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Kishimoto TK, Fournier M, Michaud A, Rizzo G, Roy C, Capela T, Nukolova N, Li N, Doyle L, Fu FN, VanDyke D, Traber PG, Spangler JB, Leung SS, Ilyinskii PO. Rapamycin nanoparticles increase the therapeutic window of engineered interleukin-2 and drive expansion of antigen-specific regulatory T cells for protection against autoimmune disease. J Autoimmun 2023; 140:103125. [PMID: 37844543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) therapies targeting the high affinity IL-2 receptor expressed on regulatory T cells (Tregs) have shown promising therapeutic benefit in autoimmune diseases through nonselective expansion of pre-existing Treg populations, but are potentially limited by the inability to induce antigen-specific Tregs, as well as by dose-limiting activation of effector immune cells in settings of inflammation. We recently developed biodegradable nanoparticles encapsulating rapamycin, called ImmTOR, which induce selective immune tolerance to co-administered antigens but do not increase total Treg numbers. Here we demonstrate that the combination of ImmTOR and an engineered Treg-selective IL-2 variant (termed IL-2 mutein) increases the number and durability of total Tregs, as well as inducing a profound synergistic increase in antigen-specific Tregs when combined with a target antigen. We demonstrate that the combination of ImmTOR and an IL-2 mutein leads to durable inhibition of antibody responses to co-administered AAV gene therapy capsid, even at sub-optimal doses of ImmTOR, and provides protection in autoimmune models of type 1 diabetes and primary biliary cholangitis. Importantly, ImmTOR also increases the therapeutic window of engineered IL-2 molecules by mitigating effector immune cell expansion and preventing exacerbation of disease in a model of graft-versus-host-disease. At the same time, IL-2 mutein shows potential for dose-sparing of ImmTOR. Overall, these results establish that the combination of ImmTOR and an IL-2 mutein show synergistic benefit on both safety and efficacy to provide durable antigen-specific immune tolerance to mitigate drug immunogenicity and to treat autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gina Rizzo
- Selecta Biosciences, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ning Li
- Selecta Biosciences, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Liam Doyle
- Selecta Biosciences, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Fen-Ni Fu
- Selecta Biosciences, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Derek VanDyke
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | | | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Bloomberg∼Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Zhang J, Wang X, Wang R, Chen G, Wang J, Feng J, Li Y, Yu Z, Xiao H. Rapamycin Treatment Alleviates Chronic GVHD-Induced Lupus Nephritis in Mice by Recovering IL-2 Production and Regulatory T Cells While Inhibiting Effector T Cells Activation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030949. [PMID: 36979928 PMCID: PMC10045991 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we test the therapeutic effects of rapamycin in a murine model of SLE-like experimental lupus nephritis induced by chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). Our results suggest that rapamycin treatment reduced autoantibody production, inhibited T lymphocyte and subsequent B cell activation, and reduced inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, thereby protecting renal function and alleviating histological lupus nephritis by reducing the occurrence of albuminuria. To explore the potential mechanism of rapamycin's reduction of kidney damage in mice with lupus nephritis, a series of functional assays were conducted. As expected, rapamycin remarkably inhibited the lymphocytes' proliferation within the morbid mice. Interestingly, significantly increased proportions of peripheral CD4+FOXP3+ and CD4+CD25high T cells were observed in rapamycin-treated group animals, suggesting an up-regulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the periphery by rapamycin treatment. Furthermore, consistent with the results regarding changes in mRNA abundance in kidney by real-time PCR analysis, intracellular cytokine staining demonstrated that rapamycin treatment remarkably diminished the secretion of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10, in splenocytes of the morbid mice. However, the production of IL-2 from splenocytes in rapamycin-treated mice was significantly higher than in the cells from control group animals. These findings suggest that rapamycin treatment might alleviate systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like experimental lupus nephritis through the recovery of IL-2 production, which promotes the expansion of regulatory T cells while inhibiting effector T cell activation. Our studies demonstrated that, unlike other commonly used immunosuppressants, rapamycin does not appear to interfere with tolerance induction but permits the expansion and suppressive function of Tregs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Frontier Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xun Wang
- Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Renxi Wang
- Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Beijing 100054, China
| | - Guojiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jiannan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Zuyin Yu
- Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - He Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
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Hu M, Alashkar Alhamwe B, Santner-Nanan B, Miethe S, Harb H, Renz H, Potaczek DP, Nanan RK. Short-Chain Fatty Acids Augment Differentiation and Function of Human Induced Regulatory T Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105740. [PMID: 35628549 PMCID: PMC9143307 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) control immune system activity and inhibit inflammation. While, in mice, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are known to be essential regulators of naturally occurring and in vitro induced Tregs (iTregs), data on their contribution to the development of human iTregs are sparse, with no reports of the successful SCFAs-augmented in vitro generation of fully functional human iTregs. Likewise, markers undoubtedly defining human iTregs are missing. Here, we aimed to generate fully functional human iTregs in vitro using protocols involving SCFAs and to characterize the underlying mechanism. Our target was to identify the potential phenotypic markers best characterizing human iTregs. Naïve non-Treg CD4+ cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of 13 healthy adults and cord blood of 12 healthy term newborns. Cells were subjected to differentiation toward iTregs using a transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-based protocol, with or without SCFAs (acetate, butyrate, or propionate). Thereafter, they were subjected to flow cytometric phenotyping or a suppression assay. During differentiation, cells were collected for chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-based analysis of histone acetylation. The enrichment of the TGF-β-based protocol with butyrate or propionate potentiated the in vitro differentiation of human naïve CD4+ non-Tregs towards iTregs and augmented the suppressive capacity of the latter. These seemed to be at least partly underlain by the effects of SCFAs on the histone acetylation levels in differentiating cells. GITR, ICOS, CD39, PD-1, and PD-L1 were proven to be potential markers of human iTregs. Our results might boost the further development of Treg-based therapies against autoimmune, allergic and other chronic inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjing Hu
- Charles Perkins Centre Nepean, Sydney Medical School Nepean, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2747, Australia; (M.H.); (B.S.-N.)
- International Inflammation (in-VIVO) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ 10001, USA; (B.A.A.); (H.H.); (H.R.); (D.P.P.)
- Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Sydney Medical School Nepean, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2747, Australia
- Nepean Hospital, Derby Street, Kingswood, NSW 2747, Australia
| | - Bilal Alashkar Alhamwe
- International Inflammation (in-VIVO) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ 10001, USA; (B.A.A.); (H.H.); (H.R.); (D.P.P.)
- Institute for Tumor Immunology, Clinic for Hematology, Immunology, and Oncology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Philipps University of Marburg-Medical Faculty, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), and the Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), 35043 Marburg, Germany;
- College of Pharmacy, International University for Science and Technology (IUST), Daraa 15, Syria
| | - Brigitte Santner-Nanan
- Charles Perkins Centre Nepean, Sydney Medical School Nepean, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2747, Australia; (M.H.); (B.S.-N.)
- International Inflammation (in-VIVO) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ 10001, USA; (B.A.A.); (H.H.); (H.R.); (D.P.P.)
| | - Sarah Miethe
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Philipps University of Marburg-Medical Faculty, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), and the Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), 35043 Marburg, Germany;
- Translational Inflammation Research Division & Core Facility for Single Cell Multiomics, Philipps University of Marburg-Medical Faculty, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) and the Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Hani Harb
- International Inflammation (in-VIVO) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ 10001, USA; (B.A.A.); (H.H.); (H.R.); (D.P.P.)
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Philipps University of Marburg-Medical Faculty, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), and the Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), 35043 Marburg, Germany;
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Medical Faculty, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Harald Renz
- International Inflammation (in-VIVO) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ 10001, USA; (B.A.A.); (H.H.); (H.R.); (D.P.P.)
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Philipps University of Marburg-Medical Faculty, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), and the Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Daniel P. Potaczek
- International Inflammation (in-VIVO) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ 10001, USA; (B.A.A.); (H.H.); (H.R.); (D.P.P.)
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Philipps University of Marburg-Medical Faculty, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), and the Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), 35043 Marburg, Germany;
- Translational Inflammation Research Division & Core Facility for Single Cell Multiomics, Philipps University of Marburg-Medical Faculty, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) and the Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Ralph K. Nanan
- Charles Perkins Centre Nepean, Sydney Medical School Nepean, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2747, Australia; (M.H.); (B.S.-N.)
- International Inflammation (in-VIVO) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ 10001, USA; (B.A.A.); (H.H.); (H.R.); (D.P.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-4734-2612; Fax: +61-2-4734-1144
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Abu-Eid R, Ward FJ. Targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway: A therapeutic strategy in COVID-19 patients. Immunol Lett 2021; 240:1-8. [PMID: 34562551 PMCID: PMC8457906 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Some COVID-19 patients suffer complications from anti-viral immune responses which can lead to both a dangerous cytokine storm and development of blood-borne factors that render severe thrombotic events more likely. The precise immune response profile is likely, therefore, to determine and predict patient outcomes and also represents a target for intervention. Anti-viral T cell exhaustion in the early stages is associated with disease progression. Dysregulation of T cell functions, which precedes cytokine storm development and neutrophil expansion in alveolar tissues heralds damaging pathology.T cell function, cytokine production and factors that attract neutrophils to the lung can be modified through targeting molecules that can modulate T cell responses. Manipulating T cell responses by targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway could provide the means to control the immune response in COVID-19 patients. During the initial anti-viral response, T cell effector function can be enhanced by delaying anti-viral exhaustion through inhibiting PI3K and Akt. Additionally, immune dysregulation can be addressed by enhancing immune suppressor functions by targeting downstream mTOR, an important intracellular modulator of cellular metabolism. Targeting this signalling pathway also has potential to prevent formation of thrombi due to its role in platelet activation. Furthermore, this signalling pathway is essential for SARS-cov-2 virus replication in host cells and its inhibition could, therefore, reduce viral load. The ultimate goal is to identify targets that can quickly control the immune response in COVID-19 patients to improve patient outcome. Targeting different levels of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway could potentially achieve this during each stage of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Abu-Eid
- Institute of Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AB25 2ZD, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AB25 2ZD, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.
