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Bian P, Zhang H, Ye C, Luo C, Jiang H, Wang Y, Dong Y, Yang J, Zhang F, Wang X, Zhang Y, Jia Z, Lei Y. GAS6 as a potential target to alleviate neuroinflammation during Japanese encephalitis in mouse models. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:231. [PMID: 39300526 PMCID: PMC11411859 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03225-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral encephalitis is characterized by inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by a variety of viruses, among which the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus (JEV) is a typical representative arbovirus. Neuronal death, neuroinflammation, and breakdown of the blood brain barrier (BBB) constitute vicious circles of JE progression. Currently, there is no effective therapy to prevent this damage. Growth arrest specific gene 6 (GAS6) is a secreted growth factor that binds to the TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK (TAM) family of receptor tyrosine kinases and has been demonstrated to participate in neuroprotection and suppression of inflammation in many central nervous system (CNS) diseases which has great potential for JE intervention. In this study, we found that GAS6 expression in the brain was decreased and was reversely correlated with viral load and neuronal loss. Mice with GAS6/TAM signalling deficiency showed higher mortality and accelerated neuroinflammation during peripheral JEV infection, accompanied by BBB breakdown. GAS6 directly promoted the expression of tight junction proteins in bEnd.3 cells and strengthened BBB integrity, partly via AXL. Mice administered GAS6 were more resistant to JEV infection due to increased BBB integrity, as well as decreased viral load and neuroinflammation. Thus, targeted GAS6 delivery may represent a strategy for the prevention and treatment of JE especially in patients with impaired BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyu Bian
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710027, China
| | - Haijun Zhang
- Xijing 986 Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Chuantao Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Chuanyu Luo
- Norinco General Hospital, Xi'an, 710065, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yangchao Dong
- Department of Microbiology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Fanglin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710027, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China.
| | - Zhansheng Jia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, 710100, China.
| | - Yingfeng Lei
- Department of Microbiology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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2
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Luo C, Li M, Bian P, Yang J, Liao X, Dong Y, Ye C, Zhang F, Lv X, Zhang Q, Lei Y. The protective role of Mertk in JEV-induced encephalitis by maintaining the integrity of blood-brain barrier. Virol J 2024; 21:217. [PMID: 39277738 PMCID: PMC11401310 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02472-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis is an acute infectious disease of the central nervous system caused by neurotropic Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). As a member of TAM (Tyro3, Axl and Mertk) family, Mertk has involved in multiple biological processes by engaging with its bridging ligands Gas6 and Protein S, including invasion of pathogens, phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, inflammatory response regulation, and the maintenance of blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity. However, its role in encephalitis caused by JEV infection has not been studied in detail. Here, we found that Mertk-/- mice exhibited higher mortality and more rapid disease progression than wild-type mice after JEV challenge. There were no significant differences in viral load and cytokines expression level in peripheral tissues between Wild type and Mertk-/- mice. Furthermore, the absence of Mertk had little effect on the inflammatory response and immunopathological damage while it can cause an increased viral load in the brain. For the in vitro model of BBB, Mertk was shown to maintain the integrity of the BBB. In vivo, Mertk-/- mice exhibited higher BBB permeability and lower BBB integrity. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that Mertk acts as a protective factor in the development of encephalitis induced by JEV infection, which is mainly associated with its beneficial effect on BBB integrity, rather than its regulation of inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanyu Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Norinco General Hospital, Xi'an, 710065, China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Peiyu Bian
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jiali Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xiamei Liao
- Department of Microbiology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Air Force Medical University, Changle West Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yangchao Dong
- Department of Microbiology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Air Force Medical University, Changle West Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chuantao Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Fanglin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Air Force Medical University, Changle West Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin Lv
- Department of Microbiology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Air Force Medical University, Changle West Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Medical College, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China.
| | - Yingfeng Lei
- Department of Microbiology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Air Force Medical University, Changle West Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
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3
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Drozd M, Hamilton F, Cheng CW, Lillie PJ, Brown OI, Chaddock N, Savic S, Naseem K, Iles MM, Morgan AW, Kearney MT, Cubbon RM. Plasma MERTK is causally associated with infection mortality. J Infect 2024; 89:106262. [PMID: 39241967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106262] [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: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious diseases are a major cause of mortality in spite of existing public health, anti-microbial and vaccine interventions. We aimed to define plasma proteomic associates of infection mortality and then apply Mendelian randomisation (MR) to yield biomarkers that may be causally associated. METHODS We used UK Biobank plasma proteomic data to associate 2923 plasma proteins with infection mortality before 31st December 2019 (240 events in 52,520 participants). Since many plasma proteins also predict non-infection mortality, we focussed on those associated with >1.5-fold risk of infection mortality in an analysis excluding survivors. Protein quantitative trait scores (pQTS) were then used to identify whether genetically predicted protein levels also associated with infection mortality. To conduct Two Sample MR, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of infection mortality using UK Biobank participants without plasma proteomic data (n = 363,953 including 984 infection deaths). FINDINGS After adjusting for clinical risk factors, 1142 plasma proteins were associated with risk of infection mortality (false discovery rate <0.05). 259 proteins were associated with >1.5-fold increased risk of infection versus non-infection mortality. Of these, we identified genetically predicted increasing MERTK concentration was associated with increased risk of infection mortality. MR supported a causal association between increasing plasma MERTK protein and infection mortality (odds ratio 1.46 per unit; 95% CI 1.15- 1.85; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Plasma MERTK is causally associated with infection mortality and warrants exploration as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Drozd
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Fergus Hamilton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Chew W Cheng
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Patrick J Lillie
- Department of Infection, Castle Hill Hospital, Hull University Hospitals NHS Trust, Kingston Upon Hull, UK
| | - Oliver I Brown
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Natalie Chaddock
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sinisa Savic
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Khalid Naseem
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Mark M Iles
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK; Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ann W Morgan
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Mark T Kearney
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Richard M Cubbon
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK.
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4
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Lin J, Sun Y, Xia B, Wang Y, Xie C, Wang J, Hu J, Zhu L. Mertk Reduces Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier Permeability Through the Rhoa/Rock1/P-MLC Pathway After Spinal Cord Injury. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:1230-1244. [PMID: 38592581 PMCID: PMC11365875 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01199-x] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is a critical event in the secondary injury following spinal cord injury (SCI). Mertk has been reported to play an important role in regulating inflammation and cytoskeletal dynamics. However, the specific involvement of Mertk in BSCB remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated a distinct role of Mertk in the repair of BSCB. Mertk expression is decreased in endothelial cells following SCI. Overexpression of Mertk upregulated tight junction proteins (TJs), reducing BSCB permeability and subsequently inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis. Ultimately, this led to enhanced neural regeneration and functional recovery. Further experiments revealed that the RhoA/Rock1/P-MLC pathway plays a key role in the effects of Mertk. These findings highlight the role of Mertk in promoting SCI recovery through its ability to mitigate BSCB permeability and may provide potential targets for SCI repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiezhao Lin
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopedic Medical Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Yuanfang Sun
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopedic Medical Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Bin Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital (Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Chengdu Medical College), Chengdu, 610299, China
| | - Yihan Wang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopedic Medical Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Changnan Xie
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopedic Medical Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Jinfeng Wang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopedic Medical Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Jinwei Hu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopedic Medical Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Lixin Zhu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopedic Medical Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China.
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5
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Ghosh S, Finnemann SC, Vollrath D, Rothlin CV. In the Eyes of the Beholder-New Mertk Knockout Mouse and Re-Evaluation of Phagocytosis versus Anti-Inflammatory Functions of MERTK. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5299. [PMID: 38791338 PMCID: PMC11121519 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Greg Lemke's laboratory was one of the pioneers of research into the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Not only was Tyro3 cloned in his laboratory, but his group also extensively studied mice knocked out for individual or various combinations of the TAM RTKs Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk. Here we primarily focus on one of the paralogs-MERTK. We provide a historical perspective on rodent models of loss of Mertk function and their association with retinal degeneration and blindness. We describe later studies employing mouse genetics and the generation of newer knockout models that point out incongruencies with the inference that loss of MERTK-dependent phagocytosis is sufficient for severe, early-onset photoreceptor degeneration in mice. This discussion is meant to raise awareness with regards to the limitations of the original Mertk knockout mouse model generated using 129 derived embryonic stem cells and carrying 129 derived alleles and the role of these alleles in modifying Mertk knockout phenotypes or even displaying Mertk-independent phenotypes. We also suggest molecular approaches that can further Greg Lemke's scintillating legacy of dissecting the molecular functions of MERTK-a protein that has been described to function in phagocytosis as well as in the negative regulation of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Ghosh
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Silvia C. Finnemann
- Center for Cancer, Genetic Diseases and Gene Regulation, Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458, USA;
| | - Douglas Vollrath
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Carla V. Rothlin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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6
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Joussaume A, Kanthou C, Pardo OE, Karayan-Tapon L, Benzakour O, Dkhissi F. The Vitamin K-Dependent Anticoagulant Factor, Protein S, Regulates Vascular Permeability. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3278-3293. [PMID: 38666935 PMCID: PMC11048934 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040205] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein S (PROS1) is a vitamin K-dependent anticoagulant factor, which also acts as an agonist for the TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK (TAM) tyrosine kinase receptors. PROS1 is produced by the endothelium which also expresses TAM receptors, but little is known about its effects on vascular function and permeability. Transwell permeability assays as well as Western blotting and immunostaining analysis were used to monitor the possible effects of PROS1 on both endothelial cell permeability and on the phosphorylation state of specific signaling proteins. We show that human PROS1, at its circulating concentrations, substantially increases both the basal and VEGFA-induced permeability of endothelial cell (EC) monolayers. PROS1 induces p38 MAPK (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase), Rho/ROCK (Rho-associated protein kinase) pathway activation, and actin filament remodeling, as well as substantial changes in Vascular Endothelial Cadherin (VEC) distribution and its phosphorylation on Ser665 and Tyr685. It also mediates c-Src and PAK-1 (p21-activated kinase 1) phosphorylation on Tyr416 and Ser144, respectively. Exposure of EC to human PROS1 induces VEC internalization as well as its cleavage into a released fragment of 100 kDa and an intracellular fragment of 35 kDa. Using anti-TAM neutralizing antibodies, we demonstrate that PROS1-induced VEC and c-Src phosphorylation are mediated by both the MERTK and TYRO3 receptors but do not involve the AXL receptor. MERTK and TYRO3 receptors are also responsible for mediating PROS1-induced MLC (Myosin Light Chain) phosphorylation on a site targeted by the Rho/ROCK pathway. Our report provides evidence for the activation of the c-Src/VEC and Rho/ROCK/MLC pathways by PROS1 for the first time and points to a new role for PROS1 as an endogenous vascular permeabilizing factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Joussaume
- Université de Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, ProDiCeT, UR 24144 Poitiers, France; (A.J.); (O.B.)
| | - Chryso Kanthou
- Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine & Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK;
| | - Olivier E. Pardo
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | - Lucie Karayan-Tapon
- Université de Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, ProDiCeT, Laboratoire de Cancérologie Biologique, UR 24144 Poitiers, France;
| | - Omar Benzakour
- Université de Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, ProDiCeT, UR 24144 Poitiers, France; (A.J.); (O.B.)
| | - Fatima Dkhissi
- Université de Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, ProDiCeT, UR 24144 Poitiers, France; (A.J.); (O.B.)
