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Aravind A, Mathew RT, Kuruba L, Vijayakumar M, Prasad TSK. Proteomic analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from OSCC patients reveals potential immune checkpoints to enable personalized treatment. Mol Omics 2024. [PMID: 39177064 DOI: 10.1039/d4mo00112e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with high mortality and prevalence rates. OSCC is defined as an immunogenic tumor with the potential to be recognized and targeted by the immune system. It is characterized by the extensive infiltration of immune cells and plays a vital role in tumorigenesis. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are a functional subset of immune cells readily accessible through minimally invasive procedures. The molecular characterization of immune cells aids in understanding their functional roles in various pathophysiological conditions. Proteomic analysis of PBMCs from cancer patients provides insight into the mechanism of immunoregulation and the role of immune cells in impeding tumor development and progression. Therefore, the present study investigated the immune cell proteome of a cancer control cohort within OSCC, leveraging data-independent acquisition analysis by mass spectrometry (DIA-MS). Among the differentially abundant proteins in OSCC, we identified promising molecular targets, including LMNB1, CTSB, CD14, CD177, and SPI1. Further exploration of the signaling pathways related to the candidate molecules demonstrated their involvement in cancer immunomodulation. Therefore, this study can serve as a platform for identifying new candidate proteins to further investigate their potential as immunotherapeutic targets and prognostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Aravind
- Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka - 575018, India.
| | - Rohan Thomas Mathew
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka - 575018, India.
| | - Lepakshi Kuruba
- Department of Medical Oncology, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka - 575018, India
| | - Manavalan Vijayakumar
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka - 575018, India.
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2
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Mao Y, Ge H, Chen W, Wang Y, Liu H, Li Z, Bai Y, Wang D, Yu Y, Zhen Q, Li B, Sun L. RasGRP1 influences imiquimod-induced psoriatic inflammation via T-cell activation in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110590. [PMID: 37429143 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signal transduction pathway has been shown to be a potential target for the treatment of psoriasis. Ras guanyl-releasing protein 1 (RasGRP1), a downstream target gene of VEGF, regulates the development, homeostasis, and differentiation of T cells, but the contribution of RasGRP1 to psoriasis is limited. In this manuscript, we aimed to investigate the role of RasGRP1 in psoriasis. The RNA-Seq transcriptome sequencing data from the mouse model of psoriasis treated with IMQ (imiquimod) were analyzed. The effect of RasGRP1 was investigated through in vivo injection of activators or small molecular inhibitors, as well as adeno-associated virus injections. Gene knockout and NB-UVB (narrow-band ultraviolet B) treatments were utilized to interfere with the psoriatic mouse model. By transfection of lentivirus in vitro, the effect of RasGRP1 gene function on the secretion of psoriasis-related cytokines by T cells was confirmed. We showed that cutaneous VEGF and RasGRP1 were strongly activated in human psoriatic lesions and the skin of mice with IMQ-induced psoriasis. RasGRP1 deficiency and overexpression influence IMQ-induced psoriasis-like manifestations and skin inflammation in mice. VEGF, secreted mainly by epidermal cells, mediates psoriatic inflammation through the RasGRP1-AKT-NF-κB pathway. RasGRP1 is required for psoriasis development mediated by VEGF. These results confirmed the role of RasGRP1 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and provided potential targets for clinical psoriasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Mao
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Huiyao Ge
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - YiRui Wang
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanming Bai
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Daiyue Wang
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yafen Yu
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Qi Zhen
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Bao Li
- Integrated Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Liangdan Sun
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Health Science Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan 063000, China; Inflammation and Immune Diseases Laboratory of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China.
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3
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Rodrigo S, Senasinghe K, Quazi S. Molecular and therapeutic effect of CRISPR in treating cancer. Med Oncol 2023; 40:81. [PMID: 36650384 PMCID: PMC9845174 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01930-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer has become one of the common causes of mortality around the globe due to mutations in the genome which allows rapid growth of cells uncontrollably without repairing DNA errors. Cancers could arise due alterations in DNA repair mechanisms (errors in mismatch repair genes), activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Each cancer type is different and each individual has a unique genetic change which leads them to cancer. Studying genetic and epigenetic alterations in the genome leads to understanding the underlying features. CAR T therapy over other immunotherapies such as monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapies has been widely used to treat cancer in recent days and gene editing has now become one of the promising treatments for many genetic diseases. This tool allows scientists to change the genome by adding, removing or altering genetic material of an organism. Due to advance in genetics and novel molecular techniques such as CRISPR, TALEN these genes can be edited in such a way that their original function could be replaced which in turn improved the treatment possibilities and can be used against malignancies and even cure cancer in future along with CAR T cell therapy due to the specific recognition and attacking of tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawani Rodrigo
- Human Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Kaveesha Senasinghe
- Human Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Sameer Quazi
- GenLab Biosolutions Private Limited, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560043, India.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK.
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia.
