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dos Santos PMF, Díaz Acosta CC, Rosa TLSA, Ishiba MH, Dias AA, Pereira AMR, Gutierres LD, Pereira MP, da Silva Rocha M, Rosa PS, Bertoluci DFF, Meyer-Fernandes JR, da Mota Ramalho Costa F, Marques MAM, Belisle JT, Pinheiro RO, Rodrigues LS, Pessolani MCV, Berrêdo-Pinho M. Adenosine A 2A receptor as a potential regulator of Mycobacterium leprae survival mechanisms: new insights into leprosy neural damage. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1399363. [PMID: 39005937 PMCID: PMC11239521 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1399363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which can lead to a disabling neurodegenerative condition. M. leprae preferentially infects skin macrophages and Schwann cells-glial cells of the peripheral nervous system. The infection modifies the host cell lipid metabolism, subverting it in favor of the formation of cholesterol-rich lipid droplets (LD) that are essential for bacterial survival. Although researchers have made progress in understanding leprosy pathogenesis, many aspects of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of host-pathogen interaction still require clarification. The purinergic system utilizes extracellular ATP and adenosine as critical signaling molecules and plays several roles in pathophysiological processes. Furthermore, nucleoside surface receptors such as the adenosine receptor A2AR involved in neuroimmune response, lipid metabolism, and neuron-glia interaction are targets for the treatment of different diseases. Despite the importance of this system, nothing has been described about its role in leprosy, particularly adenosinergic signaling (AdoS) during M. leprae-Schwann cell interaction. Methods M. leprae was purified from the hind footpad of athymic nu/nu mice. ST88-14 human cells were infected with M. leprae in the presence or absence of specific agonists or antagonists of AdoS. Enzymatic activity assays, fluorescence microscopy, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR analysis were performed. M. leprae viability was investigated by RT-qPCR, and cytokines were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results We demonstrated that M. leprae-infected Schwann cells upregulated CD73 and ADA and downregulated A2AR expression and the phosphorylation of the transcription factor CREB (p-CREB). On the other hand, activation of A2AR with its selective agonist, CGS21680, resulted in: 1) reduced lipid droplets accumulation and pro-lipogenic gene expression; 2) reduced production of IL-6 and IL-8; 3) reduced intracellular M. leprae viability; 4) increased levels of p-CREB. Conclusion These findings suggest the involvement of the AdoS in leprosy neuropathogenesis and support the idea that M. leprae, by downmodulating the expression and activity of A2AR in Schwann cells, decreases A2AR downstream signaling, contributing to the maintenance of LD accumulation and intracellular viability of the bacillus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chyntia Carolina Díaz Acosta
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | | | - Michelle Harumi Ishiba
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André Alves Dias
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Luísa Domingos Gutierres
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Melissa Pontes Pereira
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Matheus da Silva Rocha
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Daniele F. F. Bertoluci
- Divisão de Pesquisa e Ensino, Instituto Lauro de Souza Lima, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Doenças Tropicais, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Angela M. Marques
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - John T. Belisle
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Roberta Olmo Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Hanseníase, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Marcia Berrêdo-Pinho
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Kordaß T, Chao TY, Osen W, Eichmüller SB. Novel microRNAs modulating ecto-5'-nucleotidase expression. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1199374. [PMID: 37409119 PMCID: PMC10318900 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1199374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The expression of immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs) by cancer cells is known to counteract tumor-reactive immune responses, thereby promoting tumor immune escape. For example, upregulated expression of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT5E), also designated as CD73, increases extracellular levels of immunosuppressive adenosine, which inhibits tumor attack by activated T cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Thus, the binding of miRNAs to the 3'-untranslated region of target mRNAs either blocks translation or induces degradation of the targeted mRNA. Cancer cells often exhibit aberrant miRNA expression profiles; hence, tumor-derived miRNAs have been used as biomarkers for early tumor detection. Methods In this study, we screened a human miRNA library and identified miRNAs affecting the expression of ICMs NT5E, ENTPD1, and CD274 in the human tumor cell lines SK-Mel-28 (melanoma) and MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer). Thereby, a set of potential tumor-suppressor miRNAs that decreased ICM expression in these cell lines was defined. Notably, this study also introduces a group of potential oncogenic miRNAs that cause increased ICM expression and presents the possible underlying mechanisms. The results of high-throughput screening of miRNAs affecting NT5E expression were validated in vitro in 12 cell lines of various tumor entities. Results As result, miR-1285-5p, miR-155-5p, and miR-3134 were found to be the most potent inhibitors of NT5E expression, while miR-134-3p, miR-6859-3p, miR-6514-3p, and miR-224-3p were identified as miRNAs that strongly enhanced NT5E expression levels. Discussion The miRNAs identified might have clinical relevance as potential therapeutic agents and biomarkers or therapeutic targets, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Kordaß
- GMP & T Cell Therapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tsu-Yang Chao
- GMP & T Cell Therapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfram Osen
- GMP & T Cell Therapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan B. Eichmüller
- GMP & T Cell Therapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Lopatina T, Sarcinella A, Brizzi MF. Tumour Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Challenging Target to Blunt Tumour Immune Evasion. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14164020. [PMID: 36011012 PMCID: PMC9406972 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14164020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumour onset and development occur because of specific immune support. The immune system, which is originally able to perceive and eliminate incipient cancer cells, becomes suppressed and hijacked by cancer. For these purposes, tumour cells use extracellular vesicles (TEVs). Specific molecular composition allows TEVs to reprogram immune cells towards tumour tolerance. Circulating TEVs move from their site of origin to other organs, preparing “a fertile soil” for metastasis formation. This implies that TEV molecular content can provide a valuable tool for cancer biomarker discovery and potential targets to reshape the immune system into tumour recognition and eradication. Abstract Control of the immune response is crucial for tumour onset and progression. Tumour cells handle the immune reaction by means of secreted factors and extracellular vesicles (EV). Tumour-derived extracellular vesicles (TEV) play key roles in immune reprogramming by delivering their cargo to different immune cells. Tumour-surrounding tissues also contribute to tumour immune editing and evasion, tumour progression, and drug resistance via locally released TEV. Moreover, the increase in circulating TEV has suggested their underpinning role in tumour dissemination. This review brings together data referring to TEV-driven immune regulation and antitumour immune suppression. Attention was also dedicated to TEV-mediated drug resistance.
