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Khalilollah S, Kalantari Soltanieh S, Obaid Saleh R, Ali Alzahrani A, Ghaleb Maabreh H, Mazin Al-Hamdani M, Dehghani-Ghorbi M, Shafiei Khonachaei M, Akhavan-Sigari R. LncRNAs involvement in pathogenesis of immune-related disease via regulation of T regulatory cells, an updated review. Cytokine 2024; 179:156585. [PMID: 38579428 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156585] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of several illnesses, including cancer and autoimmune diseasesdepends on human regulatory T cells (Tregs), and abnormalities in these cells may function as triggers for these conditions. Cancer and autoimmune, and gynecological diseases are associated with the differentiation of the proinflammatory T cell subset TH17 and its balance with the production of Treg. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have become important regulatory molecules in a wide range of illnesses. During epigenetic regulation, they can control the expression of important genes at several levels by affecting transcription, post-transcriptional actions, translation, and protein modification. They might connect with different molecules, such as proteins, DNA and RNA, and their structural composition is intricate. Because lncRNAs regulatebiological processes, including cell division, death, and growth, they are linked to severaldiseases. A notable instance of this is the lncRNA NEAT1, which has been the subject of several investigations to ascertain its function in immune cell development. In the context of immune cell development, several additional lncRNAs have been connected to Treg cell differentiation. In this work, we summarize current findings about the diverse functions of lncRNAs in Treg cell differentiation and control of the Th17/Treg homeostasis in autoimmune disorders, cancers, as well as several gynecological diseases where Tregs are key players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Khalilollah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Raed Obaid Saleh
- Department of Pathological Analysis, College of Applied Science, University of Fallujah, Al-Anbar, Iraq.
| | | | - Hatem Ghaleb Maabreh
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Foreign Languages, RUDN University (Peoples' Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba), Moscow, Russia.
| | | | - Mahmoud Dehghani-Ghorbi
- Hematology-Oncology Department, Imam Hossein Educational Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Reza Akhavan-Sigari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center, Tuebingen, Germany; Department of Health Care Management and Clinical Research, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University Warsaw, Poland.
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Alhosseini MN, Ebadi P, Karimi MH, Migliorati G, Cari L, Nocentini G, Heidari M, Soleimanian S. Therapy with regulatory T-cell infusion in autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation: A review of the strengths and limitations. Transpl Immunol 2024; 85:102069. [PMID: 38844002 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2024.102069] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/17/2024]
Abstract
In the last decade, cell therapies have revolutionized the treatment of some diseases, earning the definition of being the "third pillar" of therapeutics. In particular, the infusion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is explored for the prevention and control of autoimmune reactions and acute/chronic allograft rejection. Such an approach represents a promising new treatment for autoimmune diseases to recover an immunotolerance against autoantigens, and to prevent an immune response to alloantigens. The efficacy of the in vitro expanded polyclonal and antigen-specific Treg infusion in the treatment of a large number of autoimmune diseases has been extensively demonstrated in mouse models. Similarly, experimental work documented the efficacy of Treg infusions to prevent acute and chronic allograft rejections. The Treg therapy has shown encouraging results in the control of type 1 diabetes (T1D) as well as Crohn's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune hepatitis and delaying graft rejection in clinical trials. However, the best method for Treg expansion and the advantages and pitfalls with the different types of Tregs are not fully understood in terms of how these therapeutic treatments can be applied in the clinical setting. This review provides an up-to-date overview of Treg infusion-based treatments in autoimmune diseases and allograft transplantation, the current technical challenges, and the highlights and disadvantages of this therapeutic approaches."
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Padideh Ebadi
- Islamic Azad University, Department of Biochemistry, Kazerun, Iran
| | | | - Graziella Migliorati
- University of Perugia, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Pharmacology, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luigi Cari
- University of Perugia, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Pharmacology, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nocentini
- University of Perugia, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Pharmacology, Perugia, Italy
| | - Mozhdeh Heidari
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeede Soleimanian
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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3
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Kumar C, Roy JK. Decoding the epigenetic mechanism of mammalian sex determination. Exp Cell Res 2024; 439:114011. [PMID: 38531506 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114011] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Sex determination embodies a dynamic and intricate developmental process wielding significant influence over the destiny of bipotential gonads, steering them towards male or female gonads. Gonadal differentiation and the postnatal manifestation of the gonadal phenotype involve a sophisticated interplay of transcription factors such as SOX9 and FOXL2. Central to this interplay are chromatin modifiers regulating the mutual antagonism during this interplay. In this review, the key findings and knowledge gaps in DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA-mediated control throughout mammalian gonadal development are covered. Furthermore, it explores the role of the developing brain in playing a pivotal role in the initiation of gonadogenesis and the subsequent involvement of gonadal hormone/hormone receptor in fine-tuning sexual differentiation. Based on promising facts, the role of the developing brain through the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis is explained and suggested as a novel hypothesis. The article also discusses the potential impact of ecological factors on the human epigenome in relation to sex determination and trans-generational epigenetics in uncovering novel genes and mechanisms involved in sex determination and gonadal differentiation. We have subtly emphasized the disruptions in epigenetic regulations contributing to sexual disorders, which further allows us to raise certain questions, decipher approaches for handling these questions and setting up the direction of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cash Kumar
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Jagat Kumar Roy
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
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Ma L, Huo Y, Tang Q, Wang X, Wang W, Wu D, Li Y, Chen L, Wang S, Zhu Y, Wang W, Liu Y, Xu N, Chen L, Yu G, Chen J. Human Breast Milk Exosomal miRNAs are Influenced by Premature Delivery and Affect Neurodevelopment. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300113. [PMID: 38644336 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300113] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE This study investigates the exosomal microRNA (miRNA) profiles of term and preterm breast milk, including the most abundant and differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs, and their impact on neurodevelopment in infants. METHODS AND RESULTS Mature milk is collected from the mothers of term and preterm infants. Using high-throughput sequencing and subsequent data analysis, exosomal miRNA profiles of term and preterm human breast milk (HBM) are acquired and it is found that the let-7 and miR-148 families are the most abundant miRNAs. Additionally, 23 upregulated and 15 downregulated miRNAs are identified. MiR-3168 is the most upregulated miRNA in preterm HBM exosome, exhibiting targeting activity toward multiple genes involved in the SMAD and MAPK signaling pathways and playing a crucial role in early neurodevelopment. Additionally, the effects of miR-3168 on neurodevelopment is confirmed and it is determined that it is an essential factor in the differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that miRNA expression in breast milk exosomes can be influenced by preterm delivery, thereby potentially impacting neurodevelopment in preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ma
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Yanyan Huo
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Qingyuan Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiulian Wang
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Weiqin Wang
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Yicheng Li
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Lingyan Chen
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
- Department of Occupational Therapy Science, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Science, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8520, Japan
| | - Shasha Wang
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Yiwen Zhu
- Department of Food Science & Technology, School of Agriculture & Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Wenli Wang
- Department of Food Science & Technology, School of Agriculture & Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Food Science & Technology, School of Agriculture & Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Nanjie Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Guangjun Yu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jinjin Chen
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
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Sjøgren T, Islam S, Filippov I, Jebrzycka A, Sulen A, Breivik LE, Hellesen A, Jørgensen AP, Lima K, Tserel L, Kisand K, Peterson P, Ranki A, Husebye ES, Oftedal BE, Wolff AS. Single cell characterization of blood and expanded regulatory T cells in autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1. iScience 2024; 27:109610. [PMID: 38632993 PMCID: PMC11022049 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune tolerance fails in autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1) because of AIRE mutations. We have used single cell transcriptomics to characterize regulatory T cells (Tregs) sorted directly from blood and from in vitro expanded Tregs in APS-1 patients compared to healthy controls. We revealed only CD52 and LTB (down) and TXNIP (up) as consistently differentially expressed genes in the datasets. There were furthermore no large differences of the TCR-repertoire of expanded Tregs between the cohorts, but unique patients showed a more restricted use of specific clonotypes. We also found that in vitro expanded Tregs from APS-1 patients had similar suppressive capacity as controls in co-culture assays, despite expanding faster and having more exhausted cells. Our results suggest that APS-1 patients do not have intrinsic defects in their Treg functionality, and that their Tregs can be expanded ex vivo for potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea Sjøgren
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Shahinul Islam
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Igor Filippov
- QIAGEN Aarhus A/S, Aarhus, Denmark
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - André Sulen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars E. Breivik
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Kari Lima
- Department of Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Liina Tserel
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kai Kisand
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pärt Peterson
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Annamari Ranki
- Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venereology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Inflammation Centre, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eystein S. Husebye
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bergithe E. Oftedal
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anette S.B. Wolff
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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6
