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Zhang J, Liu H, Chen Y, Liu H, Zhang S, Yin G, Xie Q. Augmenting regulatory T cells: new therapeutic strategy for rheumatoid arthritis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1312919. [PMID: 38322264 PMCID: PMC10844451 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1312919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune condition marked by inflammation of the joints, degradation of the articular cartilage, and bone resorption. Recent studies found the absolute and relative decreases in circulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) in RA patients. Tregs are a unique type of cells exhibiting immunosuppressive functions, known for expressing the Foxp3 gene. They are instrumental in maintaining immunological tolerance and preventing autoimmunity. Increasing the absolute number and/or enhancing the function of Tregs are effective strategies for treating RA. This article reviews the studies on the mechanisms and targeted therapies related to Tregs in RA, with a view to provide better ideas for the treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqian Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongjiang Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuehong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengxiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Geng Yin
- Department of General Practice, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qibing Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Spiliopoulou P, Kaur P, Hammett T, Di Conza G, Lahn M. Targeting T regulatory (T reg) cells in immunotherapy-resistant cancers. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:2. [PMID: 38318526 PMCID: PMC10838381 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Primary or secondary (i.e., acquired) resistance is a common occurrence in cancer patients and is often associated with high numbers of T regulatory (Treg) cells (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+). The approval of ipilimumab and the development of similar pharmacological agents targeting cell surface proteins on Treg cells demonstrates that such intervention may overcome resistance in cancer patients. Hence, the clinical development and subsequent approval of Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen-4 (CTLA-4) targeting agents can serve as a prototype for similar agents. Such new agents aspire to be highly specific and have a reduced toxicity profile while increasing effector T cell function or effector T/T regulatory (Teff/Treg) ratio. While clinical development with large molecules has shown the greatest advancement, small molecule inhibitors that target immunomodulation are increasingly entering early clinical investigation. These new small molecule inhibitors often target specific intracellular signaling pathways [e.g., phosphoinositide-3-kinase delta (PI3K-δ)] that play an important role in regulating the function of Treg cells. This review will summarize the lessons currently applied to develop novel clinical agents that target Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Spiliopoulou
- Department of Drug Development Program, Phase I Unit, Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Center, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Paramjit Kaur
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Tracey Hammett
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Giusy Di Conza
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Michael Lahn
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
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Chen H, Wang X, Wang Y, Chang X. What happens to regulatory T cells in multiple myeloma. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:468. [PMID: 38129374 PMCID: PMC10739837 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01765-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal tumor microenvironment and immune escape in multiple myeloma (MM) are associated with regulatory T cells (Tregs), which play an important role in maintaining self-tolerance and regulating the overall immune response to infection or tumor cells. In patients with MM, there are abnormalities in the number, function and distribution of Tregs, and these abnormalities may be related to the disease stage, risk grade and prognosis of patients. During the treatment, Tregs have different responses to various treatment regiments, thus affecting the therapeutic effect of MM. It is also possible to predict the therapeutic response by observing the changes of Tregs. In addition to the above, we reviewed the application of Tregs in the treatment of MM. In conclusion, there is still much room for research on the mechanism and application of Tregs in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixian Chen
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xueling Wang
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xiaotian Chang
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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Kudryavtsev I, Zinchenko Y, Starshinova A, Serebriakova M, Malkova A, Akisheva T, Kudlay D, Glushkova A, Yablonskiy P, Shoenfeld Y. Circulating Regulatory T Cell Subsets in Patients with Sarcoidosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13081378. [PMID: 37189479 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13081378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Over recent years, many researchers have supported the autoimmune theory of sarcoidosis. The presence of uncontrolled inflammatory response on local and system levels in patients with sarcoidosis did not define that the immunoregulatory mechanisms could be affected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution and the disturbance circulating Treg cell subsets in the peripheral blood in patients with sarcoidosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective comparative study was performed in 2016-2018 (34 patients with sarcoidosis (men (67.6%), women (32.3%)) were examined). Healthy subjects-the control group (n = 40). The diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis was performed according to the standard criteria. We used two ten-color combinations of antibodies for Treg immunophenotyping. The first one contained CD39-FITC, CD127-PE, CCR4-PE/Dazzle™ 594, CD25-PC5.5, CD161-PC7, CD4-APC, CD8-APC-AF700, CD3-APC/Cy7, HLA-DR-PacBlue, and CD45 RA-BV 510™, while the second consisted of CXCR3-Alexa Fluor 488, CD25-РЕ, CXCR5-РЕ/Dazzle™ 594, CCR4-PerСP/Сy5.5, CCR6-РЕ/Cy7, CD4-АPC, CD8 АPC-AF700, CD3-АPC/Cy7, CCR7-BV 421, and CD45 RA-BV 510. The flow cytometry data were analyzed by using Kaluza software v2.3. A statistical analysis was performed with Statistica 7.0 and GraphPad Prism 8 software packages. RESULTS OF THE STUDY Primarily, we found that patients with sarcoidosis had decreased absolute numbers of Treg cells in circulation. We noted that the level of CCR7-expressing Tregs decreased in patients with sarcoidosis vs. the control group (65.55% (60.08; 70.60) vs. 76.93% (69.59; 79.86) with p < 0.001). We noticed that the relative numbers of CD45RA-CCR7+ Tregs decreased in patients with sarcoidosis (27.11% vs. 35.43%, p < 0.001), while the frequency of CD45 RA-CCR7- and CD45RA+ CCR7- Tregs increased compared to the control group (33.3% vs. 22.73% and 0.76% vs. 0.51% with p < 0.001 and p = 0.028, respectively). CXCR3-expressing Treg cell subsets-Th1-like CCR60078CXCR3+ Tregs and Th17.1-like CCR6+ CXCR3+ Tregs-significantly increased in patients with sarcoidosis vs. the control group (14.4% vs. 10.5% with p < 0.01 and 27.9% vs. 22.8% with p < 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, the levels of peripheral blood EM Th17-like Tregs significantly decreased in the sarcoidosis group vs. the control group (36.38% vs. 46.70% with p < 0.001). Finally, we found that CXCR5 expression was increased in CM Tregs cell subsets in patients with sarcoidosis. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicated a decrease in circulating Tregs absolute numbers and several alterations in Treg cell subsets. Moreover, our results highlight the presence of increased levels of CM CXCR5+ follicular Tregs in the periphery that could be linked with the imbalance of follicular Th cell subsets and alterations in B cell, based on the immune response. The balance between the two functionally distinct Treg cell populations-Th1-like and Th17-like Tregs-could be used in sarcoidosis diagnosis and the determination of prognosis and disease outcomes. Furthermore, we want to declare that analysis of Treg numbers of phenotypes could fully characterize their functional activity in peripherally inflamed tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Kudryavtsev
- Department of Immunology, Institution of Experimental Medicine, 197376 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Yulia Zinchenko
- Phthisiopulmonology Department, St. Petersburg Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Starshinova
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 197341 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maria Serebriakova
- Department of Immunology, Institution of Experimental Medicine, 197376 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Malkova
- Laboratory of the Mosaic of Autoimmunity, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatiana Akisheva
- Department of Immunology, Institution of Experimental Medicine, 197376 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dmitriy Kudlay
- Department of Pharmacology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Immunology, 115552 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anzhela Glushkova
- Bekhterev National Research Medical Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, 19201 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Piotr Yablonskiy
- Phthisiopulmonology Department, St. Petersburg Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Laboratory of the Mosaic of Autoimmunity, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Laboratory of the Mosaic of Autoimmunity, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 5265601, Israel
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Anesi SD, Chang PY, Maleki A, Manhapra A, Look-Why S, Asgari S, Walsh M, Drenen K, Foster CS. Effects of Subcutaneous Repository Corticotropin Gel Injection on Regulatory T Cell Population in Noninfectious Retinal Vasculitis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023; 31:556-565. [PMID: 35258389 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2042323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the effect of repository corticotropin injection (RCI) on regulatory T cell population in patients with noninfectious retinal vasculitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with active noninfectious retinal vasculitis were included in a prospective nonrandomized open-label study. RESULTS Eighteen patients (33 eyes) were included in the study. Eleven (61.1%) patients [20 (60.6%) eyes] and 7 (38.9%) patients [13 (33.3%) eyes] were in the responsive and non-responsive groups, respectively. We did not find any statistically significant difference within the PPP-R group, within the PPP-NR group, or between these two groups in regard to regulatory T cell population. No significant systemic or ocular complications were found. CONCLUSION RCI may be a complementary treatment in patients with non-infectious retinal vasculitis with or without uveitis. This study did not demonstrate an increase in regulatory T cell population in patients with noninfectious retinal vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Anesi
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- The Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter Y Chang
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- The Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arash Maleki
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- The Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ambika Manhapra
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- The Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sydney Look-Why
