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Hu Y, Ding J, Chen Y, Wang Q, Yang X, Hua H, Ye X. Soluble Fibrinogen-Like Protein 2 Downregulation and Th17/Treg Imbalance in a Taurocholate-Induced Murine Experimental Model of Severe Acute Pancreatitis. J Clin Lab Anal 2024; 38:e25076. [PMID: 38853390 PMCID: PMC11211668 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.25076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is associated with tremendous systemic inflammation, T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells play an essential role in the inflammatory responses. Meanwhile, soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (Sfgl2) is a critical immunosuppressive effector cytokine of Treg cells and modulates immune responses. However, the impact of SAP induction on Sfgl2 expression and the role of Sfgl2 in immunomodulation under SAP conditions are largely unknown. METHODS A taurocholate-induced mouse SAP model was established. The ratios of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells or CD4+IL-17+ Th17 cells in blood and pancreatic tissues as well as surface expression of CD80, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) were determined by flow cytometry. Gene mRNA expression was determined by qPCR. Serum amylase and soluble factors were quantitated by commercial kits. Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) were generated, and NF-κB/p65 translocation was measured by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS SAP induction in mice decreased the Th17/Treg ratio in the pancreatic tissue and increased the Th17/Treg ratio in the peripheral blood. In addition, SAP was associated with a reduced level of Sfgl2 in the pancreatic tissue and blood: higher levels of serum IL-17, IL-2, IFN-α, and TNF-α, and lower levels of serum IL-4 and IL-10. Furthermore, the SAP-induced reduction in Sfgl2 expression was accompanied by dysregulated maturation of bone marrow-derived DCs. CONCLUSIONS SAP causes reduced Sfgl2 expression and Th17/Treg imbalance, thus providing critical insights for the development of Sfgl2- and Th17/Treg balance-targeted immunotherapies for patients with SAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibing Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Jinhua HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineJinhuaZhejiangChina
| | - Jin Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Jinhua HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineJinhuaZhejiangChina
| | - Yanping Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Jinhua HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineJinhuaZhejiangChina
| | - Qunying Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Jinhua HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineJinhuaZhejiangChina
| | - Xiaoyun Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Jinhua HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineJinhuaZhejiangChina
| | - Hongjun Hua
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Jinhua HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineJinhuaZhejiangChina
| | - Xiaohua Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Jinhua HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineJinhuaZhejiangChina
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Cherny I, Hasin P, Philosoph LK, Shahal-Zimra Y, Gurion R, Rabizadeh E. Presence and activity of Fibrinogen like protein 2 in platelets. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285735. [PMID: 37200306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2) is a serine protease capable of converting prothrombin into thrombin (i.e., prothrombinase-like activity) while bypassing the classic coagulation cascade. It has been reported to be expressed by mononuclear blood cells and endothelial cells. There are multiple reports that FGL2 supports tumor development and metastasis. However, in the blood, the origin and functional significance of FGL2 has not been established. OBJECTIVE To determine if FGL2, a malignancy related enzyme, is present in platelets. METHODS Peripheral blood samples were collected in K2 EDTA tubes. Blood cells and platelets were separated and thoroughly washed to produce plasma-free samples. Procoagulant activity was measured in the cell lysates using a thrombin generation test or an adjusted prothrombin time (PT) test in plasma deficient of factor X. The findings were further supported by confocal microscopy, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and specific inhibition assays. RESULTS FGL2 protein was readily detected in platelets. Also, despite being expressed by lymphocytes, FGL2 prothrombinase-like activity was solely detected in platelet samples, but not in white blood cell samples. Quiescent platelets were shown to contain the FGL2 protein in an active form. Upon activation, platelets secreted the active FGL2 into the milieu. CONCLUSIONS Active FGL2 is found in platelets. This suggests another role for the involvement of platelets in malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izhack Cherny
- Hemato-Oncology Laboratory, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petah Tikva, Israel, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Pinhas Hasin
- Hematology Laboratory, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | | | - Yael Shahal-Zimra
- Hematology Laboratory, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Ronit Gurion
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Esther Rabizadeh
