1
|
Sputum analysis by flow cytometry; an effective platform to analyze the lung environment. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272069. [PMID: 35976857 PMCID: PMC9385012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Low dose computed tomography (LDCT) is the standard of care for lung cancer screening in the United States (US). LDCT has a sensitivity of 93.8% but its specificity of 73.4% leads to potentially harmful follow-up procedures in patients without lung cancer. Thus, there is a need for additional assays with high accuracy that can be used as an adjunct to LDCT to diagnose lung cancer. Sputum is a biological fluid that can be obtained non-invasively and can be dissociated to release its cellular contents, providing a snapshot of the lung environment. We obtained sputum from current and former smokers with a 30+ pack-year smoking history and who were either confirmed to have lung cancer or at high risk of developing the disease. Dissociated sputum cells were counted, viability determined, and labeled with a panel of markers to separate leukocytes from non-leukocytes. After excluding debris and dead cells, including squamous epithelial cells, we identified reproducible population signatures and confirmed the samples’ lung origin. In addition to leukocyte and epithelial-specific fluorescent antibodies, we used the highly fluorescent meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP), known to preferentially stain cancer (associated) cells. We looked for differences in cell characteristics, population size and fluorescence intensity that could be useful in distinguishing cancer samples from high-risk samples. We present our data demonstrating the feasibility of a flow cytometry platform to analyze sputum in a high-throughput and standardized matter for the diagnosis of lung cancer.
Collapse
|
2
|
Fricker M, Qin L, Sánchez‐Ovando S, Simpson JL, Baines KJ, Riveros C, Scott HA, Wood LG, Wark PAB, Kermani NZ, Chung KF, Gibson PG. An altered sputum macrophage transcriptome contributes to the neutrophilic asthma endotype. Allergy 2022; 77:1204-1215. [PMID: 34510493 PMCID: PMC9541696 DOI: 10.1111/all.15087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Neutrophilic asthma (NA) is a clinically important asthma phenotype, the cellular and molecular basis of which is not completely understood. Airway macrophages are long‐lived immune cells that exert important homeostatic and inflammatory functions which are dysregulated in asthma. Unique transcriptomic programmes reflect varied macrophage phenotypes in vitro. We aimed to determine whether airway macrophages are transcriptomically altered in NA. Methods We performed RNASeq analysis on flow cytometry‐isolated sputum macrophages comparing NA (n = 7) and non‐neutrophilic asthma (NNA, n = 13). qPCR validation of RNASeq results was performed (NA n = 13, NNA n = 23). Pathway analysis (PANTHER, STRING) of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was performed. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was used to test for enrichment of NA macrophage transcriptomic signatures in whole sputum microarray (cohort 1 ‐ controls n = 16, NA n = 29, NNA n = 37; cohort 2 U‐BIOPRED ‐ controls n = 16, NA n = 47, NNA n = 57). Results Flow cytometry‐sorting significantly enriched sputum macrophages (99.4% post‐sort, 44.9% pre‐sort, p < .05). RNASeq analysis confirmed macrophage purity and identified DEGs in NA macrophages. Selected DEGs (SLAMF7, DYSF, GPR183, CSF3, PI3, CCR7, all p < .05 NA vs. NNA) were confirmed by qPCR. Pathway analysis of NA macrophage DEGs was consistent with responses to bacteria, contribution to neutrophil recruitment and increased expression of phagocytosis and efferocytosis factors. GSVA demonstrated neutrophilic macrophage gene signatures were significantly enriched in whole sputum microarray in NA vs. NNA and controls in both cohorts. Conclusions We demonstrate a pathophysiologically relevant sputum macrophage transcriptomic programme in NA. The finding that there is transcriptional activation of inflammatory programmes in cell types other than neutrophils supports the concept of NA as a specific endotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fricker
- School of Medicine and Public Health Faculty of Health and Medicine and Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs The University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Excellence in Severe Asthma Newcastle NSW Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute Newcastle NSW Australia
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha China
| | - Stephany Sánchez‐Ovando
- School of Medicine and Public Health Faculty of Health and Medicine and Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs The University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute Newcastle NSW Australia
| | - Jodie L. Simpson
- School of Medicine and Public Health Faculty of Health and Medicine and Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs The University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute Newcastle NSW Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine John Hunter Hospital Newcastle NSW Australia
| | - Katherine J. Baines
- School of Medicine and Public Health Faculty of Health and Medicine and Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs The University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute Newcastle NSW Australia
| | - Carlos Riveros
- Statistical services (CReDITSS) Hunter Medical Research Institute Newcastle NSW Australia
| | - Hayley A. Scott
- Hunter Medical Research Institute Newcastle NSW Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy Faculty of Health and Medicine Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs The University of Newcastle Newcastle NSW Australia
| | - Lisa G. Wood
- Hunter Medical Research Institute Newcastle NSW Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy Faculty of Health and Medicine Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs The University of Newcastle Newcastle NSW Australia
