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Abcouwer SF, Miglioranza Scavuzzi B, Kish PE, Kong D, Shanmugam S, Le XA, Yao J, Hager H, Zacks DN. The mouse retinal pigment epithelium mounts an innate immune defense response following retinal detachment. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:74. [PMID: 38528525 PMCID: PMC10964713 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03062-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) maintains photoreceptor viability and function, completes the visual cycle, and forms the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB). Loss of RPE function gives rise to several monogenic retinal dystrophies and contributes to age-related macular degeneration. Retinal detachment (RD) causes separation of the neurosensory retina from the underlying RPE, disrupting the functional and metabolic relationships between these layers. Although the retinal response to RD is highly studied, little is known about how the RPE responds to loss of this interaction. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to compare normal and detached RPE in the C57BL6/J mouse. The naïve mouse RPE transcriptome was compared to previously published RPE signature gene lists and from the union of these 14 genes (Bmp4, Crim1, Degs1, Gja1, Itgav, Mfap3l, Pdpn, Ptgds, Rbp1, Rnf13, Rpe65, Slc4a2, Sulf1 and Ttr) representing a core signature gene set applicable across rodent and human RPE was derived. Gene ontology enrichment analysis (GOEA) of the mouse RPE transcriptome identified expected RPE features and functions, such as pigmentation, phagocytosis, lysosomal and proteasomal degradation of proteins, and barrier function. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) at 1 and 7 days post retinal detachment (dprd) were defined as mRNA with a significant (padj≤0.05) fold change (FC) of 0.67 ≥ FC ≥ 1.5 in detached versus naïve RPE. The RPE transcriptome exhibited dramatic changes at 1 dprd, with 2297 DEG identified. The KEGG pathways and biological process GO groups related to innate immune responses were significantly enriched. Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) and several chemokines were upregulated, while numerous genes related to RPE functions, such as pigment synthesis, visual cycle, phagocytosis, and tight junctions were downregulated at 1 dprd. The response was largely transient, with only 18 significant DEG identified at 7 dprd, including upregulation of complement gene C4b. Validation studies confirmed RNA-Seq results. Thus, the RPE quickly downregulates cell-specific functions and mounts an innate immune defense response following RD. Our data demonstrate that the RPE contributes to the inflammatory response to RD and may play a role in attraction of immune cells to the subretinal space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F Abcouwer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.
| | - Bruna Miglioranza Scavuzzi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Phillip E Kish
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Dejuan Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Sumathi Shanmugam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Xuan An Le
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Jingyu Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Heather Hager
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - David N Zacks
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
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Dontsov A, Ostrovsky M. Retinal Pigment Epithelium Pigment Granules: Norms, Age Relations and Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3609. [PMID: 38612421 PMCID: PMC11011557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which ensures the normal functioning of the neural retina, is a pigmented single-cell layer that separates the retina from the Bruch's membrane and the choroid. There are three main types of pigment granules in the RPE cells of the human eye: lipofuscin granules (LG) containing the fluorescent "age pigment" lipofuscin, melanoprotein granules (melanosomes, melanolysosomes) containing the screening pigment melanin and complex melanolipofuscin granules (MLG) containing both types of pigments simultaneously-melanin and lipofuscin. This review examines the functional role of pigment granules in the aging process and in the development of oxidative stress and associated pathologies in RPE cells. The focus is on the process of light-induced oxidative degradation of pigment granules caused by reactive oxygen species. The reasons leading to increased oxidative stress in RPE cells as a result of the oxidative degradation of pigment granules are considered. A mechanism is proposed to explain the phenomenon of age-related decline in melanin content in RPE cells. The essence of the mechanism is that when the lipofuscin part of the melanolipofuscin granule is exposed to light, reactive oxygen species are formed, which destroy the melanin part. As more melanolipofuscin granules are formed with age and the development of degenerative diseases, the melanin in pigmented epithelial cells ultimately disappears.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mikhail Ostrovsky
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia;
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3
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Biber J, Jabri Y, Glänzer S, Dort A, Hoffelner P, Schmidt CQ, Bludau O, Pauly D, Grosche A. Gliosis-dependent expression of complement factor H truncated variants attenuates retinal neurodegeneration following ischemic injury. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:56. [PMID: 38388518 PMCID: PMC10885619 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03045-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Inherited, age-related, and acute retinal diseases are often exacerbated by an aberrant or excessive activity of the complement system. Consequently, cells not directly affected by an acute event or genetic variants may degenerate, resulting in enhanced visual impairment. The therapeutic potential of supplementation of complement factor H (FH), a key regulator of the complement cascade, is therefore particularly promising in the context of retinal diseases caused by complement activation. In this study, we engineered adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) containing sequences of two truncated human FH variants. The expression of these variants was regulated by the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter, which is selectively active in gliotic Müller cells. Both FH variants consisted of FH domains 19-20, which were connected to domains 1-4 and 1-7, respectively, by a polyglycine linker. These AAVs were intravitreally injected following ischemic injury of C57BL/6J mouse retinas. We observed transgene expression in gliotic Müller cells and to some extent in astrocytes. The expression correlated directly with damage severity. Interventions resulted in decreased complement activation, accelerated normalization of microglia activity and morphological improvements. Reduced levels of C3 transcripts and C3d protein in conjunction with higher transcript levels of inhibitory regulators like Cfi and Cfh, hinted at attenuated complement activity. This study demonstrates the great potential of complement regulatory gene addition therapy. With further in vivo testing it could be applied to treat a wide range of retinal diseases where no causative therapies are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Biber
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Yassin Jabri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Glänzer
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Aaron Dort
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Patricia Hoffelner
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christoph Q Schmidt
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacy, Biochemical Pharmacy Group, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Oliver Bludau
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Diana Pauly
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Antje Grosche
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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4
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Zhao Q, Lai K. Role of immune inflammation regulated by macrophage in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2024; 239:109770. [PMID: 38145794 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109770] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to irreversible impairment of visual function, and the number of patients with AMD has been increasing globally. The immunoinflammatory theory is an important pathogenic mechanism of AMD, with macrophages serving as the primary inflammatory infiltrating cells in AMD lesions. Its powerful immunoinflammatory regulatory function has attracted considerable attention. Herein, we provide an overview of the involvement of macrophage-regulated immunoinflammation in different stages of AMD. Additionally, we summarize novel therapeutic approaches for AMD, focusing on targeting macrophages, such as macrophage/microglia modulators, reduction of macrophage aggregation in the subretinal space, modulation of macrophage effector function, macrophage phenotypic alterations, and novel biomimetic nanocomposites development based on macrophage-associated functional properties. We aimed to provide a basis and reference for the further exploration of AMD pathogenesis, developmental influences, and new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Kunbei Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No.7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Vashishtha A, Maina SW, Altman J, Jones G, Lee TJ, Bollinger KE, Ulrich L, Töteberg-Harms M, Estes AJ, Zhi W, Sharma S, Sharma A. Complement System Proteins in the Human Aqueous Humor and Their Association with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1400. [PMID: 37763167 PMCID: PMC10532607 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study discovers the complement protein profile in the aqueous humor (AH) of human subjects and investigates its association with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) pathogenesis. Among the 32 complement proteins identified, 22 were highly abundant and detected in more than 50% of AH samples. The most predominant active complement proteins in the AH are C3, C4B, C4A, CFB, CFD, and C9. Additionally, the most prevalent complement regulators and receptors include CLU, SERPING1, F2, CFH, CFI, and VTN. Significant alterations in complement proteins were observed in individuals with POAG compared to those with cataracts. Specifically, complement protein F2 was upregulated, while C8G, C6, and CFH were downregulated in POAG samples. Stratification of the samples by race and sex revealed distinct alterations of complement proteins in patients with POAG. In the African American cohort, five complement proteins (C4A, C4B, F2, C7, and C3) were upregulated in POAG compared to cataract patients. In the Caucasian cohort, eight complement proteins (C3, SERPING1, CFI, CLU, CFHR1, C8G, C6, and CFH) were downregulated in the POAG samples compared to the cataract samples. Within the male cohort, three complement proteins (CLU, C6, and CFH) were downregulated in POAG patients compared to those with cataracts. Whereas, within the female cohort, two complement proteins (C4B and F2) were upregulated and one (C8G) downregulated in the POAG samples when compared to cataracts. Discerning these changes in the AH complement protein profile will assist in the development of tailored therapies to modulate the complement system for managing ocular disorders. These insights may also lead to novel biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayushi Vashishtha
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Sharon W. Maina
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (S.W.M.); (J.A.); (G.J.); (T.J.L.); (W.Z.); (S.S.)
| | - Jeremy Altman
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (S.W.M.); (J.A.); (G.J.); (T.J.L.); (W.Z.); (S.S.)
| | - Garrett Jones
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (S.W.M.); (J.A.); (G.J.); (T.J.L.); (W.Z.); (S.S.)
| | - Tae Jin Lee
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (S.W.M.); (J.A.); (G.J.); (T.J.L.); (W.Z.); (S.S.)
| | - Kathryn E. Bollinger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (K.E.B.); (L.U.); (M.T.-H.); (A.J.E.)
| | - Lane Ulrich
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (K.E.B.); (L.U.); (M.T.-H.); (A.J.E.)
| | - Marc Töteberg-Harms
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (K.E.B.); (L.U.); (M.T.-H.); (A.J.E.)
| | - Amy J. Estes
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (K.E.B.); (L.U.); (M.T.-H.); (A.J.E.)
| | - Wenbo Zhi
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (S.W.M.); (J.A.); (G.J.); (T.J.L.); (W.Z.); (S.S.)
| | - Shruti Sharma
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (S.W.M.); (J.A.); (G.J.); (T.J.L.); (W.Z.); (S.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (K.E.B.); (L.U.); (M.T.-H.); (A.J.E.)
| | - Ashok Sharma
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (S.W.M.); (J.A.); (G.J.); (T.J.L.); (W.Z.); (S.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (K.E.B.); (L.U.); (M.T.-H.); (A.J.E.)
