1
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Harris R, Karimi M. Dissecting the regulatory network of transcription factors in T cell phenotype/functioning during GVHD and GVT. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1194984. [PMID: 37441063 PMCID: PMC10333690 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1194984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors play a major role in regulation and orchestration of immune responses. The immunological context of the response can alter the regulatory networks required for proper functioning. While these networks have been well-studied in canonical immune contexts like infection, the transcription factor landscape during alloactivation remains unclear. This review addresses how transcription factors contribute to the functioning of mature alloactivated T cells. This review will also examine how these factors form a regulatory network to control alloresponses, with a focus specifically on those factors expressed by and controlling activity of T cells of the various subsets involved in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft-versus-tumor (GVT) responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Harris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Mobin Karimi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
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2
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Wang QY, Liu HH, Dong YJ, Liang ZY, Yin Y, Liu W, Wang QY, Wang Q, Sun YH, Xu WL, Han N, Li Y, Ren HY. Low-Dose 5-Aza and DZnep Alleviate Acute Graft- Versus-Host Disease With Less Side Effects Through Altering T-Cell Differentiation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:780708. [PMID: 35281001 PMCID: PMC8907421 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.780708] [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: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Previous studies showed that hypomethylating agents (HMAs) could alleviate acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD), but affect engraftment after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The combination of two different HMAs in lower doses might overcome this problem. This study aimed to evaluate the treatment effect of the combination of two HMAs—azacitidine (5-Aza) and histone H3K27 methyltransferase inhibitor 3-deazaneplanocin (DZNep)—for the prophylaxis of aGvHD after allo-HSCT and to explore the possible mechanisms. Methods We first optimized the concentrations of individual and combinational 5-Aza and DZNep treatments to ensure no obvious toxicities on activated T cells by evaluating T-cell proliferation, viability, and differentiation. A mouse model of aGvHD was then established to assess the prophylactic efficacy of 5-Aza, DZNep, and their combination on aGvHD. The immunomodulatory effect on T cells and the hematopoietic reconstruction were assessed. Additionally, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms. Results Compared with single treatments, the in vitro application of 5-Aza with DZNep could more powerfully reduce the production of T helper type 1 (Th1)/T cytotoxic type 1 (Tc1) cells and increase the production of regulatory T cells (Tregs). In an allo-HSCT mouse model, in vivo administration of 5-Aza with DZNep could enhance the prophylactic effect for aGvHD compared with single agents. The mechanism study demonstrated that the combination of 5-Aza and DZNep in vivo had an enhanced effect to inhibit the production of Th1/Tc1, increase the proportions of Th2/Tc2, and induce the differentiation of Tregs as in vitro. RNA-seq analysis revealed the cytokine and chemokine pathways as one mechanism for the alleviation of aGvHD with the combination of 5-Aza and DZNep. Conclusion The combination of 5-Aza and DZNep could enhance the prophylactic effect for aGvHD by influencing donor T-cell differentiation through affecting cytokine and chemokine pathways. This study shed light on the effectively prophylactic measure for aGvHD using different epigenetic agent combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Ya Wang
- Department of Hematology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Hui Liu
- Department of Hematology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Jun Dong
- Department of Hematology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ze Yin Liang
- Department of Hematology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Yin
- Department of Hematology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Hematology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Yun Wang
- Department of Hematology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Hematology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Hua Sun
- Department of Hematology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Lin Xu
- Department of Hematology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Na Han
- Department of Hematology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Hematology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Han Yun Ren
- Department of Hematology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
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3
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Campe J, Ullrich E. T Helper Cell Lineage-Defining Transcription Factors: Potent Targets for Specific GVHD Therapy? Front Immunol 2022; 12:806529. [PMID: 35069590 PMCID: PMC8766661 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.806529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) represents a potent and potentially curative treatment for many hematopoietic malignancies and hematologic disorders in adults and children. The donor-derived immunity, elicited by the stem cell transplant, can prevent disease relapse but is also responsible for the induction of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The pathophysiology of acute GVHD is not completely understood yet. In general, acute GVHD is driven by the inflammatory and cytotoxic effect of alloreactive donor T cells. Since several experimental approaches indicate that CD4 T cells play an important role in initiation and progression of acute GVHD, the contribution of the different CD4 T helper (Th) cell subtypes in the pathomechanism and regulation of the disease is a central point of