- Hemato-Oncology Laboratory, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petah Tikva, Israel, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Van Tong H, Van Ba N, Hoan NX, Binh MT, Quyen DT, Son HA, Van Luong H, Quyet D, Meyer CG, Song LH, Toan NL, Velavan TP. Soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 levels in patients with hepatitis B virus-related liver diseases. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:553. [PMID: 30419833 PMCID: PMC6233598 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3473-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical progression of HBV-related liver diseases is largely associated with the activity of HBV-specific T cells. Soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sFGL2), mainly secreted by T cells, is an important effector molecule of the immune system. METHODS sFGL2 levels were determined by ELISA assays in sera of 296 HBV patients clinically classified into the subgroups of acute hepatitis B (AHB), chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and patients with LC plus HCC. As control group, 158 healthy individuals were included. FGL2 mRNA was quantified by qRT-PCR in 32 pairs of tumor and adjacent non-tumor liver tissues. RESULTS sFGL2 levels were elevated in HBV patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.0001). In the patient group, sFGL2 levels were increased in AHB compared to CHB patients (P = 0.017). sFGL2 levels were higher in LC patients compared to those without LC (P = 0.006) and were increased according to the development of cirrhosis as staged by Child-Pugh scores (P = 0.024). Similarly, HCC patients had increased sFGL2 levels compared to CHB patients (P = 0.033) and FGL2 mRNA was up-regulated in tumor tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues (P = 0.043). In addition, sFGL2 levels were positively correlated with HBV-DNA loads and AST (Spearman's rho = 0.21, 0.25 and P = 0.006, 0.023, respectively), but reversely correlated with platelet counts and albumin levels (Spearman's rho = - 0.27, - 0.24 and P = 0.014, 0.033, respectively). CONCLUSIONS sFGL2 levels are induced by HBV infection and correlated with the progression and clinical outcome of HBV-related liver diseases. Thus, sFGL2 may serve as a potential indicator for HBV-related liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang Van Tong
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, 222 Phung Hung, Ha Dong, Hanoi, Vietnam. .,Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam. .,Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Nguyen Van Ba
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, 222 Phung Hung, Ha Dong, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nghiem Xuan Hoan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.,108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Vietnamese-German Center of Excellence in Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mai Thanh Binh
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.,108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Vietnamese-German Center of Excellence in Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dao Thanh Quyen
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.,108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Vietnamese-German Center of Excellence in Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ho Anh Son
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, 222 Phung Hung, Ha Dong, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Van Luong
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, 222 Phung Hung, Ha Dong, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Do Quyet
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, 222 Phung Hung, Ha Dong, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Christian G Meyer
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.,Vietnamese-German Center of Excellence in Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Medical Faculty, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Le Huu Song
- 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Vietnamese-German Center of Excellence in Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Linh Toan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thirumalaisamy P Velavan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany. .,Vietnamese-German Center of Excellence in Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam. .,Medical Faculty, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam.
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Pan G, Zhao Z, Tang C, Ding L, Li Z, Zheng D, Zong L, Wu Z. Soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 ameliorates acute rejection of liver transplantation in rat via inducing Kupffer cells M2 polarization. Cancer Med 2018; 7:3168-3177. [PMID: 29749104 PMCID: PMC6051168 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sFGL2) could ameliorate acute rejection (AR) in rat cardiac transplantation. However, the role of sFGL2 in AR of liver transplantation has not been addressed. In this study, we found that FGL2 was upregulated in rat orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT) models of tolerance and positive correlation with the frequency of M2 Kupffer cells (KCs). Gain-of-function experiments in vitro showed that sFGL2 promoted the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β) and the expression of CD206, and inhibited the activities of STAT1 and NF-κB signaling pathway. Consistently, in vivo assays showed that adeno-associated virus-mediated FGL2 (AAV-FGL2) transfer to recipients could ameliorate AR of rat OLT and induce KCs M2 polarization in allografts. Notably, we found that the recipients receiving transferred KCs from AAV-FGL2-treated allograft showed alleviated AR. Taken together, we revealed that sFGL2 ameliorated AR by inducing KCs M2 polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangrui Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Zhengfei Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Chengyong Tang
