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Kawashima K, Mashimo M, Nomura A, Fujii T. Contributions of Non-Neuronal Cholinergic Systems to the Regulation of Immune Cell Function, Highlighting the Role of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4564. [PMID: 38674149 PMCID: PMC11050324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084564] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Loewi's discovery of acetylcholine (ACh) release from the frog vagus nerve and the discovery by Dale and Dudley of ACh in ox spleen led to the demonstration of chemical transmission of nerve impulses. ACh is now well-known to function as a neurotransmitter. However, advances in the techniques for ACh detection have led to its discovery in many lifeforms lacking a nervous system, including eubacteria, archaea, fungi, and plants. Notably, mRNAs encoding choline acetyltransferase and muscarinic and nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) have been found in uninnervated mammalian cells, including immune cells, keratinocytes, vascular endothelial cells, cardiac myocytes, respiratory, and digestive epithelial cells. It thus appears that non-neuronal cholinergic systems are expressed in a variety of mammalian cells, and that ACh should now be recognized not only as a neurotransmitter, but also as a local regulator of non-neuronal cholinergic systems. Here, we discuss the role of non-neuronal cholinergic systems, with a focus on immune cells. A current focus of much research on non-neuronal cholinergic systems in immune cells is α7 nAChRs, as these receptors expressed on macrophages and T cells are involved in regulating inflammatory and immune responses. This makes α7 nAChRs an attractive potential therapeutic target.
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Grants
- 19-31: TF; 20-25: TF. Individual Research Grants from the Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts
- 24590120, K.K., T.F., K.H.; 22K06638, T.F., A.N., 15K18871, M.M.; 15K07979, T.F., 15K07969-m, K.K.; 18K06903, T.F. The Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture of Japan
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Kawashima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Masato Mashimo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kyotanabe 610-0395, Japan; (M.M.); (A.N.)
| | - Atsuo Nomura
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kyotanabe 610-0395, Japan; (M.M.); (A.N.)
| | - Takeshi Fujii
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kyotanabe 610-0395, Japan; (M.M.); (A.N.)
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Mashimo M, Fujii T, Ono S, Moriwaki Y, Misawa H, Azami T, Kasahara T, Kawashima K. GTS-21 Enhances Regulatory T Cell Development from T Cell Receptor-Activated Human CD4 + T Cells Exhibiting Varied Levels of CHRNA7 and CHRFAM7A Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12257. [PMID: 37569633 PMCID: PMC10418795 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512257] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune cells such as T cells and macrophages express α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChRs), which contribute to the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. Earlier findings suggest α7 nAChR activation promotes the development of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in mice. Using human CD4+ T cells, we investigated the mRNA expression of the α7 subunit and the human-specific dupα7 nAChR subunit, which functions as a dominant-negative regulator of ion channel function, under resting conditions and T cell receptor (TCR)-activation. We then explored the effects of the selective α7 nAChR agonist GTS-21 on proliferation of TCR-activated T cells and Treg development. Varied levels of mRNA for both the α7 and dupα7 nAChR subunits were detected in resting human CD4+ T cells. mRNA expression of the α7 nAChR subunit was profoundly suppressed on days 4 and 7 of TCR-activation as compared to day 1, whereas mRNA expression of the dupα7 nAChR subunit remained nearly constant. GTS-21 did not alter CD4+ T cell proliferation but significantly promoted Treg development. These results suggest the potential ex vivo utility of GTS-21 for preparing Tregs for adoptive immunotherapy, even with high expression of the dupα7 subunit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Mashimo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kyotanabe 610-0395, Japan; (M.M.); (T.F.)
| | - Takeshi Fujii
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kyotanabe 610-0395, Japan; (M.M.); (T.F.)
| | - Shiro Ono
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Ohtani University, Tondabayashi 584-8540, Japan;
| | - Yasuhiro Moriwaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan; (Y.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Hidemi Misawa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan; (Y.M.); (H.M.)
| | - Tetsushi Azami
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Yokohama 227-8502, Japan;
| | - Tadashi Kasahara
- Division of Inflammation Research, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsukeshi 324-0498, Japan;
| | - Koichiro Kawashima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
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You Z, Liu B, Qi H. Neuronal regulation of B-cell immunity: Anticipatory immune posturing? Neuron 2022; 110:3582-3596. [PMID: 36327899 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The brain may sense, evaluate, modulate, and intervene in the operation of immune system, which would otherwise function autonomously in defense against pathogens. Antibody-mediated immunity is one arm of adaptive immunity that may achieve sterilizing protection against infection. Lymphoid organs are densely innervated. Immune cells supporting the antigen-specific antibody response express receptors for neurotransmitters and glucocorticoid hormones, and they are subjected to collective regulation by the neuroendocrine and the autonomic nervous system. Emerging evidence reveals a brain-spleen axis that regulates antigen-specific B cell responses and antibody-mediated immunity. In this article, we provide a synthesis of those studies as pertinent to neuronal regulation of B cell responses in secondary lymphoid organs. We propose the concept of defensive immune posturing as a brain-initiated top-down reaction in anticipation of potential tissue injury that requires immune protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei You
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China; Laboratory of Dynamic Immunobiology, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China; Laboratory of Dynamic Immunobiology, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hai Qi
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China; Laboratory of Dynamic Immunobiology, Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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Mashimo M, Kawashima K, Fujii T. Non-neuronal Cholinergic Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Regulation of Immune Function. Biol Pharm Bull 2022; 45:675-683. [PMID: 35650095 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-01005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells such as T and B cells, monocytes and macrophages all express most of the cholinergic components of the nervous system, including acetylcholine (ACh), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), high affinity choline transporter, muscarinic and nicotinic ACh receptors (mAChRs and nAChRs, respectively), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Because of its efficient cleavage by AChE, ACh synthesized and released from immune cells acts only locally in an autocrine and/or paracrine fashion at mAChRs and nAChRs on themselves and other immune cells located in close proximity, leading to modification of immune function. Immune cells generally express all five mAChR subtypes (M1-M5) and neuron type nAChR subunits α2-α7, α9, α10, β2-β4. The expression pattern and levels of mAChR subtypes and nAChR subunits vary depending on the tissue involved and its immunological status. Immunological activation of T cells via T-cell receptor-mediated pathways and cell adhesion molecules upregulates ChAT expression, which facilitates the synthesis and release of ACh. At present, α7 nAChRs expressed in macrophages are receiving much attention because they play a central role in anti-inflammatory cholinergic pathways. However, it now appears that through modification of cytokine synthesis, Gq/11-coupled mAChRs play a prominent role in regulation of T cell proliferation and differentiation and B cell immunoglobulin class switching. It is anticipated that greater understanding of Gq/11-coupled mAChRs on immune cells will provide an opportunity to develop new and effective treatments for immunological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Mashimo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts
| | - Koichiro Kawashima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Takeshi Fujii
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts
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Skok M. Universal nature of cholinergic regulation demonstrated with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. BBA ADVANCES 2022; 2:100061. [PMID: 37082580 PMCID: PMC10074969 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2022.100061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) were initially discovered as ligand-gated ion channels mediating fast synaptic transmission in the neuro-muscular junctions and autonomic ganglia. They were further found to be involved in a wide range of basic biological processes within the brain and in non-excitable tissues. The present review summarizes the data obtained in our laboratory during last two decades. Investigation of autonomic ganglia with the nAChR subunit-specific antibodies was followed by identification of nAChRs in B lymphocytes, discovery of mitochondrial nAChRs and their role in mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, and revealing the role of α7 nAChRs and α7-specific antibodies in neuroinflammation-related Alzheimer disease and COVID-19. The data obtained demonstrate the involvement of nAChRs in cell survival, proliferation, cell-to-cell communication and inflammatory reaction. Together with the ability of nAChRs to function in both ionotropic and metabotropic way, these data illustrate the universal nature of cholinergic regulation mediated by nAChRs.