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Fanelli G, Romano M, Lombardi G, Sacks SH. Soluble Collectin 11 (CL-11) Acts as an Immunosuppressive Molecule Potentially Used by Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Epithelial Cells to Modulate T Cell Response. Cells 2023; 12:1805. [PMID: 37443840 PMCID: PMC10341155 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell allotransplantation is seen as a possible solution to retinal diseases. However, the RPE-complement system triggered by the binding of collectin-11 (CL-11) is a potential barrier for RPE transplantation as the complement-mediated inflammatory response may promote T cell recognition. To address this, we investigated the role of CL-11 on T cell immuno-response. We confirmed that RPE cells up-regulated MHC class I and expressed MHC class II molecules in an inflammatory setting. Co-cultures of RPE cells with T cells led to the inhibition of T cell proliferation. We found that CL-11 was partially responsible for this effect as T cell binding of CL-11 inhibited T cell proliferation in association with the downregulation of CD28. We also found that the suppressive action of CL-11 was abrogated in the presence of the RGD peptide given to block the T cell binding of CL-11 by its collagen-like domain. Because RPE cells can bind and secrete CL-11 under stress conditions, we postulate that soluble CL-11 contributes to the immunosuppressive properties of RPE cells. The investigation of this dual biological activity of CL-11, namely as a trigger of the complement cascade and a modulator of T cell responses, may provide additional clues about the mechanisms that orchestrate the immunogenic properties of RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Fanelli
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College, London SE1 9RT, UK; (M.R.); (G.L.); (S.H.S.)
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Zeng L, Li X, Pan W, Tang Y, Lin D, Wang M, Cai W, Zhu R, Wan J, Huang L, Xu H, Yang Z. Intraocular complement activation is related to retinal vascular and neuronal degeneration in myopic retinopathy. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1187400. [PMID: 37448698 PMCID: PMC10336352 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1187400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the relationship between the intraocular levels of complement proteins and myopia-related retinal neuronal and vascular degeneration. Methods Aqueous humour from 147 myopic patients, including 60 low-myopia and 87 high-myopia were collected during Implantable Collamer Lens implantation surgery. All participants received comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, including logMAR best corrected visual acuity, axial length measurement, fundus photography and ocular B-scan ultrasonography. The myopic eyes were further classified into simple myopia (SM, n = 78), myopic posterior staphyloma (PS, n = 39) and PS with myopic chorioretinal atrophy (PS + CA, n = 30). Retinal thickness and vascular density in the macula (6 mm × 6 mm) and optic nerve head (4.5 mm × 4.5 mm) were measured using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). The levels of complement proteins including C1q, C3, C3b/iC3b, C4, CFB, CFH, C2, C4b, C5, C5a, CFD, MBL and CFI in the aqueous humour were measured using the Luminex Multiplexing system. The real-time RT-PCR was conducted to examine the expression of complement genes (C1q, C2, C3, C4, CFI and CFD) in the guinea pig model of long-term form deprivation-induced myopic retinal degeneration. Results OCTA showed that retinal neuronal thickness and vascular density in superficial and deep layers of the macular zone as well as vascular density in the optic nerve head were progressively decreased from SM to PS and PS + CA (p < 0.05). The aqueous humour levels of C1q, C3, C3b/iC3b, C4, CFB, CFH, C2, C4b, C5 and CFI were significantly higher in high-myopic eyes compared to those in low-myopic eyes. Further subgroup analysis revealed the highest levels of complement components/fragments in the PS + CA group. The intraocular levels of complement factors particularly C3b/iC3b and C4 were negatively correlated with macular zone deep layer retinal thickness and vascular density and optic nerve head vascular density. The expression of C2, C3 and C4 genes was significantly higher in guinea pig eyes with myopic retinal degeneration compared to control eyes. Conclusions The intraocular classical pathway and alternative pathway of the complement system are partially activated in pathological myopia. Their activation is related to the degeneration of retinal neurons and the vasculature in the macula and the vasculature in the optic nerve head.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zeng
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Aier Eye Hospital Group, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoning Li
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Aier School of Optometry and Vision Science, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Aier Eye Hospital Group, Changsha, China
| | - Yao Tang
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Aier Eye Hospital Group, Changsha, China
| | - Ding Lin
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Min Wang
- Shanghai Aier Eye Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang Cai
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ruiling Zhu
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianbo Wan
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | | | - Heping Xu
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Aier Eye Hospital Group, Changsha, China
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Zhikuan Yang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Aier Eye Hospital Group, Changsha, China
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Hammadi S, Tzoumas N, Ferrara M, Meschede IP, Lo K, Harris C, Lako M, Steel DH. Bruch's Membrane: A Key Consideration with Complement-Based Therapies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Clin Med 2023; 12:2870. [PMID: 37109207 PMCID: PMC10145879 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12082870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system is crucial for immune surveillance, providing the body's first line of defence against pathogens. However, an imbalance in its regulators can lead to inappropriate overactivation, resulting in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally affecting around 200 million people. Complement activation in AMD is believed to begin in the choriocapillaris, but it also plays a critical role in the subretinal and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) spaces. Bruch's membrane (BrM) acts as a barrier between the retina/RPE and choroid, hindering complement protein diffusion. This impediment increases with age and AMD, leading to compartmentalisation of complement activation. In this review, we comprehensively examine the structure and function of BrM, including its age-related changes visible through in vivo imaging, and the consequences of complement dysfunction on AMD pathogenesis. We also explore the potential and limitations of various delivery routes (systemic, intravitreal, subretinal, and suprachoroidal) for safe and effective delivery of conventional and gene therapy-based complement inhibitors to treat AMD. Further research is needed to understand the diffusion of complement proteins across BrM and optimise therapeutic delivery to the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hammadi
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Nikolaos Tzoumas
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Queen Alexandra Rd., Sunderland SR2 9H, UK
| | | | - Ingrid Porpino Meschede
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, a Novartis Company, Rolling Stock Yard, 6th Floor, 188 York Way, London N7 9AS, UK
| | - Katharina Lo
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, a Novartis Company, Rolling Stock Yard, 6th Floor, 188 York Way, London N7 9AS, UK
| | - Claire Harris
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, a Novartis Company, Rolling Stock Yard, 6th Floor, 188 York Way, London N7 9AS, UK
- Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - David H. Steel
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Queen Alexandra Rd., Sunderland SR2 9H, UK
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9
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Vasilyeva TA, Kadyshev VV, Marakhonov AV, Kanivets IV, Korostelev SA, Koshkin PA, Pyankov DV, Petrova NV, Kutsev SI, Zinchenko RA. [Molecular genetics in diagnosis of Coats disease: combination of oligogenic variants associated with different forms of hereditary retinal dystrophy]. Vestn Oftalmol 2023; 139:69-74. [PMID: 36924516 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma202313901169] [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: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Coats disease (OMIM 300216) is a form of hereditary retinal dystrophy, which occurs due to congenital abnormality of retinal vessels and features unilateral exudative vitreoretinopathy. Coats disease mostly occurs sporadically; its genetic cause is still undetermined. Molecular genetic research including whole exome sequencing by the NGS method was used to define a genetic cause of the observed phenotype. Two heterozygous variants in different genomic loci associated with other forms of hereditary retinal dystrophy were detected, a rare variant in the HMCN1 gene c.9571C>T, p.(Arg3191Cys), and a known pathogenic variant in the NPHP4 gene c.2930C>T, p.(Thr977Met). The HMCN1 gene is responsible for dominant age-related macular degeneration (OMIM 603075), pathogenic variants in the NPHP4 gene cause recessive Senior-Løken syndrome 4 (OMIM 266900). These genes encode the proteins that are involved in the regulation of integrity of the blood-retinal barrier in the vascular endothelium (NPHP4) and retinal pigment epithelium (HMCN1). The identified mutation in the NPHP4 gene could lead to decreased function of the NPHP4 protein and contribute to the development of retinal degeneration, potentially of oligogenic nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Vasilyeva
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - V V Kadyshev
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - I V Kanivets
- Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia.,OOO Genomed, Moscow, Russia
| | - S A Korostelev
- OOO Genomed, Moscow, Russia.,I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - N V Petrova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - S I Kutsev
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - R A Zinchenko
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia.,N.A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health, Moscow, Russia
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10
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Wong JHC, Ma JYW, Jobling AI, Brandli A, Greferath U, Fletcher EL, Vessey KA. Exploring the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration: A review of the interplay between retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction and the innate immune system. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1009599. [PMID: 36408381 PMCID: PMC9670140 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1009599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the older population. Classical hallmarks of early and intermediate AMD are accumulation of drusen, a waste deposit formed under the retina, and pigmentary abnormalities in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). When the disease progresses into late AMD, vision is affected due to death of the RPE and the light-sensitive photoreceptors. The RPE is essential to the health of the retina as it forms the outer blood retinal barrier, which establishes ocular immune regulation, and provides support for the photoreceptors. Due to its unique anatomical position, the RPE can communicate with the retinal environment and the systemic immune environment. In AMD, RPE dysfunction and the accumulation of drusen drive the infiltration of retinal and systemic innate immune cells into the outer retina. While recruited endogenous or systemic mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) contribute to the removal of noxious debris, the accumulation of MPs can also result in chronic inflammation and contribute to AMD progression. In addition, direct communication and indirect molecular signaling between MPs and the RPE may promote RPE cell death, choroidal neovascularization and fibrotic scarring that occur in late AMD. In this review, we explore how the RPE and innate immune cells maintain retinal homeostasis, and detail how RPE dysfunction and aberrant immune cell recruitment contribute to AMD pathogenesis. Evidence from AMD patients will be discussed in conjunction with data from preclinical models, to shed light on future therapeutic targets for the treatment of AMD.
