1
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Jones PW, Mallat Z, Nus M. T-Cell/B-Cell Interactions in Atherosclerosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1502-1511. [PMID: 38813700 PMCID: PMC11208060 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.124.319845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a complex inflammatory disease in which the adaptive immune response plays an important role. While the overall impact of T and B cells in atherosclerosis is relatively well established, we are only beginning to understand how bidirectional T-cell/B-cell interactions can exert prominent atheroprotective and proatherogenic functions. In this review, we will focus on these T-cell/B-cell interactions and how we could use them to therapeutically target the adaptive immune response in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter William Jones
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Heart and Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (P.W.J., Z.M., M.N.)
| | - Ziad Mallat
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Heart and Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (P.W.J., Z.M., M.N.)
- INSERM U970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Centre, France (Z.M.)
| | - Meritxell Nus
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Heart and Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (P.W.J., Z.M., M.N.)
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2
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Porsch F, Binder CJ. Autoimmune diseases and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Cardiol 2024:10.1038/s41569-024-01045-7. [PMID: 38937626 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-024-01045-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are associated with a dramatically increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and its clinical manifestations. The increased risk is consistent with the notion that atherogenesis is modulated by both protective and disease-promoting immune mechanisms. Notably, traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidaemia and hypertension alone do not explain the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with autoimmune diseases. Several mechanisms have been implicated in mediating the autoimmunity-associated cardiovascular risk, either directly or by modulating the effect of other risk factors in a complex interplay. Aberrant leukocyte function and pro-inflammatory cytokines are central to both disease entities, resulting in vascular dysfunction, impaired resolution of inflammation and promotion of chronic inflammation. Similarly, loss of tolerance to self-antigens and the generation of autoantibodies are key features of autoimmunity but are also implicated in the maladaptive inflammatory response during atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Therefore, immunomodulatory therapies are potential efficacious interventions to directly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and biomarkers of autoimmune disease activity could be relevant tools to stratify patients with autoimmunity according to their cardiovascular risk. In this Review, we discuss the pathophysiological aspects of the increased cardiovascular risk associated with autoimmunity and highlight the many open questions that need to be answered to develop novel therapies that specifically address this unmet clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florentina Porsch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph J Binder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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3
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Certo M, Rahimzadeh M, Mauro C. Immunometabolism in atherosclerosis: a new understanding of an old disease. Trends Biochem Sci 2024:S0968-0004(24)00146-4. [PMID: 38937222 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory condition, remains a leading cause of death globally, necessitating innovative approaches to target pro-atherogenic pathways. Recent advancements in the field of immunometabolism have highlighted the crucial interplay between metabolic pathways and immune cell function in atherogenic milieus. Macrophages and T cells undergo dynamic metabolic reprogramming to meet the demands of activation and differentiation, influencing plaque progression. Furthermore, metabolic intermediates intricately regulate immune cell responses and atherosclerosis development. Understanding the metabolic control of immune responses in atherosclerosis, known as athero-immunometabolism, offers new avenues for preventive and therapeutic interventions. This review elucidates the emerging intricate interplay between metabolism and immunity in atherosclerosis, underscoring the significance of metabolic enzymes and metabolites as key regulators of disease pathogenesis and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelangelo Certo
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Mahsa Rahimzadeh
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Claudio Mauro
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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4
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Atehortua L, Sean Davidson W, Chougnet CA. Interactions Between HDL and CD4+ T Cells: A Novel Understanding of HDL Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1191-1201. [PMID: 38660807 PMCID: PMC11111342 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.124.320851] [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: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Several studies in animal models and human cohorts have recently suggested that HDLs (high-density lipoproteins) not only modulate innate immune responses but also adaptative immune responses, particularly CD4+ T cells. CD4+ T cells are central effectors and regulators of the adaptive immune system, and any alterations in their homeostasis contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, autoimmunity, and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we focus on how HDLs and their components affect CD4+ T-cell homeostasis by modulating cholesterol efflux, immune synapsis, proliferation, differentiation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. While the effects of apoB-containing lipoproteins on T cells have been relatively well established, this review focuses specifically on new connections between HDL and CD4+ T cells. We present a model where HDL may modulate T cells through both direct and indirect mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Atehortua
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - W. Sean Davidson
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Claire A. Chougnet
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
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5
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Xu L, Chen F, Fan W, Saito S, Cao D. The role of γδT lymphocytes in atherosclerosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1369202. [PMID: 38774876 PMCID: PMC11106432 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369202] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis poses a significant threat to human health, impacting overall well-being and imposing substantial financial burdens. Current treatment strategies mainly focus on managing low-density lipids (LDL) and optimizing liver functions. However, it's crucial to recognize that Atherosclerosis involves more than just lipid accumulation; it entails a complex interplay of immune responses. Research highlights the pivotal role of lipid-laden macrophages in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. These macrophages attract lymphocytes like CD4 and CD8 to the inflamed site, potentially intensifying the inflammatory response. γδ T lymphocytes, with their diverse functions in innate and adaptive immune responses, pathogen defense, antigen presentation, and inflammation regulation, have been implicated in the early stages of Atherosclerosis. However, our understanding of the roles of γδ T cells in Atherosclerosis remains limited. This mini-review aims to shed light on the characteristics and functions of γδ T cells in Atherosclerosis. By gaining insights into the roles of γδ T cells, we may uncover a promising strategy to mitigate plaque buildup and dampen the inflammatory response, thereby opening new avenues for effectively managing this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- LiMin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Entry-Exit Frontier Inspection Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fanfan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Fan
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Suguru Saito
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - DuoYao Cao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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6
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Berrevoet D, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Deforce D, Speeckaert R. Proteomics data in vitiligo: a scoping review. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1387011. [PMID: 38715599 PMCID: PMC11074361 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1387011] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
An unbiased screening of which proteins are deregulated in vitiligo using proteomics can offer an enormous value. It could not only reveal robust biomarkers for detecting disease activity but can also identify which patients are most likely to respond to treatments. We performed a scoping review searching for all articles using proteomics in vitiligo. Eight manuscripts could be identified. Unfortunately, very limited overlap was found in the differentially expressed proteins between studies (15 out of 272; 5,51%) with variable degrees of the type of proteins and a substantial variety in the prevalence of acute phase proteins (range: 6-65%). Proteomics research has therefore brought little corroborating evidence on which proteins are differentially regulated between vitiligo patients and healthy controls or between active and stable vitiligo patients. While a limited patient size is an obvious weakness for several studies, an incomplete description of patient characteristics is an unfortunate and avoidable shortcoming. Additionally, the variations in the used methodology and analyses may further contribute to the overall observed variability. Nonetheless, more recent studies investigating the response to treatment seem to be more robust, as more differentially expressed proteins that have previously been confirmed to be involved in vitiligo were found. The further inclusion of proteomics analyses in clinical trials is recommended to increase insights into the pathogenic mechanisms in vitiligo and identify reliable biomarkers or promising drug targets. A harmonization in the study design, reporting and proteomics methodology could vastly improve the value of vitiligo proteomics research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danique Berrevoet
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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7
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He C, Kim HI, Park J, Guo J, Huang W. The role of immune cells in different stages of atherosclerosis. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:1129-1143. [PMID: 38774746 PMCID: PMC11103388 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.94570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of immune cells in the intima of arteries. Experimental and clinical evidence shows that both innate and adaptive immunity orchestrate the progression of atherosclerosis. The heterogeneous nature of immune cells within atherosclerosis lesions is important. Studies utilizing high-dimensional mass spectrometry and single-cell RNA sequencing of leukocytes from atherosclerotic lesions show the diversity and adaptability of these immune cell subtypes. Their migration, compositional changes, phenotypic alterations, and adaptive responses are key features throughout atherosclerosis progression. Understanding how these immune cells and their subtypes affect atherogenesis would help to develop novel therapeutic approaches that control atherosclerosis progression. Precise targeting of specific immune system components involved in atherosclerosis, rather than broad suppression of the immune system with anti-inflammatory agents, can more accurately regulate the progress of atherosclerosis with fewer side effects. In this review, we cover the most recent advances in the field of atherosclerosis to understand the role of various immune cells on its development. We focus on the complex network of immune cells and the interaction between the innate immune system and adaptive immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong He
- Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing 163319, PR China
| | - Hyo In Kim
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Jinbong Park
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Junli Guo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province, School of Public Health, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, PR China
| | - Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medicine and Life Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province, School of Public Health, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, PR China
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8
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Snijckers RPM, Foks AC. Adaptive immunity and atherosclerosis: aging at its crossroads. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1350471. [PMID: 38686373 PMCID: PMC11056569 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1350471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Adaptive immunity plays a profound role in atherosclerosis pathogenesis by regulating antigen-specific responses, inflammatory signaling and antibody production. However, as we age, our immune system undergoes a gradual functional decline, a phenomenon termed "immunosenescence". This decline is characterized by a reduction in proliferative naïve B- and T cells, decreased B- and T cell receptor repertoire and a pro-inflammatory senescence associated secretory profile. Furthermore, aging affects germinal center responses and deteriorates secondary lymphoid organ function and structure, leading to impaired T-B cell dynamics and increased autoantibody production. In this review, we will dissect the impact of aging on adaptive immunity and the role played by age-associated B- and T cells in atherosclerosis pathogenesis, emphasizing the need for interventions that target age-related immune dysfunction to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda C. Foks
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
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9
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Stroope C, Nettersheim FS, Coon B, Finney AC, Schwartz MA, Ley K, Rom O, Yurdagul A. Dysregulated cellular metabolism in atherosclerosis: mediators and therapeutic opportunities. Nat Metab 2024; 6:617-638. [PMID: 38532071 PMCID: PMC11055680 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-024-01015-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence over the past decades has revealed an intricate relationship between dysregulation of cellular metabolism and the progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, an integrated understanding of dysregulated cellular metabolism in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and its potential value as a therapeutic target is missing. In this Review, we (1) summarize recent advances concerning the role of metabolic dysregulation during atherosclerosis progression in lesional cells, including endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, macrophages and T cells; (2) explore the complexity of metabolic cross-talk between these lesional cells; (3) highlight emerging technologies that promise to illuminate unknown aspects of metabolism in atherosclerosis; and (4) suggest strategies for targeting these underexplored metabolic alterations to mitigate atherosclerosis progression and stabilize rupture-prone atheromas with a potential new generation of cardiovascular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad Stroope
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Felix Sebastian Nettersheim
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Brian Coon
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, OMRF, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Alexandra C Finney
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Departments of Cell Biology and Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Klaus Ley
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Immunology Center of Georgia (IMMCG), Augusta University Immunology Center of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Oren Rom
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Arif Yurdagul
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA.
