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Nogimori T, Nagatsuka Y, Kobayashi S, Murakami H, Masuta Y, Suzuki K, Tomimaru Y, Noda T, Akita H, Takahama S, Yoshioka Y, Doki Y, Eguchi H, Yamamoto T. Humoral and cellular immune responses to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in immunosuppressed liver transplant recipients. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:30. [PMID: 38409262 PMCID: PMC10897323 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00448-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplant recipients (LTRs) are at a high risk of severe COVID-19 owing to immunosuppression and comorbidities. LTRs are less responsive to mRNA vaccines than healthy donors (HDs) or other immunosuppressed patients. However, the disruption mechanism in humoral and cellular immune memory responses is unclear. METHODS We longitudinally collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma samples from HDs (n = 44) and LTRs (n = 54) who received BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccines. We measured the levels of anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) antibodies and spike-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses. RESULTS Here, we show that the induction of anti-RBD IgG was weaker in LTRs than in HDs. The use of multiple immunosuppressive drugs is associated with lower antibody titers than only calcineurin inhibitor, and limits the induction of CD4+ T-cell responses. However, spike-specific CD4+ T-cell and antibody responses improved with a third vaccination. Furthermore, mRNA vaccine-induced spike-specific CD8+ T cells are quantitatively, but not qualitatively, limited to LTRs. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells react to omicron sublineages, regardless of the presence in HDs or LTRs. However, there is no boosting effect of spike-specific memory CD8+ T-cell responses after a third vaccination in HDs or LTRs. CONCLUSIONS The third mRNA vaccination improves both humoral responses and spike-specific CD4+ T-cell responses in LTRs but provides no booster effect for spike-specific memory CD8+ T-cell responses. A third mRNA vaccination could be helpful in LTRs to prevent severe COVID-19, although further investigation is required to elicit CD8+ T-cell responses in LTRs and HDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuto Nogimori
- Laboratory of Precision Immunology, Center for Intractable Diseases and ImmunoGenomics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan
| | - Yuta Nagatsuka
- Laboratory of Precision Immunology, Center for Intractable Diseases and ImmunoGenomics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shogo Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Hirotomo Murakami
- Laboratory of Precision Immunology, Center for Intractable Diseases and ImmunoGenomics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuji Masuta
- Laboratory of Precision Immunology, Center for Intractable Diseases and ImmunoGenomics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan
| | - Koichiro Suzuki
- The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University (BIKEN), Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshito Tomimaru
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takehiro Noda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Akita
- Laboratory of Precision Immunology, Center for Intractable Diseases and ImmunoGenomics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, 540-0008, Japan
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Immunology and Biology, Next-generation Precision Medicine Research Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, 540-0008, Japan
| | - Shokichi Takahama
- Laboratory of Precision Immunology, Center for Intractable Diseases and ImmunoGenomics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan
| | - Yasuo Yoshioka
- The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University (BIKEN), Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Precision Immunology, Center for Intractable Diseases and ImmunoGenomics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan.
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Immunology and Biology, Next-generation Precision Medicine Research Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, 540-0008, Japan.
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Laboratory of Aging and Immune Regulation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare the antirejection effects of topical selective sphingosine-1-phosphate 1 receptor (S1P1) agonist and cyclosporine A (CsA) on the acceptance of a transplanted, allogeneic cornea graft in a murine animal model. METHODS Fifty-six BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups. All the mice received corneal grafts from 28 C57BL/6 donors. Experimental recipients were treated with 0.25%, 0.5% S1P1 agonist suspension eye drops or 1% CsA eye drops 4 times a day after the corneal graft was performed. Controls received no treatment. The corneal grafts were imaged and evaluated with clinical scoring. The excised corneal sections 14 days after transplantation were stained using hematoxylin-eosin for histopathological evaluation. CD86+ and MHC-II+ dendritic cells in corneal samples were identified by immunohistochemical staining. The expression of mRNA in the cornea was evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR for interleukin-2, interferon-gamma, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4. RESULTS Corneal graft survival was prolonged by treatment with 0.5% S1P1 agonist and 1% CsA (P < 0.01, respectively) when compared with that in the control in clinical scoring. In addition, topical application of 0.5% S1P1 increased the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 mRNA expression of the corneal grafts. There were significant differences observed with 0.5% S1P1 and agonist 1% CsA (P < 0.01, respectively) when compared with the values of the control group in histology scoring. CONCLUSIONS Topical 0.5% S1P1 agonist is as effective as 1% CsA, and both can effectively prolong the survival of corneal allografts in mice.