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7
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Liu S, Wu J, Yang D, Xu J, Shi H, Xue B, Ding Z. Big data analytics for MerTK genomics reveals its double-edged sword functions in human diseases. Redox Biol 2024; 70:103061. [PMID: 38341954 PMCID: PMC10869259 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103061] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE MER proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (MerTK) is a key receptor for the clearance of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) and plays important roles in redox-related human diseases. We will explore MerTK biology in human cells, tissues, and diseases based on big data analytics. METHODS The human RNA-seq and scRNA-seq data about 42,700 samples were from NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus and analyzed by QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) with about 170,000 crossover analysis. MerTK expression was quantified as Log2 (FPKM + 0.1). RESULTS We found that, in human cells, MerTK is highly expressed in macrophages, monocytes, progenitor cells, alpha-beta T cells, plasma B cells, myeloid cells, and endothelial cells (ECs). In human tissues, MerTK has higher expression in plaque, blood vessels, heart, liver, sensory system, artificial tissue, bone, adrenal gland, central nervous system (CNS), and connective tissue. Compared to normal conditions, MerTK expression in related tissues is altered in many human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and brain disorders. Interestingly, MerTK expression also shows sex differences in many tissues, indicating that MerTK may have different impact on male and female. Finally, based on our proteomics from primary human aortic ECs, we validated the functions of MerTK in several human diseases, such as cancer, aging, kidney failure and heart failure. CONCLUSIONS Our big data analytics suggest that MerTK may be a promising therapeutic target, but how it should be modulated depends on the disease types and sex differences. For example, MerTK inhibition emerges as a new strategy for cancer therapy due to it counteracts effect on anti-tumor immunity, while MerTK restoration represents a promising treatment for atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction as MerTK is cleaved in these disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Liu
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Jinzi Wu
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Daixuan Yang
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Jianliang Xu
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Hang Shi
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Bingzhong Xue
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Zufeng Ding
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
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8
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Wu J, Liu S, Banerjee O, Shi H, Xue B, Ding Z. Disturbed flow impairs MerTK-mediated efferocytosis in aortic endothelial cells during atherosclerosis. Theranostics 2024; 14:2427-2441. [PMID: 38646649 PMCID: PMC11024847 DOI: 10.7150/thno.93036] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: MER proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (MerTK) is a key receptor for efferocytosis, a process for the clearance of apoptotic cells. MerTK is mainly expressed in macrophages and immature dendritic cells. There are very limited reports focused on MerTK biology in aortic endothelial cells (ECs). It remains unclear for the role of blood flow patterns in regulating MerTK-mediated efferocytosis in aortic ECs. This study was designed to investigate whether endothelial MerTK and EC efferocytosis respond to blood flow patterns during atherosclerosis. Methods: Big data analytics, RNA-seq and proteomics combined with our in vitro and in vivo studies were applied to reveal the potential molecular mechanisms. Partial carotid artery ligation combined with AAV-PCSK9 and high fat diet were used to set up acute atherosclerosis in 4 weeks. Results: Our data showed that MerTK is sensitive to blood flow patterns and is inhibited by disturbed flow and oscillatory shear stress in primary human aortic ECs (HAECs). The RNA-seq data in HAECs incubated with apoptotic cells showed that d-flow promotes pro-inflammatory pathway and senescence pathway. Our in vivo data of proteomics and immunostaining showed that, compared with WT group, MerTK-/- aggravates atherosclerosis in d-flow areas through upregulation of endothelial dysfunction markers (e.g. IL-1β, NF-κB, TLR4, MAPK signaling, vWF, VCAM-1 and p22phox) and mitochondrial dysfunction. Interestingly, MerTK-/-induces obvious abnormal endothelial thickening accompanied with decreased endothelial efferocytosis, promoting the development of atherosclerosis. Conclusions: Our data suggests that blood flow patterns play an important role in regulating MerTK-mediated efferocytosis in aortic ECs, revealing a new promising therapeutic strategy with EC efferocytosis restoration to against atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zufeng Ding
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
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9
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Lorimer IAJ. Potential roles for efferocytosis in glioblastoma immune evasion. Neurooncol Adv 2024; 6:vdae012. [PMID: 38616895 PMCID: PMC11012614 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdae012] [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] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is an aggressive and incurable brain cancer. This cancer establishes both local and systemic immunosuppression that creates a major obstacle to effective immunotherapies. Many studies point to tumor-resident myeloid cells (primarily microglia and macrophages) as key mediators of this immunosuppression. Myeloid cells exhibit a high level of plasticity with respect to their phenotype and are capable of both stimulating and repressing immune responses. How glioblastomas recruit myeloid cells and exploit them to avoid the immune system is an active area of research. Macrophages can acquire an immunosuppressive phenotype as a consequence of exposure to cytokines such as TGFB1 or IL4; in addition, macrophages can acquire an immunosuppressive phenotype as a consequence of the engulfment of apoptotic cells, a process referred to as efferocytosis. There is substantial evidence that glioblastoma cells are able to secrete cytokines and other factors that induce an immunosuppressive phenotype in macrophages and microglia. However, less is known about the contribution of efferocytosis to immunosuppression in glioblastoma. Here I review the literature in this area and discuss the potential of efferocytosis inhibition to improve glioblastoma response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A J Lorimer
- Cancer Research Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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10
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Constant O, Maarifi G, Barthelemy J, Martin MF, Tinto B, Savini G, Van de Perre P, Nisole S, Simonin Y, Salinas S. Differential effects of Usutu and West Nile viruses on neuroinflammation, immune cell recruitment and blood-brain barrier integrity. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2156815. [PMID: 36495563 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2156815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Usutu (USUV) and West Nile (WNV) viruses are two closely related Flavivirus belonging to Japanese encephalitis virus serogroup. Evidence of increased circulation of these two arboviruses now exist in Europe. Neurological disorders are reported in humans mainly for WNV, despite the fact that the interaction and effects of viral infections on the neurovasculature are poorly described, notably for USUV. Using a human in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) and a mouse model, this study characterizes and compares the cerebral endothelial cell permissiveness, innate immunity and inflammatory responses and immune cell recruitment during infection by USUV and WNV. Both viruses are able to infect and cross the human BBB but with different consequences. We observed that WNV infects BBB cells resulting in significant endothelium impairment, potent neuroinflammation and immune cell recruitment, in agreement with previous studies. USUV, despite being able to infect BBB cells with higher replication rate than WNV, does not strongly affect endothelium integrity. Importantly, USUV also induces neuroinflammation, immune cell recruitment such as T lymphocytes, monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) and was able to infect dendritic cells (DCs) more efficiently compared to WNV, with greater propensity for BBB recruitment. DCs may have differential roles for neuroinvasion of the two related viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orianne Constant
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
| | - Ghizlane Maarifi
- CNRS, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jonathan Barthelemy
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie-France Martin
- CNRS, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Bachirou Tinto
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
| | - Giovanni Savini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise (IZS-Teramo), Teramo, Italy
| | - Philippe Van de Perre
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France.,INSERM, Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sébastien Nisole
- CNRS, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Yannick Simonin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
| | - Sara Salinas
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
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11
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Tang J, Jin Y, Jia F, Lv T, Manaenko A, Zhang LF, Zhang Z, Qi X, Xue Y, Zhao B, Zhang X, Zhang JH, Lu J, Hu Q. Gas6 Promotes Microglia Efferocytosis and Suppresses Inflammation Through Activating Axl/Rac1 Signaling in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Mice. Transl Stroke Res 2023; 14:955-969. [PMID: 36324028 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-022-01099-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is characterized by rapid development of neuron apoptosis and dysregulated inflammatory response. Microglia efferocytosis plays a critical role in the clearance of apoptotic cells, attenuation of inflammation, and minimizing brain injury in various pathological conditions. Here, using a mouse SAH model, we aim to investigate whether microglia efferocytosis is involved in post-SAH inflammation and to determine the underlying signaling pathway. We hypothesized that TAM receptors and their ligands regulate this process. To prove our hypothesis, the expression and cellular location of TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk) receptors and their ligands growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) and Protein S (ProS1) were examined by PCR, western blots, and fluorescence immunostaining. Thirty minutes after SAH, mice received an intraventricular injection of recombinant Gas6 (rGas6) or recombinant ProS1 (rPros1) and underwent evaluations of inflammatory mediator expression, neurological deficits, and blood-brain barrier integrity at 24 h. Microglia efferocytosis of apoptotic neurons was analyzed in vivo and in vitro. The potential mechanism was determined by inhibiting or knocking down TAM receptors and Rac1 by specific inhibitors or siRNA. SAH induced upregulation of Axl and its ligand Gas6. The administration of rGas6 but not rPros1 promoted microglia efferocytosis, alleviated inflammation, and ameliorated SAH-induced BBB breakdown and neurological deficits. The beneficial effects of rGas6 were arrogated by inhibiting or knocking down Axl and Rac1. We concluded that rGas6 attenuated the development of early brain injury in mice after SAH by facilitating microglia efferocytosis and preventing inflammatory response, which is partly dependent on activation of Axl and Rac1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjia Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yichao Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Feng Jia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Tao Lv
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Anatol Manaenko
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin-Feng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xin Qi
- Discipline of Neuroscience, Department of Physiology and Anatomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yajun Xue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - John H Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Jianfei Lu
- Discipline of Neuroscience, Department of Physiology and Anatomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Songjiang Institute and Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201600, China.