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10
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Harrison J, Newland SA, Jiang W, Giakomidi D, Zhao X, Clement M, Masters L, Corovic A, Zhang X, Drago F, Ma M, Ozsvar Kozma M, Yasin F, Saady Y, Kothari H, Zhao TX, Shi GP, McNamara CA, Binder CJ, Sage AP, Tarkin JM, Mallat Z, Nus M. Marginal zone B cells produce 'natural' atheroprotective IgM antibodies in a T cell-dependent manner. Cardiovasc Res 2024; 120:318-328. [PMID: 38381113 PMCID: PMC10939463 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvae027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The adaptive immune response plays an important role in atherosclerosis. In response to a high-fat/high-cholesterol (HF/HC) diet, marginal zone B (MZB) cells activate an atheroprotective programme by regulating the differentiation and accumulation of 'poorly differentiated' T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. On the other hand, Tfh cells activate the germinal centre response, which promotes atherosclerosis through the production of class-switched high-affinity antibodies. We therefore investigated the direct role of Tfh cells and the role of IL18 in Tfh differentiation in atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS We generated atherosclerotic mouse models with selective genetic deletion of Tfh cells, MZB cells, or IL18 signalling in Tfh cells. Surprisingly, mice lacking Tfh cells had increased atherosclerosis. Lack of Tfh not only reduced class-switched IgG antibodies against oxidation-specific epitopes (OSEs) but also reduced atheroprotective natural IgM-type anti-phosphorylcholine (PC) antibodies, despite no alteration of natural B1 cells. Moreover, the absence of Tfh cells was associated with an accumulation of MZB cells with substantially reduced ability to secrete antibodies. In the same manner, MZB cell deficiency in Ldlr-/- mice was associated with a significant decrease in atheroprotective IgM antibodies, including natural anti-PC IgM antibodies. In humans, we found a positive correlation between circulating MZB-like cells and anti-OSE IgM antibodies. Finally, we identified an important role for IL18 signalling in HF/HC diet-induced Tfh. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal a previously unsuspected role of MZB cells in regulating atheroprotective 'natural' IgM antibody production in a Tfh-dependent manner, which could have important pathophysiological and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Harrison
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephen A Newland
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Despoina Giakomidi
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marc Clement
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Laboratory for Vascular Translational Sciences (LVTS), Université de Paris, INSERM U1148, Paris, France
| | - Leanne Masters
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrej Corovic
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Woman’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fabrizio Drago
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Marcella Ma
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria Ozsvar Kozma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Froher Yasin
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yuta Saady
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hema Kothari
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Tian X Zhao
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Guo-Ping Shi
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Woman’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Coleen A McNamara
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Christoph J Binder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrew P Sage
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jason M Tarkin
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ziad Mallat
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- PARCC Inserm U970, Universite de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Meritxell Nus
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
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11
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Khan A, Roy P, Ley K. Breaking tolerance: the autoimmune aspect of atherosclerosis. Nat Rev Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41577-024-01010-y. [PMID: 38472321 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-01010-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial walls and is characterized by the accumulation of lipoproteins that are insufficiently cleared by phagocytes. Following the initiation of atherosclerosis, the pathological progression is accelerated by engagement of the adaptive immune system. Atherosclerosis triggers the breakdown of tolerance to self-components. This loss of tolerance is reflected in defective expression of immune checkpoint molecules, dysfunctional antigen presentation, and aberrations in T cell populations - most notably in regulatory T (Treg) cells - and in the production of autoantibodies. The breakdown of tolerance to self-proteins that is observed in ASCVD may be linked to the conversion of Treg cells to 'exTreg' cells because many Treg cells in ASCVD express T cell receptors that are specific for self-epitopes. Alternatively, or in addition, breakdown of tolerance may trigger the activation of naive T cells, resulting in the clonal expansion of T cell populations with pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic effector phenotypes. In this Perspective, we review the evidence that atherosclerosis is associated with a breakdown of tolerance to self-antigens, discuss possible immunological mechanisms and identify knowledge gaps to map out future research. Rational approaches aimed at re-establishing immune tolerance may become game changers in treating ASCVD and in preventing its downstream sequelae, which include heart attacks and strokes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Khan
- Immunology Center of Georgia, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Payel Roy
- Immunology Center of Georgia, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Klaus Ley
- Immunology Center of Georgia, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
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12
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Zhang T, Pang C, Xu M, Zhao Q, Hu Z, Jiang X, Guo M. The role of immune system in atherosclerosis: Molecular mechanisms, controversies, and future possibilities. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110765. [PMID: 38369442 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110765] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Numerous cardiovascular disorders have atherosclerosis as their pathological underpinning. Numerous studies have demonstrated that, with the aid of pattern recognition receptors, cytokines, and immunoglobulins, innate immunity, represented by monocytes/macrophages, and adaptive immunity, primarily T/B cells, play a critical role in controlling inflammation and abnormal lipid metabolism in atherosclerosis. Additionally, the finding of numerous complement components in atherosclerotic plaques suggests yet again how heavily the immune system controls atherosclerosis. Therefore, it is essential to have a thorough grasp of how the immune system contributes to atherosclerosis. The specific molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of immune cells and immune molecules in atherosclerosis, the controversy surrounding some immune cells in atherosclerosis, and the limitations of extrapolating from relevant animal models to humans were all carefully reviewed in this review from the three perspectives of innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and complement system. This could provide fresh possibilities for atherosclerosis research and treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianle Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Chenxu Pang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Mengxin Xu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Qianqian Zhao
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Zhijie Hu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Xijuan Jiang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China.
| | - Maojuan Guo
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, PR China.
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13
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Scherlinger M, Li H, Pan W, Li W, Karino K, Vichos T, Boulougoura A, Yoshida N, Tsokos MG, Tsokos GC. CaMK4 controls follicular helper T cell expansion and function during normal and autoimmune T-dependent B cell responses. Nat Commun 2024; 15:840. [PMID: 38287012 PMCID: PMC10825135 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45080-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by dysregulated B cell compartment responsible for the production of autoantibodies. Here, we show that T cell-specific expression of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMK4) leads to T follicular helper (Tfh) cells expansion in models of T-dependent immunization and autoimmunity. Mechanistically, CaMK4 controls the Tfh-specific transcription factor B cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6) at the transcriptional level through the cAMP responsive element modulator α (CREMα). In the absence of CaMK4 in T cells, germinal center formation and humoral immunity is impaired in immunized mice, resulting in reduced anti-dsDNA titres, as well as IgG and complement kidney deposition in the lupus-prone B6.lpr mouse. In human Tfh cells, CaMK4 inhibition reduced BCL6 expression and IL-21 secretion ex vivo, resulting in impaired plasmablast formation and IgG production. In patients with SLE, CAMK4 mRNA levels in Tfh cells correlated with those of BCL6. In conclusion, we identify CaMK4/CREMα as a driver of T cell-dependent B cell dysregulation in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Scherlinger
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Rheumatology department, Strasbourg University Hospital of Hautepierre, Strasbourg, France.