| | - Peter AB. Wark
- School of Medicine and Public Health Faculty of Health and Medicine and Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs The University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute Newcastle NSW Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine John Hunter Hospital Newcastle NSW Australia
| | - Nazanin Z. Kermani
- Data Science Institute Imperial College London London UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute Imperial College London London UK
| | - Kian Fan Chung
- Data Science Institute Imperial College London London UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute Imperial College London London UK
| | - Peter G. Gibson
- School of Medicine and Public Health Faculty of Health and Medicine and Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs The University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Excellence in Severe Asthma Newcastle NSW Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute Newcastle NSW Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine John Hunter Hospital Newcastle NSW Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Carstensen S, Holz O, Hohlfeld JM, Müller M. Quantitative analysis of endotoxin-induced inflammation in human lung cells by Chipcytometry. Cytometry A 2021; 99:967-976. [PMID: 33860615 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Chipcytometry is a tool that uses iterative staining cycles with multiple antibodies for a detailed characterization of cells. Cell recognition is based on morphological features. Cells fixed on microfluidic chips can be stored and shipped enabling a centralized analysis, which is important for assessments in multi-center clinical trials. The method was initially implemented for the analysis of cells from peripheral blood. We adapted it to more heterogeneous human lung cells from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and induced sputum (IS). We aimed to assess the performance of Chipcytometry to detect and quantify the endotoxin induced inflammatory response in healthy subjects. BAL and IS samples of 10 healthy subjects were collected prior to and following segmental and inhaled endotoxin challenge. Samples were analyzed by Chipcytometry and were compared with flow cytometry, and differential cell count (DCC). Chipcytometry clearly detected the endotoxin induced inflammatory response which was characterized by a massive increase of neutrophils (BAL: 2.5% to 54.7%; IS: 40.5% to 71.1%) and monocytes (BAL: 7.7% to 24.7%; IS: 8.0% to 14.5%). While some differences between detection methods exist, the overall results were comparable. The ability of Chipcytometry to verify fluorescent signals with morphological features improved the precision of rare cell analysis such as of induced sputum lymphocytes. In conclusion, Chipcytometry enables the quantitative analysis of cells from BAL fluid and IS. Advantages over DCC and flow cytometry include the storage of cells on chips, the ability for re-analysis and the mapping of surface marker binding to morphological information. It therefore appears to be a promising method for use in clinical respiratory drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Carstensen
- Clinical Airway Research, Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Olaf Holz
- Clinical Airway Research, Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (BREATH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens M Hohlfeld
- Clinical Airway Research, Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (BREATH), Hannover, Germany
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Meike Müller
- Clinical Airway Research, Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Niessen NM, Baines KJ, Simpson JL, Scott HA, Qin L, Gibson PG, Fricker M. Neutrophilic asthma features increased airway classical monocytes. Clin Exp Allergy 2021; 51:305-317. [PMID: 33301598 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monocytes and macrophages are critical innate immune cells of the airways. Despite their differing functions, few clinical studies discriminate between them and little is known about their regulation in asthma. OBJECTIVE We aimed to distinguish and quantify macrophages, monocytes and monocyte subsets in induced sputum and blood and examine their relationship with inflammatory and clinical features of asthma. METHODS We applied flow cytometry to distinguish macrophages, monocytes and subsets in sputum and blood (n = 53; 45 asthma, 8 non-asthma) and a second asthma sputum cohort (n = 26). Monocyte subsets were identified by surface CD14/CD16 (CD14++ CD16- classical, CD14+ CD16+ intermediate and CD14+ CD16++ non-classical monocytes). Surface CD206, a marker of monocyte tissue differentiation, was measured in sputum. Relationship to airway inflammatory phenotype (neutrophilic n = 9, eosinophilic n = 14, paucigranulocytic n = 22) and asthma severity (severe n = 12, non-severe n = 33) was assessed. RESULTS Flow cytometry- and microscope-quantified sputum differential cell proportions were significantly correlated. Sputum macrophage number was reduced (p = .036), while classical monocyte proportion was increased in asthma vs non-asthma (p = .032). Sputum classical monocyte number was significantly higher in neutrophilic vs paucigranulocytic asthma (p = .013). CD206- monocyte proportion and number were increased in neutrophilic vs eosinophilic asthma (p < .001, p = .013). Increased sputum classical and CD206- monocyte numbers in neutrophilic asthma were confirmed in the second cohort. Blood monocytes did not vary with airway inflammatory phenotype, but blood classical monocyte proportion and number were increased in severe vs non-severe asthma (p = .022, p = .011). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Flow cytometry allowed distinction of sputum macrophages, monocytes and subsets, revealing compartment-specific dysregulation of monocytes in asthma. We observed an increase in classical and CD206- monocytes in sputum in neutrophilic asthma, suggesting co-recruitment of monocytes and neutrophils to the airways in asthma. Our data suggest further investigation of how airway monocyte dysregulation impacts on asthma-related disease activity is merited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Niessen