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- The Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Soheila Asgari
- The Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- Noor Ophthalmology Research Center, Noor Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marisa Walsh
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- The Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kayla Drenen
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- The Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - C Stephen Foster
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- The Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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6
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Kollis PM, Ebert LM, Toubia J, Bastow CR, Ormsby RJ, Poonnoose SI, Lenin S, Tea MN, Pitson SM, Gomez GA, Brown MP, Gargett T. Characterising Distinct Migratory Profiles of Infiltrating T-Cell Subsets in Human Glioblastoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:850226. [PMID: 35464424 PMCID: PMC9019231 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.850226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive form of primary brain cancer, with no improvements in the 5-year survival rate of 4.6% over the past three decades. T-cell-based immunotherapies such as immune-checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy have prolonged the survival of patients with other cancers and have undergone early-phase clinical evaluation in glioblastoma patients. However, a major challenge for T-cell-based immunotherapy of glioblastoma and other solid cancers is T-cell infiltration into tumours. This process is mediated by chemokine-chemokine receptor and integrin-adhesion molecule interactions, yet the specific nature of the molecules that may facilitate T-cell homing into glioblastoma are unknown. Here, we have characterised chemokine receptor and integrin expression profiles of endogenous glioblastoma-infiltrating T cells, and the chemokine expression profile of glioblastoma-associated cells, by single-cell RNA-sequencing. Subsequently, chemokine receptors and integrins were validated at the protein level to reveal enrichment of receptors CCR2, CCR5, CXCR3, CXCR4, CXCR6, CD49a, and CD49d in glioblastoma-infiltrating T-cell populations relative to T cells in matched patient peripheral blood. Complementary chemokine ligand expression was then validated in glioblastoma biopsies and glioblastoma-derived primary cell cultures. Together, enriched expression of homing receptor-ligand pairs identified in this study implicate a potential role in mediating T-cell infiltration into glioblastoma. Importantly, our data characterising the migratory receptors on endogenous tumour-infiltrating T cells could be exploited to enhance the tumour-homing properties of future T-cell immunotherapies for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paris M Kollis
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lisa M Ebert
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - John Toubia
- Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Cancer Genomics Facility, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Cameron R Bastow
- Chemokine Biology Laboratory, Molecular Life Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Ormsby
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Santosh I Poonnoose
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Neurosurgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sakthi Lenin
- Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Melinda N Tea
- Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stuart M Pitson
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Guillermo A Gomez
- Tissue Architecture and Organ Function Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael P Brown
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Tessa Gargett
- Translational Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Reinhardt J, Sharma V, Stavridou A, Lindner A, Reinhardt S, Petzold A, Lesche M, Rost F, Bonifacio E, Eugster A. Distinguishing activated T regulatory cell and T conventional cells by single cell technologies. Immunology 2022; 166:121-137. [PMID: 35196398 PMCID: PMC9426617 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Resting conventional T cells (Tconv) can be distinguished from T regulatory cells (Treg) by the canonical markers FOXP3, CD25 and CD127. However, the expression of these proteins alters after T‐cell activation leading to overlap between Tconv and Treg. The objective of this study was to distinguish resting and antigen‐responsive T effector (Tconv) and Treg using single‐cell technologies. CD4+ Treg and Tconv cells were stimulated with antigen and responsive and non‐responsive populations processed for targeted and non‐targeted single‐cell RNAseq. Machine learning was used to generate a limited set of genes that could distinguish responding and non‐responding Treg and Tconv cells and which was used for single‐cell multiplex qPCR and to design a flow cytometry panel. Targeted scRNAseq clearly distinguished the four‐cell populations. A minimal set of 27 genes was identified by machine learning algorithms to provide discrimination of the four populations at >95% accuracy. In all, 15 of the genes were validated to be differentially expressed by single‐cell multiplex qPCR. Discrimination of responding Treg from responding Tconv could be achieved by a flow cytometry strategy that included staining for CD25, CD127, FOXP3, IKZF2, ITGA4, and the novel marker TRIM which was strongly expressed in Tconv and weakly expressed in both responding and non‐responding Treg. A minimal set of genes was identified that discriminates responding and non‐responding CD4+ Treg and Tconv cells and, which have identified TRIM as a marker to distinguish Treg by flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Reinhardt
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Virag Sharma
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden of Helmholtz Centre Munich at University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus of TU, Faculty of Medicine, Dresden, Germany
| | - Antigoni Stavridou
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Annett Lindner
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden of Helmholtz Centre Munich at University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus of TU, Faculty of Medicine, Dresden, Germany
| | - Susanne Reinhardt
- Technische Universität Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), DRESDEN-concept Genome Center, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Petzold
- Technische Universität Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), DRESDEN-concept Genome Center, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mathias Lesche
- Technische Universität Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), DRESDEN-concept Genome Center, Dresden, Germany
| | - Fabian Rost
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Information Services and High-Performance Computing (ZIH), TU Dresden, Dresden, 01062, Germany
| | - Ezio Bonifacio
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden of Helmholtz Centre Munich at University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus of TU, Faculty of Medicine, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anne Eugster
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Jørgensen N, Lænkholm AV, Sækmose SG, Hansen LB, Hviid TVF. Peripheral blood immune markers in breast cancer: Differences in regulatory T cell abundance are related to clinical parameters. Clin Immunol 2021; 232:108847. [PMID: 34506945 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2021.108847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer development is among other factors driven by tumor immune escape and tumor-mediated changes in the immune response. Investigating systemic immune changes may provide important knowledge for the improvement of patient prognosis and treatment opportunities. METHODS The systemic immune profile of patients with ER-positive breast cancer (n = 22) and healthy controls (n = 30) was investigated based on complete blood counts, flow cytometric analysis of T cell subsets including regulatory T cells (Tregs), and immune assays investigating soluble (s)HLA-G and the cytokine profile in plasma. We further examined the correlation between the immune markers and clinical parameters including tumor size, tumor grade and lymph node involvement. RESULTS Results indicated that breast cancer patients possessed a higher amount of neutrophils and monocytes and fewer lymphocytes and eosinophils compared with healthy controls. Breast cancer patients had significantly more CD25+CD127low Tregs than controls, and both lymphocyte and Treg numbers were negatively correlated with tumor size. Furthermore, Treg numbers were elevated in grade I tumors compared with grade II tumors and with healthy controls. No difference in sHLA-G levels was observed between patients and controls. Higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were observed in breast cancer patients. Cytokine and sHLA-G levels were not associated with clinical parameters. CONCLUSION The results of this exploratory study contribute to the elucidation of the systemic immune response in breast cancer indicating a potential use of peripheral immune cell counts and Tregs to distinguish patients from healthy controls and as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to be investigated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
| | - Anne-Vibeke Lænkholm
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Department of Surgical Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 9, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Susanne Gjørup Sækmose
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Zealand University Hospital, Ringstedgade 77, 4700 Næstved, Denmark
| | - Lone Bak Hansen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Department of Plastic and Breast Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F Hviid
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
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Regulatory T-cell subset distribution in children with primary hypertension is associated with hypertension severity and hypertensive target organ damage. J Hypertens 2021; 38:692-700. [PMID: 31834124 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000002328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between circulating regulatory T-cell (Tregs) subset distribution and hypertension severity in children with primary hypertension is not known. We aimed to find out if target organ damage (TOD) in children with primary hypertension is related to defects in Tregs distribution reflected by their phenotype characteristics. METHODS The study constituted 33 nontreated hypertensive children and 35 sex-matched and age-matched controls. Using multicolor flow cytometry technique, we assessed a distribution of the total Tregs (CD4CD25CD127) and their subsets (CD45RA-naive Tregs, CD45RA memory/activated Tregs, CD45RACD31 recent thymic emigrants Tregs and mature naive CD45RACD31 Tregs) in the whole blood. RESULTS Hypertensive children showed decreased percentage of the total Tregs, the CD45RA-naive Tregs, the total CD31 Tregs and the recent thymic emigrants Tregs but elevation of the CD45RA memory/activated Treg and mature naive CD45RACD31 Tregs. Decreased frequency of the total Tregs, naive Tregs and CD31-bearing Treg cell subsets (CD31 total Tregs, CD45RACD31 recent thymic emigrants Tregs) negatively correlated to TOD markers, arterial stiffness and blood pressure elevation. In contrast, increased percentage of memory Tregs and CD31 Tregs subsets positively correlated to organ damage markers, arterial stiffness and blood pressure values. These changes were independent of BMI, age, sex and hsCRP. CONCLUSION Both diagnosis of hypertension, TOD and arterial stiffness in hypertensive children were associated with decreased population of total CD4 Tregs, limited output of recent thymic emigrants Tregs, and increased pool of activated/memory Tregs. Hypertension was an independent predictor of the circulating Treg subsets distribution irrespective of hsCRP.
