1
|
Piergallini TJ, Scordo JM, Allué-Guardia A, Pino PA, Zhang H, Cai H, Wang Y, Schlesinger LS, Torrelles JB, Turner J. Acute inflammation alters lung lymphocytes and potentiates innate-like behavior in young mouse lung CD8 T cells, resembling lung CD8 T cells from old mice. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 114:237-249. [PMID: 37196159 PMCID: PMC10473256 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad060] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation plays a significant role in lung infection including that caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in which both adaptive and innate lymphocytes can affect infection control. How inflammation affects infection is understood in a broad sense, including inflammaging (chronic inflammation) seen in the elderly, but the explicit role that inflammation can play in regulation of lymphocyte function is not known. To fill this knowledge gap, we used an acute lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment in young mice and studied lymphocyte responses, focusing on CD8 T cell subsets. LPS treatment decreased the total numbers of T cells in the lungs of LPS mice while also increasing the number of activated T cells. We demonstrate that lung CD8 T cells from LPS mice became capable of an antigen independent innate-like IFN-γ secretion, dependent on IL-12p70 stimulation, paralleling innate-like IFN-γ secretion of lung CD8 T cells from old mice. Overall, this study provides information on how acute inflammation can affect lymphocytes, particularly CD8 T cells, which could potentially affect immune control of various disease states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tucker J Piergallini
- Host-Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 W. Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78227-5302, United States
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, 370 W. 9th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Julia M Scordo
- Host-Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 W. Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78227-5302, United States
- Barshop Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC 7755, San Antonio, TX 78229, United States
| | - Anna Allué-Guardia
- Population Health Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 W. Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78227-5302, United States
| | - Paula A Pino
- Population Health Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 W. Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78227-5302, United States
| | - Hao Zhang
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, United States
| | - Hong Cai
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, United States
| | - Yufeng Wang
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, United States
| | - Larry S Schlesinger
- Host-Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 W. Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78227-5302, United States
| | - Jordi B Torrelles
- Population Health Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 W. Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78227-5302, United States
| | - Joanne Turner
- Host-Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 W. Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78227-5302, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mouse Models for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Pathogenesis: Show and Do Not Tell. Pathogens 2022; 12:pathogens12010049. [PMID: 36678397 PMCID: PMC9865329 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Science has been taking profit from animal models since the first translational experiments back in ancient Greece. From there, and across all history, several remarkable findings have been obtained using animal models. One of the most popular models, especially for research in infectious diseases, is the mouse. Regarding research in tuberculosis, the mouse has provided useful information about host and bacterial traits related to susceptibility to the infection. The effect of aging, sexual dimorphisms, the route of infection, genetic differences between mice lineages and unbalanced immunity scenarios upon Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis development has helped, helps and will help biomedical researchers in the design of new tools for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis, despite various discrepancies and the lack of deep study in some areas of these traits.
Collapse
|
3
|
Lafuse WP, Wu Q, Kumar N, Saljoughian N, Sunkum S, Ahumada OS, Turner J, Rajaram MVS. Psychological stress creates an immune suppressive environment in the lung that increases susceptibility of aged mice to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:990402. [PMID: 36189368 PMCID: PMC9523253 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.990402] [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: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Age is a major risk factor for chronic infections, including tuberculosis (TB). Elderly TB patients also suffer from elevated levels of psychological stress. It is not clear how psychological stress impacts immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). In this study, we used social disruption stress (SDR) to investigate effects of psychological stress in young and old mice. Unexpectedly, we found that SDR suppresses lung inflammation in old mice as evidenced by lower pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in bronchial lavage fluid and decreased cytokine mRNA expression by alveolar macrophages. To investigate effects of stress on M.tb infection, mice were subjected to SDR and then infected with M.tb. As previously reported, old mice were better at controlling infection at 30 days than young mice. This control was transient as CFUs at 60 days were higher in old control mice compared to young mice. Consistently, SDR significantly increased M.tb growth at 60 days in old mice compared to young mice. In addition, SDR in old mice resulted in accumulation of IL-10 mRNA and decreased IFN-γ mRNA at 60 days. Also, confocal microscopy of lung sections from old SDR mice showed increased number of CD4 T cells which express LAG3 and CD49b, markers of IL-10 secreting regulatory T cells. Further, we also demonstrated that CD4 T cells from old SDR mice express IL-10. Thus, we conclude that psychological stress in old mice prior to infection, increases differentiation of IL-10 secreting T cells, which over time results in loss of control of the infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William P. Lafuse
