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Fang X, Lan G, Lin Y, Xie Z, Zhong Y, Luo S, Xiao X, Luo L, Zhang Y, Li H, Wu H. Inflammation due to ocular surface homeostasis imbalance caused by pterygia: tear lymphotoxin-alpha study and a literature review. J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect 2024; 14:28. [PMID: 38874736 PMCID: PMC11178703 DOI: 10.1186/s12348-024-00413-1] [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: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the pterygium ocular surface state, and compare with healthy eyes and dry eyes. To investigate the inflammation due to pterygia growth by tear Lymphotoxin-alpha (LT α) test. DESIGN Prospective, single-center study. PARTICIPANTS 400 patients, divided into 100 pterygium group, 100 mild dry eye group, 100 moderate dry eye group, and 100 age-and sex-matched normal controls. METHODS The non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH) test, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), meibomian gland loss score (MGs), and lipid layer thickness (LLT) were evaluated in all patients. Pterygium status and ocular status in the pterygium group were collected. The tear LT α test was conducted in the pterygium patients group. RESULT Pterygium can affect the ocular surface, leading to decreased tear film stability. The TMH, NIBUT, CFS, MGs, and lipid layer thickness can provide insights into this phenomenon. The presence of pterygium can change the structure and condition of the ocular surface. Tear LT α testing shows an abnormal decrease in LT α levels in pterygium patients. This indicates an immune-inflammation microenvironment that causes tissue repair deficiency. CONCLUSION The dry eye triggered by the growth of pterygium may originate from the tear film instability due to pterygia. As an inflammatory index, LT α in the development of pterygium and the aggravation of dry eye patients can indicate that the ocular surface is in different inflammatory states. Future tear testing in LT α may be a potential indicator to assess the inflammatory status of the dry eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xie Fang
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Guoli Lan
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Zhiwen Xie
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yanlin Zhong
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shunrong Luo
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xianwen Xiao
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Lianghuan Luo
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yiqiu Zhang
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hanqiao Li
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Huping Wu
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
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Cheng Y, Liu Y, Xu D, Zhang D, Yang Y, Miao Y, He S, Xu Q, Li E. An engineered TNFR1-selective human lymphotoxin-alpha mutant delivered by an oncolytic adenovirus for tumor immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167122. [PMID: 38492783 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Lymphotoxin α (LTα) is a soluble factor produced by activated lymphocytes which is cytotoxic to tumor cells. Although a promising candidate in cancer therapy, the application of recombinant LTα has been limited by its instability and toxicity by systemic administration. Secreted LTα interacts with several distinct receptors for its biological activities. Here, we report a TNFR1-selective human LTα mutant (LTα Q107E) with potent antitumor activity. Recombinant LTα Q107E with N-terminal 23 and 27 aa deletion (named LTα Q1 and Q2, respectively) showed selectivity to TNFR1 in both binding and NF-κB pathway activation assays. To test the therapeutic potential, we constructed an oncolytic adenovirus (oAd) harboring LTα Q107E Q2 mutant (named oAdQ2) and assessed the antitumor effect in mouse xenograft models. Intratumoral delivery of oAdQ2 inhibited tumor growth. In addition, oAdQ2 treatment enhanced T cell and IFNγ-positive CD8 T lymphocyte infiltration in a human PBMC reconstituted-SCID mouse xenograft model. This study provides evidence that reengineering of bioactive cytokines with tissue or cell specific properties may potentiate their therapeutic potential of cytokines with multiple receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongge Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Shanghai Baoyuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqing Miao
- The Affiliated Yancheng First People's Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Yancheng, China
| | - Susu He
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, China; The Affiliated Yancheng First People's Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Yancheng, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Erguang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
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Lagou MK, Argyris DG, Vodopyanov S, Gunther-Cummins L, Hardas A, Poutahidis T, Panorias C, DesMarais S, Entenberg C, Carpenter RS, Guzik H, Nishku X, Churaman J, Maryanovich M, DesMarais V, Macaluso FP, Karagiannis GS. Morphometric Analysis of the Thymic Epithelial Cell (TEC) Network Using Integrated and Orthogonal Digital Pathology Approaches. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.11.584509. [PMID: 38559037 PMCID: PMC10979902 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.11.584509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The thymus, a central primary lymphoid organ of the immune system, plays a key role in T cell development. Surprisingly, the thymus is quite neglected with regards to standardized pathology approaches and practices for assessing structure and function. Most studies use multispectral flow cytometry to define the dynamic composition of the thymus at the cell population level, but they are limited by lack of contextual insight. This knowledge gap hinders our understanding of various thymic conditions and pathologies, particularly how they affect thymic architecture, and subsequently, immune competence. Here, we introduce a digital pathology pipeline to address these challenges. Our approach can be coupled to analytical algorithms and utilizes rationalized morphometric assessments of thymic tissue, ranging from tissue-wide down to microanatomical and ultrastructural levels. This pipeline enables the quantitative assessment of putative changes and adaptations of thymic structure to stimuli, offering valuable insights into the pathophysiology of thymic disorders. This versatile pipeline can be applied to a wide range of conditions that may directly or indirectly affect thymic structure, ranging from various cytotoxic stimuli inducing acute thymic involution to autoimmune diseases, such as myasthenia gravis. Here, we demonstrate applicability of the method in a mouse model of age-dependent thymic involution, both by confirming established knowledge, and by providing novel insights on intrathymic remodeling in the aged thymus. Our orthogonal pipeline, with its high versatility and depth of analysis, promises to be a valuable and practical toolset for both basic and translational immunology laboratories investigating thymic function and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria K Lagou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Dimitrios G Argyris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Stepan Vodopyanov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Leslie Gunther-Cummins
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Alexandros Hardas
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Theofilos Poutahidis
- Laboratory of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos Panorias
- Division of Statistics and Operational Research, Department of Mathematics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sophia DesMarais
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Conner Entenberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Randall S Carpenter
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Hillary Guzik
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Xheni Nishku
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Churaman
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Maria Maryanovich
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Vera DesMarais
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Frank P Macaluso
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Analytical Imaging Facility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - George S Karagiannis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute, Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer, Center, Bronx, NY, USA
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Lan G, Fang X, Zhong Y, Luo S, Xiao X, Xie Z, Luo L, Zhang Y, Li H, Lin Y, Wu H. Evaluation of lymphotoxin-alpha in pterygium and diagnostic value in active and inactive pterygium states. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1866. [PMID: 38253817 PMCID: PMC10803762 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52382-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
To explore the correlation between tear LT-a, pterygium status, and dry eye indicators. We established a diagnostic model to evaluate active pterygium. A retrospective study was conducted between June 2021 and June 2023 on 172 patients, comprising 108 men and 64 women. The study analyzed LT-a and various ocular parameters in all participants. The data was collected using Excel software and analyzed using SPSS 25.0 statistical software and Medcalc. We made a nomogram diagnostic model to different diagnosed the state of pterygium. This study found that pterygium has progressive eye surface damage during the active state. There was no significant difference in dry eye indicators between the two groups. However, the concentration of LT-a in the active group was significantly lower than that in the inactive group (P < 0.001). We observed that increased pterygium grade corresponded to a worse ocular surface condition. In addition, LT-a was significantly positively correlated with disease duration, but negatively correlated with age, pterygium size, active pterygium state, and LLT value. The optimal intercept value for evaluating active pterygium in Lt-a was ≤ 0.49 dg/ml. We screened three variables for evaluating active pterygium through Single and Multiple regression analysis: LT-a grading, pterygium size, and congestion score. Finally, we made a reliable diagnostic nomogram model. Pterygium development triggers immune inflammation. Our model based on LT-a identifies active pterygium for personalized treatment options and new research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoli Lan
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xie Fang
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yanlin Zhong
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shunrong Luo
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xianwen Xiao
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhiwen Xie
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Lianghuan Luo
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yiqiu Zhang
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hanqiao Li
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Huping Wu
- Xiamen Eye Center and Eye Institute of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Translational Medicine Institute of Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
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5