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine J Baines
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Jodie L Simpson
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Hayley A Scott
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine (Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine), Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Peter G Gibson
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Fricker
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Investigation of Changes in Exosomes Profile During Storage Period of Erythrocyte Suspensions. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12288-020-01336-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
|
6
|
Gomez-Lopez N, Romero R, Galaz J, Xu Y, Panaitescu B, Slutsky R, Motomura K, Gill N, Para R, Pacora P, Jung E, Hsu CD. Cellular immune responses in amniotic fluid of women with preterm labor and intra-amniotic infection or intra-amniotic inflammation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 82:e13171. [PMID: 31323170 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Preterm birth is commonly preceded by preterm labor, a syndrome that is causally linked to both intra-amniotic infection and intra-amniotic inflammation. However, the stereotypical cellular immune responses in these two clinical conditions are poorly understood. METHOD OF STUDY Amniotic fluid samples (n = 26) were collected from women diagnosed with preterm labor and intra-amniotic infection (amniotic fluid IL-6 concentrations ≥2.6 ng/mL and culturable microorganisms, n = 10) or intra-amniotic inflammation (amniotic fluid IL-6 concentrations ≥2.6 ng/mL without culturable microorganisms, n = 16). Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the phenotype and number of amniotic fluid leukocytes. Amniotic fluid concentrations of classical pro-inflammatory cytokines, type 1 and type 2 cytokines, and T-cell chemokines were determined using immunoassays. RESULTS Women with spontaneous preterm labor and intra-amniotic infection had (a) a greater number of total leukocytes, including neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages, in amniotic fluid; (b) a higher number of total T cells and CD4+ T cells, but not CD8+ T cells or B cells, in amniotic fluid; and (c) increased amniotic fluid concentrations of IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10, compared to those with intra-amniotic inflammation. However, no differences in amniotic fluid concentrations of T-cell cytokines and chemokines were observed between these two clinical conditions. CONCLUSION The cellular immune responses observed in women with preterm labor and intra-amniotic infection are more severe than in those with intra-amniotic inflammation, and neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, and CD4+ T cells are the main immune cells responding to microorganisms that invade the amniotic cavity. These findings provide insights into the intra-amniotic immune mechanisms underlying the human syndrome of preterm labor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jose Galaz
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yi Xu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Bogdan Panaitescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Rebecca Slutsky
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kenichiro Motomura
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Navleen Gill
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Robert Para
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Percy Pacora
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Eunjung Jung
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Chaur-Dong Hsu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Guerra M, Frey D, Hagner M, Dittrich S, Paulsen M, Mall MA, Schultz C. Cathepsin G Activity as a New Marker for Detecting Airway Inflammation by Microscopy and Flow Cytometry. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2019; 5:539-548. [PMID: 30937381 PMCID: PMC6439450 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.8b00933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Muco-obstructive lung diseases feature extensive bronchiectasis due to the uncontrolled release of neutrophil serine proteases into the airways. To assess if cathepsin G (CG) is a novel key player in chronic lung inflammation, we developed membrane-bound (mSAM) and soluble (sSAM) FRET reporters. The probes quantitatively revealed elevated CG activity in samples from 46 patients. For future basic science and personalized clinical applications, we developed a rapid, highly informative, and easily translatable small-molecule FRET flow cytometry assay for monitoring protease activity including cathepsin G. We demonstrated that mSAM distinguished healthy from patient cells by FRET-based flow cytometry with excellent correlation to confocal microscopy data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Guerra
- Molecular
Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), European
Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and University of Heidelberg, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty
of Biosciences, Collaboration for Joint
Ph.D. Degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational
Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dario Frey
- Department
of Translational Pulmonology, University
of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational
Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Hagner
- Department
of Translational Pulmonology, University
of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational
Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Dittrich
- Department
of Translational Pulmonology, University
of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational
Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michelle Paulsen
- Department
of Translational Pulmonology, University
of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational
Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcus A. Mall
- Department
of Translational Pulmonology, University
of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational
Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department
of Pediatric Pulmonology, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute
of Health (BIH), 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Schultz
- Molecular
Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), European
Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and University of Heidelberg, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational
Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department
of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health
& Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mandy F. Issue Highlights - November 2016. CYTOMETRY PART B-CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2018; 90:480-482. [PMID: 27788287 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.21489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
9
|
Brooks CR, Van Dalen CJ, Harding E, Hermans IF, Douwes J. Effects of treatment changes on asthma phenotype prevalence and airway neutrophil function. BMC Pulm Med 2017; 17:169. [PMID: 29202821 PMCID: PMC5715501 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-017-0511-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma inflammatory phenotypes are often defined by relative cell counts of airway eosinophils/neutrophils. However, the importance of neutrophilia remains unclear, as does the effect of ICS treatment on asthma phenotypes and airway neutrophil function. The purpose of this study was to assess asthma phenotype prevalence/characteristics in a community setting, and, in a nested preliminary study, determine how treatment changes affect phenotype stability and inflammation, with particular focus on airway neutrophils. Methods Fifty adult asthmatics and 39 non-asthmatics were assessed using questionnaires, skin prick tests, spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measurement, and sputum induction. Twenty-one asthmatics underwent further assessment following treatment optimisation (n = 11) or sub-optimisation (n = 10). Results Forty percent (20/50) had eosinophilic asthma (EA) and 8% had neutrophilic asthma. EA was associated with increased FENO, bronchodilator reversibility (BDR) and reduced lung function (p < 0.05). Following optimisation/sub-optimisation, the EA/NEA (non-eosinophilic asthma) phenotype changed in 11/21 (52%) asthmatics. In particular, fewer subjects had EA post treatment optimisation, but this was not statistically significant. However, a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in FENO, ACQ7 score, and BDR was observed after treatment optimisation, as well as an increase in FEV1-% predicted (p < 0.05). It was also associated with reduced eosinophils (p < 0.05) and enhanced neutrophil phagocytosis (p < 0.05) in EA only, and enhanced neutrophil oxidative burst in both EA and NEA (p < 0.05). Conclusions In this community based population, non-eosinophilic asthma was common, less severe than EA, and at baseline most asthmatics showed no evidence of inflammation. In the nested change in treatment study, treatment optimisation was associated with reduced sputum eosinophils, improved symptoms and lung function, and enhanced neutrophil function, but a significant reduction in EA could not be demonstrated. Trial registration The nested change in treatment component of this study is registered at the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (www.ANZCTR.org.au) ACTRN12617001356358. Registration date 27/09/2017. Retrospectively registered. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12890-017-0511-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Collin R Brooks
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University Wellington Campus, Private Box 756, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
| | - Christine J Van Dalen
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University Wellington Campus, Private Box 756, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth Harding
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University Wellington Campus, Private Box 756, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Ian F Hermans
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jeroen Douwes
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University Wellington Campus, Private Box 756, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Brooks CR, van Dalen CJ, Hermans IF, Gibson PG, Simpson JL, Douwes J. Sputum basophils are increased in eosinophilic asthma compared with non-eosinophilic asthma phenotypes. Allergy 2017; 72:1583-1586. [PMID: 28426171 DOI: 10.1111/all.13185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sputum basophil numbers are increased in allergic asthmatics, but it is unclear what role airway basophils play in "TH2-low" asthma phenotypes. Using flow cytometry, we found that basophils were significantly increased in all asthmatics (n=26) compared with healthy controls (n=8) (P=0.007) with highest levels observed in eosinophilic asthma (EA); median 0.22%, IQR 0.11%-0.47%; n=14) compared with non-EA (NEA) (0.06%, 0.00%-0.20%; n=12; P<0.05). In asthmatics, basophils were positively correlated with sputum eosinophils (r=0.54; P<0.005) and inversely with sputum neutrophils (r=-0.46: P<0.05), but not with FEV1 (% predicted), FEV1 /FVC or bronchodilator reversibility. In a subgroup initially identified as inadequately controlled asthma (n=7), there was a trend (P=0.08) towards a reduction in sputum basophils following increased inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment. Our findings suggest that basophils may be particularly important in eosinophilic asthma and that sputum basophil assessment could be a useful additional indicator of "TH2-high" asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. R. Brooks
