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Fan Z, Pan H, Qu N, Wang X, Cao L, Chen L, Liu M. LncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 in liver disease. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 560:119752. [PMID: 38821337 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA sequences exceeding 200 nucleotides in length that lack protein-coding capacity and participate in diverse biological processes in the human body, particularly exerting a pivotal role in disease surveillance, diagnosis, and progression. Taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) is a versatile lncRNA, and recent studies have revealed that the aberrant expression or function of TUG1 is intricately linked to the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Consequently, we have summarized the current understanding of the mechanism of TUG1 in liver diseases such as liver fibrosis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, liver injury, hepatitis, and liver cancer. Moreover, mounting evidence suggests that interventions targeting TUG1 or its downstream pathways may hold therapeutic promise for liver diseases. This review elucidates the characteristics, mechanisms, and targets of TUG1 in liver diseases, offering a theoretical basis for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic biomarkers of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Fan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaoning University, No. 66, Chongshan Mid Road, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Hao Pan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaoning University, No. 66, Chongshan Mid Road, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Na Qu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaoning University, No. 66, Chongshan Mid Road, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaoning University, No. 66, Chongshan Mid Road, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Lianrui Cao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaoning University, No. 66, Chongshan Mid Road, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Lijiang Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaoning University, No. 66, Chongshan Mid Road, Shenyang 110036, China.
| | - Mingxia Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaoning University, No. 66, Chongshan Mid Road, Shenyang 110036, China.
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2
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Xiao Z, Wang S, Luo L, Lv W, Feng P, Sun Y, Yang Q, He J, Cao G, Yin Z, Yang M. Lkb1 orchestrates γδ T-cell metabolic and functional fitness to control IL-17-mediated autoimmune hepatitis. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:546-560. [PMID: 38641698 PMCID: PMC11143210 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells play a crucial role in immune surveillance and serve as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. However, the metabolic requirements and regulation of γδ T-cell development and function remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of liver kinase B1 (Lkb1), a serine/threonine kinase that links cellular metabolism with cell growth and proliferation, in γδ T-cell biology. Our findings demonstrate that Lkb1 is not only involved in regulating γδ T lineage commitment but also plays a critical role in γδ T-cell effector function. Specifically, T-cell-specific deletion of Lkb1 resulted in impaired thymocyte development and distinct alterations in γδ T-cell subsets in both the thymus and peripheral lymphoid tissues. Notably, loss of Lkb1 inhibited the commitment of Vγ1 and Vγ4 γδ T cells, promoted the maturation of IL-17-producing Vγ6 γδ T cells, and led to the occurrence of fatal autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Notably, clearance of γδ T cells or blockade of IL-17 significantly attenuated AIH. Mechanistically, Lkb1 deficiency disrupted metabolic homeostasis and AMPK activity, accompanied by increased mTORC1 activation, thereby causing overactivation of γδ T cells and enhanced apoptosis. Interestingly, activation of AMPK or suppression of mTORC1 signaling effectively inhibited IL-17 levels and attenuated AIH in Lkb1-deficient mice. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of Lkb1 in maintaining the homeostasis of γδ T cells and preventing IL-17-mediated autoimmune diseases, providing new insights into the metabolic programs governing the subset determination and functional differentiation of thymic γδ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Liang Luo
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Wenkai Lv
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Peiran Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Reconstruction, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital (Heyuan Shenhe People's Hospital), Jinan University, Heyuan, 517000, China
| | - Yadong Sun
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Quanli Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Jun He
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University). Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Germ-Free Animals and Microbiota Application. Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Guangchao Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhinan Yin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China.
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Meixiang Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China.
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Reconstruction, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital (Heyuan Shenhe People's Hospital), Jinan University, Heyuan, 517000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University). Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Germ-Free Animals and Microbiota Application. Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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3
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Zhang X, Zhou C, Hu J, Hu J, Ding Y, Chen S, Wang X, Xu L, Gou Z, Zhang S, Shi W. Six-gene prognostic signature for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease susceptibility using machine learning. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38076. [PMID: 38728481 PMCID: PMC11081587 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease affecting the global population and its impact on human health will continue to increase. Genetic susceptibility is an important factor influencing its onset and progression, and there is a lack of reliable methods to predict the susceptibility of normal populations to NAFLD using appropriate genes. METHODS RNA sequencing data relating to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was analyzed using the "limma" package within the R software. Differentially expressed genes were obtained through preliminary intersection screening. Core genes were analyzed and obtained by establishing and comparing 4 machine learning models, then a prediction model for NAFLD was constructed. The effectiveness of the model was then evaluated, and its applicability and reliability verified. Finally, we conducted further gene correlation analysis, analysis of biological function and analysis of immune infiltration. RESULTS By comparing 4 machine learning algorithms, we identified SVM as the optimal model, with the first 6 genes (CD247, S100A9, CSF3R, DIP2C, OXCT 2 and PRAMEF16) as predictive genes. The nomogram was found to have good reliability and effectiveness. Six genes' receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) suggest an essential role in NAFLD pathogenesis, and they exhibit a high predictive value. Further analysis of immunology demonstrated that these 6 genes were closely connected to various immune cells and pathways. CONCLUSION This study has successfully constructed an advanced and reliable prediction model based on 6 diagnostic gene markers to predict the susceptibility of normal populations to NAFLD, while also providing insights for potential targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunzi Zhou
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Hu
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Hu
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yueping Ding
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shiqi Chen
- Lishui Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lishui, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Shanghai Jinshan TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhijun Gou
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuqiao Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiqun Shi
