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Woodrow JS, Sheats MK, Cooper B, Bayless R. Asthma: The Use of Animal Models and Their Translational Utility. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071091. [PMID: 37048164 PMCID: PMC10093022 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is characterized by chronic lower airway inflammation that results in airway remodeling, which can lead to a permanent decrease in lung function. The pathophysiology driving the development of asthma is complex and heterogenous. Animal models have been and continue to be essential for the discovery of molecular pathways driving the pathophysiology of asthma and novel therapeutic approaches. Animal models of asthma may be induced or naturally occurring. Species used to study asthma include mouse, rat, guinea pig, cat, dog, sheep, horse, and nonhuman primate. Some of the aspects to consider when evaluating any of these asthma models are cost, labor, reagent availability, regulatory burden, relevance to natural disease in humans, type of lower airway inflammation, biological samples available for testing, and ultimately whether the model can answer the research question(s). This review aims to discuss the animal models most available for asthma investigation, with an emphasis on describing the inciting antigen/allergen, inflammatory response induced, and its translation to human asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Seymour Woodrow
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
| | - M Katie Sheats
- Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Bethanie Cooper
- Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Rosemary Bayless
- Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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2
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Bernatowicz P, Pampuch A, Zywno H, Kowal K. Effect of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract on the expression of genes involved in inflammation and tissue remodeling by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of allergic asthma patients. Adv Med Sci 2022; 67:234-240. [PMID: 35644064 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2022.05.002] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE House dust mite allergy constitutes a risk factor for asthma development and is associated with a faster decline of lung function in allergic asthmatics (AAs). To evaluate the effect of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) allergens on the expression of genes involved in inflammation and tissue remodeling by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from the blood of AAs. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cells from AAs, allergic rhinitis without asthma patients (ARs), and healthy controls (HCs) were cultured in the presence of Dp, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or without any stimulation. The expression of 84 genes was evaluated using a low-density microarray whereas, the quantitative expression analysis of selected genes was performed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. The concentration of selected proteins in the cell culture supernatants was assessed using ELISA. RESULTS Stimulation of PBMCs with Dp and LPS resulted in a significant upregulation of 8 and 15 among 84 studied genes, respectively. The greatest upregulation was observed for CCL2 and CCL3 using Dp and LPS, respectively. In comparison with HCs, in AAs, significantly increased upregulation of CCL2 in response to Dp was found. The secretion of CCL2 and CCL3 by PBMCs reflected the pattern of gene expression at the mRNA level. The mean Dp-stimulated secretion of CCL2 by PBMCs of ARs was less than in AAs (p < 0.01), both being notably greater than in the HCs (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Rapid and potent upregulation of CCL2 expression by PBMCs in response to Dp may constitute an important contribution to the development of allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Bernatowicz
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Pampuch
- Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Hubert Zywno
- Department of Experimental Allergology and Immunology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kowal
- Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland; Department of Experimental Allergology and Immunology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
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3
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Mishra A, Majid D, Kandikattu HK, Yadavalli CS, Upparahalli Venkateshaiah S. Role of IL-18-transformed CD274-expressing eosinophils in promoting airway obstruction in experimental asthma. Allergy 2022; 77:1165-1179. [PMID: 34800294 DOI: 10.1111/all.15180] [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: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND IL-5-dependent residential and IL-18-transformed pathogenic eosinophils have been reported; however, the role of IL-18-transformed CD274-expressing pathogenic eosinophils compared to IL-5-generated eosinophils in promoting airway obstruction in asthma has not yet been examined. METHODS Eosinophils are detected by tissue anti-MBP and anti-EPX immunostaining, CD274 expression by flow cytometry, and airway resistance using the Buxco FinePointe RC system. RESULTS We show that A. fumigatus-challenged wild-type mice, and different gene-deficient mice including naïve CC10-IL-18-transgenic mice, accumulate mostly peribronchial and perivascular CD274-expressing eosinophils except naïve CD2-IL-5-transgenic mice. Additionally, we show that CD2-IL-5 transgenic mice following rIL-18 treatment accumulate high number of CD274-expressing perivascular and peribronchial eosinophils with induced collagen, goblet cell hyperplasia and airway resistance compared to saline-challenged CD2-IL5 transgenic mice. Furthermore, we also show that even A. fumigatus-challenged IL-5 -/- mice and rIL-18 given ΔdblGATA mice accumulate CD274-expressing eosinophil-associated asthma pathogenesis including airway obstruction. Most importantly, we provide evidence that neutralization of CD274 and IL-18 in A. fumigatus-challenged mice ameliorate experimental asthma. Taken together, the data presented are clinically significant in establishing that anti-IL-18 neutralization is a novel immunotherapy to restrict asthma pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that IL-18 is critical for inducing asthma pathogenesis, and neutralization of CD274 is a potential immunotherapeutic strategy for asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Mishra
