51
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Mikami N, Tani H, Kawakami R, Sugimoto A, Sakaguchi S, Ikuta T. Brazilian green propolis promotes TNFR2 expression on regulatory T cells. Food Sci Nutr 2021; 9:3200-3208. [PMID: 34136184 PMCID: PMC8194755 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are needed to suppress inflammatory diseases and maintain immune homeostasis. The suppressive function of Tregs can be used to control autoimmune or inflammatory diseases; therefore, it is well studied how Tregs can be artificially up- or downregulated in vitro and in vivo, by using antibodies, chemical compounds, foods, and natural resources. Propolis is a famous functional food that has an anti-inflammatory effect. However, the influences of propolis on Treg function have not been fully evaluated so far. Here, we demonstrated that Brazilian green propolis increases TNFR2 expression in Tregs via the IRF4/cMyc axis, and artepillin C was a major effective component of propolis on Tregs. These results indicate that propolis and artepillin C have the potential as Treg activators via TNFR2 expression and may be useful for the prevention and/or therapy of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norihisa Mikami
- Department of Experimental ImmunologyImmunology Frontier Research CenterOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Hiroko Tani
- Institute for Bee Products and Health ScienceYamada Bee Company, Inc.OkayamaJapan
| | - Ryoji Kawakami
- Department of Experimental ImmunologyImmunology Frontier Research CenterOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Atsushi Sugimoto
- Department of Experimental ImmunologyImmunology Frontier Research CenterOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Shimon Sakaguchi
- Department of Experimental ImmunologyImmunology Frontier Research CenterOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Tomoki Ikuta
- Institute for Bee Products and Health ScienceYamada Bee Company, Inc.OkayamaJapan
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52
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Mijnheer G, Lutter L, Mokry M, van der Wal M, Scholman R, Fleskens V, Pandit A, Tao W, Wekking M, Vervoort S, Roberts C, Petrelli A, Peeters JGC, Knijff M, de Roock S, Vastert S, Taams LS, van Loosdregt J, van Wijk F. Conserved human effector Treg cell transcriptomic and epigenetic signature in arthritic joint inflammation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2710. [PMID: 33976194 PMCID: PMC8113485 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22975-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Treg cells are critical regulators of immune homeostasis, and environment-driven Treg cell differentiation into effector (e)Treg cells is crucial for optimal functioning. However, human Treg cell programming in inflammation is unclear. Here, we combine transcriptional and epigenetic profiling to identify a human eTreg cell signature. Inflammation-derived functional Treg cells have a transcriptional profile characterized by upregulation of both a core Treg cell (FOXP3, CTLA4, TIGIT) and effector program (GITR, BLIMP-1, BATF). We identify a specific human eTreg cell signature that includes the vitamin D receptor (VDR) as a predicted regulator in eTreg cell differentiation. H3K27ac/H3K4me1 occupancy indicates an altered (super-)enhancer landscape, including enrichment of the VDR and BATF binding motifs. The Treg cell profile has striking overlap with tumor-infiltrating Treg cells. Our data demonstrate that human inflammation-derived Treg cells acquire a conserved and specific eTreg cell profile guided by epigenetic changes, and fine-tuned by environment-specific adaptations.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Arthritis, Juvenile/genetics
- Arthritis, Juvenile/immunology
- Arthritis, Juvenile/pathology
- Base Sequence
- Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/genetics
- Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/immunology
- CTLA-4 Antigen/genetics
- CTLA-4 Antigen/immunology
- Case-Control Studies
- Cell Differentiation
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Female
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/immunology
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Regulatory Networks
- Glucocorticoid-Induced TNFR-Related Protein/genetics
- Glucocorticoid-Induced TNFR-Related Protein/immunology
- Histones/genetics
- Histones/immunology
- Humans
- Joints/immunology
- Joints/pathology
- Male
- Metabolic Networks and Pathways/genetics
- Metabolic Networks and Pathways/immunology
- Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1/genetics
- Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1/immunology
- Primary Cell Culture
- Receptors, Calcitriol/genetics
- Receptors, Calcitriol/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/pathology
- Transcriptome
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerdien Mijnheer
- Center for Translational Immunology, Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lisanne Lutter
- Center for Translational Immunology, Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michal Mokry
- Center for Translational Immunology, Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Epigenomics facility, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marlot van der Wal
- Center for Translational Immunology, Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne Scholman
- Center for Translational Immunology, Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Veerle Fleskens
- Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Aridaman Pandit
- Center for Translational Immunology, Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Weiyang Tao
- Center for Translational Immunology, Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Wekking
- Epigenomics facility, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stephin Vervoort
- Center for Translational Immunology, Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ceri Roberts
- Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alessandra Petrelli
- Center for Translational Immunology, Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke G C Peeters
- Center for Translational Immunology, Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marthe Knijff
- Center for Translational Immunology, Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sytze de Roock
- Center for Translational Immunology, Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Vastert
- Center for Translational Immunology, Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonie S Taams
- Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jorg van Loosdregt
- Center for Translational Immunology, Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Femke van Wijk
- Center for Translational Immunology, Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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53
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Renoux F, Stellato M, Haftmann C, Vogetseder A, Huang R, Subramaniam A, Becker MO, Blyszczuk P, Becher B, Distler JHW, Kania G, Boyman O, Distler O. The AP1 Transcription Factor Fosl2 Promotes Systemic Autoimmunity and Inflammation by Repressing Treg Development. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107826. [PMID: 32610127 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) represent a major population in the control of immune homeostasis and autoimmunity. Here we show that Fos-like 2 (Fosl2), a TCR-induced AP1 transcription factor, represses Treg development and controls autoimmunity. Mice overexpressing Fosl2 (Fosl2tg) indeed show a systemic inflammatory phenotype, with immune infiltrates in multiple organs. This phenotype is absent in Fosl2tg × Rag2-/- mice lacking T and B cells, and Fosl2 induces T cell-intrinsic reduction of Treg development that is responsible for the inflammatory phenotype. Fosl2tg T cells can transfer inflammation, which is suppressed by the co-delivery of Tregs, while Fosl2 deficiency in T cells reduces the severity of autoimmunity in the EAE model. We find that Fosl2 could affect expression of FoxP3 and other Treg development genes. Our data highlight the importance of AP1 transcription factors, in particular Fosl2, during T cell development to determine Treg differentiation and control autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Renoux
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mara Stellato
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Haftmann
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Riyun Huang
- Sanofi, Immunology and Inflammation Research TA, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Arun Subramaniam
- Sanofi, Immunology and Inflammation Research TA, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Mike O Becker
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Przemyslaw Blyszczuk
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Burkhard Becher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Kania
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Distler
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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54
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Epigenetic alteration contributes to the transcriptional reprogramming in T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8318. [PMID: 33859327 PMCID: PMC8050249 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87890-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare disease with aggressive clinical course. Cytogenetic analysis, whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing have identified primary structural alterations in T-PLL, including inversion, translocation and copy number variation. Recurrent somatic mutations were also identified in genes encoding chromatin regulators and those in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Epigenetic alterations are the hallmark of many cancers. However, genome-wide epigenomic profiles have not been reported in T-PLL, limiting the mechanistic study of its carcinogenesis. We hypothesize epigenetic mechanisms also play a key role in T-PLL pathogenesis. To systematically test this hypothesis, we generated genome-wide maps of regulatory regions using H3K4me3 and H3K27ac ChIP-seq, as well as RNA-seq data in both T-PLL patients and healthy individuals. We found that genes down-regulated in T-PLL are mainly associated with defense response, immune system or adaptive immune response, while up-regulated genes are enriched in developmental process, as well as WNT signaling pathway with crucial roles in cell fate decision. In particular, our analysis revealed a global alteration of regulatory landscape in T-PLL, with differential peaks highly enriched for binding motifs of immune related transcription factors, supporting the epigenetic regulation of oncogenes and genes involved in DNA damage response and T-cell activation. Together, our work reveals a causal role of epigenetic dysregulation in T-PLL.