- Laboratoire d'ImmunoRhumatologie Moléculaire, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMR_S 1109, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wenliang Pan
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kohei Karino
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Theodoros Vichos
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Nobuya Yoshida
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria G Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George C Tsokos
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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14
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Chan A, Torelli S, Cheng E, Batchelder R, Waliany S, Neal J, Witteles R, Nguyen P, Cheng P, Zhu H. Immunotherapy-Associated Atherosclerosis: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Findings and Implications for Future Research. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2023; 25:715-735. [PMID: 38213548 PMCID: PMC10776491 DOI: 10.1007/s11936-023-01024-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of the Review Even as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the lifespan of many patients, they may also trigger acceleration of long-term cardiovascular disease. Our review aims to examine the current landscape of research on ICI-mediated atherosclerosis and address key questions regarding its pathogenesis and impact on patient management. Recent Findings Preclinical mouse models suggest that T cell dysregulation and proatherogenic cytokine production are key contributors to plaque development after checkpoint inhibition. Clinical data also highlight the significant burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in patients on immunotherapy, although the value of proactively preventing and treating ASCVD in this population remains an open area of inquiry. Current treatment options include dietary/lifestyle modification and traditional medications to manage hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes risk factors; no current targeted therapies exist. Summary Early identification of high-risk patients is crucial for effective preventive strategies and timely intervention. Future research should focus on refining screening tools, elucidating targetable mechanisms driving ICI atherosclerosis, and evaluating long-term cardiovascular outcomes in cancer survivors who received immunotherapy. Moreover, close collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists is essential to optimize patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Chan
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Stefan Torelli
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Evaline Cheng
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Ryan Batchelder
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Sarah Waliany
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Joel Neal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Ronald Witteles
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Patricia Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and Department of Medicine, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Rm 3500, Biomedical Innovations Building, Stanford, CA 94304 USA
| | - Paul Cheng
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and Department of Medicine, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Rm 3500, Biomedical Innovations Building, Stanford, CA 94304 USA
| | - Han Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and Department of Medicine, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Rm 3500, Biomedical Innovations Building, Stanford, CA 94304 USA
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15
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Zhao L, Ma D, Wang L, Su X, Feng L, Zhu L, Chen Y, Hao Y, Wang X, Feng J. Metabolic changes with the occurrence of atherosclerotic plaques and the effects of statins. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1301051. [PMID: 38143759 PMCID: PMC10739339 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1301051] [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: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a common cardiovascular disease caused by the abnormal expression of multiple factors and genes influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. The primary manifestation of atherosclerosis is plaque formation, which occurs when inflammatory cells consume excess lipids, affecting their retention and modification within the arterial intima. This triggers endothelial cell (EC) activation, immune cell infiltration, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration, foam cell formation, lipid streaks, and fibrous plaque development. These processes can lead to vascular wall sclerosis, lumen stenosis, and thrombosis. Immune cells, ECs, and VSMCs in atherosclerotic plaques undergo significant metabolic changes and inflammatory responses. The interaction of cytokines and chemokines secreted by these cells leads to the onset, progression, and regression of atherosclerosis. The regulation of cell- or cytokine-based immune responses is a novel therapeutic approach for atherosclerosis. Statins are currently the primary pharmacological agents utilised for managing unstable plaques owing to their ability to enhance endothelial function, regulate VSMC proliferation and apoptosis by reducing cholesterol levels, and mitigate the expression and activity of inflammatory cytokines. In this review, we provide an overview of the metabolic changes associated with atherosclerosis, describe the effects of inflammatory responses on atherosclerotic plaques, and discuss the mechanisms through which statins contribute to plaque stabilisation. Additionally, we examine the role of statins in combination with other drugs in the management of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Di Ma
- Bethune First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - LiJuan Wang
- Bethune First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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16
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Appleton BD, Palmer SA, Smith HP, Stephens LE, Major AS. Oxidized Phospholipid oxPAPC Alters Regulatory T-Cell Differentiation and Decreases Their Protective Function in Atherosclerosis in Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:2119-2132. [PMID: 37675632 PMCID: PMC10720352 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319674] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are protective in atherosclerosis but reduced during disease progression due to cell death and loss of stability. However, the mechanisms of Treg dysfunction remain unknown. Oxidized phospholipids are abundant in atherosclerosis and can activate innate immune cells, but little is known regarding their impact on T cells. Given Treg loss during atherosclerosis progression and oxidized phospholipid levels in the plaque microenvironment, we investigated whether oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (oxPAPC), an oxidized phospholipid associated with atherosclerotic plaques, alters Treg differentiation and function. METHODS CD4+ T cells were polarized to Treg, T helper (Th) 1, and Th17 cells with or without oxPAPC and assessed by flow cytometry. Gene expression in oxPAPC-treated Tregs was analyzed by bulk RNA sequencing. Functional studies of oxPAPC-induced Tregs were performed by coculturing Tregs with CellTrace Violet-labeled cells in vitro, and by adoptively transferring Tregs to hyperlipidemic Ldlr-/- mice to measure atherosclerosis progression. RESULTS Compared with controls, oxPAPC-treated Tregs were less viable, but surviving cells expressed higher levels of the Th1-associated markers T-bet, CXCR3, and IFN (interferon)-γ. Th1 and Th17 skewing cultures were unaltered by oxPAPC. IFN-γ is linked to Treg instability, thus Treg polarization experiments were repeated using Ifngr1-/- CD4+ T cells. IFNγR1 (INF gamma receptor 1) deficiency did not improve cell viability in oxPAPC-treated Tregs; however, T-bet and IFN-γ expression was not increased in surviving cells suggesting a role for IFN-γsignaling. OxPAPC-treated Tregs were less suppressive in vitro, and adoptive transfer studies in hyperlipidemic Ldlr-/- mice showed that oxPAPC-induced Tregs possessed altered tissue homing and were insufficient to inhibit atherosclerosis progression. CONCLUSIONS OxPAPC elicits Treg-specific changes altering Treg differentiation and inducing a Th1-like phenotype in surviving cells partially through IFN-γ signaling. This is biologically relevant as oxPAPC-treated Tregs do not reduce atherosclerosis progression in Ldlr-/- mice. This study supports the role of oxidized phospholipids in negatively impacting Treg differentiation and atheroprotective function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenna D. Appleton
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University
| | | | | | | | - Amy S. Major
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Tennessee Valley Health System, Department of Veterans Affairs
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17
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Lao P, Chen J, Tang L, Zhang J, Chen Y, Fang Y, Fan X. Regulatory T cells in lung disease and transplantation. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20231331. [PMID: 37795866 PMCID: PMC10611924 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231331] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary disease can refer to the disease of the lung itself or the pulmonary manifestations of systemic diseases, which are often connected to the malfunction of the immune system. Regulatory T (Treg) cells have been shown to be important in maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing inflammatory damage, including lung diseases. Given the increasing amount of evidence linking Treg cells to various pulmonary conditions, Treg cells might serve as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of lung diseases and potentially promote lung transplant tolerance. The most potent and well-defined Treg cells are Foxp3-expressing CD4+ Treg cells, which contribute to the prevention of autoimmune lung diseases and the promotion of lung transplant rejection. The protective mechanisms of Treg cells in lung disease and transplantation involve multiple immune suppression mechanisms. This review summarizes the development, phenotype and function of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells. Then, we focus on the therapeutic potential of Treg cells in preventing lung disease and limiting lung transplant rejection. Furthermore, we discussed the possibility of Treg cell utilization in clinical applications. This will provide an overview of current research advances in Treg cells and their relevant application in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peizhen Lao
- Institute of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Education, 351 Xingang Middle Road, Guangzhou 510303, PR China
| | - Jingyi Chen
- Institute of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Education, 351 Xingang Middle Road, Guangzhou 510303, PR China
| | - Longqian Tang
- Institute of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Education, 351 Xingang Middle Road, Guangzhou 510303, PR China
| | - Jiwen Zhang
- Institute of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Education, 351 Xingang Middle Road, Guangzhou 510303, PR China
| | - Yuxi Chen
- Institute of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Education, 351 Xingang Middle Road, Guangzhou 510303, PR China
| | - Yuyin Fang
- Institute of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Education, 351 Xingang Middle Road, Guangzhou 510303, PR China
| | - Xingliang Fan
- Institute of Biological and Food Engineering, Guangdong University of Education, 351 Xingang Middle Road, Guangzhou 510303, PR China
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18
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Freuchet A, Roy P, Armstrong SS, Oliaeimotlagh M, Kumar S, Orecchioni M, Ali AJ, Khan A, Makings J, Lyu Q, Winkels H, Wang E, Durant C, Ghosheh Y, Gulati R, Nettersheim F, Ley K. Identification of human exT reg cells as CD16 +CD56 + cytotoxic CD4 + T cells. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:1748-1761. [PMID: 37563308 PMCID: PMC11022744 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01589-9] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
In atherosclerosis, some regulatory T (Treg) cells become exTreg cells. We crossed inducible Treg and exTreg cell lineage-tracker mice (FoxP3eGFP-Cre-ERT2ROSA26CAG-fl-stop-fl-tdTomato) to atherosclerosis-prone Apoe-/- mice, sorted Treg cells and exTreg cells and determined their transcriptomes by bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Genes that were differentially expressed between mouse Treg cells and exTreg cells and filtered for their presence in a human single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) panel identified exTreg cell signature genes as CST7, NKG7, GZMA, PRF1, TBX21 and CCL4. Projecting these genes onto the human scRNA-seq with CITE-seq data identified human exTreg cells as CD3+CD4+CD16+CD56+, which was validated by flow cytometry. Bulk RNA-seq of sorted human exTreg cells identified them as inflammatory and cytotoxic CD4+T cells that were significantly distinct from both natural killer and Treg cells. DNA sequencing for T cell receptor-β showed clonal expansion of Treg cell CDR3 sequences in exTreg cells. Cytotoxicity was functionally demonstrated in cell killing and CD107a degranulation assays, which identifies human exTreg cells as cytotoxic CD4+T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Payel Roy
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Sunil Kumar
- Immunology Center of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Marco Orecchioni
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Immunology Center of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Amal J Ali
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Amir Khan
- Immunology Center of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | - Qingkang Lyu
- Immunology Center of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Holger Winkels
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Clinic III for Internal Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Erpei Wang
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Yanal Ghosheh
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rishab Gulati
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Klaus Ley
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Immunology Center of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
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19
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Bazioti V, Halmos B, Westerterp M. T-cell Cholesterol Accumulation, Aging, and Atherosclerosis. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023; 25:527-534. [PMID: 37395922 PMCID: PMC10471657 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01125-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The majority of leukocytes in advanced human atherosclerotic plaques are T-cells. T-cell subsets exert pro- or anti-atherogenic effects largely via the cytokines they secrete. Tregulatory cells (Tregs) are anti-inflammatory, but may lose these properties during atherosclerosis, proposed to be downstream of cholesterol accumulation. Aged T-cells also accumulate cholesterol. The effects of T-cell cholesterol accumulation on T-cell fate and atherosclerosis are not uniform. RECENT FINDINGS T-cell cholesterol accumulation enhances differentiation into pro-atherogenic cytotoxic T-cells and boosts their killing capacity, depending on the localization and extent of cholesterol accumulation. Excessive cholesterol accumulation induces T-cell exhaustion or T-cell apoptosis, the latter decreasing atherosclerosis but impairing T-cell functionality in terms of killing capacity and proliferation. This may explain the compromised T-cell functionality in aged T-cells and T-cells from CVD patients. The extent of T-cell cholesterol accumulation and its cellular localization determine T-cell fate and downstream effects on atherosclerosis and T-cell functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venetia Bazioti
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713AV, The Netherlands
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Benedek Halmos
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713AV, The Netherlands
| | - Marit Westerterp
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713AV, The Netherlands.
