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Liu T, Ren S, Sun C, Zhao P, Wang H. Glutaminolysis and peripheral CD4 + T cell differentiation: from mechanism to intervention strategy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1221530. [PMID: 37545506 PMCID: PMC10401425 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1221530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To maintain the body's regular immune system, CD4+ T cell homeostasis is crucial, particularly T helper (Th1, Th17) cells and T regulatory (Treg) cells. Abnormally differentiated peripheral CD4+ T cells are responsible for the occurrence and development of numerous diseases, including autoimmune diseases, transplantation rejection, and irritability. Searching for an effective interventional approach to control this abnormal differentiation is therefore especially important. As immunometabolism progressed, the inherent metabolic factors underlying the immune cell differentiation have gradually come to light. Mounting number of studies have revealed that glutaminolysis plays an indelible role in the differentiation of CD4+ T cells. Besides, alterations in the glutaminolysis can also lead to changes in the fate of peripheral CD4+ T cells. All of this indicate that the glutaminolysis pathway has excellent potential for interventional regulation of CD4+ T cells differentiation. Here, we summarized the process by which glutaminolysis regulates the fate of CD4+ T cells during differentiation and further investigated how to reshape abnormal CD4+ T cell differentiation by targeting glutaminolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Shaohua Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenglu Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Pengyu Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin General Surgery Institute, Tianjin, China
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Wróblewska J, Wróblewski M, Hołyńska-Iwan I, Modrzejewska M, Nuszkiewicz J, Wróblewska W, Woźniak A. The Role of Glutathione in Selected Viral Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1325. [PMID: 37507865 PMCID: PMC10376684 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
During inflammatory processes, immunocompetent cells are exposed to substantial amounts of free radicals and toxic compounds. Glutathione is a cysteine-containing tripeptide that is an important and ubiquitous antioxidant molecule produced in human organs. The intracellular content of GSH regulates the detoxifying capacity of cells, as well as the inflammatory and immune response. GSH is particularly important in the liver, where it serves as the major non-protein thiol involved in cellular antioxidant defense. There are numerous causes of hepatitis. The inflammation of the liver can be caused by a variety of infectious viruses. The relationship between oxidative stress and the hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is not fully known. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between hepatotropic viruses and glutathione status, including reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), as well as antioxidant enzymes, e.g., glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Wróblewska
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Marcin Wróblewski
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Iga Hołyńska-Iwan
- Department of Pathobiochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Martyna Modrzejewska
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Jarosław Nuszkiewicz
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Weronika Wróblewska
- Students Research Club of Medical Biology, Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Alina Woźniak
- Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland
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Intracellular Redox-Modulated Pathways as Targets for Effective Approaches in the Treatment of Viral Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073603. [PMID: 33808471 PMCID: PMC8036776 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Host-directed therapy using drugs that target cellular pathways required for virus lifecycle or its clearance might represent an effective approach for treating infectious diseases. Changes in redox homeostasis, including intracellular glutathione (GSH) depletion, are one of the key events that favor virus replication and contribute to the pathogenesis of virus-induced disease. Redox homeostasis has an important role in maintaining an appropriate Th1/Th2 balance, which is necessary to mount an effective immune response against viral infection and to avoid excessive inflammatory responses. It is known that excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by viral infection activates nuclear factor (NF)-kB, which orchestrates the expression of viral and host genes involved in the viral replication and inflammatory response. Moreover, redox-regulated protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) chaperones have an essential role in catalyzing formation of disulfide bonds in viral proteins. This review aims at describing the role of GSH in modulating redox sensitive pathways, in particular that mediated by NF-kB, and PDI activity. The second part of the review discusses the effectiveness of GSH-boosting molecules as broad-spectrum antivirals acting in a multifaceted way that includes the modulation of immune and inflammatory responses.