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11
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Alfaar AS, Stürzbecher L, Diedrichs-Möhring M, Lam M, Roubeix C, Ritter J, Schumann K, Annamalai B, Pompös IM, Rohrer B, Sennlaub F, Reichhart N, Wildner G, Strauß O. FoxP3 expression by retinal pigment epithelial cells: transcription factor with potential relevance for the pathology of age-related macular degeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:260. [PMID: 36273134 PMCID: PMC9588251 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02620-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Forkhead-Box-Protein P3 (FoxP3) is a transcription factor and marker of regulatory T cells, converting naive T cells into Tregs that can downregulate the effector function of other T cells. We previously detected the expression of FoxP3 in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, forming the outer blood–retina barrier of the immune privileged eye. Methods We investigated the expression, subcellular localization, and phosphorylation of FoxP3 in RPE cells in vivo and in vitro after treatment with various stressors including age, retinal laser burn, autoimmune inflammation, exposure to cigarette smoke, in addition of IL-1β and mechanical cell monolayer destruction. Eye tissue from humans, mouse models of retinal degeneration and rats, and ARPE-19, a human RPE cell line for in vitro experiments, underwent immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence staining, and PCR or immunoblot analysis to determine the intracellular localization and phosphorylation of FoxP3. Cytokine expression of stressed cultured RPE cells was investigated by multiplex bead analysis. Depletion of the FoxP3 gene was performed with CRISPR/Cas9 editing. Results RPE in vivo displayed increased nuclear FoxP3-expression with increases in age and inflammation, long-term exposure of mice to cigarette smoke, or after laser burn injury. The human RPE cell line ARPE-19 constitutively expressed nuclear FoxP3 under non-confluent culture conditions, representing a regulatory phenotype under chronic stress. Confluently grown cells expressed cytosolic FoxP3 that was translocated to the nucleus after treatment with IL-1β to imitate activated macrophages or after mechanical destruction of the monolayer. Moreover, with depletion of FoxP3, but not of a control gene, by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing decreased stress resistance of RPE cells. Conclusion Our data suggest that FoxP3 is upregulated by age and under cellular stress and might be important for RPE function. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02620-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Samir Alfaar
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Ulm, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lucas Stürzbecher
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Diedrichs-Möhring
- Section of Immunobiology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Marion Lam
- Institut de La Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Roubeix
- Institut de La Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Julia Ritter
- Institut Für Med. Mikrobiologie, Immunologie Und Hygiene, TU München, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schumann
- Institut Für Med. Mikrobiologie, Immunologie Und Hygiene, TU München, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Balasubramaniam Annamalai
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Medical University South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Inga-Marie Pompös
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bärbel Rohrer
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Medical University South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Florian Sennlaub
- Institut de La Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Nadine Reichhart
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerhild Wildner
- Section of Immunobiology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Olaf Strauß
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Berlin Institute of Health, Humboldt-University, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
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12
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Szczepan M, Llorián-Salvador M, Chen M, Xu H. Immune Cells in Subretinal Wound Healing and Fibrosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:916719. [PMID: 35755781 PMCID: PMC9226489 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.916719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The subretinal space is devoid of any immune cells under normal conditions and is an immune privileged site. When photoreceptors and/or retinal pigment epithelial cells suffer from an injury, a wound healing process will be initiated. Retinal microglia and the complement system, as the first line of retinal defense, are activated to participate in the wound healing process. If the injury is severe or persists for a prolonged period, they may fail to heal the damage and circulating immune cells will be summoned leading to chronic inflammation and abnormal wound healing, i.e., subretinal or intraretinal fibrosis, a sight-threatening condition frequently observed in rhematogenous retinal detachment, age-related macular degeneration and recurrent uveoretinitis. Here, we discussed the principles of subretinal wound healing with a strong focus on the conditions whereby the damage is beyond the healing capacity of the retinal defense system and highlighted the roles of circulating immune cells in subretinal wound healing and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Szczepan
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - María Llorián-Salvador
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mei Chen
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Heping Xu
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom,Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Heping Xu,
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13
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Bohley M, Dillinger AE, Tamm ER, Goepferich A. Targeted drug delivery to the retinal pigment epithelium: Untapped therapeutic potential for retinal diseases. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:2497-2509. [PMID: 35654389 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a crucial part in sight-threatening diseases. In this review, we shed light on the pivotal implication of the RPE in age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity; and explain why a paradigm shift toward targeted RPE therapy is needed to efficiently fight these retinal diseases. We provide guidance for the development of RPE-specific nanotherapeutics by giving a comprehensive overview of the possibilities and challenges of drug delivery to the RPE and highlight successful nanotherapeutic approaches targeting the RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Bohley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Andrea E Dillinger
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ernst R Tamm
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Achim Goepferich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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14
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Zhong H, Sun X. Contribution of Interleukin-17A to Retinal Degenerative Diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:847937. [PMID: 35392087 PMCID: PMC8980477 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.847937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases are a leading cause of vision loss and blindness throughout the world, characterized by chronic and progressive loss of neurons and/or myelin. One of the common features of retinal degenerative diseases and central neurodegenerative diseases is chronic neuroinflammation. Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is the cytokine most closely related to disease in its family. Accumulating evidence suggests that IL-17A plays a key role in human retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. This review aims to provide an overview of the role of IL-17A participating in the pathogenesis of retinal degenerative diseases, which may open new avenues for potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Zhong
- Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
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15
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Li J, Du L, He JN, Chu KO, Guo CL, Wong MOM, Pang CP, Chu WK. Anti-inflammatory Effects of GTE in Eye Diseases. Front Nutr 2021; 8:753955. [PMID: 34966770 PMCID: PMC8711650 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.753955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular inflammation is a common complication of various eye diseases with wide consequences from irritations to potentially sight-threatening complications. Green tea is a popular beverage throughout the world. One of the proven health benefits of consuming green tea extract (GTE) is anti-inflammation. Catechins are the biologically active constituents of GTE. In in vitro and in vivo studies, GTE and catechins present inhibition of inflammatory responses in the development of ocular inflammation including infectious, non-infectious or autoimmune, and oxidative-induced complications. Research on the ocular inflammation in animal models has made significant progress in the past decades and several key disease mechanisms have been identified. Here we review the experimental investigations on the effects of GTE and catechins on various ocular inflammation related diseases including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, uveitis and ocular surface inflammation. We also review the pharmacokinetics of GTE constituents and safety of green tea consumption. We discuss the insights and perspectives of these experimental results, which would be useful for future development of novel therapeutics in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jing Na He
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kai On Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cosmos Liutao Guo
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mandy Oi Man Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Hong Kong Eye Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai Kit Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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16
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Epithelial phenotype restoring drugs suppress macular degeneration phenotypes in an iPSC model. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7293. [PMID: 34911940 PMCID: PMC8674335 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27488-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a blinding eye disease, is characterized by pathological protein- and lipid-rich drusen deposits underneath the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and atrophy of the RPE monolayer in advanced disease stages - leading to photoreceptor cell death and vision loss. Currently, there are no drugs that stop drusen formation or RPE atrophy in AMD. Here we provide an iPSC-RPE AMD model that recapitulates drusen and RPE atrophy. Drusen deposition is dependent on AMD-risk-allele CFH(H/H) and anaphylatoxin triggered alternate complement signaling via the activation of NF-κB and downregulation of autophagy pathways. Through high-throughput screening we identify two drugs, L-745,870, a dopamine receptor antagonist, and aminocaproic acid, a protease inhibitor that reduce drusen deposits and restore RPE epithelial phenotype in anaphylatoxin challenged iPSC-RPE with or without the CFH(H/H) genotype. This comprehensive iPSC-RPE model replicates key AMD phenotypes, provides molecular insight into the role of CFH(H/H) risk-allele in AMD, and discovers two candidate drugs to treat AMD.
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17
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Mukhopadhyay S, Sinha S, Mohapatra SK. Analysis of transcriptomic data sets supports the role of IL-6 in NETosis and immunothrombosis in severe COVID-19. BMC Genom Data 2021; 22:49. [PMID: 34775962 PMCID: PMC8590626 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-021-01001-1] [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: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is an urgent need to understand the key events driving pathogenesis of severe COVID-19 disease, so that precise treatment can be instituted. In this respect NETosis is gaining increased attention in the scientific community, as an important pathological process contributing to mortality. We sought to test if indeed there exists robust evidence of NETosis in multiple transcriptomic data sets from human subjects with severe COVID-19 disease. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed to test for up-regulation of gene set functional in NETosis in the blood of patients with COVID-19 illness. Results Blood gene expression functional in NETosis increased with severity of illness, showed negative correlation with blood oxygen saturation, and was validated in the lung of COVID-19 non-survivors. Temporal expression of IL-6 was compared between severe and moderate illness with COVID-19. Unsupervised clustering was performed to reveal co-expression of IL-6 with complement genes. In severe COVID-19 illness, there is transcriptional evidence of activation of NETosis, complement and coagulation cascade, and negative correlation between NETosis and respiratory function (oxygen saturation). An early spike in IL-6 is observed in severe COVID-19 illness that is correlated with complement activation. Conclusions Based on the transcriptional dynamics of IL-6 expression and its downstream effect on complement activation, we constructed a model that links early spike in IL-6 level with persistent and self-perpetuating complement activation, NETosis, immunothrombosis and respiratory dysfunction. Our model supports the early initiation of anti-IL6 therapy in severe COVID-19 disease before the life-threatening complications of the disease can perpetuate themselves autonomously. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12863-021-01001-1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Subrata Sinha
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
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18
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Park YG, Park YS, Kim IB. Complement System and Potential Therapeutics in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136851. [PMID: 34202223 PMCID: PMC8269056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex multifactorial disease characterized in its late form by neovascularization (wet type) or geographic atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium cell layer (dry type). The complement system is an intrinsic component of innate immunity. There has been growing evidence that the complement system plays an integral role in maintaining immune surveillance and homeostasis in AMD. Based on the association between the genotypes of complement variants and AMD occurrence and the presence of complement in drusen from AMD patients, the complement system has become a therapeutic target for AMD. However, the mechanism of complement disease propagation in AMD has not been fully understood. This concise review focuses on an overall understanding of the role of the complement system in AMD and its ongoing clinical trials. It provides further insights into a strategy for the treatment of AMD targeting the complement system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Gun Park
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
| | - Yong Soo Park
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
| | - In-Beom Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea;
- Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Catholic Institute for Applied Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2258-7263
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19
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Sugita S, Mandai M, Kamao H, Takahashi M. Immunological aspects of RPE cell transplantation. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 84:100950. [PMID: 33482342 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells have several functions, including support of the neural retina and choroid in the eye and immunosuppression. Cultured human RPE cells directly suppress inflammatory immune cells. For instance, they directly suppress the activation of T cells in vitro. In contrast, transplanted allogeneic human RPE cells are rejected by bystander immune cells such as T cells in vivo. Recently, human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE cells have been used in several clinical trials, and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-RPE cells have also been tested in our clinical study in patients with retinal degeneration. Major safety concerns after stem cell-based transplantation surgery include hyper-proliferation, tumorigenicity, or ectopic tissue formation, but these events have currently not been seen in any of these patients. However, if RPE cells are allogeneic, there are concerns about immune rejection issues that have been raised in previous clinical trials. We therefore performed a preclinical study of allogeneic iPSC-RPE cell transplantation in animal rejection models. We then conducted autogenic or allogeneic iPSC-RPE cell transplantation in clinical studies of patients with age-related macular degeneration. In this review, we focus on immunological studies of RPE cells, including iPSC-derived cells. iPSC-RPE cells have unique inflammatory (immunosuppressive and immunogenic) characteristics like primary cultured RPE cells. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current findings obtained from preclinical (basic research) and clinical studies in iPSC-RPE cell transplantation, especially the immunological aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunao Sugita
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research Kobe, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Michiko Mandai
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research Kobe, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kamao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research Kobe, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Japan
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20
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The innate immune system in diabetic retinopathy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 84:100940. [PMID: 33429059 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of diabetes has been rising steadily in the past half-century, along with the burden of its associated complications, including diabetic retinopathy (DR). DR is currently the most common cause of vision loss in working-age adults in the United States. Historically, DR has been diagnosed and classified clinically based on what is visible by fundoscopy; that is vasculature alterations. However, recent technological advances have confirmed pathology of the neuroretina prior to any detectable vascular changes. These, coupled with molecular studies, and the positive impact of anti-inflammatory therapeutics in DR patients have highlighted the central involvement of the innate immune system. Reminiscent of the systemic impact of diabetes, immune dysregulation has become increasingly identified as a key element of the pathophysiology of DR by interfering with normal homeostatic systems. This review uses the growing body of literature across various model systems to demonstrate the clear involvement of all three pillars of the immune system: immune-competent cells, mediators, and the complement system. It also demonstrates how the relative contribution of each of these requires more extensive analysis, including in human tissues over the continuum of disease progression. Finally, although this review demonstrates how the complex interactions of the immune system pose many more questions than answers, the intimately connected nature of the three pillars of the immune system may also point to possible new targets to reverse or even halt reverse retinopathy.
