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Wang J, Zhu N, Su X, Yang R. Gut microbiota: A double-edged sword in immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapy against tumors. Cancer Lett 2024; 582:216582. [PMID: 38065401 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cells can evade immune surveillance by expressing immune checkpoint molecule ligands, resulting in effective immune cell inactivation. Immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) have dramatically improved survival of patients with multiple types of cancers. However, responses to ICB immunotherapy are heterogeneous with lower patient response rates. The advances have established that the gut microbiota can be as a promising target to overcome resistance to ICB immunotherapy. Furthermore, some bacterial species have shown to promote improved responses to ICBs. However, gut microbiota is critical in maintaining gut and systemic immune homeostasis. It not only promotes differentiation and function of immunosuppressive immune cells but also inhibits inflammatory cells via gut microbiota derived products such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), tryptophan (Trp) and bile acid (BA) metabolites, which play an important role in tumor immunity. Since the gut microbiota can either inhibit or enhance immune against tumor, it should be a double-edged sword in ICBs against tumor. In this review, we discuss the effects of gut microbiota on immune cells and also tumor cells, especially enhances of gut microbiota on ICB immunotherapy. These discussions can hopefully promote the development of ICB immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Wang
- Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center of Nankai University, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China; Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Ningning Zhu
- Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center of Nankai University, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China; Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xiaomin Su
- Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center of Nankai University, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China; Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Rongcun Yang
- Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center of Nankai University, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China; Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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2
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Cui W, Guo M, Liu D, Xiao P, Yang C, Huang H, Liang C, Yang Y, Fu X, Zhang Y, Liu J, Shi S, Cong J, Han Z, Xu Y, Du L, Yin C, Zhang Y, Sun J, Gu W, Chai R, Zhu S, Chu B. Gut microbial metabolite facilitates colorectal cancer development via ferroptosis inhibition. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:124-137. [PMID: 38168770 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01314-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The gut microbiota play a pivotal role in human health. Emerging evidence indicates that gut microbes participate in the progression of tumorigenesis through the generation of carcinogenic metabolites. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown. In the present study we show that a tryptophan metabolite derived from Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, trans-3-indoleacrylic acid (IDA), facilitates colorectal carcinogenesis. Mechanistically, IDA acts as an endogenous ligand of an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) to transcriptionally upregulate the expression of ALDH1A3 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A3), which utilizes retinal as a substrate to generate NADH, essential for ferroptosis-suppressor protein 1(FSP1)-mediated synthesis of reduced coenzyme Q10. Loss of AHR or ALDH1A3 largely abrogates IDA-promoted tumour development both in vitro and in vivo. It is interesting that P. anaerobius is significantly enriched in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). IDA treatment or implantation of P. anaerobius promotes CRC progression in both xenograft model and ApcMin/+ mice. Together, our findings demonstrate that targeting the IDA-AHR-ALDH1A3 axis should be promising for ferroptosis-related CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Cui
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Meng Guo
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chuancheng Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Haidi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunhui Liang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yinghong Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaolong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yudan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiaxing Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shuang Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingjing Cong
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zili Han
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yunfei Xu
- Qilu hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lutao Du
- Qilu hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengqian Yin
- Institute for Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongchun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinpeng Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Gu
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Shu Zhu
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Bo Chu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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3
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Sandoval S, Malany K, Thongphanh K, Martinez CA, Goodson ML, Souza FDC, Lin LW, Sweeney N, Pennington J, Lein PJ, Kerkvliet NI, Ehrlich AK. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibits neuropilin-1 upregulation on IL-2-responding CD4 + T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1193535. [PMID: 38035105 PMCID: PMC10682649 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1193535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (Nrp1), a transmembrane protein expressed on CD4+ T cells, is mostly studied in the context of regulatory T cell (Treg) function. More recently, there is increasing evidence that Nrp1 is also highly expressed on activated effector T cells and that increases in these Nrp1-expressing CD4+ T cells correspond with immunopathology across several T cell-dependent disease models. Thus, Nrp1 may be implicated in the identification and function of immunopathologic T cells. Nrp1 downregulation in CD4+ T cells is one of the strongest transcriptional changes in response to immunoregulatory compounds that act though the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor. To better understand the link between AhR and Nrp1 expression on CD4+ T cells, Nrp1 expression was assessed in vivo and in vitro following AhR ligand treatment. In the current study, we identified that the percentage of Nrp1 expressing CD4+ T cells increases over the course of activation and proliferation in vivo. The actively dividing Nrp1+Foxp3- cells express the classic effector phenotype of CD44hiCD45RBlo, and the increase in Nrp1+Foxp3- cells is prevented by AhR activation. In contrast, Nrp1 expression is not modulated by AhR activation in non-proliferating CD4+ T cells. The downregulation of Nrp1 on CD4+ T cells was recapitulated in vitro in cells isolated from C57BL/6 and NOD (non-obese diabetic) mice. CD4+Foxp3- cells expressing CD25, stimulated with IL-2, or differentiated into Th1 cells, were particularly sensitive to AhR-mediated inhibition of Nrp1 upregulation. IL-2 was necessary for AhR-dependent downregulation of Nrp1 expression both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, the data demonstrate that Nrp1 is a CD4+ T cell activation marker and that regulation of Nrp1 could be a previously undescribed mechanism by which AhR ligands modulate effector CD4+ T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Sandoval
