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R Muralitharan R, Marques FZ, O'Donnell JA. Recent advancements in targeting the immune system to treat hypertension. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 983:177008. [PMID: 39304109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.177008] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Hypertension is the key leading risk factor for death globally, affecting ∼1.3 billion adults, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Most people living with hypertension have uncontrolled high blood pressure, increasing their likelihood of cardiovascular events. Significant issues preventing blood pressure control include lack of diagnosis, treatment, and response to existing therapy. For example, monotherapy and combination therapy are often unable to lower blood pressure to target levels. New therapies are urgently required to tackle this issue, particularly those that target the mechanisms behind hypertension instead of treating its symptoms. Acting via an increase in systemic and tissue-specific inflammation, the immune system is a critical contributor to blood pressure regulation and is considered an early mechanism leading to hypertension development. Here, we review the immune system's role in hypertension, evaluate clinical trials that target inflammation, and discuss knowledge gaps in pre-clinical and clinical data. We examine the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs colchicine and methotrexate on hypertension and evaluate the blockade of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α on blood pressure in clinical trials. Lastly, we highlight how we can move forward to target specific components of the immune system to lower blood pressure. This includes targeting isolevuglandins, which accumulate in dendritic cells to promote T cell activation and cytokine production in salt-induced hypertension. We discuss the potential of the dietary fibre-derived metabolites short-chain fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory and blood pressure-lowering effects via the gut microbiome. This would limit adverse events, leading to improved medication adherence and better blood pressure control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikeish R Muralitharan
- Hypertension Research Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Francine Z Marques
- Hypertension Research Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Heart Failure Research Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Joanne A O'Donnell
- Hypertension Research Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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2
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Chen F, Tang H, Cai X, Lin J, Kang R, Tang D, Liu J. DAMPs in immunosenescence and cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 106-107:123-142. [PMID: 39349230 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.09.005] [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: 08/30/2024] [Revised: 09/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/02/2024]
Abstract
Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are endogenous molecules released by cells in response to injury or stress, recognized by host pattern recognition receptors that assess the immunological significance of cellular damage. The interaction between DAMPs and innate immune receptors triggers sterile inflammation, which serves a dual purpose: promoting tissue repair and contributing to pathological conditions, including age-related diseases. Chronic inflammation mediated by DAMPs accelerates immunosenescence and influences both tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity, underscoring the critical role of DAMPs in the nexus between aging and cancer. This review explores the characteristics of immunosenescence and its impact on age-related cancers, investigates the various types of DAMPs, their release mechanisms during cell death, and the immune activation pathways they initiate. Additionally, we examine the therapeutic potential of targeting DAMPs in age-related diseases. A detailed understanding of DAMP-induced signal transduction could provide critical insights into immune regulation and support the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangquan Chen
- DAMP Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Hu Tang
- DAMP Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Xiutao Cai
- DAMP Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Junhao Lin
- DAMP Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Rui Kang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Jiao Liu
- DAMP Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China.