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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Isola JVV, Ocañas SR, Hubbart CR, Ko S, Mondal SA, Hense JD, Carter HNC, Schneider A, Kovats S, Alberola-Ila J, Freeman WM, Stout MB. A single-cell atlas of the aging mouse ovary. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:145-162. [PMID: 38200272 PMCID: PMC10798902 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00552-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian aging leads to diminished fertility, dysregulated endocrine signaling and increased chronic disease burden. These effects begin to emerge long before follicular exhaustion. Female humans experience a sharp decline in fertility around 35 years of age, which corresponds to declines in oocyte quality. Despite a growing body of work, the field lacks a comprehensive cellular map of the transcriptomic changes in the aging mouse ovary to identify early drivers of ovarian decline. To fill this gap we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on ovarian tissue from young (3-month-old) and reproductively aged (9-month-old) mice. Our analysis revealed a doubling of immune cells in the aged ovary, with lymphocyte proportions increasing the most, which was confirmed by flow cytometry. We also found an age-related downregulation of collagenase pathways in stromal fibroblasts, which corresponds to rises in ovarian fibrosis. Follicular cells displayed stress-response, immunogenic and fibrotic signaling pathway inductions with aging. This report provides critical insights into mechanisms responsible for ovarian aging phenotypes. The data can be explored interactively via a Shiny-based web application.
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Affiliation(s)
- José V V Isola
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sarah R Ocañas
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Neuroscience Department, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Physiology Department, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Chase R Hubbart
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sunghwan Ko
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Neuroscience Department, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Samim Ali Mondal
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jessica D Hense
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Nutrition College, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Hannah N C Carter
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Susan Kovats
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - José Alberola-Ila
- Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Willard M Freeman
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Michael B Stout
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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Ju T, Jiang D, Zhong C, Zhang H, Huang Y, Zhu C, Yang S, Yan D. Characteristics of circulating immune cells in HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure following artificial liver treatment. BMC Immunol 2023; 24:47. [PMID: 38007423 PMCID: PMC10676598 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-023-00579-8] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Liver failure, which is predominantly caused by hepatitis B (HBV) can be improved by an artificial liver support system (ALSS). This study investigated the phenotypic heterogeneity of immunocytes in patients with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) before and after ALSS therapy. METHODS A total of 22 patients with HBV-ACLF who received ALSS therapy were included in the study. Patients with Grade I according to the ACLF Research Consortium score were considered to have improved. Demographic and laboratory data were collected and analyzed during hospitalization. Immunological features of peripheral blood in the patients before and after ALSS were detected by mass cytometry analyses. RESULTS In total, 12 patients improved and 10 patients did not. According to the immunological features data after ALSS, the proportion of circulating monocytes was significantly higher in non-improved patients, but there were fewer γδT cells compared with those in improved patients. Characterization of 37 cell clusters revealed that the frequency of effector CD8+ T (P = 0.003), CD4+ TCM (P = 0.033), CD4+ TEM (P = 0.039), and inhibitory natural killer (NK) cells (P = 0.029) decreased in HBV-ACLF patients after ALSS therapy. Sub group analyses after treatment showed that the improved patients had higher proportions of CD4+ TCM (P = 0.010), CD4+ TEM (P = 0.021), and γδT cells (P = 0.003) and a lower proportion of monocytes (P = 0.012) compared with the non-improved patients. CONCLUSIONS Changes in effector CD8+ T cells, effector and memory CD4+ T cells, and inhibitory NK cells are associated with ALSS treatment of HBV-ACLF. Moreover, monocytes and γδT cells exhibited the main differences when patients obtained different prognoses. The phenotypic heterogeneity of lymphocytes and monocytes may contribute to the prognosis of ALSS and future immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ju
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Daixi Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Chengli Zhong
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Huafen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yandi Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Chunxia Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Shigui Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Dong Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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6
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Amajala KC, Gudivada IP, Malla RR. Gamma Delta T Cells: Role in Immunotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Crit Rev Oncog 2023; 28:41-50. [PMID: 38050980 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2023049893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The most typical type of liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops from hepatocyte loss. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), viral hepatitis C and cirrhosis are the leading causes of HCC. With the Hepatitis B vaccine and medicines, there are several treatments for HCC, including liver resection, ablation, transplantation, immunotherapy, gene therapy, radiation embolization, and targeted therapy. Currently, a wide range of studies are carried out on gene therapy to identify biomarkers and pathways, which help us identify the exact stage of the disorder and reduce its effects. γδT cells have recently received much interest as a potential cancer treatment method in adaptive immunotherapy. γδT cells can quickly form connections between receptor and ligand activation. They can clonally expand and are a significant source of cytokines and chemokines. The present review provides a comprehensive understanding on the function of γδT cells in immunotherapies and how they are used to treat HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Chaitanya Amajala
- Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM Deemed to be University, Visakhapatnam 530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Indu Priya Gudivada
- Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM Deemed to be University, Visakhapatnam 530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Rama Rao Malla
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, School of Science, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India; Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
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7
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Zhang N, Yao H, Zhang Z, Li Z, Chen X, Zhao Y, Ju R, He J, Pan H, Liu X, Lv Y. Ongoing involvers and promising therapeutic targets of hepatic fibrosis: The hepatic immune microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1131588. [PMID: 36875101 PMCID: PMC9978172 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1131588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is often secondary to chronic inflammatory liver injury. During the development of hepatic fibrosis, the damaged hepatocytes and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) caused by the pathogenic injury could secrete a variety of cytokines and chemokines, which will chemotactic innate and adaptive immune cells of liver tissue and peripheral circulation infiltrating into the injury site, mediating the immune response against injury and promoting tissue reparation. However, the continuous release of persistent injurious stimulus-induced inflammatory cytokines will promote HSCs-mediated fibrous tissue hyperproliferation and excessive repair, which will cause hepatic fibrosis development and progression to cirrhosis even liver cancer. And the activated HSCs can secrete various cytokines and chemokines, which directly interact with immune cells and actively participate in liver disease progression. Therefore, analyzing the changes in local immune homeostasis caused by immune response under different pathological states will greatly enrich our understanding of liver diseases' reversal, chronicity, progression, and even deterioration of liver cancer. In this review, we summarized the critical components of the hepatic immune microenvironment (HIME), different sub-type immune cells, and their released cytokines, according to their effect on the development of progression of hepatic fibrosis. And we also reviewed and analyzed the specific changes and the related mechanisms of the immune microenvironment in different chronic liver diseases.Moreover, we retrospectively analyzed whether the progression of hepatic fibrosis could be alleviated by modulating the HIME.We aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis and provide the possibility for exploring the therapeutic targets for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Zhang