- John W. Deming Department of Medicine Tulane Eosinophilic Disorders Center (TEDC) Section of Pulmonary Diseases Tulane University School of Medicine New Orleans Louisina USA
| | - Dewan Majid
- John W. Deming Department of Medicine Tulane Eosinophilic Disorders Center (TEDC) Section of Pulmonary Diseases Tulane University School of Medicine New Orleans Louisina USA
| | - Hemanth Kumar Kandikattu
- John W. Deming Department of Medicine Tulane Eosinophilic Disorders Center (TEDC) Section of Pulmonary Diseases Tulane University School of Medicine New Orleans Louisina USA
| | - Chandra Sekhar Yadavalli
- John W. Deming Department of Medicine Tulane Eosinophilic Disorders Center (TEDC) Section of Pulmonary Diseases Tulane University School of Medicine New Orleans Louisina USA
| | - Sathisha Upparahalli Venkateshaiah
- John W. Deming Department of Medicine Tulane Eosinophilic Disorders Center (TEDC) Section of Pulmonary Diseases Tulane University School of Medicine New Orleans Louisina USA
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4
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Jackson CM, Mukherjee S, Wilburn AN, Cates C, Lewkowich IP, Deshmukh H, Zacharias WJ, Chougnet CA. Pulmonary Consequences of Prenatal Inflammatory Exposures: Clinical Perspective and Review of Basic Immunological Mechanisms. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1285. [PMID: 32636848 PMCID: PMC7318112 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chorioamnionitis, a potentially serious inflammatory complication of pregnancy, is associated with the development of an inflammatory milieu within the amniotic fluid surrounding the developing fetus. When chorioamnionitis occurs, the fetal lung finds itself in the unique position of being constantly exposed to the consequent inflammatory meditators and/or microbial products found in the amniotic fluid. This exposure results in significant changes to the fetal lung, such as increased leukocyte infiltration, altered cytokine, and surfactant production, and diminished alveolarization. These alterations can have potentially lasting impacts on lung development and function. However, studies to date have only begun to elucidate the association between such inflammatory exposures and lifelong consequences such as lung dysfunction. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis of and fetal immune response to chorioamnionitis, detail the consequences of chorioamnionitis exposure on the developing fetal lung, highlighting the various animal models that have contributed to our current understanding and discuss the importance of fetal exposures in regard to the development of chronic respiratory disease. Finally, we focus on the clinical, basic, and therapeutic challenges in fetal inflammatory injury to the lung, and propose next steps and future directions to improve our therapeutic understanding of this important perinatal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M. Jackson
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Shibabrata Mukherjee
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Adrienne N. Wilburn
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Chris Cates
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Ian P. Lewkowich
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Hitesh Deshmukh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Neonatology/Pulmonary Biology, The Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - William J. Zacharias
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Neonatology/Pulmonary Biology, The Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Claire A. Chougnet
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Claire A. Chougnet
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Miller LA, Royer CM, Pinkerton KE, Schelegle ES. Nonhuman Primate Models of Respiratory Disease: Past, Present, and Future. ILAR J 2018; 58:269-280. [PMID: 29216343 PMCID: PMC5886323 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilx030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The respiratory system consists of an integrated network of organs and structures that primarily function for gas exchange. In mammals, oxygen and carbon dioxide are transmitted through a complex respiratory tract, consisting of the nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, and lung. Exposure to ambient air throughout the lifespan imposes vulnerability of the respiratory system to environmental challenges that can contribute toward development of disease. The importance of the respiratory system to human health is supported by statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; in 2015, chronic lower respiratory diseases were the third leading cause of death in the United States. In light of the significant mortality associated with respiratory conditions that afflict all ages of the human population, this review will focus on basic and preclinical research conducted in nonhuman primate models of respiratory disease. In comparison with other laboratory animals, the nonhuman primate lung most closely resembles the human lung in structure, physiology, and mucosal immune mechanisms. Studies defining the influence of inhaled microbes, pollutants, or allergens on the nonhuman primate lung have provided insight on disease pathogenesis, with the potential for elucidation of molecular targets leading to new treatment modalities. Vaccine trials in nonhuman primates have been crucial for confirmation of safety and protective efficacy against infectious diseases of the lung in a laboratory animal model that recapitulates pathology observed in humans. In looking to the future, nonhuman primate models of respiratory diseases will continue to be instrumental for translating biomedical research for improvement of human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Miller
