1
|
Su J, Chen K, Sang X, Feng Z, Zhou F, Zhao H, Wu S, Deng X, Lin C, Lin X, Xie L, Ye H, Chen Q. Huperzine a ameliorates sepsis-induced acute lung injury by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 141:112907. [PMID: 39159557 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112907] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Sepsis, characterized by high mortality rates, causes over 50 % of acute lung injury (ALI) cases, primarily due to the heightened susceptibility of the lungs during this condition. Suppression of the excessive inflammatory response is critical for improving the survival of patients with sepsis; nevertheless, no specific anti-sepsis drugs exist. Huperzine A (HupA) exhibits neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its underlying mechanisms and effects on sepsis-induced ALI have yet to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated the potential of HupA for treating sepsis and explored its mechanism of action. To investigate the in vivo impacts of HupA, a murine model of sepsis was induced through cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in both wild-type (WT) and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) knockout mice. Our results showed that HupA ameliorates sepsis-induced acute lung injury by activating the α7nAChR. We used the CLP sepsis model in wild-type and α7nAChR -/- mice and found that HupA significantly increased the survival rate through α7nAChR, reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and oxidative stress, ameliorated histopathological lung injury, altered the circulating immune cell composition, regulated gut microbiota, and promoted short-chain fatty acid production through α7nAChR in vivo. Additionally, HupA inhibited Toll-like receptor NF-κB signaling by upregulating the α7nAChR/protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3 pathways. Our data elucidate HupA's mechanism of action and support a "new use for an old drug" in treating sepsis. Our findings serve as a basis for further in vivo studies of this drug, followed by application to humans. Therefore, the findings have the potential to benefit patients with sepsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingqian Su
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China.
| | - Kunsen Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China
| | - Xiao Sang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China
| | - Zhihua Feng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China
| | - Fen Zhou
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China
| | - Heng Zhao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China
| | - Shun Wu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China
| | - Xiaohui Deng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China
| | - Congfan Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China
| | - Xinrui Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China
| | - Lian Xie
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China
| | - Hui Ye
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China
| | - Qi Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhao C, Chen J, Liu Z, Liang H, Chen X, Cheng L, Xie S, Lin Z, Wu R, Zhao Q, Xue Y, Lai X, Jin X, Xu JF, Su X. Activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 subunit limits Zika viral infection via promoting autophagy and ferroptosis. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2641-2661. [PMID: 38822526 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Vagus nerve regulates viral infection and inflammation via the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR); however, the role of α7 nAChR in ZIKA virus (ZIKV) infection, which can cause severe neurological diseases such as microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome, remains unknown. Here, we first examined the role of α7 nAChR in ZIKV infection in vitro. A broad effect of α7 nAChR activation was identified in limiting ZIKV infection in multiple cell lines. Combined with transcriptomics analysis, we further demonstrated that α7 nAChR activation promoted autophagy and ferroptosis pathways to limit cellular ZIKV viral loads. Additionally, activation of α7 nAChR prevented ZIKV-induced p62 nucleus accumulation, which mediated an enhanced autophagy pathway. By regulating proteasome complex and an E3 ligase NEDD4, activation of α7 nAChR resulted in increased amount of cellular p62, which further enhanced the ferroptosis pathway to reduce ZIKV infection. Moreover, utilizing in vivo neonatal mouse models, we showed that α7 nAChR is essential in controlling the disease severity of ZIKV infection. Taken together, our findings identify an α7 nAChR-mediated effect that critically contributes to limiting ZIKV infection, and α7 nAChR activation offers a novel strategy for combating ZIKV infection and its complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caiqi Zhao
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhihua Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Vaccine Center, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Huabin Liang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Vaccine Center, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lianping Cheng
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shitao Xie
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhekai Lin
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Renlan Wu
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yue Xue
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaoyun Lai
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xia Jin
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Vaccine Center, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Jin-Fu Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200000, China.
