Interleukin-10 and Small Molecule SHIP1 Allosteric Regulators Trigger Anti-inflammatory Effects through SHIP1/STAT3 Complexes

Direct assessment of leukocyte signalling and cytokine secretion reveals exercise intensity-dependent reductions in anti-inflammatory cytokine action

Circulating interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 concentrations are widely used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise but do not capture cytokine action at the cellular level. Whether and how acute exercise impacts anti-inflammatory cytokine action in humans is unknown. To determine how exercise intensity and pattern impact IL-6 and IL-10 action in blood leukocytes, 16 active adults (eight males/eight females; age: 30 ± 3 years; body mass index: 22.8 ± 2.3 kg/m2;V ̇ O 2 peak ${{\dot{V}}_{{{{\mathrm{O}}}_{\mathrm{2}}}{\mathrm{peak}}}}$ : 51 ± 6 mL/kg/min) completed a no-exercise control condition (CTL) or isocaloric bouts of cycling performed below (moderate continuous exercise; MCE) or above (heavy continuous or heavy intermittent exercise; HCE or HIE, respectively) lactate threshold. Venous blood (before, after, 30 min after and 90 min after exercise) was analysed for immune cell subpopulations, plasma cytokine concentrations, anti-inflammatory cytokine action and monocyte phenotype. Exercise induced rapid leukocytosis (P < 0.001) and increased plasma IL-6 (P < 0.001), IL-10 (P = 0.0145) and tumour necrosis factor-⍺ (TNF-⍺) (P = 0.0338) concentrations in an intensity-dependent manner (HCE and/or HIE vs. CTL). These systemic changes coincided with a diminished ability of IL-10/6 to phosphorylate STAT3 (P < 0.001) and inhibit TNF-⍺ secretion (P = 0.0238) in blood leukocytes following HCE and HIE. Monocyte polarization experiments revealed lower CD80 [MCE (P = 0.0933) and HIE (P = 0.0187) vs. CTL] and a tendency for higher CD163 expression (HCE vs. CTL, P = 0.0985), suggesting that hyporesponsiveness to anti-inflammatory cytokine action does not impede the ability of exercise to promote an anti-inflammatory monocyte phenotype. These findings provide novel insights into the immunomodulatory effects of exercise in humans and highlight the importance of directly measuring cellular cytokine action when evaluating the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise. KEY POINTS: Circulating cytokine concentrations are frequently used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise but may not capture changes in cytokine action occurring at the cellular level. We directly assessed anti-inflammatory cytokine action - measured using a combination of intracellular signalling and cytokine secretion ex vivo - in distinct immune cell subpopulations after acute calorie-matched exercise bouts differing in intensity and pattern. Anti-inflammatory cytokine action was blunted following higher intensity exercise despite corresponding increases in circulating cytokine concentrations and immune cell counts. Changes in cytokine action were not explained by changes in cytokine receptor expression on circulating immune cells. Our findings provide new insights into the immunomodulatory effects of exercise in humans and highlight the importance of directly measuring cellular cytokine action when evaluating the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise.

Regulation of inositol 5-phosphatase activity by the C2 domain of SHIP1 and SHIP2

SHIP1, an inositol 5-phosphatase, plays a central role in cellular signaling. As such, it has been implicated in many conditions. Exploiting SHIP1 as a drug target will require structural knowledge and the design of selective small molecules. We have determined apo, and magnesium and phosphate-bound structures of the phosphatase and C2 domains of SHIP1. The C2 domains of SHIP1 and the related SHIP2 modulate the activity of the phosphatase domain. To understand the mechanism, we performed activity assays, hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, and molecular dynamics on SHIP1 and SHIP2. Our findings demonstrate that the influence of the C2 domain is more pronounced for SHIP2 than SHIP1. We determined 91 structures of SHIP1 with fragments bound, with some near the interface between the two domains. We performed a mass spectrometry screen and determined four structures with covalent fragments. These structures could act as starting points for the development of potent, selective probes.

Pro-Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Interleukins in Infectious Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Interleukins (ILs) are signaling molecules that are crucial in regulating immune responses during infectious diseases. Pro-inflammatory ILs contribute to the activation and recruitment of immune cells, whereas anti-inflammatory ILs help to suppress excessive inflammation and promote tissue repair. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the role of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory ILs in infectious diseases, with a focus on the mechanisms underlying their effects, their diagnostic and therapeutic potential, and emerging trends in IL-based therapies.