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20
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Atehortua L, Morris J, Street SE, Bedel N, Davidson WS, Chougnet CA. Apolipoprotein E-containing HDL decreases caspase-dependent apoptosis of memory regulatory T lymphocytes. J Lipid Res 2023; 64:100425. [PMID: 37579971 PMCID: PMC10507648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2023.100425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasma levels of HDL cholesterol are inversely associated with CVD progression. It is becoming increasingly clear that HDL plays important roles in immunity that go beyond its traditionally understood roles in lipid transport. We previously reported that HDL interaction with regulatory T cells (Treg) protected them from apoptosis, which could be a mechanism underlying the broad anti-inflammatory effect of HDL. Herein, we extend our work to show that HDL interacts mainly with memory Treg, particularly with the highly suppressive effector memory Treg, by limiting caspase-dependent apoptosis in an Akt-dependent manner. Reconstitution experiments identified the protein component of HDL as the primary driver of the effect, though the most abundant HDL protein, apolipoprotein A-I (APOA1), was inactive. In contrast, APOE-depleted HDL failed to rescue effector memory Treg, suggesting the critical role of APOE proteins. HDL particles reconstituted with APOE, and synthetic phospholipids blunted Treg apoptosis at physiological concentrations. The APOE3 and APOE4 isoforms were the most efficient. Similar results were obtained when lipid-free recombinant APOEs were tested. Binding experiments showed that lipid-free APOE3 bound to memory Treg but not to naive Treg. Overall, our results show that APOE interaction with Treg results in blunted caspase-dependent apoptosis and increased survival. As dysregulation of HDL-APOE levels has been reported in CVD and obesity, our data bring new insight on how this defect may contribute to these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Atehortua
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jamie Morris
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Scott E Street
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nicholas Bedel
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - W Sean Davidson
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Claire A Chougnet
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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21
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Gong W, Tian Y, Li L. T cells in abdominal aortic aneurysm: immunomodulation and clinical application. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1240132. [PMID: 37662948 PMCID: PMC10471798 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1240132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) dysfunction. The inflammatory cells involved in AAA mainly include immune cells including macrophages, neutrophils, T-lymphocytes and B lymphocytes and endothelial cells. As the blood vessel wall expands, more and more lymphocytes infiltrate into the outer membrane. It was found that more than 50% of lymphocytes in AAA tissues were CD3+ T cells, including CD4+, CD8+T cells, γδ T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Due to the important role of T cells in inflammatory response, an increasing number of researchers have paid attention to the role of T cells in AAA and dug into the relevant mechanism. Therefore, this paper focuses on reviewing the immunoregulatory role of T cells in AAA and their role in immunotherapy, seeking potential targets for immunotherapy and putting forward future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lei Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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22
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Yang J, Chen Y, Li X, Qin H, Bao J, Wang C, Dong X, Xu D. Complex Interplay Between Metabolism and CD4 + T-Cell Activation, Differentiation, and Function: a Novel Perspective for Atherosclerosis Immunotherapy. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2023:10.1007/s10557-023-07466-9. [PMID: 37199882 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-023-07466-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a complex pathological process that results from the chronic inflammatory reaction of the blood vessel wall and involves various immune cells and cytokines. An imbalance in the proportion and function of the effector CD4+ T-cell (Teff) and regulatory T-cell (Treg) subsets is an important cause of the occurrence and development of atherosclerotic plaques. Teff cells depend on glycolytic metabolism and glutamine catabolic metabolism for energy, while Treg cells mainly rely on fatty acid oxidation (FAO), which is crucial for determining the fate of CD4+ T cells during differentiation and maintaining their respective immune functions. Here, we review recent research achievements in the field of immunometabolism related to CD4+ T cells, focusing on the cellular metabolic pathways and metabolic reprogramming involved in the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of CD4+ T cells. Subsequently, we discuss the important roles of mTOR and AMPK signaling in regulating CD4+ T-cell differentiation. Finally, we evaluated the links between CD4+ T-cell metabolism and atherosclerosis, highlighting the potential of targeted modulation of CD4+ T-cell metabolism in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingmin Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Yanying Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Huali Qin
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Jinghui Bao
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Chunfang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaochen Dong
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Danyan Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.
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23
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Nardin M, Verdoia M, Laera N, Cao D, De Luca G. New Insights into Pathophysiology and New Risk Factors for ACS. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12082883. [PMID: 37109221 PMCID: PMC10146393 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12082883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease still represents the main cause of mortality worldwide. Despite huge improvements, atherosclerosis persists as the principal pathological condition, both in stable and acute presentation. Specifically, acute coronary syndromes have received substantial research and clinical attention in recent years, contributing to improve overall patients' outcome. The identification of different evolution patterns of the atherosclerotic plaque and coronary artery disease has suggested the potential need of different treatment approaches, according to the mechanisms and molecular elements involved. In addition to traditional risk factors, the finer portrayal of other metabolic and lipid-related mediators has led to higher and deep knowledge of atherosclerosis, providing potential new targets for clinical management of the patients. Finally, the impressive advances in genetics and non-coding RNAs have opened a wide field of research both on pathophysiology and the therapeutic side that are extensively under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Nardin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Third Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Monica Verdoia
- Division of Cardiology, Ospedale degli Infermi, ASL Biella, 13900 Biella, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, Eastern Piedmont University, 13100 Novara, Italy
| | - Nicola Laera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Davide Cao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Luca
- Division of Cardiology, AOU "Policlinico G. Martino", Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, IRCCS Hospital Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio, 20161 Milan, Italy
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24
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Zhang X, Meng J, Shi X, Quinet RJ, Davis W, Zakem J, Keshavamurthy C, Patel R, Lobo G, Hellmers L, Ray AN, Rivers LE, Ali H, Posas-Mendoza T, Hille C, You Z. Lupus pathogenesis and autoimmunity are exacerbated by high fat diet-induced obesity in MRL/lpr mice. Lupus Sci Med 2023; 10:10/1/e000898. [PMID: 37041033 PMCID: PMC10106072 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-000898] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE SLE is an autoimmune disease characterised by persistent inflammation and autoantibody production. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as a high-fat diet (HFD) may contribute to lupus development. However, the immune cell profile and gender difference in response to HFD in lupus have not been reported. Here we investigated the impact of HFD on lupus pathogenesis and autoimmunity using lupus-prone mice. METHODS Thirty male and 30 female MRL/lymphoproliferation (lpr) mice were fed with regular diet (RD) or HFD. Body weights were recorded weekly. SLE progression was monitored by skin lesion, urine protein, titres of antidouble-strand DNA (dsDNA) and ANA. At week 14, kidney and skin tissue sections were stained with H&E and periodic acid-Schiff to detect histological kidney index and skin score. Splenocytes were identified by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. RESULTS HFD significantly increased body weight and lipid levels compared with RD (p<0.01). Skin lesions were observed in 55.6% of the HFD group compared with 11.1% of the RD group, with greater histopathological skin scores in the female HFD group (p<0.01). Although both male and female mice had higher serum IgG in the HFD group than in the RD group, only the male HFD group showed an increased trend in anti-dsDNA Ab and ANA titres. Kidney pathological changes in the HFD group were more severe in male mice than in female mice (p<0.05), detected by proteinuria, kidney index and glomerular cell proliferation. Significant increases of germinal centre B cells and T follicular helper cells were observed in the spleens of HFD mice (p<0.05). CONCLUSION HFD induced an accelerated and exacerbated lupus development and autoimmunity in MRL/lpr mice. Our results parallel many known clinical lupus phenotypes and sexual dimorphism in which male patients are likelier to have a severe disease (nephritis) than female lupus patients who may have a broader range of lupus symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Juan Meng
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuhua Shi
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Robert James Quinet
- Department of Rheumatology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - William Davis
- Department of Rheumatology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Rheumatology, The University of Queensland Medical School, Ochsner Clinical School, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jerald Zakem
- Department of Rheumatology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Chandana Keshavamurthy
- Department of Rheumatology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Rheumatology, The University of Queensland Medical School, Ochsner Clinical School, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Ronak Patel
- Department of Rheumatology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Gitanjali Lobo
- Department of Rheumatology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Linh Hellmers
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Alicia Nicole Ray
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Laura E Rivers
- Department of Rheumatology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Hiba Ali
- Department of Rheumatology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | | | - Chad Hille
- Department of Rheumatology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Zongbing You
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Research Service, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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25
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Jing J, Zhu C, Gong R, Qi X, Zhang Y, Zhang Z. Research progress on the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine in the intervention of atherosclerosis: A promising natural immunotherapeutic adjuvant. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114201. [PMID: 36610225 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by disorders of lipid metabolism. Abnormal deposition of low-density lipoproteins in the arterial wall stimulates the activation of immune cells, including the adhesion and infiltration of monocytes, the proliferation and differentiation of macrophages and lymphocytes, and the activation of their functions. The complex interplay between immune cells coordinates the balance between pro- and anti-inflammation and plays a key role in the progression of AS. Therefore, targeting immune cell activity may lead to the development of more selective drugs with fewer side effects to treat AS without compromising host defense mechanisms. At present, an increasing number of studies have found that the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the function of immune cells in multiple ways to against AS, showing great potential for the treatment of AS and promising clinical applications. In this paper, we review the mechanisms of immune cell action in AS lesions and the potential targets and/or pathways for immune cell regulation by the active ingredients of TCM to promote the understanding of the immune system interactions of AS and provide a relevant basis for the use of active ingredients of TCM as natural adjuvants for AS immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Jing
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Chaojun Zhu
- Surgical Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China.
| | - Rui Gong
- The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China.
| | - Xue Qi
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250001, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- Peripheral Vascular Disease Department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China.
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Surgical Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China.
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26
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Lyu Q, Ley K. How Lymphatic Endothelial Cells Destabilize Regulatory T Cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:215-217. [PMID: 36579643 PMCID: PMC10108378 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.318849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qingkang Lyu
- Immunology Center of Georgia (Q.L., K.L.), Augusta University
| | - Klaus Ley
- Immunology Center of Georgia (Q.L., K.L.), Augusta University.,Department of Physiology (K.L.), Augusta University
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27
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Zhao W, Zhou LY, Kong J, Huang ZH, Gao YD, Zhang ZX, Zhou YJ, Wu RY, Xu HJ, An SJ. Expression of recombinant human Apolipoprotein A-I Milano in Nicotiana tabacum. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2023; 10:4. [PMID: 38647895 PMCID: PMC10992485 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-023-00623-w] [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: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein A-IMilano (Apo A-IMilano) is a natural mutant of Apolipoprotein. It is currently the only protein that can clear arterial wall thrombus deposits and promptly alleviate acute myocardial ischemia. Apo A-IMilano is considered as the most promising therapeutic protein for treating atherosclerotic diseases without obvious toxic or side effects. However, the current biopharmaceutical platforms are not efficient for developing Apo A-IMilano. The objectives of this research were to express Apo A-IMilano using the genetic transformation ability of N. tabacum. The method is to clone the coding sequence of Apo A-IMilano into the plant binary expression vector pCHF3 with a Flag/His6/GFP tag. The constructed plasmid was transformed into N. tabacum by a modified agrobacterium-mediated method, and transformants were selected under antibiotic stress. PCR, RT-qPCR, western blot and co-localization analysis was used to further verify the resistant N. tabacum. The stable expression and transient expression of N. tabacum were established, and the pure product of Apo A-IMilano was obtained through protein A/G agarose. The results showed that Apo A-IMilano was expressed in N. tabacum with a yield of 0.05 mg/g leaf weight and the purity was 90.58% ± 1.65. The obtained Apo A-IMilano protein was subjected to amino acid sequencing. Compared with the theoretical sequence of Apo A-IMilano, the amino acid coverage was 86%, it is also found that Cysteine replaces Arginine at position 173, which indicates that Apo A-IMilano, a mutant of Apo A-I, is accurately expressed in N. tabacum. The purified Apo A-IMilano protein had a lipid binding activity. The established genetic modification N. tabacum will provide a cost-effective system for the production of Apo A-IMilano. Regarding the rapid propagation of N. tabacum, this system provides the possibility of large-scale production and accelerated clinical translation of Apo A-IMilano.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- Hebei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Plant Bioreactor Preparation Technology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 326 Xinshi South Road, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
| | - Lu-Yang Zhou
- Hebei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Plant Bioreactor Preparation Technology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 326 Xinshi South Road, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
| | - Jing Kong
- Hebei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Plant Bioreactor Preparation Technology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 326 Xinshi South Road, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
- School of Nursing of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 326 Xinshi South Road, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
| | - Ze-Hao Huang
- Hebei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Plant Bioreactor Preparation Technology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 326 Xinshi South Road, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
| | - Ya-Di Gao
- Hebei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Plant Bioreactor Preparation Technology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 326 Xinshi South Road, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
| | - Zhong-Xia Zhang
- Hebei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Plant Bioreactor Preparation Technology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 326 Xinshi South Road, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
- School of Nursing of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 326 Xinshi South Road, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
| | - Yong-Jie Zhou
- Hebei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Plant Bioreactor Preparation Technology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 326 Xinshi South Road, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
| | - Ruo-Yu Wu
- Hebei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Plant Bioreactor Preparation Technology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 326 Xinshi South Road, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
| | - Hong-Jun Xu
- Hebei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Plant Bioreactor Preparation Technology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 326 Xinshi South Road, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China.