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Checconi P, De Angelis M, Marcocci ME, Fraternale A, Magnani M, Palamara AT, Nencioni L. Redox-Modulating Agents in the Treatment of Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4084. [PMID: 32521619 PMCID: PMC7312898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses use cell machinery to replicate their genome and produce viral proteins. For this reason, several intracellular factors, including the redox state, might directly or indirectly affect the progression and outcome of viral infection. In physiological conditions, the redox balance between oxidant and antioxidant species is maintained by enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems, and it finely regulates several cell functions. Different viruses break this equilibrium and induce an oxidative stress that in turn facilitates specific steps of the virus lifecycle and activates an inflammatory response. In this context, many studies highlighted the importance of redox-sensitive pathways as novel cell-based targets for therapies aimed at blocking both viral replication and virus-induced inflammation. In the review, we discuss the most recent findings in this field. In particular, we describe the effects of natural or synthetic redox-modulating molecules in inhibiting DNA or RNA virus replication as well as inflammatory pathways. The importance of the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2 is also discussed. Most of the data reported here are on influenza virus infection. We believe that this approach could be usefully applied to fight other acute respiratory viral infections characterized by a strong inflammatory response, like COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Checconi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy; (P.C.); (A.T.P.)
| | - Marta De Angelis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.A.); (M.E.M.)
| | - Maria Elena Marcocci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.A.); (M.E.M.)
| | - Alessandra Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy; (A.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy; (A.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy; (P.C.); (A.T.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.A.); (M.E.M.)
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.A.); (M.E.M.)
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5
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Boosting GSH Using the Co-Drug Approach: I-152, a Conjugate of N-acetyl-cysteine and β-mercaptoethylamine. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11061291. [PMID: 31181621 PMCID: PMC6627109 DOI: 10.3390/nu11061291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) has poor pharmacokinetic properties; thus, several derivatives and biosynthetic precursors have been proposed as GSH-boosting drugs. I-152 is a conjugate of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and S-acetyl-β-mercaptoethylamine (SMEA) designed to release the parent drugs (i.e., NAC and β-mercaptoethylamine or cysteamine, MEA). NAC is a precursor of L-cysteine, while MEA is an aminothiol able to increase GSH content; thus, I-152 represents the very first attempt to combine two pro-GSH molecules. In this review, the in-vitro and in-vivo metabolism, pro-GSH activity and antiviral and immunomodulatory properties of I-152 are discussed. Under physiological GSH conditions, low I-152 doses increase cellular GSH content; by contrast, high doses cause GSH depletion but yield a high content of NAC, MEA and I-152, which can be used to resynthesize GSH. Preliminary in-vivo studies suggest that the molecule reaches mouse organs, including the brain, where its metabolites, NAC and MEA, are detected. In cell cultures, I-152 replenishes experimentally depleted GSH levels. Moreover, administration of I-152 to C57BL/6 mice infected with the retroviral complex LP-BM5 is effective in contrasting virus-induced GSH depletion, exerting at the same time antiviral and immunomodulatory functions. I-152 acts as a pro-GSH agent; however, GSH derivatives and NAC cannot completely replicate its effects. The co-delivery of different thiol species may lead to unpredictable outcomes, which warrant further investigation.
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Amatore D, Celestino I, Brundu S, Galluzzi L, Coluccio P, Checconi P, Magnani M, Palamara AT, Fraternale A, Nencioni L. Glutathione increase by the n-butanoyl glutathione derivative (GSH-C4) inhibits viral replication and induces a predominant Th1 immune profile in old mice infected with influenza virus. FASEB Bioadv 2019; 1:296-305. [PMID: 32123833 PMCID: PMC6996388 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2018-00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During aging, glutathione (GSH) content declines and the immune system undergoes a deficiency in the induction of Th1 response. Reduced secretion of Th1 cytokines, which is associated with GSH depletion, could weaken the host defenses against viral infections. We first evaluated the concentration of GSH and cysteine in organs of old mice; then, the effect of the administration of the N-butanoyl GSH derivative (GSH-C4) on the response of aged mice infected with influenza A PR8/H1N1 virus was studied through the determination of GSH concentration in organs, lung viral titer, IgA and IgG1/IgG2a production, and Th1/Th2 cytokine profile. Old mice had lower GSH than young mice in organs. Also the gene expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers involved in GSH metabolism and folding of proteins, that is, Nrf2 and PDI, was reduced. Following infection, GSH content remained low and neither infection nor GSH-C4 treatment affected Nrf2 expression. In contrast, PDI expression was upregulated during infection and appeared counterbalanced by GSH-C4. Moreover, the treatment with GSH-C4 increased GSH content in organs, reduced viral replication and induced a predominant Th1 response. In conclusion, GSH-C4 treatment could be used in the elderly to contrast influenza virus infection by inducing immune response, in particular the Th1 profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Amatore
