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Wesołowska A. Sex—the most underappreciated variable in research: insights from helminth-infected hosts. Vet Res 2022; 53:94. [PMID: 36397174 PMCID: PMC9672581 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01103-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The sex of a host affects the intensity, prevalence, and severity of helminth infection. In many cases, one sex has been found to be more susceptible than the other, with the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections being generally higher among male than female hosts; however, many exceptions exist. This observed sex bias in parasitism results primarily from ecological, behavioural, and physiological differences between males and females. Complex interactions between these influences modulate the risk of infection. Indeed, an interplay among sex hormones, sex chromosomes, the microbiome and the immune system significantly contributes to the generation of sex bias among helminth-infected hosts. However, sex hormones not only can modulate the course of infection but also can be exploited by the parasites, and helminths appear to have developed molecules and pathways for this purpose. Furthermore, host sex may influence the efficacy of anti-helminth vaccines; however, although little data exist regarding this sex-dependent efficacy, host sex is known to influence the response to vaccines. Despite its importance, host sex is frequently overlooked in parasitological studies. This review focuses on the key contributors to sex bias in the case of helminth infection. The precise nature of the mechanisms/factors determining these sex-specific differences generally remains largely unknown, and this represents an obstacle in the development of control methods. There is an urgent need to identify any protective elements that could be targeted in future therapies to provide optimal disease management with regard to host sex. Hence, more research is needed into the impact of host sex on immunity and protection.
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The role of Th17 cells: explanation of relationship between periodontitis and COPD? Inflamm Res 2022; 71:1011-1024. [PMID: 35781342 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-022-01602-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic inflammatory diseases with common risk factors, such as long-term smoking, age, and social deprivation. Many observational studies have shown that periodontitis and COPD are correlated. Moreover, they share a common pathophysiological process involving local accumulation of inflammatory cells and cytokines and damage of soft tissues. The T helper 17 (Th17) cells and the related cytokines, interleukin (IL)-17, IL-22, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-23, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, play a crucial regulatory role during the pathophysiological process. This paper reviewed the essential roles of Th17 lineage in the occurrence of periodontitis and COPD. The gaps in the study of their common pathological mechanism were also evaluated to explore future research directions. Therefore, this review can provide study direction for the association between periodontitis and COPD and new ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of the two diseases.
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Chakraborty S, Pramanik J, Mahata B. Revisiting steroidogenesis and its role in immune regulation with the advanced tools and technologies. Genes Immun 2021; 22:125-140. [PMID: 34127827 PMCID: PMC8277576 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-021-00139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Historically tools and technologies facilitated scientific discoveries. Steroid hormone research is not an exception. Unfortunately, the dramatic advancement of the field faded this research area and flagged it as a solved topic. However, it should have been the opposite. The area should glitter with its strong foundation and attract next-generation scientists. Over the past century, a myriad of new facts on biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology and pathology of the steroid hormones was discovered. Several innovations were made and translated into life-saving treatment strategies such as synthetic steroids, and inhibitors of steroidogenesis and steroid signaling. Steroid molecules exhibit their diverse effects on cell metabolism, salt and water balance, development and function of the reproductive system, pregnancy, and immune-cell function. Despite vigorous research, the molecular basis of the immunomodulatory effect of steroids is still mysterious. The recent excitement on local extra-glandular steroidogenesis in regulating inflammation and immunity is revitalizing the topic with a new perspective. Therefore, here we review the role of steroidogenesis in regulating inflammation and immunity, discuss the unresolved questions, and how this area can bring another golden age of steroid hormone research with the development of new tools and technologies and advancement of the scientific methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jhuma Pramanik
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bidesh Mahata
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Medara N, Lenzo JC, Walsh KA, Reynolds EC, Darby IB, O'Brien-Simpson NM. A review of T helper 17 cell-related cytokines in serum and saliva in periodontitis. Cytokine 2020; 138:155340. [PMID: 33144024 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a complex underlying immunopathology. Cytokines, as molecular mediators of inflammation, play a role in all stages of disease progression. T helper 17 (Th17) cells are thought to play a role in periodontitis. Th17 cell development and maintenance requires a pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu, with many of the cytokines implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Serum and saliva are easily accessible biofluids which can represent the systemic and local environment to promote the development of Th17 cells. Here we review human clinical studies that investigate IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, IL-25, IL-31, IL-33, IFN-γ, sCD40L and TNF-α in serum and saliva in periodontitis. We highlight their putative role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and place them within a wider context of animal and other clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Medara
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, 720 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia.
| | - Jason C Lenzo
- Centre for Oral Health Research, The University of Melbourne, 720 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia.
| | - Katrina A Walsh
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Lance Townsend Building, Level 8, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia.
| | - Eric C Reynolds
- Centre for Oral Health Research, The University of Melbourne, 720 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia.
| | - Ivan B Darby
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, 720 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia.
| | - Neil M O'Brien-Simpson
- Centre for Oral Health Research, The University of Melbourne, 720 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia.
