51
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Fonseca VR, Graca L. Contribution of FoxP3 + Tfr cells to overall human blood CXCR5 + T cells. Clin Exp Immunol 2019; 195:302-304. [PMID: 30632146 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification that T follicular helper (Tfh) cells is critical for the emergence of germinal centre responses prompted the study of CXCR5-expressing CD4+ T cell subsets in autoimmunity. However, circulating CXCR5-expressing T cells are heterogeneous by containing Forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells in addition to bona fide Tfh cells. Such heterogeneity may hamper the analysis of the contribution of specific follicular T cell subsets for autoimmune pathogenesis. Therefore, separate assessment of Tfh and Tfr populations offer greater opportunities for stratification of autoimmune patients, such as Sjögren's syndrome patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- V R Fonseca
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte - Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - L Graca
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
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52
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Milagres L, Silva G, Pereira-Manfro W, Frota AC, Hofer C, Ferreira B, Barreto D, Figueredo M, Coelho B, Villela L, Petrovas C, Koup R. Baseline Circulating Activated TFH and Tissue-Like Exhausted B Cells Negatively Correlate With Meningococcal C Conjugate Vaccine Induced Antibodies in HIV-Infected Individuals. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2500. [PMID: 30420858 PMCID: PMC6215828 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2006, meningococcal serogroup C (MenC) conjugate (MCC) vaccines have been supplied by the Brazilian government for HIV-infected children under 13 years old. For measuring protection against MenC, the serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) assay is the method of choice. The characterization of T follicular helper cells (TFH) cells has been an area of intensive study because of their significance in multiple human diseases and in vaccinology. The objective of this study was to characterize the phenotype of peripheral TFH cells and B cells and how they associated with each other and with SBA levels induced by vaccination as well as with serum cytokine levels of HIV-infected and non-infected children and adolescents. We found that CD27−IgD−CD21−CD38+ (exhausted B cells) as well as short-lived plasmablasts (CD27+IgD−CD21−CD38+) are increased in cART treated HIV patients and negatively associated with MCC vaccine induced SBA levels. Baseline frequency of activated peripheral TFH cells was a negative correlate for SBA response to MCC vaccine but positively correlated with circulating plasmablast frequency. Baseline IL4-levels positively associated with SBA response but showed a negative correlation with activated peripheral TFH cells frequency. The increased frequency of activated peripheral TFH cells found in non-responders to the vaccine implies that higher activation/differentiation of CD4 T cells within the lymph node is not necessarily associated with induction of vaccine responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucimar Milagres
- Department of Microbiology Immunology and Parasitology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Immunology Laboratory, Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Giselle Silva
- Department of Microbiology Immunology and Parasitology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wânia Pereira-Manfro
- Department of Microbiology Immunology and Parasitology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Frota
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristina Hofer
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Preventive Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bianca Ferreira
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniela Barreto
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Figueredo
- Department of Periodontics, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Barbara Coelho
- Department of Periodontics, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucia Villela
- Laboratory of Immunology, Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Constantinos Petrovas
- Immunology Laboratory, Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Richard Koup
- Immunology Laboratory, Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
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53
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Stebegg M, Kumar SD, Silva-Cayetano A, Fonseca VR, Linterman MA, Graca L. Regulation of the Germinal Center Response. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2469. [PMID: 30410492 PMCID: PMC6209676 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The germinal center (GC) is a specialized microstructure that forms in secondary lymphoid tissues, producing long-lived antibody secreting plasma cells and memory B cells, which can provide protection against reinfection. Within the GC, B cells undergo somatic mutation of the genes encoding their B cell receptors which, following successful selection, can lead to the emergence of B cell clones that bind antigen with high affinity. However, this mutation process can also be dangerous, as it can create autoreactive clones that can cause autoimmunity. Because of this, regulation of GC reactions is critical to ensure high affinity antibody production and to enforce self-tolerance by avoiding emergence of autoreactive B cell clones. A productive GC response requires the collaboration of multiple cell types. The stromal cell network orchestrates GC cell dynamics by controlling antigen delivery and cell trafficking. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells provide specialized help to GC B cells through cognate T-B cell interactions while Foxp3+ T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells are key mediators of GC regulation. However, regulation of GC responses is not a simple outcome of Tfh/Tfr balance, but also involves the contribution of other cell types to modulate the GC microenvironment and to avoid autoimmunity. Thus, the regulation of the GC is complex, and occurs at multiple levels. In this review we outline recent developments in the biology of cell subsets involved in the regulation of GC reactions, in both secondary lymphoid tissues, and Peyer's patches (PPs). We discuss the mechanisms which enable the generation of potent protective humoral immunity whilst GC-derived autoimmunity is avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saumya D Kumar