| | - Qin Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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12
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Nguyen LT, Aprico A, Nwoke E, Walsh AD, Blades F, Avneri R, Martin E, Zalc B, Kilpatrick TJ, Binder MD. Mertk-expressing microglia influence oligodendrogenesis and myelin modelling in the CNS. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:253. [PMID: 37926818 PMCID: PMC10626688 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02921-8] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglia, an immune cell found exclusively within the CNS, initially develop from haematopoietic stem cell precursors in the yolk sac and colonise all regions of the CNS early in development. Microglia have been demonstrated to play an important role in the development of oligodendrocytes, the myelin producing cells in the CNS, as well as in myelination. Mertk is a receptor expressed on microglia that mediates immunoregulatory functions, including myelin efferocytosis. FINDINGS Here we demonstrate an unexpected role for Mertk-expressing microglia in both oligodendrogenesis and myelination. The selective depletion of Mertk from microglia resulted in reduced oligodendrocyte production in early development and the generation of pathological myelin. During demyelination, mice deficient in microglial Mertk had thinner myelin and showed signs of impaired OPC differentiation. We established that Mertk signalling inhibition impairs oligodendrocyte repopulation in Xenopus tadpoles following demyelination. CONCLUSION These data highlight the importance of microglia in myelination and are the first to identify Mertk as a regulator of oligodendrogenesis and myelin ultrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda T Nguyen
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrea Aprico
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eze Nwoke
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Crux Biolabs, Bayswater, VIC, 3153, Australia
| | - Alexander D Walsh
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Farrah Blades
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Solar Biotechnology, Institute for Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Raphael Avneri
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut du Cerveau, AP-HP Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, 40700, Ariel, Israel
| | - Elodie Martin
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut du Cerveau, AP-HP Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Bernard Zalc
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut du Cerveau, AP-HP Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Trevor J Kilpatrick
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michele D Binder
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.
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13
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Potokar M, Zorec R, Jorgačevski J. Astrocytes Are a Key Target for Neurotropic Viral Infection. Cells 2023; 12:2307. [PMID: 37759529 PMCID: PMC10528686 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182307] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are increasingly recognized as important viral host cells in the central nervous system. These cells can produce relatively high quantities of new virions. In part, this can be attributed to the characteristics of astrocyte metabolism and its abundant and dynamic cytoskeleton network. Astrocytes are anatomically localized adjacent to interfaces between blood capillaries and brain parenchyma and between blood capillaries and brain ventricles. Moreover, astrocytes exhibit a larger membrane interface with the extracellular space than neurons. These properties, together with the expression of various and numerous viral entry receptors, a relatively high rate of endocytosis, and morphological plasticity of intracellular organelles, render astrocytes important target cells in neurotropic infections. In this review, we describe factors that mediate the high susceptibility of astrocytes to viral infection and replication, including the anatomic localization of astrocytes, morphology, expression of viral entry receptors, and various forms of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Potokar
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology–Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Tehnološki Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology–Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Tehnološki Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Jorgačevski
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology–Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Tehnološki Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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14
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Happonen KE, Burrola PG, Lemke G. Regulation of brain endothelial cell physiology by the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase Mer. Commun Biol 2023; 6:916. [PMID: 37673933 PMCID: PMC10482977 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05287-y] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase Mer (gene name Mertk) acts in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) to tighten the blood-brain barrier (BBB) subsequent to viral infection, but how this is achieved is poorly understood. We find that Mer controls the expression and activity of a large cohort of BBB regulators, along with endothelial nitric oxide synthase. It also controls, via an Akt-Foxo1 pathway, the expression of multiple angiogenic genes. Correspondingly, EC-specific Mertk gene inactivation resulted in perturbed vascular sprouting and a compromised BBB after induced photothrombotic stroke. Unexpectedly, stroke lesions in the brain were also reduced in the absence of EC Mer, which was linked to reduced plasma expression of fibrinogen, prothrombin, and other effectors of blood coagulation. Together, these results demonstrate that Mer is a central regulator of angiogenesis, BBB integrity, and blood coagulation in the mature vasculature. They may also account for disease severity following infection with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaisa E Happonen
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Patrick G Burrola
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Greg Lemke
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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15
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Apostolo D, Ferreira LL, Di Tizio A, Ruaro B, Patrucco F, Bellan M. A Review: The Potential Involvement of Growth Arrest-Specific 6 and Its Receptors in the Pathogenesis of Lung Damage and in Coronavirus Disease 2019. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2038. [PMID: 37630598 PMCID: PMC10459962 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase receptors of the TAM family-Tyro3, Axl and Mer-and their main ligand Gas6 (growth arrest-specific 6) have been implicated in several human diseases, having a particularly important role in the regulation of innate immunity and inflammatory response. The Gas6/TAM system is involved in the recognition of apoptotic debris by immune cells and this mechanism has been exploited by viruses for cell entry and infection. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multi-systemic disease, but the lungs are particularly affected during the acute phase and some patients may suffer persistent lung damage. Among the manifestations of the disease, fibrotic abnormalities have been observed among the survivors of COVID-19. The mechanisms of COVID-related fibrosis remain elusive, even though some parallels may be drawn with other fibrotic diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Due to the still limited number of scientific studies addressing this question, in this review we aimed to integrate the current knowledge of the Gas6/TAM axis with the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying COVID-19, with emphasis on the development of a fibrotic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Apostolo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.A.); (L.L.F.); (A.D.T.); (M.B.)
| | - Luciana L. Ferreira
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.A.); (L.L.F.); (A.D.T.); (M.B.)
| | - Alice Di Tizio
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.A.); (L.L.F.); (A.D.T.); (M.B.)
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Medical Department, AOU Maggiore della Carità Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Barbara Ruaro
- Pulmonology Department, University of Trieste, 34128 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Filippo Patrucco
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Medical Department, AOU Maggiore della Carità Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Mattia Bellan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.A.); (L.L.F.); (A.D.T.); (M.B.)
- Division of Internal Medicine, Medical Department, AOU Maggiore della Carità Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy
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16
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Bernardo-Menezes LC, Agrelli A, Oliveira ASLED, Azevedo EDAN, Morais CNLD. Zika virus: Critical crosstalk between pathogenesis, cytopathic effects, and macroautophagy. J Cell Biochem 2023. [PMID: 37334850 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30438] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a re-emerging positive-sense RNA arbovirus. Its genome encodes a polyprotein that is cleaved by proteases into three structural proteins (Envelope, pre-Membrane, and Capsid) and seven nonstructural proteins (NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, and NS5). These proteins have essential functions in viral replication cycle, cytopathic effects, and host cellular response. When infected by ZIKV, host cells promote macroautophagy, which is believed to favor virus entry. Although several authors have attempted to understand this link between macroautophagy and viral infection, little is known. Herein, we performed a narrative review of the molecular connection between macroautophagy and ZIKV infection while focusing on the roles of the structural and nonstructural proteins. We concluded that ZIKV proteins are major virulence factors that modulate host-cell machinery to its advantage by disrupting and/or blocking specific cellular systems and organelles' function, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Coêlho Bernardo-Menezes
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapeutics (LaViTE), Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Almerinda Agrelli
- Laboratory of Nanostructured Materials (LMNANO), Strategic Technologies Center of Northeast (CETENE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Elisa de Almeida Neves Azevedo
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapeutics (LaViTE), Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Clarice Neuenschwander Lins de Morais
- Laboratory of Virology and Experimental Therapeutics (LaViTE), Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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17
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The role of the blood-brain barrier during neurological disease and infection. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:613-626. [PMID: 36929707 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
A healthy brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is formed by the endothelial cells that line brain capillaries. The BBB plays an extremely important role in supporting normal neuronal function by maintaining the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment and restricting pathogen and toxin entry to the brain. Dysfunction of this highly complex and regulated structure can be life threatening. BBB dysfunction is implicated in many neurological diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and brain infections. Among other mechanisms, inflammation and/or flow disturbances are major causes of BBB dysfunction in neurological infections and diseases. In particular, in ischaemic stroke, both inflammation and flow disturbances contribute to BBB disruption, leading to devastating consequences. While a transient or minor disruption to the barrier function could be tolerated, chronic or a total breach of the barrier can result in irreversible brain damage. It is worth noting that timing and extent of BBB disruption play an important role in the process of any repair of brain damage and treatment strategies. This review evaluates and summarises some of the latest research on the role of the BBB during neurological disease and infection with a focus on the effects of inflammation and flow disturbances on the BBB. The BBB's crucial role in protecting the brain is also the bottleneck in central nervous system drug development. Therefore, innovative strategies to carry therapeutics across the BBB and novel models to screen drugs, and to study the complex, overlapping mechanisms of BBB disruption are urgently needed.