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21
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Stravalaci M, Davi F, Parente R, Gobbi M, Bottazzi B, Mantovani A, Day AJ, Clark SJ, Romano MR, Inforzato A. Control of Complement Activation by the Long Pentraxin PTX3: Implications in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:591908. [PMID: 33324220 PMCID: PMC7725797 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.591908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the complement system is central to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. Most of the genetic variation associated with AMD resides in complement genes, with the greatest risk associated with polymorphisms in the complement factor H (CFH) gene; factor H (FH) is the major inhibitor of the alternative pathway (AP) of complement that specifically targets C3b and the AP C3 convertase. Long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a soluble pattern recognition molecule that has been proposed to inhibit AP activation via recruitment of FH. Although present in the human retina, if and how PTX3 plays a role in AMD is still unclear. In this work we demonstrated the presence of PTX3 in the human vitreous and studied the PTX3-FH-C3b crosstalk and its effects on complement activation in a model of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). RPE cells cultured in inflammatory AMD-like conditions overexpressed the PTX3 protein, and up-regulated AP activating genes. PTX3 bound RPE cells in a physiological setting, however this interaction was reduced in inflammatory conditions, whereby PTX3 had no complement-inhibiting activity on inflamed RPE. However, on non-cellular surfaces, PTX3 formed a stable ternary complex with FH and C3b that acted as a “hot spot” for complement inhibition. Our findings suggest a protective role for PTX3 in response to complement dysregulation in AMD and point to a novel mechanism of complement regulation by this pentraxin with potential implications in pathology and pharmacology of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Stravalaci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Davi
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Gobbi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Mantovani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,The William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J Day
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research and Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Cell-Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J Clark
- Universitäts-Augenklinik Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mario R Romano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,Eye Center, Humanitas Gavazzeni-Castelli, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Antonio Inforzato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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22
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Little K, Llorián-Salvador M, Tang M, Du X, Marry S, Chen M, Xu H. Macrophage to myofibroblast transition contributes to subretinal fibrosis secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:355. [PMID: 33239022 PMCID: PMC7690191 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-02033-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macular fibrosis causes irreparable vision loss in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) even with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. Inflammation is known to play an important role in macular fibrosis although the underlying mechanism remains poorly defined. The aim of this study was to understand how infiltrating macrophages and complement proteins may contribute to macular fibrosis. METHODS Subretinal fibrosis was induced in C57BL/6J mice using the two-stage laser protocol developed by our group. The eyes were collected at 10, 20, 30 and 40 days after the second laser and processed for immunohistochemistry for infiltrating macrophages (F4/80 and Iba-1), complement components (C3a and C3aR) and fibrovascular lesions (collagen-1, Isolectin B4 and α-SMA). Human retinal sections with macular fibrosis were also used in the study. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from C57BL/6J mice were treated with recombinant C3a, C5a or TGF-β for 48 and 96 h. qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to examine the expression of myofibroblast markers. The involvement of C3a-C3aR pathway in macrophage to myofibroblast transition (MMT) and subretinal fibrosis was further investigated using a C3aR antagonist (C3aRA) and a C3a blocking antibody in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Approximately 20~30% of F4/80+ (or Iba-1+) infiltrating macrophages co-expressed α-SMA in subretinal fibrotic lesions both in human nAMD eyes and in the mouse model. TGF-β and C3a, but not C5a treatment, significantly upregulated expression of α-SMA, fibronectin and collagen-1 in BMDMs. C3a-induced upregulation of α-SMA, fibronectin and collagen-1 in BMDMs was prevented by C3aRA treatment. In the two-stage laser model of induced subretinal fibrosis, treatment with C3a blocking antibody but not C3aRA significantly reduced vascular leakage and Isolectin B4+ lesions. The treatment did not significantly alter collagen-1+ fibrotic lesions. CONCLUSIONS MMT plays a role in macular fibrosis secondary to nAMD. MMT can be induced by TGF-β and C3a but not C5a. Further research is required to fully understand the role of MMT in macular fibrosis. Macrophage to myofibroblast transition (MMT) contributes to subretinal fibrosis. Subretinal fibrosis lesions contain various cell types, including macrophages and myofibroblasts, and are fibrovascular. Myofibroblasts are key cells driving pathogenic fibrosis, and they do so by producing excessive amount of extracellular matrix proteins. We have found that infiltrating macrophages can transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts, a phenomenon termed macrophage to myofibroblast transition (MMT) in macular fibrosis. In addition to TGF-β1, C3a generated during complement activation in CNV can also induce MMT contributing to macular fibrosis. RPE = retinal pigment epithelium. BM = Bruch's membrane. MMT = macrophage to myofibroblast transition. TGFB = transforming growth factor β. a-SMA = alpha smooth muscle actin. C3a = complement C3a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karis Little
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Maria Llorián-Salvador
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Miao Tang
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Xuan Du
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Stephen Marry
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Mei Chen
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Heping Xu
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
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23
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Cheng X, He D, Liao C, Lin S, Tang L, Wang YL, Hu J, Li W, Liu Z, Wu Y, Liao Y. IL-1/IL-1R signaling induced by all-trans-retinal contributes to complement alternative pathway activation in retinal pigment epithelium. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:3660-3674. [PMID: 33034385 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms of complement activation in Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are not fully understood. Overaccumulation of all-trans-retinal (atRAL) has been proposed as the pathogenic factor in both diseases. By incubating retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells with atRAL, we showed that C5b-9 membrane attack complexes (MACs) were generated mainly through complement alternative pathway. An increase in complement factor B (CFB) expression as well as downregulation of complement regulatory proteins CD46, CD55, CD59, and CFH were observed in RPE cells after atRAL treatment. Furthermore, interleukin-1β production was provoked in both atRAL-treated RPE cells and microglia/macrophages. Coincubation of RPE cells with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1Ra) and atRAL ameliorated complement activation and downregulated CFB expression by attenuating both p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways. Our findings demonstrate that atRAL induces an autocrine/paracrine IL-1/IL-1R signaling to promote complement alternative pathway activation in RPE cells and provide a novel perspective on the pathomechanism of macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxuan Cheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
| | - Danxue He
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
| | - Chunyan Liao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
| | - Sijie Lin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
| | - Liying Tang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuan-Liang Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Section of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jiaoyue Hu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
| | - Wei Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
| | - Zuguo Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
| | - Yalin Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
| | - Yi Liao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
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24
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Cimaglia G, Votruba M, Morgan JE, André H, Williams PA. Potential Therapeutic Benefit of NAD + Supplementation for Glaucoma and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092871. [PMID: 32961812 PMCID: PMC7551676 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration are leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide with significant health and societal burdens. To date, no clinical cures are available and treatments target only the manageable symptoms and risk factors (but do not remediate the underlying pathology of the disease). Both diseases are neurodegenerative in their pathology of the retina and as such many of the events that trigger cell dysfunction, degeneration, and eventual loss are due to mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Here, we critically review how a decreased bioavailability of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD; a crucial metabolite in healthy and disease states) may underpin many of these aberrant mechanisms. We propose how exogenous sources of NAD may become a therapeutic standard for the treatment of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Cimaglia
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 112 82 Stockholm, Sweden;
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, Wales, UK; (M.V.); (J.E.M.)
| | - Marcela Votruba
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, Wales, UK; (M.V.); (J.E.M.)
- Cardiff Eye Unit, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, Wales, UK
| | - James E. Morgan
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, Wales, UK; (M.V.); (J.E.M.)
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4YS, Wales, UK
| | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 112 82 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Correspondence: (H.A.); (P.A.W.)
| | - Pete A. Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 112 82 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Correspondence: (H.A.); (P.A.W.)
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25
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Schäfer N, Wolf HN, Enzbrenner A, Schikora J, Reichenthaler M, Enzmann V, Pauly D. Properdin Modulates Complement Component Production in Stressed Human Primary Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E793. [PMID: 32859013 PMCID: PMC7555107 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9090793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) maintains visual function and preserves structural integrity of the retina. Chronic dysfunction of the RPE is associated with retinal degeneration, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The AMD pathogenesis includes both increased oxidative stress and complement dysregulation. Physiological sources of oxidative stress in the retina are well known, while complement sources and regulation are still under debate. Using human primary RPE (hpRPE) cells, we have established a model to investigate complement component expression on transcript and protein level in AMD-risk and non-risk hpRPE cells. We evaluated the effect of properdin, a complement stabilizer, on the hpRPE cell-dependent complement profile exposed to oxidative stress. hpRPE cells expressed complement components, receptors and regulators. Complement proteins were also stored and secreted by hpRPE cells. We associated AMD-risk single nucleotide polymorphisms with an increased secretion of complement factors D (CFD) and I (CFI). Furthermore, we detected hpRPE cell-associated complement activation products (C3a, C5a) independent of any extracellularly added complement system. Exogenous properdin increased the mRNA expression of CFI and CFD, but decreased levels of complement components (C1Q, C3), receptors (C3AR, C5AR1, CD11B) and inflammation-associated transcripts (NLRP3, IL1B) in hpRPE cells exposed to oxidative stress. This properdin effect was time-dependently counter regulated. In conclusion, our data unveiled a local, genotype-associated complement component production in hpRPE cells, regulated by exogenous properdin. The local complement production and activation via blood-independent mechanisms can be a new therapeutic target for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Schäfer
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Eye clinic, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (N.S.); (H.N.W.); (A.E.); (J.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Hannah N. Wolf
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Eye clinic, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (N.S.); (H.N.W.); (A.E.); (J.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Anne Enzbrenner
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Eye clinic, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (N.S.); (H.N.W.); (A.E.); (J.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Juliane Schikora
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Eye clinic, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (N.S.); (H.N.W.); (A.E.); (J.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Maria Reichenthaler
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Eye clinic, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (N.S.); (H.N.W.); (A.E.); (J.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Diana Pauly
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Eye clinic, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (N.S.); (H.N.W.); (A.E.); (J.S.); (M.R.)