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Cattolico C, Bailey P, Barry ST. Modulation of Type I Interferon Responses to Influence Tumor-Immune Cross Talk in PDAC. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:816517. [PMID: 35273962 PMCID: PMC8902310 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.816517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of many cancer types. However, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) exhibit poor responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors with immunotherapy-based trials not generating convincing clinical activity. PDAC tumors often have low infiltration of tumor CD8+ T cells and a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment. These features classify PDAC as immunologically "cold." However, the presence of tumor T cells is a favorable prognostic feature in PDAC. Intrinsic tumor cell properties govern interactions with the immune system. Alterations in tumor DNA such as genomic instability, high tumor mutation burden, and/or defects in DNA damage repair are associated with responses to both immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Cytotoxic or metabolic stress produced by radiation and/or chemotherapy can act as potent immune triggers and prime immune responses. Damage- or stress-mediated activation of nucleic acid-sensing pathways triggers type I interferon (IFN-I) responses that activate innate immune cells and natural killer cells, promote maturation of dendritic cells, and stimulate adaptive immunity. While PDAC exhibits intrinsic features that have the potential to engage immune cells, particularly following chemotherapy, these immune-sensing mechanisms are ineffective. Understanding where defects in innate immune triggers render the PDAC tumor-immune interface less effective, or how T-cell function is suppressed will help develop more effective treatments and harness the immune system for durable outcomes. This review will focus on the pivotal role played by IFN-I in promoting tumor cell-immune cell cross talk in PDAC. We will discuss how PDAC tumor cells bypass IFN-I signaling pathways and explore how these pathways can be co-opted or re-engaged to enhance the therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Cattolico
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Bailey
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon T. Barry
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Daniels G. Augustine Blood Group System and Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter 1. Transfus Med Hemother 2022; 49:25-29. [PMID: 35221865 PMCID: PMC8832251 DOI: 10.1159/000520596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Augustine (AUG) is a blood group system comprising four antigens: AUG1, AUG2 (Ata), and AUG4 are of very high frequency; AUG3 is of very low frequency. These antigens are located on ENT1, an equilibrative nucleoside transporter encoded by SLC19A1. AUG antibodies are of clinical relevance in blood transfusion and pregnancy: anti-AUG2 have caused haemolytic transfusion reactions; the only anti-AUG3 was associated with severe haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. ENT1 is present in almost all human tissues. It facilitates the transfer of purine and pyrimidine nucleosides and is responsible for the majority of adenosine transport across plasma membranes. Adenosine transport appears to be an important factor in the regulation of bone metabolism. The AUGnull phenotype (AUG:-1,-2,-3,-4) has been found in three siblings, who are homozygous for an inactivating splice-site mutation in SLC29A1. Although ENT1 is very likely to be absent from all cells in these three individuals, they were apparently healthy with normal lifestyles. However, they suffered frequent attacks of pseudogout, a form of arthritis, in various joints with multiple calcifications around their hand joints. Ectopic calcification in the hips, pubic symphysis, and lumbar discs was present in the propositus. The three AUGnull individuals had misshapen red cells with deregulated protein phosphorylation, but no anaemia or shortening of red cell lifespan. Defective in vitro erythropoiesis in the absence of ENT1 was confirmed by shRNA-mediated knockdown of ENT1 during in vitro erythropoiesis of CD34+ progenitor cells from individuals with normal ENT1. Nucleoside transporters, such as ENT1, are vital in the uptake of synthetic nucleoside analogue drugs, used in cancer and viral chemotherapy. It is feasible that the efficacy of these drugs would be compromised in patients with the extremely rare AUGnull phenotype.
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Jeffrey JL, Lawson KV, Powers JP. Targeting Metabolism of Extracellular Nucleotides via Inhibition of Ectonucleotidases CD73 and CD39. J Med Chem 2020; 63:13444-13465. [PMID: 32786396 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment, unusually high concentrations of extracellular adenosine promote tumor proliferation through various immunosuppressive mechanisms. Blocking adenosine production by inhibiting nucleotide-metabolizing enzymes, such as ectonucleotidases CD73 and CD39, represents a promising therapeutic strategy that may synergize with other immuno-oncology mechanisms and chemotherapies. Emerging small-molecule ectonucleotidase inhibitors have recently entered clinical trials. This Perspective will outline challenges, strategies, and recent advancements in targeting this class with small-molecule inhibitors, including AB680, the first small-molecule CD73 inhibitor to enter clinical development. Specific case studies, including structure-based drug design and lead optimization, will be outlined. Preclinical data on these molecules and their ability to enhance antitumor immunity will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L Jeffrey
- Arcus Biosciences, 3928 Point Eden Way, Hayward, California 94545, United States
| | - Kenneth V Lawson
- Arcus Biosciences, 3928 Point Eden Way, Hayward, California 94545, United States
| | - Jay P Powers
- Arcus Biosciences, 3928 Point Eden Way, Hayward, California 94545, United States
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