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Dong Y, Wang T, Wu H. Tertiary lymphoid structures in autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1322035. [PMID: 38259436 PMCID: PMC10800951 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1322035] [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: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are organized lymphoid-like aggregations in non-lymphoid tissues. Tissues with chronic and persistent inflammation infiltration may drive and form ectopic germinal center-like structures, which are very common in autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, and tumor microenvironments. However, the mechanisms governing the formation of TLSs are still being explored. At present, it is not clear whether the formation of TLSs is associated with local uncontrolled immune inflammatory responses. While TLSs suggest a good prognosis in tumors, the opposite is true in autoimmune diseases. This review article will discuss the current views on initiating and maintaining TLSs and the potential therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanji Dong
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Thoracic Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huaxiang Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Wu Y, Zhao S, Guo W, Liu Y, Requena Mullor MDM, Rodrìguez RA, Wei R. Systematic analysis of the prognostic value and immunological function of LTBR in human cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:129-152. [PMID: 38175686 PMCID: PMC10817409 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205356] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTBR) is a positive T cell proliferation regulator gene. It is closely associated with the tumor immune microenvironment. However, its role in cancer and immunotherapy is unclear. Firstly, the expression level and prognostic value of LTBR were analyzed. Secondly, the expression of LTBR in clinical stages, immune subtypes, and molecular subtypes was analyzed. The correlation between LTBR and immune regulatory genes, immune checkpoint genes, and RNA modification genes was then analyzed. Correlations between LTBR and immune cells, scores, cancer-related functional status, tumor stemness index, mismatch repair (MMR) genes, and DNA methyltransferase were also analyzed. In addition, we analyzed the role of LTBR in DNA methylation, mutational status, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI). Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used to explore the role of LTBR in pan-cancer. Finally, the drugs associated with LTBR were analyzed. The expression of LTBR was confirmed using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. LTBR is significantly overexpressed in most cancers and is associated with low patient survival. In addition, LTBR expression was strongly correlated with immune cells, score, cancer-related functional status, tumor stemness index, MMR genes, DNA methyltransferase, DNA methylation, mutational status, TMB, and MSI. Enrichment analysis revealed that LTBR was associated with apoptosis, necroptosis, and immune-related pathways. Finally, multiple drugs targeting LTBR were identified. LTBR is overexpressed in several tumors and is associated with a poor prognosis. It is related to immune-related genes and immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinteng Wu
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Shijian Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Wenliang Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi 537100, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | | | | | - Ruqiong Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
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7
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Lee DY, Song WH, Lim YS, Lee C, Rajbongshi L, Hwang SY, Kim BS, Lee D, Song YJ, Kim HG, Yoon S. Fish Collagen Peptides Enhance Thymopoietic Gene Expression, Cell Proliferation, Thymocyte Adherence, and Cytoprotection in Thymic Epithelial Cells via Activation of the Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway, Leading to Thymus Regeneration after Cyclophosphamide-Induced Injury. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:531. [PMID: 37888466 PMCID: PMC10608061 DOI: 10.3390/md21100531] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged thymic involution results in decreased thymopoiesis and thymic output, leading to peripheral T-cell deficiency. Since the thymic-dependent pathway is the only means of generating fully mature T cells, the identification of strategies to enhance thymic regeneration is crucial in developing therapeutic interventions to revert immune suppression in immunocompromised patients. The present study clearly shows that fish collagen peptides (FCPs) stimulate activities of thymic epithelial cells (TECs), including cell proliferation, thymocyte adhesion, and the gene expression of thymopoietic factors such as FGF-7, IGF-1, BMP-4, VEGF-A, IL-7, IL-21, RANKL, LTβ, IL-22R, RANK, LTβR, SDF-1, CCL21, CCL25, CXCL5, Dll1, Dll4, Wnt4, CD40, CD80, CD86, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, FoxN1, leptin, cathepsin L, CK5, and CK8 through the NF-κB signal transduction pathway. Furthermore, our study also revealed the cytoprotective effects of FCPs on TECs against cyclophosphamide-induced cellular injury through the NF-κB signaling pathway. Importantly, FCPs exhibited a significant capability to facilitate thymic regeneration in mice after cyclophosphamide-induced damage via the NF-κB pathway. Taken together, this study sheds light on the role of FCPs in TEC function, thymopoiesis, and thymic regeneration, providing greater insight into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for effective thymus repopulation for numerous clinical conditions in which immune reconstitution is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Young Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Hoon Song