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Menier C, Meunier S, Porcheddu V, Romano L, Correia E, Busato F, Tost J, Maillère B. Frequency of natural regulatory T cells specific for factor VIII in the peripheral blood of healthy donors. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2350506. [PMID: 38429238 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350506] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Tolerance to self-proteins involves multiple mechanisms, including conventional CD4+ T-cell (Tconv) deletion in the thymus and the recruitment of natural regulatory T cells (nTregs). The significant incidence of autoantibodies specific for the blood coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) in healthy donors illustrates that tolerance to self-proteins is not always complete. In contrast to FVIII-specific Tconvs, FVIII-specific nTregs have never been revealed and characterized. To determine the frequency of FVIII-specific Tregs in human peripheral blood, we assessed the specificity of in vitro expanded Tregs by the membrane expression of the CD137 activation marker. Amplified Tregs maintain high levels of FOXP3 expression and exhibit almost complete demethylation of the FOXP3 Treg-specific demethylated region. The cells retained FOXP3 expression after long-term culture in vitro, strongly suggesting that FVIII-specific Tregs are derived from the thymus. From eleven healthy donors, we estimated the frequencies of FVIII-specific Tregs at 0.17 cells per million, which is about 10-fold lower than the frequency of FVIII-specific CD4+ T cells we previously published. Our results shed light on the mechanisms of FVIII tolerance by a renewed approach that could be extended to other self- or non-self-antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Menier
- CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Université de Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Sylvain Meunier
- CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Université de Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Valeria Porcheddu
- CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Université de Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Laurène Romano
- CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Université de Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Evelyne Correia
- CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Université de Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Florence Busato
- Laboratory for Epigenetics & Environment, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA-Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Evry, France
| | - Jorg Tost
- Laboratory for Epigenetics & Environment, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA-Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Evry, France
| | - Bernard Maillère
- CEA, INRAE, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, SIMoS, Université de Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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7
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Liu W, Du C, Nan L, Li C, Wang H, Fan Y, Zhang S. The Difference of Milk-Derived Extracellular Vesicles from Cow Colostrum and Mature Milk on miRNAs Expression and Protecting Intestinal Epithelial Cells against Lipopolysaccharide Damage. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3880. [PMID: 38612689 PMCID: PMC11011493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073880] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) play crucial roles in forming an essential barrier, providing host defense against pathogens and regulating nutrients absorption. Milk-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) within its miRNAs are capable of modulating the recipient cell function. However, the differences between colostrum and mature milk EVs and their biological function in attenuating intestinal epithelial cell injury remain poorly understood. Thus, we carried out the present study to characterize the difference between colostrum and mature milk-derived miRNA of EVs and the effect of colostrum and mature milk EVs on the proliferation, apoptosis, proinflammatory cytokines and intestinal epithelial barrier related genes in IEC-6 induced by LPS. Differential expression of 329 miRNAs was identified between colostrum and mature milk EVs, with 185 miRNAs being downregulated and 144 upregulated. In addition, colostrum contains a greater number and protein concentration of EVs than mature milk. Furthermore, compared to control, EVs derived from colostrum significantly inhibited the expression of apoptosis- (Bax, p53, and caspase-3) and proinflammatory-related genes (TNFα, IL6, and IL1β). EVs derived from mature milk did not affect expression of apoptosis-related genes (Bax, p53, bcl2, and caspase-3). The EVs derived from mature milk significantly inhibited the expression of proinflammatory-related genes (TNFα and IL6). Western blot analysis also indicated that colostrum and mature milk EVs significantly decreased the apoptosis of IEC-6 cells. The EdU assay results showed that colostrum and mature milk EVs significantly increased the proliferation of IEC-6 cells. The expression of intestinal barrier-related genes (TJP1, CLDN1, OCLN, CDX2, MUC2, and IGF1R) was significantly promoted in IEC-6 cells after colostrum and mature milk EVs addition. Importantly, colostrum and mature milk EVs significantly relieved the LPS-induced inhibition of proliferation and intestinal barrier-related genes expression and attenuated apoptosis and proinflammatory responses induced by LPS in IEC-6 cells. Flow cytometry and Western blot analysis also indicated that colostrum and mature milk EVs significantly affect the apoptosis of IEC-6 cells induced by LPS. The results also indicated that EVs derived from colostrum had better effects on inhibiting the apoptosis- and proinflammatory cytokines-related genes expression. However, the EVs derived from mature milk exhibited beneficial effects on intestinal epithelial barrier protection. The present study will provide a better understanding of the role of EVs derived from colostrum and milk in dairy cows with different responses in the regulation of intestinal cells function, and also presents new evidence for the change of EVs cargos during various stages of lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenju Liu
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (W.L.); (C.D.); (L.N.); (C.L.); (H.W.); (Y.F.)
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chao Du
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (W.L.); (C.D.); (L.N.); (C.L.); (H.W.); (Y.F.)
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Liangkang Nan
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (W.L.); (C.D.); (L.N.); (C.L.); (H.W.); (Y.F.)
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chunfang Li
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (W.L.); (C.D.); (L.N.); (C.L.); (H.W.); (Y.F.)
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Haitong Wang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (W.L.); (C.D.); (L.N.); (C.L.); (H.W.); (Y.F.)
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yikai Fan
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (W.L.); (C.D.); (L.N.); (C.L.); (H.W.); (Y.F.)
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (W.L.); (C.D.); (L.N.); (C.L.); (H.W.); (Y.F.)
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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8
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Alvarez F, Liu Z, Bay A, Piccirillo CA. Deciphering the developmental trajectory of tissue-resident Foxp3 + regulatory T cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1331846. [PMID: 38605970 PMCID: PMC11007185 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1331846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Foxp3+ TREG cells have been at the focus of intense investigation for their recognized roles in preventing autoimmunity, facilitating tissue recuperation following injury, and orchestrating a tolerance to innocuous non-self-antigens. To perform these critical tasks, TREG cells undergo deep epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional changes that allow them to adapt to conditions found in tissues both at steady-state and during inflammation. The path leading TREG cells to express these tissue-specialized phenotypes begins during thymic development, and is further driven by epigenetic and transcriptional modifications following TCR engagement and polarizing signals in the periphery. However, this process is highly regulated and requires TREG cells to adopt strategies to avoid losing their regulatory program altogether. Here, we review the origins of tissue-resident TREG cells, from their thymic and peripheral development to the transcriptional regulators involved in their tissue residency program. In addition, we discuss the distinct signalling pathways that engage the inflammatory adaptation of tissue-resident TREG cells, and how they relate to their ability to recognize tissue and pathogen-derived danger signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Alvarez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Zhiyang Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Bay
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ciriaco A. Piccirillo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC, Canada
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9
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Hardtke-Wolenski M, Landwehr-Kenzel S. Tipping the balance in autoimmunity: are regulatory t cells the cause, the cure, or both? Mol Cell Pediatr 2024; 11:3. [PMID: 38507159 PMCID: PMC10954601 DOI: 10.1186/s40348-024-00176-8] [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: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subgroup of T-cell lymphocytes that is crucial for maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing excessive immune responses. Depending on their differentiation route, Tregs can be subdivided into thymically derived Tregs (tTregs) and peripherally induced Tregs (pTregs), which originate from conventional T cells after extrathymic differentiation at peripheral sites. Although the regulatory attributes of tTregs and pTregs partially overlap, their modes of action, protein expression profiles, and functional stability exhibit specific characteristics unique to each subset. Over the last few years, our knowledge of Treg differentiation, maturation, plasticity, and correlations between their phenotypes and functions has increased. Genetic and functional studies in patients with numeric and functional Treg deficiencies have contributed to our mechanistic understanding of immune dysregulation and autoimmune pathologies. This review provides an overview of our current knowledge of Treg biology, discusses monogenetic Treg pathologies and explores the role of Tregs in various other autoimmune disorders. Additionally, we discuss novel approaches that explore Tregs as targets or agents of innovative treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover, 30625, Germany
- University Hospital Essen, Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, Essen, 45122, Germany
| | - Sybille Landwehr-Kenzel
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover, 30625, Germany.
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover, 30625, Germany.
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10
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Bacchetta R, Roncarolo MG. IPEX syndrome from diagnosis to cure, learning along the way. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:595-605. [PMID: 38040040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.11.021] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
In the past 2 decades, a significant number of studies have been published describing the molecular and clinical aspects of immune dysregulation polyendocrinopathy enteropathy X-linked (IPEX) syndrome. These studies have refined our knowledge of this rare yet prototypic genetic autoimmune disease, advancing the diagnosis, broadening the clinical spectrum, and improving our understanding of the underlying immunologic mechanisms. Despite these advances, Forkhead box P3 mutations have devastating consequences, and treating patients with IPEX syndrome remains a challenge, even with safer strategies for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and gene therapy becoming a promising reality. The aim of this review was to highlight novel features of the disease to further advance awareness and improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with IPEX syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Bacchetta
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif; Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine (CDCM), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif.
