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Liu R, Wang J, Liu Y, Gao Y, Yang R. Regulation of gut microbiota on immune cell ferroptosis: A novel insight for immunotherapy against tumor. Cancer Lett 2024; 598:217115. [PMID: 39025428 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217115] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Gut microbiota contributes to the homeostasis of immune system and is related to various diseases such as tumorigenesis. Ferroptosis, a new type of cell death, is also involved in the disease pathogenesis. Recent studies have found the correlations of gut microbiota mediated ferroptosis and immune cell death. Gut microbiota derived immunosuppressive metabolites, which can promote differentiation and function of immune cells, tend to inhibit ferroptosis through their receptors, whereas inflammatory metabolites from gut microbiota also affect the differentiation and function of immune cells and their ferroptosis. Thus, it is possible for gut microbiota to regulate immune cell ferroptosis. Indeed, gut microbiota metabolite receptor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) can affect ferroptosis of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes, leading to disease pathogenesis. Since immune cell ferroptosis in tumor microenvironment (TME) affects the occurrence and development of tumor, the modulation of gut microbiota in these cell ferroptosis might influence on the tumorigenesis, and also immunotherapy against tumors. Here we will summarize the recent advance of ferroptosis mediated by gut microbiota metabolites, which potentially acts as regulator(s) on immune cells in TME for therapy against tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruobing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Juanjuan Wang
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yuqing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yunhuan Gao
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Rongcun Yang
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center of Nankai University, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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2
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Duarte-Silva E, Oriá AC, Mendonça IP, Paiva IHR, Leuthier Dos Santos K, Sales AJ, de Souza JRB, Maes M, Meuth SG, Peixoto CA. The Antidepressant- and Anxiolytic-Like Effects of the Phosphodiesterase Type-5 Inhibitor Tadalafil are Associated with the Modulation of the Gut-Brain Axis During CNS Autoimmunity. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2024; 19:45. [PMID: 39158758 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-024-10148-4] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease that severely affects the central nervous system (CNS). Apart from neurological symptoms, it is also characterized by neuropsychiatric comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) such as Sildenafil and Tadalafil have been shown to possess antidepressant-like effects, but the mechanisms underpinning such effects are not fully characterized. To address this question, we used the EAE model of MS, behavioral tests, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, western blot, and 16 S rRNA sequencing. Here, we showed that depressive-like behavior in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice is due to neuroinflammation, reduced synaptic plasticity, dysfunction in glutamatergic neurotransmission, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) resistance, increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and immune cell infiltration to the CNS, as well as inflammation, increased intestinal permeability, and immune cell infiltration in the distal colon. Furthermore, 16 S rRNA sequencing revealed that behavioral dysfunction in EAE mice is associated with changes in the gut microbiota, such as an increased abundance of Firmicutes and Saccharibacteria and a reduction in Proteobacteria, Parabacteroides, and Desulfovibrio. Moreover, we detected an increased abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae and Desulfovibrionaceae and a reduced abundance of Lactobacillus johnsonii. Surprisingly, we showed that Tadalafil likely exerts antidepressant-like effects by targeting all aforementioned disease aspects. In conclusion, our work demonstrated that anxiety- and depressive-like behavior in EAE is associated with a plethora of neuroimmune and gut microbiota-mediated mechanisms and that Tadalafil exerts antidepressant-like effects probably by targeting these mechanisms. Harnessing the knowledge of these mechanisms of action of Tadalafil is important to pave the way for future clinical trials with depressed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Duarte-Silva
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Recife, PE, Brazil.
- Postgraduate Program in Biosciences and Biotechnology for Health (PPGBBS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-PE)/ Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Recife, PE, Brazil.
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Recife, PE, Brazil.
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40255, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases (CRID), Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | | | - Ingrid Prata Mendonça
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Recife, PE, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences (PPGCB), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Igor Henrique Rodrigues Paiva
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Recife, PE, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences (PPGCB), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Juliana Sales
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, 4002, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, 4002, Bulgaria
- IMPACT, the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Mental Health Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Sven Guenther Meuth
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, 40255, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Alves Peixoto
- Laboratory of Ultrastructure, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Recife, PE, Brazil.
- Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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3
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Abdelnabi MN, Hassan GS, Shoukry NH. Role of the type 3 cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 in modulating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1437046. [PMID: 39156888 PMCID: PMC11327067 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1437046] [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: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) comprises a spectrum of liver diseases that span simple steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and fibrosis and may progress to cirrhosis and cancer. The pathogenesis of MASLD is multifactorial and is driven by environmental, genetic, metabolic and immune factors. This review will focus on the role of the type 3 cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 in MASLD pathogenesis and progression. IL-17 and IL-22 are produced by similar adaptive and innate immune cells such as Th17 and innate lymphoid cells, respectively. IL-17-related signaling is upregulated during MASLD resulting in increased chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines in the liver microenvironment, enhanced recruitment of myeloid cells and T cells leading to exacerbation of inflammation and liver disease progression. IL-17 may also act directly by activating hepatic stellate cells resulting in increased fibrosis. In contrast, IL-22 is a pleiotropic cytokine with a dominantly protective signature in MASLD and is currently being tested as a therapeutic strategy. IL-22 also exhibits beneficial metabolic effects and abrogates MASH-related inflammation and fibrosis development via inducing the production of anti-oxidants and anti-apoptotic factors. A sex-dependent effect has been attributed to both cytokines, most importantly to IL-22 in MASLD or related conditions. Altogether, IL-17 and IL-22 are key effectors in MASLD pathogenesis and progression. We will review the role of these two cytokines and cells that produce them in the development of MASLD, their interaction with host factors driving MASLD including sexual dimorphism, and their potential therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed N. Abdelnabi
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ghada S. Hassan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Naglaa H. Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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4
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Lee J, Reiman D, Singh S, Chang A, Morel L, Chervonsky AV. Microbial influences on severity and sex bias of systemic autoimmunity. Immunol Rev 2024; 325:64-76. [PMID: 38716867 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Commensal microbes have the capacity to affect development and severity of autoimmune diseases. Germ-free (GF) animals have proven to be a fine tool to obtain definitive answers to the queries about the microbial role in these diseases. Moreover, GF and gnotobiotic animals can be used to dissect the complex symptoms and determine which are regulated (enhanced or attenuated) by microbes. These include disease manifestations that are sex biased. Here, we review comparative analyses conducted between GF and Specific-Pathogen Free (SPF) mouse models of autoimmunity. We present data from the B6;NZM-Sle1NZM2410/AegSle2NZM2410/AegSle3NZM2410/Aeg-/LmoJ (B6.NZM) mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) characterized by multiple measurable features. We compared the severity and sex bias of SPF, GF, and ex-GF mice and found variability in the severity and sex bias of some manifestations. Colonization of GF mice with the microbiotas taken from B6.NZM mice housed in two independent institutions variably affected severity and sexual dimorphism of different parameters. Thus, microbes regulate both the severity and sexual dimorphism of select SLE traits. The sensitivity of particular trait to microbial influence can be used to further dissect the mechanisms driving the disease. Our results demonstrate the complexity of the problem and open avenues for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Lee
- Committee on Cancer Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Derek Reiman
- Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Samara Singh
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anthony Chang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Laurence Morel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Alexander V Chervonsky
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Committee on Immunology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Committee on Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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5
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Li H, Wang XR, Hu YF, Xiong YW, Zhu HL, Huang YC, Wang H. Advances in immunology of male reproductive toxicity induced by common environmental pollutants. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108898. [PMID: 39047547 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Humans are exposed to an ever-increasing number of environmental toxicants, some of which have gradually been identified as major risk factors for male reproductive health, even associated with male infertility. Male infertility is usually due to the reproductive system damage, which may be influenced by the exposure to contaminants such as heavy metals, plasticizers, along with genetics and lifestyle. Testicular immune microenvironment (TIM) is important in maintaining normal physiological functions of the testis, whether disturbed TIM after exposure to environmental toxicants could induce reproductive toxicity remains to be explored. Therefore, the current review aims to contribute to the further understanding of exposure and male infertility by characterizing environmental exposures and the effect on TIM. We first summarized the male reproductive toxicity phenotypes induced by common environmental pollutants. Contaminants including heavy metals and plastic additives and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), have been repetitively associated with male infertility, whereas emerging contaminants such as perfluoroalkyl substances and micro(nano)plastics have also been found to disrupt TIM and lead to male reproductive toxicity. We further reviewed the importance of TIM and its homeostasis in maintaining the normal physiological functions of the testis. Most importantly, we discussed the advances in immunology of male reproductive toxicity induced by metals and metalloids, plastic additives, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), micro(nano)plastic and PM2.5 to suggest the importance of reproductive immunotoxicology in the future study of environmental toxicants, but also contribute to the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies for mitigating adverse effects of environmental pollutants on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Department of Toxicology, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Xin-Run Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Yi-Fan Hu
- Department of Toxicology, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Yong-Wei Xiong
- Department of Toxicology, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Hua-Long Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Yi-Chao Huang
- Department of Toxicology, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230000, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230000, China.