- Institute of Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Provincial Center for Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Engineering, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huimin Yao
- Institute of Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Provincial Center for Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Engineering, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhixuan Zhang
- Institute of Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Provincial Center for Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Engineering, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhuoqun Li
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Provincial Center for Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Engineering, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xue Chen
- National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Provincial Center for Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Engineering, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Institute of Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Provincial Center for Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Engineering, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ran Ju
- Institute of Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Provincial Center for Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Engineering, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiayi He
- Institute of Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Provincial Center for Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Engineering, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Heli Pan
- Institute of Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Provincial Center for Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Engineering, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Institute of Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Provincial Center for Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Engineering, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Lv
- Institute of Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine, Med-X Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,National Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Precision Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Provincial Center for Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Engineering, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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8
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Ryu T, Kim K, Choi SE, Chung KPS, Jeong WI. New insights in the pathogenesis of alcohol-related liver disease: The metabolic, immunologic, and neurologic pathways. LIVER RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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9
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He Q, Lu Y, Tian W, Jiang R, Yu W, Liu Y, Sun M, Wang F, Zhang H, Wu N, Dong Z, Sun B. TOX deficiency facilitates the differentiation of IL-17A-producing γδ T cells to drive autoimmune hepatitis. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:1102-1116. [PMID: 35986136 PMCID: PMC9508111 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-022-00912-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The specification of the αβ/γδ lineage and the maturation of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) coordinate central tolerance to self-antigens. However, the mechanisms underlying this biological process remain poorly clarified. Here, we report that dual-stage loss of TOX in thymocytes hierarchically impaired mTEC maturation, promoted thymic IL-17A-producing γδ T-cell (Tγδ17) lineage commitment, and led to the development of fatal autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) via different mechanisms. Transfer of γδ T cells from TOX-deficient mice reproduced AIH. TOX interacted with and stabilized the TCF1 protein to maintain the balance of γδ T-cell development in thymic progenitors, and overexpression of TCF1 normalized αβ/γδ lineage specification and activation. In addition, TOX expression was downregulated in γδ T cells from AIH patients and was inversely correlated with the AIH diagnostic score. Our findings suggest multifaceted roles of TOX in autoimmune control involving mTEC and Tγδ17 development and provide a potential diagnostic marker for AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qifeng He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yijun Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenfang Tian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Runqiu Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiwei Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meiling Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haitian Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ning Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhongjun Dong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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10
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Bhat J, Placek K, Faissner S. Contemplating Dichotomous Nature of Gamma Delta T Cells for Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:894580. [PMID: 35669772 PMCID: PMC9163397 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.894580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells are unconventional T cells, distinguished from αβ T cells in a number of functional properties. Being small in number compared to αβ T cells, γδ T cells have surprised us with their pleiotropic roles in various diseases. γδ T cells are ambiguous in nature as they can produce a number of cytokines depending on the (micro) environmental cues and engage different immune response mechanisms, mainly due to their epigenetic plasticity. Depending on the disease condition, γδ T cells contribute to beneficial or detrimental response. In this review, we thus discuss the dichotomous nature of γδ T cells in cancer, neuroimmunology and infectious diseases. We shed light on the importance of equal consideration for systems immunology and personalized approaches, as exemplified by changes in metabolic requirements. While providing the status of immunotherapy, we will assess the metabolic (and other) considerations for better outcome of γδ T cell-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaydeep Bhat
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jaydeep Bhat,
| | - Katarzyna Placek
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Faissner
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr-University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
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11
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Interleukin-17 Weakens the NAFLD/NASH Process by Facilitating Intestinal Barrier Restoration Depending on the Gut Microbiota. mBio 2022; 13:e0368821. [PMID: 35266816 PMCID: PMC9040850 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03688-21] [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] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and gut microbiota, and how IL-17 mediates the NAFLD/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) process depending on the gut microbiota is unclear. We found that T helper 17 (TH17) cells were decreased in the small intestine in a methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced NASH model. IL-17-deficient (Il17−/−) mice showed alterations in intestinal microbiota, including the inhibition of probiotic growth and the overgrowth of certain pathogenic bacteria, and were prone to higher endotoxemia levels and more severe gastrointestinal barrier defects than wild-type (WT) mice. Furthermore, TH17 cells were responsible for restoring the intestinal barrier after administration of recombinant IL-17 to Il17−/− mice or injection of CD4+ T cells into a Rag1−/− mouse model. Additionally, transplantation of the microbiota from WT mice to Il17−/− mice restored the intestinal barrier. Notably, microbiota-depleted Il17−/− mice were resistant to MCD diet-induced intestinal barrier impairment. Fecal microbiota transplantation from Il17−/− mice to microbiota-depleted mice aggravated intestinal barrier impairment and then promoted the development of NASH. Collectively, this study showed that host IL-17 could strengthen intestinal mucosal barrier integrity and reduce dysbiosis-induced intestinal injury and secondary extraintestinal organ injury induced by a special diet.