- Centre for Public Health Research; Massey University; Wellington New Zealand
| | - C. J. van Dalen
- Centre for Public Health Research; Massey University; Wellington New Zealand
| | - I. F. Hermans
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research; Wellington New Zealand
| | - P. G. Gibson
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine; Hunter Medical Research Institute; Newcastle NSW Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs; University of Newcastle; Newcastle NSW Australia
| | - J. L. Simpson
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine; Hunter Medical Research Institute; Newcastle NSW Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs; University of Newcastle; Newcastle NSW Australia
| | - J. Douwes
- Centre for Public Health Research; Massey University; Wellington New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fux M, von Garnier C. Sputum basophils and asthma diagnosis: dawn of a new era? Allergy 2017; 72:1437-1439. [PMID: 28561329 DOI: 10.1111/all.13214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Fux
- University Institute of Clinicla Chemistry; Inselspital; Bern University Hospital; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - C. von Garnier
- Respiratory Medicine; Bern University Hospital; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Asthma inflammatory phenotypes show differential microRNA expression in sputum. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 137:1433-46. [PMID: 27155035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is classified according to severity and inflammatory phenotype and is likely to be distinguished by specific microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles. OBJECTIVE We sought to associate miRNA expression in sputum supernatants with the inflammatory cell profile and disease severity in asthmatic patients. METHODS We investigated miRNA expression in sputum supernatants of 10 healthy subjects, 17 patients with mild-to-moderate asthma, and 9 patients with severe asthma using high-throughput, stem-loop, reverse transcriptase quantitative real-time PCR miRNA expression profiling (screening cohort, n = 36). Differentially expressed miRNAs were validated in an independent cohort (n = 60; 10 healthy subjects and 50 asthmatic patients). Cellular miRNA origin was examined by using in situ hybridization and reverse transcriptase quantitative real-time PCR. The functional role of miRNAs was assessed by using in silico analysis and in vitro transfecting miRNA mimics in human bronchial epithelial cells. RESULTS In 2 independent cohorts expression of miR-629-3p, miR-223-3p, and miR-142-3p was significantly upregulated in sputum of patients with severe asthma compared with that in healthy control subjects and was highest in patients with neutrophilic asthma. Expression of the 3 miRNAs was associated with sputum neutrophilia, and miR-223-3p and miR-142-3p expression was associated also with airway obstruction (FEV1/forced vital capacity). Expression of miR-629-3p was localized in the bronchial epithelium, whereas miR-223-3p and miR-142-3p were expressed in neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages. Transfecting human bronchial epithelial cells with miR-629-3p mimic induced epithelial IL-8 mRNA and protein expression. IL-1β and IL-8 protein levels were significantly increased in sputum of patients with severe asthma and were positively associated with sputum neutrophilia. CONCLUSIONS Expression of miR-223-3p, miR-142-3p, and miR-629-3p is increased in sputum of patients with severe asthma and is linked to neutrophilic airway inflammation, suggesting that these miRNAs contribute to this asthma inflammatory phenotype.
Collapse
|
13
|
A novel agent SL-401 induces anti-myeloma activity by targeting plasmacytoid dendritic cells, osteoclastogenesis and cancer stem-like cells. Leukemia 2017; 31:2652-2660. [PMID: 28479592 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2017.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Novel therapies for multiple myeloma (MM) can target mechanism(s) in the host-MM bone marrow (BM) microenvironment mediating MM progression and chemoresistance. Our studies showed increased numbers of tumor-promoting, immunosuppressive and drug-resistant plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in the MM BM microenvironment. pDC-MM cell interactions upregulate interleukin-3 (IL-3), which stimulates both pDC survival and MM cell growth. Since IL-3 R is highly expressed on pDCs in the MM BM milieu, we here targeted pDCs using a novel IL-3 R-targeted therapeutic SL-401. In both in vitro and in vivo models of MM in its BM milieu, SL-401 decreases viability of pDCs, blocks pDC-induced MM cell growth, and synergistically enhances anti-MM activity of bortezomib and pomalidomide. Besides promoting pDC survival and MM cell growth, IL-3 also mediates progression of osteolytic bone disease in MM. Osteoclast (OCL) progenitor cells express IL-3 R, and we show that SL-401 abrogates monocyte-derived OCL formation and bone resorption. Finally, we show that SL-401 also decreases the viability of IL-3 R-expressing cancer stem-like cells in MM. Overall, our study provides the preclinical basis for clinical trials of SL-401 to block pDC-induced MM cell growth, inhibit osteoclastogenesis and target MM stem-like cell subpopulations to improve patient outcome in MM.