Structure-Activity Studies on Bis-Sulfonamide SHIP1 Activators

The SH2-containing inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase 1 (SHIP1) enzyme opposes the activity of PI3K and therefore is of interest in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Recent results also indicate that SHIP1 promotes phagolysosomal degradation of lipids by microglia, suggesting that the enzyme may be a target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, small molecules that increase SHIP1 activity may have benefits in these areas. Recently we discovered a bis-sulfonamide that increases the enzymatic activity of SHIP1. A series of similar SHIP1 activators have been synthesized and evaluated to determine structure-activity relationships and improve in vivo stability. Some new analogs have now been found with improved potency. In addition, both the thiophene and the thiomorpholine in the parent structure can be replaced by groups without a low valent sulfur atom, which provides a way to access activators that are less prone to oxidative degradation.

SHIP1 and its role for innate immune regulation-Novel targets for immunotherapy

Phosphoinositide-3-kinase/AKT (PI3K/AKT) signaling plays key roles in the regulation of cellular activity in both health and disease. In immune cells, this PI3K/AKT pathway is critically regulated by the phosphoinositide phosphatase SHIP1, which has been reported to modulate the function of most immune subsets. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of SHIP1 with a focus on innate immune cells, where we reflect on the most pertinent aspects described in the current literature. We also present several small-molecule agonists and antagonists of SHIP1 developed over the last two decades, which have led to improved outcomes in several preclinical models of disease. We outline these promising findings and put them in relation to human diseases with unmet medical needs, where we discuss the most attractive targets for immune therapies based on SHIP1 modulation.

Microglial function, INPP5D/SHIP1 signaling, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation: implications for Alzheimer's disease

Recent genetic studies on Alzheimer's disease (AD) have brought microglia under the spotlight, as loci associated with AD risk are enriched in genes expressed in microglia. Several of these genes have been recognized for their central roles in microglial functions. Increasing evidence suggests that SHIP1, the protein encoded by the AD-associated gene INPP5D, is an important regulator of microglial phagocytosis and immune response. A recent study from our group identified SHIP1 as a negative regulator of the NLRP3 inflammasome in human iPSC-derived microglial cells (iMGs). In addition, we found evidence for a connection between SHIP1 activity and inflammasome activation in the AD brain. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that induces the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines as part of innate immune responses against pathogens and endogenous damage signals. Previously published studies have suggested that the NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in AD and contributes to AD-related pathology. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the microglial NLRP3 inflammasome in the context of AD-related inflammation. We then review the known intracellular functions of SHIP1, including its role in phosphoinositide signaling, interactions with microglial phagocytic receptors such as TREM2 and evidence for its intersection with NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. Through rigorous examination of the intricate connections between microglial signaling pathways across several experimental systems and postmortem analyses, the field will be better equipped to tailor newly emerging therapeutic strategies targeting microglia in neurodegenerative diseases.

Genome-Wide Meta-Analysis Identifies Multiple Novel Rare Variants to Predict Common Human Infectious Diseases Risk

Infectious diseases still threaten global human health, and host genetic factors have been indicated as determining risk factors for observed variations in disease susceptibility, severity, and outcome. We performed a genome-wide meta-analysis on 4624 subjects from the 10,001 Dalmatians cohort, with 14 infection-related traits. Despite a rather small number of cases in some instances, we detected 29 infection-related genetic associations, mostly belonging to rare variants. Notably, the list included the genes CD28, INPP5D, ITPKB, MACROD2, and RSF1, all of which have known roles in the immune response. Expanding our knowledge on rare variants could contribute to the development of genetic panels that could assist in predicting an individual's life-long susceptibility to major infectious diseases. In addition, longitudinal biobanks are an interesting source of information for identifying the host genetic variants involved in infectious disease susceptibility and severity. Since infectious diseases continue to act as a selective pressure on our genomes, there is a constant need for a large consortium of biobanks with access to genetic and environmental data to further elucidate the complex mechanisms behind host-pathogen interactions and infectious disease susceptibility.