- Deparment of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesIstituto Pasteur Italia‐Fondazione Cenci‐Bolognetti, Sapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Ignacio Celestino
- Deparment of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesIstituto Pasteur Italia‐Fondazione Cenci‐Bolognetti, Sapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Serena Brundu
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesUniversity of Urbino Carlo BoUrbino (PU)Italy
| | - Luca Galluzzi
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesUniversity of Urbino Carlo BoUrbino (PU)Italy
| | - Paolo Coluccio
- Deparment of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesIstituto Pasteur Italia‐Fondazione Cenci‐Bolognetti, Sapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Paola Checconi
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of LifeIRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, San Raffaele Roma Open UniversityRomeItaly
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesUniversity of Urbino Carlo BoUrbino (PU)Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- Deparment of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesIstituto Pasteur Italia‐Fondazione Cenci‐Bolognetti, Sapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of LifeIRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, San Raffaele Roma Open UniversityRomeItaly
| | | | - Lucia Nencioni
- Deparment of Public Health and Infectious DiseasesIstituto Pasteur Italia‐Fondazione Cenci‐Bolognetti, Sapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
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Limongi D, Baldelli S, Checconi P, Marcocci ME, De Chiara G, Fraternale A, Magnani M, Ciriolo MR, Palamara AT. GSH-C4 Acts as Anti-inflammatory Drug in Different Models of Canonical and Cell Autonomous Inflammation Through NFκB Inhibition. Front Immunol 2019; 10:155. [PMID: 30787932 PMCID: PMC6372722 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An imbalance in GSH/GSSG ratio represents a triggering event in pro-inflammatory cytokine production and inflammatory response. However, the molecular mechanism(s) through which GSH regulates macrophage and cell autonomous inflammation remains not deeply understood. Here, we investigated the effects of a derivative of GSH, the N-butanoyl glutathione (GSH-C4), a cell permeable compound, on lipopolisaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW 264.7 macrophages, and human macrophages. LPS alone induces a significant production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and a significant decrement of GSH content. Such events were significantly abrogated by treatment with GSH-C4. Moreover, GSH-C4 was highly efficient in buffering cell autonomous inflammatory status of aged C2C12 myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We found that inflammation was paralleled by a strong induction of the phosphorylated form of NFκB, which translocates into the nucleus; a process that was also efficiently inhibited by the treatment with GSH-C4. Overall, the evidence suggests that GSH decrement is required for efficient activation of an inflammatory condition and, at the same time, GSH-C4 can be envisaged as a good candidate to abrogate such process, expanding the anti-inflammatory role of this molecule in chronic inflammatory states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Limongi
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Baldelli
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Checconi
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Marcocci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Chiara
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Magnani
- University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Urbino, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Ciriolo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy.,Institute Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
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Arora S, Dev K, Agarwal B, Das P, Syed MA. Macrophages: Their role, activation and polarization in pulmonary diseases. Immunobiology 2017; 223:383-396. [PMID: 29146235 PMCID: PMC7114886 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 351] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages, circulating in the blood or concatenated into different organs and tissues constitute the first barrier against any disease. They are foremost controllers of both innate and acquired immunity, healthy tissue homeostasis, vasculogenesis and congenital metabolism. Two hallmarks of macrophages are diversity and plasticity due to which they acquire a wobbling array of phenotypes. These phenotypes are appropriately synchronized responses to a variety of different stimuli from either the tissue microenvironment or - microbes or their products. Based on the phenotype, macrophages are classified into classically activated/(M1) and alternatively activated/(M2) which are further sub-categorized into M2a, M2b, M2c and M2d based upon gene expression profiles. Macrophage phenotype metamorphosis is the regulating factor in initiation, progression, and termination of numerous inflammatory diseases. Several transcriptional factors and other factors controlling gene expression such as miRNAs contribute to the transformation of macrophages at different points in different diseases. Understanding the mechanisms of macrophage polarization and modulation of their phenotypes to adjust to the micro environmental conditions might provide us a great prospective for designing novel therapeutic strategy. In view of the above, this review summarises the activation of macrophages, the factors intricated in activation along with benefaction of macrophage polarization in response to microbial infections, pulmonary toxicity, lung injury and other inflammatory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary dysplasia (COPD), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), asthma and sepsis, along with the existing efforts to develop therapies targeting this facet of macrophage biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Arora
- Translational Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India.