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Allegra A, Sant'Antonio E, Musolino C, Ettari R. New insights into neuropeptides regulation of immune system and hemopoiesis: effects on hematologic malignancies. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:2412-2437. [PMID: 34521320 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210914120228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Several neurotransmitters and neuropeptides were reported to join to or to cooperate with different cells of the immune system, bone marrow, and peripheral cells and numerous data support that neuroactive molecules might control immune system activity and hemopoiesis operating on lymphoid organs, and the primary hematopoietic unit, the hematopoietic niche. Furthermore, many compounds seem to be able to take part to the leukemogenesis and lymphomagenesis process, and in the onset of multiple myeloma. In this review, we will assess the possibility that neurotransmitters and neuropeptides may have a role in the onset of haematological neoplasms, may affect the response to treatment or may represent a useful starting point for a new therapeutic approach. More in vivo investigations are needed to evaluate neuropeptide's role in haematological malignancies and the possible utilization as an antitumor therapeutic target. Comprehending the effect of the pharmacological administration of neuropeptide modulators on hematologic malignancies opens up new possibilities in curing clonal hematologic diseases to achieve more satisfactory outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina. Italy
| | | | - Caterina Musolino
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina. Italy
| | - Roberta Ettari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Chemistry, University of Messina. Italy
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Regulation of Immune Functions by Non-Neuronal Acetylcholine (ACh) via Muscarinic and Nicotinic ACh Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136818. [PMID: 34202925 PMCID: PMC8268711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) is the classical neurotransmitter in the cholinergic nervous system. However, ACh is now known to regulate various immune cell functions. In fact, T cells, B cells, and macrophages all express components of the cholinergic system, including ACh, muscarinic, and nicotinic ACh receptors (mAChRs and nAChRs), choline acetyltransferase, acetylcholinesterase, and choline transporters. In this review, we will discuss the actions of ACh in the immune system. We will first briefly describe the mechanisms by which ACh is stored in and released from immune cells. We will then address Ca2+ signaling pathways activated via mAChRs and nAChRs on T cells and B cells, highlighting the importance of ACh for the function of T cells, B cells, and macrophages, as well as its impact on innate and acquired (cellular and humoral) immunity. Lastly, we will discuss the effects of two peptide ligands, secreted lymphocyte antigen-6/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor-related peptide-1 (SLURP-1) and hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide (HCNP), on cholinergic activity in T cells. Overall, we stress the fact that ACh does not function only as a neurotransmitter; it impacts immunity by exerting diverse effects on immune cells via mAChRs and nAChRs.
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Reale M, Costantini E. Cholinergic Modulation of the Immune System in Neuroinflammatory Diseases. Diseases 2021; 9:diseases9020029. [PMID: 33921376 PMCID: PMC8167596 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Frequent diseases of the CNS, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia), elicit a neuroinflammatory response that contributes to the neurodegenerative disease process itself. The immune and nervous systems use the same mediators, receptors, and cells to regulate the immune and nervous systems as well as neuro-immune interactions. In various neurodegenerative diseases, peripheral inflammatory mediators and infiltrating immune cells from the periphery cause exacerbation to current injury in the brain. Acetylcholine (ACh) plays a crucial role in the peripheral and central nervous systems, in fact, other than cells of the CNS, the peripheral immune cells also possess a cholinergic system. The findings on peripheral cholinergic signaling, and the activation of the “cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway” mediated by ACh binding to α7 nAChR as one of the possible mechanisms for controlling inflammation, have restarted interest in cholinergic-mediated pathological processes and in the new potential therapeutic target for neuro-inflammatory-degenerative diseases. Herein, we focus on recent progress in the modulatory mechanisms of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Reale
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G.d’Annunzio”, 65122 Chieti-Pescara, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Erica Costantini
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Science, University “G.d’Annunzio”, 65122 Chieti-Pescara, Italy;
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Lu J, Wu W. Cholinergic modulation of the immune system - A novel therapeutic target for myocardial inflammation. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 93:107391. [PMID: 33548577 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The immune system and the nervous system depend on each other for their fine tuning and working, thus cooperating to maintain physiological homeostasis and prevent infections. The cholinergic system regulates the mobilization, differentiation, secretion, and antigen presentation of adaptive and innate immune cells mainly through α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs). The neuro-immune interactions are established and maintained by the following mechanisms: colocalization of immune and neuronal cells at defined anatomical sites, expression of the non-neuronal cholinergic system by immune cells, and the acetylcholine receptor-mediated activation of intracellular signaling pathways. Based on these immunological mechanisms, the protective effects of cholinergic system in animal models of diseases were summarized in this paper, such as myocardial infarction/ischemia-reperfusion, viral myocarditis, and endotoxin-induced myocardial damage. In addition to maintaining hemodynamic stability and improving the energy metabolism of the heart, both non-neuronal acetylcholine and neuronal acetylcholine in the heart can alleviate myocardial inflammation and remodeling to exert a significant cardioprotective effect. The new findings on the role of cholinergic agonists and vagus nerve stimulation in immune regulation are updated, so as to develop improved approaches to treat inflammatory heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, PR China.
| | - Weifeng Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road 6, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, PR China; Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Center for Translational Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road 22, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, PR China.
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Mashimo M. [Dual Roles of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Expressed in Immune Cells in T Cell Differentiation -α7 nAChRs Exert Different Actions between Antigen-presenting Cells and CD4 + T Cells]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2020; 140:1421-1425. [PMID: 33268683 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.20-00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells such as T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells express various cholinergic system components, including muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs and nAChRs, respectively) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), depending on the status of the immune system. The cholinergic system which these components comprise has important effects on the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. α7 nAChR is a neuronal-type nAChR composed of a homopentamer of the α7 subunit and is characterized by high permeability to Ca2+. It is also expressed in immune cells. For example, α7 nAChRs expressed in B cells suppress IgG production by suppressing B cell maturation into plasma cells. In addition, α7 nAChRs expressed in macrophages suppress production and release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in a mouse lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis model, thereby protecting the mice from lethal shock. In this review, we summarize the functions of α7 nAChRs expressed in CD4+ helper T (Th) cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells and macrophages. We focus in particular on their role in Th cell differentiation. α7 nAChRs on APCs interfere with antigen presentation, which leads to suppression of Th cell differentiation. By contrast, α7 nAChRs on naïve Th cells enhance their differentiation. These distinct roles of α7 nAChRs expressed in APCs and Th cells could be useful for development of drugs and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of immune- and inflammation-related diseases and cancers.
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Hoover DB, Poston MD, Brown S, Lawson SE, Bond CE, Downs AM, Williams DL, Ozment TR. Cholinergic leukocytes in sepsis and at the neuroimmune junction in the spleen. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 81:106359. [PMID: 32143148 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The spleen is a key participant in the pathophysiology of sepsis and inflammatory disease. Many splenocytes exhibit a cholinergic phenotype, but our knowledge regarding their cholinergic biology and how they are affected by sepsis is incomplete. We evaluated effects of acute sepsis on the spleen using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model in C57BL/6 and ChATBAC-eGFP mice. Quantification of cholinergic gene expression showed that choline acetyltransferase and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) are present and that VAChT is upregulated in sepsis, suggesting increased capacity for release of acetylcholine (ACh). High affinity choline transporter is not expressed but organic acid transporters are, providing additional mechanisms for release. Flow cytometry studies identified subpopulations of cholinergic T and B cells as well as monocytes/macrophages. Neither abundance nor GFP intensity of cholinergic T cells changed in sepsis, suggesting that ACh synthetic capacity was not altered. Spleens have low acetylcholinesterase activity, and the enzyme is localized primarily in red pulp, characteristics expected to favor cholinergic signaling. For cellular studies, ACh was quantified by mass spectroscopy using d4-ACh internal standard. Isolated splenocytes from male mice contain more ACh than females, suggesting the potential for gender-dependent differences in cholinergic immune function. Isolated splenocytes exhibit basal ACh release, which can be increased by isoproterenol (4 and 24 h) or by T cell activation with antibodies to CD3 and CD28 (24 h). Collectively, these data support the concept that sepsis enhances cholinergic function in the spleen and that release of ACh can be triggered by stimuli via different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald B Hoover
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA; Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.
| | - Megan D Poston
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Stacy Brown
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Sarah E Lawson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Cherie E Bond
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Anthony M Downs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - David L Williams
- Department of Surgery, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA; Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Tammy R Ozment
- Department of Surgery, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA; Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
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12
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Jarczyk J, Yard BA, Hoeger S. The Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway as a Conceptual Framework to Treat Inflammation-Mediated Renal Injury. Kidney Blood Press Res 2020; 44:435-448. [PMID: 31307039 DOI: 10.1159/000500920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, positioned at the interface of the nervous and immune systems, is the efferent limb of the "inflammatory reflex" which mainly signals through the vagus nerve. As such, the brain can modulate peripheral inflammatory responses by the activation of vagal efferent fibers. Importantly, immune cells in the spleen express most cholinergic system components such as acetylcholine (ACh), choline acetyltransferase, acetylcholinesterase, and both muscarinic and nicotinic ACh receptors, making communication between both systems possible. In general, this communication down-regulates the inflammation, achieved through different mechanisms and depending on the cells involved. SUMMARY With the awareness that the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway serves to prevent or limit inflammation in peripheral organs, vagus nerve stimulation has become a promising strategy in the treatment of several inflammatory conditions. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods have been used in many studies to limit organ injury as a consequence of inflammation. Key Messages: In this review, we will highlight our current knowledge of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, with emphasis on its potential clinical use in the treatment of inflammation-triggered kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Jarczyk
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Benito A Yard
- Vth Medical Department, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Simone Hoeger
- Vth Medical Department, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany, .,Bioassay GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany,
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Elkhatib SK, Case AJ. Autonomic regulation of T-lymphocytes: Implications in cardiovascular disease. Pharmacol Res 2019; 146:104293. [PMID: 31176794 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The nervous and immune systems both serve as essential assessors and regulators of physiological function. Recently, there has been a great interest in how the nervous and immune systems interact to modulate both physiological and pathological states. In particular, the autonomic nervous system has a direct line of communication with immune cells anatomically, and moreover, immune cells possess receptors for autonomic neurotransmitters. This circumstantial evidence is suggestive of a functional interplay between the two systems, and extensive research over the past few decades has demonstrated neurotransmitters such as the catecholamines (i.e. dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) and acetylcholine have potent immunomodulating properties. Furthermore, immune cells, particularly T-lymphocytes, have now been found to express the cellular machinery for both the synthesis and degradation of neurotransmitters, which suggests the ability for both autocrine and paracrine signaling from these cells independent of the nervous system. The details underlying the functional interplay of this complex network of neuroimmune communication are still unclear, but this crosstalk is suggestive of significant implications on the pathogenesis of a number of autonomic-dysregulated and inflammation-mediated diseases. In particular, it is widely accepted that numerous forms of cardiovascular diseases possess imbalanced autonomic tone as well as altered T-lymphocyte function, but a paucity of literature exists discussing the direct role of neurotransmitters in shaping the inflammatory microenvironment during the progression or therapeutic management of these diseases. This review seeks to provide a fundamental framework for this autonomic neuroimmune interaction within T-lymphocytes, as well as the implications this may have in cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safwan K Elkhatib
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Adam J Case
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.
