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Ho JQ, Sepand MR, Bigdelou B, Shekarian T, Esfandyarpour R, Chauhan P, Serpooshan V, Beura LK, Hutter G, Zanganeh S. The immune response to COVID-19: Does sex matter? Immunology 2022; 166:429-443. [PMID: 35470422 PMCID: PMC9111683 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has created unprecedented challenges worldwide. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causes COVID‐19 and has a complex interaction with the immune system, including growing evidence of sex‐specific differences in the immune response. Sex‐disaggregated analyses of epidemiological data indicate that males experience more severe symptoms and suffer higher mortality from COVID‐19 than females. Many behavioural risk factors and biological factors may contribute to the different immune response. This review examines the immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the context of sex, with emphasis on potential biological mechanisms explaining differences in clinical outcomes. Understanding sex differences in the pathophysiology of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection will help promote the development of specific strategies to manage the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Q Ho
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States
| | - Mohammad Reza Sepand
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Banafsheh Bigdelou
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Tala Shekarian
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rahim Esfandyarpour
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Prashant Chauhan
- Laboratory of Functional Biology of Protists, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vahid Serpooshan
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Lalit K Beura
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Gregor Hutter
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Steven Zanganeh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, United States
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Kuipery A, Mahamed D, Nkongolo S, D’Angelo JA, Johnson Valiente A, Mehrotra A, Chapman WC, Horton P, McGilvray I, Janssen HLA, Gehring AJ. The Human Male Liver Is Predisposed to Inflammation Via Enhanced Myeloid Responses to Inflammatory Triggers. Front Immunol 2022; 13:818612. [PMID: 35493503 PMCID: PMC9046993 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.818612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aim Men have a higher prevalence of liver disease. Liver myeloid cells can regulate tissue inflammation, which drives progression of liver disease. We hypothesized that sex alters the responsiveness of liver myeloid cells, predisposing men to severe liver inflammation. Methods Luminex was done on plasma from Hepatitis B Virus infected patients undergoing nucleoside analogue cessation in 45 male and female patients. We collected immune cells from the sinusoids of uninfected livers of 53 male and female donors. Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to phenotype and characterize immune composition. Isolated monocytes were stimulated with TLR ligands to measure the inflammatory potential and the expression of regulators of TLR signaling. Results We confirmed that men experienced more frequent and severe liver damage upon Hepatitis B Virus reactivation, which was associated with inflammatory markers of myeloid activation. No differences were observed in the frequency or phenotype of sinusoidal myeloid cells between male and female livers. However, monocytes from male livers produced more inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in response to TLR stimulation than female monocytes. We investigated negative regulators of TLR signaling and found that TOLLIP was elevated in female liver-derived monocytes Conclusions Our data show that enhanced responsiveness of myeloid cells from the male liver predisposes men to inflammation, which was associated with altered expression of negative regulators of TLR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Kuipery
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Deeqa Mahamed
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shirin Nkongolo
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - June Ann D’Angelo
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Alexandra Johnson Valiente
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aman Mehrotra
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - William C. Chapman
- Division of Abdominal Transplant, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Peter Horton
- Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute, Memphis, TN, United States
- Division of Abdominal Transplant, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Ian McGilvray
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Harry L. A. Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adam J. Gehring
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Adam J. Gehring,
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Sui Q, Chen Z, Hu Z, Huang Y, Liang J, Bi G, Bian Y, Zhao M, Zhan C, Lin Z, Wang Q, Tan L. Cisplatin resistance-related multi-omics differences and the establishment of machine learning models. J Transl Med 2022; 20:171. [PMID: 35410350 PMCID: PMC9004122 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03372-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Platinum-based chemotherapies are currently the first-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. This study will improve our understanding of the causes of resistance to cisplatin, especially in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and provide a reference for therapeutic decisions in clinical practice. Methods Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Zhongshan hospital affiliated to Fudan University (zs-cohort) were used to identify the multi-omics differences related to platinum chemotherapy. Cisplatin-resistant mRNA and miRNA models were constructed by Logistic regression, classification and regression tree and C4.5 decision tree classification algorithm with previous feature selection performed via least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). qRT-PCR and western-blotting of A549 and H358 cells, as well as single-cell Seq data of tumor samples were applied to verify the tendency of certain genes. Results 661 cell lines were divided into three groups according to the IC50 value of cisplatin, and the top 1/3 (220) with a small IC50 value were defined as the sensitive group while the last 1/3 (220) were enrolled in the insensitive group. TP53 was the most common mutation in the insensitive group, in contrast to TTN in the sensitive group. 1348 mRNA, 80 miRNA, and 15 metabolites were differentially expressed between 2 groups (P < 0.05). According to the LASSO penalized logistic modeling, 6 of the 1348 mRNAs, FOXA2, BATF3, SIX1, HOXA1, ZBTB38, IRF5, were selected as the associated features with cisplatin resistance and for the contribution of predictive mRNA model (all of adjusted P-values < 0.001). Three of 6 (BATF3, IRF5, ZBTB38) genes were finally verified in cell level and patients in zs-cohort. Conclusions Somatic mutations, mRNA expressions, miRNA expressions, metabolites and methylation were related to the resistance of cisplatin. The models we created could help in the prediction of the reaction and prognosis of patients given platinum-based chemotherapies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03372-0.
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54
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Kovacs L, Kress TC, Belin de Chantemèle EJ. HIV, Combination Antiretroviral Therapy, and Vascular Diseases in Men and Women. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2022; 7:410-421. [PMID: 35540101 PMCID: PMC9079796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2021.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Thanks to the advent of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) experienced a marked increase in life expectancy but are now at higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the current leading cause of death in PLWH on cART. Although HIV preponderantly affects men over women, manifestations of HIV-related CVD differ by sex with women experiencing greater risks than men. Despite extensive investigation, the etiopathology of CVD, notably the respective contribution of viral infection and cART, remain ill-defined. However, both viral infection and cART have been reported to contribute to endothelial dysfunction, the precursor and major cause of atherosclerosis-associated CVD, through mechanisms involving endothelial cell activation, inflammation, and oxidative stress, all leading to reduced nitric oxide bioavailability. Therefore, preserving endothelial function in PLWH on cART should be a main target to reduce CVD morbidity and mortality, notably in females.
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Key Words
- CVD, cardiovascular disease
- FMD, flow-mediated dilatation
- HF, heart failure
- HIV
- HIV, human immunodeficiency virus
- MI, myocardial infarction
- NO, nitric oxide
- PAD, peripheral artery disease
- PH, pulmonary hypertension
- PLWH, people living with HIV
- cART, combination antiretroviral therapy
- cIMT, carotid intima-media thickness
- combination antiretroviral therapy
- endothelial dysfunction
- sex differences
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Kovacs
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Taylor C Kress
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eric J Belin de Chantemèle
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta Georgia, USA
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55
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Espinoza C, Alarcón M. The Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2: Mechanisms, Aging, Sequelae and Vaccines. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:2166-2185. [PMID: 35249484 DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666220304231537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This review seeks to clarify the factors involved in the various immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the mechanisms that influence the development of COVID-19 with severe evolution. The innate immune response that evolves against SARS-CoV-2 in a complex way is highlighted, integrating multiple pathways by coronaviruses to evade it, in addition to characterizing the adaptive immune response, which can lead to an effective immune response or can contribute to immunopathological imbalance. In turn, host-dependent biomarkers such as age, gender, ABO blood group, and risk factors that contribute to the critical and varied progress of COVID-19 immunopathogenesis were analyzed. Finally, the potential vaccine candidates are presented, capable of generating immune protection with humoral and/or cellular neutralizing responses, in favor of blocking and destroying both the new human coronavirus and its variants, which cause the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Espinoza
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunohaematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
- Thrombosis Research Center, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Marcelo Alarcón
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunohaematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
- Thrombosis Research Center, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
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Abstract
Background: Sex dimorphism strongly impacts tumor biology, with most cancers having a male predominance. Uniquely, thyroid cancer (TC) is the only nonreproductive cancer with striking female predominance with three- to four-fold higher incidence among females, although males generally have more aggressive disease. The molecular basis for this observation is not known, and current approaches in treatment and surveillance are not sex specific. Summary: Although TC has overall good prognosis, 6-20% of patients develop regional or distant metastasis, one third of whom are not responsive to conventional treatment approaches and suffer a 10-year survival rate of only 10%. More efficacious treatment strategies are needed for these aggressive TCs, as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy have major toxicities without demonstrable overall survival benefit. Emerging evidence indicates a role of sex hormones, genetics, and the immune system in modulation of both risk for TC and its progression in a sex-specific manner. Conclusion: Greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying sex differences in TC pathogenesis could provide insights into the development of sex-specific, targeted, and effective strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and management. This review summarizes emerging evidence for the importance of sex in the pathogenesis, progression, and response to treatment in differentiated TC with emphasis on the role of sex hormones, genetics, and the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Shobab
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Kenneth D Burman
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Leonard Wartofsky
- Medstar Health Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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57
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Fabião J, Sassi B, Pedrollo E, Gerchman F, Kramer C, Leitão C, Pinto L. Why do men have worse COVID-19-related outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis with sex adjusted for age. Braz J Med Biol Res 2022; 55:e11711. [PMID: 35195196 PMCID: PMC8856598 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2021e11711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to study the mechanism behind worse coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outcomes in men and whether the differences between sexes regarding mortality as well as disease severity are influenced by sex hormones. To do so, we used age as a covariate in the meta-regression and subgroup analyses. This was a systematic search and meta-analysis of observational cohorts reporting COVID-19 outcomes. The PubMed (Medline) and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The primary outcome was COVID-19-associated mortality and the secondary outcome was COVID-19 severity. The study was registered at PROSPERO: 42020182924. For mortality, men had a relative risk of 1.36 (95%CI: 1.17 to 1.59; I2 63%, P for heterogeneity <0.01) compared to women. Age was not a significant covariate in meta-analysis heterogeneity (P=0.393) or subgroup analysis. For disease severity, being male was associated with a relative risk of 1.29 (95%CI: 1.19 to 1.40; I2 48%, P for heterogeneity <0.01) compared to the relative risk of women. Again, age did not influence the outcomes of the meta-regression (P=0.914) or subgroup analysis. Men had a higher risk of COVID-19 mortality and severity regardless of age, decreasing the odds of hormonal influences in the described outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Fabião
- Divisão de Medicina Interna, Hospital Nossa Senhora da
Conceição, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - B. Sassi
- Divisão de Medicina Interna, Hospital Nossa Senhora da
Conceição, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - E.F. Pedrollo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas: Endocrinologia,
Divisão de Endocrinologia, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade
Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - F. Gerchman
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas: Endocrinologia,
Divisão de Endocrinologia, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade
Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - C.K. Kramer
- Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario,
Canada
| | - C.B. Leitão
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas: Endocrinologia,
Divisão de Endocrinologia, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade
Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - L.C. Pinto
- Divisão de Medicina Interna, Hospital Nossa Senhora da
Conceição, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas: Endocrinologia,
Divisão de Endocrinologia, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade
Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
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Cognitive adverse effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy: are interventions within reach? Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:173-185. [PMID: 35140379 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00617-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. The community of cancer patients is growing, and several common cancers are becoming increasingly chronic; thus, cancer survivorship is an important part of health care. A large body of research indicates that cancer and cancer therapies are associated with cognitive impairment. This research has mainly concentrated on chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment but, with the arrival of immunotherapies, the focus is expected to widen and the number of studies investigating the potential cognitive effects of these new therapies is rising. Meanwhile, patients with cognitive impairment and their healthcare providers are eagerly awaiting effective approaches to intervene against the cognitive effects of cancer treatment. In this Review, we take stock of the progress that has been made and discuss the steps that need to be taken to accelerate research into the biology underlying cognitive decline following chemotherapy and immunotherapy and to develop restorative and preventive interventions. We also provide recommendations to clinicians on how to best help patients who are currently experiencing cognitive impairment.