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Yi T, Cuchara L, Wang Y, Koh KP, Ranjbaran H, Tellides G, Pober JS, Lorber MI. Human allograft arterial injury is ameliorated by sirolimus and cyclosporine and correlates with suppression of interferon-gamma. Transplantation 2006; 81:559-66. [PMID: 16495804 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000198737.12507.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic allograft dysfunction may result from arterial injury, manifest as transplant arteriosclerosis (TA). This represents an important factor limiting long-term outcomes after heart and kidney transplantation; a relationship between acute allograft arterial injury and TA has been suggested. We have used SCID/bg mice bearing transplanted human artery, inoculated with allogeneic human PBMC to study arteriopathy in human vessels. Earlier work demonstrated arteriopathy similar to that observed clinically, and identified interferon-gamma as a mediator of the process. This study evaluated whether sirolimus (SRL), with cyclosporine A (CsA) or alone, affects TA, and examined possible mechanisms of action. METHODS CB17/SCID/bg mice were transplanted with human arteries replacing the abdominal aorta; reconstituted with allogeneic human PBMC. Controls received vehicle alone for comparison with mice given CsA (5 mg/kg/d), SRL (0.1 or 0.5 mg/kg/d), or CsA (5 mg/kg/d) plus SRL (0.1 mg/kg/d). Transplant arteries were examined 28 days later by histology and immunohistochemistry; circulating human interferon-gamma was evaluated by ELISA, and intragraft interferon-gamma mRNA by qRT-PCR. RESULTS The characteristic TA was modestly reduced by CsA or low-dose SRL, but eliminated by combination CsA plus SRL or higher dose SRL alone. Circulating interferon-gamma was reduced by CsA, but inhibition was dramatic with SRL alone or combined with CsA. Intragraft interferon-gamma and HLA-DR expression were moderately reduced by CsA or SRL, and eliminated with combined CsA plus SRL. CONCLUSIONS SRL plus CsA prevented allograft arteriopathy, correlating with suppression of intragraft interferon-gamma, suggesting that SRL effects may result from anti-inflammatory consequences from inhibiting interferon-gamma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai Yi
- Department of Surgery, Section of Organ Transplantation and Immunology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Stepkowski SM, Kao J, Wang ME, Tejpal N, Podder H, Furian L, Dimmock J, Jha A, Das U, Kahan BD, Kirken RA. The Mannich base NC1153 promotes long-term allograft survival and spares the recipient from multiple toxicities. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 175:4236-46. [PMID: 16177063 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.7.4236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
JAK3 is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase with limited tissue expression but is readily found in activated T cells. Patients lacking JAK3 are immune compromised, suggesting that JAK3 represents a therapeutic target for immunosuppression. Herein, we show that a Mannich base, NC1153, blocked IL-2-induced activation of JAK3 and its downstream substrates STAT5a/b more effectively than activation of the closely related prolactin-induced JAK2 or TNF-alpha-driven NF-kappaB. In addition, NC1153 failed to inhibit several other enzymes, including growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases, Src family members, and serine/threonine protein kinases. Although NC1153 inhibited proliferation of normal human T cells challenged with IL-2, IL-4, or IL-7, it did not block T cells void of JAK3. In vivo, a 14-day oral therapy with NC1153 significantly extended survival of MHC/non-MHC mismatched rat kidney allografts, whereas a 90-day therapy induced transplantation tolerance (>200 days). Although NC1153 acted synergistically with cyclosporin A (CsA) to prolong allograft survival, it was not nephrotoxic, myelotoxic, or lipotoxic and did not increase CsA-induced nephrotoxicity. In contrast to CsA, NC1153 was not metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4. Thus, NC1153 prolongs allograft survival without several toxic effects associated with current immunosuppressive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislaw M Stepkowski