current research. Th lineages derive from naïve CD4 T cell progenitors and lineage commitment is initiated by the surrounding cytokine milieu and subsequent changes in the transcription factor (TF) profile. Each T cell subtype has its own effector characteristics, immunologic function, and lineage specific cytokine profile, leading to the association with different immune responses and diseases. Acute GVHD is thought to be mainly driven by the Th1/Th17 axis, whereas Treg cells are attributed to attenuate GVHD effects. As the differentiation of each Th subset highly depends on the specific composition of activating and repressing TFs, these present a potent target to alter the Th cell landscape towards a GVHD-ameliorating direction, e.g. by inhibiting Th1 and Th17 differentiation. The finding, that targeting of Th1 and Th17 differentiation appears more effective for GVHD-prevention than a strategy to inhibit Th1 and Th17 cytokines supports this concept. In this review, we shed light on the current advances of potent TF inhibitors to alter Th cell differentiation and consecutively attenuate GVHD. We will focus especially on preclinical studies and outcomes of TF inhibition in murine GVHD models. Finally, we will point out the possible impact of a Th cell subset-specific immune modulation in context of GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Campe
- Experimental Immunology, Children's University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Children's University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Experimental Immunology, Children's University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Children's University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK)), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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4
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Sofi MH, Wu Y, Schutt SD, Dai M, Daenthanasanmak A, Heinrichs Voss J, Nguyen H, Bastian D, Iamsawat S, Selvam SP, Liu C, Maulik N, Ogretmen B, Jin J, Mehrotra S, Yu XZ. Thioredoxin-1 confines T cell alloresponse and pathogenicity in graft-versus-host disease. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:2760-2774. [PMID: 31045571 DOI: 10.1172/jci122899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is elevated in the recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation (allo-HCT) and likely contributes to the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD is characterized by activation, expansion, cytokine production and migration of alloreactive donor T cells, and remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allo-HCT. Hence, strategies to limit oxidative stress in GVHD are highly desirable. Thioredoxin1 (Trx1) counteracts oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and regulating other enzymes that metabolize H2O2. The present study sought to elucidate the role of Trx1 in the pathophysiology of GVHD. Using murine and xenograft models of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) and genetic (human Trx1-transgenic, Trx1-Tg) as well as pharmacologic (human recombinant Trx1, RTrx1) strategies; we found that Trx1-Tg donor T cells or administration of the recipients with RTrx1 significantly reduced GVHD severity. Mechanistically, we observed RTrx1 reduced ROS accumulation and cytokine production of mouse and human T cells in response to alloantigen stimulation in vitro. In allo-BMT settings, we found that Trx1-Tg or RTrx1 decreased downstream signaling molecules including NFκB activation and T-bet expression, and reduced proliferation, IFN-γ production and ROS accumulation in donor T cells within GVHD target organs. More importantly, administration of RTrx1 did not impair the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. Taken together, the current work provides a strong rationale and demonstrates feasibility to target the ROS pathway, which can be readily translated into clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yongxia Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | | | - Min Dai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | | | | | - Hung Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | | | | | - Shanmugam Panneer Selvam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Nilanjana Maulik
- Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Besim Ogretmen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Junfei Jin
- Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | | | - Xue-Zhong Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and.,Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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5
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CXCR3 blockade combined with cyclosporine A alleviates acute graft-versus-host disease by inhibiting alloreactive donor T cell responses in a murine model. Mol Immunol 2017; 94:82-90. [PMID: 29288898 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Chemotaxis of T cells to acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) target tissues directed by chemokines and their receptors plays a key role in the pathogenesis of aGvHD. Blockade of lymphocyte migration by targeting chemokine receptors may be a viable strategy for the prevention and treatment of aGvHD, which is quite distinguishable from typical efforts to use immunosuppressive medications that have been associated with some side effects. CXCR3 and its ligands have been reported to be correlated with aGvHD pathogenesis. Using the small-molecule CXCR3 antagonist AMG487, we demonstrated that AMG487 combined with cyclosporine A (CsA) effectively alleviated aGvHD with a prolonged mean survival time and significantly inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells in aGvHD target tissues in a murine aGvHD model. In addition, AMG487 combined with CsA inhibited the activation, proliferation and differentiation of donor-derived T cells in the spleens. Further results showed that the concentrations of Th1 cells associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ and TNFα in serum were decreased. In addition, AMG487 treatment did not alter CXCR3 and CCR5 expression in donor-derived T cells but elevated the serum CXCL9 and CXCL10 levels. This novel and effective approach has the potential to develop a new clinical method to prevent and treat aGvHD.