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10
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Li X, Liu X, Wang W. IL-35: A Novel Immunomodulator in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Liver Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:614847. [PMID: 33777929 PMCID: PMC7990793 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.614847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a risk factor for liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, little is known about the mechanisms involved in the progression of HBV-related diseases. It has been well acknowledged that host immune response was closely related to the clinical outcomes of patients with HBV infection. As the factors closely related to the immunomodulatory process, cytokines are crucial in the cell-cell communication and the host responses to HBV infection. Recently, a newly discovered cytokine, designated as interleukin-35 (IL-35), has been proved to be essential for the progression of chronic HBV infection, the development of cirrhosis, the transformation of cirrhosis to HCC, and the metastasis of HCC. Specifically, it showed various biological activities such as inhibiting the HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) proliferation and cytotoxicity, deactivating the immature effector T-cells (Teffs), as well as delaying the proliferation of dendritic cells. It regulated the immune responses by acting as a “brake” on the activation of Teffs, which subsequently played important roles in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases and malignancies. In this review, we focused on the most recent data on the relationship between IL-35 and chronic HBV infection, LC and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefen Li
- Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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11
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The Many Faces of CD4 + T Cells: Immunological and Structural Characteristics. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010073. [PMID: 33374787 PMCID: PMC7796221 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As a major arm of the cellular immune response, CD4+ T cells are important in the control and clearance of infections. Primarily described as helpers, CD4+ T cells play an integral role in the development and activation of B cells and CD8+ T cells. CD4+ T cells are incredibly heterogeneous, and can be divided into six main lineages based on distinct profiles, namely T helper 1, 2, 17 and 22 (Th1, Th2, Th17, Th22), regulatory T cells (Treg) and T follicular helper cells (Tfh). Recent advances in structural biology have allowed for a detailed characterisation of the molecular mechanisms that drive CD4+ T cell recognition. In this review, we discuss the defining features of the main human CD4+ T cell lineages and their role in immunity, as well as their structural characteristics underlying their detection of pathogens.
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Liu Y, Qi G, Wang J, Huang F, Bellanti JA, Zheng SG. CD4 +CD25 highCD226 low/- cells: An innovative approach to identify human regulatory T cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 147:767-769.e6. [PMID: 32668282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Sun Yat-sen University Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China.
| | - Guangying Qi
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Julie Wang
- Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Feng Huang
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Sun Yat-sen University Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Joseph A Bellanti
- Department of Pediatrics and Microbiology-Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Song Guo Zheng
- Ohio State University College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
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Zhang X, Olsen N, Zheng SG. The progress and prospect of regulatory T cells in autoimmune diseases. J Autoimmun 2020; 111:102461. [PMID: 32305296 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) are an important immune cell population, playing a crucial role in regulating immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune diseases. These cells consist of various cell sub-populations and generally have an immunoregulatory or suppressive role against immune responses. They also have a different cell heterogeneity and each populations has own biological characteristics. Treg deficiency, reduction, instability, reduced vitality and dysfunction all account for multiple autoimmune diseases. In this review, we have systemically reviewed Treg classification, phenotypic features, regulation of Foxp3 expression, plasticity and stability of Treg as well as their relationship with several important autoimmune diseases. We particularly focus on why and how inflammatory and diet environments affect the functional capacity and underlying mechanisms of Treg cell populations. We also summarize new advances in technologies which help to analyze and dissect these cells in molecular levels in-depth. We also clarify the possible clinical relevance on application of these cells in patients with autoimmune diseases. The advantages and weaknesses have been carefully discussed as well. We also propose the possible approaches to overcome these weaknesses of Treg cells in complicate environments. Thus, we have displayed the updated knowledge of Treg cells, which provides an overall insight into the role and mechanisms of Treg cells in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximei Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China; Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, PA, 43201, USA
| | - Nancy Olsen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, 17033, USA
| | - Song Guo Zheng
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, PA, 43201, USA.
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Ouaguia L, Moralès O, Aoudjehane L, Wychowski C, Kumar A, Dubuisson J, Calmus Y, Conti F, Delhem N. Hepatitis C Virus Improves Human Tregs Suppressive Function and Promotes Their Recruitment to the Liver. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101296. [PMID: 31652598 PMCID: PMC6829901 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is now well established in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) linked to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, nothing is known about the potential interplay between Tregs and HCV. In this pilot study, we have investigated the ability of Tregs to hang HCV on and the subsequent effect on their suppressive function and phenotype. Moreover, we have evaluated how HCV could promote the recruitment of Tregs by infected primary human hepatocytes. Methods: Tregs of healthy donors were incubated with JFH-1/HCVcc. Viral inoculation was assessed using adapted assays (RT-qPCR, Flow Citometry (FACS) and Western Blot (WB). Expression of Tregs phenotypic (CD4, CD25, CD127 and Foxp3) and functional (IL-10, GZMB, TGF-β1 and IL-2) markers was monitored by RT-qPCR, FACS and ELISA. Suppressive activity was validated by suppressive assays. Tregs recruitment by infected primary hepatic cells was evaluated using Boyden Chamber. Results: Tregs express the classical HCV receptors (CD81, CLDN1 and LDLR) and some co-receptors (CD5). HCV inoculation significantly increases the suppressive phenotype and activity of Tregs, and raises their anergy by inducing an unexpected IL-2 production. Moreover, HCV infection induces the expression of chemokines (CCL17, CXCL16, and CCL20) by primary hepatic human hepatocytes and chemokine receptors (CCR4, CXCR6 and CCR6) by Tregs. Finally, infected hepatocytes have a significantly higher potential to recruit Tregs in a seemingly CCL20-dependent manner. Conclusions: Direct interaction between HCV and Tregs represents a newly defined mechanism that could potentiate HCV immune evasion and favor intratumoral recruitment contributing to HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurissa Ouaguia
- Université Lille, UMR 8161-M3T-Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis and Targeted Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France.
- CNRS-UMR 8161, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Olivier Moralès
- Université Lille, UMR 8161-M3T-Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis and Targeted Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France.
- CNRS-UMR 8161, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Lynda Aoudjehane
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), F-75013 Paris, France.
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), F-75012 Paris, France.
| | - Czeslaw Wychowski
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Abhishek Kumar
- Université Lille, UMR 8161-M3T-Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis and Targeted Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France.
- CNRS-UMR 8161, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Yvon Calmus
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), F-75013 Paris, France.
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), F-75012 Paris, France.
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Medical Liver Transplantation, F-75013 Paris, France.
| | - Filomena Conti
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), F-75013 Paris, France.
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), F-75012 Paris, France.
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Medical Liver Transplantation, F-75013 Paris, France.
| | - Nadira Delhem
- Université Lille, UMR 8161-M3T-Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis and Targeted Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France.
- CNRS-UMR 8161, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France.
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Staats J. Immunophenotyping of Human Regulatory T Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 2032:141-177. [PMID: 31522418 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9650-6_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells, also known as Tregs, play a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis of the immune system and self-tolerance. Tregs express CD3, CD4, CD25, and FOXP3 but lack CD127. CD4 and CD3 identify helper T lymphocytes, of which Tregs are a subset. CD25 is IL-2Rα, an essential activation marker that is expressed in high levels on Tregs. FOXP3 is the canonical transcription factor, important in the development, maintenance, and identification of Tregs. CD127 is IL-7 receptor, expressed inversely with suppression, and is therefore downregulated on Tregs. Flow cytometry is a powerful tool that is capable of simultaneously measuring Tregs along with several markers associated with subpopulations of Tregs, activation, maturation, proliferation, and surrogates of functional suppression. This chapter describes a multicolor flow cytometry-based approach to measure human Tregs, including details for surface staining, fixation/permeabilization, intracellular/intranuclear staining, acquisition of samples on a flow cytometer, plus analysis and interpretation of resulting FCS files.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Staats
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Immune Profiling Core, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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16
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Lamas JR, Mucientes A, Lajas C, Fernández-Gutiérrez B, Lópiz Y, Marco F, Jover JA, Abásolo L, Rodriguez-Rodriguez L. Check-control of inflammation displayed by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Immunotherapy 2019; 11:1107-1116. [PMID: 31378114 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2019-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising treatment of different musculoskeletal diseases including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Results from different approaches in this treatment have been not conclusive. Aim: To analyze factors related to interactions between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and MSCs and the influence of cellular activation. Materials & methods: PBMCs from RA patients and healthy controls (HC) were obtained. MSCs from bone marrow (BM-MSCs) were obtained from six donors. CD4, CD25, CD69 and CD127 expression was measured by flow cytometry. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) models were performed using activation, co-culture with BM-MSCs and time of culture (24 h, 72 h, 6 days) as within-subject variables. Results: PBMCs activated and co-cultured with BM-MSCs showed a lower proportion of CD25-positive and CD25high/CD127low-negative cells in both RA and HC. Additionally, a maintained expression of CD69 was also observed in RA and HC when PBMCs were activated and co-cultured with BM-MSCs. Conclusion: Both PBMC activation grade and RA disease activity influence the immunomodulatory effect of BM-MSCs on T-cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose R Lamas