- Division of Immunology and Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Perez J, Stepkowski SM, Song P, Trawick B, Wang ME, Janczewska S, Kahan BD. Selection of lowly immunogenic and highly tolerogenic donor and recipient allochimeric class I major histocompatibility complex proteins. Transplantation 2003; 76:1201-7. [PMID: 14578754 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000082544.46595.f7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ten different highly polymorphic amino acids (AAs) are located in the alpha1 (alpha1h) and alpha2 (alpha2h) helical regions of the class I major histocompatibility complex RT1. An rat alloantigen. We examined the potential of alpha1h-RT1. An versus alpha2h-RT1. An polymorphic AAs to induce accelerated rejection or tolerance of heart allografts. METHODS The allochimeric alpha1h52-90n-RT1.Ac and alpha2h148-179n-RT1.Ac cDNAs were produced by the substitution of nucleotides encoding recipient RT1.Ac AAs for donor RT1. An AAs. Allochimeric and wild-type (WT)-RT1. An proteins were generated in an Escherichia coli expression system. RESULTS A single portal vein administration of 100 mug alpha1h52-90n-RT1.Ac protein in combination with a 7-day course of oral cyclosporine A (4 mg/kg) induced tolerance to Brown Norway (BN) (RT1n) heart allografts in PVG (RT1c) recipients more effectively than did WT-RT1. An protein; alpha2h148-179n-RT1.Ac protein was ineffective. However, subcutaneous injection of 100 mug WT-RT1. An (but neither alpha1h52-90n-RT1.Ac nor alpha2h148-179n-RT1.Ac) protein induced accelerated rejection of BN heart allografts. Untreated PVG recipients of BN heart allografts displayed activation of both interleukin (IL)-2- and interferon-gamma-producing T helper (Th) 1 cells and IL-4- and IL-10-producing Th2 cells on days 5, 7, and 14 postgrafting, as measured by an enzyme-linked immunospot assay. In contrast, in comparison with rejectors, tolerant recipients showed down-regulation of Th1 cells and up-regulation of Th2 cells on days 5, 7, 14, and 200 postgrafting. Histology of heart allografts showed that tolerant BN heart allografts had no evidence of acute or chronic rejection when examined on day 100 after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS The poorly immunogenic alpha1h52-90n-RT1.Ac allochimeric protein induces tolerance by selective activation of regulatory Th2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Perez
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Stepkowski SM, Kirken RA, Trawick BW, Wang M, Tejpal N, Wang ME, Tian L, Clark J, Kahan BD. Allochimeric class I MHC protein-induced tolerance by partial TCR engagement requires activation of both CTL4- and common gamma-chain-dependent cytokine signals. Transplantation 2002; 73:1227-35. [PMID: 11981413 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200204270-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The various toxicities associated with the general immune suppression resulting from current clinical immunosuppressive therapies continue to plague transplant recipients as well as jeopardize allograft survival. METHODS The present study utilized allochimeric class I MHC antigens (alpha1hu70-77-RT1.Aa) bearing only four donor RT1.Au polymorphic amino acids (a.a.; His70, Val73, Asn74, and Asn77) superimposed on the recipient RT1.Aa background to induce transplantation tolerance in the rat cardiac transplant model. RESULTS Oral delivery of alpha1hu70-77-RT1.Aa protein alone (days 0-6) induced tolerance, as evidenced by inhibition of both acute and chronic rejection processes. Delivery of alpha1hu70-77-RT1.Aa with therapeutic doses of cyclosporine (CsA) also prevented chronic rejection, otherwise readily developed after treatment with CsA alone. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based analysis showed that tolerant recipients had reduced numbers of interleukin (IL)-2/interferon (IFN)-gamma-producing T helper (Th)1 cells and elevated numbers of IL-4/IL-10-producing Th2 cells. Adoptive transfer experiments revealed that potent regulatory T cells mediated tolerance. The same T cells displayed diminished T cell receptor (TCR)-driven signaling via extracellular regulated kinase, AP-1, and NF-kappaB, as well as the common gamma-chain (gammac) cytokine-receptor-induced signaling by Janus kinase 3 (Jak3)/stimulators and activators of transcription Stat/5 pathways. Tolerance induction was prevented in vivo by inhibition of signal 2 by CTL4Ig or of signal 3 by either rapamycin, which disrupts the mammalian target of rapamycin, or AG490, which inhibits Jak3. Finally, partial or complete tyrosine phosphorylation of Zap70 was observed in alloantigen-specific T cell clones in response to tolerogenic versus immunogenic peptides, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Tolerance induction by allochimeric proteins is achieved by partial TCR activation in the presence of signals 2 and 3, resulting in a skewed Th2 phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislaw M Stepkowski