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55
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Wang W, Zou R, Qiu Y, Liu J, Xin Y, He T, Qiu Z. Interaction Networks Converging on Immunosuppressive Roles of Granzyme B: Special Niches Within the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:670324. [PMID: 33868318 PMCID: PMC8047302 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.670324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Granzyme B is a renowned effector molecule primarily utilized by CTLs and NK cells against ill-defined and/or transformed cells during immunosurveillance. The overall expression of granzyme B within tumor microenvironment has been well-established as a prognostic marker indicative of priming immunity for a long time. Until recent years, increasing immunosuppressive effects of granzyme B are unveiled in the setting of different immunological context. The accumulative evidence confounded the roles of granzyme B in immune responses, thereby arousing great interests in characterizing detailed feature of granzyme B-positive niche. In this paper, the granzyme B-related regulatory effects of major suppressor cells as well as the tumor microenvironment that defines such functionalities were longitudinally summarized and discussed. Multiplex networks were built upon the interactions among different transcriptional factors, cytokines, and chemokines that regarded to the initiation and regulation of granzyme B-mediated immunosuppression. The conclusions and prospect may facilitate better interpretations of the clinical significance of granzyme B, guiding the rational development of therapeutic regimen and diagnostic probes for anti-tumor purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weinan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Rui Zou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Ye Qiu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jishuang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Xin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Tianzhu He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Zhidong Qiu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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56
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Jiang Q, Yang G, Liu Q, Wang S, Cui D. Function and Role of Regulatory T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:626193. [PMID: 33868244 PMCID: PMC8047316 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.626193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic and heterogeneous autoimmune disease with symmetrical polyarthritis as its critical clinical manifestation. The basic cause of autoimmune diseases is the loss of tolerance to self or harmless antigens. The loss or functional deficiency of key immune cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells, has been confirmed in human autoimmune diseases. The pathogenesis of RA is complex, and the dysfunction of Tregs is one of the proposed mechanisms underlying the breakdown of self-tolerance leading to the progression of RA. Treg cells are a vital component of peripheral immune tolerance, and the transcription factor Foxp3 plays a major immunosuppressive role. Clinical treatment for RA mainly utilizes drugs to alleviate the progression of disease and relieve disease activity, and the ideal treatment strategy should be to re-induce self-tolerance before obvious tissue injury. Treg cells are one of the ideal options. This review will introduce the classification, mechanism of action, and characteristics of Treg cells in RA, which provides insights into clinical RA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Jiang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, China
| | - Guocan Yang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.,Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Dawei Cui
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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57
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Shahneh F, Grill A, Klein M, Frauhammer F, Bopp T, Schäfer K, Raker VK, Becker C. Specialized regulatory T cells control venous blood clot resolution through SPARC. Blood 2021; 137:1517-1526. [PMID: 32932520 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020005407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The cells and mechanisms involved in blood clot resorption are only partially known. We show that regulatory T cells (Tregs) accumulate in venous blood clots and regulate thrombolysis by controlling the recruitment, differentiation and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity of monocytes. We describe a clot Treg population that forms the matricellular acid- and cysteine-rich protein SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) and show that SPARC enhances monocyte MMP activity and that SPARC+ Tregs are crucial for blood clot resorption. By comparing different treatment times, we define a therapeutic window of Treg expansion that accelerates clot resorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Shahneh
- Department of Dermatology
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, and
| | | | - Matthias Klein
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany; and
| | - Felix Frauhammer
- Center for Molecular Biology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Bopp
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany; and
| | | | - Verena K Raker
- Department of Dermatology
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, and
| | - Christian Becker
- Department of Dermatology
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, and
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58
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Critical Roles of Balanced T Helper 9 Cells and Regulatory T Cells in Allergic Airway Inflammation and Tumor Immunity. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:8816055. [PMID: 33748292 PMCID: PMC7943311 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8816055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4+T helper (Th) cells are important mediators of immune responses in asthma and cancer. When counteracted by different classes of pathogens, naïve CD4+T cells undergo programmed differentiation into distinct types of Th cells. Th cells orchestrate antigen-specific immune responses upon their clonal T-cell receptor (TCR) interaction with the appropriate peptide antigen presented on MHC class II molecules expressed by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). T helper 9 (Th9) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells and their corresponding cytokines have critical roles in tumor and allergic immunity. In the context of asthma and cancer, the dynamic internal microenvironment, along with chronic inflammatory stimuli, influences development, differentiation, and function of Th9 cells and Treg cells. Furthermore, the dysregulation of the balance between Th9 cells and Treg cells might trigger aberrant immune responses, resulting in development and exacerbation of asthma and cancer. In this review, the development, differentiation, and function of Th9 cells and Treg cells, which are synergistically regulated by various factors including cytokine signals, transcriptional factors (TFs), costimulatory signals, microenvironment cues, metabolic pathways, and different signal pathways, will be discussed. In addition, we focus on the recent progress that has helped to achieve a better understanding of the roles of Th9 cells and Treg cells in allergic airway inflammation and tumor immunity. We also discuss how various factors moderate their responses in asthma and cancer. Finally, we summarize the recent findings regarding potential mechanisms for regulating the balance between Th9 and Treg cells in asthma and cancer. These advances provide opportunities for novel therapeutic strategies that are aimed at reestablishing the balance of these cells in the diseases.