| | - Xiao Su
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; Vaccine Center, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao C, Pan M, Chen J, Li L, Zhang Y, Liu W, Matthay MA, Wang H, Jin X, Xu JF, Su X. Vagal-α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor signaling exacerbates influenza severity by promoting lung epithelial cell infection. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29768. [PMID: 38978388 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29768] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The vagus nerve circuit, operating through the alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), regulates the inflammatory response by influencing immune cells. However, the role of vagal-α7 nAChR signaling in influenza virus infection is unclear. In particular, does vagal-α7 nAChR signaling impact the infection of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs), the primary target cells of influenza virus? Here, we demonstrated a distinct role of α7 nAChR in type II AECs compared to its role in immune cells during influenza infection. We found that deletion of Chrna7 (encoding gene of α7 nAChR) in type II AECs or disruption of vagal circuits reduced lung influenza infection and protected mice from influenza-induced lung injury. We further unveiled that activation of α7 nAChR enhanced influenza infection through PTP1B-NEDD4L-ASK1-p38MAPK pathway. Mechanistically, activation of α7 nAChR signaling decreased p38MAPK phosphorylation during infection, facilitating the nuclear export of influenza viral ribonucleoproteins and thereby promoting infection. Taken together, our findings reveal a mechanism mediated by vagal-α7 nAChR signaling that promotes influenza viral infection and exacerbates disease severity. Targeting vagal-α7 nAChR signaling may offer novel strategies for combating influenza virus infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caiqi Zhao
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyao Pan
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Li
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Michael A Matthay
- Department of Medicine, Department of Anesthesia, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Haichao Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Xia Jin
- Shanghai Serum Bio-Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Fu Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Su
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Reel JM, Abbadi J, Cox MA. T cells at the interface of neuroimmune communication. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 153:894-903. [PMID: 37952833 PMCID: PMC10999355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
The immune system protects the host from infection and works to heal damaged tissue after infection or injury. There is increasing evidence that the immune system and the nervous system work in concert to achieve these goals. The sensory nervous system senses injury, infection, and inflammation, which results in a direct pain signal. Direct activation of peripheral sensory nerves can drive an inflammatory response in the skin. Immune cells express receptors for numerous transmitters released from sensory and autonomic nerves, which allows the nervous system to communicate directly with the immune system. This communication is bidirectional because immune cells can also produce neurotransmitters. Both innate and adaptive immune cells respond to neuronal signaling, but T cells appear to be at the helm of neuroimmune communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Reel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Okla
| | - Jumana Abbadi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Okla
| | - Maureen A Cox
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Okla; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Okla.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Verzele NAJ, Chua BY, Short KR, Moe AAK, Edwards IN, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Hulme KD, Noye EC, Tong MZW, Reading PC, Trewella MW, Mazzone SB, McGovern AE. Evidence for vagal sensory neural involvement in influenza pathogenesis and disease. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011635. [PMID: 38626267 PMCID: PMC11051609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011635] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) is a common respiratory pathogen and a global cause of significant and often severe morbidity. Although inflammatory immune responses to IAV infections are well described, little is known about how neuroimmune processes contribute to IAV pathogenesis. In the present study, we employed surgical, genetic, and pharmacological approaches to manipulate pulmonary vagal sensory neuron innervation and activity in the lungs to explore potential crosstalk between pulmonary sensory neurons and immune processes. Intranasal inoculation of mice with H1N1 strains of IAV resulted in stereotypical antiviral lung inflammation and tissue pathology, changes in breathing, loss of body weight and other clinical signs of severe IAV disease. Unilateral cervical vagotomy and genetic ablation of pulmonary vagal sensory neurons had a moderate effect on the pulmonary inflammation induced by IAV infection, but significantly worsened clinical disease presentation. Inhibition of pulmonary vagal sensory neuron activity via inhalation of the charged sodium channel blocker, QX-314, resulted in a moderate decrease in lung pathology, but again this was accompanied by a paradoxical worsening of clinical signs. Notably, vagal sensory ganglia neuroinflammation was induced by IAV infection and this was significantly potentiated by QX-314 administration. This vagal ganglia hyperinflammation was characterized by alterations in IAV-induced host defense gene expression, increased neuropeptide gene and protein expression, and an increase in the number of inflammatory cells present within the ganglia. These data suggest that pulmonary vagal sensory neurons play a role in the regulation of the inflammatory process during IAV infection and suggest that vagal neuroinflammation may be an important contributor to IAV pathogenesis and clinical presentation. Targeting these pathways could offer therapeutic opportunities to treat IAV-induced morbidity and mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie A. J. Verzele