| | - Frank James Ward
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AB25 2ZD, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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Horwitz DA, Bickerton S, La Cava A. Strategies to Use Nanoparticles to Generate CD4 and CD8 Regulatory T Cells for the Treatment of SLE and Other Autoimmune Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:681062. [PMID: 34211471 PMCID: PMC8239238 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.681062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are disorders of immune regulation where the mechanisms responsible for self-tolerance break down and pathologic T cells overcome the protective effects of T regulatory cells (Tregs) that normally control them. The result can be the initiation of chronic inflammatory diseases. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases are generally treated with pharmacologic or biological agents that have broad suppressive effects. These agents can halt disease progression, yet rarely cure while carrying serious adverse side effects. Recently, nanoparticles have been engineered to correct homeostatic regulatory defects and regenerate therapeutic antigen-specific Tregs. Some approaches have used nanoparticles targeted to antigen presenting cells to switch their support from pathogenic T cells to protective Tregs. Others have used nanoparticles targeted directly to T cells for the induction and expansion of CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs. Some of these T cell targeted nanoparticles have been formulated to act as tolerogenic artificial antigen presenting cells. This article discusses the properties of these various nanoparticle formulations and the strategies to use them in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The restoration and maintenance of Treg predominance over effector cells should promote long-term autoimmune disease remission and ultimately prevent them in susceptible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Horwitz
- General Nanotherapeutics, LLC, Santa Monica, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sean Bickerton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Antonio La Cava
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Zhang Y, Guo J, Jia R. Treg: A Promising Immunotherapeutic Target in Oral Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:667862. [PMID: 34177907 PMCID: PMC8222692 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.667862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With the pandemic of COVID-19, maintenance of oral health has increasingly become the main challenge of global health. Various common oral diseases, such as periodontitis and oral cancer, are closely associated with immune disorders in the oral mucosa. Regulatory T cells (Treg) are essential for maintaining self-tolerance and immunosuppression. During the process of periodontitis and apical periodontitis, two typical chronic immune-inflammatory diseases, Treg contributes to maintain host immune homeostasis and minimize tissue damage. In contrast, in the development of oral precancerous lesions and oral cancer, Treg is expected to be depleted or down-regulated to enhance the anti-tumor immune response. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the distribution, function, and regulatory mechanisms of Treg cells may provide a prospect for the immunotherapy of oral diseases. In this review, we summarize the distribution and multiple roles of Treg in different oral diseases and discuss the possible mechanisms involved in Treg cell regulation, hope to provide a reference for future Treg-targeted immunotherapy in the treatment of oral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihua Guo
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Endodontics, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Jia
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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7
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Kim J, Hope CM, Perkins GB, Stead SO, Scaffidi JC, Kette FD, Carroll RP, Barry SC, Coates PT. Rapamycin and abundant TCR stimulation are required for the generation of stable human induced regulatory T cells. Clin Transl Immunology 2020; 9:e1223. [PMID: 33425354 PMCID: PMC7780108 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a vital sub-population of CD4+ T cells with major roles in immune tolerance and homeostasis. Given such properties, the use of regulatory T cells for immunotherapies has been extensively investigated, with a focus on adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded natural Tregs (nTregs). For immunotherapies, induced Tregs (iTregs), generated in vitro from naïve CD4+ T cells, provide an attractive alternative, given the ease of generating cell numbers required for clinical dosage. While the combination of TGF-β, ATRA and rapamycin has been shown to generate highly suppressive iTregs, the challenge for therapeutic iTreg generation has been their instability. Here, we investigate the impact of rapamycin concentrations and α-CD3/CD28 bead ratios on human iTreg stability. METHODS We assess iTregs generated with various concentrations of rapamycin and differing ratios of α-CD3/CD28 beads for their differentiation, stability, expression of Treg signature molecules and T helper effector cytokines, and Treg-specific demethylation region (TSDR) status. RESULTS iTregs generated in the presence of TGF-β, ATRA, rapamycin and a higher ratio of α-CD3/CD28 beads were highly suppressive and stable upon in vitro re-stimulation. These iTregs exhibited a similar expression profile of Treg signature molecules and T helper effector cytokines to nTregs, in the absence of TSDR demethylation. CONCLUSION This work establishes a method to generate human iTregs which maintain stable phenotype and function upon in vitro re-stimulation. Further validation in pre-clinical models will be needed to ensure its suitability for applications in adoptive transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juewan Kim
- The Department of Molecular & Biomedical ScienceThe School of Biological SciencesThe Faculty of SciencesThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Christopher M Hope
- Department of GastroenterologyWomen’s and Children’s HospitalAdelaideSAAustralia
- Molecular Immunology GroupRobinson Research InstituteSchool of MedicineThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Griffith B Perkins
- The Department of Molecular & Biomedical ScienceThe School of Biological SciencesThe Faculty of SciencesThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Sebastian O Stead
- Discipline of MedicineSchool of MedicineThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
- College of Medicine and Public HealthDiscipline of MedicineFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSAAustralia
| | - Jacqueline C Scaffidi
- Discipline of MedicineSchool of MedicineThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Francis D Kette
- Discipline of MedicineSchool of MedicineThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
- College of Medicine and Public HealthDiscipline of MedicineFlinders UniversityBedford ParkSAAustralia
| | - Robert P Carroll
- Discipline of MedicineSchool of MedicineThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
- Central Northern Adelaide Renal and Transplantation Service (CNARTS)The Royal Adelaide HospitalAdelaideSAAustralia
- Division of Medical SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Simon C Barry
- Department of GastroenterologyWomen’s and Children’s HospitalAdelaideSAAustralia
- Molecular Immunology GroupRobinson Research InstituteSchool of MedicineThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Patrick Toby Coates
- Discipline of MedicineSchool of MedicineThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
- Central Northern Adelaide Renal and Transplantation Service (CNARTS)The Royal Adelaide HospitalAdelaideSAAustralia
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8
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Hu M, Hawthorne WJ, Nicholson L, Burns H, Qian YW, Liuwantara D, Jimenez Vera E, Chew YV, Williams L, Yi S, Keung K, Watson D, Rogers N, Alexander SI, O'Connell PJ. Low-Dose Interleukin-2 Combined With Rapamycin Led to an Expansion of CD4 +CD25 +FOXP3 + Regulatory T Cells and Prolonged Human Islet Allograft Survival in Humanized Mice. Diabetes 2020; 69:1735-1748. [PMID: 32381646 DOI: 10.2337/db19-0525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Islet transplantation is an emerging therapy for type 1 diabetes and hypoglycemic unawareness. However, a key challenge for islet transplantation is cellular rejection and the requirement for long-term immunosuppression. In this study, we established a diabetic humanized NOD-scidIL2Rγnull (NSG) mouse model of T-cell-mediated human islet allograft rejection and developed a therapeutic regimen of low-dose recombinant human interleukin-2 (IL-2) combined with low-dose rapamycin to prolong graft survival. NSG mice that had received renal subcapsular human islet allografts and were transfused with 1 × 107 of human spleen mononuclear cells reconstituted human CD45+ cells that were predominantly CD3+ T cells and rejected their grafts with a median survival time of 27 days. IL-2 alone (0.3 × 106 IU/m2 or 1 × 106 IU/m2) or rapamycin alone (0.5-1 mg/kg) for 3 weeks did not prolong survival. However, the combination of rapamycin with IL-2 for 3 weeks significantly prolonged human islet allograft survival. Graft survival was associated with expansion of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and enhanced transforming growth factor-β production by CD4+ T cells. CD8+ T cells showed reduced interferon-γ production and reduced expression of perforin-1. The combination of IL-2 and rapamycin has the potential to inhibit human islet allograft rejection by expanding CD4+FOXP3+ Tregs in vivo and suppressing effector cell function and could be the basis of effective tolerance-based regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hu
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead Clinical Schools, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wayne J Hawthorne
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leigh Nicholson
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Heather Burns
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yi Wen Qian
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Liuwantara
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elvira Jimenez Vera
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yi Vee Chew
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lindy Williams
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shounan Yi
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Keung
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Debbie Watson
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natasha Rogers
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen I Alexander
- Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip J O'Connell
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead Clinical Schools, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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9
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Zavvar M, Assadiasl S, Zargaran S, Akhtari M, Poopak B, Dinarvand R, Fatahi Y, Tayebi L, Soleimanifar N, Nicknam MH. Adoptive Treg cell-based immunotherapy: Frontier therapeutic aspects in rheumatoid arthritis. Immunotherapy 2020; 12:933-946. [PMID: 32635779 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2020-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The major current focus on treating rheumatoid arthritis is to put an end to long-term treatments and instead, specifically block widespread immunosuppression by developing antigen-specific tolerance, while also permitting an intact immune response toward other antigens to occur. There have been promising preclinical findings regarding adoptive Treg cells immunotherapy with a critically responsible function in the prevention of autoimmunity, tissue repair and regeneration, which make them an attractive candidate to develop effective therapeutic approaches to achieve this interesting concept in many human immune-mediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Ex vivo or invivo manipulation protocols are not only utilized to correct Treg cells defect, but also to benefit from their specific immunosuppressive properties by identifying specific antigens that are expressed in the inflamedjoint. The methods able to address these deficiencies can be considered as a target for immunity interventions to restore appropriate immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Zavvar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Assadiasl
- Molecular Immunology Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Zargaran
- Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Akhtari
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Poopak
