuberculosis susceptibility we infected monocytes from both healthy elderly individuals (a tuberculosis susceptibility group) and elderly tuberculosis patients with M. tuberculosis, and performed a microarray experiment. We detected 78 differentially expressed transcripts and confirmed these results by quantitative PCR of selected genes. We found that monocytes from tuberculosis patients showed similar expression patterns for these genes, regardless of whether they were obtained from younger or older patients. Only one of the detected genes corresponded to a cytokine: IL26, a member of the interleukin-10 (IL-10) cytokine family which we found to be down-regulated in infected monocytes from tuberculosis patients. Non-infected monocytes secreted IL-26 constitutively but they reacted strongly to M. tuberculosis infection by decreasing IL-26 production. Furthermore, IL-26 serum concentrations appeared to be lower in the tuberculosis patients. When whole blood was infected, IL-26 inhibited the observed pathogen-killing capability. Although lymphocytes expressed IL26R, the receptor mRNA was not detected in either monocytes or neutrophils, suggesting that the inhibition of anti-mycobacterial activity may be mediated by lymphocytes. Additionally, IL-2 concentrations in infected blood were lower in the presence of IL-26. The negative influence of IL-26 on the anti-mycobacterial activity and its constitutive presence in both serum and monocyte supernatants prompt us to propose IL26 as a candidate gene for tuberculosis susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Guerra-Laso
- Servicios de Medicina Interna, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León (CAULE), León, Spain
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92
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Busman-Sahay KO, Walrath T, Huber S, O'Connor W. Cytokine crowdsourcing: multicellular production of TH17-associated cytokines. J Leukoc Biol 2015; 97:499-510. [PMID: 25548251 PMCID: PMC5477895 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.3ru0814-386r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 2 decades since its discovery, IL-17A has become appreciated for mounting robust, protective responses against bacterial and fungal pathogens. When improperly regulated, however, IL-17A can play a profoundly pathogenic role in perpetuating inflammation and has been linked to a wide variety of debilitating diseases. IL-17A is often present in a composite milieu that includes cytokines produced by TH17 cells (i.e., IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, and IL-26) or associated with other T cell lineages (e.g., IFN-γ). These combinatorial effects add mechanistic complexity and more importantly, contribute differentially to disease outcome. Whereas TH17 cells are among the best-understood cell types that secrete IL-17A, they are frequently neither the earliest nor dominant producers. Indeed, non-TH17 cell sources of IL-17A can dramatically alter the course and severity of inflammatory episodes. The dissection of the temporal regulation of TH17-associated cytokines and the resulting net signaling outcomes will be critical toward understanding the increasingly intricate role of IL-17A and TH17-associated cytokines in disease, informing our therapeutic decisions. Herein, we discuss important non-TH17 cell sources of IL-17A and other TH17-associated cytokines relevant to inflammatory events in mucosal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen O Busman-Sahay
- *Center for Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA; and Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Travis Walrath
- *Center for Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA; and Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Samuel Huber
- *Center for Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA; and Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - William O'Connor
- *Center for Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA; and Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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93
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Yang BH, Floess S, Hagemann S, Deyneko IV, Groebe L, Pezoldt J, Sparwasser T, Lochner M, Huehn J. Development of a unique epigenetic signature during in vivo Th17 differentiation. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:1537-48. [PMID: 25593324 PMCID: PMC4330377 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated naive CD4+ T cells are highly plastic cells that can differentiate into various T helper (Th) cell fates characterized by the expression of effector cytokines like IFN-γ (Th1), IL-4 (Th2) or IL-17A (Th17). Although previous studies have demonstrated that epigenetic mechanisms including DNA demethylation can stabilize effector cytokine expression, a comprehensive analysis of the changes in the DNA methylation pattern during differentiation of naive T cells into Th cell subsets is lacking. Hence, we here performed a genome-wide methylome analysis of ex vivo isolated naive CD4+ T cells, Th1 and Th17 cells. We could demonstrate that naive CD4+ T cells share more demethylated regions with Th17 cells when compared to Th1 cells, and that overall Th17 cells display the highest number of demethylated regions, findings which are in line with the previously reported plasticity of Th17 cells. We could identify seven regions located in Il17a, Zfp362, Ccr6, Acsbg1, Dpp4, Rora and Dclk1 showing pronounced demethylation selectively in ex vivo isolated Th17 cells when compared to other ex vivo isolated Th cell subsets and in vitro generated Th17 cells, suggesting that this unique epigenetic signature allows identifying and functionally characterizing in vivo generated Th17 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Huei Yang
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Floess
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hagemann
- Institute for Infection Immunology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Igor V Deyneko
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Lothar Groebe
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Joern Pezoldt
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Tim Sparwasser
- Institute for Infection Immunology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Lochner
- Institute for Infection Immunology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Jochen Huehn
- Experimental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
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94