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Mashimo M, Komori M, Matsui YY, Murase MX, Fujii T, Takeshima S, Okuyama H, Ono S, Moriwaki Y, Misawa H, Kawashima K. Distinct Roles of α7 nAChRs in Antigen-Presenting Cells and CD4 + T Cells in the Regulation of T Cell Differentiation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1102. [PMID: 31214160 PMCID: PMC6554293 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now apparent that immune cells express a functional cholinergic system and that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChRs) are involved in regulating T cell differentiation and the synthesis of antigen-specific antibodies and proinflammatory cytokines. Here, we investigated the specific function α7 nAChRs on T cells and antigen presenting cells (APCs) by testing the effect of GTS-21, a selective α7 nAChR agonist, on differentiation of CD4+ T cells from ovalbumin (OVA)-specific TCR transgenic DO11.10 mice activated with OVA or OVA peptide323−339 (OVAp). GTS-21 suppressed OVA-induced antigen processing-dependent development of CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and effector T cells (Th1, Th2, and Th17). By contrast, GTS-21 up-regulated OVAp-induced antigen processing-independent development of CD4+ Tregs and effector T cells. GTS-21 also suppressed production of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17, and IL-6 during OVA-induced activation but, with the exception IL-2, enhanced their production during OVAp-induced activation. In addition, during antigen-nonspecific, APC-independent anti-CD3/CD28 antibody-induced CD4+ polyclonal T cell activation in the presence of respective polarizing cytokines, GTS-21 promoted development of all lineages, which indicates that GTS-21 also acts via α7 nAChRs on T cells. These results suggest 1) that α7 nAChRs on APCs suppress CD4+ T cell activation by interfering with antigen presentation through inhibition of antigen processing; 2) that α7 nAChRs on CD4+ T cells up-regulate development of Tregs and effector T cells; and that α7 nAChR agonists and antagonists could be potentially useful agents for immune response modulation and enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Mashimo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masayo Komori
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuriko Y Matsui
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mami X Murase
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Fujii
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shiori Takeshima
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Ohtani University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiromi Okuyama
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Ohtani University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shiro Ono
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Ohtani University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Moriwaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidemi Misawa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichiro Kawashima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
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Moshfegh CM, Elkhatib SK, Collins CW, Kohl AJ, Case AJ. Autonomic and Redox Imbalance Correlates With T-Lymphocyte Inflammation in a Model of Chronic Social Defeat Stress. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:103. [PMID: 31139062 PMCID: PMC6527882 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at a significantly elevated risk of developing comorbid inflammatory conditions, but the mechanisms underlying this predilection remain unclear. Our previous work has shown that T-lymphocytes exposed to elevated levels of norepinephrine (NE) displayed a pro-inflammatory signature reminiscent of an autoreactive phenotype. With this, we hypothesized that the increased sympathetic tone observed during psychological trauma may be promoting pro-inflammatory T-lymphocytes, which causes a predisposition to comorbid inflammatory conditions. Here, we examined the consequences of psychological trauma on splenic T-lymphocytes using a mouse model of repeated social defeat stress. Social defeat led to anxiety-like and depression-like behavior as has been previously described. The spleens of socially-defeated mice showed significant elevations of NE, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) levels, which appeared to be due in part to increased expression within T-lymphocytes. Additionally, T-lymphocytes from stressed animals showed higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mitochondrial superoxide. Interestingly, in this model system, close associations exist within splenic T-lymphocytes amid the autonomic, inflammatory, and redox environments, but these only weakly correlate with individual behavioral differences among animals suggesting the psychological and physiological manifestations of trauma may not be tightly coupled. Last, we describe, for the first time, elevations in calprotectin levels within T-lymphocytes and in circulation of psychologically stressed animals. Calprotectin correlated with both behavioral and physiological changes after social defeat, suggesting the potential for a new biological marker and/or therapeutic target for psychological trauma and its inflammatory comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra M Moshfegh
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Safwan K Elkhatib
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Christopher W Collins
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Allison J Kohl
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Adam J Case
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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16
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Mannon EC, Sun J, Wilson K, Brands M, Martinez-Quinones P, Baban B, O'Connor PM. A basic solution to activate the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway via the mesothelium? Pharmacol Res 2019; 141:236-248. [PMID: 30616018 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Much research now indicates that vagal nerve stimulation results in a systemic reduction in inflammatory cytokine production and an increase in anti-inflammatory cell populations that originates from the spleen. Termed the 'cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway', therapeutic activation of this innate physiological response holds enormous promise for the treatment of inflammatory disease. Much controversy remains however, regarding the underlying physiological pathways mediating this response. This controversy is anchored in the fact that the vagal nerve itself does not innervate the spleen. Recent research from our own laboratory indicating that oral intake of sodium bicarbonate stimulates splenic anti-inflammatory pathways, and that this effect may require transmission of signals to the spleen through the mesothelium, provide new insight into the physiological pathways mediating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. In this review, we examine proposed models of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and attempt to frame our recent results in relation to these hypotheses. Following this discussion, we then provide an alternative model of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway which is consistent both with our recent findings and the published literature. We then discuss experimental approaches that may be useful to delineate these hypotheses. We believe the outcome of these experiments will be critical in identifying the most appropriate methods to harness the therapeutic potential of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway for the treatment of disease and may also shed light on the etiology of other pathologies, such as idiopathic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elinor C Mannon
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Jingping Sun
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Katie Wilson
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Michael Brands
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Patricia Martinez-Quinones
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States; Department of Surgery, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Babak Baban
- Department of Oral Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Paul M O'Connor
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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17
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Reardon C, Murray K, Lomax AE. Neuroimmune Communication in Health and Disease. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:2287-2316. [PMID: 30109819 PMCID: PMC6170975 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00035.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune and nervous systems are tightly integrated, with each system capable of influencing the other to respond to infectious or inflammatory perturbations of homeostasis. Recent studies demonstrating the ability of neural stimulation to significantly reduce the severity of immunopathology and consequently reduce mortality have led to a resurgence in the field of neuroimmunology. Highlighting the tight integration of the nervous and immune systems, afferent neurons can be activated by a diverse range of substances from bacterial-derived products to cytokines released by host cells. While activation of vagal afferents by these substances dominates the literature, additional sensory neurons are responsive as well. It is becoming increasingly clear that although the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway has become the predominant model, a multitude of functional circuits exist through which neuronal messengers can influence immunological outcomes. These include pathways whereby efferent signaling occurs independent of the vagus nerve through sympathetic neurons. To receive input from the nervous system, immune cells including B and T cells, macrophages, and professional antigen presenting cells express specific neurotransmitter receptors that affect immune cell function. Specialized immune cell populations not only express neurotransmitter receptors, but express the enzymatic machinery required to produce neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, allowing them to act as signaling intermediaries. Although elegant experiments have begun to decipher some of these interactions, integration of these molecules, cells, and anatomy into defined neuroimmune circuits in health and disease is in its infancy. This review describes these circuits and highlights continued challenges and opportunities for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Reardon
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, California ; and Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and Department of Medicine, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
| | - Kaitlin Murray
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, California ; and Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and Department of Medicine, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