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rassoul Dinarvand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Nanotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yousef Fatahi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Nanotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Lobat Tayebi
- Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
| | - Narjes Soleimanifar
- Molecular Immunology Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nicknam
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Molecular Immunology Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Gerner MC, Ziegler LS, Schmidt RLJ, Krenn M, Zimprich F, Uyanik‐Ünal K, Konstantopoulou V, Derdak S, Del Favero G, Schwarzinger I, Boztug K, Schmetterer KG. The TGF-b/SOX4 axis and ROS-driven autophagy co-mediate CD39 expression in regulatory T-cells. FASEB J 2020; 34:8367-8384. [PMID: 32319705 PMCID: PMC7317981 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The ectonucleotidase CD39 on human regulatory T-cells (Treg) is an important immune regulator which is dysregulated in autoimmune diseases and cancer immunosuppression. We here define that CD39 expression on Treg is independent of the Treg-specific transcription factors FOXP3 and HELIOS and promoted by canonical TGF-b- and mTOR-signaling. Furthermore, the TGF-b mediated upregulation of CD39 is counteracted by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-driven autophagy. In line, CD39+ peripheral blood Treg constitute a distinct lineage with low autophagic flux and absent ROS production. Patients with rare genetic defects in autophagy show supraphysiological levels of CD39+ Treg, validating our observations in vivo. These biological processes rely on a distinct transcriptional program with CD39+ Treg expressing low levels of two genes with putative involvement in autophagy, NEFL and PLAC8. Furthermore, the TGF-b downstream transcription factor SOX4 is selectively upregulated in CD39+ Treg. Overexpression of SOX4 in Treg strongly increases CD39 expression, while Crispr/Cas9-mediated knockout of SOX4 in Treg has the opposing effect. Thus, we identify a crucial role of SOX4 in immune regulation and provide new insights involving the interplay of tolerogenic cues and autophagy in Treg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene C. Gerner
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Liesa S. Ziegler
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Ralf L. J. Schmidt
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Martin Krenn
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Fritz Zimprich
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | | | | | - Sophia Derdak
- Core Facility GenomicsMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Giorgia Del Favero
- Department of Food Chemistry and ToxicologyFaculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Ilse Schwarzinger
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Kaan Boztug
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of SciencesViennaAustria
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11
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Ziegler LS, Gerner MC, Schmidt RLJ, Trapin D, Steinberger P, Pickl WF, Sillaber C, Egger G, Schwarzinger I, Schmetterer KG. Attenuation of canonical NF-κB signaling maintains function and stability of human Treg. FEBS J 2020; 288:640-662. [PMID: 32386462 PMCID: PMC7891634 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear factor ‘κ‐light‐chain‐enhancer’ of activated B cells (NF‐κB) signaling is a signaling pathway used by most immune cells to promote immunostimulatory functions. Recent studies have indicated that regulatory T cells (Treg) differentially integrate TCR‐derived signals, thereby maintaining their suppressive features. However, the role of NF‐κB signaling in the activation of human peripheral blood (PB) Treg has not been fully elucidated so far. We show that the activity of the master transcription factor forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) attenuates p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the NF‐κB proteins p50, p65, and c‐Rel following activation in human Treg. Using pharmacological and genetic inhibition of canonical NF‐κB signaling in FOXP3‐transgenic T cells and PB Treg from healthy donors as well as Treg from a patient with a primary NFKB1 haploinsufficiency, we validate that Treg activation and suppressive capacity is independent of NF‐κB signaling. Additionally, repression of residual NF‐κB signaling in Treg further enhances interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) production. Blockade of NF‐κB signaling can be exploited for the generation of in vitro induced Treg (iTreg) with enhanced suppressive capacity and functional stability. In this respect, dual blockade of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and NF‐κB signaling was accompanied by enhanced expression of the transcription factors FOXP1 and FOXP3 and demethylation of the Treg‐specific demethylated region compared to iTreg generated under mTOR blockade alone. Thus, we provide first insights into the role of NF‐κB signaling in human Treg. These findings could lead to strategies for the selective manipulation of Treg and the generation of improved iTreg for cellular therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesa S Ziegler
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marlene C Gerner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ralf L J Schmidt
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Doris Trapin
- Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Winfried F Pickl
- Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Sillaber
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerda Egger
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ilse Schwarzinger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus G Schmetterer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Alvarez-Salazar EK, Cortés-Hernández A, Arteaga-Cruz S, Alberú-Gómez J, Soldevila G. Large-Scale Generation of Human Allospecific Induced Tregs With Functional Stability for Use in Immunotherapy in Transplantation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:375. [PMID: 32300340 PMCID: PMC7142244 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells play an important role in the control of autoimmune diseases and maintenance of tolerance. In the context of transplantation, regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been proposed as new therapeutic tools that may induce allospecific tolerance toward the graft, avoiding the side effects induced by generalized immunosuppressors. Although most clinical trials are based on the use of thymic Tregs in adoptive therapy, some reports suggest the potential use of in vitro induced Tregs (iTregs), based on their functional stability under inflammatory conditions, indicating an advantage in a setting of allograft rejection. The aim of this work was to generate and expand large numbers of allospecific Tregs that maintain stable suppressive function in the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Dendritic cells were derived from monocytes isolated from healthy donors and were co-cultured with CTV-labeled naïve T cells from unrelated individuals, in the presence of TGF-β1, IL-2, and retinoic acid. After 7 days of co-culture, proliferating CD4+CD25++CTV− cells (allospecific iTregs) were sorted and polyclonally expanded for 6 weeks in the presence of TGF-β1, IL-2, and rapamycin. After 6 weeks of polyclonal activation, iTregs were expanded 230,000 times, giving rise to 4,600 million allospecific iTregs. Allospecific iTregs were able to specifically suppress the proliferation of autologous CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in response to the allo-MoDCs used for iTreg generation, but not to third-party allo-MoDCs. Importantly, 88.5% of the expanded cells were CD4+CD25+FOXP3+, expressed high levels of CCR4 and CXCR3, and maintained their phenotype and suppressive function in the presence of TNF-α and IL-6. Finally, analysis of the methylation status of the FOXP3 TSDR locus demonstrated a 40% demethylation in the purified allospecific iTreg, prior to the polyclonal expansion. Interestingly, the phenotype and suppressive activity of expanded allospecific iTregs were maintained after 6 weeks of expansion, despite an increase in the methylation status of the FOXP3 TSDR. In conclusion, this is the first report that demonstrates a large-scale generation of allospecific iTregs that preserve a stable phenotype and suppressor function in the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pave the way for adoptive cell therapy with iTregs in transplanted patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Katy Alvarez-Salazar
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Arimelek Cortés-Hernández
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Saúl Arteaga-Cruz
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Josefina Alberú-Gómez
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Gloria Soldevila
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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13
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Gogulamudi VR, Mani I, Subramanian U, Pandey KN. Genetic disruption of Npr1 depletes regulatory T cells and provokes high levels of proinflammatory cytokines and fibrosis in the kidneys of female mutant mice. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2019; 316:F1254-F1272. [PMID: 30943067 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00621.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to determine the effects of gene knockout of guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A (GC-A/NPRA) on immunogenic responses affecting kidney function and blood pressure (BP) in Npr1 (coding for GC-A/NPRA)-null mutant mice. We used female Npr1 gene-disrupted (Npr1-/-, 0 copy), heterozygous (Npr1+/-, 1 copy), wild-type (Npr1+/+, 2 copy), and gene-duplicated (Npr1++/++, 4 copy) mice. Expression levels of Toll-like receptor (TLR)2/TLR4 mRNA were increased 4- to 5-fold in 1-copy mice and 6- to 10-fold in 0-copy mice; protein levels were increased 2.5- to 3-fold in 1-copy mice and 4- to 5-fold in 0-copy mice. Expression of proinflammatory cytokines and BP was significantly elevated in 1-copy and 0-copy mice compared with 2-copy and 4-copy mice. In addition, 0-copy and 1-copy mice exhibited drastic reductions in regulatory T cells (Tregs). After rapamycin treatment, Tregs were increased by 17% (P < 0.001) in 0-copy mice and 8% (P < 0.001) in 1-copy mice. Renal mRNA and protein levels of TLR2 and TLR4 were decreased by 70% in 0-copy mice and 50% in 1-copy mice. There were significantly higher levels of Tregs and very low levels of TLR2/TLR4 expression in 4-copy mice (P < 0.001). These findings indicate that the disruption of Npr1 in female mice triggers renal immunogenic pathways, which transactivate the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and renal fibrosis with elevated BP in mutant animals. The data suggest that rapamycin treatment attenuates proinflammatory cytokine expression, dramatically increases anti-inflammatory cytokines, and substantially reduces BP and renal fibrosis in mutant animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Indra Mani
- Department of Physiology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Umadevi Subramanian
- Department of Physiology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Kailash N Pandey
- Department of Physiology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine , New Orleans, Louisiana
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14
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Lu X, Wu J, Ma M, Wu X, Wen J, Yu J. An integrated deep sequencing analysis of microRNAs in transplanted corneas. Mol Immunol 2018; 101:429-439. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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15
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Peptide Tk-PQ induces immunosuppression in skin allogeneic transplantation via increasing Foxp3 + Treg and impeding nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Mol Immunol 2018; 101:597-607. [PMID: 30001873 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Solid organ transplantation is used as the last resort for patients with end-stage disease, but allograft rejection is an unsolved problem. Here, we showed that Tk-PQ, a peptide derived from trichosanthin, had an immune-suppressive effect without obvious cytotoxicity in vitro and in a mouse skin allo-transplantation model. In vitro, treatment of Tk-PQ administrated type 2 T helper cell (Th2)/regulatory T-cell (Treg) cytokines, and increased the ratio of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg by repressing the PI3K/mTOR pathway. In addition, Tk-PQ decreased NF-κB activation to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. Tk-PQ treatment in the mouse skin transplantation model also caused the similar molecular and cellular phenotypes. Furthermore, Tk-PQ enhanced the suppressive function of Treg by increasing Foxp3 expression, and substantially improved allograft survival. These finding demonstrate that Tk-PQ has the potential to be used in clinical allogeneic transplantation.