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | | | - Valter R Fonseca
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte-Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Luis Graca
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
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54
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Inhibition of glucose metabolism selectively targets autoreactive follicular helper T cells. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4369. [PMID: 30348969 PMCID: PMC6197193 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06686-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Follicular helper T (TFH) cells are expanded in systemic lupus erythematosus, where they are required to produce high affinity autoantibodies. Eliminating TFH cells would, however compromise the production of protective antibodies against viral and bacterial pathogens. Here we show that inhibiting glucose metabolism results in a drastic reduction of the frequency and number of TFH cells in lupus-prone mice. However, this inhibition has little effect on the production of T-cell-dependent antibodies following immunization with an exogenous antigen or on the frequency of virus-specific TFH cells induced by infection with influenza. In contrast, glutaminolysis inhibition reduces both immunization-induced and autoimmune TFH cells and humoral responses. Solute transporter gene signature suggests different glucose and amino acid fluxes between autoimmune TFH cells and exogenous antigen-specific TFH cells. Thus, blocking glucose metabolism may provide an effective therapeutic approach to treat systemic autoimmunity by eliminating autoreactive TFH cells while preserving protective immunity against pathogens. T cell functions depend on distinct metabolic fluxes. Here the authors show different metabolic requirements of humoral responses to self versus microbial antigens: while glucose is dispensable for antiviral Tfh and antibody responses, it is essential to mount these responses against autoantigens.
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55
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Zhao J, Chen Y, Xu Z, Yang W, Zhu Z, Song Y, Liu J. Increased circulating follicular regulatory T cells in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Autoimmunity 2018; 51:345-351. [PMID: 30343599 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2018.1516759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Sian International Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yanxia Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenyao Xu
- Institute of Translational Medcine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology Center for Microbiota & Immune Related Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhongliang Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingxiang Song
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinlin Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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56
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Qin L, Waseem TC, Sahoo A, Bieerkehazhi S, Zhou H, Galkina EV, Nurieva R. Insights Into the Molecular Mechanisms of T Follicular Helper-Mediated Immunity and Pathology. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1884. [PMID: 30158933 PMCID: PMC6104131 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells play key role in providing help to B cells during germinal center (GC) reactions. Generation of protective antibodies against various infections is an important aspect of Tfh-mediated immune responses and the dysregulation of Tfh cell responses has been implicated in various autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and malignancy. Thus, their differentiation and maintenance must be closely regulated to ensure appropriate help to B cells. The generation and function of Tfh cells is regulated by multiple checkpoints including their early priming stage in T zones and throughout the effector stage of differentiation in GCs. Signaling pathways activated downstream of cytokine and costimulatory receptors as well as consequent activation of subset-specific transcriptional factors are essential steps for Tfh cell generation. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying Tfh cell-mediated immunity and pathology will bring into spotlight potential targets for novel therapies. In this review, we discuss the recent findings related to the molecular mechanisms of Tfh cell differentiation and their role in normal immune responses and antibody-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qin
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Tayab C Waseem
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Anupama Sahoo
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shayahati Bieerkehazhi
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hong Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Elena V Galkina
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Roza Nurieva
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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57
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Fazilleau N, Aloulou M. Several Follicular Regulatory T Cell Subsets With Distinct Phenotype and Function Emerge During Germinal Center Reactions. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1792. [PMID: 30150980 PMCID: PMC6100207 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