| | - Alan E Lomax
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, California ; and Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and Department of Medicine, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
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18
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Liu Z, Wang L, Lv Z, Zhou Z, Wang W, Li M, Yi Q, Qiu L, Song L. The Cholinergic and Adrenergic Autocrine Signaling Pathway Mediates Immunomodulation in Oyster Crassostrea gigas. Front Immunol 2018. [PMID: 29535711 PMCID: PMC5834419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly clear that neurotransmitters impose direct influence on regulation of the immune process. Recently, a simple but sophisticated neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) system was identified in oyster, which modulated neural immune response via a "nervous-hemocyte"-mediated neuroendocrine immunomodulatory axis (NIA)-like pathway. In the present study, the de novo synthesis of neurotransmitters and their immunomodulation in the hemocytes of oyster Crassostrea gigas were investigated to understand the autocrine/paracrine pathway independent of the nervous system. After hemocytes were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, acetylcholine (ACh), and norepinephrine (NE) in the cell supernatants, both increased to a significantly higher level (2.71- and 2.40-fold, p < 0.05) comparing with that in the control group. The mRNA expression levels and protein activities of choline O-acetyltransferase and dopamine β-hydroxylase in hemocytes which were involved in the synthesis of ACh and NE were significantly elevated at 1 h after LPS stimulation, while the activities of acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase, two enzymes essential in the metabolic inactivation of ACh and NE, were inhibited. These results demonstrated the existence of the sophisticated intracellular machinery for the generation, release and inactivation of ACh and NE in oyster hemocytes. Moreover, the hemocyte-derived neurotransmitters could in turn regulate the mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) genes, the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and lysosome, and hemocyte phagocytosis. The phagocytic activities of hemocytes, the mRNA expressions of TNF and the activities of key immune-related enzymes were significantly changed after the block of ACh and NE receptors with different kinds of antagonists, suggesting that autocrine/paracrine self-regulation was mediated by transmembrane receptors on hemocyte. The present study proved that oyster hemocyte could de novo synthesize and release cholinergic and adrenergic neurotransmitters, and the hemocyte-derived ACh/NE could then execute a negative regulation on hemocyte phagocytosis and synthesis of immune effectors with similar autocrine/paracrine signaling pathway identified in vertebrate macrophages. Findings in the present study demonstrated that the immune and neuroendocrine system evolved from a common origin and enriched our knowledge on the evolution of NEI system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqun Liu
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Animal Immunology, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China.,Laboratory of Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Animal Immunology, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China.,Laboratory of Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhao Lv
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Animal Immunology, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Meijia Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qilin Yi
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Animal Immunology, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China
| | - Limei Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Linsheng Song
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Marine Animal Immunology, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, China.,Laboratory of Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
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19
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Fujii T, Mashimo M, Moriwaki Y, Misawa H, Ono S, Horiguchi K, Kawashima K. Expression and Function of the Cholinergic System in Immune Cells. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1085. [PMID: 28932225 PMCID: PMC5592202 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
T and B cells express most cholinergic system components—e.g., acetylcholine (ACh), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), acetylcholinesterase, and both muscarinic and nicotinic ACh receptors (mAChRs and nAChRs, respectively). Using ChATBAC-eGFP transgenic mice, ChAT expression has been confirmed in T and B cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages. Moreover, T cell activation via T-cell receptor/CD3-mediated pathways upregulates ChAT mRNA expression and ACh synthesis, suggesting that this lymphocytic cholinergic system contributes to the regulation of immune function. Immune cells express all five mAChRs (M1–M5). Combined M1/M5 mAChR-deficient (M1/M5-KO) mice produce less antigen-specific antibody than wild-type (WT) mice. Furthermore, spleen cells in M1/M5-KO mice produce less tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, suggesting M1/M5 mAChRs are involved in regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine and antibody production. Immune cells also frequently express the α2, α5, α6, α7, α9, and α10 nAChR subunits. α7 nAChR-deficient (α7-KO) mice produce more antigen-specific antibody than WT mice, and spleen cells from α7-KO mice produce more TNF-α and IL-6 than WT cells. This suggests that α7 nAChRs are involved in regulating cytokine production and thus modulate antibody production. Evidence also indicates that nicotine modulates immune responses by altering cytokine production and that α7 nAChR signaling contributes to immunomodulation through modification of T cell differentiation. Together, these findings suggest the involvement of both mAChRs and nAChRs in the regulation of immune function. The observation that vagus nerve stimulation protects mice from lethal endotoxin shock led to the notion of a cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex pathway, and the spleen is an essential component of this anti-inflammatory reflex. Because the spleen lacks direct vagus innervation, it has been postulated that ACh synthesized by a subset of CD4+ T cells relays vagal nerve signals to α7 nAChRs on splenic macrophages, which downregulates TNF-α synthesis and release, thereby modulating inflammatory responses. However, because the spleen is innervated solely by the noradrenergic splenic nerve, confirmation of an anti-inflammatory reflex pathway involving the spleen requires several more hypotheses to be addressed. We will review and discuss these issues in the context of the cholinergic system in immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Fujii
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masato Mashimo
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Moriwaki
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidemi Misawa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shiro Ono
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Ohtani University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Horiguchi
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Medicine, University of Fukui Faculty of Medical Sciences, Fukui, Japan
| | - Koichiro Kawashima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Hemicholinium-3 sensitive choline transport in human T lymphocytes: Evidence for use as a proxy for brain choline transporter (CHT) capacity. Neurochem Int 2017; 108:410-416. [PMID: 28577989 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The synaptic uptake of choline via the high-affinity, hemicholinium-3-dependent choline transporter (CHT) strongly influences the capacity of cholinergic neurons to sustain acetylcholine (ACh) synthesis and release. To advance research on the impact of CHT capacity in humans, we established the presence of the neuronal CHT protein in human T lymphocytes. Next, we demonstrated CHT-mediated choline transport in human T cells. To address the validity of T cell-based choline uptake as a proxy for brain CHT capacity, we isolated T cells from the spleen, and synaptosomes from cortex and striatum, of wild type and CHT-overexpressing mice (CHT-OXP). Choline uptake capacity in T cells from CHT-OXP mice was two-fold higher than in wild type mice, mirroring the impact of CHT over-expression on synaptosomal CHT-mediated choline uptake. Monitoring T lymphocyte CHT protein and activity may be useful for estimating human CNS cholinergic capacity and for testing hypotheses concerning the contribution of CHT and, more generally, ACh signaling in cognition, neuroinflammation and disease.
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21
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Fujii T, Mashimo M, Moriwaki Y, Misawa H, Ono S, Horiguchi K, Kawashima K. Physiological functions of the cholinergic system in immune cells. J Pharmacol Sci 2017; 134:1-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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22
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Acetylcholine released from T cells regulates intracellular Ca 2+, IL-2 secretion and T cell proliferation through nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Life Sci 2016; 172:13-18. [PMID: 28025040 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS T lymphocytes synthesize acetylcholine (ACh) and express muscarinic and nicotinic ACh receptors (mAChR and nAChR, respectively) responsible for increases in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Our aim in the present study was to assess whether autocrine ACh released from T lymphocytes regulates their physiological functions. MAIN METHODS MOLT-3 human leukemic cell line and murine splenocytes were loaded with fura-2 to monitor [Ca2+]i changes in the absence or presence of several AChR antagonists, including mecamylamine, methyllycaconitine and scopolamine. Real-time PCR and ELISA were performed to measure interleukin-2 (IL-2) mRNA and protein levels. KEY FINDINGS T lymphocytes constitutively produce sufficient amounts of ACh to elicit autocrine changes in [Ca2+]i. These autocrine ACh-evoked [Ca2+]i transients were mediated by nAChRs and then influx of extracellular Ca2+. Mecamylamine, a nAChR inhibitor, suppressed not only these [Ca2+]i transients, but also IL-2 release and T cell proliferation. SIGNIFICANCE Here, we confirmed that T lymphocytes utilize ACh as a tool to interact with each other and that autocrine ACh-activated nAChRs are involved in cytokine release and cell proliferation. These findings suggest the possibility that nAChR agonists and antagonists and smoking are able to modulate immune function, which in turn suggests the therapeutic potential of immune activation or suppression using nAChR agonists or antagonists.