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Keegan Malany
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Krista Thongphanh
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Clarisa A. Martinez
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Michael L. Goodson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Felipe Da Costa Souza
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Lo-Wei Lin
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Nicolle Sweeney
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jamie Pennington
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Pamela J. Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Nancy I. Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Allison K. Ehrlich
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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4
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Sandoval S, Malany K, Thongphanh K, Martinez CA, Goodson ML, Souza FDC, Lin LW, Pennington J, Lein PJ, Kerkvliet NI, Ehrlich AK. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibits neuropilin-1 upregulation on IL-2 responding CD4 + T cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.25.559429. [PMID: 37808764 PMCID: PMC10557576 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.559429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (Nrp1), a transmembrane protein expressed on CD4 + T cells, is mostly studied in the context of regulatory T cell (Treg) function. More recently, there is increasing evidence that Nrp1 is also highly expressed on activated effector T cells and that increases in these Nrp1-expressing CD4 + T cells correspond with immunopathology across several T cell-dependent disease models. Thus, Nrp1 may be implicated in the identification and function of immunopathologic T cells. Nrp1 downregulation in CD4 + T cells is one of the strongest transcriptional changes in response to immunoregulatory compounds that act though the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor. To better understand the link between AhR and Nrp1 expression on CD4 + T cells, Nrp1 expression was assessed in vivo and in vitro following AhR ligand treatment. In the current study, we identified that the percentage of Nrp1 expressing CD4 + T cells increases over the course of activation and proliferation in vivo . The actively dividing Nrp1 + Foxp3 - cells express the classic effector phenotype of CD44 hi CD45RB lo , and the increase in Nrp1 + Foxp3 - cells is prevented by AhR activation. In contrast, Nrp1 expression is not modulated by AhR activation in non-proliferating CD4 + T cells. The downregulation of Nrp1 on CD4 + T cells was recapitulated in vitro in cells isolated from C57BL/6 and NOD (non-obese diabetic) mice. CD4 + Foxp3 - cells expressing CD25, stimulated with IL-2, or differentiated into Th1 cells, were particularly sensitive to AhR-mediated inhibition of Nrp1 upregulation. IL-2 was necessary for AhR-dependent downregulation of Nrp1 expression both in vitro and in vivo . Collectively, the data demonstrate that Nrp1 is a CD4 + T cell activation marker and that regulation of Nrp1 could be a previously undescribed mechanism by which AhR ligands modulate effector CD4 + T cell responses.
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5
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Nguyen BD, Stevens BL, Elson DJ, Finlay D, Gamble J, Kopparapu P, Tanguay RL, Buermeyer AB, Kerkvliet NI, Kolluri SK. 11-Cl-BBQ, a select modulator of AhR-regulated transcription, suppresses lung cancer cell growth via activation of p53 and p27 Kip1. FEBS J 2023; 290:2064-2084. [PMID: 36401795 PMCID: PMC10807707 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16683] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor and functions as a tumour suppressor in different cancer models. In the present study, we report detailed characterization of 11-chloro-7H-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benzo[de]iso-quinolin-7-one (11-Cl-BBQ) as a select modulator of AhR-regulated transcription (SMAhRT) with anti-cancer actions. Treatment of lung cancer cells with 11-Cl-BBQ induced potent and sustained AhR-dependent anti-proliferative effects by promoting G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Investigation of 11-Cl-BBQ-induced transcription in H460 cells with or without the AhR expression by RNA-sequencing revealed activation of p53 signalling. In addition, 11-Cl-BBQ suppressed multiple pathways involved in DNA replication and increased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, including p27Kip1 , in an AhR-dependent manner. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of individual genes revealed the requirement for both p53 and p27Kip1 for the AhR-mediated anti-proliferative effects. Our results identify 11-Cl-BBQ as a potential lung cancer therapeutic, highlight the feasibility of targeting AhR and provide important mechanistic insights into AhR-mediated-anticancer actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bach D. Nguyen
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Brenna L. Stevens
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Daniel J. Elson
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Darren Finlay
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - John Gamble
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Prasad Kopparapu
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Robyn L. Tanguay
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
- The Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Andrew B. Buermeyer
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Nancy I. Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Siva K. Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
- The Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