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18
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Zhou S, Li Y, Zhang Z, Yuan Y. An insight into the TAM system in Alzheimer's disease. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109791. [PMID: 36738678 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109791] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The TAM receptors may help delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the most common neurodegenerative disease associated with human aging. The TAM receptors, derived from the first letter of its three constituents -Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk, are associated with immune responses, cellular differentiation and migration, and clearance of apoptotic cells and debris, with the two canonical ligands, Growth Arrest Specific 6 (Gas6) and ProS1. Several kinds of research have indicated the participation of the TAM system in AD pathology. Also, the TAMs regulate multiple features of microglia, the significant sensors of disorder in the central nervous system (CNS). In this review, we describe the biology of the TAM receptors and ligands in the CNS. Then, we discuss the relationship between the TAM system and AD, specially focusing on its functional expression in the microglia. Finally, we also summarize some agents that could interfere with the TAM signaling pathways and discuss potential difficulties and strategies for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Yanyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Zhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Yuhe Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
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19
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Qiu H, Yang B, Chen Y, Zhu Q, Wen F, Peng M, Wang G, Guo G, Chen B, Maarouf M, Fang M, Chen JL. Influenza A Virus-Induced circRNA circMerTK Negatively Regulates Innate Antiviral Responses. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0363722. [PMID: 36847523 PMCID: PMC10100971 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03637-22] [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: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are an important subclass of noncoding RNAs implicated in the regulation of multiple biological processes. However, the functional involvement of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of influenza A viruses (IAVs) remains largely unknown. Here, we employed RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to examine the differentially expressed circRNAs in mouse lung tissues challenged or not challenged with IAV to evaluate the impact of viral infection on circRNAs in vivo. We observed that 413 circRNAs exhibited significantly altered levels following IAV infection. Among these, circMerTK, the derivative of myeloid-epithelial-reproductive tyrosine kinase (MerTK) pre-mRNA, was highly induced by IAV. Interestingly, circMerTK expression was also increased upon infection with multiple DNA and RNA viruses in human and animal cell lines, and thus it was selected for further studies. Poly(I:C) and interferon β (IFN-β) stimulated circMerTK expression, while RIG-I knockout and IFNAR1 knockout cell lines failed to elevate circMerTK levels after IAV infection, demonstrating that circMerTK is regulated by IFN signaling. Furthermore, circMerTK overexpression or silencing accelerated or impeded IAV and Sendai virus replication, respectively. Silencing circMerTK enhanced the production of type I IFNs and interferon-stimulating genes (ISGs), whereas circMerTK overexpression suppressed their expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. Notably, altering circMerTK expression had no effect on the MerTK mRNA level in cells infected or not infected with IAV, and vice versa. In addition, human circMerTK and mouse homologs functioned similarly in antiviral responses. Together, these results identify circMerTK as an enhancer of IAV replication through suppression of antiviral immunity. IMPORTANCE CircRNAs are an important class of noncoding RNAs characterized by a covalently closed circular structure. CircRNAs have been proven to impact numerous cellular processes, where they conduct specialized biological activities. In addition, circRNAs are believed to play a crucial role in regulating immune responses. Nevertheless, the functions of circRNAs in the innate immunity against IAV infection remain obscure. In this study, we employed transcriptomic analysis to investigate the alterations in circRNAs expression following IAV infection in vivo. It was found that expression of 413 circRNAs was significantly altered, of which 171 were upregulated, and 242 were downregulated following the IAV infection. Interestingly, circMerTK was identified as a positive regulator of IAV replication in both human and mouse hosts. CircMerTK was shown to influence IFN-β production and its downstream signaling, enhancing IAV replication. This finding provides new insights into the critical roles of circRNAs in regulating antiviral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haori Qiu
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Infection and Immunology of Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bincai Yang
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Infection and Immunology of Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuhai Chen
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Infection and Immunology of Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Qianwen Zhu
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Infection and Immunology of Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Faxin Wen
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Infection and Immunology of Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Min Peng
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Infection and Immunology of Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guoqing Wang
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Infection and Immunology of Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guijie Guo
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Infection and Immunology of Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Biao Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Mohamed Maarouf
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt
| | - Min Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Long Chen
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Infection and Immunology of Fujian Province, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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20
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Li F, Zhang Y, Li R, Li Y, Ding S, Zhou J, Huang T, Chen C, Lu B, Yu W, Boltze J, Li P, Wan J. Neuronal Serpina3n is an endogenous protector against blood brain barrier damage following cerebral ischemic stroke. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2023; 43:241-257. [PMID: 36457151 PMCID: PMC9903218 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x221113897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke results in blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, during which the reciprocal interaction between ischemic neurons and components of the BBB appears to play a critical role. However, the underlying mechanisms for BBB protection remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that Serpina3n, a serine protease inhibitor, was significantly upregulated in the ischemic brain, predominantly in ischemic neurons from 6 hours to 3 days after stroke. Using neuron-specific adeno-associated virus (AAV), intranasal delivery of recombinant protein, and immune-deficient Rag1-/- mice, we demonstrated that Serpina3n attenuated BBB disruption and immune cell infiltration following stroke by inhibiting the activity of granzyme B (GZMB) and neutrophil elastase (NE) secreted by T cells and neutrophils. Furthermore, we found that intranasal delivery of rSerpina3n significantly attenuated the neurologic deficits after stroke. In conclusion, Serpina3n is a novel ischemic neuron-derived proteinase inhibitor that counterbalances BBB disruption induced by peripheral T cell and neutrophil infiltration after ischemic stroke. These findings reveal a novel endogenous protective mechanism against BBB damage with Serpina3n being a potential therapeutic target in ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengshi Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueman Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruqi Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenghao Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianpo Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianchen Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingwei Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weifeng Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Johannes Boltze
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Peiying Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieqing Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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21
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Raftopoulou S, Rapti A, Karathanasis D, Evangelopoulos ME, Mavragani CP. The role of type I IFN in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases with CNS involvement. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1026449. [PMID: 36438941 PMCID: PMC9685560 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1026449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) are major mediators of innate immunity, with well-known antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory properties. A growing body of evidence suggests the involvement of type I IFNs in the pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) manifestations in the setting of chronic autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders, while IFN-β has been for years, a well-established therapeutic modality for multiple sclerosis (MS). In the present review, we summarize the current evidence on the mechanisms of type I IFN production by CNS cellular populations as well as its local effects on the CNS. Additionally, the beneficial effects of IFN-β in the pathophysiology of MS are discussed, along with the contributory role of type I IFNs in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric lupus erythematosus and type I interferonopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Raftopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Rapti
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Karathanasis
- First Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aeginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Clio P. Mavragani
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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22
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Early death in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease exacerbated by microglial loss of TAM receptor signaling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204306119. [PMID: 36191221 PMCID: PMC9564325 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204306119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent seizure is a common comorbidity in early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may contribute to AD pathogenesis and cognitive decline. Similarly, many mouse models of Alzheimer's disease that overproduce amyloid beta are prone to epileptiform seizures that may result in early sudden death. We studied one such model, designated APP/PS1, and found that mutation of the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) Mer or its ligand Gas6 greatly exacerbated early death. Lethality was tied to violent seizures that appeared to initiate in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, where Mer plays an essential role in the microglial phagocytosis of both apoptotic and newborn cells normally generated during adult neurogenesis. We found that newborn DG neurons and excitatory synapses between the DG and the cornu ammonis field 3 (CA3) field of the hippocampus were increased in TAM-deficient mice, and that premature death and adult neurogenesis in these mice were coincident. In contrast, the incidence of lethal seizures and the deposition of dense-core amyloid plaques were strongly anticorrelated. Together, these results argue that TAM-mediated phagocytosis sculpts synaptic connectivity in the hippocampus, and that seizure-inducing amyloid beta polymers are present prior to the formation of dense-core plaques.
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23
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Marshall EM, Koopmans MPG, Rockx B. A Journey to the Central Nervous System: Routes of Flaviviral Neuroinvasion in Human Disease. Viruses 2022; 14:2096. [PMID: 36298652 PMCID: PMC9611789 DOI: 10.3390/v14102096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many arboviruses, including viruses of the Flavivirus genera, are known to cause severe neurological disease in humans, often with long-lasting, debilitating sequalae in surviving patients. These emerging pathogens impact millions of people worldwide, yet still relatively little is known about the exact mechanisms by which they gain access to the human central nervous system. This review focusses on potential haematogenous and transneural routes of neuroinvasion employed by flaviviruses and identifies numerous gaps in knowledge, especially regarding lesser-studied interfaces of possible invasion such as the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and novel routes such as the gut-brain axis. The complex balance of pro-inflammatory and antiviral immune responses to viral neuroinvasion and pathology is also discussed, especially in the context of the hypothesised Trojan horse mechanism of neuroinvasion. A greater understanding of the routes and mechanisms of arboviral neuroinvasion, and how they differ between viruses, will aid in predictive assessments of the neuroinvasive potential of new and emerging arboviruses, and may provide opportunity for attenuation, development of novel intervention strategies and rational vaccine design for highly neurovirulent arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Barry Rockx
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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24
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Yu Z, Fang X, Liu W, Sun R, Zhou J, Pu Y, Zhao M, Sun D, Xiang Z, Liu P, Ding Y, Cao L, He C. Microglia Regulate Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity via MiR-126a-5p/MMP9 Axis during Inflammatory Demyelination. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105442. [PMID: 35758549 PMCID: PMC9403646 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment is an early prevalent feature of multiple sclerosis (MS), and remains vital for MS progression. Microglial activation precedes BBB disruption and cellular infiltrates in the brain of MS patients. However, little is known about the function of microglia in BBB impairment. Here, microglia acts as an important modulator of BBB integrity in inflammatory demyelination. Microglial depletion profoundly ameliorates BBB impairment in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Specifically, miR-126a-5p in microglia is positively correlated with BBB integrity in four types of MS plaques. Mechanistically, microglial deletion of miR-126a-5p exacerbates BBB leakage and EAE severity. The protective effect of miR-126a-5p is mimicked and restored by specific inhibition of MMP9 in microglia. Importantly, Auranofin, an FDA-approved drug, is identified to protect BBB integrity and mitigate EAE progression via a microglial miR-126a-5p dependent mechanism. Taken together, microglia can be manipulated to protect BBB integrity and ameliorate inflammatory demyelination. Targeting microglia to regulate BBB permeability merits consideration in therapeutic interventions in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwang Yu
- Institute of NeuroscienceKey Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSMMUShanghai200433China
| | - Xue Fang
- Institute of NeuroscienceKey Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSMMUShanghai200433China
- Department of GastroenterologyChanghai HospitalSMMUShanghai200433China
| | - Weili Liu
- Institute of NeuroscienceKey Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSMMUShanghai200433China
| | - Rui Sun
- Department of NeurologyChanghai HospitalSMMUShanghai200433China
| | - Jintao Zhou
- Institute of NeuroscienceKey Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSMMUShanghai200433China
| | - Yingyan Pu
- Institute of NeuroscienceKey Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSMMUShanghai200433China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Institute of NeuroscienceKey Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSMMUShanghai200433China
| | - Dingya Sun
- Institute of NeuroscienceKey Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSMMUShanghai200433China
| | - Zhenghua Xiang
- Institute of NeuroscienceKey Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSMMUShanghai200433China
| | - Peng Liu
- Institute of NeuroscienceKey Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSMMUShanghai200433China
| | - Yuqiang Ding
- Department of Laboratory Animal Scienceand State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain ScienceInstitutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Li Cao
- Institute of NeuroscienceKey Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSMMUShanghai200433China
| | - Cheng He
- Institute of NeuroscienceKey Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceSMMUShanghai200433China
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25
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Vazquez C, Jurado KA. Neurotropic RNA Virus Modulation of Immune Responses within the Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23074018. [PMID: 35409387 PMCID: PMC8999457 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23074018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) necessitates intricately coordinated immune responses to prevent neurological disease. However, the emergence of viruses capable of entering the CNS and infecting neurons threatens this delicate balance. Our CNS is protected from foreign invaders and excess solutes by a semipermeable barrier of endothelial cells called the blood–brain barrier. Thereby, viruses have implemented several strategies to bypass this protective layer and modulate immune responses within the CNS. In this review, we outline these immune regulatory mechanisms and provide perspectives on future questions in this rapidly expanding field.