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16
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Vilchez V, Turcios L, Butterfield DA, Mitov MI, Coquillard CL, Brandon JA, Cornea V, Gedaly R, Marti F. Evidence of the immunomodulatory role of dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors in transplantation: an experimental study in mice. Transpl Int 2017; 30:1061-1074. [DOI: 10.1111/tri.12989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Valery Vilchez
- Department of Surgery; College of Medicine; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
| | - Lilia Turcios
- Department of Surgery; College of Medicine; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
| | - David A. Butterfield
- Redox Metabolism (RM) Shared Resource Facility (SRF); Markey Cancer Center; College of Medicine; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
- Department of Chemistry; College of Medicine; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
| | - Mihail I. Mitov
- Redox Metabolism (RM) Shared Resource Facility (SRF); Markey Cancer Center; College of Medicine; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
| | - Cristin L. Coquillard
- Department of Surgery; College of Medicine; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
| | - Ja Anthony Brandon
- Department of Internal Medicine; College of Medicine; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
| | - Virgilius Cornea
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; College of Medicine; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
| | - Roberto Gedaly
- Department of Surgery; College of Medicine; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
| | - Francesc Marti
- Department of Surgery; College of Medicine; University of Kentucky; Lexington KY USA
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17
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Single and combined effect of retinoic acid and rapamycin modulate the generation, activity and homing potential of induced human regulatory T cells. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182009. [PMID: 28746369 PMCID: PMC5529012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) has been successfully utilized to treat graft versus host disease and represents a promising strategy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) and rapamycin (RAPA) on the number, phenotype, homing markers expression, DNA methylation, and function of induced human Treg cells in short-term cultures. Naive T cells were polyclonally stimulated and cultured for five days in the presence of different combinations of IL-2, TGF-β1, atRA and RAPA. The resulting cells were characterized by the expression of FOXP3, activation, surface and homing markers. Methylation of the Conserved Non-coding Sequence 2 was also evaluated. Functional comparison of the different culture conditions was performed by suppression assays in vitro. Culturing naive human T cells with IL-2/TGFβ1 resulted in the generation of 54.2% of Treg cells (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+) whereas the addition of 100 nM atRA increased the yield of Treg cells to 66% (p = 0.0088). The addition of RAPA did not increase the number of Treg cells in any of these settings. Treg cells generated in the presence of atRA had an increased expression of the β7 integrin to nearly 100% of the generated Treg cells, while RAPA treated cells showed enhanced expression of CXCR4. The differential expression of homing molecules highlights the possibility of inducing Treg cells with differential organ-specific homing properties. Neither atRA nor RAPA had an effect on the highly methylated CNS2 sites, supporting reports that their contribution to the lineage stability of Treg cells is not mediated by methylation changes in this locus. Treg cells generated in the presence of RAPA show the most potent suppression effect on the proliferation of effector cells.
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18
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de Oliveira Bravo M, Carvalho JL, Saldanha-Araujo F. Adenosine production: a common path for mesenchymal stem-cell and regulatory T-cell-mediated immunosuppression. Purinergic Signal 2016; 12:595-609. [PMID: 27557887 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-016-9529-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is an important molecule that exerts control on the immune system, by signaling through receptors lying on the surface of immune cells. This nucleotide is produced, in part, by the action of the ectoenzymes CD39 and CD73. Interestingly, these proteins are expressed on the cell surface of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-two cell populations that have emerged as potential therapeutic tools in the field of cell therapy. In fact, the production of adenosine constitutes a mechanism used by both cell types to control the immune response. Recently, great scientific progress was obtained regarding the role of adenosine in the inflammatory environment. In this context, the present review focuses on the advances related to the impact of adenosine production over the immune modulatory activity of Tregs and MSCs, and how this nucleotide controls the biological functions of these cells. Finally, we mention the main challenges and hurdles to bring such molecule to clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliana Lott Carvalho
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Center, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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19
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Differential Effects of Calcineurin and Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors on Alloreactive Th1, Th17, and Regulatory T Cells. Transplantation 2015; 99:1774-84. [PMID: 25905982 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000000717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, we had reported the role of tacrolimus (TAC) versus sirolimus (SRL) on the generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in primary MLR assays with SRL, demonstrating a uniquely supportive effect. However, the mechanisms associated with their actions on alloreactive human T cells are not fully understood. Therefore, we tested whether TAC and SRL differentially affect already alloactivated human CD4 T-cell subsets. METHODS Alloreactive CD4CD45RA/CD45RO T cells generated in 9-day MLR were cocultured with anti-CD3 and autologous antigen presenting cells plus interleukin (IL)-2 in presence of TAC, SRL, or both, and the Tregs generated after another 5 to 6 days were phenotypically, molecularly, and functionally characterized. RESULTS Tacrolimus significantly and SRL modestly inhibited interferon (IFN)-γ (Th1) and IL-17 (Th17)-producing cells. At clinical therapeutic concentrations, SRL, however, significantly increased forkhead/winged helix transcription factor P3 (FOXP3) Tregs, whereas TAC inhibited this T-cell population dose dependently and significantly. When used in combination, TAC and SRL had additive effects on inhibition of IFN-γ- and IL-17-producing cells. This was in contrast to the ability of SRL to reverse TAC-mediated inhibition of FOXP3-expressing cells. Proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) added to cultures caused significant decrease in FOXP3 Tregs that was again reversed by SRL. Sirolimus-derived Tregs were phenotypically normal, anergic to allostimulation, and suppressed proliferation of allogeneic effector T-cells. CONCLUSIONS Thus, although TAC inhibits all alloreactive T cells, SRL promotes the differentiation and expansion of donor-specific Tregs without secondary reprogramming to IFN-γFOXP3 and IL-17FOXP3 Treg subsets. These results, although performed in an artificial in vitro model, add clinically applicable information on how these agents affect T-cell subpopulations.
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20
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Fisher JD, Acharya AP, Little SR. Micro and nanoparticle drug delivery systems for preventing allotransplant rejection. Clin Immunol 2015; 160:24-35. [PMID: 25937032 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2015.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of advances in transplant immunology, tissue damage caused by acute allograft rejection remains the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in the transplant recipient. Moreover, the long-term sequelae of lifelong immunosuppression leaves patients at risk for developing a host of other deleterious conditions. Controlled drug delivery using micro- and nanoparticles (MNPs) is an effective way to deliver higher local doses of a given drug to specific tissues and cells while mitigating systemic effects. Herein, we review several descriptions of MNP immunotherapies aimed at prolonging allograft survival. We also discuss developments in the field of biomimetic drug delivery that use MNP constructs to induce and recruit our bodies' own suppressive immune cells. Finally, we comment on the regulatory pathway associated with these drug delivery systems. Collectively, it is our hope the studies described in this review will help to usher in a new era of immunotherapy in organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Fisher
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Abhinav P Acharya
- The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steven R Little
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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21
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Abu Eid R, Friedman KM, Mkrtichyan M, Walens A, King W, Janik J, Khleif SN. Akt1 and -2 inhibition diminishes terminal differentiation and enhances central memory CD8 + T-cell proliferation and survival. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e1005448. [PMID: 26155399 PMCID: PMC4485779 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1005448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The CD8+ T-cell response comprises terminally differentiated effector cells and antigen-experienced memory T cells. The latter encompass central (TCM) and effector (TEM) memory cells. TCM cells are superior in their protection against viral and bacterial challenges and mediation of antitumor immunity due to their higher proliferative ability upon antigen re-encounter. Defining a mechanism to enhance TCM cells and delay terminal differentiation of CD8+ T cells is crucial for cancer immune therapy, as it can promote a better tumor immune response. The differentiation of CD8+ memory T cells is thought to be coordinated by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. We, therefore, investigated the role of Akt isoforms in the differentiation and proliferation of memory CD8+ T cells. We found that Akt1 and Akt2, but not Akt3, drive the terminal differentiation of CD8+ T cells, and their inhibition enhances the therapeutically superior TCM phenotype. Furthermore, the inhibition of Akt1 and Akt2, but not Akt 3, delays CD8+ T-cell exhaustion and preserves naïve and TCM CD8+ T cells, thus enhancing their proliferative ability and survival and prolonging their cytokine and Granzyme B production ability. Here, we define a mechanism in which proliferative potential, function, and survival of CD8+ T cells are enhanced by maintaining a reservoir of TCM and naïve cells using only Akt1 and Akt2 inhibition. Therefore, our findings strongly suggest the utility of using Akt1 and Akt2 inhibitors to modulate CD8+ T cells, both for adoptive cell transfer and vaccine-based cancer immune therapies.
