1
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Houser CL, Fenner KN, Lawrence BP. Timing influences the impact of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation on the humoral immune response to respiratory viral infection. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 489:117010. [PMID: 38901696 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.117010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Humoral responses to respiratory viruses, such as influenza viruses, develop over time and are central to protection from repeated infection with the same or similar viruses. Epidemiological and experimental studies have linked exposures to environmental contaminants that bind the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) with modulated antibody responses to pathogenic microorganisms and common vaccinations. Other studies have prompted investigation into the potential therapeutic applications of compounds that activate AHR. Herein, using two different AHR ligands [2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and 2-(1H-Indol-3-ylcarbonyl)-4-thiazolecarboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE), to modulate the duration of AHR activity, we show that the humoral response to viral infection is dependent upon the duration and timing of AHR signaling, and that different cellular elements of the response have different sensitivities. When AHR activation was initiated prior to infection with influenza A virus, there was suppression of all measured elements of the humoral response (i.e., the frequency of T follicular helper cells, germinal center B cells, plasma cells, and circulating virus-specific antibody). However, when the timing of AHR activation was adjusted to either early (days -1 to +5 relative to infection) or later (days +5 onwards), then AHR activation affected different aspects of the overall humoral response. These findings highlight the importance of considering the timing of AHR activation in relation to triggering an immune response, particularly when targeting the AHR to manipulate disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Houser
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester NY14642, USA
| | - Kristina N Fenner
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester NY14642, USA
| | - B Paige Lawrence
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester NY14642, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester NY14642, USA.
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2
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Zelante T, Paolicelli G, Fallarino F, Gargaro M, Vascelli G, De Zuani M, Fric J, Laznickova P, Kohoutkova MH, Macchiarulo A, Dolciami D, Pieraccini G, Gaetani L, Scalisi G, Trevisan C, Frossi B, Pucillo C, De Luca A, Nunzi E, Spaccapelo R, Pariano M, Borghi M, Boscaro F, Romoli R, Mancini A, Gentili L, Renga G, Costantini C, Puccetti M, Giovagnoli S, Ricci M, Antonini M, Calabresi P, Puccetti P, Di Filippo M, Romani L. A microbially produced AhR ligand promotes a Tph1-driven tolerogenic program in multiple sclerosis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6651. [PMID: 38509264 PMCID: PMC10954611 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57400-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating autoimmune disease, characterized by chronic inflammation of the central nervous system. While the significance of the gut microbiome on multiple sclerosis pathogenesis is established, the underlining mechanisms are unknown. We found that serum levels of the microbial postbiotic tryptophan metabolite indole-3-carboxaldehyde (3-IAld) inversely correlated with disease duration in multiple sclerosis patients. Much like the host-derived tryptophan derivative L-Kynurenine, 3-IAld would bind and activate the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR), which, in turn, controls endogenous tryptophan catabolic pathways. As a result, in peripheral lymph nodes, microbial 3-IAld, affected mast-cell tryptophan metabolism, forcing mast cells to produce serotonin via Tph1. We thus propose a protective role for AhR-mast-cell activation driven by the microbiome, whereby natural metabolites or postbiotics will have a physiological role in immune homeostasis and may act as therapeutic targets in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Zelante
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy.
- Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology, (CIB), 34149, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Paolicelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Fallarino
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Gargaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Gianluca Vascelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco De Zuani
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Fric
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 2094/1, 128 20, Prague, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Laznickova
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marcela Hortova Kohoutkova
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Antonio Macchiarulo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Daniela Dolciami
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pieraccini
- Mass Spectrometry Center (CISM), University of Florence, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Gaetani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Scalisi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Caterina Trevisan
- Department of Medical and Biological Science, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Barbara Frossi
- Department of Medical and Biological Science, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Carlo Pucillo
- Department of Medical and Biological Science, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Antonella De Luca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Emilia Nunzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics, C.U.R.Ge.F, University of Perugia, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberta Spaccapelo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics, C.U.R.Ge.F, University of Perugia, 06132, Perugia, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology, (CIB), 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marilena Pariano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Monica Borghi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Boscaro
- Mass Spectrometry Center (CISM), University of Florence, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Riccardo Romoli
- Mass Spectrometry Center (CISM), University of Florence, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Mancini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lucia Gentili
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgia Renga
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudio Costantini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Matteo Puccetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Giovagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ricci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Martina Antonini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Unità di Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Puccetti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics, C.U.R.Ge.F, University of Perugia, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Di Filippo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luigina Romani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics, C.U.R.Ge.F, University of Perugia, 06132, Perugia, Italy
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3
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Chen H, King FJ, Zhou B, Wang Y, Canedy CJ, Hayashi J, Zhong Y, Chang MW, Pache L, Wong JL, Jia Y, Joslin J, Jiang T, Benner C, Chanda SK, Zhou Y. Drug target prediction through deep learning functional representation of gene signatures. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1853. [PMID: 38424040 PMCID: PMC10904399 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46089-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Many machine learning applications in bioinformatics currently rely on matching gene identities when analyzing input gene signatures and fail to take advantage of preexisting knowledge about gene functions. To further enable comparative analysis of OMICS datasets, including target deconvolution and mechanism of action studies, we develop an approach that represents gene signatures projected onto their biological functions, instead of their identities, similar to how the word2vec technique works in natural language processing. We develop the Functional Representation of Gene Signatures (FRoGS) approach by training a deep learning model and demonstrate that its application to the Broad Institute's L1000 datasets results in more effective compound-target predictions than models based on gene identities alone. By integrating additional pharmacological activity data sources, FRoGS significantly increases the number of high-quality compound-target predictions relative to existing approaches, many of which are supported by in silico and/or experimental evidence. These results underscore the general utility of FRoGS in machine learning-based bioinformatics applications. Prediction networks pre-equipped with the knowledge of gene functions may help uncover new relationships among gene signatures acquired by large-scale OMICs studies on compounds, cell types, disease models, and patient cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Novartis Biomedical Research, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
- Computational Biology Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Frederick J King
- Novartis Biomedical Research, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Bin Zhou
- Novartis Biomedical Research, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Yu Wang
- Novartis Biomedical Research, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Carter J Canedy
- Novartis Biomedical Research, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Joel Hayashi
- Novartis Biomedical Research, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Yang Zhong
- Novartis Biomedical Research, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Max W Chang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Lars Pache
- NCI Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Julian L Wong
- Novartis Biomedical Research, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Yong Jia
- Novartis Biomedical Research, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - John Joslin
- Novartis Biomedical Research, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Christopher Benner
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Sumit K Chanda
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Yingyao Zhou
- Novartis Biomedical Research, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
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4
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Bonati L, Motta S, Callea L. The AhR Signaling Mechanism: A Structural Point of View. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168296. [PMID: 37797832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) is a well-known sensor of xenobiotics; moreover, it is considered a promising drug target as it is involved in the regulation of many patho-physiological processes. For these reasons the study of its ligand-activated transcription mechanism has stimulated several studies for over twenty years. In this review we highlight the key role of molecular structural information in understanding the different steps of the signaling mechanism. The architecture of the AhR cytosolic complex, encompassing the hsp90 chaperone protein and the XAP2 and p23 co-chaperones, has become available in the last year thanks to Cryo-EM experiments. The structure of the AhR ligand-binding (PAS-B) domain has remained elusive for a long time; it has been predicted by homology modelling, based on known PAS systems, and its ligand-bound forms were modelled through ligand molecular docking. Although very recently some structural information on this domain has become available, considerable efforts are still needed to determine the binding geometries of the AhR key ligands by experimental high-resolution studies. On the other hand, the dimeric structure of AhR with the ARNT protein, bound to the specific DNA responsive element, was partially determined by X-ray crystallography and it was completed by homology modelling. On the whole the current structural knowledge of the main protein complexes that form over the AhR mechanism opens the way to confirm and further investigate the main steps of the proposed ligand-activated transcription mechanism of the AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bonati
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Motta
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy.
| | - Lara Callea
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy.