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Christopher M Royer
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Kent E Pinkerton
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Edward S Schelegle
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
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Kuo CHS, Pavlidis S, Loza M, Baribaud F, Rowe A, Pandis I, Hoda U, Rossios C, Sousa A, Wilson SJ, Howarth P, Dahlen B, Dahlen SE, Chanez P, Shaw D, Krug N, Sandstrӧm T, De Meulder B, Lefaudeux D, Fowler S, Fleming L, Corfield J, Auffray C, Sterk PJ, Djukanovic R, Guo Y, Adcock IM, Chung KF. A Transcriptome-driven Analysis of Epithelial Brushings and Bronchial Biopsies to Define Asthma Phenotypes in U-BIOPRED. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2017; 195:443-455. [PMID: 27580351 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201512-2452oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Asthma is a heterogeneous disease driven by diverse immunologic and inflammatory mechanisms. OBJECTIVES Using transcriptomic profiling of airway tissues, we sought to define the molecular phenotypes of severe asthma. METHODS The transcriptome derived from bronchial biopsies and epithelial brushings of 107 subjects with moderate to severe asthma were annotated by gene set variation analysis using 42 gene signatures relevant to asthma, inflammation, and immune function. Topological data analysis of clinical and histologic data was performed to derive clusters, and the nearest shrunken centroid algorithm was used for signature refinement. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Nine gene set variation analysis signatures expressed in bronchial biopsies and airway epithelial brushings distinguished two distinct asthma subtypes associated with high expression of T-helper cell type 2 cytokines and lack of corticosteroid response (group 1 and group 3). Group 1 had the highest submucosal eosinophils, as well as high fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels, exacerbation rates, and oral corticosteroid use, whereas group 3 patients showed the highest levels of sputum eosinophils and had a high body mass index. In contrast, group 2 and group 4 patients had an 86% and 64% probability, respectively, of having noneosinophilic inflammation. Using machine learning tools, we describe an inference scheme using the currently available inflammatory biomarkers sputum eosinophilia and fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels, along with oral corticosteroid use, that could predict the subtypes of gene expression within bronchial biopsies and epithelial cells with good sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS This analysis demonstrates the usefulness of a transcriptomics-driven approach to phenotyping that segments patients who may benefit the most from specific agents that target T-helper cell type 2-mediated inflammation and/or corticosteroid insensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hsi Scott Kuo
- 1 Department of Computing.,2 Data Science Institute, and.,3 Airways Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stelios Pavlidis
- 1 Department of Computing.,2 Data Science Institute, and.,4 Janssen Research and Development, High Wycombe, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Loza
- 4 Janssen Research and Development, High Wycombe, United Kingdom
| | - Fred Baribaud
- 4 Janssen Research and Development, High Wycombe, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Rowe
- 4 Janssen Research and Development, High Wycombe, United Kingdom
| | - Ioannis Pandis
- 1 Department of Computing.,2 Data Science Institute, and
| | - Uruj Hoda
- 3 Airways Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,5 Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton & Harefield National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christos Rossios
- 3 Airways Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Sousa
- 6 Respiratory Therapeutic Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Stockley Park, United Kingdom
| | - Susan J Wilson
- 7 Faculty of Medicine, Southampton University, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Howarth
- 7 Faculty of Medicine, Southampton University, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Barbro Dahlen
- 8 Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sven-Erik Dahlen
- 8 Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Dominick Shaw
- 10 Centre for Respiratory Research, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Norbert Krug
- 11 Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Sandstrӧm
- 12 Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bertrand De Meulder
- 13 European Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine, CNRS-ENS-UCBL, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Diane Lefaudeux
- 13 European Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine, CNRS-ENS-UCBL, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Stephen Fowler
- 14 Centre for Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Fleming