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26
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Zdżalik-Bielecka D, Kozik K, Poświata A, Jastrzębski K, Jakubik M, Miączyńska M. Bemcentinib and Gilteritinib Inhibit Cell Growth and Impair the Endo-Lysosomal and Autophagy Systems in an AXL-Independent Manner. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:446-455. [PMID: 34782372 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase from the TAM (TYRO3 AXL and MER) subfamily, and its ligand growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6) are implicated in pathogenesis of a wide array of cancers, acquisition of resistance to diverse anticancer therapies and cellular entry of viruses. The continuous development of AXL inhibitors for treatment of patients with cancer and COVID-19 underscores the need to better characterize the cellular effects of AXL targeting. In the present study, we compared the cellular phenotypes of CRISPR-Cas9-induced depletion of AXL and its pharmacological inhibition with bemcentinib, LDC1267 and gilteritinib. Specifically, we evaluated GAS6-AXL signaling, cell viability and invasion, the endo-lysosomal system and autophagy in glioblastoma cells. We showed that depletion of AXL but not of TYRO3 inhibited GAS6-induced phosphorylation of downstream signaling effectors, AKT and ERK1/2, indicating that AXL is a primary receptor for GAS6. AXL was also specifically required for GAS6-dependent increase in cell viability but was dispensable for viability of cells grown without exogenous addition of GAS6. Furthermore, we revealed that LDC1267 is the most potent and specific inhibitor of AXL activation among the tested compounds. Finally, we found that, in contrast to AXL depletion and its inhibition with LDC1267, cell treatment with bemcentinib and gilteritinib impaired the endo-lysosomal and autophagy systems in an AXL-independent manner. IMPLICATIONS Altogether, our findings are of high clinical importance as we discovered that two clinically advanced AXL inhibitors, bemcentinib and gilteritinib, may display AXL-independent cellular effects and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Zdżalik-Bielecka
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamila Kozik
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Poświata
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Jastrzębski
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Jakubik
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Miączyńska
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
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27
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Axl -/- neurons promote JEV infection by dampening the innate immunity. Virus Res 2022; 307:198605. [PMID: 34662681 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) causes the most commonly diagnosed viral encephalitis in Asia. JEV is a highly neurotropic flavivirus that can replicate efficiently in the brain. Axl belongs to the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, Mer) family, a group of tyrosine kinase receptors involved in the viral entry, micked as apoptotic bodies and regulation of innate immunity. However, the underlying mechanisms on its regulation in the neurons for JEV are unclear. Here, we found that Axl was upregulated in neurons after JEV infection. Unexpectedly, Axl deficient (Axl-/-) mice were more susceptible to JEV infection with increased viral loads in neurons. The RNA-sequencing analysis between the wild type neurons and Axl-/- neurons infected with JEV showed that many interferon-stimulated genes were downregulated in the Axl-/- neurons which innate immunity was attenuated largely. The rescue experiment in Axl-/- neurons indicated that Axl may be positively involved in the regulation of antiviral immunity. Taken together, our data demonstrated that Axl may play an antiviral role in JEV replication within neurons by modulating neuronal innate immunity.
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28
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IL-1 reprogramming of adult neural stem cells limits neurocognitive recovery after viral encephalitis by maintaining a proinflammatory state. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 99:383-396. [PMID: 34695572 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immune responses to emerging RNA viruses are increasingly recognized as having significant contributions to neurologic sequelae, especially memory disorders. Using a recovery model of West Nile virus (WNV) encephalitis, we show that, while macrophages deliver the antiviral and anti-neurogenic cytokine IL-1β during acute infection; viral recovery is associated with continued astrocyte inflammasome-mediated production of inflammatory levels of IL-1β, which is maintained by hippocampal astrogenesis via IL-1R1 signaling in neural stem cells (NSC). Accordingly, aberrant astrogenesis is prevented in the absence of IL-1 signaling in NSC, indicating that only newly generated astrocytes exert neurotoxic effects, preventing synapse repair and promoting spatial learning deficits. Ex vivo evaluation of IL-1β-treated adult hippocampal NSC revealed the upregulation of developmental differentiation pathways that derail adult neurogenesis in favor of astrogenesis, following viral infection. We conclude that NSC-specific IL-1 signaling within the hippocampus during viral encephalitis prevents synapse recovery and promotes spatial learning defects via altered fates of NSC progeny that maintain inflammation.
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29
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Guo ZN, Liu J, Chang J, Zhang P, Jin H, Sun X, Yang Y. GAS6/Axl Signaling Modulates Blood-Brain Barrier Function Following Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke. Front Immunol 2021; 12:742359. [PMID: 34733281 PMCID: PMC8558492 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.742359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Recent studies have shown that several proteins, including Axl, are related to hemorrhagic transformation (HT) following intravenous thrombolysis by affecting blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. However, the effects of these proteins on BBB function have been studied primarily in animal models. In this study, we aimed to identify serum protein markers that predict HT following intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and verify whether these serum proteins regulate BBB function and HT in animal stroke models. Methods First, 118 AIS patients were enrolled in this study, including 52 HT patients and 66 non-HT patients. In Step 1, baseline serum levels of Axl, angiopoietin-like 4, C-reactive protein, ferritin, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha, HTRA2, Lipocalin2, matrix metallopeptidase 9, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were measured using a quantitative cytokine chip. Next, sequence mutations and variations in genes encoding the differentially expressed proteins identified in Step 1 and subsequent function-related proteins were detected. Finally, we verified whether manipulation of differentially expressed proteins affected BBB function and HT in a hyperglycemia-induced rat stroke model. Results Serum Axl levels were significantly lower in the HT group than in the non-HT group; none of the other protein markers differed significantly between the two groups. Genetic testing revealed that sequence variations of GAS6 (the gene encoding the Axl ligand)-derived long non-coding RNA, GAS6-AS1, were significantly correlated with an increased risk of HT after intravenous thrombolysis. In animal studies, administration of recombinant GAS6 significantly reduced brain infarction and neurological deficits and attenuated BBB disruption and HT. Conclusions Lower serum Axl levels, which may result from sequence variations in GAS6-AS1, are correlated with an increased risk of HT after intravenous thrombolysis in stroke patients. Activation of the Axl signaling pathway by the GAS6 protein may serve as a therapeutic strategy to reduce HT in AIS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Ni Guo
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Junlei Chang
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hang Jin
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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30
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Ali L, Jamoussi H, Kouki N, Fray S, Echebbi S, Ben Ali N, Fredj M. COVID-19 Infection and Recurrent Stroke in Young Patients With Protein S Deficiency: A Case Report. Neurologist 2021; 26:276-280. [PMID: 34734908 PMCID: PMC8575101 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Protein S deficiency and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are rare etiologies of ischemic stroke. We describe a case of an ischemic stroke revealing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in a patient with a history of protein S deficiency and cerebral imaging suggestive of vasculitis. CASE REPORT A 52-year-old woman, with history of protein S deficiency, was admitted for right hemiparesis and aphasia that happened 6 hours before her consultation. Her National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 11. She had hypoxia (SpO2 93%). COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction was positive. Cerebral computed tomography scan showed an ischemic stroke in the territory of the superficial left middle cerebral artery. The recommended time period for thrombolysis was exceeded and we did not dispose of sufficient resources to deliver thrombectomy. She was treated with aspirin, statins, antibiotic therapy, and oxygen. Considering the high risk of thromboembolic complications and the history of protein S deficiency, anticoagulation treatment with heparin followed by acenocoumarol was started. Evolution was marked by the appearance of 24 hours regressive, acute symptoms of confusion. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed new ischemic strokes in both anterior cerebral arteries and on magnetic resonance angiography narrowing of the left internal carotid artery and both anterior cerebral arteries suggestive of vasculitis was seen. We maintained anticoagulation and prescribed methylprednisolone 500 mg daily for 3 days. Evolution was marked by improvement of clinical deficit and respiratory status. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 infection potentializes the prothrombotic effect and vascular inflammation by accentuating protein S deficit. The place of steroids seems justifiable in the presence of symptoms of vasculitis in brain imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Ali
- Department of Neurology
- Research Laboratory LR12SP01, Charles Nicolle Hospital
- the Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hela Jamoussi
- Department of Neurology
- Research Laboratory LR12SP01, Charles Nicolle Hospital
- the Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Saloua Fray
- Department of Neurology
- Research Laboratory LR12SP01, Charles Nicolle Hospital
- the Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Slim Echebbi
- Department of Neurology
- Research Laboratory LR12SP01, Charles Nicolle Hospital
- the Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Ben Ali
- Department of Neurology
- Research Laboratory LR12SP01, Charles Nicolle Hospital
- the Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Fredj
- Department of Neurology
- Research Laboratory LR12SP01, Charles Nicolle Hospital
- the Faculty of Medicine, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
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31
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Silva-Filho JL, de Oliveira LG, Monteiro L, Parise PL, Zanluqui NG, Polonio CM, de Freitas CL, Toledo-Teixeira DA, de Souza WM, Bittencourt N, Amorim MR, Forato J, Muraro SP, de Souza GF, Martini MC, Bispo-Dos-Santos K, Vieira A, Judice CC, Pastore GM, Amaral E, Passini Junior R, Mayer-Milanez HMBP, Ribeiro-do-Valle CC, Calil R, Renato Bennini Junior J, Lajos GJ, Altemani A, Nolasco da Silva MT, Carolina Coan A, Francisca Colella-Santos M, von Zuben APB, Vinolo MAR, Arns CW, Catharino RR, Costa ML, Angerami RN, Freitas ARR, Resende MR, Garcia MT, Luiza Moretti M, Renia L, Ng LFP, Rothlin CV, Costa FTM, Peron JPS, Proença-Modena JL. Gas6 drives Zika virus-induced neurological complications in humans and congenital syndrome in immunocompetent mice. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 97:260-274. [PMID: 34390806 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) has the ability to cross placental and brain barriers, causing congenital malformations in neonates and neurological disorders in adults. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of ZIKV-induced neurological complications in adults and congenital malformations are still not fully understood. Gas6 is a soluble TAM receptor ligand able to promote flavivirus internalization and downregulation of immune responses. Here we demonstrate that there is a correlation between ZIKV neurological complications with higher Gas6 levels and the downregulation of genes associated with anti-viral response, as type I IFN due to Socs1 upregulation. Also, Gas6 gamma-carboxylation is essential for ZIKV invasion and replication in monocytes, the main source of this protein, which was inhibited by warfarin. Conversely, Gas6 facilitates ZIKV replication in adult immunocompetent mice and enabled susceptibility to transplacental infection. Our data indicate that ZIKV promotes the upregulation of its ligand Gas6, which contributes to viral infectivity and drives the development of severe adverse outcomes during ZIKV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Luiz Silva-Filho