| | - Maria Grazia Roncarolo
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif; Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine (CDCM), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif
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11
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Martín-Cruz L, Benito-Villalvilla C, Sirvent S, Angelina A, Palomares O. The Role of Regulatory T Cells in Allergic Diseases: Collegium Internationale Allergologicum (CIA) Update 2024. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2024; 185:503-518. [PMID: 38408438 DOI: 10.1159/000536335] [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: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergy represents a major health problem of increasing prevalence worldwide with a high socioeconomic impact. Our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying allergic diseases and their treatments has significantly improved over the last years. The generation of allergen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) is crucial in the induction of healthy immune responses to allergens, preventing the development and worsening of allergic diseases. SUMMARY In the last decades, intensive research has focused on the study of the molecular mechanisms involved in Treg development and Treg-mediated suppression. These mechanisms are essential for the induction of sustained tolerance by allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) after treatment discontinuation. Compelling experimental evidence demonstrated altered suppressive capacity of Tregs in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, food allergy, or atopic dermatitis, as well as the restoration of their numbers and functionality after successful AIT. KEY MESSAGE The better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in Treg generation during allergen tolerance induction might well contribute to the development of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Martín-Cruz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Benito-Villalvilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sofía Sirvent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Angelina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Palomares
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Chemistry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Yahsi B, Palaz F, Dincer P. Applications of CRISPR Epigenome Editors in Tumor Immunology and Autoimmunity. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:413-427. [PMID: 38298016 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00524] [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] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, CRISPR-Cas systems have become indispensable tools for genetic engineering and have been used in clinical trials for various diseases. Beyond genome editing, CRISPR-Cas systems can also be used for performing programmable epigenetic modifications. Recent efforts in enhancing CRISPR-based epigenome modifiers have yielded potent tools enabling targeted DNA methylation/demethylation capable of sustaining epigenetic memory through numerous cell divisions. Moreover, it has been understood that during chronic inflammatory states, including cancer, T cells encounter a state called T cell exhaustion that involves elevated inhibitory receptors (e.g., LAG-3, TIM3, PD-1, CD39) and reduced effector T cell-related protein levels (IFN-γ, granzyme B, and perforin). Importantly, epigenetic dysregulation has been identified as one of the key drivers of T cell exhaustion, and it remains one of the biggest obstacles in the field of immunotherapy and decreases the efficiency of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy. Similarly, autoimmune diseases exhibit epigenetically dysfunctional regulatory T (Treg) cells. For instance, FOXP3 intronic regions, known as conserved noncoding sequences, display hypomethylation in healthy states but hypermethylation in pathological contexts. Therefore, the reversal of epigenetic dysregulation in cancer and autoimmune diseases using CRISPR-based epigenome modifiers has important therapeutic implications. In this review, we outline the progressive refinement of CRISPR-based epigenome modifiers and explore their potential therapeutic applications in tumor immunology and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berkay Yahsi
- Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Fahreddin Palaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Pervin Dincer
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
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13
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Eskandari SK, Daccache A, Azzi JR. Chimeric antigen receptor T reg therapy in transplantation. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:48-61. [PMID: 38123369 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.11.005] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In the quest for more precise and effective organ transplantation therapies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies represent a potential cutting-edge advance. This review comprehensively analyses CAR Tregs and how they may address important drawbacks of polyclonal Tregs and conventional immunosuppressants. We examine a growing body of preclinical findings of CAR Treg therapy in transplantation, discuss CAR Treg design specifics, and explore established and attractive new targets in transplantation. In addition, we explore present impediments where future studies will be necessary to determine the efficacy of CAR Tregs in reshaping alloimmune responses and transplant microenvironments to reduce reliance on chemical immunosuppressants. Overall, ongoing studies and trials are crucial for understanding the full scope of CAR Treg therapy in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siawosh K Eskandari
- Transplantation Research Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Andrea Daccache
- Transplantation Research Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Bioscience Education and Research (UFR Biosciences), Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Jamil R Azzi
- Transplantation Research Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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14
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Switzer CH. Non-canonical nitric oxide signalling and DNA methylation: Inflammation induced epigenetic alterations and potential drug targets. Br J Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 38116806 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16302] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation controls DNA accessibility to transcription factors and other regulatory proteins, thereby affecting gene expression and hence cellular identity and function. As epigenetic modifications control the transcriptome, epigenetic dysfunction is strongly associated with pathological conditions and ageing. The development of pharmacological agents that modulate the activity of major epigenetic proteins are in pre-clinical development and clinical use. However, recent publications have identified novel redox-based signalling pathways, and therefore novel drug targets, that may exert epigenetic effects. This review will discuss the recent developments in nitric oxide (NO) signalling on DNA methylation as well as potential epigenetic drug targets that have emerged from the intersection of inflammation/redox biology and epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher H Switzer
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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15
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Christofi P, Pantazi C, Psatha N, Sakellari I, Yannaki E, Papadopoulou A. Promises and Pitfalls of Next-Generation Treg Adoptive Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5877. [PMID: 38136421 PMCID: PMC10742252 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245877] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are fundamental to maintaining immune homeostasis by inhibiting immune responses to self-antigens and preventing the excessive activation of the immune system. Their functions extend beyond immune surveillance and subpopulations of tissue-resident Treg cells can also facilitate tissue repair and homeostasis. The unique ability to regulate aberrant immune responses has generated the concept of harnessing Tregs as a new cellular immunotherapy approach for reshaping undesired immune reactions in autoimmune diseases and allo-responses in transplantation to ultimately re-establish tolerance. However, a number of issues limit the broad clinical applicability of Treg adoptive immunotherapy, including the lack of antigen specificity, heterogeneity within the Treg population, poor persistence, functional Treg impairment in disease states, and in vivo plasticity that results in the loss of suppressive function. Although the early-phase clinical trials of Treg cell therapy have shown the feasibility and tolerability of the approach in several conditions, its efficacy has remained questionable. Leveraging the smart tools and platforms that have been successfully developed for primary T cell engineering in cancer, the field has now shifted towards "next-generation" adoptive Treg immunotherapy, where genetically modified Treg products with improved characteristics are being generated, as regards antigen specificity, function, persistence, and immunogenicity. Here, we review the state of the art on Treg adoptive immunotherapy and progress beyond it, while critically evaluating the hurdles and opportunities towards the materialization of Tregs as a living drug therapy for various inflammation states and the broad clinical translation of Treg therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayiota Christofi
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.C.); (C.P.); (I.S.); (E.Y.)
- University General Hospital of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Pantazi
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.C.); (C.P.); (I.S.); (E.Y.)
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Institute of Applied Biosciences (INAB), Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikoleta Psatha
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Ioanna Sakellari
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.C.); (C.P.); (I.S.); (E.Y.)
| | - Evangelia Yannaki
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.C.); (C.P.); (I.S.); (E.Y.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7710, USA
| | - Anastasia Papadopoulou
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Unit, Hematology Department, George Papanikolaou Hospital, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.C.); (C.P.); (I.S.); (E.Y.)
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16
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Trujillo-Ochoa JL, Kazemian M, Afzali B. The role of transcription factors in shaping regulatory T cell identity. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:842-856. [PMID: 37336954 PMCID: PMC10893967 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00893-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Forkhead box protein 3-expressing (FOXP3+) regulatory T cells (Treg cells) suppress conventional T cells and are essential for immunological tolerance. FOXP3, the master transcription factor of Treg cells, controls the expression of multiples genes to guide Treg cell differentiation and function. However, only a small fraction (<10%) of Treg cell-associated genes are directly bound by FOXP3, and FOXP3 alone is insufficient to fully specify the Treg cell programme, indicating a role for other accessory transcription factors operating upstream, downstream and/or concurrently with FOXP3 to direct Treg cell specification and specialized functions. Indeed, the heterogeneity of Treg cells can be at least partially attributed to differential expression of transcription factors that fine-tune their trafficking, survival and functional properties, some of which are niche-specific. In this Review, we discuss the emerging roles of accessory transcription factors in controlling Treg cell identity. We specifically focus on members of the basic helix-loop-helix family (AHR), basic leucine zipper family (BACH2, NFIL3 and BATF), CUT homeobox family (SATB1), zinc-finger domain family (BLIMP1, Ikaros and BCL-11B) and interferon regulatory factor family (IRF4), as well as lineage-defining transcription factors (T-bet, GATA3, RORγt and BCL-6). Understanding the imprinting of Treg cell identity and specialized function will be key to unravelling basic mechanisms of autoimmunity and identifying novel targets for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge L Trujillo-Ochoa
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Majid Kazemian
- Departments of Biochemistry and Computer Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Behdad Afzali
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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17