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Yu D, Kim TU, Chang MC. Delayed diagnosis of myelitis in a patient with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease: a case report. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211001633. [PMID: 33788652 PMCID: PMC8020105 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211001633] [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: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A case of myelitis following Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is reported, in which
diagnosis and treatment were delayed. A 43-year-old male patient diagnosed with VKH
disease presented at the Spine Centre of Yeungnam University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of
Korea, with motor weakness, sensory deficit in both lower extremities, and dysuria for the
previous 3 months. VKH disease had been diagnosed 15 months previously, based on vision
loss in both eyes and the presence of bilateral nontraumatic granulomatous iridocyclitis,
exudates, and retinal oedema. The patient exhibited severe motor weakness (right lower
extremity, Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle scale, grade 2–0; left lower extremity,
MRC grade 0). On cervical magnetic resonance imaging, a high-intensity T2 signal was
observed in the spinal cord C4–C7 segments. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed slightly
elevated white blood cell counts. The patient was diagnosed with myelitis complicating VKH
disease. Intravenous and oral corticosteroid therapy was administered. After steroid
treatment, the patient’s motor function in the right lower extremity was significantly
improved (MRC grade 4–3). However, the left lower extremity did not show any improvement
(MRC grade 0). To achieve a good treatment outcome, the diagnosis and treatment of
myelitis in VKH disease should not be delayed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwoo Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine Centre, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Uk Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Cheol Chang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spine Centre, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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Zhang J, Schmidt CJ, Lamont SJ. Distinct genes and pathways associated with transcriptome differences in early cardiac development between fast- and slow-growing broilers. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207715. [PMID: 30517173 PMCID: PMC6281182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern fast-growing broilers are susceptible to cardiac dysfunctions because their relatively small hearts cannot adequately meet the increased need of pumping blood through a large body mass. To improve cardiac health in broilers through breeding, we need to identify the genes and pathways that contribute to imbalanced cardiac development and occurrence of heart dysfunction. Two broiler lines–Ross 708 and Illinois–were included in this study as models of modern fast-growing and heritage slow-growing broilers, respectively. The left ventricular transcriptome were compared between the two broiler lines at day 6 and 21 post hatch through RNA-seq analysis to identify genes and pathways regulating compromised cardiac development in modern broilers. Number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs, p<0.05) between the two broiler lines increased from 321 at day 6 to 819 at day 21. As the birds grew, Ross broilers showed more DEGs (n = 1879) than Illinois broilers (n = 1117). Both broilers showed significant change of muscle related genes and immune genes, but Ross broilers showed remarkable change of expression of several lipid transporter genes including APOA4, APOB, APOH, FABP4 and RBP7. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) suggested that increased cell apoptosis and inhibited cell cycle due to increased lipid accumulation, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress may be related to the increased cardiac dysfunctions in fast-growing broilers. Cell cycle regulatory pathways like “Mitotic Roles of Polo-like Kinases” are ranked as the top changed pathways related to the cell apoptosis. These findings provide further insight into the cardiac dysfunction in modern broilers and also potential targets for improvement of their cardiac health through breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jibin Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Carl J. Schmidt
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States of America
| | - Susan J. Lamont
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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7
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Dong X, Qin J, Ma J, Zeng Q, Zhang H, Zhang R, Liu C, Xu C, Zhang S, Huang S, Chen L. BAFF inhibits autophagy promoting cell proliferation and survival by activating Ca 2+-CaMKII-dependent Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in normal and neoplastic B-lymphoid cells. Cell Signal 2018; 53:68-79. [PMID: 30244168 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
B cell activating factor from the TNF family (BAFF) is implicated in not only the physiology of normal B cells, but also the pathophysiology of aggressive B cells related to malignant and autoimmune diseases. Autophagy plays a crucial role in balancing the beneficial and detrimental effects of immunity and inflammation. However, little is known about whether and how excessive BAFF mediates autophagy contributing to B-cell proliferation and survival. Here, we show that excessive human soluble BAFF (hsBAFF) inhibited autophagy with a concomitant reduction of LC3-II in normal and B-lymphoid (Raji) cells. Knockdown of LC3 not only potentiated hsBAFF inhibition of autophagy, but also attenuated hsBAFF activation of Akt/mTOR pathway, thereby diminishing hsBAFF-induced B-cell proliferation/viability. Further, we found that hsBAFF inhibition of autophagy was Akt/mTOR-dependent. This is supported by the findings that hsBAFF increased mTORC1-mediated phosphorylation of ULK1 (Ser757); Akt inhibitor X, mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin, mTORC1/2 inhibitor PP242, expression of dominant negative Akt, or knockdown of mTOR attenuated hsBAFF-induced phosphorylation of ULK1, decrease of LC3-II level, and increase of cell proliferation/viability. Chelating intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) with BAPTA/AM or preventing [Ca2+]i elevation using EGTA or 2-APB profoundly blocked hsBAFF-induced activation of Akt/mTOR, phosphorylation of ULK1 and decrease of LC3-II, as well as increase of cell proliferation/viability. Similar effects were observed in the cells where CaMKII was inhibited by KN93 or knocked down by CaMKII shRNA. Collectively, these results indicate that hsBAFF inhibits autophagy promoting cell proliferation and survival through activating Ca2+-CaMKII-dependent Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in normal and neoplastic B-lymphoid cells. Our findings suggest that manipulation of intracellular Ca2+ level or CaMKII, Akt, or mTOR activity to promote autophagy may be exploited for prevention of excessive BAFF-induced aggressive B lymphocyte disorders and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Dong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Jiamin Qin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Jing Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Qingyu Zeng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Hai Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Ruijie Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Chunxiao Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Chong Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Shuangquan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Shile Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA; Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA.