| | - Sheng-Jun An
- Hebei Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Plant Bioreactor Preparation Technology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 326 Xinshi South Road, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China.
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28
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Zhao Y, Zhang L, Liu L, Zhou X, Ding F, Yang Y, Du S, Wang H, Van Eck M, Wang J. Specific Loss of ABCA1 (ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1) Suppresses TCR (T-Cell Receptor) Signaling and Provides Protection Against Atherosclerosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42:e311-e326. [PMID: 36252122 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.318226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter A1) mediates cholesterol efflux to apo AI to maintain cellular cholesterol homeostasis. The current study aims to investigate whether T-cell-specific deletion of ABCA1 modulates the phenotype/function of T cells and the development of atherosclerosis. METHODS Mice with T-cell-specific deletion of ABCA1 on low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (Ldlr-/-) background (Abca1CD4-/CD4-Ldlr-/-) were generated by multiple steps of (cross)-breedings among Abca1flox/flox, CD4-Cre, and Ldlr-/- mice. RESULTS Deletions of ABCA1 greatly suppressed cholesterol efflux to apo AI but slightly reduced membrane lipid rafts on T cells probably due to the upregulation of ABCG1. Moreover, ABCA1 deficiency impaired TCR (T-cell receptor) signaling and inhibited the survival and proliferation of T cells as well as the formation of effector memory T cells. Despite the comparable levels of plasma total cholesterol after Western-type diet feeding, Abca1CD4-/CD4-Ldlr-/- mice showed significantly attenuated arterial accumulations of T cells and smaller atherosclerotic lesions than Abca1+/+Ldlr-/-controls, which were associated with reduced surface CCR5 (CC motif chemokine receptor 5) and CXCR3 (CXC motif chemokine receptor 3), decreased antiapoptotic Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) and Bcl-xL (B-cell lymphoma extra-large), and hampered abilities to produce IL (interleukin)-2 and IFN (interferon)-γ by ABCA1-deficient T cells. CONCLUSIONS ABCA1 is essential for T-cell cholesterol homeostasis. Deletion of ABCA1 in T cells impairs TCR signaling, suppresses the survival, proliferation, differentiation, and function of T cells, thereby providing atheroprotection in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology (Y.Z., L.Z., L.L., F.D., Y.Y., S.D.), Soochow Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology (Y.Z., L.Z., L.L., F.D., Y.Y., S.D.), Soochow Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Limin Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology (Y.Z., L.Z., L.L., F.D., Y.Y., S.D.), Soochow Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Immunology (X.Z.), Soochow Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Ding
- Department of Pathophysiology (Y.Z., L.Z., L.L., F.D., Y.Y., S.D.), Soochow Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology (Y.Z., L.Z., L.L., F.D., Y.Y., S.D.), Soochow Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shiyu Du
- Department of Pathophysiology (Y.Z., L.Z., L.L., F.D., Y.Y., S.D.), Soochow Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hongmin Wang
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, and Institutes of Biology & Medical Sciences (H.W., J.W.), Soochow Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Miranda Van Eck
- Division of BioTherapeutics (M.V.E.), Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands.,Division of Systems Pharmacology and Pharmacy (M.V.E.), Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands.,Pharmacy Leiden, the Netherlands (M.V.E.)
| | - Jun Wang
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, and Institutes of Biology & Medical Sciences (H.W., J.W.), Soochow Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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29
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Feng H, Zhao Z, Dong C. Adapting to the world: The determination and plasticity of T follicular helper cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 150:981-989. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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30
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Identifying Hub Genes and Immune Cell Infiltration for the Progression of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques in the Context of Predictive and Preventive Using Integrative Bioinformatics Approaches and Machine-Learning Strategies. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:7657379. [PMID: 36304068 PMCID: PMC9596267 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7657379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence shows that carotid atherosclerosis is related to the activation of immune-related pathways and inflammatory cell infiltration. However, the immune-linked pathways that helped in the advancement of the carotid atherosclerotic plaque and the association of such plaques with the infiltration status of the body's immune cells still unclear. Here, the expression profiles of the genes expressed during the progression of the carotid atherosclerotic plaques were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and 178 differentially expressed genes were examined. The Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis technique identified one of the brown modules showed the greatest correlation with carotid atherosclerotic plaques. In total, 66 intersecting genes could be detected after combining the DEGs. LASSO regression analysis was subsequently performed to obtain five hub genes as potential biomarkers for carotid atherosclerotic plaques. The functional analysis emphasized the vital roles played by the inflammation- and immune system-related pathways in this disease. The immune cell infiltration results highlighted the significant correlation among the CD4+ T cells, B cells, macrophages, and CD8+ T cells. Thereafter, the gene expression levels and the diagnostic values related to every hub gene were further validated. The above results indicated that macrophages, B cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8 + T cells were closely related to the formation of the advanced-stage carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Based on the results, it could be hypothesized that the expression of hub genes (C3AR1, SLAMF8, TMEM176A, FERMT3, and GIMAP4) assisted in the advancement of the early-stage to advanced-stage carotid atherosclerotic plaque through immune-related signaling pathways. This may help to provide novel strategies for the treatment of carotid plaque in the context of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine.
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31
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Márquez-Sánchez AC, Koltsova EK. Immune and inflammatory mechanisms of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Front Immunol 2022; 13:989933. [PMID: 36275758 PMCID: PMC9583679 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.989933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease. Immune-mediated infiltration and a destruction of the aortic wall during AAA development plays significant role in the pathogenesis of this disease. While various immune cells had been found in AAA, the mechanisms of their activation and function are still far from being understood. A better understanding of mechanisms regulating the development of aberrant immune cell activation in AAA is essential for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic approaches. In this review we summarize current knowledge about the role of immune cells in AAA and discuss how pathogenic immune cell activation is regulated in this disease.