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Queensland, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendon Y. Chua
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsty R. Short
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aung Aung Kywe Moe
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Isaac N. Edwards
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Queensland, Australia
| | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katina D. Hulme
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Queensland, Australia
| | - Ellesandra C. Noye
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Queensland, Australia
| | - Marcus Z. W. Tong
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia Queensland, Australia
| | - Patrick C. Reading
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection, and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth St., Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew W. Trewella
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stuart B. Mazzone
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alice E. McGovern
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen J, Lai X, Song Y, Su X. Neuroimmune recognition and regulation in the respiratory system. Eur Respir Rev 2024; 33:240008. [PMID: 38925790 PMCID: PMC11216688 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0008-2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroimmune recognition and regulation in the respiratory system is a complex and highly coordinated process involving interactions between the nervous and immune systems to detect and respond to pathogens, pollutants and other potential hazards in the respiratory tract. This interaction helps maintain the health and integrity of the respiratory system. Therefore, understanding the complex interactions between the respiratory nervous system and immune system is critical to maintaining lung health and developing treatments for respiratory diseases. In this review, we summarise the projection distribution of different types of neurons (trigeminal nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve, vagus nerve, spinal dorsal root nerve, sympathetic nerve) in the respiratory tract. We also introduce several types of cells in the respiratory epithelium that closely interact with nerves (pulmonary neuroendocrine cells, brush cells, solitary chemosensory cells and tastebuds). These cells are primarily located at key positions in the respiratory tract, where nerves project to them, forming neuroepithelial recognition units, thus enhancing the ability of neural recognition. Furthermore, we summarise the roles played by these different neurons in sensing or responding to specific pathogens (influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, herpes viruses, Sendai parainfluenza virus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, amoebae), allergens, atmospheric pollutants (smoking, exhaust pollution), and their potential roles in regulating interactions among different pathogens. We also summarise the prospects of bioelectronic medicine as a third therapeutic approach following drugs and surgery, as well as the potential mechanisms of meditation breathing as an adjunct therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Xiaoyun Lai
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Yuanlin Song
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Su
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Trevizan-Bau P, Mazzone SB. Neuroimmune pathways regulating airway inflammation. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2023; 131:550-560. [PMID: 37517657 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Airways diseases are typically accompanied by inflammation, which has long been known to contribute to obstruction, mucus hypersecretion, dyspnea, cough, and other characteristic symptoms displayed in patients. Clinical interventions, therefore, often target inflammation to reverse lung pathology and reduce morbidity. The airways and lungs are densely innervated by subsets of nerve fibers, which are not only impacted by pulmonary inflammation but, in addition, likely serve as important regulators of immune cell function. This bidirectional neuroimmune crosstalk is supported by close spatial relationships between immune cells and airway nerve fibers, complementary neural and immune signaling pathways, local specialized airway chemosensory cells, and dedicated reflex circuits. In this article, we review the recent literature on this topic and present state-of-the-art evidence supporting the role of neuroimmune interactions in airway inflammation. In addition, we extend this evidence to synthesize considerations for the clinical translation of these discoveries to improve the management of patients with airway disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Trevizan-Bau
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stuart B Mazzone
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Richter K, Grau V. Signaling of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in mononuclear phagocytes. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106727. [PMID: 36966897 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are not only expressed by the nervous system and at the neuro-muscular junction but also by mononuclear phagocytes, which belong to the innate immune system. Mononuclear phagocyte is an umbrella term for monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. These cells play pivotal roles in host defense against infection but also in numerous often debilitating diseases that are characterized by exuberant inflammation. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of the neuronal type dominate in these cells, and their stimulation is mainly associated with anti-inflammatory effects. Although the cholinergic modulation of mononuclear phagocytes is of eminent clinical relevance for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases and neuropathic pain, we are only beginning to understand the underlying mechanisms on the molecular level. The purpose of this review is to report and critically discuss the current knowledge on signal transduction mechanisms elicited by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in mononuclear phagocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Richter
