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Seliger B. Role of HLA-G in tumors and upon COVID-19 infection. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110792. [PMID: 38555250 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110792] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
HLA-G expression of tumors and upon viral infections is involved in their immune escape leading to the evasion from both T and NK cell recognition. The underlying mechanisms of HLA-G expression in both pathophysiologic conditions are broad and range from genetic abnormalities to epigenetic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the frequency, regulation and clinical relevance of HLA-G expression upon neoplastic and viral transformation, its interaction with components of the microenvironment as well as its potential as diagnostic marker and/or therapeutic target. In addition, it discusses urgent topics, which have to be addressed in HLA-G research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Translational Immunology, Medical School "Theodor Fontane", 14770, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany; Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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Zhao JV, Yao M, Liu Z. Using genetics and proteomics data to identify proteins causally related to COVID-19, healthspan and lifespan: a Mendelian randomization study. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:6384-6416. [PMID: 38575325 PMCID: PMC11042960 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205711] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 pandemic poses a heavy burden on public health and accounts for substantial mortality and morbidity. Proteins are building blocks of life, but specific proteins causally related to COVID-19, healthspan and lifespan have not been systematically examined. METHODS We conducted a Mendelian randomization study to assess the effects of 1,361 plasma proteins on COVID-19, healthspan and lifespan, using large GWAS of severe COVID-19 (up to 13,769 cases and 1,072,442 controls), COVID-19 hospitalization (32,519 cases and 2,062,805 controls) and SARS-COV2 infection (122,616 cases and 2,475,240 controls), healthspan (n = 300,477) and parental lifespan (~0.8 million of European ancestry). RESULTS We identified 35, 43, and 63 proteins for severe COVID, COVID-19 hospitalization, and SARS-COV2 infection, and 4, 32, and 19 proteins for healthspan, father's attained age, and mother's attained age. In addition to some proteins reported previously, such as SFTPD related to severe COVID-19, we identified novel proteins involved in inflammation and immunity (such as ICAM-2 and ICAM-5 which affect COVID-19 risk, CXCL9, HLA-DRA and LILRB4 for healthspan and lifespan), apoptosis (such as FGFR2 and ERBB4 which affect COVID-19 risk and FOXO3 which affect lifespan) and metabolism (such as PCSK9 which lowers lifespan). We found 2, 2 and 3 proteins shared between COVID-19 and healthspan/lifespan, such as CXADR and LEFTY2, shared between severe COVID-19 and healthspan/lifespan. Three proteins affecting COVID-19 and seven proteins affecting healthspan/lifespan are targeted by existing drugs. CONCLUSIONS Our study provided novel insights into protein targets affecting COVID-19, healthspan and lifespan, with implications for developing new treatment and drug repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie V. Zhao
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Minhao Yao
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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3
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Mocci S, Littera R, Chessa L, Campagna M, Melis M, Ottelio CM, Piras IS, Lai S, Firinu D, Tranquilli S, Mascia A, Vacca M, Schirru D, Lecca LI, Rassu S, Cannas F, Sanna C, Carta MG, Sedda F, Giuressi E, Cipri S, Miglianti M, Perra A, Giglio S. A review of the main genetic factors influencing the course of COVID-19 in Sardinia: the role of human leukocyte antigen-G. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1138559. [PMID: 37342325 PMCID: PMC10277491 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1138559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction A large number of risk and protective factors have been identified during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic which may influence the outcome of COVID-19. Among these, recent studies have explored the role of HLA-G molecules and their immunomodulatory effects in COVID-19, but there are very few reports exploring the genetic basis of these manifestations. The present study aims to investigate how host genetic factors, including HLA-G gene polymorphisms and sHLA-G, can affect SARS-CoV-2 infection. Materials and Methods We compared the immune-genetic and phenotypic characteristics between COVID-19 patients (n = 381) with varying degrees of severity of the disease and 420 healthy controls from Sardinia (Italy). Results HLA-G locus analysis showed that the extended haplotype HLA-G*01:01:01:01/UTR-1 was more prevalent in both COVID-19 patients and controls. In particular, this extended haplotype was more common among patients with mild symptoms than those with severe symptoms [22.7% vs 15.7%, OR = 0.634 (95% CI 0.440 - 0.913); P = 