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Elson DJ, Kolluri SK. Tumor-Suppressive Functions of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and AhR as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040526. [PMID: 37106727 PMCID: PMC10135996 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor involved in regulating a wide range of biological responses. A diverse array of xenobiotics and endogenous small molecules bind to the receptor and drive unique phenotypic responses. Due in part to its role in mediating toxic responses to environmental pollutants, AhR activation has not been traditionally viewed as a viable therapeutic approach. Nonetheless, the expression and activation of AhR can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and survival of cancer cells, and many clinically approved drugs transcriptionally activate AhR. Identification of novel select modulators of AhR-regulated transcription that promote tumor suppression is an active area of investigation. The development of AhR-targeted anticancer agents requires a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving tumor suppression. Here, we summarized the tumor-suppressive mechanisms regulated by AhR with an emphasis on the endogenous functions of the receptor in opposing carcinogenesis. In multiple different cancer models, the deletion of AhR promotes increased tumorigenesis, but a precise understanding of the molecular cues and the genetic targets of AhR involved in this process is lacking. The intent of this review was to synthesize the evidence supporting AhR-dependent tumor suppression and distill insights for development of AhR-targeted cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Elson
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Siva K. Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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Helm EY, Zhou L. Transcriptional regulation of innate lymphoid cells and T cells by aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1056267. [PMID: 37056785 PMCID: PMC10089284 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1056267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor and facilitates immune cell environmental sensing through its activation by cellular, dietary, and microbial metabolites, as well as environmental toxins. Although expressed in various cell types, Ahr in innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and their adaptive T cell counterparts regulates essential aspects of their development and function. As opposed to T cells, ILCs exclusively rely on germ-line encoded receptors for activation, but often share expression of core transcription factors and produce shared effector molecules with their T cell counterparts. As such, core modules of transcriptional regulation are both shared and diverge between ILCs and T cells. In this review, we highlight the most recent findings regarding Ahr’s transcriptional regulation of both ILCs and T cells. Furthermore, we focus on insights elucidating the shared and distinct mechanisms by which Ahr regulates both innate and adaptive lymphocytes.
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Wang J, Zhu N, Su X, Gao Y, Yang R. Gut-Microbiota-Derived Metabolites Maintain Gut and Systemic Immune Homeostasis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050793. [PMID: 36899929 PMCID: PMC10000530 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses and phages, inhabits the gastrointestinal tract. This commensal microbiota can contribute to the regulation of host immune response and homeostasis. Alterations of the gut microbiota have been found in many immune-related diseases. The metabolites generated by specific microorganisms in the gut microbiota, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), tryptophan (Trp) and bile acid (BA) metabolites, not only affect genetic and epigenetic regulation but also impact metabolism in the immune cells, including immunosuppressive and inflammatory cells. The immunosuppressive cells (such as tolerogenic macrophages (tMacs), tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs), myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), regulatory B cells (Breg) and innate lymphocytes (ILCs)) and inflammatory cells (such as inflammatory Macs (iMacs), DCs, CD4 T helper (Th)1, CD4Th2, Th17, natural killer (NK) T cells, NK cells and neutrophils) can express different receptors for SCFAs, Trp and BA metabolites from different microorganisms. Activation of these receptors not only promotes the differentiation and function of immunosuppressive cells but also inhibits inflammatory cells, causing the reprogramming of the local and systemic immune system to maintain the homeostasis of the individuals. We here will summarize the recent advances in understanding the metabolism of SCFAs, Trp and BA in the gut microbiota and the effects of SCFAs, Trp and BA metabolites on gut and systemic immune homeostasis, especially on the differentiation and functions of the immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Wang
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center of Nankai University, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Ningning Zhu
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center of Nankai University, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaomin Su
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center of Nankai University, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yunhuan Gao
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center of Nankai University, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Rongcun Yang
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center of Nankai University, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Correspondence:
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王 宁, 王 一, 姜 朋, 吕 明, 胡 志, 徐 曦. [DNAM-1 regulates the proliferation and function of T regulatory type 1 cells via the IL-2/STAT5 pathway]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2022; 42:1288-1295. [PMID: 36210700 PMCID: PMC9550559 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2022.09.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the role of DNAM-1 in the activation, proliferation and function of type Ⅰ regulatory T cells (Tr1 cells). METHODS Anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies were used to stimulate mouse T cells derived from the spleen of wild-type (WT) mice, and the expression level of DNAM-1 in resting and activated Tr1 cells was evaluated with flow cytometry. Na?ve CD4+ T cells isolated by magnetic cell sorting from the spleens of WT mice and DNAM-1 knockout (KO) mice were cultured in Tr1 polarizing conditions for 3 days, after which CD25 and CD69 expressions were measured using flow cytometry. The induced Tr1 cells were labelled with CFSE and cultured in the presence of anti-CD/CD28 antibodies for 3 days, and their proliferative activity was analyzed. The expressions of IL-10 and p-STAT5 in DNAM-1-deficient Tr1 cells were detected before and after IL-2 stimulation. RESULTS The expression level of DNAM-1 was significantly upregulated in CD4+ T cells and Tr1 cells after stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies (P < 0.05). DNAM-1 knockout did not cause significant changes in the number or proportion of Tr1 cells, but but significantly increased the expression levels of the activation markers CD69 and CD25 (P < 0.05). Compared with WT Tr1 cells, DNAM-1-deficient Tr1 cells exhibited reduced proliferative activity in vitro (P < 0.05) with downregulated IL-10 production (P < 0.05) and decreased expressions of Il-10 and Gzmb mRNA (P < 0.05). In DNAM-1-deficient Tr1 cells, IL-2 stimulation significantly reduced IL-10 secretion level and the expression of p-STAT5 as compared with WT Tr1 cells. CONCLUSION DNAM-1 participate in the activation and proliferation of Tr1 cells and affect the biological functions of Tr1 cells through the IL-2/STAT5 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- 宁 王
- 西安医学院基础医学部基础医学研究所,陕西 西安 710021Institute of Basic Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - 一晗 王
- 西安医学院全科医学院临床全科医师班,陕西 西安 710021Department of General Practitioners, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - 朋涛 姜