| | - Long Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
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Mérida I, Torres-Ayuso P, Ávila-Flores A, Arranz-Nicolás J, Andrada E, Tello-Lafoz M, Liébana R, Arcos R. Diacylglycerol kinases in cancer. Adv Biol Regul 2017; 63:22-31. [PMID: 27697466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Diacylglycerol kinases (DGK) are a family of enzymes that catalyze the transformation of diacylglycerol into phosphatidic acid. In T lymphocytes, DGKα and ζ limit the activation of the PLCγ/Ras/ERK axis, providing a critical checkpoint to inhibit T cell responses. Upregulation of these isoforms limits Ras activation, leading to hypo-responsive, anergic states similar to those caused by tumors. Recent studies have identified DGKα upregulation in tumor lymphocyte infiltrates, and cells from DGKα and ζ deficient mice show enhanced antitumor activity, suggesting that limitation of DAG based signals by DGK is used by tumors to evade immune attack. DGKα expression is low or even absent in other healthy cells like melanocytes, hepatocytes or neurons. Expression of this isoform, nevertheless is upregulated in melanoma, hepatocarcinoma and glioblastoma where DGKα contributes to the acquisition of tumor metastatic traits. A model thus emerges where tumor milieu fosters DGKα expression in tumors as well as in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes with opposite consequences. Here we review the mechanisms and targets that facilitate tumor "addiction" to DGKα, and discuss its relevance in the more advanced forms of cancer for tumor immune evasion. A better knowledge of this function offers a new perspective in the search of novel approaches to prevent inhibition of immune attack in cancer. Part of the failure in clinical progress may be attributed to the complexity of the tumor/T lymphocyte interaction. As they develop, tumors use a number of mechanisms to drive endogenous, tumor reactive T cells to a general state of hyporesponsiveness or anergy. A better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that tumors use to trigger T cell anergic states will greatly help in the advance of immunotherapy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Mérida
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), E-28049, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Pedro Torres-Ayuso
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonia Ávila-Flores
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Arranz-Nicolás
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Andrada
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Tello-Lafoz
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Liébana
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Arcos
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), E-28049, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Chen SS, Hu Z, Zhong XP. Diacylglycerol Kinases in T Cell Tolerance and Effector Function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2016; 4:130. [PMID: 27891502 PMCID: PMC5103287 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2016.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are a family of enzymes that regulate the relative levels of diacylglycerol (DAG) and phosphatidic acid (PA) in cells by phosphorylating DAG to produce PA. Both DAG and PA are important second messengers cascading T cell receptor (TCR) signal by recruiting multiple effector molecules, such as RasGRP1, PKCθ, and mTOR. Studies have revealed important physiological functions of DGKs in the regulation of receptor signaling and the development and activation of immune cells. In this review, we will focus on recent progresses in our understanding of two DGK isoforms, α and ζ, in CD8 T effector and memory cell differentiation, regulatory T cell development and function, and invariant NKT cell development and effector lineage differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley S Chen
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC, USA
| | - Zhiming Hu
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA; Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA; Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA; Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapies Program, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA
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10
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Lin X, Yang J, Wang J, Huang H, Wang HX, Chen P, Wang S, Pan Y, Qiu YR, Taylor GA, Vallance BA, Gao J, Zhong XP. mTOR is critical for intestinal T-cell homeostasis and resistance to Citrobacter rodentium. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34939. [PMID: 27731345 PMCID: PMC5059740 DOI: 10.1038/srep34939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cells play an important role in promoting mucosal immunity against pathogens, but the mechanistic basis for their homeostasis in the intestine is still poorly understood. We report here that T-cell-specific deletion of mTOR results in dramatically decreased CD4 and CD8 T-cell numbers in the lamina propria of both small and large intestines under both steady-state and inflammatory conditions. These defects result in defective host resistance against a murine enteropathogen, Citrobacter rodentium, leading to the death of the animals. We further demonstrated that mTOR deficiency reduces the generation of gut-homing effector T-cells in both mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer’s patches without obviously affecting expression of gut-homing molecules on those effector T-cells. Using mice with T-cell-specific ablation of Raptor/mTORC1 or Rictor/mTORC2, we revealed that both mTORC1 and, to a lesser extent, mTORC2 contribute to both CD4 and CD8 T-cell accumulation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Additionally, mTORC1 but not mTORC2 plays an important role regulating the proliferative renewal of both CD4 and CD8 T-cells in the intestines. Our data thus reveal that mTOR is crucial for T-cell accumulation in the GI tract and for establishing local adaptive immunity against pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingguang Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jialong Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jinli Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Hongxiang Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Hong-Xia Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Pengcheng Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Shang Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yun Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yu-Rong Qiu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Gregory A Taylor
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, and Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC 27710, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC 27710, USA
| | - Bruce A Vallance
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Child and Family Research Institute and the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3V4, Canada
| | - Jimin Gao
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Department of Immunology, Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.,Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapies Program, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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11