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Seon Lim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Changyong Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Lata Rajbongshi
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Yeong Hwang
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Soo Kim
- School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjun Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Jung Song
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwi-Gon Kim
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Sik Yoon
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
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8
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Su X, Li X, Wang S, Xue X, Liu R, Bai X, Gong P, Feng C, Cao L, Wang T, Ding Y, Jiang J, Chen Y, Shi Y, Shao C. Nitric oxide-dependent immunosuppressive function of thymus-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells. Biol Direct 2023; 18:59. [PMID: 37723551 PMCID: PMC10506207 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00415-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The thymus is required for T cell development and the formation of the adaptive immunity. Stromal cells, which include thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), are essential for thymic function. However, the immunomodulatory function of thymus-derived MSCs (T-MSCs) has not been fully explored. METHODS MSCs were isolated from mouse thymus and their general characteristics including surface markers and multi-differentiation potential were characterized. The immunomodulatory function of T-MSCs stimulated by IFN-γ and TNF-α was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of MSCs in the thymus was interrogated by using tdTomato-flox mice corssed to various MSC lineage Cre recombinase lines. RESULTS A subset of T-MSCs express Nestin, and are mainly distributed in the thymic medulla region and cortical-medulla junction, but not in the capsule. The Nestin-positive T-MSCs exhibit typical immunophenotypic characteristics and differentiation potential. Additionally, when stimulated with IFN-γ and TNF-α, they can inhibit activated T lymphocytes as efficiently as BM-MSCs, and this function is dependent on the production of nitric oxide (NO). Additionally, the T-MSCs exhibit a remarkable therapeutic efficacy in acute liver injury and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CONCLUSIONS Nestin-positive MSCs are mainly distributed in medulla and cortical-medulla junction in thymus and possess immunosuppressive ability upon stimulation by inflammatory cytokines. The findings have implications in understanding the physiological function of MSCs in thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Su
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Xiaolei Li
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Shiqing Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Xiaotong Xue
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Rui Liu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Xiaojing Bai
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Pixia Gong
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Chao Feng
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Lijuan Cao
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Yayun Ding
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Junjie Jiang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Yongjing Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Changshun Shao
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Suzhou Medical College, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
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Pan Q, Li B, Lin D, Miao YR, Luo T, Yue T, Luo Q, Guo AY, Zhang Z. scLiverDB: a Database of Human and Mouse Liver Transcriptome Landscapes at Single-Cell Resolution. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2201421. [PMID: 37259264 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202201421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The liver is critical for the digestive and immune systems. Although the physiology and pathology of liver have been well studied and many scRNA-seq data are generated, a database and landscape for characterizing cell types and gene expression in different liver diseases or developmental stages at single-cell resolution are lacking. Hence, scLiverDB is developed, a specialized database for human and mouse liver transcriptomes to unravel the landscape of liver cell types, cell heterogeneity and gene expression at single-cell resolution across various liver diseases/cell types/developmental stages. To date, 62 datasets including 9,050 samples and 1,741,734 cells is curated. A uniform workflow is used, which included quality control, dimensional reduction, clustering, and cell-type annotation to analyze datasets on the same platform; integrated manual and automatic methods for accurate cell-type identification and provided a user-friendly web interface with multiscale functions. There are two case studies to show the usefulness of scLiverDB, which identified the LTB (lymphotoxin Beta) gene as a potential biomarker of lymphoid cells differentiation and showed the expression changes of Foxa3 (forkhead box A3) in liver chronic progressive diseases. This work provides a crucial resource to resolve molecular and cellular information in normal, diseased, and developing human and mouse livers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Pan
- Britton Chance Center and MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Borui Li
- Britton Chance Center and MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Dong Lin