- Division of Immunology and Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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Almawi WY, Abou Jaoude MM, Li XC. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms of glucocorticoid antiproliferative effects. Hematol Oncol 2002; 20:17-32. [PMID: 11921014 DOI: 10.1002/hon.684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used as immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agents in treating organ transplantation rejection, autoimmune diseases, (hematological) cancers, and inflammatory disorders. GCs exert their effects through a multitude of mechanisms, the most significant of which is inhibition of cytokine production, and for some cytokines their effects on target cells. Paradoxically, GCs also upregulate the expression of (pro-inflammatory) high-affinity cytokine receptors on target cells in the face of lost ligand (cytokine) stimulation. GC inhibition of cytokine expression occurs at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. GCs acted transcriptionally by binding their cytosolic receptor (GR), thereby facilitating its nuclear translocation and subsequent binding to the promoter region of cytokine genes on sites compatible with GC response element (GRE) motifs, which in turn directly or indirectly regulated gene expression. In addition to direct DNA binding, GCs acted post-transcriptionally by: (1) antagonism of nuclear factors required for efficient gene expression either directly or through induction of the expression of specific transcription factor antagonists, (2) altered Th lineage development by favouring the generation of (anti-inflammatory) Th2 cells and suppressing the induction or the activity of established (pro-inflammatory) Th1 cells, and (3) stimulating the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, an immunosuppressive cytokine which inhibited cytokine production. However, these mechanisms are not mutually exclusive, since GCs may utilize more than one mechanism in exerting their anti-proliferative effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wassim Y Almawi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain.
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Qu X, Kirken RA, Tian L, Wang M, Bennett CF, Stepkowski SM. Selective inhibition of IL-2 gene expression by IL-2 antisense oligonucleotides blocks heart allograft rejection. Transplantation 2001; 72:915-23. [PMID: 11571459 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200109150-00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We tested the effects of selective inhibition of interleukin (IL)-2 gene expression by IL-2 antisense oligonucleotide (oligo) with phosphorothioate (PS)/phosphodiester (PD)/2'-methoxyethyl (ME) modifications (17359) on T-cell function and the survival of heart allografts in mice. METHODS The PS- (17328) or PS/PD/ME- (17359) IL-2 oligo was electroporated to mouse T cell lymphoma cells (TIB 155) stimulated with concanavalin A (Con A). Expression of IL-2 was analyzed by an ELISA spot assay and a reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction method. C3H (H-2k) mice transplanted with BALB/c (H-2d) heart grafts were treated i.v. with a 7-day osmotic pump with 20 mg/kg 17359 alone or in combination with sirolimus (SRL). RESULTS In comparison with untreated controls, 500 to 2000 nM 17328 inhibited IL-2 protein production by 21.8% to 47.2%, whereas 500 to 2000 nM 17359 did so by 35.5% to 83.5% (both P<0.001). In vivo, 20 mg/kg 17359 prolonged survivals to a mean survival time (MST) of 18.3+/-2.6 days (P<0.001) in comparison with only 8.2+/-0.8 days in untreated controls. Although 0.2 mg/kg SRL alone produced a MST of 18.8+/-6.0 days (P<0.01), addition of 20 mg/kg 17539 synergistically extended survivals to 54.3+/-12.1 days (P<0.001). As expected, IL-2 mRNA, but not IL-7, IL-9, or IL-15 mRNA, was reduced in allografts from recipients treated with 17359 compared with untreated controls. Lymph node cells from the same recipients displayed reduction in proliferative response to donor alloantigen and in generation of alloantigen-specific cytotoxic T cells. CONCLUSION Selective inhibition of IL-2 mRNA in vivo inhibits T-cell function and extends allograft survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Qu
- Division of Immunology and Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School-Houston, 6431 Fannin, Suite 6.240, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Uemura T, Gandhi CR. Inhibition of DNA synthesis in cultured hepatocytes by endotoxin-conditioned medium of activated stellate cells is transforming growth factor-beta and nitric oxide-independent. Br J Pharmacol 2001; 133:1125-33. [PMID: 11487524 PMCID: PMC1572860 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2001] [Revised: 05/03/2001] [Accepted: 05/03/2001] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells play a major role in the pathophysiology of chronic liver disease. They can influence the metabolism of hepatocytes by producing a variety of cytokines and growth factors. Upon stimulation with endotoxin, stellate cells also synthesize nitric oxide (NO), a potent mediator of growth of several cell types including hepatocytes. We investigated the effect of serum-free medium conditioned by activated stellate cells in the absence and