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Ci X, Kuraoka M, Wang H, Carico Z, Hopper K, Shin J, Deng X, Qiu Y, Unniraman S, Kelsoe G, Zhong XP. TSC1 Promotes B Cell Maturation but Is Dispensable for Germinal Center Formation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127527. [PMID: 26000908 PMCID: PMC4441391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that the tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1), a tumor suppressor that acts by inhibiting mTOR signaling, plays an important role in the immune system. We report here that TSC1 differentially regulates mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2/Akt signaling in B cells. TSC1 deficiency results in the accumulation of transitional-1 (T1) B cells and progressive losses of B cells as they mature beyond the T1 stage. Moreover, TSC1KO mice exhibit a mild defect in the serum antibody responses or rate of Ig class-switch recombination after immunization with a T-cell-dependent antigen. In contrast to a previous report, we demonstrate that both constitutive Peyer’s patch germinal centers (GCs) and immunization-induced splenic GCs are unimpaired in TSC1-deficient (TSC1KO) mice and that the ratio of GC B cells to total B cells is comparable in WT and TSC1KO mice. Together, our data demonstrate that TSC1 plays important roles for B cell development, but it is dispensable for GC formation and serum antibody responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Ci
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, United States of America
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Masayuki Kuraoka
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, United States of America
| | - Hongxia Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, United States of America
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Zachary Carico
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, United States of America
| | - Kristen Hopper
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, United States of America
| | - Jinwook Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, United States of America
| | - Xuming Deng
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Yirong Qiu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Shyam Unniraman
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, United States of America
| | - Garnett Kelsoe
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XPZ); (GK)
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, United States of America
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XPZ); (GK)
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12
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Abstract
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a heterogeneous group of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoproliferative processes, mainly composed of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome, the aggressive forms of which lack an effective treatment. The molecular pathogenesis of CTCL is largely unknown, although neoplastic cells show increased signaling from T-cell receptors (TCRs). DNAs from 11 patients with CTCL, both normal and tumoral, were target-enriched and sequenced by massive parallel sequencing for a selection of 524 TCR-signaling-related genes. Identified variants were validated by capillary sequencing. Multiple mutations were found that affected several signaling pathways, such as TCRs, nuclear factor κB, or Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, but PLCG1 was found to be mutated in 3 samples, 2 of which featured a redundant mutation (c.1034T>C, S345F) in exon 11 that affects the PLCx protein catalytic domain. This mutation was further analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction genotyping in a new cohort of 42 patients with CTCL, where it was found in 19% of samples. Immunohistochemical analysis for nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) showed that PLCG1-mutated cases exhibited strong NFAT nuclear immunostaining. Functional studies demonstrated that PLCG1 mutants elicited increased downstream signaling toward NFAT activation, and inhibition of this pathway resulted in reduced CTCL cell proliferation and cell viability. Thus, increased proliferative and survival mechanisms in CTCL may partially depend on the acquisition of somatic mutations in PLCG1 and other genes that are essential for normal T-cell differentiation.
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13
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Abstract
Diacylglycerol (DAG), a second messenger generated by phospholipase Cγ1 activity upon engagement of a T-cell receptor, triggers several signaling cascades that play important roles in T cell development and function. A family of enzymes called DAG kinases (DGKs) catalyzes the phosphorylation of DAG to phosphatidic acid, acting as a braking mechanism that terminates DAG-mediated signals. Two DGK isoforms, α and ζ, are expressed predominantly in T cells and synergistically regulate the development of both conventional αβ T cells and invariant natural killer T cells in the thymus. In mature T cells, the activity of these DGK isoforms aids in the maintenance of self-tolerance by preventing T-cell hyperactivation upon T cell receptor stimulation and by promoting T-cell anergy. In CD8 cells, reduced DGK activity is associated with enhanced primary responses against viruses and tumors. Recent work also has established an important role for DGK activity at the immune synapse and identified partners that modulate DGK function. In addition, emerging evidence points to previously unappreciated roles for DGK function in directional secretion and T-cell adhesion. This review describes the multitude of roles played by DGKs in T cell development and function and emphasizes recent advances in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruti Krishna
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology and Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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14
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Diacylglycerol kinase zeta positively controls the development of iNKT-17 cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75202. [PMID: 24073253 PMCID: PMC3779165 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells play important roles in bridging innate and adaptive immunity via rapidly producing a variety of cytokines. A small subset of iNKT cells produces IL-17 and is generated in the thymus during iNKT-cell ontogeny. The mechanisms that control the development of these IL-17-producing iNKT-17 cells (iNKT-17) are still not well defined. Diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGKζ) belongs to a family of enzymes that catalyze the phosphorylation and conversion of diacylglycerol to phosphatidic acid, two important second messengers involved in signaling from numerous receptors. We report here that DGKζ plays an important role in iNKT-17 development. A deficiency of DGKζ in mice causes a significant reduction of iNKT-17 cells, which is correlated with decreased RORγt and IL-23 receptor expression. Interestingly, iNKT-17 defects caused by DGKζ deficiency can be corrected in chimeric mice reconstituted with mixed wild-type and DGKζ-deficient bone marrow cells. Taken together, our data identify DGKζ as an important regulator of iNKT-17 development through iNKT-cell extrinsic mechanisms.
