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Tian S, Wang Y, Wan J, Yang M, Fu Z. Co-stimulators CD40-CD40L, a potential immune-therapy target for atherosclerosis: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37718. [PMID: 38579073 PMCID: PMC10994492 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between CD40 and CD40 ligand (CD40L) a crucial co-stimulatory signal for activating adaptive immune cells, has a noteworthy role in atherosclerosis. It is well-known that atherosclerosis is linked to immune inflammation in blood vessels. In atherosclerotic lesions, there is a multitude of proinflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and collagen, as well as smooth muscle cells, macrophages, and T lymphocytes, particularly the binding of CD40 and CD40L. Therefore, research on inhibiting the CD40-CD40L system to prevent atherosclerosis has been ongoing for more than 30 years. However, it's essential to note that long-term direct suppression of CD40 or CD40L could potentially result in immunosuppression, emphasizing the critical role of the CD40-CD40L system in atherosclerosis. Thus, specifically targeting the CD40-CD40L interaction on particular cell types or their downstream signaling pathways may be a robust strategy for mitigating atherosclerosis, reducing potential side effects. This review aims to summarize the potential utility of the CD40-CD40L system as a viable therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeng Tian
- Department of Immunology, Basic Medicine College, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Harbin, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Nursing Teaching and Research Office, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jie Wan
- Department of Cardiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mao Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhenkun Fu
- Department of Immunology, Basic Medicine College, Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Harbin, China
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2
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Chen C, Zheng M, Wang W, Yu W. Elevated circulating inflammatory biomarker levels in the SIRT1-NF-κB-sCD40L pathway in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a case-control study. Ann Med 2023; 55:2284366. [PMID: 37992411 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2284366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis development and progression. However, the role of novel inflammatory biomarker pathways, namely the SIRT1-NF-κB-sCD40L, in the etiopathogenesis of human atherosclerosis remains undefined. This study was designed to evaluate the changes and clinical implications of these inflammatory mediators in the plasma of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS The peripheral arterial blood of 88 participants (68 patients with AMI and 20 age-matched controls), was drawn prior to performing coronary angiography (CAG). The SIRT1, NF-κB, and sCD40L plasma levels were quantified using ELISA. Spearman's analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between the three inflammatory markers, while Pearson's test assessed their potential correlation with cardiac troponin T (TNT) levels. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were calculated as measures of diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS Patients with AMI showed higher levels of circulating SIRT1, NF-κB, and sCD40L compared to the age-matched controls (p < 0.05). However, the plasma concentrations of these three inflammatory mediators did not differ between the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI) patients. Additionally, in patients with AMI, the SIRT1 level was positively correlated with NF-κB and sCD40L levels (p < 0.001). Likewise, the levels of SIRT1, NF-κB and sCD40L were positively correlated with TNT levels (p < 0.001). More importantly, the ROC analysis showed that the diagnostic accuracy of AMI was significantly higher when NF-κB or sCD40L level was used in combination with TNT levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The levels of the circulating inflammatory biomarkers, including SIRT1, NF-κB, and sCD40L, were significantly elevated in patients with AMI. These novel biomarkers can improve the diagnostic accuracy of AMI when combined with TNT.KEY MESSAGESAMI is a potentially lethal CAD and is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis development and progression. The levels of the circulating novel inflammatory biomarkers, including SIRT1, NF-κB, and sCD40L, were significantly elevated in patients with AMI.The SIRT1 level was positively correlated with NF-κB and sCD40L levels in patients with AMI.The levels of SIRT1, NF-κB and sCD40L were positively correlated with TNT levels.The ROC analysis showed that the diagnostic accuracy of AMI was significantly higher when NF-κB or sCD40L level was used in combination with TNT levels.SIRT1/NF-κB/sCD40L axis inhibition is a potential new target for AMI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjuan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Meiyi Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Cardiology, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Wei Yu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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Basiak M, Hachula M, Kosowski M, Machnik G, Maliglowka M, Dziubinska-Basiak M, Krysiak R, Okopien B. The Effect of PCSK9 Inhibition on the Stabilization of Atherosclerotic Plaque Determined by Biochemical and Diagnostic Imaging Methods. Molecules 2023; 28:5928. [PMID: 37570897 PMCID: PMC10421011 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial, progressive, chronic inflammatory disease. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are the most accurate predictors of atherosclerotic plaque instability (MRI). Cytokines such as osteopontin, osteoprotegerin, and metalloproteinase 9 could be used as the most recent markers to identify and track the efficacy of anti-atherosclerotic therapy. Patients with USG and MRI-verified unstable atherosclerotic plaque were included in the study. Biomarker concentrations were measured and compared before and after PCSK9 inhibitor therapy. Additionally, concentrations prior to treatment were correlated with MRI images of the carotid artery. After treatment with alirocumab, the concentrations of MMP-9 (p < 0.01) and OPN, OPG (p < 0.05) decreased significantly. Furthermore, the results of OPN, OPG, and MMP 9 varied significantly depending on the type of atherosclerotic plaque in the MRI assay. In stable atherosclerotic plaques, the concentrations of OPN and OPG were greater (p < 0.01), whereas the concentration of MMP9 correlated with the instability of the plaque (p < 0.05). We demonstrated, probably for the first time, that alirocumab therapy significantly decreased the serum concentration of atherosclerotic plaque markers. In addition, we demonstrated the relationship between the type of atherosclerotic plaque as determined by carotid MRI and the concentration of these markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Basiak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Marcin Hachula
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Michal Kosowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Machnik
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Mateusz Maliglowka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Robert Krysiak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Boguslaw Okopien
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
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4
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Klersy A, Meyer S, Leuschner F, Kessler T, Hecker M, Wagner AH. Ectodomain Shedding by ADAM17 Increases the Release of Soluble CD40 from Human Endothelial Cells under Pro-Inflammatory Conditions. Cells 2023; 12:1926. [PMID: 37566005 PMCID: PMC10417149 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151926] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homozygosity for the C allele of the -1T>C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the CD40 gene (rs1883832) is associated with susceptibility to coronary heart disease (CHD), enhanced CD40 expression, and shedding. The disintegrin metalloprotease ADAM17 can cleave various cell surface proteins. This study investigates an association between ADAM17-mediated CD40 shedding and inflammation in CC genotype human endothelial cells. METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) carrying the CC genotype were stimulated with soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). Messenger RNA and protein expression were determined with standard methods. Levels of high sensitive c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and sCD40 in plasma samples from patients with CHD were assessed using ELISA. RESULTS ADAM17 surface abundance was elevated following stimulation with CD40L and TNFα just as its regulator iRhom2. Inhibition of ADAM17 prevented TNFα-induced sCD40 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 release into the conditioned medium and reinforced CD40 surface abundance. Secondary to inhibition of ADAM17, stimulation with CD40L or TNFα upregulated monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA and protein. Levels of sCD40 and the inflammatory biomarkers hs-CRP and IL-6 were positively correlated in the plasma of patients with CHD. CONCLUSIONS We provide a mechanism by which membrane-bound CD40 is shed from the endothelial cell surface by ADAM17, boosting sCD40 formation and limiting downstream CD40 signaling. Soluble CD40 may represent a robust biomarker for CHD, especially in conjunction with homozygosity for the C allele of the -1T>C SNP of the CD40 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Klersy
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sören Meyer
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Leuschner
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Kessler
- Department of Cardiology, German Heart Centre Munich, Technical University of Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80636 Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Hecker
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas H. Wagner
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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5