presence of endotoxin on NO and DNA synthesis in hepatocytes. Stellate cells and hepatocytes were isolated by enzymatic digestion of the liver. Stellate cells were cultured for 10 days after which the majority exhibited alpha-smooth muscle actin (a marker for activated cells); hepatocytes were used after overnight culture. While the medium conditioned by stellate cells in the absence of endotoxin stimulated DNA synthesis in hepatocytes, medium conditioned in its presence inhibited this process in an endotoxin concentration-dependent manner (10 - 1000 ng ml(-1)). Endotoxin-conditioned stellate cell medium also stimulated NO synthesis in hepatocytes; the effect was consistent with increased protein and mRNA expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). However, inhibition of DNA synthesis in hepatocytes caused by endotoxin-conditioned stellate cell medium was unaffected by the NOS inhibitor, L-N(G)-monomethylarginine (L-NMMA), guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), and neutralizing antibodies for TGF-beta, IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. These results indicate that factors other than these cytokines produced by activated stellate cells upon stimulation with endotoxin or by hepatocytes challenged with endotoxin-conditioned stellate cell medium inhibit DNA synthesis in hepatocytes.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Cells, Cultured
- Culture Media, Conditioned/chemistry
- Culture Media, Conditioned/pharmacology
- DNA/biosynthesis
- DNA/drug effects
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Endotoxins/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic/drug effects
- Hepatocytes/cytology
- Hepatocytes/drug effects
- Hepatocytes/metabolism
- Interleukin-1/immunology
- Interleukin-6/immunology
- Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology
- Liver/cytology
- Liver/drug effects
- Liver/metabolism
- Male
- Neutralization Tests
- Nitric Oxide/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide/physiology
- Nitric Oxide Synthase/drug effects
- Nitric Oxide Synthase/genetics
- Nitric Oxide Synthase/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
- Oxadiazoles/pharmacology
- Quinoxalines/pharmacology
- RNA, Messenger/drug effects
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Transforming Growth Factor alpha/immunology
- Transforming Growth Factor beta/immunology
- Transforming Growth Factor beta/physiology
- omega-N-Methylarginine/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadahiro Uemura
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PA, U.S.A
| | - Chandrashekhar R Gandhi
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PA, U.S.A
- Department of Pathology, Thomas. E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PA, U.S.A
- VA Medical Center, Thomas. E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PA, U.S.A
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Behbod F, Erwin-Cohen RA, Wang ME, Trawick BW, Qu X, Verani R, Kahan BD, Stepkowski SM, Kirken RA. Concomitant inhibition of Janus kinase 3 and calcineurin-dependent signaling pathways synergistically prolongs the survival of rat heart allografts. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2001; 166:3724-32. [PMID: 11238613 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.166.6.3724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The cytoplasmic localized Janus tyrosine kinase 3 (Jak3) is activated by multiple cytokines, including IL-2, IL-4, and IL-7, through engagement of the IL-2R common gamma-chain. Genetic inactivation of Jak3 is manifested as SCID in humans and mice. These findings have suggested that Jak3 represents a pharmacological target to control certain lymphoid-derived diseases. Using the rat T cell line Nb2-11c, we document that tyrphostin AG-490 blocked in vitro IL-2-induced cell proliferation (IC(50) approximately 20 microM), Jak3 autophosphorylation, and activation of its key substrates, Stat5a and Stat5b, as measured by tyrosine/serine phosphorylation analysis and DNA-binding experiments. To test the notion that inhibition of Jak3 provides immunosuppressive potential, a 7-day course of i.v. therapy with 5-20 mg/kg AG-490 was used to inhibit rejection of heterotopically transplanted Lewis (RT1(l)) heart allografts in ACI (RT1(a)) recipients. In this study, we report that AG-490 significantly prolonged allograft survival, but also acted synergistically when used in combination with the signal 1 inhibitor cyclosporin A, but not the signal 3 inhibitor, rapamycin. Finally, AG-490 treatment reduced graft infiltration of mononuclear cells and Stat5a/b DNA binding of ex vivo IL-2-stimulated graft infiltrating of mononuclear cells, but failed to affect IL2R alpha expression, as judged by RNase protection assays. Thus, inhibition of Jak3 prolongs allograft survival and also potentiates the immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporin A, but not rapamycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Behbod