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59
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Di Giorgio E, Wang L, Xiong Y, Akimova T, Christensen LM, Han R, Samanta A, Trevisanut M, Bhatti TR, Beier UH, Hancock WW. MEF2D sustains activation of effector Foxp3+ Tregs during transplant survival and anticancer immunity. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:6242-6260. [PMID: 32790649 DOI: 10.1172/jci135486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor MEF2D is important in the regulation of differentiation and adaptive responses in many cell types. We found that among T cells, MEF2D gained new functions in Foxp3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells due to its interactions with the transcription factor Foxp3 and its release from canonical partners, like histone/protein deacetylases. Though not necessary for the generation and maintenance of Tregs, MEF2D was required for the expression of IL-10, CTLA4, and Icos, and for the acquisition of an effector Treg phenotype. At these loci, MEF2D acted both synergistically and additively to Foxp3, and downstream of Blimp1. Mice with the conditional deletion in Tregs of the gene encoding MEF2D were unable to maintain long-term allograft survival despite costimulation blockade, had enhanced antitumor immunity in syngeneic models, but displayed only minor evidence of autoimmunity when maintained under normal conditions. The role played by MEF2D in sustaining effector Foxp3+ Treg functions without abrogating their basal actions suggests its suitability for drug discovery efforts in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eros Di Giorgio
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Liqing Wang
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yan Xiong
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Centre of Wuhan University, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tatiana Akimova
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lanette M Christensen
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rongxiang Han
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Arabinda Samanta
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matteo Trevisanut
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Tricia R Bhatti
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ulf H Beier
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wayne W Hancock
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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60
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Herrera-Melle L, Crespo M, Leiva M, Sabio G. Stress-activated kinases signaling pathways in cancer development. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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61
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Katagiri T, Kameda H, Nakano H, Yamazaki S. Regulation of T cell differentiation by the AP-1 transcription factor JunB. Immunol Med 2021; 44:197-203. [PMID: 33470914 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2021.1872838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
JunB, a component of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor, is known to exhibit an important role in bone formation and bone marrow cell proliferation. During T helper type 2 (Th2) cell differentiation, JunB contributes to the regulation of interleukin (IL)-4 expression, and AP-1 and nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) constitute a heteromer and contribute to IL-2 production. However, the role of JunB in other T cells has not been investigated. In 2017, it was revealed that JunB, in collaboration with basic leucine zipper ATF-like transcription factor (BATF), regulates the expression of Th17-related genes. Furthermore, JunB was found to play an important role in regulatory T (Treg) cell differentiation, contributing to CD25 expression and IL-2 production. IL-2 is a T cell activator and has been shown as a necessary factor for Treg proliferation. Here, we review the role of JunB in T cells based on basic research data and discuss the potential for its clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaharu Katagiri
- Department of Biochemistry, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Faculty of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ohashi Medical Center, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideto Kameda
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ohashi Medical Center, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Nakano
- Department of Biochemistry, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Soh Yamazaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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62
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Navarro-Barriuso J, Mansilla MJ, Quirant-Sánchez B, Teniente-Serra A, Ramo-Tello C, Martínez-Cáceres EM. Vitamin D3-Induced Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells Modulate the Transcriptomic Profile of T CD4 + Cells Towards a Functional Hyporesponsiveness. Front Immunol 2021; 11:599623. [PMID: 33552054 PMCID: PMC7856150 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.599623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of autologous tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC) has become a promising alternative for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Among the different strategies available, the use of vitamin D3 for the generation of tolDC (vitD3-tolDC) constitutes one of the most robust approaches due to their immune regulatory properties, which are currently being tested in clinical trials. However, the mechanisms that vitD3-tolDC trigger for the induction of tolerance remain elusive. For this reason, we performed a full phenotypical, functional, and transcriptomic characterization of T cells upon their interaction with autologous, antigen-specific vitD3-tolDC. We observed a strong antigen-specific reduction of T cell proliferation, combined with a decrease in the relative prevalence of TH1 subpopulations and IFN-γ production. The analysis of the transcriptomic profile of T CD4+ cells evidenced a significant down-modulation of genes involved in cell cycle and cell response to mainly pro-inflammatory immune-related stimuli, highlighting the role of JUNB gene as a potential biomarker of these processes. Consequently, our results show the induction of a strong antigen-specific hyporesponsiveness combined with a reduction on the TH1 immune profile of T cells upon their interaction with vitD3-tolDC, which manifests the regulatory properties of these cells and, therefore, their therapeutic potential in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Navarro-Barriuso