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Liuyue Ding
- Medical Research CenterSu Bei People's Hospital of Jiangsu ProvinceYangzhou UniversityYangzhouChina
- Department of SurgerySu Bei People's Hospital of Jiangsu ProvinceYangzhou UniversityYangzhouChina
| | - Zhongtang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Daofeng Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Liang Zong
- Medical Research CenterSu Bei People's Hospital of Jiangsu ProvinceYangzhou UniversityYangzhouChina
- Department of SurgerySu Bei People's Hospital of Jiangsu ProvinceYangzhou UniversityYangzhouChina
| | - Zhongjun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
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Liu XG, Liu Y, Chen F. Soluble fibrinogen like protein 2 (sFGL2), the novel effector molecule for immunoregulation. Oncotarget 2018; 8:3711-3723. [PMID: 27732962 PMCID: PMC5356913 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sFGL2) is the soluble form of fibrinogen-like protein 2 belonging to the fibrinogen-related protein superfamily. It is now well characterized that sFGL2 is mainly secreted by regulatory T cell (Treg) populations, and exerts potently immunosuppressive activities. By repressing not only the differentiation and proliferation of T cells but also the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), sFGL2 acts largely as an immunosuppressant. Moreover, sFGL2 also induces apoptosis of B cells, tubular epithelial cells (TECs), sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs), and hepatocytes. This mini-review focuses primarily on the recent literature with respect to the signaling mechanism of sFGL2 in immunomodulation, and discusses the clinical implications of sFGL2 in transplantation, hepatitis, autoimmunity, and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Guang Liu
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, P. R. China
| | - Yu Liu
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan, P. R. China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, P. R. China.,Capital Medical University Cancer Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory for Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines, Beijing, China
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Liu K, Li T, Huang S, Long R, You Y, Liu J, Wang Z. The reduced soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 and regulatory T cells in acute coronary syndrome. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2015; 241:421-5. [PMID: 26515143 DOI: 10.1177/1535370215612138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2, sfgl2, is the new effector of CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) regulatory T cell (Treg) and exerts immunosuppressive activity. We design this study to investigate the possible role of sfgl2 in atherosclerosis. A total of 58 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, together with 22 stable angina (SA) patients and 31 normal coronary artery (NCA) people were enrolled in our study. Serum level of sfgl2 and plasma level of Treg were respectively measured. In line with the change of Treg, serum level of sfgl2 in ACS (8.70 ng/mL) was significantly decreased (P = 0.003), compared with that in SA (11.86 ng/mL) and NCA (17.55 ng/mL). Both sfgl2 and Treg level were obviously decreased in ACS; Sfgl2 may play a protective role in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 0086, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 0086, China
| | - Shiyuan Huang
- Department of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 0086, China
| | - Rui Long
- Department of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 0086, China
| | - Ya You
- Department of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 0086, China
| | - Jinping Liu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 0086, China
| | - Zhaohui Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 0086, China
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7
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The role of soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 in transplantation: protection or damage. Transplantation 2014; 97:1201-6. [PMID: 24717224 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000000116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sFGL2) is the soluble form of fibrinogen like protein 2. As a novel immunoregulatory molecule, sFGL2 is secreted mainly by T cells, especially regulatory T cells, and exerts an immunoregulatory property rather than a prothrombinase function in the immune system. sFGL2 changes not only the proliferation and differentiation of T cells but also the maturation of antigen presenting cells. Besides its innate and adaptive immunoregulatory functions, sFGL2 also induces apoptosis in cells including renal tubular epithelial cells through Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). It may affect transplantation via regulation of immunity and induction of apoptosis of different cells in a spatiotemporal manner. Here, we review the research progresses on sFGL2 including its structure, functions, and molecular mechanisms via which sFGL2 might affect organ transplantation, as well as discuss its characteristics and potential of becoming a therapeutic target in patients with rejection.