- 西安医学院基础医学部基础医学研究所,陕西 西安 710021Institute of Basic Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - 明华 吕
- 西安医学院基础医学部基础医学研究所,陕西 西安 710021Institute of Basic Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - 志芳 胡
- 西安医学院基础医学部基础医学研究所,陕西 西安 710021Institute of Basic Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - 曦 徐
- 西安医学院基础医学部基础医学研究所,陕西 西安 710021Institute of Basic Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China
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10
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Zeng C, Cheng TT, Ma X, Liu Y, Hua J, Chen X, Wang SY, Xu YJ. The absence of AhR in CD4 + T cells in patients with acute graft-versus-host disease may be related to insufficient CTCF expression. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:109. [PMID: 36056390 PMCID: PMC9440523 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01330-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Accumulating evidence suggests that imbalanced Treg/Th17 ratio accelerates the progression of aGVHD. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor activated through cognate ligand binding. Current evidence supports that AhR plays a critical regulatory role in the differentiation of Treg and Th17 cells. However, the relationship between AhR and aGVHD remains unclear. RESULTS Our results showed that AhR expression was downregulated significantly in CD4+ T cells from patients with aGVHD compared with the non-aGVHD group. We also discovered that after activating AhR deficient CD4+ T cells, the expression levels of the activation markers-CD40L, CD134 and CD137 and cell proliferation activity were significantly higher than those of AhR-expressing CD4+ T cells. Restoring the expression of AhR in aGVHD CD4+ T cells resulted in significantly increased percentage of Tregs and associated gene transcripts, including Foxp3, IL-10 and CD39. In contrast, Th17 cell amounts and the transcription of related genes, including RORγt, IL-17A and IL-17F, were significantly reduced. We confirmed that CTCF recruited EP300 and TET2 to bind to the AhR promoter region and promoted AhR expression by mediating histone H3K9/K14 hyperacetylation and DNA demethylation in this region. The low expression of CTCF caused histone hypoacetylation and DNA hypermethylation of the AhR promoter, resulting in insufficient expression in aGVHD CD4+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS CTCF is an important inducer of AhR transcription. Insufficient expression of CTCF leads to excessive AhR downregulation, resulting in substantial CD4+ T cell activation and Th17/Treg ratio increase, thereby mediating the occurrence of aGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zeng
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Ting-Ting Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Xia Ma
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Hua
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Shi-Yu Wang
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Ya-Jing Xu
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China. .,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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11
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Phillips JL, Buermeyer AB, Nguyen BD, Loehr C, Kolluri SK. Loss of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor increases tumorigenesis in p53-deficient mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 454:116191. [PMID: 35926564 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116191] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates cell fate via activation of a diverse set of genes. There are conflicting reports describing the role of AhR in cancer. AhR-knockout mice do not develop tumors spontaneously, yet the AhR can act as a tumor suppressor in certain contexts. Loss of tumor suppression by p53 is common in human cancer. To investigate AhR function in the absence of p53, we generated mice lacking both AhR and p53. Mice deficient for AhR and p53 had shortened lifespan, increased tumorigenesis, and an altered tumor spectrum relative to control mice lacking only p53. In addition, knockout of both AhR and p53 resulted in reduced embryonic survival and neonatal fitness. We also examined the consequences of loss of AhR in p53-heterozygous mice and observed a significantly reduced lifespan and enhanced tumor burden. These findings reveal an important role for the AhR as a tumor suppressor in the absence of p53 signaling and support the development of anti-cancer therapeutics that would promote the tumor suppressive actions of the AhR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Phillips
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States of America
| | - Andrew B Buermeyer
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 897331, United States of America; The Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Bach D Nguyen
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States of America
| | - Christiane Loehr
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 897331, United States of America; The Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Siva K Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States of America; The Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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12
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Su X, Gao Y, Yang R. Gut Microbiota-Derived Tryptophan Metabolites Maintain Gut and Systemic Homeostasis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152296. [PMID: 35892593 PMCID: PMC9330295 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid from dietary proteins. It can be metabolized into different metabolites in both the gut microbiota and tissue cells. Tryptophan metabolites such as indole-3-lactate (ILA), indole-3-acrylate (IAC), indole-3-propionate (IPA), indole-3-aldehyde (IAID), indoleacetic acid (IAA), indole-3-acetaldehyde and Kyn can be produced by intestinal microorganisms through direct Trp transformation and also, partly, the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway. These metabolites play a critical role in maintaining the homeostasis of the gut and systematic immunity and also potentially affect the occurrence and development of diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases, tumors, obesity and metabolic syndrome, diseases in the nervous system, infectious diseases, vascular inflammation and cardiovascular diseases and hepatic fibrosis. They can not only promote the differentiation and function of anti-inflammatory macrophages, Treg cells, CD4+CD8αα+ regulatory cells, IL-10+ and/or IL-35+B regulatory cells but also IL-22-producing innate lymphoid cells 3 (ILC3), which are involved in maintaining the gut mucosal homeostasis. These findings have important consequences in the immunotherapy against tumor and other immune-associated diseases. We will summarize here the recent advances in understanding the generation and regulation of tryptophan metabolites in the gut microbiota, the role of gut microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites in different immune cells, the occurrence and development of diseases and immunotherapy against immune-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Su
- Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (X.S.); (Y.G.)