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12
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Dendritic Cells and T Cell Subsets in the Development of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. ACTA MEDICA BULGARICA 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/amb-2021-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are associated with steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Liver dendritic cells (DCs) are usually tolerogenic in the sinusoidal milleu composed of immunosuppressive cytokines. In NAFLD and NASH, DCs become pro-inflammatory and modulate hepatic immune response. Murine liver DCs are three major subtypes: classical (lymphoid) cDC1 or the crosspresenters (CD8α+CD103+), classical (myeloid) cDC2 (CD11b+) and plasmacytoid pDCs (PDCA-1+Siglec-H+) and two additional subtypes or lymphoid + myeloid DCs and NKDCs. Similarly, human liver DCs are three subtypes or CD141+CLEC9A+, CD1c+ (BDCA1+) and pDCs (CD303+BDCA2+). Compared to blood human hepatic DCs are less immature and predominantly induce regulatory T cells (Tregs) and IL-4 secreting T cells (Th2). DCs polarize T cells into different Th types that are in interrelations in NAFLD/NASH. T helper 1 (Th1) (T-bet) cells are associated with adipose tissue inflammation. The differentiation of Th2 (GATA3) cells is induced by IL-4 DCs, increased in NAFLD. Similarly, Th17 cells (RORγt/ RORc) are increased in NAFLD and NASH. Tregs (FoxP3) are increased in the liver in steatosis and Th22 cells (AHR) are elevated in diabetes mellitus 2 (DM2) and adiposity. CD8+ T cells γδT cells and MAIT cells also contribute to liver inflammation.
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13
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Kupke P, Werner JM. Hepatitis E Virus Infection-Immune Responses to an Underestimated Global Threat. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092281. [PMID: 34571931 PMCID: PMC8468229 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the main ubiquitous causes for developing an acute hepatitis. Moreover, chronification plays a predominant role in immunocompromised patients such as transplant recipients with more frequent severe courses. Unfortunately, besides reduction of immunosuppression and off-label use of ribavirin or pegylated interferon alfa, there is currently no specific anti-viral treatment to prevent disease progression. So far, research on involved immune mechanisms induced by HEV is limited. It is very difficult to collect clinical samples especially from the early phase of infection since this is often asymptomatic. Nevertheless, it is certain that the outcome of HEV-infected patients correlates with the strength of the proceeding immune response. Several lymphoid cells have been identified in contributing either to disease progression or achieving sustained virologic response. In particular, a sufficient immune control by both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is necessary to prevent chronic viral replication. Especially the mechanisms underlying fulminant courses are poorly understood. However, liver biopsies indicate the involvement of cytotoxic T cells in liver damage. In this review, we aimed to highlight different parts of the lymphoid immune response against HEV and point out questions that remain unanswered regarding this underestimated global threat.