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26
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Roshanipour N, Laleh MG, Bonyadi M, Bonyadi MHJ, Soheilian M, Javadzadeh A, Yaseri M. Role of complement factor B rs4151667 (L9H) polymorphisms and its interactional role with CFH Y402H and C3 rs2230199 (R102G) risk variants in age-related macular degeneration: a case control study. BMC Ophthalmol 2020; 20:323. [PMID: 32762675 PMCID: PMC7409625 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-020-01552-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a complex eye disease, which is genetically associated with different susceptibility loci. We planned to investigate the possible association of Complement Factor B (CFB) rs4151667 (L9H) variants and their possible interaction with Complement Factor H (CFH) Y402H and Complement factor 3 (C3) rs2230199 (R102G) in AMD. Methods This case-control association study included 216 advanced type AMD patients and 191 healthy individuals for evaluation. Extracted-DNA samples were genotyped for the polymorphic regions of CFB rs4151667 (L9H), CFH Y402H and C3 rs2230199 (R102G). Results The distribution of CFB rs4151667 (L9H) genotypes was not significantly different in the AMD patients compared to that of controls (P = 0.18). The AT genotype frequencies for CFB was non significantly lower in AMD group (6.5% vs. 13.1%, AOR = 0.49, CI = 0.23–1.04, P = 0.064(. The A allele of CFB rs4151667 (L9H) was found to be non-significantly lower in AMD patients. CFB rs4151667 (L9H) had no protective interactional effect against CFH (Y402H) and C3 (R102G) risk variants. Conclusions This study showed that the protective role of CFB rs4151667 (L9H) in AMD is not significant and it has no significant protective interactional effect against CFH (Y402H) and C3 (R102G) risk variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Roshanipour
- Department of Biology, Tabriz Branch Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghaffari Laleh
- Center of Excellence for Biodiversity, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.,Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mortaza Bonyadi
- Center of Excellence for Biodiversity, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran. .,Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | | | - Masoud Soheilian
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Javadzadeh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yaseri
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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27
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Kauppinen A, Kaarniranta K, Salminen A. Potential Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Front Immunol 2020; 11:384. [PMID: 32265903 PMCID: PMC7099658 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells, such as granulocytes/neutrophils and macrophages, have responsibilities that include pathogen destruction, waste material degradation, or antigen presentation upon inflammation. During persistent stress, myeloid cells can remain partially differentiated and adopt immunosuppressive functions. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are primarily beneficial upon restoring homeostasis after inflammation. Because of their ability to suppress adaptive immunity, MDSCs can also ameliorate autoimmune diseases and semi-allogenic responses, e.g., in pregnancy or transplantation. However, immunosuppression is not always desirable. In certain conditions, such as cancer or chronically inflamed tissue, MDSCs prevent restorative immune responses and thereby aggravate disease progression. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common disease in Western countries that severely threatens the central vision of aged people. The pathogenesis of this multifactorial disease is not fully elucidated, but inflammation is known to participate in both dry and wet AMD. In this paper, we provide an overview about the potential role of MDSCs in the pathogenesis of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Kauppinen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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28
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Pauly D, Agarwal D, Dana N, Schäfer N, Biber J, Wunderlich KA, Jabri Y, Straub T, Zhang NR, Gautam AK, Weber BHF, Hauck SM, Kim M, Curcio CA, Stambolian D, Li M, Grosche A. Cell-Type-Specific Complement Expression in the Healthy and Diseased Retina. Cell Rep 2019; 29:2835-2848.e4. [PMID: 31775049 PMCID: PMC6911814 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.10.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Complement dysregulation is a feature of many retinal diseases, yet mechanistic understanding at the cellular level is limited. Given this knowledge gap about which retinal cells express complement, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on ~92,000 mouse retinal cells and validated our results in five major purified retinal cell types. We found evidence for a distributed cell-type-specific complement expression across 11 cell types. Notably, Müller cells are the major contributor of complement activators c1s, c3, c4, and cfb. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) mainly expresses cfh and the terminal complement components, whereas cfi and cfp transcripts are most abundant in neurons. Aging enhances c1s, cfb, cfp, and cfi expression, while cfh expression decreases. Transient retinal ischemia increases complement expression in microglia, Müller cells, and RPE. In summary, we report a unique complement expression signature for murine retinal cell types suggesting a well-orchestrated regulation of local complement expression in the retinal microenvironment. Overshooting complement activity contributes to retinal degeneration. Pauly et al. demonstrate a distinct complement expression profile of retinal cell types that changes with aging and during retinal degeneration. This prompts the intriguing concept of a local retinal complement activation possibly independent of the systemic components typically produced by the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Pauly
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany.
| | - Divyansh Agarwal
- Genomics and Computational Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nicholas Dana
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nicole Schäfer
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| | - Josef Biber
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Kirsten A Wunderlich
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Yassin Jabri
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| | - Tobias Straub
- Core Facility Bioinformatics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Nancy R Zhang
- Department of Statistics, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Avneesh K Gautam
- Department of Medicine, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bernhard H F Weber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93053, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Center Munich, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Munich 80939, Germany
| | - Mijin Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christine A Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0019, USA
| | - Dwight Stambolian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mingyao Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Antje Grosche
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany.
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29
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The effect of complement factor B gene variation on age-related macular degeneration in Iranian patients. J Curr Ophthalmol 2019; 31:292-297. [PMID: 31528764 PMCID: PMC6742754 DOI: 10.1016/j.joco.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the possible association of rs4151667 (L9H) complement factor B (CFB) gene with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The L9H is one of the functional variations of the CFB. CFB gene encodes the most important protein of the complement system. Methods Two hundred sixty-six patients with AMD and 194 unrelated age/sex-matched controls were genotyped for CFB gene (rs4151667) using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. All research subjects were selected from three regions of Iran (Tehran, Tabriz, and Gonabad). Results The results showed a significant difference between the frequency of non-TT genotype in total patients and controls [odds ratio (OR) = 0.424, P = 0.038]. The analysis for each studied region showed that in patients originating from the Gonabad population, the frequency of TT and non-TT genotypes between patients and the control group were significantly different (OR = 2.894, P = 0.046 for TT genotype and OR = 0.346, P = 0.026 for non-TT genotype). In patients originating from Tabriz population, TT and non-TT genotypes and A allele revealed considerably different frequencies between the patient and control groups (OR = 3.043, P = 0.017; OR = 0.329, P = 0.013 and OR = 0.347, P = 0.048, respectively). Analysis of patients from Tehran also showed that there was a significant difference in the frequency of TT genotype between patients and controls (OR = 2.168, P = 0.04). Conclusions The results of the current study indicated a possible protective role for non-TT genotype in L9H variation CFB gene against AMD in a sample of the Iranian population. The region segregation results showed that TT genotype might be a risk factor for susceptibility to AMD.
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30
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Murugesan N, Fickweiler W, Clermont AC, Zhou Q, Feener EP. Retinal proteome associated with bradykinin-induced edema. Exp Eye Res 2019; 186:107744. [PMID: 31351056 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The plasma kallikrein-stimulated generation of bradykinin (BK) has been implicated in diabetic macular edema (DME). This study characterizes the effects of BK on the ultrastructure and proteome of the rat retina. The effects of intravitreal injection of BK on retinal thickness and vascular ultrastructure in Sprague Dawley rats were analyzed and compared with the effects of VEGF using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. At 24 h post intravitreal injection of BK or saline vehicle retina were harvested and solubilized proteins were analyzed by mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Proteins were identified using X!Tandem and spectral counts were used as a semiquantitative measurement of protein abundance. Proteins identified from retinal extracts were annotated by Gene Ontology (GO) slim terms and compared with a human DME vitreous proteome. Intravitreal injection of BK and VEGF induced transient increases in retinal thickness of 46 μm (24.6%, p = 0.015) and 39 μm (20.3%, p = 0.004), respectively at 24 h, which were resolved to baseline thicknesses at 96 h post injection. BK and VEGF also increased retinal vessel diameters and tortuosity at 24 h post intravitreal injection. Proteomic analyses identified 1757 non-redundant proteins in the rat retina, including 1739 and 1725 proteins from BK- and saline control-injected eyes, respectively. Eighteen proteins, including two proteins associated with intercellular junctions, filamin A and actinin alpha 4, were decreased by at least 50% (p < 0.05) in retina from BK-injected eyes compare with retina from eyes injected with saline. In addition, 32 proteins were increased by > 2-fold (p < 0.05) in retina from BK-injected eyes. Eight proteins, including complement C3, were identified to be increased in both BK-stimulated rat retina and in human DME vitreous. Western blot analysis showed that Complement 3 levels in vitreous from BK-injected eyes in rats and clinical DME samples were increased by 6.6-fold (p = 0.039) and 4.3-fold (p = 0.02), compared with their respective controls. In summary, this study identifies protein changes in rat retina that are associated with BK-induced retinal thickening, including 8 proteins that were previously reported to be increased in the human DME vitreous proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivetha Murugesan
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA; KalVista Pharmaceuticals Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ward Fickweiler
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA; Beetham Eye Institute. Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Allen C Clermont
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA; Beetham Eye Institute. Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Edward P Feener
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA; KalVista Pharmaceuticals Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Silverman SM, Ma W, Wang X, Zhao L, Wong WT. C3- and CR3-dependent microglial clearance protects photoreceptors in retinitis pigmentosa. J Exp Med 2019; 216:1925-1943. [PMID: 31209071 PMCID: PMC6683998 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20190009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Silverman et al. demonstrate that complement activation features prominently in retinitis pigmentosa in close association with activated microglia. This response mediates adaptive neuroprotection for photoreceptors by facilitating a C3-CR3–dependent clearance of apoptotic photoreceptors by microglial phagocytosis. Complement activation has been implicated as contributing to neurodegeneration in retinal and brain pathologies, but its role in retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited and largely incurable photoreceptor degenerative disease, is unclear. We found that multiple complement components were markedly up-regulated in retinas with human RP and the rd10 mouse model, coinciding spatiotemporally with photoreceptor degeneration, with increased C3 expression and activation localizing to activated retinal microglia. Genetic ablation of C3 accelerated structural and functional photoreceptor degeneration and altered retinal inflammatory gene expression. These phenotypes were recapitulated by genetic deletion of CR3, a microglia-expressed receptor for the C3 activation product iC3b, implicating C3-CR3 signaling as a regulator of microglia–photoreceptor interactions. Deficiency of C3 or CR3 decreased microglial phagocytosis of apoptotic photoreceptors and increased microglial neurotoxicity to photoreceptors, demonstrating a novel adaptive role for complement-mediated microglial clearance of apoptotic photoreceptors in RP. These homeostatic neuroinflammatory mechanisms are relevant to the design and interpretation of immunomodulatory therapeutic approaches to retinal degenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Silverman
- Section on Neuron-Glia Interactions in Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Wenxin Ma
- Section on Neuron-Glia Interactions in Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Xu Wang
- Section on Neuron-Glia Interactions in Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Lian Zhao