0.016]. Furthermore, the most significant HLA-G 3'UTR polymorphism (rs371194629) shows that the HLA-G 3'UTR Del/Del genotype frequency decreases gradually from 27.6% in paucisymptomatic patients to 15.9% in patients with severe symptoms (X2 = 7.095, P = 0.029), reaching the lowest frequency (7.0%) in ICU patients (X2 = 11.257, P = 0.004). However, no significant differences were observed for the soluble HLA-G levels in patients and controls. Finally, we showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Sardinian population is also influenced by other genetic factors such as β-thalassemia trait (rs11549407C>T in the HBB gene), KIR2DS2/HLA-C C1+ group combination and the HLA-B*58:01, C*07:01, DRB1*03:01 haplotype which exert a protective effect [P = 0.005, P = 0.001 and P = 0.026 respectively]. Conversely, the Neanderthal LZTFL1 gene variant (rs35044562A>G) shows a detrimental consequence on the disease course [P = 0.001]. However, by using a logistic regression model, HLA-G 3'UTR Del/Del genotype was independent from the other significant variables [ORM = 0.4 (95% CI 0.2 - 0.7), PM = 6.5 x 10-4]. Conclusion Our results reveal novel genetic variants which could potentially serve as biomarkers for disease prognosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of considering genetic factors in the management of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Mocci
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Littera
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
- Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luchino Chessa
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Liver Unit, University Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marcello Campagna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maurizio Melis
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carla Maria Ottelio
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ignazio S. Piras
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Sara Lai
- Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Davide Firinu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefania Tranquilli
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessia Mascia
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Vacca
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniele Schirru
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Isaia Lecca
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefania Rassu
- Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Cannas
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Celeste Sanna
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Sedda
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Molecular Pathology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Erika Giuressi
- Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Selene Cipri
- GeneMos-APS (Association for Social Advancement), Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Michela Miglianti
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Molecular Pathology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Giglio
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Centre for Research University Services (CeSAR, Centro Servizi di Ateneo per la Ricerca), University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
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Peripheral HLA-G/ILT-2 immune checkpoint axis in acute and convalescent COVID-19 patients. Hum Immunol 2023:S0198-8859(23)00043-5. [PMID: 36925435 PMCID: PMC10011044 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The immunosuppressive non-classical human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) can elicits pro-viral activities by down-modulating immune responses. We analysed soluble forms of HLA-G, IL-6 and IL-10 as well as on immune effector cell expression of HLA-G and its cognate ILT-2 receptor in peripheral blood obtained from hospitalised and convalescent COVID-19 patients. Compared with convalescents (N = 202), circulating soluble HLA-G levels (total and vesicular-bound molecules) were significantly increased in hospitalised patients (N = 93) irrespective of the disease severity. During COVID-19, IL-6 and IL-10 levels were also elevated. Regarding the immune checkpoint expression of HLA-G/ILT-2 on peripheral immune effector cells, the frequencies of membrane-bound HLA-G on CD3+ and CD14+ cells were almost identical in patients during and post COVID-19, while the frequency of ILT-2 receptor on CD3+ and CD14+ cells was increased during acute infection. A multi-parametric correlation analysis of soluble HLA-G forms with IL-6, IL-10, activation markers CD25 and CD154, HLA-G, and ILT-2 expression on immune cells revealed a strong positive correlation of soluble HLA-G forms with membrane-bound HLA-G molecules on CD3+/CD14+ cells only in convalescents. During COVID-19, only vesicular-bound HLA-G were positively correlated with the activation marker CD25 on T cells. Thus, our data suggest that the elevated levels of soluble HLA-G in COVID-19 are due to increased expression in organ tissues other than circulating immune effector cells. The concomitant increased expression of soluble HLA-G and ILT-2 receptor frequencies supports the concept that the immune checkpoint HLA-G/ILT-2 plays a role in the immune-pathogenesis of COVID-19.