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Tian L, Qu X, Wang ME, Kirken RA, Bennett FC, Stepkowski SM. Selective inhibition of IL-2 mRNA blocks allograft rejection by limiting T cell clonal expansion. Transplant Proc 2001; 33:330. [PMID: 11266845 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(00)02796-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Tian
- Division of Immunology and Organ Transplant, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
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Smith CR, Mohanakumar T, Shimizu Y, Yu S, Otomo N, Kaleem Z, Flye MW. Brief cyclosporine treatment prevents intrathymic (IT) tolerance induction and precipitates acute rejection in an IT rat cardiac allograft model. Transplantation 2000; 69:294-9. [PMID: 10670641 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200001270-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrathymic (IT) alloantigen combined with administration of rabbit anti-rat anti-lymphocyte serum (ALS) intraperitoneally induces donor-specific tolerance to rat cardiac transplants. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a brief course (4 days) of cyclosporine (CsA) on the development of IT tolerance. METHODS Buffalo (BUF) (RT1b) rats were given 25x10(6) fully MHC-mismatched Lewis (LEW) (RT1l) splenocytes by IT injection plus 1.0 ml of ALS intraperitoneally. Twenty-one days later, IT donor-specific LEW (group 1) or third-party (ACI, RT1a) (group 2) hearts were heterotopically transplanted to the abdominal aorta A third group of BUF (group 3) were given daily CsA (10 mg/kg) by oral gavage for 4 days before administration of IT LEW cells and ALS. Rejection as defined by the cessation of a palpable heartbeat was confirmed by histology. Cytokine profiles of allografts from all groups were then analyzed using a multi-probe RNase protection assay. RESULTS Sixty-seven percent of IT/ALS-treated BUF recipients not pretreated with CsA accepted LEW heart grafts for greater than 90 days. However, 86% of animals treated with CsA for 4 days before IT injection and ALS rejected allografts at 10.7+/-3.2 days. Third-party allografts (ACI) were uniformly rejected (7.0+/-0.0 days). Histology confirmed cellular rejection in CsA-treated allografts and cytokine analysis detected increased interleukin (IL)-3, IL-5, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha when compared to increased IL-2 and interferon-gamma in rejecting untreated controls. CONCLUSIONS CsA can prevent the induction of intrathymic alloantigen tolerance. These results support the development of a CsA-sensitive, but IL-2-independent, active regulatory mechanism after intrathymic exposure to donor-specific alloantigen and depletion of mature peripheral T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- C R Smith
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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Pacocha SE, Oriente A, Huang SK, Essayan DM. Regulation of antigen-induced human T-lymphocyte responses by calcineurin antagonists. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999; 104:828-35. [PMID: 10518828 DOI: 10.1016/s0091-6749(99)70294-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclosporin A (CS) and tacrolimus (FK506, FK) are calcineurin antagonists used widely as T-cell immunosuppressants; however, their relative efficacy on antigen-stimulated T-cell subsets remains undefined. OBJECTIVE We have examined the effects of CS and FK on antigen-driven proliferation and cytokine generation from human PBMCs and T-cell clones. METHODS Proliferation was assessed by tritiated thymidine incorporation. Cytokine generation was assessed by reverse transcription-PCR and ELISA. RESULTS Ragweed- and tetanus toxoid-driven proliferation of PBMCs was down-regulated equally by CS or FK. Gene expression for proinflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-gamma) assessed by reverse transcription-PCR was down-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner by either drug. Antigen-induced proliferation of ragweed-specific Th0, Th1, or Th2 clones was inhibited by either CS or FK. Cytokine gene expression and protein secretion into culture supernatants (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-gamma) were down-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner by either CS or FK in all relevant T-cell subsets. Interestingly, down-regulation of IL-5 protein generation from Th0 and Th2 clones was consistently less sensitive to either drug than was the effect on either IL-4 or IL-13 protein generation. CONCLUSION CS and FK promote equivalent down-regulation of Th0, Th1, and Th2 responses; however, IL-5 generation is relatively insensitive to the immunomodulatory effects of calcineurin antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Pacocha