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5
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Weiss V, Gobec M, Jakopin Ž. Halogenation of common phenolic household and personal care product ingredients enhances their AhR-modulating capacity. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 350:141116. [PMID: 38182088 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, orchestrates responses to numerous structurally diverse endogenous and exogenous ligands. In addition to binding various xenobiotics, AhR also recognizes endocrine disruptors, particularly those featuring chlorinated or brominated aromatic structures. There is limited data available on the impact of common household and personal care product ingredients let alone their halogenated transformation products. Herein we bridge this knowledge gap by preparing a library of chlorinated and brominated parabens, bisphenols, UV filters, and nonylphenols. An evaluation of total of 125 compounds for agonistic and antagonistic activity on AhR unveiled a low micromolar agonist, Cl2BPAF with an EC50 of 13 μM. Moreover, our study identified several AhR antagonists, with BrBzP emerging as the most potent with an IC50 of 8.9 μM. To further investigate the functional implications of these compounds, we subjected the most potent agonist and antagonist to a functional assay involving cytokine secretion from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and compared their activity with the commercially available AhR agonist and antagonist. Cl2BPAF exhibited an overall immunosuppressive effect by reducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, while BrBzP displayed opposite effects, leading to an increase of those cytokines. Notably, the immunomodulatory effects of Cl2BPAF surpassed those of ITE, a bona fide AhR agonist, while the impact of BrBzP exceeded that of CH223191, a bona fide AhR antagonist. In summary, our study underscores the potential influence of halogenated transformation products on the AhR pathway and, consequently, their role in shaping the immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Weiss
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martina Gobec
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Žiga Jakopin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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6
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Chen Y, Wang Y, Fu Y, Yin Y, Xu K. Modulating AHR function offers exciting therapeutic potential in gut immunity and inflammation. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:85. [PMID: 37179416 PMCID: PMC10182712 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01046-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a classical exogenous synthetic ligand of AHR that has significant immunotoxic effects. Activation of AHR has beneficial effects on intestinal immune responses, but inactivation or overactivation of AHR can lead to intestinal immune dysregulation and even intestinal diseases. Sustained potent activation of AHR by TCDD results in impairment of the intestinal epithelial barrier. However, currently, AHR research has been more focused on elucidating physiologic AHR function than on dioxin toxicity. The appropriate level of AHR activation plays a role in maintaining gut health and protecting against intestinal inflammation. Therefore, AHR offers a crucial target to modulate intestinal immunity and inflammation. Herein, we summarize our current understanding of the relationship between AHR and intestinal immunity, the ways in which AHR affects intestinal immunity and inflammation, the effects of AHR activity on intestinal immunity and inflammation, and the effect of dietary habits on intestinal health through AHR. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic role of AHR in maintaining gut homeostasis and relieving inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Yawei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yulong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Kang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China.