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6
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Law C, Wacleche VS, Cao Y, Pillai A, Sowerby J, Hancock B, Horisberger A, Bracero S, Skidanova V, Li Z, Adejoorin I, Dillon E, Benque IJ, Nunez DP, Simmons DP, Keegan J, Chen L, Baker T, Brohawn PZ, Al-Mossawi H, Hao LY, Jones B, Rao N, Qu Y, Alves SE, Jonsson AH, Shaw KS, Vleugels RA, Massarotti E, Costenbader KH, Brenner MB, Lederer JA, Hultquist JF, Choi J, Rao DA. Interferon subverts an AHR-JUN axis to promote CXCL13 + T cells in lupus. Nature 2024; 631:857-866. [PMID: 38987586 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07627-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is prototypical autoimmune disease driven by pathological T cell-B cell interactions1,2. Expansion of T follicular helper (TFH) and T peripheral helper (TPH) cells, two T cell populations that provide help to B cells, is a prominent feature of SLE3,4. Human TFH and TPH cells characteristically produce high levels of the B cell chemoattractant CXCL13 (refs. 5,6), yet regulation of T cell CXCL13 production and the relationship between CXCL13+ T cells and other T cell states remains unclear. Here, we identify an imbalance in CD4+ T cell phenotypes in patients with SLE, with expansion of PD-1+/ICOS+ CXCL13+ T cells and reduction of CD96hi IL-22+ T cells. Using CRISPR screens, we identify the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) as a potent negative regulator of CXCL13 production by human CD4+ T cells. Transcriptomic, epigenetic and functional studies demonstrate that AHR coordinates with AP-1 family member JUN to prevent CXCL13+ TPH/TFH cell differentiation and promote an IL-22+ phenotype. Type I interferon, a pathogenic driver of SLE7, opposes AHR and JUN to promote T cell production of CXCL13. These results place CXCL13+ TPH/TFH cells on a polarization axis opposite from T helper 22 (TH22) cells and reveal AHR, JUN and interferon as key regulators of these divergent T cell states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Law
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Dermatology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center of Human Immunobiology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center of Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vanessa Sue Wacleche
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ye Cao
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arundhati Pillai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Dermatology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center of Human Immunobiology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center of Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John Sowerby
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brandon Hancock
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Dermatology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center of Human Immunobiology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center of Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alice Horisberger
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sabrina Bracero
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Viktoriya Skidanova
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zhihan Li
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ifeoluwakiisi Adejoorin
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eilish Dillon
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Isaac J Benque
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diana Pena Nunez
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daimon P Simmons
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joshua Keegan
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lin Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ling-Yang Hao
- Discovery Immunology, Janssen Research & Development, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Brian Jones
- Discovery Immunology, Janssen Research & Development, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Navin Rao
- Discovery Immunology, Janssen Research & Development, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Yujie Qu
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
| | | | - A Helena Jonsson
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Katharina S Shaw
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ruth Ann Vleugels
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elena Massarotti
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karen H Costenbader
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael B Brenner
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James A Lederer
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Judd F Hultquist
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jaehyuk Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Dermatology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Center of Human Immunobiology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Center of Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Deepak A Rao
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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7
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Grishanova AY, Perepechaeva ML. Kynurenic Acid/AhR Signaling at the Junction of Inflammation and Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6933. [PMID: 39000041 PMCID: PMC11240928 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Persistent systemic chronic inflammatory conditions are linked with many pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a leading cause of death across the globe. Among various risk factors, one of the new possible contributors to CVDs is the metabolism of essential amino acid tryptophan. Proinflammatory signals promote tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine (KYN) pathway (KP), thereby resulting in the biosynthesis of several immunomodulatory metabolites whose biological effects are associated with the development of symptoms and progression of various inflammatory diseases. Some participants in the KP are agonists of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a central player in a signaling pathway that, along with a regulatory influence on the metabolism of environmental xenobiotics, performs a key immunomodulatory function by triggering various cellular mechanisms with the participation of endogenous ligands to alleviate inflammation. An AhR ligand with moderate affinity is the central metabolite of the KP: KYN; one of the subsequent metabolites of KYN-kynurenic acid (KYNA)-is a more potent ligand of AhR. Understanding the role of AhR pathway-related metabolites of the KP that regulate inflammatory factors in cells of the cardiovascular system is interesting and important for achieving effective treatment of CVDs. The purpose of this review was to summarize the results of studies about the participation of the KP metabolite-KYNA-and of the AhR signaling pathway in the regulation of inflammation in pathological conditions of the heart and blood vessels and about the possible interaction of KYNA with AhR signaling in some CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria L. Perepechaeva
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630060, Russia;
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8
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Jonić N, Koprivica I, Chatzigiannis CM, Tsiailanis AD, Kyrkou SG, Tzakos EP, Pavić A, Dimitrijević M, Jovanović A, Jovanović MB, Marinho S, Castro-Almeida I, Otašević V, Moura-Alves P, Tzakos AG, Stojanović I. Development of FluoAHRL: A Novel Synthetic Fluorescent Compound That Activates AHR and Potentiates Anti-Inflammatory T Regulatory Cells. Molecules 2024; 29:2988. [PMID: 38998940 PMCID: PMC11243367 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29132988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) ligands, upon binding, induce distinct gene expression profiles orchestrated by the AHR, leading to a spectrum of pro- or anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we designed, synthesized and evaluated three indole-containing potential AHR ligands (FluoAHRL: AGT-4, AGT-5 and AGT-6). All synthesized compounds were shown to emit fluorescence in the near-infrared. Their AHR agonist activity was first predicted using in silico docking studies, and then confirmed using AHR luciferase reporter cell lines. FluoAHRLs were tested in vitro using mouse peritoneal macrophages and T lymphocytes to assess their immunomodulatory properties. We then focused on AGT-5, as it illustrated the predominant anti-inflammatory effects. Notably, AGT-5 demonstrated the ability to foster anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells (Treg) while suppressing pro-inflammatory T helper (Th)17 cells in vitro. AGT-5 actively induced Treg differentiation from naïve CD4+ cells, and promoted Treg proliferation, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) expression and interleukin-10 (IL-10) production. The increase in IL-10 correlated with an upregulation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) expression. Importantly, the Treg-inducing effect of AGT-5 was also observed in human tonsil cells in vitro. AGT-5 showed no toxicity when applied to zebrafish embryos and was therefore considered safe for animal studies. Following oral administration to C57BL/6 mice, AGT-5 significantly upregulated Treg while downregulating pro-inflammatory Th1 cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes. Due to its fluorescent properties, AGT-5 could be visualized both in vitro (during uptake by macrophages) and ex vivo (within the lamina propria of the small intestine). These findings make AGT-5 a promising candidate for further exploration in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalija Jonić
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.J.); (I.K.); (M.D.)
| | - Ivan Koprivica
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.J.); (I.K.); (M.D.)
| | - Christos M. Chatzigiannis
- Section of Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.M.C.); (A.D.T.); (S.G.K.)
| | - Antonis D. Tsiailanis
- Section of Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.M.C.); (A.D.T.); (S.G.K.)
| | - Stavroula G. Kyrkou
- Section of Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.M.C.); (A.D.T.); (S.G.K.)
| | | | - Aleksandar Pavić
- Laboratory for Microbial Molecular Genetics and Ecology, Institute for Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Mirjana Dimitrijević
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.J.); (I.K.); (M.D.)
| | - Andjelina Jovanović
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology with Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Hospital Center “Zemun”, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.J.); (M.B.J.)
| | - Milan B. Jovanović
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology with Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Hospital Center “Zemun”, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.J.); (M.B.J.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sérgio Marinho
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.); (I.C.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Castro-Almeida
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.); (I.C.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vesna Otašević
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Pedro Moura-Alves
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (S.M.); (I.C.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreas G. Tzakos
- Section of Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.M.C.); (A.D.T.); (S.G.K.)
- Institute of Materials Science and Computing, University Research Center of Ioannina (URCI), 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ivana Stojanović
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.J.); (I.K.); (M.D.)
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Buchynskyi M, Oksenych V, Kamyshna I, Vorobets I, Halabitska I, Kamyshnyi O. Modulatory Roles of AHR, FFAR2, FXR, and TGR5 Gene Expression in Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and COVID-19 Outcomes. Viruses 2024; 16:985. [PMID: 38932276 PMCID: PMC11209102 DOI: 10.3390/v16060985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a risk factor for severe COVID-19. This study explores the potential influence of gut hormone receptor and immune response gene expression on COVID-19 outcomes in MAFLD patients. METHODS We investigated gene expression levels of AHR, FFAR2, FXR, and TGR5 in patients with MAFLD and COVID-19 compared to controls. We examined associations between gene expression and clinical outcomes. RESULTS COVID-19 patients displayed altered AHR expression, potentially impacting immune response and recovery. Downregulated AHR in patients with MAFLD correlated with increased coagulation parameters. Elevated FFAR2 expression in patients with MAFLD was linked to specific immune cell populations and hospital stay duration. A significantly lower FXR expression was observed in both MAFLD and severe COVID-19. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest potential modulatory roles for AHR, FFAR2, and FXR in COVID-19 and MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mykhailo Buchynskyi
- Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Valentyn Oksenych
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Iryna Kamyshna
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Ihor Vorobets
- Ophthalmology Clinic “Vizex”, Naukova St. 96B, 79060 Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Iryna Halabitska
- Department of Therapy and Family Medicine, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Voli Square, 1, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine;
| | - Oleksandr Kamyshnyi
- Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
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Jiang D, Soo N, Tan CY, Dankwa S, Wang HY, Theriot BS, Ardeshir A, Siddiqui NY, Van Rompay KKA, De Paris K, Permar SR, Goswami R, Surana NK. Commensal bacteria inhibit viral infections via a tryptophan metabolite. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.21.589969. [PMID: 38659737 PMCID: PMC11042330 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.21.589969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
There is growing appreciation that commensal bacteria impact the outcome of viral infections, though the specific bacteria and their underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Studying a simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)-challenged cohort of pediatric nonhuman primates, we bioinformatically associated Lactobacillus gasseri and the bacterial family Lachnospiraceae with enhanced resistance to infection. We experimentally validated these findings by demonstrating two different Lachnospiraceae isolates, Clostridium immunis and Ruminococcus gnavus, inhibited HIV replication in vitro and ex vivo. Given the link between tryptophan catabolism and HIV disease severity, we found that an isogenic mutant of C. immunis that lacks the aromatic amino acid aminotransferase (ArAT) gene, which is key to metabolizing tryptophan into 3-indolelactic acid (ILA), no longer inhibits HIV infection. Intriguingly, we confirmed that a second commensal bacterium also inhibited HIV in an ArAT-dependent manner, thus establishing the generalizability of this finding. In addition, we found that purified ILA inhibited HIV infection by agonizing the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Given that the AhR has been implicated in the control of multiple viral infections, we demonstrated that C. immunis also inhibited human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in an ArAT-dependent manner. Importantly, metagenomic analysis of individuals at-risk for HIV revealed that those who ultimately acquired HIV had a lower fecal abundance of the bacterial ArAT gene compared to individuals who did not, which indicates our findings translate to humans. Taken together, our results provide mechanistic insights into how commensal bacteria decrease susceptibility to viral infections. Moreover, we have defined a microbiota-driven antiviral pathway that offers the potential for novel therapeutic strategies targeting a broad spectrum of viral pathogens.