- Britton Chance Center and MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Ya-Ru Miao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Tao Luo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Tao Yue
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Qingming Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
| | - An-Yuan Guo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Zhihong Zhang
- Britton Chance Center and MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, 570228, China
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10
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Hitomi Y, Nakamura M. The Genetics of Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A GWAS and Post-GWAS Update. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:405. [PMID: 36833332 PMCID: PMC9957238 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic, progressive cholestatic liver disease in which the small intrahepatic bile ducts are destroyed by autoimmune reactions. Among autoimmune diseases, which are polygenic complex traits caused by the combined contribution of genetic and environmental factors, PBC exhibits the strongest involvement of genetic heritability in disease development. As at December 2022, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and associated meta-analyses identified approximately 70 PBC susceptibility gene loci in various populations, including those of European and East Asian descent. However, the molecular mechanisms through which these susceptibility loci affect the pathogenesis of PBC are not fully understood. This study provides an overview of current data regarding the genetic factors of PBC as well as post-GWAS approaches to identifying primary functional variants and effector genes in disease-susceptibility loci. Possible mechanisms of these genetic factors in the development of PBC are also discussed, focusing on four major disease pathways identified by in silico gene set analyses, namely, (1) antigen presentation by human leukocyte antigens, (2) interleukin-12-related pathways, (3) cellular responses to tumor necrosis factor, and (4) B cell activation, maturation, and differentiation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Hitomi
- Department of Human Genetics, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Minoru Nakamura
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, 2-1001-1 Kubara, Omura 856-8562, Japan
- Department of Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 2-1001-1 Kubara, Omura 856-8562, Japan
- Headquarters of PBC Research in NHO Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan (NHOSLJ), Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, 2-1001-1 Kubara, Omura 856-8562, Japan
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11
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Harris CS, Miaskowski CA, Conley YP, Hammer MJ, Dhruva AA, Levine JD, Olshen AB, Kober KM. Gastrointestinal Symptom Cluster is Associated With Epigenetic Regulation of Lymphotoxin Beta in Oncology Patients Receiving Chemotherapy. Biol Res Nurs 2023; 25:51-64. [PMID: 35929442 PMCID: PMC9900252 DOI: 10.1177/10998004221115863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While the gastrointestinal symptom cluster (GISC) is common in patients receiving chemotherapy, limited information is available on its underlying mechanism(s). Emerging evidence suggests a role for inflammatory processes through the actions of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. This study evaluated for associations between a GISC and levels of DNA methylation for genes within this pathway. METHODS Prior to their second or third cycle of chemotherapy, 1071 outpatients reported symptom occurrence using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. A GISC was identified using exploratory factor analysis. Differential methylation analyses were performed in two independent samples using EPIC (n = 925) and 450K (n = 146) microarrays. Trans expression-associated CpG (eCpG) loci for 56 NF-κB signaling pathway genes were evaluated. Loci significance were assessed using an exploratory false discovery rate (FDR) of 25% for the EPIC sample. For the validation assessment using the 450K sample, significance was assessed at an unadjusted p-value of 0.05. RESULTS For the EPIC sample, the GISC was associated with increased expression of lymphotoxin beta (LTB) at one differentially methylated trans eCpG locus (cg03171795; FDR = 0.168). This association was not validated in the 450K sample. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to identify an association between a GISC and epigenetic regulation of a gene that is involved in the initiation of gastrointestinal immune responses. Findings suggest that increased LTB expression by hypermethylation of a trans eCpG locus is involved in the occurrence of this cluster in patients receiving chemotherapy. LTB may be a potential therapeutic target for this common cluster.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine A. Miaskowski
- School of Nursing, University of
California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of
California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yvette P. Conley
- School of Nursing, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Marilyn J. Hammer
- The Phyllis F. Cantor Center for
Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anand A. Dhruva
- School of Medicine, University of
California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jon D. Levine
- School of Medicine, University of
California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adam B. Olshen
- School of Medicine, University of
California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kord M. Kober
- School of Nursing, University of
