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Miao L, Qin YA, Yang ZJ, Shi WX, Wei XQ, Liu Y, Liu YL. Identification of potential therapeutic targets for plaque vulnerability based on an integrated analysis. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 34:1649-1659. [PMID: 38749785 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS This study aimed to explore potential hub genes and pathways of plaque vulnerability and to investigate possible therapeutic targets for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS AND RESULTS Four microarray datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), weighted gene coexpression networks (WGCNA) and immune cell infiltration analysis (IIA) were used to identify the genes for plaque vulnerability. Then, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, Disease Ontology, Gene Ontology annotation and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed to explore the hub genes. Random forest and artificial neural networks were constructed for validation. Furthermore, the CMap and Herb databases were employed to explore possible therapeutic targets. A total of 168 DEGs with an adjusted P < 0.05 and approximately 1974 IIA genes were identified in GSE62646. Three modules were detected and associated with CAD-Class, including 891 genes that can be found in GSE90074. After removing duplicates, 114 hub genes were used for functional analysis. GO functions identified 157 items, and 6 pathways were enriched for the KEGG pathway at adjusted P < 0.05 (false discovery rate, FDR set at < 0.05). Random forest and artificial neural network models were built based on the GSE48060 and GSE34822 datasets, respectively, to validate the previous hub genes. Five genes (GZMA, GZMB, KLRB1, KLRD1 and TRPM6) were selected, and only two of them (GZMA and GZMB) were screened as therapeutic targets in the CMap and Herb databases. CONCLUSION We performed a comprehensive analysis and validated GZMA and GZMB as a target for plaque vulnerability, which provides a therapeutic strategy for the prevention of ACS. However, whether it can be used as a predictor in blood samples requires further experimental verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Miao
- Department of Cardiology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Affiliated of Guangxi Medical University, 8 Wenchang Road, Liuzhou 545006, Guangxi, China; The Key Laboratory of Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease Prevention and Treatment of Liuzhou, China.
| | - Yue-Ai Qin
- Department of Cardiology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Affiliated of Guangxi Medical University, 8 Wenchang Road, Liuzhou 545006, Guangxi, China; The Key Laboratory of Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease Prevention and Treatment of Liuzhou, China.
| | - Zhi-Jie Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Affiliated of Guangxi Medical University, 8 Wenchang Road, Liuzhou 545006, Guangxi, China; The Key Laboratory of Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease Prevention and Treatment of Liuzhou, China.
| | - Wan-Xin Shi
- Department of Cardiology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Affiliated of Guangxi Medical University, 8 Wenchang Road, Liuzhou 545006, Guangxi, China; The Key Laboratory of Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease Prevention and Treatment of Liuzhou, China.
| | - Xin-Qiao Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Affiliated of Guangxi Medical University, 8 Wenchang Road, Liuzhou 545006, Guangxi, China; The Key Laboratory of Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease Prevention and Treatment of Liuzhou, China.
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Affiliated of Guangxi Medical University, 8 Wenchang Road, Liuzhou 545006, Guangxi, China; The Key Laboratory of Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease Prevention and Treatment of Liuzhou, China.
| | - Yan-Li Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Affiliated of Guangxi Medical University, 8 Wenchang Road, Liuzhou 545006, Guangxi, China; The Key Laboratory of Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease Prevention and Treatment of Liuzhou, China.
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Aubert A, Jung K, Hiroyasu S, Pardo J, Granville DJ. Granzyme serine proteases in inflammation and rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024; 20:361-376. [PMID: 38689140 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-024-01109-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Granzymes (granule-secreted enzymes) are a family of serine proteases that have been viewed as redundant cytotoxic enzymes since their discovery more than 30 years ago. Predominantly produced by cytotoxic lymphocytes and natural killer cells, granzymes are delivered into the cytoplasm of target cells through immunological synapses in cooperation with the pore-forming protein perforin. After internalization, granzymes can initiate cell death through the cleavage of intracellular substrates. However, evidence now also demonstrates the existence of non-cytotoxic, pro-inflammatory, intracellular and extracellular functions that are granzyme specific. Under pathological conditions, granzymes can be produced and secreted extracellularly by immune cells as well as by non-immune cells. Depending on the granzyme, accumulation in the extracellular milieu might contribute to inflammation, tissue injury, impaired wound healing, barrier dysfunction, osteoclastogenesis and/or autoantigen generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Aubert
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre; British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karen Jung
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre; British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sho Hiroyasu
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Julian Pardo
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA); Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Paediatrics and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David J Granville
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre; British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Group, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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3
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Cigalotto L, Martinvalet D. Granzymes in health and diseases: the good, the bad and the ugly. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1371743. [PMID: 38646541 PMCID: PMC11026543 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Granzymes are a family of serine proteases, composed of five human members: GA, B, H, M and K. They were first discovered in the 1980s within cytotoxic granules released during NK cell- and T cell-mediated killing. Through their various proteolytic activities, granzymes can trigger different pathways within cells, all of which ultimately lead to the same result, cell death. Over the years, the initial consideration of granzymes as mere cytotoxic mediators has changed due to surprising findings demonstrating their expression in cells other than immune effectors as well as new intracellular and extracellular activities. Additional roles have been identified in the extracellular milieu, following granzyme escape from the immunological synapse or their release by specific cell types. Outside the cell, granzyme activities mediate extracellular matrix alteration via the degradation of matrix proteins or surface receptors. In certain contexts, these processes are essential for tissue homeostasis; in others, excessive matrix degradation and extensive cell death contribute to the onset of chronic diseases, inflammation, and autoimmunity. Here, we provide an overview of both the physiological and pathological roles of granzymes, highlighting their utility while also recognizing how their unregulated presence can trigger the development and/or worsening of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Cigalotto
- Laboratory of Reactive Oxygen Species and Cytotoxic Immunity, Department Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute Of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Denis Martinvalet
- Laboratory of Reactive Oxygen Species and Cytotoxic Immunity, Department Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute Of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy
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4
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Lim YS, Lee AG, Jiang X, Scott JM, Cofie A, Kumar S, Kennedy D, Granville DJ, Shin H. NK cell-derived extracellular granzyme B drives epithelial ulceration during HSV-2 genital infection. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112410. [PMID: 37071533 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112410] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Genital herpes is characterized by recurrent episodes of epithelial blistering. The mechanisms causing this pathology are ill defined. Using a mouse model of vaginal herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infection, we show that interleukin-18 (IL-18) acts upon natural killer (NK) cells to promote accumulation of the serine protease granzyme B in the vagina, coinciding with vaginal epithelial ulceration. Genetic loss of granzyme B or therapeutic inhibition by a specific protease inhibitor reduces disease and restores epithelial integrity without altering viral control. Distinct effects of granzyme B and perforin deficiency on pathology indicates that granzyme B acts independent of its classic cytotoxic role. IL-18 and granzyme B are markedly elevated in human herpetic ulcers compared with non-herpetic ulcers, suggesting engagement of these pathways in HSV-infected patients. Our study reveals a role for granzyme B in destructing mucosal epithelium during HSV-2 infection, identifying a therapeutic target to augment treatment of genital herpes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shiang Lim
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Aisha G Lee
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Xiaoping Jiang
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jason M Scott
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Adjoa Cofie
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Dania Kennedy
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David J Granville
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z7, Canada; BC Professional Firefighters' Burn and Wound Healing Research Laboratory, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P1, Canada
| | - Haina Shin
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Richardson KC, Jung K, Pardo J, Turner CT, Granville DJ. Noncytotoxic Roles of Granzymes in Health and Disease. Physiology (Bethesda) 2022; 37:323-348. [PMID: 35820180 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00011.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Granzymes are serine proteases previously believed to play exclusive and somewhat redundant roles in lymphocyte-mediated target cell death. However, recent studies have challenged this paradigm. Distinct substrate profiles and functions have since emerged for each granzyme while their dysregulated proteolytic activities have been linked to diverse pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katlyn C Richardson