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23
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Dobrovinskaya O, Valencia-Cruz G, Castro-Sánchez L, Bonales-Alatorre EO, Liñan-Rico L, Pottosin I. Cholinergic Machinery as Relevant Target in Acute Lymphoblastic T Leukemia. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:290. [PMID: 27630569 PMCID: PMC5005329 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Various types of non-neuronal cells, including tumors, are able to produce acetylcholine (ACh), which acts as an autocrine/paracrine growth factor. T lymphocytes represent a key component of the non-neuronal cholinergic system. T cells-derived ACh is involved in a stimulation of their activation and proliferation, and acts as a regulator of immune response. The aim of the present work was to summarize the data about components of cholinergic machinery in T lymphocytes, with an emphasis on the comparison of healthy and leukemic T cells. Cell lines derived from acute lymphoblastic leukemias of T lineage (T-ALL) were found to produce a considerably higher amount of ACh than healthy T lymphocytes. Additionally, ACh produced by T-ALL is not efficiently hydrolyzed, because acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity is drastically decreased in these cells. Up-regulation of muscarinic ACh receptors was also demonstrated at expression and functional level, whereas nicotinic ACh receptors seem to play a less important role and not form functional channels in cells derived from T-ALL. We hypothesized that ACh over-produced in T-ALL may act as an autocrine growth factor and play an important role in leukemic clonal expansion through shaping of intracellular Ca2+ signals. We suggest that cholinergic machinery may be attractive targets for new drugs against T-ALL. Specifically, testing of high affinity antagonists of muscarinic ACh receptors as well as antagomiRs, which interfere with miRNAs involved in the suppression of AChE expression, may be the first choice options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana Dobrovinskaya
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima Colima, México
| | - Georgina Valencia-Cruz
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima Colima, México
| | - Luis Castro-Sánchez
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de ColimaColima, México; Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaMéxico City, México
| | | | - Liliana Liñan-Rico
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima Colima, México
| | - Igor Pottosin
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima Colima, México
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24
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Toledo-Ibarra GA, Díaz-Resendiz KJG, Pavón-Romero L, Rojas-García AE, Medina-Díaz IM, Girón-Pérez MI. Effects of diazinon on the lymphocytic cholinergic system of Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus). Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2016; 176:58-63. [PMID: 27260186 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Fish rearing under intensive farming conditions can be easily disturbed by pesticides, substances that have immunotoxic properties and may predispose to infections. Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) are widely used in agricultural activities; however, the mechanism of immunotoxicity of these substances is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diazinon pesticides (OPs) on the cholinergic system of immune cells as a possible target of OP immunotoxicity. We evaluated ACh levels and cholinergic (nicotinic and muscarinic) receptor concentration. Additionally, AChE activity was evaluated in mononuclear cells of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), a freshwater fish mostly cultivated in tropical regions around the world. The obtained results indicate that acute exposure to diazinon induces an increase in ACh concentration and a decrease in nAChR and mAChR concentrations and AChE activity in fish immune cells, This suggests that the non-neuronal lymphocytic cholinergic system may be the main target in the mechanism of OP immunotoxicity. This study contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of immunotoxicity of pollutants and may help to take actions for animal health improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Toledo-Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Inmunotoxicología, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Laboratorio de Inmunotoxicología, Boulevard Tepic-Xalisco s/n, Cd de la Cultura Amado Nervo, C.P. 63190, Tepic Nayarit, Mexico
| | - K J G Díaz-Resendiz
- Laboratorio de Inmunotoxicología, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Laboratorio de Inmunotoxicología, Boulevard Tepic-Xalisco s/n, Cd de la Cultura Amado Nervo, C.P. 63190, Tepic Nayarit, Mexico
| | - L Pavón-Romero
- Departmento de Psicoimmunología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente", Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370 Mexico City, DF, Mexico
| | - A E Rojas-García
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Laboratorio de Inmunotoxicología, Boulevard Tepic-Xalisco s/n, Cd de la Cu ltura Amado Nervo, C.P. 63190, Tepic Nayarit, Mexico
| | - I M Medina-Díaz
- Laboratorio de Contaminación y Toxicología Ambiental, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Laboratorio de Inmunotoxicología, Boulevard Tepic-Xalisco s/n, Cd de la Cu ltura Amado Nervo, C.P. 63190, Tepic Nayarit, Mexico
| | - M I Girón-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Inmunotoxicología, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Laboratorio de Inmunotoxicología, Boulevard Tepic-Xalisco s/n, Cd de la Cultura Amado Nervo, C.P. 63190, Tepic Nayarit, Mexico.
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Grando SA, Kawashima K, Kirkpatrick CJ, Kummer W, Wessler I. Recent progress in revealing the biological and medical significance of the non-neuronal cholinergic system. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 29:1-7. [PMID: 26362206 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This special issue of International Immunopharmacology is the proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Non-neuronal Acetylcholine that was held on August 28-30, 2014 at the Justus Liebig University of Giessen in Germany. It contains original contributions of meeting participants covering the significant progress in understanding of the biological and medical significance of the non-neuronal cholinergic system extending from exciting insights into molecular mechanisms regulating this system via miRNAs over the discovery of novel cholinergic cellular signaling circuitries to clinical implications in cancer, wound healing, immunity and inflammation, cardiovascular, respiratory and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei A Grando
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Koichiro Kawashima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmacy, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Charles J Kirkpatrick
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz D-55101, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kummer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen D-35385, Germany
| | - Ignaz Wessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz D-55101, Germany
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Wiederhold S, Papadakis T, Chubanov V, Gudermann T, Krasteva-Christ G, Kummer W. A novel cholinergic epithelial cell with chemosensory traits in the murine conjunctiva. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 29:45-50. [PMID: 26119492 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We recently identified a specialized cholinergic cell type in tracheal and urethral epithelium that utilizes molecules of the canonical taste transduction signaling cascade to sense potentially harmful substances in the luminal content. Upon stimulation, this cell initiates protective reflexes. Assuming a sentinel role of such cells at mucosal surfaces exposed to bacteria, we hypothesized their occurrence also in ocular mucosal surfaces. Utilizing a mouse strain expressing eGFP under the promoter of the acetylcholine synthesizing enzyme, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT-eGFP), we observed a cholinergic cell in the murine conjunctiva. Singular cholinergic cells reaching the epithelial surface with slender processes were detected in fornical, but neither in bulbar nor palpebral epithelia. These cells were found neither in the lacrimal canaliculi, nor in the lacrimal sac and the nasolacrimal duct. Cholinergic conjunctival epithelial cells were immunoreactive for components of the canonical taste transduction signaling cascade, i.e. α-gustducin, phospholipase Cβ2 and the monovalent cation channel TRPM5. Calcitonin gene-related peptide- and substance P-immunoreactive sensory nerve fibers were observed extending into the conjunctival epithelium approaching slender ChAT-eGFP-positive cells. In addition, we noted both ChAT-eGFP expression and α-gustducin-immunoreactivity, albeit in different cell populations, in occasionally occurring lymphoid follicles of the nictitating membrane. The data show a previously unidentified cholinergic cell in murine conjunctiva with chemosensory traits that presumably utilizes acetylcholine for signaling. In analogy to similar cells described in the respiratory and urethral epithelium, it might serve to detect bacterial products and to initiate protective reflexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Wiederhold
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tamara Papadakis
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany
| | - Vladimir Chubanov
- Walter-Straub-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walter-Straub-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriela Krasteva-Christ
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany; Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Koellikerstraße 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kummer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany.
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Hainke S, Wildmann J, Del Rey A. Deletion of muscarinic type 1 acetylcholine receptors alters splenic lymphocyte functions and splenic noradrenaline concentration. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 29:135-42. [PMID: 26002586 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The existence of interactions between the immune and the sympathetic nervous systems is well established. Noradrenaline can promote or inhibit the immune response, and conversely, the immune response itself can affect noradrenaline concentration in lymphoid organs, such as the spleen. It is also well known that acetylcholine released by pre-ganglionic neurons can modulate noradrenaline release by the postsynaptic neuron. The spleen does not receive cholinergic innervation, but it has been reported that lymphocytes themselves can produce acetylcholine, and express acetylcholine receptors and acetylcholinesterase. We found that the spleen of not overtly immunized mice in which muscarinic type 1 acetylcholine receptors have been knocked out (M1KO) has higher noradrenaline concentrations than that of the wildtype mice, without comparable alterations in the heart, in parallel to a decreased number of IgG-producing B cells. Splenic lymphocytes from M1KO mice displayed increased in vitro-induced cytotoxicity, and this was observed only when CD4(+) T cells were present. In contrast, heterozygous acetylcholinesterase (AChE+/-) mice, had no alterations in splenic noradrenaline concentration, but the in vitro proliferation of AChE+/- CD4(+) T cells was increased. It is theoretically conceivable that reciprocal effects between neuronally and non-neuronally derived acetylcholine and noradrenaline might contribute to the results reported. Our results emphasize the need to consider the balance between the effects of these mediators for the final immunoregulatory outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Hainke
- Research Group Immunophysiology, Division of Neurophysiology, Inst. of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Deutschhausstrasse 2, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Wildmann
- Research Group Immunophysiology, Division of Neurophysiology, Inst. of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Deutschhausstrasse 2, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Adriana Del Rey
- Research Group Immunophysiology, Division of Neurophysiology, Inst. of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Deutschhausstrasse 2, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
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Non-neuronal cholinergic system in regulation of immune function with a focus on α7 nAChRs. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 29:127-34. [PMID: 25907239 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In 1929, Dale and Dudley described the first reported natural occurrence of acetylcholine (ACh) in an animal's body. They identified this ACh in the spleens of horses and oxen, which we now know suggests possible involvement of ACh in the regulation of lymphocyte activity and immune function. However, the source and function of splenic ACh were left unexplored for several decades. Recent studies on the source of ACh in the blood revealed ACh synthesis catalyzed by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in CD4(+) T cells. T and B cells, macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) all express all five muscarinic ACh receptor subtypes (mAChRs) and several subtypes of nicotinic AChRs (nAChRs), including α7 nAChRs. Stimulation of these mAChRs and nAChRs by their respective agonists causes functional and biochemical changes in the cells. Using AChR knockout mice, we found that M(1)/M(5) mAChR signaling up-regulates IgG(1) and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, while α7 nAChR signaling has the opposite effect. These findings suggest that ACh synthesized by T cells acts in an autocrine/paracrine fashion at AChRs on various immune cells to modulate immune function. In addition, an endogenous allosteric and/or orthosteric α7 nAChR ligand, SLURP-1, facilitates functional development of T cells and increases ACh synthesis via up-regulation of ChAT mRNA expression. SLURP-1 is expressed in CD205(+) DCs residing in the tonsil in close proximity to T cells, macrophages and B cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that ACh released from T cells along with SLURP-1 regulates cytokine production by activating α7 nAChRs on various immune cells, thereby facilitating T cell development and/or differentiation, leading to immune modulation.