- Division of Immunology, LCMN, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital and Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María José Mansilla
- Division of Immunology, LCMN, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital and Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bibiana Quirant-Sánchez
- Division of Immunology, LCMN, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital and Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aina Teniente-Serra
- Division of Immunology, LCMN, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital and Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Ramo-Tello
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva M. Martínez-Cáceres
- Division of Immunology, LCMN, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital and Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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63
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Protein Prenylation Drives Discrete Signaling Programs for the Differentiation and Maintenance of Effector T reg Cells. Cell Metab 2020; 32:996-1011.e7. [PMID: 33207246 PMCID: PMC7887758 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Effector regulatory T (eTreg) cells are essential for immune tolerance and depend upon T cell receptor (TCR) signals for generation. The immunometabolic signaling mechanisms that promote the differentiation and maintenance of eTreg cells remain unclear. Here, we show that isoprenoid-dependent posttranslational lipid modifications dictate eTreg cell accumulation and function by intersecting with TCR-induced intracellular signaling. We find that isoprenoids are essential for activated Treg cell suppressive activity, and Treg cell-specific deletion of the respective farnesylation- and geranylgeranylation-promoting enzymes Fntb or Pggt1b leads to the development of fatal autoimmunity, associated with reduced eTreg cell accumulation. Mechanistically, Fntb promotes eTreg cell maintenance by regulating mTORC1 activity and ICOS expression. In contrast, Pggt1b acts as a rheostat of TCR-dependent transcriptional programming and Rac-mediated signaling for establishment of eTreg cell differentiation and immune tolerance. Therefore, our results identify bidirectional metabolic signaling, specifically between immunoreceptor signaling and metabolism-mediated posttranslational lipid modifications, for the differentiation and maintenance of eTreg cells.
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64
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Wang K, Fu W. Transcriptional regulation of Treg homeostasis and functional specification. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:4269-4287. [PMID: 32350553 PMCID: PMC7606275 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03534-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are key players in keeping excessive inflammation in check. Mounting evidence has shown that Treg cells exert much more diverse functions in both immunological and non-immunological processes. The development, maintenance and functional specification of Treg cells are regulated by multilayered factors, including antigens and TCR signaling, cytokines, epigenetic modifiers and transcription factors (TFs). In the review, we will focus on TFs by summarizing their unique and redundant roles in Treg cells under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. We will also discuss the recent advances of Treg trajectories between lymphoid organs and non-lymphoid tissues. This review will provide an updated view of the newly identified TFs and new functions of known TFs in Treg biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Wenxian Fu
- Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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65
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Stéphan P, Lautraite R, Voisin A, Grinberg-Bleyer Y. Transcriptional Control of Regulatory T Cells in Cancer: Toward Therapeutic Targeting? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3194. [PMID: 33143070 PMCID: PMC7693300 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive research in the past decades has highlighted the tight link between immunity and cancer, leading to the development of immunotherapies that have revolutionized cancer care. However, only a fraction of patients display durable responses to these treatments, and a deeper understanding of the cellular and mechanisms orchestrating immune responses to tumors is mandatory for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. Among the most scrutinized immune cells, Forkhead Box Protein P3 (Foxp3)+ Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are central inhibitors of protective anti-tumor immunity. These tumor-promoting functions render Treg cells attractive immunotherapy targets, and multiple strategies are being developed to inhibit their recruitment, survival, and function in the tumor microenvironment. In this context, it is critical to decipher the complex and multi-layered molecular mechanisms that shape and stabilize the Treg cell transcriptome. Here, we provide a global view of the transcription factors, and their upstream signaling pathways, involved in the programming of Treg cell homeostasis and functions in cancer. We also evaluate the feasibility and safety of novel therapeutic approaches aiming at targeting specific transcriptional regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yenkel Grinberg-Bleyer
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France; (P.S.); (R.L.); (A.V.)