- Rheumatology Department, & Health Research Institute, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Arkaitz Mucientes
- Rheumatology Department, & Health Research Institute, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Lajas
- Rheumatology Department, & Health Research Institute, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Yaiza Lópiz
- Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Department, & Health Research Institute, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Marco
- Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Department, & Health Research Institute, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A Jover
- Rheumatology Department, & Health Research Institute, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lydia Abásolo
- Rheumatology Department, & Health Research Institute, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Rodriguez-Rodriguez
- Rheumatology Department, & Health Research Institute, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Jørgensen N, Persson G, Hviid TVF. The Tolerogenic Function of Regulatory T Cells in Pregnancy and Cancer. Front Immunol 2019; 10:911. [PMID: 31134056 PMCID: PMC6517506 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells, a subpopulation of suppressive T cells, are potent mediators of self-tolerance and essential for the suppression of triggered immune responses. The immune modulating capacity of these cells play a major role in both transplantation, autoimmune disease, allergy, cancer and pregnancy. During pregnancy, low numbers of regulatory T cells are associated with pregnancy failure and pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia. On the other hand, in cancer, low numbers of immunosuppressive T cells are correlated with better prognosis. Hence, maternal immune tolerance toward the fetus during pregnancy and the escape from host immunosurveillance by cancer seem to be based on similar immunological mechanisms being highly dependent on the balance between immune activation and suppression. As regulatory T cells hold a crucial role in several biological processes, they may also be promising subjects for therapeutic use. Especially in the field of cancer, cell therapy and checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated that immune-based therapies have a very promising potential in treatment of human malignancies. However, these therapies are often accompanied by adverse autoimmune side effects. Therefore, expanding the knowledge to recognize the complexities of immune regulation pathways shared across different immunological scenarios is extremely important in order to improve and develop new strategies for immune-based therapy. The intent of this review is to highlight the functional characteristics of regulatory T cells in the context of mechanisms of immune regulation in pregnancy and cancer, and how manipulation of these mechanisms potentially may improve therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Vauvert F. Hviid
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), The ReproHealth Consortium ZUH, Zealand University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Cardoso CC, Santos-Silva MC. Eight-color panel for immune phenotype monitoring by flow cytometry. J Immunol Methods 2019; 468:40-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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19
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Yang L, Jia S, Shao X, Liu S, Zhang Q, Song J, Wang W, Jin Z. Interleukin-35 modulates the balance between viral specific CD4 +CD25 +CD127 dim/- regulatory T cells and T helper 17 cells in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Virol J 2019; 16:48. [PMID: 30992023 PMCID: PMC6469219 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-019-1158-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interleukin (IL)-35 regulates imbalance between regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper (Th) 17 cells, leading to an important modulator in autoimmune disorder, cancer, and infectious diseases. Our previous study revealed an immunosuppressive activity of IL-35 in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the role of regulatory function of IL-35 to viral specific Tregs/Th17 cells balance in chronic HBV infection. Methods A total of 44 HLA-A2 restricted chronic HBV infected patients, including 21 of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 23 of asymptomatic HBV carriers (ASC) were enrolled. Purified CD4+ T cells or CD4+CD25+CD127dim/− Tregs were stimulated with recombinant IL-35. HBV core antigen specific Tregs and Th17 cells were determined by flow cytometry. FoxP3 and RORγt mRNA was measured by real-time PCR. Cytokines production (IL-10 and IL-17) was investigated by ELISA. Results Peripheral viral specific Tregs was comparable between CHB and ASC. However, increased percentage of viral specific Th17 cells was found in CHB, leading to the reduction of Tregs/Th17 ratio in CHB patients. IL-35 stimulation elevated viral specific Tregs, but not Th17 cells frequency, in both CHB and ASC, resulting in the elevation of Tregs/Th17 ratio in both groups. This process was accompanied by increased expression of FoxP3 mRNA and IL-10 production, and decreased IL-17 secretion and STAT3 phosphorylation in purified CD4+ T cells. Moreover, IL-35 stimulation inhibited viral specific Th17-like phenotype differentiation from Tregs in CHB patients. Effective anti-HBV therapy did not affect viral specific Tregs/Th17 cells frequency or IL-35 expression in CHB patients, however, reduced responsiveness of CD4+ T cells or Tregs to IL-35 stimulation in vitro. Conclusion Our findings indicated that IL-35 regulation to viral specific Tregs/Th17 balance may contribute to viral persistence in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Yang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Shengnan Jia
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xue Shao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Siqi Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jie Song
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Wudong Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zhenjing Jin
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, China.
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Göschl L, Scheinecker C, Bonelli M. Treg cells in autoimmunity: from identification to Treg-based therapies. Semin Immunopathol 2019; 41:301-314. [PMID: 30953162 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-019-00741-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory (Treg) cells are key regulators of inflammation and important for immune tolerance and homeostasis. A major progress has been made in the identification and classification of Treg cells. Due to technological advances, we have gained deep insights in the epigenetic regulation of Treg cells. The use of fate reporter mice allowed addressing the functional consequences of loss of Foxp3 expression. Depending on the environment Treg cells gain effector functions upon loss of Foxp3 expression. However, the traditional view that Treg cells become necessarily pathogenic by gaining effector functions was challenged by recent findings and supports the notion of Treg cell lineage plasticity. Treg cell stability is also a major issue for Treg cell therapies. Clinical trials are designed to use polyclonal Treg cells as therapeutic tools. Here, we summarize the role of Treg cells in selected autoimmune diseases and recent advances in the field of Treg targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Göschl
- Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Scheinecker
- Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Bonelli
- Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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21
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Immune rebound associates with a favorable clinical response to autologous HSCT in systemic sclerosis patients. Blood Adv 2019; 2:126-141. [PMID: 29365321 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2017011072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the immunological mechanisms associated with clinical outcomes after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), focusing on regulatory T- (Treg) and B- (Breg) cell immune reconstitution, 31 systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients underwent simultaneous clinical and immunological evaluations over 36-month posttransplantation follow-up. Patients were retrospectively grouped into responders (n = 25) and nonresponders (n = 6), according to clinical response after AHSCT. Thymic function and B-cell neogenesis were respectively assessed by quantification of DNA excision circles generated during T- and B-cell receptor rearrangements. At the 1-year post-AHSCT evaluation of the total set of transplanted SSc patients, thymic rebound led to renewal of the immune system, with higher T-cell receptor (TCR) diversity, positive correlation between recent thymic emigrant and Treg counts, and higher expression of CTLA-4 and GITR on Tregs, when compared with pretransplant levels. In parallel, increased bone marrow output of newly generated naive B-cells, starting at 6 months after AHSCT, renovated the B-cell populations in peripheral blood. At 6 and 12 months after AHSCT, Bregs increased and produced higher interleukin-10 levels than before transplant. When the nonresponder patients were evaluated separately, Treg and Breg counts did not increase after AHSCT, and high TCR repertoire overlap between pre- and posttransplant periods indicated maintenance of underlying disease mechanisms. These data suggest that clinical improvement of SSc patients is related to increased counts of newly generated Tregs and Bregs after AHSCT as a result of coordinated thymic and bone marrow rebound.
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Chen J, Zhao L, Wang D, Xu Y, Gao H, Tan W, Wang C. Contribution of regulatory T cells to immune tolerance and association of microRNA‑210 and Foxp3 in preeclampsia. Mol Med Rep 2018; 19:1150-1158. [PMID: 30569125 PMCID: PMC6323262 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that an exaggerated maternal systemic inflammatofrery response may play a central role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). Considering the growing evidence on microRNAs (miRNAs) and tissue‑specific regulators of gene expression, we investigated the potential association of miR‑210 and forkhead box p3 (Foxp3) in preeclamptic patients. Serum levels of the cytokines interleukin (IL)‑6, IL‑10, IL‑17, and transforming grown factor‑β1 were detected with ELISA. Reverse‑transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect mRNA expression for maternal placenta retinoic acid‑related orphan receptor C, Foxp3 and miRNA (miR)‑210. Foxp3 protein expression was evaluated by western blot analysis. Serum levels of cytokines IL‑10 were significantly lower in preeclamptic patients than in normal pregnant women. mRNA expression of Foxp3 was significantly lower in placenta of PE. mRNA expression of miR‑210 was significantly increased in PE. Results of western blot analysis indicated that Foxp3 protein expression was lower in PE than in normal pregnant women. Our data suggest that PE manifests as a decreased number of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which regulate maternal tolerance of the fetus. In placenta from women with PE, compared with normal pregnant women, mRNA expression of Foxp3 was significantly decreased, and expression of miR‑210 was significantly increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiying Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Children's Hospital of Shenzhen City, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Lijian Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Children's Hospital of Shenzhen City, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Dengchuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518110, P.R. China