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Zhang Z, Guo J, Jia R. Treg plasticity and human diseases. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:2181-2197. [PMID: 37878023 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01808-x] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As a subset of CD4+ T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs) with the characteristic expression of transcription factor FOXP3 play a key role in maintaining self-tolerance and regulating immune responses. However, in some inflammatory circumstances, Tregs can express cytokines of other T help (Th) cells by internal reprogramming, which is called Treg plasticity. These reprogrammed Tregs with impaired suppressive ability contribute to the progression of diseases by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, in the tumor microenvironment (TME), such changes in phenotype rarely occur in Tregs, on the contrary, Tregs usually display a stronger suppressive function and inhibit anti-tumor immunity. It is important to understand the mechanisms of Treg plasticity in inflammatory diseases and cancers. OBJECTIVES In this review, we summarize the characteristics of different Th-like Tregs and discuss the potential mechanisms of these changes in phenotype. Furthermore, we summarize the Treg plasticity in human diseases and discuss the effects of these changes in phenotype on disease progression, as well as the potential application of drugs or reagents that regulate Treg plasticity in human diseases. CONCLUSIONS Treg plasticity is associated with inflammatory diseases and cancers. Regulating Treg plasticity is a promising direction for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Jihua Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Department of Endodontics, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Rong Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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18
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Tuomela K, Salim K, Levings MK. Eras of designer Tregs: Harnessing synthetic biology for immune suppression. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:250-267. [PMID: 37522861 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Since their discovery, CD4+ CD25hi FOXP3hi regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been firmly established as a critical cell type for regulating immune homeostasis through a plethora of mechanisms. Due to their immunoregulatory power, delivery of polyclonal Tregs has been explored as a therapy to dampen inflammation in the settings of transplantation and autoimmunity. Evidence shows that Treg therapy is safe and well-tolerated, but efficacy remains undefined and could be limited by poor persistence in vivo and lack of antigen specificity. With the advent of new genetic engineering tools, it is now possible to create bespoke "designer" Tregs that not only overcome possible limitations of polyclonal Tregs but also introduce new features. Here, we review the development of designer Tregs through the perspective of three 'eras': (1) the era of FOXP3 engineering, in which breakthroughs in the biological understanding of this transcription factor enabled the conversion of conventional T cells to Tregs; (2) the antigen-specificity era, in which transgenic T-cell receptors and chimeric antigen receptors were introduced to create more potent and directed Treg therapies; and (3) the current era, which is harnessing advanced genome-editing techniques to introduce and refine existing and new engineering approaches. The year 2022 marked the entry of "designer" Tregs into the clinic, with exciting potential for application and efficacy in a wide variety of immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoliina Tuomela
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kevin Salim
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Megan K Levings
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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19
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Medof ME, Rieder SA, Shevach EM. Disabled C3ar1/C5ar1 Signaling in Foxp3+ T Regulatory Cells Leads to TSDR Demethylation and Long-Term Stability. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:1359-1366. [PMID: 37756526 PMCID: PMC10591991 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Demethylation of the T regulatory cell (Treg)-specific demethylation region (TSDR) of the Foxp3 gene is the hallmark of Foxp3+ Treg stability, but the cellular signaling that programs this epigenetic state remains undefined. In this article, we show that suppressed C3a and C5a receptor (C3ar1/C5ar1) signaling in murine Tregs plays an obligate role. Murine C3ar1-/-C5ar1-/- Foxp3+ cells showed increased suppressor of cytokine signaling 1/2/3 expression, vitamin C stabilization, and ten-eleven translocation (TET) 1, TET2, and TET3 expression, all of which are linked to Treg stability. C3ar1-/-C5ar1-/- Foxp3+ cells additionally were devoid of BRD4 signaling that primes Th17 cell lineage commitment. Orally induced OVA-specific C3ar1-/-C5ar1-/- Foxp3+ OT-II Tregs transferred to OVA-immunized wild-type recipients remained >90% Foxp3+ out to 4 mo, whereas identically generated CD55-/- (DAF-/-) Foxp3+ OT-II Tregs (in which C3ar1/C5ar1 signaling is potentiated) lost >75% of Foxp3 expression by 14 d. After 4 mo in vivo, the C3ar1-/-C5ar1-/- Foxp3+ OT-II Tregs fully retained Foxp3 expression even with OVA challenge and produced copious TGF-β and IL-10. Their TSDR was demethylated comparably with that of thymic Tregs. They exhibited nuclear translocation of NFAT and NF-κB reported to stabilize thymic Tregs by inducing hairpin looping of the TSDR to the Foxp3 promoter. Thus, disabled CD4+ cell C3ar1/C5ar1 signaling triggers the sequential cellular events that lead to demethylation of the Foxp3 TSDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Edward Medof
- Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sadiye A. Rieder
- Laboratory of Immune System Biology, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD USA
| | - Ethan M. Shevach
- Laboratory of Immune System Biology, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD USA
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20
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Requejo Cier CJ, Valentini N, Lamarche C. Unlocking the potential of Tregs: innovations in CAR technology. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1267762. [PMID: 37900916 PMCID: PMC10602912 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1267762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) adoptive immunotherapy is emerging as a viable treatment option for both autoimmune and alloimmune diseases. However, numerous challenges remain, including limitations related to cell number, availability of target-specific cells, stability, purity, homing ability, and safety concerns. To address these challenges, cell engineering strategies have emerged as promising solutions. Indeed, it has become feasible to increase Treg numbers or enhance their stability through Foxp3 overexpression, post-translational modifications, or demethylation of the Treg-specific demethylated region (TSDR). Specificity can be engineered by the addition of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), with new techniques designed to fine-tune specificity (tandem chimeric antigen receptors, universal chimeric antigen receptors, synNotch chimeric antigen receptors). The introduction of B-cell targeting antibody receptor (BAR) Tregs has paved the way for effective regulation of B cells and plasma cells. In addition, other constructs have emerged to enhance Tregs activation and function, such as optimized chimeric antigen receptors constructs and the use of armour proteins. Chimeric antigen receptor expression can also be better regulated to limit tonic signaling. Furthermore, various opportunities exist for enhancing the homing capabilities of CAR-Tregs to improve therapy outcomes. Many of these genetic modifications have already been explored for conventional CAR-T therapy but need to be further considered for CAR-Tregs therapies. This review highlights innovative CAR-engineering strategies that have the potential to precisely and efficiently manage immune responses in autoimmune diseases and improve transplant outcomes. As these strategies are further explored and optimized, CAR-Treg therapies may emerge as powerful tools for immune intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Requejo Cier
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Valentini
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Lamarche
- Department of Medicine, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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21
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Mikami N, Sakaguchi S. Regulatory T cells in autoimmune kidney diseases and transplantation. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:544-557. [PMID: 37400628 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00733-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells that express the transcription factor forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3) are naturally present in the immune system and have roles in the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance and immune system and tissue homeostasis. Treg cells suppress T cell activation, expansion and effector functions by various mechanisms, particularly by controlling the functions of antigen-presenting cells. They can also contribute to tissue repair by suppressing inflammation and facilitating tissue regeneration, for example, via the production of growth factors and the promotion of stem cell differentiation and proliferation. Monogenic anomalies of Treg cells and genetic variations of Treg cell functional molecules can cause or predispose patients to the development of autoimmune diseases and other inflammatory disorders, including kidney diseases. Treg cells can potentially be utilized or targeted to treat immunological diseases and establish transplantation tolerance, for example, by expanding natural Treg cells in vivo using IL-2 or small molecules or by expanding them in vitro for adoptive Treg cell therapy. Efforts are also being made to convert antigen-specific conventional T cells into Treg cells and to generate chimeric antigen receptor Treg cells from natural Treg cells for adoptive Treg cell therapies with the aim of achieving antigen-specific immune suppression and tolerance in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norihisa Mikami
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shimon Sakaguchi
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
- Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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22
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Lee SH, Kim SH, Nam TM, Jang JH, Kim KH, Lee YS, Kim MS, Kim MS, Jin SY, Lee M, Lee SH, Kim YZ. Epigenetic Regulation of the Expression of T Cell Stimulatory and Inhibitory Factors by Histone H3 Lysine Modification Enzymes and Its Prognostic Roles in Glioblastoma. J Korean Med Sci 2023; 38:e258. [PMID: 37605497 PMCID: PMC10442499 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to identify the specific T cell co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory factors that play prognostic roles in patients with glioblastoma. Additionally, the unique histone H3 modification enzymes that regulate the expression levels of these specific co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory factors were investigated. METHODS The medical records of 84 patients newly diagnosed with glioblastoma at our institution from January 2006 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for T cell co-stimulatory factors (CD27, CD28, CD137, OX40, and ICOS), T cell co-inhibitory factors (CTLA4, PD1, PD-L1, TIM3, and CD200R), and histone H3 lysine modification enzymes (MLL4, RIZ, EZH1, NSD2, KDM5c, JMJD1a, UTX, and JMJD5) was performed on archived paraffin-embedded tissues obtained by biopsy or resection. Quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed for specific factors, which demonstrated causal relationships, in order to validate the findings of the IHC examinations. RESULTS The mean follow-up duration was 27.5 months (range, 4.1-43.5 months). During this period, 76 patients (90.5%) died, and the mean OS was 19.4 months (95% confidence interval, 16.3-20.9 months). Linear positive correlations were observed between the expression levels of CD28 and JMJD1a (R2 linear = 0.982) and those of CD137 and UTX (R2 linear = 1.528). Alternatively, significant negative correlations were observed between the expression levels of CTLA4 and RIZ (R2 linear = -1.746) and those of PD-L1 and EZH1 (R2 linear = -2.118); these relationships were confirmed by qRT-PCR. In the multivariate analysis, increased expression levels of CD28 (P = 0.042), and CD137 (P = 0.009), and decreased expression levels of CTLA4 (P = 0.003), PD-L1 (P = 0.020), and EZH1 (P = 0.040) were significantly associated with longer survival. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the expression of certain T cell co-stimulatory factors, such as CD28 and CD 137, and co-inhibitory factors, such as CTLA4 and PD-L1 are associated with prognosis of glioblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hyuk Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Taek Min Nam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Ji Hwan Jang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Kyu Hong Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Young-Sam Lee
- Department of New Biology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, Korea
- Well Aging Research Center, Division of Biotechnology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, Korea
| | - Minseok S Kim
- Department of New Biology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, Korea
- Translational Responsive Medicine Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, Korea
| | - Mee-Seon Kim
- Department of Pathology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sung Yup Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Moonok Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea
| | - Sung-Hun Lee
- Cancer Research Institute, Clinomics Inc., Suwon, Korea
| | - Young Zoon Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea.