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11
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Marafini I, Monteleone I, Laudisi F, Monteleone G. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signalling in the Control of Gut Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4527. [PMID: 38674118 PMCID: PMC11050475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084527] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a transcription factor activated by many natural and synthetic ligands, represents an important mediator of the interplay between the environment and the host's immune responses. In a healthy gut, AHR activation promotes tolerogenic signals, which help maintain mucosal homeostasis. AHR expression is defective in the inflamed gut of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), where decreased AHR signaling is supposed to contribute to amplifying the gut tissue's destructive immune-inflammatory responses. We here review the evidence supporting the role of AHR in controlling the "physiological" intestinal inflammation and summarize the data about the therapeutic effects of AHR activators, both in preclinical mouse models of colitis and in patients with IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Marafini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Policlinico Universitario Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Ivan Monteleone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Federica Laudisi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Monteleone
- Gastroenterology Unit, Policlinico Universitario Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
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12
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Kim DK, Lee CY, Han YJ, Park SY, Han H, Na K, Kim MH, Yang SM, Baek S, Kim Y, Hwang JY, Lee S, Kang SS, Hong MH, Lim SM, Lee JB, Kim JH, Cho BC, Pyo KH. Exploring aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression and distribution in the tumor microenvironment, with a focus on immune cells, in various solid cancer types. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1330228. [PMID: 38680496 PMCID: PMC11045933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1330228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that performs various functions upon ligand activation. Several studies have explored the role of AhR expression in tumor progression and immune surveillance. Nevertheless, investigations on the distribution of AhR expression, specifically in cancer or immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), remain limited. Examining the AhR expression and distribution in the TME is crucial for gaining insights into the mechanism of action of AhR-targeting anticancer agents and their potential as biomarkers. Methods Here, we used multiplexed immunohistochemistry (mIHC) and image cytometry to investigate the AhR expression and distribution in 513 patient samples, of which 292 are patients with one of five solid cancer types. Additionally, we analyzed the nuclear and cytosolic distribution of AhR expression. Results Our findings reveal that AhR expression was primarily localized in cancer cells, followed by stromal T cells and macrophages. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between the nuclear and cytosolic expression of AhR, indicating that the expression of AhR as a biomarker is independent of its localization. Interestingly, the expression patterns of AhR were categorized into three clusters based on the cancer type, with high AhR expression levels being found in regulatory T cells (Tregs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Discussion These findings are anticipated to serve as pivotal evidence for the design of clinical trials and the analysis of the anticancer mechanisms of AhR-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Kwon Kim
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chai Young Lee
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jin Han
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So Young Park
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heekyung Han
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangmin Na
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Hyun Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Min Yang
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujeong Baek
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngtaek Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Yeon Hwang
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul Lee
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-san Kang
- Jeuk Institute for Cancer Research, Jeuk Co. Ltd., Gumi, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Hee Hong
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Min Lim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jii Bum Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hwan Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Chul Cho
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei New Il Han Institute for Integrative Lung Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ho Pyo
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei New Il Han Institute for Integrative Lung Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Research Support, Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Perdijk O, Azzoni R, Marsland BJ. The microbiome: an integral player in immune homeostasis and inflammation in the respiratory tract. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:835-879. [PMID: 38059886 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00020.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The last decade of microbiome research has highlighted its fundamental role in systemic immune and metabolic homeostasis. The microbiome plays a prominent role during gestation and into early life, when maternal lifestyle factors shape immune development of the newborn. Breast milk further shapes gut colonization, supporting the development of tolerance to commensal bacteria and harmless antigens while preventing outgrowth of pathogens. Environmental microbial and lifestyle factors that disrupt this process can dysregulate immune homeostasis, predisposing infants to atopic disease and childhood asthma. In health, the low-biomass lung microbiome, together with inhaled environmental microbial constituents, establishes the immunological set point that is necessary to maintain pulmonary immune defense. However, in disease perturbations to immunological and physiological processes allow the upper respiratory tract to act as a reservoir of pathogenic bacteria, which can colonize the diseased lung and cause severe inflammation. Studying these host-microbe interactions in respiratory diseases holds great promise to stratify patients for suitable treatment regimens and biomarker discovery to predict disease progression. Preclinical studies show that commensal gut microbes are in a constant flux of cell division and death, releasing microbial constituents, metabolic by-products, and vesicles that shape the immune system and can protect against respiratory diseases. The next major advances may come from testing and utilizing these microbial factors for clinical benefit and exploiting the predictive power of the microbiome by employing multiomics analysis approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Perdijk
- Department of Immunology, School of Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rossana Azzoni
- Department of Immunology, School of Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Marsland
- Department of Immunology, School of Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Wu HX, Long CR, Zhang ZH, Chen YL, Wang YY, Xiang SJ, Zhou BJ. Tryptophan metabolism and liver fibrosis. WORLD CHINESE JOURNAL OF DIGESTOLOGY 2024; 32:192-198. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v32.i3.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2024]
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15
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Zhang H, Yang Z, Yuan W, Liu J, Luo X, Zhang Q, Li Y, Chen J, Zhou Y, Lv J, Zhou N, Ma J, Tang K, Huang B. Sustained AhR activity programs memory fate of early effector CD8 + T cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317658121. [PMID: 38437537 PMCID: PMC10945852 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317658121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Identification of mechanisms that program early effector T cells to either terminal effector T (Teff) or memory T (Tm) cells has important implications for protective immunity against infections and cancers. Here, we show that the cytosolic transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is used by early Teff cells to program memory fate. Upon antigen engagement, AhR is rapidly up-regulated via reactive oxygen species signaling in early CD8+ Teff cells, which does not affect the effector response, but is required for memory formation. Mechanistically, activated CD8+ T cells up-regulate HIF-1α to compete with AhR for HIF-1β, leading to the loss of AhR activity in HIF-1αhigh short-lived effector cells, but sustained in HIF-1αlow memory precursor effector cells (MPECs) with the help of autocrine IL-2. AhR then licenses CD8+ MPECs in a quiescent state for memory formation. These findings partially resolve the long-standing issue of how Teff cells are regulated to differentiate into memory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huafeng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430030, China
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430030, China
| | - Zhuoshun Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Regulatory Mechanism and Targeted Therapy for Liver Cancer Shiyan Key Laboratory, Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei442000, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430030, China
| | - Wu Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430030, China
| | - Jincheng Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430030, China
| | - Xiao Luo
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430030, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430030, China
| | - Yonggang Li
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Applied Toxicology, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan430079, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Immunology and National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing100005, China
| | - Yabo Zhou
- Department of Immunology and National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing100005, China
| | - Jiadi Lv
- Department of Immunology and National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing100005, China
| | - Nannan Zhou
- Department of Immunology and National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing100005, China
| | - Jingwei Ma
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430030, China
| | - Ke Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430030, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430030, China
- Department of Immunology and National Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing100005, China
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Hizawa N. Common Pathogeneses Underlying Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -Insights from Genetic Studies. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2024; 19:633-642. [PMID: 38464563 PMCID: PMC10922945 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s441992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neither asthma nor chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a single disease consisting of a uniform pathogenesis; rather, they are both syndromes that result from a variety of basic distinct pathogeneses. Many of the basic pathogeneses overlap between the two diseases, and multiple basic pathogeneses are simultaneously involved at varying proportions in individual patients. The specific combination of different basic pathogeneses in each patient determines the phenotype of the patient, and it varies widely from patient to patient. For example, type 2 airway inflammation and neutrophilic airway inflammation may coexist in the same patient, and quite a few patients have clinical characteristics of both asthma and COPD. Even in the same patient, the contribution of each pathogenesis is expected to differ at different life stages (eg, childhood, adolescence, middle age, and older), during different seasons (eg, high seasons for hay fever and rhinovirus infection), and depending on the nature of treatments. This review describes several basic pathogeneses commonly involved in both asthma and COPD, including chronic non-type 2 inflammation, type 2 inflammation, viral infections, and lung development. Understanding of the basic molecular pathogeneses in individual patients, rather than the use of clinical diagnosis, such as asthma, COPD, or even asthma COPD overlap, will enable us to better deal with the diversity seen in disease states, and lead to optimal treatment practices tailored for each patient with less disease burden, such as drug-induced side effects, and improved prognosis. Furthermore, we can expect to focus on these molecular pathways as new drug discovery targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyuki Hizawa
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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17
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Wang S, Xu Y, Wang L, Lin J, Xu C, Zhao X, Zhang H. TolDC Restores the Balance of Th17/Treg via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor to Attenuate Colitis. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2024:izae022. [PMID: 38431309 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izae022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tolerogenic dendritic cells (TolDCs) have been evidenced to trigger regulatory T cell's (Treg's) differentiation and be involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD). Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a crucial role in the differentiation of TolDCs, although the mechanism remains vague. This study aimed to evaluate the role of AhR in TolDCs formation, which may affect Th17/Treg balance in CD. METHODS Colon biopsy specimens were obtained from healthy controls and patients with CD. Wild type (WT) and AhR-/- mice were induced colitis by drinking dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) with or without 6-formylindolo 3,2-b carbazole (FICZ) treatment. Wild type and AhR-/- bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) were cultured under TolDCs polarization condition. Ratios of DCs surface markers were determined by flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to quantify the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and IL-10. Tolerogenic dendritic cells differentiated from BMDCs of WT or AhR-/- mice were adoptively transferred to DSS-induced WT colitis mice. RESULTS Patients with CD showed less AhR expression and activation in their inflamed colon regions. Compared with WT mice, AhR-/- mice experienced more severe colitis. Tolerogenic dendritic cells and Tregs were both decreased in the colon of AhR-/- colitis mice, while Th17 cells were upregulated. In vitro, compared with WT DCs, AhR-deficient DCs led to less TolDC formation. Furthermore, intestinal inflammation in WT colitis mice, which transferred with AhR-/- TolDCs, showed no obvious improvement compared with those transferred with WT TolDCs, as evidenced by no rescues of Th17/Treg balance. CONCLUSIONS Activation of AhR attenuates experimental colitis by modulating the balance of TolDCs and Th17/Treg. The AhR modulation of TolDCs may be a viable therapeutic approach for CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenjing Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongjie Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
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Wen Y, Wang H, Tian D, Wang G. TH17 cell: a double-edged sword in the development of inflammatory bowel disease. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2024; 17:17562848241230896. [PMID: 38390028 PMCID: PMC10883129 DOI: 10.1177/17562848241230896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic nonspecific inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, and its pathogenesis has not been fully understood. Extensive dysregulation of the intestinal mucosal immune system is critical in the development and progression of IBD. T helper (Th) 17 cells have the characteristics of plasticity. They can transdifferentiate into subpopulations with different functions in response to different factors in the surrounding environment, thus taking on different roles in regulating the intestinal immune responses. In this review, we will focus on the plasticity of Th17 cells as well as the function of Th17 cells and their related cytokines in IBD. We will summarize their pathogenic and protective roles in IBD under different conditions, respectively, hoping to further deepen the understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying IBD and provide insights for future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dean Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Ge Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
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19
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Gao L, Zhang W, Zhang L, Gromova B, Chen G, Csizmadia E, Cagle C, Nastasio S, Ma Y, Bonder A, Patwardhan V, Robson SC, Jiang S, Longhi MS. Silencing of aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor restrains Th17 cell immunity in autoimmune hepatitis. J Autoimmun 2024; 143:103162. [PMID: 38142533 PMCID: PMC10981568 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Th17-cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Dysregulation of Th17-cells in AIH is linked to defective response to aryl-hydrocarbon-receptor (AhR) activation. AhR modulates adaptive immunity and is regulated by aryl-hydrocarbon-receptor-repressor (AHRR), which inhibits AhR transcriptional activity. In this study, we investigated whether defective Th17-cell response to AhR derives from aberrant AHRR regulation in AIH. Th17-cells, obtained from the peripheral blood of AIH patients (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 30) were exposed to AhR endogenous ligands, and their response assessed in the absence or presence of AHRR silencing. Therapeutic effects of AHRR blockade were tested in a model of Concanavalin-A (Con-A)-induced liver injury in humanized mice. AHRR was markedly upregulated in AIH Th17-cells, following exposure to l-kynurenine, an AhR endogenous ligand. In patients, silencing of AHRR boosted Th17-cell response to l-kynurenine, as reflected by increased levels of CYP1A1, the main gene controlled by AhR; and decreased IL17A expression. Blockade of AHRR limited the differentiation of naïve CD4-cells into Th17 lymphocytes; and modulated Th17-cell metabolic profile by increasing the levels of uridine via ATP depletion or pyrimidine salvage. Treatment with 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-d-arabinonucleic acid (FANA) oligonucleotides to silence human AHRR in vivo, reduced ALT levels, attenuated lymphocyte infiltration on histology, and heightened frequencies of regulatory immune subsets in NOD/scid/gamma mice, reconstituted with human CD4 cells, and exposed to Con-A. In conclusion, blockade of AHRR in AIH restores Th17-cell response to AHR, and limits Th17-cell differentiation through generation of uridine. In vivo, silencing of AHRR attenuates liver damage in NOD/scid/gamma mice. Blockade of AHRR might therefore represent a novel therapeutic strategy to modulate effector Th17-cell immunity and restore homeostasis in AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; School of Arts and Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.