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7
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Lin L, Liu Y, Chen L, Dai Y, Xia Y. Discovery of Norisoboldine Analogue III 11 as a Novel and Potent Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Agonist for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6869-6888. [PMID: 37154394 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcript factor, belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix-Per-ARNT-SIM family, is closely associated with health and diseases. Targeting AhR is an emerging therapeutic strategy for various diseases. Norisoboldine (NOR), which is the main alkaloid of Linderae Radix, has been known to activate AhR. Unfortunately, the oral bioavailability (F) of NOR is only 2.49%. To improve the chemical efficacy and bioavailability, we designed and synthesized NOR analogues. Using various in vitro assays, 2-methoxy-5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinoline-9-ol (III11) was discovered as a potent AhR agonist. Compound III11 enhanced the expression of AhR downstream target genes, triggered AhR nuclear translocation, and promoted differentiation of regulatory T cells. More importantly, III11 exhibited good bioavailability (F = 87.40%) and remarkable therapeutic effects in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis at a dosage of 10 mg/kg. These findings may serve as a reference for the design of novel AhR agonists against immune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Lin
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yongmin Liu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yue Dai
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yufeng Xia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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8
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Zhang LY, Wang NX, Yan Z, Wu YH, Gao XW, Feng K, Lucan D, Xing Y. Efficient Aerobic Oxidative Coupling of Methyl Heteroarenes with Indoles. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202202240. [PMID: 36345123 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202202240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Direct oxidative coupling of inert C(sp3 )-H bond has been a great challenge. Herein, an environmentally friendly aerobic oxidative coupling of α-methyl substituted N-heteroarenes with indoles is reported. A variety of diheteroaryl ketones were prepared in good yields (up to 72 %). This protocol features simple operation and broad substrates scope (26 examples). Significantly, a plausible mechanism about catalytic cycle was proposed, and two key intermediates were confirmed by high resolution mass spectrometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Yang Zhang
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry & University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P.R. China
| | - Nai-Xing Wang
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry & University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P.R. China
| | - Zhan Yan
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry & University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P.R. China
| | - Yue-Hua Wu
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry & University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Wang Gao
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry & University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P.R. China
| | - Ke Feng
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry & University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P.R. China
| | - Dumitra Lucan
- Technical Sciences Academy of Romania ASTR, Dacia Avenue no.26, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Yalan Xing
- Department of Chemistry, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
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9
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Zhang J, Cui S, Shen L, Gao Y, Liu W, Zhang C, Zhuang S. Promotion of Bladder Cancer Cell Metastasis by 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole via Its Activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Transcription: Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Cell-Based Assays, and Machine Learning-Driven Prediction. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13254-13263. [PMID: 36087060 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) is an industrial chemical widely used for rubber products, corrosion inhibitors, and polymer materials with multiple environmental and exposure pathways. A growing body of evidence suggests its potential bladder cancer (BC) risk as a public health concern; however, the molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. Herein, we demonstrate the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) by MBT and reveal key events in carcinogenesis associated with BC. MBT alters conformational changes of AhR ligand binding domain (LBD) as revealed by 500 ns molecular dynamics simulations and activates AhR transcription with upregulation of AhR-target genes CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 to approximately 1.5-fold. MBT upregulates the expression of MMP1, the cancer cell metastasis biomarker, to 3.2-fold and promotes BC cell invasion through an AhR-mediated manner. MBT is further revealed to induce differentially expressed genes (DEGs) most enriched in cancer pathways by transcriptome profiling. The exposure of MBT at environmentally relevant concentrations induces BC risk via AhR signaling disruption, transcriptome aberration, and malignant cell metastasis. A machine learning-based model with an AUC value of 0.881 is constructed to successfully predict 31 MBT analogues. Overall, we provide molecular insight into the BC risk of MBT and develop an effective tool for rapid screening of AhR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Women's Reproductive Health Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Shixuan Cui
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lilai Shen
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuchen Gao
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chunlong Zhang
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77058, United States
| | - Shulin Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Women's Reproductive Health Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
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10