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66
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Li DY, Xiong XZ. ICOS + Tregs: A Functional Subset of Tregs in Immune Diseases. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2104. [PMID: 32983168 PMCID: PMC7485335 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have reported the pathological effect of ICOS+ T cells, but ICOS signals also widely participate in anti-inflammatory responses, particularly ICOS+ regulatory T (Treg) cells. The ICOS signaling pathway endows Tregs with increased generation, proliferation, and survival abilities. Furthermore, there is enough evidence to suggest a superior capacity of ICOS+ Tregs, which is partly attributable to IL-10 induced by ICOS, yet the associated mechanism needs further investigation. In this review, we discuss the complicated role of ICOS+ Tregs in several classical autoimmune diseases, allergic diseases, and cancers and investigate the related therapeutic applications in these diseases. Moreover, we identify ICOS as a potential biomarker for disease treatment and prognostic prediction. In addition, we believe that anti-ICOS/ICOSL monoclonal antibodies exhibit excellent clinical application potential. A thorough understanding of the effect of ICOS+ Tregs and the holistic role of ICOS toward the immune system will help to improve the therapeutic schedule of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Yang Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xian-Zhi Xiong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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67
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Alvisi G, Brummelman J, Puccio S, Mazza EM, Tomada EP, Losurdo A, Zanon V, Peano C, Colombo FS, Scarpa A, Alloisio M, Vasanthakumar A, Roychoudhuri R, Kallikourdis M, Pagani M, Lopci E, Novellis P, Blume J, Kallies A, Veronesi G, Lugli E. IRF4 instructs effector Treg differentiation and immune suppression in human cancer. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:3137-3150. [PMID: 32125291 PMCID: PMC7260038 DOI: 10.1172/jci130426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms responsible for the high immunosuppressive capacity of CD4+ Tregs in tumors are not well known. High-dimensional single-cell profiling of T cells from chemotherapy-naive individuals with non-small-cell lung cancer identified the transcription factor IRF4 as specifically expressed by a subset of intratumoral CD4+ effector Tregs with superior suppressive activity. In contrast to the IRF4- counterparts, IRF4+ Tregs expressed a vast array of suppressive molecules, and their presence correlated with multiple exhausted subpopulations of T cells. Integration of transcriptomic and epigenomic data revealed that IRF4, either alone or in combination with its partner BATF, directly controlled a molecular program responsible for immunosuppression in tumors. Accordingly, deletion of Irf4 exclusively in Tregs resulted in delayed tumor growth in mice while the abundance of IRF4+ Tregs correlated with poor prognosis in patients with multiple human cancers. Thus, a common mechanism underlies immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment irrespective of the tumor type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Alvisi
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jolanda Brummelman
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Puccio
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Emilia M.C. Mazza
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Paoluzzi Tomada
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Agnese Losurdo
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS, Humanitas Cancer Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Zanon
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Clelia Peano
- Division of Genetic and Biomedical Research, UOS Milan, National Research Council, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Genomic Unit and
| | - Federico S. Colombo
- Humanitas Flow Cytometry Core, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Scarpa
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Alloisio
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Biomedical Science Department, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ajithkumar Vasanthakumar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rahul Roychoudhuri
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signalling and Development, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marinos Kallikourdis
- Adaptive Immunity Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan
| | - Massimiliano Pagani
- Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi,” Milan, Italy
| | - Egesta Lopci
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Novellis
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jonas Blume
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Axel Kallies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Giulia Veronesi
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Lugli
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Humanitas Flow Cytometry Core, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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68
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Wheaton JD, Ciofani M. JunB Controls Intestinal Effector Programs in Regulatory T Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:444. [PMID: 32296416 PMCID: PMC7137613 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Foxp3-expressing regulatory T (Treg) cells are critical mediators of immunological tolerance to both self and microbial antigens. Tregs activate context-dependent transcriptional programs to adapt effector function to specific tissues; however, the factors controlling tissue-specific gene expression in Tregs remain unclear. Here, we find that the AP-1 transcription factor JunB regulates the intestinal adaptation of Tregs by controlling select gene expression programs in multiple Treg subsets. Treg-specific ablation of JunB results in immune dysregulation characterized by enhanced colonic T helper cell accumulation and cytokine production. However, in contrast to its classical binding-partner BATF, JunB is dispensable for maintenance of effector Tregs as well as most specialized Treg subsets. In the Peyer's patches, JunB activates a transcriptional program facilitating the maintenance of CD25- Tregs, leading to the complete loss of T follicular regulatory cells in the absence of JunB. This defect is compounded by loss of a separate effector program found in both major colonic Treg subsets that includes the cytolytic effector molecule granzyme B. Therefore, JunB is an essential regulator of intestinal Treg effector function through pleiotropic effects on gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D. Wheaton