| | - Barbora Gromova
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Guanqing Chen
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Eva Csizmadia
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Cortney Cagle
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Silvia Nastasio
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Yun Ma
- Institute of Liver Studies, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Alan Bonder
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Vilas Patwardhan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Simon C Robson
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sizun Jiang
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Maria Serena Longhi
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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20
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Griffith BD, Frankel TL. The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: Impact on the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Modulation as a Potential Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:472. [PMID: 38339226 PMCID: PMC10854841 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ubiquitous nuclear receptor with a broad range of functions, both in tumor cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Activation of AhR has been shown to have a carcinogenic effect in a variety of organs, through induction of cellular proliferation and migration, promotion of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and inhibition of apoptosis, among other functions. However, the impact on immune cell function is more complicated, with both pro- and anti-tumorigenic roles identified. Although targeting AhR in cancer has shown significant promise in pre-clinical studies, there has been limited efficacy in phase III clinical trials to date. With the contrasting roles of AhR activation on immune cell polarization, understanding the impact of AhR activation on the tumor immune microenvironment is necessary to guide therapies targeting the AhR. This review article summarizes the state of knowledge of AhR activation on the TME, limitations of current findings, and the potential for modulation of the AhR as a cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D. Griffith
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Timothy L. Frankel
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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21
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Ambrosio LF, Volpini X, Quiroz JN, Brugo MB, Knubel CP, Herrera MR, Fozzatti L, Avila Pacheco J, Clish CB, Takenaka MC, Beloscar J, Theumer MG, Quintana FJ, Perez AR, Motrán CC. Association between altered tryptophan metabolism, plasma aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists, and inflammatory Chagas disease. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1267641. [PMID: 38283348 PMCID: PMC10811785 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1267641] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chagas disease causes a cardiac illness characterized by immunoinflammatory reactions leading to myocardial fibrosis and remodeling. The development of Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCC) in some patients while others remain asymptomatic is not fully understood, but dysregulated inflammatory responses are implicated. The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation. Certain tryptophan (Trp) metabolites have been identified as AhR ligands with regulatory functions. Methods results and discussion We investigated AhR expression, agonist response, ligand production, and AhR-dependent responses, such as IDO activation and regulatory T (Treg) cells induction, in two T. cruzi-infected mouse strains (B6 and Balb/c) showing different polymorphisms in AhR. Furthermore, we assessed the metabolic profile of Trp catabolites and AhR agonistic activity levels in plasma samples from patients with chronic Chagas disease (CCD) and healthy donors (HD) using a luciferase reporter assay and liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS) analysis. T. cruzi-infected B6 mice showed impaired AhR-dependent responses compared to Balb/c mice, including reduced IDO activity, kynurenine levels, Treg cell induction, CYP1A1 up-regulation, and AhR expression following agonist activation. Additionally, B6 mice exhibited no detectable AhR agonist activity in plasma and displayed lower CYP1A1 up-regulation and AhR expression upon agonist activation. Similarly, CCC patients had decreased AhR agonistic activity in plasma compared to HD patients and exhibited dysregulation in Trp metabolic pathways, resulting in altered plasma metabolite profiles. Notably, patients with severe CCC specifically showed increased N-acetylserotonin levels in their plasma. The methods and findings presented here contribute to a better understanding of CCC development mechanisms and may identify potential specific biomarkers for T. cruzi infection and the severity of associated heart disease. These insights could be valuable in designing new therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, this research aims to establish the AhR agonistic activity and Trp metabolic profile in plasma as an innovative, non-invasive predictor of prognosis for chronic Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fernanda Ambrosio
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ximena Volpini
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan Nahuel Quiroz
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María Belén Brugo
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Carolina Paola Knubel
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Melisa Rocío Herrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Laura Fozzatti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Julián Avila Pacheco
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Clary B. Clish
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Maisa C. Takenaka
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Juan Beloscar
- Servicio de Cardiología, Departamento de Chagas, Hospital Provincial del Centenario y Cátedra de Cardiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Martín Gustavo Theumer
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Francisco Javier Quintana
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ana Rosa Perez
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Rosario (IDICER-CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación y Producción de Reactivos Biológicos (CIPReB), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Claudia Cristina Motrán
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
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22
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Arifuzzaman M, Collins N, Guo CJ, Artis D. Nutritional regulation of microbiota-derived metabolites: Implications for immunity and inflammation. Immunity 2024; 57:14-27. [PMID: 38198849 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Nutrition profoundly shapes immunity and inflammation across the lifespan of mammals, from pre- and post-natal periods to later life. Emerging insights into diet-microbiota interactions indicate that nutrition has a dominant influence on the composition-and metabolic output-of the intestinal microbiota, which in turn has major consequences for host immunity and inflammation. Here, we discuss recent findings that support the concept that dietary effects on microbiota-derived metabolites potently alter immune responses in health and disease. We discuss how specific dietary components and metabolites can be either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory in a context- and tissue-dependent manner during infection, chronic inflammation, and cancer. Together, these studies emphasize the influence of diet-microbiota crosstalk on immune regulation that will have a significant impact on precision nutrition approaches and therapeutic interventions for managing inflammation, infection, and cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Arifuzzaman
- Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; Friedman Center for Nutrition and Inflammation, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA.
| | - Nicholas Collins
- Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; Friedman Center for Nutrition and Inflammation, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Chun-Jun Guo
- Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; Friedman Center for Nutrition and Inflammation, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - David Artis
- Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; Friedman Center for Nutrition and Inflammation, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; Allen Discovery Center for Neuroimmune Interactions, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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23
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Zhu X, Han R, Tian X, Hochgerner M, Li H, Wang J, Xia J. The opposite effect of tapinarof between IMQ and IL-23 induced psoriasis mouse models. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e14862. [PMID: 37350230 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Tapinarof is an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) ligand which is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. However, the underlying mechanism is not yet fully understood. In this study, we applied two of the most studied psoriasis mouse models: topical application of imiquimod (IMQ) and subcutaneous injection of IL-23. Although both models successfully induced psoriasis-like lesions in mice, tapinarof had a completely opposite effect on the two models. Tapinarof decreased the expression of multiple essential cytokines involved in the pathological IL-23/IL-17/IL-22 axis and ameliorated IMQ-induced psoriatic dermatitis, inhibiting keratinocyte proliferation and abnormal differentiation. However, in the IL-23-injection-model, tapinarof instead aggravated the disease. Here, tapinarof increased epidermal thickness and differentiated epidermal dysplasia in mice. Our data suggest that tapinarof may have different effects on varied types of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute for Six-Sector Economy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruomei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxue Tian
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mathias Hochgerner
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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24
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Cui W, Guo M, Liu D, Xiao P, Yang C, Huang H, Liang C, Yang Y, Fu X, Zhang Y, Liu J, Shi S, Cong J, Han Z, Xu Y, Du L, Yin C, Zhang Y, Sun J, Gu W, Chai R, Zhu S, Chu B. Gut microbial metabolite facilitates colorectal cancer development via ferroptosis inhibition. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:124-137. [PMID: 38168770 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01314-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The gut microbiota play a pivotal role in human health. Emerging evidence indicates that gut microbes participate in the progression of tumorigenesis through the generation of carcinogenic metabolites. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown. In the present study we show that a tryptophan metabolite derived from Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, trans-3-indoleacrylic acid (IDA), facilitates colorectal carcinogenesis. Mechanistically, IDA acts as an endogenous ligand of an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) to transcriptionally upregulate the expression of ALDH1A3 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A3), which utilizes retinal as a substrate to generate NADH, essential for ferroptosis-suppressor protein 1(FSP1)-mediated synthesis of reduced coenzyme Q10. Loss of AHR or ALDH1A3 largely abrogates IDA-promoted tumour development both in vitro and in vivo. It is interesting that P. anaerobius is significantly enriched in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). IDA treatment or implantation of P. anaerobius promotes CRC progression in both xenograft model and ApcMin/+ mice. Together, our findings demonstrate that targeting the IDA-AHR-ALDH1A3 axis should be promising for ferroptosis-related CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Cui
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Meng Guo
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chuancheng Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Haidi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunhui Liang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yinghong Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaolong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yudan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiaxing Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shuang Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingjing Cong
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zili Han
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yunfei Xu
- Qilu hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lutao Du
- Qilu hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengqian Yin
- Institute for Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongchun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinpeng Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Gu
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Shu Zhu
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Bo Chu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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25