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Patel B, Greenland JC, Williams-Gray CH. Clinical Trial Highlights: Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Agents. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2024:JPD240353. [PMID: 39331111 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-240353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Inflammation and immune dysregulation have been linked to the pathogenesis and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD), and represent an attractive target for therapeutic intervention, given the potential for repurposing of existing anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents. Despite the fact that initial studies of drugs with secondary anti-inflammatory effects did not yield positive results, agents specifically targeting immune and inflammatory pathways may hold more promise. This article will briefly review the evidence base for targeting the immune system and neuroinflammation in PD, and discuss in detail the recently completed and currently active trials of primary anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory drugs in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bina Patel
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Julia C Greenland
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Caroline H Williams-Gray
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
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Yu J, Zhao Z, Li Y, Chen J, Huang N, Luo Y. Role of NLRP3 in Parkinson's disease: Specific activation especially in dopaminergic neurons. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28838. [PMID: 38596076 PMCID: PMC11002585 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28838] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with motor symptoms like bradykinesia, tremors, and balance issues. The pathology is recognized by progressively degenerative nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons (DANs) loss. Its exact pathogenesis is unclear. Numerous studies have shown that nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) contributes to the pathogenesis of PD. Previous studies have demonstrated that the over-activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia indirectly leads to the loss of DANs, which can worsen PD. In recent years, autopsy analyses of PD patients and studies in PD models have revealed upregulation of NLRP3 expression within DANs and demonstrated that activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in neurons is sufficient to drive neuronal loss, whereas microglial activation occurs after neuronal death, and that inhibition of intraneuronal NLRP3 inflammasome prevents degeneration of DANs. In this review, we provide research evidence related to NLRP3 inflammasome in DANs in PD as well as focus on possible mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in neurons, aiming to provide a new way of thinking about the pathogenesis and prevention of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yu
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi), Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Zhanghong Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi), Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi), Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi), Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Nanqu Huang
- National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi), Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yong Luo
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi), Zunyi, 563000, China
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Ma M, Jiang W, Zhou R. DAMPs and DAMP-sensing receptors in inflammation and diseases. Immunity 2024; 57:752-771. [PMID: 38599169 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.03.002] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are endogenous danger molecules produced in cellular damage or stress, and they can activate the innate immune system. DAMPs contain multiple types of molecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, ions, glycans, and metabolites. Although these endogenous molecules do not trigger immune response under steady-state condition, they may undergo changes in distribution, physical or chemical property, or concentration upon cellular damage or stress, and then they become DAMPs that can be sensed by innate immune receptors to induce inflammatory response. Thus, DAMPs play an important role in inflammation and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize the conversion of homeostatic molecules into DAMPs; the diverse nature and classification, cellular origin, and sensing of DAMPs; and their role in inflammation and related diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the clinical strategies to treat DAMP-associated diseases via targeting DAMP-sensing receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ma
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Rongbin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China; Department of Geriatrics, Gerontology Institute of Anhui Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.
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Smolak P, Nguyen M, Diamond C, Wescott H, Doedens JR, Schooley K, Snouwaert JN, Bock MG, Harrison D, Watt AP, Koller BH, Gabel CA. Target Cell Activation of a Structurally Novel NOD-Like Receptor Pyrin Domain-Containing Protein 3 Inhibitor NT-0796 Enhances Potency. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 388:798-812. [PMID: 38253384 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a central regulator of innate immunity, essential for processing and release of interleukin-1β and pyroptotic cell death. As endogenous NLRP3 activating triggers are hallmarks of many human chronic inflammatory diseases, inhibition of NLRP3 has emerged as a therapeutic target. Here we identify NDT-19795 as a novel carboxylic acid-containing NLRP3 activation inhibitor in both human and mouse monocytes and macrophages. Remarkably, conversion of the carboxylate to an isopropyl-ester (NT-0796) greatly enhances NLRP3 inhibitory potency in human monocytes. This increase is attributed to the ester-containing pharmacophore being more cell-penetrant than the acid species and, once internalized, the ester being metabolized to NDT-19795 by carboxylesterase-1 (CES-1). Mouse macrophages do not express CES-1, and NT-0796 is ineffective in these cells. Mice also contain plasma esterase (Ces1c) activity which is absent in humans. To create a more human-like model, we generated a mouse line in which the genome was modified, removing Ces1c and replacing this segment of DNA with the human CES-1 gene driven by a mononuclear phagocyte-specific promoter. We show human CES-1 presence in monocytes/macrophages increases the ability of NT-0796 to inhibit NLRP3 activation both in vitro and in vivo. As NLRP3 is widely expressed by monocytes/macrophages, the co-existence of CES-1 in these same cells affords a unique opportunity to direct ester-containing NLRP3 inhibitors precisely to target cells of interest. Profiling NT-0796 in mice humanized with respect to CES-1 biology enables critical modeling of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of this novel therapeutic candidate. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Inhibition of NLRP3 represents a desirable therapeutic strategy for the treatment of multiple human disorders. In this study pharmacological properties of a structurally-novel, ester-containing NLRP3 inhibitor NT-0796 are characterized. To study pharmacodynamics of NT-0796 in vivo, a mouse line was engineered possessing more human-like traits with respect to carboxylesterase biology. In the context of these hCES-1 mice, NT-0796 serves as a more effective inhibitor of NLRP3 activation than the corresponding acid, highlighting the full translational potential of the ester strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Smolak
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (B.H.K., M.N., J.N.S.); Nodthera, Seattle Washington (P.S., C.D., H.W., J.R.D., K.S., C.A.G.); Nodthera, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.H., A.P.W.); and Nodthera, Boston, Massachusetts (M.G.B.)