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yunhuan Gao
- Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (X.S.); (Y.G.)
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Rongcun Yang
- Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (X.S.); (Y.G.)
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Correspondence:
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13
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Houser CL, Lawrence BP. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Modulates T Follicular Helper Cell Responses to Influenza Virus Infection in Mice. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:2319-2330. [PMID: 35444027 PMCID: PMC9117429 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells support Ab responses and are a critical component of adaptive immune responses to respiratory viral infections. Tfh cells are regulated by a network of signaling pathways that are controlled, in part, by transcription factors. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is an environment-sensing transcription factor that modulates many aspects of adaptive immunity by binding a range of small molecules. However, the contribution of AHR signaling to Tfh cell differentiation and function is not known. In this article, we report that AHR activation by three different agonists reduced the frequency of Tfh cells during primary infection of C57BL/6 mice with influenza A virus (IAV). Further, using the high-affinity and AHR-specific agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, we show that AHR activation reduced Tfh cell differentiation and T cell-dependent B cell responses. Using conditional AHR knockout mice, we demonstrated that alterations of Tfh cells and T cell-dependent B cell responses after AHR activation required the AHR in T cells. AHR activation reduced the number of T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells; however, the ratio of Tfr to Tfh cells was amplified. These alterations to Tfh and Tfr cells during IAV infection corresponded with differences in expression of BCL6 and FOXP3 in CD4+ T cells and required the AHR to have a functional DNA-binding domain. Overall, these findings support that the AHR modulates Tfh cells during viral infection, which has broad-reaching consequences for understanding how environmental factors contribute to variation in immune defenses against infectious pathogens, such as influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Houser
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY; and
| | - B Paige Lawrence
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY; and
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY
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14
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Trujillo-Vargas CM, Mauk KE, Hernandez H, de Souza RG, Yu Z, Galletti JG, Dietrich J, Paulsen F, de Paiva CS. Immune phenotype of the CD4 + T cells in the aged lymphoid organs and lacrimal glands. GeroScience 2022; 44:2105-2128. [PMID: 35279788 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00529-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with a massive infiltration of T lymphocytes in the lacrimal gland. Here, we aimed to characterize the immune phenotype of aged CD4+ T cells in this tissue as compared with lymphoid organs. To perform this, we sorted regulatory T cells (Tregs, CD4+CD25+GITR+) and non-Tregs (CD4+CD25negGITRneg) in lymphoid organs from female C57BL/6J mice and subjected these cells to an immunology NanoString® panel. These results were confirmed by flow cytometry, live imaging, and tissue immunostaining in the lacrimal gland. Importantly, effector T helper 1 (Th1) genes were highly upregulated on aged Tregs, including the master regulator Tbx21. Among the non-Tregs, we also found a significant increase in the levels of EOMESmed/high, TbetnegIFN-γ+, and CD62L+CD44negCD4+ T cells with aging, which are associated with cell exhaustion, immunopathology, and the generation of tertiary lymphoid tissue. At the functional level, aged Tregs from lymphoid organs are less able to decrease proliferation and IFN-γ production of T responders at any age. More importantly, human lacrimal glands (age range 55-81 years) also showed the presence of CD4+Foxp3+ cells. Further studies are needed to propose potential molecular targets to avoid immune-mediated lacrimal gland dysfunction with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Trujillo-Vargas
- Grupo de Inmunodeficiencias Primarias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, UdeA, Medellín, Colombia.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, NC 505G, USA
| | - Kelsey E Mauk
- Graduate Program in Immunology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Humberto Hernandez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, NC 505G, USA
| | - Rodrigo G de Souza
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, NC 505G, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, NC 505G, USA
| | - Jeremias G Galletti
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, CONICET-National Academy of Medicine of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jana Dietrich
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Paulsen
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Cintia S de Paiva
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, NC 505G, USA.