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59
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The spectrum of sex differences in cancer. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:303-315. [PMID: 35190302 PMCID: PMC8930612 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in cellular and systems biology have been evolutionarily selected to optimize reproductive success in all species with little (sperm) and big (ova) gamete producers. They are evident from the time of fertilization and accrue throughout development through genetic, epigenetic, and circulating sex hormone-dependent mechanisms. Among other effects, they significantly impact on chromatin organization, metabolism, cell cycle regulation, immunity, longevity, and cancer risk and survival. Sex differences in cancer should be expected and accounted for in basic, translational, and clinical oncology research.
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AbdelGhaffar MM, Omran D, Elgebaly A, Bahbah EI, Afify S, AlSoda M, El-Shiekh M, ElSayed ES, Shaaban SS, AbdelHafez S, Elkelany K, Eltayar AA, Ali OS, Kamal L, Heiba AM, El Askary A, Shousha HI. Prediction of mortality in hospitalized Egyptian patients with Coronavirus disease-2019: A multicenter retrospective study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262348. [PMID: 35015782 PMCID: PMC8752027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to assess the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics associated with mortality among hospitalized Egyptian patients with COVID-19. A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted on all polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 cases admitted through the period from April to July 2020. A generalized linear model was reconstructed with covariates based on predictor’s statistical significance and clinically relevance. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated by using stepwise logistic regression modeling. A total of 3712 hospitalized patients were included; of them, 900 deaths were recorded (24.2%). Compared to survived patients, non-survived patients were more likely to be older than 60 years (65.7%), males (53.6%) diabetic (37.6%), hypertensive (37.2%), and had chronic renal insufficiency (9%). Non-survived patients were less likely to receive azithromycin (p <0.001), anticoagulants (p <0.001), and steroids (p <0.001). We found that age ≥ 60 years old (OR = 2.82, 95% CI 2.05–3.86; p <0.0001), diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.14–2.19; p = 0.006), hypertension (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.22–2.36; p = 0.002), chronic renal insufficiency (OR = 3.15, 95% CI 1.84–5.38; p <0.0001), tachycardia (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.22–2.23; p <0.001), hypoxemia (OR = 5.69, 95% CI 4.05–7.98; p <0.0001), GCS <13 (OR 515.2, 95% CI 148.5–1786.9; p <0.0001), the use of therapeutic dose of anticoagulation (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.22–0.74, p = 0.003) and azithromycin (OR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.09–0.26; p <0.0001) were independent negative predictors of mortality. In conclusion, age >60 years, comorbidities, tachycardia, hypoxemia, and altered consciousness level are independent predictors of mortality among Egyptian hospitalized patients with COVID-19. On the other hand, the use of anticoagulants and azithromycin is associated with reduced mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad M. AbdelGhaffar
- Gastroenterology & Infectious Diseases Department, Ahmed Maher Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
- General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes (GOTHI), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dalia Omran
- General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes (GOTHI), Cairo, Egypt
- Endemic medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Shimaa Afify
- Gastroenterology Department, National Hepatology and Tropical medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed AlSoda
- General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes (GOTHI), Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Enass S. ElSayed
- Nephrology Department, Ahmed Maher Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Soha S. Shaaban
- Rheumatology department, El Matareya Educational Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samah AbdelHafez
- Gastroenterology & Infectious Diseases Department, Ahmed Maher Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled Elkelany
- Pediatric departement, Shebin Elkom Teaching Hospital, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Ayman A. Eltayar
- Intensive care Department, Damanhour Teaching Hospital, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Omnia S. Ali
- Clinical and chemical pathology department, Ahmed Maher Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Lamiaa Kamal
- Clinical and chemical pathology department, Sahel General Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Heiba
- Gastroenterology & Infectious Diseases Department, Ahmed Maher Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
- Internal Medicine Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmad El Askary
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hend Ibrahim Shousha
- Endemic medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- * E-mail:
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61
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The impact of biological sex on diseases of the urinary tract. Mucosal Immunol 2022; 15:857-866. [PMID: 35869147 PMCID: PMC9305688 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-022-00549-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Biological sex, being female or male, broadly influences diverse immune phenotypes, including immune responses to diseases at mucosal surfaces. Sex hormones, sex chromosomes, sexual dimorphism, and gender differences all contribute to how an organism will respond to diseases of the urinary tract, such as bladder infection or cancer. Although the incidence of urinary tract infection is strongly sex biased, rates of infection change over a lifetime in women and men, suggesting that accompanying changes in the levels of sex hormones may play a role in the response to infection. Bladder cancer is also sex biased in that 75% of newly diagnosed patients are men. Bladder cancer development is shaped by contributions from both sex hormones and sex chromosomes, demonstrating that the influence of sex on disease can be complex. With a better understanding of how sex influences disease and immunity, we can envision sex-specific therapies to better treat diseases of the urinary tract and potentially diseases of other mucosal tissues.
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62
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Sugrue JA, Bourke NM, O'Farrelly C. Type I Interferon and the Spectrum of Susceptibility to Viral Infection and Autoimmune Disease: A Shared Genomic Signature. Front Immunol 2021; 12:757249. [PMID: 34917078 PMCID: PMC8669998 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.757249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-I) and their cognate receptor, the IFNAR1/2 heterodimer, are critical components of the innate immune system in humans. They have been widely explored in the context of viral infection and autoimmune disease where they play key roles in protection against infection or shaping disease pathogenesis. A false dichotomy has emerged in the study of IFN-I where interferons are thought of as either beneficial or pathogenic. This 'good or bad' viewpoint excludes more nuanced interpretations of IFN-I biology - for example, it is known that IFN-I is associated with the development of systemic lupus erythematosus, yet is also protective in the context of infectious diseases and contributes to resistance to viral infection. Studies have suggested that a shared transcriptomic signature underpins both potential resistance to viral infection and susceptibility to autoimmune disease. This seems to be particularly evident in females, who exhibit increased viral resistance and increased susceptibility to autoimmune disease. The molecular mechanisms behind such a signature and the role of sex in its determination have yet to be precisely defined. From a genomic perspective, several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IFN-I pathway have been associated with both infectious and autoimmune disease. While overlap between infection and autoimmunity has been described in the incidence of these SNPs, it has been overlooked in work and discussion to date. Here, we discuss the possible contributions of IFN-Is to the pathogenesis of infectious and autoimmune diseases. We comment on genetic associations between common SNPs in IFN-I or their signalling molecules that point towards roles in protection against viral infection and susceptibility to autoimmunity and propose that a shared transcriptomic and genomic immunological signature may underlie resistance to viral infection and susceptibility to autoimmunity in humans. We believe that defining shared transcriptomic and genomic immunological signatures underlying resistance to viral infection and autoimmunity in humans will reveal new therapeutic targets and improved vaccine strategies, particularly in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie A Sugrue
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nollaig M Bourke
- Department of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cliona O'Farrelly
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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63
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Race and sex based disparities in sepsis. Heart Lung 2021; 52:37-41. [PMID: 34837726 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of sepsis evaluating sex- and race-related disparities in treatment and outcome have been limited by using administrative databases, which may not adequately capture sepsis diagnosis, used limited number and types of races, or not included both sex and race in the analyses. OBJECTIVE To determine if patients of different races and sexes with sepsis have different mortality, receipt of mechanical ventilation or renal replacement therapy, or time to antibiotics? METHODS We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 34,999 patients with sepsis, defined by Sepsis-3 criteria, using logistic regression and linear regression. RESULTS After adjustments for confounders, Asian females had the lowest adjusted 90-day mortality (OR=0.656, 95% CI=0.385-1.118, p<0.001 compared to White males). Similarly, compared to White males, African-American males had a lower adjusted mortality (OR=0.790, 95% CI=0.648-0.963, p = 0.019), while Asian males (OR=1.185, 95% CI=0. 828-1.696, p = 0.354) and both African-American (OR=0.972, 95% CI=0.800-1.182, p = 0.779) and Caucasian (OR=1.054, 95% CI=0.960-1.158, p = 0.270) females had similar mortality. Both male and female patients with Other/unknown race had higher mortality (OR=1.776, 95% CI=1.395-2.261, p<0.001 and OR=1.658, 95% CI=1.359-2.021, p<0.001), respectively. In the secondary analyses for new-onset mechanical ventilation and new-onset renal replacement therapy post-sepsis, we found no association between any of the race-sex groups and receipt of these therapies. CONCLUSION We found that Asian females had the lowest adjusted 90-day mortality for patients with sepsis. Understanding the reasons for disparities in outcome after sepsis may improve care and outcomes in diverse populations.