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Zhang H, Wu T, Ren C, Dong N, Wu Y, Yao Y. p53 promotes the expansion of regulatory T cells via DNMT3a- and TET2- mediated Foxp3 expression in sepsis. BURNS & TRAUMA 2023; 11:tkad021. [PMID: 37564681 PMCID: PMC10410290 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Immunosuppression is an important characteristic of sepsis and is closely related to poor outcomes. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) contribute to immune suppression by inhibiting effector T cell (Teff) proliferation and differentiation. We aimed to investigate the role of p53 in Treg expansion after sepsis. Methods We constructed a sepsis model in wild-type (WT) and p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and evaluated the proportions of CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ Tregs by flow cytometry. The expression levels of forkhead/winged helix transcription factor p3 (Foxp3), DNA methyltransferase enzyme (DMNT)3a and ten-eleven translocation (TET)2 were examined using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Treg-specific demethylation region (TSDR) methylation sites in cells were analyzed by bisulfite-sequencing PCR. Furthermore, the direct binding of p53 to the Dnmt3a and TET2 promoters was illustrated using a luciferase assay. The suppressive ability of Tregs was indicated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis of cytokine levels and the proliferation of cocultured Teffs. Finally, mortality rates after CLP were compared among WT and p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ mice. Results The proportion of CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ Tregs was significantly reduced in p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ mice compared to WT mice after CLP. The enhanced expression of Foxp3 in WT mice was downregulated in the p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ group. We found decreased DMNT3a and increased TET2 levels after CLP. However, the dysregulation of DNMT3a and TET2 was significantly reversed in p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ mice. TSDR underwent increased demethylation in p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ mice. Luciferase activity indicated direct binding of p53 to the promoter regions of DNMT3a and TET2 to regulate their transcription. Consequently, Tregs from p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ CLP mice exhibited limited suppressive ability, as indicated by the reduced production of transforming growth factor-β and interleukin 10 (IL-10). In the coculture system, Teffs showed preserved production of IL-2, differentiation into Th1 cells and proliferation in the presence of Tregs isolated from p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ CLP mice. Finally, the mortality rate of the p53f/f/CD4-Cre+ group after CLP was significantly reduced in comparison to that of the WT group. Conclusion p53 appears to be critical for Foxp3 expression and consequent Treg expansion by regulating the induction of DNMT3a and TET2, thereby resulting in Foxp3-TSDR demethylation in the context of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division and Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tiantian Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University International Hospital, No. 1 Science Park Road, Life Science Park, Changping District, Beijing 100034, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Ren
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Worker's Stadium South Road, Chao-yang District, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Dong
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division and Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Wu
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division and Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongming Yao
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division and Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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24
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Golzari-Sorkheh M, Zúñiga-Pflücker JC. Development and function of FOXP3+ regulators of immune responses. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 213:13-22. [PMID: 37085947 PMCID: PMC10324550 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad048] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Forkhead Box P3 (FOXP3) protein is an essential transcription factor for the development and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), involved in the maintenance of immunological tolerance. Although extensive research over the last decade has investigated the critical role of FOXP3+ cells in preserving immune homeostasis, our understanding of their specific functions remains limited. Therefore, unveiling the molecular mechanisms underpinning the up- and downstream transcriptional regulation of and by FOXP3 is crucial for developing Treg-targeted therapeutics. Dysfunctions in FOXP3+ Tregs have also been found to be inherent drivers of autoimmune disorders and have been shown to exhibit multifaceted functions in the context of cancer. Recent research suggests that these cells may also be involved in tissue-specific repair and regeneration. Herein, we summarize current understanding of the thymic-transcriptional regulatory landscape of FOXP3+ Tregs, their epigenetic modulators, and associated signaling pathways. Finally, we highlight the contributions of FOXP3 on the functional development of Tregs and reflect on the clinical implications in the context of pathological and physiological immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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25
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Mazinani M, Rahbarizadeh F. New cell sources for CAR-based immunotherapy. Biomark Res 2023; 11:49. [PMID: 37147740 PMCID: PMC10163725 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00482-9] [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: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, in which a patient's own T lymphocytes are engineered to recognize and kill cancer cells, has achieved striking success in some hematological malignancies in preclinical and clinical trials, resulting in six FDA-approved CAR-T products currently available in the market. Despite impressive clinical outcomes, concerns about treatment failure associated with low efficacy or high cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells remain. While the main focus has been on improving CAR-T cells, exploring alternative cellular sources for CAR generation has garnered growing interest. In the current review, we comprehensively evaluated other cell sources rather than conventional T cells for CAR generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Mazinani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box 14115-111, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rahbarizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box 14115-111, Tehran, Iran.
- Research and Development Center of Biotechnology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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26
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Gao R, Li A, Li S, Li X, Zhang S, Zhang X, Xu J. Induced regulatory T cells modified by knocking down T-bet in combination with ectopic expression of inhibitory cytokines effectively protect Graft-versus-Host Disease. Am J Transplant 2023:S1600-6135(23)00415-X. [PMID: 37084847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.04.017] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Induced regulatory T (iTreg) cells play a vital role in immune tolerance and in controlling chronic inflammation. Generated in the periphery, iTreg cells are suitable for responding to alloantigens and preventing transplant rejection. Nevertheless, their clinical application has been impeded by the plasticity and instability attributed to the loss of Foxp3 expression, raising concerns that iTreg may be converted to Teff cells and even exert a pathogenic effect. Herein, second-generation short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) loaded with three pairs of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were utilized to target the transcription factor T-bet. In addition, two immunosuppressive cytokines, namely transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), were constitutively expressed. This novel engineering strategy allowed the generation of stably-induced iTreg cells (SI Treg), which maintained the expression of Foxp3 even in an unfavorable environment and exerted potent immunosuppressive functions in vitro. Furthermore, SI Treg cells demonstrated an effector transcriptional profile. Finally, SI Treg showed a significant protective effect against GVHD-related deaths in a xenotransplantation model. Collectively, these results signify that SI Treg cells hold great promise for future clinical application and offer a rational therapeutic approach for transplant rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Gao
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy at Zhongshan Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Ang Li
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, P. R. China
| | - Sen Li
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy at Zhongshan Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xiangrong Li
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy at Zhongshan Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Shuye Zhang
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy at Zhongshan Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy at Zhongshan Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China; Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, P. R. China.
| | - Jianqing Xu
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy at Zhongshan Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China; Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201508, P. R. China.
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27
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Chen R, Yang H, Dai J, Zhang M, Lu G, Zhang M, Yu H, Zheng M, He Q. The biological functions of maternal-derived extracellular vesicles during pregnancy and lactation and its impact on offspring health. Clin Nutr 2023; 42:493-504. [PMID: 36857958 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.02.007] [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: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy and lactation, mothers provide not only nutrients, but also many bioactive components for their offspring through placenta and breast milk, which are essential for offspring development. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanovesicles containing a variety of biologically active molecules and participate in the intercellular communication. In the past decade, an increasing number of studies have reported that maternal-derived EVs play a crucial role in offspring growth, development, and immune system establishment. Hereby, we summarized the characteristics of EVs; biological functions of maternal-derived EVs during pregnancy, including implantation, decidualization, placentation, embryo development and birth of offspring; biological function of breast milk-derived EVs (BMEs) on infant oral and intestinal diseases, immune system, neurodevelopment, and metabolism. In summary, emerging studies have revealed that maternal-derived EVs play a pivotal role in offspring health. As such, maternal-derived EVs may be used as promising biomarkers in offspring disease diagnosis and treatment. However, existing research on maternal-derived EVs and offspring health is largely limited to animal and cellular studies. Evidence from human studies is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Jie Dai
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Minzhe Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gaolei Lu
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Minjie Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongjie Yu
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Miaobing Zheng
- School of Nutrition and Exercise, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Qiqiang He
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Wuhan University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China; Hubei Biomass-Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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28
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Steiner R, Pilat N. The potential for Treg-enhancing therapies in transplantation. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 211:122-137. [PMID: 36562079 PMCID: PMC10019131 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of regulatory T cells (Tregs) as crucial regulators of immune tolerance against self-antigens, these cells have become a promising tool for the induction of donor-specific tolerance in transplantation medicine. The therapeutic potential of increasing in vivoTreg numbers for a favorable Treg to Teff cell ratio has already been demonstrated in several sophisticated pre-clinical models and clinical pilot trials. In addition to improving cell quantity, enhancing Treg function utilizing engineering techniques led to encouraging results in models of autoimmunity and transplantation. Here we aim to discuss the most promising approaches for Treg-enhancing therapies, starting with adoptive transfer approaches and ex vivoexpansion cultures (polyclonal vs. antigen specific), followed by selective in vivostimulation methods. Furthermore, we address next generation concepts for Treg function enhancement (CARs, TRUCKs, BARs) as well as the advantages and caveats inherit to each approach. Finally, this review will discuss the clinical experience with Treg therapy in ongoing and already published clinical trials; however, data on long-term results and efficacy are still very limited and many questions that might complicate clinical translation remain open. Here, we discuss the hurdles for clinical translation and elaborate on current Treg-based therapeutic options as well as their potencies for improving long-term graft survival in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy Steiner
- Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nina Pilat
- Correspondence: Nina Pilat, PhD, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Center for Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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29
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Teghanemt A, Misel-Wuchter K, Heath J, Thurman A, Pulipati P, Dixit G, Geesala R, Meyerholz DK, Maretzky T, Pezzulo A, Issuree PD. DNA demethylation fine-tunes IL-2 production during thymic regulatory T cell differentiation. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e55543. [PMID: 36880575 PMCID: PMC10157375 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255543] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (T reg) cells developing in the thymus are essential to maintain tolerance and prevent fatal autoimmunity in mice and humans. Expression of the T reg lineage-defining transcription factor FoxP3 is critically dependent upon T cell receptor (TCR) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) signaling. Here, we report that ten-eleven translocation (Tet) enzymes, which are DNA demethylases, are required early during double-positive (DP) thymic T cell differentiation and prior to the upregulation of FoxP3 in CD4 single-positive (SP) thymocytes, to promote Treg differentiation. We show that Tet3 selectively controls the development of CD25- FoxP3lo CD4SP Treg cell precursors in the thymus and is critical for TCR-dependent IL-2 production, which drive chromatin remodeling at the FoxP3 locus as well as other Treg-effector gene loci in an autocrine/paracrine manner. Together, our results demonstrate a novel role for DNA demethylation in regulating the TCR response and promoting Treg cell differentiation. These findings highlight a novel epigenetic pathway to promote the generation of endogenous Treg cells for mitigation of autoimmune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athmane Teghanemt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kara Misel-Wuchter
- Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jace Heath
- Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Immunology Graduate Program, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Andrew Thurman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Priyanjali Pulipati
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Garima Dixit
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ramasatya Geesala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Thorsten Maretzky
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Alejandro Pezzulo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Priya D Issuree
- Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Inflammation Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Immunology Graduate Program, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Pavel-Dinu M, Borna S, Bacchetta R. Rare immune diseases paving the road for genome editing-based precision medicine. Front Genome Ed 2023; 5:1114996. [PMID: 36846437 PMCID: PMC9945114 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2023.1114996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) genome editing platform heralds a new era of gene therapy. Innovative treatments for life-threatening monogenic diseases of the blood and immune system are transitioning from semi-random gene addition to precise modification of defective genes. As these therapies enter first-in-human clinical trials, their long-term safety and efficacy will inform the future generation of genome editing-based medicine. Here we discuss the significance of Inborn Errors of Immunity as disease prototypes for establishing and advancing precision medicine. We will review the feasibility of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-based genome editing platforms to modify the DNA sequence of primary cells and describe two emerging genome editing approaches to treat RAG2 deficiency, a primary immunodeficiency, and FOXP3 deficiency, a primary immune regulatory disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Pavel-Dinu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Simon Borna
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Rosa Bacchetta
- Division of Hematology-Oncology-Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, United States,Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Rosa Bacchetta,
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31
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TIGIT-Fc Prolongs Corneal Allograft Survival in Mice by Upregulating TIGIT/CD226 Expression and the Proportion of Helios + Foxp3 + Treg Cells. Transplantation 2023; 107:372-381. [PMID: 35876368 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reduction of graft rejection remains key issue for supporting long-term graft retention after corneal transplantation. The relevance of Treg in reduction of corneal allografts rejection has been demonstrated. It has been recently reported that in addition to Foxp3, Helios is also considered to be a marker of activated Treg. Helios + Foxp3 + Treg are considered to be the true immunosuppressive Treg. TIGIT is an immunosuppressive costimulatory molecule that was found to be highly expressed on the surface of Helios + Foxp3 + Treg. METHODS In this study, we aimed to explore whether supplementing TIGIT would result in an expansion and activation of Helios + Foxp3 + Treg thus to mediate an immune tolerance following corneal transplantation by administering topically and systemically TIGIT-Fc treatment in murine models. RESULTS TIGIT-Fc treatment significantly improved the survival of corneal allograft compared with the control group. TIGIT-Fc treatment increased TIGIT/CD226 expression, the proportion of Helios + Foxp3 + Treg cells and an enhanced ex vivo suppressive effect from peripheral lymph nodes isolated Treg cells. Furthermore, the expression of Helios in corneal grafts was upregulated, whereas expression of CD226 and production of aqueous interferon-γ and VEGF were reduced by TIGIT-Fc treatment. CONCLUSIONS TIGIT-Fc treatment could specifically upregulate Helios + Foxp3 + Treg-mediated immune response after allogeneic corneal transplantation via TIGIT/CD226-CD155 pathway which improves the survival of allografts.
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32
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Malviya V, Yshii L, Junius S, Garg AD, Humblet-Baron S, Schlenner SM. Regulatory T-cell stability and functional plasticity in health and disease. Immunol Cell Biol 2023; 101:112-129. [PMID: 36479949 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12613] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
FOXP3-expressing regulatory T cells (Treg ) are indispensable for immune homeostasis and tolerance, and in addition tissue-resident Treg have been found to perform noncanonical, tissue-specific functions. For optimal tolerogenic function during inflammatory disease, Treg are equipped with mechanisms that assure lineage stability. Treg lineage stability is closely linked to the installation and maintenance of a lineage-specific epigenetic landscape, specifically a Treg -specific DNA demethylation pattern. At the same time, for local and directed immune regulation Treg must possess a level of functional plasticity that requires them to partially acquire T helper cell (TH ) transcriptional programs-then referred to as TH -like Treg . Unleashing TH programs in Treg , however, is not without risk and may threaten the epigenetic stability of Treg with consequently pathogenic ex-Treg contributing to (auto-) inflammatory conditions. Here, we review how the Treg -stabilizing epigenetic landscape is installed and maintained, and further discuss the development, necessity and lineage instability risks of TH 1-, TH 2-, TH 17-like Treg and follicular Treg .
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanshika Malviya
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lidia Yshii
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steffie Junius
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Abhishek D Garg
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephanie Humblet-Baron
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Susan M Schlenner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Amini L, Kaeda J, Fritsche E, Roemhild A, Kaiser D, Reinke P. Clinical adoptive regulatory T Cell therapy: State of the art, challenges, and prospective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1081644. [PMID: 36794233 PMCID: PMC9924129 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1081644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rejection of solid organ transplant and graft versus host disease (GvHD) continue to be challenging in post transplantation management. The introduction of calcineurin inhibitors dramatically improved recipients' short-term prognosis. However, long-term clinical outlook remains poor, moreover, the lifelong dependency on these toxic drugs leads to chronic deterioration of graft function, in particular the renal function, infections and de-novo malignancies. These observations led investigators to identify alternative therapeutic options to promote long-term graft survival, which could be used concomitantly, but preferably, replace pharmacologic immunosuppression as standard of care. Adoptive T cell (ATC) therapy has evolved as one of the most promising approaches in regenerative medicine in the recent years. A range of cell types with disparate immunoregulatory and regenerative properties are actively being investigated as potential therapeutic agents for specific transplant rejection, autoimmunity or injury-related indications. A significant body of data from preclinical models pointed to efficacy of cellular therapies. Significantly, early clinical trial observations have confirmed safety and tolerability, and yielded promising data in support of efficacy of the cellular therapeutics. The first class of these therapeutic agents commonly referred to as advanced therapy medicinal products have been approved and are now available for clinical use. Specifically, clinical trials have supported the utility of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) to minimize unwanted or overshooting immune responses and reduce the level of pharmacological immunosuppression in transplant recipients. Tregs are recognized as the principal orchestrators of maintaining peripheral tolerance, thereby blocking excessive immune responses and prevent autoimmunity. Here, we summarize rationale for the adoptive Treg therapy, challenges in manufacturing and clinical experiences with this novel living drug and outline future perspectives of its use in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Amini
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Berlin Institute of Health—Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jaspal Kaeda
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Enrico Fritsche
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andy Roemhild
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Kaiser
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Reinke
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Berlin Institute of Health—Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Petra Reinke,
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Koch KC, Tew GN. Functional antibody delivery: Advances in cellular manipulation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 192:114586. [PMID: 36280179 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The current therapeutic antibody market in the U.S. consists of 100 antibody-based products and their market value is expected to explode beyond $300 billion by 2025. These therapies are presently limited to extracellular targets due to the innate inability of antibodies to transverse membranes. To expand the number of accessible therapeutic targets, intracellular antibody delivery is necessary. Many delivery vehicles for antibodies have been used with some promising results, such as nanoparticles and cell penetrating polymers. Despite the success of these delivery platforms using model antibody cargo, there is a surprisingly small number of studies that focus on functional antibody delivery into the cytosol that also measures a cellular response. Antibodies can be designed for essentially unlimited targets, including proteins and DNA, that will ultimately control cell function once delivered inside cells. Advancement in cellular manipulation depends on the application of intracellularly delivering functional antibodies to achieve a desired result. This review focuses on the emerging field of functional antibody delivery which enables various cellular responses and cell manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla C Koch
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Gregory N Tew
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States; Molecular & Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States; Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States.
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35
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The role of FOXP3 in non-small cell lung cancer and its therapeutic potentials. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 241:108333. [PMID: 36528259 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although in the last few decades we have witnessed the rapid development of treatments for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it still remains the leading cause of cancer-related death. Increasing efforts have been devoted to exploring potential biomarkers and molecular targets for NSCLC. Foxp3, a transcription factor that was discovered as a master regulator of regulatory T cells (Tregs), has been found to express abnormally in tumoral cells including lung cancer cells. In recent years, increasing evidence have surfaced, revealing the carcinogenic effect of FOXP3 in lung cancer. In this review, we analyzed and summarized the function of FOXP3, its regulation and therapeutic potentials in NSCLC, with a hope to facilitate the development of novel treatments for NSCLC.