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Zhao Z, Yang C, Li L, Zhao T, Wang L, Rong R, Yang B, Xu M, Zhu T. Increased peripheral and local soluble FGL2 in the recovery of renal ischemia reperfusion injury in a porcine kidney auto-transplantation model. J Transl Med 2014; 12:53. [PMID: 24559374 PMCID: PMC3936847 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-12-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Regulatory T cells (Treg) protect kidney against ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury via suppressing innate immunity, but the mechanism has not been fully clarified. Soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sFGL2), a novel effector of Treg, may affect apoptosis and inflammation. This study investigated the role of sFGL2 in renal IR injury in a porcine kidney auto-transplantation model. Materials and methods The left kidney was retrieved from mini pigs and infused by University of Wisconsin solution into the renal artery with the renal artery and vein clamped for 24-h cold storage. After the right nephrectomy, the left kidney was auto-transplanted into the right for 2 weeks. 3 pigs were sacrificed at day 2, 5, 7, 10 and 14 post-transplantation respectively. Collected renal tissues and daily blood samples were stored for further analyses. Results Both serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were maximized during day 2 to 5 and followed by a gradual recovery over 2 weeks. The similar pattern were showed in histological damage, myeloperoxidase + cells and apoptosis in the kidney, as well as circulating TNF-α and IFN-γ. Serum sFGL2 presented a fluctuating increase and reached a peak at day 10. The expression of sFGL2 and its receptor FcγRIIB as well as Foxp3 and IL-10 in the kidney was notably increased from day 5 to 10. Conclusion The increased sFGL2 together with FcγRIIB during renal recovery after IR injury suggested that sFGL2 might be a potential renoprotective mediator involved in the renal self-repairing and remodeling in this 2-week porcine auto-transplantation model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bin Yang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Zhao Z, Yang C, Wang L, Li L, Zhao T, Hu L, Rong R, Xu M, Zhu T. The regulatory T cell effector soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 induces tubular epithelial cell apoptosis in renal transplantation. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 239:193-201. [PMID: 24414480 DOI: 10.1177/1535370213514921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute rejection (AR) hinders renal allograft survival. Tubular epithelial cell (TEC) apoptosis contributes to premature graft loss in AR, while the mechanism remains unclear. Soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sFGL2), a novel effector of regulatory T cells (Treg), induces apoptosis to mediate tissue injury. We previously found that serum sFGL2 significantly increased in renal allograft rejection patients. In this study, the role of sFGL2 in AR was further investigated both in vivo and in vitro. The serum level of sFGL2 and the percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Treg in the peripheral blood were measured in renal allograft recipients with AR or stable renal function (n = 30 per group). The human TEC was stimulated with sFGL2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, or phosphate buffered saline and investigated for apoptosis in vitro. Apoptosis-associated genes expression in TEC was further assessed. Approval for this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Fudan University. Our results showed that the serum level of sFGL2, correlated with Treg in the peripheral blood, was significantly increased in the AR patients. In vitro, sFGL2 remarkably induced TEC apoptosis, with a significant up-regulation of proapoptotic genes, including CASP-3, CASP-8, CASP-9, CASP-10, TRADD, TNFSF10, FADD, FAS, FASLG, BAK1, BAD, BAX, and NF-KB1. However, no significant changes were observed in the expression of antiapoptotic genes, including CARD-18, NAIP, BCL2, IKBKB, and TBK1. Therefore, sFGL2, an effector of Treg, induces TEC apoptosis. Our study suggests that sFGL2 is a potential mediator in the pathogenesis of allograft rejection and provides novel insights into the role of Treg in AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitong Zhao
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Zhao Z, Wang L, Yang C, Zhao T, Li L, Hu L, Wu D, Rong R, Xu M, Zhu T. Soluble FGL2 induced by tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ in CD4+ T cells through MAPK pathway in human renal allograft acute rejection. J Surg Res 2013; 184:1114-22. [PMID: 23664593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2013.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2013] [Revised: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute rejection (AR), initiated by alloreactive CD4(+) T cells, hampers allograft survival. Soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sFGL2) is a novel effector of CD4(+) T cells. We previously found that serum sFGL2 significantly increased in renal allograft recipients with AR. In this study, sFGL2 secretion by CD4(+) T cells and its mechanism were further explored both in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty cases of living-related renal transplant recipients with biopsy-proven AR or stable renal function were collected and detected serum sFGL2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ, and peripheral CD4(+) T cells. In vitro, the isolated human CD4(+) T cells were stimulated by TNF-α or IFN-γ. sFGL2 in the supernatant and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins in the CD4(+) T cells were investigated. Approval for this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Fudan University. RESULTS sFGL2, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and CD4(+) T cells were significantly increased in the peripheral blood of renal allograft recipients with AR. Stimulation with 1000 U/mL TNF-α or 62.5 U/mL IFN-γ for 48 h provided an optimal condition for CD4(+) T cells to secrete sFGL2 in vitro. Phosphorylated (p-) c-Jun N-terminal kinase was remarkably upregulated in the activated CD4(+) T cells, whereas no significant changes were found in p-p38 MAPK or p-ERK1/2 expression. Furthermore, inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase significantly reduced sFGL2 secretion by CD4(+) T cells. CONCLUSIONS sFGL2 secretion by CD4(+) T cells can be induced with TNF-α and IFN-γ stimulation through MAPK signaling in renal allograft AR. Our study suggests that sFGL2 is a potential mediator in the pathogenesis of allograft rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitong Zhao
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, China
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