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64
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Suri A, Kaushik P, Yadav BB, Singh NK, Bansal SK, Kumari M. Is COVID-19 gender biased? Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2021; 43:1-2. [PMID: 34821130 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2021-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Suri
- Department of Biochemistry, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Priya Kaushik
- Department of Biochemistry, SGT University, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Bibek Bhurer Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | | | | | - Mithlesh Kumari
- Department of Biochemistry, SGT University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
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65
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Yang Q, Zhang H, Wei T, Lin A, Sun Y, Luo P, Zhang J. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals the Heterogeneity of Tumor-Associated Macrophage in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Differences Between Sexes. Front Immunol 2021; 12:756722. [PMID: 34804043 PMCID: PMC8602907 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.756722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is a disease with high morbidity and mortality, which has sex-related differences in prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy. However, the difference in the mechanisms remains unclear. Macrophages, characterized by high plasticity and heterogeneity, act as one of the key cells that exert anti-tumor effects in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and play a complicated role in the process of tumor progression. To elucidate the subtype composition and functional heterogeneity of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in NSCLC and further compare the sex-mediated differences, we conducted a single-cell level analysis in early-stage smoking NSCLC patients, combined with ssGSEA analysis, pseudotime ordering, and SCENIC analysis. We found two universally presented immune-suppressive TAMs with different functional and metabolic characteristics in the TME of NSCLC. Specifically, CCL18+ macrophages exerted immune-suppressive effects by inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors and manifested high levels of fatty acid oxidative phosphorylation metabolism. Conversely, the main metabolism pathway for SPP1+ macrophage was glycolysis which contributed to tumor metastasis by promoting angiogenesis and matrix remodeling. In terms of the differentially expressed genes, the complement gene C1QC and the matrix remodeling relevant genes FN1 and SPP1 were differentially expressed in the TAMs between sexes, of which the male upregulated SPP1 showed the potential as an ideal target for adjuvant immunotherapy and improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. According to the early-stage TCGA-NSCLC cohort, high expression of the above three genes in immune cells were associated with poor prognosis and acted as independent prognostic factors. Moreover, through verification at the transcription factor, transcriptome, and protein levels, we found that TAMs from women showed stronger immunogenicity with higher interferon-producing and antigen-presenting ability, while men-derived TAMs upregulated the PPARs and matrix remodeling related pathways, thus were more inclined to be immunosuppressive. Deconstruction of the TAMs at the single-cell level deepens our understanding of the mechanism for tumor occurrence and progress, which could be helpful to achieve the precise sex-specific tumor treatment sooner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongman Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Wei
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anqi Lin
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yueqin Sun
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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66
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Ryan L, Mills KHG. Sex differences regulate immune responses in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis. Eur J Immunol 2021; 52:24-33. [PMID: 34727577 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
MS is an autoimmune disease of the CNS that afflicts over 2.5 million people worldwide. There are striking sex differences in the susceptibility to and progression of this disease in humans. Females are twice as likely to develop MS than males, whereas disease progression and disability is more rapid in males compared with females; however, the latter is still controversial. There is growing evidence, mainly from animal models, that innate and adaptive immune responses are different in males and females, and that this can influence the outcome of a range of diseases including infection, cancer, and autoimmunity. Since MS is an immune-mediated disease, sex differences in pathogenic immune responses may account for some of the differences in susceptibility to and progression seen in men versus women. Indeed, data from the mouse model of MS, EAE, have already provided some evidence that female mice have earlier disease onset associated with stronger Th17 responses. This review will discuss the possible immunological basis of sex differences in susceptibility and disease outcome in EAE and MS and how a better understanding of sex differences in the responses to disease-modifying therapies may lead to improved patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Ryan
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Kingston H G Mills
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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67
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Togami K, Chung SS, Madan V, Booth CAG, Kenyon CM, Cabal-Hierro L, Taylor J, Kim SS, Griffin GK, Ghandi M, Li J, Li YY, Angelot-Delettre F, Biichle S, Seiler M, Buonamici S, Lovitch SB, Louissaint A, Morgan EA, Jardin F, Piccaluga PP, Weinstock DM, Hammerman PS, Yang H, Konopleva M, Pemmaraju N, Garnache-Ottou F, Abdel-Wahab O, Koeffler HP, Lane AA. Sex-biased ZRSR2 mutations in myeloid malignancies impair plasmacytoid dendritic cell activation and apoptosis. Cancer Discov 2021; 12:522-541. [PMID: 34615655 PMCID: PMC8831459 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is an aggressive leukemia of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). BPDCN occurs at least three times more frequently in men than women, but the reasons for this sex bias are unknown. Here, studying genomics of primary BPDCN and modeling disease-associated mutations, we link acquired alterations in RNA splicing to abnormal pDC development and inflammatory response through Toll-like receptors. Loss-of-function mutations in ZRSR2, an X chromosome gene encoding a splicing factor, are enriched in BPDCN and nearly all mutations occur in males. ZRSR2 mutation impairs pDC activation and apoptosis after inflammatory stimuli, associated with intron retention and inability to upregulate the transcription factor IRF7. In vivo, BPDCN-associated mutations promote pDC expansion and signatures of decreased activation. These data support a model in which male-biased mutations in hematopoietic progenitors alter pDC function and confer protection from apoptosis, which may impair immunity and predispose to leukemic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vikas Madan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
| | | | | | | | - Justin Taylor
- Medicine/Hematology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | | | | | | | - Jia Li
- National University of Singapore
| | - Yvonne Y Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pier Paolo Piccaluga
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine, Bologna University
| | | | | | - Henry Yang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
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68
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Mateus D, Sebastião AI, Carrascal MA, Carmo AD, Matos AM, Cruz MT. Crosstalk between estrogen, dendritic cells, and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Rev Med Virol 2021; 32:e2290. [PMID: 34534372 PMCID: PMC8646421 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2290] [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: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) first appeared in Wuhan and has so far killed more than four million people worldwide. Men are more affected than women by Covid‐19, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind these differences are largely unknown. One plausible explanation is that differences in sex hormones could partially account for this distinct prevalence in both sexes. Accordingly, several papers have reported a protective role of 17β‐estradiol during Covid‐19, which might help explain why women appear less likely to die from Covid‐19 than men. 17β‐estradiol is the predominant and most biologically active endogenous estrogen, which signals through estrogen receptor α, estrogen receptor β, and G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor 1. These receptors are expressed in mature cells from the innate and the adaptive immune system, particularly on dendritic cells (DCs), suggesting that estrogens could modulate their effector functions. DCs are the most specialized and proficient antigen‐presenting cells, acting at the interface of innate and adaptive immunity with a powerful capacity to prime antigen‐specific naive CD8+ T cells. DCs are richly abundant in the lung where they respond to viral infection. A relative increase of mature DCs in broncho‐alveolar lavage fluids from Covid‐19 patients has already been reported. Here we will describe how SARS‐CoV‐2 acts on DCs, the role of estrogen on DC immunobiology, summarise the impact of sex hormones on the immune response against Covid‐19, and explore clinical trials regarding Covid‐19
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Mateus
- Faculty of Pharmacy-FFUC, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Mylène A Carrascal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology-CNC, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,UpCells, Tecnimed Group, Sintra, Portugal
| | - Anália do Carmo
- Clinical Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Miguel Matos
- Faculty of Pharmacy-FFUC, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Chemical Engineering Processes and Forest Products Research Center, CIEPQPF, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Cruz
- Faculty of Pharmacy-FFUC, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology-CNC, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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69
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Greene TT, Zuniga EI. Type I Interferon Induction and Exhaustion during Viral Infection: Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Emerging COVID-19 Findings. Viruses 2021; 13:1839. [PMID: 34578420 PMCID: PMC8472174 DOI: 10.3390/v13091839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Type I Interferons (IFN-I) are a family of potent antiviral cytokines that act through the direct restriction of viral replication and by enhancing antiviral immunity. However, these powerful cytokines are a caged lion, as excessive and sustained IFN-I production can drive immunopathology during infection, and aberrant IFN-I production is a feature of several types of autoimmunity. As specialized producers of IFN-I plasmacytoid (p), dendritic cells (DCs) can secrete superb quantities and a wide breadth of IFN-I isoforms immediately after infection or stimulation, and are the focus of this review. Notably, a few days after viral infection pDCs tune down their capacity for IFN-I production, producing less cytokines in response to both the ongoing infection and unrelated secondary stimulations. This process, hereby referred to as "pDC exhaustion", favors viral persistence and associates with reduced innate responses and increased susceptibility to secondary opportunistic infections. On the other hand, pDC exhaustion may be a compromise to avoid IFN-I driven immunopathology. In this review we reflect on the mechanisms that initially induce IFN-I and subsequently silence their production by pDCs during a viral infection. While these processes have been long studied across numerous viral infection models, the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has brought their discussion back to the fore, and so we also discuss emerging results related to pDC-IFN-I production in the context of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elina I. Zuniga