California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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12
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Abstract
The microenvironment of the thymus is composed of a group of stromal cells that include endoderm-derived thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and mesenchymal stromal cells such as fibroblasts and serves as a site for the development of T cells. TECs are known to play an essential role in T cell differentiation and selection. Mesenchymal stromal cells have been less studied in terms of their immunological significance compared to TECs. Recently, new technologies have made it possible to identify and characterize mesenchymal stromal cells in the thymus, revealing their unique functions in thymic organogenesis and T cell development. This review outlines the current views on mesenchymal stromal cells in the thymus, particularly highlighting the newly discovered function of thymic fibroblasts in T cell repertoire selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Nitta
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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He H, Huang T, Guo S, Yu F, Shen H, Shao H, Chen K, Zhang L, Wu Y, Tang X, Yuan X, Liu J, Zhou Y. Identification of a novel sepsis prognosis model and analysis of possible drug application prospects: Based on scRNA-seq and RNA-seq data. Front Immunol 2022; 13:888891. [PMID: 36389695 PMCID: PMC9650379 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.888891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a disease with a high morbidity and mortality rate. At present, there is a lack of ideal biomarker prognostic models for sepsis and promising studies using prognostic models to predict and guide the clinical use of medications. In this study, 71 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and transcriptome RNA-seq data, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment pathway analyses were performed on these genes. Then, a prognosis model with CCL5, HBD, IFR2BP2, LTB, and WFDC1 as prognostic signatures was successfully constructed after univariate LASSO regression analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) time curve analysis, internal validation, and principal component analysis (PCA) further validated the model for its high stability and predictive power. Furthermore, based on a risk prediction model, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that multiple cellular functions and immune function signaling pathways were significantly different between the high- and low-risk groups. In-depth analysis of the distribution of immune cells in healthy individuals and sepsis patients using scRNA-seq data revealed immunosuppression in sepsis patients and differences in the abundance of immune cells between the high- and low-risk groups. Finally, the genetic targets of immunosuppression-related drugs were used to accurately predict the potential use of clinical agents in high-risk patients with sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihong He
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tingting Huang
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shixing Guo
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fan Yu
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongwei Shen
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haibin Shao
- Department of General Surgery, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Keyan Chen
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yunfeng Wu
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xi Tang
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinhua Yuan
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yiwen Zhou
- Department of Emergency Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory Medical Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
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Biosensors for inflammation as a strategy to engineer regulatory T cells for cell therapy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2208436119. [PMID: 36161919 PMCID: PMC9546553 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208436119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered regulatory T cell (Treg cell) therapy is a promising strategy to treat patients suffering from inflammatory diseases, autoimmunity, and transplant rejection. However, in many cases, disease-related antigens that can be targeted by Treg cells are not available. In this study, we introduce a class of synthetic biosensors, named artificial immune receptors (AIRs), for murine and human Treg cells. AIRs consist of three domains: (a) extracellular binding domain of a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-receptor superfamily member, (b) intracellular costimulatory signaling domain of CD28, and (c) T cell receptor signaling domain of CD3-ζ chain. These AIR receptors equip Treg cells with an inflammation-sensing machinery and translate this environmental information into a CD3-ζ chain-dependent TCR-activation program. Different AIRs were generated, recognizing the inflammatory ligands of the TNF-receptor superfamily, including LIGHT, TNFα, and TNF-like ligand 1A (TL1A), leading to activation, differentiation, and proliferation of AIR-Treg cells. In a graft-versus-host disease model, Treg cells expressing lymphotoxin β receptor-AIR, which can be activated by the ligand LIGHT, protect significantly better than control Treg cells. Expression and signaling of the corresponding human AIR in human Treg cells prove that this concept can be translated. Engineering Treg cells that target inflammatory ligands leading to TCR signaling and activation might be used as a Treg cell-based therapy approach for a broad range of inflammation-driven diseases.