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Beltrami S, Rizzo S, Strazzabosco G, Gentili V, Alogna A, Narducci M, Bortolotti D, Schiuma G, Rizzo R. Non-classical HLA class I molecules and their potential role in viral infections. Hum Immunol 2023:S0198-8859(23)00061-7. [PMID: 37005169 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) are classified in three different classes I, II and III, and represent the key mediators of immune responses, self-tolerance development and pathogen recognition. Among them, non-classical subtypes (HLA-Ib), e.g. HLA-E and HLA-G, are characterize by tolerogenic functions that are often exploited by viruses to evade the host immune responses. In this perspective, we will review the main current data referred to HLA-G and HLA-E and viral infections, as well as the impact on immune response. Data were selected following eligibility criteria accordingly to the reviewed topic. We used a set of electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences (WOS), Cochrane library) for a systematic search until November 2022 using MeSH keywords/terms (i.e. HLA, HLA-G, HLA-E, viral infection, SARS-CoV-2, etc.…). Recent studies support the involvement of non-classical molecules, such as HLA-E and HLA-G, in the control of viral infection. On one side, viruses exploit HLA-G and HLA-E molecule to control host immune activation. On the other side, the expression of these molecules might control the inflammatory condition generated by viral infections. Hence, this review has the aim to summarize the state of art of literature about the modulation of these non-classical HLA-I molecules, to provide a general overview of the new strategies of viral immune system regulation to counteract immune defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Strazzabosco
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Alogna
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Narducci
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Temple University, Japan Campus, 1 Chome-14-29 Taishido, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0004, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; LTTA, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari, 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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Evaluation of serum soluble HLA-G levels post-recovery from COVID-19 and post-vaccination (Sinopharm and Pfizer-BioNTech). Hum Immunol 2023; 84:71-74. [PMID: 36369216 PMCID: PMC9637515 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.11.002] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Serum soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) levels have been shown to be upregulated in COVID-19 patients. In this study, sHLA-G levels were examined in COVID-19 patients 14-21 days post-recovery (100 patients) and 80 uninfected controls. In addition, individuals vaccinated with Sinopharm or Pfizer-BioNTech (50 individuals each) were followed 21 days post-first dose and 21 days post-second dose. Serum sHLA-G levels were significantly higher in recovered patients than in controls. The first and second doses of Sinopharm and Pfizer-BioNTech were associated with significantly elevated levels of sHLA-G compared to controls or recovered patients, except for the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech where sHLA-G levels did not show significant differences compared to recovered patients. In conclusion, recovery from COVID-19, as well as vaccination with two doses of Sinopharm or Pfizer-BioNTech, were associated with up-regulated levels of sHLA-G molecules, but the first dose of Sinopharm had the greatest effect in raising sHLA-G levels.
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Amodio G, Capogrosso P, Pontillo M, Tassara M, Boeri L, Carenzi C, Cignoli D, Ferrara AM, Ramirez GA, Tresoldi C, Locatelli M, Santoleri L, Castagna A, Zangrillo A, De Cobelli F, Tresoldi M, Landoni G, Rovere‐Querini P, Ciceri F, Montorsi F, Salonia A, Gregori S. Combined plasma levels of IL-10 and testosterone, but not soluble HLA-G5, predict the risk of death in COVID-19 patients. Andrology 2023; 11:32-44. [PMID: 36323494 PMCID: PMC9877736 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of biomarkers correlated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes is a relevant need for clinical management. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is characterized by elevated interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, HLA-G, and impaired testosterone production. OBJECTIVES We aimed at defining the combined impact of sex hormones, interleukin-10, and HLA-G on COVID-19 pathophysiology and their relationship in male patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay, electrochemiluminescent assays, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay circulating total testosterone, 17β-estradiol (E2 ), IL-10, and -HLAG5 as well as SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 Immunoglobulin G from 292 healthy controls and 111 COVID-19 patients with different disease severity at hospital admission, and in 53 COVID-19 patients at 7-month follow-up. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We found significantly higher levels of IL-10, HLA-G, and E2 in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls and an inverse correlation between IL-10 and testosterone, with IL-10, progressively increasing and testosterone progressively decreasing with disease severity. This correlation was lost at the 7-month follow-up. The risk of death in COVID-19 patients with low testosterone increased in the presence of high IL-10. A negative correlation between SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G and HLA-G or IL-10 at hospitalization was observed. At the 7-month follow-up, IL-10 and testosterone normalized, and HLA-G decreased. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that combined evaluation of IL-10 and testosterone predicts the risk of death in men with COVID-19 and support the hypothesis that IL-10 fails to suppress excessive inflammation by promoting viral spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Amodio
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR‐TIGET)IRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Paolo Capogrosso
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of UrologyURI, IRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly,Department of Urology and AndrologyOspedale di Circolo and Macchi FoundationVareseItaly
| | - Marina Pontillo
- Laboratory Medicine ServiceIRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Michela Tassara
- Laboratory Medicine ServiceIRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Luca Boeri
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of UrologyURI, IRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly,IRCCS Foundation Ca’ Granda, Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Department of UrologyUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Cristina Carenzi