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14
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Carranza-Trejo AM, Vetvicka V, Vistejnova L, Kralickova M, Montufar EB. Hepatocyte and immune cell crosstalk in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 15:783-796. [PMID: 33557653 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2021.1887730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most widespread chronic liver disease in the world. It can evolve into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) where inflammation and hepatocyte ballooning are key participants in the determination of this steatotic state.Areas covered: To provide a systematic overview and current understanding of the role of inflammation in NAFLD and its progression to NASH, the function of the cells involved, and the activation pathways of the innate immunity and cell death; resulting in inflammation and chronic liver disease. A PubMed search was made with relevant articles together with relevant references were included for the writing of this review.Expert opinion: Innate and adaptive immunity are the key players in the NAFLD progression; some of the markers presented during NAFLD are also known to be immunity biomarkers. All cells involved in NAFLD and NASH are known to have immunoregulatory properties and their imbalance will completely change the cytokine profile and form a pro-inflammatory microenvironment. It is necessary to fully answer the question of what initiators and metabolic imbalances are particularly important, considering sterile inflammation as the architect of the disease. Due to the shortage of elucidation of NASH progression, we discuss in this review, how inflammation is a key part of this development and we presume the targets should lead to inflammation and oxidative stress treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vaclav Vetvicka
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Lucie Vistejnova
- Biomedical Centre, Medical Faculty in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Milena Kralickova
- Biomedical Centre, Medical Faculty in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Edgar B Montufar
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
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15
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Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Immunosuppressive Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115801. [PMID: 34071550 PMCID: PMC8198390 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer has the fourth highest mortality rate of all cancers worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most prevalent subtype. Despite great advances in systemic therapy, such as molecular-targeted agents, HCC has one of the worst prognoses due to drug resistance and frequent recurrence and metastasis. Recently, new therapeutic strategies such as cancer immunosuppressive therapy have prolonged patients' lives, and the combination of an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and VEGF inhibitor is now positioned as the first-line therapy for advanced HCC. Since the efficacy of ICIs depends on the tumor immune microenvironment, it is necessary to elucidate the immune environment of HCC to select appropriate ICIs. In this review, we summarize the findings on the immune microenvironment and immunosuppressive approaches focused on monoclonal antibodies against cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 and programmed cell death protein 1 for HCC. We also describe ongoing treatment modalities, including adoptive cell transfer-based therapies and future areas of exploration based on recent literature. The results of pre-clinical studies using immunological classification and animal models will contribute to the development of biomarkers that predict the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy and aid in the selection of appropriate strategies for HCC treatment.
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16
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Hou W, Wu X. Diverse Functions of γδ T Cells in the Progression of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 11:619872. [PMID: 33597951 PMCID: PMC7882476 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.619872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are primary risk factors for a wide spectrum of liver diseases that severely affect human health. The liver is an immunological organ that has an abundance of immune cells. Thus, various innate or adaptive immune cells are involved in the progression of HBV or HCV infection. Among those cells, a unique kind of immune cell, the γδ T cell, contributes to promoting or inhibiting the progression of liver diseases. To reveal the diverse roles of γδ T cells in HBV or HCV infection, the properties and functions of these cells in human and mouse models are analyzed. Here, we briefly describe the characteristics and functions of γδ T cells subsets in liver diseases. Then, we fully discuss the diverse roles of γδ T cells in the progression of HBV or HCV infection, including stages of acute infection, chronic infection, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Finally, the functions and existing problems of γδ T cells in HBV or HCV infection are summarized. A better understanding of the function of γδ T cells during the progression of HBV and HCV infection will be helpful for the treatment of virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Hou
- Key Laboratory for Critical Care Medicine of the Ministry of Health, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoli Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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17
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Ruf B, Heinrich B, Greten TF. Immunobiology and immunotherapy of HCC: spotlight on innate and innate-like immune cells. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:112-127. [PMID: 33235387 PMCID: PMC7852696 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-00572-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune-based therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the systemic treatment of various cancer types. The therapeutic application of monoclonal antibodies targeting inhibitory pathways such as programmed cell death-1(PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and CTLA-4 to cells of the adaptive immune system has recently been shown to generate meaningful improvement in the clinical outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, current immunotherapeutic approaches induce durable responses in only a subset of HCC patients. Since immunologic mechanisms such as chronic inflammation due to chronic viral hepatitis or alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease play a crucial role in the initiation, development, and progression of HCC, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms shaping the unique tumor microenvironment of liver cancer. The liver is an immunologic organ with large populations of innate and innate-like immune cells and is exposed to bacterial, viral, and fungal antigens through the gut-liver axis. Here, we summarize and highlight the role of these cells in liver cancer and propose strategies to therapeutically target them. We also discuss current immunotherapeutic strategies in HCC and outline recent advances in our understanding of how the therapeutic potential of these agents might be enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ruf
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Bernd Heinrich
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
- NCI CCR Liver Cancer Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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18