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Prof. Luiz Jacintho Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Lilian G de Oliveira
- Neuroimmune Interactions Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leticia Monteiro
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Prof. Luiz Jacintho Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Pierina L Parise
- Laboratory of Emerging Viruses (LEVE), Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Nagela G Zanluqui
- Neuroimmune Interactions Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina M Polonio
- Neuroimmune Interactions Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla L de Freitas
- Neuroimmune Interactions Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel A Toledo-Teixeira
- Laboratory of Emerging Viruses (LEVE), Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - William M de Souza
- Virology Research Center, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Najara Bittencourt
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Prof. Luiz Jacintho Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Mariene R Amorim
- Laboratory of Emerging Viruses (LEVE), Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Julia Forato
- Laboratory of Emerging Viruses (LEVE), Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Stéfanie P Muraro
- Laboratory of Emerging Viruses (LEVE), Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gabriela F de Souza
- Laboratory of Emerging Viruses (LEVE), Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Matheus C Martini
- Laboratory of Emerging Viruses (LEVE), Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Karina Bispo-Dos-Santos
- Laboratory of Emerging Viruses (LEVE), Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Aline Vieira
- Laboratory of Emerging Viruses (LEVE), Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Carla C Judice
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Prof. Luiz Jacintho Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Eliana Amaral
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas. Brazil
| | - Renato Passini Junior
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas. Brazil
| | - Helaine M B P Mayer-Milanez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas. Brazil
| | - Carolina C Ribeiro-do-Valle
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas. Brazil
| | - Roseli Calil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas. Brazil
| | - João Renato Bennini Junior
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas. Brazil
| | - Giuliane J Lajos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas. Brazil
| | - Albina Altemani
- Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marcos T Nolasco da Silva
- Pediatric Immunology, Center for Investigation in Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, UNICAMP, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Coan
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, UNICAMP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marco Aurélio R Vinolo
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, UNICAMP, Brazil
| | - Clarice Weis Arns
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, UNICAMP, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Laura Costa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas. Brazil
| | - Rodrigo N Angerami
- Campinas Department of Public Health Surveillance, Campinas, Brazil; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Mariangela R Resende
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Márcia T Garcia
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza Moretti
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Laurent Renia
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A* ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Biopolis, Singapore; Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Biopolis, Singapore
| | - Lisa F P Ng
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A* ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Biopolis, Singapore; Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Biopolis, Singapore
| | - Carla V Rothlin
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Fabio T M Costa
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Prof. Luiz Jacintho Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
| | - Jean Pierre Schatzmann Peron
- Neuroimmune Interactions Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Immunopathology and Allergy Post Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Scientific Platform Pasteur-USP, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - José Luiz Proença-Modena
- Laboratory of Emerging Viruses (LEVE), Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil; Experimental Medicine Research Cluster (EMRC), University of Campinas, Campinas, SP 13083-862, Brazil.
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Li J, Zheng M, Shimoni O, Banks WA, Bush AI, Gamble JR, Shi B. Development of Novel Therapeutics Targeting the Blood-Brain Barrier: From Barrier to Carrier. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2101090. [PMID: 34085418 PMCID: PMC8373165 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly specialized neurovascular unit, initially described as an intact barrier to prevent toxins, pathogens, and potentially harmful substances from entering the brain. An intact BBB is also critical for the maintenance of normal neuronal function. In cerebral vascular diseases and neurological disorders, the BBB can be disrupted, contributing to disease progression. While restoration of BBB integrity serves as a robust biomarker of better clinical outcomes, the restrictive nature of the intact BBB presents a major hurdle for delivery of therapeutics into the brain. Recent studies show that the BBB is actively engaged in crosstalk between neuronal and the circulatory systems, which defines another important role of the BBB: as an interfacing conduit that mediates communication between two sides of the BBB. This role has been subject to extensive investigation for brain-targeted drug delivery and shows promising results. The dual roles of the BBB make it a unique target for drug development. Here, recent developments and novel strategies to target the BBB for therapeutic purposes are reviewed, from both barrier and carrier perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- School of PharmacyHenan UniversityKaifeng475001China
- Centre for Motor Neuron DiseaseDepartment of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Medicine & Health SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South Wales2109Australia
| | - Meng Zheng
- Henan‐Macquarie University Joint Center for Biomedical InnovationSchool of Life SciencesHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
| | - Olga Shimoni
- Institute for Biomedical Materials and DevicesSchool of Mathematical and Physical SciencesFaculty of ScienceUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNew South Wales2007Australia
| | - William A. Banks
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical CenterVeterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System and Division of Gerontology and Geriatric MedicineDepartment of MedicineUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWA98108USA
| | - Ashley I. Bush
- Melbourne Dementia Research CenterThe Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3052Australia
| | - Jennifer R. Gamble
- Center for the EndotheliumVascular Biology ProgramCentenary InstituteThe University of SydneySydneyNew South Wales2042Australia
| | - Bingyang Shi
- School of PharmacyHenan UniversityKaifeng475001China
- Centre for Motor Neuron DiseaseDepartment of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Medicine & Health SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South Wales2109Australia
- Henan‐Macquarie University Joint Center for Biomedical InnovationSchool of Life SciencesHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
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Glinton K, DeBerge M, Fisher E, Schroth S, Sinha A, Wang JJ, Wasserstrom JA, Ansari MJ, Zhang ZJ, Feinstein M, Leventhal JR, Forbess JM, Lomasney J, Luo X, Thorp EB. Bone marrow-derived AXL tyrosine kinase promotes mitogenic crosstalk and cardiac allograft vasculopathy. J Heart Lung Transplant 2021; 40:435-446. [PMID: 33846079 PMCID: PMC8169599 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy (CAV) is a leading contributor to late transplant rejection. Although implicated, the mechanisms by which bone marrow-derived cells promote CAV remain unclear. Emerging evidence implicates the cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase AXL to be elevated in rejecting human allografts. AXL protein is found on multiple cell types, including bone marrow-derived myeloid cells. The causal role of AXL from this compartment and during transplant is largely unknown. This is important because AXL is a key regulator of myeloid inflammation. Utilizing experimental chimeras deficient in the bone marrow-derived Axl gene, we report that Axl antagonizes cardiac allograft survival and promotes CAV. Flow cytometric and histologic analyses of Axl-deficient transplant recipients revealed reductions in both allograft immune cell accumulation and vascular intimal thickness. Co-culture experiments designed to identify cell-intrinsic functions of Axl uncovered complementary cell-proliferative pathways by which Axl promotes CAV-associated inflammation. Specifically, Axl-deficient myeloid cells were less efficient at increasing the replication of both antigen-specific T cells and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the latter a key hallmark of CAV. For the latter, we discovered that Axl-was required to amass the VSMC mitogen Platelet-Derived Growth Factor. Taken together, our studies reveal a new role for myeloid Axl in the progression of CAV and mitogenic crosstalk. Inhibition of AXL-protein, in combination with current standards of care, is a candidate strategy to prolong cardiac allograft survival.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Animals
- Bone Marrow Cells/metabolism
- Bone Marrow Cells/pathology
- Cell Proliferation
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Echocardiography
- Flow Cytometry
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Graft Rejection/diagnosis
- Graft Rejection/genetics
- Graft Rejection/metabolism
- Graft Survival
- Heart Transplantation/adverse effects
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism
- Myocytes, Cardiac/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/biosynthesis
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- RNA/genetics
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/biosynthesis
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics
- Transplantation, Homologous
- Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristofor Glinton
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Matthew DeBerge
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Emily Fisher
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Samantha Schroth
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Arjun Sinha
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jiao-Jing Wang
- The Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - J Andrew Wasserstrom
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mohammed Javeed Ansari
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Zheng Jenny Zhang
- The Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Matthew Feinstein
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Joseph R Leventhal
- The Comprehensive Transplant Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Jon Lomasney
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Xunrong Luo
- The Department of Nephrology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Edward B Thorp
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois; The Heart Center, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois.
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34
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RNA Interference Screening Reveals Requirement for Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor Beta in Japanese Encephalitis Virus Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.00113-21. [PMID: 33753340 PMCID: PMC8316074 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00113-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) causes serious illness worldwide and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. To identify potential host therapeutic targets, a high-throughput receptor tyrosine kinase small interfering RNA library screening was performed with recombinant JEV particles. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ) was identified as a hit after two rounds of screening. Knockdown of PDGFRβ blocked JEV infection and transcomplementation of PDGFRβ could partly restore its infectivity. The PDGFRβ inhibitor imatinib, which has been approved for the treatment of malignant metastatic cancer, protected mice against JEV-induced lethality by decreasing the viral load in the brain while abrogating the histopathological changes associated with JEV infection. These findings demonstrated that PDGFRβ is important in viral infection and provided evidence for the potential to develop imatinib as a therapeutic intervention against JEV infection.