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,*Correspondence: William P. Lafuse, ; Murugesan V. S. Rajaram,
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Noushin Saljoughian
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Shrayes Sunkum
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | | | - Joanne Turner
- Host Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Murugesan V. S. Rajaram
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,*Correspondence: William P. Lafuse, ; Murugesan V. S. Rajaram,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Torrelles JB, Restrepo BI, Bai Y, Ross C, Schlesinger LS, Turner J. The Impact of Aging on the Lung Alveolar Environment, Predetermining Susceptibility to Respiratory Infections. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 3:818700. [PMID: 35821836 PMCID: PMC9261427 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2022.818700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory infections are one of the top causes of death in the elderly population, displaying susceptibility factors with increasing age that are potentially amenable to interventions. We posit that with increasing age there are predictable tissue-specific changes that prevent the immune system from working effectively in the lung. This mini-review highlights recent evidence for altered local tissue environment factors as we age focusing on increased tissue oxidative stress with associated immune cell changes, likely driven by the byproducts of age-associated inflammatory disease. Potential intervention points are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi B. Torrelles
- Population Health and Host-Pathogen Interactions Programs, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Blanca I. Restrepo
- School of Public Health in Brownsville, University of Texas Health Houston, Brownsville, TX, United States
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, United States
| | - Yidong Bai
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT-Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Corinna Ross
- Population Health and Host-Pathogen Interactions Programs, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Soutwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Larry S. Schlesinger
- Population Health and Host-Pathogen Interactions Programs, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Joanne Turner
- Population Health and Host-Pathogen Interactions Programs, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Piergallini TJ, Scordo JM, Pino PA, Schlesinger LS, Torrelles JB, Turner J. Acute Inflammation Confers Enhanced Protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in Mice. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0001621. [PMID: 34232086 PMCID: PMC8552513 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00016-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation plays a crucial role in the control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. In this study, we demonstrate that an inflammatory pulmonary environment at the time of infection mediated by lipopolysaccharide treatment in mice confers enhanced protection against M. tuberculosis for up to 6 months postinfection. This early and transient inflammatory environment was associated with a neutrophil and CD11b+ cell influx and increased inflammatory cytokines. In vitro infection demonstrated that neutrophils from lipopolysaccharide-treated mice exhibited increased association with M. tuberculosis and had a greater innate capacity for killing M. tuberculosis. Finally, partial depletion of neutrophils in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice showed an increase in M. tuberculosis burden, suggesting neutrophils played a part in the protection observed in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. These results indicate a positive role for an inflammatory environment in the initial stages of M. tuberculosis infection and suggest that acute inflammation at the time of M. tuberculosis infection can positively alter disease outcome. IMPORTANCE Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis disease, is estimated to infect one-fourth of the world's population and is one of the leading causes of death due to an infectious disease worldwide. The high-level variability in tuberculosis disease responses in the human populace may be linked to immune processes related to inflammation. In many cases, inflammation appears to exasperate tuberculosis responses; however, some evidence suggests inflammatory processes improve control of M. tuberculosis infection. Here, we show an acute inflammatory stimulus in mice provides protection against M. tuberculosis for up to 6 months, suggesting acute inflammation can positively affect M. tuberculosis infection outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tucker J. Piergallini
- Host-Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Julia M. Scordo
- Host-Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- The Barshop Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Paula A. Pino
- Population Health Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Larry S. Schlesinger
- Host-Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jordi B. Torrelles
- Population Health Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Joanne Turner
- Host-Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Clark BL, Thomas PG. A Cell for the Ages: Human γδ T Cells across the Lifespan. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8903. [PMID: 33255339 PMCID: PMC7727649 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the human immune system is exacerbated by age-related changes to immune cell functionality. Many of these age-related effects remain undescribed or driven by mechanisms that are poorly understood. γδ T cells, while considered an adaptive subset based on immunological ontogeny, retain both innate-like and adaptive-like characteristics. This T cell population is small but mighty, and has been implicated in both homeostatic and disease-induced immunity within tissues and throughout the periphery. In this review, we outline what is known about the effect of age on human peripheral γδ T cells, and call attention to areas of the field where further research is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandi L. Clark