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Maria Ciofani
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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69
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Ono M. Control of regulatory T-cell differentiation and function by T-cell receptor signalling and Foxp3 transcription factor complexes. Immunology 2020; 160:24-37. [PMID: 32022254 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Foxp3 controls the differentiation and function of regulatory T-cells (Treg). Studies in the past decades identified numerous Foxp3-interacting protein partners. However, it is still not clear how Foxp3 produces the Treg-type transcriptomic landscape through cooperating with its partners. Here I show the current understanding of how Foxp3 transcription factor complexes regulate the differentiation, maintenance and functional maturation of Treg. Importantly, T-cell receptor (TCR) signalling plays central roles in Treg differentiation and Foxp3-mediated gene regulation. Differentiating Treg will have recognized their cognate antigens and received TCR signals before initiating Foxp3 transcription, which is triggered by TCR-induced transcription factors including NFAT, AP-1 and NF-κB. Once expressed, Foxp3 seizes TCR signal-induced transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms through interacting with AML1/Runx1 and NFAT. Thus, Foxp3 modifies gene expression dynamics of TCR-induced genes, which constitute cardinal mechanisms for Treg-mediated immune suppression. Next, I discuss the following key topics, proposing new mechanistic models for Foxp3-mediated gene regulation: (i) how Foxp3 transcription is induced and maintained by the Foxp3-inducing enhanceosome and the Foxp3 autoregulatory transcription factor complex; (ii) molecular mechanisms for effector Treg differentiation (i.e. Treg maturation); (iii) how Foxp3 activates or represses its target genes through recruiting coactivators and corepressors; (iv) the 'decision-making' Foxp3-containing transcription factor complex for Th17 and Treg differentiation; and (v) the roles of post-translational modification in Foxp3 regulation. Thus, this article provides cutting-edge understanding of molecular biology of Foxp3 and Treg, integrating findings by biochemical and genomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Ono
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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70
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Shevyrev D, Tereshchenko V. Treg Heterogeneity, Function, and Homeostasis. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3100. [PMID: 31993063 PMCID: PMC6971100 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
T-regulatory cells (Tregs) represent a unique subpopulation of helper T-cells by maintaining immune equilibrium using various mechanisms. The role of T-cell receptors (TCR) in providing homeostasis and activation of conventional T-cells is well-known; however, for Tregs, this area is understudied. In the last two decades, evidence has accumulated to confirm the importance of the TCR in Treg homeostasis and antigen-specific immune response regulation. In this review, we describe the current view of Treg subset heterogeneity, homeostasis and function in the context of TCR involvement. Recent studies of the TCR repertoire of Tregs, combined with single-cell gene expression analysis, revealed the importance of TCR specificity in shaping Treg phenotype diversity, their functions and homeostatic maintenance in various tissues. We propose that Tregs, like conventional T-helper cells, act to a great extent in an antigen-specific manner, which is provided by a specific distribution of Tregs in niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil Shevyrev
- Research Institute for Fundamental and Clinical Immunology (RIFCI), Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valeriy Tereshchenko
- Research Institute for Fundamental and Clinical Immunology (RIFCI), Novosibirsk, Russia
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71
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JunB plays a crucial role in development of regulatory T cells by promoting IL-2 signaling. Mucosal Immunol 2019; 12:1104-1117. [PMID: 31285535 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-019-0182-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The AP-1 transcription factor JunB plays crucial roles in multiple biological processes, including placental formation and bone homeostasis. We recently reported that JunB is essential for development of Th17 cells, and thus Junb-deficient mice are resistant to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. However, the role of JunB in CD4+ T cells under other inflammatory disease conditions is unknown. Here we show that mice lacking JunB in CD4+ T cells (Junbfl/flCd4-Cre mice) were more susceptible to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis because of impaired development of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Production of interleukin (IL)-2 and expression of CD25, a high affinity IL-2 receptor component, were decreased in Junb-deficient CD4+ T cells in vitro and in vivo. Naive CD4+ T cells from Junbfl/flCd4-Cre mice failed to differentiate into Treg cells in the absence of exogenously added IL-2 in vitro. A mixed bone marrow transfer experiment revealed that defective Treg development of Junb-deficient CD4+ T cells was not rescued by co-transferred wild-type cells, indicating a significance of the cell-intrinsic defect. Injection of IL-2-anti-IL-2 antibody complexes induced expansion of Treg cells and alleviated DSS-induced colitis in Junbfl/flCd4-Cre mice. Thus JunB plays a crucial role in the development of Treg cells by facilitating IL-2 signaling.