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Simonetti M, Yilmazer A, Kretschmer K. Genetic Tools for Analyzing Foxp3 + Treg Cells: Fluorochrome-Based Transcriptional Reporters and Genetic Fate-Mapping. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2559:95-114. [PMID: 36180629 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2647-4_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The lack of unambiguous Foxp3+ Treg cell-specific surface markers has prompted the development of various transgenic mouse lines with Foxp3-dependent reporter activity, which involved different fluorochromes and transgenic strategies, including coexpression of multiple transgenes, such as Cre recombinase. Since then, Foxp3 transcriptional reporter has proven to be an indispensable tool to identify and isolate viable Foxp3+ Treg cell populations. However, the physiologic Treg cell pool is functionally heterogeneous and consists of intrathymically (tTreg) and peripherally (pTreg) induced Treg cells, which may confound interpretation of data relying on indiscriminatory Foxp3-fluorochrome reporter expressed in all Treg cells. In this chapter, we describe how the dual Foxp3RFP/GFP reporter can be exploited to discriminate both developmental sublineages based on tTreg cell lineage-specific GFP/Cre recombinase activity, in conjunction with Foxp3-driven RFP expression in all Foxp3+ Treg cells, and provide guidelines for experimental design and implementation. We also elaborate on the possibility to exploit GFP/Cre expression of Foxp3RFP/GFP reporter mice for the manipulation of gene expression (activation and inactivation), such as lineage tracing and in vivo ablation of tTreg cells, while sparing pTreg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Simonetti
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology/Immune Regulation, DFG-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden (PLID) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Acelya Yilmazer
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology/Immune Regulation, DFG-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Karsten Kretschmer
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology/Immune Regulation, DFG-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden (PLID) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Neuherberg, Germany.
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Minskaia E, Lacerda JF. Analysis of FOXP3 DNA Methylation Patterns to Identify Functional FOXP3+ T-Cell Subpopulations. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2559:115-136. [PMID: 36180630 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2647-4_9] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Human regulatory CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T cells (Tregs) are involved in the suppression of immune responses and play important roles in the maintenance of self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. Abnormal Treg function may result in disease states of varying severity. As FOXP3-expressing Treg cells are phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous, the success of Treg therapies depends on the ability to reliably distinguish subpopulations of T cells bearing a Treg-like phenotype. Methylation of cytosines within CpG dinucleotides is an important epigenetic mechanism involved in regulation (and suppression) of gene expression. On the other hand, demethylation of regulatory DNA sequences, such as promoters and enhancers, is essential for initiation of gene transcription. This protocol shows that bisulfite sequencing (BS) distinguishes methylated and unmethylated cytosines within DNA and reveals the methylation status of individual CpGs in cells within each population, identifying functionally different FOXP3+ subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Minskaia
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular - João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Infection and Immunity Division, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - João F Lacerda
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular - João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Kremer J, Henschel P, Simon D, Riet T, Falk C, Hardtke-Wolenski M, Wedemeyer H, Noyan F, Jaeckel E. Membrane-bound IL-2 improves the expansion, survival, and phenotype of CAR Tregs and confers resistance to calcineurin inhibitors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1005582. [PMID: 36618378 PMCID: PMC9816406 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1005582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis and the establishment of immune tolerance. Since Tregs do not secrete endogenous IL-2, they are especially dependent on external IL-2. IL-2 deficiency leads to lower Treg numbers, instability of the Treg phenotype and loss of immune regulation. After organ transplantation, patients are treated with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), which further limits available IL-2. Application of low-dose IL-2 expands Tregs but also activates NK and CD8+ T cells. It was recently shown that graft-specific Tregs recognizing mismatched MHC I molecules via a chimeric antigen receptor were far more potent than polyclonal Tregs in the regulation of immune responses after solid organ transplantation in a humanized mouse model. Methods Therefore, our aim was to enhance the function and stability of transferred CAR-Tregs via expression of membrane-associated IL-2 (mbIL-2). Results mbIL-2 promoted higher survival, phenotypic stability, and function among CAR-Tregs than observed in clinical trials. The cells were also more stable under inflammatory conditions. In a preclinical humanized mouse model, we demonstrated that mbIL-2 CAR Tregs survive better in the Treg niche than control CAR Tregs and are even resistant to CNI therapy without affecting other Tregs, thus acting mainly in cis. Discussion The functional and phenotypic improvements observed after membrane-attached IL-2 expression in CAR-Tregs will be important step for enhancing CAR-Treg therapies currently being tested in clinical trials for use after kidney and liver transplantation as well as in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Kremer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Pierre Henschel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniel Simon
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Riet
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Tumor Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne and Center for Molecular Medicine, Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christine Falk
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Essen University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Fatih Noyan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of liver transplantation, Multi Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Giri S, Meitei HT, Sonar SA, Shaligram S, Lal G. In vitro-induced Foxp3 + CD8 + regulatory T cells suppress allergic IgE response in the gut. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:1497-1507. [PMID: 36000308 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5a0122-027r] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Several subsets of CD8+ T cells are known to have a suppressive function in different tissues and diseases in mice and humans. Due to the lack of a consensus on the phenotype of regulatory CD8+ T cells and very low frequency in the body, its clinical use as adoptive cellular therapy has not advanced much. In the present work, using DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (Aza), we efficiently and stably differentiated naïve CD8+ T cells (CD8+ CD25- CD44- cells) into the CD8+ Foxp3+ regulatory CD8+ T cells (CD8 Tregs). We also generated OVA peptide257-264 -specific CD8+ Foxp3+ Tregs. Compared with activated CD8 T cells, Aza plus TGF-β-induced CD8+ Foxp3+ Tregs showed significantly increased surface expression of CD39, CD73, CD122, CD62L, and CD103, and secreted TGF-β and suppressed the proliferation of effector CD4+ T cells. Interestingly, CD8+ Foxp3+ Tregs exhibited low expression of perforin and granzyme required for cytotoxic function. Analysis of chemokine receptors showed that TGF-β + Aza induced CD8+ Foxp3+ Tregs expressed gut-tropic chemokine receptors CCR6 and CCR9, and chemokine receptors CCR7 and CXCR3 required for mobilization into the spleen, lymph nodes, and gut-associated lymphoid tissues. Adoptive transfer of induced CD8+ Foxp3+ Tregs restored cholera toxin-induced breakdown of oral tolerance to OVA by regulating OVA-specific IgE and IgG1. Altogether, we showed an efficient method to generate antigen-specific CD8+ Foxp3+ Tregs, and the adoptive transfer of these cells induces oral tolerance by suppressing allergic response and maintaining intestinal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi Giri
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, Pune, India
| | | | - Sandip Ashok Sonar
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, Pune, India
| | - Saumitra Shaligram
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, Pune, India
| | - Girdhari Lal
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, Pune, India
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40
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Sanders JM, Jeyamogan S, Mathew JM, Leventhal JR. Foxp3+ regulatory T cell therapy for tolerance in autoimmunity and solid organ transplantation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1055466. [PMID: 36466912 PMCID: PMC9714335 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1055466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical for tolerance in humans. The exact mechanisms by which the loss of peripheral tolerance leads to the development of autoimmunity and the specific role Tregs play in allograft tolerance are not fully understood; however, this population of T cells presents a unique opportunity in the development of targeted therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the potential roles of Foxp3+ Tregs in the development of tolerance in transplantation and autoimmunity, and the available data regarding their use as a treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jes M. Sanders
- Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Transplant Center Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Shareni Jeyamogan
- Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Transplant Center Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - James M. Mathew
- Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Transplant Center Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Joseph R. Leventhal
- Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Transplant Center Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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41
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Regulatory T cells in rheumatoid arthritis: functions, development, regulation, and therapeutic potential. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:533. [PMID: 36173485 PMCID: PMC9522664 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04563-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects the joints but also leads to systemic inflammation. Auto-reactivity and dysregulation of self-tolerance are thought to play a vital role in disease onset. In the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, disturbed immunosuppressive properties of regulatory T cells contribute to the dysregulation of immune homeostasis. In RA patients, the functions of Treg cells and their frequency are reduced. Therefore, focusing on the re-establishment of self-tolerance by increasing Treg cell frequencies and preventing a loss of function is a promising strategy for the treatment of RA. This approach could be especially beneficial for those patients who do not respond well to current therapies. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge about the function, differentiation and regulation of Treg cells in RA patients and in animal models of autoimmune arthritis. In addition, we highlight the therapeutic potential as well as the challenges of Treg cell targeting treatment strategies.
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42
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Protocol to evaluate cell lineage stability of mouse natural and induced regulatory T cells using bisulfite sequencing. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101694. [PMID: 36121747 PMCID: PMC9489535 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101694] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The establishment of regulatory T cells (Treg)-specific demethylation regions (TSDRs) is essential for the Treg-lineage stability. Here, we present a protocol using bisulfite sequencing to assess Treg-lineage stability. The protocol describes the isolation of lymphocytes and DNA extraction, followed by bisulfite conversion in unmethylated CpG DNA, bisulfite PCR and cloning, and sequencing to define the TSDR methylation. This protocol uses lymph nodes and spleen tissues and can be adapted to assess the methylation status of Tregs in other tissue types.