- 3 Airways Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,5 Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton & Harefield National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Corfield
- 15 AstraZeneca R&D, Molndal, Sweden.,16 Areteva R&D, Nottingham, United Kingdom; and
| | - Charles Auffray
- 13 European Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine, CNRS-ENS-UCBL, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Peter J Sterk
- 17 Faculty of Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ratko Djukanovic
- 7 Faculty of Medicine, Southampton University, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Yike Guo
- 1 Department of Computing.,2 Data Science Institute, and
| | - Ian M Adcock
- 3 Airways Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,5 Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton & Harefield National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kian Fan Chung
- 3 Airways Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,5 Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton & Harefield National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Pathway discovery using transcriptomic profiles in adult-onset severe asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 141:1280-1290. [PMID: 28756296 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult-onset severe asthma is characterized by highly symptomatic disease despite high-intensity asthma treatments. Understanding of the underlying pathways of this heterogeneous disease is needed for the development of targeted treatments. Gene set variation analysis is a statistical technique used to identify gene profiles in heterogeneous samples. OBJECTIVE We sought to identify gene profiles associated with adult-onset severe asthma. METHODS This was a cross-sectional, observational study in which adult patients with adult-onset of asthma (defined as starting at age ≥18 years) as compared with childhood-onset severe asthma (<18 years) were selected from the U-BIOPRED cohort. Gene expression was assessed on the total RNA of induced sputum (n = 83), nasal brushings (n = 41), and endobronchial brushings (n = 65) and biopsies (n = 47) (Affymetrix HT HG-U133+ PM). Gene set variation analysis was used to identify differentially enriched predefined gene signatures of leukocyte lineage, inflammatory and induced lung injury pathways. RESULTS Significant differentially enriched gene signatures in patients with adult-onset as compared with childhood-onset severe asthma were identified in nasal brushings (5 signatures), sputum (3 signatures), and endobronchial brushings (6 signatures). Signatures associated with eosinophilic airway inflammation, mast cells, and group 3 innate lymphoid cells were more enriched in adult-onset severe asthma, whereas signatures associated with induced lung injury were less enriched in adult-onset severe asthma. CONCLUSIONS Adult-onset severe asthma is characterized by inflammatory pathways involving eosinophils, mast cells, and group 3 innate lymphoid cells. These pathways could represent useful targets for the treatment of adult-onset severe asthma.
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Liravi B, Piedrafita D, Nguyen G, Bischof RJ. Dynamics of IL-4 and IL-13 expression in the airways of sheep following allergen challenge. BMC Pulm Med 2015; 15:101. [PMID: 26362930 PMCID: PMC4566292 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-015-0097-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background IL-4 and IL-13 play a critical yet poorly understood role in orchestrating the recruitment and activation of effector cells of the asthmatic response and driving the pathophysiology of allergic asthma. The house dust mite (HDM) sheep asthma model displays many features of the human condition and is an ideal model to further elucidate the involvement of these critical Th2 cytokines. We hypothesized that airway exposure to HDM allergen would induce or elevate the expression profile of IL-4 and IL-13 during the allergic airway response in this large animal model of asthma. Methods Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were collected from saline- and house dust mite (HDM)- challenged lung lobes of sensitized sheep from 0 to 48 h post-challenge. BAL cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) were each measured by ELISA. IL-4 and IL-13 expression was assessed in BAL leukocytes by flow cytometry and in airway tissue sections by immunohistology. Results IL-4 and IL-13 were increased in BAL samples following airway allergen challenge. HDM challenge resulted in a significant increase in BAL IL-4 levels at 4 h compared to saline-challenged airways, while BAL IL-13 levels were elevated at all time-points after allergen challenge. IL-6 levels were maintained following HDM challenge but declined after saline challenge, while HDM administration resulted in an acute elevation in IL-10 at 4 h but no change in TNF-α levels over time. Lymphocytes were the main early source of IL-4, with IL-4 release by alveolar macrophages (AMs) prominent from 24 h post-allergen challenge. IL-13 producing AMs were increased at 4 and 24 h following HDM compared to saline challenge, and tissue staining provided evidence of IL-13 expression in airway epithelium as well as immune cells in airway tissue. Conclusion In a sheep model of allergic asthma, airway inflammation is accompanied by the temporal release of key cytokines following allergen exposure that primarily reflects the Th2-driven nature of the immune response in asthma. The present study demonstrates for the first time the involvement of IL-4 and IL-13 in a relevant large animal model of allergic airways disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Liravi
- Biotechnology Research Laboratories, Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, VIC, Australia.