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Wound Healing Laboratory, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karen Jung
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Wound Healing Laboratory, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julian Pardo
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragon (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatrics and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Christopher T Turner
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David J Granville
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), British Columbia Professional Firefighters' Wound Healing Laboratory, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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6
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Dubchak E, Obasanmi G, Zeglinski MR, Granville DJ, Yeung SN, Matsubara JA. Potential role of extracellular granzyme B in wet age-related macular degeneration and fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:980742. [PMID: 36204224 PMCID: PMC9531149 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.980742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related ocular diseases are the leading cause of blindness in developed countries and constitute a sizable socioeconomic burden worldwide. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) are some of the most common age-related diseases of the retina and cornea, respectively. AMD is characterized by a breakdown of the retinal pigment epithelial monolayer, which maintains retinal homeostasis, leading to retinal degeneration, while FECD is characterized by degeneration of the corneal endothelial monolayer, which maintains corneal hydration status, leading to corneal edema. Both AMD and FECD pathogenesis are characterized by disorganized local extracellular matrix (ECM) and toxic protein deposits, with both processes linked to aberrant protease activity. Granzyme B (GrB) is a serine protease traditionally known for immune-mediated initiation of apoptosis; however, it is now recognized that GrB is expressed by a variety of immune and non-immune cells and aberrant extracellular localization of GrB substantially contributes to various age-related pathologies through dysregulated cleavage of ECM, tight junction, and adherens junction proteins. Despite growing recognition of GrB involvement in multiple age-related pathologies, its role in AMD and FECD remains poorly understood. This review summarizes the pathophysiology of, and similarities between AMD and FECD, outlines the current knowledge of the role of GrB in AMD and FECD, as well as hypothesizes putative contributions of GrB to AMD and FECD pathogenesis and highlights the therapeutic potential of pharmacologically inhibiting GrB as an adjunctive treatment for AMD and FECD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden Dubchak
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gideon Obasanmi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Matthew R. Zeglinski
- ICORD Centre and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David J. Granville
- ICORD Centre and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sonia N. Yeung
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joanne A. Matsubara
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Joanne A. Matsubara,
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7
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Tibbs E, Cao X. Murine myeloid derived suppressor cells possess a range of suppressive mechanisms-Granzyme B is not among them. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:2255-2266. [PMID: 35129637 PMCID: PMC10693915 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03162-z] [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: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This paper addresses the controversy of Granzyme B (GzmB) expression by murine Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs). MDSCs are a heterogenous immature myeloid population that are generated in chronic inflammatory pathologies for the purpose to suppress inflammatory responses. MDSCs express a multitude of factors to induce suppressive function such as PD-L1, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and Arginase-1. Recently, Dufait et al. sought to demonstrate GzmB as an additional mechanism for suppression by MDSCs. They reported that murine MDSCs not only significantly express GzmB as well as Perforin (Prf1), but this expression is functionally important for tumor growth in vivo as well as tumor migration in vitro. We conducted experiments to address the same question but made confounding observations: MDSCs under stringent developmental process do not express GzmB. Our results show that not only GzmB protein is not produced at functional level, but the mRNA transcript is not detectable either. In fact, the GzmB protein found in the media of MDSC culture was due to T cells or natural killer cells contained in bone marrow and cultured alongside MDSCs. We strengthen this finding by genetically deleting GzmB from the myeloid lineage and measuring tumor burden compared to WT counterpart. Our results show no significant difference in tumor burden, suggesting that even if there is minor expression of GzmB, it is not produced at a functional amount to affect tumor growth. Therefore, this paper proposes alternative theories that align with the known understanding of GzmB expression and secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Tibbs
- School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Xuefang Cao
- School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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8
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Pączek S, Łukaszewicz-Zając M, Mroczko B. Granzymes-Their Role in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095277. [PMID: 35563668 PMCID: PMC9104098 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common malignancies worldwide. CRC is considered a heterogeneous disease due to various clinical symptoms, biological behaviours, and a variety of mutations. A number of studies demonstrate that as many as 50% of CRC patients have distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. However, despite the fact that social and medical awareness of CRC has increased in recent years and screening programmes have expanded, there is still an urgent need to find new diagnostic tools for early detection of CRC. The effectiveness of the currently used classical tumour markers in CRC diagnostics is very limited. Therefore, new proteins that play an important role in the formation and progression of CRC are being sought. A number of recent studies show the potential significance of granzymes (GZMs) in carcinogenesis. These proteins are released by cytotoxic lymphocytes, which protect the body against viral infection as well specific signalling pathways that ultimately lead to cell death. Some studies suggest a link between GZMs, particularly the expression of Granzyme A, and inflammation. This paper summarises the role of GZMs in CRC pathogenesis through their involvement in the inflammatory process. Therefore, it seems that GZMs could become the focus of research into new CRC biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pączek
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University in Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (M.Ł.-Z.); (B.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-85-831-8587
| | - Marta Łukaszewicz-Zając
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University in Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (M.Ł.-Z.); (B.M.)
| | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University in Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (M.Ł.-Z.); (B.M.)
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University in Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
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9
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Tibbs E, Cao X. Emerging Canonical and Non-Canonical Roles of Granzyme B in Health and Disease. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1436. [PMID: 35326588 PMCID: PMC8946077 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Granzyme (Gzm) family has classically been recognized as a cytotoxic tool utilized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells to illicit cell death to infected and cancerous cells. Their importance is established based on evidence showing that deficiencies in these cell death executors result in defective immune responses. Recent findings have shown the importance of Granzyme B (GzmB) in regulatory immune cells, which may contribute to tumor growth and immune evasion during cancer development. Other studies have shown that members of the Gzm family are important for biological processes such as extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis and organized vascular degradation. With this growing body of evidence, it is becoming more important to understand the broader function of Gzm's rather than a specific executor of cell death, and we should be aware of the many alternative roles that Gzm's play in physiological and pathological conditions. Therefore, we review the classical as well as novel non-canonical functions of GzmB and discuss approaches to utilize these new findings to address current gaps in our understanding of the immune system and tissue development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Tibbs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Xuefang Cao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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10
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Tagirasa R, Yoo E. Role of Serine Proteases at the Tumor-Stroma Interface. Front Immunol 2022; 13:832418. [PMID: 35222418 PMCID: PMC8873516 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.832418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
During tumor development, invasion and metastasis, the intimate interaction between tumor and stroma shapes the tumor microenvironment and dictates the fate of tumor cells. Stromal cells can also influence anti-tumor immunity and response to immunotherapy. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern this complex and dynamic interplay, thus is important for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Proteolytic enzymes that are expressed and secreted by both cancer and stromal cells play important roles in modulating tumor-stromal interaction. Among, several serine proteases such as fibroblast activation protein, urokinase-type plasminogen activator, kallikrein-related peptidases, and granzymes have attracted great attention owing to their elevated expression and dysregulated activity in the tumor microenvironment. This review highlights the role of serine proteases that are mainly derived from stromal cells in tumor progression and associated theranostic applications.