| | - Kapil Dev
- Translational Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India.
| | - Beamon Agarwal
- Department of Hematopathology, Montefiore Medical Center, 111 East 210th Street, Bronx, NY 10467-2401, United States.
| | - Pragnya Das
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19134, United States.
| | - Mansoor Ali Syed
- Translational Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India.
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Kadkhodayan S, Jafarzade BS, Sadat SM, Motevalli F, Agi E, Bolhassani A. Combination of cell penetrating peptides and heterologous DNA prime/protein boost strategy enhances immune responses against HIV-1 Nef antigen in BALB/c mouse model. Immunol Lett 2017; 188:38-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Fraternale A, Brundu S, Magnani M. Glutathione and glutathione derivatives in immunotherapy. Biol Chem 2017; 398:261-275. [PMID: 27514076 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2016-0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Reduced glutathione (GSH) is the most prevalent non-protein thiol in animal cells. Its de novo and salvage synthesis serves to maintain a reduced cellular environment, which is important for several cellular functions. Altered intracellular GSH levels are observed in a wide range of pathologies, including several viral infections, as well as in aging, all of which are also characterized by an unbalanced Th1/Th2 immune response. A central role in influencing the immune response has been ascribed to GSH. Specifically, GSH depletion in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) correlates with altered antigen processing and reduced secretion of Th1 cytokines. Conversely, an increase in intracellular GSH content stimulates IL-12 and/or IL-27, which in turn induces differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells to Th1 cells. In addition, GSH has been shown to inhibit the replication/survival of several pathogens, i.e. viruses and bacteria. Hence, molecules able to increase GSH levels have been proposed as new tools to more effectively hinder different pathogens by acting as both immunomodulators and antimicrobials. Herein, the new role of GSH and its derivatives as immunotherapeutics will be discussed.
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Alipour S, Mahdavi A, Abdoli A. The effects of CpG-ODNs and Chitosan adjuvants on the elicitation of immune responses induced by the HIV-1-Tat-based candidate vaccines in mice. Pathog Dis 2017; 75:2975569. [PMID: 28175274 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftx013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV1-Tat-based vaccines could elicit broad, durable and neutralizing immune responses and are considered as potential AIDS vaccines. The present study aims to formulate CpG-ODNs adjuvant and Chitosan with Tat protein to enhance the immunogenicity of HIV-1-Tat-based candidate vaccines and to investigate their efficacies in mice. To this end, we added CpG-ODNs, Chitosan and Alum as adjuvants to the Tat-based candidate vaccine formulations. Then, we compared frequency and magnitude of both humoral and cellular immune responses from mice immunized with the adjuvant-formulated Tat candidate vaccines against those obtained from mice immunized with recombinant Tat protein alone. Mice were subcutaneously immunized three times at 2-week intervals with the candidate vaccines. Measurements of anti-Tat immune responses showed that all vaccinated groups had a good immunity compared to the control groups and developed high levels of both humoral and cellular responses. However, immunized mice with CpG-ODNs, and Chitosan-adjuvanted Tat vaccines elicited stronger T-cell responses (both humoral and cellular immunity) compared to the others. These data suggest that co-administration of recombinant Tat protein with CpG-ODNs and Chitosan may serve as a potential formulation for enhancing of the Tat vaccine-induced immunity and might have effects on shaping Th polarization induced by HIV1-Tat protein vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Alipour
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45195-1159, Iran
| | - Atiyeh Mahdavi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45195-1159, Iran
| | - Asghar Abdoli
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran
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Glutathione Depletion Is Linked with Th2 Polarization in Mice with a Retrovirus-Induced Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Murine AIDS: Role of Proglutathione Molecules as Immunotherapeutics. J Virol 2016; 90:7118-7130. [PMID: 27226373 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00603-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Injection of the LP-BM5 murine leukemia virus into mice causes murine AIDS, a disease characterized by many dysfunctions of immunocompetent cells. To establish whether the disease is characterized by glutathione imbalance, reduced glutathione (GSH) and cysteine were quantified in different organs. A marked redox imbalance, consisting of GSH and/or cysteine depletion, was found in the lymphoid