| | - MyTrang Nguyen
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (B.H.K., M.N., J.N.S.); Nodthera, Seattle Washington (P.S., C.D., H.W., J.R.D., K.S., C.A.G.); Nodthera, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.H., A.P.W.); and Nodthera, Boston, Massachusetts (M.G.B.)
| | - Christine Diamond
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (B.H.K., M.N., J.N.S.); Nodthera, Seattle Washington (P.S., C.D., H.W., J.R.D., K.S., C.A.G.); Nodthera, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.H., A.P.W.); and Nodthera, Boston, Massachusetts (M.G.B.)
| | - Heather Wescott
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (B.H.K., M.N., J.N.S.); Nodthera, Seattle Washington (P.S., C.D., H.W., J.R.D., K.S., C.A.G.); Nodthera, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.H., A.P.W.); and Nodthera, Boston, Massachusetts (M.G.B.)
| | - John R Doedens
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (B.H.K., M.N., J.N.S.); Nodthera, Seattle Washington (P.S., C.D., H.W., J.R.D., K.S., C.A.G.); Nodthera, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.H., A.P.W.); and Nodthera, Boston, Massachusetts (M.G.B.)
| | - Kenneth Schooley
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (B.H.K., M.N., J.N.S.); Nodthera, Seattle Washington (P.S., C.D., H.W., J.R.D., K.S., C.A.G.); Nodthera, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.H., A.P.W.); and Nodthera, Boston, Massachusetts (M.G.B.)
| | - John N Snouwaert
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (B.H.K., M.N., J.N.S.); Nodthera, Seattle Washington (P.S., C.D., H.W., J.R.D., K.S., C.A.G.); Nodthera, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.H., A.P.W.); and Nodthera, Boston, Massachusetts (M.G.B.)
| | - Mark G Bock
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (B.H.K., M.N., J.N.S.); Nodthera, Seattle Washington (P.S., C.D., H.W., J.R.D., K.S., C.A.G.); Nodthera, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.H., A.P.W.); and Nodthera, Boston, Massachusetts (M.G.B.)
| | - David Harrison
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (B.H.K., M.N., J.N.S.); Nodthera, Seattle Washington (P.S., C.D., H.W., J.R.D., K.S., C.A.G.); Nodthera, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.H., A.P.W.); and Nodthera, Boston, Massachusetts (M.G.B.)
| | - Alan P Watt
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (B.H.K., M.N., J.N.S.); Nodthera, Seattle Washington (P.S., C.D., H.W., J.R.D., K.S., C.A.G.); Nodthera, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.H., A.P.W.); and Nodthera, Boston, Massachusetts (M.G.B.)
| | - Beverly H Koller
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (B.H.K., M.N., J.N.S.); Nodthera, Seattle Washington (P.S., C.D., H.W., J.R.D., K.S., C.A.G.); Nodthera, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.H., A.P.W.); and Nodthera, Boston, Massachusetts (M.G.B.)
| | - Christopher A Gabel
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (B.H.K., M.N., J.N.S.); Nodthera, Seattle Washington (P.S., C.D., H.W., J.R.D., K.S., C.A.G.); Nodthera, Cambridge, United Kingdom (D.H., A.P.W.); and Nodthera, Boston, Massachusetts (M.G.B.)
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