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Draghi A, Chamberlain CA, Khan S, Papp K, Lauss M, Soraggi S, Radic HD, Presti M, Harbst K, Gokuldass A, Kverneland A, Nielsen M, Westergaard MCW, Andersen MH, Csabai I, Jönsson G, Szallasi Z, Svane IM, Donia M. Rapid Identification of the Tumor-Specific Reactive TIL Repertoire via Combined Detection of CD137, TNF, and IFNγ, Following Recognition of Autologous Tumor-Antigens. Front Immunol 2021; 12:705422. [PMID: 34707600 PMCID: PMC8543011 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.705422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Detecting the entire repertoire of tumor-specific reactive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is essential for investigating their immunological functions in the tumor microenvironment. Current in vitro assays identifying tumor-specific functional activation measure the upregulation of surface molecules, de novo production of antitumor cytokines, or mobilization of cytotoxic granules following recognition of tumor-antigens, yet there is no widely adopted standard method. Here we established an enhanced, yet simple, method for identifying simultaneously CD8+ and CD4+ tumor-specific reactive TILs in vitro, using a combination of widely known and available flow cytometry assays. By combining the detection of intracellular CD137 and de novo production of TNF and IFNγ after recognition of naturally-presented tumor antigens, we demonstrate that a larger fraction of tumor-specific and reactive CD8+ TILs can be detected in vitro compared to commonly used assays. This assay revealed multiple polyfunctionality-based clusters of both CD4+ and CD8+ tumor-specific reactive TILs. In situ, the combined detection of TNFRSF9, TNF, and IFNG identified most of the tumor-specific reactive TIL repertoire. In conclusion, we describe a straightforward method for efficient identification of the tumor-specific reactive TIL repertoire in vitro, which can be rapidly adopted in most cancer immunology laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Draghi
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Christopher Aled Chamberlain
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Shawez Khan
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Krisztian Papp
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Martin Lauss
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Centre, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Samuele Soraggi
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Haja Dominike Radic
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Mario Presti
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Katja Harbst
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Centre, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Aishwarya Gokuldass
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Anders Kverneland
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Morten Nielsen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Istvan Csabai
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Göran Jönsson
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Centre, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Inge Marie Svane
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Marco Donia
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
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12
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Zhao Q, Gong Z, Li Z, Wang J, Zhang J, Zhao Z, Zhang P, Zheng S, Miron RJ, Yuan Q, Zhang Y. Target Reprogramming Lysosomes of CD8+ T Cells by a Mineralized Metal-Organic Framework for Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2100616. [PMID: 33760313 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202100616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
T cell immunotherapy holds significant challenges in solid tumors, mainly due to the T cells' low activation and the decreased synthesis-release of therapeutic proteins, including perforin and granzyme B, which are present in lysosomes. In this study, a lysosome-targeting nanoparticle (LYS-NP) is developed by way of a mineralized metal-organic framework (MOF) coupled with a lysosome-targeting aptamer (CD63-aptamer) to enhance the antitumor effect of T cells. The MOF synthesized from Zn2+ and dimethylimidazole has good protein encapsulation and acid sensitivity, and is thus an ideal lysosomal delivery vector. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ) is used to induce MOF mineralization, improve the composite material's stability in encapsulating therapeutic protein, and provide calcium ions with synergistic effects. Before mineralization, perforin and granzyme B-T cell-needed therapeutic proteins for tumors-are preloaded with the MOF. Moreover, T cells are pretreated with processed tumor-specific antigens to activate or produce memory before reprogramming the lysosomes, facilitating the T cell receptor (TCR) for release of the therapeutic proteins. Using T cells recombined by LYS-NPs, a significant enhancement of breast cancer control is confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China
- Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zijian Gong
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China
- Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhihao Li
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Jinyang Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China
- Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jinglun Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China
- Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zifan Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China
- Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China
- Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shihang Zheng
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China
- Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Richard J Miron
- Department of Periodontology, University of Bern, Bern, 3010, Switzerland
| | - Quan Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yufeng Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China
- Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
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13
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Granzymes in cardiovascular injury and disease. Cell Signal 2020; 76:109804. [PMID: 33035645 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation and impaired wound healing play important roles in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the aberrant secretion of proteases plays a critical role in pathological tissue remodeling in chronic inflammatory conditions. Human Granzymes (Granule secreted enzymes - Gzms) comprise a family of five (GzmA, B, H, K, M) cell-secreted serine proteases. Although each unique in function and substrate specificities, Gzms were originally thought to share redundant, intracellular roles in cytotoxic lymphocyte-induced cell death. However, an abundance of evidence has challenged this dogma. It is now recognized, that individual Gzms exhibit unique substrate repertoires and functions both intracellularly and extracellularly. In the extracellular milieu, Gzms contribute to inflammation, vascular dysfunction and permeability, reduced cell adhesion, release of matrix-sequestered growth factors, receptor activation, and extracellular matrix cleavage. Despite these recent findings, the non-cytotoxic functions of Gzms in the context of cardiovascular disease pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Minimally detected in tissues and bodily fluids of normal individuals, GzmB is elevated in patients with acute coronary syndromes, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction. Pre-clinical animal models have exemplified the importance of GzmB in atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, and cardiac fibrosis as animals deficient in GzmB exhibit reduced tissue remodeling, improved disease phenotypes and increased survival. Although a role for GzmB in cardiovascular disease is described, further work to elucidate the mechanisms that underpin the remaining human Gzms activity in cardiovascular disease is necessary. The present review provides a summary of the pre-clinical and clinical evidence, as well as emerging areas of research pertaining to Gzms in tissue remodeling and cardiovascular disease.