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Pan H, O’Brien TF, Wright G, Yang J, Shin J, Wright KL, Zhong XP. Critical role of the tumor suppressor tuberous sclerosis complex 1 in dendritic cell activation of CD4 T cells by promoting MHC class II expression via IRF4 and CIITA. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2013; 191:699-707. [PMID: 23776173 PMCID: PMC3702379 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1201443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) maturation is characterized by upregulation of cell-surface MHC class II (MHC-II) and costimulatory molecules, and production of a variety of cytokines that can shape both innate and adaptive immunity. Paradoxically, transcription of the MHC-II genes, as well as its activator, CIITA, is rapidly silenced during DC maturation. The mechanisms that control CIITA/MHC-II expression and silencing have not been fully understood. We report in this article that the tumor suppressor tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1) is a critical regulator of DC function for both innate and adaptive immunity. Its deficiency in DCs results in increased mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 but decreased mTORC2 signaling, altered cytokine production, impaired CIITA/MHC-II expression, and defective Ag presentation to CD4 T cells after TLR4 stimulation. We demonstrate further that IFN regulatory factor 4 can directly bind to CIITA promoters, and decreased IFN regulatory factor 4 expression is partially responsible for decreased CIITA/MHC-II expression in TSC1-deficient DCs. Moreover, we identify that CIITA/MHC-II silencing during DC maturation requires mTOR complex 1 activity. Together, our data reveal unexpected roles of TSC1/mTOR that control multifaceted functions of DCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Pan
- Department of Pediatrics-Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Thomas F. O’Brien
- Department of Pediatrics-Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Gabriela Wright
- The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Jialong Yang
- Department of Pediatrics-Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Jinwook Shin
- Department of Pediatrics-Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Kenneth L. Wright
- The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics-Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
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16
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Ke Z, Liang D, Zeng Q, Ren Q, Ma H, Gui L, Chen S, Guo M, Xu Y, Gao W, Zhang S, Chen L. hsBAFF promotes proliferation and survival in cultured B lymphocytes via calcium signaling activation of mTOR pathway. Cytokine 2013; 62:310-21. [PMID: 23557796 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2013.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
B-cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF, also called BLyS, TALL-1, THANK, or zTNF4) has revealed its critical function in B lymphocyte proliferation and survival, as well as the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. However, the molecular mechanisms of excess BAFF-extended aggressive B lymphocytes have not been completely defined. Here we show that excessive hsBAFF-elevated [Ca(2+)]i activated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, leading to proliferation and survival in B lymphocytes. This is supported by the findings that intracellular Ca(2+) chelator (BAPTA/AM) or mTOR inhibitor (rapamycin) abolished the events. Sequentially, we observed that preventing [Ca(2+)]i elevation using EGTA or 2-APB dramatically inhibited hsBAFF activation of mTOR signaling, as well as cell growth and survival, suggesting that hsBAFF-induced extracellular Ca(2+) influx and ER Ca(2+) release elevates [Ca(2+)]i contributing to B lymphocyte proliferation and survival via activation of mTOR signaling. Further, we noticed that pretreatment with BAPTA/AM, EGTA or 2-APB blocked hsBAFF-increased phosphorylation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), and inhibiting CaMKII with KN93 attenuated hsBAFF-activated mTOR signaling, as well as cell growth and survival, revealing that the effects of hsBAFF-elevated [Ca(2+)]i on mTOR signaling as well as proliferation and survival in B lymphocytes is through stimulating phosphorylation of CaMKII. The results indicate that hsBAFF activates mTOR pathway triggering B lymphocyte proliferation and survival by calcium signaling. Our findings suggest that manipulation of intracellular Ca(2+) level or CaMKII and mTOR activity may be exploited for the prevention of excessive BAFF-induced aggressive B lymphocyte disorders and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Ke
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
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17
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Gorentla BK, Krishna S, Shin J, Inoue M, Shinohara ML, Grayson JM, Fukunaga R, Zhong XP. Mnk1 and 2 are dispensable for T cell development and activation but important for the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 190:1026-37. [PMID: 23269249 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1200026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