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of UrologyURI, IRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Daniele Cignoli
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of UrologyURI, IRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly,University Vita‐Salute San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Anna Maria Ferrara
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of UrologyURI, IRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Giuseppe A. Ramirez
- University Vita‐Salute San RaffaeleMilanItaly,Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergology and Rare Diseases UnitIRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | | | | | - Luca Santoleri
- Immunohematology and Transfusion MedicineIRRCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Antonella Castagna
- University Vita‐Salute San RaffaeleMilanItaly,Department of Infectious DiseasesIRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Alberto Zangrillo
- University Vita‐Salute San RaffaeleMilanItaly,Anesthesia and Intensive Care DepartmentIRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Francesco De Cobelli
- University Vita‐Salute San RaffaeleMilanItaly,Department of RadiologyIRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Moreno Tresoldi
- General Medicine and Advanced Care UnitIRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Giovanni Landoni
- University Vita‐Salute San RaffaeleMilanItaly,Anesthesia and Intensive Care DepartmentIRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Patrizia Rovere‐Querini
- University Vita‐Salute San RaffaeleMilanItaly,Internal Medicine, Diabetes, and Endocrinology UnitIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- University Vita‐Salute San RaffaeleMilanItaly,Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant UnitIRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Francesco Montorsi
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of UrologyURI, IRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly,University Vita‐Salute San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Andrea Salonia
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of UrologyURI, IRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly,University Vita‐Salute San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Silvia Gregori
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR‐TIGET)IRCCS Ospedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
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Ferreira LC, Gomes CE, Rodrigues-Neto JF, Jeronimo SM. Genome-wide association studies of COVID-19: Connecting the dots. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 106:105379. [PMID: 36280088 PMCID: PMC9584840 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) are a research approach used to identify genetic variants associated with common diseases, like COVID-19. The lead genetic variants (n = 41) reported by the eleven largest COVID-19 GWASs are mapped to 22 different chromosomal regions. The loci 3q21.31 (LZTFL1 and chemokine receptor genes) and 9q34.2 (ABO), associated with disease severity and susceptibility to infection, respectively, were the most replicated findings across studies. Genes involved with mucociliary clearance (CEP97, FOXP4), viral-entry (ACE2, SLC6A20) and mucosal immunity (MIR6891) are associated with the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection while genes of antiviral immune response (IFNAR2, OAS1), leukocyte trafficking (CCR9, CXCR6) and lung injury (DPP9, NOTCH4) are associated with severe disease. The biological processes underlying the risk of infection occur prominently, but not exclusively, in the upper airways whereas the severe COVID-19-associated processes in alveolar-capillary interface. The COVID-19 GWASs has unraveled key genetic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, although the genetic basis of other COVID-19 related phenotypes (long COVID and neurological impairment) remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo C. Ferreira
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078-900, Brazil,Institute of Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078-900, Brazil,Corresponding author at: Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos E.M. Gomes
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078-900, Brazil
| | - João F. Rodrigues-Neto
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078-900, Brazil,Multicampi School of Medical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Caicó, RN 59078-900, Brazil
| | - Selma M.B. Jeronimo
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078-900, Brazil,Institute of Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078-900, Brazil,Institute of Science and Technology of Tropical Diseases, Natal, RN, Brazil
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9
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Seliger B, Jasinski-Bergner S, Massa C, Mueller A, Biehl K, Yang B, Bachmann M, Jonigk D, Eichhorn P, Hartmann A, Wickenhauser C, Bauer M. Induction of pulmonary HLA-G expression by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:582. [PMID: 36334153 PMCID: PMC9637071 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04592-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The non-classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G exerts immune-suppressive properties modulating both NK and T cell responses. While it is physiologically expressed at the maternal-fetal interface and in immune-privileged organs, HLA-G expression is found in tumors and in virus-infected cells. So far, there exists little information about the role of HLA-G and its interplay with immune cells in biopsies, surgical specimen or autopsy tissues of lung, kidney and/or heart muscle from SARS-CoV-2-infected patients compared to control tissues. Heterogeneous, but higher HLA-G protein expression levels were detected in lung alveolar epithelial cells of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients compared to lung epithelial cells from influenza-infected patients, but not in other organs or lung epithelia from non-viral-infected patients, which was not accompanied by high levels of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen and spike protein, but inversely correlated to the HLA-G-specific miRNA expression. High HLA-G expression levels not only in SARS-CoV-2-, but also in influenza-infected lung tissues were associated with a high frequency of tissue-infiltrating immune cells, but low numbers of CD8+ cells and an altered expression of hyperactivation and exhaustion markers in the lung epithelia combined with changes in the spatial distribution of macrophages and T cells. Thus, our data provide evidence for an involvement of HLA-G and HLA-G-specific miRNAs in immune escape and as suitable therapeutic targets for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute of Translational Immunology, Medical School "Theodor Fontane", 14770, Brandenburg, Germany.
| | - Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anja Mueller
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Katharina Biehl
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 2, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Bachmann
- Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Dresden, Germany
| | - Danny Jonigk
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School (BREATH), 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Philip Eichhorn
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander University, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander University, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marcus Bauer
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
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10
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The Severity of COVID-19 Affects the Plasma Soluble Levels of the Immune Checkpoint HLA-G Molecule. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179736. [PMID: 36077133 PMCID: PMC9456149 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-classical histocompatibility antigen G (HLA-G) is an immune checkpoint molecule that has been implicated in viral disorders. We evaluated the plasma soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) in 239 individuals, arranged in COVID-19 patients (n = 189) followed up at home or in a hospital, and in healthy controls (n = 50). Increased levels of sHLA-G were observed in COVID-19 patients irrespective of the facility care, gender, age, and the presence of comorbidities. Compared with controls, the sHLA-G levels increased as far as disease severity progressed; however, the levels decreased in critically ill patients, suggesting an immune exhaustion phenomenon. Notably, sHLA-G exhibited a positive correlation with other mediators currently observed in the acute phase of the disease, including IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10. Although sHLA-G levels may be associated with an acute biomarker of COVID-19, the increased levels alone were not associated with disease severity or mortality due to COVID-19. Whether the SARS-CoV-2 per se or the innate/adaptive immune response against the virus is responsible for the increased levels of sHLA-G are questions that need to be further addressed.
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11
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Rovito R, Augello M, Ben-Haim A, Bono V, d'Arminio Monforte A, Marchetti G. Hallmarks of Severe COVID-19 Pathogenesis: A Pas de Deux Between Viral and Host Factors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:912336. [PMID: 35757770 PMCID: PMC9231592 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.912336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Two years into Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a comprehensive characterization of the pathogenesis of severe and critical forms of COVID-19 is still missing. While a deep dysregulation of both the magnitude and functionality of innate and adaptive immune responses have been described in severe COVID-19, the mechanisms underlying such dysregulations are still a matter of scientific debate, in turn hampering the identification of new therapies and of subgroups of patients that would most benefit from individual clinical interventions. Here we review the current understanding of viral and host factors that contribute to immune dysregulation associated with COVID-19 severity in the attempt to unfold and broaden the comprehension of COVID-19 pathogenesis and to define correlates of protection to further inform strategies of targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Rovito
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Augello
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Assaf Ben-Haim
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Bono
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella d'Arminio Monforte
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Marchetti
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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12
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Matrix Metalloproteinases on Severe COVID-19 Lung Disease Pathogenesis: Cooperative Actions of MMP-8/MMP-2 Axis on Immune Response through HLA-G Shedding and Oxidative Stress. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050604. [PMID: 35625532 PMCID: PMC9138255 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with COVID-19 predominantly have a respiratory tract infection and acute lung failure is the most severe complication. While the molecular basis of SARS-CoV-2 immunopathology is still unknown, it is well established that lung infection is associated with hyper-inflammation and tissue damage. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to tissue destruction in many pathological situations, and the activity of MMPs in the lung leads to the release of bioactive mediators with inflammatory properties. We sought to characterize a scenario in which MMPs could influence the lung pathogenesis of COVID-19. Although we observed high diversity of MMPs in lung tissue from COVID-19 patients by proteomics, we specified the expression and enzyme activity of MMP-2 in tracheal-aspirate fluid (TAF) samples from intubated COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. Moreover, the expression of MMP-8 was positively correlated with MMP-2 levels and possible shedding of the immunosuppression mediator sHLA-G and sTREM-1. Together, overexpression of the MMP-2/MMP-8 axis, in addition to neutrophil infiltration and products, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased lipid peroxidation that could promote intensive destruction of lung tissue in severe COVID-19. Thus, the inhibition of MMPs can be a novel target and promising treatment strategy in severe COVID-19.