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14
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Janiszewski T, Kołt S, Kaiserman D, Snipas SJ, Li S, Kulbacka J, Saczko J, Bovenschen N, Salvesen G, Drąg M, Bird PI, Kasperkiewicz P. Noninvasive optical detection of granzyme B from natural killer cells with enzyme-activated fluorogenic probes. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:9567-9582. [PMID: 32439802 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are key innate immunity effectors that combat viral infections and control several cancer types. For their immune function, human NK cells rely largely on five different cytotoxic proteases, called granzymes (A/B/H/K/M). Granzyme B (GrB) initiates at least three distinct cell death pathways, but key aspects of its function remain unexplored because selective probes that detect its activity are currently lacking. In this study, we used a set of unnatural amino acids to fully map the substrate preferences of GrB, demonstrating previously unknown GrB substrate preferences. We then used these preferences to design substrate-based inhibitors and a GrB-activatable activity-based fluorogenic probe. We show that our GrB probes do not significantly react with caspases, making them ideal for in-depth analyses of GrB localization and function in cells. Using our quenched fluorescence substrate, we observed GrB within the cytotoxic granules of human YT cells. When used as cytotoxic effectors, YT cells loaded with GrB attacked MDA-MB-231 target cells, and active GrB influenced its target cell-killing efficiency. In summary, we have developed a set of molecular tools for investigating GrB function in NK cells and demonstrate noninvasive visual detection of GrB with an enzyme-activated fluorescent substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Janiszewski
- Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Sonia Kołt
- Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dion Kaiserman
- Monash University, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Scott J Snipas
- Sanford-Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, NCI-designated Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Shuang Li
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Pathology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Wroclaw Medical University, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jolanta Saczko
- Wroclaw Medical University, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Pathology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Guy Salvesen
- Sanford-Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, NCI-designated Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Marcin Drąg
- Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw, Poland.,Sanford-Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, NCI-designated Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Phillip I Bird
- Monash University, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Paulina Kasperkiewicz
- Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw, Poland
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15
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Sabhachandani P, Sarkar S, Mckenney S, Ravi D, Evens AM, Konry T. Microfluidic assembly of hydrogel-based immunogenic tumor spheroids for evaluation of anticancer therapies and biomarker release. J Control Release 2019; 295:21-30. [PMID: 30550941 PMCID: PMC6396303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common subtype of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, exhibits pathologic heterogeneity and a dynamic immunogenic tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the lack of preclinical in vitro models of DLBCL TME hinders optimal therapeutic screening. This study describes the development of an integrated droplet microfluidics-based platform for high-throughput generation of immunogenic DLBCL spheroids. The spheroids consist of three cell types (cancer, fibroblast and lymphocytes) in a novel hydrogel combination of alginate and puramatrix, which promoted cell adhesion and aggregation. This system facilitates dynamic analysis of cellular interaction, proliferation and therapeutic efficacy via spatiotemporal monitoring and secretome profiling. The immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide had direct anti-proliferative effect on activated B-cell like DLBCL spheroids and reduced several cytokines and other markers (e.g., CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CD137 and ANG-1 levels) compared with untreated spheroids. Collectively, this novel spheroid platform will enable high-throughput anti-cancer therapeutic screening in a semi-automated manner.
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MESH Headings
- Alginates/chemistry
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis
- Biomarkers, Tumor/immunology
- Cell Culture Techniques/instrumentation
- Cell Culture Techniques/methods
- Cell Line
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Coculture Techniques/instrumentation
- Coculture Techniques/methods
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor/instrumentation
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor/methods
- Equipment Design
- Humans
- Hydrogels/chemistry
- Immunologic Factors/pharmacology
- Lab-On-A-Chip Devices
- Lenalidomide/pharmacology
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/immunology
- Spheroids, Cellular/drug effects
- Spheroids, Cellular/immunology
- Tumor Cells, Cultured/drug effects
- Tumor Cells, Cultured/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Sabhachandani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Saheli Sarkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Seamus Mckenney
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dashnamoorthy Ravi
- Division of Blood Disorders, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Andrew M Evens
- Division of Blood Disorders, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Tania Konry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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16
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Qian P, Zhang YW, Zhou ZH, Liu JQ, Yue SY, Guo XL, Sun LQ, Lv XT, Chen JQ. Artesunate enhances γδ T-cell-mediated antitumor activity through augmenting γδ T-cell function and reversing immune escape of HepG2 cells. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2018; 40:107-116. [PMID: 29405080 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2017.1386212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong-Wen Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhong-Hai Zhou
- Department of Central Laboratory, 97th Hospital of PLA, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun-Quan Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory, 97th Hospital of PLA, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Su-Yang Yue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang-Li Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei-Qing Sun
- Department of Central Laboratory, 97th Hospital of PLA, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Lv
- Department of Central Laboratory, 97th Hospital of PLA, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian-Qun Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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17
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Li Y, Lu H, Gu Y, Ning Z, Cao T, Chen C, Hu C, Tao M. Enhancement of NK cells proliferation and function by Shikonin. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2017; 39:124-130. [PMID: 28303727 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2017.1299174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Wujiang Hospital of Nantong University, Suzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hailin Lu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Wujiang Hospital of Nantong University, Suzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yongchun Gu
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Wujiang Hospital of Nantong University, Suzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqiang Ning
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Wujiang Hospital of Nantong University, Suzhou, P.R. China
| | - Tinghua Cao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Wujiang Hospital of Nantong University, Suzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Wujiang Hospital of Nantong University, Suzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chengru Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Wujiang Hospital of Nantong University, Suzhou, P.R. China
| | - Min Tao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P.R. China
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18
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Parkinson LG, Toro A, Zhao H, Brown K, Tebbutt SJ, Granville DJ. Granzyme B mediates both direct and indirect cleavage of extracellular matrix in skin after chronic low-dose ultraviolet light irradiation. Aging Cell 2015; 14:67-77. [PMID: 25495009 PMCID: PMC4326907 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation is a hallmark of many chronic inflammatory diseases that can lead to a loss of function, aging, and disease progression. Ultraviolet light (UV) irradiation from the sun is widely considered as the major cause of visible human skin aging, causing increased inflammation and enhanced ECM degradation. Granzyme B (GzmB), a serine protease that is expressed by a variety of cells, accumulates in the extracellular milieu during chronic inflammation and cleaves a number of ECM proteins. We hypothesized that GzmB contributes to ECM degradation in the skin after UV irradiation through both direct cleavage of ECM proteins and indirectly through the induction of other proteinases. Wild-type and GzmB-knockout mice were repeatedly exposed to minimal erythemal doses of solar-simulated UV irradiation for 20 weeks. GzmB expression was significantly increased in wild-type treated skin compared to nonirradiated controls, colocalizing to keratinocytes and to an increased mast cell population. GzmB deficiency significantly protected against the formation of wrinkles and the loss of dermal collagen density, which was related to the cleavage of decorin, an abundant proteoglycan involved in collagen fibrillogenesis and integrity. GzmB also cleaved fibronectin, and GzmB-mediated fibronectin fragments increased the expression of collagen-degrading matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in fibroblasts. Collectively, these findings indicate a significant role for GzmB in ECM degradation that may have implications in many age-related chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh G. Parkinson
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation St. Paul's Hospital Vancouver British Columbia Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Ana Toro
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation St. Paul's Hospital Vancouver British Columbia Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Hongyan Zhao
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation St. Paul's Hospital Vancouver British Columbia Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Keddie Brown
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation St. Paul's Hospital Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Scott J. Tebbutt
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation St. Paul's Hospital Vancouver British Columbia Canada
- Department of Medicine Division of Respiratory Medicine University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - David J. Granville
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation St. Paul's Hospital Vancouver British Columbia Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
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19
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Prakash MD, Munoz MA, Jain R, Tong PL, Koskinen A, Regner M, Kleifeld O, Ho B, Olson M, Turner SJ, Mrass P, Weninger W, Bird PI. Granzyme B promotes cytotoxic lymphocyte transmigration via basement membrane remodeling. Immunity 2014; 41:960-72. [PMID: 25526309 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2014.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Granzyme B (GzmB) is a protease with a well-characterized intracellular role in targeted destruction of compromised cells by cytotoxic lymphocytes. However, GzmB also cleaves extracellular matrix components, suggesting that it influences the interplay between cytotoxic lymphocytes and their environment. Here, we show that GzmB-null effector T cells and natural killer (NK) cells exhibited a cell-autonomous homing deficit in mouse models of inflammation and Ectromelia virus infection. Intravital imaging of effector T cells in inflamed cremaster muscle venules revealed that GzmB-null cells adhered normally to the vessel wall and could extend lamellipodia through it but did not cross it efficiently. In vitro migration assays showed that active GzmB was released from migrating cytotoxic lymphocytes and enabled chemokine-driven movement through basement membranes. Finally, proteomic analysis demonstrated that GzmB cleaved basement membrane constituents. Our results highlight an important role for GzmB in expediting cytotoxic lymphocyte diapedesis via basement membrane remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica D Prakash
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Marcia A Munoz
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia; Discipline of Dermatology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Rohit Jain
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia; Discipline of Dermatology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Philip L Tong
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia; Discipline of Dermatology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Aulikki Koskinen
- Department of Emerging Pathogens and Vaccines, John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Medicine, Biology, and Environment, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Matthias Regner
- Department of Emerging Pathogens and Vaccines, John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Medicine, Biology, and Environment, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Oded Kleifeld
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Bosco Ho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Matthew Olson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen J Turner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Paulus Mrass
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Weninger
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia; Discipline of Dermatology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Phillip I Bird
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia.