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6
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Mohammadi SM, Mohammadnejad D, Hosseinpour Feizi AA, Movassaghpour AA, Montazersaheb S, Nozad Charoudeh H. Inhibition of c-REL using siRNA increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation in pre-B ALL blasts: Therapeutic implications. Leuk Res 2017; 61:53-61. [PMID: 28892661 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2017.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The c-Rel transcription factor is a unique member of the NF-kB family that has a role in apoptosis, proliferation and cell survival. Overexpression of c-Rel is detected in many human B cell tumors, including B-cell leukemia and several cancers. The study aimed to investigate the effects of c-Rel siRNA on the proliferation and apoptosis of relapsed pre-B acute leukemia cells. The c-Rel siRNA was transfected into Leukemia cells using an Amaxa cell line Nucleofector kit L (Lonza). Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot were done to measure the expression levels of mRNA and protein, respectively. The flow cytometry was used to analyze the effect of c-Rel siRNA on the apoptosis and proliferation of Leukemia cells. Observed c-Rel expression in the 5 pre-B Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients were higher than the normal cells. The c-Rel siRNA transfection significantly blocked the expression of c-Rel mRNA in a time-dependent manner, leading to a strong growth inhibition and enhanced apoptosis (P<0.05). Our results demonstrated that c-Rel plays a fundamental role in the survival. Therefore, c-Rel can be considered as an attractive target for gene therapy in ALL patients. Also siRNA-mediated silencing of this gene may be a novel strategy in ALL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daryosh Mohammadnejad
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Anatomical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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7
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Li L, Xu-Monette ZY, Ok CY, Tzankov A, Manyam GC, Sun R, Visco C, Zhang M, Montes-Moreno S, Dybkaer K, Chiu A, Orazi A, Zu Y, Bhagat G, Richards KL, Hsi ED, Choi WWL, van Krieken JH, Huh J, Ponzoni M, Ferreri AJM, Møller MB, Wang J, Parsons BM, Winter JN, Piris MA, Pham LV, Medeiros LJ, Young KH. Prognostic impact of c-Rel nuclear expression and REL amplification and crosstalk between c-Rel and the p53 pathway in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Oncotarget 2016; 6:23157-80. [PMID: 26324762 PMCID: PMC4695110 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated NF-κB signaling is critical for lymphomagenesis. The regulation, function, and clinical relevance of c-Rel/NF-κB activation in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have not been well studied. In this study we analyzed the prognostic significance and gene-expression signature of c-Rel nuclear expression as surrogate of c-Rel activation in 460 patients with de novo DLBCL. Nuclear c-Rel expression, observed in 137 (26.3%) DLBCL patients frequently associated with extranoal origin, did not show significantly prognostic impact in the overall- or germinal center B-like-DLBCL cohort, likely due to decreased pAKT and Myc levels, up-regulation of FOXP3, FOXO3, MEG3 and other tumor suppressors coincided with c-Rel nuclear expression, as well as the complicated relationships between NF-κB members and their overlapping function. However, c-Rel nuclear expression correlated with significantly poorer survival in p63+ and BCL-2− activated B-cell-like-DLBCL, and in DLBCL patients with TP53 mutations. Multivariate analysis indicated that after adjusting clinical parameters, c-Rel positivity was a significantly adverse prognostic factor in DLBCL patients with wild type TP53. Gene expression profiling suggested dysregulations of cell cycle, metabolism, adhesion, and migration associated with c-Rel activation. In contrast, REL amplification did not correlate with c-Rel nuclear expression and patient survival, likely due to co-amplification of genes that negatively regulate NF-κB activation. These insights into the expression, prognostic impact, regulation and function of c-Rel as well as its crosstalk with the p53 pathway underscore the importance of c-Rel and have significant therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Li
- Zhengzhou University, The First Affiliated University Hospital, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zijun Y Xu-Monette
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chi Young Ok
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Ganiraju C Manyam
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ruifang Sun
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Zhengzhou University, The First Affiliated University Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | | | - April Chiu
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Attilio Orazi
- Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Youli Zu
- The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Govind Bhagat
- Columbia University Medical Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristy L Richards
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - William W L Choi
- University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Jooryung Huh
- Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jane N Winter
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Miguel A Piris
- Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Lan V Pham
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - L Jeffrey Medeiros
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ken H Young
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,The University of Texas School of Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
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8