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Gerasimova EV, Popkova TV, Shalygina MV, Kirillova IG, Gerasimova DA, Glukhova SI, Nasonov EL. [Subclinical atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with low cardiovascular risk]. TERAPEVT ARKH 2023; 95:375-379. [PMID: 38158988 DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2023.05.202203] [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: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the detection rate of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with low cardiovascular risk (CVR). MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 182 RA patients with low CVR (mSCORE<1%) and no established cardiovascular diseases and a control group comprising 100 people. Atherosclerotic lesion of the carotid arteries was assessed using Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries and was determined by the detection of atherosclerotic plaque (ASP) - the local increase in the thickness of the intima-media complex (IMT) >1.5 mm. RESULTS Carotid ASP were observed more frequently in RA patients with low CVR than in the control group (17% versus 8%; p=0.02). The frequency of ASP in RA patients with low CVR did not depend on the disease's stage or activity and ongoing therapy. In RA, the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis was associated with traditional risk factors: carotid ASP were detected 4 times more often in men than in women (48% versus 12%, p<0.01); carotid IMT correlated with age (R=0.46), body mass index (R=0.17), LDL-C level (R=0.20), systolic blood pressure (R=0.17); p<0.05 in all cases. According to a multivariate model, in RA, the risk of developing ASP increased in the presence of dyslipidemia (odds ratio - OR 2.97; 95% confidence interval - CI 1.36-6.49; p=0.006) and arterial hypertension (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.03-4.54; p=0.04). In RA patients with carotid ASP, sCD40L level was associated with carotid IMT (R=0.32; p=0.04) and cholesterol concentration (R=0.39; p=0.01). CONCLUSION Subclinical atherosclerotic lesions of the carotid arteries were observed in 24% of RA patients with low cardiovascular risk and were detected almost 2 times more often than in the control group. In RA patients with low CVR, the risk of developing carotid ASP increased by 2-3 times with concomitant hypertension and dyslipidemia. The carotid IMT was associated with traditional risk factors - age, gender, lipid levels and blood pressure indicators, in cases of detection of ASP - with an immunoinflammatory marker - sCD40L.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - D A Gerasimova
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
| | | | - E L Nasonov
- Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
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Gerasimova EV, Popkova TV, Gerasimova DA, Markina YV, Kirichenko TV. Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis at Low Cardiovascular Risk. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030974. [PMID: 36979953 PMCID: PMC10046543 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the rate of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis and clinical significance of immunoinflammatory markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at low cardiovascular risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 275 RA patients and a control group of 100 participants without autoimmune diseases. All study participants were at low cardiovascular risk, calculated by the QRISK3 scale (<20%), and free of cardiovascular disease. Ultrasound examination of carotid arteries was performed to measure cIMT and to detect atherosclerotic plaques (ASP) in carotid arteries. sIСАМ-1, sVСАМ, and sCD40L levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS Carotid ASP was observed more frequently in RA patients (27%) than in the control group (17%), p = 0.03. The frequency of ASP in RA patients did not depend on the disease's stage or activity. There was a significant correlation between cIMT and age, cardiovascular risk determined by QRISK3, level of total cholesterol, LDL, and blood pressure in RA patients, p < 0.05 in all cases. No correlation between cIMT and blood levels of sCD40L, sVCAM, and sICAM was found. In RA patients, a higher concentration of sVCAM was detected in the carotid ASP group compared to the non-atherosclerotic group. sCD40L was associated with cIMT and total cholesterol in the ASP group and with total cholesterol and blood pressure in non-atherosclerotic patients. CONCLUSIONS Subclinical atherosclerotic lesions of the carotid arteries were observed significantly more frequently in RA patients with low cardiovascular risk than in the control group. The results of the study demonstrate the association between cIMT, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and immunoinflammatory markers in RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatiana V Popkova
- V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, 115522 Moscow, Russia
| | - Daria A Gerasimova
- Department of Organization and Economy of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuliya V Markina
- Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana V Kirichenko
- Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Chazov National Medical Research Center of Cardiology, 121552 Moscow, Russia
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7