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Abstract
The present review assesses the current state of literature defining integrative autonomic-immune physiological processing, focusing on studies that have employed electrophysiological, pharmacological, molecular biological, and central nervous system experimental approaches. Central autonomic neural networks are informed of peripheral immune status via numerous communicating pathways, including neural and non-neural. Cytokines and other immune factors affect the level of activity and responsivity of discharges in sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves innervating diverse targets. Multiple levels of the neuraxis contribute to cytokine-induced changes in efferent parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve outflows, leading to modulation of peripheral immune responses. The functionality of local sympathoimmune interactions depends on the microenvironment created by diverse signaling mechanisms involving integration between sympathetic nervous system neurotransmitters and neuromodulators; specific adrenergic receptors; and the presence or absence of immune cells, cytokines, and bacteria. Functional mechanisms contributing to the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway likely involve novel cholinergic-adrenergic interactions at peripheral sites, including autonomic ganglion and lymphoid targets. Immune cells express adrenergic and nicotinic receptors. Neurotransmitters released by sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve endings bind to their respective receptors located on the surface of immune cells and initiate immune-modulatory responses. Both sympathetic and parasympathetic arms of the autonomic nervous system are instrumental in orchestrating neuroimmune processes, although additional studies are required to understand dynamic and complex adrenergic-cholinergic interactions. Further understanding of regulatory mechanisms linking the sympathetic nervous, parasympathetic nervous, and immune systems is critical for understanding relationships between chronic disease development and immune-associated changes in autonomic nervous system function.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Kenney
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
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de Jonge WJ. Neuronal Regulation of Mucosal Immune Responses. Mucosal Immunol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-415847-4.00046-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Treatment with the antipsychotic agent, risperidone, reduces disease severity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104430. [PMID: 25116424 PMCID: PMC4130540 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that atypical antipsychotic agents, which are known to antagonize dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2a receptors, have immunomodulatory properties. Given the potential of these drugs to modulate the immune system both peripherally and within the central nervous system, we investigated the ability of the atypical anti-psychotic agent, risperidone, to modify disease in the animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS)4, experimental autoimune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We found that chronic oral administration of risperidone dose-dependently reduced the severity of disease and decreased both the size and number of spinal cord lesions. Furthermore, risperidone treatment substantially reduced antigen-specific interleukin (IL)-17a, IL-2, and IL-4 but not interferon (IFN)-γ production by splenocytes at peak disease and using an in vitro model, we show that treatment of macrophages with risperidone alters their ability to bias naïve T cells. Another atypical antipsychotic agent, clozapine, showed a similar ability to modify macrophages in vitro and to reduce disease in the EAE model but this effect was not due to antagonism of the type 1 or type 2 dopamine receptors alone. Finally, we found that while risperidone treatment had little effect on the in vivo activation of splenic macrophages during EAE, it significantly reduced the activation of microglia and macrophages in the central nervous system. Together these studies indicate that atypical antipsychotic agents like risperidone are effective immunomodulatory agents with the potential to treat immune-mediated diseases such as MS.
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Liu Z, Han B, Li P, Wang Z, Fan Q. Activation of α7nAChR by nicotine reduced the Th17 response in CD4(+)T lymphocytes. Immunol Invest 2014; 43:667-74. [PMID: 24949556 DOI: 10.3109/08820139.2014.914532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND nAChRs play an important role in the regulation and modulation of immune cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and cell-cell interactions. The present study was to characterize the expression of α7nAChR on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC) and CD4(+)T lymphocytes, and to explore the change of Th17 expression after activation of α7nAChR on human CD4(+)T lymphocytes. METHODS A Ficoll gradient was used to separate hPBMC from whole blood, and then CD4(+)T lymphocytes were isolated by magnetic bead separation. The expression of α7nAChR on PBMC and CD4(+)T lymphocytes was analyzed using flow cytometry before and after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA). The effect of α7nAChR stimulation by nicotine or inhibition by α-bungarotoxin (α-BTX), as well as Th17 expression on the phenotype of CD4(+)T cells was evaluated using flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS The percentage of CD4(+)T cells in reduced PBMC, while the expression of α7nAChR increased when cells were stimulated by nicotine. This effect vanished when co-treated with nicotine and α-BTX. α7nAChR was found to expressed in about 90% of CD4(+)T cells. However, α7nAChR expression reduced to 80% on CD4(+)T cells after stimulation with PHA for 24 h. Stimulation of α7nAChR with nicotine increased the expression of Th17 cells, and this upregulation reduced when AChRα7 was inhibited by α-BTX. CONCLUSION α7nAChR was ubiquitously expressed by CD4(+)T lymphocytes, which was correlated with the cell activation status. Meanwhile, activation of nAChRα7 by nicotine in CD4 cells reduced the Th17 response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Shandong University , Jinan , China
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Sundman E, Olofsson PS. Neural control of the immune system. ADVANCES IN PHYSIOLOGY EDUCATION 2014; 38:135-139. [PMID: 25039084 PMCID: PMC4056170 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00094.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Neural reflexes support homeostasis by modulating the function of organ systems. Recent advances in neuroscience and immunology have revealed that neural reflexes also regulate the immune system. Activation of the vagus nerve modulates leukocyte cytokine production and alleviates experimental shock and autoimmune disease, and recent data have suggested that vagus nerve stimulation can improve symptoms in human rheumatoid arthritis. These discoveries have generated an increased interest in bioelectronic medicine, i.e., therapeutic delivery of electrical impulses that activate nerves to regulate immune system function. Here, we discuss the physiology and potential therapeutic implications of neural immune control.
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Mignini F, Sabbatini M, Mattioli L, Cosenza M, Artico M, Cavallotti C. Neuro-immune modulation of the thymus microenvironment (review). Int J Mol Med 2014; 33:1392-400. [PMID: 24676230 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2014.1709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is the primary site for T-cell lympho-poiesis. Its function includes the maturation and selection of antigen specific T cells and selective release of these cells to the periphery. These highly complex processes require precise parenchymal organization and compartmentation where a plethora of signalling pathways occur, performing strict control on the maturation and selection processes of T lymphocytes. In this review, the main morphological characteristics of the thymus microenvironment, with particular emphasis on nerve fibers and neuropeptides were assessed, as both are responsible for neuro-immune‑modulation functions. Among several neurotransmitters that affect thymus function, we highlight the dopaminergic system as only recently has its importance on thymus function and lymphocyte physiology come to light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorenzo Mignini
- Human Anatomy, School of Drug and Health Products Science, University of Camerino, Ι-62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sabbatini
- Human Anatomy, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont ̔Amedeo Avogadro̓, I-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Laura Mattioli
- Human Anatomy, School of Drug and Health Products Science, University of Camerino, Ι-62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Monica Cosenza
- Human Anatomy, School of Drug and Health Products Science, University of Camerino, Ι-62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Marco Artico
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Medico-legal and Locomotor System Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Ι-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Cavallotti
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Ι-00185 Rome, Italy
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Fujii T, Horiguchi K, Sunaga H, Moriwaki Y, Misawa H, Kasahara T, Tsuji S, Kawashima K. SLURP-1, an endogenous α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor allosteric ligand, is expressed in CD205+ dendritic cells in human tonsils and potentiates lymphocytic cholinergic activity. J Neuroimmunol 2014; 267:43-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 12/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Nonneuronal Cholinergic System in Breast Tumors and Dendritic Cells: Does It Improve or Worsen the Response to Tumor? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1155/2013/486545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Besides being the main neurotransmitter in the parasympathetic nervous system, acetylcholine (ACh) can act as a signaling molecule in nonneuronal tissues. For this reason, ACh and the enzymes that synthesize and degrade it (choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase) as well as muscarinic (mAChRs) and nicotinic receptors conform the non-neuronal cholinergic system (nNCS). It has been reported that nNCS regulates basal cellular functions including survival, proliferation, adhesion, and migration. Moreover, nNCS is broadly expressed in tumors and in different components of the immune system. In this review, we summarize the role of nNCS in tumors and in different immune cell types focusing on the expression and function of mAChRs in breast tumors and dendritic cells (DCs) and discussing the role of DCs in breast cancer.