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20
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Pearson JD, Zhang J, Wu Z, Thew KD, Rowe KJ, Bacani JTC, Ingham RJ. Expression of granzyme B sensitizes ALK+ ALCL tumour cells to apoptosis-inducing drugs. Mol Cancer 2014; 13:199. [PMID: 25168906 PMCID: PMC4158053 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-13-199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The serine protease Granzyme B (GzB) is primarily expressed by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, and functions in allowing these cells to induce apoptosis in virally-infected or transformed cells. Cancers of both lymphoid and non-lymphoid origin also express GzB, and in some cases this expression has been linked to pathogenesis or sensitizing tumour cells to cell death. For example, GzB expression in urothelial carcinoma was implicated in promoting tumour cell invasion, whereas its expression in nasal-type NK/T lymphomas was found to correlate with increased apoptosis. GzB expression is also a hallmark of the non-Hodgkin lymphoma, anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK+ ALCL). Given the fact that ALK+ ALCL exhibits high levels of apoptosis and is typically responsive to conventional chemotherapy, we examined whether GzB expression might play a role in sensitizing ALK+ ALCL tumour cells to apoptosis. Methods ALK+ ALCL cell lines stably expressing GzB or non-targeting (control) shRNA were generated and apoptosis was examined by anti-PARP western blotting and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling. Both spontaneous apoptosis and apoptosis in response to treatment with staurosporine or doxorubicin were investigated. In order to assess whether additional granzymes might be important in promoting cell death in ALK+ ALCL, we examined whether other human granzymes were expressed in ALK+ ALCL cell lines using reverse-transcriptase PCR and western blotting. Results Expression of several GzB shRNAs in multiple ALK+ ALCL cell lines resulted in a significant decrease in GzB levels and activity. While spontaneous apoptosis was similar in ALK+ ALCL cell lines expressing either GzB or control shRNA, GzB shRNA-expressing cells were less sensitive to staurosporine or doxorubicin-induced apoptosis as evidenced by reduced PARP cleavage and decreased DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, we found that GzB is the only granzyme that is expressed at significant levels in ALK+ ALCL cell lines. Conclusions Our findings are the first to demonstrate that GzB expression sensitizes ALK+ ALCL cell lines to drug-induced apoptosis. This suggests that GzB expression may be a factor contributing to the favourable response of this lymphoma to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Robert J Ingham
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E1, Canada.
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21
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Joeckel LT, Bird PI. Are all granzymes cytotoxic in vivo? Biol Chem 2014; 395:181-202. [DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2013-0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Granzymes are serine proteases mainly found in cytotoxic lymphocytes. The most-studied member of this group is granzyme B, which is a potent cytotoxin that has set the paradigm that all granzymes are cyototoxic. In the last 5 years, this paradigm has become controversial. On one hand, there is a plethora of sometimes contradictory publications showing mainly caspase-independent cytotoxic effects of granzyme A and the so-called orphan granzymes in vitro. On the other hand, there are increasing numbers of reports of granzymes failing to induce cell death in vitro unless very high (potentially supra-physiological) concentrations are used. Furthermore, experiments with granzyme A or granzyme M knock-out mice reveal little or no deficit in their cytotoxic lymphocytes’ killing ability ex vivo, but indicate impairment in the inflammatory response. These findings of non-cytotoxic effects of granzymes challenge dogma, and thus require alternative or additional explanations to be developed of the role of granzymes in defeating pathogens. Here we review evidence for granzyme cytotoxicity, give an overview of their non-cytotoxic functions, and suggest technical improvements for future investigations.
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22
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El Mesallamy HO, Hamdy NM, Mostafa DM, Amin AI. The serine protease granzyme B as an inflammatory marker, in relation to the insulin receptor cleavage in human obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2013; 34:179-86. [PMID: 24195710 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2013.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation and insulin resistance form hallmarks of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). An increased circulating level of the serine protease granzyme B (GzmB) is observed during prolonged inflammation and is implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases. Moreover, insulin receptor cleavage by unknown proteases, yielding elevated levels of insulin receptor α-subunit (IRα), was observed in T2DM and was proposed as a new mechanism of insulin resistance. Therefore, a possible association between GzmB and IRα is suggested. Accordingly, this study was set to explore whether GzmB and IRα levels are altered in T2DM patients with the impact of obesity. Furthermore, we aimed to identify if GzmB contributes towards inflammation and insulin resistance through its suggested extracellular activities. All subjects were assessed for anthropometric and metabolic parameters related to obesity and T2DM. In addition, fasting plasma insulin, GzmB, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IRα levels were estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Levels of GzmB and IRα were found to be significantly elevated in T2DM patients compared to nondiabetic subjects. In addition, GzmB levels were positively correlated with measures of obesity and insulin resistance, IL-1β, IRα, and other metabolic parameters. While multiple linear regression analysis revealed that both T2DM and central obesity were predicting factors for GzmB, our findings reveal a possible role of GzmB in T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala O El Mesallamy
- 1 Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University , Cairo, Egypt
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D'Angelo ME, Arjomand A, Trapani JA, Bird PI. Cloning and characterising an unusual perforin from chicken (Gallus gallus). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 41:105-109. [PMID: 23680640 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In mammals the 67 kDa pore-forming protein perforin is essential to the granule exocytosis pathway used by cytotoxic lymphocytes to eliminate virally infected and malignant cells. There is indirect evidence that this pathway exists in lower vertebrates such as teleost fish and birds, although in genome databases for the chicken and other bird species the perforin gene is incomplete and no full length expressed sequence tag has been reported. We present here the full gene and transcript sequence of chicken perforin. The inferred protein product contains an extended C-terminus that is at least 90 amino acids longer than any mammalian perforin, which is also evident in partial genomic sequences from other birds. To determine whether this extension is present in the translated protein, we raised two polyclonal antisera. The antisera identified a protein of just less than 80 kDa in both transfected COS-1 cells and concanavalin A stimulated chicken splenocytes, indicating that the extended C-terminus is present in the mature protein. Our findings confirm that perforin exists in birds, and show that it is considerably longer than perforin of non-avian vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E D'Angelo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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Wu XT, Liu JQ, Lu XT, Chen FX, Zhou ZH, Wang T, Zhu SP, Fei SJ. The enhanced effect of lupeol on the destruction of gastric cancer cells by NK cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2013; 16:332-40. [PMID: 23639256 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2013.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Revised: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lupeol, a triterpene, was reported to possess beneficial effects as a therapeutic and preventive agent for a range of disorders. Many studies have confirmed that lupeol possesses strong activities such as antioxidative, antiinflammatory, antiarthritic, antimutagenic, and antimalarial, both in vitro and in vivo, and at its effective therapeutic doses exhibit no toxicity to normal cells and tissues. Lupeol was observed to inhibit the proliferation of gastric tumour cells in a dose-dependent manner, as assessed by MTT assay, and induce the proliferation of NK cells, as assessed by flow cytometry and Western blotting. The killing effect of NK cells on gastric tumour cells was assessed by LDH. Our experiment demonstrated that lupeol at appropriate concentrations could promote the proliferation of NK cells, inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cell lines BGC823, N87 and HGC27, and increase the killing effect of NK cells on gastric cancer cells. We speculated that lupeol might increase the expression of PFP, IFN-γ, and CD107a via the activation of PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathways. Lupeol could serve as a potential agent against gastric cancer; however, further in-depth in vivo studies are still required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ting Wu