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Smith NLD, Denning DW. Clinical implications of interferon-γ genetic and epigenetic variants. Immunology 2015; 143:499-511. [PMID: 25052001 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is an integral and critical molecule of the immune system, with multiple functions, mostly related to the T helper type 1 (Th1) response to infection. It is critical for defence against mycobacterial infection and is of increasing interest in defence against fungi. In this article, we review the genetic and epigenetic variants affecting IFN-γ expression and investigate its role in disease, with an emphasis on fungal diseases such as invasive and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. Over 347 IFN-γ gene variants have been described, in multiple ethnic populations. Many appear to confer a susceptibility to disease, especially tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis, but also some non-infectious conditions such as aplastic anaemia, cervical cancer and psoriasis. Several epigenetic modifications are also described, increasing IFN-γ expression in Th1 lymphocytes and reducing IFN-γ expression in Th2 lymphocytes. Recombinant IFN-γ administration is licensed for the prophylaxis of infection (bacterial and fungal) in patients with the phagocyte functional deficiency syndrome chronic granulomatous disease, although the benefits appear limited. Interferon-γ therapy is given to patients with profound defects in IFN-γ and interleukin-12 production and appears to be beneficial for patients with invasive aspergillosis and cryptococcal meningitis, but the studies are not definitive. A high proportion of patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis are poor producers of IFN-γ in response to multiple stimuli and could also benefit from IFN-γ administration. The investigation and management of patients with possible or demonstrated IFN-γ deficiency in adulthood is poorly studied and could be greatly enhanced with the integration of genetic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola L D Smith
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Medical and Human Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University Hospital South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; NIHR South Manchester Respiratory and Allergy Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, UK
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95
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Komori HK, Hart T, LaMere SA, Chew PV, Salomon DR. Defining CD4 T cell memory by the epigenetic landscape of CpG DNA methylation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 194:1565-79. [PMID: 25576597 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1401162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Memory T cells are primed for rapid responses to Ag; however, the molecular mechanisms responsible for priming remain incompletely defined. CpG methylation in promoters is an epigenetic modification, which regulates gene transcription. Using targeted bisulfite sequencing, we examined methylation of 2100 genes (56,000 CpGs) mapped by deep sequencing of T cell activation in human naive and memory CD4 T cells. Four hundred sixty-six CpGs (132 genes) displayed differential methylation between naive and memory cells. Twenty-one genes exhibited both differential methylation and gene expression before activation, linking promoter DNA methylation states to gene regulation; 6 of 21 genes encode proteins closely studied in T cells, whereas 15 genes represent novel targets for further study. Eighty-four genes demonstrated differential methylation between memory and naive cells that correlated to differential gene expression following activation, of which 39 exhibited reduced methylation in memory cells coupled with increased gene expression upon activation compared with naive cells. These reveal a class of primed genes more rapidly expressed in memory compared with naive cells and putatively regulated by DNA methylation. These findings define a DNA methylation signature unique to memory CD4 T cells that correlates with activation-induced gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Kiyomi Komori
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Traver Hart
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Sarah A LaMere
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Pamela V Chew
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Daniel R Salomon
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
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96
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that survey the environment and protect the host from infected and cancerous cells. As their name implies, NK cells represent an early line of defense during pathogen invasion by directly killing infected cells and secreting inflammatory cytokines. Although the function of NK cells was first described more than four decades ago, the development of this cytotoxic lineage is not well understood. In recent years, we have begun to identify specific transcription factors that control each stage of development and maturation, from ontogeny of the NK cell progenitor to the effector functions of activated NK cells in peripheral organs. This chapter highlights the transcription factors that are unique to NK cells, or shared between NK cells and other hematopoietic cell lineages, but govern the biology of this cytolytic lymphocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C Sun
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, 408 East 69th Street, ZRC-1402, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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97
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Rodriguez RM, Suarez-Alvarez B, Mosén-Ansorena D, García-Peydró M, Fuentes P, García-León MJ, Gonzalez-Lahera A, Macias-Camara N, Toribio ML, Aransay AM, Lopez-Larrea C. Regulation of the transcriptional program by DNA methylation during human αβ T-cell development. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 43:760-74. [PMID: 25539926 PMCID: PMC4333391 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku1340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymocyte differentiation is a complex process involving well-defined sequential developmental stages that ultimately result in the generation of mature T-cells. In this study, we analyzed DNA methylation and gene expression profiles at successive human thymus developmental stages. Gain and loss of methylation occurred during thymocyte differentiation, but DNA demethylation was much more frequent than de novo methylation and more strongly correlated with gene expression. These changes took place in CpG-poor regions and were closely associated with T-cell differentiation and TCR function. Up to 88 genes that encode transcriptional regulators, some of whose functions in T-cell development are as yet unknown, were differentially methylated during differentiation. Interestingly, no reversion of accumulated DNA methylation changes was observed as differentiation progressed, except in a very small subset of key genes (RAG1, RAG2, CD8A, PTCRA, etc.), indicating that methylation changes are mostly unique and irreversible events. Our study explores the contribution of DNA methylation to T-cell lymphopoiesis and provides a fine-scale map of differentially methylated regions associated with gene expression changes. These can lay the molecular foundations for a better interpretation of the regulatory networks driving human thymopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon M Rodriguez