| | - David Piedrafita
- School of Applied and Biomedical Sciences, Federation University, Churchill, 3842, VIC, Australia.
| | - Gary Nguyen
- Biotechnology Research Laboratories, Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, VIC, Australia.
| | - Robert J Bischof
- Biotechnology Research Laboratories, Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, VIC, Australia. .,The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, 3168, VIC, Australia.
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9
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Harkness LM, Ashton AW, Burgess JK. Asthma is not only an airway disease, but also a vascular disease. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 148:17-33. [PMID: 25460035 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Multiple studies have identified an expansion and morphological dysregulation of the bronchial vascular network in the airways of asthmatics. Increased number, size and density of blood vessels, as well as vascular leakage and plasma engorgement, have been reported in the airways of patients with all grades of asthma from mild to fatal. This neovascularisation is an increasingly commonly reported feature of airway remodelling; however, the pathophysiological impact of the increased vasculature in the bronchial wall and its significance to pulmonary function in asthma are unrecognised at this time. Multiple factors capable of influencing the development and persistence of the vascular network exist within asthmatic airway tissue. These include structural components of the altered extracellular matrix (ECM), imbalance of proteases and their endogenous inhibitors, release of active matrikines and the dysregulated levels of both soluble and matrix sequestered growth factors. This review will explore the features of the asthmatic airway which influence the development and persistence of the increased vascular network, as well as the effect of enhanced tissue perfusion on chronic inflammation and airway dynamics. The response of cells of the airways to the altered vascular profile and the subsequent influence on the features of airway remodelling will also be highlighted. We will explore the failure of current asthma therapeutics in "normalising" this vascular remodelling. Finally, we will summarize the outcomes of recent clinical trials which provide hope that anti-angiogenic therapies may be a potent asthma-resolving class of drugs and provide a new approach to asthma management in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Harkness
- Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony W Ashton
- Division of Perinatal Research, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Janette K Burgess
- Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Bérubé JC, Bossé Y. Future clinical implications emerging from recent genome-wide expression studies in asthma. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 10:985-1004. [PMID: 25001610 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2014.932249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Host susceptibility to environmental triggers is the most likely explanation for the development of asthma. Quantifying gene expression levels in disease-relevant tissues and cell types using fast evolving genomic technologies have generated new hypotheses about the pathogenesis of asthma and identified new therapeutic targets to treat asthma and asthma-exacerbations. New biomarkers and distinct transcriptomic phenotypes in blood, sputum and other tissues were also identified and proved effective to refine asthma classification and guide targeted therapies. The wealth of information provided by transcriptomic studies in asthma is yet to be fully exploited, but discoveries in this field may soon be implemented in clinical settings to improve diagnosis and treatment of patients afflicted with this common disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Christophe Bérubé
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Pavillon Marguerite-d'Youville, Y4190, 2725 Chemin Ste-Foy, Quebec, Canada, G1V 4G5
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11
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Chun K, Miller LA, Schelegle ES, Hyde DM, Capitanio JP. Behavioral inhibition in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) is related to the airways response, but not immune measures, commonly associated with asthma. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71575. [PMID: 23951195 PMCID: PMC3739724 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavioral inhibition reflects a disposition to react warily to novel situations, and has been associated with atopic diseases such as asthma. Retrospective work established the relationship between behavioral inhibition in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and airway hyperresponsiveness, but not atopy, and the suggestion was made that behavioral inhibition might index components of asthma that are not immune-related. In the present study, we prospectively examined the relationship between behavioral inhibition and airway hyperresponsiveness, and whether hormonal and immune measures often associated with asthma were associated with behavioral inhibition and/or airway hyperresponsiveness. In a sample of 49 yearling rhesus monkeys (mean = 1.25 years, n = 24 behaviorally inhibited animals), we measured in vitro cytokine levels (IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ) in response to stimulation, as well as peripheral blood cell percentages, cortisol levels, and percentage of regulatory T-cells (CD3+CD4+CD25+FOXP3+). Airway reactivity was assessed using an inhaled methacholine challenge. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed and the proportion of immune cells was determined. Behaviorally inhibited monkeys had airway hyperresponsiveness as indicated by the methacholine challenge (p = 0.031), confirming our earlier retrospective result. Airway hyperresponsiveness was also associated with lower lymphocyte percentages in lavage fluid and marginally lower plasma cortisol concentrations. However, none of the tested measures was significantly related to both behavioral inhibition and airway hyperresponsiveness, and so could not mediate their relationship. Airway hyperresponsiveness is common to atopic and non-atopic asthma and behavioral inhibition has been related to altered autonomic activity in other studies. Our results suggest that behavioral inhibition might index an autonomically mediated reactive airway phenotype, and that a variety of stimuli (including inflammation within lung tissue that is not specifically associated with behavioral inhibition) may trigger the airways response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Chun
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA.