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Liang Q, Hu Y, Zhang M, Lin C, Zhang W, Li Y, Zhu P, Xue P, Chen Y, Li Q, Wang K. The T Cell Receptor Immune Repertoire Protects the Liver From Reconsitution. Front Immunol 2020; 11:584979. [PMID: 33391261 PMCID: PMC7775400 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.584979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant immune cell infiltrates and microcircumstances represent characteristic features of liver fibrosis. In this study, we profiled the transcriptomes of intrahepatic CD45+ immune cells, from mice, using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology to understand the landscape of intrahepatic immune cells during the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Analysis of approximately 10,000 single-cell transcriptomes revealed an increase in dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, and neutrophils and a decrease in T and natural killer T (NKT) cells. In addition, we report changes in the transcriptomes of diverse immune cell types, implying a deteriorating intrahepatic immune microcircumstance. Furthermore, we uncovered a novel fibrosis-associated CD8 T (Ccl5+, Ccl4+) and CD4 T (mt-Co1+) cell subpopulation, which infiltrates fibrotic liver and is characterized by abnormal activation or inactivation as well as a TCR decline. The results from scRNA-seq and bulk immune repertoire sequencing (IR-seq) revealed an obvious decline in T cell receptor (TCR) clonotypes combined with shrinking VJ and VDJ segment usage, as well as lower complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) amino acid (AA) diversity from fibrotic liver. Interestingly, a deficiency of TCR IR (TcrbKO mice) led to a deterioration of liver fibrosis, coupled with activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) induced by the upregulation of macrophage and γδ T cell distribution in fibrotic TcrbKO livers. Our findings reveal the landscape and dynamics of single immune cells in liver fibrosis, and clarify the protective role of TCR IR in response to chronic liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liang
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yudi Hu
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Meina Zhang
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chunjie Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The 971 Hospital of People's Liberation Army Navy, Qingdao, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Pathology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The 971 Hospital of People's Liberation Army Navy, Qingdao, China
| | - Pengxin Xue
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qiyuan Li
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Kejia Wang
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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19
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IL-17A-producing γδ T cells promote liver pathology in acute murine schistosomiasis. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:334. [PMID: 32611373 PMCID: PMC7329544 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04200-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The main symptoms of schistosomiasis are granuloma and fibrosis, caused by Schistosoma eggs. Numerous types of cells and cytokines are involved in the progression of Schistosoma infection. As a class of innate immune cells, γδ T cells play critical roles in the early immune response. However, their role in modulating granuloma and fibrosis remains to be clarified. Methods Liver fibrosis in wild-type (WT) mice and T cell receptor (TCR) δ knockout (KO) mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum was examined via Masson’s trichrome staining of collagen deposition and quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) of fibrosis-related genes. Granuloma was detected by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and quantified. Flow cytometry was used for immune cell profiling and for detecting cytokine secretion. The abundance of the related cytokines was measured using quantitative RT-PCR. Results The livers of S. japonicum-infected mice had significantly increased proportions of interleukin (IL)-17A producing γδ T cells and secreted IL-17A. Compared with the WT mice, TCR δ deficiency resulted in reduced pathological impairment and fibrosis in the liver and increased survival in infected mice. In addition, the profibrogenic effects of γδ T cells in infected mice were associated with enhanced CD11b+Gr-1+ cells, concurrent with increased expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in the liver. Conclusions In this mouse model of Schistosoma infection, γδ T cells may promote liver fibrosis by recruiting CD11b+Gr-1+ cells. These findings shed new light on the pathogenesis of liver pathology in murine schistosomiasis.![]()
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20
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Zhang M, Zhang S. T Cells in Fibrosis and Fibrotic Diseases. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1142. [PMID: 32676074 PMCID: PMC7333347 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the extensive deposition of fibrous connective tissue, and it is characterized by the accumulation of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Fibrosis is essential for wound healing and tissue repair in response to a variety of triggers, which include infection, inflammation, autoimmune disorder, degenerative disease, tumor, and injury. Fibrotic remodeling in various diseases, such as liver cirrhosis, pulmonary fibrosis, renal interstitial fibrosis, myocardial infarction, systemic sclerosis (SSc), and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), can impair organ function, causing high morbidity and mortality. Both innate and adaptive immunity are involved in fibrogenesis. Although the roles of macrophages in fibrogenesis have been studied for many years, the underlying mechanisms concerning the manner in which T cells regulate fibrosis are not completely understood. The T cell receptor (TCR) engages the antigen and shapes the repertoire of antigen-specific T cells. Based on the divergent expression of surface molecules and cell functions, T cells are subdivided into natural killer T (NKT) cells, γδ T cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), regulatory T (Treg) cells, T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells, and T helper cells, including Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22, and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. In this review, we summarize the pro-fibrotic or anti-fibrotic roles and distinct mechanisms of different T cell subsets. On reviewing the literature, we conclude that the T cell regulations are commonly disease-specific and tissue-specific. Finally, we provide perspectives on microbiota, viral infection, and metabolism, and discuss the current advancements of technologies for identifying novel targets and developing immunotherapies for intervention in fibrosis and fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjuan Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Song Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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21
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Abstract
In the past decade, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a leading cause of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, as well as an important risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD encompasses a spectrum of liver lesions, including simple steatosis, steatohepatitis and fibrosis. Although steatosis is often harmless, the lobular inflammation that characterizes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is considered a driving force in the progression of NAFLD. The current view is that innate immune mechanisms represent a key element in supporting hepatic inflammation in NASH. However, increasing evidence points to the role of adaptive immunity as an additional factor promoting liver inflammation. This Review discusses data regarding the role of B cells and T cells in sustaining the progression of NASH to fibrosis and HCC, along with the findings that antigens originating from oxidative stress act as a trigger for immune responses. We also highlight the mechanisms affecting liver immune tolerance in the setting of steatohepatitis that favour lymphocyte activation. Finally, we analyse emerging evidence concerning the possible application of immune modulating treatments in NASH therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Sutti
- Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Autoimmune Diseases, University of East Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Emanuele Albano
- Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Autoimmune Diseases, University of East Piedmont, Novara, Italy.