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Hu YQ, Zhang JZ. Unbalanced Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Expression in Peripheral and Lesional T Cell Subsets of Atopic Dermatitis. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2023; 16:3661-3671. [PMID: 38144156 PMCID: PMC10749169 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s430915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objective The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor, which is involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD). In this study, we aimed to study the AhR-expressing cells in T helper 17 (Th17), T helper 22 (Th22), regulatory T cells (Treg) and B cells in peripheral blood and in AD skin lesions. Methods Twenty AD patients defined according to the Chinese criteria of atopic dermatitis and eighteen healthy subjects were included in our study. The AhR-expressing Th17, Th22, Treg and total B cells in peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry. The AhR+ Th17 cells and AhR+ Th22 cells in AD skin lesions were measured by immunofluorescence. The mRNA of AhR, interleukin (IL)-22, IL-17A, IL-10, Foxp3, RORγT and TGF-β in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results The expression of AhR in peripheral CD4+ T cells, Th22 cells, Treg cells and total B cells was significantly increased in AD. AhR+IL-17A+ and AhR+IL-22+ lymphocytes were also increased in AD skin lesions. The mRNA levels of AhR, IL-22 and IL-17A in PBMCs in AD patients were significantly higher. AhR mRNA levels in PBMCs positively correlated with peripheral basophil count, peripheral eosinophil count and mRNA levels of IL-22. Conclusion AhR was highly expressed in subpopulations of CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood and skin lesions of AD, suggesting that AhR might contribute to the pathogenesis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qing Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, 100044, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian-Zhong Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, 100044, People’s Republic of China
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26
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Trujillo-Ochoa JL, Kazemian M, Afzali B. The role of transcription factors in shaping regulatory T cell identity. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:842-856. [PMID: 37336954 PMCID: PMC10893967 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00893-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Forkhead box protein 3-expressing (FOXP3+) regulatory T cells (Treg cells) suppress conventional T cells and are essential for immunological tolerance. FOXP3, the master transcription factor of Treg cells, controls the expression of multiples genes to guide Treg cell differentiation and function. However, only a small fraction (<10%) of Treg cell-associated genes are directly bound by FOXP3, and FOXP3 alone is insufficient to fully specify the Treg cell programme, indicating a role for other accessory transcription factors operating upstream, downstream and/or concurrently with FOXP3 to direct Treg cell specification and specialized functions. Indeed, the heterogeneity of Treg cells can be at least partially attributed to differential expression of transcription factors that fine-tune their trafficking, survival and functional properties, some of which are niche-specific. In this Review, we discuss the emerging roles of accessory transcription factors in controlling Treg cell identity. We specifically focus on members of the basic helix-loop-helix family (AHR), basic leucine zipper family (BACH2, NFIL3 and BATF), CUT homeobox family (SATB1), zinc-finger domain family (BLIMP1, Ikaros and BCL-11B) and interferon regulatory factor family (IRF4), as well as lineage-defining transcription factors (T-bet, GATA3, RORγt and BCL-6). Understanding the imprinting of Treg cell identity and specialized function will be key to unravelling basic mechanisms of autoimmunity and identifying novel targets for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge L Trujillo-Ochoa
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Majid Kazemian
- Departments of Biochemistry and Computer Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Behdad Afzali
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Ahmad SF, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Bakheet SA, Alasmari AF, Shahid M, Al-Mazroua HA, Alomar HA, AsSobeai HM, Alshamrani AA, Attia SM. MAP kinase inhibitor PD98059 regulates Th1, Th9, Th17, and natural T regulatory cells in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 959:176086. [PMID: 37832863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), provides significant insights into the mechanisms that initiate and drive autoimmunity. MS is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, characterized by inflammatory infiltration associated with demyelination. T lymphocyte cells play a crucial role in MS, whereas natural T regulatory (nTreg) cells prevent autoimmune inflammation by suppressing lymphocyte activity. This study sought to investigate the role of PD98059, a selective MAP kinase inhibitor, in Th1, Th9, Th17, and nTreg cells using the SJL/J mouse model of EAE. Following EAE development, the mice were intraperitoneally administered PD98059 (5 mg/kg for two weeks) daily. We evaluated the effects of PD98059 on Th1 (IFN-γ and T-bet), Th9 (IL-9 and IRF4), Th17 (IL-17A and RORγT), and nTreg (FoxP3 and Helios) cells in the spleen using flow cytometry. Moreover, we explored the effects of PD98059 on the IFN-γ, T-bet, IL-9, IRF4, IL-17A, RORγT, FoxP3, and Helios mRNA and protein levels in brain tissues using qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses. PD98059 treatment significantly decreased the proportion of CD4+IFN-γ+, CD4+T-bet+, CD4+IL-9+, CD4+IRF4+, CD4+IL-17A+, CD4+RORγT+, CD4+IL-17A+, and CD4+RORγT+ cells while increasing that of CD4+FoxP3+ and CD4+Helios+ cells. In addition, PD98059 administration decreased the mRNA and protein levels of IFN-γ, T-bet, IL-9, IRF4, IL-17A, and RORγT but increased those of FoxP3 and Helios in the brain tissue of EAE mice. Our findings suggest that PD98059 corrects immune dysfunction in EAE mice, which is concurrent with the modulation of multiple signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mushtaq A Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mudassar Shahid
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haneen A Al-Mazroua
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatun A Alomar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Homood M AsSobeai
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali A Alshamrani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Kober C, Roewe J, Schmees N, Roese L, Roehn U, Bader B, Stoeckigt D, Prinz F, Gorjánácz M, Roider HG, Olesch C, Leder G, Irlbacher H, Lesche R, Lefranc J, Oezcan-Wahlbrink M, Batra AS, Elmadany N, Carretero R, Sahm K, Oezen I, Cichon F, Baumann D, Sadik A, Opitz CA, Weinmann H, Hartung IV, Kreft B, Offringa R, Platten M, Gutcher I. Targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) with BAY 2416964: a selective small molecule inhibitor for cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007495. [PMID: 37963637 PMCID: PMC10649913 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The metabolism of tryptophan to kynurenines (KYN) by indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase or tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase is a key pathway of constitutive and adaptive tumor immune resistance. The immunosuppressive effects of KYN in the tumor microenvironment are predominantly mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a cytosolic transcription factor that broadly suppresses immune cell function. Inhibition of AhR thus offers an antitumor therapy opportunity via restoration of immune system functions. METHODS The expression of AhR was evaluated in tissue microarrays of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). A structure class of inhibitors that block AhR activation by exogenous and endogenous ligands was identified, and further optimized, using a cellular screening cascade. The antagonistic properties of the selected AhR inhibitor candidate BAY 2416964 were determined using transactivation assays. Nuclear translocation, target engagement and the effect of BAY 2416964 on agonist-induced AhR activation were assessed in human and mouse cancer cells. The immunostimulatory properties on gene and cytokine expression were examined in human immune cell subsets. The in vivo efficacy of BAY 2416964 was tested in the syngeneic ovalbumin-expressing B16F10 melanoma model in mice. Coculture of human H1299 NSCLC cells, primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells and fibroblasts mimicking the human stromal-tumor microenvironment was used to assess the effects of AhR inhibition on human immune cells. Furthermore, tumor spheroids cocultured with tumor antigen-specific MART-1 T cells were used to study the antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell responses. The data were analyzed statistically using linear models. RESULTS AhR expression was observed in tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in HNSCC, NSCLC and CRC. BAY 2416964 potently and selectively inhibited AhR activation induced by either exogenous or endogenous AhR ligands. In vitro, BAY 2416964 restored immune cell function in human and mouse cells, and furthermore enhanced antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell responses and killing of tumor spheroids. In vivo, oral application with BAY 2416964 was well tolerated, induced a proinflammatory tumor microenvironment, and demonstrated antitumor efficacy in a syngeneic cancer model in mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings identify AhR inhibition as a novel therapeutic approach to overcome immune resistance in various types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kober
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceutical Division, Berlin, Germany
- DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory (D220), DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julian Roewe
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Lars Roese
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceutical Division, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Roehn
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceutical Division, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Catherine Olesch
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceutical Division, Berlin, Germany
- DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory (D220), DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Ralf Lesche
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceutical Division, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Mine Oezcan-Wahlbrink
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceutical Division, Berlin, Germany
- DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory (D220), DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ankita Sati Batra
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nirmeen Elmadany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rafael Carretero
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceutical Division, Berlin, Germany
- DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory (D220), DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Sahm
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Iris Oezen
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frederik Cichon
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Baumann
- DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory (D220), DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ahmed Sadik
- Brain Cancer Metabolism (B350), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christiane A Opitz
- Brain Cancer Metabolism (B350), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Rienk Offringa
- DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory (D220), DKFZ-Bayer Joint Immunotherapy Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Platten
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU), Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Peng Z, Dong X, He M, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Li M, Li G, Wang X, Li L, Hu Y. Elevated profiles of peripheral Th22, Th17, Th2 cells, and decreased percentage of Th1 cells in breast cancer patients. Thorac Cancer 2023; 14:3282-3294. [PMID: 37732365 PMCID: PMC10665788 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Th22 subset is a particular type of CD4+ T helper cells subset. Our study aimed to explore the expression level of circulating Th22, Th17, Th1, and Th2 cells and the possible mechanism of these cells in breast cancer (BC) with different pathological features. METHODS Our study enrolled 43 newly diagnosed BC patients and 30 healthy controls. Frequencies of peripheral Th22, Th17, Th1, and Th2 cells were tested by flow cytometry. Concentrations of IL-22 cytokine in plasma were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time PCR was done to test aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and RAR-associated orphan receptor C (RORC) gene expression. RESULTS Frequencies of Th22, Th17, Th2 subsets, and the plasma IL-22 level was obviously higher in the BC patients. A positive correlation between Th22 frequency and IL-22 concentration in plasma was detected in BC patients. Furthermore, the percentage of Th22, Th2 subsets in peripheral blood of HER2 positive BC was higher than that in HER2 negative BC patients. A negative correlation between Th1 subset and Ki-67% as well as a positive correlation between Th2 subset and Ki-67% was found in BC patients. The proportion of Th1 cells in BC patients was significantly lower than that of the control group. Expression of AHR and RORC transcription factors were also observed to be upregulated in the BC patients. Furthermore, Th22 cells were positively correlated with BC tumor stage and clinical outcomes. The BC patients with a higher percentage of Th22, Th17, Th1 cells or a lower percentage of Th1 cells showed a decreased trend of survival rate. CONCLUSION Th22, Th17, Th1, and Th2 subsets may play an essential role in BC patients. Th22, Th17, Th1, and Th2 cells may have potential significance to be used as clinical markers in BC patients with different molecular classification. Th22 cells may have potential value in BC patients' outcomes prediction, providing clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguo Peng
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Xinyue Dong
- Department of OncologyQilu Hospital of Shandong University Dezhou HospitalDezhouChina
| | - Miao He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Yajing Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Yujia Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Mo Li
- Department of OncologyWeifang People's HospitalWeifangChina
| | - Guosheng Li
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Xiuwen Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Li Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Yu Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