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA;
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70
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Guéry JC. Sex Differences in Primary HIV Infection: Revisiting the Role of TLR7-Driven Type 1 IFN Production by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Women. Front Immunol 2021; 12:729233. [PMID: 34512664 PMCID: PMC8432934 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.729233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) produce type I interferon (IFN-I) during HIV-1 infection in response to TLR7 stimulation. However, IFN-I-signaling has been shown to play opposite effects in HIV-1 and SIV infection. TLR7-driven type I interferon production in pDCs is higher in women than in men due to the cell-intrinsic actions of estrogen and X-chromosome complement. Indeed, TLR7 is encoded on the X-chromosome, and the TLR7 gene escapes the X-chromosome inactivation in immune cells of women which express significantly higher levels of TLR7 protein than male cells. Following HIV infection, women have a lower viremia during acute infection and exhibit stronger antiviral responses than men, which has been attributed to the increased capacity of female pDCs to produce IFN-α upon TLR7-stimulation. However, a deleterious functional impact of an excessive TLR7 response on acute viremia in women has been recently revealed by the analysis of the frequent rs179008 c.32A>T SNP of TLR7. This SNP was identified as a sex-specific protein abundance quantitative trait locus (pQTL) causing a difference in the TLR7 protein dosage and effector function in females only. T allele expression was associated with a lower TLR7 protein synthesis, blunted production of IFN-α by pDCs upon TLR7 stimulation, and an unexpectedly lower viral load during primary HIV-1 infection in women. In the present review, the author will revisit the role of TLR7-driven pDC innate function in the context of HIV-1 infection to discuss at what stage of primary HIV-1 infection the TLR7 rs179008 T allele is likely to be protective in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Charles Guéry
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
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71
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Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness about sex-specific differences in immunity and outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Strong evidence of a male bias in COVID-19 disease severity is hypothesized to be mediated by sex differential immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. This hypothesis is based on data from other viral infections, including influenza viruses, HIV, hepatitis viruses, and others that have demonstrated sex-specific immunity to viral infections. Although males are more susceptible to most viral infections, females possess immunological features that render them more vulnerable to distinct immune-related disease outcomes. Both sex chromosome complement and related genes as well as sex steroids play important roles in mediating the development of sex differences in immunity to viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabra L. Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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72
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Sharma P, Tseng HH, Lee JYL, Tsai EM, Suen JL. A prominent environmental endocrine disruptor, 4-nonylphenol, promotes endometriosis development via plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:601-614. [PMID: 32497202 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory disease and is associated etiologically with environmental endocrine disruptor (EED) exposure. 4-nonylphenol (NP), a widely found EED, has weak estrogenic activity and modulates plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) function in vitro and in vivo. We aimed to elucidate the immunomodulatory effect of NP on the development of endometriosis, particularly focusing on pDCs. This study established a surgically induced endometriosis murine model (C57BL/6) under conditions of NP treatment that are relevant to the level and route of human exposure. Multi-parametric flow cytometry was used for analysis of infiltrated immune cell subsets in lesions. The results showed that NP exposure significantly promoted endometriotic lesion growth, survival and angiogenesis development of lesions as well as pDC accumulation in the lesions in mice. Adoptive transfer of NP-conditioned pDCs into mice significantly enhanced lesion development and local pDC infiltration, whereas NP-conditioned conventional dendritic cells did not affect lesion growth. In vitro functional analysis showed that NP-conditioned pDCs in lesions expressed high levels of CD36, a scavenger receptor and NP-conditioned splenic pDCs secreted an enhanced level of IL-10 in response to apoptotic cell recognition in a CD36-dependent manner. Furthermore, we observed that local treatment with blocking antibodies against IL-10 and CD36 on the day of surgery significantly inhibited lesion development. NP exposure also altered the estrous cycle in mice. The results suggest that chronic and low-dose exposure to NP enhances endometriotic lesion growth by altering pDC homeostasis and function. This study has important implications for understanding the environment-innate immunity interaction in human endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Sharma
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 807378 Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Han Tseng
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 807378 Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Yu Lynn Lee
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 807378 Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Eing-Mei Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 807378 Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 807377 Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Ling Suen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 807378 Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 807378 Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 807377 Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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73
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Al Awaidy ST, Khamis F, Al Rashidi B, Al Wahaibi AH, Albahri A, Mahomed O. Epidemiological Characteristics of 69,382 COVID-19 Patients in Oman. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2021; 11:326-337. [PMID: 34734378 PMCID: PMC8335985 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-021-00001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To describe the epidemiological characteristics of the first 69,382 patients with COVID-19 infection in Oman. Methods A retrospective case series study of patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Oman from 24 February to 23 July 2020. The data were obtained from the National surveillance COVID-19 network. Results The overall mean age of patients was 34 (± 14) years, 74% (n = 51,391) were males, 40,859 (59%) were Omani citizens, and 28,523 (41%) were foreign-born individuals. The most common symptoms at presentation were fever 50% (n = 34,600), cough 46% (n = 32,062), sore throat 46% (n = 31,953) and shortness of breath (SOB) 35% (n = 24,567). Overall, 8,960 (12.9%) patients required hospitalization with 1189 (13.3%) individuals requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and mechanical ventilation (MV). Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection were mostly Omani nationals and males between 30 and 39 years old (p < 0.001). The mortality rate was 7.7 per 100,000 population (n = 359) with rates of 9.4 (n = 278) and 4.8 (n = 81) deaths per 100,000 population in Omani nationals and foreign-born individuals, respectively. Females hospitalized with COVID-19 had a mean age of 64 (± 18) years versus a mean age of 55 (± 17) years in males. Mean age of patients with COVID-19-related mortality was 58 (± 18) years with significant differences in mean age between females and males 64 (± 18) versus 55 (± 17) years, respectively. Conclusions Young Omani males accounted for the highest incidence of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization, while mortality rates were higher among males and the older age (> 50 years). Identifying the epidemiological characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19-infected patients is essential for developing targeted intervention strategies and preparing for the resurgence of anticipated second and third waves of this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah T Al Awaidy
- Office of Health Affairs, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 393 PC 100, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Faryal Khamis
- Adult Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Royal Hospital, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Badria Al Rashidi
- Directorate of Primary Health Care, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | | | | | - Ozayr Mahomed
- Department of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
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74
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COVID-19 pandemic: insights into molecular mechanisms leading to sex-based differences in patient outcomes. Expert Rev Mol Med 2021; 23:e7. [PMID: 34340720 PMCID: PMC8353216 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2021.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent epidemiological studies analysing sex-disaggregated patient data of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across the world revealed a distinct sex bias in the disease morbidity as well as the mortality - both being higher for the men. Similar antecedents have been known for the previous viral infections, including from coronaviruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and middle-east respiratory syndrome (MERS). A sound understanding of molecular mechanisms leading to the biological sex bias in the survival outcomes of the patients in relation to COVID-19 will act as an essential requisite for developing a sex-differentiated approach for therapeutic management of this disease. Recent studies which have explored molecular mechanism(s) behind sex-based differences in COVID-19 pathogenesis are scarce; however, existing evidence, for other respiratory viral infections, viz. SARS, MERS and influenza, provides important clues in this regard. In attempt to consolidate the available knowledge on this issue, we conducted a systematic review of the existing empirical knowledge and recent experimental studies following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The qualitative analysis of the collected data unravelled multiple molecular mechanisms, such as evolutionary and genetic/epigenetic factors, sex-linkage of viral host cell entry receptor and immune response genes, sex hormone and gut microbiome-mediated immune-modulation, as the possible key reasons for the sex-based differences in patient outcomes in COVID-19.