organs, such as the spleen and lymph nodes. Moreover, a significant decrease in cysteine and GSH levels in the pancreas and brain, respectively, was measured at 5 weeks postinfection. The Th2 immune response was predominant at all times investigated, as revealed by the expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines. Furthermore, investigation of the activation status of peritoneal macrophages showed that the expression of genetic markers of alternative activation, namely, Fizz1, Ym1, and Arginase1, was induced. Conversely, expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, a marker of classical activation of macrophages, was detected only when Th1 cytokines were expressed at high levels. In vitro studies revealed that during the very early phases of infection, GSH depletion and the downregulation of interleukin-12 (IL-12) p40 mRNA were correlated with the dose of LP-BM5 used to infect the macrophages. Treatment of LP-BM5-infected mice with N-(N-acetyl-l-cysteinyl)-S-acetylcysteamine (I-152), an N-acetyl-cysteine supplier, restored GSH/cysteine levels in the organs, reduced the expression of alternatively activated macrophage markers, and increased the level of gamma interferon production, while it decreased the levels of Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-5. Our findings thus establish a link between GSH deficiency and Th1/Th2 disequilibrium in LP-BM5 infection and indicate that I-152 can be used to restore the GSH level and a balanced Th1/Th2 response in infected mice. IMPORTANCE The first report of an association between Th2 polarization and alteration of the redox state in LP-BM5 infection is presented. Moreover, it provides evidence that LP-BM5 infection causes a decrease in the thiol content of peritoneal macrophages, which can influence IL-12 production. The restoration of GSH levels by GSH-replenishing molecules can represent a new therapeutic avenue to fight this retroviral infection, as it reestablishes the Th1/Th2 balance. Immunotherapy based on the use of pro-GSH molecules would permit LP-BM5 infection and probably all those viral infections characterized by GSH deficiency and a Th1/Th2 imbalance to be more effectively combated.
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Sgarbanti R, Amatore D, Celestino I, Marcocci ME, Fraternale A, Ciriolo MR, Magnani M, Saladino R, Garaci E, Palamara AT, Nencioni L. Intracellular redox state as target for anti-influenza therapy: are antioxidants always effective? Curr Top Med Chem 2015; 14:2529-41. [PMID: 25478883 PMCID: PMC4435240 DOI: 10.2174/1568026614666141203125211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Influenza virus infections represent a big issue for public health since effective treatments are still lacking. In particular, the emergence of strains resistant to drugs limits the effectiveness of anti-influenza agents. For this reason, many efforts have been dedicated to the identification of new therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting the virus-host cell interactions. Oxidative stress is a characteristic of some viral infections including influenza. Because antioxidants defend cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species induced by different stimuli including pathogens, they represent interesting molecules to fight infectious diseases. However, most of the available studies have found that these would-be panaceas could actually exacerbate the diseases they claim to prevent, and have thus revealed "the dark side" of these molecules. This review article discusses the latest opportunities and drawbacks of the antioxidants used in anti-influenza therapy and new perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Amatore D, Sgarbanti R, Aquilano K, Baldelli S, Limongi D, Civitelli L, Nencioni L, Garaci E, Ciriolo MR, Palamara AT. Influenza virus replication in lung epithelial cells depends on redox-sensitive pathways activated by NOX4-derived ROS. Cell Microbiol 2014; 17:131-45. [PMID: 25154738 PMCID: PMC4311438 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
An overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated by NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) has been related to airway inflammation typical of influenza infection. Virus-induced oxidative stress may also control viral replication, but the mechanisms underlying ROS production, as well as their role in activating intracellular pathways and specific steps of viral life cycle under redox control have to be fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that influenza A virus infection of lung epithelial cells causes a significant ROS increase that depends mainly on NOX4, which is upregulated at both mRNA and protein levels, while the expression of NOX2, the primary source of ROS in inflammatory cells, is downregulated. Inhibition of NOX4 activity through chemical inhibitors or RNA silencing blocks the ROS increase, prevents MAPK phosphorylation, and inhibits viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) nuclear export and viral release. Overall these data, obtained in cell lines and primary culture, describe a so far unrecognized role for NOX4-derived ROS in activating redox-regulated intracellular pathways during influenza virus infection and highlight their relevance in controlling specific steps of viral replication in epithelial cells. Pharmacological modulation of NOX4-mediated ROS production may open the way for new therapeutic approaches to fighting influenza by targeting cell and not the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Amatore