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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16
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Almawi WY, Melemedjian OK, Rieder MJ. An alternate mechanism of glucocorticoid anti-proliferative effect: promotion of a Th2 cytokine-secreting profile. Clin Transplant 1999; 13:365-74. [PMID: 10515216 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-0012.1999.130501.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used as immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agents in organ transplantation and in treating autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders and they exert their effects by several mechanisms, the most significant of which is inhibition of cytokine production and action. Recent reports suggested that GCs inhibit cytokine expression indirectly through promotion of a T helper cell type 2 (Th2) cytokine-secreting profile, thereby resulting in preferential blockade of pro-inflammatory monokine and T helper cell type 1 (Th1) cytokine expression. The target of GCs appeared to be monocytes macrophages, whereby altered regulation of interleukin (IL)-1/IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), coupled with profound blockade of IL-12 synthesis and inhibition of interferon (IFN)-gamma-induced major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression, lead to a preferential cognate stimulation of Th2 cells at the expense of Th1 cells. It is possible that this may have involved the expansion of a Th2-cell pool or, in addition, frank stimulation of uncommitted naive CD4 + T cells toward the Th2 lineage. In addition, GCs may have blocked Th1 cytokine expression, thereby inhibiting ongoing Th1 cytokine secretion, and consequently provided for the unimpeded production of Th2 cytokines. Collectively, this indicates that, in exerting their anti-proliferative effects, GCs act indirectly by altering Th1/Th2 cytokine balance, blocking the (pro-inflammatory) Th1 program and favoring the (anti-inflammatory) Th2 program.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Y Almawi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, St Georges-Orthodox Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
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Chen W, Bennett CF, Wang ME, Dragun D, Tian L, Stecker K, Clark JH, Kahan BD, Stepkowski SM. Perfusion of kidneys with unformulated "naked" intercellular adhesion molecule-1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides prevents ischemic/reperfusion injury. Transplantation 1999; 68:880-7. [PMID: 10515390 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-199909270-00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously shown that phosphorothioate intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (oligo) IP-9125 blocks the expression of rat ICAM-1 mRNA in rat L2 cells. A single ex situ perfusion of grafts with unformulated IP-9125, suspended in Euro-Collins solution, prolonged the survival of kidney allografts in rats. The present experiments examined whether perfusion of kidneys with unformulated IP-9125 prevents ischemic/reperfusion injury. METHODS Kidneys were perfused ex situ with 2 ml of Euro-Collins solution without or with IP-9125 and exposed to 30-min cold (4 degrees C storage time) and 30-min warm (anastomosis time) ischemia. Kidneys were then transplanted to syngeneic nephrectomized recipients. RESULTS Within 24 hr after transplantation, the glomerular filtration rate values were reduced by almost 60% to 0.49+/-0.14 ml/min from 1.20+/-0.27 ml/min in normal kidneys (P<0.001). Kidney perfusion with 10 mg of either IP-12140 (0.41+/-0.07 ml/min) or IP-13944 (0.47+/-0.07 ml/min) control oligo was ineffective. In contrast, perfusion with 10 mg of IP-9125 significantly improved kidney function (0.8+/-0.18 ml/min; P<0.005), whereas the lower doses of 2 mg (0.47+/-0.13 ml/min; NS) or 4 mg (0.54+/-0.04 ml/min; NS) had no significant effect. The glomerular filtration rate results were confirmed by measurements of blood creatinine (CR) levels at 24 hr after grafting: untreated recipients had a twofold higher CR value (0.70+/-0.14 mg/dl) compared with normal controls (0.65+/-0.07 mg/dl; P<0.001). Although perfusion with 10 mg of control IP-12140 (0.80+/-0.14 mg/dl) or IP-13944 (0.65+/-0.07 mg/dl) did not affect CR levels, perfusion with 10 mg of IP-9125 (0.45+/-0.07 mg/dl) lowered CR levels. The Western blots or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction experiments performed in kidney transplants within 24 hr after grafting showed that 10 mg of IP-9125 (but not control IP-12140) reduced the expression of ICAM-1 protein and ICAM-1 mRNA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Perfusion of grafts with unformulated ICAM-1 antisense oligo specifically reduces intragraft ICAM-1 protein expression and prevents ischemic/reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Chen