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75
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Xing E, Billi AC, Gudjonsson JE. Sex Bias and Autoimmune Diseases. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 142:857-866. [PMID: 34362556 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Sex bias in immune function has been well-described, and women have been shown to counter immunologically stimulating phenomena such as infection, malignancy, and trauma with more protective responses than men. Heightened immunity in women may also result in a predisposition for loss of self-tolerance and development of autoimmunity, reflected by the overwhelming female sex bias of patients with autoimmune diseases. In this review, we discuss the postulated evolutionary etiologies for sexual dimorphism in immunity. We also review the molecular mechanisms underlying divergent immune responses in men and women, including sex hormone effects, X chromosome dosage, and autosomal sex-biased genes. With increasing evidence that autoimmune disease susceptibility is influenced by numerous hormonal and genetic factors, a comprehensive understanding of these topics may facilitate the development of much-needed targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enze Xing
- Department of Dermatology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Allison C Billi
- Department of Dermatology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Johann E Gudjonsson
- Department of Dermatology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
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76
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Mashhouri S, Koleva P, Huynh M, Okoye I, Shahbaz S, Elahi S. Sex Matters: Physiological Abundance of Immuno-Regulatory CD71+ Erythroid Cells Impair Immunity in Females. Front Immunol 2021; 12:705197. [PMID: 34367164 PMCID: PMC8334724 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.705197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mature erythrocytes are the major metabolic regulators by transporting oxygen throughout the body. However, their precursors and progenitors defined as CD71+ Erythroid Cells (CECs) exhibit a wide range of immunomodulatory properties. Here, we uncover pronounced sexual dimorphism in CECs. We found female but not male mice, both BALB/c and C57BL/6, and human females were enriched with CECs. CECs, mainly their progenitors defined as CD45+CECs expressed higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), PDL-1, VISTA, Arginase II and Arginase I compared to their CD45- counterparts. Consequently, CECs by the depletion of L-arginine suppress T cell activation and proliferation. Expansion of CECs in anemic mice and also post-menstrual cycle in women can result in L-arginine depletion in different microenvironments in vivo (e.g. spleen) resulting in T cell suppression. As proof of concept, we found that anemic female mice and mice adoptively transferred with CECs from anemic mice became more susceptible to Bordetella pertussis infection. These observations highlight the role of sex and anemia-mediated immune suppression in females. Notably, enriched CD45+CECs may explain their higher immunosuppressive properties in female BALB/c mice. Finally, we observed significantly more splenic central macrophages in female mice, which can explain greater extramedullary erythropoiesis and subsequently abundance of CECs in the periphery. Thus, sex-specific differences frequency in the frequency of CECs might be imprinted by differential erythropoiesis niches and hormone-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siavash Mashhouri
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Petya Koleva
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mai Huynh
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Isobel Okoye
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shima Shahbaz
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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77
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Ban T, Kikuchi M, Sato GR, Manabe A, Tagata N, Harita K, Nishiyama A, Nishimura K, Yoshimi R, Kirino Y, Yanai H, Matsumoto Y, Suzuki S, Hihara H, Ito M, Tsukahara K, Yoshimatsu K, Yamamoto T, Taniguchi T, Nakajima H, Ito S, Tamura T. Genetic and chemical inhibition of IRF5 suppresses pre-existing mouse lupus-like disease. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4379. [PMID: 34282144 PMCID: PMC8290003 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24609-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor IRF5 has been implicated as a therapeutic target for the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, IRF5 activation status during the disease course and the effects of IRF5 inhibition after disease onset are unclear. Here, we show that SLE patients in both the active and remission phase have aberrant activation of IRF5 and interferon-stimulated genes. Partial inhibition of IRF5 is superior to full inhibition of type I interferon signaling in suppressing disease in a mouse model of SLE, possibly due to the function of IRF5 in oxidative phosphorylation. We further demonstrate that inhibition of IRF5 via conditional Irf5 deletion and a newly developed small-molecule inhibitor of IRF5 after disease onset suppresses disease progression and is effective for maintenance of remission in mice. These results suggest that IRF5 inhibition might overcome the limitations of current SLE therapies, thus promoting drug discovery research on IRF5 inhibitors. IRF5 is a potential target for therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here the authors show using mouse SLE-like models that genetic or chemical inhibition of IRF5 after SLE onset could be more effective than, or an add on for, currently utilised type I interferon inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuma Ban
- Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
| | - Masako Kikuchi
- Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Go R Sato
- Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Akio Manabe
- Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Noriko Tagata
- Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kayo Harita
- Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Akira Nishiyama
- Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kenichi Nishimura
- Department of Pediatrics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Yoshimi
- Department of Stem Cell and Immune Regulation, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yohei Kirino
- Department of Stem Cell and Immune Regulation, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Yanai
- Department of Inflammology, Social Cooperation Program, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Shuichi Suzuki
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroe Hihara
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masashi Ito
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Kentaro Yoshimatsu
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Ibaraki, Japan.,RIN Institute Inc., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadashi Yamamoto
- Cell Signal Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Tadatsugu Taniguchi
- Department of Inflammology, Social Cooperation Program, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideaki Nakajima
- Department of Stem Cell and Immune Regulation, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shuichi Ito
- Department of Pediatrics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Tamura
- Department of Immunology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan. .,Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan.
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78
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Nikfar M, Razizadeh M, Paul R, Zhou Y, Liu Y. Numerical simulation of intracellular drug delivery via rapid squeezing. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2021; 15:044102. [PMID: 34367404 PMCID: PMC8331209 DOI: 10.1063/5.0059165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular drug delivery by rapid squeezing is one of the most recent and simple cell membrane disruption-mediated drug encapsulation approaches. In this method, cell membranes are perforated in a microfluidic setup due to rapid cell deformation during squeezing through constricted channels. While squeezing-based drug loading has been successful in loading drug molecules into various cell types, such as immune cells, cancer cells, and other primary cells, there is so far no comprehensive understanding of the pore opening mechanism on the cell membrane and the systematic analysis on how different channel geometries and squeezing speed influence drug loading. This article aims to develop a three-dimensional computational model to study the intracellular delivery for compound cells squeezing through microfluidic channels. The Lattice Boltzmann method, as the flow solver, integrated with a spring-connected network via frictional coupling, is employed to capture compound capsule dynamics over fast squeezing. The pore size is proportional to the local areal strain of triangular patches on the compound cell through mathematical correlations derived from molecular dynamics and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. We quantify the drug concentration inside the cell cytoplasm by introducing a new mathematical model for passive diffusion after squeezing. Compared to the existing models, the proposed model does not have any empirical parameters that depend on operating conditions and device geometry. Since the compound cell model is new, it is validated by simulating a nucleated cell under a simple shear flow at different capillary numbers and comparing the results with other numerical models reported in literature. The cell deformation during squeezing is also compared with the pattern found from our compound cell squeezing experiment. Afterward, compound cell squeezing is modeled for different cell squeezing velocities, constriction lengths, and constriction widths. We reported the instantaneous cell center velocity, variations of axial and vertical cell dimensions, cell porosity, and normalized drug concentration to shed light on the underlying physics in fast squeezing-based drug delivery. Consistent with experimental findings in the literature, the numerical results confirm that constriction width reduction, constriction length enlargement, and average cell velocity promote intracellular drug delivery. The results show that the existence of the nucleus increases cell porosity and loaded drug concentration after squeezing. Given geometrical parameters and cell average velocity, the maximum porosity is achieved at three different locations: constriction entrance, constriction middle part, and outside the constriction. Our numerical results provide reasonable justifications for experimental findings on the influences of constriction geometry and cell velocity on the performance of cell-squeezing delivery. We expect this model can help design and optimize squeezing-based cargo delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Nikfar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
| | - Meghdad Razizadeh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
| | - Ratul Paul
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
| | - Yuyuan Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
| | - Yaling Liu
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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79
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Yu C, Littleton S, Giroux NS, Mathew R, Ding S, Kalnitsky J, Yang Y, Petzold E, Chung HA, Rivera GO, Rotstein T, Xi R, Ko ER, Tsalik EL, Sempowski GD, Denny TN, Burke TW, McClain MT, Woods CW, Shen X, Saban DR. Mucosal-associated invariant T cell responses differ by sex in COVID-19. MED 2021; 2:755-772.e5. [PMID: 33870241 PMCID: PMC8043578 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual dimorphisms in immune responses contribute to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes, but the mechanisms governing this disparity remain incompletely understood. METHODS We carried out sex-balanced sampling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from hospitalized and non-hospitalized individuals with confirmed COVID-19, uninfected close contacts, and healthy control individuals for 36-color flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing. FINDINGS Our results revealed a pronounced reduction of circulating mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in infected females. Integration of published COVID-19 airway tissue datasets suggests that this reduction represented a major wave of MAIT cell extravasation during early infection in females. Moreover, MAIT cells from females possessed an immunologically active gene signature, whereas cells from males were pro-apoptotic. CONCLUSIONS Our findings uncover a female-specific protective MAIT cell profile, potentially shedding light on reduced COVID-19 susceptibility in females. FUNDING This work was supported by NIH/NIAID (U01AI066569 and UM1AI104681), the Defense Advanced Projects Agency (DARPA; N66001-09-C-2082 and HR0011-17-2-0069), the Veterans Affairs Health System, and Virology Quality Assurance (VQA; 75N93019C00015). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official view of the National Institutes of Health. COVID-19 samples were processed under Biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) with aerosol management enhancement or BSL-3 in the Duke Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, which received partial support for construction from NIH/NIAID (UC6AI058607).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Sejiro Littleton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Nicholas S Giroux
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Rose Mathew
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Shengli Ding
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Joan Kalnitsky
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yuchen Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Elizabeth Petzold
- Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Hong A Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Grecia O Rivera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Tomer Rotstein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Rui Xi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Emily R Ko
- Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ephraim L Tsalik
- Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Gregory D Sempowski
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Thomas N Denny
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Thomas W Burke
- Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Micah T McClain
- Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Christopher W Woods
- Center for Applied Genomics and Precision Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Xiling Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Daniel R Saban
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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80
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Darzianiazizi M, Allison KE, Kulkarni RR, Sharif S, Karimi K, Bridle BW. Disruption of type I interferon signaling causes sexually dimorphic dysregulation of anti-viral cytokines. Cytokine X 2021; 3:100053. [PMID: 34189454 PMCID: PMC8215187 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytox.2021.100053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) play a crucial role in the establishment of an antiviral state via signaling through their cognate type I IFN receptor (IFNAR). In this study, a replication-competent but highly attenuated strain of VSV (rVSVΔm51) carrying a deletion at position 51 of the matrix protein to remove suppression of anti-viral type I IFN responses was used to explore the effect of disrupted IFNAR signaling on inflammatory cytokine responses in mice. The kinetic responses of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-12 were evaluated in virus-infected male and female mice with or without concomitant antibody-mediated IFNAR-blockade. Unlike controls, both male and female IFNAR-blocked mice showed signs of sickness by 24-hours post-infection. Female IFNAR-blocked mice experienced greater morbidity as demonstrated by a significant decrease in body temperature. This was not the case for males. In addition, females with IFNAR-blockade mounted prolonged and exaggerated systemic inflammatory cytokine responses to rVSVΔm51. This was in stark contrast to controls with intact IFNAR signaling and males with IFNAR-blockade; they were able to down-regulate virus-induced inflammatory cytokine responses by 24-hours post-infection. Exaggerated cytokine responses in females with impaired IFNAR signaling was associated with more effective control of viremia than their male counterparts. However, the trade-off was greater immune-mediated morbidity. The results of this study demonstrated a role for IFNAR signaling in the down-regulation of antiviral cytokine responses, which was strongly influenced by sex. Our findings suggested that the potential to mount toxic cytokine responses to a virus with concomitant disruption of IFNAR signaling was heavily biased towards females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maedeh Darzianiazizi
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Katrina E Allison
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Raveendra R Kulkarni
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Shayan Sharif
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Khalil Karimi
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Byram W Bridle
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. E., Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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81
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Abstract
Biological sex affects the outcome of diverse respiratory viral infections. The pathogenesis of respiratory infections caused by viruses ranging from respiratory syncytial virus to influenza viruses and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 differs between the sexes across the life course. Generally, males are more susceptible to severe outcomes from respiratory viral infections at younger and older ages. During reproductive years (i.e., after puberty and prior to menopause), females are often at greater risk than males for severe outcomes. Pregnancy and biological sex affect the pathogenesis of respiratory viral infections. In addition to sex differences in the pathogenesis of disease, there are consistent sex differences in responses to treatments, with females often developing greater immune responses but experiencing more adverse reactions than males. Animal models provide mechanistic insights into the causes of sex differences in respiratory virus pathogenesis and treatment outcomes, where available. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Virology, Volume 8 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Ursin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21205;
| | - Sabra L Klein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21205; .,W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Maryland, USA 21205
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82
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Yan J, Pandey SP, Barnes BJ, Turner JR, Abraham C. T Cell-Intrinsic IRF5 Regulates T Cell Signaling, Migration, and Differentiation and Promotes Intestinal Inflammation. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107820. [PMID: 32610123 PMCID: PMC7409536 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
IRF5 polymorphisms are associated with multiple immune-mediated diseases, including ulcerative colitis. IRF5 contributions are attributed to its role in myeloid lineages. How T cell-intrinsic IRF5 contributes to inflammatory outcomes is not well understood. We identify a previously undefined key role for T cell-intrinsic IRF5. In mice, IRF5 in CD4+ T cells promotes Th1- and Th17-associated cytokines and decreases Th2-associated cytokines. IRF5 is required for the optimal assembly of the TCR-initiated signaling complex and downstream signaling at early times, and at later times binds to promoters of Th1- and Th17-associated transcription factors and cytokines. IRF5 also regulates chemokine receptor-initiated signaling and, in turn, T cell migration. In vivo, IRF5 in CD4+ T cells enhances the severity of experimental colitis. Importantly, human CD4+ T cells from high IRF5-expressing disease-risk genetic carriers demonstrate increased chemokine-induced migration and Th1/Th17 cytokines and reduced Th2-associated and anti-inflammatory cytokines. These data demonstrate key roles for T cell-intrinsic IRF5 in inflammatory outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Surya P Pandey
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Betsy J Barnes
- Center for Autoimmune and Musculoskeletal Diseases, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Jerrold R Turner
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Clara Abraham
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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83
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Bencze D, Fekete T, Pázmándi K. Type I Interferon Production of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells under Control. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084190. [PMID: 33919546 PMCID: PMC8072550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most powerful and multifaceted cytokines produced by immune cells are type I interferons (IFNs), the basal secretion of which contributes to the maintenance of immune homeostasis, while their activation-induced production is essential to effective immune responses. Although, each cell is capable of producing type I IFNs, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) possess a unique ability to rapidly produce large amounts of them. Importantly, type I IFNs have a prominent role in the pathomechanism of various pDC-associated diseases. Deficiency in type I IFN production increases the risk of more severe viral infections and the development of certain allergic reactions, and supports tumor resistance; nevertheless, its overproduction promotes autoimmune reactions. Therefore, the tight regulation of type I IFN responses of pDCs is essential to maintain an adequate level of immune response without causing adverse effects. Here, our goal was to summarize those endogenous factors that can influence the type I IFN responses of pDCs, and thus might serve as possible therapeutic targets in pDC-associated diseases. Furthermore, we briefly discuss the current therapeutic approaches targeting the pDC-type I IFN axis in viral infections, cancer, autoimmunity, and allergy, together with their limitations defined by the Janus-faced nature of pDC-derived type I IFNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dóra Bencze
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 1 Egyetem Square, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (D.B.); (T.F.)
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, University of Debrecen, 1 Egyetem Square, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tünde Fekete
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 1 Egyetem Square, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (D.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Kitti Pázmándi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 1 Egyetem Square, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (D.B.); (T.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +36-52-417-159
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84
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Stoy N. Involvement of Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinase 4 and Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 in the Immunopathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Implications for the Treatment of COVID-19. Front Immunol 2021; 12:638446. [PMID: 33936053 PMCID: PMC8085890 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.638446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) and interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) lie sequentially on a signaling pathway activated by ligands of the IL-1 receptor and/or multiple TLRs located either on plasma or endosomal membranes. Activated IRF5, in conjunction with other synergistic transcription factors, notably NF-κB, is crucially required for the production of proinflammatory cytokines in the innate immune response to microbial infection. The IRAK4-IRF5 axis could therefore have a major role in the induction of the signature cytokines and chemokines of the hyperinflammatory state associated with severe morbidity and mortality in COVID-19. Here a case is made for considering IRAK4 or IRF5 inhibitors as potential therapies for the "cytokine storm" of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Stoy
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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85
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Huang A, Kandhi S, Sun D. Roles of Genetic Predisposition in the Sex Bias of Pulmonary Pathophysiology, as a Function of Estrogens : Sex Matters in the Prevalence of Lung Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1303:107-127. [PMID: 33788190 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-63046-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In addition to studies focused on estrogen mediation of sex-different regulation of systemic circulations, there is now increasing clinical relevance and research interests in the pulmonary circulation, in terms of sex differences in the morbidity and mortality of lung diseases such as inherent-, allergic- and inflammatory-based events. Thus, female predisposition to pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is an inevitable topic. To better understand the nature of sexual differentiation in the pulmonary circulation, and how heritable factors, in vivo- and/or in vitro-altered estrogen circumstances and changes in the live environment work in concert to discern the sex bias, this chapter reviews pulmonary events characterized by sex-different features, concomitant with exploration of how alterations of genetic expression and estrogen metabolisms trigger the female-predominant pathological signaling. We address the following: PAH (Sect.7.2) is characterized as an estrogenic promotion of its incidence (Sect. 7.2.2), as a function of specific germline mutations, and as an estrogen-elicited protection of its prognosis (Sect.7.2.1). More detail is provided to introduce a less recognized gene of Ephx2 that encodes soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) to degrade epoxyeicosatrienic acids (EETs). As a susceptible target of estrogen, Ephx2/sEH expression is downregulated by an estrogen-dependent epigenetic mechanism. Increases in pulmonary EETs then evoke a potentiation of PAH generation, but mitigation of its progression, a phenomenon similar to the estrogen-paradox regulation of PAH. Additionally, the female susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (Sect. 7.3) and asthma (Sect.7.4), but less preference to COVID-19 (Sect. 7.5), and roles of estrogen in their pathogeneses are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Huang
- Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
| | - Sharath Kandhi
- Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Dong Sun
- Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
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86
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Blanquart E, Laffont S, Guéry JC. Sex hormone regulation of innate lymphoid cells. Biomed J 2021; 44:144-156. [PMID: 33888441 PMCID: PMC8178548 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cell (ILC) subsets at barrier surfaces contribute to maintain tissue homeostasis and appropriate responses to infection. ILCs respond to environmental factors produced by non-hematopoietic cells within tissues, but also circulating cytokines or dietary compounds which allow them to adapt to organ milieu. Among these extrinsic signals, evidence is emerging that sex steroid hormones may act in a cell-intrinsic manner to regulate the development, maintenance in tissues and effector functions of specific subsets of ILCs. Understanding the nature and molecular mechanisms of sex steroid hormone actions on ILCs is important to unravel the cause of sexual disparity in human diseases and could lead to new drug development for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases or cancers. This review discusses the recent development in our understanding of the cell-intrinsic actions of sex steroid hormones on ILCs and their consequences on tissue-specific immunity with a particular focus on group 2 innate lymphoid cells and NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Blanquart
- Physiopathology Center of Toulouse-Purpan (CPTP), University of Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, France
| | - Sophie Laffont
- Physiopathology Center of Toulouse-Purpan (CPTP), University of Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Physiopathology Center of Toulouse-Purpan (CPTP), University of Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, France.