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Hunter JE, Leslie J, Perkins ND. c-Rel and its many roles in cancer: an old story with new twists. Br J Cancer 2016; 114:1-6. [PMID: 26757421 PMCID: PMC4716536 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2015.410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
When the genes encoding NF-κB subunits were first isolated, their homology to the previously identified c-Rel proto-oncogene and its viral homologue v-Rel was clear. This provided the first indication that these transcription factors also had a role in cancer. Because of its homology to v-Rel, which transforms chicken B cells together with the important role c-Rel can have as a regulator of B- and T-cell proliferation, most attention has focussed on its role in B-cell lymphomas, where the REL gene is frequently amplified. However, a growing number of reports now indicate that c-Rel has important functions in many solid tumours, although studies in mice suggest it may not always function as an oncogene. Moreover, c-Rel is a critical regulator of fibrosis, which provides an environment for tumour development in many settings. Overall, c-Rel is emerging as a complex regulator of tumorigenesis, and there is still much to learn about its functions in human malignancies and the response to cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E Hunter
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Jack Leslie
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Neil D Perkins
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
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9
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Fu J, Wu Y, Nguyen H, Heinrichs J, Schutt S, Liu Y, Liu C, Jin J, Anasetti C, Yu XZ. T-bet Promotes Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease by Regulating Recipient Hematopoietic Cells in Mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 196:3168-79. [PMID: 26903480 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Beyond its critical role in T cells, T-bet regulates the functions of APCs including dendritic cells and B cells, as well as NK cells. Given that recipient APCs are essential for priming allogeneic T cells and recipient NK or T cells are able to reject allogeneic donor cells, we evaluated the role of T-bet on the host in acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) using murine models of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. T-bet(-/-) recipients developed significantly milder GVHD than their wild type counterparts in MHC-mismatched or CD4-dependent minor histocompatibility Ag-mismatched models. Allogeneic donor T cells, in particular, CD4 subset, significantly reduced IFN-γ production, proliferation and migration, and caused less injury in liver and gut of T-bet(-/-) recipients. We further observed that T-bet on recipient hematopoietic cells was primarily responsible for the donor T cell response and pathogenicity in GVHD. T-bet(-/-) dendritic cells expressed higher levels of Trail, whereas they produced lower levels of IFN-γ and IL-12/23 p40, as well as chemokine CXCL9, resulting in significantly higher levels of apoptosis, less priming, and infiltration of donor T cells. Meanwhile, NK cells in T-bet(-/-) hosts partially contribute to the decreased donor T cell proliferation. Furthermore, although T-bet on hematopoietic cells was required for GVHD development, it was largely dispensable for the graft-versus-leukemia effect. Taken together with our previous findings, we propose that T-bet is a potential therapeutic target for the control of GVHD through regulating donor T cells and recipient hematopoietic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Fu
- Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; Department of Immunology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Yongxia Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Hung Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Jessica Heinrichs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Steven Schutt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Yuejun Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Junfei Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425; Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001 Guangxi, China; and
| | - Claudio Anasetti
- Department of Immunology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Xue-Zhong Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425; Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
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10
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Shono Y, Tuckett AZ, Liou HC, Doubrovina E, Derenzini E, Ouk S, Tsai JJ, Smith OM, Levy ER, Kreines FM, Ziegler CGK, Scallion MI, Doubrovin M, Heller G, Younes A, O'Reilly RJ, van den Brink MRM, Zakrzewski JL. Characterization of a c-Rel Inhibitor That Mediates Anticancer Properties in Hematologic Malignancies by Blocking NF-κB-Controlled Oxidative Stress Responses. Cancer Res 2016; 76:377-89. [PMID: 26744524 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-2814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
NF-κB plays a variety of roles in oncogenesis and immunity that may be beneficial for therapeutic targeting, but strategies to selectively inhibit NF-κB to exert antitumor activity have been elusive. Here, we describe IT-901, a bioactive naphthalenethiobarbiturate derivative that potently inhibits the NF-κB subunit c-Rel. IT-901 suppressed graft-versus-host disease while preserving graft-versus-lymphoma activity during allogeneic transplantation. Further preclinical assessment of IT-901 for the treatment of human B-cell lymphoma revealed antitumor properties in vitro and in vivo without restriction to NF-κB-dependent lymphoma. This nondiscriminatory, antilymphoma effect was attributed to modulation of the redox homeostasis in lymphoma cells resulting in oxidative stress. Moreover, NF-κB inhibition by IT-901 resulted in reduced stimulation of the oxidative stress response gene heme oxygenase-1, and we demonstrated that NF-κB inhibition exacerbated oxidative stress induction to inhibit growth of lymphoma cells. Notably, IT-901 did not elicit increased levels of reactive oxygen species in normal leukocytes, illustrating its cancer selective properties. Taken together, our results provide mechanistic insight and preclinical proof of concept for IT-901 as a novel therapeutic agent to treat human lymphoid tumors and ameliorate graft-versus-host disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Shono