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Grycová A, Joo H, Maier V, Illés P, Vyhlídalová B, Poulíková K, Sládeková L, Nádvorník P, Vrzal R, Zemánková L, Pečinková P, Poruba M, Zapletalová I, Večeřa R, Anzenbacher P, Ehrmann J, Ondra P, Jung JW, Mani S, Dvořák Z. Targeting the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor with Microbial Metabolite Mimics Alleviates Experimental Colitis in Mice. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6859-6868. [PMID: 35416668 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an emerging therapeutic strategy for multiple diseases (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease). Thermosporothrix hazakensis microbial metabolite 2-(1'H-indole-3'-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) is a putative AhR endogenous ligand. To improve the chemical stability, we synthesized a series of ITE chemical mimics. Using a series of in vitro assays, we identified 2-(1H-indole-3-carbonyl)-N-methyl thiazole-4-carboxamide (ITE-CONHCH3) as a highly potent (EC50 = 1.6 nM) AhR agonist with high affinity (Ki = 88 nM). ITE-CONHCH3 triggered AhR nuclear translocation and dimerization of AhR-ARNT, enhanced AhR binding in the CYP1A1 promoter, and induced AhR-regulated genes in an AhR-dependent manner. The metabolic stability of ITE-CONHCH3 in a cell culture was 10 times higher than that of ITE. Finally, we observed protective effects of ITE-CONHCH3 in mice with DSS-induced colitis. Overall, we demonstrate and validate a concept of microbial metabolite mimicry in the therapeutic targeting of AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Grycová
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Hansol Joo
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Vítězslav Maier
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Medical Law, University Hospital Olomouc, and Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Hněvotínská 3, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Illés
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Vyhlídalová
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Karolína Poulíková
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Sládeková
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Nádvorník
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Vrzal
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Zemánková
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Pečinková
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Poruba
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Hněvotínská 3, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Iveta Zapletalová
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Hněvotínská 3, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Rostislav Večeřa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Hněvotínská 3, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Anzenbacher
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Hněvotínská 3, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Ehrmann
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Hněvotínská 3, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Ondra
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Medical Law, University Hospital Olomouc, and Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Hněvotínská 3, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jong-Wha Jung
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Sridhar Mani
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Zdeněk Dvořák
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
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11
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Dangkoub F, Sankian M, Tafaghodi M, Jaafari MR, Badiee A. The impact of nanocarriers in the induction of antigen-specific immunotolerance in autoimmune diseases. J Control Release 2021; 339:274-283. [PMID: 34600024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Immunotolerance induction in an antigen-specific manner is the long-term goal of immunotherapy to treat autoimmune diseases. Nanocarriers (NCs) can be designed as a new generation of delivery systems to modulate the immune responses through targeted delivery of antigens and immunomodulators to antigen presenting cells (APCs). In this manuscript, several formulation factors in the preparation of NCs which affect their uptake using APCs and generation of tolerance have been reviewed. The physicochemical properties and composition of NCs have been shown to play essential roles in achieving the desired immunological outcome. Also, targeting of dendritic cells and macrophages as APCs and direct targeting of the autoreactive lymphocytes have been presented as two main ways for induction of antigen-specific tolerance by these tolerogenic nanocarriers (tNCs). These particles herald a promising approach to treat or even prevent unwanted immune reactions in humans specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Dangkoub
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Sankian
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Tafaghodi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Badiee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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12
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Gargaro M, Manni G, Scalisi G, Puccetti P, Fallarino F. Tryptophan Metabolites at the Crossroad of Immune-Cell Interaction via the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: Implications for Tumor Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094644. [PMID: 33924971 PMCID: PMC8125364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a critical regulator of both innate and adaptive immune responses, with potent immunomodulatory effects that makes this receptor an attractive molecular target for novel therapeutics. Accumulating evidence indicates that diverse—both host’s and microbial—tryptophan metabolites profoundly regulate the immune system in the host via AhR, promoting either tolerance or immunity, largely as a function of the qualitative and quantitative nature of the metabolites being contributed by either source. Additional findings indicate that host and microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolic pathways can influence the outcome of immune responses to tumors. Here, we review recent studies on the role and modalities of AhR activation by various ligands, derived from either host-cell or microbial-cell tryptophan metabolic pathways, in the regulation of immune responses. Moreover, we highlight potential implications of those ligands and pathways in tumor immunotherapy, with particular relevance to checkpoint-blockade immune intervention strategies.