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15
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Wang J, Mijiti Y, Chen Y, Liu Z. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor is a prognostic biomarker and is correlated with immune responses in cervical cancer. Bioengineered 2021; 12:11922-11935. [PMID: 34784845 PMCID: PMC8810191 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2006953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) plays an important role in tumor development. However, its function in cervical cancer has not been fully elucidated. We evaluated the ten genes that are predicted to associate with AHR protein interaction. The comprehensive scores were: CYP1A1, ARNT2, HSP90AA1, ARNT, AIP, PTGES3, HSP90AB1, CYP1B1, ESR1, MAF, respectively. In addition, we showed that levels of AHR and its related genes were correlated with the immune infiltration and expression of immuno-regulators (immunoinhibitors, immunostimulators, MHC molecules) levels in cervical cancer. High expression of AHR, CYP1A1, HSP90AA1, and HSP90AB1 and low expression of ESR1 were negatively correlated with the prognoses of cervical cancer patients. The Cox multivariate regression showed that high expression of AHR (HR = 1.874, 95% CI = 1.069–3.285, P= 0.028) and CYP1A1 (HR = 1.822, 95%CI = 1.077–3.080, P= 0.025) were risk factors for prognosis in patients with cervical cancer. IHC results indicated that AHR and CYP1A1 were widely expressed in cervical cancer. These findings suggest that AHR and CYP1A1 may serve as prognostic biomarkers for determining prognosis and immune infiltration in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasui Wang
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yilidana Mijiti
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yalin Chen
- The Sixth Division Hospital of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, China
| | - Zaoling Liu
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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16
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El-Ashmawy NE, Salem ML, Abd El-Fattah EE, Khedr EG. Targeting CD166 + lung cancer stem cells: Molecular study using murine dendritic cell vaccine. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 429:115699. [PMID: 34437932 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer stem cells (CSC) are the most common causes of lung cancer relapse and mouse resistance to chemotherapy. CD166 was identified as CSC marker for lung cancer. Our study aimed to detect the effect of dendritic cell vaccine loaded with tumor cell lysate (TCL-DCV) on percentage of CD166+ CSC in lung of mice exposed to Benzo(a)Pyrene (BP). METHODS Female albino mice were divided into 5 groups (22 mice per group): normal control (NC), lung cancer control (LCC) (50 mg/kg BP orally, twice weekly for four weeks), dendritic cell (DC), TCL-DCV and cisplatin. Cisplatin (6 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) was given in two doses (18th and 20th week). 1 × 106 cells of each of DC and TCL-DCV was given subcutaneously as cisplatin. At the end of experiment (22 weeks), lung tissue was used for evaluation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (Ctla-4), transforming growth factor-β (Tgf-β), forkhead box protein P3 (Foxp3), programmed death ligand 1 (Pd-l1) and interleukin 12 (Il-12) gene expression using quantitative RT-PCR. The percentage of CD83+, CD8+ and CD166+ cells in lung tissue were measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS The results revealed that TCL-DCV reversed the tumorigenic effect of BP in the lung as evidenced by histopathological examination. Compared to cisplatin, dendritic cell vaccination (TCL-DCV) significantly decreased percentage of CD166+ CSC. This anticancer stemness effect was attributed to the immune-stimulatory effect as indicated by increased percentage of CD83+ and CD8+ cells, upregulation of Il-12, and downregulation of Tgf-β, Ctla-4, Pd-l1 and Foxp3 gene expression compared to LCC group. CONCLUSIONS TCL-DCV ameliorated cancer stemness through modulating tumor immune archetypes which make it a potent therapeutic alternative to chemotherapy resistant cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- N E El-Ashmawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - M L Salem
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt; Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - E E Abd El-Fattah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Egypt..
| | - E G Khedr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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17
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El-Ashmawy N, Salem M, Abd El-Fattah E, Khedr E. Targeting CD166+ lung cancer stem cells: Molecular study using murine dendritic cell vaccine. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2021.115699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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18
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IL-2 regulates tumor-reactive CD8 + T cell exhaustion by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Nat Immunol 2021; 22:358-369. [PMID: 33432230 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-020-00850-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
CD8+ T cell exhaustion dampens antitumor immunity. Although several transcription factors have been identified that regulate T cell exhaustion, the molecular mechanisms by which CD8+ T cells are triggered to enter an exhausted state remain unclear. Here, we show that interleukin-2 (IL-2) acts as an environmental cue to induce CD8+ T cell exhaustion within tumor microenvironments. We find that a continuously high level of IL-2 leads to the persistent activation of STAT5 in CD8+ T cells, which in turn induces strong expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 1, thus catalyzing the conversion to tryptophan to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). 5-HTP subsequently activates AhR nuclear translocation, causing a coordinated upregulation of inhibitory receptors and downregulation of cytokine and effector-molecule production, thereby rendering T cells dysfunctional in the tumor microenvironment. This molecular pathway is not only present in mouse tumor models but is also observed in people with cancer, identifying IL-2 as a novel inducer of T cell exhaustion.