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Paul G. Thomas
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lafuse WP, Rajaram MVS, Wu Q, Moliva JI, Torrelles JB, Turner J, Schlesinger LS. Identification of an Increased Alveolar Macrophage Subpopulation in Old Mice That Displays Unique Inflammatory Characteristics and Is Permissive to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 203:2252-2264. [PMID: 31511357 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The elderly population is more susceptible to pulmonary infections, including tuberculosis. In this article, we characterize the impact of aging on the phenotype of mouse alveolar macrophages (AMs) and their response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Uninfected AMs were isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage of young (3 mo) and old (18 mo) C57BL/6 mice. AMs from old mice expressed higher mRNA levels of CCL2, IFN-β, IL-10, IL-12p40, TNF-α, and MIF than young mice, and old mice contained higher levels of CCL2, IL-1β, IFN-β, and MIF in their alveolar lining fluid. We identified two distinct AM subpopulations, a major CD11c+ CD11b- population and a minor CD11c+ CD11b+ population; the latter was significantly increased in old mice (4-fold). Expression of CD206, TLR2, CD16/CD32, MHC class II, and CD86 was higher in CD11c+ CD11b+ AMs, and these cells expressed monocytic markers Ly6C, CX3CR1, and CD115, suggesting monocytic origin. Sorted CD11c+ CD11b+ AMs from old mice expressed higher mRNA levels of CCL2, IL-1β, and IL-6, whereas CD11c+ CD11b- AMs expressed higher mRNA levels of immune-regulatory cytokines IFN-β and IL-10. CD11c+ CD11b+ AMs phagocytosed significantly more M. tuberculosis, which expressed higher RNA levels of genes required for M. tuberculosis survival. Our studies identify two distinct AM populations in old mice: a resident population and an increased CD11c+ CD11b+ AM subpopulation expressing monocytic markers, a unique inflammatory signature, and enhanced M. tuberculosis phagocytosis and survival when compared with resident CD11c+ CD11b- AMs, which are more immune regulatory in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William P Lafuse
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210; and
| | - Murugesan V S Rajaram
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210; and
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210; and
| | - Juan I Moliva
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210; and.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227
| | - Jordi B Torrelles
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210; and.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227
| | - Joanne Turner
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210; and.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227
| | - Larry S Schlesinger
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210; and.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Piergallini TJ, Turner J. Tuberculosis in the elderly: Why inflammation matters. Exp Gerontol 2018; 105:32-39. [PMID: 29287772 PMCID: PMC5967410 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2017.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Growing old is associated with an increase in the basal inflammatory state of an individual and susceptibility to many diseases, including infectious diseases. Evidence is growing to support the concept that inflammation and disease susceptibility in the elderly is linked. Our studies focus on the infectious disease tuberculosis (TB), which is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), a pathogen that infects approximately one fourth of the world's population. Aging is a major risk factor for developing TB, and inflammation has been strongly implicated. In this review we will discuss the relationship between inflammation in the lung and susceptibility to develop and succumb to TB in old age. Further understanding of the relationship between inflammation, age, and M.tb will lead to informed decisions about TB prevention and treatment strategies that are uniquely designed for the elderly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tucker J Piergallini
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, United States; College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Joanne Turner
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pacheco SA, Powers KM, Engelmann F, Messaoudi I, Purdy GE. Autophagic Killing Effects against Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Alveolar Macrophages from Young and Aged Rhesus Macaques. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66985. [PMID: 23825603 PMCID: PMC3688994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-human primates, notably rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta, RM), provide a robust experimental model to investigate the immune response to and effective control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections. Changes in the function of immune cells and immunosenescence may contribute to the increased susceptibility of the elderly to tuberculosis. The goal of this study was to examine the impact of age on M. tuberculosis host-pathogen interactions following infection of primary alveolar macrophages derived from young and aged rhesus macaques. Of specific interest to us was whether the mycobactericidal capacity of autophagic macrophages was reduced in older animals since decreased autophagosome formation and autophagolysosomal fusion has been observed in other cells types of aged animals. Our data demonstrate that alveolar macrophages from old RM are as competent as those from young animals for autophagic clearance of M. tuberculosis infection and controlling mycobacterial replication. While our data do not reveal significant differences between alveolar macrophage responses to M. tuberculosis by young and old animals, these studies are the first to functionally characterize autophagic clearance of M. tuberculosis by alveolar macrophages from RM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia A Pacheco