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13
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Ad'hiah AH, Al-Bayatee NT. HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among Iraqi patients. Hum Immunol 2022; 83:521-527. [PMID: 35305830 PMCID: PMC8920981 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G molecules are proposed to influence susceptibility to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A case-control study was conducted on 209 patients with COVID-19 and198 controls to assess soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) levels and HLA-G 14-bp insertion [Ins]/deletion [Del] polymorphism. Results revealed that median levels of sHLA-G were significantly higher in serum of COVID-19 patients than in controls (17.92 [interquartile range: 14.86–21.15] vs. 13.42 [9.95–17.38] ng/mL; probability <0.001). sHLA-G levels showed no significant differences between patients with moderate, severe or critical disease. Del allele was significantly associated with the risk of COVID-19 (odds ratio = 1.89; 95% confidence interval = 1.44–2.48; corrected probability = 0.001), while a higher risk was associated with Del/Del genotype (odds ratio = 2.39; 95% confidence interval = 1.25–4.58; corrected probability = 0.048). Allele and genotype frequencies of HLA-G 14-bp Ins/Del polymorphism stratified by gender or disease severity showed no significant differences in each stratum. Further, there was no significant impact of genotypes on sHLA-G levels. In conclusion, sHLA-G levels were up-regulated in COVID-19 patients regardless of disease severity. Further, it is suggested that HLA-G 14-bp Ins/Del polymorphism is associated with COVID-19 risk.
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14
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Jasinski-Bergner S, Schmiedel D, Mandelboim O, Seliger B. Role of HLA-G in Viral Infections. Front Immunol 2022; 13:826074. [PMID: 35237271 PMCID: PMC8882596 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.826074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is a non-classical HLA class I molecule, which has distinct features to classical HLA-A, -B, -C antigens, such as a low polymorphism, different splice variants, highly restricted, tightly regulated expression and immune modulatory properties. HLA-G expression in tumor cells and virus-infected cells, as well as the release of soluble HLA-G leads to escape from host immune surveillance. Increased knowledge of the link between HLA-G expression, viral infection and disease progression is urgently required, which highlights the possible use of HLA-G as novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for viral infections, but also as therapeutic target. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the expression, regulation, function and impact of HLA-G in the context of different viral infections including virus-associated cancers. The characterization of HLA-G-driven immune escape mechanisms involved in the interactions between host cells and viruses might result in the design of novel immunotherapeutic strategies targeting HLA-G and/or its interaction with its receptors on immune effector cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Dominik Schmiedel
- Department of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Development & Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Design, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, The BioMedical Research Institute Israel Canada of the Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Development & Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Design, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Barbara Seliger,
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15
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Immunomodulatory Potential of Non-Classical HLA-G in Infections including COVID-19 and Parasitic Diseases. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020257. [PMID: 35204759 PMCID: PMC8961671 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Leukocyte Antigen-G (HLA-G), a polymorphic non-classical HLA (HLA-Ib) with immune-regulatory properties in cancers and infectious diseases, presents both membrane-bound and soluble (sHLA-G) isoforms. Polymorphism has implications in host responses to pathogen infections and in pathogenesis. Differential expression patterns of HLA-G/sHLA-G or its polymorphism seem to be related to different pathological conditions, potentially acting as a disease progression biomarker. Pathogen antigens might be involved in the regulation of both membrane-bound and sHLA-G levels and impact immune responses during co-infections. The upregulation of HLA-G in viral and bacterial infections induce tolerance to infection. Recently, sHLA-G was found useful to identify the prognosis of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among patients and it was observed that the high levels of sHLA-G are associated with worse prognosis. The use of pathogens, such as Plasmodium falciparum, as immune modulators for other infections could be extended for the modulation of membrane-bound HLA-G in COVID-19-infected tissues. Overall, such information might open new avenues concerning the effect of some pathogens such as parasites in decreasing the expression level of HLA-G to restrict pathogenesis in some infections or to influence the immune responses after vaccination among others.