Identification and Prioritization of PET Neuroimaging Targets for Microglial Phenotypes Associated with Microglial Activity in Alzheimer's Disease

Activation of microglial cells accompanies the progression of many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Development of molecular imaging tools specific to microglia can help elucidate the mechanism through which microglia contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative disorders. Through analysis of published genetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data sets, we identified 19 genes with microglia-specific expression that we then ranked based on association with the AD characteristics, change in expression, and potential druggability of the target. We believe that the process we used to identify and rank microglia-specific genes is broadly applicable to the identification and evaluation of targets in other disease areas and for applications beyond molecular imaging.

GABAA receptor function is enhanced by Interleukin-10 in human epileptogenic gangliogliomas and its effect is counteracted by Interleukin-1β

Gangliogliomas (GGs) are low-grade brain tumours that cause intractable focal epilepsy in children and adults. In GG, as in epileptogenic focal malformations (i.e., tuberous sclerosis complex, TSC), there is evidence of sustained neuroinflammation with involvement of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory mediators are less studied but bear relevance for understanding seizure mechanisms. Therefore, we investigated the effect of the key anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 on GABAergic neurotransmission in GG. We assessed the IL-10 dependent signaling by transcriptomic analysis, immunohistochemistry and performed voltage-clamp recordings on Xenopus oocytes microtransplanted with cell membranes from brain specimens, to overcome the limited availability of acute GG slices. We report that IL-10-related mRNAs were up-regulated in GG and slightly in TSC. Moreover, we found IL-10 receptors are expressed by neurons and astroglia. Furthermore, GABA currents were potentiated significantly by IL-10 in GG. This effect was time and dose-dependent and inhibited by blockade of IL-10 signaling. Notably, in the same tissue, IL-1β reduced GABA current amplitude and prevented the IL-10 effect. These results suggest that in epileptogenic tissue, pro-inflammatory mechanisms of hyperexcitability prevail over key anti-inflammatory pathways enhancing GABAergic inhibition. Hence, boosting the effects of specific anti-inflammatory molecules could resolve inflammation and reduce intractable seizures.

Synthetic studies on the indane SHIP1 agonist AQX-1125

AQX-1125 is an indane based SHIP1 agonist that has been evaluated in the clinic for the treatment of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis. To support our own studies on SHIP1 agonists as potential treatments for IBD and Crohn's disease, a new synthetic route to the SHIP1 agonist AQX-1125 has been developed. This sequence utilizes a hydroxy-acid intermediate which allows for ready differentiation of the C6 and C7 positions. The role of the C17 alkene in the biological activity of the system is also investigated, and this functional group is not required for SHIP1 agonist activity. While AQX-1125 shows SHIP1 agonist activity in enzyme assays, it does not show activity in cell based assays similar to other SHIP1 agonists, which limits the utility of this molecule.

Sex differences in IL-10's anti-inflammatory function: Greater STAT3 activation and stronger inhibition of TNF-α production in male blood leukocytes ex vivo

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production in blood leukocytes - an effect mediated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation. To examine potential sex-based differences in IL-10's anti-inflammatory function, we treated whole blood from healthy males and females (n=16 each; age: 28±6 years; body mass index: 23.5±2.3 kg/m²) with increasing concentrations of IL-10 (1-100 ng/mL) and quantified changes in phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) in CD14+ monocytes and CD4+ lymphocytes via flow cytometry. In parallel, liposaccharide (LPS)-stimulated whole-blood cultures were used to assess sex-based differences in IL-10's ability to inhibit tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α production. IL-10 concentration-dependently increased pSTAT3 mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) in CD14+ and CD4+ cells (main effects of concentration, P<0.01) with males exhibiting larger changes in pSTAT3 MFI in both cell types (main effects of sex, P<0.01). Accordingly, IL-10-mediated inhibition of TNF-α production was more pronounced in males (main effect of sex, P<0.01) with changes in other monocyte-derived cytokines (IL-1b, IL-1RA, IL-15) also supporting a sexual dimorphism in IL-10 action (P<0.05). These sex-based differences were not explained by differences in circulating plasma IL-10 concentrations, basal IL-10 receptor expression in unstimulated CD14+ and CD4+ cells, nor the basal expression of IL-10 signaling proteins (STAT3, SHIP1, p38 MAPK) in unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We conclude that IL-10's anti-inflammatory function differs between male and female blood leukocytes ex vivo. This sexual dimorphism should be considered in future work investigating IL-10's anti-inflammatory action in humans as it may represent a mechanism contributing to sex differences in overall immune function.