- Department of Immunology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Andrea Z Tuckett
- Department of Immunology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Ekaterina Doubrovina
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Enrico Derenzini
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Samedy Ouk
- ImmuneTarget Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Jennifer J Tsai
- Department of Immunology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Odette M Smith
- Department of Immunology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Emily R Levy
- Department of Immunology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Fabiana M Kreines
- Department of Immunology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Carly G K Ziegler
- Department of Immunology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Department of Computational Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Mary I Scallion
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Mikhail Doubrovin
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Glenn Heller
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Anas Younes
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Richard J O'Reilly
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Marcel R M van den Brink
- Department of Immunology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Johannes L Zakrzewski
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
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Zhang L, Chu J, Yu J, Wei W. Cellular and molecular mechanisms in graft-versus-host disease. J Leukoc Biol 2015; 99:279-87. [PMID: 26643713 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.4ru0615-254rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease is a complication in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Graft-versus-host disease includes acute graft-versus-host disease and chronic graft-versus-host disease. Host APCs (e.g., dendritic cells and macrophages), effector T cells (e.g., Th1, Th17, and abnormal Th17:regulatory T cell ratio), B cells, and NK cells are implicated in graft-versus-host disease physiopathology. Proinflammation cytokines (e.g., IL-17, IL-1β, and TNF-α) are increased in graft-versus-host disease . Costimulatory molecules play an important role in inducing graft-versus-host disease . Pattern-recognition receptors, such as TLRs and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors, are critically involved in the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease . Complement system C3 mediates Th1/Th17 polarization in human T cell activation and skin graft-versus-host disease. Accumulation of CD26 T cells in graft-versus-host disease target organs was found. As a therapeutic target, soluble CD83 molecules or antibodies have been demonstrated to have therapeutic effects against graft-versus-host disease, and signaling molecules promote the inflammatory and immune process of graft-versus-host disease . These immune cells and molecules could be the predictors of graft-versus-host disease development and the drug targets of the treatments for graft-versus-host disease. This article focuses on major advances on cellular and molecular mechanisms in graft-versus-host disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Zhang
- *Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Key Laboratory of Antiinflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; and Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jianhong Chu
- *Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Key Laboratory of Antiinflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; and Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jianhua Yu
- *Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Key Laboratory of Antiinflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; and Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Wei Wei
- *Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Key Laboratory of Antiinflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; and Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Schutt SD, Fu J, Nguyen H, Bastian D, Heinrichs J, Wu Y, Liu C, McDonald DG, Pidala J, Yu XZ. Inhibition of BTK and ITK with Ibrutinib Is Effective in the Prevention of Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease in Mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137641. [PMID: 26348529 PMCID: PMC4562702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) and IL-2 Inducible T-cell Kinase (ITK) are enzymes responsible for the phosphorylation and activation of downstream effectors in the B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling and T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathways, respectively. Ibrutinib is an FDA-approved potent inhibitor of both BTK and ITK that impairs B-cell and T-cell function. CD4 T cells and B cells are essential for the induction of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). We evaluated these targets by testing the ability of Ibrutinib to prevent or ameliorate cGVHD, which is one of the major complications for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We found that Ibrutinib significantly alleviated cGVHD across four different mouse models, accompanied by increased long-term survival and reduced clinical score. The clinical improvements in Ibrutinib-treated recipients were associated with decreased serum-autoantibodies, costimulatory molecule activation, B-cell proliferation, and glomerulonephritis compared to vehicle controls. Ibrutinib was also able to alleviate the clinical manifestations in acute GVHD (aGVHD), where the recipients were given grafts with or without B cells, suggesting that an inhibitory effect of Ibrutinib on T cells contributes to a reduction in both aGVHD and cGVHD pathogenesis. An effective prophylactic regimen is still lacking to both reduce the incidence and severity of human cGVHD following allo-HSCT. Our study shows that Ibrutinib is an effective prophylaxis against several mouse models of cGVHD with minimal toxicity and could be a promising strategy to combat human cGVHD clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D. Schutt