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Key Words
- ACT, adoptive cell transfer
- Akt
- CBA, cytometric bead array
- IFNγ, interferon gamma
- KLRG-1, killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G member 1
- KO, knockout
- SORP, special order research product
- T cells
- TCM, central memory
- TCR, T-cell receptor
- TEM, effector memory
- TNF, tumor necrosis factor
- Tregs, regulatory T cells
- VCT, violet cell trace
- WT, wild type
- central memory
- effector memory
- proliferation
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Abu Eid
- Georgia Regents University, Cancer Center ; Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Kevin M Friedman
- Georgia Regents University, Cancer Center ; Augusta, GA, USA ; bluebird bio ; Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Andrea Walens
- Georgia Regents University, Cancer Center ; Augusta, GA, USA ; Duke University ; Durham, NC, USA
| | - William King
- Georgia Regents University, Cancer Center ; Augusta, GA, USA
| | - John Janik
- Georgia Regents University, Cancer Center ; Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Samir N Khleif
- Georgia Regents University, Cancer Center ; Augusta, GA, USA
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22
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The effects of rapamycin on regulatory T cells: Its potential time-dependent role in inducing transplant tolerance. Immunol Lett 2014; 162:74-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2014.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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23
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Abu-Eid R, Samara RN, Ozbun L, Abdalla MY, Berzofsky JA, Friedman KM, Mkrtichyan M, Khleif SN. Selective inhibition of regulatory T cells by targeting the PI3K-Akt pathway. Cancer Immunol Res 2014; 2:1080-9. [PMID: 25080445 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-14-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Despite the strides that immunotherapy has made in mediating tumor regression, the clinical effects are often transient, and therefore more durable responses are still needed. The temporary nature of the therapy-induced immune response can be attributed to tumor immune evasion mechanisms, mainly the effect of suppressive immune cells and, in particular, regulatory T cells (Treg). Although the depletion of Tregs has been shown to be effective in enhancing immune responses, selective depletion of these suppressive cells without affecting other immune cells has not been very successful, and new agents are sought. We found that PI3K-Akt pathway inhibitors selectively inhibit Tregs with minimal effect on conventional T cells (Tconv). Our results clearly show selective in vitro inhibition of activation (as represented by a decrease in downstream signaling) and proliferation of Tregs in comparison with Tconvs when treated with different Akt and PI3K inhibitors. This effect has been observed in both human and murine CD4 T cells. In vivo treatment with these inhibitors resulted in a significant and selective reduction in Tregs in both naïve and tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, these PI3K-Akt inhibitors led to a significant therapeutic antitumor effect, which was shown to be Treg dependent. Here, we report the use of PI3K-Akt pathway inhibitors as potent agents for the selective depletion of suppressive Tregs. We show that these inhibitors are able to enhance the antitumor immune response and are therefore promising clinical reagents for Treg depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Abu-Eid
- Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Raed N Samara
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Laurent Ozbun
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Maher Y Abdalla
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jay A Berzofsky
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | | | - Samir N Khleif
- Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, Augusta, Georgia.
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Lankester AC, Locatelli F, Bader P, Rettinger E, Egeler M, Katewa S, Pulsipher MA, Nierkens S, Schultz K, Handgretinger R, Grupp SA, Boelens JJ, Bollard CM. Will post-transplantation cell therapies for pediatric patients become standard of care? Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2014; 21:402-11. [PMID: 25064748 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2014.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Although allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative approach for many pediatric patients with hematologic malignancies and some nonmalignant disorders, some critical obstacles remain to be overcome, including relapse, engraftment failure, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and infection. Harnessing the immune system to induce a graft-versus-tumor effect or rapidly restore antiviral immunity through the use of donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) has been remarkably successful in some settings. Unfortunately, however, the responses to DLI can be variable, and GVHD is common. Thus, manipulations to minimize GVHD while restoring antiviral immunity and enhancing the graft-versus-tumor effect are needed to improve outcomes after allogeneic HSCT. Cellular therapies, defined as treatment modalities in which hematopoietic or nonhematopoietic cells are used as therapeutic agents, offer this promise for improving outcomes post-HSCT. This review presents an overview of the field for pediatric cell therapies in the transplant setting and discusses how we can broaden applicability beyond phase I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjan C Lankester
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ospedale Pediatrico, Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Peter Bader
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eva Rettinger
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Maarten Egeler
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Satyendra Katewa
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael A Pulsipher
- Primary Children's Hospital, Division of Hematology and Hematological Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute/University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Utrecht-Dendritic cells AgaiNst CancEr (U-DANCE), Lab Translational Immunology, Utrecht center for Diagnostic Advances in Immunology Research (U-DAIR), Lab Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kirk Schultz
- BC Children's Hospital, Division of Oncology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rupert Handgretinger
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's University Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephan A Grupp
- Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jaap Jan Boelens
- Department of Pediatrics, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Utrecht-Dendritic cells AgaiNst CancEr (U-DANCE), Lab Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, Children's National Health System and George Washington University, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Washington, DC
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Schneider A, Long SA, Cerosaletti K, Ni CT, Samuels P, Kita M, Buckner JH. In active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, effector T cell resistance to adaptive T(regs) involves IL-6-mediated signaling. Sci Transl Med 2013; 5:170ra15. [PMID: 23363979 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3004970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) manifest demyelination and neurodegeneration mediated in part by CD4(+) T cells that have escaped regulation. Resistance of pathogenic effector T cells (T(effs)) to suppression by regulatory T cells (T(regs)) has been demonstrated in several autoimmune diseases. Although impairment in T(reg) number and function has been observed in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), T(eff) resistance has not been well studied in this disease. To determine whether T(eff) resistance contributes to failed tolerance in RRMS, we performed T(reg) suppression assays with T(effs) from either RRMS patients not on immunomodulatory therapy or healthy individuals. T(eff) resistance was present in the T(effs) of RRMS patients with active disease but not from patients with inactive disease. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3) promote T(eff) resistance to T(regs), and we found an increase in IL-6 receptor α (IL-6Rα) expression and elevated IL-6 signaling as measured by pSTAT3 in our RRMS subjects. Further, the impaired suppression in RRMS subjects correlated with an increase in IL-6Rα surface expression on CD4(+) T cells and an increase in pSTAT3 in response to IL-6. To address whether the enhanced pSTAT3 contributed to T(eff) resistance in active RRMS patients, we blocked STAT3 phosphorylation and found that impaired suppression was reversed. Therefore, enhanced IL-6R signaling through pSTAT3, in some cases through increased IL-6Rα expression, contributed to T(eff) resistance in active RRMS. These markers may aid in determining disease activity and responsiveness to immunomodulatory therapies in RRMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya Schneider
- Translational Research Program at the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, 1201 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
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26
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Hannon M, Lechanteur C, Lucas S, Somja J, Seidel L, Belle L, Bruck F, Baudoux E, Giet O, Chantillon AM, Delvenne P, Drion P, Beguin Y, Humblet-Baron S, Baron F. Infusion of clinical-grade enriched regulatory T cells delays experimental xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease. Transfusion 2013; 54:353-63. [PMID: 23772685 DOI: 10.1111/trf.12279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the ability of clinical-grade enriched human regulatory T cells (Treg) to attenuate experimental xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) induced by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs; autologous to Treg) infusion in NSG mice, as well as verified their inability to induce xenogeneic GVHD when infused alone. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Human Treg were isolated from peripheral blood apheresis products with a cell separation system (CliniMACS, Miltenyi Biotec GmbH) using a two-step procedure (simultaneous CD8 and CD19 depletion followed by CD25-positive selection) in six independent experiments with six different healthy volunteer donors. Sublethally (2.5 Gy) irradiated NSG mice were given 2 × 10(6) cytapheresis (PBMNC) product cells intravenously (IV) without (PBMNC group) or with 1 × 10(6) Treg (PBMNC + Treg group), while other NSG mice received 2 × 10(6) enriched Treg alone (also in IV; Treg group). RESULTS The first five procedures were successful at obtaining a relatively pure Treg population (defined as >50%), while the sixth procedure, due to a technical problem, was not (Treg purity, 42%). Treg cotransfusion significantly delayed death from xenogeneic GVHD in the first five experiments, (p < 0.0001) but not in the sixth experiment. Importantly, none of the mice given enriched Treg alone (Treg group) experienced clinical signs of GVHD, while, interestingly, the CD4+ cells found in these mice 26 days after transplantation were mainly conventional T cells (median CD25+FoxP3+ cells among human CD4+ total cells were only 2.1, 3.1, and 12.2% in spleen, marrow, and blood, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Infusion of clinical-grade enriched Treg delayed the occurrence of xenogeneic GVHD without inducing toxicity in this murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Hannon
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, Laboratory of Cell and Genetic Therapy, Department of Pathology, Department of Statistics, GIGA-R, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Red Cross Transfusion Center of Liege, Liège, Belgium; Autoimmune Genetics Laboratory, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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27
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Heiber JF, Geiger TL. Context and location dependence of adaptive Foxp3(+) regulatory T cell formation during immunopathological conditions. Cell Immunol 2012; 279:60-5. [PMID: 23089195 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2012.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Revised: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Circulating Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) may arise in the thymus (natural Treg, nTreg) or through the adaptive upregulation of Foxp3 after T cell activation (induced Treg, iTreg). In this brief review, we explore evidence for the formation and function of iTreg during pathologic conditions. Determining the ontogeny and function of Treg populations has relied on the use of manipulated systems in which either iTreg or nTreg are absent, or lineage tracing of T cell clones through repertoire analyses. iTreg appear particularly important at mucosal interfaces. iTreg can also ameliorate tissue-specific autoimmunity and are a prominent source of tumor-infiltrating Treg in some models. However, under many conditions, including in CNS autoimmunity, diabetes, and some tumor systems, iTreg formation appears limited. The immunological contribution of iTreg is thus highly context dependent. Deciphering immune parameters responsible for iTreg formation and their role in modulating pathologic immune responses will be important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua F Heiber
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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28
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CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+)IFNγ(+) Treg are immunosuppressive in vitro and increase with intensity of the alloresponse in pretransplant MLC. Transpl Immunol 2012; 27:114-21. [PMID: 22954802 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
IFNγ-producing CD3(+)CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) induced Treg are more frequently detectable in patients with good than in patients with impaired long-term kidney graft function. We investigated the in-vitro function of separated CD3(+)CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+)IFNγ(+) PBL that were induced by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate(PMA)/Ionomycin or alloantigenic stimulation. Additionally, we studied iTreg induction and cell proliferation in MLC with pretransplant obtained PBL. CD4(+)CD25(+)IFNγ(+) PBL separated from PMA/Ionomycin-stimulated PBL of healthy controls inhibited secondary cell cultures of autologous PBL. Furthermore, CD4(+)CD25(+)IFNγ(+) PBL separated from primary MLC and added to secondary MLC suppressed allogeneic T-cell activation in secondary MLC unspecifically, irrespective of the stimulator cell. However, the strongest suppression was observed in specific MLC. Patients with poor long-term graft outcome were able to form IFNγ(+) iTreg in pretransplant MLC. Eight patients with a serum creatinine level ranging from 0.9 to 14 mg/dl 18-29 years posttransplant were studied. In MLC with pretransplant obtained recipient and donor cells, strong IFNγ(+) iTreg (p=0.007) and strong blast induction (p=0.047) were associated with impaired long-term graft outcome. Long-term graft outcome was not associated with cell proliferation and iTreg induction in unspecific MLC with third-party cells as stimulator. The data indicate that patients with impaired long-term graft outcome are able to form high numbers of IFNγ(+) iTreg in specific pretransplant MLC. Quantity of induced IFNγ(+) iTreg depends on the strength of the alloresponse and both parameters are inversely associated with long-term graft outcome.