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22
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Wang X, Gao B. γδT Cells and CD1d, Novel Immune Players in Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis? Hepatology 2020; 71:408-410. [PMID: 31698503 PMCID: PMC11295947 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Wang
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Bin Gao
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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23
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Zhang Y, Kong D, Wang H. Mucosal-Associated Invariant T cell in liver diseases. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:460-470. [PMID: 32015682 PMCID: PMC6990906 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.39016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells) are a new population of innate immune cells, which are abundant in the liver and play complex roles in various liver diseases. In this review, we summarize MAIT cells in the liver diseases in recent studies, figure out the role of MAIT cells in various liver disease, including Alcoholic liver disease, Non-alcoholic liver disease, Autoimmune liver diseases, Viral hepatitis and Liver Cancer. Briefly, MAIT cells are involved in anti-bacteria responses in the alcoholic liver diseases. Besides, the activated MAIT cells promote the liver inflammation by secreting inflammatory cytokines and produce regulatory cytokines, which induces anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization. MAIT cells participate in the liver fibrosis via enhancing hepatic stellate cell activation. In viral hepatitis, MAIT cells exhibit a flawed and exhausted phenotype, which results in little effect on controlling the virus and bacteria. In liver cancer, MAIT cells indicate the disease progression and the outcome of therapy. In summary, MAIT cells are attractive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujue Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Derun Kong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, Anhui 236000, P.R. China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
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Di Blasi D, Boldanova T, Mori L, Terracciano L, Heim MH, De Libero G. Unique T-Cell Populations Define Immune-Inflamed Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 9:195-218. [PMID: 31445190 PMCID: PMC6957799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The characterization of T cells infiltrating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) provides information on cancer immunity and also on selection of patients with precise indication of immunotherapy. The aim of the study was to characterize T-cell populations within tumor tissue and compare them with non-neoplastic liver tissue as well as circulating cells of the same patients. METHODS The presence of unique cell populations was investigated in 36 HCC patients by multidimensional flow cytometry followed by t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding analysis. Functional activity of tumor-infiltrating T cells was determined after activation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin. RESULTS Within the tumor there were more cells expressing CD137 and ICOS than in non-neoplastic liver tissue, possibly after recent antigenic activation. These cells contained several populations, including the following: (1) functionally impaired, proliferating CD4+ cells co-expressing Inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS) and T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT); (2) functionally active CD8+ cells co-expressing CD38 and Programmed cell-death protein 1 (PD1); and (3) CD4-CD8 double-negative T-cell receptor αβ and γδ cells (both non-major histocompatibility complex-restricted T cells). When the identified clusters were compared with histologic classification performed on the same samples, an accumulation of activated T cells was observed in immune-inflamed HCC. The same analyses performed in 7 patients receiving nivolumab treatment showed a remarkable reduction in the functionally impaired CD4+ cells, which returned to almost normal activity over time. CONCLUSIONS Unique populations of activated T cells are present in HCC tissue, whose antigen specificity remains to be investigated. Some of these cell populations are functionally impaired and nivolumab treatment restores their responsiveness. The finding of ongoing immune response within the tumor shows which lymphocyte populations are impaired within the HCC and identifies the patients who might take benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Di Blasi
- Experimental Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Switzerland,Hepatology Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tujana Boldanova
- Hepatology Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Switzerland,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Mori
- Experimental Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Terracciano
- Institute of Pathology, Division of Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus H. Heim
- Hepatology Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Switzerland,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Gennaro De Libero, MD, or Markus H. Heim, MD, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland. fax: +41 61 265 23 50.
| | - Gennaro De Libero
- Experimental Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Switzerland,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Gennaro De Libero, MD, or Markus H. Heim, MD, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland. fax: +41 61 265 23 50.
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25
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Shan L, Liu Z, Ci L, Shuai C, Lv X, Li J. Research progress on the anti-hepatic fibrosis action and mechanism of natural products. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 75:105765. [PMID: 31336335 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the most common pathological feature of most chronic liver diseases, and its continuous deterioration gradually develops into liver cirrhosis and eventually leads to liver cancer. At present, there are many kinds of drugs used to treat liver fibrosis. However, Western drugs tend to only target single genes/proteins and induce many adverse reactions. Most of the mechanisms and active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are not clear, and there is a lack of unified diagnosis and treatment standards. Natural products, which are characterized by structural diversity, low toxicity, and origination from a wide range of sources, have unique advantages and great potential in anti-liver fibrosis. This article summarizes the work done over the previous decade, on the active ingredients in natural products that are reported to have anti-hepatic fibrosis effects. The effective anti-hepatic fibrosis ingredients identified can be generally divided into flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides and alkaloids. Mechanisms of anti-liver fibrosis include inhibition of liver inflammation, anti-lipid peroxidation injury, inhibition of the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), modulation of the synthesis and secretion of pro-fibrosis factors, and regulation of the synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This review provides suggestions for the development of anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Shan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhenni Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Leilei Ci
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chen Shuai
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; The Key laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune medicines, Ministry of Education Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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26