Collapse
|
14
|
Nicholson GC, Holloway RA, Leaker BR, Kilty I, Salganik M, Tan L, Barnes PJ, Donnelly LE. A novel flow cytometric-based method to measure kinase inhibition in sputum from COPD subjects. BMJ Open Respir Res 2016; 3:e000140. [PMID: 27403320 PMCID: PMC4932304 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2016-000140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Janus kinases (JAKs) regulate inflammatory gene expression through phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins. Expression of STAT proteins is increased in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and may be involved in driving chronic inflammation. Oral JAK inhibitors are effective as anti-inflammatory therapy but exhibit dose-limiting adverse effects. Development of inhaled compounds would be enhanced by robust biomarkers that directly reflect the anti-inflammatory and pharmacological activity in the lung. Methods A novel flow cytometry assay was developed to measure STAT1 phosphorylation in sputum inflammatory cells. The standard sputum processing method was refined to improve sputum cell viability. The flow cytometric assay was used to assess the reproducibility of the measurement of STAT1 phosphorylation and the in vitro activity of a pan JAK-inhibitor on three separate visits in patients with COPD. Results Upregulation of STAT1 phosphorylation was measured following in vitro IFNγ stimulation of sputum macrophages (stimulated/unstimulated ratio 1.57; p<0.00001). Upregulation was inhibited following in vitro preincubation with a pan JAK-inhibitor (inhibited+stimulated/unstimulated ratio 0.97). STAT1 phosphorylation activity could only be measured in macrophages. Conclusions Sputum from patients with COPD can be used to reproducibly measure phospho-STAT expression in sputum macrophages. The flow cytometry-based method can be used to evaluate kinase inhibitors in vitro and subsequently in ex vivo studies. The assay is particularly useful for the assessment of inhaled compounds where whole blood assays may not be relevant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - R A Holloway
- Airways Disease Section , National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College , London , UK
| | - B R Leaker
- Respiratory Clinical Trials Ltd , London , UK
| | - I Kilty
- Pfizer , Cambridge, Massachusetts , USA
| | | | - L Tan
- Pfizer , Cambridge, Massachusetts , USA
| | - P J Barnes
- Airways Disease Section , National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College , London , UK
| | - L E Donnelly
- Airways Disease Section , National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College , London , UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tak T, Hilvering B, Tesselaar K, Koenderman L. Similar activation state of neutrophils in sputum of asthma patients irrespective of sputum eosinophilia. Clin Exp Immunol 2015; 182:204-12. [PMID: 26148992 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory phenotypes of asthma are associated with differences in disease characteristics. It is unknown whether these inflammatory phenotypes are reflected by the activation status of neutrophils in blood and sputum. We obtained peripheral blood and induced sputum from 21 asthma patients and stratified our samples based on sputum eosinophilia resulting in two groups (>3% eosinophils: n = 13, <3%: n = 8). Eosinophils and neutrophils from blood and sputum were analysed for expression of activation and degranulation markers by flow cytometry. Data were analysed by both classical, non-parametric statistics and a multi-dimensional approach, using principal component analysis (PCA). Patients with sputum eosinophilia were characterized by increased asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) scores and blood eosinophil counts. Both sputum neutrophils and eosinophils displayed an activated and degranulated phenotype compared to cells obtained from blood. Specifically, degranulation of all granule types was detected in sputum cells, combined with an increased expression of the activation markers (activated) Mac-1 (CD11b), programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) (CD274) and a decreased expression of CD62L. CD69 expression was only increased on sputum eosinophils. Surface marker expression of neutrophils was similar in the presence or absence of eosinophilia, either by single or multi-dimensional analysis. Sputum neutrophils were highly activated and degranulated irrespective of sputum eosinophilia. Therefore, we conclude that differences in granulocyte activation in sputum and/or blood are not associated with clinical differences in the two groups of asthma patients. The finding of PD-L1 expression on sputum granulocytes suggests an immunomodulatory role of these cells in the tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Tak
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - B Hilvering
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - K Tesselaar
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - L Koenderman
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|