Discovery of a novel SHIP1 agonist that promotes degradation of lipid-laden phagocytic cargo by microglia

Here, we describe the use of artificial intelligence to identify novel agonists of the SH2-containing 5′ inositol phosphatase 1 (SHIP1). One of the compounds, K306, represents the most potent agonist identified to date. We find that K306 exhibits selectivity for SHIP1 vs. the paralog enzyme SHIP2, and this activation does not require the C2 domain of SHIP1 which other known SHIP1 agonists require. Thus, K306 represents a new class of SHIP1 agonists with a novel mode of agonism. Importantly, we find that K306 can suppress induction of inflammatory cytokines and iNOS in macrophages or microglia, but not by their SHIP1-deficient counterparts. K306 also reduces TNF-α production in vivo in an LPS-induced endotoxemia assay. Finally, we show that K306 enhances phagolysosomal degradation of synaptosomes and dead neurons by microglia revealing a novel function for SHIP1 that might be exploited therapeutically in dementia.

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Discovery of a potent SHIP1 selective agonist (K306) via artificial intelligence

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SHIP1 agonism via K306 is independent of the C2 domain and increases PI(3,4)P₂ levels

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K306 reduces IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS induction in microglia and macrophages

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K306 promotes phagocytic degradation of lipid-laden but not protein cargo in microglia

Immunosuppressive Signaling Pathways as Targeted Cancer Therapies

Immune response has been shown to play an important role in defining patient prognosis and response to cancer treatment. Tumor-induced immunosuppression encouraged the recent development of new chemotherapeutic agents that assists in the augmentation of immune responses. Molecular mechanisms that tumors use to evade immunosurveillance are attributed to their ability to alter antigen processing/presentation pathways and the tumor microenvironment. Cancer cells take advantage of normal molecular and immunoregulatory machinery to survive and thrive. Cancer cells constantly adjust their genetic makeup using several mechanisms such as nucleotide excision repair as well as microsatellite and chromosomal instability, thus giving rise to new variants with reduced immunogenicity and the ability to continue to grow without restrictions. This review will focus on the central molecular signaling pathways involved in immunosuppressive cells and briefly discuss how cancer cells evade immunosurveillance by manipulating antigen processing cells and related proteins. Secondly, the review will discuss how these pathways can be utilized for the implementation of precision medicine and deciphering drug resistance.

Immunosuppressive Signaling Pathways as Targeted Cancer Therapies

Immune response has been shown to play an important role in defining patient prognosis and response to cancer treatment. Tumor-induced immunosuppression encouraged the recent development of new chemotherapeutic agents that assists in the augmentation of immune responses. Molecular mechanisms that tumors use to evade immunosurveillance are attributed to their ability to alter antigen processing/presentation pathways and the tumor microenvironment. Cancer cells take advantage of normal molecular and immunoregulatory machinery to survive and thrive. Cancer cells constantly adjust their genetic makeup using several mechanisms such as nucleotide excision repair as well as microsatellite and chromosomal instability, thus giving rise to new variants with reduced immunogenicity and the ability to continue to grow without restrictions. This review will focus on the central molecular signaling pathways involved in immunosuppressive cells and briefly discuss how cancer cells evade immunosurveillance by manipulating antigen processing cells and related proteins. Secondly, the review will discuss how these pathways can be utilized for the implementation of precision medicine and deciphering drug resistance.

S-1-Propenylcysteine promotes IL-10-induced M2c macrophage polarization through prolonged activation of IL-10R/STAT3 signaling

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that may lead to the development of serious cardiovascular diseases. Aged garlic extract (AGE) has been reported to ameliorate atherosclerosis, although its mode of action remains unclear. We found that AGE increased the mRNA or protein levels of arginase1 (Arg1), interleukin-10 (IL-10), CD206 and hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) and decreased that of CD68, HIF1α and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the aorta and spleen of apolipoprotein E knockout mice. We also found that S-1-propenylcysteine (S1PC), a characteristic sulfur compound in AGE, increased the level of IL-10-induced Arg1 mRNA and the extent of M2c-like macrophage polarization in vitro. In addition, S1PC increased the population of M2c-like macrophages, resulting in suppressed the population of M1-like macrophages and decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These effects were accompanied by prolonged phosphorylation of the IL-10 receptor α (IL-10Rα) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) that inhibited the interaction between IL-10Rα and Src homology-2-containing inositol 5’-phosphatase 1 (SHIP1). In addition, administration of S1PC elevated the M2c/M1 macrophage ratio in senescence-accelerated mice. These findings suggest that S1PC may help improve atherosclerosis due to its anti-inflammatory effect to promote IL-10-induced M2c macrophage polarization.