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jianing Fu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
- Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of South Florida and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Hung Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - David Bastian
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jessica Heinrichs
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Yongxia Wu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Chen Liu
- Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Daniel G. McDonald
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Joseph Pidala
- Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Xue-Zhong Yu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Yuan J, Ren HY, Shi YJ, Liu W. Prophylaxis of acute graft-versus-host disease by CCR5 blockade combined with cyclosporine A in a murine model. Inflamm Res 2015; 64:137-44. [PMID: 25556580 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-014-0793-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE One characteristic feature of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is lymphocytes' trafficking and recruitment to target tissues, and CCR5 plays a key role in the process. Thus, blockade of lymphocytes' chemotaxis may attenuate GVHD. METHODS We tested the effects of CCR5 blockade using an established murine model. The mean survival time, body weight change, and clinical GVHD scores were assessed. Concentrations of cytokines and chemokines, the CCR5, CXCR3, and CCR7 expressions on T lymphocytes, and histological changes of visceral organs were also evaluated. Additionally, we assessed the immunophenotype of infiltration cells in liver and intestine. RESULTS Mice undergoing total body irradiation and allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) developed typical GVHD. MVC increased CCR5 expression whereas CCR7 and CXCR3 expression were unaffected. MVC also increased plasma levels of the ligands of CCR5. A combination of MVC with CsA significantly alleviated the degree of visceral injuries and prolonged survival time. CONCLUSION MVC has a synergistic effect with CsA. It can attenuate the severity of GVHD and increase survival rate of mice in our murine model. This may offer a novel therapeutic perspective for clinical GVHD after allo-HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yuan
- Department of Hematology, Peking University First Hospital, 8 Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China
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Fu J, Wang D, Yu Y, Heinrichs J, Wu Y, Schutt S, Kaosaard K, Liu C, Haarberg K, Bastian D, McDonald DG, Anasetti C, Yu XZ. T-bet is critical for the development of acute graft-versus-host disease through controlling T cell differentiation and function. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2015; 194:388-97. [PMID: 25404360 PMCID: PMC4314960 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1401618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
T-bet is a master regulator for IFN-γ production and Th1 differentiation. We evaluated the roles of T-bet and IFN-γ in T cell responses in acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and found that T-bet(-/-) T cells induced significantly less GVHD compared with wild-type or IFN-γ(-/-) counterparts in both MHC-mismatched and MHC-matched but minor histocompatibility Ag-mismatched models driven by CD4 T cells. T-bet(-/-), but not IFN-γ(-/-), CD4 T cells had a markedly reduced ability to cause tissue damage in liver and gut. This distinct outcome is reflected by the differential gene expression on donor CD4 T cells deficient for T-bet or IFN-γ. At mRNA and protein levels, we defined several T-bet-dependent molecules that may account for the impaired ability of T-bet(-/-) T cells to migrate into target organs and to produce Th1-related cytokines. Moreover, these molecules were independent of either endogenous IFN-γ, such as CXCR3 and programmed death-1, or systematic IFN-γ, such as NKG2D, I-A(b), and granzyme B. Although both T-bet(-/-) and IFN-γ(-/-) CD4 T cells are prone to differentiate into Th17 cells, polarized Th17 cells deficient for T-bet but not for IFN-γ had a significantly reduced ability to cause GVHD. Finally, T-bet(-/-) T cells had a compromised graft-versus-leukemia effect, which could be essentially reversed by neutralization of IL-17 in the recipients. We conclude that T-bet is required for Th1 differentiation and migration, as well as for optimal function of Th17 cells. Thus, targeting T-bet or regulating its downstream effectors independent of IFN-γ may be a promising strategy to control GVHD in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Fu
- Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612; Immunology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Dapeng Wang
- Immunology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Yu Yu
- Immunology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Jessica Heinrichs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Yongxia Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Steven Schutt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Kane Kaosaard
- Immunology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Kelley Haarberg
- Immunology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - David Bastian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Daniel G McDonald