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - Veronika Grau
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany; German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany; Cardiopulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cremin M, Schreiber S, Murray K, Tay EXY, Reardon C. The diversity of neuroimmune circuits controlling lung inflammation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 324:L53-L63. [PMID: 36410021 PMCID: PMC9829467 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00179.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly appreciated that the nervous and immune systems communicate bidirectionally to regulate immunological outcomes in a variety of organs including the lung. Activation of neuronal signaling can be induced by inflammation, tissue damage, or pathogens to evoke or reduce immune cell activation in what has been termed a neuroimmune reflex. In the periphery, these reflexes include the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, sympathetic reflex, and sensory nociceptor-immune cell pathways. Continual advances in neuroimmunology in peripheral organ systems have fueled small-scale clinical trials that have yielded encouraging results for a range of immunopathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis. Despite these successes, several limitations should give clinical investigators pause in the application of neural stimulation as a therapeutic for lung inflammation, especially if inflammation arises from a novel pathogen. In this review, the general mechanisms of each reflex, the evidence for these circuits in the control of lung inflammation, and the key knowledge gaps in our understanding of these neuroimmune circuits will be discussed. These limitations can be overcome not only through a better understanding of neuroanatomy but also through a systematic evaluation of stimulation parameters using immune activation in lung tissues as primary readouts. Our rapidly evolving understanding of the nervous and immune systems highlights the importance of communication between these cells in health and disease. This integrative approach has tremendous potential in the development of targeted therapeutics if specific challenges can be overcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Cremin
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, California
| | - Sierra Schreiber
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, California
| | - Kaitlin Murray
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, California
| | - Emmy Xue Yun Tay
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, California
| | - Colin Reardon
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, California
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li T, Zhao J, Gao H. Depletion of Arg1-Positive Microglia/Macrophages Exacerbates Cerebral Ischemic Damage by Facilitating the Inflammatory Response. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13055. [PMID: 36361836 PMCID: PMC9655877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a serious worldwide disease that causes death and disability, more than 80% of which is ischemic stroke. The expression of arginase 1 (Arg1), a key player in regulating nitrogen homeostasis, is altered in the peripheral circulation after stroke. Growing evidence indicates that ischemic stroke also induces upregulated Arg1 expression in the central nervous system, especially in activated microglia and macrophages. This implies that Arg1 may affect stroke progression by modulating the cerebral immune response. To investigate the effect of Arg1+ microglia/macrophages on ischemic stroke, we selectively eliminated cerebral Arg1+ microglia/macrophages by mannosylated clodronate liposomes (MCLs) and investigated their effects on behavior, neurological deficits, and inflammatory responses in mice after ischemic stroke. More than half of Arg1+ cells, mainly Arg1+ microglia/macrophages, were depleted after MCLs administration, resulting in a significant deterioration of motility in mice. After the elimination of Arg1+ microglia/macrophages, the infarct volume expanded and neuronal degenerative lesions intensified. Meanwhile, the absence of Arg1+ microglia/macrophages significantly increased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppressed the expression of anti-inflammatory factors, thus profoundly altering the immune microenvironment at the lesion site. Taken together, our data demonstrate that depletion of Arg1+ microglia/macrophages exacerbates neuronal damage by facilitating the inflammatory response, leading to more severe ischemic injury. These results suggest that Arg1+ microglia/macrophages, as a subpopulation regulating inflammation, is beneficial in controlling the development of ischemia and promoting recovery from injury. Regulation of Arg1 expression on microglia/macrophages at the right time may be a potential target for the treatment of ischemic brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fu H, Shen QR, Zhao Y, Ni M, Zhou CC, Chen JK, Chi C, Li DJ, Liang G, Shen FM. Activating α7nAChR ameliorates abdominal aortic aneurysm through inhibiting pyroptosis mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2585-2595. [PMID: 35217818 PMCID: PMC9525652 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00876-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined as a dilated aorta in diameter at least 1.5 times of a normal aorta. Our previous studies found that activating α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) had a protective effect on vascular injury. This work was to investigate whether activating α7nAChR could influence AAA formation and explore its mechanisms. AAA models were established by angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion in ApoE-/- mice or in wild type and α7nAChR-/- mice. In vitro mouse aortic smooth muscle (MOVAS) cells were treated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). PNU-282987 was chosen to activate α7nAChR. We found that cell pyroptosis effector GSDMD and NLRP3 inflammasome were activated in abdominal aorta, and inflammatory cytokines in serum