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute-Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy; CEINGE Advanced Biotechnology, Naples, 80145, Italy
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Intranasal immunisation of the recombinant Toxoplasma gondii receptor for activated C kinase 1 partly protects mice against T. gondii infection. Acta Trop 2014; 137:58-66. [PMID: 24813415 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Nasal vaccination is an effective therapeutic regimen for preventing certain infectious diseases. The mucosal immune response is important for resistance to Toxoplasma gondii infection. In this study, we evaluated the immune responses elicited in BALB/c mice by nasal immunisation with recombinant T. gondii receptor for activated C kinase 1 (rTgRACK1) and their protective efficacy against T. gondii RH strain during both chronic and lethal infections. Nasal vaccination with rTgRACK1 increased the level of secretory IgA in nasal, intestinal and vesical washes, and the level of IFN-γ and IL-2 in intestinal washes, indicating that rTgRACK1 vaccination promotes mucosal immune responses. The mice immunised with rTgRACK1 also displayed increased levels of rTgRACK1-specific IgA, total IgG, IgG1 and in particular IgG2a in their blood sera, increased production of IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-4 but not IL-10 from their isolated spleen cells, and enhanced splenocyte proliferation in vitro. rTgRACK1-vaccinated mice were effectively protected against infection with T. gondii RH strain, showing over 50% reduction of tachyzoite burdens in their liver and brain tissues during a chronic infection, and also a 45% increase in their survivals during a lethal challenge. These results indicate that rTgRACK1 might represent an intriguing immunogen for developing a mucosal vaccine against toxoplasmosis.
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Pang X, Panee J. Roles of glutathione in antioxidant defense, inflammation, and neuron differentiation in the thalamus of HIV-1 transgenic rats. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2014; 9:413-23. [PMID: 24609977 PMCID: PMC4868348 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-014-9538-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain are major causes of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Previously we have reported high content of glutathione (GSH) in the thalamus of rats with F344 genetic background. In this study, we investigated the changes of GSH metabolism and GSH-dependent antioxidant enzymes in the rat thalamus in response to HIV-1 transgenesis, and their associations with oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal development. Male HIV-1 transgenic (HIV-1Tg) rats and wild type F344 rats at 10 months were used in this study, with 5 rats in each group. Parameters measured in this study included: total and oxidized GSH, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), cysteine/cystine transporters, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), interleukin 12 (IL12), neuronal nuclei (NeuN), microtubule-associated protein (MAP2), and glia fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The levels of total GSH, oxidized GSH (GSSG) and MAP2 protein, and enzymatic activities of GCS, GPx and GST were significantly higher in HIV-1Tg rats compared with F344 rats, but the ratio of GSSG/GSH, activity of GGT and levels of HNE, NeuN protein and GFAP protein did not change. HIV-1Tg rats showed a lower level of IL12 protein. GSH positively correlated with GCS, GST and MAP2, GSSG/GSH ratio positively correlated with HNE and IL12, the activities of GPx, GST and GCS positively correlated with each other, and negatively correlated with HNE. These findings suggest an important role of the GSH-centered system in reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, and enhancing neuron differentiation in the thalamus of HIV-1Tg rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosha Pang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 651 Ilalo Street BSB 222, Honolulu HI 96813
| | - Jun Panee
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 651 Ilalo Street BSB 222, Honolulu HI 96813