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Li X, Zhang ZH, Zabed HM, Yun J, Zhang G, Qi X. An Insight into the Roles of Dietary Tryptophan and Its Metabolites in Intestinal Inflammation and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Mol Nutr Food Res 2021; 65:e2000461. [PMID: 33216452 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202000461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex, chronic, and relapsing gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders, which includes mainly two conditions, namely ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Development of IBD in any individual is closely related to his/her autoimmune regulation, gene-microbiota interactions, and dietary factors. Dietary tryptophan (Trp) is an essential amino acid for intestinal mucosal cells, and it is associated with the intestinal inflammation, epithelial barrier, and energy homeostasis of the host. According to recent studies, Trp and its three major metabolic pathways, namely kynurenine (KYN) pathway, indole pathway, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) pathway, have vital roles in the regulation of intestinal inflammation by acting directly or indirectly on the pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines, functions of various immune cells, as well as the intestinal microbial composition and homeostasis. In this review, recent advances in Trp- and its metabolites-associated intestinal inflammation are summarized. It further discusses the complex mechanisms and interrelationships of the three major metabolic pathways of Trp in regulating inflammation, which could elucidate the value of dietary Trp to be used as a nutrient for IBD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Hossain M Zabed
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Junhua Yun
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Guoyan Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
| | - Xianghui Qi
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China
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IL4I1 Is a Metabolic Immune Checkpoint that Activates the AHR and Promotes Tumor Progression. Cell 2020; 182:1252-1270.e34. [PMID: 32818467 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activation by tryptophan (Trp) catabolites enhances tumor malignancy and suppresses anti-tumor immunity. The context specificity of AHR target genes has so far impeded systematic investigation of AHR activity and its upstream enzymes across human cancers. A pan-tissue AHR signature, derived by natural language processing, revealed that across 32 tumor entities, interleukin-4-induced-1 (IL4I1) associates more frequently with AHR activity than IDO1 or TDO2, hitherto recognized as the main Trp-catabolic enzymes. IL4I1 activates the AHR through the generation of indole metabolites and kynurenic acid. It associates with reduced survival in glioma patients, promotes cancer cell motility, and suppresses adaptive immunity, thereby enhancing the progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in mice. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) induces IDO1 and IL4I1. As IDO1 inhibitors do not block IL4I1, IL4I1 may explain the failure of clinical studies combining ICB with IDO1 inhibition. Taken together, IL4I1 blockade opens new avenues for cancer therapy.
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21
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Li AP. In Vitro Human Cell–Based Experimental Models for the Evaluation of Enteric Metabolism and Drug Interaction Potential of Drugs and Natural Products. Drug Metab Dispos 2020; 48:980-992. [DOI: 10.1124/dmd.120.000053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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22
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Selective AhR knockout in langerin-expressing cells abates Langerhans cells and polarizes Th2/Tr1 in epicutaneous protein sensitization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:12980-12990. [PMID: 32461368 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1917479117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) represents an environmental sensor regulating immune responses. In the skin, AhR is expressed in several cell types, including keratinocytes, epidermal Langerhans cells (LC), and dermal dendritic cells (DC). The mechanisms how AhR activates or inhibits cutaneous immune responses remain controversial, owing to differences in the cell-specific functions of AhR and the different activating ligands. Therefore, we sought to investigate the role of AhR in LC and langerin+ and negative DC in the skin. To this aim, we generated Langerin-specific and CD11c-specific knockout (-/-) mice lacking AhR, respectively, in LC and Langerin+ dermal DC and in all CD11c+ cells. These were then tested in an epicutaneous protein (ovalbumin, Ova) sensitization model. Immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry revealed that Langerin-AhR-/- but not CD11c-AhR-/- mice harbored a decreased number of LC with fewer and stunted dendrites in the epidermis as well as a decreased number of LC in skin-draining lymph nodes (LN). Moreover, in the absence of AhR, we detected an enhanced T helper type-2 (Th2) [increased interleukin 5 (IL-5) and interleukin 13 (IL-13)] and T regulatory type-1 (Tr1) (IL-10) response when LN cells were challenged with Ova in vitro, though the number of regulatory T cells (Treg) in the LN remained comparable. Langerin-AhR-/- mice also exhibited increased blood levels of Ova-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). In conclusion, deletion of AhR in langerin-expressing cells diminishes the number and activation of LC, while enhancing Th2 and Tr1 responses upon epicutaneous protein sensitization.