- Section on Neuron-Glia Interactions in Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Wai T Wong
- Section on Neuron-Glia Interactions in Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Sugita S, Makabe K, Fujii S, Takahashi M. Detection of Complement Activators in Immune Attack Eyes After iPS-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Transplantation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:4198-4209. [PMID: 30128491 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine whether human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells (iPS-RPE) can express complement factors. Methods To confirm expression of complement factors in human iPS-RPE cells, we performed flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and quantitative RT-PCR for the following: C3, C5, CFB (Factor B), C5b-9 (membrane attack complex [MAC]), CFH (Factor H), CFI (Factor I), CD46, CD55, CD59, clusterin, and vitronectin. We also prepared iPS-RPE cells in the presence of recombinant IFN-γ, recombinant TNF-α, lipopolysaccharide, supernatants of naïve T cells, and T helper 1 (Th1) cells. For the transplantation, after preparation of iPS-RPE cells from cynomolgus monkeys, the iPS-RPE cells (allografts) were transplanted into the subretinal space in monkeys. After surgery, monkeys were euthanized for IHC evaluation of the retinal section and determination of complement factors (C3, C5, CFB, MAC, and C1q), cytokines, and immunoglobulin G (IgG). Results Human iPS-RPE cells expressed complement activators and inhibitors. iPS-RPE cells highly expressed complement factors during inflammatory conditions, especially IFN-γ exposure including Th1 cell supernatants. In immune attack eyes after allogeneic iPS-RPE cell transplantation, complement activators such as C3, CFB, C5, and MAC were detected around the host RPE layer, grafted RPE cells, inflammatory retinal lesions, and transplanted subretinal space. In addition, we observed a large number of C1q and IgG double positive and IFN-γ positive inflammatory cells in the retinal sections. Conclusions iPS-derived RPE cells greatly expressed complement factors. Thus, RPE cells might be activated and produce complement factors after exposure to infiltrating inflammatory cells in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunao Sugita
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Makabe
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Shota Fujii
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
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Song D, Mohammed I, Bhuyan R, Miwa T, Williams AL, Gullipalli D, Sato S, Song Y, Dunaief JL, Song WC. Retinal Basal Laminar Deposits in Complement fH/fP Mouse Model of Dense Deposit Disease. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:3405-3415. [PMID: 30025090 PMCID: PMC6040236 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Dense deposit disease (DDD) is caused by dysregulation of the alternative pathway of the complement cascade and characterized by electron-dense deposits in the kidney glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and drusen in Bruch's membrane (BrM). Complement factor H (fH) and factor properdin (fP) regulate complement activation; fH inhibits alternative pathway (AP) activation, whereas fP promotes it. We report pathologic changes in eyes of an fH and fP double-mutant mouse, which we previously showed have dense deposits in the GBM and early mortality from nephropathy. Methods fHm/m, fP−/−, and fHm/m/fP−/− mice were generated on a C57BL/6–129J background. Fundus imaging at 8 weeks of age was followed by analysis via light and electron microscopy. Retinal function was assessed by electroretinography (ERG). Complement levels and localization were tested by immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Retinas of fHm/m/fP−/− mice treated with intraperitoneal injections of an anti-C5 antibody were compared to those of age- and genotype-matched mice injected with an isotype control antibody. Results fHm/m/fP−/− mice suffered early-onset retinal hypopigmented spots detected using in vivo retinal photography, and histologic examination showed basal laminar deposits (BLamD), degeneration of the photoreceptors, and RPE vacuolization. ERG showed diminished retinal function. The anti-C5 antibody was retina-protective. Conclusions This unique mouse represents a new model of complement-mediated rapid-onset DDD, and could be useful in exploring the pathologic changes associated with BLamD in age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delu Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Imran Mohammed
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Rupak Bhuyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Takashi Miwa
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Allison Lesher Williams
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Damodar Gullipalli
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Sayaka Sato
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ying Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Joshua L Dunaief
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Wen-Chao Song
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Dalvi S, Galloway CA, Singh R. Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model Degenerative Retinal Diseases: The RPE Perspective. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1186:1-31. [PMID: 31654384 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-28471-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cell technology, including human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), has provided a suitable platform to investigate molecular and pathological alterations in an individual cell type using patient's own cells. Importantly, hiPSCs/hESCs are amenable to genome editing providing unique access to isogenic controls. Specifically, the ability to introduce disease-causing mutations in control (unaffected) and conversely correct disease-causing mutations in patient-derived hiPSCs has provided a powerful approach to clearly link the disease phenotype with a specific gene mutation. In fact, utilizing hiPSC/hESC and CRISPR technology has provided significant insight into the pathomechanism of several diseases. With regard to the eye, the use of hiPSCs/hESCs to study human retinal diseases is especially relevant to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-based disorders. This is because several studies have now consistently shown that hiPSC-RPE in culture displays key physical, gene expression and functional attributes of human RPE in vivo. In this book chapter, we will discuss the current utility, limitations, and plausible future approaches of pluripotent stem cell technology for the study of retinal degenerative diseases. Of note, although we will broadly summarize the significant advances made in modeling and studying several retinal diseases utilizing hiPSCs/hESCs, our specific focus will be on the utility of patient-derived hiPSCs for (1) establishment of human cell models and (2) molecular and pharmacological studies on patient-derived cell models of retinal degenerative diseases where RPE cellular defects play a major pathogenic role in disease development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Dalvi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Chad A Galloway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Ruchira Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. .,UR Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Rochester, NY, USA. .,Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Chrzanowska M, Modrzejewska A, Modrzejewska M. New insight into the role of the complement in the most common types of retinopathy-current literature review. Int J Ophthalmol 2018; 11:1856-1864. [PMID: 30450319 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2018.11.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological neovascularisation, which is a critical component of diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), is a frequent cause of compromised vision or blindness. Researchers continuously investigate the role of the complement system in the pathogenesis of retinopathy. Studies have confirmed the role of factors H and I in the development of AMD, and factors H and B in the development of DR. Other components, such as C2, C3, and C5, have also been considered. However, findings on the involvement of the complement system in the pathogenesis of ROP are still inconclusive. This paper presents a review of the current literature data, pointing to the novel results and achievements from research into the role of complement components in the development of retinopathy. There is still a need to continue research in new directions, and to gather more detailed information about this problem which will be useful in the treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Chrzanowska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin 70-111, Poland
| | - Anna Modrzejewska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin 70-111, Poland
| | - Monika Modrzejewska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin 70-111, Poland
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36
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Chen M, Luo C, Zhao J, Devarajan G, Xu H. Immune regulation in the aging retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2018; 69:159-172. [PMID: 30352305 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The retina is an immune privileged tissue, which is protected from external and internal insults by its blood-retina barriers and immune suppressive microenvironment. Apart from the avoidance and tolerance strategies, the retina is also protected by its own defense system, i.e., microglia and the complement system. The immune privilege and defense mechanisms work together to maintain retinal homeostasis. During aging, the retina is at an increased risk of developing various degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucomatous retinopathy. Previously, we have shown that aging induces a para-inflammatory response in the retina. In this review, we explore the impact of aging on retinal immune regulation and the connection between homeostatic control of retinal immune privilege and para-inflammation under aging conditions and present a view that may explain why aging puts the retina at risk of developing degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Chen
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, UK
| | - Chang Luo
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, UK; Aier Eye Institute, Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, China
| | - Jiawu Zhao
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, UK
| | | | - Heping Xu
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, UK; Aier Eye Institute, Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, China.
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Luo C, Zhao J, Chen M, Xu H. The expression of C1 inhibitor (C1INH) in macrophages is upregulated by retinal pigment epithelial cells - implication in subretinal immune privilege in the aging eye. Aging (Albany NY) 2018; 10:1380-1389. [PMID: 29905533 PMCID: PMC6046230 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Age-related para-inflammation in the retina-choroidal interface is featured by low-levels of complement activation and subretinal macrophage accumulation. This study aimed to understand how complement expression in macrophages is regulated by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and RPE cells were cultured from 8-10 weeks old C57BL/6J mice. The BMDMs were co-cultured with normal RPE, or oxidized photoreceptor outer segment (oxPOS) or TNF-α pre-treated RPE, or apoptotic RPE, or RPE-choroid eyecups. Macrophages were then isolated and processed for real-time RT-PCR. The expression of complement inhibitor C1INH in BMDMs was significantly upregulated by RPE and RPE-choroid eyecups. The eyecups also upregulated CFH, CD59a, and Crry in BMDMs. oxPOS pre-treated RPE upregulated C1qb but down-regulated C3 expression in BMDMs. TNF-α pre-treated RPE enhanced C1INH and CFB expression. When BMDMs were treated with apoptotic RPE, the expression of C1qb, CFH, and CD59a was reduced, whereas the expression of C3, CFB and C1INH was increased. Our results suggest that RPE can modulate macrophages complement expression at the retina-choroidal interface even under aging or oxidative conditions. However, during inflammation, they may promote the alternative pathway of complement activation through down-regulating CFH and CD59a and upregulating CFB and C3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Luo
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- AIER Eye Institute, Changsha, China
- AIER School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiawu Zhao
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Mei Chen
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Heping Xu
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- AIER Eye Institute, Changsha, China
- AIER School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Strange DP, Green R, Siemann DN, Gale M, Verma S. Immunoprofiles of human Sertoli cells infected with Zika virus reveals unique insights into host-pathogen crosstalk. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8702. [PMID: 29880853 PMCID: PMC5992156 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27027-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Confirmed reports of Zika virus (ZIKV) in seminal fluid months after clearance of viremia suggests that ZIKV can establish persistent infection in the seminiferous tubules, an immune privileged site of the testis. The seminiferous tubule epithelium is mainly composed of Sertoli cells that function to nourish and protect developing germ cells. We recently demonstrated that primary human Sertoli cells (hSeC) were highly susceptible to ZIKV as compared to dengue virus without causing cell death and thus may act as a reservoir for ZIKV in the testes. However, the cellular and immune responses of hSeC to infection with ZIKV or any other virus are not yet characterized. Using genome-wide RNA-seq to compare immunoprofiles of hSeC, we show that the most prominent response to ZIKV at early stage of infection was suppression of cell growth and proliferation functional pathways. Peak virus replication was associated with induction of multiple antiviral defense pathways. Unique ZIKV-associated signatures included dysregulation of germ cell-Sertoli cell junction signaling. This study demonstrates that hSeC are capable of signaling through canonical pro-inflammatory pathways and provides insights into unique cell-type-specific response induced by ZIKV in association with viral persistence in the testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Strange
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Richard Green
- Department of Immunology, Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David N Siemann
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Michael Gale
- Department of Immunology, Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.