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Shami A, Edsfeldt A, Bengtsson E, Nilsson J, Shore AC, Natali A, Khan F, Lutgens E, Gonçalves I. Soluble CD40 Levels in Plasma Are Associated with Cardiovascular Disease and in Carotid Plaques with a Vulnerable Phenotype. J Stroke 2021; 23:367-376. [PMID: 34649381 PMCID: PMC8521258 DOI: 10.5853/jos.2021.00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE CD40 and CD40 ligand (CD40L) are costimulatory molecules of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and well known for their involvement in inflammatory diseases: atherosclerotic mouse models with disrupted CD40 signalling develop lesions of reduced size with a more stable plaque profile. This study investigated the potential of plasma and intraplaque levels of CD40 and CD40L as markers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in humans and their association with plaque stability. METHODS Soluble CD40 and CD40L (sCD40L) were measured in plasma in 1,437 subjects from The SUrrogate markers for Micro- and Macro-vascular hard endpoints for Innovative diabetes Tools (SUMMIT) cohort. Intra-plaque levels of sCD40 and sCD40L were measured in atherosclerotic plaque homogenates from 199 subjects of the Carotid Plaque Imaging Project (CPIP) cohort. RESULTS Both plasma sCD40 and sCD40L levels were elevated in individuals with prevalent stroke, while sCD40 levels also were higher in individuals with a prior acute myocardial infarction. Plasma levels of sCD40 correlated with carotid intima-media thickness and total carotid plaque area and were associated with risk of cardiovascular events over a 3-year follow-up period. Intra-plaque levels of sCD40 and sCD40L were associated with plaque components characteristic for plaque vulnerability and extracellular matrix remodelling. CONCLUSIONS Higher plasma sCD40 and sCD40L levels are associated with prevalent CVD. Plasma sCD40 levels also correlate with the severity of carotid atherosclerosis and predict future cardiovascular events, while intra-plaque levels correlate with a vulnerable plaque phenotype. Our findings thus demonstrate that elevated levels of sCD40 and sCD40L are markers of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelie Shami
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmo, Clinical Research Center, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Andreas Edsfeldt
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmo, Clinical Research Center, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Eva Bengtsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmo, Clinical Research Center, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Jan Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmo, Clinical Research Center, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Angela C Shore
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine, University of Exeter Medical School, National Institute for Health Research Exeter Clinical Research Facility, Exeter, UK
| | - Andrea Natali
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Faisel Khan
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmo, Clinical Research Center, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
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Lutgens E, Joffre J, van Os B, Ait-Oufella H. Targeting cytokines and immune checkpoints in atherosclerosis with monoclonal antibodies. Atherosclerosis 2021; 335:98-109. [PMID: 34593238 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Over the past fifteen years, treatments using monoclonal antibodies specifically targeting cytokines have been developed to treat chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, both associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The cardiovascular impact of these therapies allows us to validate the clinical relevance of the knowledge acquired from experimental studies about the role of cytokines in atherosclerosis. Several clinical studies have confirmed the protective effects of anti-TNFα and anti-IL-6R monoclonal antibodies against athero-thrombotic cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. Yet, caution is needed since anti-TNFα treatment can aggravate chronic heart failure. More recently, the CANTOS study showed for the first time that an anti-inflammatory treatment using anti-IL-1β monoclonal antibody in coronary artery disease patients significantly reduced cardiovascular events. The effects of IL-23/IL-17 axis blockade on cardiovascular risk in patients with psoriasis or arthritis remain controversial. Several monoclonal antibodies targeting costimulatory molecules have also been developed, a direct way to confirm their involvement in atherothrombotic cardiovascular diseases. Blocking the CD28-CD80/86 axis with Abatacept has been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk. In contrast, the treatment of cancer patients with antibodies blocking immune checkpoint inhibitory receptors, such as CTLA-4, PD1, or PDL1, could worsen the risk of atherothrombotic events. In the future, cardiologists will be increasingly solicited to assess the cardiovascular risk of patients suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases or cancer and participate in choosing the most appropriate treatment. At the same time, immunomodulatory approaches directly targeting cardiovascular diseases will be developed as a complement to the usual treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry Experimental Vascular Biology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Pettenkoferstraße 8a & 9, 80336, Munich, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Pettenkoferstraße 8a & 9, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Jeremie Joffre
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Université de Paris, Inserm U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France; Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bram van Os
- Department of Medical Biochemistry Experimental Vascular Biology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hafid Ait-Oufella
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Université de Paris, Inserm U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France.