| | - Yanbin Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Children's Hospital of Shenzhen City, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Haijie Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Children's Hospital of Shenzhen City, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Wenqing Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518110, P.R. China
| | - Chenhong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Children's Hospital of Shenzhen City, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
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Harms RZ, Lorenzo-Arteaga KM, Ostlund KR, Smith VB, Smith LM, Gottlieb P, Sarvetnick N. Abnormal T Cell Frequencies, Including Cytomegalovirus-Associated Expansions, Distinguish Seroconverted Subjects at Risk for Type 1 Diabetes. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2332. [PMID: 30405601 PMCID: PMC6204396 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We analyzed T cell subsets from cryopreserved PBMC obtained from the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention archives. We compared subjects who had previously seroconverted for one or more autoantibodies with non-seroconverted, autoantibody negative individuals. We observed a reduced frequency of MAIT cells among seroconverted subjects. Seroconverted subjects also possessed decreased frequencies of CCR4-expressing CD4 T cells, including a regulatory-like subset. Interestingly, we found an elevation of CD57+, CD28–, CD127–, CD27– CD8 T cells (SLEC) among seroconverted subjects that was most pronounced among those that progressed to disease. The frequency of these SLEC was strongly correlated with CMV IgG abundance among seroconverted subjects, associated with IA-2 levels, and most elevated among CMV+ seroconverted subjects who progressed to disease. Combined, our data indicate discrete, yet profound T cell alterations are associated with islet autoimmunity among at-risk subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Z Harms
- Surgery-Transplant, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | | | - Katie R Ostlund
- Surgery-Transplant, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Victoria B Smith
- Office of the Vice Chancellor of Research, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Lynette M Smith
- Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Peter Gottlieb
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Nora Sarvetnick
- Surgery-Transplant, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.,Mary and Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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24
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Frantz C, Auffray C, Avouac J, Allanore Y. Regulatory T Cells in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2356. [PMID: 30374354 PMCID: PMC6196252 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, accumulating evidence suggest that regulatory T cells (Tregs) are of paramount importance for the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance and immune homeostasis, even though they represent only about 5-10% of the peripheral CD4+ T cells in humans. Their key role is indeed supported by the spontaneous development of autoimmune diseases after Tregs depletion in mice. Moreover, there is also a growing literature that investigates possible contribution of Tregs numbers and activity in various autoimmune diseases. The contribution of Tregs in autoimmune disease has opened up a new therapeutic avenue based on restoring a healthy balance between Tregs and effector T-cells, such as Treg-based cellular transfer or low-dose IL-2 modulation. These therapies hold the promise of modulating the immune system without immunosuppression, while several issues regarding efficacy and safety need to be addressed. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an orphan connective tissue disease characterized by extensive immune abnormalities but also microvascular injury and fibrosis. Recently, data about the presence and function of Tregs in the pathogenesis of SSc have emerged although they remain scarce so far. First, there is a general agreement in the medical literature with regard to the decreased functional ability of circulating Tregs in SSc. Second the quantification of Tregs in patients have led to contradictory results; although the majority of the studies report reduced frequencies, there are conversely some indications suggesting that in case of disease activity circulating Tregs may increase. This paradoxical situation could be the result of a compensatory, but inefficient, amplification of Tregs in the context of inflammation. Nevertheless, these results must be tempered with regards to the heterogeneity of the studies for the phenotyping of the patients and of the most importance for Tregs definition and activity markers. Therefore, taking into account the appealing developments of Tregs roles in autoimmune diseases, together with preliminary data published in SSc, there is growing interest in deciphering Tregs in SSc, both in humans and mice models, to clarify whether the promises obtained in other autoimmune diseases may also apply to SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Frantz
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Cedric Auffray
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Jerome Avouac
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Yannick Allanore
- INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Cochin Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
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25
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Mo C, Zeng Z, Deng Q, Ding Y, Xiao R. Imbalance between T helper 17 and regulatory T cell subsets plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:177-183. [PMID: 30219674 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease that is characterized by fibrosis, inflammation, and vasculopathy of the skin and internal organs. The etiopathogenesis of SSc remains unclear. However, the pivotal role of T lymphocytes with an aberrant immune response in SSc is well established. Among T cells, IL-17-producing helper T (Th17) cell and regulatory T (Treg) cell subsets have recently been found to play crucial roles in SSc pathogenesis. Generally speaking, Th17 cell subsets up-regulate inflammation, fibrosis, and autoimmunity, which are present in SSc, while Treg cell subsets have an immunosuppressive function and resist the immunological performance of Th17 cells. Up-to-date evidence has pointed out that the imbalance and abnormal functions of Th17/Treg cells may contribute to SSc. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current understanding of the vital cytokines and signaling pathways that are involved in Th17/Treg differentiation and functions, and their roles in the pathogenesis of SSc, thus providing novel insights about targeting the Th17/Treg balance as a potential therapy for SSc treatment in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiling Mo
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
| | - Zhuotong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Qiancheng Deng
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Dermatology, Hainan Provincial Dermatology Disease Hospital, 15 LongKun-Nan Road, Haikou 570206, China.
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Ren-Min Road, Changsha 410011, China.
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26
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Schmidt A, Rieger CC, Venigalla RK, Éliás S, Max R, Lorenz HM, Gröne HJ, Krammer PH, Kuhn A. Analysis of FOXP3 + regulatory T cell subpopulations in peripheral blood and tissue of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Immunol Res 2018; 65:551-563. [PMID: 28224362 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-017-8904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical mediators of immune tolerance, yet their involvement in the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is incompletely understood. We analyzed CD4+ T cell subpopulations with Treg-related phenotypes and their association with disease activity in peripheral blood (PB) and tissues of patients with SLE. In detail, we quantified subpopulations regarding CD25, FOXP3, CD62L, CCR6, CD27, CD45RA, and CD45RO expression in PB from 31 patients with SLE divided into two disease activity groups and 32 healthy controls using flow cytometry. CD4+ and FOXP3+ T cells in skin and kidney biopsies of patients with SLE were quantified by immunohistochemistry. CD4+CD25+/++FOXP3+ and CD4+CD25+CD45RA-/CD45RO+ T cell frequencies were significantly higher in PB from patients with active compared to inactive SLE. The fraction of CD4+CD25++FOXP3+ Tregs and CD4+CD25+CD45RA+/CD45RO- naïve Tregs was not significantly different between these groups. CD4+CD25++ Tregs from active SLE patients comprised significantly less CD27+ cells and more CCR6+ cells compared to patients with inactive SLE. The percentage of CD4+FOXP3+ T cells among inflammatory infiltrates in skin and kidney biopsies of SLE patients was not different from other inflammatory skin/kidney diseases. In conclusion, although CD4+FOXP3+ T cell frequencies in the inflamed tissues of SLE patients were comparable to other inflammatory diseases, distinct T cell subpopulations appeared misbalanced in PB of patients with active SLE. Here, cells phenotypically resembling activated T cells, but not Tregs, were increased compared to patients with inactive SLE. Within Tregs of patients with active SLE, markers related to Treg function and homing were altered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Schmidt
- Division of Immunogenetics (D030), Tumor Immunology Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Unit of Computational Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, & Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cosima C Rieger
- Division of Immunogenetics (D030), Tumor Immunology Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Roche Diabetes Care GmbH, Global Medical & Scientific Affairs, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ram Kumar Venigalla
- Internal Medicine V, Division of Rheumatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Szabolcs Éliás
- Unit of Computational Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, & Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Regina Max
- Internal Medicine V, Division of Rheumatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hanns-Martin Lorenz
- Internal Medicine V, Division of Rheumatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hermann-Josef Gröne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter H Krammer
- Division of Immunogenetics (D030), Tumor Immunology Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annegret Kuhn
- Division of Immunogenetics (D030), Tumor Immunology Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany. .,Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Trials (IZKS), University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) represent a cell type that promotes immune tolerance to autologous components and maintains immune system homeostasis. The abnormal function of Tregs is relevant to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and other autoimmune diseases. Therefore, therapeutic modulation of Tregs could be a potent means of treating autoimmune diseases. Human Tregs are diverse, however, and not all of them have immunosuppressive effects. Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), a pivotal transcription factor of Tregs that is crucial in maintaining Treg immunosuppressive function, can be expressed heterogeneously or unstably across Treg subpopulations. Insights into modulating Treg differentiation on the level of DNA transcription or protein modification may improve the success of Treg modifying immunotherapies. In this review, we will summarize three main prospects: the regulatory mechanism of Foxp3, the influence on Foxp3 and Tregs in autoimmune diseases, then finally, how Tregs can be used to treat autoimmune diseases.