T cell development and activation are usually accompanied by expansion and production of numerous proteins that require active translation. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binds to the 5' cap structure of mRNA and is critical for cap-dependent translational initiation. It has been hypothesized that MAPK-interacting kinase 1 and 2 (Mnk1/2) promote cap-dependent translation by phosphorylating eIF4E at serine 209 (S209). Pharmacologic studies using inhibitors have suggested that Mnk1/2 have important roles in T cells. However, genetic evidence supporting such conclusions is lacking. Moreover, the signaling pathways that regulate Mnk1/2 in T cells remain unclear. We demonstrate that TCR engagement activates Mnk1/2 in primary T cells. Such activation is dependent on Ras-Erk1/2 signaling and is inhibited by diacylglycerol kinases α and ζ. Mnk1/2 double deficiency in mice abolishes TCR-induced eIF4E S209 phosphorylation, indicating their absolute requirement for eIF4E S209 phosphorylation. However, Mnk1/2 double deficiency does not affect the development of conventional αβ T cells, regulatory T cells, or NKT cells. Furthermore, T cell activation, in vivo primary and memory CD8 T cell responses to microbial infection, and NKT cell cytokine production were not obviously altered by Mnk1/2 deficiency. Although Mnk1/2 deficiency causes decreased IL-17 and IFN-γ production by CD4 T cells following immunization of mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide in complete Freund's adjuvant, correlating with milder experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis scores, it does not affect Th cell differentiation in vitro. Together, these data suggest that Mnk1/2 has a minimal role in T cell development and activation but may regulate non-T cell lineages to control Th1 and Th17 differentiation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balachandra K Gorentla
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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18
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Gorentla BK, Zhong XP. T cell Receptor Signal Transduction in T lymphocytes. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL & CELLULAR IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 2012:5. [PMID: 23946894 PMCID: PMC3740441 DOI: 10.4172/2155-9899.s12-005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The T cell receptor (TCR) recognizes self or foreign antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Engagement of the TCR triggers the formation of multi-molecular signalosomes that lead to the generation of second messengers and subsequent activation of multiple distal signaling cascades, such as the Ca+2-calcineurin-NFAT, RasGRP1-Ras-Erk1/2, PKCθ-IKK-NFκB, and TSC1/2-mTOR pathways. These signaling cascades control many aspects of T cell biology. Mechanisms have been evolved to fine-tune TCR signaling to maintain T cell homeostasis and self-tolerance, and to properly mount effective responses to microbial infection. Defects or deregulation of TCR signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balachandra K Gorentla
- Pediatric Biology Center, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Gurgaon, 122016, India
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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19
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Dello Russo C, Lisi L, Feinstein DL, Navarra P. mTOR kinase, a key player in the regulation of glial functions: relevance for the therapy of multiple sclerosis. Glia 2012; 61:301-11. [PMID: 23044764 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine protein kinase with a central role in the regulation of cell growth and proliferation, and several intracellular processes, such as mRNA transcription and translation, autophagy and cytoskeletal organization. The relevance of this pathway in the regulation of the immune system is well characterized. mTOR is essential for the proper activation and proliferation of effector T cells, restricts the development of regulatory T cells, and downregulates innate immune responses. Recently, a direct role of mTOR in the modulation of glial functions has also been recognized. Data from our group and others support the notion that mTOR is involved in microglial proinflammatory activation. The kinase regulates several intracellular processes in astrocytes, among which the rate of mRNA degradation of the inducible form of NO synthase. Therefore, the inhibition of mTOR kinase activity in glial cells results in anti-inflammatory actions, suggesting possible beneficial effects of mTOR inhibitors (like rapamycin) in the treatment of inflammatory-based pathologies of the central nervous system. In contrast, mTOR plays an important role in the regulation of oligodendrocyte development and myelination process as well as several neuronal functions, which may limit this therapeutic approach. Nevertheless, as reviewed here, there is robust evidence that rapamycin ameliorates the clinical course of both the relapsing-remitting and the chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), and significantly reduces the hyperalgesia observed before clinical development of EAE. These findings may have important clinical implications for the therapy of multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Dello Russo
- Institute of Pharmacology, Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy.