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15
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CREB1 Transcriptionally Activates LTBR to Promote the NF-κB Pathway and Apoptosis in Lung Epithelial Cells. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:9588740. [PMID: 36118831 PMCID: PMC9481394 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9588740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a prevalent chronic pediatric lung disease. Aberrant proliferation and apoptosis of lung epithelial cells are important in the pathogenesis of BPD. Lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTBR) is expressed in lung epithelial cells. Blocking LTBR induces regeneration of lung tissue and reverts airway fibrosis in young and aged mice. This study is aimed at revealing the role of LTBR in BPD. A mouse model of BPD and two in vitro models of BPD using A549 cells and type II alveolar epithelial (ATII) cells were established by exposure to hyperoxia. We found that LTBR and CREB1 exhibited a significant upregulation in lungs of mouse model of BPD. LTBR and CREB1 expression were also increased by hyperoxia in A549 and ATII cells. According to results of cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis, silencing of LTBR rescued the suppressive effect of hyperoxia on cell viability and its promotive effect on cell apoptosis of A549 and ATII cells. Bioinformatics revealed CREB1 as a transcriptional factor for LTBR, and the luciferase reporter assay and ChIP assay subsequently confirmed it. The NF-κB pathway was regulated by LTBR. CREB1 induced LTBR expression at the transcriptional level to regulate NF-κB pathway and further modulate A549 and ATII cells viability and apoptosis. In conclusion, this study revealed the CREB1/LTBR/NF-κB pathway in BPD and supported the beneficial role of LTBR silence in BPD by promoting viability and decreasing apoptosis of lung epithelial cells.
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Charaix J, Borelli A, Santamaria JC, Chasson L, Giraud M, Sergé A, Irla M. Recirculating Foxp3 + regulatory T cells are restimulated in the thymus under Aire control. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:355. [PMID: 35678896 PMCID: PMC11071703 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04328-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Thymically-derived Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) critically control immunological tolerance. These cells are generated in the medulla through high affinity interactions with medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) expressing the Autoimmune regulator (Aire). Recent advances have revealed that thymic Treg contain not only developing but also recirculating cells from the periphery. Although Aire is implicated in the generation of Foxp3+ Treg, its role in the biology of recirculating Treg remains elusive. Here, we show that Aire regulates the suppressive signature of recirculating Treg independently of the remodeling of the medullary 3D organization throughout life where Treg reside. Accordingly, the adoptive transfer of peripheral Foxp3+ Treg in AireKO recipients led to an impaired suppressive signature upon their entry into the thymus. Furthermore, recirculating Treg from AireKO mice failed to attenuate the severity of multiorgan autoimmunity, demonstrating that their suppressive function is altered. Using bone marrow chimeras, we reveal that mTEC-specific expression of Aire controls the suppressive signature of recirculating Treg. Finally, mature mTEC lacking Aire were inefficient in stimulating peripheral Treg both in polyclonal and antigen-specific co-culture assays. Overall, this study demonstrates that Aire confers to mTEC the ability to restimulate recirculating Treg, unravelling a novel function for this master regulator in Treg biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Charaix
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
| | - Alexia Borelli
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
| | - Jérémy C Santamaria
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
| | - Lionel Chasson
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
| | - Matthieu Giraud
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, INSERM, Nantes Université, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Arnauld Sergé
- Turing Centre for Living Systems, Laboratoire adhésion inflammation (LAI), CNRS, INSERM, Aix-Marseille University, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Magali Irla
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France.