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72
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Koizumi SI, Ishikawa H. Transcriptional Regulation of Differentiation and Functions of Effector T Regulatory Cells. Cells 2019; 8:E939. [PMID: 31434282 PMCID: PMC6721668 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Foxp3-expressing regulatory T (Treg) cells can suppress the activity of various types of immune cells and play key roles in the maintenance of self-tolerance and in the regulation of immune responses against pathogens and tumor cells. Treg cells consist of heterogeneous subsets that have distinct phenotypes and functions. Upon antigen stimulation, naïve-like thymus-derived Treg cells, which circulate in secondary lymphoid organs, can differentiate into effector Treg (eTreg) cells and migrate to and control immune homeostasis of peripheral tissues. eTreg cells are heterogeneous in terms of their ability to localize to specific tissues and suppress particular types of immune responses. Differentiation and function of diverse eTreg subsets are regulated by a variety of transcription factors that are activated by antigens and cytokines. In this article, we review the current understanding of the transcriptional regulation of differentiation and function of eTreg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichi Koizumi
- Immune Signal Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ishikawa
- Immune Signal Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan.
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73
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Atsaves V, Leventaki V, Rassidakis GZ, Claret FX. AP-1 Transcription Factors as Regulators of Immune Responses in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1037. [PMID: 31340499 PMCID: PMC6678392 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11071037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune check point blockade therapy has revolutionized the standard of cancer treatment and is credited with producing remarkable tumor remissions and increase in overall survival. This unprecedented clinical success however is feasible for a limited number of cancer patients due to resistance occurring before or during a course of immunotherapy, which is often associated with activation of oncogenic signaling pathways, co-inhibitory checkpoints upregulation or expansion of immunosuppressive regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenviroment (TME). Targeted therapy aiming to inactivate a signaling pathway such as the Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) has recently received a lot of attention due to emerging data from preclinical studies indicating synergy with immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The dimeric transcription factor complex Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) is a group of proteins involved in a wide array of cell processes and a critical regulator of nuclear gene expression during T-cell activation. It is also one of the downstream targets of the MAPK signaling cascade. In this review, we will attempt to unravel the roles of AP-1 in the regulation of anti-tumor immune responses, with a focus on the regulation of immune checkpoints and Tregs, seeking to extract useful insights for more efficacious immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Atsaves
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research-Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne, Épalinges, 1066 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vasiliki Leventaki
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin & Medical College of Wisconsin, Medical College of Winsconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - George Z Rassidakis
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Francois X Claret
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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74
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Wu J, Ma S, Hotz-Wagenblatt A, Angel P, Mohr K, Schlimbach T, Schmitt M, Cui G. Regulatory T cells sense effector T-cell activation through synchronized JunB expression. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:1020-1029. [PMID: 31017652 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
To maintain immune tolerance, effector T-cell (Teff) responses must be checked by the regulatory T cells (Tregs) in time. It remains incompletely understood how Tregs sense real-time Teff activation. Here, we report that the AP-1 transcription factor JunB, which is induced in Teffs upon T-cell receptor (TCR) activation, is also increased in Tregs by TCR stimuli. Treg-specific deletion of Junb impairs Treg identity, causes uncontrolled inflammatory cytokine production by Teffs and leads to the T-box transcription factor T-bet-dependent spontaneous inflammation. Furthermore, JunB deficiency in Tregs unleashes antitumor Teff responses in a mouse model of melanoma. We conclude that JunB alarms Tregs of the emerging Teff activation and synchronizes immune regulation with the immune reaction in autoimmunity and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxia Wu
- T Cell Metabolism Group (D140), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sicong Ma
- T Cell Metabolism Group (D140), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Agnes Hotz-Wagenblatt
- Core Facility Omics IT and Data Management, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Angel
- Division Signal Transduction and Growth Control (A100), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Mohr
- T Cell Metabolism Group (D140), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tilo Schlimbach
- T Cell Metabolism Group (D140), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Schmitt
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Germany.,Internal Medicine V, University Heidelberg Hospital, Germany
| | - Guoliang Cui
- T Cell Metabolism Group (D140), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Germany
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