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16
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Lin A, Yan WH. Perspective of HLA-G Induced Immunosuppression in SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:788769. [PMID: 34938296 PMCID: PMC8685204 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.788769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has threatened public health worldwide. Host antiviral immune responses are essential for viral clearance and disease control, however, remarkably decreased immune cell numbers and exhaustion of host cellular immune responses are commonly observed in patients with COVID-19. This is of concern as it is closely associated with disease severity and poor outcomes. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a ligand for multiple immune inhibitory receptors, whose expression can be upregulated by viral infections. HLA-G/receptor signalling, such as engagement with immunoglobulin-like transcript 2 (ILT-2) or ILT-4, not only inhibit T and natural killer (NK) cell immune responses, dendritic cell (DC) maturation, and B cell antibody production. It also induces regulatory cells such as myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs), or M2 type macrophages. Moreover, HLA-G interaction with CD8 and killer inhibitory receptor (KIR) 2DL4 can provoke T cell apoptosis and NK cell senescence. In this context, HLA-G can induce profound immune suppression, which favours the escape of SARS-CoV-2 from immune attack. Although detailed knowledge on the clinical relevance of HLA-G in SARS-CoV-2 infection is limited, we herein review the immunopathological aspects of HLA-G/receptor signalling in SARS-CoV-2 infection, which could provide a better understanding of COVID-19 disease progression and identify potential immunointerventions to counteract SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifen Lin
- Biological Resource Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China
| | - Wei-Hua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, China.,Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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17
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Bortolotti D, Gentili V, Rizzo S, Schiuma G, Beltrami S, Spadaro S, Strazzabosco G, Campo G, Carosella ED, Papi A, Rizzo R, Contoli M. Increased sHLA-G Is Associated with Improved COVID-19 Outcome and Reduced Neutrophil Adhesion. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091855. [PMID: 34578436 PMCID: PMC8473385 DOI: 10.3390/v13091855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is a group of molecules involved in inflammatory and infective responses. We evaluated blood sHLA-E and sHLA-G levels in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure and their relationship with clinical evolution, changes in endothelial activation biomarker profile, and neutrophil adhesion. sHLA-E, sHLA-G, and endothelial activation biomarkers were quantified by ELISA assay in plasma samples. Neutrophil adhesion to endothelium was assessed in the presence/absence of patients’ plasma samples. At admission, plasma levels of sHLA-G and sHLA-E were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure compared to controls. COVID-19 clinical improvement was associated with increased sHLA-G plasma levels. In COVID-19, but not in control patients, an inverse correlation was found between serum sICAM-1 and E-selectin levels and plasma sHLA-G values. The in vitro analysis of activated endothelial cells confirmed the ability of HLA-G molecules to control sICAM-1 and sE-selectin expression via CD160 interaction and FGF2 induction and consequently neutrophil adhesion. We suggest a potential role for sHLA-G in improving COVID-19 patients’ clinical condition related to the control of neutrophil adhesion to activated endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Savino Spadaro
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Strazzabosco
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Gianluca Campo
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Edgardo D. Carosella
- CEA, Institute of Emerging Diseases and Innovative Therapies (iMETI), Research Division in Hematology and Immunology (SRHI), Saint-Louis Hospital, 75001 Paris, France;
| | - Alberto Papi
- Respiratory Section, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.P.); (M.C.)
- Respiratory Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Ferrara, Cona, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Science, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (D.B.); (V.G.); (S.R.); (G.S.); (S.B.); (G.S.)
- Industrial Research and Technology Transfer Laboratory (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0532455382
| | - Marco Contoli
- Respiratory Section, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.P.); (M.C.)
- Respiratory Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Ferrara, Cona, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
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