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29
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Schmetterer KG, Neunkirchner A, Pickl WF. Naturally occurring regulatory T cells: markers, mechanisms, and manipulation. FASEB J 2012; 26:2253-76. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-193672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus G. Schmetterer
- Institute of ImmunologyCenter for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Alina Neunkirchner
- Institute of ImmunologyCenter for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for ImmunmodulationViennaAustria
| | - Winfried F. Pickl
- Institute of ImmunologyCenter for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for ImmunmodulationViennaAustria
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30
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Li CR, Baaten BJG, Bradley LM. Harnessing memory adaptive regulatory T cells to control autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes. J Mol Cell Biol 2011; 4:38-47. [PMID: 22116888 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjr040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in the pancreatic islets. There is an immediate need to restore both β-cell function and immune tolerance to control disease progression and ultimately cure T1D. Currently, there is no effective treatment strategy to restore glucose regulation in patients with T1D. FoxP3-expressing CD4(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) are potential candidates to control autoimmunity because they play a central role in maintaining self-tolerance. However, deficiencies in either naturally occurring Tregs (nTregs) themselves and/or their ability to control pathogenic effector T cells have been associated with T1D. Here, we hypothesize that nTregs can be replaced by FoxP3(+) adaptive Tregs (aTregs), which are uniquely equipped to combat autoreactivity in T1D. Unlike nTregs, aTregs are stable and provide long-lived protection. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of aTregs and their potential for use as an immunological intervention to treat T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Rui Li
- Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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31
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Long SA, Rieck M, Tatum M, Bollyky PL, Wu RP, Muller I, Ho JC, Shilling HG, Buckner JH. Low-dose antigen promotes induction of FOXP3 in human CD4+ T cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 187:3511-20. [PMID: 21865550 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1003880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Low Ag dose promotes induction and persistence of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in mice, yet few studies have addressed the role of Ag dose in the induction of adaptive CD4(+)FOXP3(+) Tregs in humans. To this end, we examined the level of FOXP3 expression in human CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells upon activation with autologous APCs and varying doses of peptide. Ag-specific T cells expressing FOXP3 were identified by flow cytometry using MHC class II tetramer (Tmr). We found an inverse relationship between Ag dose and the frequency of FOXP3(+) cells for both foreign Ag-specific and self Ag-specific T cells. Through studies of FOXP3 locus demethylation and helios expression, we determined that variation in the frequency of Tmr(+)FOXP3(+) T cells was not due to expansion of natural Tregs, but instead, we found that induction, proliferation, and persistence of FOXP3(+) cells was similar in high- and low-dose cultures, whereas proliferation of FOXP3(-) T cells was favored in high Ag dose cultures. The frequency of FOXP3(+) cells positively correlated with suppressive function, indicative of adaptive Treg generation. The frequency of FOXP3(+) cells was maintained with IL-2, but not upon restimulation with Ag. Together, these data suggest that low Ag dose favors the transient generation of human Ag-specific adaptive Tregs over the proliferation of Ag-specific FOXP3(-) effector T cells. These adaptive Tregs could function to reduce ongoing inflammatory responses and promote low-dose tolerance in humans, especially when Ag exposure and tolerance is transient.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Alice Long
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
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32
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Edinger M, Hoffmann P. Regulatory T cells in stem cell transplantation: strategies and first clinical experiences. Curr Opin Immunol 2011; 23:679-84. [PMID: 21802270 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2011.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The adoptive transfer of donor-type CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) protects from graft-versus-host disease in murine bone marrow transplantation models. Results from first clinical trials exploring such strategies have recently been presented and seem to confirm the efficacy of Treg for the prevention of this severe complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Further improvements in Treg isolation and in vitro expansion technologies will facilitate the broader exploration of Treg therapies, for example, for the treatment of ongoing graft-versus-host disease or the prevention of graft rejection after solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Edinger
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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33
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Rapamycin and IL-2 reduce lethal acute graft-versus-host disease associated with increased expansion of donor type CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Blood 2011; 118:2342-50. [PMID: 21734238 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-10-313684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous work has demonstrated that both rapamycin (RAPA) and IL-2 enhance CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ regulatory T-cell (Treg) proliferation and function in vitro. We investigated whether the combination of RAPA plus IL-2 could impact acute GVHD induction after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). RAPA plus IL-2 resulted in improved survival and a reduction in acute GVHD lethality associated with an increased expansion of donor type CD4⁺Foxp3⁺ Tregs and reduced CD4⁺CD25⁻ conventional T cells (Tcons). RAPA plus IL-2, but not either drug alone, increased both expansion of donor natural Tregs and conversion of induced Tregs from donor CD25⁻ Tcons while IL-2 alone increased conversion of Tregs from CD25⁻ Tcon. RAPA plus IL-2 treatment resulted in less production of IFN-γ and TNF, cytokines known to be important in the initiation of acute GVHD. These studies indicate that the pharmacologic stimulation of T cells with IL-2 and the suppression of Tcon proliferation with RAPA result in a selective expansion of functional Tregs and suppression of acute GVHD.
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34
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Long SA, Cerosaletti K, Wan JY, Ho JC, Tatum M, Wei S, Shilling HG, Buckner JH. An autoimmune-associated variant in PTPN2 reveals an impairment of IL-2R signaling in CD4(+) T cells. Genes Immun 2011; 12:116-25. [PMID: 21179116 PMCID: PMC3058680 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2010.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2010] [Revised: 05/18/2010] [Accepted: 07/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The IL-2/IL-2R signaling pathway has an important role in autoimmunity. Several genes identified in genome-wide association (GWA) studies encode proteins in the IL-2/IL-2R signaling cascade that are associated with autoimmune diseases. One of these, PTPN2, encodes a protein tyrosine phosphatase that is highly expressed in T cells and regulates cytokine signaling. An intronic risk allele in PTPN2, rs1893217(C), correlated with decreased IL-2R signaling in CD4(+) T cells as measured by phosphorylation of STAT5 (phosphorylated STAT5 (pSTAT5)). We modeled an additive single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype, in which each copy of the risk allele conferred a decrease in IL-2R signaling (P=4.4 × 10(-8)). Decreased pSTAT5 impacted IL-2Rβ chain signaling resulting in reduced FOXP3 expression in activated cells. This phenotype was not due to overt differences in expression of the IL-2R, molecules in the IL-2R signaling cascade or defects in STAT5. However, the rs1893217(C) risk variant did correlate with decreased PTPN2 expression in CD4(+)CD45RO T cells (P=0.0002). Thus, the PTPN2rs1893217(C) risk allele associated with reduced pSTAT5 in response to IL-2 and reduced PTPN2 expression. Together, these data suggest that decreased expression of PTPN2 may indirectly modulate IL-2 responsiveness. These findings, identified through genotype/phenotype relationships, may lead to identification of novel mechanisms underlying dysregulation of cytokine signaling in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Long
- Department of Translational Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
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35
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McMahon G, Weir MR, Li XC, Mandelbrot DA. The evolving role of mTOR inhibition in transplantation tolerance. J Am Soc Nephrol 2011; 22:408-15. [PMID: 21355051 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2010040351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a key role in the immune response. mTOR inhibitors suppress T cell activation and proliferation and are effective immunosuppressants. Today there is growing interest in their potential role in inducing tolerance after transplantation. mTOR inhibitors induce anergy in naïve T cells, promote the expansion of regulatory T cells, and inhibit the maturation of dendritic cells, thus promoting immunologic tolerance. Here we review the mechanisms by which mTOR inhibitors promote tolerance. We discuss the clinical relevance of these mechanisms and suggest how they might be used in the design of future protocols to induce tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gearoid McMahon
- Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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36
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Schneider A, Buckner JH. Assessment of suppressive capacity by human regulatory T cells using a reproducible, bi-directional CFSE-based in vitro assay. Methods Mol Biol 2011; 707:233-241. [PMID: 21287339 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61737-979-6_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells are involved in the maintenance of tolerance. Alterations in their functional capacity are implicated in the development of autoimmunity. In the case of common autoimmune disorders the defects in suppression may be partial, and may be due to a loss of Treg function, or a resistance to suppression by responder T cells. Thus in order to assess Treg function, an in vitro assay that is sensitive enough to demonstrate modest alterations in suppression, and which can differentiate between impaired suppression due to Treg dysfunction, and responder cell resistance is ideal. In this chapter we describe a CFSE based proliferation assay that utilizes a bead based activation system, which is reproducible, consistent and able to distinguish between defects in Treg function and the resistance of responder T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya Schneider
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, WA, USA
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37
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d'Hennezel E, Kornete M, Piccirillo CA. IL-2 as a therapeutic target for the restoration of Foxp3+ regulatory T cell function in organ-specific autoimmunity: implications in pathophysiology and translation to human disease. J Transl Med 2010; 8:113. [PMID: 21059266 PMCID: PMC2994816 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-8-113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral immune tolerance requires a finely controlled balance between tolerance to self-antigens and protective immunity against enteric and invading pathogens. Self-reactive T cells sometimes escape thymic clonal deletion, and can subsequently provoke autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes (T1D) unless they are controlled by a network of tolerance mechanisms in the periphery, including CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg) cells. CD4+ Treg cells are characterized by the constitutive expression of the IL-2Rα chain (CD25) and preferentially express the forkhead winged helix transcriptional regulator Foxp3. These cells have been shown to possess immunosuppressive properties towards various immune cell subsets and their defects are thought to contribute to many autoimmune disorders. Strong evidence shows that IL-2 is one of the important stimulatory signals for the development, function and fitness of Treg cells. The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model, a prototypic model of spontaneous autoimmunity, mimics many features of human T1 D. Using this model, the contribution of the IL-2-IL-2R pathway to the development of T1 D and other autoimmune disorders has been extensively studied. In the past years, strong genetic and molecular evidence has indicated an essential role for the IL-2/IL-2R pathway in autoimmune disorders. Thus, the major role of IL-2 is to maintain immune tolerance by promoting Treg cell development, functional fitness and stability. Here we first summarize the genetic and experimental evidence demonstrating a role for IL-2 in autoimmunity, mainly through the study of the NOD mouse model, and analyze the cellular and molecular mechanisms of its action on Treg cells. We then move on to describe how this data can be translated to applications for human autoimmune diseases by using IL-2 as a therapeutic agent to restore Treg cell fitness, numbers and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva d'Hennezel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montreal, H3A 2B4, Qc, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mara Kornete