- Department of Physiology, Xuzhou Medical College, 84 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
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25
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Hendel A, Granville DJ. Granzyme B cleavage of fibronectin disrupts endothelial cell adhesion, migration and capillary tube formation. Matrix Biol 2012; 32:14-22. [PMID: 23228447 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2012.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Revised: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated angiogenesis contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases. Modulation of the extracellular matrix by immune-derived proteases can alter endothelial cell-matrix interactions as well as endothelial cell sprouting, migration and capillary formation. Granzyme B is a serine protease that is expressed by a variety of immune cells, and accumulates in the extracellular milieu in many chronic inflammatory disorders that are associated with dysregulated angiogenesis. Although granzyme B is known to cleave fibronectin, an essential glycoprotein in vascular morphogenesis, the role of granzyme B in modulating angiogenesis is unknown. In the present study, granzyme B cleaved both plasma fibronectin and cell-derived fibronectin, resulting in the release of multiple fibronectin fragments. Granzyme B cleavage of fibronectin resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in endothelial cell adhesion to fibronectin as well as reduced endothelial cell migration and tubular formation. These events were prevented when granzyme B activity was inhibited by a small molecule inhibitor. In summary, granzyme B-mediated cleavage of fibronectin contributes to attenuated angiogenesis through the disruption of endothelial cell - fibronectin interaction resulting in impaired endothelial cell migration and tubular formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alon Hendel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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26
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Hiebert PR, Granville DJ. Granzyme B in injury, inflammation, and repair. Trends Mol Med 2012; 18:732-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2012.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Revised: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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27
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Boivin WA, Shackleford M, Vanden Hoek A, Zhao H, Hackett TL, Knight DA, Granville DJ. Granzyme B cleaves decorin, biglycan and soluble betaglycan, releasing active transforming growth factor-β1. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33163. [PMID: 22479366 PMCID: PMC3316562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Granzyme B (GrB) is a pro-apoptotic serine protease that contributes to immune-mediated target cell apoptosis. However, during inflammation, GrB accumulates in the extracellular space, retains its activity, and is capable of cleaving extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Recent studies have implicated a pathogenic extracellular role for GrB in cardiovascular disease, yet the pathophysiological consequences of extracellular GrB activity remain largely unknown. The objective of this study was to identify proteoglycan (PG) substrates of GrB and examine the ability of GrB to release PG-sequestered TGF-β1 into the extracellular milieu. Methods/Results Three extracellular GrB PG substrates were identified; decorin, biglycan and betaglycan. As all of these PGs sequester active TGF-β1, cytokine release assays were conducted to establish if GrB-mediated PG cleavage induced TGF-β1 release. Our data confirmed that GrB liberated TGF-β1 from all three substrates as well as from endogenous ECM and this process was inhibited by the GrB inhibitor 3,4-dichloroisocoumarin. The released TGF-β1 retained its activity as indicated by the induction of SMAD-3 phosphorylation in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells. Conclusion In addition to contributing to ECM degradation and the loss of tissue structural integrity in vivo, increased extracellular GrB activity is also capable of inducing the release of active TGF-β1 from PGs.
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MESH Headings
- Biglycan/metabolism
- Biocatalysis/drug effects
- Blotting, Western
- Cells, Cultured
- Coumarins/pharmacology
- Decorin/metabolism
- Extracellular Matrix/metabolism
- Extracellular Space/metabolism
- Granzymes/antagonists & inhibitors
- Granzymes/metabolism
- Humans
- Isocoumarins
- Kinetics
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Phosphorylation/drug effects
- Proteoglycans/chemistry
- Proteoglycans/metabolism
- Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta/chemistry
- Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism
- Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Smad3 Protein/metabolism
- Solubility
- Substrate Specificity
- Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism
- Transforming Growth Factor beta1/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy A. Boivin
- UBC James Hogg Research Centre, Institute for Heart+Lung Health, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marlo Shackleford
- UBC James Hogg Research Centre, Institute for Heart+Lung Health, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amanda Vanden Hoek
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hongyan Zhao
- UBC James Hogg Research Centre, Institute for Heart+Lung Health, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tillie L. Hackett
- UBC James Hogg Research Centre, Institute for Heart+Lung Health, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Darryl A. Knight
- UBC James Hogg Research Centre, Institute for Heart+Lung Health, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David J. Granville
- UBC James Hogg Research Centre, Institute for Heart+Lung Health, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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28
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Stewart SE, Mangan MSJ, Bird PI, Kaiserman D. Detection of human and mouse granzyme B activity in cell extracts. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 844:251-260. [PMID: 22262448 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-527-5_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The serine protease granzyme B (GrB) is a key effector molecule in cell-mediated immunity, released by cytotoxic lymphocytes (CLs) to induce cell death in neoplastic or virus-infected cells. The ability to detect and measure GrB activity is important for understanding CLs. Unfortunately, such analyses are complicated by significant differences in the substrate specificities of human and mouse GrB, which is reflected by their different activities on commonly used peptide substrates. Here, we present methods for the detection of active human and mouse GrB in extracts from primary cells, and evaluate the sensitivity of the various substrates and inhibitors. Mouse splenocytes produce approximately 120-fold more GrB than similarly activated human cells, which allows the use of the hGrB substrate IETD-AFC to follow mouse GrB activity despite its unfavourable kinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Elizabeth Stewart
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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29
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Abstract
Granzymes (Grs) were discovered just over a quarter century ago. They are produced by cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells and are released upon interaction with target cells. Intensive biochemical, genetic, and biological studies have been performed in order to study their roles in immunity and inflammation. This review summarizes research on the family of Grs.