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28
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Slobodin G, Rimar D. Regulatory T Cells in Systemic Sclerosis: a Comprehensive Review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2017; 52:194-201. [PMID: 27318947 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-016-8563-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic inflammatory disease with complex pathogenesis, based on the sophisticated interplay of injury to the vascular endothelium, exaggerated tissue regeneration and fibrosis, and extensive immune abnormalities. The role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the development of SSc has started being studied during the last decade with new aspects being disclosed continuously, in parallel with the better understanding of Tregs physiology. There is a general agreement in the medical literature regarding the decreased functional capacity of circulating Tregs in SSc. Some patients, particularly those with active disease, may have increased numbers of circulating Tregs, representing the inhibitory response of the immune system to its inappropriate activation or occurring as a compensatory move for Tregs' decreased suppressive ability. Decreased pool of circulating Tregs can be seen in other SSc patients, with even lower Treg percentages seen in patients with long-standing disease. Skin-resident Tregs are depleted in advanced SSc but can be active and have a role in earlier disease stages. In addition to diminished suppressive ability, Tregs can contribute to SSc evolution by their microenvironment-dependent transformation to pathogenic effector T cells of Th17 or Th2 lineages with respective pro-inflammatory or pro-fibrotic activity. The current data on the effects of existing treatment modalities, including autologous stem cell transplantation, on Tregs function in SSc, is controversial, not being sufficiently elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleb Slobodin
- Rheumatology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. .,Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Doron Rimar
- Rheumatology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.,Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
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29
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Almanzar G, Klein M, Schmalzing M, Hilligardt D, El Hajj N, Kneitz H, Wild V, Rosenwald A, Benoit S, Hamm H, Tony HP, Haaf T, Goebeler M, Prelog M. Disease Manifestation and Inflammatory Activity as Modulators of Th17/Treg Balance and RORC/FoxP3 Methylation in Systemic Sclerosis. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2016; 171:141-154. [DOI: 10.1159/000450949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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30
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Żabińska M, Krajewska M, Kościelska-Kasprzak K, Jakuszko K, Bartoszek D, Myszka M, Klinger M. CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(-) and CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Regulatory T Cell Subsets in Mediating Autoimmune Reactivity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2016; 64:399-407. [PMID: 27156107 PMCID: PMC5021719 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-016-0399-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The available clinical as well as experimental studies implicate participation of T regulatory (Treg) subsets in the pathogenesis and course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Introduction of the CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(-) and CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory subpopulations analysis into immunological processes assessment and disease activation prognosis in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) may improve monitoring of disease activity and enable an early, and thus more effective, therapeutic treatment. The main goal of the study was to investigate whether the quantitative changes of Treg subpopulations are related to the clinical status of patients with LN. Fifty-four adult SLE patients divided into two groups according to their SLEDAI and renal SLEDAI scores were enrolled into the study. Subpopulations of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(-) and CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) phenotypes were determined by flow cytometry. The control group had higher absolute number of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cells compared with the study group (p < 0.001). Also, significant inverse correlation in the absolute number of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cells and SLEDAI score was observed. There were significant differences in the percentage and absolute number of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) lymphocytes between active and non-active LN groups. The study group had statistically lower values of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(-) cells, both in the percentage (p < 0.001) as well as their absolute number (p = 0.014) compared to the control group. There were also statistically significant positive correlations between the absolute number of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(-) and CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Tregs. IN CONCLUSION (1) reduction in the number of regulatory CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cells is a promising indicator of the activity of SLE, particularly of renal involvement; (2) determination of the number of regulatory cells using the CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(-) phenotype is unreliable in patients with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelina Żabińska
- Department and Clinic of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Faculty of Postgraduate Medical Training, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Krajewska
- Department and Clinic of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Faculty of Postgraduate Medical Training, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kościelska-Kasprzak
- Department and Clinic of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Faculty of Postgraduate Medical Training, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Jakuszko
- Department and Clinic of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Faculty of Postgraduate Medical Training, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dorota Bartoszek
- Department and Clinic of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Faculty of Postgraduate Medical Training, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marta Myszka
- Department and Clinic of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Faculty of Postgraduate Medical Training, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marian Klinger
- Department and Clinic of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Faculty of Postgraduate Medical Training, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
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31
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Imbalance of circulating CD4+CXCR5+FOXP3+ Tfr-like cells and CD4+CXCR5+FOXP3− Tfh-like cells in myasthenia gravis. Neurosci Lett 2016; 630:176-182. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.07.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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32
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Zhang YX, Wang HB, Jiang B, Liu HY. Effect of Lienal polypeptide injection on peripheral blood regulatory T cells in patients with advanced rectal cancer after surgery. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2016; 24:2102-2107. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v24.i13.2102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To observe the effect of Lienal polypeptide injection on peripheral blood regulatory T cells (Treg) and cellular immune function in patients with advanced colorectal cancer after surgery.
METHODS: Eighty-two patients with advanced rectal cancer before surgery at the Shanxi Cancer Hospital Colorectal Surgery from May 2014 to December 2015 were selected and randomized into either a Lienal polypeptide injection group (Group A, 42 cases) or a routine treatment group (Group B, 40 cases). Flow cytometry was used to analyze the proportions of Treg cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the peripheral blood by indirect immunofluorescence before and after surgery.
RESULTS: Both groups of patients were suggested to have a weakened immune system before treatment. The differences in immune cell proportions between the two groups were not significant preoperatively (P > 0.05). Compared with preoperative values, the proportion of CD4+ T cells significantly decreased while the proportion of CD8+ T cells significantly increased in the two groups after treatment (P < 0.05). NK cells were not statistically different in the two groups between before and after surgery (P > 0.05). In group B, the proportion of Treg cells after surgery was significantly lower than preoperative value (7.38% ± 0.07% vs 10.37% ± 0.54%, P = 0.000). The difference was also observed in group A (6.3% ± 0.06 % vs 10.46% ± 0.92%, P = 0.000). In addition, the proportion of Treg cells in group B was significantly lower than that in group A postoperatively (7.38% ± 0.07% vs 6.3% ± 0.06%, P = 0.000).
CONCLUSION: Lienal polypeptide injection can improve the immune function in patients with advanced colorectal cancer after surgery and lower levels of Treg cells, suggesting that reducing Treg cells may be one of the mechanisms for Lienal polypeptide injection to improve the immune function.
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33
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Zhang S, Pan SB, Lyu QH, Wu P, Qin GM, Wang Q, He ZL, He XM, Wu M, Chen G. Postoperative Regulatory T-Cells and Natural Killer Cells in Stage I Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Underwent Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy or Thoracotomy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2016; 128:1502-9. [PMID: 26021508 PMCID: PMC4733783 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.157672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulatory T-cells (Treg) play key roles in suppressing cell-mediated immunity in cancer patients. Little is known about perioperative Treg fluctuations in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy, as a minimal invasive procedure for treating NSCLC, may have relatively less impact on the patient's immune system. This study aimed to observe perioperative dynamics of circulating Treg and natural killer (NK) cell levels in NSCLC patients who underwent major lobectomy by VATS or thoracotomy. METHODS Totally, 98 consecutive patients with stage I NSCLC were recruited and assigned into VATS or thoracotomy groups. Peripheral blood samples were taken on 1-day prior to operation, postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, 7, 30, and 90. Circulating Treg and NK cell counts were assayed by flow cytometry, defined as CD4 + CD25 + CD127 low cells in CD4 + lymphocytes and CD56 + 16 + CD3- cells within CD45 + leukocytes respectively. With SPSS software version 21.0 (SPSS Inc., USA), differences between VATS and thoracotomy groups were determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and differences between preoperative baseline and PODs in each group were evaluated by one-way ANOVA Dunnett t-test. RESULTS In both groups, postoperative Treg percentages were lower than preoperative status. No statistical difference was found between VATS and thoracotomy groups on PODs 1, 3, 7, and 30. On POD 90, Treg percentage in VATS group was significantly lower than in thoracotomy group (5.26 ± 2.75 vs. 6.99 ± 3.60, P = 0.012). However, a higher level of NK was found on all PODs except on POD 90 in VATS group, comparing to thoracotomy group. CONCLUSIONS Lower Treg level on POD 90 and higher NK levels on PODs 1, 3, 7, 30 in VATS group might imply better preserved cell-mediated immune function in NSCLC patients, than those in thoracotomy group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gang Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
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Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells suppress proliferation of PHA-activated lymphocytes in vitro by inducing CD4(+)CD25(high)CD45RA(+) regulatory T cell production and modulating cytokine secretion. Cell Immunol 2016; 302:26-31. [PMID: 26774852 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidate cells for therapeutic application in autoimmune diseases due to their immunomodulatory properties. Unused human umbilical cords (UC) offer an abundant and noninvasive source of MSCs without ethical issues and are emerging as a valuable alternative to bone marrow tissue for producing MSCs. We thus investigated the immunomodulation effect of umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), T cells in particular, in a co-culture system. We found that UC-MSCs efficiently suppressed the proliferation of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated PBMCs (p<0.01). Kinetic analysis revealed that UC-MSCs primarily inhibited the division of generation 3 (G3) and 4 (G4) of PBMCs. In addition, UC-MSCs augmented the expression of CD127(+) and CD45RA(+) but reduced the expression of CD25(+) in PBMCs stimulated by PHA (p<0.05). Furthermore, UC-MSCs inhibited PHA-resulted increase in the frequency of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(low/-) Tregs significantly (p<0.01) but augmented PHA-resulted increase in the frequency of CD4(+)CD25(high)CD45RA(+) Tregs to about three times in PBMCs. The levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, PEG2, TGF-β, and IL-10 were greatly up-regulated, accompanied by a significant down-regulation of pro-inflammatory IFN-γ in the co-culture (p<0.01). Our results showed that UC-MSCs are able to suppress mitogen-induced PBMC activation and proliferation in vitro by altering T lymphocyte phenotypes, increasing the frequency of CD4(+)CD25(high)CD45RA(+) Tregs, and modulating the associated cytokine production. Further studies are warranted to investigate the therapeutic potential of UC-MSCs in immunologically-diseased conditions.
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35
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New insights into CD4(+) T cell abnormalities in systemic sclerosis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2015; 28:31-6. [PMID: 26724976 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that is characterized by vasculopathy and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which causes fibrosis of the skin and internal organs and eventually leads to multiorgan dysfunction. Studies have shown that CD4(+) T cell activation is a key factor in the pathogenesis of scleroderma because activated T cells can release various cytokines, resulting in inflammation, microvascular damage and fibrosis. T helper cell 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cell activities are a hallmark SSc, as Th17-type cytokines can induce both inflammation and fibrosis. More recently, several studies have reported new T cell subsets, including Th9 and Th22 cells, along with their respective cytokines in the peripheral blood, serum and skin lesions of individuals with SSc. Herein, we review recent data on various CD4(+) T helper cell subsets in SSc, and discuss potential roles of these cells in promoting inflammation and fibrosis.