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32
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Huang H, Li Z, Huang J, Xie Y, Xiao Z, Hu Y, Chen G, Wang M, Li Z, Chen Q, Zhu W, Su W, Luo Y, Chen X, Liang D. Apolipoprotein A1 Modulates Teff/Treg Balance Through Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I-Dependent Mechanisms in Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:23. [PMID: 35881406 PMCID: PMC9339694 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.8.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) is a representative animal model of human uveitis. In this study, we investigated whether apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) can alleviate EAU and explored its underlying mechanism. Methods Mice were immunized with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein 1-20 and treated with APOA1 or vehicle. The retinas, draining lymph nodes (DLNs), and spleens were analyzed. Isolated T cells were used for proliferation, differentiation, and function assays in vitro. Selective inhibitors and pathway agonists were used to study signaling pathways. The effect of APOA1 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from uveitis patients was also examined. Results Administration of APOA1 ameliorated EAU. APOA1 suppressed pathogenic CD4+ T cell expansion in DLNs and spleen, and decreased the infiltration of effector T (Teff) cells into retina. APOA1 also inhibited T cell proliferation and T helper 1 cell differentiation in vitro and promoted regulatory T (Treg) cell differentiation. APOA1 restricted inflammatory cytokine production from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated PBMCs. Mechanistic studies revealed that the effect of APOA1 was mediated by scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) and downstream signals including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Protein kinase B (PKB, or Akt), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor–κB. Conclusions APOA1 ameliorates EAU by regulating the Teff/Treg partially through SR-BI. Our results suggest that APOA1 can be a therapeutic alternative for autoimmune uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanyan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunwei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minzhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zuoyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
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33
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Bazioti V, La Rose AM, Maassen S, Bianchi F, de Boer R, Halmos B, Dabral D, Guilbaud E, Flohr-Svendsen A, Groenen AG, Marmolejo-Garza A, Koster MH, Kloosterhuis NJ, Havinga R, Pranger AT, Langelaar-Makkinje M, de Bruin A, van de Sluis B, Kohan AB, Yvan-Charvet L, van den Bogaart G, Westerterp M. T cell cholesterol efflux suppresses apoptosis and senescence and increases atherosclerosis in middle aged mice. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3799. [PMID: 35778407 PMCID: PMC9249754 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31135-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by hypercholesterolemia. During aging, T cells accumulate cholesterol, potentially affecting inflammation. However, the effect of cholesterol efflux pathways mediated by ATP-binding cassette A1 and G1 (ABCA1/ABCG1) on T cell-dependent age-related inflammation and atherosclerosis remains poorly understood. In this study, we generate mice with T cell-specific Abca1/Abcg1-deficiency on the low-density-lipoprotein-receptor deficient (Ldlr-/-) background. T cell Abca1/Abcg1-deficiency decreases blood, lymph node, and splenic T cells, and increases T cell activation and apoptosis. T cell Abca1/Abcg1-deficiency induces a premature T cell aging phenotype in middle-aged (12-13 months) Ldlr-/- mice, reflected by upregulation of senescence markers. Despite T cell senescence and enhanced T cell activation, T cell Abca1/Abcg1-deficiency decreases atherosclerosis and aortic inflammation in middle-aged Ldlr-/- mice, accompanied by decreased T cells in atherosclerotic plaques. We attribute these effects to T cell apoptosis downstream of T cell activation, compromising T cell functionality. Collectively, we show that T cell cholesterol efflux pathways suppress T cell apoptosis and senescence, and induce atherosclerosis in middle-aged Ldlr-/- mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venetia Bazioti
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands ,grid.5252.00000 0004 1936 973XInstitute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Anouk M. La Rose
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sjors Maassen
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Frans Bianchi
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rinse de Boer
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Benedek Halmos
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Deepti Dabral
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Emma Guilbaud
- grid.462370.40000 0004 0620 5402Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1065, Université Côte d’Azur, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Atip-Avenir, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Oncoage, 06204 Nice, France
| | - Arthur Flohr-Svendsen
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Anouk G. Groenen
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Marmolejo-Garza
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam H. Koster
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Niels J. Kloosterhuis
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rick Havinga
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Alle T. Pranger
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Laboratory of Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Miriam Langelaar-Makkinje
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Alain de Bruin
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands ,grid.5477.10000000120346234Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Dutch Molecular Pathology Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Bart van de Sluis
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Alison B. Kohan
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 USA
| | - Laurent Yvan-Charvet
- grid.462370.40000 0004 0620 5402Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1065, Université Côte d’Azur, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Atip-Avenir, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Oncoage, 06204 Nice, France
| | - Geert van den Bogaart
- grid.4830.f0000 0004 0407 1981Department of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marit Westerterp
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
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Karimi B, Dehghani Firoozabadi A, Peymani M, Ghaedi K. Circulating long noncoding RNAs as novel bio-tools: Focus on autoimmune diseases. Hum Immunol 2022; 83:618-627. [PMID: 35717260 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an emerging class of non-coding RNAs that do not encode proteins. These RNAs have various essential regulatory functions. Irregular expression of lncRNAs has been related to the pathological process of varied diseases, and are considered promising diagnostic biomarkers. LncRNAs can release into the circulation and be stable in body fluids as circulating lncRNAs. A subset of circulating lncRNAs that exist in exosomes are referred to as exosomal lncRNA molecules. These lncRNAs are highly stable and resist RNases. Exosomes have captured a great deal of attention due to their involvement in regulating communications between cells. In conditions of autoimmune disease, exosomes play critical roles in the pathological processes. In this context, circulating lncRNAs have been shown to modulate the immune response and indicated as prognosis and diagnostic biomarkers for autoimmune diseases. This review highlights the role of circulating lncRNAs (particularly exosomal) as diagnostic biomarkers for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and Sjögren's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Karimi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Peymani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Kamran Ghaedi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
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Xiong T, Lv XS, Wu GJ, Guo YX, Liu C, Hou FX, Wang JK, Fu YF, Liu FQ. Single-Cell Sequencing Analysis and Multiple Machine Learning Methods Identified G0S2 and HPSE as Novel Biomarkers for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Front Immunol 2022; 13:907309. [PMID: 35769488 PMCID: PMC9234288 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.907309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying biomarkers for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is key to understanding their pathogenesis, developing novel targeted therapeutics, and possibly improving patients outcomes and risk of rupture. Here, we identified AAA biomarkers from public databases using single-cell RNA-sequencing, weighted co-expression network (WGCNA), and differential expression analyses. Additionally, we used the multiple machine learning methods to identify biomarkers that differentiated large AAA from small AAA. Biomarkers were validated using GEO datasets. CIBERSORT was used to assess immune cell infiltration into AAA tissues and investigate the relationship between biomarkers and infiltrating immune cells. Therefore, 288 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened for AAA and normal samples. The identified DEGs were mostly related to inflammatory responses, lipids, and atherosclerosis. For the large and small AAA samples, 17 DEGs, mostly related to necroptosis, were screened. As biomarkers for AAA, G0/G1 switch 2 (G0S2) (Area under the curve [AUC] = 0.861, 0.875, and 0.911, in GSE57691, GSE47472, and GSE7284, respectively) and for large AAA, heparinase (HPSE) (AUC = 0.669 and 0.754, in GSE57691 and GSE98278, respectively) were identified and further verified by qRT-PCR. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed that the AAA process may be mediated by T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and the large AAA process may also be mediated by Tfh cells, M1, and M2 macrophages. Additionally, G0S2 expression was associated with neutrophils, activated and resting mast cells, M0 and M1 macrophages, regulatory T cells (Tregs), resting dendritic cells, and resting CD4 memory T cells. Moreover, HPSE expression was associated with M0 and M1 macrophages, activated and resting mast cells, Tregs, and resting CD4 memory T cells. Additional, G0S2 may be an effective diagnostic biomarker for AAA, whereas HPSE may be used to confer risk of rupture in large AAAs. Immune cells play a role in the onset and progression of AAA, which may improve its diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xiong
- Department of Cardiovascular, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiao-Shuo Lv
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Gu-Jie Wu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yao-Xing Guo
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Fang-Xia Hou
- Department of Cardiovascular, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Jun-Kui Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Yi-Fan Fu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Fu-Qiang Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Fu-Qiang Liu,
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Akama-Garren EH, Carroll MC. T Cell Help in the Autoreactive Germinal Center. Scand J Immunol 2022; 95:e13192. [PMID: 35587582 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The germinal center serves as a site of B cell selection and affinity maturation, critical processes for productive adaptive immunity. In autoimmune disease tolerance is broken in the germinal center reaction, leading to production of autoreactive B cells that may propagate disease. Follicular T cells are crucial regulators of this process, providing signals necessary for B cell survival in the germinal center. Here we review the emerging roles of follicular T cells in the autoreactive germinal center. Recent advances in immunological techniques have allowed study of the gene expression profiles and repertoire of follicular T cells at unprecedented resolution. These studies provide insight into the potential role follicular T cells play in preventing or facilitating germinal center loss of tolerance. Improved understanding of the mechanisms of T cell help in autoreactive germinal centers provides novel therapeutic targets for diseases of germinal center dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot H Akama-Garren
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael C Carroll
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Integrated investigation of DNA methylation, gene expression and immune cell population revealed immune cell infiltration associated with atherosclerotic plaque formation. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:108. [PMID: 35534881 PMCID: PMC9082837 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01259-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The clinical consequences of atherosclerosis are significant source of morbidity and mortality throughout the world, while the molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are largely unknown. Methods In this study, we integrated the DNA methylation and gene expression data in atherosclerotic plaque samples to decipher the underlying association between epigenetic and transcriptional regulation. Immune cell classification was performed on the basis of the expression pattern of detected genes. Finally, we selected ten genes with dysregulated methylation and expression levels for RT-qPCR validation. Results Global DNA methylation profile showed obvious changes between normal aortic and atherosclerotic lesion tissues. We found that differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were highly associated with atherosclerosis by being enriched in atherosclerotic plaque formation-related pathways, including cell adhesion and extracellular matrix organization. Immune cell fraction analysis revealed that a large number of immune cells, especially macrophages, activated mast cells, NK cells, and Tfh cells, were specifically enriched in the plaque. DEGs associated with immune cell fraction change showed that they were mainly related to the level of macrophages, monocytes, resting NK cells, activated CD4 memory T cells, and gamma delta T cells. These genes were highly enriched in multiple pathways of atherosclerotic plaque formation, including blood vessel remodeling, collagen fiber organization, cell adhesion, collagen catalogic process, extractable matrix assembly, and platelet activation. We also validated the expression alteration of ten genes associated with infiltrating immune cells in atherosclerosis. Conclusions In conclusion, these findings provide new evidence for understanding the mechanisms of atherosclerotic plaque formation, and provide a new and valuable research direction based on immune cell infiltration. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01259-z.
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The why and how of adaptive immune responses in ischemic cardiovascular disease. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:431-444. [PMID: 36382200 PMCID: PMC7613798 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00049-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a major cause of disability and death worldwide. Most therapeutic approaches target traditional risk factors but ignore the fundamental role of the immune system. This is a huge unmet need. Recent evidence indicates that reducing inflammation may limit cardiovascular events. However, the concomitant increase in the risk of lifethreatening infections is a major drawback. In this context, targeting adaptive immunity could constitute a highly effective and safer approach. In this Review, we address the why and how of the immuno-cardiovascular unit, in health and in atherosclerotic disease. We review and discuss fundamental mechanisms that ensure immune tolerance to cardiovascular tissue, and examine how their disruption promotes disease progression. We identify promising strategies to manipulate the adaptive immune system for patient benefit, including novel biologics and RNA-based vaccination strategies. Finally, we advocate for establishing a molecular classification of atherosclerosis as an important milestone in our quest to radically change the understanding and treatment of atherosclerotic disease.