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Gautron L, Rutkowski JM, Burton MD, Wei W, Wan Y, Elmquist JK. Neuronal and nonneuronal cholinergic structures in the mouse gastrointestinal tract and spleen. J Comp Neurol 2013; 521:3741-67. [PMID: 23749724 PMCID: PMC4081472 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence demonstrates that acetylcholine can directly modulate immune function in peripheral tissues including the spleen and gastrointestinal tract. However, the anatomical relationships between the peripheral cholinergic system and immune cells located in these lymphoid tissues remain unclear due to inherent technical difficulties with currently available neuroanatomical methods. In this study, mice with specific expression of the tdTomato fluorescent protein in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-expressing cells were used to label preganglionic and postganglionic cholinergic neurons and their projections to lymphoid tissues. Notably, our anatomical observations revealed an abundant innervation in the intestinal lamina propria of the entire gastrointestinal tract principally originating from cholinergic enteric neurons. The aforementioned innervation frequently approached macrophages, plasma cells, and lymphocytes located in the lamina propria and, to a lesser extent, lymphocytes in the interfollicular areas of Peyer's patches. In addition to the above innervation, we observed labeled epithelial cells in the gallbladder and lower intestines, as well as Microfold cells and T-cells within Peyer's patches. In contrast, we found only a sparse innervation in the spleen consisting of neuronal fibers of spinal origin present around arterioles and in lymphocyte-containing areas of the white pulp. Lastly, a small population of ChAT-expressing lymphocytes was identified in the spleen including both T- and B-cells. In summary, this study describes the variety of cholinergic neuronal and nonneuronal cells in a position to modulate gastrointestinal and splenic immunity in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Gautron
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
| | - Joseph M. Rutkowski
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
- Touchstone Diabetes Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
| | - Michael D. Burton
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
| | - Yihong Wan
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
| | - Joel K. Elmquist
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
- Division of Hypothalamic Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75235
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The Gut's Little Brain in Control of Intestinal Immunity. ISRN GASTROENTEROLOGY 2013; 2013:630159. [PMID: 23691339 PMCID: PMC3649343 DOI: 10.1155/2013/630159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The gut immune system shares many mediators and receptors with the autonomic nervous system. Good examples thereof are the parasympathetic (vagal) and sympathetic neurotransmitters, for which many immune cell types in a gut context express receptors or enzymes required for their synthesis. For some of these the relevance for immune regulation has been recently defined. Earlier and more recent studies in neuroscience and immunology have indicated the anatomical and cellular basis for bidirectional interactions between the nervous and immune systems. Sympathetic immune modulation is well described earlier, and in the last decade the parasympathetic vagal nerve has been put forward as an integral part of an immune regulation network via its release of Ach, a system coined "the cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex." A prototypical example is the inflammatory reflex, comprised of an afferent arm that senses inflammation and an efferent arm: the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, that inhibits innate immune responses. In this paper, the current understanding of how innate mucosal immunity can be influenced by the neuronal system is summarized, and cell types and receptors involved in this interaction will be highlighted. Focus will be given on the direct neuronal regulatory mechanisms, as well as current advances regarding the role of microbes in modulating communication in the gut-brain axis.
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Grando SA, Kawashima K, Kirkpatrick CJ, Meurs H, Wessler I. The non-neuronal cholinergic system: Basic science, therapeutic implications and new perspectives. Life Sci 2012; 91:969-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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40
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Critical roles of acetylcholine and the muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the regulation of immune function. Life Sci 2012; 91:1027-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Revised: 03/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Kawashima K, Fujii T, Moriwaki Y, Misawa H, Horiguchi K. Reconciling neuronally and nonneuronally derived acetylcholine in the regulation of immune function. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2012; 1261:7-17. [PMID: 22823388 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06516.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells, including lymphocytes, express muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (mAChRs and nAChRs, respectively), and agonist stimulation of these AChRs causes functional and biochemical changes in the cells. The origin of the ACh that acts on immune cell AChRs has remained unclear until recently, however. In 1995, we identified choline acetyltransferase mRNA and protein in human T cells, and found that immunological T cell activation potentiated lymphocytic cholinergic transmission by increasing ACh synthesis and AChR expression. We also found that M(1) /M(5) mAChR signaling upregulates IgG(1) and proinflammatory cytokine production, whereas α7 nAChR signaling has the opposite effect. These findings suggest that ACh synthesized by T cells acts as an autocrine and/or paracrine factor via AChRs on immune cells to modulate immune function. In addition, a recently discovered endogenous allosteric α7 nAChR ligand, SLURP-1, also appears to be involved in modulating normal T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Kawashima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan.
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42
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Olofsson PS, Rosas-Ballina M, Levine YA, Tracey KJ. Rethinking inflammation: neural circuits in the regulation of immunity. Immunol Rev 2012; 248:188-204. [PMID: 22725962 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2012.01138.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neural reflex circuits regulate cytokine release to prevent potentially damaging inflammation and maintain homeostasis. In the inflammatory reflex, sensory input elicited by infection or injury travels through the afferent vagus nerve to integrative regions in the brainstem, and efferent nerves carry outbound signals that terminate in the spleen and other tissues. Neurotransmitters from peripheral autonomic nerves subsequently promote acetylcholine-release from a subset of CD4(+) T cells that relay the neural signal to other immune cells, e.g. through activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on macrophages. Here, we review recent progress in the understanding of the inflammatory reflex and discuss potential therapeutic implications of current findings in this evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder S Olofsson
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA
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Rosas-Ballina M, Olofsson PS, Ochani M, Valdés-Ferrer SI, Levine YA, Reardon C, Tusche MW, Pavlov VA, Andersson U, Chavan S, Mak TW, Tracey KJ. Acetylcholine-synthesizing T cells relay neural signals in a vagus nerve circuit. Science 2011; 334:98-101. [PMID: 21921156 PMCID: PMC4548937 DOI: 10.1126/science.1209985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1038] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Neural circuits regulate cytokine production to prevent potentially damaging inflammation. A prototypical vagus nerve circuit, the inflammatory reflex, inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α production in spleen by a mechanism requiring acetylcholine signaling through the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expressed on cytokine-producing macrophages. Nerve fibers in spleen lack the enzymatic machinery necessary for acetylcholine production; therefore, how does this neural circuit terminate in cholinergic signaling? We identified an acetylcholine-producing, memory phenotype T cell population in mice that is integral to the inflammatory reflex. These acetylcholine-producing T cells are required for inhibition of cytokine production by vagus nerve stimulation. Thus, action potentials originating in the vagus nerve regulate T cells, which in turn produce the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, required to control innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Rosas-Ballina
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, The Feinstein Institute for
Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA
| | - Peder S. Olofsson
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, The Feinstein Institute for
Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA
| | - Mahendar Ochani
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, The Feinstein Institute for
Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA
| | - Sergio I. Valdés-Ferrer
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, The Feinstein Institute for
Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA
| | - Yaakov A. Levine
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, The Feinstein Institute for
Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA
| | - Colin Reardon
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Michael W. Tusche
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Valentin A. Pavlov
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, The Feinstein Institute for
Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA
| | - Ulf Andersson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sangeeta Chavan
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, The Feinstein Institute for
Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA
| | - Tak W. Mak
- The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Kevin J. Tracey
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, The Feinstein Institute for
Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA
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44
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Koopman FA, Stoof SP, Straub RH, van Maanen MA, Vervoordeldonk MJ, Tak PP. Restoring the balance of the autonomic nervous system as an innovative approach to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Mol Med 2011; 17:937-48. [PMID: 21607292 PMCID: PMC3188868 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2011.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunomodulatory effect of the autonomic nervous system has raised considerable interest over the last decades. Studying the influence on the immune system and the role in inflammation of the sympathetic as well as the parasympathetic nervous system not only will increase our understanding of the mechanism of disease, but also could lead to the identification of potential new therapeutic targets for chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). An imbalanced autonomic nervous system, with a reduced parasympathetic and increased sympathetic tone, has been a consistent finding in RA patients. Studies in animal models of arthritis have shown that influencing the sympathetic (via α- and β-adrenergic receptors) and the parasympathetic (via the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7nAChR or by electrically stimulating the vagus nerve) nervous system can have a beneficial effect on inflammation markers and arthritis. The immunosuppressive effect of the parasympathetic nervous system appears less ambiguous than the immunomodulatory effect of the sympathetic nervous system, where activation can lead to increased or decreased inflammation depending on timing, doses and kind of adrenergic agent used. In this review we will discuss the current knowledge of the role of both the sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) in inflammation with a special focus on the role in RA. In addition, potential antirheumatic strategies that could be developed by targeting these autonomic pathways are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frieda A Koopman
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Susanne P Stoof
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Arthrogen BV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rainer H Straub