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, 77030, USA
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Magee CC, Azuma H, Knoflach A, Denton MD, Chandraker A, Iyer S, Buelow R, Sayegh M. In vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory effects of RDP1258, a novel synthetic peptide. J Am Soc Nephrol 1999; 10:1997-2005. [PMID: 10477153 DOI: 10.1681/asn.v1091997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides derived from certain regions of human class I MHC molecules are known to have immunomodulatory effects. In particular, amino acid residues 75-84 of the HLA-B7 and HLA-B2702 molecules have demonstrated allele nonspecific immunosuppression in several animal transplant models. There is evidence that these effects are mediated by binding to intracellular heat shock proteins, including heme oxygenase-1. A new derivative of these peptides, RDP1258, was developed using a novel computer-assisted rational design technique. In vitro, RDP1258 peptide inhibited rat heme oxygenase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Similar to observations made with other in vitro heme oxygenase inhibitors, in vivo administration of RDP1258 peptide to naive rats resulted in upregulation of splenic heme oxygenase activity. The effects of the peptide on alloimmune responses were then tested. Addition of RDP1258 to rat and human mixed leukocyte reactions inhibited proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. In a rat renal transplantation model, peptide therapy combined with a sub-therapeutic dose of cyclosporin A significantly prolonged allograft survival. These data provide further evidence that modulation of the heat shock protein heme oxygenase by rationally designed peptides affects immune effector functions and may allow the development of novel immunomodulatory strategies in organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Magee
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Transplantation, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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Oluwole SF, Chowdhury NC, Ingram M, Garrovillo M, Jin MX, Agrawal S. Mechanism of acquired thymic tolerance induced by a single major histocompatibility complex class I peptide with the dominant epitope: differential analysis of regulatory cytokines in the lymphoid and intragraft compartments. Transplantation 1999; 68:418-29. [PMID: 10459547 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-199908150-00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have recently shown that intrathymic injection of a combination of immunogenic WAG-derived or Wistar-Furth (WF) (RT1.Au) major histocompatibility complex class I peptides induces acquired systemic tolerance to cardiac and islet allografts in the WF-to-ACI rat combination and therefore hypothesized that identification of the class I peptide dominance may play an important role in the induction of antigen (Ag)-specific tolerance. This study defined the peptide with the dominant epitope among the seven synthetic RT1.Au peptides and analyzed the immunoregulatory cytokines within the lymphoid and intragraft compartments associated with acquired thymic tolerance. METHODS ACI recipients were pretreated with intrathymic (IT) injection of 300 microg of the individual seven RT1.Au peptides 7 days before WF or Lewis cardiac transplantation. Cytokine profile of mixed lymphocyte reaction supernatants of T cells obtained from the thymus, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, peripheral blood leukocytes, and graft infiltrating cells after donor (WF) or third-party (Lewis) Ag stimulation were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, whereas cytokine gene expression was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Only IT injection of peptide 5 (93-109) among the seven RT1.Au peptides induced donor-spe cific tolerance to cardiac allografts in the WF-to-ACI rat combination. In addition, intravenous injection of peptide 5 did not prolong WF graft survival in ACI recipients. Analysis of cytokine production by the tolerant recipients showed significant Ag-specific reduction in the production of interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in the thymus, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, and peripheral blood leukocytes, which was not associated with a concomitant Ag-specific increase in IL-4 and IL-10 production. Measurement of cytokine mRNA expression confirmed undetectable
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Oluwole
- Department of Surgery, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Kahan
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical School at Houston 77030, USA.
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