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Saigusa R, Roy P, Freuchet A, Gulati R, Ghosheh Y, Suthahar SSA, Durant CP, Hanna DB, Kiosses WB, Orecchioni M, Wen L, Wu R, Kuniholm MH, Landay AL, Anastos K, Tien PC, Gange SJ, Kassaye S, Vallejo J, Hedrick CC, Kwok WW, Sette A, Hodis HN, Kaplan RC, Ley K. Single cell transcriptomics and TCR reconstruction reveal CD4 T cell response to MHC-II-restricted APOB epitope in human cardiovascular disease. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:462-475. [PMID: 35990517 PMCID: PMC9383695 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00063-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is accompanied by a CD4 T cell response to apolipoprotein B (APOB). Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)-II tetramers can be used to isolate antigen-specific CD4 T cells by flow sorting. Here, we produce, validate and use an MHC-II tetramer, DRB1*07:01 APOB-p18, to sort APOB-p18-specific cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples from 8 DRB1*07:01+ women with and without subclinical cardiovascular disease (sCVD). Single cell RNA sequencing showed that transcriptomes of tetramer+ cells were between regulatory and memory T cells in healthy women and moved closer to memory T cells in women with sCVD. TCR sequencing of tetramer+ cells showed clonal expansion and V and J segment usage similar to those found in regulatory T cells. These findings suggest that APOB-specific regulatory T cells may switch to a more memory-like phenotype in women with atherosclerosis. Mouse studies showed that such switched cells promote atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Payel Roy
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Rishab Gulati
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yanal Ghosheh
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | - David B. Hanna
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Lai Wen
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Runpei Wu
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mark H. Kuniholm
- University at Albany, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Alan L. Landay
- Rush University Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kathryn Anastos
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology & Population Health, Bronx NY, USA
| | - Phyllis C. Tien
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephen J. Gange
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Seble Kassaye
- Georgetown University, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - William W. Kwok
- Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Tetramer Core Laboratory, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Howard N. Hodis
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Departments of Medicine and Population and Public Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Atherosclerosis Research Unit, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert C. Kaplan
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Bronx, NY, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Public Health Sciences Division, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Klaus Ley
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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Chagué C, Gautier T, Dal Zuffo L, Pais de Barros J, Wetzel A, Tarris G, Pallot G, Martin L, Valmary‐Degano S, Deckert V, Lagrost L, Daguindau E, Saas P. High-density lipoprotein infusion protects from acute graft-versus-host disease in experimental allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Am J Transplant 2022; 22:1350-1361. [PMID: 35038785 PMCID: PMC9306461 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a major limitation of the therapeutic potential of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) derived from intestinal gram-negative bacteria are well-known aGVHD triggers and amplifiers. Here, we explored the LPS metabolism in aGVHD mouse models using an innovative quantification method. We demonstrated that systemic LPS accumulation after transplantation was due, at least partly, to a defect in its clearance through lipoprotein-mediated transport to the liver (i.e., the so-called reverse LPS transport). After transplantation, reduced circulating HDL concentration impaired LPS neutralization and elimination through biliary flux. Accordingly, HDL-deficient (Apoa1tm1Unc ) recipient mice developed exacerbated aGVHD. Repeated administration of HDL isolated from human plasma significantly decreased the mortality and the severity of aGVHD. While the potential role of HDL in scavenging circulating LPS was examined in this study, it appears that HDL plays a more direct immunomodulatory role by limiting or controlling aGVHD. Notably, HDL infusion mitigated liver aGVHD by diminishing immune infiltration (e.g., interferon-γ-secreting CD8+ T cells and non-resident macrophages), systemic and local inflammation (notably cholangitis). Hence, our results revealed the interest of HDL-based therapies in the prevention of aGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Chagué
- University Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéINSERM, EFS BFCUMR1098 RIGHT Interactions Greffon‐Hôte‐Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et GéniqueLabEX LipSTICFHU INCREASEBesançonFrance
| | - Thomas Gautier
- University Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéINSERMLNC UMR1231LabEX LipSTICDijonFrance
| | - Ludivine Dal Zuffo
- University Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéINSERM, EFS BFCUMR1098 RIGHT Interactions Greffon‐Hôte‐Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et GéniqueLabEX LipSTICFHU INCREASEBesançonFrance
| | | | - Audrey Wetzel
- University Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéINSERM, EFS BFCUMR1098 RIGHT Interactions Greffon‐Hôte‐Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et GéniqueLabEX LipSTICFHU INCREASEBesançonFrance
| | - Georges Tarris
- University Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéINSERM, EFS BFCUMR1098 RIGHT Interactions Greffon‐Hôte‐Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et GéniqueLabEX LipSTICFHU INCREASEBesançonFrance,Service d’Anatomie et Cytologie PathologiquesCHU DijonDijonFrance
| | - Gaëtan Pallot
- University Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéINSERMLNC UMR1231LabEX LipSTICDijonFrance
| | - Laurent Martin
- University Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéINSERM, EFS BFCUMR1098 RIGHT Interactions Greffon‐Hôte‐Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et GéniqueLabEX LipSTICFHU INCREASEBesançonFrance,Service d’Anatomie et Cytologie PathologiquesCHU DijonDijonFrance
| | | | - Valérie Deckert
- University Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéINSERMLNC UMR1231LabEX LipSTICDijonFrance
| | - Laurent Lagrost
- University Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéINSERMLNC UMR1231LabEX LipSTICDijonFrance
| | - Etienne Daguindau
- University Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéINSERM, EFS BFCUMR1098 RIGHT Interactions Greffon‐Hôte‐Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et GéniqueLabEX LipSTICFHU INCREASEBesançonFrance,Service d’HématologieCHU BesançonBesançonFrance
| | - Philippe Saas
- University Bourgogne Franche‐ComtéINSERM, EFS BFCUMR1098 RIGHT Interactions Greffon‐Hôte‐Tumeur/Ingénierie Cellulaire et GéniqueLabEX LipSTICFHU INCREASEBesançonFrance
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Marchini T, Malchow S, Caceres L, El Rabih AAH, Hansen S, Mwinyella T, Spiga L, Piepenburg S, Horstmann H, Olawale T, Li X, Mitre LS, Gissler MC, Bugger H, Zirlik A, Heidt T, Hilgendorf I, Stachon P, von zur Muehlen C, Bode C, Wolf D. Circulating Autoantibodies Recognizing Immunodominant Epitopes From Human Apolipoprotein B Associate With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, but Not With Atherosclerotic Disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:826729. [PMID: 35479271 PMCID: PMC9035541 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.826729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of large arteries that involves an autoimmune response with autoreactive T cells and auto-antibodies recognizing Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the core protein of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Here, we aimed to establish a clinical association between circulating human ApoB auto-antibodies with atherosclerosis and its clinical risk factors using a novel assay to detect auto-antibodies against a pool of highly immunogenic ApoB-peptides. Methods and Results To detect polyclonal IgM- and IgG-antibodies recognizing ApoB, we developed a chemiluminescent sandwich ELISA with 30 ApoB peptides selected by an in silico assay for a high binding affinity to MHC-II, which cover more than 80% of known MHC-II variants in a Caucasian population. This pre-selection of immunogenic self-peptides accounted for the high variability of human MHC-II, which is fundamental to allow T cell dependent generation of IgG antibodies. We quantified levels of ApoB-autoantibodies in a clinical cohort of 307 patients that underwent coronary angiography. Plasma anti-ApoB IgG and IgM concentrations showed no differences across healthy individuals (n = 67), patients with coronary artery disease (n = 179), and patients with an acute coronary syndrome (n = 61). However, plasma levels of anti-ApoB IgG, which are considered pro-inflammatory, were significantly increased in patients with obesity (p = 0.044) and arterial hypertension (p < 0.0001). In addition, patients diagnosed with the metabolic syndrome showed significantly elevated Anti-ApoB IgG (p = 0.002). Even when normalized for total plasma IgG, anti-ApoB IgG remained highly upregulated in hypertensive patients (p < 0.0001). We observed no association with triglycerides, total cholesterol, VLDL, or LDL plasma levels. However, total and normalized anti-ApoB IgG levels negatively correlated with HDL. In contrast, total and normalized anti-ApoB IgM, that have been suggested as anti-inflammatory, were significantly lower in diabetic patients (p = 0.012) and in patients with the metabolic syndrome (p = 0.005). Conclusion Using a novel ELISA method to detect auto-antibodies against ApoB in humans, we show that anti-ApoB IgG associate with cardiovascular risk factors but not with the clinical appearance of atherosclerosis, suggesting that humoral immune responses against ApoB are shaped by cardiovascular risk factors but not disease status itself. This novel tool will be helpful to develop immune-based risk stratification for clinical atherosclerosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timoteo Marchini
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, CONICET, Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sara Malchow
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Lourdes Caceres
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, CONICET, Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Abed Al Hadi El Rabih
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Sophie Hansen
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Timothy Mwinyella
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Lisa Spiga
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Sven Piepenburg
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Hauke Horstmann
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Tijani Olawale
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Lucia Sol Mitre
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Mark Colin Gissler
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Heiko Bugger
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Graz, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Zirlik
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Graz, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Timo Heidt
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Ingo Hilgendorf
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Peter Stachon
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Constantin von zur Muehlen
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Christoph Bode
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Dennis Wolf
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- *Correspondence: Dennis Wolf,
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How the immune system shapes atherosclerosis: roles of innate and adaptive immunity. Nat Rev Immunol 2022; 22:251-265. [PMID: 34389841 PMCID: PMC10111155 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-021-00584-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the root cause of many cardiovascular diseases. Extensive research in preclinical models and emerging evidence in humans have established the crucial roles of the innate and adaptive immune systems in driving atherosclerosis-associated chronic inflammation in arterial blood vessels. New techniques have highlighted the enormous heterogeneity of leukocyte subsets in the arterial wall that have pro-inflammatory or regulatory roles in atherogenesis. Understanding the homing and activation pathways of these immune cells, their disease-associated dynamics and their regulation by microbial and metabolic factors will be crucial for the development of clinical interventions for atherosclerosis, including potentially vaccination-based therapeutic strategies. Here, we review key molecular mechanisms of immune cell activation implicated in modulating atherogenesis and provide an update on the contributions of innate and adaptive immune cell subsets in atherosclerosis.