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Beatriz Suarez-Alvarez
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Mosén-Ansorena
- Genome Analysis Platform, CIC bioGUNE & CIBERehd, Technological Park of Bizkaia - Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Marina García-Peydró
- Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa', Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Fuentes
- Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa', Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - María J García-León
- Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa', Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aintzane Gonzalez-Lahera
- Genome Analysis Platform, CIC bioGUNE & CIBERehd, Technological Park of Bizkaia - Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Nuria Macias-Camara
- Genome Analysis Platform, CIC bioGUNE & CIBERehd, Technological Park of Bizkaia - Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - María L Toribio
- Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa', Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana M Aransay
- Genome Analysis Platform, CIC bioGUNE & CIBERehd, Technological Park of Bizkaia - Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Carlos Lopez-Larrea
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33006 Oviedo, Spain Fundación Renal 'Íñigo Álvarez de Toledo', 28003 Madrid, Spain
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98
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Fodil N, Langlais D, Moussa P, Boivin GA, Di Pietrantonio T, Radovanovic I, Dumaine A, Blanchette M, Schurr E, Gros P, Vidal SM. Specific dysregulation of IFNγ production by natural killer cells confers susceptibility to viral infection. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004511. [PMID: 25473962 PMCID: PMC4256466 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells contribute to the control of viral infection by directly killing target cells and mediating cytokine release. In C57BL/6 mice, the Ly49H activating NK cell receptor plays a key role in early resistance to mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection through specific recognition of the MCMV-encoded MHC class I-like molecule m157 expressed on infected cells. Here we show that transgenic expression of Ly49H failed to provide protection against MCMV infection in the naturally susceptible A/J mouse strain. Characterization of Ly49H+ NK cells from Ly49h-A transgenic animals showed that they were able to mount a robust cytotoxic response and proliferate to high numbers during the course of infection. However, compared to NK cells from C57BL/6 mice, we observed an intrinsic defect in their ability to produce IFNγ when challenged by either m157-expressing target cells, exogenous cytokines or chemical stimulants. This effect was limited to NK cells as T cells from C57BL/6 and Ly49h-A mice produced comparable cytokine levels. Using a panel of recombinant congenic strains derived from A/J and C57BL/6 progenitors, we mapped the genetic basis of defective IFNγ production to a single 6.6 Mb genetic interval overlapping the Ifng gene on chromosome 10. Inspection of the genetic interval failed to reveal molecular differences between A/J and several mouse strains showing normal IFNγ production. The chromosome 10 locus is independent of MAPK signalling or decreased mRNA stability and linked to MCMV susceptibility. This study highlights the existence of a previously uncovered NK cell-specific cis-regulatory mechanism of Ifnγ transcript expression potentially relevant to NK cell function in health and disease. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitous herpesvirus that largely infects the human population leading to a significant cause of disease and death in the immunocompromised and elderly. The study of CMV in animal models has helped understand the pathogenic consequences of CMV infection and adds substantial understanding of the complex interplay of host and virus in living systems. Natural Killer (NK) cells have emerged as an important player during CMV infection trough their specific recognition of viral particles determinants and subsequent secretion of cytokines and cytolytic granules. In the present study, we have generated different mouse models to specifically investigate quantify viral recognition and cytokine expression by NK cells during CMV infection as a measure of NK cell function. We found that even after proper recognition of infected cells by NK cells, the adequate production of IFNγ is crucial to restrain viral infection. Moreover, we demonstrated that IFNγ production by NK cells is genetically determined and directly linked to the IFNγ locus. Hence, we provide the first evidence for of a unique mechanism of IFNγ production by NK cells which regulates susceptibility to viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nassima Fodil
- Department of Human Genetics and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Life Sciences Complex, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail: (NF); (SMV)
| | - David Langlais
- Biochemistry Department, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Peter Moussa
- Department of Human Genetics and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Life Sciences Complex, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gregory Allan Boivin
- Department of Human Genetics and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Life Sciences Complex, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tania Di Pietrantonio
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill Centre for the Study of Host Resistance, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Irena Radovanovic
- Biochemistry Department, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Anne Dumaine
- Department of Human Genetics and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Life Sciences Complex, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Blanchette
- McGill Centre for Bioinformatics and School of Computer Science, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Erwin Schurr
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill Centre for the Study of Host Resistance, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Philippe Gros