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36
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Regulatory T-cell subsets in response to specific Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens in vitro distinguish among individuals with different QTF and TST reactivity. Clin Immunol 2015; 157:145-55. [PMID: 25728490 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subset of CD4+ T cells related with immune regulation, have been associated with active and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Treg frequencies were evaluated by multicolor flow cytometry (FC) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with mycobacterial antigens ESAT-6, CFP-10, and TB7.7 to assess their capacity to distinguish subjects with different reactivity to the QuantiFERON-TB® Gold In-Tube (QFT-IT) test and the tuberculin skin test (TST). Increased frequencies of CD4+CD25highCD39+ cells were found for the [TST+, QTF+] compared with the [TST+, QTF-] group. Also, higher frequencies were observed for the [TST+, QTF+] compared with the [TST+, QTF-] and [TST-, QTF-] groups in CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ and CD4+CD25highCD39+Foxp3+ populations. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC curve) analysis confirmed these discriminating results. QFT-IT and TST quantitative values correlated with several Treg population frequencies.
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37
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Garcia Santana CA, Tung JW, Gulnik S. Human treg cells are characterized by low/negative CD6 expression. Cytometry A 2014; 85:901-8. [DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - James W. Tung
- Life Science Global Application and Reagent Development; Beckman Coulter Inc.; Miami Florida 33196
| | - Sergei Gulnik
- Life Science Research; Beckman Coulter Inc.; Miami Florida 33196
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DNA fluorescence shift sensor: a rapid method for the detection of DNA hybridization using silver nanoclusters. J Colloid Interface Sci 2014; 433:183-188. [PMID: 25129336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2014.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (AgNC) are a class of subnanometer sized fluorophores with good photostability and brightness. It has been applied as a diagnostic tool mainly for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) detection. Integration of DNA oligomers to generate AgNCs is interesting as varying DNA sequences can result in different fluorescence spectra. This allows a simple fluorescence shifting effect to occur upon DNA hybridization with the hybridization efficiency being a pronominal factor for successful shifting. The ability to shift the fluorescence spectra as a result of hybridization overcomes the issue of background intensities in most fluorescent based assays. Here we describe an optimized method for the detection of single-stranded and double-stranded synthetic forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) target by hybridization with the DNA fluorescence shift sensor. The system forms a three-way junction by successful hybridization of AgNC, G-rich strand (G-rich) to the target DNA, which generated a shift in fluorescence spectra with a marked increase in fluorescence intensity. The DNA fluorescence shift sensor presents a rapid and specific alternative to conventional DNA detection.
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Varghese S, Crocker I, Bruce IN, Tower C. Systemic lupus erythematosus, regulatory T cells and pregnancy. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 7:635-48. [DOI: 10.1586/eci.11.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Yang Y, Liu YJ, Tang ST, Yang L, Yang J, Cao GQ, Zhang JH, Wang XX, Mao YZ. Elevated Th17 cells accompanied by decreased regulatory T cells and cytokine environment in infants with biliary atresia. Pediatr Surg Int 2013; 29:1249-60. [PMID: 24122073 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-013-3421-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Th17 and T reg cells in biliary atresia (BA) and to assess the liver cytokine environment in BA patients. METHODS The percentages of Th17 and T reg cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of BA patients and healthy controls (HC) were evaluated. The serum concentrations of IL-17a and IL-23 as well as Foxp3, IL-17a, ROR-γt, IL-6, IL-1β and TGF-β1 m-RNA and protein expressions in liver tissues and the number of Foxp3, IL-17a, ROR-γt, CD4 expressing cells which infiltrated the hepatic tissues were determined. RESULTS The Th17/T reg cell ratio (P < 0.001) and blood concentrations of IL-17a and IL-23 (P < 0.05) were increased in the BA as compared to the HC group. Expressions of Foxp3, ROR-γt, IL-17a, IL-1β, IL-6 as well as TGF-β1 mRNA and proteins were significantly increased in BA as compared to HC livers (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). High levels of IL-17a/ROR-γt-positive and moderate levels of Foxp3-positive cells infiltrated damaged BA bile ducts and the ratio of FoxP3+ T to CD4+ T cells was significantly lower in BA than in HC samples (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Cytokine-induced imbalance between Th17 and T reg cells in BA livers may be involved in bile duct damage.
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Daniel V, Wang H, Sadeghi M, Opelz G. Interferon-gamma producing regulatory T cells as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in organ transplantation. Int Rev Immunol 2013; 33:195-211. [PMID: 24266365 DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2013.845181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that IFNg plays a major role in both induction of Tregs as well as immunosuppression mediated by IFNg-producing Tregs. The present review focuses on a small subset of iTregs that produces IFNg, comprises only 0.04% of all CD4(+) T lymphocytes in the blood of healthy individuals, and increases strongly during an immune response. IFNg(+) Tregs are induced by IFNg and IL12, making them sensors for inflammatory cytokines. They develop rapidly during inflammation and represent the first line of Tregs that suppress initial immune responses. The pool of IFNg(+) Tregs consists of activated stable immunosuppressive thymus-derived nTregs as well as peripherally proliferating iTregs with in part only transient immunosuppressive function, which limits their diagnostic and therapeutic usefulness in organ transplantation. Apparently, a part of IFNg(+) Tregs dies during the immune response, whereas others, after efficient immunosuppression with resolution of the immune response, differentiate toward Th1 lymphocytes. Goals of further research are the development of appropriate diagnostic tests for rapid and exact determinination of immunosuppressive IFNg(+) iTregs, as well as the induction and propagation of stable immunosuppressive IFNg(+) Tregs that establish and maintain good long-term graft function in transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Daniel
- Department of Transplantation-Immunology, Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Neagu M, Constantin C, Zurac S. Immune parameters in the prognosis and therapy monitoring of cutaneous melanoma patients: experience, role, and limitations. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:107940. [PMID: 24163809 PMCID: PMC3791585 DOI: 10.1155/2013/107940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is an immune-dependent aggressive tumour. Up to our knowledge, there are no reports regarding immune parameters monitoring in longitudinal followup of melanoma patients. We report a followup for 36 months of the immune parameters of patients diagnosed in stages I-IV. The circulatory immune parameters comprised presurgery and postsurgery immune circulating peripheral cells and circulating intercommunicating cytokines. Based on our analysis, the prototype of the intratumor inflammatory infiltrate in a melanoma with good prognosis is composed of numerous T cells CD3+, few or even absent B cells CD20+, few or absent plasma cells CD138+, and present Langerhans cells CD1a+ or langerin+. Regarding circulatory immune cells, a marker that correlates with stage is CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and its decrease clearly indicates a worse prognosis of the disease. Moreover, even in advanced stages, patients that have an increased overall survival rate prove the increase of this ratio. The decrease in the circulating B lymphocytes with stage is balanced by an increase in circulating NK cells, a phenomenon observed in stage III. Out of all the tested cytokines in the followup, IL-6 level correlated with the patient's survival, while in our study, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12 did not correlate statistically in a significant way with overall survival, or relapse-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Neagu
- Immunobiology Laboratory, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 99-101 Splaiul Independentei, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carolina Constantin
- Immunobiology Laboratory, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 99-101 Splaiul Independentei, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sabina Zurac
- Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Colentina University Hospital, 21 Stefan cel Mare, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
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Mbow M, Santos NSS, Camara M, Ba A, Niang A, Daneau G, Wade D, Diallo AA, Toupane M, Diakhaté M, Lèye N, Diaw PA, Mboup S, Kestens L, Dieye TN. HIV and Tuberculosis co-infection impacts T-cell activation markers but not the numbers subset of regulatory T-cells in HIV-1 infected patients. Afr J Lab Med 2013; 2:76. [PMID: 29043167 PMCID: PMC5637782 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v2i1.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB) has been shown to accelerate the clinical course of HIV infection, but the mechanisms by which this occurs are not well understood. Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are known to dampen hyperactivation of the immune cells, but it remains unclear whether hyperactivation of T-cells in HIV infection is associated with a decrease of Tregs and what the effect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) co-infection has on T-cell activation and Tregs. Objectives In this study, we aim to evaluate whether active TB is associated with the increased expression of T-cell activation markers and reduced number of Treg cells in HIV-1-infected patients. Methods This study was conducted on 69 subjects consisting of 20 HIV-infected patients, 20 HIV and MTB co-infected patients, 19 MTB-infected patients and 10 uninfected control subjects negative for both MTB and HIV. The frequencies of T-cell activation markers (CD38 and HLA-DR) and Treg cells (CD4+CD25+CD127-) were measured by flow cytometry. Results Significantly higher expression of CD38 and HLA-DR on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells was found in MTB and HIV co-infected patients compared with HIV-infected patients. However, no significant difference in the percentage of Treg cells was reported between HIV patients with TB and those without. The study also showed a negative correlation between regulatory T-cells frequency and CD4+ T-cell counts. Conclusion These results suggest that TB enhances the expression of peripheral T-cell activation markers during HIV infection, whilst having no impact on the percentages of Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustapha Mbow
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Virology, Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal.,Institute of Tropical Medicine, Unit of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ndèye S S Santos