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20
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Abstract
T-cell anergy is a state of T cells that is hyporesponsive to stimulation via the T-cell receptor and costimulatory molecules and is thought to be important for self-tolerance. How T-cell anergy is regulated is still poorly understood. We report here that tuberous sclerosis (TSC)1 is critical for T-cell anergy. Deficiency of TSC1 resulted in enhanced T-cell proliferation and cytokine production in the absence of cluster of differentiation (CD)28-mediated costimulation, accompanied by enhanced T-cell metabolism. Resistance of TSC1-deficient T cells to anergy is correlated with increased signaling through the mammalian target of rapamycin complex (mTORC)1 and can be reverted by treatment of these cells with mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. Expression of the inducible costimulator (ICOS) is increased in TSC1-deficient T cells, which can be inhibited by rapamycin. Simultaneous blockade of both CD28 and ICOS costimulation partially restored sensitivity of TSC1-deficient T cells to anergy induction. Together, our data indicate that TSC1 is crucial for T-cell anergy by inhibiting mTORC1 signaling through both ICOS-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
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21
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Chen Y, Ci X, Gorentla B, Sullivan SA, Stone JC, Zhang W, Pereira P, Lu J, Zhong XP. Differential requirement of RasGRP1 for γδ T cell development and activation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 189:61-71. [PMID: 22623331 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1103272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
γδ T (γδT) cells belong to a distinct T cell lineage that performs immune functions different from αβ T (αβT) cells. Previous studies established that Erk1/2 MAPKs are critical for positive selection of αβT cells. Additional evidence suggests that increased Erk1/2 activity promotes γδT cell generation. RasGRP1, a guanine nucleotide-releasing factor for Ras, plays an important role in positive selection of αβT cells by activating the Ras-Erk1/2 pathway. In this article, we demonstrate that RasGRP1 is critical for TCR-induced Erk1/2 activation in γδT cells, but it exerts different roles for γδT cell generation and activation. Deficiency of RasGRP1 does not obviously affect γδT cell numbers in the thymus, but it leads to increased γδT cells, particularly CD4(-)CD8(+) γδT cells, in the peripheral lymphoid organs. The virtually unhindered γδT cell development in the RasGRP1(-/-) thymus proved to be cell intrinsic, whereas the increase in CD8(+) γδT cells is caused by non-cell-intrinsic mechanisms. Our data provide genetic evidence that decreased Erk1/2 activation in the absence of RasGRP1 is compatible with γδT cell generation. Although RasGRP1 is dispensable for γδT cell generation, RasGRP1-deficient γδT cells are defective in proliferation following TCR stimulation. Additionally, RasGRP1-deficient γδT cells are impaired to produce IL-17 but not IFNγ. Together, these observations revealed that RasGRP1 plays differential roles for γδ and αβ T cell development but is critical for γδT cell proliferation and production of IL-17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chen
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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22
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O'Brien TF, Zhong XP. The role and regulation of mTOR in T-lymphocyte function. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2012; 60:173-81. [PMID: 22484804 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-012-0171-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2011] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The conversion of naïve T cells into effector T cells is initiated by stimulation through the T-cell receptor (TCR). Upon activation, T cells undergo significant morphological and functional changes, putting new metabolic demands on the cell. Past research has identified the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) as a critical regulator of cell metabolism, and the development of new genetic models has begun to reveal an important role for this pathway in the homeostasis and function of T lymphocytes. In this review, we focus on the most recent findings that demonstrate the ability of mTOR to regulate T-cell activation, CD8(+) memory cell formation and function, and helper T lineage differentiation. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of tight control of mTOR signaling by tuberous sclerosis complex 1 for T-cell homeostasis, and the regulation of mTOR signaling by diacylglycerol kinases and the RasGRP1-Ras-Erk1/2 pathway in the context of TCR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F O'Brien
- Department of Pediatrics-Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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23
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Pan H, O'Brien TF, Zhang P, Zhong XP. The role of tuberous sclerosis complex 1 in regulating innate immunity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 188:3658-66. [PMID: 22412198 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1102187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms that control TLR-induced responses, including endotoxin tolerance, have been not well understood. The tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1) is a tumor suppressor that inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). We show in this study that deficiency of TSC1 results in enhanced activation of not only mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), but also JNK1/2, following LPS stimulation in macrophages. TSC1-deficient macrophages produce elevated proinflammatory cytokines and NO in response to multiple TLR ligands. Such enhanced TLR-induced responses can be inhibited by reducing mTORC1 and JNK1/2 activities with chemical inhibitors or small hairpin RNA, suggesting that TSC1 negatively controls TLR responses through both mTORC1 and JNK1/2. The impact of TSC1 deficiency appeared not limited to TLRs, as NOD- and RIG-I/MDA-5-induced innate responses were also altered in TSC1-deficient macrophages. Furthermore, TSC1 deficiency appears to cause impaired induction of endotoxin tolerance in vitro and in vivo, which is correlated with increased JNK1/2 activation and can be reversed by JNK1/2 inhibition. Our results reveal a critical role of TSC1 in regulating innate immunity by negative control of mTORC1 and JNK1/2 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Pan
- Department of Pediatrics--Allergy and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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24
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Abstract
Mast cells play critical roles in allergic disorders and asthma. The importance of tuberous sclerosis complex 1/2-mammalian target of rapamycin (TSC1/2-mTOR) signaling in mast cells is unknown. Here, we report that TSC1 is a critical regulator for mTOR signaling in mast cells downstream of FcεRI and c-Kit, and differentially controls mast cell degranulation and cytokine production. TSC1-deficiency results in impaired mast cell degranulation, but enhanced cytokine production in vitro and in vivo after FcεRI engagement. Furthermore, TSC1 is critical for mast cell survival through multiple pathways of apoptosis including the down-regulation of p53, miR-34a, reactive oxygen species, and the up-regulation of Bcl-2. Together, these findings reveal that TSC1 is a critical regulator of mast cell activation and survival, suggesting the manipulation of the TSC1/2-mTOR pathway as a therapeutic strategy for mast cell-mediated diseases.