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Metabolism in atherosclerotic plaques: immunoregulatory mechanisms in the arterial wall. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:435-454. [PMID: 35348183 PMCID: PMC8965849 DOI: 10.1042/cs20201293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been a growing interest to understand the link between metabolism and the immune response in the context of metabolic diseases but also beyond, giving then birth to a new field of research. Termed 'immunometabolism', this interdisciplinary field explores paradigms of both immunology and metabolism to provided unique insights into different disease pathogenic processes, and the identification of new potential therapeutic targets. Similar to other inflammatory conditions, the atherosclerotic inflammatory process in the artery has been associated with a local dysregulated metabolic response. Thus, recent studies show that metabolites are more than just fuels in their metabolic pathways, and they can act as modulators of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. In this review article, we describe the most common immunometabolic pathways characterised in innate and adaptive immune cells, and discuss how macrophages' and T cells' metabolism may influence phenotypic changes in the plaque. Moreover, we discuss the potential of targeting immunometabolism to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
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Liu H, Xiang C, Wang Z, Song Y. Identification of Potential Ferroptosis-Related Biomarkers and Immune Infiltration in Human Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:2979-2990. [PMID: 35308568 PMCID: PMC8932925 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s346482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Ferroptosis is a specific subtype of programmed cell death, which plays an essential role in the immune-associated disease, atherosclerosis (AS). The purpose of this study was to identify potential ferroptosis-related gene biomarkers and its association with immune infiltration characteristics in atherosclerosis with bioinformatics methods. Methods Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AS and control groups were screened from GSE40231, analyzed for functional enrichment and then intersected with ferroptosis-related genes. Then, a random forest model was constructed based on these differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DE-FRGs) and validated with dataset GSE132651. The performance of the models was evaluated with the area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). Finally, we analyzed the correlation between DE-FRGs above and the characteristics of immune infiltration via CIBERSORT method. Results Six DE-FRGs (IL6, ANGPTL7, CDKN1A, AKR1C3, NOX4 and VLDLR) were detected based on dataset of GSE40231. Furthermore, a random forest model was constructed based on them with a compelling diagnostic performance of AUC = 0.8974 in the validation dataset GSE132651. In addition, the proportion of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells was significantly higher in AS group (P < 0.001). And we found significant correlation relationship between Tfh and expression level of ANGPTL7 (R = 0.35, P < 0.01), CDKN1A (R = 0.4, P < 0.0001), AKR1C3 (R = 0.64, P < 0.0001), NOX4 (R = 0.32, P < 0.01) and VLDLR (R = −0.43, P < 0.0001). Conclusion This study identified 6 DE-FRGs and validated a predicted model for the early prediction of AS, which also proved the close relationship between ferroptosis and immunity in the pathogenesis of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunhua Xiang
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhaohui Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Song
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yi Song, Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-15629054511, Email
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Slenders L, Tessels DE, van der Laan SW, Pasterkamp G, Mokry M. The Applications of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing in Atherosclerotic Disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:826103. [PMID: 35211529 PMCID: PMC8860895 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.826103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis still is the primary cause of death worldwide. Our characterization of the atherosclerotic lesion is mainly rooted in definitions based on pathological descriptions. We often speak in absolutes regarding plaque phenotypes: vulnerable vs. stable plaques or plaque rupture vs. plaque erosion. By focusing on these concepts, we may have oversimplified the atherosclerotic disease and its mechanisms. The widely used definitions of pathology-based plaque phenotypes can be fine-tuned with observations made with various -omics techniques. Recent advancements in single-cell transcriptomics provide the opportunity to characterize the cellular composition of the atherosclerotic plaque. This additional layer of information facilitates the in-depth characterization of the atherosclerotic plaque. In this review, we discuss the impact that single-cell transcriptomics may exert on our current understanding of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Slenders
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle E Tessels
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sander W van der Laan
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Michal Mokry
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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46
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Wu X, Qin K, Iroegbu CD, Xiang K, Peng J, Guo J, Yang J, Fan C. Genetic analysis of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in ferroptosis from coronary artery disease. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:2177-2190. [PMID: 35152560 PMCID: PMC8995456 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis plays a key role in the death of cells including cardiomyocytes, and it is related to a variety of cardiac diseases. However, the role of ferroptosis‐related genes (FRGs) in coronary artery disease (CAD) is not well characterized. We downloaded CAD‐related information and FRGs from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database and Ferroptosis Database (FerrDb) respectively. A total of 10 CAD‐related DE‐FRGs were obtained, which were closely linked to autophagy regulation and immune response. Subsequently, CA9, CBS, CEBPG, HSPB1, SLC1A4, STMN1 and TRIB3 among the 10 DE‐FRGs were identified as marker genes by LASSO and SVM‐RFE algorithms, which had tolerable diagnostic capabilities. Subsequent functional enrichment analysis showed that these marker genes may play a corresponding role in CAD by participating in the regulation of immune response, amino acid metabolism, cell cycle and multiple pathways related to the pathogenesis of CAD. Furthermore, a total of 58 drugs targeting 7 marker genes had been obtained. On the contrary, the ceRNA network revealed a complex regulatory relationship based on the marker genes. Also, CIBERSORT analysis showed that the changes in the immune microenvironment of CAD patients may be related to CBS, HSPB1 and CEBPG. We developed a diagnostic potency and provided an insight for exploring the mechanism for CAD. Before clinical application, further research is needed to test its diagnostic value for CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Wu
- Department of the Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kele Qin
- Department of the Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chukwuemeka Daniel Iroegbu
- Department of the Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kun Xiang
- Department of the Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianjun Guo
- Hunan Fangsheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Changsha, China
| | - Jinfu Yang
- Department of the Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chengming Fan
- Department of the Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Fangsheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Changsha, China
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47
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Douna H, de Mol J, Amersfoort J, Schaftenaar FH, Kiss MG, Suur BE, Kroner MJ, Binder CJ, Bot I, Van Puijvelde GHM, Kuiper J, Foks AC. IFNγ-Stimulated B Cells Inhibit T Follicular Helper Cells and Protect Against Atherosclerosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:781436. [PMID: 35187121 PMCID: PMC8847680 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.781436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
B and T cells are interconnected in the T follicular helper—germinal center B cell (TFH-GC B cell) axis, which is hyperactive during atherosclerosis development and loss of control along this axis results in exacerbated atherosclerosis. Inhibition of the TFH–GC B cell axis can be achieved by providing negative co-stimulation to TFH cells through the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Therefore, we investigated a novel therapeutic strategy using PD-L1-expressing B cells to inhibit atherosclerosis. We found that IFNγ-stimulated B cells significantly enhanced PD-L1 expression and limited TFH cell development. To determine whether IFNγ-B cells can reduce collar-induced atherosclerosis, apoE−/− mice fed a Western-type diet were treated with PBS, B cells or IFNγ-B cells for a total of 5 weeks following collar placement. IFNγ-B cells significantly increased PD-L1hi GC B cells and reduced plasmablasts. Interestingly, IFNγ-B cells–treated mice show increased atheroprotective Tregs and T cell-derived IL-10. In line with these findings, we observed a significant reduction in total lesion volume in carotid arteries of IFNγ-B cells-treated mice compared to PBS-treated mice and a similar trend was observed compared to B cell-treated mice. In conclusion, our data show that IFNγ-stimulated B cells strongly upregulate PD-L1, inhibit TFH cell responses and protect against atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidde Douna
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - J. de Mol
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jacob Amersfoort
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Frank H. Schaftenaar
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Mate G. Kiss
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bianca E. Suur
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Mara J. Kroner
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Christoph J. Binder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ilze Bot
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Gijs H. M. Van Puijvelde
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Johan Kuiper
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Amanda C. Foks
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Amanda C. Foks
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Ribeiro F, Perucha E, Graca L. T follicular cells: the regulators of germinal centre homeostasis. Immunol Lett 2022; 244:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2022.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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An J, Ding Y, Yu C, Li J, You S, Liu Z, Song P, Zou MH. AMP-activated protein kinase alpha1 promotes tumor development via FOXP3 elevation in tumor-infiltrating Treg cells. iScience 2022; 25:103570. [PMID: 34988407 PMCID: PMC8704466 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Overwhelming evidence indicates that infiltration of tumors by Treg cells with elevated levels of FOXP3 suppresses the host antitumor immune response. However, the molecular mechanisms that maintain high expression of FOXP3 in tumor-infiltrating Treg cells remain elusive. Here, we report that AMP-activated protein kinase alpha1 (AMPKα1) enables high FOXP3 expression in tumor-infiltrating Treg cells. Mice with Treg-specific AMPKα1 deletion showed delayed tumor progression and enhanced antitumor T cell immunity. Further experiments showed that AMPKα1 maintains the functional integrity of Treg cells and prevents interferon-γ production in tumor-infiltrating Treg cells. Mechanistically, AMPKα1 maintains the protein stability of FOXP3 in Treg cells by downregulating the expression of E3 ligase CHIP (STUB1). Our results suggest that AMPKα1 activation promotes tumor growth by maintaining FOXP3 stability in tumor-infiltrating Treg cells and that selective inhibition of AMPK in Treg cells might be an effective anti-tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqing An
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, 157 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Ye Ding
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, 157 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Changjiang Yu
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, 157 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Jian Li
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, 157 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Shaojin You
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, 157 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Zhixue Liu
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, 157 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Ping Song
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, 157 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Ming-Hui Zou
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, 157 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
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50
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Nettersheim FS, Braumann S, Kobiyama K, Orecchioni M, Vassallo M, Miller J, Ali A, Roy P, Saigusa R, Wolf D, Ley K, Winkels H. Autoimmune Regulator (AIRE) Deficiency Does Not Affect Atherosclerosis and CD4 T Cell Immune Tolerance to Apolipoprotein B. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:812769. [PMID: 35097028 PMCID: PMC8792778 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.812769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic, lipid-driven disease of medium sized arteries which causes myocardial infarction and stroke. Recently, an adaptive immune response against the plaque-associated autoantigen Apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB), the structural protein component of low-density lipoprotein, has been implicated in atherogenesis. In healthy individuals, CD4+ T cells responding to ApoB mainly comprised regulatory T cells, which confer immune tolerance and atheroprotection. Mice and patients with atherosclerosis harbor increased numbers of proatherogenic ApoB-reactive T-helper cell subsets. Given the lack of therapies targeting proatherogenic immunity, clarification of the underlying mechanisms is of high clinical relevance. T cells develop in the thymus, where strong autoreactive T cells are eliminated in the process of negative selection. Herein, we investigated whether the transcription factor autoimmune regulator (AIRE), which controls expression of numerous tissue-restricted self-antigens in the thymus, is involved in mediating tolerance to ApoB and whether Aire deficiency might contribute to atherogenesis. Mice deficient for Aire were crossbred to apolipoprotein E-deficient mice to obtain atherosclerosis-prone Aire−/−Apoe−/− mice, which were fed a regular chow diet (CD) or western-type diet (WD). CD4+ T cells responding to the ApoB peptide p6 were analyzed by flow cytometry. We demonstrate that Aire deficiency influences neither generation nor activation of ApoB-reactive T cells and has only minor and overall inconsistent impacts on their phenotype. Furthermore, we show that atherosclerotic plaque size is not affected in Aire−/−Apoe−/− compared to Aire+/+Apoe−/−, irrespective of diet and gender. In conclusion, our data suggests that AIRE is not involved in regulating thymic expression of ApoB or atherosclerosis. Alternative mechanisms how ApoB-reactive CD4 T cells are selected in the thymus will have to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Sebastian Nettersheim
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Simon Braumann
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kouji Kobiyama
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Amal Ali
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Payel Roy
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Ryosuke Saigusa
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Dennis Wolf
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Ley
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Holger Winkels
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Holger Winkels
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