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17
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Rosichini M, Catanoso M, Screpanti I, Felli MP, Locatelli F, Velardi E. Signaling Crosstalks Drive Generation and Regeneration of the Thymus. Front Immunol 2022; 13:920306. [PMID: 35734178 PMCID: PMC9207182 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.920306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimal recovery of immune competence after periods of hematopoietic insults or stress is crucial to re-establish patient response to vaccines, pathogens and tumor antigens. This is particularly relevant for patients receiving high doses of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, who experience prolonged periods of lymphopenia, which can be associated with an increased risk of infections, malignant relapse, and adverse clinical outcome. While the thymus represents the primary organ responsible for the generation of a diverse pool of T cells, its function is profoundly impaired by a range of acute insults (including those caused by cytoreductive chemo/radiation therapy, infections and graft-versus-host disease) and by the chronic physiological deterioration associated with aging. Impaired thymic function increases the risk of infections and tumor antigen escape due to a restriction in T-cell receptor diversity and suboptimal immune response. Therapeutic approaches that can promote the renewal of the thymus have the potential to restore immune competence in patients. Previous work has documented the importance of the crosstalk between thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells in establishing correct architecture and function of thymic epithelium. This crosstalk is relevant not only during thymus organogenesis, but also to promote the recovery of its function after injuries. In this review, we will analyze the signals involved in the crosstalk between TECs and hematopoietic cells. We will focus in particular on how signals from T-cells can regulate TEC function and discuss the relevance of these pathways in restoring thymic function and T-cell immunity in experimental models, as well as in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Rosichini
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marialuigia Catanoso
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Velardi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Enrico Velardi,
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18
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Lopes N, Boucherit N, Santamaria JC, Provin N, Charaix J, Ferrier P, Giraud M, Irla M. Thymocytes trigger self-antigen-controlling pathways in immature medullary thymic epithelial stages. eLife 2022; 11:69982. [PMID: 35188458 PMCID: PMC8860447 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions of developing T cells with Aire+ medullary thymic epithelial cells expressing high levels of MHCII molecules (mTEChi) are critical for the induction of central tolerance in the thymus. In turn, thymocytes regulate the cellularity of Aire+ mTEChi. However, it remains unknown whether thymocytes control the precursors of Aire+ mTEChi that are contained in mTEClo cells or other mTEClo subsets that have recently been delineated by single-cell transcriptomic analyses. Here, using three distinct transgenic mouse models, in which antigen presentation between mTECs and CD4+ thymocytes is perturbed, we show by high-throughput RNA-seq that self-reactive CD4+ thymocytes induce key transcriptional regulators in mTEClo and control the composition of mTEClo subsets, including Aire+ mTEChi precursors, post-Aire and tuft-like mTECs. Furthermore, these interactions upregulate the expression of tissue-restricted self-antigens, cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules important for T-cell development. This gene activation program induced in mTEClo is combined with a global increase of the active H3K4me3 histone mark. Finally, we demonstrate that these self-reactive interactions between CD4+ thymocytes and mTECs critically prevent multiorgan autoimmunity. Our genome-wide study thus reveals that self-reactive CD4+ thymocytes control multiple unsuspected facets from immature stages of mTECs, which determines their heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noella Lopes
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Boucherit
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Jérémy C Santamaria
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Nathan Provin
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Jonathan Charaix
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Ferrier
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Matthieu Giraud
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Magali Irla
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
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19
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Cardinale A, De Luca CD, Locatelli F, Velardi E. Thymic Function and T-Cell Receptor Repertoire Diversity: Implications for Patient Response to Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:752042. [PMID: 34899700 PMCID: PMC8652142 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.752042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The capacity of T cells to recognize and mount an immune response against tumor antigens depends on the large diversity of the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire generated in the thymus during the process of T-cell development. However, this process is dramatically impaired by immunological insults, such as that caused by cytoreductive cancer therapies and infections, and by the physiological decline of thymic function with age. Defective thymic function and a skewed TCR repertoire can have significant clinical consequences. The presence of an adequate pool of T cells capable of recognizing specific tumor antigens is a prerequisite for the success of cancer immunotherapy using checkpoint blockade therapy. However, while this approach has improved the chances of survival of patients with different types of cancer, a large proportion of them do not respond. The limited response rate to checkpoint blockade therapy may be linked to a suboptimal TCR repertoire in cancer patients prior to therapy. Here, we focus on the role of the thymus in shaping the T-cell pool in health and disease, discuss how the TCR repertoire influences patients’ response to checkpoint blockade therapy and highlight approaches able to manipulate thymic function to enhance anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Cardinale
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy.,Department of Maternal and Child Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Velardi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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