were elevated in AAA models of ApoE-/- mice. Activating α7nAChR reduced maximal aortic diameters, preserved elastin integrity and decreased inflammatory responses in ApoE-/- mice with Ang II infusion. While α7nAChR-/- mice led to aggravated aortic injury and increased inflammatory cytokines with Ang II infusion when compared with wild type. Moreover, activating α7nAChR inhibited NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway in AAA model of ApoE-/- mice, while α7nAChR deficiency promoted this pathway. In vitro, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and NLRP3 knockdown reduced GSDMD expression, in MOVAS cells treated with TNF-α. Furthermore, activating α7nAChR inhibited oxidative stress, reduced NLRP3/GSDMD expression, and decreased cell pyroptosis in MOVAS cells with TNF-α. In conclusion, our study found that activating α7nAChR retarded AAA through inhibiting pyroptosis mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome. These suggested that α7nAChR would be a potential pharmacological target for AAA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Qi-Rui Shen
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Min Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Can-Can Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Ji-Kuai Chen
- Department of Health Toxicology, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chen Chi
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Dong-Jie Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Guang Liang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
| | - Fu-Ming Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wen J, Zhao C, Chen J, Song S, Lin Z, Xie S, Qi H, Wang J, Su X. Activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor promotes HIV-1 transcription. CELL INSIGHT 2022; 1:100028. [PMID: 37193048 PMCID: PMC10120325 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2022.100028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), a hub of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP), is required for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. HIV-1 infection can upregulate the expression of α7 nAChR in T lymphocytes and affect the role of CAP. However, whether α7 nAChR regulates HIV-1 infection in CD4+ T cells is unclear. In this study, we first found that activation of α7 nAChR by GTS-21 (an α7 nAChR agonist) can promote the transcription of HIV-1 proviral DNA. Then, through transcriptome sequencing analysis, we found that p38 MAPK signaling was enriched in GTS-21 treated HIV-latent T cells. Mechanistically, activation of α7 nAChR could increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduce DUSP1 and DUSP6, and consequently enhance the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. By co-immunoprecipitation and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, we found that p-p38 MAPK interacted with Lamin B1 (LMNB1). Activation of α7 nAChR increased the binding between p-p38 MAPK and LMNB1. We confirmed that knockdown of MAPK14 significantly downregulated NFATC4, a key activator of HIV-1 transcription. Taken together, activation of the α7 nAChR could trigger ROS/p-p38 MAPK/LMNB1/NFATC4 signaling pathway enhancing HIV-1 transcription. We have revealed an unrecognized mechanism of α7 nAChR-mediated neuroimmune regulation of HIV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wen
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Caiqi Zhao
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuting Song
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhekai Lin
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shitao Xie
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Huaxin Qi
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510670, China
| | - Xiao Su
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dormoy V, Perotin JM, Gosset P, Maskos U, Polette M, Deslée G. Nicotinic receptors as SARS-CoV-2 spike co-receptors? Med Hypotheses 2021; 158:110741. [PMID: 34924680 PMCID: PMC8669939 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2021.110741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play an important role in homeostasis and respiratory diseases. Controversies regarding the association between COVID-19 hospitalizations and smoking suggest that nAChRs may contribute to SARS-CoV-2 respiratory syndrome. We recently detailed the expression and localization of all nAChR subunits in the human lung. Since virus association with nAChRs has been shown in the past, we hypothesize that nAChR subunits act as SARS-CoV-2 Spike co-receptors. Based on sequence alignment analysis, we report domains of high molecular similarities in nAChRs with the binding domain of hACE2 for SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. This hypothesis supported by in silico pilot data provides a rational for the modelling and the in vitro experimental validation of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the nAChRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valérian Dormoy
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Inserm, P3Cell UMR-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Jeanne-Marie Perotin
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Inserm, P3Cell UMR-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France.,CHU of Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, Department of Respiratory Diseases, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Philippe Gosset
- University of Lille, CNRS UMR8204, Inserm U1019, CHRU Lille, Institut Pasteur Lille, CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Uwe Maskos
- Institut Pasteur Paris, Université de Paris, Integrative Neurobiology of Cholinergic Systems, CNRS, UMR 3571, Paris, France
| | - Myriam Polette
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Inserm, P3Cell UMR-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France.,CHU Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, Department of Biopathology, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Gaëtan Deslée
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Inserm, P3Cell UMR-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France.,CHU of Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, Department of Respiratory Diseases, 51092 Reims, France
| |
Collapse
|