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Uraemia causes inflammation and reduces immune system function as evidenced by an increased risk of viral-associated cancers, increased susceptibility to infections and decreased vaccination responses in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The substantially increased risk of atherosclerosis in these patients is also probably related to uraemia-associated inflammation. Uraemia is associated with a reduction in the number and function of lymphoid cells, whereas numbers of myeloid cells in uraemic patients are normal or increased with increased production of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. Similar to healthy elderly individuals, patients with ESRD have increased numbers of specific proinflammatory subsets of T cells and monocytes, suggesting the presence of premature immunological ageing in these patients. These cells might contribute to inflammation and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, and have, therefore, been identified as novel nonclassical cardiovascular risk factors. The cellular composition of the immune system does not normalize after successful kidney transplantation despite a rapid reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress. This finding suggests that premature ageing of the immune system in patients with ESRD might be related to a permanent skewing of the haematopoetic stem cell population towards myeloid-generating subsets, similar to that seen in healthy elderly individuals.
Collapse
|
11
|
Beamer GL, Cyktor J, Flaherty DK, Stromberg PC, Carruthers B, Turner J. CBA/J mice generate protective immunity to soluble Ag85 but fail to respond efficiently to Ag85 during natural Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Eur J Immunol 2012; 42:870-9. [PMID: 22531914 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201142054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In CBA/J mice, susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) is associated with low interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) responses to antigens (Antigen 85 (Ag85) and early secreted antigenic target-6 (ESAT-6)) that have been defined as immunodominant. Here, we asked whether the failure of CBA/J mice to recognize Ag85 is a consequence of M.tb infection or whether CBA/J mice have a general defect in generating specific T-cell responses to this protein antigen. We compared CBA/J mice during primary M.tb infection, Ag85 vaccination followed by M.tb challenge, or M.tb memory immune mice for their capacity to generate Ag85-specific IFN-γ responses and to control M.tb infection. CBA/J mice did not respond efficiently to Ag85 in the context of natural infection or re-infection. In contrast, CBA/J mice could generate Ag85-specific IFN-γ responses and protective immunity when this antigen was delivered as a soluble protein. Our data indicate that although M.tb infection of CBA/J mice does not drive an Ag85 response, these mice can fully and protectively respond to Ag85 if it is delivered as a vaccine. The data from this experimental model suggest that the Ag85-containing vaccines in clinical trials should protect M.tb susceptible humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gillian L Beamer
- Center for Microbial Interface Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Corona AW, Fenn AM, Godbout JP. Cognitive and behavioral consequences of impaired immunoregulation in aging. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2011; 7:7-23. [PMID: 21932047 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-011-9313-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A hallmark of the aged immune system is impaired immunoregulation of the innate and adaptive immune system in the periphery and also in the central nervous system (CNS). Impaired immunoregulation may predispose older individuals to an increased frequency of peripheral infections with concomitant cognitive and behavioral complications. Thus, normal aging is hypothesized to alter the highly coordinated interactions between the immune system and the brain. In support of this notion, mounting evidence in rodent models indicate that the increased inflammatory status of the brain is associated with increased reactivity of microglia, the innate immune cells of the CNS. Understanding how immunity is affected with age is important because CNS immune cells play an integral role in propagating inflammatory signals that are initiated in the periphery. Increased reactivity of microglia sets the stage for an exaggerated inflammatory cytokine response following activation of the peripheral innate immune system that is paralleled by prolonged sickness, depressive-like complications and cognitive impairment. Moreover, amplified neuroinflammation negatively affects several aspects of neural plasticity (e.g., neurogenesis, long-term potentiation, and dendritic morphology) that can contribute to the severity of neurological complications. The purpose of this review is to discuss several key peripheral and central immune changes that impair the coordinated response between the immune system and the brain and result in behavioral and cognitive deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela W Corona
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Influence of advanced age on Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccination in guinea pigs aerogenically infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2010; 17:1500-6. [PMID: 20685935 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00190-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the only tuberculosis (TB) vaccine currently available, but its efficacy against adult pulmonary TB remains controversial. BCG induces specific immune responses to mycobacterial antigens and may elicit protective immunity against TB. TB remains a major public health problem, especially among the elderly, yet the efficacy of BCG in the elderly is unknown. We investigated the ability of BCG vaccination to prevent TB in young (6-week-old), middle-aged (18-month-old), and old (60-month-old) guinea pigs. BCG-Tokyo vaccination reduced the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv in all three groups. By use of an enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay, antigen-specific gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing cells were detected in the 60-month-old guinea pigs after a booster vaccination with BCG-Tokyo. Our findings suggest that BCG-Tokyo has a protective effect against tuberculosis infection regardless of age.