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Neuroendocrine Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marjolein A van Maanen
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Margriet J Vervoordeldonk
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Arthrogen BV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Paul P Tak
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Vida G, Peña G, Deitch EA, Ulloa L. α7-cholinergic receptor mediates vagal induction of splenic norepinephrine. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 186:4340-6. [PMID: 21339364 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1003722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Classically, sympathetic and parasympathetic systems act in opposition to maintain the physiological homeostasis. In this article, we report that both systems work together to restrain systemic inflammation in life-threatening conditions such as sepsis. This study indicates that vagus nerve and cholinergic agonists activate the sympathetic noradrenergic splenic nerve to control systemic inflammation. Unlike adrenalectomy, splenectomy and splenic neurectomy prevent the anti-inflammatory potential of both the vagus nerve and cholinergic agonists, and abrogate their potential to induce splenic and plasma norepinephrine. Splenic nerve stimulation mimics vagal and cholinergic induction of norepinephrine and re-establishes neuromodulation in α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR)-deficient animals. Thus, vagus nerve and cholinergic agonists inhibit systemic inflammation by activating the noradrenergic splenic nerve via the α7nAChR nicotinic receptors. α7nAChR represents a unique molecular link between the parasympathetic and sympathetic system to control inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Vida
- Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory Signaling and Surgical Immunology, Department of Surgery, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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46
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Qian J, Galitovskiy V, Chernyavsky AI, Marchenko S, Grando SA. Plasticity of the murine spleen T-cell cholinergic receptors and their role in in vitro differentiation of naïve CD4 T cells toward the Th1, Th2 and Th17 lineages. Genes Immun 2011; 12:222-30. [PMID: 21270829 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2010.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) regulates vital functions of T cells by acting on the nicotinic and muscarinic classes of cholinergic receptors, nAChR and mAChRs, respectively. This study was performed in murine splenic T cells. In freshly isolated CD4 and CD8 T cells, we detected mRNAs encoding α5, α9, α10, β1, β2, β4 nAChR subunits and M₁, M₃, M₄ and M₅ mAChR subtypes, whereas α2 was detected only in CD8 T cells. In vitro activation of CD4 T cells through T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 cross-linking was associated with the appearance of α4 and α7, upregulation of α5, α10, β4, M₁ and M₅ and downregulation of α9 and β2, whereas in vitro activation of CD8 T cells also featured the appearance of α4 and α7, as well as upregulation of α2, α5, β4, M₁ and M₄, and downregulation of α10, β1, β2 and M₃. In vitro polarization toward T helper (Th) 1 lineage was associated with a decrease of β2, β4 and M₃ expression; that toward Th2 cells with downregulation of α9 and M₃, and upregulation of M₁ and M₅; and that toward Th17 phenotype with downregulation of α9, α10, β2 and M₃ mAChR. Polarized T cells also expressed α4, but not α1, α2, α3, α6, β3 or M₂. To determine the role of cholinergic receptors in mediating the immunoregulatory action of autocrine/paracrine ACh, we analyzed the effects of nicotinic and muscarinic agonists±antagonists on cytokine production in the CD4+CD62L+ T cells co-stimulated via TCR/CD3 cross-linking. The nicotinergic stimulation upregulated interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and downregulated interleukin (IL)-17 secretion, whereas the muscarinic stimulation enhanced IL-10 and IL-17 and inhibited INF-γ secretion. These results demonstrated plasticity of the T-cell cholinergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Qian
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Immunology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Freysoldt A, Fleckenstein J, Lang PM, Irnich D, Grafe P, Carr RW. Low concentrations of amitriptyline inhibit nicotinic receptors in unmyelinated axons of human peripheral nerve. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 158:797-805. [PMID: 19694730 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00347.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Amitriptyline is often prescribed as a first-line treatment for neuropathic pain but its precise mode of analgesic action remains uncertain. Amitriptyline is known to inhibit voltage-dependent ion channels and also to act as an antagonist at ligand-gated ion channels, such as nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In the present study, we tested the effect of amitriptyline on nicotinic responses of unmyelinated axons in isolated segments of human peripheral nerve. In particular, a comparison was made between the concentrations of amitriptyline necessary for inhibition of nAChRs and those required for inhibition of the compound C-fibre action potential. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Isolated axon fascicles were prepared from short segments of human sural nerve, and multiple measures of axonal excitability were recorded using computer-controlled threshold tracking software. KEY RESULTS Amitriptyline (EC(50) 2.6 microM) reduced the nicotine-induced increase in C-fibre excitability but only slightly altered the amplitude and latency to onset of the compound action potential. In contrast, tetrodotoxin produced a clear reduction in the amplitude and a prolongation of action potential onset latency but was without effect on the nicotine-induced increase in axonal excitability. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data demonstrate that low concentrations of amitriptyline suppress the response of human peripheral C-type axons to nicotine by directly inhibiting nAChRs. Blockade of tetrodotoxin-sensitive, voltage-dependent sodium channels does not contribute to this effect. An inhibitory action of amitriptyline on nAChRs in unmyelinated nociceptive axons may be an important component of amitriptyline's therapeutic effect in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Freysoldt
- Institute of Physiology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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48
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O'Mahony C, van der Kleij H, Bienenstock J, Shanahan F, O'Mahony L. Loss of vagal anti-inflammatory effect: in vivo visualization and adoptive transfer. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2009; 297:R1118-26. [PMID: 19675277 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.90904.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The vagus nerve is a conduit for bidirectional signaling between the brain and the viscera. Vagal signaling has been shown to downregulate gastrointestinal inflammation, and the mechanism is thought to involve acetylcholine binding to the alpha-7 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on macrophages. The aims of this study were to quantify the impact of vagotomy in vivo by visualizing nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activity and to determine if the proinflammatory impact of vagotomy could be transferred by lymphocytes. Real-time biophotonic imaging revealed that subdiaphragmatic vagotomy resulted in increased levels of NF-kappaB in vivo. NF-kappaB activation was further exaggerated in vivo following exposure to 4% DSS for 5 days. Vagotomized animals also exhibited higher disease activity scores and secreted more proinflammatory cytokines. Adoptive transfer of CD4(+) T cells from vagotomized animals (but not CD4(+) T cells from sham-operated controls) to naive dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated recipients resulted in increased inflammatory scores. Further examination of the CD4(+) T cells revealed that adoptive transfer of the CD25(-) population alone from vagotomized donors (but not sham-operated donors) was sufficient to aggravate colitis in DSS-treated recipients. Increased DSS-induced inflammation was associated with reduced CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cell numbers in recipients. This study clearly demonstrates the ability of the vagus nerve to modulate activity of the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB in vivo. The proinflammatory effect of vagotomy is transferable using splenic T cells and highlights a previously unappreciated cellular mechanism for linking central parasympathetic processes with mucosal inflammation and immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin O'Mahony
- Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
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49
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De Rosa MJ, Dionisio L, Agriello E, Bouzat C, Esandi MDC. Alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor modulates lymphocyte activation. Life Sci 2009; 85:444-9. [PMID: 19632243 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2009.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2009] [Revised: 07/15/2009] [Accepted: 07/18/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Even though the presence of alpha7 nicotinic receptor (nAChR) in lymphocytes has been demonstrated, its functional role still remains elusive. The aim of our study was to characterize alpha7 nAChRs in human lymphocytes upon phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation. MAIN METHODS Lymphocytes were activated with the mitogen PHA. alpha7 nAChRs were studied by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real time PCR, flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The effects of nicotinic drugs on PHA-induced proliferation was evaluated by the [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation assay. KEY FINDINGS We show that the expression of functional alpha7 receptors increases after PHA stimulation. The activation of peripheral lymphocytes by PHA increases 2.2-fold the alpha7 subunit mRNA expression and 4-fold the binding of the antagonist alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BTX) with respect to non activated lymphocytes. By measuring the increase of intracellular calcium in response to nicotine we determine that alpha7 receptors in lymphocytes are functional. Nicotinic drugs differentially modulate T cell activation. While nicotine tends to inhibit proliferative responses, specific alpha7 antagonists, such as alpha-BTX and methyllycaconitine, enhance cell division. SIGNIFICANCE This study reveals that the alpha7 receptor modulates lymphocyte activation and contributes to clarifying the role of the non neuronal cholinergic system in the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José De Rosa
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, UNS-CONICET, Camino La Carrindanga Km7, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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50
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Abstract
Cytokine production is necessary to protect against pathogens and promote tissue repair, but excessive cytokine release can lead to systemic inflammation, organ failure and death. Inflammatory responses are finely regulated to effectively guard from noxious stimuli. The central nervous system interacts dynamically with the immune system to modulate inflammation through humoral and neural pathways. The effect of glucocorticoids and other humoral mediators on inflammatory responses has been studied extensively in the past decades. In contrast, neural control of inflammation has only been recently described. We summarize autonomic regulation of local and systemic inflammation through the 'cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway', a mechanism consisting of the vagus nerve and its major neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, a process dependent on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha7 subunit. We recapitulate additional sources of acetylcholine and their contribution to the inflammatory response, as well as acetylcholine regulation by acetylcholinesterase as a means to attenuate inflammation. We discuss potential therapeutic applications to treat diseases characterized by acute or chronic inflammation, including autoimmune diseases, and propose future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rosas-Ballina
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North Shore-LIJ Health System, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
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