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9
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Smith CW. Release of α-granule contents during platelet activation. Platelets 2021; 33:491-502. [PMID: 34569425 DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2021.1913576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Upon activation, platelets release a plethora of factors which help to mediate their dynamic functions in hemostasis, inflammation, wound healing, tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. The majority of these bioactive molecules are released from α-granules, which are unique to platelets, and contain an incredibly diverse repertoire of cargo including; integral membrane proteins, pro-coagulant molecules, chemokines, mitogenic, growth and angiogenic factors, adhesion proteins, and microbicidal proteins. Clinically, activation of circulating platelets has increasingly been associated with various disease states. Biomarkers indicating the level of platelet activation in patients can therefore be useful tools to evaluate risk factors to predict future complications and determine treatment strategies or evaluate antiplatelet therapy. The irreversible nature of α-granule secretion makes it ideally suited as a marker of platelet activation. This review outlines the release and contents of platelet α-granules, as well as the membrane bound, and soluble α-granule cargo proteins that can be used as biomarkers of platelet activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Smith
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, UK
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10
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Cell-specific and divergent roles of the CD40L-CD40 axis in atherosclerotic vascular disease. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3754. [PMID: 34145241 PMCID: PMC8213756 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23909-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a major underlying cause of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies showed that inhibition of the co-stimulatory CD40 ligand (CD40L)-CD40 signaling axis profoundly attenuates atherosclerosis. As CD40L exerts multiple functions depending on the cell-cell interactions involved, we sought to investigate the function of the most relevant CD40L-expressing cell types in atherosclerosis: T cells and platelets. Atherosclerosis-prone mice with a CD40L-deficiency in CD4+ T cells display impaired Th1 polarization, as reflected by reduced interferon-γ production, and smaller atherosclerotic plaques containing fewer T-cells, smaller necrotic cores, an increased number of smooth muscle cells and thicker fibrous caps. Mice with a corresponding CD40-deficiency in CD11c+ dendritic cells phenocopy these findings, suggesting that the T cell-dendritic cell CD40L-CD40 axis is crucial in atherogenesis. Accordingly, sCD40L/sCD40 and interferon-γ concentrations in carotid plaques and plasma are positively correlated in patients with cerebrovascular disease. Platelet-specific deficiency of CD40L does not affect atherogenesis but ameliorates atherothrombosis. Our results establish divergent and cell-specific roles of CD40L-CD40 in atherosclerosis, which has implications for therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway.
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11
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Bosmans LA, Bosch L, Kusters PJH, Lutgens E, Seijkens TTP. The CD40-CD40L Dyad as Immunotherapeutic Target in Cardiovascular Disease. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2020; 14:13-22. [PMID: 32222950 PMCID: PMC7892683 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-020-09994-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation drives the development of atherosclerosis. Despite optimal treatment of classical cardiovascular risk factors, a substantial portion of the population has elevated inflammatory biomarkers and develops atherosclerosis-related complications, indicating that a residual inflammatory risk drives atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in these patients. Additional anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies are therefore required. The co-stimulatory molecule CD40 and its ligand CD40L (CD154) have a central role in the regulation of the inflammatory response during the development of atherosclerosis by modulating the interaction between immune cells and between immune cells and non-immune cells. In this review, we discuss the role of the CD40-CD40L dyad in atherosclerosis, and we discuss recent studies on the therapeutic potential of novel CD40-CD40L targeting strategies in cardiovascular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Bosmans
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lena Bosch
- Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal J H Kusters
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilian's University, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Tom T P Seijkens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Pesau G, Schernthaner GH. sCD40L: An overestimated marker for cardiovascular risk prediction? Atherosclerosis 2019; 291:122-123. [PMID: 31679716 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gerfried Pesau
- Division of Angiology, Department of Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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