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13
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Barroso A, Mahler JV, Fonseca-Castro PH, Quintana FJ. Therapeutic induction of tolerogenic dendritic cells via aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling. Curr Opin Immunol 2021; 70:33-39. [PMID: 33607496 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which sample the exogenous and endogenous cues to control adaptive immunity, balancing effector and regulatory components of the immune response. Multiple subsets of DCs, such as plasmacytoid and conventional DCs, have been defined based on specific phenotypic markers, functions and regulatory transcriptional programs. Tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs) have been functionally defined based on their ability to expand the regulatory T-cell compartment and suppress immune responses. However, it is still unclear whether tolDCs represent a homogeneous population, a specific DC subset and/or a heterogeneous collection of DC activation/maturation states. The ligand-activated transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has been shown to control transcriptional programs associated to tolDCs. In this review, we discuss the role of AHR in the control of tolDCs, and also AHR-targeted approaches for the therapeutic induction of tolDCs in autoimmune diseases and allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Barroso
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - João V Mahler
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro H Fonseca-Castro
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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14
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Targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor with a novel set of triarylmethanes. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112777. [PMID: 32971427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112777] [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] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a chemical sensor upregulating the transcription of responsive genes associated with endocrine homeostasis, oxidative balance and diverse metabolic, immunological and inflammatory processes, which have raised the pharmacological interest on its modulation. Herein, a novel set of 32 unsymmetrical triarylmethane (TAM) class of structures has been synthesized, characterized and their AhR transcriptional activity evaluated using a cell-based assay. Eight of the assayed TAM compounds (14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 28) exhibited AhR agonism but none of them showed antagonist effects. TAMs bearing benzotrifluoride, naphthol or heteroaromatic (indole, quinoline or thiophene) rings seem to be prone to AhR activation unlike phenyl substituted or benzotriazole derivatives. A molecular docking analysis with the AhR ligand binding domain (LBD) showed similarities in the binding mode and in the interactions of the most potent TAM identified 4-(pyridin-2-yl (thiophen-2-yl)methyl)phenol (22) compared to the endogenous AhR agonist 5,11-dihydroindolo[3,2-b]carbazole-12-carbaldehyde (FICZ). Finally, in silico predictions of physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties for the most potent agonistic compounds were performed and these exhibited acceptable druglikeness and good ADME profiles. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the AhR modulatory effects of unsymmetrical TAM class of compounds.
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15
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Manni G, Mondanelli G, Scalisi G, Pallotta MT, Nardi D, Padiglioni E, Romani R, Talesa VN, Puccetti P, Fallarino F, Gargaro M. Pharmacologic Induction of Endotoxin Tolerance in Dendritic Cells by L-Kynurenine. Front Immunol 2020; 11:292. [PMID: 32226425 PMCID: PMC7081078 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endotoxin tolerance aims at opposing hyperinflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) participates in protection against LPS-mediated tissue damage, as it plays a necessary role in restraining the proinflammatory action of IL-1β and TNF-α while fostering the expression of protective TGF-β. TGF-β, in turn, promotes durable expression of the immune regulatory enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1). IDO1 degrades L-tryptophan to L-kynurenine-an activating ligand for AhR-thus establishing a feed-forward loop. In this study, we further demonstrate that L-kynurenine also promotes the dissociation of the Src kinase-AhR cytosolic complex, leading to the activation of both genomic and non-genomic events in conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) primed with LPS. Specifically, the Src kinase, by phosphorylating the downstream target IDO1, triggers IDO1's signaling ability, which results in enhanced production of TGF-β, an event key to establishing full endotoxin tolerance. We demonstrated that exogenous L-kynurenine can substitute for the effects of continued or repeated LPS exposure and that the AhR-Src-IDO1 axis represents a critical step for the transition from endotoxin susceptibility to tolerance. Moreover, much like fully endotoxin-tolerant dendritic cells (DCs) (i.e., treated twice with LPS in vitro), DCs-treated once with LPS in vitro and then with kynurenine-confer resistance on naïve recipients to an otherwise lethal LPS challenge. This may have clinical implications under conditions in which pharmacologically induced onset of endotoxin tolerance is a therapeutically desirable event.