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Mullane K, Williams M. Animal models of asthma: reprise or reboot? Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 87:131-9. [PMID: 23831953 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of disease represent the pinnacle of hierarchical research efforts to validate targets and compounds for therapeutic intervention. Yet models of asthma, particularly in the mouse, which, for practical reasons, has become the sine qua non of asthma research, have been a bone of contention for decades. With barely a nod to their limitations and an extensive history of translational failures, they continue to be used for target identification and to justify the clinical evaluation of new compounds. Recent improvements - including sensitization directly to the airways; use of more relevant allergens; development of a chronic rather than short-term condition; utilization of techniques to measure lung function beyond uninterpretable measures of airway hyperresponsiveness - are laudable but cannot bridge the chasm between the models and the myriad complexities of the human disorder and multiple asthma endophenotypes. While further model developments are necessary, including recognition of key environmental factors beyond allergens, the judicious integration with newer ex vivo and in vitro techniques, including human precision-cut lung slices, reprograming of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and fibroblasts to epithelial and smooth muscle cells, and use of other clinical samples to create a more holistic depiction of activities, might improve their translational success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Mullane
- Profectus Pharma Consulting Inc., San Jose, CA, USA.
| | - Michael Williams
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Jia G, Erickson RW, Choy DF, Mosesova S, Wu LC, Solberg OD, Shikotra A, Carter R, Audusseau S, Hamid Q, Bradding P, Fahy JV, Woodruff PG, Harris JM, Arron JR. Periostin is a systemic biomarker of eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthmatic patients. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012; 130:647-654.e10. [PMID: 22857879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 456] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eosinophilic airway inflammation is heterogeneous in asthmatic patients. We recently described a distinct subtype of asthma defined by the expression of genes inducible by T(H)2 cytokines in bronchial epithelium. This gene signature, which includes periostin, is present in approximately half of asthmatic patients and correlates with eosinophilic airway inflammation. However, identification of this subtype depends on invasive airway sampling, and hence noninvasive biomarkers of this phenotype are desirable. OBJECTIVE We sought to identify systemic biomarkers of eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthmatic patients. METHODS We measured fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (Feno), peripheral blood eosinophil, periostin, YKL-40, and IgE levels and compared these biomarkers with airway eosinophilia in asthmatic patients. RESULTS We collected sputum, performed bronchoscopy, and matched peripheral blood samples from 67 asthmatic patients who remained symptomatic despite maximal inhaled corticosteroid treatment (mean FEV(1), 60% of predicted value; mean Asthma Control Questionnaire [ACQ] score, 2.7). Serum periostin levels are significantly increased in asthmatic patients with evidence of eosinophilic airway inflammation relative to those with minimal eosinophilic airway inflammation. A logistic regression model, including sex, age, body mass index, IgE levels, blood eosinophil numbers, Feno levels, and serum periostin levels, in 59 patients with severe asthma showed that, of these indices, the serum periostin level was the single best predictor of airway eosinophilia (P = .007). CONCLUSION Periostin is a systemic biomarker of airway eosinophilia in asthmatic patients and has potential utility in patient selection for emerging asthma therapeutics targeting T(H)2 inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiquan Jia
- Immunology, Tissue Growth, and Repair (ITGR) Biomarker Discovery, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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