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5
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Dynamics of periodontal tissue in menopause. GINECOLOGIA.RO 2020. [DOI: 10.26416/gine.27.1.2020.2892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Setiawan M, Jäger A, Konermann A. The stability of different housekeeping genes in human periodontal ligament cells under inflammatory conditions. Ann Anat 2019; 224:81-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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7
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Bereshchenko O, Bruscoli S, Riccardi C. Glucocorticoids, Sex Hormones, and Immunity. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1332. [PMID: 29946321 PMCID: PMC6006719 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones regulate essential body functions in mammals, control cell metabolism, growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Importantly, they are potent suppressors of inflammation, and multiple immune-modulatory mechanisms involving leukocyte apoptosis, differentiation, and cytokine production have been described. Due to their potent anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressive activity, synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most prescribed drugs used for treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. It is long been noted that males and females exhibit differences in the prevalence in several autoimmune diseases (AD). This can be due to the role of sexual hormones in regulation of the immune responses, acting through their endogenous nuclear receptors to mediate gene expression and generate unique gender-specific cellular environments. Given the fact that GCs are the primary physiological anti-inflammatory hormones, and that sex hormones may also exert immune-modulatory functions, the link between GCs and sex hormones may exist. Understanding the nature of this possible crosstalk is important to unravel the reason of sexual disparity in AD and to carefully prescribe these drugs for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss similarities and differences between the effects of sex hormones and GCs on the immune system, to highlight possible axes of functional interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana Bereshchenko
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Bruscoli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carlo Riccardi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Navarro FC, Watkins SK. Estrogen Stimulation Differentially Impacts Human Male and Female Antigen-Specific T Cell Anti-Tumor Function and Polyfunctionality. GENDER AND THE GENOME 2017. [DOI: 10.1089/gg.2017.0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-specific differences exist in innate and adaptive immune responses and are mediated by hormone signaling. Estrogen is able to differentially modulate the development and differentiation of immune cells, including T cells. However, the effect of estrogen on T cell function, especially at concentrations other than physiological, remains controversial and incompletely understood. Immunotherapy is one of the most promising cancer treatments to date with a high probability of future enhancements. The adoptive transfer of genetically modified T cells can mediate tumor regression but there are still many hurdles to enhancing the proficiency of this treatment. This study demonstrates for the first time that one major aspect to consider for designing potent immunotherapies for cancer is the impact of the patient's sex. Herein, using two different Ag-specific T cell groups, we investigated the effect of sex and estrogen in antitumor effector responses, T helper cytokine secretion, and, importantly, on T cell whole polyfunctionality important for memory T cell development and survival. Major differences were observed in T cell function and polyfunctionality between sexes and on E2 treatment. The findings of this study may be critical to understand the results of immunotherapy on different patients and for the enhancement of immunotherapy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flor C. Navarro
- Department of Surgery, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Stephanie K. Watkins
- Department of Surgery, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
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Khan D, Ansar Ahmed S. The Immune System Is a Natural Target for Estrogen Action: Opposing Effects of Estrogen in Two Prototypical Autoimmune Diseases. Front Immunol 2016; 6:635. [PMID: 26779182 PMCID: PMC4701921 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Analogous to other physiological systems, the immune system also demonstrates remarkable sex differences. Although the reasons for sex differences in immune responses are not precisely understood, it potentially involves differences in sex hormones (estrogens, androgens, and differential sex hormone receptor-mediated events), X-chromosomes, microbiome, epigenetics among others. Overall, females tend to have more responsive and robust immune system compared to their male counterparts. It is therefore not surprising that females respond more aggressively to self-antigens and are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases. Female hormone (estrogen or 17β-estradiol) can potentially act on all cellular subsets of the immune system through estrogen receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms. This minireview highlights differential expression of estrogen receptors on immune cells, major estrogen-mediated signaling pathways, and their effect on immune cells. Since estrogen has varied effects in female-predominant autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus, we will mechanistically postulate the potential differential role of estrogen in these chronic debilitating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deena Khan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech , Blacksburg, VA , USA
| | - S Ansar Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech , Blacksburg, VA , USA
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The danger model approach to the pathogenesis of the rheumatic diseases. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:506089. [PMID: 25973436 PMCID: PMC4417989 DOI: 10.1155/2015/506089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The danger model was proposed by Polly Matzinger as complement to the traditional self-non-self- (SNS-) model to explain the immunoreactivity. The danger model proposes a central role of the tissular cells' discomfort as an element to prime the immune response processes in opposition to the traditional SNS-model where foreignness is a prerequisite. However recent insights in the proteomics of diverse tissular cells have revealed that under stressful conditions they have a significant potential to initiate, coordinate, and perpetuate autoimmune processes, in many cases, ruling over the adaptive immune response cells; this ruling potential can also be confirmed by observations in several genetically manipulated animal models. Here, we review the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematous, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis including ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease and provide realistic approaches based on the logic of the danger model. We assume that tissular dysfunction is a prerequisite for chronic autoimmunity and propose two genetically conferred hypothetical roles for the tissular cells causing the disease: (A) the Impaired cell and (B) the paranoid cell. Both roles are not mutually exclusive. Some examples in human disease and in animal models are provided based on current evidence.
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Azman R, Lappin DF, MacPherson A, Riggio M, Robertson D, Hodge P, Ramage G, Culshaw S, Preshaw PM, Taylor J, Nile C. Clinical associations between IL-17 family cytokines and periodontitis and potential differential roles for IL-17A and IL-17E in periodontal immunity. Inflamm Res 2014; 63:1001-12. [DOI: 10.1007/s00011-014-0776-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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