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Virology, Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Makhtar Camara
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Virology, Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Awa Ba
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Virology, Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Aliou Niang
- Department of Pneumo-phthisiology, Fann University Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Géraldine Daneau
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Unit of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Djibril Wade
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Unit of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Abdou A Diallo
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Virology, Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Maxim Toupane
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Virology, Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Maïmouna Diakhaté
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Virology, Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Nafissatou Lèye
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Virology, Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Papa A Diaw
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Virology, Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Souleymane Mboup
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Virology, Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Luc Kestens
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Unit of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tandakha N Dieye
- Laboratory of Bacteriology and Virology, Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital, Dakar, Sénégal
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Wu H, Chen P, Liao R, Li YW, Yi Y, Wang JX, Cai XY, He HW, Jin JJ, Cheng YF, Fan J, Sun J, Qiu SJ. Intratumoral regulatory T cells with higher prevalence and more suppressive activity in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 28:1555-64. [PMID: 23517245 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) play a vital role in immunosuppressive crosstalk; however, Tregs from different locations lead to different clinical outcomes. Our aim was, therefore, to compare the prevalences and suppressive phenotypes of Tregs in the peripheral blood, peritumor, and intratumor of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS : The frequencies and phenotypes of CD4(+) CD25(+) CD127(low/-) CD49d(-) Tregs in the periphery, peritumor, and intratumor of 78 HCC patients and 12 healthy controls were evaluated by flow cytometry. Treg-cell suppressive activity was determined using an in vitro CD154 expression assay. Tregs from tumor and paired peritumor were then hybridized using an Agilent whole genome oligo microarray, and selected genes were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Functional analysis of the microarray data was performed using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses. RESULTS : Intratumoral Tregs exhibited higher frequencies and more suppressive phenotypic functions than those in peritumor and periphery, whereas there was no difference between the latter two. Functional analysis showed that complement cascades, p53, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchor biosynthesis pathways were significantly upregulated in intratumoral Tregs; the salivary secretion pathway was significantly downregulated in intratumoral Tregs, and immune cells and tumor-immuno-related Gene Ontology terms were significantly affected. CONCLUSIONS : Tregs in different locations exhibited different functional statuses. A higher prevalence and more suppressive phenotype suggested a critical role for intratumoral Tregs in the formation of multicellular immunosuppressive networks. HCC immunotherapy may be improved, therefore, by specific locational Tregs elimination or suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
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Wang H, Daniel V, Sadeghi M, Opelz G. Plasticity and Overlap of In Vitro–Induced Regulatory T-Cell Markers in Healthy Humans. Transplant Proc 2013; 45:1816-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2012.10.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Sun Q, Zhang Q, Xiao H, Cui H, Su B. Significance of the frequency of CD4+CD25+CD127- T-cells in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus. Respirology 2013; 17:876-82. [PMID: 22524702 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2012.02184.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus (DM) are closely associated. The objective of this study was to determine whether the expression of CD4+CD25+CD127- T-cells (regulatory T-cells (Treg)) is associated with diabetic pulmonary tuberculosis. METHODS Flow cytometry was used to determine the frequencies of CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25+CD127- T-cells in peripheral blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and pleural effusions from 120 patients (30 with pulmonary tuberculosis and DM (TBDM), 30 with pulmonary tuberculosis without DM (TB), 30 with tuberculous pleurisy without DM (TBP) and 30 healthy volunteers). The concentrations of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-10 in BALF and pleural effusions were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Treg frequencies in peripheral blood were significantly higher in patients with TBDM, TB and TBP than in the control group, with the frequency in TBDM being the highest (P < 0.01 for all). In TBP patients, Treg frequencies were significantly lower in pleural effusions than in peripheral blood. In TB patients, Treg frequencies in BALF and peripheral blood were not significantly different. However, in TBDM patients, Treg frequencies were significantly higher in BALF than in peripheral blood. IL-10 expression was significantly higher, and IFN-γ expression was significantly lower in BALF of TBDM patients compared with BALF and pleural effusions of TB patients. CONCLUSIONS In patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and DM, the imbalance between Treg and effector T-cells at pathological sites may be associated with weakened immunity and clinical manifestations of TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Sun
- Departments of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital Affiliated with Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Hasegawa M, Fujimoto M, Matsushita T, Hamaguchi Y, Takehara K. Augmented ICOS expression in patients with early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2012; 52:242-51. [PMID: 23024058 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kes258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inducible costimulator (ICOS), expressed on activated T cells, and its ligand, ICOS ligand (ICOSL), expressed on antigen-presenting cells, have been considered a single receptor-ligand pair. Here we investigated the expression of ICOS and ICOSL in patients with SSc. METHODS ICOS expression on peripheral blood T cells, and ICOSL expression on B cells and macrophages was determined by flow cytometry. Expression of ICOS and ICOSL was assessed by immunohistological staining and real-time PCR of lesional skin. RESULTS ICOS expression levels were specifically increased on both peripheral blood memory T cells and Tregs from early dcSSc patients compared with those from healthy controls. Mean ICOSL expression on B cells or macrophages was comparable between SSc patients and healthy controls. ICOS-expressing T cells, ICOSL-expressing macrophages and mRNA levels of ICOS and ICOSL were increased in the lesional skin of patients with early dcSSc. In vitro ICOS costimulation enhanced production of IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-17A from T cells in SSc patients vs normal controls. Soluble ICOS levels were significantly increased in SSc patients and were negatively associated with the presence of ACAs and positively associated with CRP values. Serum levels of soluble ICOS were more closely associated with clinical features compared with levels of soluble IL-2 receptor. CONCLUSION Augmented ICOS signalling may contribute to the pathogenesis of SSc during early progressive disease. Soluble ICOS levels may be used as a serum marker for the activity and severity of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoru Hasegawa
- Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8641, Japan.
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In-vitro inhibition of IFNγ+ iTreg mediated by monoclonal antibodies against cell surface determinants essential for iTreg function. BMC Immunol 2012; 13:47. [PMID: 22905732 PMCID: PMC3482559 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2172-13-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background IFNγ-producing CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ PBL represent a subtype of iTreg that are associated with good long-term graft outcome in renal transplant recipients and suppress alloresponses in-vitro. To study the mechanism of immunosuppression, we attempted to block cell surface receptors and thereby inhibited the function of this iTreg subset in-vitro using monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins. Methods PBL of healthy control individuals were stimulated polyclonally in-vitro in the presence of monoclonal antibodies or recombinant proteins against/of CD178, CD152, CD279, CD28, CD95, and HLA-DR. Induction of IFNγ+ iTreg and proliferation of effector cells was determined using four-color fluorescence flow cytometry. Blockade of iTreg function was analyzed using polyclonally stimulated co-cultures with separated CD4+CD25+CD127-IFNγ+ PBL. Results High monoclonal antibody concentrations inhibited the induction of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+IFNγ+ PBL (anti-CD152, anti-CD279, anti-CD95: p < 0.05) and CD4+CD25+CD127-IFNγ+ PBL (anti-CD178, anti-CD152, anti-CD279, anti-CD95: p < 0.05). Effector cell proliferation increased with increasing antibody concentrations in culture medium (anti-CD178 and anti-CD279: p < 0.05). Conversely, high concentrations of recombinant proteins induced formation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+IFNγ+ PBL (rCD152 and rCD95: p < 0.05) and decreased cell proliferation dose-dependently (rCD178 and rCD95: p < 0.05). Our data suggest an inverse association of iTreg induction with effector cell proliferation in cell culture which is dependent on the concentration of monoclonal antibodies against iTreg surface determinants. 3-day co-cultures of polyclonally stimulated PBL with separated CD4+CD25+CD127-IFNγ+ PBL showed lower cell proliferation than co-cultures with CD4+CD25+CD127-IFNγ- PBL (p < 0.05). Cell proliferation increased strongly in CD4+CD25+CD127-IFNγ- PBL-containing co-cultures in the presence of monoclonal antibody (anti-CD28, anti-CD152, anti-CD279: p < 0.05) but remained low in co-cultures with CD4+CD25+CD127-IFNγ+ PBL (with the exception anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody: p < 0.05). Monoclonal antibodies prevent iTreg induction in co-cultures with CD4+CD25+CD127-IFNγ- PBL but do not efficiently block suppressive iTreg function in co-cultures with CD4+CD25+CD127-IFNγ+ PBL. Conclusions CD178, CD152, CD279, CD28, CD95, and HLA-DR determinants are important for induction and suppressive function of IFNγ+ iTreg.
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CD4+CD25+CD127low/− T Cells: A More Specific Treg Population in Human Peripheral Blood. Inflammation 2012; 35:1773-80. [DOI: 10.1007/s10753-012-9496-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Changes of Treg-Associated Molecules on CD4+CD25+Treg Cells in Myasthenia Gravis and Effects of Immunosuppressants. J Clin Immunol 2012; 32:975-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s10875-012-9685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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