| | - Saguna Verma
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
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Kuehn S, Reinehr S, Stute G, Rodust C, Grotegut P, Hensel AT, Dick HB, Joachim SC. Interaction of complement system and microglia activation in retina and optic nerve in a NMDA damage model. Mol Cell Neurosci 2018; 89:95-106. [PMID: 29738834 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that intravitreally injected N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) leads to fast retina and optic nerve degeneration and can directly activate microglia. Here, we analyzed the relevance for microglia related degenerating factors, the proteins of the complement system, at a late stage in the NMDA damage model. Therefore, different doses of NMDA (0 (PBS), 20, 40, 80 nmol) were intravitreally injected in rat eyes. Proliferative and activated microglia/macrophages (MG/Mϕ) were found in retina and optic nerve 2 weeks after NMDA injection. All three complement pathway proteins were activated in retinas after 40 and 80 nmol NMDA treatment. 80 nmol NMDA injection also lead to more numerous depositions of complement factors C3 and membrane attack complex (MAC) in retina and MAC in optic nerve. Additionally, more MAC+ depositions were detected in optic nerves of the 40 nmol NMDA group. In this NMDA model, the retina is first affected followed by optic nerve damage. However, we found initiating complement processes in the retina, while more deposits of the terminal complex were present 2 weeks after NMDA injection in the optic nerve. The complement system can be activated in waves and possibly a second wave is still on-going in the retina, while the first activation wave is in the final phase in the optic nerve. Only the damaged tissues showed microglia activation as well as proliferation and an increase of complement proteins. Interestingly, the microglia/macrophages (MG/Mϕ) in this model were closely connected with the inductors of the classical and lectin pathway, but not with the alternative pathway. However, all three initiating complement pathways were upregulated in the retina. The alternative pathway seems to be triggered by other mechanisms in this NMDA model. Our study showed an ongoing interaction of microglia and complement proteins in a late stage of a degenerative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Kuehn
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Sabrina Reinehr
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Gesa Stute
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Cara Rodust
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Pia Grotegut
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Alexander-Tobias Hensel
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - H Burkhard Dick
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephanie C Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892 Bochum, Germany.
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Human stem cell-derived retinal epithelial cells activate complement via collectin 11 in response to stress. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14625. [PMID: 29116192 PMCID: PMC5677091 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15212-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of blindness and is associated with complement dysregulation. The disease is a potential target for stem cell therapy but success is likely to be limited by the inflammatory response. We investigated the innate immune properties of human induced-pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RPE cells, particularly with regard to the complement pathway. We focused on collectin-11 (CL-11), a pattern recognition molecule that can trigger complement activation in renal epithelial tissue. We found evidence of constitutive and hypoxia-induced expression of CL-11 in iPS-RPE cells, and in the extracellular fluid. Complement activation on the cell surface occurred in conjunction with CL-11 binding. CL-11 has been shown to activate inflammatory responses through recognition of L-fucose, which we confirmed by showing that fucosidase-treated cells, largely, failed to activate complement. The presence of CL-11 in healthy murine and human retinal tissues confirmed the biological relevance of CL-11. Our data describe a new trigger mechanism of complement activation that could be important in disease pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions.
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Karlstetter M, Kopatz J, Aslanidis A, Shahraz A, Caramoy A, Linnartz-Gerlach B, Lin Y, Lückoff A, Fauser S, Düker K, Claude J, Wang Y, Ackermann J, Schmidt T, Hornung V, Skerka C, Langmann T, Neumann H. Polysialic acid blocks mononuclear phagocyte reactivity, inhibits complement activation, and protects from vascular damage in the retina. EMBO Mol Med 2017; 9:154-166. [PMID: 28003336 PMCID: PMC5286381 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201606627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of blindness in the elderly population. Its pathophysiology is linked to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of the complement system. Sialic acid polymers prevent ROS production of human mononuclear phagocytes via the inhibitory sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐like lectin‐11 (SIGLEC11) receptor. Here, we show that low‐dose intravitreal injection of low molecular weight polysialic acid with average degree of polymerization 20 (polySia avDP20) in humanized transgenic mice expressing SIGLEC11 on mononuclear phagocytes reduced their reactivity and vascular leakage induced by laser coagulation. Furthermore, polySia avDP20 prevented deposition of the membrane attack complex in both SIGLEC11 transgenic and wild‐type animals. In vitro, polySia avDP20 showed two independent, but synergistic effects on the innate immune system. First, polySia avDP20 prevented tumor necrosis factor‐α, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and superoxide production by SIGLEC11‐positive phagocytes. Second, polySia avDP20 directly interfered with complement activation. Our data provide evidence that polySia avDP20 ameliorates laser‐induced damage in the retina and thus is a promising candidate to prevent AMD‐related inflammation and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Karlstetter
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Therapeutic Research Group Ophthalmology, Bayer Pharma AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Jens Kopatz
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Aslanidis
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anahita Shahraz
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Albert Caramoy
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bettina Linnartz-Gerlach
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Yuchen Lin
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Anika Lückoff
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sascha Fauser
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Katharina Düker
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Janine Claude
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Yiner Wang
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Johannes Ackermann
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tobias Schmidt
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Veit Hornung
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Skerka
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Harald Neumann
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Yang P, Skiba NP, Tewkesbury GM, Treboschi VM, Baciu P, Jaffe GJ. Complement-Mediated Regulation of Apolipoprotein E in Cultured Human RPE Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017. [PMID: 28632844 PMCID: PMC5482245 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose. Complement activation is implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and complement activation products such as membrane attack complex (MAC) are present in eyes of individuals with AMD. Herein, we investigated the effect of complement activation on induction of ApoE accumulation in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Methods. Cultured human RPE cells were primed with a complement-fixing antibody followed by treatment with C1q-depleted (C1q-Dep) human serum to elicit alternative pathway complement activation. Controls included anti-C5 antibody-treated serum and heat-inactivated C1q-Dep. Total protein was determined on RPE cell extracts, conditioned media, and extracellular matrix (ECM) by Western blot. ApoE and MAC colocalization was assessed on cultured RPE cells and human eyes by immunofluorescent stain. ApoE mRNA expression was evaluated by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results. Complement challenge upregulated cell-associated ApoE, but not apolipoprotein A1. ApoE accumulation was blocked by anti-C5 antibody and enhanced by repetitive complement challenge. ApoE mRNA levels were not affected by complement challenge. ApoE was frequently colocalized with MAC in complement-treated cells and drusen from human eyes. ApoE was released into complement-treated conditioned media after a single complement challenge and accumulated on ECM after repetitive complement challenge. Conclusions. Complement challenge induces time-dependent ApoE accumulation in RPE cells. An understanding of the mechanisms by which complement affects RPE ApoE accumulation may help to better explain drusen composition, and provide insights into potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Nikolai P Skiba
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Grace M Tewkesbury
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Victoria M Treboschi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Peter Baciu
- Department of Biology, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, California, United States
| | - Glenn J Jaffe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
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Xiong S, Yu Y, Zhou X, Xia X, Jiang H. Rhodopsin T17M Mutant Inhibits Complement C3 Secretion in Retinal Pigment Epithelium via ROS Induced Downregulation of TWIST1. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:4914-4920. [PMID: 28569420 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Rhodopsin mutations cause autosomal dominant form of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). T17M rhodopsin predisposes cells to endoplasmic reticulum stress induced apoptosis. However, the pathogenic role of T17M rhodopsin in RP is not completely understood. Complement C3 has a protective role in RP pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate whether T17M rhodopsin regulates C3 secretion in retinal pigment epithelium. The human retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) was engineered to overexpress wide-type (WT) and T17M rhodopsin. Gene expression was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. C3 secretion was detected by ELISA. The overexpression of T17M rhodopsin significantly induced ROS and reduced C3 secretion and transcription in ARPE-19 cells, but ROS scavengers could partially rescue reduced C3 secretion and transcription. Mechanistically, we found that ROS suppressed transcription factor TWIST1 which is responsible for activated transcription of C3. In conclusion, our data provide the first evidence that T17M rhodopsin mutant disrupts C3 secretion via the induction of ROS and the suppression of TWIST1. These findings reveal novel insight into the pathogenic role of mutant rhodopsin in RP. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4914-4920, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Xiong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Yixin Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Haibo Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
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Schäfer N, Grosche A, Schmitt SI, Braunger BM, Pauly D. Complement Components Showed a Time-Dependent Local Expression Pattern in Constant and Acute White Light-Induced Photoreceptor Damage. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:197. [PMID: 28676742 PMCID: PMC5476694 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Photoreceptor cell death due to extensive light exposure and induced oxidative-stress are associated with retinal degeneration. A correlated dysregulation of the complement system amplifies the damaging effects, but the local and time-dependent progression of this mechanism is not thoroughly understood. Methods: Light-induced photoreceptor damage (LD) was induced in Balb/c mice with white light illumination either for 24 h with 1000 lux (constant model) or 0.5 h with 5000 lux (acute model). Complement protein and mRNA expression levels were compared at 1 and 3 days post-LD for C1s, complement factor B (CFB), mannose binding lectin A, mannose-binding protein-associated serine protease 1 (MASP-1), C3, C4, C9, and complement factor P in retina and RPE/choroid. Histological analyses visualized apoptosis, microglia/macrophage migration, gliosis and deposition of the complement activation marker C3d. Systemic anaphylatoxin serum concentrations were determined using an ELISA. Results: Apoptosis, gliosis and microglia/macrophage migration into the outer nuclear layer showed similar patterns in both models. Local complement factor expression revealed an early upregulation of complement factor mRNA in the acute and constant light regimen at 1 day post-treatment for c1s, cfb, masp-1, c3, c4 and c9 in the RPE/choroid. However, intraretinal complement mRNA expression for c1s, cfb, c3 and c4 was increased at 1 day in the constant and at 3 days in the acute model. A corresponding regulation on protein level in the retina following both LD models was observed for C3, which was upregulated at 1 day and correlated with increased C3d staining in the ganglion cell layer and at the RPE. In the RPE/choroid C1s-complex protein detection was increased at 3 days after LD irrespectively of the light intensities used. Conclusion: LD in mouse eyes is correlated with local complement activity. The time-dependent local progression of complement regulation on mRNA and protein levels were equivalent in the acute and constant LD model, except for the intraretinal, time-dependent mRNA expression. Knowing the relative time courses of local complement expression and cellular activity can help to elucidate novel therapeutic options in retinal degeneration indicating at which time point of disease complement has to be rebalanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Schäfer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RegensburgRegensburg, Germany
