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Yang Q, Langston JC, Prosniak R, Pettigrew S, Zhao H, Perez E, Edelmann H, Mansoor N, Merali C, Merali S, Marchetti N, Prabhakarpandian B, Kiani MF, Kilpatrick LE. Distinct functional neutrophil phenotypes in sepsis patients correlate with disease severity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1341752. [PMID: 38524125 PMCID: PMC10957777 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1341752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sepsis is a clinical syndrome defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Sepsis is a highly heterogeneous syndrome with distinct phenotypes that impact immune function and response to infection. To develop targeted therapeutics, immunophenotyping is needed to identify distinct functional phenotypes of immune cells. In this study, we utilized our Organ-on-Chip assay to categorize sepsis patients into distinct phenotypes using patient data, neutrophil functional analysis, and proteomics. Methods Following informed consent, neutrophils and plasma were isolated from sepsis patients in the Temple University Hospital ICU (n=45) and healthy control donors (n=7). Human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC) were cultured in the Organ-on-Chip and treated with buffer or cytomix ((TNF/IL-1β/IFNγ). Neutrophil adhesion and migration across HLMVEC in the Organ-on-Chip were used to categorize functional neutrophil phenotypes. Quantitative label-free global proteomics was performed on neutrophils to identify differentially expressed proteins. Plasma levels of sepsis biomarkers and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were determined by ELISA. Results We identified three functional phenotypes in critically ill ICU sepsis patients based on ex vivo neutrophil adhesion and migration patterns. The phenotypes were classified as: Hyperimmune characterized by enhanced neutrophil adhesion and migration, Hypoimmune that was unresponsive to stimulation, and Hybrid with increased adhesion but blunted migration. These functional phenotypes were associated with distinct proteomic signatures and differentiated sepsis patients by important clinical parameters related to disease severity. The Hyperimmune group demonstrated higher oxygen requirements, increased mechanical ventilation, and longer ICU length of stay compared to the Hypoimmune and Hybrid groups. Patients with the Hyperimmune neutrophil phenotype had significantly increased circulating neutrophils and elevated plasma levels NETs. Conclusion Neutrophils and NETs play a critical role in vascular barrier dysfunction in sepsis and elevated NETs may be a key biomarker identifying the Hyperimmune group. Our results establish significant associations between specific neutrophil functional phenotypes and disease severity and identify important functional parameters in sepsis pathophysiology that may provide a new approach to classify sepsis patients for specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingliang Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jordan C. Langston
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Roman Prosniak
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Samantha Pettigrew
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Huaqing Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Education and Data Science, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Edwin Perez
- Center for Inflammation and Lung Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Hannah Edelmann
- Center for Inflammation and Lung Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nadia Mansoor
- Center for Inflammation and Lung Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Carmen Merali
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Salim Merali
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nathaniel Marchetti
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Mohammad F. Kiani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Laurie E. Kilpatrick
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Inflammation and Lung Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Langston JC, Yang Q, Kiani MF, Kilpatrick LE. LEUKOCYTE PHENOTYPING IN SEPSIS USING OMICS, FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS, AND IN SILICO MODELING. Shock 2023; 59:224-231. [PMID: 36377365 PMCID: PMC9957940 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000002047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sepsis is a major health issue and a leading cause of death in hospitals globally. The treatment of sepsis is largely supportive, and there are no therapeutics available that target the underlying pathophysiology of the disease. The development of therapeutics for the treatment of sepsis is hindered by the heterogeneous nature of the disease. The presence of multiple, distinct immune phenotypes ranging from hyperimmune to immunosuppressed can significantly impact the host response to infection. Recently, omics, biomarkers, cell surface protein expression, and immune cell profiles have been used to classify immune status of sepsis patients. However, there has been limited studies of immune cell function during sepsis and even fewer correlating omics and biomarker alterations to functional consequences. In this review, we will discuss how the heterogeneity of sepsis and associated immune cell phenotypes result from changes in the omic makeup of cells and its correlation with leukocyte dysfunction. We will also discuss how emerging techniques such as in silico modeling and machine learning can help in phenotyping sepsis patients leading to precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan C. Langston
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122
| | - Qingliang Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122
| | - Mohammad F. Kiani
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122
| | - Laurie E. Kilpatrick
- Center for Inflammation and Lung Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Inflammation, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140
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Zhang Y, Song J, Zhang Y, Li T, Peng J, Zhou H, Zong Z. Emerging Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Gastrointestinal Tumors: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010334. [PMID: 36613779 PMCID: PMC9820455 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010334] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are extracellular fibrous networks consisting of depolymerized chromatin DNA skeletons with a variety of antimicrobial proteins. They are secreted by activated neutrophils and play key roles in host defense and immune responses. Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies are globally known for their high mortality and morbidity. Increasing research suggests that NETs contribute to the progression and metastasis of digestive tract tumors, among them gastric, colon, liver, and pancreatic cancers. This article explores the formation of NETs and reviews the role that NETs play in the gastrointestinal oncologic microenvironment, tumor proliferation and metastasis, tumor-related thrombosis, and surgical stress. At the same time, we analyze the qualitative and quantitative detection methods of NETs in recent years and found that NETs are specific markers of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Then, we explore the possibility of NET inhibitors for the treatment of digestive tract tumor diseases to provide a new, efficient, and safe solution for the future therapy of gastrointestinal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 MinDe Road, Nanchang 330006, China