An efficient B cell immunity requires a dynamic equilibrium between positive and negative signals. In germinal centers (GCs), T follicular helper cells are supposed to be the positive regulator while T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells were assigned to be the negative regulators. Indeed, Tfr cells are considered as a homogenous cell population dedicated to dampen the GC extent. Moreover, Tfr cells prevent autoimmunity since their dysregulation leads to production of self-reactive antibodies (Ab). However, a growing corpus of evidence has revealed additional and unexpected functions for Tfr cells in the regulation of B cell responses. This review provides an overview of the Tfr cell contribution and presents Tfr cell proprieties in the context of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Fazilleau
- Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, France.,INSERM U1043, Toulouse, France.,CNRS UMR5282, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Meryem Aloulou
- Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, France.,INSERM U1043, Toulouse, France.,CNRS UMR5282, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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58
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Moysi E, Petrovas C, Koup RA. The role of follicular helper CD4 T cells in the development of HIV-1 specific broadly neutralizing antibody responses. Retrovirology 2018; 15:54. [PMID: 30081906 PMCID: PMC6080353 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-018-0437-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The induction of HIV-1-specific antibodies that can neutralize a broad number of isolates is a major goal of HIV-1 vaccination strategies. However, to date no candidate HIV-1 vaccine has successfully elicited broadly neutralizing antibodies of sufficient quality and breadth for protection. In this review, we focus on the role of follicular helper CD4 T-cells (Tfh) in the development of such cross-reactive protective antibodies. We discuss germinal center (GC) formation and the dynamics of Tfh and GC B cells during HIV-1/SIV infection and vaccination. Finally, we consider future directions for the study of Tfh and offer perspective on factors that could be modulated to enhance Tfh function in the context of prophylactic vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Moysi
- Immunology Laboratory, Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | | | - Richard A Koup
- Immunology Laboratory, Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, USA
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59
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Puthenparampil M, Zito A, Pantano G, Federle L, Stropparo E, Miante S, De Silvestro G, Plebani M, Gallo P. Peripheral imbalanced TFH/TFR ratio correlates with intrathecal IgG synthesis in multiple sclerosis at clinical onset. Mult Scler 2018; 25:918-926. [PMID: 29882478 DOI: 10.1177/1352458518779951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alteration of T-follicular helper (TFH) and regulatory (TFR) subpopulations may contribute to the development of auto-reactive B-cell. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether changes in TFH and TFR subsets are associated with abnormal IgG synthesis in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. METHODS Paired blood and CSF samples were obtained from 31 untreated relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients at diagnosis. Peripheral blood TFH (CD3+CD4+CXCR5+CD25-CD127+), TFR (CD3+CD4+CXCR5+CD25+CD127dim), conventional T-Helper (TH, CD3+CD4+CXCR5-CD25-CD127+), and regulatory T-cells (T-Reg, CD3+CD4+CXCR5-CD25+CD127dim) were analyzed in all RRMS patients and in 13 healthy controls (HCs). Qualitative and quantitative intrathecal IgG synthesis was evaluated in RRMS patients, who were then further subclassified according to the presence of IgG oligoclonal bands in blood and/or CSF. RESULTS Compared to HC, RRMS had lower TFR percentage ( p < 0.01) and higher TFH/TFR ratio ( p < 0.001). In RRMS, TFH/TFR ratio correlated with both qualitative ( r = 0.56, p < 0.005) and quantitative intrathecal IgG synthesis (IgG Index: r = 0.78; IgGLoc: r = 0.79; IgGIF: r = 0.76, all p < 0.001). Patients with the highest TFH/TFR ratios had higher percentages of circulating B-cells (36.1 ± 35.2%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION In RRMS, increased TFH/TFR ratio associates with abnormal IgG production in blood and CSF, suggesting that antibody-producing cells, derived from deregulated peripheral germinal center reaction, colonize the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Puthenparampil
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroscience DNS, Università degli Studi di Padova, via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Antonio Zito
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroscience DNS, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Pantano
- Central Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Lisa Federle
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Ospedale San Bortolo di Vicenza, Azienda ULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Erica Stropparo
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroscience DNS, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Miante
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroscience DNS, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Mario Plebani
- Central Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Gallo
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroscience DNS, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
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60