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16
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Goya-Jorge E, Doan TQ, Scippo ML, Muller M, Giner RM, Barigye SJ, Gozalbes R. Elucidating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonism from a chemical-structural perspective. SAR AND QSAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 31:209-226. [PMID: 31916862 DOI: 10.1080/1062936x.2019.1708460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays an important role in several biological processes such as reproduction, immunity and homoeostasis. However, little is known on the chemical-structural and physicochemical features that influence the activity of AhR antagonistic modulators. In the present report, in vitro AhR antagonistic activity evaluations, based on a chemical-activated luciferase gene expression (AhR-CALUX) bioassay, and an extensive literature review were performed with the aim of constructing a structurally diverse database of contaminants and potentially toxic chemicals. Subsequently, QSAR models based on Linear Discriminant Analysis and Logistic Regression, as well as two toxicophoric hypotheses were proposed to model the AhR antagonistic activity of the built dataset. The QSAR models were rigorously validated yielding satisfactory performance for all classification parameters. Likewise, the toxicophoric hypotheses were validated using a diverse set of 350 decoys, demonstrating adequate robustness and predictive power. Chemical interpretations of both the QSAR and toxicophoric models suggested that hydrophobic constraints, the presence of aromatic rings and electron-acceptor moieties are critical for the AhR antagonism. Therefore, it is hoped that the deductions obtained in the present study will contribute to elucidate further on the structural and physicochemical factors influencing the AhR antagonistic activity of chemical compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Goya-Jorge
- CEEI (Centro Europeo de Empresas Innovadoras), ProtoQSAR SL, Parque Tecnológico de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Departament de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - T Q Doan
- Laboratory of Food Analysis, FARAH-Veterinary Public Health, ULiège, Liège, Belgium
| | - M L Scippo
- Laboratory of Food Analysis, FARAH-Veterinary Public Health, ULiège, Liège, Belgium
| | - M Muller
- Laboratory for Organogenesis and Regeneration, GIGA-Research, ULiège, Liège, Belgium
| | - R M Giner
- Departament de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - S J Barigye
- CEEI (Centro Europeo de Empresas Innovadoras), ProtoQSAR SL, Parque Tecnológico de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - R Gozalbes
- CEEI (Centro Europeo de Empresas Innovadoras), ProtoQSAR SL, Parque Tecnológico de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- R&D Department, MolDrug AI Systems SL, Valencia, Spain
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17
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Costantini C, Bellet MM, Renga G, Stincardini C, Borghi M, Pariano M, Cellini B, Keller N, Romani L, Zelante T. Tryptophan Co-Metabolism at the Host-Pathogen Interface. Front Immunol 2020; 11:67. [PMID: 32082324 PMCID: PMC7001157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Costantini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marina M Bellet
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgia Renga
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Monica Borghi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marilena Pariano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Barbara Cellini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Nancy Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Luigina Romani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Teresa Zelante
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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18
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Dolciami D, Ballarotto M, Gargaro M, López-Cara LC, Fallarino F, Macchiarulo A. Targeting Aryl hydrocarbon receptor for next-generation immunotherapies: Selective modulators (SAhRMs) versus rapidly metabolized ligands (RMAhRLs). Eur J Med Chem 2019; 185:111842. [PMID: 31727470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) constitutes a major network hub of genomic and non-genomic signaling pathways, connecting host's immune cells to environmental factors. It shapes innate and adaptive immune processes to environmental stimuli with species-, cell- and tissue-type dependent specificity. Although an ever increasing number of studies has thrust AhR into the limelight as attractive target for the development of next-generation immunotherapies, concerns exist on potential safety issues associated with small molecule modulation of the receptor. Selective AhR modulators (SAhRMs) and rapidly metabolized AhR ligands (RMAhRLs) are two classes of receptor agonists that are emerging as interesting lead compounds to bypass AhR-related toxicity in favor of therapeutic effects. In this article, we discuss SAhRMs and RMAhRLs reported in literature, covering concepts underlying their definitions, specific binding modes, structure-activity relationships and AhR-mediated functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Dolciami
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Ballarotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Gargaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Piazz.le Gambuli, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luisa Carlota López-Cara