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Yu Y, Yang W, Yu T, Zhao X, Zhou Z, Yu Y, Xiong L, Yang H, Bilotta AJ, Yao S, Golovko G, Plasencia A, Quintana FJ, Zhou L, Li Y, Cong Y. Glucose promotes regulatory T cell differentiation to maintain intestinal homeostasis. iScience 2022; 25:105004. [PMID: 36093065 PMCID: PMC9460814 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose, the critical energy source in the human body, is considered a potential risk factor in various autoimmune diseases when consumed in high amounts. However, the roles of glucose at moderate doses in the regulation of autoimmune inflammatory diseases and CD4+ T cell responses are controversial. Here, we show that while glucose at a high concentration (20% w/v) promotes intestinal inflammation, it suppresses colitis at a moderate dose (6% w/v), which increases the proportion of intestinal regulatory T (Treg) cells but does not affect effector CD4+ T cells. Glucose treatment promotes Treg cell differentiation but it does not affect Treg stability. Feeding glucose alters gut microbiota compositions, which are not involved in the glucose induction of Treg cells. Glucose promotes aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation to induce Treg polarization. These findings reveal the different effects of glucose at different doses on the intestinal immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, P.R. China
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Tianming Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Xiaojing Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Zheng Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Yanbo Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, P.R. China
| | - Lifeng Xiong
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Anthony J. Bilotta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Suxia Yao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - George Golovko
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Agustin Plasencia
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Francisco J. Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Yanqing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, P.R. China
| | - Yingzi Cong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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DNA Methylation in Regulatory T Cell Differentiation and Function: Challenges and Opportunities. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091282. [PMID: 36139121 PMCID: PMC9496199 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As a bona fide epigenetic marker, DNA methylation has been linked to the differentiation and function of regulatory T (Treg) cells, a subset of CD4 T cells that play an essential role in maintaining immune homeostasis and suppressing autoimmunity and antitumor immune response. DNA methylation undergoes dynamic regulation involving maintenance of preexisting patterns, passive and active demethylation, and de novo methylation. Scattered evidence suggests that these processes control different stages of Treg cell lifespan ranging from lineage induction to cell fate maintenance, suppression of effector T cells and innate immune cells, and transdifferentiation. Despite significant progress, it remains to be fully explored how differential DNA methylation regulates Treg cell fate and immunological function. Here, we review recent progress and discuss the questions and challenges for further understanding the immunological roles and mechanisms of dynamic DNA methylation in controlling Treg cell differentiation and function. We also explore the opportunities that these processes offer to manipulate Treg cell suppressive function for therapeutic purposes by targeting DNA methylation.
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45
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Yeh SJ, Chen BS. Systems Medicine Design based on Systems Biology Approaches and Deep Neural Network for Gastric Cancer. IEEE/ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS 2022; 19:3019-3031. [PMID: 34232888 DOI: 10.1109/tcbb.2021.3095369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in the world. It is associated with the stimulation of microenvironment, aberrant epigenetic modification, and chronic inflammation. However, few researches discuss the GC molecular progression mechanisms from the perspective of the system level. In this study, we proposed a systems medicine design procedure to identify essential biomarkers and find corresponding drugs for GC. At first, we did big database mining to construct candidate protein-protein interaction network (PPIN) and candidate gene regulation network (GRN). Second, by leveraging the next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, we performed system modeling and applied system identification and model selection to obtain real genome-wide genetic and epigenetic networks (GWGENs). To make the real GWGENs easy to analyze, the principal network projection method was used to extract the core signaling pathways denoted by KEGG pathways. Subsequently, based on the identified biomarkers, we trained a deep neural network of drug-target interaction (DeepDTI) with supervised learning and filtered our candidate drugs considering drug regulation ability and drug sensitivity. With the proposed systematic strategy, we not only shed the light on the progression of GC but also suggested potential multiple-molecule drugs efficiently.
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Hurrell BP, Helou DG, Howard E, Painter JD, Shafiei-Jahani P, Sharpe AH, Akbari O. PD-L2 controls peripherally induced regulatory T cells by maintaining metabolic activity and Foxp3 stability. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5118. [PMID: 36045140 PMCID: PMC9433378 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32899-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are central to limit immune responses to allergens. Here we show that PD-L2 deficiency prevents the induction of tolerance to ovalbumin and control of airway hyperreactivity, in particular by limiting pTreg numbers and function. In vitro, PD-1/PD-L2 interactions increase iTreg numbers and stability. In mice lacking PD-L2 we find lower numbers of splenic pTregs at steady state, producing less IL-10 upon activation and with reduced suppressive activity. Remarkably, the numbers of splenic pTregs are restored by adoptively transferring PD-L2high dendritic cells to PD-L2KO mice. Functionally, activated pTregs lacking PD-L2 show lower Foxp3 expression, higher methylation of the Treg-Specific Demethylation Region (TSDR) and a decreased Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle associated with a defect in mitochondrial function and ATP production. Consequently, pyruvate treatment of PD-L2KO mice partially restores IL-10 production and airway tolerance. Together, our study highlights the importance of the PD-1/PD-L2 axis in the control of metabolic pathways regulating pTreg Foxp3 stability and suppressive functions, opening up avenues to further improve mucosal immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin P Hurrell
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Doumet Georges Helou
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily Howard
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jacob D Painter
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pedram Shafiei-Jahani
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arlene H Sharpe
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Omid Akbari
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Raugh A, Allard D, Bettini M. Nature vs. nurture: FOXP3, genetics, and tissue environment shape Treg function. Front Immunol 2022; 13:911151. [PMID: 36032083 PMCID: PMC9411801 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.911151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in preventing autoimmunity has been well established; however, the precise alterations in Treg function in autoimmune individuals and how underlying genetic associations impact the development and function of Tregs is still not well understood. Polygenetic susceptibly is a key driving factor in the development of autoimmunity, and many of the pathways implicated in genetic association studies point to a potential alteration or defect in regulatory T cell function. In this review transcriptomic control of Treg development and function is highlighted with a focus on how these pathways are altered during autoimmunity. In combination, observations from autoimmune mouse models and human patients now provide insights into epigenetic control of Treg function and stability. How tissue microenvironment influences Treg function, lineage stability, and functional plasticity is also explored. In conclusion, the current efficacy and future direction of Treg-based therapies for Type 1 Diabetes and other autoimmune diseases is discussed. In total, this review examines Treg function with focuses on genetic, epigenetic, and environmental mechanisms and how Treg functions are altered within the context of autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Raugh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Denise Allard
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Maria Bettini
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- *Correspondence: Maria Bettini,
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Riet T, Chmielewski M. Regulatory CAR-T cells in autoimmune diseases: Progress and current challenges. Front Immunol 2022; 13:934343. [PMID: 36032080 PMCID: PMC9399761 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.934343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) T-cell therapy has revolutionized the field of oncology in recent years. This innovative shift in cancer treatment also provides the opportunity to improve therapies for many patients suffering from various autoimmune diseases. Recent studies have confirmed the therapeutic suppressive potential of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to modulate immune response in autoimmune diseases. However, the polyclonal character of regulatory T cells and their unknown TCR specificity impaired their therapeutic potency in clinical implementation. Genetical engineering of these immune modulating cells to express antigen-specific receptors and using them therapeutically is a logical step on the way to overcome present limitations of the Treg strategy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Encouraging preclinical studies successfully demonstrated immune modulating properties of CAR Tregs in various mouse models. Still, there are many concerns about targeted Treg therapies relating to CAR target selectivity, suppressive functions, phenotype stability and safety aspects. Here, we summarize recent developments in CAR design, Treg biology and future strategies and perspectives in CAR Treg immunotherapy aiming at clinical translation.
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Nytrova P, Dolezal O. Sex bias in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: How it influences clinical course, MRI parameters and prognosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:933415. [PMID: 36016923 PMCID: PMC9396644 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.933415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review is a condensed summary of representative articles addressing the sex/gender bias in multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). The strong effects of sex on the incidence and possibly also the activity and progression of these disorders should be implemented in the evaluation of any phase of clinical research and also in treatment choice consideration in clinical practice and evaluation of MRI parameters. Some relationships between clinical variables and gender still remain elusive but with further understanding of sex/gender-related differences, we should be able to provide appropriate patient-centered care and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Nytrova
- Department of Neurology and Centre of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Petra Nytrova,
| | - Ondrej Dolezal
- Department of Neurology, Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, NHS Scotland, Dumfries, United Kingdom
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Bednar KJ, Lee JH, Ort T. Tregs in Autoimmunity: Insights Into Intrinsic Brake Mechanism Driving Pathogenesis and Immune Homeostasis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:932485. [PMID: 35844555 PMCID: PMC9280893 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.932485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are functionally characterized for their ability to suppress the activation of multiple immune cell types and are indispensable for maintaining immune homeostasis and tolerance. Disruption of this intrinsic brake system assessed by loss of suppressive capacity, cell numbers, and Foxp3 expression, leads to uncontrolled immune responses and tissue damage. The conversion of Tregs to a pathogenic pro-inflammatory phenotype is widely observed in immune mediated diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms that underpin the control of Treg stability and suppressive capacity are incompletely understood. This review summarizes the concepts of Treg cell stability and Treg cell plasticity highlighting underlying mechanisms including translational and epigenetic regulators that may enable translation to new therapeutic strategies. Our enhanced understanding of molecular mechanism controlling Tregs will have important implications into immune homeostasis and therapeutic potential for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases.
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