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30
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Afonina IS, Tynan GA, Logue SE, Cullen SP, Bots M, Lüthi AU, Reeves EP, McElvaney NG, Medema JP, Lavelle EC, Martin SJ. Granzyme B-dependent proteolysis acts as a switch to enhance the proinflammatory activity of IL-1α. Mol Cell 2011; 44:265-78. [PMID: 22017873 PMCID: PMC3319689 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2011.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2010] [Revised: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 07/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Granzyme B is a cytotoxic lymphocyte-derived protease that plays a central role in promoting apoptosis of virus-infected target cells, through direct proteolysis and activation of constituents of the cell death machinery. However, previous studies have also implicated granzymes A and B in the production of proinflammatory cytokines, via a mechanism that remains undefined. Here we show that IL-1α is a substrate for granzyme B and that proteolysis potently enhanced the biological activity of this cytokine in vitro as well as in vivo. Consistent with this, compared with full-length IL-1α, granzyme B-processed IL-1α exhibited more potent activity as an immunoadjuvant in vivo. Furthermore, proteolysis of IL-1α within the same region, by proteases such as calpain and elastase, was also found to enhance its biological potency. Thus, IL-1α processing by multiple immune-related proteases, including granzyme B, acts as a switch to enhance the proinflammatory properties of this cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna S. Afonina
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Dept. of Genetics, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Graham A. Tynan
- Adjuvant Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Susan E. Logue
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Dept. of Genetics, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Sean P. Cullen
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Dept. of Genetics, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Michael Bots
- LEXOR (Lab of Exp. Oncology and Radiobiology), Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander U. Lüthi
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Dept. of Genetics, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Emer P. Reeves
- Respiratory Research Division, Department of Medicine, Education and Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Noel G. McElvaney
- Respiratory Research Division, Department of Medicine, Education and Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Jan P. Medema
- LEXOR (Lab of Exp. Oncology and Radiobiology), Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ed C. Lavelle
- Adjuvant Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Seamus J. Martin
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Dept. of Genetics, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
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31
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Haile Y, Simmen KC, Pasichnyk D, Touret N, Simmen T, Lu JQ, Bleackley RC, Giuliani F. Granule-derived granzyme B mediates the vulnerability of human neurons to T cell-induced neurotoxicity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 187:4861-72. [PMID: 21964027 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1100943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered an autoimmune disease of the CNS and is characterized by inflammatory cells infiltrating the CNS and inducing demyelination, axonal loss, and neuronal death. Recent evidence strongly suggests that axonal and neuronal degeneration underlie the progression of permanent disability in MS. In this study, we report that human neurons are selectively susceptible to the serine-protease granzyme B (GrB) isolated from cytotoxic T cell granules. In vitro, purified human GrB induced neuronal death to the same extent as the whole activated T cell population. On the contrary, activated T cells isolated from GrB knockout mice failed to induce neuronal injury. We found that following internalization through various parts of neurons, GrB accumulated in the neuronal soma. Within the cell body, GrB diffused out of endosomes possibly through a perforin-independent mechanism and induced subsequent activation of caspases and cleavage of α-tubulin. Inhibition of caspase-3, a well-known substrate for GrB, significantly reduced GrB-mediated neurotoxicity. We demonstrated that treatment of neurons with mannose-6-phosphate prevented GrB entry and inhibited GrB-mediated neuronal death, suggesting mannose-6-phosphate receptor-dependent endocytosis. Together, our data unveil a novel mechanism by which GrB induces selective neuronal injury and suggest potential new targets for the treatment of inflammatory-mediated neurodegeneration in diseases such as MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohannes Haile
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
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32
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Abstract
Granzyme-mediated cell death is the main pathway for cytotoxic lymphocytes to kill virus-infected and tumour cells. A major player in this process is GrB (granzyme B), which triggers apoptosis in both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways. A caspase-independent substrate of GrB is the highly conserved transmembrane receptor Notch1. The GrB cleavage sites in Notch1 and functional consequences of Notch1 cleavage by GrB were unknown. In the present study, we confirmed that Notch1 is a direct and caspase-independent substrate of GrB. We demonstrate that GrB cleaved the intracellular Notch1 domain at least twice at two distinct aspartic acids, Asp1860 and Asp1961. GrB cleavage of Notch1 can occur in all subcellular compartments, during maturation of the receptor, at the membrane, and in the nucleus. GrB also displayed perforin-independent functions by cleaving the extracellular domain of Notch1. Overall, cleavage of Notch1 by GrB resulted in a loss of transcriptional activity, independent of Notch1 activation. We conclude that GrB disables Notch1 function, probably resulting in anti-cellular proliferation and cell death signals.
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Espinoza LJ, Takami A, Nakata K, Yamada K, Onizuka M, Kawase T, Sao H, Akiyama H, Miyamura K, Okamoto S, Inoue M, Fukuda T, Morishima Y, Kodera Y, Nakao S. Genetic variants of human granzyme B predict transplant outcomes after HLA matched unrelated bone marrow transplantation for myeloid malignancies. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23827. [PMID: 21886827 PMCID: PMC3160316 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine protease granzyme B plays important roles in infections, autoimmunity, transplant rejection, and antitumor immunity. A triple-mutated granzyme B variant that encodes three amino substitutions (Q48R, P88A, and Y245H) has been reported to have altered biological functions. In the polymorphism rs8192917 (2364A>G), the A and G alleles represent wild type QPY and RAH mutant variants, respectively. In this study, we analyzed the impact of granzyme B polymorphisms on transplant outcomes in recipients undergoing unrelated HLA-fully matched T-cell-replete bone marrow transplantation (BMT) through the Japan Donor Marrow Program. The granzyme B genotypes were retrospectively analyzed in a cohort of 613 pairs of recipients with hematological malignancies and their unrelated donors. In patients with myeloid malignancies consisting of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, the donor G/G or A/G genotype was associated with improved overall survival (OS; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41–0.89; P = 0.01) as well as transplant related mortality (TRM; adjusted HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.27–0.86, P = 0.01). The recipient G/G or A/G genotype was associated with a better OS (adjusted HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47–0.99; P = 0.05) and a trend toward a reduced TRM (adjusted HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.35–1.06; P = 0.08). Granzyme B polymorphism did not have any effect on the transplant outcomes in patients with lymphoid malignancies consisting of acute lymphoid leukemia and malignant lymphoma. These data suggest that there is an association between the granzyme B genotype and better clinical outcomes in patients with myeloid malignancies after unrelated BMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis J. Espinoza
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Takami
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Katsuya Nakata
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kayoko Yamada
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Makoto Onizuka
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Takakazu Kawase
- Division of Epidemiology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sao
- Department of Hematology, Meitetsu Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideki Akiyama
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ebara Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Miyamura
- Department of Hematology, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya First Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Okamoto
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masami Inoue
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Fukuda
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuo Morishima
- Department of Hematology and Cell Therapy, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Kodera
- Department of Promotion for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Aichi Medical University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinji Nakao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
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Iłżecka J. Granzymes A and B levels in serum of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clin Biochem 2011; 44:650-3. [PMID: 21349256 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2011.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2010] [Revised: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 02/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There are evidences that immuno-inflammatory mechanisms and apoptosis may play a role in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is known that Granzyme A (GzmA) and granzyme B (GzmB) are implicated in these mechanisms. The aim of the study was to investigate serum GzmA and GzmB levels in patients with ALS. DESIGN AND METHODS The study included 30 patients with ALS and 30 patients from the control group. Serum GzmA and GzmB levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent method. RESULTS The study showed that GzmA and GzmB levels are significantly increased in serum of patients with ALS when compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was a significant correlation of serum GzmB levels with severity of clinical state of ALS patients (p<0.05). CONCLUSION The results indicate that GzmA and GzmB are implicated in mechanisms of neurodegeneration in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Iłżecka
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Medical University, ul. Chodźki 6, 20–953 Lublin, Poland.