Interpreting 'anti-inflammatory' cytokine responses to exercise: focus on interleukin-10

Circulating concentrations of canonically pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are commonly measured when evaluating the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise. An important caveat to interpreting systemic cytokine concentrations as evidence for the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise is the observed dissociation between circulating cytokine concentrations and cytokine function at the tissue/cellular level. The dichotomization of cytokines as pro- or anti-inflammatory also overlooks the context dependence of cytokine function, which can vary depending on the physiological state being studied, the cytokine's cellular source/target, and magnitude of cytokine responses. We re-evaluate our current understanding of anti-inflammatory cytokine responses to exercise by highlighting nuances surrounding the interpretation of altered systemic cytokine concentrations as evidence for changes in inflammatory processes occurring at the tissue/cellular level. We highlight the lesser known pro-inflammatory and immunostimulatory actions of the prototypical anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)-10, including the potentiation of interferon gamma production during endotoxaemia, CD8⁺ T cell activation in tumour bearing rodents and cancer patients in vivo, and CD8⁺ T lymphocyte and natural killer cell activation in vitro. IL-10's more well-established anti-inflammatory actions can also be blunted following exercise training and under chronic inflammatory states such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) independently of circulating IL-10 concentrations. The resistance to IL-10's anti-inflammatory action in T2D coincides with blunted STAT3 phosphorylation and can be restored with small-molecule activators of IL-10 signalling, highlighting potential therapeutic avenues for restoring IL-10 action. We posit that inferences based on altered circulating cytokine concentrations alone can miss important functional changes in cytokine action occurring at the tissue/cellular level.

Allosteric Site on SHIP2 Identified Through Fluorescent Ligand Screening and Crystallography: A Potential New Target for Intervention

Src homology 2 domain-containing inositol phosphate phosphatase 2 (SHIP2) is one of the 10 human inositol phosphate 5-phosphatases. One of its physiological functions is dephosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate, PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃. It is therefore a therapeutic target for pathophysiologies dependent on PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃ and PtdIns(3,4)P₂. Therapeutic interventions are limited by the dearth of crystallographic data describing ligand/inhibitor binding. An active site-directed fluorescent probe facilitated screening of compound libraries for SHIP2 ligands. With two additional orthogonal assays, several ligands including galloflavin were identified as low micromolar Ki inhibitors. One ligand, an oxo-linked ethylene-bridged dimer of benzene 1,2,4-trisphosphate, was shown to be an uncompetitive inhibitor that binds to a regulatory site on the catalytic domain. We posit that binding of ligands to this site restrains L4 loop motions that are key to interdomain communications that accompany high catalytic activity with phosphoinositide substrate. This site may, therefore, be a future druggable target for medicinal chemistry.

Targeting SHIP1 and SHIP2 in Cancer

Simple Summary

Phosphoinositol signaling pathways and their dysregulation have been shown to have a fundamental role in health and disease, respectively. The SH2-containing 5′ inositol phosphatases, SHIP1 and SHIP2, are regulators of the PI3K/AKT pathway that have crucial roles in cancer progression. This review aims to summarize the role of SHIP1 and SHIP2 in cancer signaling and the immune response to cancer, the discovery and use of SHIP inhibitors and agonists as possible cancer therapeutics.

Abstract

Membrane-anchored and soluble inositol phospholipid species are critical mediators of intracellular cell signaling cascades. Alterations in their normal production or degradation are implicated in the pathology of a number of disorders including cancer and pro-inflammatory conditions. The SH2-containing 5′ inositol phosphatases, SHIP1 and SHIP2, play a fundamental role in these processes by depleting PI(3,4,5)P₃, but also by producing PI(3,4)P₂ at the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. With the intent of targeting SHIP1 or SHIP2 selectively, or both paralogs simultaneously, small molecule inhibitors and agonists have been developed and tested in vitro and in vivo over the last decade in various disease models. These studies have shown promising results in various pre-clinical models of disease including cancer and tumor immunotherapy. In this review the potential use of SHIP inhibitors in cancer is discussed with particular attention to the molecular structure, binding site and efficacy of these SHIP inhibitors.