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Wang Y, Zhang C. The Roles of Liver-Resident Lymphocytes in Liver Diseases. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1582. [PMID: 31379818 PMCID: PMC6648801 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue-resident lymphocytes usually reside in barrier sites and are involved in innate and adaptive immunity. In recent years, many studies have shown that multiple types of lymphocytes are resident in the liver, including memory CD8+ T (TRM) cells; "unconventional" T cells, such as invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and γδT cells; innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) such as natural killer (NK) cells and other ILCs. Although diverse types of tissue-resident lymphocytes share similar phenotypes, functional properties, and transcriptional regulation, the unique microenvironment of the liver can reshape their phenotypic and functional characteristics. Liver-resident lymphocytes serve as sentinels and perform immunosurveillance in response to infection and non-infectious insults, and are involved in the maintenance of liver homeostasis. Under the pathological conditions, distinct liver-resident lymphocytes exert protective or pathological effects in the process of various liver diseases. In this review, we highlight the unique properties of liver-resident lymphocytes, and discuss their functional characteristics in different liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wang
- Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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27
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Jia ZH, Li YY, Wang JY, Zhang JY, Huang A, Guo XD, Zhu ZY, Wang FS, Wu XL. Activated γδ T cells exhibit cytotoxicity and the capacity for viral clearance in patients with acute hepatitis B. Clin Immunol 2019; 202:40-48. [PMID: 30914281 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
γδ T cells are a unique population of lymphocytes that have regulatory roles in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB); however, their role in acute hepatitis B (AHB) infection remains unclear. Phenotype and function of γδ T cells were analyzed in 29 AHB patients, 28 CHB patients, and 30 healthy controls (HCs) using immunofunctional assays. Compared with HCs and CHB patients, decreased peripheral and increased hepatic γδ T cells were found in AHB patients. Increased hepatic γδ T cells in AHB patients were attributed to elevated hepatic chemokine levels. Peripheral γδ T cells exhibited highly activated and terminally differentiated memory phenotype in AHB patients. Consistently, peripheral γδ T cells in AHB patients showed increased cytotoxic capacity and enhanced antiviral activity which was further proved in longitudinal study. Activated γδ T cells in AHB patients exhibited increased cytotoxicity and capacity for viral clearance associated with liver injury and the control of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Hu Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Jing-Ya Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Heping, Tianjin, China
| | - Ji-Yuan Zhang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Ang Huang
- The Center for Non-infectious Liver Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, 100039, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Guo
- Department of Pathology, Beijing 302 Hospital, 100039, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Zhu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Center, Beijing 302 Hospital, 100039, China
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing 100039, China.
| | - Xiao-Li Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro Nano Biomaterials and Detection Treatment Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China.
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28
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Liu M, Hu Y, Yuan Y, Tian Z, Zhang C. γδT Cells Suppress Liver Fibrosis via Strong Cytolysis and Enhanced NK Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity Against Hepatic Stellate Cells. Front Immunol 2019; 10:477. [PMID: 30930903 PMCID: PMC6428727 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, resulting from maladaptive wound healing responses to chronic liver injury. γδT cells are important in chronic liver injury pathogenesis and subsequent liver fibrosis; however, their role and underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study aims to assess whether γδT cells contribute to liver fibrosis regression. Using a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced murine model of liver fibrosis in wild-type (WT) and γδT cell deficient (TCRδ−/−) mice, we demonstrated that γδT cells protected against liver fibrosis and exhibited strong cytotoxicity against activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Further study show that chronic liver inflammation promoted hepatic γδT cells to express NKp46, which contribute to the direct killing of activated HSCs by γδT cells. Moreover, we identified that an IFNγ-producing γδT cell subset (γδT1) cells exhibited stronger cytotoxicity against activated HSCs than the IL-17-producing subset (γδT17) cells upon chronic liver injury. In addition, γδT cells promoted the anti-fibrotic ability of conventional natural killer (cNK) cells and liver-resident NK (lrNK) cells by enhancing their cytotoxicity against activated HSCs. The cell crosstalk between γδT and NK cells was shown to depend partly on co-stimulatory receptor 4-1BB (CD137) engagement. In conclusion, our data confirmed the protective effects of γδT cells, especially the γδT1 subset, by directly killing activated HSCs and increasing NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against activated HSCs in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, which suggest valuable therapeutic targets to treat liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meifang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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29
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Van Herck MA, Weyler J, Kwanten WJ, Dirinck EL, De Winter BY, Francque SM, Vonghia L. The Differential Roles of T Cells in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Obesity. Front Immunol 2019; 10:82. [PMID: 30787925 PMCID: PMC6372559 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) constitutes a spectrum of disease states characterized by hepatic steatosis and is closely associated to obesity and the metabolic syndrome. In non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), additionally, inflammatory changes and hepatocellular damage are present, representing a more severe condition, for which the treatment is an unmet medical need. Pathophysiologically, the immune system is one of the main drivers of NAFLD progression and other obesity-related comorbidities, and both the innate and adaptive immune system are involved. T cells form the cellular component of the adaptive immune system and consist of multiple differentially active subsets, i.e., T helper (Th) cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells, and cytotoxic T (Tc) cells, as well as several innate T-cell subsets. This review focuses on the role of these T-cell subsets in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, as well as the association with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, reviewing the available evidence from both animal and human studies. Briefly, Th1, Th2, Th17, and Th22 cells seem to have an attenuating effect on adiposity. Th2, Th22, and Treg cells seem to decrease insulin resistance, whereas Th1, Th17, and Tc cells have an aggravating effect. Concerning NAFLD, both Th22 and Treg cells appear to have an overall tempering effect, whereas Th17 and Tc cells seem to induce more liver damage and fibrosis progression. The evidence regarding the role of the innate T-cell subsets is more controversial and warrants further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhaïl A Van Herck
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jonas Weyler
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wilhelmus J Kwanten
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eveline L Dirinck
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Benedicte Y De Winter
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sven M Francque
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Luisa Vonghia
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
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