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Chen Y, Shen S, Gorentla B, Gao J, Zhong XP. Murine regulatory T cells contain hyperproliferative and death-prone subsets with differential ICOS expression. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2012; 188:1698-707. [PMID: 22231701 PMCID: PMC3273604 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1102448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) are crucial for self-tolerance. It has been an enigma that Treg exhibit an anergic phenotype reflected by hypoproliferation in vitro after TCR stimulation but undergo vigorous proliferation in vivo. We report in this study that murine Treg are prone to death but hyperproliferative in vitro and in vivo, which is different from conventional CD4(+)Foxp3(-) T cells (Tcon). During in vitro culture, most Treg die with or without TCR stimulation, correlated with constitutive activation of the intrinsic death pathway. However, a small portion of the Treg population is more sensitive to TCR stimulation, particularly weak stimulation, proliferates more vigorously than CD4(+) Tcon, and is resistant to activation-induced cell death. Treg proliferation is enhanced by IL-2 but is less dependent on CD28-mediated costimulation than that of Tcon. We demonstrate further that the surviving and proliferative Treg are ICOS(+) whereas the death-prone Treg are ICOS(-). Moreover, ICOS(+) Treg contain much stronger suppressive activity than that of ICOS(-) Treg. Our data indicate that massive death contributes to the anergic phenotype of Treg in vitro and suggest modulation of Treg survival as a therapeutic strategy for treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chen
- Department of Pediatrics-Allergy and Immunology Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province 325035, China
| | - Shudan Shen
- Department of Pediatrics-Allergy and Immunology Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Balachandra Gorentla
- Department of Pediatrics-Allergy and Immunology Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Jimin Gao
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province 325035, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics-Allergy and Immunology Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
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26
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Shen S, Chen Y, Gorentla BK, Lu J, Stone JC, Zhong XP. Critical roles of RasGRP1 for invariant NKT cell development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 187:4467-73. [PMID: 21957144 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1003798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The invariant NKT (iNKT) cell lineage contains CD4(+) and CD4(-) subsets. The mechanisms that control such subset differentiation and iNKT cell maturation in general have not been fully understood. RasGRP1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for TCR-induced activation of the Ras-ERK1/2 pathway, is critical for conventional αβ T cell development but dispensable for generating regulatory T cells. Its role in iNKT cells has been unknown. In this study, we report severe decreases of iNKT cells in RasGRP1(-/-) mice through cell intrinsic mechanisms. In the remaining iNKT cells in RasGRP1(-/-) mice, there is a selective absence of the CD4(+) subset. Furthermore, RasGRP1(-/-) iNKT cells are defective in TCR-induced proliferation in vitro. These observations establish that RasGRP1 is not only important for early iNKT cell development but also for the generation/maintenance of the CD4(+) iNKT cells. Our data provide genetic evidence that the CD4(+) and CD4(-) iNKT cells are distinct sublineages with differential signaling requirements for their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudan Shen
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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O'Brien TF, Gorentla BK, Xie D, Srivatsan S, McLeod IX, He YW, Zhong XP. Regulation of T-cell survival and mitochondrial homeostasis by TSC1. Eur J Immunol 2011; 41:3361-70. [PMID: 21805467 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201141411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2011] [Revised: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of cell growth and metabolism. It associates with multiple proteins and forms two distinct signaling complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. Accumulating evidence has revealed critical roles for intact mTOR signaling during T-cell activation and responses to microbial infection. However, the importance of mTOR regulation in T cells has yet to be explored. The TSC1/TSC2 complex has been shown to inhibit mTORC1 signaling in cell line models. We show here that deletion of TSC1 in the murine T-cell lineage results in a dramatic reduction of the peripheral T-cell pool, correlating with increased cell death. While mTORC1 is constitutively activated, mTORC2 signaling, reflected by Akt phosphorylation and activity, is decreased in TSC1-deficient T cells. Furthermore, TSC1-deficient T cells contain elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and exhibit decreased mitochondrial content and membrane potential, which is correlated with the activation of the intrinsic death pathway. Overall, our results demonstrate that TSC1 differentially regulates mTORC1 and mTORC2 activity, promotes T-cell survival, and is critical for normal mitochondrial homeostasis in T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F O'Brien
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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