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Vrzal R, Marcalíková A, Krasulová K, Zemánková L, Dvořák Z. Jasmone Is a Ligand-Selective Allosteric Antagonist of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15655. [PMID: 37958638 PMCID: PMC10648586 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Herbal extracts represent a wide spectrum of biologically active ingredients with potential medical applications. By screening minor constituents of jasmine essential oil towards aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activity using a gene reporter assay (GRA), we found the antagonist effects of jasmone (3-methyl-2-[(2Z)-pent-2-en-1-yl]cyclopent-2-en-1-one). It inhibited 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-, and 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ)-triggered AhR-dependent luciferase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the inhibition differed markedly between TCDD, BaP, and FICZ, with the latter being significantly less inhibited. The dose-response analysis confirmed an allosteric type of AhR antagonism. Furthermore, jasmone efficiently inhibited AhR activation by AhR agonists and microbial catabolites of tryptophan (MICTs). TCDD- and FICZ-inducible CYP1A1 expression in primary human hepatocytes was inhibited by jasmone, whereas in the human HepG2 and LS180 cells, jasmone antagonized only TCDD-activated AhR. Jasmone only partially displaced radiolabeled TCDD from its binding to mouse Ahr, suggesting it is not a typical orthosteric ligand of AhR. TCDD-elicited AhR nuclear translocation was not affected by jasmone, whereas downstream signaling events, including the formation of the AhR:ARNT complex and enrichment of the CYP1A1 promoter, were inhibited by jasmone. In conclusion, we show that jasmone is a potent allosteric antagonist of AhR. Such discovery may help to find and/or clarify the use of jasmone in pharmaco- and phytotherapy for conditions where AhR plays a key role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radim Vrzal
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Slechtitelu 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Fan X, Shu P, Wang Y, Ji N, Zhang D. Interactions between neutrophils and T-helper 17 cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1279837. [PMID: 37920459 PMCID: PMC10619153 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1279837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils comprise the majority of immune cells in human peripheral circulation, have potent antimicrobial activities, and are clinically significant in their abundance, heterogeneity, and subcellular localization. In the past few years, the role of neutrophils as components of the innate immune response has been studied in numerous ways, and these cells are crucial in fighting infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. T-helper 17 (Th17) cells that produce interleukin 17 (IL-17) are critical in fighting infections and maintaining mucosal immune homeostasis, whereas they mediate several autoimmune diseases. Neutrophils affect adaptive immune responses by interacting with adaptive immune cells. In this review, we describe the physiological roles of both Th17 cells and neutrophils and their interactions and briefly describe the pathological processes in which these two cell types participate. We provide a summary of relevant drugs targeting IL-17A and their clinical trials. Here, we highlight the interactions between Th17 cells and neutrophils in diverse pathophysiological situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzou Fan
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Panyin Shu
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ning Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dunfang Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Opitz CA, Holfelder P, Prentzell MT, Trump S. The complex biology of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation in cancer and beyond. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115798. [PMID: 37696456 PMCID: PMC10570930 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway is a complex regulatory network that plays a critical role in various biological processes, including cellular metabolism, development, and immune responses. The complexity of AHR signaling arises from multiple factors, including the diverse ligands that activate the receptor, the expression level of AHR itself, and its interaction with the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT). Additionally, the AHR crosstalks with the AHR repressor (AHRR) or other transcription factors and signaling pathways and it can also mediate non-genomic effects. Finally, posttranslational modifications of the AHR and its interaction partners, epigenetic regulation of AHR and its target genes, as well as AHR-mediated induction of enzymes that degrade AHR-activating ligands may contribute to the context-specificity of AHR activation. Understanding the complexity of AHR signaling is crucial for deciphering its physiological and pathological roles and developing therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Ongoing research continues to unravel the intricacies of AHR signaling, shedding light on the regulatory mechanisms controlling its diverse functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane A Opitz
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Pauline Holfelder
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Bioscience, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mirja Tamara Prentzell
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Bioscience, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Saskia Trump
- Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, a partnership between DKFZ and Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Seth P, Dubey S. IL-22 as a target for therapeutic intervention: Current knowledge on its role in various diseases. Cytokine 2023; 169:156293. [PMID: 37441942 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
IL-22 has emerged as a crucial cytokine mediating protective response against pathogens and tissue regeneration. Dysregulated production of IL-22 has been shown to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of various diseases like malignant tumours, viral, cardiovascular, allergic and autoimmune disorders. Interleukin 22 belongs to IFN-IL-10 cytokine family. It is a major proinflammatory cytokine secreted by activated Th1 cells (Th22), though can also be secreted by many other immune cells like group 3 innate lymphocytes, γδ T cells, NK cells, NK T cells, and mucosal associated invariant T cells. Th22 cells exclusively release IL-22 but not IL-17 or IFN-γ (as Th1 cells releases IFN-γ along with IL-22 and Th17 cells releases IL-17 along with IL-22) and also express aryl hydrocarbon receptor as the key transcription factor. Th22 cells also exhibit expression of chemokine receptor CCR6 and skin-homing receptors CCR4 and CCR10 indicating the involvement of this subset in bolstering epithelial barrier immunity and promoting secretion of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from intestinal epithelial cells. The function of IL-22 is modulated by IL-22 binding protein (binds to IL-22 and inhibits it binding to its cell surface receptor); which serves as a competitor for IL-22R1 chain of IL-22 receptor. The pathogenic and protective nature of the Th22 cells is modulated both by the site of infected tissue and the type of disease pathology. This review aims to discuss key features of IL-22 biology, comparisons between IL and 22 and IFN-γ and its role as a potential immune therapy target in different maladies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Seth
- Amity Institute of Virology & Immunology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector 125, Noida, India
| | - Shweta Dubey
- Amity Institute of Virology & Immunology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector 125, Noida, India.
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Wang J, Zhao X, Wan YY. Intricacies of TGF-β signaling in Treg and Th17 cell biology. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:1002-1022. [PMID: 37217798 PMCID: PMC10468540 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01036-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Balanced immunity is pivotal for health and homeostasis. CD4+ helper T (Th) cells are central to the balance between immune tolerance and immune rejection. Th cells adopt distinct functions to maintain tolerance and clear pathogens. Dysregulation of Th cell function often leads to maladies, including autoimmunity, inflammatory disease, cancer, and infection. Regulatory T (Treg) and Th17 cells are critical Th cell types involved in immune tolerance, homeostasis, pathogenicity, and pathogen clearance. It is therefore critical to understand how Treg and Th17 cells are regulated in health and disease. Cytokines are instrumental in directing Treg and Th17 cell function. The evolutionarily conserved TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β) cytokine superfamily is of particular interest because it is central to the biology of both Treg cells that are predominantly immunosuppressive and Th17 cells that can be proinflammatory, pathogenic, and immune regulatory. How TGF-β superfamily members and their intricate signaling pathways regulate Treg and Th17 cell function is a question that has been intensely investigated for two decades. Here, we introduce the fundamental biology of TGF-β superfamily signaling, Treg cells, and Th17 cells and discuss in detail how the TGF-β superfamily contributes to Treg and Th17 cell biology through complex yet ordered and cooperative signaling networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Xingqi Zhao
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Yisong Y Wan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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Yang L, Zhou Y, Zhang L, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Xiao Z. Aryl hydrocarbon receptors improve migraine-like pain behaviors in rats through the regulation of regulatory T cell/T-helper 17 cell-related homeostasis. Headache 2023; 63:1045-1060. [PMID: 37539825 DOI: 10.1111/head.14599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)/regulatory T cell (Treg)/T-helper 17 (Th17) cell pathway on the pathogenesis of migraine. BACKGROUND Migraine is a disabling neurovascular disease that imposes an enormous burden on both individuals and society. The pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine remain controversial. Recent studies have suggested that immune dysfunction may be involved in the pathogenesis of migraine. The AHR, a receptor expressed on most immune cells, has been implicated in the occurrence of many autoimmune diseases; however, whether it is involved in the pathogenesis of migraine is unclear. METHODS A chronic migraine rat model was established through repeated intraperitoneal injection of nitroglycerin (NTG). The mechanical and thermal pain thresholds were assessed using von Frey filaments and radiant heat. Next, the protein expression levels of AHR in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) region of chronic migraine (CM)-like rats were quantified and the changes in Treg/Th17-related transcription factors and inflammatory factors in the TNC were explored. To determine the role of AHR in CM, we examined the effects of the AHR agonist 2-(1'-indole-3'-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE), and AHR antagonist CH-223191 on pain behavior, c-Fos, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), AHR, and Treg/Th17-related factor expression in CM-like rats. RESULTS Repeated administration of NTG significantly enhanced nociceptive hypersensitivity and increased expression of c-Fos and CGRP in rats, while AHR was significantly decreased in the TNC. In addition, the expression of the transcription factor forkhead box protein P3 and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 decreased significantly. In contrast, the expression of the transcription factor retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γ t and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 were significantly increased. Moreover, the mRNA level of transforming growth factor beta-1 was decreased, while that of interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-22 was increased in the TNC. The AHR agonist ITE alleviated migraine-like pain behaviors in rats, activated the AHR signaling pathway, and improved the imbalance of Treg/Th17-related transcription factors and inflammatory factors. Conversely, the AHR antagonist CH-223191 did not alleviate migraine-like pain behaviors in rats; and even exacerbated them. CONCLUSIONS The AHR participates in the development of CM by regulating Treg/Th17-related homeostasis. Therefore, treatments targeting the AHR/Treg/Th17 signaling pathway could be new effective interventions for CM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanjie Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lily Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheman Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Shemtov SJ, Emani R, Bielska O, Covarrubias AJ, Verdin E, Andersen JK, Winer DA. The intestinal immune system and gut barrier function in obesity and ageing. FEBS J 2023; 290:4163-4186. [PMID: 35727858 PMCID: PMC9768107 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and ageing predispose to numerous, yet overlapping chronic diseases. For example, metabolic abnormalities, including insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are important causes of morbidity and mortality. Low-grade chronic inflammation of tissues, such as the liver, visceral adipose tissue and neurological tissues, is considered a significant contributor to these chronic diseases. Thus, it is becoming increasingly important to understand what drives this inflammation in affected tissues. Recent evidence, especially in the context of obesity, suggests that the intestine plays an important role as the gatekeeper of inflammatory stimuli that ultimately fuels low-grade chronic tissue inflammation. In addition to metabolic diseases, abnormalities in the intestinal mucosal barrier have been linked to a range of other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as neurodegeneration and ageing. The flow of inflammatory stimuli from the gut is in part controlled by local immunological inputs impacting the intestinal barrier. Here, we will review the impact of obesity and ageing on the intestinal immune system and its downstream consequences on gut barrier function, which is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity and age-related diseases. In particular, we will discuss the effects of age-related intestinal dysfunction on neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Shemtov
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Rohini Emani
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Olga Bielska