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35
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Zhou L, Matsushima GK. Tyro3, Axl, Mertk receptor-mediated efferocytosis and immune regulation in the tumor environment. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 361:165-210. [PMID: 34074493 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Three structurally related tyrosine receptor cell surface kinases, Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk (TAM) have been recognized to modulate immune function, tissue homeostasis, cardiovasculature, and cancer. The TAM receptor family appears to operate in adult mammals across multiple cell types, suggesting both widespread and specific regulation of cell functions and immune niches. TAM family members regulate tissue homeostasis by monitoring the presence of phosphatidylserine expressed on stressed or apoptotic cells. The detection of phosphatidylserine on apoptotic cells requires intermediary molecules that opsonize the dying cells and tether them to TAM receptors on phagocytes. This complex promotes the engulfment of apoptotic cells, also known as efferocytosis, that leads to the resolution of inflammation and tissue healing. The immune mechanisms dictating these processes appear to fall upon specific family members or may involve a complex of different receptors acting cooperatively to resolve and repair damaged tissues. Here, we focus on the role of TAM receptors in triggering efferocytosis and its consequences in the regulation of immune responses in the context of inflammation and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Zhou
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina-CH, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Glenn K Matsushima
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina-CH, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; UNC Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of North Carolina-CH, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; UNC Integrative Program for Biological & Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina-CH, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
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36
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Saiz JC, Martín-Acebes MA, Blázquez AB, Escribano-Romero E, Poderoso T, Jiménez de Oya N. Pathogenicity and virulence of West Nile virus revisited eight decades after its first isolation. Virulence 2021; 12:1145-1173. [PMID: 33843445 PMCID: PMC8043182 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1908740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus which transmission cycle is maintained between mosquitoes and birds, although it occasionally causes sporadic outbreaks in horses and humans that can result in serious diseases and even death. Since its first isolation in Africa in 1937, WNV had been considered a neglected pathogen until its recent spread throughout Europe and the colonization of America, regions where it continues to cause outbreaks with severe neurological consequences in humans and horses. Although our knowledge about the characteristics and consequences of the virus has increased enormously lately, many questions remain to be resolved. Here, we thoroughly update our knowledge of different aspects of the WNV life cycle: virology and molecular classification, host cell interactions, transmission dynamics, host range, epidemiology and surveillance, immune response, clinical presentations, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prophylaxis (antivirals and vaccines), and prevention, and we highlight those aspects that are still unknown and that undoubtedly require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Carlos Saiz
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Martín-Acebes
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana B Blázquez
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Estela Escribano-Romero
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Poderoso
- Molecular Virology Group, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nereida Jiménez de Oya
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
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37
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Xie S, Zhang H, Liang Z, Yang X, Cao R. AXL, an Important Host Factor for DENV and ZIKV Replication. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:575346. [PMID: 33954117 PMCID: PMC8092360 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.575346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses, as critically important pathogens, are still major public health problems all over the world. For instance, the evolution of ZIKV led to large-scale outbreaks in the Yap island in 2007. DENV was considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the 10 threats to global health in 2019. Enveloped viruses hijack a variety of host factors to complete its replication cycle. Phosphatidylserine (PS) receptor, AXL, is considered to be a candidate receptor for flavivirus invasion. In this review, we discuss the molecular structure of ZIKV and DENV, and how they interact with AXL to successfully invade host cells. A more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of flavivirus-AXL interaction will provide crucial insights into the virus infection process and the development of anti-flavivirus therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengda Xie
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiru Zhang
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenjie Liang
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingmiao Yang
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruibing Cao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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38
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Butler CA, Popescu AS, Kitchener EJA, Allendorf DH, Puigdellívol M, Brown GC. Microglial phagocytosis of neurons in neurodegeneration, and its regulation. J Neurochem 2021; 158:621-639. [PMID: 33608912 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that excessive microglial phagocytosis of neurons and synapses contributes to multiple brain pathologies. RNA-seq and genome-wide association (GWAS) studies have linked multiple phagocytic genes to neurodegenerative diseases, and knock-out of phagocytic genes has been found to protect against neurodegeneration in animal models, suggesting that excessive microglial phagocytosis contributes to neurodegeneration. Here, we review recent evidence that microglial phagocytosis of live neurons and synapses causes neurodegeneration in animal models of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementias, multiple sclerosis, retinal degeneration and neurodegeneration induced by ischaemia, infection or ageing. We also review factors regulating microglial phagocytosis of neurons, including: nucleotides, frackalkine, phosphatidylserine, calreticulin, UDP, CD47, sialylation, complement, galectin-3, Apolipoprotein E, phagocytic receptors, Siglec receptors, cytokines, microglial epigenetics and expression profile. Some of these factors may be potential treatment targets to prevent neurodegeneration mediated by excessive microglial phagocytosis of live neurons and synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A Butler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alma S Popescu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Mar Puigdellívol
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guy C Brown
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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39
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Carro SD, Cherry S. Beyond the Surface: Endocytosis of Mosquito-Borne Flaviviruses. Viruses 2020; 13:E13. [PMID: 33374822 PMCID: PMC7824540 DOI: 10.3390/v13010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses are a group of positive-sense RNA viruses that are primarily transmitted through arthropod vectors and are capable of causing a broad spectrum of diseases. Many of the flaviviruses that are pathogenic in humans are transmitted specifically through mosquito vectors. Over the past century, many mosquito-borne flavivirus infections have emerged and re-emerged, and are of global importance with hundreds of millions of infections occurring yearly. There is a need for novel, effective, and accessible vaccines and antivirals capable of inhibiting flavivirus infection and ameliorating disease. The development of therapeutics targeting viral entry has long been a goal of antiviral research, but most efforts are hindered by the lack of broad-spectrum potency or toxicities associated with on-target effects, since many host proteins necessary for viral entry are also essential for host cell biology. Mosquito-borne flaviviruses generally enter cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), and recent studies suggest that a subset of these viruses can be internalized through a specialized form of CME that has additional dependencies distinct from canonical CME pathways, and antivirals targeting this pathway have been discovered. In this review, we discuss the role and contribution of endocytosis to mosquito-borne flavivirus entry as well as consider past and future efforts to target endocytosis for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Cherry
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
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40
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Tutusaus A, Marí M, Ortiz-Pérez JT, Nicolaes GAF, Morales A, García de Frutos P. Role of Vitamin K-Dependent Factors Protein S and GAS6 and TAM Receptors in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19-Associated Immunothrombosis. Cells 2020; 9:E2186. [PMID: 32998369 PMCID: PMC7601762 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The vitamin K-dependent factors protein S (PROS1) and growth-arrest-specific gene 6 (GAS6) and their tyrosine kinase receptors TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK, the TAM subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), are key regulators of inflammation and vascular response to damage. TAM signaling, which has largely studied in the immune system and in cancer, has been involved in coagulation-related pathologies. Because of these established biological functions, the GAS6-PROS1/TAM system is postulated to play an important role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and progression complications. The participation of the TAM system in vascular function and pathology has been previously reported. However, in the context of COVID-19, the role of TAMs could provide new clues in virus-host interplay with important consequences in the way that we understand this pathology. From the viral mimicry used by SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells, to the immunothrombosis that is associated with respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients, TAM signaling seems to be involved at different stages of the disease. TAM targeting is becoming an interesting biomedical strategy, which is useful for COVID-19 treatment now, but also for other viral and inflammatory diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tutusaus
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Montserrat Marí
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (M.M.)
| | - José T. Ortiz-Pérez
- Clinic Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerry A. F. Nicolaes
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Albert Morales
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (M.M.)
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, CIBEREHD, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo García de Frutos
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (M.M.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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41
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Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB), which protects the CNS from pathogens, is composed of specialized brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) joined by tight junctions and ensheathed by pericytes and astrocyte endfeet. The stability of the BBB structure and function is of great significance for the maintenance of brain homeostasis. When a neurotropic virus invades the CNS via a hematogenous or non-hematogenous route, it may cause structural and functional disorders of the BBB, and also activate the BBB anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory innate immune response. This article focuses on the structural and functional changes that occur in the three main components of the BBB (endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes) in response to infection with neurotropic viruses transmitted by hematogenous routes, and also briefly describes the supportive effect of three cells on the BBB under normal physiological conditions. For example, all three types of cells express several PRRs, which can quickly sense the virus and make corresponding immune responses. The pro-inflammatory immune response will exacerbate the destruction of the BBB, while the anti-inflammatory immune response, based on type I IFN, consolidates the stability of the BBB. Exploring the details of the interaction between the host and the pathogen at the BBB during neurotropic virus infection will help to propose new treatments for viral encephalitis. Enhancing the defense function of the BBB, maintaining the integrity of the BBB, and suppressing the pro-inflammatory immune response of the BBB provide more ideas for limiting the neuroinvasion of neurotropic viruses. In the future, these new treatments are expected to cooperate with traditional antiviral methods to improve the therapeutic effect of viral encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuangzhuang Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, People's Republic of China
| | - Guozhong Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, People's Republic of China
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42
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Axl Deficiency Promotes the Neuroinvasion of Japanese Encephalitis Virus by Enhancing IL-1α Production from Pyroptotic Macrophages. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.00602-20. [PMID: 32611752 PMCID: PMC7431807 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00602-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes Japanese encephalitis (JE), the most commonly diagnosed viral encephalitis worldwide. The fatality rate of JE is 20%, and nearly half of the surviving patients develop neuropsychiatric sequelae. Axl is a receptor tyrosine kinase that plays multiple roles in flaviviral infections. Currently, the involvement of Axl in JEV infection remains enigmatic. In this study, we demonstrate that Axl impedes the pathogenesis of severe JE in mice by maintaining blood-brain-barrier (BBB) integrity and restricting viral neuroinvasion. Furthermore, serum IL-1α is a key mediator of this process and is primarily released by JEV-infected pyroptotic macrophages to elicit BBB breakdown, while an IL-1α antagonist can effectively reduce the incidence of severe JE. Our work uncovers the protective role of Axl in antagonizing severe JE and shows that the use of an IL-1α antagonist may be a promising tactic to prevent severe JE. Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a flavivirus that causes Japanese encephalitis (JE), which has an unclear pathogenesis. Despite vaccination, thousands of deaths attributed to JE are reported annually. In this study, we report that mice deficient for Axl, a receptor tyrosine kinase that plays multiple roles in flaviviral infection, displayed greater mortality upon JEV infection. The effect of Axl deficiency on JEV infection was mediated by markedly elevated serum interleukin-1α (IL-1α) levels, which devastated the blood-brain-barrier and promoted viral neuroinvasion within 24 h postinfection. Using an in situ infection model, we showed that dead macrophages were the primary source of observed increased serum IL-1α levels. Axl deficiency enhanced cell death and caused pyroptosis in 80% of JEV-infected macrophages by disrupting phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling. Intriguingly, the primary effector released by pyroptotic macrophages in our model was IL-1α rather than IL-1β. Finally, we assessed the effect of an IL-1α antagonist and demonstrated that it effectively prevented the incidence of JE. Our results indicate that Axl plays a protective role in JEV infection, identify IL-1α released by pyroptotic macrophages as a crucial factor promoting JEV neuroinvasion, and suggest that an IL-1α antagonist may be a candidate for JE therapy. IMPORTANCE Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes Japanese encephalitis (JE), the most commonly diagnosed viral encephalitis worldwide. The fatality rate of JE is 20%, and nearly half of the surviving patients develop neuropsychiatric sequelae. Axl is a receptor tyrosine kinase that plays multiple roles in flaviviral infections. Currently, the involvement of Axl in JEV infection remains enigmatic. In this study, we demonstrate that Axl impedes the pathogenesis of severe JE in mice by maintaining blood-brain-barrier (BBB) integrity and restricting viral neuroinvasion. Furthermore, serum IL-1α is a key mediator of this process and is primarily released by JEV-infected pyroptotic macrophages to elicit BBB breakdown, while an IL-1α antagonist can effectively reduce the incidence of severe JE. Our work uncovers the protective role of Axl in antagonizing severe JE and shows that the use of an IL-1α antagonist may be a promising tactic to prevent severe JE.