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montreal, H3A 2B4, Qc, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ciriaco A Piccirillo
- FOCIS Center of Excellence, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, H3G 1A4, Qc, Canada
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Cobbold SP, Adams E, Nolan KF, Regateiro FS, Waldmann H. Connecting the mechanisms of T-cell regulation: dendritic cells as the missing link. Immunol Rev 2010; 236:203-18. [PMID: 20636819 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2010.00913.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A variety of different molecular mechanisms have been proposed to explain the suppressive action of regulatory T cells, including the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, negative costimulatory ligands, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-mediated tryptophan catabolism, CD73-mediated adenosine generation, and downregulation of antigen-presenting cells. Until now it has been unclear how important each of these different mechanisms might be and how they are coordinated. In this review, we examine the hypothesis that it is the interaction between regulatory T cells and dendritic cells that creates a local microenvironment depleted of essential amino acids and rich in adenosine that leads to the amplification of a range of different tolerogenic signals. These signals are all eventually integrated by mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition, which enables the induction of new forkhead box protein 3-expressing Tregs. If correct, this provides a molecular explanation for the in vivo phenomena of linked suppression and infectious tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Cobbold
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Lord JD, Hackman RC, Gooley TA, Wood BL, Moklebust AC, Hockenbery DM, Steinbach G, Ziegler SF, McDonald GB. Blood and gastric FOXP3+ T cells are not decreased in human gastric graft-versus-host disease. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2010; 17:486-96. [PMID: 20870026 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2010.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2010] [Accepted: 09/20/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies suggest regulatory T cells (Tregs) inhibit graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in mouse and human hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. As the gastrointestinal tract represents one of the most common and severe sites of GVHD-related tissue damage, we sought to determine whether a deficit in circulating or gastric mucosal Treg numbers correlates with the clinical onset of gastric GVHD. We used the marker FOXP3 to quantify Tregs in blood and in gastric antral biopsies in a cohort of 60 allogeneic HCT recipients undergoing endoscopy at a single center to evaluate symptoms suspicious for gastrointestinal GVHD. We show for the first time in the gastric mucosa and, contrary to existing reports, in the blood, that the percent of T cells expressing FOXP3 is at least as high in the presence as in the absence of GVHD involving the upper gut. There was no correlation of Treg frequency with the histologic or clinical severity of gastrointestinal GVHD. We conclude that Treg depletion is not a central feature in the pathogenesis of gastric GVHD in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Lord
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
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40
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Malek TR, Castro I. Interleukin-2 receptor signaling: at the interface between tolerance and immunity. Immunity 2010; 33:153-65. [PMID: 20732639 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2010.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 568] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) signaling regulates tolerance and immunity. Here, we review recent work concerning the structure, signaling, and function of the IL-2R, emphasizing the contribution of IL-2 for T cell-dependent activity in vivo. IL-2R signaling influences two discrete aspects of immune responses by CD8(+) T cells, terminal differentiation of effector cells in primary responses, and aspects of memory recall responses. IL-2 also delivers essential signals for thymic development of regulatory T (Treg) cells and later to promote their homeostasis and function. Each of these outcomes on T effector and Treg cells requires distinct amounts of IL-2R signaling, with low IL-2R signaling sufficient for many key aspects of Treg cells. Thus, tolerance is readily maintained and favored with limited IL-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Malek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, PO Box 01960, Miami, FL 33101, USA.
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Zhang C, Shan J, Lu J, Huang Y, Feng L, Long D, Li S, Li Q, Li Y. Combination of rapamycin and IL-2 do not affect antigen presentation ability of rat B cell and could promote Tregs proliferation and inhibitory activity. Cell Immunol 2010; 264:180-5. [PMID: 20637453 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2010.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2010] [Revised: 06/11/2010] [Accepted: 06/15/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Rapamycin (RPM), a powerful agent used clinically in transplant recipients, induces CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) which play an important role in induction of immune tolerance. However, long-term use of RPM has negative side effects. In this report, we found that combination with the low dose RPM and high dose IL-2 did not affect antigen presentation of rat B cells to Tregs, and could efficiently promote Tregs proliferation and enhance their inhibitory activities in vitro. In addition, the combination of low dose RPM and high dose IL-2 enhanced mRNA expression of Foxp3, TGF-beta1 and Pim-2 in Tregs but not in CD4(+)CD25(-) T effector cells (Teffs). The Tregs inhibitory activity is positively associated with mRNA expressions of TGF-beta1 and Pim-2 while unrelated to the Foxp3 mRNA expression. Our present study offers one approach to expand functional Tregs in vitro, which maybe used for clinical immune tolerance induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuntao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology of Health Ministry of China, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
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Zhang C, Shan J, Feng L, Lu J, Xiao Z, Luo L, Li C, Guo Y, Li Y. The effects of immunosuppressive drugs on CD4(+) CD25(+) regulatory T cells: a systematic review of clinical and basic research. J Evid Based Med 2010; 3:117-29. [PMID: 21349053 DOI: 10.1111/j.1756-5391.2010.01083.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the effects of different immunosuppressive drugs on proliferation and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs). METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase (from inception to September 2009), and the Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2009) for clinical and basic research about the effects of various immunosuppressive drugs on Tregs. Data were extracted and methodological quality was assessed by two independent reviewers. Outcome measures for clinical research included blood Tregs levels, acute rejection episodes, and graft function. Outcomes for basic research included percentage of Tregs proliferation, function, Tregs phenotype, and evidence for possible mechanisms. We analyzed data qualitatively. RESULTS Forty-two studies, including 19 clinical trials and 23 basic studies, were included. The immunosuppressive drugs studied were calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), Rapa, anti-metabolism drugs, IL-2 receptor-blocking antibodies, T-cell depleting antibodies, and co-stimulation blockade antibodies. Most of the studies were on Rapa and CNIs. Eight basic studies on Rapa and CNIs showed that Rapa could promote the proliferation and function of Tregs, while CNIs could not. Five clinical trials involving a total of 158 patients showed that patients taking Rapa had higher blood concentration of Tregs than patients taking CNIs, but no difference was found in graft function (6-42 months follow-up). CONCLUSION There is substantial evidence that Rapa favors Tregs survival and function. However, the higher numbers of blood Tregs in patients treated with Rapa do not show any association with better graft function. Larger clinical studies with longer follow-up are needed to more thoroughly assess the efficacy of immunosuppressive drugs on Tregs, and reveal whether a relationship exists between Tregs and graft function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuntao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Ministry of Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Abstract
That regulatory T cells (Tregs) have a crucial role in controlling allergic diseases such as asthma is now undisputed. The cytokines most commonly implicated in Treg-mediated suppression of allergic asthma are transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and interleukin (IL)-10). In addition to naturally occurring Tregs, adaptive Tregs, induced in response to foreign antigens, have been shown in recent studies. The concept of inducible/adaptive Tregs (iTregs) has considerable significance in preventing asthma if generated early enough in life. This is because cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-6 inhibit Foxp3 induction in naive CD4+ T cells and therefore de novo generation of Tregs can be expected to be less efficient when it is concomitant with effector cell development in response to an allergen. However, if iTregs can be induced, the process of infectious tolerance would facilitate expansion of the iTreg pool as suggested in the recent literature. It is tempting to speculate that there is a window of opportunity in early life in the context of a relatively immature immune system that is permissive for the generation of iTregs specific to a spectrum of allergens that would regulate asthma for lifelong. The focus of this review is the relevance of nTregs and iTregs in controlling asthma from early life into adulthood, the mechanisms underlying Treg function, and the prospects for using our current concepts to harness the full potential of Tregs to limit disease development and progression.
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Characterization of rabbit antithymocyte globulins-induced CD25+ regulatory T cells from cells of patients with end-stage renal disease. Transplantation 2010; 89:655-66. [PMID: 20164820 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e3181c9cc7a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND.: Rabbit antithymocyte globulins (rATGs) are known to convert CD4CD25FoxP3 T cells from healthy individuals to CD4CD25FoxP3 T cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of rATG on the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) from blood cells of patients with end-stage renal disease who are candidates for transplantation and rATG-induction therapy. The induced Tregs were analyzed and compared with naturally occurring CD4CD25FoxP3T cells. METHODS.: The CD25 T cells of pretransplant patients (n=7) and healthy controls (n=4) were stimulated with rATG or control rabbit immunoglobulins for 24 hr. The phenotype of induced Tregs was examined by flow cytometry, and their function was studied in the conventional suppression assay. Further characterization was performed by mRNA analyses. RESULTS.: After 24 hr, the percentage of CD4CD25FoxP3CD127 T cells and CD8CD25FoxP3CD127 T cells became higher in the rATG-treated samples compared with the rabbit immunoglobulin-treated samples (P<0.01). The rATG-induced CD25T cells, whether CD4 or CD8 inhibited the allogeneic responses of CD25 effector T cells as vigorously as natural CD25T cells. However, the proportion of FoxP3 within the top 2% rATG-induced CD4CD25T-cells was lower than within the natural CD4CD25T-cells (11%+/-2% vs. 95%+/-5%, P<0.01). The mRNA-expression levels of interleukin-27, interleukin-10, interferon-gamma, perforin, and granzyme B were markedly higher compared with natural CD25T-cells (all P=0.03), whereas CTLA4 (P=0.03), transforming growth factor-beta (P=0.02), and RORgammat (P=0.04) were lower. CONCLUSION.: rATG allows the induction of Tregs from patient peripheral blood mononuclear cell in vitro. In comparison with natural Tregs, the rATG-induced Tregs are phenotypically distinct but have similar regulatory activities. rATG may beneficially contribute to the mechanisms that control alloreactivity.