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Anthony J. Covarrubias
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095 USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095 USA
| | - Eric Verdin
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Julie K. Andersen
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Daniel A. Winer
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Boulevard, Novato, CA 94945, USA
- Division of Cellular & Molecular Biology, Diabetes Research Group, Toronto General Research Institute (TGRI), University Health Network, 101 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
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Badawy AB. The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism: a neglected therapeutic target of COVID-19 pathophysiology and immunotherapy. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20230595. [PMID: 37486805 PMCID: PMC10407158 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20230595] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) exerts profound changes in the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway (KP) of tryptophan (Trp) metabolism that may underpin its pathophysiology. The KP is the main source of the vital cellular effector NAD+ and intermediate metabolites that modulate immune and neuronal functions. Trp metabolism is the top pathway influenced by COVID-19. Sixteen studies established virus-induced activation of the KP mediated mainly by induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) in most affected tissues and of IDO2 in lung by the increased release of proinflammatory cytokines but could additionally involve increased flux of plasma free Trp and induction of Trp 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) by cortisol. The major Kyn metabolite targeted by COVID-19 is kynurenic acid (KA), the Kyn metabolite with the greatest affinity for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is also activated by COVID-19. AhR activation initiates two important series of events: a vicious circle involving IDO1 induction, KA accumulation and further AhR activation, and activation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) leading to NAD+ depletion and cell death. The virus further deprives the host of NAD+ by inhibiting its main biosynthetic pathway from quinolinic acid, while simultaneously acquiring NAD+ by promoting its synthesis from nicotinamide in the salvage pathway. Additionally, the protective effects of sirtuin 1 are minimised by the PARP activation. KP dysfunction may also underpin the mood and neurological disorders acutely and during 'long COVID'. More studies of potential effects of vaccination therapy on the KP are required and exploration of therapeutic strategies involving modulation of the KP changes are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulla Abu-Bakr Badawy
- Formerly School of Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Western Avenue, Cardiff CF5 2YB, Wales, U.K
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Cao F, Liu ZR, Ni QY, Zha CK, Zhang SJ, Lu JM, Xu YY, Tao LM, Jiang ZX, Pan HF. Emerging roles of air pollution and meteorological factors in autoimmune eye diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116116. [PMID: 37182831 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune eye diseases (AEDs), a collection of autoimmune inflammatory ocular conditions resulting from the dysregulation of immune system at the ocular level, can target both intraocular and periorbital structures leading to severe visual deficit and blindness globally. The roles of air pollution and meteorological factors in the initiation and progression of AEDs have been increasingly attractive, among which the systemic and local mechanisms are both involved in. Exposure to excessive air pollution and extreme meteorological conditions including PM2.5/PM0.1, environmental tobacco smoke, insufficient sunshine, and high temperature, etc., can disturb Th17/Treg balance, regulate macrophage polarization, activate neutrophils, induce systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, decrease retinal blood flow, promote tissue fibrosis, activate sympathetic nervous system, adversely affect nutrients synthetization, as well as induce heat stress, therefore may together deteriorate AEDs. The crosstalk among inflammation, oxidative stress and dysregulated immune system appeared to be prominent. In the present review, we will concern and summarize the potential mechanisms underlying linkages of air pollution and meteorological factors to ocular autoimmune and inflammatory responses. Moreover, we concentrate on the specific roles of air pollutants and meteorological factors in several major AEDs including uveitis, Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO), ocular allergic disease (OAD), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (DR), etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhuo-Ran Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ningbo Hospital, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1155 Binhaier Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qin-Yu Ni
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chen-Kai Zha
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shu-Jie Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jia-Min Lu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yue-Yang Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Li-Ming Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Zheng-Xuan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Hipp AV, Bengsch B, Globig AM. Friend or Foe - Tc17 cell generation and current evidence for their importance in human disease. DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 2:kyad010. [PMID: 38567057 PMCID: PMC10917240 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The term Tc17 cells refers to interleukin 17 (IL-17)-producing CD8+ T cells. While IL-17 is an important mediator of mucosal defense, it is also centrally involved in driving the inflammatory response in immune-mediated diseases, such as psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. In this review, we aim to gather the current knowledge on the phenotypic and transcriptional profile, the in vitro and in vivo generation of Tc17 cells, and the evidence pointing towards a relevant role of Tc17 cells in human diseases such as infectious diseases, cancer, and immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Veronika Hipp
- Clinic for Internal Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bertram Bengsch
- Clinic for Internal Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Globig
- Clinic for Internal Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
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40
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Kathrani A, Theelen B, Bond R. Isolation of Malassezia yeasts from dogs with gastrointestinal disease undergoing duodenal endoscopy. J Small Anim Pract 2023. [PMID: 37681754 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To culture Malassezia and other fungi from the duodenum of dogs with gastrointestinal signs undergoing routine endoscopic examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS Quantitative microbial culture was performed on duodenal juice aspirated from dogs with suspected enteropathy during routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy; samples were cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar (30, 32 and 37°C) and modified Dixon agar (32°C) for 14 days. Isolates were identified phenotypically and by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight, and internal transcribed spacer sequencing. Yeast presence was also evaluated by cytological and histopathological examination of smears and biopsy specimens. RESULTS Forty-five dogs were recruited with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (n=38), granulomatous colitis (n=2), gastric adenocarcinoma (n=2), duodenal small cell lymphoma (n=1) and idiopathic severe gastrointestinal haemorrhage (n=2). Fungi were cultured from 14 dogs: Malassezia pachydermatis was isolated from eight [chronic inflammatory enteropathy (n=7) (along with Candida albicans n=1); granulomatous colitis (n=1)] and Malassezia sympodialis from another (gastric adenocarcinoma). Five dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy yielded other yeasts (C. albicans, Candida glabrata, Kazachstania slooffiae, Kazachstania telluris, Pichia kudriavzevii [syn. C. krusei]). Yeasts were never observed in histopathological specimens. Fluorescent microscopical examination of cytological specimens showed yeast in only one case, from which K. slooffiae was subsequently isolated. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Based on a literature search, this is the first report of isolation of M. pachydermatis, M. sympodialis, K. slooffiae and K. telluris from the canine duodenum. Further studies are needed to determine whether these are resident or transient fungi in the canine duodenum and whether their presence has a pathogenic effect on the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kathrani
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - B Theelen
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R Bond
- Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, UK
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Zhang H, Wang J, Sun J, Wang Q, Guo L, Ju X. Regulatory mechanism underlying liver X receptor effects on the tumor microenvironment, inflammation and tumorigenesis. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:989-998. [PMID: 37753584 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2264513] [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: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Liver X receptors (LXRs) have emerged as novel targets for tumor treatment. LXRs within the tumor microenvironment show the capacity to impact tumorigenesis and tumor development by regulating the infiltration of immune cells and release of cytokines to moderate inflammation. AREAS COVERED In this review, we present a systematic description of recent progress in understanding the impact of LXRs on the tumor microenvironment and tumorigenesis. We also summarize the antitumor effects mediated by LXRs via their regulation of cytokine expression. Additionally, we discuss the limitations of LXR research in tumor studies to date. EXPERT OPINION Previous studies have demonstrated abnormal LXR expression in tumor tissues, and activation of LXRs has been shown to inhibit tumorigenesis and promote apoptosis in tumor cells. However, LXRs can also affect tumorigenesis by regulating immune cell functions within the tumor immune microenvironment. By summarizing the impact of LXRs on immune cells, we provide new insights into the multifaceted nature of LXRs as antitumor targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Lishui District People's Hospital, Zhongda Hospital Lishui Branch, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiang Sun
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lanfang Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Fourth People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoli Ju
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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42
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Chatterjee D, Zhang Y, Ngassaki-Yoka CD, Dutilleul A, Khalfi S, Hernalsteens O, Wiche Salinas TR, Dias J, Chen H, Smail Y, Goulet JP, Bell B, Routy JP, Van Lint C, Ancuta P. Identification of aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a barrier to HIV-1 infection and outgrowth in CD4 + T cells. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112634. [PMID: 37310858 PMCID: PMC10592455 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) regulates Th17-polarized CD4+ T cell functions, but its role in HIV-1 replication/outgrowth remains unknown. Genetic (CRISPR-Cas9) and pharmacological inhibition reveal AhR as a barrier to HIV-1 replication in T cell receptor (TCR)-activated CD4+ T cells in vitro. In single-round vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-G-pseudotyped HIV-1 infection, AhR blockade increases the efficacy of early/late reverse transcription and subsequently facilitated integration/translation. Moreover, AhR blockade boosts viral outgrowth in CD4+ T cells of people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Finally, RNA sequencing reveals genes/pathways downregulated by AhR blockade in CD4+ T cells of ART-treated PLWH, including HIV-1 interactors and gut-homing molecules with AhR-responsive elements in their promoters. Among them, HIC1, a repressor of Tat-mediated HIV-1 transcription and a tissue-residency master regulator, is identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation as a direct AhR target. Thus, AhR governs a T cell transcriptional program controlling viral replication/outgrowth and tissue residency/recirculation, supporting the use of AhR inhibitors in "shock and kill" HIV-1 remission/cure strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debashree Chatterjee
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Yuwei Zhang
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Christ-Dominique Ngassaki-Yoka
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Antoine Dutilleul
- Service of Molecular Virology, Department of Molecular Biology (DBM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Soumia Khalfi
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Olivier Hernalsteens
- Service of Molecular Virology, Department of Molecular Biology (DBM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Tomas Raul Wiche Salinas
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Jonathan Dias
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Huicheng Chen
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Yasmine Smail
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | | | - Brendan Bell
- Département de Microbiologie et Infectiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé and Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 4K8, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- Division of Hematology and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3H 2R9, Canada; Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3H 2R9, Canada
| | - Carine Van Lint
- Service of Molecular Virology, Department of Molecular Biology (DBM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 6041 Gosselies, Belgium.
| | - Petronela Ancuta
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest & The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania.