Collapse
|
14
|
TLR-2 independent recognition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by CD11c+ pulmonary cells from old mice. Mech Ageing Dev 2010; 131:405-14. [PMID: 20566357 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2010.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2009] [Revised: 04/30/2010] [Accepted: 05/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The elderly are particularly susceptible to infectious diseases such as influenza, bacterial pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Current vaccines are only partially protective in old age, which makes the elderly a critical target group for the development of new vaccine strategies. The recognition of pathogens via toll like receptors (TLR) and the subsequent generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines has generated interest in incorporating TLR agonists into new vaccines to enhance immunogenicity. However, TLR function is reportedly decreased in old age, leading to questions regarding the benefit of including TLR agonists into vaccines for the elderly. It is critical that we understand the function and role of TLRs in aged hosts prior to approving new TLR based adjuvants for vaccines that will be delivered to the elderly. In this study we determine the ability of TLRs on pulmonary macrophages from old mice to recognize and respond to infection with the virulent pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb). Although pulmonary (CD11c(+)) cells from old mice were fully capable of producing cytokines in response to M. tb infection, we demonstrate that in contrast to young mice, M. tb induced cytokine production occurred independently of TLR-2. Our data indicate that the inclusion of TLR-2 agonists into new vaccines may not be fully effective in the elderly population. Investigation into such age-related differences in TLR function is of critical importance for the design of effective vaccines that will protect the elderly against infectious diseases.
Collapse
|
15
|
Subramanian S, Ayala P, Wadsworth TL, Harris CJ, Vandenbark AA, Quinn JF, Offner H. CCR6: a biomarker for Alzheimer's-like disease in a triple transgenic mouse model. J Alzheimers Dis 2010; 22:619-29. [PMID: 20847401 PMCID: PMC2988888 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2010-100852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The inflammatory status of the brain in patients as well as animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been extensively studied. Accumulation of activated microglia producing tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 contribute to the pathology of the disease. However, little is known about the changes in the spleen and associated peripheral immunity that might contribute to AD pathology. The goal of this study was to characterize phenotypic and functional changes in spleen, blood and brain cell populations that contribute to development of an AD-like disease in a triple transgenic (3xTg-AD) mouse model. The 3xTg-AD mice had increased percentages of brain Gr-1+ granulocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages, spleen and blood derived CD8+Ly6C+ memory T cells and CCR6+ B cells, as well as increased levels of secreted interleukin-6. Brain tissue from older 12 month old symptomatic 3xTg-AD female mice exhibited highly elevated mRNA expression of CCR6 compared to wild-type mice. Importantly, this pronounced increase in expression of CCR6 was also detected in brain and spleen tissue from pre-symptomatic 5--6 month old 3xTg-AD females and males. Our data demonstrate increased expression of CCR6 in the brain and peripheral immune organs of both pre-symptomatic and symptomatic 3xTg-AD mice, strongly suggesting an ongoing inflammatory process that precedes onset of clinical AD-like disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Subramanian
- Neuroimmunology Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239 USA
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 USA
| | - Patricia Ayala
- Neuroimmunology Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239 USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 USA
| | - Teri L. Wadsworth
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 USA
| | | | - Arthur A. Vandenbark
- Neuroimmunology Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239 USA
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 USA
| | - Joseph F. Quinn
- Neuroimmunology Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239 USA
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 USA
| | - Halina Offner
- Neuroimmunology Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239 USA