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Effect of the N-butanoyl glutathione (GSH) derivative and acyclovir on HSV-1 replication and Th1 cytokine expression in human macrophages. Med Microbiol Immunol 2014; 203:283-9. [PMID: 24682316 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-014-0335-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages are an important defense against in vivo herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection by early cytokine secretion; however, they can be infected by HSV-1 and they may be compromised in their ability to produce cytokines. In this paper, we studied the expression of two Th1 cytokines, interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-27, upon HSV-1 infection of human macrophages, and how it is regulated by treatment with two antiviral drugs exerting their anti-HSV-1 activity through different mechanisms of action. We found that infection does not alter intra-macrophage thiol content, while it induces mRNA expression of IL-12 p35 and IL-12 p40 as well as of IL-27 p28 and IL-27 EBI3, as revealed by RT-PCR. The increased expression of mRNA is accompanied by increased production of IL-12 p40 and IL-27 p28 protein, as detected in the culture supernatants by ELISA. The two antiviral drugs tested were acyclovir (ACV), commonly used to treat herpes virus infections, and an N-butanoyl glutathione (GSH) derivative, GSH-C4. While ACV inhibits viral DNA polymerase, GSH-C4 inhibits virus replication by interfering with protein folding and maturation of viral particles. Indeed, GSH-C4, altering the intracellular redox state, may modulate the Th1/Th2 balance favoring Th1-type response. Our data show that both drugs inhibit HSV-1 replication in macrophages, without significantly affecting cytokine mRNA levels. Nonetheless, lower levels of IL-12 p40 and IL-27 p28 proteins were found in the supernatants of macrophages treated with either GSH-C4 or ACV, likely as an indirect consequence of inhibited HSV-1 replication.
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Russell ES, Mohammed T, Smeaton L, Jorowe B, MacLeod IJ, Hoffman RM, Currier JS, Moyo S, Essex M, Lockman S. Immune activation markers in peripartum women in Botswana: association with feeding strategy and maternal morbidity. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89928. [PMID: 24657960 PMCID: PMC3962339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormone levels shift the immune state in HIV-uninfected pregnant and breastfeeding women away from Th1 responses and toward regulation to permit fetal tolerance. Limited data exist on inflammation during pregnancy or postpartum in HIV-infected women, though certain inflammatory markers are associated with adverse health outcomes among HIV-infected persons. We measured hsCRP, D-dimer, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α at 34 weeks gestation and six months postpartum in HIV-infected women from the Botswana Mashi PMTCT trial who were randomized to breastfeeding or formula-feeding. Differences in inflammatory markers between gestation and postpartum periods, and by randomized feeding method, were estimated using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for baseline plasma HIV-1 viral load, CD4 count, calendar time, and antiretroviral treatment status. Additionally, we studied the association between marker concentrations at six months postpartum and major adverse clinical events over the following 4.5 years, using case-cohort sampling and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. In 86 breastfeeding and 75 formula-feeding women, hsCRP and D-dimer decreased significantly between 34 weeks gestation and six months postpartum, while IFN-γ increased. There was no significant association between inflammatory marker change and randomized feeding method after adjusting for multiple comparisons and removing outliers. In univariate analysis, TNF-α, D-dimer, and IFN-γ concentrations at six months postpartum were significant predictors of subsequent clinical events, and TNF-α remained significant in multivariate analysis (HR = 4.16, p = 0.001). In young HIV-infected women in Botswana inflammatory marker concentrations did not differ significantly between women who breast- vs. formula-fed. However, postpartum TNF-α level was predictive of subsequent adverse clinical event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Russell
- Harvard AIDS Initiative, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Laura Smeaton
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Iain J MacLeod
- Harvard AIDS Initiative, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Risa M Hoffman
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Judith S Currier
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | | | - Max Essex
- Harvard AIDS Initiative, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Harvard AIDS Initiative, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Morris D, Khurasany M, Nguyen T, Kim J, Guilford F, Mehta R, Gray D, Saviola B, Venketaraman V. Glutathione and infection. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2013; 1830:3329-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2012.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Fraternale A, Crinelli R, Casabianca A, Paoletti MF, Orlandi C, Carloni E, Smietana M, Palamara AT, Magnani M. Molecules altering the intracellular thiol content modulate NF-kB and STAT-1/IRF-1 signalling pathways and IL-12 p40 and IL-27 p28 production in murine macrophages. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57866. [PMID: 23536773 PMCID: PMC3594194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the production of Th1 cytokines, namely IL-12 and IL-27, when the intra-macrophage redox state was altered by different chemical entities such as GSH-C4, which is reduced glutathione carrying an aliphatic chain, or I-152, a pro-drug of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and beta-mercaptoethylamine. We had already demonstrated that GSH-C4 and I-152 could shift the immune response towards Th1 in Ovalbumin-immunized mice as well as enhance Th1 response in HIV-1 Tat-immunized mice. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS By a new high performance liquid chromatography method, we found that 20 mM GSH-C4 provided a number of thiol species in the form of GSH, while 20 mM I-152 decreased GSH and increased the thiols in the form of NAC and I-152. Under these experimental conditions, GSH-C4 and I-152 enhanced and suppressed respectively the mRNA expression levels of IL-12 p40 induced by LPS/IFN-γ as assessed by Real-Time PCR. The protein production of IL-12 p40 was increased by GSH-C4 and decreased by I-152 as determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western immunoblot and electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that Nuclear Factor -kB (NF-kB) activation was inhibited by I-152 and prolonged by GSH-C4. Twenty mM I-152 stimulated IL-27 p28 gene expression and sustained Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT)-mediated interferon regulator factor 1 (IRF-1) de novo synthesis. By contrast, 20 mM GSH-C4 did not exert any effect on IL-27 p28 gene expression. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE an increase in the intra-macrophage redox state by GSH-C4 and I-152 enhances Th1 cytokine production although the chemical structure and the intra-cellular metabolism influence differently signalling pathways involved in IL-27 or IL-12 production. GSH-C4 and I-152 may be used as Th1 immunomodulators in some pathologies and in ageing where GSH depletion may contribute to the Th1/Th2 imbalance, and in new immunization strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino (PU), Italy.
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Erythrocytes as a novel delivery vehicle for biologics: from enzymes to nucleic acid-based therapeutics. Ther Deliv 2012; 3:405-14. [PMID: 22833997 DOI: 10.4155/tde.12.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological drugs are among the most exciting drugs of the future, offering better treatment options for patients than ever before but they need an appropriate delivery vehicle. Carrier erythrocytes are one of the most promising drug-delivery systems. Application of erythrocytes as containers for various drugs minimizes toxicity, decreasing the risk of side effects and pathologic immune reactions against encapsulated agents as well as improving their efficacy, leading to better patient compliance. This review discusses the rationale for the use of erythrocytes as a vehicle for biopharmaceuticals and summarizes the categories of these new encapsulable compounds that are currently under investigation. The authors' intent is to describe the development of this delivery system to give the reader an overview of the remarkable potential of erythrocytes as naturally designed carriers and their versatility in the field of biologics for the treatment of various pathological conditions.
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Transplant tolerance is associated with reduced expression of cystathionine-γ-lyase that controls IL-12 production by dendritic cells and TH-1 immune responses. Blood 2012; 119:2633-43. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-04-350546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractAntigen-activated T lymphocytes undergo an immune or tolerogeneic response in part according to the activation status of their antigen-presenting cells. However, factors controlling the activation of antigen-presenting cells are not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrate that immune tolerance after organ allotransplantation in the rat is associated with a repressed intragraft expression of several enzymes of the trans-sulfuration pathway, including cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). The pharmacologic blockade of CSE with propargylglycine delayed heart allograft rejection and abrogated type IV hypersensitivity but did not modify antibody responses, and was associated with a selective inhibition of the TH-1 type factors T-bet, IL-12, and IFN-γ. IL-12 repression could also be induced by propargylglycine in vitro in monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs), a phenomenon not mediated by changes to nuclear factor-κ B or hydrogen sulfide but that occurred together with a modulation of intracellular cysteine content. Intracellular cysteine levels were predominantly controlled in DCs by CSE activity, together with extracellular import via the Xc− transporter. Our results indicate that CSE plays a critical role in regulating IL-12 in monocytes and DCs and is down-modulated in transplant tolerance, presumably participating in the maintenance of the tolerant state.
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