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87
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Morshedi Rad D, Alsadat Rad M, Razavi Bazaz S, Kashaninejad N, Jin D, Ebrahimi Warkiani M. A Comprehensive Review on Intracellular Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2005363. [PMID: 33594744 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular delivery is considered an indispensable process for various studies, ranging from medical applications (cell-based therapy) to fundamental (genome-editing) and industrial (biomanufacture) approaches. Conventional macroscale delivery systems critically suffer from such issues as low cell viability, cytotoxicity, and inconsistent material delivery, which have opened up an interest in the development of more efficient intracellular delivery systems. In line with the advances in microfluidics and nanotechnology, intracellular delivery based on micro- and nanoengineered platforms has progressed rapidly and held great promises owing to their unique features. These approaches have been advanced to introduce a smorgasbord of diverse cargoes into various cell types with the maximum efficiency and the highest precision. This review differentiates macro-, micro-, and nanoengineered approaches for intracellular delivery. The macroengineered delivery platforms are first summarized and then each method is categorized based on whether it employs a carrier- or membrane-disruption-mediated mechanism to load cargoes inside the cells. Second, particular emphasis is placed on the micro- and nanoengineered advances in the delivery of biomolecules inside the cells. Furthermore, the applications and challenges of the established and emerging delivery approaches are summarized. The topic is concluded by evaluating the future perspective of intracellular delivery toward the micro- and nanoengineered approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorsa Morshedi Rad
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Maryam Alsadat Rad
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Sajad Razavi Bazaz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Navid Kashaninejad
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Dayong Jin
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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88
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Storci G, Bonifazi F, Garagnani P, Olivieri F, Bonafè M. The role of extracellular DNA in COVID-19: Clues from inflamm-aging. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 66:101234. [PMID: 33321254 PMCID: PMC7833688 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101234] [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: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological data convey severe prognosis and high mortality rate for COVID-19 in elderly men affected by age-related diseases. These subjects develop local and systemic hyper-inflammation, which are associated with thrombotic complications and multi-organ failure. Therefore, understanding SARS-CoV-2 induced hyper-inflammation in elderly men is a pressing need. Here we focus on the role of extracellular DNA, mainly mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and telomeric DNA (telDNA) in the modulation of systemic inflammation in these subjects. In particular, extracellular mtDNA is regarded as a powerful trigger of the inflammatory response. On the contrary, extracellular telDNA pool is estimated to be capable of inhibiting a variety of inflammatory pathways. In turn, we underpin that telDNA reservoir is progressively depleted during aging, and that it is scarcer in men than in women. We propose that an increase in extracellular mtDNA, concomitant with the reduction of the anti-inflammatory telDNA reservoir may explain hyper-inflammation in elderly male affected by COVID-19. This scenario is reminiscent of inflamm-aging, the portmanteau word that depicts how aging and aging related diseases are intimately linked to inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Storci
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Italy.
| | | | - Paolo Garagnani
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Italy; Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Center of Clinical Pathology and Regenerative Therapy, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Bonafè
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Italy.
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89
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Sex-specific associations between cerebrospinal fluid inflammatory marker levels and cognitive function in antiretroviral treated people living with HIV in rural Uganda. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 93:111-118. [PMID: 33359628 PMCID: PMC8023502 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
People with HIV (PWH) taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) have persistent cognitive impairment. The prevalence of cognitive impairment is higher in women with HIV (WWH) compared to men with HIV (MWH), possibly due to sex differences in immune function. Here we report sex differences in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immune markers in relation to cognitive performance. A subset of 83 PWH on ART (52% WWH; mean age = 37.6 years, SD = 7.9) from the Rakai community cohort study Cohort and Rakai Health Sciences Program supported clinics in rural Uganda completed a neuropsychological (NP) assessment and a lumbar puncture. CSF was used to measure 16 cytokines/chemokines. Individual NP test z-scores were generated based on local normative data. A series of least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) regressions examined associations between CSF inflammatory markers and NP outcomes. Overall, there were no sex differences in CSF inflammatory marker levels. However, MWH displayed more associations between inflammatory markers and cognitive performance than WWH. Among MWH, inflammatory markers were associated with a number of cognitive domains, including attention, processing speed, fluency, executive function, learning and memory. MIP-1β, INF-γ, GM-CSF, IL-7 and IL-12p70 were associated with multiple domains. Among WWH, few inflammatory markers were associated cognition. Degree of associations between CSF inflammatory biomarkers and cognitive performance varied by sex in this young, ART-treated, Ugandan cohort. Further investigation into sex-specific inflammatory mechanisms of cognitive impairment among PWH is warranted to inform sex-specific management strategies.
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90
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Al-Bari MAA, Hossain S, Zahan MKE. Exploration of sex-specific and age-dependent COVID-19 fatality rate in Bangladesh population. World J Radiol 2021; 13:1-18. [PMID: 33574990 PMCID: PMC7852349 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v13.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory tract infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global health emergency and a threat the entire world. The COVID-19 shows a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, severity, and fatality rates. Although the fatal outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic are evident in all age groups, the most devastating impact on the health consequences and death from COVID-19 are associated with older adults, especially older men. COVID-19 pandemic is affecting different countries in the world especially in the 65+ years age male group. In fact, several genes involved into the regulation of the immune system are strategically placed on the X-chromosome and trigger a gendered mediated antiviral fight. The aim of this study is to explore and exploit whether a relationship exists between male sex and COVID-19 mortality and the relationship is age dependent. Herein we discuss the possible role of physiological and immunological sex differences into the higher morbidity and mortality of SARS-CoV-2 between females and males. Deciphering gender differences in COVID-19 offers a window into the principles of immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection and this information on ageing dependent gender disparity might contribute to our current understanding of COVID-19 infection and disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Showna Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kudrat-E Zahan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
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91
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Youness A, Miquel CH, Guéry JC. Escape from X Chromosome Inactivation and the Female Predominance in Autoimmune Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031114. [PMID: 33498655 PMCID: PMC7865432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Women represent 80% of people affected by autoimmune diseases. Although, many studies have demonstrated a role for sex hormone receptor signaling, particularly estrogens, in the direct regulation of innate and adaptive components of the immune system, recent data suggest that female sex hormones are not the only cause of the female predisposition to autoimmunity. Besides sex steroid hormones, growing evidence points towards the role of X-linked genetic factors. In female mammals, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly inactivated during embryonic development, resulting in a cellular mosaicism, where about one-half of the cells in a given tissue express either the maternal X chromosome or the paternal one. X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is however not complete and 15 to 23% of genes from the inactive X chromosome (Xi) escape XCI, thereby contributing to the emergence of a female-specific heterogeneous population of cells with bi-allelic expression of some X-linked genes. Although the direct contribution of this genetic mechanism in the female susceptibility to autoimmunity still remains to be established, the cellular mosaicism resulting from XCI escape is likely to create a unique functional plasticity within female immune cells. Here, we review recent findings identifying key immune related genes that escape XCI and the relationship between gene dosage imbalance and functional responsiveness in female cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Youness
- Infinity-Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300 Toulouse, France; (A.Y.); (C.-H.M.)
| | - Charles-Henry Miquel
- Infinity-Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300 Toulouse, France; (A.Y.); (C.-H.M.)
- Arthritis R&D, 92200 Neuilly-Sur-Seine, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Infinity-Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300 Toulouse, France; (A.Y.); (C.-H.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-5-62-74-83-78; Fax: +33-5-62-74-45-58
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92
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Fathi A, Addo MM, Dahlke C. Sex Differences in Immunity: Implications for the Development of Novel Vaccines Against Emerging Pathogens. Front Immunol 2021; 11:601170. [PMID: 33488596 PMCID: PMC7820860 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.601170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements and have saved millions of lives. They represent a key countermeasure to limit epidemics caused by emerging infectious diseases. The Ebola virus disease crisis in West Africa dramatically revealed the need for a rapid and strategic development of vaccines to effectively control outbreaks. Seven years later, in light of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, this need has never been as urgent as it is today. Vaccine development and implementation of clinical trials have been greatly accelerated, but still lack strategic design and evaluation. Responses to vaccination can vary widely across individuals based on factors like age, microbiome, co-morbidities and sex. The latter aspect has received more and more attention in recent years and a growing body of data provide evidence that sex-specific effects may lead to different outcomes of vaccine safety and efficacy. As these differences might have a significant impact on the resulting optimal vaccine regimen, sex-based differences should already be considered and investigated in pre-clinical and clinical trials. In this Review, we will highlight the clinical observations of sex-specific differences in response to vaccination, delineate sex differences in immune mechanisms, and will discuss the possible resulting implications for development of vaccine candidates against emerging infections. As multiple vaccine candidates against COVID-19 that target the same antigen are tested, vaccine development may undergo a decisive change, since we now have the opportunity to better understand mechanisms that influence vaccine-induced reactogenicity and effectiveness of different vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Fathi
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 1st Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Hamburg, Germany
- Department for Clinical Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marylyn M. Addo
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 1st Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Hamburg, Germany
- Department for Clinical Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christine Dahlke
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 1st Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Hamburg, Germany
- Department for Clinical Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
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93
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Hagen SH, Henseling F, Hennesen J, Savel H, Delahaye S, Richert L, Ziegler SM, Altfeld M. Heterogeneous Escape from X Chromosome Inactivation Results in Sex Differences in Type I IFN Responses at the Single Human pDC Level. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108485. [PMID: 33296655 PMCID: PMC7833293 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune responses differ between women and men, and type I interferon (IFN) responses following Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) stimulation are higher in women. The precise mechanisms driving these sex differences in immunity are unknown. To investigate possible genetic factors, we quantify escape from X chromosome inactivation (XCI) for TLR7 and four other genes (RPS6KA3, CYBB, BTK, and IL13RA1) at the single plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) level. We observe escape from XCI for all investigated genes, leading to biallelic expression patterns. pDCs with biallelic gene expression have significantly higher mRNA levels of the respective genes. Unstimulated pDCs with biallelic TLR7 expression exhibit significantly higher IFNα/β mRNA levels, and IFNα exposure results in significantly increased IFNα/β protein production by pDCs. These results identify unanticipated heterogeneity in escape from XCI of several genes in pDCs and highlight the important contribution of X chromosome factors to sex differences in type I IFN responses, which might explain observed sex differences in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Hendrik Hagen
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg 20251, Germany
| | - Florian Henseling
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg 20251, Germany
| | - Jana Hennesen
- Technology Platform Flow Cytometry/FACS, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg 20251, Germany
| | - Hélène Savel
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, UMR1219 and Inria, team SISTM, Bordeaux, France
| | - Solenne Delahaye
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, UMR1219 and Inria, team SISTM, Bordeaux, France
| | - Laura Richert
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, UMR1219 and Inria, team SISTM, Bordeaux, France
| | - Susanne Maria Ziegler
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg 20251, Germany
| | - Marcus Altfeld
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Martinistrasse 52, Hamburg 20251, Germany.