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Glisic S, Ehlenbach S, Jailwala P, Waukau J, Jana S, Ghosh S. Inducible regulatory T cells (iTregs) from recent-onset type 1 diabetes subjects show increased in vitro suppression and higher ITCH levels compared with controls. Cell Tissue Res 2010; 339:585-95. [PMID: 20143240 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-009-0900-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Accepted: 10/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
CD4+CD25+(high) regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a pivotal role in the control of the immune response. A growing body of evidence suggests the reduced function of these cells in autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes (T1D). Restoration of their function can potentially delay further disease development. In the present study, we have converted conventional effector T cells into induced Tregs (iTregs) in recent-onset (RO) T1D (n=9) and compared them with the same cells generated in controls (n=12) and in long-standing (LS) T1D subjects (n=9). The functional potential of in-vitro-generated Tregs was measured by using an in vitro proliferation assay. We noted that the suppressive potential of iTregs exceeded that of natural regulatory T cells (nTregs) only in the RO T1D subjects. We showed that iTregs from RO T1D subjects had increased expression of Foxp3, E3 ubiquitin ligase (ITCH) and TGF-beta-inducible early gene 1 (TIEG1) compared with control and LS T1D subjects. We also expanded natural, thymically derived Tregs (nTregs) and compared the functional ability of these cells between subject groups. Expanded cells from all three subject groups were suppressive. RO T1D subjects were the only group in which both iTregs and expanded Tregs were functional, suggesting that the inflammatory milieu impacts in vitro Treg generation. Future longitudinal studies should delineate the actual contribution of the stage of disease to the quality of in-vitro-generated Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Glisic
- Max McGee National Center for Juvenile Diabetes and Human Molecular Genetic Center, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 53226, USA
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Long SA, Cerosaletti K, Bollyky PL, Tatum M, Shilling H, Zhang S, Zhang ZY, Pihoker C, Sanda S, Greenbaum C, Buckner JH. Defects in IL-2R signaling contribute to diminished maintenance of FOXP3 expression in CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T-cells of type 1 diabetic subjects. Diabetes 2010; 59:407-15. [PMID: 19875613 PMCID: PMC2809970 DOI: 10.2337/db09-0694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In humans, multiple genes in the interleukin (IL)-2/IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) pathway are associated with type 1 diabetes. However, no link between IL-2 responsiveness and CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) regulatory T-cells (Tregs) has been demonstrated in type 1 diabetic subjects despite the role of these IL-2-dependent cells in controlling autoimmunity. Here, we address whether altered IL-2 responsiveness impacts persistence of FOXP3 expression in Tregs of type 1 diabetic subjects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Persistence of Tregs was assessed by culturing sorted CD4(+)CD25(hi) natural Tregs with IL-2 and measuring FOXP3 expression over time by flow cytometry for control and type 1 diabetic populations. The effects of IL-2 on FOXP3 induction were assessed 48 h after activation of CD4(+)CD25(-) T-cells with anti-CD3 antibody. Cytokine receptor expression and signaling upon exposure to IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15 were determined by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. RESULTS Maintenance of FOXP3 expression in CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs of type 1 diabetic subjects was diminished in the presence of IL-2, but not IL-7. Impaired responsiveness was not linked to altered expression of the IL-2R complex. Instead, IL-2R signaling was reduced in Tregs and total CD4(+) T-cells of type 1 diabetic subjects. In some individuals, decreased signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 phosphorylation correlated with significantly higher expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase N2, a negative regulator of IL-2R signaling. CONCLUSIONS Aberrant IL-2R signaling in CD4(+) T-cells of type 1 diabetic subjects contributes to decreased persistence of FOXP3 expression that may impact establishment of tolerance. These findings suggest novel targets for treatment of type 1 diabetes within the IL-2R pathway and suggest that an altered IL-2R signaling signature may be a biomarker for type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Alice Long
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Paul L. Bollyky
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington
| | - Megan Tatum
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington
| | - Heather Shilling
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Zhong-Yin Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Srinath Sanda
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington
| | - Carla Greenbaum
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jane H. Buckner
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington
- Corresponding author: Jane H. Buckner,
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Francisco LM, Salinas VH, Brown KE, Vanguri VK, Freeman GJ, Kuchroo VK, Sharpe AH. PD-L1 regulates the development, maintenance, and function of induced regulatory T cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 206:3015-29. [PMID: 20008522 PMCID: PMC2806460 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20090847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1551] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Both the programmed death (PD) 1–PD-ligand (PD-L) pathway and regulatory T (T reg) cells are instrumental to the maintenance of peripheral tolerance. We demonstrate that PD-L1 has a pivotal role in regulating induced T reg (iT reg) cell development and sustaining iT reg cell function. PD-L1−/− antigen-presenting cells minimally convert naive CD4 T cells to iT reg cells, showing the essential role of PD-L1 for iT reg cell induction. PD-L1–coated beads induce iT reg cells in vitro, indicating that PD-L1 itself regulates iT reg cell development. Furthermore, PD-L1 enhances and sustains Foxp3 expression and the suppressive function of iT reg cells. The obligatory role for PD-L1 in controlling iT reg cell development and function in vivo is illustrated by a marked reduction in iT reg cell conversion and rapid onset of a fatal inflammatory phenotype in PD-L1−/−PD-L2−/− Rag−/− recipients of naive CD4 T cells. PD-L1 iT reg cell development is mediated through the down-regulation of phospho-Akt, mTOR, S6, and ERK2 and concomitant with the up-regulation of PTEN, all key signaling molecules which are critical for iT reg cell development. Thus, PD-L1 can inhibit T cell responses by promoting both the induction and maintenance of iT reg cells. These studies define a novel mechanism for iT reg cell development and function, as well as a new strategy for controlling T reg cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loise M Francisco
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Bocian K, Borysowski J, Wierzbicki P, Wyzgal J, Klosowska D, Bialoszewska A, Paczek L, Górski A, Korczak-Kowalska G. Rapamycin, unlike cyclosporine A, enhances suppressive functions of in vitro-induced CD4+CD25+ Tregs. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2009; 25:710-7. [PMID: 19903662 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfp586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of data shows that CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) can induce transplantation tolerance by suppressing immune responses to allograft antigens. However, both the generation and the suppressive capacity of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs can be substantially affected by different immunosuppressive drugs used in clinical transplantation. The goal of this study was to compare the effects of cyclosporine A and rapamycin on the induction and suppressive functions of human CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs in vitro. METHODS CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs were induced in two-way mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) in the presence of rapamycin (Treg-Rapa) or cyclosporine A (Treg-CsA). Tregs were identified in MLR cultures by flow cytometry using anti-CD4, anti-CD25, anti-CTLA-4, anti-CD122, anti-GITR mAbs and ant-PE-FOXP3 staining sets. Suppressive capacity of induced Tregs was evaluated by their capability to inhibit anti-CD3 Ab-triggered proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), as measured by flow cytometry. The concentration of TGF-beta1 in culture supernatants was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Although both rapamycin and cyclosporine A suppressed the induction of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs during MLRs, this effect was significantly more pronounced in cells cultured with cyclosporine. On the other hand, only rapamycin significantly decreased the percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs which expressed GITR, a negative regulator of Treg's suppressive capacity. Importantly, Treg-Rapa, unlike Treg-CsA, displayed significant suppressive activity and were capable of inhibiting the proliferation of anti-CD3 Ab-activated PBMCs. This activity was likely mediated by TGF-beta1. CONCLUSIONS Rapamycin, unlike cyclosporine A, does not inhibit the function of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs. This implies that rapamycin could contribute to the development of transplantation tolerance by promoting the induction of functional CD4(+)CD25(+) Tregs. Moreover, our results suggest that rapamycin could be combined with functional Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Bocian
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Poland.
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Raychaudhuri SP, Nguyen CT, Raychaudhuri SK, Gershwin ME. Incidence and nature of infectious disease in patients treated with anti-TNF agents. Autoimmun Rev 2009; 9:67-81. [PMID: 19716440 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2009.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors offer a targeted therapeutic strategy that contrasts with the nonspecific immunosuppressive agents traditionally used to treat most inflammatory diseases. These biologic agents have had a significant impact in ameliorating the signs and symptoms of inflammatory rheumatoid disease and improving patient function. From the onset of clinical trials, a central concern of cytokine blockade has been a potential increase in susceptibility to infections. Not surprisingly, a variety of infections have been reported in association with the use of TNF-alpha inhibitor agents. In particular, there is evidence suggesting an increased rate of granulomatous infections in patients treated with monoclonal TNF-alpha inhibitors. This review provides the incidence and nature of infections in patients treated with TNF-alpha inhibitor agents and reminds the clinician of the required vigilance in monitoring patients.
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Yeung M, Sayegh M. Regulatory T Cells in Transplantation: What We Know and What We Do Not Know. Transplant Proc 2009; 41:S21-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2009.06.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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