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Petrović R, Bufan B, Arsenović-Ranin N, Živković I, Minić R, Radojević K, Leposavić G. Mouse strain and sex as determinants of immune response to trivalent influenza vaccine. Life Sci 2018; 207:117-126. [PMID: 29859986 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The study examined the influence of sex and mouse strain on germinal center (GC) reaction and antibody responses to seasonal split trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV). MAIN METHODS C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice of both sexes were immunized with TIV and examined for specific antibody response by ELISA. Splenic T follicular regulatory (Tfr), T follicular helper (Tfh) and GC B cells are detected by flow cytometry. The proliferative response of splenocytes, and concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-4 upon restimulation with vaccine antigens were examined by 7-AAD staining and ELISA, respectively. KEY FINDINGS BALB/c mice developed more robust IgG responses to vaccine type A antigens than their sex-matched C57BL/6 counterparts, while that to B antigen did not differ between strains. In both strains IgG responses against type A vaccine antigens were greater in females than in males. The greater IgG responses correlated with lower splenic Tfr/Tfh and Tfr/GC B cell ratios and greater vaccine antigen-specific proliferative responses of CD4+ and B cells in splenocyte cultures. In both mouse strains IgG2a(c)/IgG1 ratios were comparable between sexes, but lower in BALB/c than in C57BL/6 mice indicating a shift in Th1/Th2 balance towards Th2 response in BALB/c ones. Consistently, splenocytes from BALB/c mice produced more IL-4 and less IFN-γ than those from C57BL/6 mice. SIGNIFICANCE The study indicated that magnitude of humoral response to influenza type A haemagglutinins depends on mouse strain and sex, and thereby set background for the vaccination strategies taking into account biological sex, and in a longterm perspective individual differences in immune reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raisa Petrović
- Immunology Research Centre "Branislav Janković", Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera "Torlak", 458 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Bufan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 450 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nevena Arsenović-Ranin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 450 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Irena Živković
- Immunology Research Centre "Branislav Janković", Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera "Torlak", 458 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Rajna Minić
- Immunology Research Centre "Branislav Janković", Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera "Torlak", 458 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Radojević
- Immunology Research Centre "Branislav Janković", Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera "Torlak", 458 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gordana Leposavić
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 450 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia.
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61
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Fonseca VR, Romão VC, Agua-Doce A, Santos M, López-Presa D, Ferreira AC, Fonseca JE, Graca L. The Ratio of Blood T Follicular Regulatory Cells to T Follicular Helper Cells Marks Ectopic Lymphoid Structure Formation While Activated Follicular Helper T Cells Indicate Disease Activity in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome. Arthritis Rheumatol 2018; 70:774-784. [PMID: 29361207 DOI: 10.1002/art.40424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the balance of blood follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells can provide information about ectopic lymphoid neogenesis and disease activity in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). METHODS We prospectively recruited 56 patients clinically suspected of having SS. Sixteen of these patients subsequently fulfilled the American-European Consensus Group criteria for SS and were compared to 16 patients with non-SS sicca syndrome. Paired blood and minor salivary gland (MSG) biopsy samples were analyzed to study Tfr cells and subsets of Tfh cells in both compartments. RESULTS Patients with primary SS had normal Tfh cell counts in peripheral blood; however, activated programmed death 1-positive (PD-1+) inducible costimulator-positive (ICOS+) Tfh cells in peripheral blood were strongly associated with disease activity assessed by the European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (r = 0.8547, P = 0.0008). Conversely, the blood Tfr cell:Tfh cell ratio indicated ectopic lymphoid structure formation in MSGs, being strongly associated with B cell, CD4+ T cell, and PD-1+ICOS+ T cell infiltration in MSGs, and was especially increased in patients with focal sialadenitis. Further analysis showed that the blood Tfr cell:Tfh cell ratio allowed discrimination between SS patients and healthy donors with excellent accuracy and was a strong predictor of SS diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 12.96, P = 0.028) and the presence of focal sialadenitis (OR 10, P = 0.022) in patients investigated for sicca symptoms, thus highlighting the potential clinical value of this marker. CONCLUSION The blood Tfr cell:Tfh cell ratio and PD-1+ICOS+ Tfh cells constitute potential novel biomarkers for different features of primary SS. While the blood Tfr cell:Tfh cell ratio is associated with ectopic lymphoid neogenesis, activated Tfh cells indicate disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valter R Fonseca
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte and Lisbon Academic Medical Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vasco C Romão
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte and Lisbon Academic Medical Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Agua-Doce
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, and Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Mara Santos
- Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte and Lisbon Academic Medical Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dolores López-Presa
- Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte and Lisbon Academic Medical Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Ferreira
- Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte and Lisbon Academic Medical Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Eurico Fonseca
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte and Lisbon Academic Medical Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luis Graca
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, and Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
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