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Sakamoto R, Takada A, Yamakado S, Tsuge H, Ito E, Iwata M. Release from persistent T cell receptor engagement and blockade of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity enhance IL-6-dependent mouse follicular helper T-like cell differentiation in vitro. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287746. [PMID: 37352327 PMCID: PMC10289413 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are crucial for humoral immunity. Dysregulation of Tfh cell differentiation can cause infectious, allergic, and autoimmune diseases. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Tfh cell differentiation, we attempted to establish an in vitro mouse model of Tfh cell differentiation in the absence of other cell types. Various cytokines and cell surface molecules are suggested to contribute to the differentiation. We found that stimulating naïve CD4+ T cells with immobilized antibodies to CD3, ICOS, and LFA-1 in the presence of soluble anti-CD28 antibody, IL-6, and antibodies that block IL-2 signaling for 3 days induced the expression of Bcl6 and Rorc(γt), master regulator genes of Tfh and Th17 cells, respectively. TGF-β significantly enhanced cell proliferation and Bcl6 and Rorc(γt) expression. An additional 2 days of culture without immobilized antibodies selectively downregulated Rorc(γt) expression. These cells produced IL-21 and promoted B cells to produce IgG antibodies. Adding the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonist CH-223191 to the T cell culture further downregulated Rorc(γt) expression without significantly affecting Bcl6 expression, and upregulated expression of a key Tfh marker, CXCR5. Although their CXCR5 expression levels were still not high, the CH-223191-treated cells showed chemotactic activity towards the CXCR5 ligand CXCL13. On the other hand, AhR agonists upregulated Rorc(γt) expression and downregulated CXCR5 expression. These findings suggest that AhR activity and the duration of T cell receptor stimulation contribute to regulating the balance between Tfh and Th17 cell differentiation. Although this in vitro system needs to be further improved, it may be useful for elucidating the mechanisms of Tfh cell differentiation as well as for screening physiological or pharmacological factors that affect Tfh cell differentiation including CXCR5 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rei Sakamoto
- Department of Biology, Waseda University, TWIns, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Takada
- Department of Biology, Waseda University, TWIns, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Haruki Tsuge
- Department of Biology, Waseda University, TWIns, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Etsuro Ito
- Department of Biology, Waseda University, TWIns, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University, TWIns, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Iwata
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University, TWIns, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
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Kim SH, Quoc QL, Park HS, Shin YS. The effect of apigenin, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist, in Phthalate-Exacerbated eosinophilic asthma model. J Cell Mol Med 2023. [PMID: 37315181 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals have been known to contribute to the aggravation of inflammatory diseases including asthma. We aimed to investigate the effects of mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) which is one of the representing phthalates, and its antagonist in an eosinophilic asthma mouse model. BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) with alum and followed by three nebulized OVA challenges. MnBP was administered through drinking water administration throughout the study period, and its antagonist, apigenin, was orally treated for 14 days before OVA challenges. Mice were assessed for airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), differential cell count and type 2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured in vivo. The expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor was markedly increased when MnBP was administered. MnBP treatment increased AHR, airway inflammatory cells (including eosinophils), and type 2 cytokines following OVA challenge compared to vehicle-treated mice. However, apigenin treatment reduced all asthma features, such as AHR, airway inflammation, type 2 cytokines, and the expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in MnBP-augmented eosinophilic asthma. Our study suggests that MnBP exposure may increase the risk of eosinophilic inflammation, and apigenin treatment may be a potential therapy for asthma exacerbated by endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo-Hee Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon-si, South Korea
| | - Quang Luu Quoc
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon-si, South Korea
| | - Hae-Sim Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon-si, South Korea
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon-si, South Korea
| | - Yoo Seob Shin
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon-si, South Korea
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Shi J, Du T, Wang J, Tang C, Lei M, Yu W, Yang Y, Ma Y, Huang P, Chen H, Wang X, Sun J, Wang H, Zhang Y, Luo F, Huang Q, Li B, Lu S, Hu Y, Peng X. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor is a proviral host factor and a candidate pan-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic target. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf0211. [PMID: 37256962 PMCID: PMC10413656 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of a series of SARS-CoV-2 variants has necessitated the search for broad-spectrum antiviral targets. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) senses tryptophan metabolites and is an immune regulator. However, the role of AhR in SARS-CoV-2 infection and whether AhR can be used as the target of antiviral therapy against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants are yet unclear. Here, we show that infection with SARS-CoV-2 activates AhR signaling and facilitates viral replication by interfering with IFN-I-driven antiviral immunity and up-regulating ACE2 receptor expression. The pharmacological AhR blockade or AhR knockout reduces SARS-CoV-2 and its variants' replication in vitro. Drug targeting of AhR with AhR antagonists markedly reduced SARS-CoV-2 and its variants' replication in vivo and ameliorated lung inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection in hamsters. Overall, AhR was a SARS-CoV-2 proviral host factor and a candidate host-directed broad-spectrum target for antiviral therapy against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, including Delta and Omicron, and potentially other variants in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiandong Shi
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tingfu Du
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Junbin Wang
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Tang
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyue Lei
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhai Yu
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Yang
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Ma
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Pu Huang
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hongli Chen
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Wang
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Sun
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Haixuan Wang
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fangyu Luo
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Huang
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bai Li
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shuaiyao Lu
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yunzhang Hu
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaozhong Peng
- National Kunming High-level Biosafety Primate Research Center, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Primate Research Center, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing China
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing China
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Huang W, Rui K, Wang X, Peng N, Zhou W, Shi X, Lu L, Hu D, Tian J. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor in immune regulation and autoimmune pathogenesis. J Autoimmun 2023; 138:103049. [PMID: 37229809 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103049] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
As a ligand-activated transcription factor, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is activated by structurally diverse ligands derived from the environment, diet, microorganisms, and metabolic activity. Recent studies have demonstrated that AhR plays a key role in modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. Moreover, AhR regulates innate immune and lymphoid cell differentiation and function, which is involved in autoimmune pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the mechanism of activation of AhR and its mediated functional regulation in various innate immune and lymphoid cell populations, as well as the immune-regulatory effect of AhR in the development of autoimmune diseases. In addition, we highlight the identification of AhR agonists and antagonists that may serve as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ke Rui
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Xiaomeng Wang
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Na Peng
- Department of Rheumatology and Nephrology, The Second People's Hospital, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Wenhao Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaofei Shi
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital and School of Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Liwei Lu
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, China
| | - Dajun Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Nephrology, The Second People's Hospital, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
| | - Jie Tian
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
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Chen Y, Wang Y, Fu Y, Yin Y, Xu K. Modulating AHR function offers exciting therapeutic potential in gut immunity and inflammation. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:85. [PMID: 37179416 PMCID: PMC10182712 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01046-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a classical exogenous synthetic ligand of AHR that has significant immunotoxic effects. Activation of AHR has beneficial effects on intestinal immune responses, but inactivation or overactivation of AHR can lead to intestinal immune dysregulation and even intestinal diseases. Sustained potent activation of AHR by TCDD results in impairment of the intestinal epithelial barrier. However, currently, AHR research has been more focused on elucidating physiologic AHR function than on dioxin toxicity. The appropriate level of AHR activation plays a role in maintaining gut health and protecting against intestinal inflammation. Therefore, AHR offers a crucial target to modulate intestinal immunity and inflammation. Herein, we summarize our current understanding of the relationship between AHR and intestinal immunity, the ways in which AHR affects intestinal immunity and inflammation, the effects of AHR activity on intestinal immunity and inflammation, and the effect of dietary habits on intestinal health through AHR. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic role of AHR in maintaining gut homeostasis and relieving inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Yawei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yulong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Kang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China.
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Kamata K, Hara A, Minaga K, Yoshikawa T, Kurimoto M, Sekai I, Okai N, Omaru N, Masuta Y, Otsuka Y, Takada R, Takamura S, Kudo M, Strober W, Watanabe T. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibits the development of experimental autoimmune pancreatitis through IL-22-mediated signaling pathways. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 212:uxad040. [PMID: 37166987 PMCID: PMC10243912 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor expressed in hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. Activation of the AhR by xenobiotics, microbial metabolites, and natural substances induces immunoregulatory responses. Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a chronic fibroinflammatory disorder of the pancreas driven by autoimmunity. Although AhR activation generally suppresses pathogenic autoimmune responses, the roles played by the AhR in AIP have been poorly defined. In this study, we examined how AhR activation affected the development of experimental AIP caused by the activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells producing IFN-α and IL-33. Experimental AIP was induced in MRL/MpJ mice by repeated injections of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid. Activation of the AhR by indole-3-pyruvic acid and indigo naturalis, which were supplemented in the diet, inhibited the development of experimental AIP, and these effects were independent of the activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells producing IFN-α and IL-33. Interaction of indole-3-pyruvic acid and indigo naturalis with AhRs robustly augmented the production of IL-22 by pancreatic islet α cells. The blockade of IL-22 signaling pathways completely canceled the beneficial effects of AhR ligands on experimental AIP. Serum IL-22 concentrations were elevated in patients with type 1 AIP after the induction of remission with prednisolone. These data suggest that AhR activation suppresses chronic fibroinflammatory reactions that characterize AIP via IL-22 produced by pancreatic islet α cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Kamata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akane Hara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kosuke Minaga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoe Yoshikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kurimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ikue Sekai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Natsuki Okai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoya Omaru
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Masuta
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuo Otsuka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Takada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shiki Takamura
- Department of Immunology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Warren Strober
- Mucosal Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Defenses, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tomohiro Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
- Mucosal Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Defenses, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Kao CM, Chen YM, Huang WN, Chen YH, Chen HH. Association between air pollutants and initiation of biological therapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a nationwide, population-based, nested case-control study. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:75. [PMID: 37147678 PMCID: PMC10161550 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03060-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outdoor air pollution has been found to trigger systemic inflammatory responses and aggravate the activity of certain rheumatic diseases. However, few studies have explored the influence of air pollution on the activity of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). As patients with active AS in Taiwan can be reimbursed through the National Health Insurance programme for biological therapy, we investigated the association between air pollutants and the initiation of reimbursed biologics for active AS. METHODS Since 2011, hourly concentrations of ambient air pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, SO2, and O3, have been estimated in Taiwan. Using Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified patients with newly diagnosed AS from 2003 to 2013. We selected 584 patients initiating biologics from 2012 to 2013 and 2336 gender-, age at biologic initiation-, year of AS diagnosis- and disease duration-matched controls. We examined the associations of biologics initiation with air pollutants exposure within 1 year prior to biologic use whilst adjusting for potential confounders, including disease duration, urbanisation level, monthly income, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), uveitis, psoriasis and the use of medications for AS. Results are shown as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS The initiation of biologics was associated with exposure to CO (per 1 ppm) (aOR, 8.57; 95% CI, 2.02-36.32) and NO2 (per 10 ppb) (aOR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.11-0.50). Other independent predictors included disease duration (incremental year, aOR, 8.95), CCI (aOR, 1.31), psoriasis (aOR, 25.19), use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aOR, 23.66), methotrexate use (aOR, 4.50; 95% CI, 2.93-7.00), sulfasalazine use (aOR, 12.16; 95% CI, 8.98-15.45) and prednisolone equivalent dosages (mg/day, aOR, 1.12). CONCLUSIONS This nationwide, population-based study revealed the initiation of reimbursed biologics was positively associated with CO levels, but negatively associated with NO2 levels. Major limitations included lack of information on individual smoking status and multicollinearity amongst air pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Mao Kao
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, No.1650, Sec.4, Taiwan Boulevard, Taichung, 40705, Taiwan
- Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ming Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, No.1650, Sec.4, Taiwan Boulevard, Taichung, 40705, Taiwan
- Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Science and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Nan Huang
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, No.1650, Sec.4, Taiwan Boulevard, Taichung, 40705, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Business Administration, Ling-Tung University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsing Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, No.1650, Sec.4, Taiwan Boulevard, Taichung, 40705, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hua Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, No.1650, Sec.4, Taiwan Boulevard, Taichung, 40705, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Institute of Biomedical Science and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Enterprise Information, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Institute of Public Health and Community Medicine Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Big Data Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Piovani D, Brunetta E, Bonovas S. UV radiation and air pollution as drivers of major autoimmune conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 224:115449. [PMID: 36764434 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases comprise a very heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by disruptive immune responses against self-antigens, chronic morbidity and increased mortality. The incidence and prevalence of major autoimmune conditions are particularly high in the western world, at northern latitudes, and in industrialized countries. This study will mainly focus on five major autoimmune conditions, namely type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune thyroid disorders. Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests a protective role of sunlight exposure on the etiology of major autoimmune conditions mediated by the endogenous production of vitamin D and nitric oxide. A historical perspective shows how the rise of anthropogenic air pollutants is temporally associated with dramatic increases in incidence of these conditions. The scattering caused by ambient particulate matter and the presence of tropospheric ozone can reduce the endogenous production of vitamin D and nitric oxide, which are implicated in maintaining the immune homeostasis. Air pollutants have direct detrimental effects on the human body and are deemed responsible of an increasingly higher portion of the annual burden of human morbidity and mortality. Air pollution contributes in systemic inflammation, activates oxidative pathways, induces epigenetic alterations, and modulates the function and phenotype of dendritic cells, Tregs, and T-cells. In this review, we provide epidemiological and mechanistic insights regarding the role of UV-mediated effects in immunity and how anthropic-derived air pollution may affect major autoimmune conditions through direct and indirect mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Piovani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Enrico Brunetta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefanos Bonovas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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