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239 USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rottinghaus EK, Vesosky B, Turner J. Interleukin-12 is sufficient to promote antigen-independent interferon-gamma production by CD8 T cells in old mice. Immunology 2009; 128:e679-90. [PMID: 19740329 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2009.03061.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous functional defects have been identified in naive T cells from aged mice, including deficiencies in proliferation, cytokine production and signal transduction. It is well documented that the ratio of naïve to memory T cells significantly decreases with age resulting in the majority of T cells from aged hosts expressing activated/memory T-cell markers (CD44(hi)), yet it is unclear whether T cells with a CD44(hi) phenotype in aged hosts are functionally equivalent to T cells with a similar phenotype in young hosts. We have identified a population of CD44(hi) CD8 T cells in old mice that are capable of secreting interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in response to interleukin-12 (IL-12) stimulation. This occurred in the absence of T-cell receptor engagement, a function that was not observed in CD8 T cells from young mice. This phenotype was associated with increased IL-12 receptor beta2 gene expression and IL-12 induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT-4) activation, even when CD8 T-cell numbers from young and old mice were normalized for CD44(hi) expression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that IL-12-induced STAT-4 activation was required for T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokine-induced IFN-gamma production in CD8 T cells. These data illustrate that old mice possess a specialized subset of CD44(hi) CD8 T cells with an enhanced responsiveness to IL-12, enabling these cells to produce substantial amounts of IFN-gamma in response to Th1 cytokine stimulation. We have therefore identified a functional difference in the populations of CD44(hi) CD8 T cells from young and old mice, and believe that understanding age-associated immunological changes is essential for helping the elderly combat deadly diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin K Rottinghaus
- Center for Microbial Interface Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Peripheral blood gamma interferon release assays predict lung responses and Mycobacterium tuberculosis disease outcome in mice. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2008; 15:474-83. [PMID: 18184822 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00408-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Current diagnostic tests for tuberculosis (TB) are not able to distinguish active disease from latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, nor are they able to quantify the risk of a latently infected person progressing to active TB. There is interest, however, in adapting antigen-specific gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) release assays (IGRAs) to predict disease outcome. In this study, we used the differential susceptibilities of inbred mouse strains to M. tuberculosis infection to evaluate the prognostic capabilities of IGRAs. Using lung and blood cultures, we determined that CBA/J, DBA/2, and C3H/HeJ mice (models of heightened risk of progression to active TB) produced less antigen-specific IFN-gamma in response to M. tuberculosis culture filtrate proteins and early secreted antigenic target-6 than the relatively resistant C57BL/6 mouse strain. Additionally, reduced IFN-gamma secretion in supernatants reflected a reduced frequency of IFN-gamma-responding cells in the lung and blood and not a specific defect in IFN-gamma secretion at the single-cell level. Importantly, detection of antigen-specific IFN-gamma from blood cultures accurately reflected lung responses, indicating that blood can be an appropriate test tissue in humans. Furthermore, reduced antigen-specific IFN-gamma production and low frequencies of IFN-gamma-responding cells from peripheral blood predicted increased risk of TB disease progression across genetically diverse TB disease-susceptible mouse strains, suggesting that similar results may occur in humans. The development of efficacious predictive diagnostic tests for humans would lead to targeted therapy prior to progression to active TB, reducing transmission, incidence, and prevalence rates while maximizing the use of public health resources.
Collapse
|
18
|
A model on the influence of age on immunity to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Exp Gerontol 2007; 43:275-85. [PMID: 18226868 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2007.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2007] [Revised: 11/30/2007] [Accepted: 12/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Increasing susceptibility of the elderly to many infectious diseases is highly associated with the loss or delay in the generation of antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells. For Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, where antigen-specific CD4(+) T cell derived IFN-gamma is essential, such a loss can lead to a significant failure to control infection. The present paper develops a mathematical model of infection with M. tuberculosis in old mice. The model includes an early resistance to infection which is mediated by CD8(+) T cells. A subsequent reversal of this phenotype results from the slow generation of CD4(+) T cell mediated immunity in old age. The model simulations corroborate experimental data and hence, the model was used to test whether immunity to infection could be improved in old mice, if CD4(+) T cell responses were enhanced. Our simulations indicate that boosting antigen presentation and T cell proliferation can decrease the M. tuberculosis burden in the lung.
Collapse
|