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94
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Bienvenu LA, Noonan J, Wang X, Peter K. Higher mortality of COVID-19 in males: sex differences in immune response and cardiovascular comorbidities. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 116:2197-2206. [PMID: 33063089 PMCID: PMC7665363 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The high mortality rate of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a critical concern of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Strikingly, men account for the majority of COVID-19 deaths, with current figures ranging from 59% to 75% of total mortality. However, despite clear implications in relation to COVID-19 mortality, most research has not considered sex as a critical factor in data analysis. Here, we highlight fundamental biological differences that exist between males and females, and how these may make significant contributions to the male-biased COVID-19 mortality. We present preclinical evidence identifying the influence of biological sex on the expression and regulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is the main receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 to enter cells. However, we note that there is a lack of reports showing that sexual dimorphism of ACE2 expression exists and is of functional relevance in humans. In contrast, there is strong evidence, especially in the context of viral infections, that sexual dimorphism plays a central role in the genetic and hormonal regulation of immune responses, both of the innate and the adaptive immune system. We review evidence supporting that ineffective anti-SARS-CoV-2 responses, coupled with a predisposition for inappropriate hyperinflammatory responses, could provide a biological explanation for the male bias in COVID-19 mortality. A prominent finding in COVID-19 is the increased risk of death with pre-existing cardiovascular comorbidities, such as hypertension, obesity, and age. We contextualize how important features of sexual dimorphism and inflammation in COVID-19 may exhibit a reciprocal relationship with comorbidities, and explain their increased mortality risk. Ultimately, we demonstrate that biological sex is a fundamental variable of critical relevance to our mechanistic understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the pursuit of effective COVID-19 preventative and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Bienvenu
- Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan Noonan
- Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Deparment of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Immunobiology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, 75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Deparment of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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95
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Ex vivo rectal explant model reveals potential opposing roles of Natural Killer cells and Marginal Zone-like B cells in HIV-1 infection. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20154. [PMID: 33214610 PMCID: PMC7677325 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76976-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of innate immune responses in human rectal mucosal tissues (RM) and their contributions to promoting or restricting HIV transmission is limited. We defined the RM composition of innate and innate-like cell subsets, including plasmacytoid dendritic cells; CD1c + myeloid DCs; neutrophils; macrophages; natural killer cells (NK); Marginal Zone-like B cells (MZB); γδ T cells; and mucosal-associated invariant T cells in RM from 69 HIV-negative men by flow cytometry. Associations between these cell subsets and HIV-1 replication in ex vivo RM explant challenge experiments revealed an inverse correlation between RM-NK and p24 production, in contrast to a positive association between RM-MZB and HIV replication. Comparison of RM and blood-derived MZB and NK illustrated qualitative and quantitative differences between tissue compartments. Additionally, 22 soluble molecules were measured in a subset of explant cultures (n = 26). Higher production of IL-17A, IFN-γ, IL-10, IP-10, GM-CSF, sFasL, Granzyme A, Granzyme B, Granulysin, and Perforin following infection positively correlated with HIV replication. These data show novel associations between MZB and NK cells and p24 production in RM and underscore the importance of inflammatory cytokines in mucosal HIV infection, demonstrating the likely critical role these innate immune responses play in early mucosal HIV replication in humans.
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96
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Alharshawi K, Fey H, Vogle A, Klenk T, Kim M, Aloman C. Sex specific effect of alcohol on hepatic plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 90:107166. [PMID: 33199233 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease includes a spectrum of clinical and histological entities. They result from the combined direct effect of alcohol and its metabolites on immune cells and resident tissue cells. In humans and mice, females are more susceptible to alcoholic liver injury than males. Despite being involved in sex specific differences of immune mediated tissue injury, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) have not been thoroughly assessed as a cellular target of alcohol in humans or mice. Therefore, Meadows-Cook diet was used to study alcohol effect on hepatic dendritic cells. Alcohol consumption for 12 weeks increased hepatic pDCs in female mice. The expression of the C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) increased in hepatic pDC of alcohol-fed female mice. Bone marrow transplant chimera showed CCR2 dependent bone marrow egress of pDCs. Chronic alcohol exposure has a sex specific effect on hepatic pDCs population that may explain sex differences to alcoholic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Alharshawi
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Section of Hepatology, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Holger Fey
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Section of Hepatology, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Alyx Vogle
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Section of Hepatology, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Tori Klenk
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Section of Hepatology, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Miran Kim
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Section of Hepatology, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Costica Aloman
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Section of Hepatology, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
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97
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Increased estrogen to androgen ratio enhances immunoglobulin levels and impairs B cell function in male mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18334. [PMID: 33110090 PMCID: PMC7591566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75059-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex steroids, such as estrogens and androgens, are important regulators of the humoral immune response. Studies in female mice have demonstrated that alteration of circulating estrogen concentration regulates antibody-mediated immunity. As males have normally little endogenous estrogen, we hypothesized that in males high estrogens and low androgens affect the immune system and enhance the allergic inflammatory response. Here, we studied transgenic male mice expressing human aromatase (AROM+). These animals have a high circulating estrogen to androgen ratio (E/A), causing female traits such as gynecomastia. We found that AROM+ male mice had significantly higher plasma immunoglobulin levels, particularly IgE. Flow cytometry analyses of splenocytes revealed changes in mature/immature B cell ratio together with a transcriptional upregulation of the Igh locus. Furthermore, higher proliferation rate and increased IgE synthesis after IgE class-switching was found. Subsequently, we utilized an ovalbumin airway challenge model to test the allergic response in AROM+ male mice. In line with above observations, an increase in IgE levels was measured, albeit no impact on immune cell infiltration into the lungs was detected. Together, our findings suggest that high circulating E/A in males significantly alters B cell function without any significant enhancement in allergic inflammation.
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98
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Harizaj A, De Smedt SC, Lentacker I, Braeckmans K. Physical transfection technologies for macrophages and dendritic cells in immunotherapy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 18:229-247. [PMID: 32985919 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2021.1828340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, two important antigen presenting cells (APCs) of the innate immune system, are being explored for the use in cell-based cancer immunotherapy. For this application, the therapeutic potential of patient-derived APCs is increased by delivering different types of functional macromolecules, such as mRNA and pDNA, into their cytosol. Compared to the use of viral and non-viral delivery vectors, physical intracellular delivery techniques are known to be more straightforward, more controllable, faster and generate high delivery efficiencies. AREAS COVERED This review starts with electroporation as the most traditional physical transfection method, before continuing with the more recent technologies such as sonoporation, nanowires and microfluidic cell squeezing. A description is provided of each of those intracellular delivery technologies with their strengths and weaknesses, especially paying attention to delivery efficiency and safety profile. EXPERT OPINION Given the common use of electroporation for the production of therapeutic APCs, it is recommended that more detailed studies are performed on the effect of electroporation on APC fitness, even down to the genetic level. Newer intracellular delivery technologies seem to have less impact on APC functionality but further work is needed to fully uncover their suitability to transfect APCs with different types of macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aranit Harizaj
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ine Lentacker
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Forsyth KS, Anguera MC. Time to get ill: the intersection of viral infections, sex, and the X chromosome. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 19:62-72. [PMID: 33073073 PMCID: PMC7553007 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2020.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Females have more robust immune responses than males, and viral infections are more severe for males. Hormones and genetic sex, namely the X chromosome, influence sex differences with immune responses. Here, we review recent findings underlying sexual dimorphism of disease susceptibility for two prevalent viral infections, influenza and SARS-CoV-2, which exhibit male-biased disease severity. Viral infections are proposed to be an initiating event for autoimmunity, which exhibits a female bias. We also review recent work elucidating the epigenetic and genetic contribution of X-Chromosome Inactivation maintenance, and X-linked gene expression, for the autoimmune disorder Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and highlight the complex considerations required for identifying underlying hormonal and genetic contributions responsible for sex differences in immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S Forsyth
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, United States
| | - Montserrat C Anguera
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, United States
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Gabriele L, Fragale A, Romagnoli G, Parlato S, Lapenta C, Santini SM, Ozato K, Capone I. Type I IFN-dependent antibody response at the basis of sex dimorphism in the outcome of COVID-19. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 58:66-74. [PMID: 33071044 PMCID: PMC7543933 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, induces severe pneumonia mainly in elderly males. Epidemiological data clearly indicate sex-based differences in disease outcomes, with men accounting for about 70 % of deaths, despite similar susceptibility to infection. It is well known that females are endowed with higher capacity to produce antibodies, which correlates with viral clearance and disease resolution in the context of SARS-Cov-2 infection. Many X-linked immune genes escape X inactivation showing biallelic expression in female immune cells, particularly in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). PDCs are more active in females and endowed with high capability to induce IFN-α-mediated B cell activation and differentiation into antibody-producing plasma cells throughout epigenetic mechanisms linked to trained immunity. Thus, we hypothesize that following SARS-CoV-2 infection, epigenetic modifications of X-linked genes involved in pDC-mediated type I IFN (IFN-I) signaling occurs more effectively in females, for inducing neutralizing antibody response as an immune correlate driving sex-biased disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Gabriele
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Fragale
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Romagnoli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Parlato
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Lapenta
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Maria Santini
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Keiko Ozato
- Division of Developmental Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Imerio Capone
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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