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Levin MJ, Kroehl ME, Johnson MJ, Hammes A, Reinhold D, Lang N, Weinberg A. Th1 memory differentiates recombinant from live herpes zoster vaccines. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:4429-4440. [PMID: 30024861 DOI: 10.1172/jci121484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The adjuvanted varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoprotein E (gE) subunit herpes zoster vaccine (HZ/su) confers higher protection against HZ than the live attenuated zoster vaccine (ZV). To understand the immunologic basis for the different efficacies of the vaccines, we compared immune responses to the vaccines in adults 50 to 85 years old. gE-specific T cells were very low/undetectable before vaccination when analyzed by FluoroSpot and flow cytometry. Both ZV and HZ/su increased gE-specific responses, but at peak memory response (PMR) after vaccination (30 days after ZV or after the second dose of HZ/su), gE-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses were 10-fold or more higher in HZ/su compared with ZV recipients. Comparing the vaccines, T cell memory responses, including gE-IL-2+ and VZV-IL-2+ spot-forming cells (SFCs), were higher in HZ/su recipients and cytotoxic and effector responses were lower. At 1 year after vaccination, all gE-Th1 and VZV-IL-2+ SFCs remained higher in HZ/su compared with ZV recipients. Mediation analyses showed that IL-2+ PMR were necessary for the persistence of Th1 responses to either vaccine and VZV-IL-2+ PMR explained 73% of the total effect of HZ/su on persistence. This emphasizes the biological importance of the memory responses, which were clearly superior in HZ/su compared with ZV participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myron J Levin
- Department of Pediatrics, and.,Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine
| | - Miranda E Kroehl
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Public Health, and
| | | | - Andrew Hammes
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Public Health, and
| | - Dominik Reinhold
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Public Health, and
| | | | - Adriana Weinberg
- Department of Pediatrics, and.,Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine.,Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, Colorado USA
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Cervantes-Barragan L, Colonna M. AHR signaling in the development and function of intestinal immune cells and beyond. Semin Immunopathol 2018; 40:371-377. [PMID: 29951906 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-018-0694-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal immune system is challenged daily with the task of recognizing and eliminating pathogens while simultaneously tolerating dietary and commensal antigens. All components must effectively coordinate to differentiate a continual barrage of environmental cues and mount appropriate responses dependent on the nature of the stimuli encountered. Playing a pivotal role, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a chemical sensor that detects both dietary and microbial cues and is important for development, maintenance, and function of several types of intestinal immune cells, particularly innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and T cells. In this review, we will highlight recent advances in our knowledge of the role of AHR signaling in ILCs, T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Cervantes-Barragan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Chemical sensing in development and function of intestinal lymphocytes. Curr Opin Immunol 2018; 50:112-116. [PMID: 29452963 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The immune system of the intestinal tract has the challenging task of recognizing and eliminating intestinal pathogens while maintaining tolerance to dietary and commensal antigens; therefore, it must be able to sense environmental cues within the intestine and mount suitable responses dictated by their pathogenic or nonpathogenic nature. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) was originally characterized as a chemical sensor of the environmental pollutant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) [12]. More recently, AHR has emerged as a major chemical sensor expressed in many intestinal immune cells that enables them to distinguish nutritional and microbial cues and is, therefore, important for development, maintenance and function of the intestinal immune system. In this review, we will highlight recent advances in our knowledge of the role of AHR signaling in intestinal innate lymphoid cells (ILC), T cells and B cells.
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Ehrlich AK, Pennington JM, Bisson WH, Kolluri SK, Kerkvliet NI. TCDD, FICZ, and Other High Affinity AhR Ligands Dose-Dependently Determine the Fate of CD4+ T Cell Differentiation. Toxicol Sci 2018; 161:310-320. [PMID: 29040756 PMCID: PMC5837604 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
FICZ and TCDD, two high-affinity AhR ligands, are reported to have opposite effects on T cell differentiation with TCDD inducing regulatory T cells and FICZ inducing Th17 cells. This dichotomy has been attributed to ligand-intrinsic differences in AhR activation, although differences in sensitivity to metabolism complicate the issue. TCDD is resistant to AhR-induced metabolism and produces sustained AhR activation following a single dose in the μg/kg range, whereas FICZ is rapidly metabolized and AhR activation is transient. Nonetheless, prior studies comparing FICZ with TCDD have generally used the same 10-50 μg/kg dose range, and thus the two ligands would not equivalently activate AhR. We hypothesized that high-affinity AhR ligands can promote CD4+ T cell differentiation into both Th17 cells and Tregs, with fate depending on the extent and duration of AhR activation. We compared the immunosuppressive effects of TCDD and FICZ, along with two other rapidly metabolized ligands (ITE and 11-Cl-BBQ) in an acute alloresponse mouse model. The dose and timing of administration of each ligand was optimized for TCDD-equivalent Cyp1a1 induction. When optimized, all of the ligands suppressed the alloresponse in conjunction with the induction of Foxp3- Tr1 cells on day 2 and the expansion of natural Foxp3+ Tregs on day 10. In contrast, a low dose of FICZ induced transient expression of Cyp1a1 and did not induce Tregs or suppress the alloresponse but enhanced IL-17 production. Interestingly, low doses of the other ligands, including TCDD, also increased IL-17 production on day 10. These findings support the conclusion that the dose and the duration of AhR activation by high-affinity AhR ligands are the primary factors driving the fate of T cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison K Ehrlich
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
| | - Jamie M Pennington
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
| | - William H Bisson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
| | - Siva K Kolluri
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
| | - Nancy I Kerkvliet
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
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