- HuanKui Academy, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jingjing Song
- Nanchang University School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yiwei Zhang
- Queen Marry College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Ting Li
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jie Peng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 MinDe Road, Nanchang 330006, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Haonan Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 MinDe Road, Nanchang 330006, China
- Queen Marry College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Zhen Zong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 MinDe Road, Nanchang 330006, China
- Correspondence:
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Richardson IM, Calo CJ, Hind LE. Microphysiological Systems for Studying Cellular Crosstalk During the Neutrophil Response to Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:661537. [PMID: 33986752 PMCID: PMC8111168 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.661537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are the primary responders to infection, rapidly migrating to sites of inflammation and clearing pathogens through a variety of antimicrobial functions. This response is controlled by a complex network of signals produced by vascular cells, tissue resident cells, other immune cells, and the pathogen itself. Despite significant efforts to understand how these signals are integrated into the neutrophil response, we still do not have a complete picture of the mechanisms regulating this process. This is in part due to the inherent disadvantages of the most-used experimental systems: in vitro systems lack the complexity of the tissue microenvironment and animal models do not accurately capture the human immune response. Advanced microfluidic devices incorporating relevant tissue architectures, cell-cell interactions, and live pathogen sources have been developed to overcome these challenges. In this review, we will discuss the in vitro models currently being used to study the neutrophil response to infection, specifically in the context of cell-cell interactions, and provide an overview of their findings. We will also provide recommendations for the future direction of the field and what important aspects of the infectious microenvironment are missing from the current models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laurel E. Hind
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado – Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
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Barbu EA, Dominical VM, Mendelsohn L, Thein SL. An Imaging Flow Cytometry Method to Measure Citrullination of H4 Histone as a Read-out for Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Formation. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e3927. [PMID: 33732814 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is thought to play a critical role in infections and propagating sterile inflammation. Histone citrullination is an essential and early step in NETs formation, detectable prior to the formation of the hallmark extracellular DNA-scaffolded strands. In addition to the classical microscopy method, new technologies are being developed for studies of NETs and their detection, both for research and clinical purposes. Classical microscopy studies of NETs are subjective, low throughput and semi-quantitative, and limited in their ability to capture the early steps. We have developed this novel Imaging Flow Cytometry (IFC) method that specifically identifies and quantifies citrullination of histone H4 as a NETs marker and its relationship with other alterations at nuclear and cellular level. These include nuclear decondensation and super-condensation, multi-lobulated nuclei versus 1-lobe nuclei and cell membrane damage. NETs markers can be quantified following variable periods of treatment with NETs inducers, prior to the formation of the specific extracellular DNA-scaffolded strands. Because these high throughput image-based cell analysis features can be performed with statistical rigor, this protocol is suited for both experimental and clinical applications as well as clinical evaluations of NETosis as a biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia A Barbu
- Sickle Cell Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Venina M Dominical
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Laurel Mendelsohn
- Sickle Cell Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Swee Lay Thein
- Sickle Cell Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA
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Barbu EA, Dominical VM, Mendelsohn L, Thein SL. Detection and Quantification of Histone H4 Citrullination in Early NETosis With Image Flow Cytometry Version 4. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1335. [PMID: 32765493 PMCID: PMC7378400 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation has been implicated in an increasing number of infectious and non-infectious pathologies. NETosis is a tightly regulated process; the end-stage and read-out is the formation of DNA strands extruded from the nuclei, and traditionally assessed by fluorescence microscopy. Since NETosis has emerged as a possible biomarker of the inflammatory process, there is a need for less time-consuming, consistent, and quantitative approaches to improve its application in clinical assessment of pro-inflammatory conditions. Imaging Flow Cytometry (IFC) combines features of conventional flow cytometry with qualitative power of fluorescence microscopy and has an added advantage of the capability of assessing the early processes leading up to extrusion of the DNA-scaffolded strands. We explored the optimal imaging-based tools that can be used to measure citrullination of H4 in early NETosis. IFC identified and quantified histone 4 citrullination (H4cit3) induced with several known NETosis stimuli (Ionophore, PMA, LPS, Hemin, and IL-8) following treatment periods ranging from 2 to 60 min. Its relationship with other alterations at nuclear and cellular level, such as nuclear decondensation and super-condensation, multi-lobulated nuclei vs. 1-lobe nuclei and cell membrane damage, were also quantified. We show that the early progress of the H4cit3 response in NETosis depends on the stimulus. Our method identifies fast (Ionophore and Hemin), intermediate and slow (PMA) inducers and shows that H4cit3 appears to have a limited contribution to both early LPS- and IL-8-induced NETosis. While this method is rapid and of a higher throughput compared to fluorescence microscopy, detection and quantification is limited to H4cit3-mediated nuclear events and is likely to be stimulus- and signaling pathway dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia A Barbu
- Sickle Cell Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Venina M Dominical
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Laurel Mendelsohn
- Sickle Cell Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Swee Lay Thein
- Sickle Cell Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
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