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The Multifaceted Roles of TAM Receptors during Viral Infection. Virol Sin 2020; 36:1-12. [PMID: 32720213 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-020-00264-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk (TAM) receptors play multiple roles in a myriad of physiological and pathological processes, varying from promoting the phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells, sustaining the immune and inflammatory homeostasis, maintaining the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis, to mediating cancer malignancy and chemoresistance. Growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) and protein S (Pros1) are the two ligands that activate TAM receptors. Recently, TAM receptors have been reported to mediate cell entry and infection of multitudinous enveloped viruses in a manner called apoptotic mimicry. Moreover, TAM receptors are revitalized during viral entry and infection, which sequesters innate immune and inflammatory responses, facilitating viral replication and immune evasion. However, accumulating evidence have now proposed that TAM receptors are not required for the infection of these viruses in vivo. In addition, TAM receptors protect mice against the CNS infection of neuroinvasive viruses and relieve the brain lesions during encephalitis. These protective effects are achieved through maintaining BBB integrity, attenuating proinflammatory cytokine production, and promoting neural cell survival. TAM receptors also regulate the programmed cell death modes of virus-infected cells, which have profound impacts on the pathogenesis and outcome of infection. Here, we systematically review the functionalities and underlying mechanisms of TAM receptors and propose the potential application of TAM agonists to prevent severe viral encephalitis.
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Mastorakos P, McGavern D. The anatomy and immunology of vasculature in the central nervous system. Sci Immunol 2020; 4:4/37/eaav0492. [PMID: 31300479 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aav0492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Barriers between circulation and the central nervous system (CNS) play a key role in the development and modulation of CNS immune responses. Structural variations in the vasculature traversing different anatomical regions within the CNS strongly influence where and how CNS immune responses first develop. Here, we provide an overview of cerebrovascular anatomy, focusing on the blood-CNS interface and how anatomical variations influence steady-state immunology in the compartment. We then discuss how CNS vasculature is affected by and influences the development of different pathophysiological states, such as CNS autoimmune disease, cerebrovascular injury, cerebral ischemia, and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Mastorakos
- Viral Immunology and Intravital Imaging Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dorian McGavern
- Viral Immunology and Intravital Imaging Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Pierson TC, Diamond MS. The continued threat of emerging flaviviruses. Nat Microbiol 2020; 5:796-812. [PMID: 32367055 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-020-0714-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 502] [Impact Index Per Article: 125.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Flaviviruses are vector-borne RNA viruses that can emerge unexpectedly in human populations and cause a spectrum of potentially severe diseases including hepatitis, vascular shock syndrome, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, congenital abnormalities and fetal death. This epidemiological pattern has occurred numerous times during the last 70 years, including epidemics of dengue virus and West Nile virus, and the most recent explosive epidemic of Zika virus in the Americas. Flaviviruses are now globally distributed and infect up to 400 million people annually. Of significant concern, outbreaks of other less well-characterized flaviviruses have been reported in humans and animals in different regions of the world. The potential for these viruses to sustain epidemic transmission among humans is poorly understood. In this Review, we discuss the basic biology of flaviviruses, their infectious cycles, the diseases they cause and underlying host immune responses to infection. We describe flaviviruses that represent an established ongoing threat to global health and those that have recently emerged in new populations to cause significant disease. We also provide examples of lesser-known flaviviruses that circulate in restricted areas of the world but have the potential to emerge more broadly in human populations. Finally, we discuss how an understanding of the epidemiology, biology, structure and immunity of flaviviruses can inform the rapid development of countermeasures to treat or prevent human infections as they emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore C Pierson
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Departments of Medicine, Molecular Microbiology, Pathology & Immunology, Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Cain MD, Salimi H, Diamond MS, Klein RS. Mechanisms of Pathogen Invasion into the Central Nervous System. Neuron 2020; 103:771-783. [PMID: 31487528 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CNS infections continue to rise in incidence in conjunction with increases in immunocompromised populations or conditions that contribute to the emergence of pathogens, such as global travel, climate change, and human encroachment on animal territories. The severity and complexity of these diseases is impacted by the diversity of etiologic agents and their routes of neuroinvasion. In this review, we present historical, clinical, and molecular concepts regarding the mechanisms of pathogen invasion of the CNS. We also discuss the structural components of CNS compartments that influence pathogen entry and recent discoveries of the pathways exploited by pathogens to facilitate CNS infections. Advances in our understanding of the CNS invasion mechanisms of different neurotropic pathogens may enable the development of strategies to control their entry and deliver drugs to mitigate established infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Cain
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hamid Salimi
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robyn S Klein
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Liu Y, Huber CC, Wang H. Disrupted blood-brain barrier in 5×FAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease can be mimicked and repaired in vitro with neural stem cell-derived exosomes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 525:S0006-291X(20)30342-9. [PMID: 32081424 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.02.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease and is associated with blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. AD mice and cell culture models play an essential role in understanding AD pathogenesis and validation of therapeutic reagents. One of the commonly used AD mice is the 5 × FAD mouse and previous studies have shown that BBB leakage occurs at 9 months of age in the mice. However, it remains unknown whether disrupted BBB also occurs in young animals and whether AD-caused BBB impairment can be replicated and further corrected in a cell culture model. Here, we examine BBB breakdown in the 5 × FAD mouse model at different ages including both pre-symptomatic and post-symptomatic ages and test an in vitro BBB model established with the 5 × FAD primary cerebral endothelial cells. Moreover, with the BBB in vitro model, we also examined the therapeutic effect of human neural stem cells (NSCs)-derived exosomes on AD-caused BBB leakage. Our result indicated that BBB breakdown in the 5 × FAD mice occurred at 4 months of age, which could be mimicked with an in vitro BBB model. Importantly, we further demonstrated that treatment of the in vitro BBB model with NSCs-derived exosomes reversed AD-caused BBB deficiency. The information should be useful for researchers to determine which ages of the AD mice should be employed in specific in vivo and in vitro studies and the data also suggest that AD-caused BBB disruption can be corrected at least by NSC-derived exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanying Liu
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences and Center for Brain and Behavior Research, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA
| | - Christa C Huber
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences and Center for Brain and Behavior Research, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA
| | - Hongmin Wang
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences and Center for Brain and Behavior Research, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA.
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Salimi H, Cain MD, Jiang X, Roth RA, Beatty WL, Sun C, Klimstra WB, Hou J, Klein RS. Encephalitic Alphaviruses Exploit Caveola-Mediated Transcytosis at the Blood-Brain Barrier for Central Nervous System Entry. mBio 2020; 11:e02731-19. [PMID: 32047126 PMCID: PMC7018649 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02731-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Venezuelan and western equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV and WEEV, respectively) invade the central nervous system (CNS) early during infection, via neuronal and hematogenous routes. While viral replication mediates host shutoff, including expression of type I interferons (IFN), few studies have addressed how alphaviruses gain access to the CNS during established infection or the mechanisms of viral crossing at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we show that hematogenous dissemination of VEEV and WEEV into the CNS occurs via caveolin-1 (Cav-1)-mediated transcytosis (Cav-MT) across an intact BBB, which is impeded by IFN and inhibitors of RhoA GTPase. Use of reporter and nonreplicative strains also demonstrates that IFN signaling mediates viral restriction within cells comprising the neurovascular unit (NVU), differentially rendering brain endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes permissive to viral replication. Transmission and immunoelectron microscopy revealed early events in virus internalization and Cav-1 association within brain endothelial cells. Cav-1-deficient mice exhibit diminished CNS VEEV and WEEV titers during early infection, whereas viral burdens in peripheral tissues remained unchanged. Our findings show that alphaviruses exploit Cav-MT to enter the CNS and that IFN differentially restricts this process at the BBB.IMPORTANCE VEEV, WEEV, and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) are emerging infectious diseases in the Americas, and they have caused several major outbreaks in the human and horse population during the past few decades. Shortly after infection, these viruses can infect the CNS, resulting in severe long-term neurological deficits or death. Neuroinvasion has been associated with virus entry into the CNS directly from the bloodstream; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms have remained largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that following peripheral infection alphavirus augments vesicular formation/trafficking at the BBB and utilizes Cav-MT to cross an intact BBB, a process regulated by activators of Rho GTPases within brain endothelium. In vivo examination of early viral entry in Cav-1-deficient mice revealed significantly lower viral burdens in the brain than in similarly infected wild-type animals. These studies identify a potentially targetable pathway to limit neuroinvasion by alphaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Salimi
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Matthew D Cain
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Xiaoping Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Robyn A Roth
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Wandy L Beatty
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Chengqun Sun
- Department of Immunology and Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - William B Klimstra
- Department of Immunology and Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jianghui Hou
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Robyn S Klein
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Ghosh Roy S. TAM receptors: A phosphatidylserine receptor family and its implications in viral infections. TAM RECEPTORS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2020; 357:81-122. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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