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35
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Bird CH, Rizzitelli A, Harper I, Prescott M, Bird PI. Use of granzyme B-based fluorescent protein reporters to monitor granzyme distribution and granule integrity in live cells. Biol Chem 2010; 391:999-1004. [PMID: 20536389 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2010.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
Reporter proteins comprising granzyme B (GrB) fused to eGFP, ecliptic pHluorin or mCherry, were generated and used to study granule (lysosome) distribution and properties in COS-1 cells and natural killer cells. The reporters resembled native GrB in biosynthesis and localization, and accumulated in granules. In live cells both the eGFP and pHluorin reporters were dark in lysosomes, but fluoresced when the granule integrity or pH was perturbed by Leu-Leu methyl ester, hydrogen peroxide, naphthazarin, or sphingosine treatment. By contrast, fluorescence of the mCherry reporter was not pH-dependent. The quenching of eGFP within granules indicates that this commonly-used fluorescent protein is not appropriate as a vital intra-lysosomal marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherina H Bird
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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36
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Serine proteases of the human immune system in health and disease. Mol Immunol 2010; 47:1943-55. [PMID: 20537709 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2010.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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37
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D'Angelo ME, Bird PI, Peters C, Reinheckel T, Trapani JA, Sutton VR. Cathepsin H is an additional convertase of pro-granzyme B. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:20514-9. [PMID: 20435891 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.094573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The serine protease granzyme B (GrB) is the most potent proapoptotic cytotoxin of the granule exocytosis pathway of cytotoxic lymphocytes. GrB is synthesized as a zymogen (proGrB) and activated in cytotoxic granules by the lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin C (CatC) which removes the N-terminal dipeptide Gly-Glu. It has been shown recently that mice lacking CatC nonetheless express significant residual GrB activity, indicating the presence of additional proGrB convertases. Here, we describe an assay to assess activation of proGrB and show that the amino-peptidase cathepsin H (CatH) has proGrB convertase activity in vitro, whereas dipeptidylpeptidase II does not. We generated mice lacking both CatC and CatH expression (CatCH(-/-)) and found that their lymphocytes have reduced convertase activity compared with those from CatC-deficient mice. Despite this, cytotoxic lymphocytes from CatCH(-/-) mice retain cytotoxic activity and some residual GrB activity. We conclude that CatH can act as an additional proGrB convertase and that other protease/s (apart from dipeptidylpeptidase II) must also possess convertase activity. This indicates a great deal of functional redundancy in GrB maturation, which would prevent pathogen-mediated immune suppression by via convertase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E D'Angelo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 Victoria, Australia
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38
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Anthony DA, Andrews DM, Watt SV, Trapani JA, Smyth MJ. Functional dissection of the granzyme family: cell death and inflammation. Immunol Rev 2010; 235:73-92. [DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2010.00907.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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39
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Afonina IS, Cullen SP, Martin SJ. Cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic roles of the CTL/NK protease granzyme B. Immunol Rev 2010; 235:105-16. [DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2010.00908.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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40
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Hendel A, Hiebert PR, Boivin WA, Williams SJ, Granville DJ. Granzymes in age-related cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Cell Death Differ 2010; 17:596-606. [PMID: 20139894 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2010.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of age-related cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Granzymes are a family of serine proteases that have been traditionally viewed as initiators of immune-mediated cell death. However, recent findings suggest that the pathophysiological role of granzymes is complex. Emerging functions for granzymes in extracellular matrix degradation, autoimmunity, and inflammation suggests a multifactorial mechanism by which these enzymes are capable of mediating tissue damage. Recent discoveries showing that granzymes can be produced and secreted by nonimmune cells during disease provide an additional layer of intricacy. This review examines the emerging biochemical and clinical evidence pertaining to intracellular and/or extracellular granzymes in the pathogenesis of aging and cardiopulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hendel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Providence Heart+Lung Institute, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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41
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Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells are indispensable factors in the body's ongoing defence against viral infection and tumor development. CTL/NK cells recognize and kill infected or aberrant target cells by two major pathways: either through introduction of a battery of proteases - called granzymes - to the target cell cytosol, or through TNF superfamily-dependent killing. During granzyme-dependent killing, target cell death is quick and efficient and is mediated by multiple granzymes, acting via redundant cell death pathways. Although granzyme-mediated cell death has been intensively studied, recent work has also hinted at an alternative, proinflammatory role for these enzymes. Thus, in addition to their well-established role as intracellular effectors of target cell death, recent data suggest that granzymes may have an extracellular role in the propagation of immune signals. In this study, we discuss the role of granzymes as central factors in antitumor immunity, as well possible roles for these proteases as instigators of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Cullen
- Department of Genetics, Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin D2, Ireland
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42
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Abstract
Although proteolysis mediated by granzymes has an important role in the immune response to infection or tumours, unrestrained granzyme activity may damage normal cells. In this review, we discuss the role of serpins within the immune system, as specific regulators of granzymes. The well-characterised human granzyme B-SERPINB9 interaction highlights the cytoprotective function that serpins have in safeguarding lymphocytes from granzymes that may leak from granules. We also discuss some of the pitfalls inherent in using rodent models of granzyme-serpin interactions and the ways in which our understanding of serpins can help resolve some of the current, contentious issues in granzyme biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kaiserman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Building 77, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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43
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Abstract
The cytotoxic granzyme B (GrB)/perforin pathway has been traditionally viewed as a primary mechanism that is used by cytotoxic lymphocytes to eliminate allogeneic, virally infected and/or transformed cells. Although originally proposed to have intracellular and extracellular functions, upon the discovery that perforin, in combination with GrB, could induce apoptosis, other potential functions for this protease were, for the most part, disregarded. As there are 5 granzymes in humans and 11 granzymes in mice, many studies used perforin knockout mice as an initial screen to evaluate the role of granzymes in disease. However, in recent years, emerging clinical and biochemical evidence has shown that the latter approach may have overlooked a critical perforin-independent, pathogenic role for these proteases in disease. This review focuses on GrB, the most characterized of the granzyme family, in disease. Long known to be a pro-apoptotic protease expressed by cytotoxic lymphocytes and natural killer cells, it is now accepted that GrB can be expressed in other cell types of immune and nonimmune origin. To the latter, an emerging immune-independent role for GrB has been forwarded due to recent discoveries that GrB may be expressed in nonimmune cells such as smooth muscle cells, keratinocytes, and chondrocytes in certain disease states. Given that GrB retains its activity in the blood, can cleave extracellular matrix, and its levels are often elevated in chronic inflammatory diseases, this protease may be an important contributor to certain pathologies. The implications of sustained elevations of intracellular and extracellular GrB in chronic vascular, dermatological, and neurological diseases, among others, are developing. This review examines, for the first time, the multiple roles of GrB in disease pathogenesis.
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