| | - Antje Grosche
- Institute of Human Genetics, University RegensburgRegensburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina I Schmitt
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University RegensburgRegensburg, Germany
| | - Barbara M Braunger
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University RegensburgRegensburg, Germany
| | - Diana Pauly
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RegensburgRegensburg, Germany
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45
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Schäfer N, Grosche A, Reinders J, Hauck SM, Pouw RB, Kuijpers TW, Wouters D, Ehrenstein B, Enzmann V, Zipfel PF, Skerka C, Pauly D. Complement Regulator FHR-3 Is Elevated either Locally or Systemically in a Selection of Autoimmune Diseases. Front Immunol 2016; 7:542. [PMID: 27965669 PMCID: PMC5124756 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The human complement factor H-related protein-3 (FHR-3) is a soluble regulator of the complement system. Homozygous cfhr3/1 deletion is a genetic risk factor for the autoimmune form of atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS), while also found to be protective in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The precise function of FHR-3 remains to be fully characterized. We generated four mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for FHR-3 (RETC) without cross-reactivity to the complement factor H (FH)-family. These antibodies detected FHR-3 from human serum with a mean concentration of 1 μg/mL. FHR-3 levels in patients were significantly increased in sera from systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica but remained almost unchanged in samples from AMD or aHUS patients. Moreover, by immunostaining of an aged human donor retina, we discovered a local FHR-3 production by microglia/macrophages. The mAb RETC-2 modulated FHR-3 binding to C3b but not the binding of FHR-3 to heparin. Interestingly, FHR-3 competed with FH for binding C3b and the mAb RETC-2 reduced the interaction of FHR-3 and C3b, resulting in increased FH binding. Our results unveil a previously unknown systemic involvement of FHR-3 in rheumatoid diseases and a putative local role of FHR-3 mediated by microglia/macrophages in the damaged retina. We conclude that the local FHR-3/FH equilibrium in AMD is a potential therapeutic target, which can be modulated by our specific mAb RETC-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Schäfer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Antje Grosche
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Joerg Reinders
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Stefanie M Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH) , Neuherberg , Germany
| | - Richard B Pouw
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , Netherlands
| | - Taco W Kuijpers
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Academic Medical Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Diana Wouters
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , Netherlands
| | - Boris Ehrenstein
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Rheumatologie und Klinische Immunologie, Asklepios Klinikum Bad Abbach , Bad Abbach , Germany
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Skerka
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology , Jena , Germany
| | - Diana Pauly
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
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Xu H, Chen M. Targeting the complement system for the management of retinal inflammatory and degenerative diseases. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 787:94-104. [PMID: 26948311 PMCID: PMC5026403 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The retina, an immune privileged tissue, has specialized immune defense mechanisms against noxious insults that may exist in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), uveoretinitis and glaucoma. The defense system consists of retinal innate immune cells (including microglia, perivascular macrophages, and a small population of dendritic cells) and the complement system. Under normal aging conditions, retinal innate immune cells and the complement system undergo a low-grade activation (parainflammation) which is important for retinal homeostasis. In disease states such as AMD and DR, the parainflammatory response is dysregulated and develops into detrimental chronic inflammation. Complement activation in the retina is an important part of chronic inflammation and may contribute to retinal pathology in these disease states. Here, we review the evidence that supports the role of uncontrolled or dysregulated complement activation in various retinal degenerative and angiogenic conditions. We also discuss current strategies that are used to develop complement-based therapies for retinal diseases such as AMD. The potential benefits of complement inhibition in DR, uveoretinitis and glaucoma are also discussed, as well as the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms of complement-mediated retinal damage in these disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heping Xu
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, UK.
| | - Mei Chen
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, UK.
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Choudhary P, Whiting PJ. A strategy to ensure safety of stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2016; 7:127. [PMID: 27590276 PMCID: PMC5010679 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-016-0380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell replacement and regenerative therapy using embryonic stem cell-derived material holds promise for the treatment of several pathologies. However, the safety of this approach is of prime importance given the teratogenic potential of residual stem cells, if present in the differentiated cell product. Using the example of embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, we present a novel strategy for ensuring the absence of stem cells in the RPE population. Based on an unbiased screening approach, we identify and validate the expression of CD59, a cell surface marker expressed on RPE but absent on stem cells. We further demonstrate that flow sorting on the basis of CD59 expression can effectively purify RPE and deplete stem cells, resulting in a population free from stem cell impurity. This purification helps to ensure removal of stem cells and hence increases the safety of cells that may be used for clinical transplantation. This strategy can potentially be applied to other pluripotent stem cell-derived material and help mitigate concerns of using such cells for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Choudhary
- Pfizer Neuroscience and Pain Research Unit, The Portway, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6GS UK
| | - Paul John Whiting
- Present Address: AR-UK Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT UK
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48
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Williams JAE, Stampoulis D, Gunter CE, Greenwood J, Adamson P, Moss SE. Regulation of C3 Activation by the Alternative Complement Pathway in the Mouse Retina. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161898. [PMID: 27564415 PMCID: PMC5001704 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the retinas of mice carrying hemizygous and null double deletions of Cfb-/- and Cfh-/-, and to compare these with the single knockouts of Cfb, Cfh and Cfd. Retinas were isolated from wild type (WT), Cfb-/-/Cfh-/-, Cfb-/-/Cfh+/-, Cfh-/-/Cfb+/-, Cfb-/-, Cfh-/-Cfd-/-, and Cfd+/- mice. Complement proteins were evaluated by western blotting, ELISA and immunocytochemistry, and retinal morphology was assessed using toluidine blue stained semi-thin sections. WT mice showed staining for C3 and its breakdown products in the retinal vasculature and the basal surface of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Cfb-/- mice exhibited a similar C3 staining pattern to WT in the retinal vessels but a decrease in C3 and its breakdown products at the basal surface of the RPE. Deletion of both Cfb and Cfh restored C3 to levels similar to those observed in WT mice, however this reversal of phenotype was not observed in Cfh-/-/Cfb+/- or Cfb-/-/Cfh+/- mice. Loss of CFD caused an increase in C3 and a decrease in C3 breakdown products along the basal surface of the RPE. Overall the retinal morphology and retinal vasculature did not appear different across the various genotypes. We observed that C3 accumulates at the basal RPE in Cfb-/-, Cfb-/-/Cfh-/-, Cfb-/-/Cfh+/-, Cfd-/- and WT mice, but is absent in Cfh-/- and Cfh-/-/Cfb+/- mice, consistent with its consumption in the serum of mice lacking CFH when CFB is present. C3 breakdown products along the surface of the RPE were either decreased or absent when CFB, CFH or CFD was deleted or partially deleted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. E. Williams
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11–43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitris Stampoulis
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11–43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Chloe E. Gunter
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11–43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - John Greenwood
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11–43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Adamson
- Ophthiris Discovery Performance Unit and Department of Laboratory Animal Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnelswood Road, Stevenage, Herts SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen E. Moss
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11–43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Kauppinen A, Paterno JJ, Blasiak J, Salminen A, Kaarniranta K. Inflammation and its role in age-related macular degeneration. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:1765-86. [PMID: 26852158 PMCID: PMC4819943 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2147-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 450] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a cellular response to factors that challenge the homeostasis of cells and tissues. Cell-associated and soluble pattern-recognition receptors, e.g. Toll-like receptors, inflammasome receptors, and complement components initiate complex cellular cascades by recognizing or sensing different pathogen and damage-associated molecular patterns, respectively. Cytokines and chemokines represent alarm messages for leukocytes and once activated, these cells travel long distances to targeted inflamed tissues. Although it is a crucial survival mechanism, prolonged inflammation is detrimental and participates in numerous chronic age-related diseases. This article will review the onset of inflammation and link its functions to the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of severe vision loss in aged individuals in the developed countries. In this progressive disease, degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) results in the death of photoreceptors, leading to a loss of central vision. The RPE is prone to oxidative stress, a factor that together with deteriorating functionality, e.g. decreased intracellular recycling and degradation due to attenuated heterophagy/autophagy, induces inflammation. In the early phases, accumulation of intracellular lipofuscin in the RPE and extracellular drusen between RPE cells and Bruch's membrane can be clinically detected. Subsequently, in dry (atrophic) AMD there is geographic atrophy with discrete areas of RPE loss whereas in the wet (exudative) form there is neovascularization penetrating from the choroid to retinal layers. Elevations in levels of local and systemic biomarkers indicate that chronic inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of both disease forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Kauppinen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Jussi J Paterno
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Infection of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium with Chlamydia trachomatis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141754. [PMID: 26536616 PMCID: PMC4633144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Little is known about the susceptibility of posterior segment tissues, particularly the human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE), to Chlamydia trachomatis. The purpose of the study was to investigate the possibility of infecting the hRPE with Chlamydia trachomatis, and to examine the infectivity of different Chlamydia trachomatis clinical isolates for hRPE cells and the hRPE cell response to the infection. METHODS Cultured hRPE and McCoy cells were inoculated with eight Chlamydia trachomatis (serovar E) clinical isolates at multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 2.0 or 0.3. To detect Chlamydia trachomatis, samples were stained immunohistochemically with anti-major outer membrane protein antibodies at 24h, 48h, and 72h postinoculation (PI). The changes in the expression of signaling molecules and proteins of cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix in hRPE cells were examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS All eight clinical isolates demonstrated ability to infect hRPE cells. At equal MOI of 0.3, the infectivity of Chlamydia trachomatis clinical isolates for RPE culture was found to be at least as high as that for McCoy cell culture. At 24h PI, the percentage of inclusion-containing cells varied from 1.5 ± 0.52 to 14.6 ± 3.3% in hRPE cell culture infected at MOI of 2.0 against 0.37 ± 0.34 to 8.9 ± 0.2% in McCoy cell culture infected at MOI of 0.3. Collagen type I, collagen type IV, basic fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-8 expression at 48h PI were maximally increased, by 2.1-, 1.3-, 1.5-, 1.5- and 1.6-fold, respectively, in the Chlamydia trachomatis-infected compared with control hRPE cell culture specimens (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study, for the first time, proved the possibility of infecting hRPE cultured cells with Chlamydia trachomatis, which leads to proproliferative and proinflammatory changes in the expression of signaling molecules and extracellular matrix components.
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