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18010, Granada, Spain
| | - Francesca Fallarino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Piazz.le Gambuli, 1, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonio Macchiarulo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo, 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
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19
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Beamer CA, Kreitinger JM, Cole SL, Shepherd DM. Targeted deletion of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in dendritic cells prevents thymic atrophy in response to dioxin. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:355-368. [PMID: 30499018 PMCID: PMC6367717 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2366-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In nearly every species examined, administration of the persistent environmental pollutant, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin, TCDD) causes profound immune suppression and thymic atrophy in an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) dependent manner. Moreover, TCDD alters the development and differentiation of thymocytes, resulting in decreases in the relative proportion and absolute number of double positive (DP, CD4+CD8+) thymocytes, as well as a relative enrichment in the relative proportion and absolute number of double negative (DN, CD4-CD8-) and single-positive (SP) CD4+CD8- and CD4-CD8+ thymocytes. Previous studies suggested that the target for TCDD-induced thymic atrophy resides within the hemopoietic compartment and implicated apoptosis, proliferation arrest of thymic progenitors, and emigration of DN thymocytes to the periphery as potential contributors to TCDD-induced thymic atrophy. However, the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms involved remain largely unknown. Our results show that administration of 10 µg/kg TCDD and 8 mg/kg 2-(1H-indol-3-ylcarbonyl)-4-thiazolecarboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) induced AhR-dependent thymic atrophy in mice on day 7, whereas 100 mg/kg indole 3-carbinol (I3C) did not. Though our studies demonstrate that TCDD triggers a twofold increase in the frequency of apoptotic thymocytes, TCDD-induced thymic atrophy is not dependent on Fas-FasL interactions, and thus, enhanced apoptosis is unlikely to be a major mechanistic contributor. Finally, our results show that activation of the AhR in CD11c+ dendritic cells is directly responsible for TCDD-induced alterations in the development and differentiation of thymocytes, which results in thymic atrophy. Collectively, these results suggest that CD11c+ dendritic cells play a critical role in mediating TCDD-induced thymic atrophy and disruption of T lymphocyte development and differentiation in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine A Beamer
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Skaggs Building Room 284, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
| | | | - Shelby L Cole
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - David M Shepherd
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Skaggs Building Room 284, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA.
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20
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Ultrasensitivity dynamics of diverse aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulators in a hepatoma cell line. Arch Toxicol 2018; 93:635-647. [PMID: 30569404 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2380-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a nuclear receptor that facilitates a wide transcriptional response and causes a variety of adaptive and maladaptive physiological functions. Such functions are entirely dependent on the type of ligand activating it, and therefore, the nuances in the activation of this receptor at the single-cell level have become a research interest for different pharmacological and toxicological applications. Here, we investigate the activation of the AhR by diverse classes of compounds in a Hepa1c1c7-based murine hepatoma cell line. The exogenous compounds analyzed produced different levels of ultrasensitivity in AhR activation as measured by XRE-coupled EGFP production and analyzed by both flow cytometric and computational simulation techniques. Interestingly, simulation experiments reported herein were able to reproduce and quantitate the natural single-cell stochasticity inherent to mammalian cell lines as well as the ligand-specific differences in ultrasensitivity. Classical AhR modulators 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (10- 1-105 pM), PCB-126 (10- 1-107 pM), and benzo[a]pyrene (10- 1-107 pM) produced the greatest levels of single-cell ultrasensitivity and most maximal responses, while consumption-based ligands indole-3-carbinol (103-109 pM), 3,3'-diindolylmethane (103-108 pM), and cannabidiol (103-108 pM) caused low-level AhR activation in more purely graded single-cell fashions. All compounds were tested and analyzed over a 24 h period for consistency. The comparative quantitative results for each compound are presented within. This study aids in defining the disparity between different types of AhR modulators that produce distinctly different physiological outcomes. In addition, the simulation tool developed for this study can be used in future studies to predict the quantitative effects of diverse types of AhR ligands in the context of pharmacological therapies or toxicological concerns.
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