- Biochemistry Department, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Silvia Marina Vidal
- Department of Human Genetics and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Life Sciences Complex, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail: (NF); (SMV)
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99
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Luetke-Eversloh M, Hammer Q, Durek P, Nordström K, Gasparoni G, Pink M, Hamann A, Walter J, Chang HD, Dong J, Romagnani C. Human cytomegalovirus drives epigenetic imprinting of the IFNG locus in NKG2Chi natural killer cells. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004441. [PMID: 25329659 PMCID: PMC4199780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Memory type 1 T helper (T(H)1) cells are characterized by the stable expression of interferon (IFN)-γ as well as by the epigenetic imprinting of the IFNG locus. Among innate cells, NK cells play a crucial role in the defense against cytomegalovirus (CMV) and represent the main source of IFN-γ. Recently, it was shown that memory-like features can be observed in NK cell subsets after CMV infection. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying NK cell adaptive properties have not been completely defined. In the present study, we demonstrated that only NKG2Chi NK cells expanded in human CMV (HCMV) seropositive individuals underwent epigenetic remodeling of the IFNG conserved non-coding sequence (CNS) 1, similar to memory CD8(+) T cells or T(H)1 cells. The accessibility of the CNS1 was required to enhance IFN-γ transcriptional activity in response to NKG2C and 2B4 engagement, which led to consistent IFN-γ production in NKG2C(hi) NK cells. Thus, our data identify epigenetic imprinting of the IFNG locus as selective hallmark and crucial mechanism driving strong and stable IFN-γ expression in HCMV-specific NK cell expansions, providing a molecular basis for the regulation of adaptive features in innate cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlin Luetke-Eversloh
- Innate Immunity, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum - A Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Quirin Hammer
- Innate Immunity, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum - A Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pawel Durek
- Experimental Rheumatology, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum - A Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Cell Biology, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum - A Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karl Nordström
- Department of Genetics, University of Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Gilles Gasparoni
- Department of Genetics, University of Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Matthias Pink
- Experimental Rheumatology, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum - A Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alf Hamann
- Experimental Rheumatology, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum - A Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörn Walter
- Department of Genetics, University of Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Hyun-Dong Chang
- Cell Biology, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum - A Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jun Dong
- Cell Biology, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum - A Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chiara Romagnani
- Innate Immunity, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum - A Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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100
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Gonsky R, Deem RL, Landers CJ, Haritunians T, Yang S, Targan SR. IFNG rs1861494 polymorphism is associated with IBD disease severity and functional changes in both IFNG methylation and protein secretion. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2014; 20:1794-801. [PMID: 25171510 PMCID: PMC4327845 DOI: 10.1097/mib.0000000000000172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucosal expression of interferon (IFN)-γ plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBD risk regions flank IFNG. The conserved IFNG rs1861494 T/C introduces a new CpG methylation site, is associated with disease severity and lack of therapeutic response in other infectious and immune-mediated disorders, and is in linkage disequilibrium with a ulcerative colitis (UC) disease severity region. It seems likely that CpG-altering single nucleotide polymorphisms modify methylation and gene expression. This study evaluated the association between rs1861494 and clinical, serologic, and methylation patterns in patients with IBD. METHODS Peripheral T cells of UC and Crohn's disease (CD) patients were genotyped for rs1861494 and analyzed for allele-specific and IFNG promoter methylation. Serum antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies and IFN-γ secretion were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and nucleoprotein complex formation by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. RESULTS IFNG rs1861494 T allele carriage in patients with IBD was associated with enhanced secretion of IFN-γ. T allele carriage was associated in UC with high levels of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies and faster progression to colectomy. In CD, it was associated with complicated disease involving a stricturing/penetrating phenotype. Likewise, IFNG rs1861494 displayed genotype-specific modulation of DNA methylation and transcription factor complex formation. CONCLUSIONS This study reports the first association of IFNG rs1861494 T allele with enhanced IFN-γ secretion and known IBD clinical parameters indicative of more aggressive disease and serological markers associated with treatment resistance to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in patients with IBD. These data may be useful prognostically as predictors of early response to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy to identify patients with IBD for improved personalized therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rivkah Gonsky
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048 USA
| | - Richard L Deem
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048 USA
| | - Carol J Landers
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048 USA
| | - Talin Haritunians
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048 USA
| | - Shaohong Yang
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048 USA
| | - Stephan R Targan
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048 USA
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