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425; and
| | - Claudio Anasetti
- Immunology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Xue-Zhong Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425; Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
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Fu J, Heinrichs J, Yu XZ. Helper T-cell differentiation in graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2014; 62:277-301. [PMID: 24699629 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-014-0284-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is an effective therapeutic option for many malignant diseases. However, the efficacy of allo-HSCT is limited by the occurrence of destructive graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Since allogeneic T cells are the driving force in the development of GVHD, their activation, proliferation, and differentiation are key factors to understanding GVHD pathogenesis. This review focuses on one critical aspect: the differentiation and function of helper T (Th) cells in acute GVHD. We first summarize well-established subsets including Th1, Th2, Th17, and T-regulatory cells; their flexibility, plasticity, and epigenetic modification; and newly identified subsets including Th9, Th22, and T follicular helper cells. Next, we extensively discuss preclinical findings of Th-cell lineages in GVHD: the networks of transcription factors involved in differentiation, the cytokine and signaling requirements for development, the reciprocal differentiation features, and the regulation of microRNAs on T-cell differentiation. Finally, we briefly summarize the recent findings on the roles of T-cell subsets in clinical GVHD and ongoing strategies to modify T-cell differentiation for controlling GVHD in patients. We believe further exploration and understanding of the immunobiology of T-cell differentiation in GVHD will expand therapeutic options for the continuing success of allo-HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Fu
- Cancer Biology PhD Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
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Shono Y, Tuckett AZ, Ouk S, Liou HC, Altan-Bonnet G, Tsai JJ, Oyler JE, Smith OM, West ML, Singer NV, Doubrovina E, Pankov D, Undhad CV, Murphy GF, Lezcano C, Liu C, O'Reilly RJ, van den Brink MRM, Zakrzewski JL. A small-molecule c-Rel inhibitor reduces alloactivation of T cells without compromising antitumor activity. Cancer Discov 2014; 4:578-91. [PMID: 24550032 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-13-0585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Preventing unfavorable GVHD without inducing broad suppression of the immune system presents a major challenge of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We developed a novel strategy to ameliorate GVHD while preserving graft-versus-tumor (GVT) activity by small molecule-based inhibition of the NF-κB family member c-Rel. Underlying mechanisms included reduced alloactivation, defective gut homing, and impaired negative feedback on interleukin (IL)-2 production, resulting in optimal IL-2 levels, which, in the absence of competition by effector T cells, translated into expansion of regulatory T cells. c-Rel activity was dispensable for antigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) activation, allowing c-Rel-deficient T cells to display normal GVT activity. In addition, inhibition of c-Rel activity reduced alloactivation without compromising antigen-specific cytotoxicity of human T cells. Finally, we were able to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of systemic c-Rel inhibitor administration. Our findings validate c-Rel as a promising target for immunomodulatory therapy and demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of pharmaceutical inhibition of c-Rel activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Shono
- Departments of 1Immunology, 2Computational Biology and Immunology, 3Pediatrics, and 4Medicine and Immunology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; 5Department of Immunology, Weill-Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York; 6Program in Dermatopathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and 7Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
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Amarnath S. c-Rel in GVHD biology: a missing link. Eur J Immunol 2013; 43:2255-8. [PMID: 24037677 PMCID: PMC3860175 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201343924] [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: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication associated with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Recent advances in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies with BMT include exploring mechanisms that can inhibit GVHD while maintaining graft-versus-leukemic (GVL) effects. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Yu et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2013.43: 2327-2337] demonstrate efficient separation of GVHD and GVL by abrogating c-Rel in T cells. Intrinsic c-Rel deficiency in T cells resulted in complete protection against GVHD in both major and minor histocompatibility mismatched murine models of BMT. Protection against GVHD was associated with a decreased presence of Th1 and Th17 cells with a concomitant increase in Treg-cell numbers. Interestingly, an intrinsic defect of c-Rel also resulted in decreased expression of the Th1-associated chemokine receptor CXCR3. Finally, the absence of c-Rel maintained GVL effects with significant tumor clearance in murine recipients. These data suggest that specific targeting of the T-cell-specific transcription factor c-Rel can inhibit GVHD while maintaining GVL effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoba Amarnath
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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